#tightening the hinge

[sannencarts]

Idiot time traveler stumbles directly into local unhinged bastard and accidentally seduces him by letting him ramble his hyperfixations at her, more at eleven.

(Yes it's more artwork to go along with my fanfic, you can't stop me.)

[kanashimibeast]

Akari, girl, you GOTTA be less casual about taking your clothes off in front of your crush.

(Transcript under cut:)

Akari nodded, waiting patiently as Volo dug around in his pack. She caught a brief glimpse of a bundle of white and gold fabric, but he quickly shoved that aside and pulled out a plain brown yukata instead, which he handed across to her. “Thank you,” she said, taking it from him. “But will you be okay without it? Your own clothes got pretty wet.”

She cast a glance at his outfit, taking in the lingering damp patches from his own ride on Walrein. He shook his head. “I’ll be fine,” he said. “Nothing that won’t dry out from some time next to the fire. Besides, I’m used to sleeping in my uniform.”

“But–”

“Ah-ah!” He tutted and tapped a finger to her nose. “I will not accept any argument from you, at least not while you’re still standing there looking like a soaked Glameow. Get changed. The sooner you get out of those wet clothes, the sooner we can hang them up to dry.”

Sensing that he wasn’t going to budge, Akari sighed and nodded. “Alright,” she said. She hesitated, glancing down at the yukata in her hands and then back at him. Her cheeks turned pink. “Um, could you maybe…?”

She made a weak twirling gesture with her hand. Volo thankfully did not need to ask for clarification, immediately turning around and taking several steps away to grant her some privacy. Akari breathed a quiet sigh and set to work stripping off her wet clothes. The cold air made her shiver, but she tried not to focus on it. Just like she tried not to focus on how she was standing completely naked with Volo only a few paces away from her. 

[mysdrymmumbles]

Finally found my screw driver and fixed my bathroom door. It closes so easily now

[ozzyfromthecafeteria]

lately my hair has a deep desire to get caught in the hinges of my glasses and honestly it needs to stop

[dawnwriterimagines]

The Guilty Plea

SIMON 'GHOST' RILEY x FEM!READER TASK FORCE 141 x FEM!READER

Traitors Among Us (Part 1) and Innocents Among You (Part 2)

Verdict Due (Part 4) Clear Skies (Part 5)

Summary: As you're discharged from the infirmary, under watchful eye, you head to Laswell to talk on the rest of your now ruined military career. Of course, you're forced to confront your team as it happens, the last people on earth you'd like to see.

If you liked this would you Buy me a Coffee?

---

Running your fingers along the raised, pink scar across you cheek, the feeling of it...it really looked terrible. A part of you thought it would disappear, hoped it would, but it didn't. It just became severely more noticeable. Looking at this, you knew you'd always have to think of it. You'd sport this reminder for the rest of your life.

Looking away from it, you find your own tired eyes in the mirror, you haven't been sleeping well. Or at all. You can't remember the last time you got 4 hours, let alone 8. Dark circles still surrounded them but at least the bruising and the swelling had gone down.

You couldn't recognize yourself. Not really.

This woman looked so exhausted, so frail and so goddamn angry. It was accurate, it was how you felt. All of it. So, you supposed that the mirror's reflection was the truth, this was you indeed.

"If you need another day or two, no one will ask questions."

You glance over towards your psychologist, your fucking therapist, a nice little 'gift' sent over by the bureau to check in on your mental state after your ordeal. Glaring at him through the reflection of your mirror, he sighs, putting down his pen that slaps against his notepad, "I can't help you if you don't talk to me."

"I'm going to Laswell." Ignoring his statement, you speak. "I'm ready. I'll pack up. Get back to base. Vera had me discharged from the infirmary. I can start ov--"

"Vera?"

"My nurse. You met her," you continued, annoyance spiking at the interruption. Your wrist brace squeaking quietly under the pressure of your fist tightening beneath the table.

"Right..."

"Do you listen to a word I say outside of...my 'trauma'?" You wonder, bluntly.

Your psychologist blinks, surprised, before clearing his throat, appalled. "If you feel I can be more attentive to your state of well-being throughout our process, than by all means--"

"Oh, so 'no'?" you lean back into your seat, a strained laugh leaving you. His lips press together and you continue before he can find the words. "Because whenever I mention leaving this fucking team, you either adjust our schedule for another two weeks or suggest hypnotic therapy, as if I need anyone else digging around to fuck up my mental state."

"I never meant to imply--"

"Oh, you implied it," you interrupted, gritting your teeth. "I know what I want. And I want off Task Force 141."

He taps at the leather of his notebook. "Scars heal, just remember that, Ms. (L/n). The reminders of your experience shouldn't have to haunt you."

"It's not the scars, I've had my share way before this," you admitted, rising to your feet. You exhale deeply that tells to the effort of it, the steel gear hinges along your leg braces shift with your change of position. Still getting use to them. "It's the person."

"Has she changed, you think?" the psychologist begins to write, getting somewhere.

"She doesn't exist anymore."

Finally, placing the mirror down and onto the side table, you pushed off of the table, rolling your IV pole along with you. Passing the chair your psychologist sits on, he closes his notebook with a frustrated huff, looking over his shoulder. "Session over for you already, Ms. (L/n)?" he sighs. "We've still got the hour."

"I'm done," you take the knob in your hand. Turning.

In more ways than one.

"You understand that, informing your captain on your leave is required of you. Have you spoken to any of them, in the last few weeks?" he spoke up, quickly. "I'm sure giving them a space to open up, share from their view--"

"Why should I care--"

"--will give you better understanding, better clarity of the situation they were in--

Appalled. "What the fuck?" Jamming the door closed with a loud, shuttering thud, you whip around. "IT'S NOT ABOUT THEM!" you could just rip your hair out. "Who--who says that to someone?!"

Your psychologist sits there, eyes wide in confusion. "What--"

"Christ, can you hear me? Can you--can you see me? I've got metal plates in my spine, braces holding my knees in place and nerve damage that'll never heal! Who gives a fuck about them!" your skin feels red hot, your face twisted in rage. "I gave my life! My life to this! And then I'm tortured, I'm threatened, drugged and beaten by my own team, my f--my family for eight fucking years..."

You continue with a heavy chest. "And I'm supposed to invite them for dinner to talk and listen them bitch and moan about why they thought it was necessary to beat me to death for two weeks?! Fuck you!" you spat. "I don't owe them anything!"

"That's not what I was trying to say, Ms. (L/N). I apologize, I overstepped. Come sit down--"

"Of course you meant it," you interrupted, mock humor. "Don't be a pussy, own up to it. Revel in your truth. Be tter yet--" you snatch a journal from the cabinet. Tossing it his way. "Make a note of it."

Turning the knob, you leave the room with a slam of the metal door.

---

You were officially famous. On the base, you were now a legend.

A story that would be mentioned and told at lunch for months. Probably years.

First, you were a rat. Next, you were innocent. This was the most gossip any of those in service had ever seen in their years of service.

An interesting reminder to those in service that you weren't safe off duty either.

You learned a few days ago that there was an update put into the interrogational unit, something about how to properly go about dissecting evidence and being on the lookout for enemy spies in the militia.

You guessed you had been told about it in an effort to be appeased by the thought that the head of control paid attention to anything beyond their own noses for once. But, you had little to no faith in a system that's nearly killed you on and off the field by now, so it didn't matter.

You doubted the new rules would be followed though, there was a plethora of things they'd done to you in that cell that were both illegal and unsanctioned. Most of all, that were expected towards an enemy, a prisoner of war at best, and not a fellow marine.

You arrive at the housing quarters, swiping your key card, pulling the handle and entering the wing. Immediately, you're greeted by a dozen eyes, conversations stopping short and clothes ruffling to silence, suddenly whispers fill the space and eyes turn away.

"Oh, god, it's her..." says one man in the far corner.

"Shut the fuck up, man!" came a harsh whisper back.

"I didn't know it was that bad..."

All those eyes on you, makes you pause in your step, looking around at all of your fellow soldiers, the men and women you've served with for years. Many you recognized, ate with, fought beside that turned their backs to you now. Out of respect? Out of distaste, morale, nerves, pity, it all didn't matter. It all felt the same.

The wheels attached to your IV pole suddenly sounded much too loud on the polished flooring, as you walked down the hall as fast as you were able to.

Breathing out deeply, you get to an elevator, pushing on the button, once, twice, three times, just open goddamn it.

With a ding, the metal doors open, and suddenly you're aware that people could be in the elevator, they could be in this elevator, he could be in this elevator. Your eyes flicker down to the floor, your grip on the pole of your iv tightens, your shoulders stiffen, waiting for a blow that will never come.

You stand there as the doors open up, the small space empty, the metal walls reflect only her and a streak of lighting from the ceiling.

Looking up slowly, finally taking a breath, before sliding the iv up and onto the elevator, following it as you press your floor number along the way.

The ride up is fast, a little rumble as it stops, and then the doors open. Faster than you were prepared for.

Peeking out down the hallway, luckily no one to bump into, which you were thankful for. But, it didn't make this hall any less haunting. You'd been cornered in this same hall, you could recall being hauled out of the room after the solid handle of a knife hits your temple.

You don't go down fast enough, whipping around as you stumble to take the wrist of your attacker, mostly for balance, it's Price. In shock, you're unprepared as Johnny's arm encircle your neck, locking you into position as you both stumble backwards onto the floor. He blocks your airways, hushing you harshly as you struggle, feet kicking out and your vision blurring as your team surrounds you. Your family.

That was quite the headache to wakeup with afterwards.

You hadn't quite remembered until now. Being back served as a hell of a kickstart to your memory.

Just a few more reasons to get the fuck off of 141.

Getting off the elevators, the metal doors sliding closed behind you, you make your way down the hall. The polished flooring creates a subtle squeak through the wheels of your iv pole, your hand absently running over the fading stitches along your side.

Passing the shadows of your tortured memory, the doorway of the office was closed, locked.

You pass Kyle's room.

Johnny's.

Finally, you rush up to the next room on the left, grabbing the handle, before beginning to twist, but then you're yanking your hand back as if the metal had burned you. Your back ramming into the back wall, catching yourself, this wasn't your room.

It was Simon's.

You'd spent hours, days, in that room. More than your own.

Why wouldn't you? You were about to get married to the man. You had more in this room than you had in yours.

Sharp breaths leave you, shivering in your effort to keep yourself together, your head goes back into the wall, swallowing down the ache in your chest.

You wait, muscles tensed and your body pressing back into the wall, hoping it'd absorb you if that door opens. Listening for every sound, any pin drop, even an exhale from beyond that doorway. Luckily, Simon seemed to be out for the day.

Hurriedly, nearly running, you steady yourself against the wall as you rush down to the corner of the hallway, finally finding your room.

Turning the handle, it's not locked, it's broken. It opens with ease.

Entering the room slowly, pushing the doorway aside, the crackle of glass beneath your boots as you step forwards, clothes and picture frames laying scattered.

The mattress flipped and ripped open, springs and cotton cut from it. Your wall of metals and certificates, from acts of bravery and mementos of valor, discarded, later you'd find them in the trash, one with a bullet lodged into the gold.

Sniffling as you leaned down, picking a specific frame off the ground, the only one that hadn't been broken. Laying along the ruined rug, with no care for the glass digging through your jeans, you stare at the still shot of your family.

The only family you had outside of Task Force 141, your father and his sister, military brats themselves, until their retirement. Your mother had passed, or just up and left, days after your 5th birthday, you weren't completely sure, the story kept changing every year. But, these two were the only family you've ever known, ever had, until you joined the military, following in their footsteps.

They'd been so proud when you arrived back after your first assignment, in truth you were heavily traumatized, but seeing them, you just had to smile. Having a family that understood the harsh toll on the line of a trooper, now a lieutenant, it was always easier to bring your troubles to them. But, they were also military nuts so "suck it up" was also a quick go to answer from your aunt, while your father was the smoother talker.

They had met Simon, loved him, his rank, his love for you, his seriousness. They trusted him completely with your heart.

So, when he called them, after the evidence leaked...

They believed him.

"What're you talking about?" You took the handle of the chair in your grip, easing you down into it as your legs do weak at what you were hearing. "I didn't...I didn't do it, Dad."

"Do you know how humiliating and disappointing--how it felt to hear him say that to me, hm?" he says, static crackles on the reciever. "My daughter...my own flesh and blood...working with terrorists--"

"I'm not working with anyone! Are you-" you huff out a breath of disbelief. "Are you even listening to me? I've never betrayed the code. How can you think that way of me?"

For a moment, he's silent. "Alright, then," he began. "Than, what'd you do? huh?"

"What--what..."

"Oh, come on, (Y/n)!" your father yells. "What did you do?! What could they possibly have had on you that made you the most likely target? You had to have had done something, been somewhere, were with somebody you weren't supposed to be with! They didn't just get that information from anywhere."

"What the fuck--" Your expression twists with frustration and misery, running your hand through your hair, pulling at it. "I've sacrificed every part of myself for this job, for this team, what do I have to gain from throwing that all away? They send me everywhere, places you've never heard of, places you'll never hear about and people you'll never have to meet, because of me! Why would you just believe Simon? Why couldn't you just wait to talk to me?!"

Hearing your father scoff at your words was painful. "What reason do I have not to believe him? He knows you, maybe even better than any of us. Besides, he was going to be my son in law--"

"I'm your daughter! Fuck Simon, what about me? You'd believe him instead?"

He sighs. "Listen, you're upsetting Cass. We didn't expect your call. I gotta make this brief..."

"You're upset?" pulling at your hair, sucking in sharply. "I'm the one who's permanently fucking altered here. What do either of you have to be upset about?!"

"Watch your fucking mouth!" he seethes. The anger in his voice isn't new, but the way he spits it at you is. "You did this to yourself, I didn't. Maybe that's what your nightmares were about, am I right? Your guilt?"

Wiping the streaks of tears that had fallen down your face, lips quivering and chest aching with sobs you frustratedly shoved down. "Why don't you believe me?"

"I don't deserve the disgrace that will come with you as my kin, I've lived my part of this war. No daughter of mine should even be in this fucking position," your father spat, disgusted into the receiver. Suddenly, he was the cruel, bitter old man your mother had always known him to be, you wished she had stayed to at least remind you of that. Maybe it wouldn't have hurt as much. "You should be ashamed of yourself, but at least you got yourself out it. The least you could do for us."

"Well--what does that mean?" you spoke, quietly.

"Don't call again..."

"Dad, no--" you break this time, a sob escaping you.

"Me and your Aunt Cass..."

"Daddy please, don't do this--"

"..We've decided to cut ties. We're not taking any heat from this, you're on your own," he finishes, clearing his throat, waiting a moment, listening to the pleads and cries of his only daughter, his once pride. "You take care of yourself. Goodbye, kid."

"Why can't you just believe me? Why?!" you cried.

"Don't come to the house."

"No, no,--" the line goes dead. And staring down at your phone, his caller id going blank and the call disconnecting.

Your phone all of a sudden feels heavy, the device and your hand falling down to your thigh, before the phone slips out of your grip and onto the floor. You sit there silently, until your tears drop up and even after.

Staring at the photo now was haunting in its own way, it was just another painful reminder.

Using the bed frame to stand to your feet, your grip on the frame is painful as you squeeze it, the glass cracks audibly.

"Bonnie..."

Whipping around at the sound of John MacTavish's voice, you back up a few steps at the sight of him, your back hitting the edge of your desk.

He reaches out as you stumble, before his fingers curl back into his palm as you find your balance, his hands receding back to his sides. He doesn't enter the room, just lingering just beyond the doorway, his eyes flickering around the room, guiltily.

"I didn't know--we didn't know you were out," he speaks quietly, as opposed prideful personality that translated into his voice usually.

You say nothing.

In the dark, your eyes are wide and your shoulders are tensed up, he can see the glint of your leg braces, the iv pole at the side, the scar beneath your eye. You looked terrified to see him.

"We were coming back to clean up today, just got back from...from a mission..." he stutters on his words, shifting his feet.

"It's been a week."

His lips press together hearing your voice. "I know..." Johnny glances around at the room he'd let those officers destroy, it hadn't been them, but they might as well had done it. "I know...we just...didn't know it was so bad."

"Really?" your voice is mockingly sweet, drawing out the word. "You didn't know? Well look..." you hold up your family photo, the light in the hallway catching on the glass. "You missed one."

Your hand dropping, the heavy frame comes down just as fast, ramming into the ground, the glass practically exploding on impact.

Johnny flinches, the photo of your family...He looks back to you, surprised. "Bonnie..."

Snatching the next closest thing from your desk, a ceramic cup. "Oh, wow, can't believe you guys missed this one," you chuck it into the wall. It breaks on impact, the remains scatter along the flipped mattress and onto the floor. "That used to be my favorite mug by the way."

The Scotsman worriedly steps forwards, 'Lass, I'm sorry--"

"FUCK YOU!" you spat, coming into the light. You're sure you look deranged, and you didn't care. You could've wrapped your hands around his throat, killed him right on the floor and you wouldn't have blinked. "It doesn't mean anything! 'I'm sorry', 'I'm sorry', 'I'm sorry', over and over and over again! As if you shouldn't be! Your apologies mean fuck all."

"I know...I know," he breathes. "But, I've gotta say it anyway, bonnie. I should've believed you, there was no reason not to. I know that now. I just--"

"Believe me!" you cut him off with a yell. "Trust me! Fucking 'HELP ME'!" you screamed with the same fever as your days in the interrogation room, that terrible cell, the cold, the burn and pain. "I cried it all to you, to all of you, and nobody came. Nobody came for me," you breathe in sharply. "It doesn't matter what you should've done. You didn't do it!"

Johnny's eyes are red, he opens his mouth, closes it and then swallows down whatever chokes him up as he looks at you. "I should've came for you. I wish I did. I wanted to, Bonnie..." he steps forwards, and you recede back away from him, your eyes narrowed with violence. "I'll never forgive myself for not listening to you. For not coming to help you. For laying a hand on you. I'm so sorry, (Y/n). I'm sorry..."

I'll never forgive myself... "That makes two of us," you assured.

Johnny's eyes widen, before they close, his guilt ever consuming. He can't help but understand, to respect your decision, to know things can never be ok again. "(Y/n)...."

Grabbing hold of the nearest thing, a pencil cup, you hurl it at Johnny. He doesn't put his hands up, flinching as it hits him, the metal clinking against his kevlar, eyes closing then opening, he stands still. "I don't forgive. I don't accept your apology. I don't fucking care about it!" with each sentence you throw something else his way, a broken frame, the trash bin, a pillow, the CD player.

His hand has to come up for the knife you unsheathe, a memento from one of your missions, it's rusted, ancient probably. But, you hadn't given it up to a museum or to pawn, you had nearly died on this mission, saving Johnny ironically. You had to keep it.

Seeing the weapon, his defensive position is instinctive but his hands drop just as fast, he understands, you need this. You deserve this. "If you need to..." he speaks. Your eyes flicker up to him, away from the knife. "If you need to, I get it..."

And you need to. You really fucking do.

Your grip on the knife is dangerously hard, it hurts.

Looking at Johnny, he'd been your brother in more than a few ways on and off the field, he had been your comfort, your friend, your family. You had bled with him, held onto him as he carried you from the battlefield, joked, laughed, screamed and cried. You've loved him for years.

He'd had a rough few nights you could see that. He was quieter, reserved. Almost as terrified to see you, as you had been of him.

And you could kill him right now and never bat an eye.

And so, throwing that knife was so fucking easy.

Johnny's eyes close as you do just that, fists clenching and teeth biting down on his tongue to prepare for the pain.

The ancient weapon whiz's through the air, the sound is sharp and he knows it will cut through him like butter.

The thud rings in the room, and Johnny's eyes blow open wide, holding his breath as he collapses to his knees, before turning to you.

You dig into the pile of clothes that had been cast aside, a pair of sneakers and a new shirt. You don't look at him a single time as you take it all, stuffing them in a bag, and leaving the room, passing him completely, a limp in your step.

Johnny releases a pained breath, tears finally leaving him as he looks up, the knife lodged into the frame of the doorway, just barely missing him. The sleeve of his uniform ripped open.

He sits there in the quiet, destroyed room. A testimony to the relationship he's destroyed between you.

Part 4!! OUT NOW

[botanicsoul]

Cigarettes during sex

Bakugou Katsuki x Reader (smut)

MDNI (18+)

description: Okay, so every time I hear Apocalypse by Cigarettes After Sex, all I can think about is this one fic (that I totally can’t remember the author of, but it’s one of my faves) where Bakugou and the reader share their first kiss, and the song is playing in the background. It was too perfect. So I took the band’s name, put a twist on it and ran like hell with it to create this little piece of chaos. Enjoy the ride folks!!!

𖤣.𖥧.𖡼.⚘ 𖤣.𖥧.𖡼.⚘ 𖤣.𖥧.𖡼.⚘ 𖤣.𖥧.𖡼.⚘ 𖤣.𖥧.𖡼.⚘ 𖤣.𖥧. 𖤣.𖥧.𖡼.⚘ 𖤣.𖥧.𖡼.⚘

The house was quiet. It always was at this hour.

You’d grown used to it—the empty bed, the distant hum of the city beyond your window, the way the sheets always felt colder on his side. It wasn’t that you didn’t love your life with him. You did. But loving a pro-hero meant nights like these—curling up alone while he was out fighting villains, keeping the world safe at the cost of his own peace.

Your nightly routine had become muscle memory. Face washed, skin moisturized, teeth brushed. The only sound in the house was the gentle padding of your feet against the hardwood floor as you moved from the bathroom to the bedroom.

You pulled back the covers and slipped into bed, letting the familiar warmth wrap around you. The scent of clean linen and faint traces of his cologne still clung to the pillows, though it had faded over time.

With a quiet sigh, you turned on your side and let your eyes flutter shut.

And then—

The front door opened.

It wasn’t loud, but it was distinct. The telltale click of the lock, the heavy creak of the hinges, and then the sound of boots and his gauntlets hitting the ground.

Of course, you didn’t need to see him to know it was him. His presence was unmistakable, a force that filled the space like a storm rolling in. His steps were slow but firm, the heavy soles of his boots hitting the floor with just a little more weight than usual.

Then came the scent—smoke, sweat, and burnt caramel. It filled the room, wrapping around you, sinking into the fabric of the sheets like a brand. He always smelled like this after a rough night.

The bed dipped.

You were half-asleep, shifted a little to face his sitting figure on the bed, but then his voice cut through the silence.

“Go back to sleep.”

It was rough—sharp around the edges, like he didn’t want to be touched, like he was still caught in the whirlwind of whatever hell his night had put him through.

But you weren’t going to do that.

Instead, you pushed yourself up, rubbing the sleep from your eyes, your voice soft. “Rough night?”

Silence fell for a moment.

“Somethin’ like that.”

He was sitting at the edge of the bed, still in his hero suit, elbows on his knees, hands clasped together. His head hung low, hair damp from sweat, streaked with soot. He smelled like smoke—but not the kind that came from a battlefield.

You frowned slightly. “Baby…”

He exhaled through his nose, the muscles in his jaw tightening. His fingers twitched slightly, like he was holding something back.

Then, with a sigh, he reached for the nightstand.

You watched as he pulled out a cigarette, sliding it between his lips with one hand while the other flicked open, a small spark from his palm igniting the tip. The ember glowed softly in the dark, casting shadows across his sharp features as he inhaled deeply.

Your stomach twisted. “Katsuki—”

“I know,” he cut you off, already irritated, already defensive. “Spare me the fuckin’ lecture.”

He was such a hypocrite.

Katsuki Bakugou, pro hero Dynamight, the same man who spent years sneering at people who smoked, scoffing at the idea of putting anything in his lungs that could weaken him.

And the worst part? It wasn’t even fresh. The pack was half-crushed, barely touched. You knew damn well he’d been smoking off the same pack for a month. That’s how little he did this, but he still did it.

Smoke curled from his lips as he exhaled, filling the space between you, thick and hazy. His jaw clenched, his fingers rolling the cig between them before taking another drag, letting it burn slow in his lungs before blowing it out in a long breath.

But then he got up and turned to face you, his fingers went to his belt.

Your breath hitched as he unbuckled it, the soft clink of metal ringing in the silence. Your eyes lingered—trailing down, following the way his hands moved, the way his fingers worked open the button, slid down the zipper. The way you could see his half-hard dick through his grey boxers and, fuck, that happy trail.

Heat crept up your neck, pooling in your stomach as your thighs pressed together instinctively.

Katsuki exhaled smoke through his nose before side-eyeing you, catching the way your gaze lingered.

The sight of him like this—half-dressed, hair a mess, cigarette hanging from his lips—was unfair. It shouldn’t have affected you the way it did.

“What’cha lookin’ at, doll?” he murmured, the cigarette still between his lips.

Your cheeks burned, but you didn’t look away.

He smirked, tugging his pants down just enough to sit low on his hips before palming himself through his underwear, giving himself a slow squeeze. His other hand pulled the cig from his lips as he exhaled, voice dropping into something deep, rasped, something that sent a shiver straight down your spine.

“Give me a break,” he muttered, eyes dark as they met yours. “Ride it for me.”

You swallowed, lips parting slightly, unsure. It wasn’t like you didn’t want to, but—

He tilted his head, exhaling another slow breath, his tone turning almost teasing.

“Don’t make me beg, baby.”

You hesitated for a moment, uncertainty gripping you, but the heat between your thighs was undeniable. The way he looked at you—hungry, almost desperate—pushed you over the edge. It was always like this with him, when the lines between frustration and desire blurred.

Katsuki wasn’t someone who begged, and he sure as hell didn’t expect anything from you that he didn’t want. The rawness of his voice, the way his gaze burned through you, left you with no choice but to comply.

But you wanted him to want you—just as much as you wanted him, right here, right now.

“Fuck, Katsuki,” you breathed out, barely able to keep your voice steady. “You’re making this hard…”

A low chuckle rumbled in his chest, a sound that made your pulse spike. He leaned back on the bed, cigarette dangling from his lips as his hands slid down his boxers. His fingers grasped his length, giving it a slow, teasing stroke, before his gaze shifted back to you—heavy, predatory.

You quickly pulled down your underwear, eager for his dick like you hadn’t just been fucked into the headboard last week by him. But last week felt like months ago.

Katsuki’s breath was hot on your skin, the intensity of his gaze never wavering as he watched you. The burn of desire in his eyes made you feel like you were being consumed whole, and you could feel the heat of his body beneath yours as you got on top of him and began to ride him with steady, purposeful movements.

His hand gripped your hips, guiding you as you moved, but he wasn’t just focused on you. His other hand, the one that wasn’t busy holding you in place, reached over to the nightstand. You watched him carefully, his fingers brushing against the box of cigarettes, pulling one free with a practiced motion.

Before you even had time to process, he was lighting another cigarette, the ember glowing bright as he took a deep drag. The smoke swirled around him, thick and heavy, wrapping itself around you both.

His eyes never left yours as he exhaled a slow, deliberate cloud of smoke, the hazy mist floating between you like a veil of temptation. You felt the burn of his gaze as much as you felt the heat of his body. His lips curled into a smirk, watching you move above him, and you couldn’t help the rush of heat that flooded your cheeks.

“You look good like this, doll,” he murmured between drags, his voice rasping. “But don’t get shy on me now.”

You couldn’t tear your eyes away from him, from the way he looked as he exhaled the smoke, the faint glow of the cigarette illuminating his sharp features in the dim light. The sound of his deep breaths, the way his chest rose and fell with every inhale, was like a rhythm that matched the pace of your body moving on top of his.

Your hands braced against his chest as you increased the pressure, rolling your hips in slow, deliberate motions. The friction sent a rush of pleasure through you, and you bit your lip, trying to stifle the sounds building in your chest. Katsuki didn’t let up, though. His eyes followed every movement, his hands gripping you tighter as he took another drag, holding the smoke in his lungs before blowing it out slowly, letting the cloud surround you both.

You leaned forward, your body trembling with the effort to keep moving, but the sight of him, so relaxed with that damn cigarette between his fingers, was enough to make your mind whirl. You felt the coil of heat tighten deep within you, threatening to snap.

“Fuck, Suki,” you gasped, your voice strained with the effort of riding him, the overwhelming sensation of him inside you mixing with the pull of his cigarette smoke. The blend of pleasure and the slow burn of nicotine clouded your senses.

He exhaled another cloud of smoke, his smirk widening. You could feel his cock twitch inside you, the way he was close but holding back, like he was savoring every moment of this. His hand moved from your waist, sliding up your body, cupping your breast in his hand, fingers squeezing roughly. His thumb brushed against your nipple, sending a jolt of pleasure through you.

“I don’t need you to make it pretty,” he continued, voice dark and full of command. “Just fuckin’ ride my cock. You hear me?”

The edge in his tone made your heart race, and you pushed yourself to go harder, faster. The sounds of skin slapping against skin filled the air, your breathing frantic as you chased that release. The whole room smelled of him—his cologne, the lingering smoke, and the undeniable scent of sex that filled the space with every movement.

His lips parted, another slow drag from the cigarette as he let the smoke roll from his mouth, watching you with eyes that were borderline feral now. “You look so good like this,” he grunted, his grip on your hips tightening as he met you thrust for thrust. “Gonna make me fuckin’ lose it, baby…”

That was all you needed. The words, the sight of him with his cigarette hanging loosely between his lips, his eyes dark with hunger—it sent you tumbling over the edge. Your body tensed, your hands digging into his chest as you came undone, the pleasure rippling through you in waves.

Katsuki followed shortly after, his hands tightening on your hips as he gave one last powerful thrust up into your hips, his release hitting deep inside you as he groaned, his lips curling around the cigarette in his mouth as he took one final drag, blowing it out with a shudder.

You collapsed forward onto his chest, exhausted and sated, but he wasn’t done yet. He sat up a little, still holding you, still partially inside you. He took another drag from the cigarette, his breath shallow as he exhaled the smoke, watching you through half-lidded eyes.

“Go to sleep, baby,” he said, his voice low and thick. “I didn’t mean to wake you in the first place.”

You chuckled softly, half-exhausted and still caught in the haze of the moment. “You promise you’re fine?”

He just smirked, tossing the half-finished cigarette onto the floor.

“Just some stupid fuckin’ villain got away, had me all fucked up, but you made me feel better.”

You watched him toss the cigarette on the floor, too tired to give him shit for it.

“I’m glad, but please no more cigarettes, alright?”

He rolled his eyes before closing them and pulling you in closer than you were.

“We’ll see about that.”

[kryllia]

Imprisoned Prince

Yandere Monster Imprisoned Prince x Reader Maid

Art from pinterest (they said ai generated)

You swallowed hard as you stood before the massive iron door that separated you from the monster prince. The torchlight flickered dimly in the dungeon corridor, casting eerie shadows along the damp stone walls. The tray in your hands trembled slightly as your grip tightened. You had heard the stories—the whispered tales of maids who never returned, of those who did but with mangled limbs and lifeless gazes.

Yet, you had no choice. The head maid had assigned you this duty, and disobeying her was not an option. You steeled yourself and pushed open the heavy door, the hinges creaking as if in protest.

Inside, the air was thick with the metallic scent of blood. Your breath caught in your throat as you took in the sight before you.

Osiris Asmor, the monstrous crown prince of Asmora, sat against the far wall, his long white hair a tangled mess, streaked with dried blood. His golden eyes, burning like molten fire, snapped to you immediately. His muscular frame was covered in bruises and cuts, his broad chest rising and falling with slow, steady breaths. Heavy iron chains bound his wrists to the wall, but even restrained, he exuded an aura of dominance, of lethal danger.

Your knees almost buckled when his lips curled into a smirk.

"You’re new." His voice was deep, rough like gravel, sending a shiver down your spine. "The last one didn't last long."

You forced yourself to take a step forward, then another, until you stood a few feet away from him. You refused to look at the dried blood near his feet—the evidence of what happened to your predecessors.

"I brought your food," you said, your voice steadier than you expected.

Osiris tilted his head, eyes narrowing. "And you expect me to eat that?" His gaze flicked to the tray in your hands, then back to your face. "Do you know how many times your people have tried to poison me?"

You hesitated. You had heard the rumors, of course. The court was desperate to rid themselves of the monster prince, and subtle assassination attempts had been made. You glanced at the tray, then made a decision. Lifting the spoon, you scooped up a portion of the stew and took a bite.

His eyes widened slightly.

"There," you said after swallowing. "It's not poisoned."

A slow, amused chuckle rumbled from his chest. "Interesting. You're smarter than the others."

He extended his hands, the chains clinking ominously, and you stepped forward cautiously, placing the tray within his reach. His fingers brushed against yours—rough, calloused from years of wielding a sword. You flinched, and his smirk deepened.

"You fear me," he mused. "Good. You should."

You swallowed again, but this time, something about his tone sent a different kind of shiver through you. Something darker.

Days turn to weeks despite your fear, you returned to his cell every day. Perhaps it was the knowledge that if you didn't, someone else would be sent in your place—and they might not be as lucky. Perhaps it was something else entirely.

At first, Osiris was cold, watching you with a predator's patience. But as the days passed, his demeanor shifted. He started talking more, asking questions—personal ones. Your name. Your family. If you had a lover.

You learned things about him, too. How he had been trained in swordsmanship from the moment he could hold a blade. How Asmora was not the barbaric land of beasts your people painted it to be, but a kingdom rich in culture, in history. How he missed the open skies, the feeling of the wind against his skin.

And how he hated humans.

"They disgust me," he had said one evening, his voice dripping with venom. "Cowards, the lot of them. They betray, they destroy, they take what is not theirs."

You had hesitated before responding. "Not all of us are like that."

His golden eyes bore into yours, unreadable. Then, he had smirked. "Perhaps not you."

The change happened slowly, subtly. You didn’t notice it at first. The way his gaze lingered on you longer than necessary. The way his tone softened when he spoke your name. The way he clenched his fists when another guard was present, as if barely restraining himself.

Then, one day, you arrived to find his chains shorter. Someone had adjusted them, limiting his movement even further. He was furious.

"They think they can break me," he growled, his muscles flexing as he yanked against the chains. "Fools."

Your heart pounded. You set the tray down, about to turn away, when his voice stopped you.

"Come closer."

You hesitated. "I shouldn't—"

"Please." The word was foreign on his tongue, almost unnatural.

Against your better judgment, you stepped forward.

Faster than you could react, his chained hand shot out, grasping your wrist in a vice-like grip. You gasped, eyes widening in panic.

"Do you know what you've done to me?" His voice was a growl, but there was something else there—something raw, something desperate. "Every day, you come here. Every day, you speak to me as if I am not a beast in chains. And now…" His grip tightened. "Now, I cannot stop thinking of you."

You tried to pull away, but he was too strong.

"I will escape," he murmured, his breath hot against your skin. "And when I do… you will come with me."

You shook your head, fear spiking through you. "I can't—"

"You can. You will." His golden eyes burned with obsession. "I will not leave you here, among those who would use you and discard you."

Tears welled in your eyes, but not just from fear. A part of you—deep, buried—felt something else. Something dangerous.

"Do you understand?" His lips nearly brushed against your ear. "You belong to me now."

A shudder ran through you. You hated how the words made your stomach twist.

"You’re insane," you whispered.

His smirk returned, though his eyes remained deadly serious. "Perhaps. But I will have you, little human. One way or another."

It happened faster than anyone anticipated.

One night, an explosion rocked the palace. Chaos erupted as soldiers scrambled, unaware that the monster prince had freed himself. By the time the guards reached the dungeon, his cell was empty.

And you—

You were gone too.

Osiris carried you effortlessly through the darkened halls, your struggling form useless against his strength. His grip was bruising, his pace unwavering.

"You’re mine," he whispered as he hoisted you onto his warhorse, his arm wrapped securely around your waist. "And I will never let you go."

As the castle faded into the distance, you realized with a chilling certainty—

You were no longer a servant.

You were a possession. A treasure. A prize.

And Osiris Asmor would never let anything take you from him.

Not even yourself.

This is inspirated by c.ai bot and it was made by @Strawberry_88

[smallndsoft]

tw: somnophilia

i’ve had to work late for the past few nights and that means i’ve gotten less time with you.

like the last night and the night before that, i get home late again. all the lights are out as i pull my truck into the driveway.

i let out a long sigh as i open the driver door. dragging myself up the driveway, i unlock the door and open it as quietly as i can.

“fucking hell,” i mumble to myself as the screen door squeaks. i’ve been meaning to oil the hinges so it won’t make any noise, but i haven’t had time. maybe tomorrow.

my eyes are somewhat adjusted to the pitch dark house as i drop my keys on the table by the door. i walk down the hallway and into our bedroom.

kicking my shoes off by the doorway, i smile tiredly at your sleeping figure splayed out in bed. the covers are barely on your body, only covering up to your ass.

“thank god you don’t like wearing clothes when you sleep,” i mumble as i strip my shirt and work pants off.

leaving my boxers on, i slip into bed beside you. the bed creaks just a bit but it’s not enough to wake you up. i lean over and press a gentle kiss to the back of your head, inhaling the fresh scent of your shampoo.

you look so peaceful, your bare back and your smooth ass on perfect display. my hand gently traces down your spine and lands just below the curve of your ass.

i grab you, kneading the smooth flesh there. you barely stir from this, only stretching out more for me. almost instinctively.

i had no intentions of doing anything tonight. i’m so damn tired and you’re already fast asleep, but the way you’re spread out for me is an invitation i can’t pass up.

scooting close to you, i throw my right leg over your left, spreading you out just a little more. my hand trails down further, my fingers barely touching your puckered hole before they rest on your cunt.

“oh bunny,” i breathe out, a small smile on my lips. “were you waiting for me?”

you’re dripping wet, indicating that you fell asleep playing with yourself, too tired to finish and too tired to wait for me to help you.

“that’s okay. i’m here now,” i whisper against your skin, my lips tracing against your upper back.

i let a strangled breath out as i slip my boxers off. tossing them carelessly onto the floor, i crawl over you.

“oh fuck,” i moan out. i rub my cock between your ass before i sit back, positioning myself at the entrance of your cunt.

i’m already panting despite not even having entered you yet. i lick my lips and stroke myself a few times before i slowly push into your went cunt.

it’s tight, but the way your sleeping figure is swallowing my cock sends my thoughts spinning. i have to close my eyes despite the darkness.

i keep pushing until i feel my hips pressed against your ass. i stay still for a moment, letting myself take a few deep breaths before i start to slowly thrust.

it’s been days since we’ve fucked but it feels like months. “fuck i’ve missed this, bunny,” i mumble.

i start slow, my grasp on your hips gentle as the soft sounds of my hips hitting your ass fill our bedroom.

after a few more gentle thrusts, i need more. the primal urge to fuck you and fill you is too much.

all at once, my grip on your hips tightens and i start to thrust faster and harder. the sounds of skin on skin becomes louder and more lewd.

a thin layer of sweat forms on my forehead as i use your body for my pleasure.

surprised that you’ve stayed asleep this long, i chuckle softly when you start to shift. i feel your cunt squeezing my cock, signaling that you’re starting to become aware of the situation.

“shhh. you’re okay, bunny,” i whisper as i keep ramming into you.

you don’t bother trying to look back at me as i thrust into your tight hole. burying your face into your pillow, i smile as moans and whimpers spill from your lips.

“need you so bad, baby. i’ve missed you so much,” i pant out.

the tension in my lower belly builds quickly. any other day and i’d be embarrassed that i’m on the verge of cumming. since i’ve not fucked you in days, i feel less embarrassment.

“fuck fuck fuck,” i chant out, my grip on your waist tightening as i get closer to the edge.

“i’m gonna fill you up. gonna take my load like a good bunny, right?” i grunt out.

you just give me a dazed, half-awake nod as you clutch onto your pillow.

the sight is everything i’ve wanted to see these past few days and despite the exhaustion i feel, all that’s on my mind is filling you. breeding you.

“oh fu-uck,” i moan out. in an instant, my body stiffens, my hips flush against you as i feel my orgasm ripple through me. “shit, bunny. take my cum. fuck.”

a shiver rolls through me as i dump the last few drops of my load into you. breathing heavily, i let go of your hips. i keep my cock firmly inside you as i lay on my side, pulling you flush against me.

my cock is twitching inside of you still but i keep lazily thrusting inside you, just wanting to feel as much of your tight heat as i can.

“go back to sleep, bunny. i need to use your little holes a few more times.”

[sannencarts]

So chapter 23 happened, and I just had to make this reference.

(Also. Akari. Girl. You cannot just strip down like that in front of your crush. I don't care if you're fighting Lord Arcanine in an active volcano, Volo's right there with you and his repressed demisexual ass is not ready for this, AKARI YOU ARE GIVING THIS MAN EMOTIONS HE IS NOT USED TO-)

[kanashimibeast]

Smartest man in Hisui too stupid to realize he's catching feelings, more at eleven.

(Transcript under cut:)

Akari smiled in return, so gentle and warm and delightfully trusting. “Yeah,” she said, looking up at him with eyes that nearly sparkled with adoration. “It really is.”

Gods, what a sweet thing she was. So wonderfully smitten. It had been such a delight when he heard from his colleagues that Akari was asking after him. It seemed that absence truly did make the heart grow fonder, based on the way that she was already pining. She gazed up at him with such unabashed longing that he was half-tempted to reward her for it. Surely it wouldn’t take much more than a teasing brush of lips to get her melting into his hands…

…Hm. He had not anticipated the strange stuttering of his heart when he envisioned such a thing. Probably just residual excitement from all his recent successes. He was still riding a delirious high from them, after all.

Giratina’s presence hovered at the back of his mind, distant but questioning. Volo ignored it and cleared his throat. “I must say, though,” he said, glancing around them, “it is a surprise to see you here in Jubilife. I thought you wanted to avoid the Galaxy Team. Did something happen to change that?”

[rafesangelita]

rafe + predator/prey with bambi?

warnings: dark!rafe (he’s nice at first), bratty behavior, dom/sub themes, slight arguing, shouting, manhandling, fear play, rafe chases you around tanneyhill, hide and seek, oral (m. receiving), face fucking, dacryphilia, unprotected sex, rough sex, hair pulling, choking, overstimulation, slapping, impact play (?), asphyxiation, lots of dirty talk, squirting, size kink, breeding kink, baby trapping threats, degradation

w/c: 2.2k

rafe knew the second you slammed the door shut in his face that you had forgotten your place. all the soft, sappy sex you two had been indulging in had officially altered your brain chemistry into thinking you could lock him out of his room in his own house. “open this door, y/n.” rafe hadn’t raised his voice at you in a long time, and while he didn’t want to, it wasn’t long before he felt his patience running thin as you continued to ignore him and give him the silent treatment. you stood on the other side of the door, a pout gracing your lips as you crossed your arms over your chest.

“i’m trying to sort this out with you, baby, but you’re making that really hard for me right now..” rafe spoke gently, his fists balling up at his sides. “you know.. the last thing i wanna come home to when i’ve had a rough day is an attitude and a temper tantrum.” he attempted to twist the door knob, your heart beating in your ears when it started rattling against the hardwood. “i’ve been so good with you, i think you’ve forgotten just how fast things can change, bambi.” his words sending a shiver down your spine.

of course you didn’t want to be on his bad side, but something about the way his voice dropped a few octaves as if he was giving you a warning made you step closer to the door. “open it or i’ll do it myself.” for a moment there, you almost did as he said, your hand reaching down for the door knob before you heard him whisper something underneath his breath. “fuckin’ brat.” you froze just as your fingers grazed the cold metal. he wasn’t going to like what you did next. taking a step back, you shuddered as you watched the shadow of his feet. “n-no.” you whimpered, your heart beating in your chest.

rafe laughed, his jaw ticking as he felt anger boiling underneath his skin. “what was that? what did you say?” surely he wasn’t hearing right. “i said no, rafe!” you yelled back, running to the corner of his room that was furthest from the door. that did it. rafe said goodbye to any kind of restraint he had left, deciding you were going to learn your lesson about saying that little two-lettered word to him. rolling up the sleeves of his shirt, rafe let out a breath before backing away. “are you near the door?” your eyebrows knitted in confusion at his question. “no—”

before you could say anything else, rafe barged in, knocking the hardwood off of its hinges as your hands shot up to cover your ears. you stared at him doe eyed and terrified, his eyes finding yours as he rolled his shoulders back. “i didn’t want to do that..” he stalked over to you, wrapping a hand around your throat before pressing you against the wall, “why do you have to make me be the bad guy, huh?” you gasped, clasping a palm around his wrist. “please— i’m sorry!” rafe stared you down, his eyes nothing but two black holes as his grip around your throat tightened.

“are you? it seemed like you just wanted to piss me off back there,” he dragged you towards his bed, throwing you down before pinning your elbows to the mattress and slotting himself between your thighs, “that goddamn silent treatment, you know i can’t stand that shit.” his face was centimeters away, his breath fanning your cheek as tears welled in your eyes. “you know what i have to do now, right?” you shook your head, fear bubbling in your chest as you remembered the last time he had to ‘punish’ you. “please! i’ll be good, rafe! ‘don’t want to make you mad anymore..”

closing the distance between you two, rafe kissed you softly, wiping away the stray tear that managed to roll down your cheek. “i’m gonna give you a ten second head start to run, and if you decide to hide instead, you better make sure i don’t fuckin’ find you,” he whispered against your lips, “now, get the fuck outta here.” rafe moved aside, your chest rising and falling as you slipped out of the room, your feet skittering across the floor as you started running away from him. you swore your heart was beating a million times per second, the fear of being caught making your blood run cold.

you had barely made it to the bottom of the stairs before you looked up and saw rafe making his way out of the room. he was far too fast for you to outrun him, panic setting in as you started scouring through the halls of tanneyhill. coincidentally, all of the rooms were locked. rafe must’ve did that when you first mouthed off to him, having known how this night would end. “please, please, please!” you struggled trying to open the door to each room only to fall short when the knobs didn’t even budge. “come on..” you whined, rounding the corner of the hallway.

“you look so pretty when you’re scared.” you spun around on your heels, a half scream leaving your lips as rafe started jogging down the long hallway. running across the kitchen, and into the living room, rafe’s laughter echoed throughout the house as he chased you around the couch. “you’re gonna fuckin’ get it.” as a last resort attempt to throw him off, you grabbed one of the pillows from the sofa and threw it at him so you could run up the stairs. just as he caught it, he tripped over his own feet before you made your way into his study, crawling underneath his desk.

clamping a hand over your mouth, you panted softly through your nose as rafe’s footsteps sounded up the staircase. “so you decided to hide after all, huh?” your heart was slamming against your ribcage as he got closer. “i was really hoping you didn’t do that.” he almost sounded apologetic as he stepped into the room next door. you removed your hand from your mouth, fiddling with the ‘R’ pendant on your necklace. “if i get my hands on you.. god, you might just hate me.” just as it sounded like he walked past the room you were in, your heart dropped to your stomach when the door suddenly opened.

rafe walked around, stopping right in front the desk. “one of my favorite things about you is your perfume. it’s so sweet, it’s almost like you leave a trail behind you everywhere you go..” you didn’t even get to react before he was pulling you out by your feet, your screams echoing in his ears. “you make it so easy, baby, it’s like you wanted to be caught.” he pulled you up by your arms, dragging you out of the study and back to his bedroom. he forced you down on your knees, grabbing ahold of your chin as he fumbled with his belt.

“wanna talk back when i’m being nice to you? fine. i’ll just put your mouth to better use.” he said through gritted teeth. clasping your hands behind your back, you gazed up at him through your eyelashes. “listen to me when i say this, yeah?” he slipped his thumb between your lips, “right now you’re not my pretty little girlfriend, alright? you’re a slut.” your skirt rode up your thighs as you spread your legs, sitting back on your heels while you waited for rafe to stuff your throat full. upon his cock springing out of his pants, you whimpered pathetically at the butterflies fluttering in your tummy.

he stroked himself, a groan leaving his lips as he tapped his hardened cock against your tongue. “open that mouth, baby, you know how i like it.” you licked the tip, wrapping your lips around the throbbing head as he threaded his fingers in your hair. “i work all day, deal with my dad’s shit, fuck— all just to come home to that bratty behavior of yours..” he cursed under his breath as you took him deeper into your mouth. “ungrateful sluts like you deserve to be used like this.” you moaned around his length, your eyes widening when he hit the back of your throat.

“oh, my god,” rafe’s jaw went slack, his head tilting to the side as he watched you take him in and out of those pretty lips of yours. “look at me, give me those eyes.” you pulled away for a moment, gasping for air as you flashed your teary orbs at him. rafe didn’t know the logic behind it, but seeing you cry, so drunk off of his cock, he swore it was the hottest thing he’s ever seen. “holy, fuck!” he smiled down at you, his hips stuttering as you took him inch by glorious inch. “my greedy little cock whore, ‘doing so good for me.” you batted your eyes innocently, the action making him hiss.

“i wish you were good all the time, now i have to hurt you, bambi.” he pulled you up, lifting you off of the ground before slamming you down on the bed. you gasped at the impact, your boyfriend sliding your bottoms off before giving you a light smack across your cheek. “you’re so wet down here, baby. shit, you’re just glistening.” rafe tore your thighs apart, unbuttoning his shirt and slipping it off as you ran a foot down his toned stomach. he pinned your thighs to your chest, his hands resting on the back of your knees. “you want this?” he ran his cock between your folds.

your eyes fluttered shut, his tip grazing your needy clit. “please give it to me. ‘wanna be good for you again!” you cried, a sob ripping itself from your throat as he thrusted into you without warning. “fuck!” rafe covered your mouth, ripping your top off so he could watch your tits bounce underneath him. the slick sound of your cunt filled the space of rafe’s room, your cheeks heating as you listened to yourself make a mess on his cock. “so fuckin’ tight, you’re pulling me back in,” he groaned, “i might just fill you up, ‘trap you with my baby..” you moaned, unintentionally clenching around him.

“you’d like that, wouldn’t you?” he pulled your hair, forcing you to look down at where you two were connected. you moaned, your lips parting as you watched him pull out and slowly slide back in. “this cock looks like it’s splitting you wide open,” he brought a hand down and started rubbing hard circles on your clit, “my pretty little thing.” you cried out, your back arching off of the mattress when you felt the familiar tension building in your core. his hand was damn near the size of your head, your eyes rolling back as his cock kissed your cervix with every thrust. “gonna.. oh, my god!”

rafe groaned when your orgasm hit you, a piercing scream leaving your lips as a stream of wetness soaked his lower abdomen. you laid there shaking, your nails raking down rafe’s chest as you sucked him in impossibly tighter. taking his bottom lip between his teeth, rafe didn’t slow down the work on your sensitive bundle of nerves, overstimulation setting in when you started taking the pleasure with the pain. “no more!” you gasped, your thighs closing around his waist as you attempted to squirm away from his touch. he slapped you across your cheek, forcing you to keep your eyes open.

“you’re gonna fuckin’ take it. this is what you wanted when you decided to act the way you were acting earlier, huh? shut the fuck up and take this cock.” he shoved your head into the pillows, the entirety of his palm covering your face as he chased his own high, ignoring your screams and cries. rafe watched the tears flow down your cheeks, his fingers becoming wet as he groaned at the sight. “keep crying for me and i’m gonna breed this fuckin’ cunt— ah fuckkk!” rafe leaned down, pressing wet kisses to your neck before his hips stuttered, his mouth falling open in a silent moan.

“fuckin’ hell!” he uncovered your face, admiring the pretty curve of your lips while he came, those gorgeous eyes just twinkling up at him while he filled you to the brim with his seed. rafe nestled himself deep inside of you, stilling his movements as you two reveled in the feeling of his cum painting the softness of your walls. looking into his eyes, you could see the exact moment he switched into being your boyfriend again, his gaze softening as he cupped your face, his cock still twitching inside of you. pulling out with a curse, rafe was quick to pull you against his chest.

“you okay, bambi?” he pecked your cheek, rubbing a hand against your side as you blinked, still unable to form thoughts as your body occasionally jolted with the aftershocks of your orgasm. you didn’t answer, instead you snuggled into his skin, your eyes shutting as sleep pulled at your lids. you were going to be so sore tomorrow, your muscles already aching as rafe pulled the comforter over the two of you.

[agreeewrites]

i’m obsessed with your paul fic!! i loved the subtle lines from the song weaved into the story, you’re a wonderful writer 💓 part 2?? :)

alright, twist my arm 😂

pairing: Paul Lahote x human!reader

cw: MDNI 18+ smut, biting, trauma dumping, semi-public sex/ voyeurism (the werewolves can hear you)

Part One

Paul spun the two of you around, pressing you up against the wall as he claimed your mouth again. Every pass of his lips, every swipe of his tongue, it felt like he was putting you back together again.

He kissed along your jaw, nudging your head up with his nose to start spoiling your neck. You dug your nails into his shoulders, clinging to him, and he made a low growling sound in his throat.

He turned his head suddenly and you felt his blunt teeth sink into your skin. Bright pain lanced up your shoulder. You yelped, but his tongue glided over the aching spot, soothing the bite mark he'd just made.

Heat pooled between your legs. He just bit you, and you fucking loved it.

He chuckled against the skin of your neck, an warm, melodic sound. “Liked that, hm?” He mumbled, trailing soft pecks back up to your lips.

You nodded, showing him just how much with a filthy kiss. He smiled against you before wrestling your tongue into submission.

You were light-headed from all the sensations. Pain, joy, fear, bone-melting desire, him.

Footsteps plodded up your front porch. “Hey, y/n, need any help with—oh shit. What happened to your door?”

Paul turned his head to glare at the intruder, but didn't make any move to lower you to the ground.

“I, uh—” Jacob stuttered, standing like a deer in headlights in the smashed doorway.

You kicked your feet, hoping Paul would get the message to put you down, but he only tightened his grip on your thighs.

The men stared at each other, and it took you a second to realize they were having an internal conversation.

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

“Really, you going to fuck her right in front of me?”

“I'd kill you right in front of her if she asked me to. Fuck off.”

“You can't just treat her like crap for six months and then decide you want her when she finally gets sick of your shit—”

A growl ripped from Paul’s chest. He could feel the shift coming, his wolf pressing beneath his skin with urgency. You squirmed in his arms, his grip too tight, and he set you on your feet.

The last thing he wanted to do was hurt you, and make you trust him even less.

“Paul.” You placed a hand on his shoulder, your skin blissfully cool against his, and to his shock, his wolf backed off a bit.

“Damn, she's got you trained already?” Jacob was taunting him now, being petty out of pathetic jealousy.

“I won't tell you again. Get out,” Paul snarled in his head.

“Y/n, seriously if you need help—”

“I think you should go, Jake,” y/n said, crossing your arms over your chest. Seeing Jacob’s arrogant smirk crumble was like Christmas fucking morning. “I won't be needing your help anymore.”

Delight curled along Paul’s spine, heightened further by the darkening bite mark he left at the curve of your shoulder, clear as day for Jacob, and the pack, to see.

You were his. And it was about time he started screaming it from the rooftops.

“Bye, Jake.” Paul grinned, walking across the room to show him the door. That he broke. Shit, I gotta fix that.

Jacob flipped him off and trudged down the stairs, climbing onto his little motorcycle and driving off. He'd be sour for a few days, but they always worked it out.

“I'm sorry about your door,” Paul said, picking it up and inspecting the hinge. He'd ripped the door clean off of it, tearing up the wood and bending the metal.

“It's okay,” you replied, shuffling your feet, a nervous energy wafting from you.

Now that the heat of the moment had waned, the reality of situation came crashing down around him. How could he have been so awful to you?

“Y/n, I—”

“You don't have to apologize.” You cut him off. “I know the imprint is challenging, and for you to bond with someone you hated so much…” you trailed off, eyes welling with tears.

Paul rushed over, pulling you into his chest. “I never hated you, I was—” he buried his head in your hair, shame burning under his skin, “—I was afraid.”

“Of me?” you sniffled against his chest, tears wet on his skin.

He shook his head, then nodded. “Yes and no. I was scared of what you knew, what a danger that posed to my family. And then I saw you and…and the imprint gave you so much power over me.”

Your hands curled into his sides, your head burrowing closer, like you were trying to crawl into his skin.

“Not only were you in the position to destroy my family, but I would have done it for you if you asked me to. Ripped myself to pieces if that's what you wanted.”

You lifted your tear-streaked face to look at him. “I would never do that—”

“I know, I know.” He shushed you, dropping a kiss to your red nose. “I know that now.”

“I even burned the notes—”

“What?” He held you out at arms length, dark brows drawn together. “When?”

“Months ago,” you said, and his jaw dropped.

“Months ago? Why?”

“You imprinted on me, and I didn't—I wanted—”

Affection overwhelmed him, making his eyes sting and nose tingle. He cupped your face and drew you back towards him, brushing his lips against yours. “You wanted to protect me,” he said, bumping your noses together.

You nodded, reaching up to wipe something from his cheek. Not a tear, fuck no.

“But your research? You didn't burn all of it, did you?”

“No, no. Just the things about the pack, and anything that would lead someone down the same path I took.”

Paul just stared down at you, awestruck. He couldn't believe that he was holding you, kissing you, sharing secrets with you. It was the sweetest agony he’d ever experienced, next to imprinting on you.

“Paul, I—to be clear, I do want to fuck you.”

He snorted a laugh at the subject change, warmth spreading from his chest to the tips of his ears. “But?” He raised an eyebrow.

“But could we just…hang out for awhile? I know you, but I don't feel like I know you. Like what's your favorite color?” Your fingers traced absent shapes on his chest, eyes flitting nervously around his face.

He brushed his thumb beneath your right eye. “This one, your eyes.”

“You better stop it or I'm going to climb your wolfy ass like a tree.” You swatted his hand away and took a step back, leaving him laughing.

God, when was the last time he laughed like this?

“How about we start with unpacking your things?” He offered. “And I'll fix your door.”

You gave him a relieved smile. “Sounds perfect.”

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

You and Paul spent the rest of the day righting your home. While you unpacked, he not only fixed the door, but about ten other small, broken things you didn't have the tools, the height, or the wherewithal to repair yourself.

When the sun began to set, Paul left you bundled up on the couch to pick up take out from your favorite place in Forks. He stationed Seth outside your door for protection, and Seth gave you a thumbs up through the window.

Paul returned half-an-hour later, and you ate at the coffee table so you could watch a movie, legs curled up beneath you, Paul's hand resting heavily on your thigh. Between every bite, he leaned in for kiss.

After you finished, you climbed up onto the couch and stretched out across his chest, soaking up his radiant heat like cat. You knew you still had a long way to go before you'd be able to fully commit to him, although in a lot of ways you already had.

He'd been amazing today, thoughtful, attentive, almost goofy. But Rome wasn't built in a day, and for this relationship to work, it needed to stand on a sturdy foundation of trust and respect.

Not magic, lupine bonding instincts.

But you were confident that in time, you and Paul would get there.

***smut ahead!*** 🚨

You pressed a few kisses along the muscular expanse of his chest, marveling at the specimen of a man beneath you. His pecs just looked so…

“Watch yourself, bookworm,” he warned, fisting your hair and pulling your head back, revealing the bite mark you'd left over his heart.

You were about to ask why, when you felt something hard surge against your hip. A devilish smile curled your lips.

You rolled your hips against him, the lightest grind, and his eyes fluttered closed, head falling back onto the arm of the couch. His hands gripped your waist freezing you in place.

“Baby, don't play with me,” he groaned, his cock already straining against his flannel sweatpants.

“But it's fuuun,” you teased, fastening your lips to the already fading bite mark and sucking hard.

“I won't be gentle.”

“If I wanted gentle, I'd find Jacob.”

Paul flipped you beneath him, quicker than you could blink, his enormous weight pressing you into the couch. “Say his name while I'm around again, and he won't have a dick to fuck with,” he growled, grinding his cock over your clothed pussy.

Already, you were so sensitive, your body lighting up with pleasure from the friction, the rumble of his voice in your ear. You rocked back against him, chasing that feeling.

“You smell fucking divine, babygirl,” he groaned, burying his head into your neck as you ground against him, meeting you thrust for thrust like a couple of horny teenagers. “Drove me wild, smelling you all the damn time. Felt like you were turning yourself on just to get a rise out of me.” He lapped at your neck, dragging his tongue along your thundering pulse.

“I was,” you admitted, breathless, your peak just out of reach.

He pulled his head back, his hips lifting off of you. “You were?” You expected to see anger in his eyes, but they were molten with desire, a predator eyeing his prey.

You bit your lip, nodding.

“You know I wasn't the only one that could smell you, right?” He cocked his head, eyes skating down your torso pinned beneath him before flicking back up to your face.

“I knew it made you jealous. And I wanted them to see what was yours.”

A growl echoed from the barrel of his chest. “You're going to be the fucking death of me.” He smashed his mouth to yours in a brutal, claiming kiss, his canines dragging across your lips before parting them with his tongue.

His hands found the buttons of your pj top, ripping it open like it was made of tissue paper, sending buttons scattering across the room.

“Hey!” You protested.

“I'll buy you a hundred more,” he said, diving into your bare tits, popping one pert nipple into his hot mouth, then the other, lashing them mercilessly with his tongue.

You cried out, arching into his mouth.

“Be as loud as you want, baby. Let them hear what's mine.” He tugged down your shorts, two thick fingers gliding over your soaked panties. You moaned again, lifting your hips to chase his touch. “That's it, y/n. Already so wet for me.”

He caught your mouth once more, swallowing your next sound as he slipped his fingers under your panties, making direct contact with your weeping pussy. He dipped the tip of his middle finger inside before swirling it around your clit, sending you into fucking orbit.

You bucked against him, throwing your head back against the couch cushions as your body tightened, your walls clenching around nothing. “Please,” you whined against his cheek. “Need you.”

“Aw, no more snarky ass comments?” He teased, lightly slapping your sensitive clit, just enough to make you writhe beneath him.

“Paul,” you begged, trying and failing to reach for his cock. He was too damned tall. “I've waited so long.” You knew you sounded pitiful, and if he hadn't rendered your brain to needy, slutty mush, you'd be mortified.

“I know, you’ve been such a patient girl for me.” He reached between you, freeing his cock so it slapped against your inner thigh. “I'm sorry it took me so long to take care of this sweet pussy.” He shifted himself down until his mouth was level with your slit. “Just a taste, baby? Then I promise to fuck you stupid.”

You nodded vigorously, carding your fingers through his black hair. You never thought Paul would be so chatty during sex, not that you were complaining. The filthy words in his growly voice was like music to your ears.

He flattened his tongue against your slit, licking a long stripe from your entrance to your clit, and you nearly came right then and there.

“Fuck, Paul,” you moaned, tightening your grip on his hair. His rumble of satisfaction vibrated your sensitive skin and you shivered. “I'm so fucking close.”

You didn't have to tell him twice. He started feasting on your pussy with abandon, slurping and sucking like you were his favorite meal on earth. Stars danced behind your eyes, broken moans and gibberish falling from your lips. You were certain the entire pack, and probably the next pack over, could hear you crying out for him, but you didn't give a single fuck.

He eased a finger inside of you, curling it against your spongy walls, and you shattered, an orgasm ripping through you at dizzying speed.

You screamed so loud he flinched, glancing up at you to make sure you weren’t hurt.

“Fucking hell, baby,” he purred, gently lapping at your clit as you twitched and jerked away, oversensitive. “Damn near broke my finger.” He rose up to hover over you, pressing light kisses along your cheeks and eyelids, coaxing you back to him.

You threw your arms around his neck and brought your lips to his, tasting yourself on his tongue. You felt him chuckle, his hands sliding under your back to press your hips against him.

“Something funny?” You nipped at his lower lip.

“They're begging me to keep it down,” he snickered.

“We'll get them some ear plugs.” You reached between your bodies, wrapping your fingers around his cock. The skin was so hot you nearly pulled away, the head slick with precum and pulsing against your wrist.

He grunted, his hips thrusting into your hand. “Now who’s playing.” He batted your hand away, and leaned back to line himself up with your entrance. “Ready for me?”

“God, yes.” You threw your head back as he started to slide in, your walls clenching hard around him.

“Let me in, babygirl,” he cooed, rubbing your thigh slung over his hip.

You forced your muscles to relax, breathing hard, and he slowly stretched you open, pain and pleasure stirring together until you couldn't differentiate the two, lost in the exquisite torture of him.

“I won't last five minutes with you squeezing me like that—fuck,” his voice cracked into a low moan, his hips stuttering forward almost involuntarily. “You know what? C’mere.” He guided your arms to wrap around his neck and braced his forearm against your lower back. In a quick movement, he stood up, bringing you with him.

Your bodies didn't separate an inch, your tits squished against his chest, his cock still buried inside you. Gravity pulled you down a little father onto him, in fact, and you both groaned at the new angle.

He carried you across the house and into your bedroom, tossing you onto the pillows by your headboard. You hadn't even stopped bouncing before he pounced, sliding back into your heat with a little more ease than before.

“There we go,” he murmured into your neck, drawing his hips back before rolling them forwards.

You clawed at his back, moaning against his ear as he thrust into you again and again, filling you near to splitting, before retreating again. Soon, you were stupid with pleasure, mumbling incoherently and lifting your hips in time with his.

“Look at you, so fucking pretty taking my cock. Feel good, baby?”

You nodded, tears squeezing from the corners of your eyes as he picked up the pace, pounding into you.

“Want to feel you come around me. Can you do that for me ‘fore I fill you up?” The pad of his middle finger circled your clit, making your eyes roll back into your head, your muscles turning to goo.

His was fighting to keep a stable pace, his muscles rippling across his abdomen, veins bulging along his thick arms. You could tell he was close, his eyes locked on where your bodies met.

“Fuck, Paul. I'm gonna come,” you whined, gripping his thighs as your body wound itself up, spiraling endlessly tighter.

“I'm with ‘ya, babygirl. C’mon,” he panted, making tighter circles on your clit, his whole body trembling with the effort to control himself.

The coil in your stomach snapped, hurtling you over your peak at the same moment he came undone, both of you crying out as the tsunami of pleasure dragged you down together.

You felt his cock buck inside of you, filling you with his boiling hot release. The temperature soothed your overworked muscles, and you sagged into the bed with a contented sigh. Your whole body was shivering in aftershocks, small waves of pleasure making you clench around his softening length.

He eased himself down onto your left side, gathering you into his chest. His heart hammered beneath his shining skin, sweat collecting along the grooves of muscle and his hairline.

“You're incredible,” he murmured, pressing a soft, open-mouthed kiss to your bruised lips. “Never thought I'd see you beg for me.”

You couldn't even think of a rebuttal, all of the attitude wrung out of your body like a sponge. You just swatted at his chest, though it took a concerted effort to even lift your arm.

“In all fairness, I’d beg like a dog for you,” he whispered, smiling.

“How the mighty fall,” you teased, kissing underneath his jaw.

You both were quiet for a few moments, breathing in time with one another, your heart beats synchronizing. Peace like you hadn't felt in years settled over you, an overwhelming *rightness* that welded your fractured heart together again.

This was the reason you came to Forks, even if you didn't know it at the time. Your soul was searching for his.

“So…” he shifted to look down at you. “Ready to go to dinner at Sam’s?”

You groaned, burying your head into his neck as he burst out laughing.

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

aggggghhh, I love him.

Hope you enjoyed! 🫶

[vanteguccir]

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤLEFT HAND * MATT STURNIOLO

SUMMARY　::　where Matt hurt his right wrist during a horse ride for a video, but who said that a wrist guard would hold him back from fucking Y/N with his fingers?

FEATURING　Matt Sturniolo x reader 　REQUESTED?　no.

WARNINGS　::　smut (mdni), switch!Matt, switch!Y/N, fingering, pet names, injuries, and pain.

AUTHOR'S NOTE　::　that is my work, I DON'T authorize any form plagiarism; copy, "inspiration" or translation! | english isn't my first language, so I'm sorry if there's any grammar error.

A/N²　::　this is a repost of an old fanfic of mine that got deleted by tumblr! *if you've read it when I posted it last year, you can read it again because I changed almost everything.

The spacious room was dimly lit, with only a soft glow from the bedside lamp casting shadows on the walls. In the bed, the blankets were already a mess, twisted, and kicked to the side as if they had no place in the heat currently going on by its side. 

The scent of Matt - clean, slightly musky, and overwhelmingly comforting - mixed with the faint trace of Y/N's perfume created an intoxicating blend that only heightened the tension.

Matt's lips were on hers, his mouth moving with an almost reckless need, tasting, devouring, drinking her in like she was the only thing that could stop his thirst. His tongue pushed past her lips, slick and desperate, tangling with hers in a messy dance that left no room for air. The taste of him - warm, slightly sweet, and entirely intoxicating - spread through her mouth, mixing with the faint traces of mint and something purely him.

A low, needy moan vibrated from the back of her throat, swallowed immediately by Matt, who only deepened the kiss, his breath mingling with hers, hot and uneven, almost creating a cloud between them. Saliva slicked their lips, making every pull and drag of his mouth against hers wetter, sloppier, easier.

His left hand tangled in her hair, fingers tightening just enough to keep her exactly where he wanted. His thumb stroked the hinge of her jaw, dragging slow and teasing before slipping down to press against her throat, feeling the rapid pulse beneath his digit.

Their lips parted only for a moment, a groan coming from Matt diving into her mouth, the sound reverberating against her lips.

Y/N's hands roamed over his shoulders and chest, feeling the muscles flex beneath her touch, the warmth of his skin under his shirt. The fabric had ridden up, exposing the soft flesh of his stomach, and she couldn’t help but run her hands over the small rolls, feeling the tension in his body under her fingers. Every soft sigh and groan from him was like music to her ears, something that had her head spinning.

Matt's right hand, encased in a black wrist guard, hovered hesitantly before it found its way to her waist, fingers toying with the hem of her cotton shorts. The pain in his wrist flared slightly with each movement, a horrible reminder of his earlier accident - which made him regret all his choices about going horse riding for a video - but he swallowed the pain, determined to ignore it.

He had been so careful all week, listening to his brothers and the doctor, not using his hand any more than absolutely necessary. But now, with Y/N against him, her lips swollen from his kisses, her pupils dilated, the need was unbearable. 

He needed more.

He needed to touch her, to feel her, to have his fingers buried deep inside her where she was warm and wet.

He almost could feel her heartbeat under his fingertips when he moved them, quick and unsteady. His fingers tugged at the fabric of her shorts, trying to slip underneath, to find the heat he wanted so much. 

But then it all stopped.

Too sudden.

Y/N's hand grabbed his bicep, halting his movements while pulling away abruptly. Her eyes met his.

"Matt, you can't." She whispered, her voice soft but firm, the kind of tone that made him both love and hate how much she cared. "The doctor said you shouldn’t use your right hand. It’s going to hurt you more, and you know that."

Matt's breathing was ragged, his face a mixture of frustration and desperation. He pressed his forehead against hers with a thud, trying to steady his racing pulse.

"But I need it." He pleaded like a small child, his voice rough and thick with need. "I need to feel my fingers inside you. Please... just- just for a lil bit-"

His words were an urgent whisper against her lips, followed by a soft whimper that made her heart ache. Her hand moved up, cupping his cheek, thumb brushing over his swollen bottom lip.

"Honey." She murmured, trying to keep her voice steady. "I know you want to. And I want you to, too. But you need to heal. You can’t hurt yourself more just because we’re both desperate to fuck."

Matt let out the most wrecked, frustrated groan, tilting his head back like he was physically in pain from holding back.

"Fuck." He breathed, his voice strained and needy. He squeezed his eyes shut, his chest rising and falling in uneven breaths, trying - failing - to ground himself. 

He felt like he was burning alive, every inch of his body aching for her, every nerve begging for relief.

His left hand trembled as it slid down from her hair, over her side, gripping at anything he could touch before he cupped her pussy through her shorts.

"Please." He whined, his fingers pressing into the damp heat, the fabric doing nothing to hide how soaked she was. His breath stuttered, and his head dropped against her shoulder as he cursed again, voice barely more than a breathless moan. "Baby, fuck- you're so wet. You’re so-"

"Matt." Y/N muttered, her voice a mix of a plea and a warning. She covered his hand with hers, trying to stop him, but her thighs said otherwise, clenching at the feel of his palm pressed so firmly against her. "You're hurt-"

He opened his eyes, and the sheer desperation in them made her words falter. His pupils were blown wide, small droplets of sweat glistening on his messy haired forehead, his lips a pretty pink, his whole body trembling against hers.

"I don’t care." He whispered, voice cracking. "I don’t care about the fucking pain or my shitty wrist, I- m'just need you. Please, Y/N, just lemme-" His hand pressed up harder, chasing the friction, his hips rolling against their bed like he couldn’t help himself.

His right hand, despite the pain, fumbled at her shorts, his fingers weak, shaking as he tried to push them down.

"Need it so bad i'fucking hurts." He whimpered, voice thick and wrecked. "Can't y'feel it? How m'feelings are hurt? My cock?"

Dramatic little shit.

Y/N’s resolve was crumbling fast, her own need mixing with the sheer desperation pouring off him in waves. 

"Okay." She whispered, their breaths mingling, their lips barely apart. "But we go slow. If it hurts too much, you stop. Deal?"

Matt nodded furiously, relief flooding his face, his fingers immediately slipping lower. His hand shook as he brushed over her pussy, the barest touch making her suck in a sharp breath.

He took his time, eyes locked on her face, watching. His fingers finally found her clit, rubbing slow, teasing circles over the thin fabric, the friction making her hips stutter against his touch.

"Oh, fuck-" Her head tipped back, her nails digging into his clothed shoulders.

She’s dizzy, floating in some soft, cloudy realm where only Matt exists, gasping when he bites at her exposed throat and sucks sharply, the sting of pain shooting down into her pussy without missing a beat.

"That’s it." He breathed against her skin, his voice thick with want. "Is it good, baby? Hm? You can admit it. Y'can tell me how much you want my fingers inside you."

Y/N whimpered, and Matt groaned, his tongue flicking against the sensitive spot below her ear. His fingers pressed harder, dragging another moan from her lips, and he chuckled breathlessly, the sound vibrating against her neck.

"Fuck, angel." He murmured. "Can feel how wet you're. Just say the word, and I’ll give it to you."

"I want it." She breathed out, her voice barely more than a whisper. Her hips moved on their own, trying to chase something, anything, the heat inside her walls growing more insistent. "Please, Matt, I want- I need it."

He smirked, brushing his lips from the spot below her ear to her jaw, softly licking her chin before finally capturing her lips in another kiss. His left hand met his right one on her waistband, mixing her shorts with her panties before tugging both down.

He tried to focus on the feel of her lips, the taste of her mouth, using it to distract himself from the ache in his wrist with the movements.

Matt managed to pull the clothing down just enough, his right fingers finally having direct contact with her warm pussy. He exhaled shakily inside her mouth as his fingers slid over her folds, parting them.

"God- all that f'me." He breathed out, his voice a low, reverent murmur, the slick sound of her wetness echoing like music to his ears. "’ve wanted this all week, y'know? This stupid wrist wouldn't let me touch m'girl."

Y/N’s breath hitched, watching him with smart eyes as her hips moved into his touch.

He kept his left hand against her hip, using it for balance while his right one moved with a kind of practiced ease. His thumb found Y/N's clit, circling the sensitive nub, applying just the right amount of pressure.

The wetness around it made him groan, forcing him to straight up his upper body so he could give all his attention to her pussy, the sensation nearly enough to make him forget about his wrist guard.

But it was too good to be true.

The moment his thumb changed the rhythm to up and down along her clit length, a sudden sharp pain shot through his wrist, like a knife stabbing up his arm. He went still, the breath catching in his throat, and Y/N noticed immediately.

Her eyes, glazed with pleasure, suddenly regained consciousness, filling with concern. She forced her feet against the edge of the bed, pushing herself away from him, looking down at his arm with worry etched on her features.

"Matt?" She asked, voice shaky. "Hey, let it go. Let it go. It’s okay. Are you okay?"

He blinked at her, the pain mingling with the overwhelming desire that still thrummed through his veins.

It was almost absurd, this whole situation. 

No. Actually, he was pretty sure it was absurd.

Here he was, with the most beautiful girl in the world, touching her, and all he could do was wince like an idiot because of a stupid injury. 

The absurdity of it made him laugh, a breathless, incredulous sound that bubbled up from his chest.

"Y/N, I’m fine." He chuckled, the sound strained but genuine. "Just... this damn wrist. Hurts like hell."

Y/N's eyes widened with concern.

"Matthew, that's not funny! We won't-"

But she was quickly interrupted with Matt shaking his head, silencing her worries by gently pulling his hand away from her core, pretending not to notice how her hips moved, searching for it again instinctively. 

He moved up, pressing his lips against hers in a soft, soothing kiss, his laughter still hanging in the air between them. His kisses were filled with reassurance, his uninjured hand cradling her cheek as he pressed his body closer to hers. 

"Shh, it's okay." He murmured against her mouth, his tone light, trying to ease the worry that lingered in her eyes. "You always worry too much, you know that?"

She pouted against his swollen lips, a little furrow appearing between her brows. 

"Well, someone has to look out for you, Matt. Y'always getting into trouble." Her voice was a mix of seriousness and affection, the worry not entirely gone from her eyes.

Matt didn’t respond right away. Instead, he sealed their lips in a slow, teasing touch, stealing the last of her protests before deepening it. His tongue swept over the hood of her mouth - warm and wet, his body pressing close, melting away any lingering frustration she had.

"Okay, so maybe the right hand’s out of commission." He murmured against her lips, his breath warm as he pulled his chin back just enough to speak, the tip of his tongue tracing against her lower lip. "But I’ve got another hand, don’t I?" The top of her pearly teeth scraped his upper lip, tickling the sensitive skin.

When he pulled away just slightly, his grin was lazy and confident. 

"I mean, I know I’m right-handed, but how hard can it be?" He wiggled the fingers of his left hand, the movement catching the bedside lamp’s glow.

Y/N’s eyes fluttered open, the daze of his kisses fading just enough for her to register his words. She pulled back, her brows arching as she took him in with a skeptical once-over.

"Matt, you’ve never used your left hand for anything like this. Well, for nothing at all, actually.” He nodded his head sideways. “What makes you think you can now?" Despite her words, there was a hint of amusement in her tone, her lips twitching into a small smile.

His grin widened, a devilish gleam lighting up his eyes. 

"Well, there’s a first time for everything, right? Besides, I’ve got the best motivation in the world right here." He murmured, his voice dropping to a husky whisper as he leaned down, brushing his lips over hers again. Her taste was his addiction.

She squinted her eyes.

"Just let me try, baby. I promise I’ll make it good f´you. I always do, hm?"

Y/N bit her lip, her teeth tickling his in the process, torn between wanting to keep him safe and the desire that still pulsed through her, that seemed to only intensify with his words. Finally, she gave a small nod, her hands sliding down his shoulders.

"Okay. But be careful, Matt." She warned, her voice soft. “I don't want to run to the hospital right now.”

“Y´wont need to, angel.”

His left hand reached her bare pussy, caressing her mons pubis, feeling the freshly-shaved skin and taking his time in there - getting close to her clit and then retreating again, until he had Y/N’s hips moving against his hand again, her thighs clenching around his hips and her voice breaking while begging.

"Matt, please." She whimpered, squirming beneath him, her hands squeezing his wrist. "Don't tease."

There. That's exactly the reaction that he was waiting for.

He paused, stopping his movements, his injured hand pressing just slightly against her bare waist.

"What do you need, baby? I'm giving you what you wanted, right? For me to go easy..."

"No- I know, just- just touch me. Please." Her voice came out in a whisper, her teeth caging her bottom lip, trying to keep her hips steady, not wanting to hurt him.

Matt's lips formed a cocky smile, letting his left fingers travel down, sliding through her clit and, finally, stopping by her hole with the preciseness of someone who had done so a million times before.

"I love how wet I can make you, dove." He murmured, his voice a mix of awe and desire. "You have no idea how much I adore feeling you like this."

His fingers traced her entrance, teasing, testing the waters before he pressed just the tip of one finger inside her. The sensation was electric, a spark that shot through both of them, making Y/N sigh, her hands flying from his wrist to his shoulders, tightening around his shirt.

Matt moved slowly, his finger pushing deeper, knuckle by knuckle, letting her adjust to the intrusion. The feeling of her walls tightening around his digit, warm and slick, causing him to groan low in his throat.

"God, y´feel so good." He breathed, his voice a husky whisper. “M´never getting tired of it."

Y/N’s head was spinning, her senses overwhelmed by his touch, his words, the heat of his body against hers. She could feel her arousal pooling, a tight coil of need building inside her, every nerve ending alight with pleasure. Her hips moved in small circles, meeting his movements, encouraging him. 

"More." She whispered, her voice breathless, filled with need. "Please, Matt, I need more."

He pressed a kiss to her lips, caressing her bottom lip with the tip of his tongue before sucking the sensitive skin, muffling her plea, his finger slowly beginning to pump in and out of her, each movement careful.

He crooked his digit, aiming for that spot nestled deep in her body, right where he knew it would feel best, his thumb brushing against her clit with every thrust, drawing soft moans from her.

"Is that what y´needed?" He asked, letting her bottom lip go with a soft ‘pop’, smirking.

He let her pull away when her lungs begged for air, watching the way she rolled her hips back and forth, the squelching wetness sounds of fingers fucking into her dripping hole making Matt's cock throb painfully.

"Ye-yeah, so good." She breathed out, her chin moving while searching for his lips again, unsuccessfully. "Matt-"

He, by surprise, added a second finger, stretching her, filling her more completely. 

"Yes, that's it." She whined desperately when he moved slowly in, letting her adjust, savoring the feel of her around him.

Y/N stuttered on her own exhale, hiccupping high in her throat as Matt resumed his movements, pressing the pad of his fingers right against her sweet spot repeatedly, fucking into her leisurely. The brunette spread his fingers into a V shape, making Y/N moan louder, her hands tangling in his hair, tugging as she lost herself in the sensation.

He could feel her walls clenching around his knuckles, her body tightening as the pleasure built, each thrust sending a wave of heat through her.

"Feeling good, sweetheart? Is m´left hand making you feel the best?" Matt purrs, thoroughly pleased at the way he's giving all the pleasure to his girl.

Y/N´s fast nods and little whimpers have Matt’s eyelashes fluttering, his hips jolting between her thighs and mattress, causing the girl to squeak in response, her lips trembling as they formed a soft 'o', the heat simmering in the low pit of her stomach burning brighter and brighter with each messy thrust, Matt's fingers rubbing soothing circles with each sharp jut of his wrist. Wetness squelched between her thighs, making their bed wet and messy.

"Yeah-eah, Matt, fuck- S´fucking good. M´so close." She warns, the words coming out soft and whiny, laced with a kind of need Matt would recognise anywhere. "Please..."

Matt laughs softly.

"Always so easy, huh, sweetheart?" He was quick to pick up the pace, his fingers curling inside her, and Y/N whined in response.

"Shut up." The girl complains.

Mercifully, Matt does, and their mumbled words are replaced again with the sound of laboured breathing and heady, desperate little noises, trembling as Matt grinds his fingers into her in lazy but extremely deep little circles. Y/N gasps, rocking down into the feeling as her hands scrabble to grasp at Matt’s arms, nails digging in and lips parting on a moan.

"Baby- Matt, 'm gonna..." Y/N stuttered, her back arching as she fucked back onto his fingers, pink tongue resting against her spit-slick lips, eyes hooded and entirely dazed.

Matt hummed in agreement, kissing along Y/N’s sweaty forehead lovingly as he pressed his own hips against the mattress, his erection straining against the fabric, seeking relief from the pressure that also built inside him. Each thrust of his fingers sent a jolt of pleasure through him, her wetness drenching Matt's hand, coating the long digits in sweet sticky wetness.

"Fuck, Y/N, you’re making a mess in my hand." He groaned against her forehead, his voice a low, breathy whisper. "God, I want to be inside you- I want to fuck you so bad."

His words sent a fresh wave of arousal through her, her walls clenching around his fingers tighter than before, ready to snap.

"Hmm fuck- Want my cock, sweetheart?" He murmurs, nuzzling at her sweaty hair. "Wanna feel my dick fill you up, huh, baby? Such a good girl."

"Wanna ride you." She whines, the confession pulling a barking laugh from Matt.

"Lemme make y´feel good with m´fingers first, yeah?" He says breathlessly.

Y/N's eyes roll back as she clutches Matt tighter to her while rolling her hips harder.

"Pup- fuck... Fuck, please- M´so good f´you, best girl ever." She promises, the sudden words tumbling free as she moves her hand to his hair, pulling hard, the echo of his loud groan sounding numb inside her ears. "In me, God- Please, don’t stop."

He didn’t.

He just increased his pace, his fingers moving faster, deeper, leaving a delicious burning sensation at her wet ring. He could feel her getting closer; her walls tightening more and more, her moans growing louder, her words getting lost.

Matt keened, rutting against the bed nonstop, his own breath ragged and his mind clouded with lust, the need to see her cumming driving him forward.

Y/N's eyes opened momentarily from its position rolled up her skull, looking upwards at the same time he looked at her, locking gazes with him, and Y/N let out the most filthy cry of pleasure, her mouth hanging open as he held her gaze.

"Cum f´me, angel." Matt cooed, his voice rough. Then, he crooked his fingers once again, a sharp thrust sending Y/N tumbling over the edge with a quiet little whine. More wetness gushed out of her, making the slide almost too easy, as Matt twisted his fingers, fucking his pretty girl to her orgasm. "That's it."

The moment she hit her peak, her body convulsed, her walls clenching around his digits, and a high-pitched moan escaped her lips. Her thighs quivered uncontrollably, her hips moving in rhythm with his fingers, riding out her orgasm.

The feeling of her pulsing around him, the wetness, the heat, the smell, the sheer intensity of her release, was almost too much for Matt to bear. His head dropped roughly against her trembling shoulder, kept the pace of his fingers steady, whimpering as he slides his mouth wetly along her shoulder, biting the sweaty skin, his cock head rubbing against the mattress as moans tumble free and meld with Y/N's pulse.

"Shit- babe, come on- cum f-f´me." Y/N whimpered against the side of his head, her hips still moving uncontrollably, her orgasm still burning inside her veins.

Matt huffs a laugh, shaky and cut with a moan.

"Yeah, angel, fuck. Gonna-"

All it takes is Y/N stretching up and nuzzling at the curve of his neck before latching on to a patch of skin and sucking hard to have the boy’s body drawing tight under her as he groans.

"Fuck, fuckfuckfuck, oh, God, Y/N-" His body acted on instinct as it arches, cum dribbling down his dick and soaked his boxer shorts, a shiver running through his spine as his eyes rolled up his skull, his right hand curling painfully around his wrist guard.

As the waves of Y/N´s orgasm finally began to subside, her body relaxed, her muscles going slack. Her breath came in short, ragged gasps, her chest heaving, her skin flushed and glowing. She looked down at him through heavy-lidded eyes, stifling a smile. 

Y/N noses at warm skin until she finds a mouth, kissing it hard and moaning softly, giggling when she pulls back and is greeted with Matt looking so sweetly dazed, lips wet and kissed cherry red, a few beads of sweat trailing down from his temples.

The boy leans in and steals the laughter off her lips for the thousandth time that night, and they sink deeper into the mattress, sighs slipping as they revel in the post-orgasm heat and the closeness and the taste of each other.

"Baby." She whispered, her voice hoarse, a satisfied smile tugging at her lips. "That was... amazing."

Matt couldn’t help the lazy smile that spread across his face, head spinning and heart swelling with pride at the fact she just came hard with only his left hand.

"Hmm, yeah?" He mumble quietly, feeling boneless as little sighs fell from his lips, hitting her cheeks.

She lowered her head, laying her forehead on his shoulder, eyes rolling closed as she nodded slowly.

"Yeah."

He slowly withdrew his fingers, the wetness sticking to his skin glistening against the low light. Matt made a show of backing away only a bit, bringing his hand to his mouth, his plump lips wrapping around his fingers sweetly before finally cleaning it dry with his warm tongue. The digits came out from between his now wet lips seconds later, a 'pop' sound echoing lowly.

He smiled with the way Y/N's eyes watched his movements like a hunter watches its prey before leaning down slowly, caressing her lips against his.

Her taste was still on his tongue, mingling with the salt of sweat.

"I told you I could do it with my left hand." He murmured against her lips, his hand sliding up to cup her cheek. "If the goal is to pleasure you, I will always find a way."

Y/N hummed contentedly, her fingers letting his messy hair go to travel slowly from his neck to his clavicle and shoulders, her right hand wrapping around his biceps, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on his skin.

Her left one kept going, lowering through his arm, leaving a trail of shivers behind before brushing against the band of his wrist guard, a reminder of his injury, and she bit her lip, her head spinning with thoughts of how she could take care of him, just as he had taken care of her.

She shifted slightly.

"Y´know." She said softly, her voice teasing as she moved her face away from his, looking into his eyes. "I think you deserve a little reward for being so... creative with that left hand of yours."

Matt let out a breathy chuckle, his grip on her tightening just slightly before he fully relaxed again, his body still warm and pliant against hers. His dark lashes fluttered as he looked at her through half-lidded eyes.

"There’s no need." He murmured, voice hoarse, a sleepy smile tugging at his lips. His thumb brushed over her warm skin, fingers barely holding on.

Y/N’s playful expression faltered for a second, her brows drawing together. 

"Why? Are you hurting?" Her bottom lip jutting to form a small pout, her voice quieter, searching his face for any sign of discomfort.

At that, Matt’s brows twitched, his exhaustion momentarily overshadowed by the need to reassure her.

"No, angel." He said quickly, shaking his head, his fingers pressing just a little firmer against her skin as if to anchor her closer. He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing, before his gaze flickered downward, his confidence slipping into shyness. "Already came… T´was so good.”

Y/N followed his gaze, wetting her lips when she saw the damp spot against the black fabric. Her eyes flicked back up to him, taking in the way he suddenly looked a little embarrassed, his ears tinged pink, matching with his cheeks.

Matt cleared his throat, shifting his hips just slightly. His voice was softer when he spoke again. 

"Don´t- don´t know if I can handle another now."

Y/N blinked, her heart giving a slow, affectionate thud at the admission. Her lips curled into a smile, impossibly fond, as she reached for him again, her fingers threading through his messy hair, soothing.

"Matt." She breathed, her voice carrying something between love and arousal. "Fuck- pup, you’re so-" She stopped herself, letting out a quiet, breathy laugh as she shook her head.

Matt huffed a small chuckle of his own, though he still refused to meet her gaze for too long. 

"What?"

She cupped his face, tilting it so he had no choice but to look at her. His blue eyes were still heavy-lidded, but there was something else swimming in them now, something raw and so deep. She brushed her thumb over his cheekbone, wetting her lips.

"Y´so good to me." She whispered. “I don´t need you to cum again, okay? Wanted to please you. That´s all.”

Matt exhaled, his lips parting slightly, his features relaxing completely at her words. His left hand found her waist again, thumb rubbing absentmindedly over the fabric of her shirt.

"Yeah?" He asked in a murmur, his voice thick with something that made Y/N’s stomach flip.

She let out a quiet hum, leaning in to press a slow, lingering kiss against his lips. Matt keens, lighting up under the simple touch, his body warm and pliant under her touch, and Y/N chuckles softly, nipping his lip before murmuring against his mouth.

"Always, baby."

© vanteguccir

[damneddamsy]

falling | joel miller x fem!oc (part ii)

MICROFRACTURE—A quiet crack, invisible but irreversible.

summary: Joel Miller never expected much out of Jackson—just a quiet place to live out the days he had left. But when a baby’s cries lead him to a mother unravelling under the pressure of nursing her child she never asked for, he finds himself tangled in something he can’t walk away from—no matter how much he tells himself he should.

a/n: on today's episode of 'angry idiots and sad assholes', introducing the one and only Joel Miller! I let out a few tears writing this one, too, it's really painful when you think about how Joel probably perceives himself, or how I think he does. onto other happier news, I simply cannot believe the kind of response the first part garnered, and I'm shook! rise up, depression girlies!!! To everyone who responded in the comments and reblogs, I've read them all twice over and giggled and twirled my hair and threw up butterflies. Thank you, and I hope you like this one! :)

Joel settled into his routine like a man settling into an old wound. Patrols, clearing trails, the stables, the repair shop, the bar, dinner in silence, rinse and repeat. It was easier that way—easier than thinking too much about a vain attempt. He ignored his neighbour’s existence completely. At least, that’s what he told himself.

But ignoring something didn’t make it disappear.

Every morning, he still ended up at the dining table—the one he never used—sipping his coffee too slow for his patience, gaze drawn to the big white house across the street like a goddamn magnet. Watching for movement. Watching for them.

And he fucking hated it.

Hated the part of him that waited, that noticed, that took account of the smallest details like they meant anything to him. Like he still had a reason to care.

Sometimes, Maya fussed too much, and Leela would come outside, her hair a little unkempt, gait all botched, but her hands steady as she cradled her baby against her chest. He saw her murmuring softly to the baby girl, pointing to the sky, the trees, the shifting clouds, the falling snow. A little trick from Maria, he figured. It worked well enough. Maya would quiet, those big brown eyes so curious, distracted by the vastness of the world she barely understood.

And Leela—she still looked tired. Still looked like she was moving through a fog, unseeing, carrying more than just the baby in her arms. But she took to Maya differently now, touched her calmly, like she was no longer afraid she might break her.

That was good. That meant she was doing fine. That meant she didn’t need him. And that meant Joel could stop worrying about the things that weren’t his to worry about.

Joel was outside, tightening the hinges on his porch gate, bracing against the cold, when he heard her steps crunching in the snow. Still quiet. Still waiting. He didn’t look up right away, just kept his focus on the task in front of him. If she needed something, she’d say it.

"Good morning, Joel," Leela greeted warmly.

Joel gave a short nod, adjusting the grip on his screwdriver. "Mornin’."

She lingered there. Honestly, he just wished she’d just go back inside. So, he kept working, unbothered, and didn't look up.

"Loose hinges?" she asked.

Courtesies. He wasn't falling for it. "Mhm."

He knew when he wasn't wanted. She was finding her feet now, somewhat starting to take care of herself, carefully taking care of Maya. She didn’t need him checking in, didn’t need him hovering. And maybe—maybe that should’ve felt like a relief. It didn’t.

"You need anything else?" he asked, voice gruffer than he meant it to be.

"No, I just..." Leela wavered, softly, like she already knew he was about to shut her down. "I wanted to say thank you. For helping me out these few weeks. I couldn't have done it without you."

Joel finally glanced up at that. Just a flicker.

Leela shifted in her puffy pants, adjusting Maya against her shoulder. The baby girl was bundled up tight, small fists curled into her mouth, watching him with that blank, childlike wonder in big eyes. It took every bit of strength he had to not fall for that, and just forget everything that happened.

Joel hung his head, nodding again, keeping his focus downward on the screw.

She was being friendly. Trying to meet him halfway. And he hated that this was what it had come to—that she felt like she had to say something, to extend some kind of olive branch, when all he’d done was build a wall between them. For no fucking reason.

He straightened up with a muffled grunt, wiping his hands on his jeans. "Nothin’ to thank me for. It was all you."

She half-laughed, something wry and knowing. "I know that's not true."

Joel glanced up, stiffening, but she wasn’t looking at him, just rubbing slow circles into Maya’s back, pressing a slow kiss to the top of her head, consoling herself.

He knew what she was doing. He wasn’t stupid.

She was trying to make things normal again. Like they hadn’t spent nights under the same roof. Like he hadn’t seen her fall apart. Like she wasn’t still here, right now, offering him something—a small, careful thing—and he was too much of a coward to take it.

So he didn’t.

Joel scratched the back of his neck with the screwdriver, rolling the tension out of his shoulders. "You oughta get inside," he said instead. "It’s too cold for the kid."

Leela’s expression flickered. Not hurt. Just resigned. He felt like he'd ripped the bandaid off a baby.

"Okay. Yes." She slowly nodded but hesitated a step back. Then—too quietly, almost like an afterthought—"It’s nice to see you around, Joel."

And with that, she started back down the road, holding Maya closer by her head, and Joel let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. That was better. Cleaner.

He grabbed his tools and turned back to his door, locking his jaw. He hadn’t meant to come off short, but it was better this way. Best to stay in his own lane. Best not to make something out of nothing. That’s what he told himself.

But later that night, when he was eating that damn delicious soup she’d left for him by his door—still warm, still considerate—he felt like a grade-A asshole.

From then on, it was Tommy who had taken over fixing the nursery, finishing what Joel had started. He figured that was for the best. It kept things clean. Tied up loose ends. He had no business stepping into that house anymore, no reason to.

And yet, his eyes always caught the details—the way the curtains in the nursery window shifted, the way light flickered between the slats, the way the wood he had sanded and painted was still unfinished, the way Tommy started bringing someone else along.

Mal.

Joel had seen him before, a younger guy with an afro that Tommy had taken under his wing. Handy with repairs, and good with his hands. Nothing special.

At first, Mal actually worked. Brought his toolbox, put up a few shelves, and nodded along to whatever Tommy said. Kept to himself. But then—things started changing. Mal started staying longer. Talking... to her. Right on the front stoop until the sun went down.

It was fine at first. Two steps between them. Then one. Then none at all. Soon, he was leaning close on the porch railing, shoulders nearly brushing hers, speaking in low, easy tones that Joel couldn’t quite make out from across the street. And then—laughter. Leela’s laughter. Soft, hesitant, but real.

More than Joel had ever gotten out of her. Not that he’d ever tried.

Tommy and Maria stopped coming around entirely. It was just Mal now. Every goddamn day. He’d stroll up, toolbox in hand, tap on the door, and then—nothing. No sounds of work being done. No hammering, no shifting furniture. Just conversation.

Joel told himself it didn’t matter. Repeated it like a prayer, like a lesson he should’ve learned by now. That whatever Leela did, whoever she let into her home, was none of his business. That was the whole point of leaving, wasn’t it? Cutting ties, walking away.

He didn’t care about the way Mal lingered on that porch, didn’t care about the way Leela had started looking at him—not quite wary, not quite inviting. Like she was still learning how to trust people but was willing to try. Didn’t care about the way Maya reached for Mal, the tiny fingers curling into his beard, the easy way Mal let her.

And yet, he always saw it.

The way Mal leaned just a little closer, the way Leela’s shoulders, once so tight and drawn, started to loosen. The way her fingers twisted in the fabric of her sleeves when she spoke to him, soft and hesitant, like she wasn’t sure if she was allowed to enjoy the conversation.

Joel hated how much he noticed. It was worse when he overheard them.

He'd been out all damn day. Sun up to sundown, rifle slung over his shoulder, dealing with raiders, clickers, and everything in between. The kind of day that made his bones ache, that made his back scream when he so much as breathed wrong. The kind of day where all he wanted was to go home, put his feet up, and maybe—just maybe—close his eyes for longer than ten damn minutes.

But no. Because just as he was rounding the corner to his place, the world ready to lay even more shit on him, he heard them.

"You mean to tell me no one's ever spun you around before?" Mal was saying.

Joel's step faltered. He should’ve kept walking. Should’ve ignored it. But of course, he didn’t. He adjusted his grip on the sack slung over his shoulder, slowing his pace, letting their voices drift through the cold evening air.

Leela snorted, light and dismissive. "Like dancing?"

"Exactly like," Mal confirmed, smooth as you please. "Having a little fun, letting go, feeling the music. Bet you don’t do much of that."

Joel’s fingers curled around the strap of his bag, grip tightening.

"There are more pressing matters than romance," Leela muttered, but she was laughing.

Joel didn’t like that one bit. He didn’t like the way she said it. Playful. Entertained. That was the first thing that rubbed Joel the wrong way. The second was the way the kid kept talking.

"Well, I bet Maya’s never even seen her mama all dolled up before, huh? Imagine that, baby girl," Mal cooed, and Maya's sweet crool followed like a melody.

Fuck this.

Joel didn’t hear Leela’s response, didn’t hear whatever she said next, because he was already moving—boots heavy, hands fisted, the strap of his bag biting into his palm. He was about to lay one on this bitch.

The frozen dirt beneath his boots crunched as he made his way there, shoulders squared, hackles raised, barely restraining the urge to grab that kid by the collar and shake some goddamn sense into him.

Because who the hell did this punk think he was?

Talking like that, acting like Leela was some blushing girl to be sweet-talked. Like she hadn’t spent the last few weeks barely holding herself together. Like she hadn’t bled for that kid in her arms. Like Joel hadn’t been the one who—

He stopped himself there. Tamped it down. Shoved it deep into the pit of his stomach where all the other shit lived.

Instead, he turned away, kept his head down and walked straight home, fists tight around anything. By the time he kicked the door shut behind him, his jaw ached from how hard he’d been clenching it. Fucking Mal.

Joel dumped the sack of supplies on the table and went straight for the bottle. Pulled the cork out with his teeth, and poured himself a glass with a hand that was damn near steady.

He took a sip. Let it burn. Let it settle. Then he muttered, "Goddamn kid."

He wasn’t mad. Not really. Because why should he be?

She liked him. Sure, he wanted her to be happy. If that happened, he'd finally get a good night's sleep. And yet, it wouldn't mean a fucking thing to him if Mal was the reason. One day, when he's going to see her and Mal inside her home, silver rings glinting off their hands, little Maya nestled between them, the picture of a perfect family...

Joel knocked back the rest of the whiskey and swallowed hard. Good. That was good. Good for her. Good for the baby. She didn't need him. Maya wouldn't need him. He'd butt out and live alone, in peace.

He set the glass down a little harder than he meant to. Stared at it. Then, just to be sure, he muttered it out loud.

"Ain't my problem."

But the facts remained.

She still wasn’t eating much or sleeping well. The dark circles under her eyes hadn’t faded. She still rubbed at her temples when she thought no one was looking, still blinked a little too long, like she was fighting off exhaustion every second of the day. Food was out of compulsion, not hunger, for the sake of staying healthy for Maya.

And then, one night, he saw her asleep on the porch swing. Curled in on herself, arms tucked tight, shivering against the cold, exhaustion dragging her under where she sat.

It took everything in him not to walk over and wake her. To shake her by the shoulder, drag her inside, make sure she was warm. It took everything in him not to care.

Because this wasn’t his anymore. He had no claim over them.

Didn’t change the fact that every time he saw Mal leaning against that railing, looking like he belonged there, like he’d always belonged there—that knot in his chest twisted tighter.

And he hated that, too.

X

Joel had truly been looking forward to dinner. It was the same thing every week. He’d go over to Tommy's, have a decent meal, shoot the shit with his brother, and let Ellie fill in the gaps of conversation. It was comfortable. Familiar. Nice. A welcome change from the silence of his own home, from days spent running the same damn circuit—patrol, repairs, the bar, then back to a house that wasn’t a home, not really.

But tonight, something was off. Joel could feel it from the moment he sat down.

Maybe it was the way Maria and Ellie kept glancing at him like they were waiting for something. Or maybe it was just Tommy—sitting across from him, chewing through a mouthful of steak, his expression too nonchalant like he had something up his sleeve.

Joel didn’t think much of it at first. He focused on his food, carving through the meat, grounding himself in the scrape of his fork against the plate.

Then Tommy opened his big hole of a mouth.

"Mal’s been spending a lot of time over at Leela’s place."

Joel’s hand tensed around his knife. And just like that, his appetite was gone. He kept his face neutral and didn’t look up. Just kept chewing, lagging and deliberate motions, like he hadn’t heard a damn thing.

Tommy, either oblivious or just plain cruel, kept going. "Helpin’ out with the nursery. Putting some time in with the baby girl." He ripped a piece of bread in half, completely unaware of the way Joel’s grip had turned his fork into a weapon. "Good guy. He and Leela get along well. It's nice to see."

Joel exhaled slowly through his nose. Focused on his plate. Flattened a piece of potato with the back of his fork. It didn’t matter. It wasn’t his problem. That was the whole goddamn point, wasn’t it?

He’d helped Leela out. Gave her time. Took care of her baby. That was it. She was somebody else’s problem now. And yet, the idea of some guy stepping into his place, rocking Maya to sleep, working on the nursery, fixing things, being there—his mouth flattened into a hard line. It stung.

No. It wasn’t his place to care. He'd told himself so many times, it felt like one of those daily affirmations bullshit. Thou shall not think of thy neighbour's handyman and his fuckeries.

Though, still, before he could stop himself, the words were already out of his mouth. "Nursery ain’t even done yet."

The second it left him, he regretted it. A beat of silence.

Then, slowly, too slowly, Joel looked up—and immediately hated what he saw. Maria and Ellie were smirking. That stupid, all-too-knowing, ready-to-annoy-the-shit-out-of-him-smirk. He had the greatest urge to leave the room.

Maria lifted an eyebrow. "And how exactly would you know that, Joel?"

Joel pursed his lips casually, setting his fork down with a little too much care. "They live right across the damn street. Hard to miss."

Ellie leaned forward, propping her chin on her fist. "Right. And how much time do you spend looking across the damn street?"

He massaged the bridge of his nose. "Don’t start, Ellie."

Tommy tilted his head, giving him a look that made Joel want to knock his damn teeth out. "You’ve been actin’ real funny ever since you left that house, y’know."

"Ain’t nothin’ to act on," Joel muttered, shifting in his seat. "I helped her out. End of story. Moving on."

Tommy wasn't letting go, damn him. "Uh-huh. Then why you sittin’ here lookin’ like you just bit into a bad lemon the second her name came up?"

Joel’s jaw ticked.

"Yeah," Ellie added, grinning. "Why’s your face doing that thing?"

Joel frowned. "What thing?"

She pointed with her fork to the furrows above his eyebrows. "The thing where you pretend you don’t care, but your forehead says otherwise."

Maria hid a knowing smile behind her glass while Joel rubbed at his face consciously, glaring over at Ellie. "You could just go over there, you know."

Joel let out a short, humourless chuckle. "Oh, c'mon. For what?"

"Dinner," she said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Just a meal with friends. Tommy, me, you, Ellie—Leela and Maya. Nothing big."

Joel stared down at his plate. His food had gone cold.

"We don’t need to be doin’ all that," he muttered, shaking his head. Getting familiar and cosy. It'd only invite more trouble.

Maria ignored him. "She’s got that nice, big dining room. A sweet bar cart. French windows. Good view of the lawn. It’d be like a little party."

Joel didn’t respond.

"C'mon, man," Tommy pressed. "What’s stopping you?"

That was the question, wasn’t it? Joel wasn’t sure he had an answer. Or maybe he did—and just didn’t want to say it.

Because the truth was, he had no business going back. He’d done what he came to do. He’d helped. That was it.

But then there was Maya—her featherlight body in his arms, the way she’d reached for his shirt in her sleep. There was Leela—standing in the doorway that last morning, silent, watching him go. There was the stillness in his own house, the way he’d catch himself in the middle of the night, listening for a cry that never came. What the hell was wrong with him?

Instead, he just stabbed his fork into his potato and muttered, "Pass."

Maria and Ellie exchanged another conspiratorial glance. And Joel had the distinct feeling this wasn’t over.

Once dinner had progressed into a chore, Ellie and Joel, ever the gentleman, helped Tommy dry the dishes. Well—Joel did. Ellie, on the other hand, was just sitting on the counter, swinging her legs and cracking jokes about Tommy’s new manbun. The kitchen was warm, the soft clatter of dishes filling the space and laughter, the steak dinner still settling in Joel’s stomach.

“You’re really doing the whole ponytail thing now, huh?”

Tommy rolled his eyes, flicking on the tap. “Jesus, you sound like Joel.”

“Hey, you take that back! I am way cooler than Joel,” Ellie corrected. “And I'm a thousand times funnier. Pun-nier.”

“Debatable,” Joel muttered.

“Did Maria do this to you?” she asked, flicking a sudsy fork in Joel’s direction. “Blink twice if you need help. I've got emergency scissors.”

Tommy snorted, stacking the last plate in the cabinet. “It’s practical. And I'm starting to like it.”

Ellie tilted her head, unimpressed. “It's lazy. Tragic.”

Joel smirked but said nothing, wiping down a plate before handing it over. Tommy shot him a glare like he was expecting some backup, but Joel just shrugged. Not his fight.

Maria walked in from behind them, and Joel noticed that infuriating look on her face. Oh, nothing good would come out of this. She set a small box on the counter with a dull thud, right beside Joel. He barely glanced at it before she plopped another paper box on top—leftovers from tonight. Steak and potatoes just for a special someone.

“Could you pass this on to Leela on your way back?” she said casually, drying her hands. “It's one dose a day, each. And one scoop in cold water.”

Joel looked down, his hands bracing against the counter. Vitamins. Protein powder. Of course.

Maria tapped the food box. “And dinner.”

Joel eyed them both, then her. The way she said it, like it was no big deal. Like she hadn’t just put him in a position he couldn’t easily wiggle out of.

He sighed, already seeing where this was going. He set down the dish towel, rubbing the back of his neck. “Tommy can pass it to her tomorrow.”

Maria simply raised an eyebrow. “Meat’s gonna go bad.”

Joel narrowed his eyes. “Oh, so this is how you’re gonna play it?” He glanced at Tommy, then Ellie, both of whom were very pointedly looking elsewhere. “Really?”

Ellie grinned. “It’s a neighbourly thing to do, Joel. Don't you call yourself a gentleman?”

“I’m with her on that one,” Tommy added, crossing his arms.

Joel let out a slow, irritated breath. Family? No, just a bunch of annoying, traitorous little shits.

Maria only smiled, sliding the box closer to him. “Wouldn’t want her going without. She's already skin and bones. And you know... you live right across the damn street.”

Ellie burst out laughing, raising her fist to Maria, who bumped with her own knowing smile. “Respect.”

Joel clenched his jaw. She'd got him right where she wanted. Because now, if he didn’t take the stupid thing, he’d look like an asshole. And Maria knew that. She was being fucking shameless about it.

His gaze flickered down to the box. Then, before he could stop himself and leave them standing, an image surfaced—Leela, sitting on that damn porch swing, curled up against the cold. Maya’s tiny fingers tugging at her collar, red-cheeked, catching swirling snow in her dark curls.

Joel closed his eyes briefly. He couldn't shake it off. And he admitted it to himself, despite all his grievances against this, he missed them. He missed Leela's soft footsteps in the nursery past midnight, he missed Maya entirely. He missed the sense of normalcy once the blood and gore of patrol ended, to head to a warm home and lay down, exhausted, knowing he hadn't had a drink to fall asleep.

Then, wordlessly, he grabbed the boxes off the counter.

Ellie elbowed Tommy in the ribs, giggling. “See? Look at him. Good ol’ Joel, real man of the people.”

Joel shot her a warning look while heading over to grab his jacket, the delivery under his arm. “Don’t push it, kid.” Then pointed a threatening finger at Tommy as he yanked the front door open. “Can't believe we're related.”

Tommy only puckered his lips at him, miming a kiss. “Mensch Miller.”

X

The house across the street was unlocked again.

Joel stood at the threshold, jaw clenched, boots planted firm against the porch floorboards. The door was cracked open, swaying slightly from the evening breeze, the light from inside spilling out onto the steps. Did she even care about safety? It should’ve been locked. It should’ve been bolted shut, curtains drawn, an armoury stacked by the doorway. But Leela still acted like the world wasn’t what it was. Like Jackson was different.

It had been a whole two months since Leela brought Maya into this world, a month of struggling, of barely eating, barely sleeping, barely breathing. And now she had the nerve to leave her door wide open like she was inviting trouble? Like Jackson was some safe little haven where nothing bad could ever happen? A dangerous thing, that kind of trust. He’d seen what happened to people who had it.

His jaw ticked. He took the porch steps two at a time and pushed the door open without knocking.

Inside, the air was warm, thick with the scent of woodsmoke and something faintly sweet—baby powder, maybe, or that lavender soap Maria kept handing out. The fire crackled low in the hearth, throwing restless shadows across the room, licking at the edges of the high-backed armchair and the mathematics-riddled books and papers neatly stacked up in scatters.

And there she was, standing in front of it. Leela was running a brush through her hair, violently. Dragging it down, tangling it further, hissing under her breath when it snagged. Frustrated, impatient. Needed a haircut.

The same damn nightgown again. White, sleeveless, falling in soft folds just past her knees. But this time, his eyes caught the details—the way a single pearl button at her collar had been left open carelessly, the way the thin cotton made the dark silhouette of her body visible beneath, and the odd little cherries sewn sparsely into the fabric. Small, stitched by hand.

He had no idea why all that stood out to him. It just did. And boy, did it leave nothing to the imagination.

Leela stilled, catching sight of him in the doorway. The brush hung mid-stroke in her hand.

“Oh,” she said, like he hadn’t just barged into her house uninvited. “Hello.”

Her eyes and voice were warm. Soft, as if this was nothing out of the ordinary, as if she wasn’t standing there in nothing but a slip of a dress while the light from the hearth turned her edges golden.

Joel forced his gaze away. His eyes flicked over the living room instead, to the couch against the far wall—his couch, as much as he hated to admit it. The blankets were still there, folded neatly, stacked with the pillows like she’d been expecting him to come back. His grip tightened around the boxes in his hands.

“I—” He cleared his throat, stepping forward, extending the boxes toward her. “Maria sent you some stuff.”

Leela blinked again before setting the hairbrush down, padding toward him on bare feet. She took the boxes gently, fingers barely brushing his. “Thank you, Joel,” she murmured, flashing a little smile.

“Just vitamins, powder,” he played off.

She pried the lid off the larger box and inhaled deeply. He caught the way her nose twitched, her fingers tightening just a fraction around the edges.

“Her famous steak dinner,” he offered her.

And then, like clockwork, her stomach betrayed her, the low grumble cutting through the quiet between them. She stiffened, laughing, breathless and sheepish.

“Sorry.”

“You should eat—”

A sharp cry cut through the air, calling for her. Both their heads swung toward the staircase.

Leela sighed first, setting the boxes away. “Napkin,” she murmured, as if reciting from a schedule. “Please help yourself to anything. I’ll be right back.”

But Joel stepped forward, one arm extended, the box acting as a barrier between her and the stairs. He despised the unfamiliarity.

“Eat,” he said, firm.

She hesitated. Her gaze flickered between him and the staircase, like she was weighing her options, debating whether to argue or just go along with it.

Another cry echoed from upstairs—short, needy. Joel could tell. It wasn’t hunger, it wasn’t pain. Little Maya was lonely already.

“I got this,” he assured.

Leela chewed her lip. “But—”

“I know the drill.” He jerked his chin toward the kitchen. “Just eat.”

A long moment passed, heavy with hesitation. Then, finally, she relented, her shoulders sagging as she breathed in surrender. She took the box from him.

“I’ll grab a fork, I guess,” she muttered, turning toward the kitchen.

Joel smothered a grin while watching her go, and took the stairs two at a time, powerless to his anticipation. It had been two weeks since he held the baby girl. He'd missed the shit out of her, not that he would admit that to anybody. Of course, he wasn't about to pass up this chance for anything.

From the landing, the nursery's door cracked open, light from the hallway bleeding into the dim room. Joel frowned as he leaned in to inspect.

The first thing he noticed was that the crib had moved. His boots made no sound over the wooden floor as he stepped inside, scanning the space. The wooden shelves were up, already home to Maya's folded clothes, towels and napkins. The light installation dangled halfway, unfixed. No one had even begun work on painting the walls. No armchair. No rug.

This Mal guy was a complete jackass. Maya's nursery was a mess.

“Good with his hands, my ass,” Joel muttered. “What a fuckin' tool.”

Joel angrily followed the hallway light, stepping through the open doorway into the furthest bedroom, a room bigger than any he’d ever seen in Jackson. In Texas. In this country.

Massive was an understatement. This was the kind of bedroom you’d see in a damn commercial—the kind of thing he would’ve scoffed at, once upon a time. The bed alone was ridiculous. Olympic-sized, sunken into a floor for itself, welling with plush, overstuffed pillows and thick sheets, barely disturbed. A sliding-door closet stood at the far end, pristine, untouched. A plasma-screen TV mounted on the opposite wall, thick with dust.

Joel’s lips pressed into a thin line. There was something unnatural about it. The way it felt more like an untouched display than her bedroom.

Maya’s cries pulled him from his thoughts. Joel crossed the room, approaching the crib—the one he’d worked on. All pink and polished for the spoiled little girl.

The moment she saw him, her cries hitched. Big, teary brown eyes blinked up at him, wide and glistening, like she was struggling to focus. She sniffled, tiny fists flexing against the mattress, mouth wobbling around her jutting tongue, as if trying to place him.

Joel couldn't resist a grin, brushing a coarse knuckle against her soft cheek.

“Hi, baby girl.” Then leaned closer to whisper, “Traitor.”

Maya sniffled, blinking again, then reached for him—small fingers curling, grasping blindly before finding his much larger one, tugging it toward her mouth. She gummed at his gnarled knuckles with a fussy little noise, her brows furrowing in concentration.

He chuckled, shaking his head. “That ain't fair. That's your apology?”

Maya made another small whimper of a sound. And a real smile. A big, toothless, gummy grin, full of warmth and recognition. Something nearly uncoiled at his ribs.

He pulled a so-so face. “Hm, I'll bite.”

It was muscle memory, really. The way his hands moved—effortless, practised. He'd done it more than fifty times in two weeks. He made quick work of the napkin, wiping her clean, then slid his hands beneath her arms, lifting her up in one smooth motion.

He grunted as he did, “C'mere, sweetheart. You beautiful, beautiful girl. Did you miss me, huh?”

She squealed, legs kicking excitedly as he cradled her against his chest, supporting her head the way he always did. And just like that, he eased into the old rhythm without thinking. That familiar weight against him, that warmth—gentle, swaying, murmuring under his breath. It was easy. Too easy. Like breathing. Like falling asleep.

She nestled into his shoulder, tiny fist pressing against his neck, seeking his warmth. She’d gotten bigger. Not by much, but enough. Still delicate, still small—but stronger now. More aware. Smart, like her mother.

"Yeah, you missed me," he murmured when she nuzzled against his neck.

And then—pure, infallible instinct—he dipped his nose into her hair and breathed her in deep. Soft linen and old cotton, warm and faint.

Sarah used to smell like this once. For just a little while. That same invisible claw tore at his memories. Joel closed his eyes, just for a second. He remembered how, when she outgrew it, he'd missed it terribly. How he’d sometimes let her sleep curled up in his arms all night long, his back against the headboard, just to hold onto that smell. Just to keep that small, fleeting moment of innocence before the world could take it away.

That nostalgia settled deep in his ribs, quiet and whole. This seemed like the only place in the world where suffering didn’t exist. Like his hands weren’t stained with all the things he’d done, all the lives he’d taken.

Because here, right now, with Maya, he wasn’t the man who had lost and lost and lost again. He wasn’t the man who’d left behind nothing but bodies and broken promises. No, she didn’t know any of that. She didn’t care.

She only knew his warmth. She knew the steady beat of his heart, the scratch of his beard against her soft skin, and the way he said her name. She only knew him as someone safe. And fuck, he wasn’t, he wasn’t, but—

God help him, he wanted to be.

Maya sighed, a tiny, content sound, pressing closer. And Joel—he let himself believe, just for a moment, that he was clean.

A soft gasp behind him made him turn to reality and toward the door. “Oh, Maya.”

Joel turned to find Leela standing in the doorway, hand to her mouth, eyes wide in amusement. She had changed—finally—into one of those oversized sweaters he’d seen her wear on colder nights, sleeves swallowing her hands. But she wasn’t looking at him. She was looking at his chest.

Joel frowned. “What?”

Leela bit her lip, trying—failing—to smother a smile. She motioned vaguely toward him. Joel tracked her finger and glanced to the side. And felt it. Hot, damp.

Damned baby spit-up.

Maya’s little betrayal soaked through the fabric of his shirt, spreading down from his collar and shoulder to his chest in an uneven, milky stain. She smacked her lips contentedly against his collarbone, completely unaware of the mess she’d just made.

He sighed, shifting her to the other arm. He levelled her with a playful glare. “You gonna warn me next time you ruin my shirt, darlin'?”

Maya only gurgled in response, a soft, pleased little sound.

And then, following her daughter—Leela laughed.

Not the quiet, polite kind that he'd managed out of her once. Not the forced kind, either. A real laugh. Breathless, unexpected, warm. Like it had slipped out before she could stop it.

Joel felt it like a slow-moving punch to the gut. He didn’t hear that sound often. Hell, he wasn’t sure if he’d ever heard it before on his account. He'd finally done it.

It changed something about her, softening her face in a way that caught him off guard. Her eyes creased at the corners, the tightness in her shoulders eased, the exhaustion in her expression smoothed over—just for a moment.

It did something strange to him. He didn’t have the time to name it. So he just exhaled sharply, muttering a curse under his breath as he adjusted Maya over to the other arm, rubbing a hand over his damp shirt.

“Yeah, real funny. Your girl just aired her paunch all over me,” he grumbled.

Leela tried to sober up, apologising, but another chuckle slipped out in between, and Joel caught the way she bit her lip, fighting to suppress it.

She was enjoying this. And he was in big fucking trouble.

"Don't move. I'll get you a spare shirt," she said, laughing, before walking to the adjacent closet doors.

Joel didn’t even get the chance to protest before Leela slid one side of the closet doors open, revealing—sweet Jesus.

His eyes landed on the neat rows of men’s clothing hanging inside. Not just a few misplaced items, not something left behind by chance. An entire collection.

Button-downs, slacks, henleys—clothes meant for daily wear. Added into the mix, were pressed suits, the kind that cost more than a month’s worth of supplies, the kind men used to wear to skyscrapers and boardrooms, back when the world was still upright. And golf shirts. For fuck’s sake, golf shirts.

Joel’s jaw hinged back up. Golf was a rich man’s game. He’d worked jobs near country clubs in his past life, and seen the kind of people who played. Men with money. Her father, perhaps.

Leela had definitely grown up rich. And looking at this—this untouched wealth, just sitting here, long past its time—it became clear. She probably still was.

Joel’s grip on Maya shifted slightly, the warmth of the baby pressing into his chest the only real thing anchoring him as his eyes dragged over the closet once more.

For all that Leela lived like a ghost, for all that she barely let anyone near her, this place still held echoes of what she came from. A past life that didn’t match the woman he’d seen standing at her front door, exhausted and hollow-eyed, desperate for her baby to stop crying.

Leela flipped through the hangers without hesitation, fingers brushing past labels he recognized—Armani, Burberry, Hollister. Eventually, she pulled out a green pullover. Soft, fine material. A little small for him, but it’d do.

She turned, offering it wordlessly.

Joel didn’t move to take it right away.

He was still staring at the closet. Not because he gave a damn about how much a fucking sweater cost, or whether she had a trust fund hidden away somewhere, but because it told him something. Something he hadn’t really thought about before.

Leela had come from comfort. Stability. A world where things were taken care of. And yet she’d buried herself in this big, empty house, alone, fighting tooth and nail to survive—like everyone else. And she never asked for help.

Leela cleared her throat. "It should fit. My father was a tall man."

Joel managed a sigh, shifting Maya in his arms. He took the pullover with one hand, already halfway through plucking open the buttons of his flannel.

While he worked, Leela stepped closer, ready to take Maya. She was quick about it, but Joel caught the way her fingers lingered, just for a second, as she scooped the baby up from his arms. Not on Maya.

On him.

Joel really tried to push it out of his head, write it off as an illusion, already plucking open the buttons of his shirt. His fingers brushed the fabric, and he paused when he caught the tag inside. Ralph Lauren, for fuck's sake.

Leela noticed with a small smile. "I didn’t take you for a man with fancy taste," she mused.

Joel let out a dry snort. "Yeah, well. Don’t get used to it."

He pulled off his flannel, the sleeves catching briefly on his wrists before he tossed it aside. The room wasn’t cold, but the air bit at his skin anyway. The scars felt it first—every healed cut, every old wound stretched over knotted muscle, each one a reminder of what his body had been through.

"Oh, man," he couldn't help but grunt, stretching his arms.

He worked the pullover over his head in one smooth motion, the fabric soft, snug across his shoulders. Felt like something he would’ve bought for Sarah back in the day, something she’d pull from a Macy’s rack, nodding in approval before insisting, "Dad, just try it on."

It fit better than he expected, but Joel barely registered that. His body had begun to ache. Not in one place—everywhere. It was late at night, it was cold, he missed his daily dose of whiskey, and he needed sleep for tomorrow.

The exhaustion sat in his bones now, permanent and familiar. His bad knee throbbed, aggravated from the cold, from the weight he put on it patrolling for hours at a time. His back had never been the same after that one fall, a long time ago. Some mornings, he woke up and could barely stand straight, feeling every single one of his years sink into him.

And yet, his body still held. Still worked. It wasn’t much to look at anymore. Not that it ever had been.

He had no delusions about himself—he wasn’t built for admiration. Never had been. Picking up girls and fooling around; that was Tommy's thing. He wasn’t the kind of man people looked at twice, not in the way that mattered. His body told a story, but not the sort anyone wanted to read or had a happy ending,

His hands were ruined things, thick with callouses from years of exertion, from gripping rifle stocks, from skinning game, from chopping wood in the dead of winter. His knuckles were perpetually split, healing just enough before the next fight, the next job, the next reason to curl his fists. Scars mapped his skin, uneven and jagged, old bullet wounds and knife cuts, hard edges, marks of a life spent fighting for something—for anything.

He wasn’t young anymore. He wasn’t some smooth-talking son of a bitch with a face that turned heads. He was always angry at something, thinking about something, readying his next step, even if it was a complete waste of his time.

But he was still formidable. He could protect. He could endure the rough-hewn demands of survival, even now. He could fight like hell. That had to count for something.

But Leela—she wasn’t staring, exactly. Wasn’t not staring, either. It was subtle. Barely there. A flicker of something implicit, something fleeting, the way her gaze traced along his arms, his shoulders, abdomen, the sharp cut of his collarbone before snapping away. As if she hadn’t meant to look, and she’d caught herself a second too late.

Joel had been around long enough to recognize when a woman was checking him out. And hell—he wasn’t gonna lie to himself. It made him feel good. Fucking fantastic, really. Like he could wake up tomorrow feeling twenty years younger. Like he could leap right out of bed and his back wouldn’t stiffen before noon. Like he still had something left in him worth looking at.

He wasn’t an idiot, though. He wasn't going to let it go to his head.

Leela adjusted Maya in her arms, moving her weight as if giving herself something to do, something to focus on that wasn’t him.

And Joel—he pretended not to notice. Didn’t say a damn word about it. Didn’t shift under her gaze, didn’t smirk at her, didn’t let her see that she’d gotten under his skin in a way he hadn’t expected.

Just muttered a quiet, "Thanks," and left it at that.

Leela hummed in response, turning away to lay Maya down, who was already dozing her little head off, into the crib with practised care. Then, just as easily, she pivoted back to her bedside dresser, fingers moving over a stack of neatly folded quadrille paper.

"Can you pass something to Tommy for me?" she asked, voice soft, controlled. "It’s really important he gets this as soon as possible."

Joel might not have paid it much mind, might’ve brushed it off as just another errand he wasn’t keen on running—but then he saw it. The way her posture stiffened, the way her hands smoothed over the edges of the papers like they were something fragile, something vital. But whatever this was—it mattered.

She flipped through the pages, and for the first time since he’d met her, he saw something rare. Excitement. A flicker of life.

"It’s a wonderful breakthrough, Joel," she said, and there was a rare enough lightness in her voice, bordering on unguarded enthusiasm.

Joel just blinked. Leela wasn’t the type to get excited. Or maybe he's just never seen it in her before.

"So, I’ve been working on…" then she went into something technical for his dense mind, talking fast in words that blurred together. It all went miles over his head. Circuits, electrical theory, conduction points—half of it might as well have been a foreign language.

Joel just stared when she finished with a deep breath.

Leela instantly caught the look and pursed her lips. "Okay, um. Let me put it this way."

She shifted toward him, gesturing as she spoke, putting it into Layman's terms. "You know how the dam stops producing enough energy in winter? When the river freezes over?"

Joel gave a slow nod.

"So we rely on fuel, but fuel’s very limited. We've got the town expanding, and people coming in. So our batteries drain. If we had an alternative energy source, something reliable—" She held up the paper, tapping a rough sketch. "And that’s where this comes in."

Her hands moved as she spoke, cutting through the air with sharp, purposeful gestures. Not just passion, not just expertise. Conviction.

"Lightning is erratic, but it’s raw power. Joules of energy. Think about it. If we can direct a strike into a controlled medium—like a graphene capacitor—we can store it."

Joel narrowed his eyes, the concept clicking into his lagging brain. "So what, you think you can catch a goddamn thunderstorm and turn it into a battery?"

Leela wheezed a quiet laugh. "More or less."

He thought about it. "Seems like a hell of a thing to gamble on."

"It’s not a gamble. It’s math. Physics. It will work, Joel, I know it."

Joel didn’t argue. He didn’t understand it, not really, but he’d seen Leela work before. He trusted her genius. The nights she couldn't sleep—he’d sometimes blink awake to the sound of chalk scraping against a blackboard, catching sight of her standing there in the dim glow of the bulb, mapping something out with surgical precision. Or hunched over a notebook, scribbling feverishly, lost in calculations that only made sense to her.

It wasn’t just her passion—it was her outlet. A relief. A tether to something greater than herself, something she could control before she lost herself completely in the demands of motherhood. And if this was what she was holding onto, then perhaps it was more than just an idea.

She tucked the paper back into the stack, levelling him with a quiet look. "I also have a prototype," she said simply.

Joel raised a brow.

Leela nodded toward the hallway. "It’s in the basement if you want to see."

Joel wasn’t big on machines. Or gear. The finer technical details weren’t for him. But—he glanced at her, at the way she stood, weight shifting from foot to foot, something unreadable behind her eyes.

She wasn’t pushing him. She was waiting.

After a beat, he sighed, tilting his head toward the door. "Lead the way, ma'am."

X

The stairs were steep, the kind that creaked under their weight, but Joel kept a firm hold on Leela’s elbow, steadying her as they made their way down. She was still weak. Too breakable. As far as his knowledge went, she should've gotten better by now. And how the hell was she supposed to do that when she barely ate without cringing?

Joel had half a mind to tell her that, to point out how unsteady she was, how she winced when she put too much pressure on her feet—but she’d just brush him off with a shaky smile. So instead, he let out a quiet breath through his nose and adjusted his grip, keeping her close until they reached the bottom.

"There you go. Watch that last step," he guided as gently as he could.

She glanced up at him from the fringes of a smile, letting his hands go. "Thank you."

He expected damp walls, waterlogged corners, mould creeping up the corners, and a basement that smelled like rot and rust. As what he had been always used to when he went scouring towns nearby for supplies. What he got instead stopped him dead in his tracks.

"Well, I’ll be damned," he blew out.

It was a workshop. A big-ass one. Tools lined up on the magnetic walls, neatly arranged, half-finished projects sitting on a worktable, schematics pinned up in careful rows. More of Leela's notes and markers, taped-up designs. Funny how there was life only around all this machinery. Off to the side, an old wine cellar, the glass cases still intact, though the bottles inside were coated in dust.

And then—the cars.

Joel let out a low whistle. Two of them. Just sitting there like some abandoned luxury showroom. One was a Dodge Aspen, a classic in its own right. All violet and under repair. But the other...—his eyes caught the silver emblem glinting under the dim basement light. A prancing horse on the red steel.

"Come on," he muttered in disbelief, stepping forward, barely resisting the urge to run his hand over the hood. "Is that a… Maranello?"

Leela took a deep breath, still recovering from the stairs. "Yes. Custom-made and still brand-new. Not sure if there's any left out there anymore."

"Holy shit." His fingers flexed at his sides. He didn’t want to seem desperate, but fuck, when was the last time he’d seen something like this? Much less, been this close?

"Can I, uh…" He gestured indistinctly at the car.

Leela flashed him a small grin. "Knock yourself out. The door's unlocked."

He didn’t need to be told twice. Joel reached out, fingers brushing over cool, crimson steel before yanking the door open. The new car smell hit him right in the face—leather, polish, something untouched by time. His chest tensed at the familiarity of it.

He slid into the driver’s seat, running his hands over the wheel, the stitching around the stick shift, and the soft beige leather of the custom interior. And just for a second—he let himself imagine it. Top down. Gliding down the I-10, no speed limits, no patrols, just him and the open road, wind in his hair, sun on his face, Raybans on. That dream all felt like a lifetime ago.

A soft knock on the passenger side window startled him back to reality.

Leela’s face appeared through the glass, her lips quirked in amusement. "Should I leave you two alone?"

Joel huffed, turning slightly to mask the grin tugging at his mouth. She opened the door and drudged her way inside, moving slowly. The descent had taken more out of her than she was willing to admit.

When she shut the door, he immediately rolled down his window, straining his ears toward the stairs. The one time he wished his hearing wouldn't betray him. Had he locked the door upstairs? Could he hear Maya if she cried? What if he couldn’t? How come Leela didn't seem to think about this? God, this girl really had no clue.

Her voice broke into his thoughts. "I wish I knew how to drive it." She ran her hand absentmindedly over the dashboard, voice softer now, almost wistful. "I believe the last great invention of man was the automobile."

"You said it," he mumbled. "A damn beaut."

Joel glanced at her and did a little mental math. She must’ve been nine, maybe ten, when the outbreak hit. No middle school. No high school. No road trips, no late-night drives with her friends, music blasting. No first kiss. Just one world ending, and another one starting—a crueller one.

Leela exhaled, long and slow, sinking deeper into the leather seat like she could melt into it. Her fingers drummed idly on the handlebars, tracing invisible patterns, slipping into an old rhythm—one she didn’t even seem aware of.

Then, soft as a whisper, she started humming.

It was unhurried, quiet, like something she’d sung to herself a thousand times before. But it was enough to make Joel pause, something about the tune pulling at him. A half-buried memory, something from before. He knew that song. Hadn’t heard it in years, but it was still there, lodged somewhere deep in the creases of his mind.

"That’s—" He frowned, tilting his head, listening closer. "That Patsy Cline?"

Leela glanced up, surprise flickering across her face before something warmer took its place. "Walkin’ After Midnight. Yeah."

Joel hid a grin. "That is way before your time."

"So?" She smirked, tipping her head back against the seat, fingers still tapping, moving. "I had old parents. Rubbed off on me."

A layer beneath her words made Joel tread carefully. He, of all people, knew how age could sit heavy on a person, how some things weren’t worth prying open.

"Can’t have been that old," he muttered, though he wasn’t sure why he said it.

"My mom was seventy-eight when she passed. Dad, eighty-four."

Joel blinked. "W-o-w." The syllables came out slowly, one after the other, before he could stop himself.

Leela let out a quiet laugh, but it didn’t reach her eyes this time. She glanced down, her fingers still moving, trailing over the leather, the stitching, following some old path only she could see.

"I miss them every day," she said, voice softer now, more distant. "I’m grateful they singled me out of those photographs. Brought me here." She gestured vaguely to the house above her, her home, before exhaling, like she was letting something go. "I just hope I’m doing them proud."

Joel sensed that change, and he realized: too much sharing. It had to go both ways. And he was never going to be ready for that. So he did what he did best, avoided and threw her off the scent.

"Man," he said abruptly, with a cluck of his tongue, "if I had the keys and some fuel, I’d ride the hell outta this baby." The words came out before he could stop them. "And die a happy old man."

Leela laughed. A loud laugh, sounding much like her daughter just then, deep in her chest, like she hadn't done it in a long time.

"It’s got fuel," she said, still grinning. "You can still ride it."

"Just sitting here like it's nothing." He shook his head, a small laugh rolling out. "Christ. This is fantastic."

He glanced down at the stick shift, thumb absently tracing the edge of the gear knob, but something else caught his eye.

Her nightgown. Hitched up, ruffled around the tops of her thighs, loose fabric pooling where she sat. Bare skin. Soft, smooth, taut over lean bone—too much of it. The way she shifted, unthinking, rubbing one knee over the other, restless. He felt a rock dislodge in his throat.

Fuck. For all that he could be—a guardian, a protector—he had to be a man.

His fingers curled against his palm, an old instinct, something long-trained. Look away, don’t think about it. He turned back to the wheel, forcing his eyes forward. Dashboard. Windshield. Glove compartment. The thin layer of dust coating the steering column. Anything but the way one more inch of movement would have left too much for his mind to comprehend.

But the problem was—she hadn’t bothered to fix it. She didn’t seem to notice, or if she did, she didn’t care. So why should he?

He swallowed, jaw flexing tight. Because that was the kind of man he was. Greying, frustrated, scarce on love.

His fingers twitched, itching for something to do, something to grab. Instead, he moved without thinking, across the partition—one finger. Just a light tug, barely a breath of a touch, dragging the hem of her gown down, covering her knees. A simple thing. A quiet thing. A mistake.

Her whole body jerked, a sharp intake of breath—like she’d been touched by fire. Really, Joel felt it more than he saw it. The way her muscles tensed, a shudder raced, the quick clutch of her fingers as she held the fabric in place now, suddenly conscious of it.

Shit.

He withdrew instantly, fingers curling into a fist on the steering wheel. Should’ve just minded his goddamn business. Stupid, stupid man.

For a second, the air between them felt too tight. Even with the windows rolled down and winter winds howling outside, he broke into a sweat.

"Didn't see it," she mumbled.

He just shook his head, a small, dismissive grunt, keeping his eyes straight ahead. And that was that.

But the silence that settled over them after wasn’t comfortable. Not one either of them knew how to break.

Joel exhaled through his nose, fixing his stare on the windshield., fingers tapping slowly against the wheel, like he could smooth out the moment just by waiting it out. Jesus, he should’ve never touched her. Should’ve let it be.

“So, that prototype of yours,” he attempted to distract, voice rough. “You got it nearby?”

No response.

He frowned, risked a glance at her—and stopped cold.

Leela sat stiff in the passenger seat, her posture folded in on itself. One slender hand curled at her side, gripping the hem of her nightgown tight until her knuckles went white, the other was pressed to her face, knuckles braced against her nose. Her eyes filled with tears in seconds.

A long, slow breath in, too shaky.

Joel’s stomach sank. He knew that sound. He had seen a lot of it in his time. Had seen grief in all its forms—loud, violent, shattering. But this—this was different. This was quiet, heavy, desperate.

Her shoulders hitched, her breath sucking in too sharp like she was holding something back—something about to give.

And then, just like that, as if a thread had been cut, she sucked in another sharp breath, her whole body curling forward, hands coming up to cover her face—and it hit.

That same soft, keening sound he’d heard from her room almost every night. The one that came through thin walls, muffled by pillows, engulfed by fatigue.

But this time, she wasn’t hiding.

And Joel—he didn’t know what to do. His hands flexed against the wheel, confused and useless.

She wasn’t supposed to be crying. Not because of his pathetic self. Whichever way he saw it, this was his fault. He’d crossed a line, broken through a wall he’d meant to keep standing, and now she was here—crying. Because he couldn't keep his hands to himself.

His mouth opened, and his throat worked, but nothing happened. Fuck. What the hell was he even supposed to say? Everything seemed inappropriate. There was no justification for what he'd done.

His fingers curled tighter, nails digging into his palm. He had to fix it. Before it got worse.

His voice came out too rough, uncertain. “I'm sorry, I didn’t mean—”

“Just go.”

It hit like a crack of thunder. A faint, clear command, strangled between a cry. His stomach twisted.

He hesitated for half a second, long enough to hear the way her breath hitched, how her fingers curled deeper into her hair, how she looked like she wanted to fold in on herself, disappear into the goddamn leather seat.

He swallowed, jaw clenched so tight it ached.

He'd had seen women cry before. Ellie, Tess, hell even Maria. He’d occasionally held them while they did. But not this. Not her. And he hated—hated—that it was because of him.

His fingers flexed against his sides, fighting the instinct to reach out, to fix something he wasn’t sure could be fixed. But she’d made herself perfectly clear. To leave her alone.

So he did.

He wrenched the door open, barely registering the way it swung shut behind him. Didn’t look back, didn’t breathe until he was back up the stairs and out the door.

As he jogged down the porch stairs, the cold biting sharper now, cutting straight through the thick weave of his sweater, Joel tried to breathe. Snowflakes clung to the expensive fabric, melting fast, sinking in. He barely noticed. His inhales came long, exhales too short, not quite ragged, but uneven—like he couldn’t get enough air, like something in his chest was pressing down too hard, and no matter how deep he pulled, it wasn’t letting up.

It wasn’t panic. He knew what that felt like all too well.

This was different. A slow, creeping wrongness. A feeling that something had already slipped through his fingers, something he hadn’t even realized he was holding onto. And now it was gone, and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do to fix it.

He pressed a hand to his mouth, and wiped it down the scruff on his jaw, trying to steady himself, trying to shove it all back where it belonged. It wasn’t working.

His fingers curled into an aching fist. His breath fogged in the air in clouds.

He needed that fucking drink now.

X

The cold still lingered in the morning air, settling deep in Joel’s bones, but that wasn’t the only thing weighing him down. He hadn’t slept worth a damn. Tossed and turned all night, drifting in and out of restless half-dreams—images he didn’t want, memories he didn’t need. He woke up cold, despite the blankets, with a dull ache in his joints, and a scratch in his throat. Maybe from the weather. Maybe from something else.

Didn’t matter.

What mattered was getting out of that house. Getting up, getting moving. Keeping his hands busy, keeping his mind from straying where it wanted to go—back to last night, back to the way she had curled in on herself, hands to her face, shaking with something he couldn’t fix. He despised being around something unfixable. Made him feel incompetent.

He gripped the stack of papers tighter, the edges digging into his fingers as he stepped into the stables. Tommy was there, adjusting the saddle on one of the mares, humming some old tune under his breath. The familiar smell of hay, leather, and horse filled the space, grounding Joel in the moment. He clung to that.

“Tommy!” Joel called, his voice rougher than he meant it to be.

Tommy glanced up, brow lifting in mild curiosity. “Mornin’, brother. No hard feelings from last night,” he said, giving the straps one last tug before stepping back. His gaze flickered to the papers in Joel’s hand. “What’s all this?”

Joel didn’t answer right away. Just extended them out. Tommy brushed his palms off before taking them, flipping through the pages absentmindedly—until he wasn’t. His fingers slowed, putting together the pieces, his brows knitting together, his mouth parting just slightly.

"What in the... I mean—I talked to her about this,” Tommy muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. "Told her we'd be having trouble. That was last week.” He let out a low breath, rubbing at his mouth as he stared at the pages like they had just appeared out of thin air. "She really did all this?"

Joel exhaled with a slight grin, feeling like someone had just handed him a gold star. An odd feeling—one he didn’t quite know what to do with. It wasn’t his place to feel this way, no right to. But still, pride curled as concrete in his ribs.

“She stayed up workin’ on ‘em,” Joel muttered, not quite looking at him.

Tommy let out a short whistle, shaking his head. “Christ. This little genius just saved our asses out of the red.” He waved the papers at him. “Takin' this straight to Maria.”

Joel rolled his shoulders, clearing his throat. “Not just yet. There's a page is missing.”

Tommy paused and frowned, flipping through again. “The hell you talkin’ about?”

Joel crossed his arms, tilting his head. “I’ll give it to you if you let me fix that nursery instead of that goddamn kid.”

Tommy looked up at that, blinking. Then, realization dawned, slow and amused. His mouth curved into a smirk.

“For real, Joel?”

Joel scoffed, shaking his head. “Can’t even fix shelves right.”

Tommy cocked a brow. “He's just doing his job.”

“Little shit damn near had it fallin’ apart the last time I was there,” he argued. “Look, do you want the page or not? I'll just feed it to the horse.”

Tommy let out a sharp laugh, tipping his head back slightly. “You really got a bone to pick with this poor guy, huh?”

Joel’s jaw flexed, but he didn’t answer. Just kept his arms crossed, eyes unwavering. He wasn't backing down just yet.

Tommy shook his head, flipping the last page with a chuckle. “Fine, fine. You can fix whatever you want.” Then, without missing a beat, he held out his hand. “Now gimme the damn page.”

Joel handed it over without another word. But the way Tommy was still looking at him—grinning like he had something to say but was letting Joel walk away with his dignity intact—had him turning on his heel before his brother could get the last word in.

X

[ wow you read this far! now, if you're still reading, I'd just like to know - what song crept into your mind, about Joel or Leela, as you read this chapter? For Joel, definitely: Pain and Misery by The Teskey Brothers and as for Leela, ooooh: Wasteland by Royal & the Serpent! what about you? ]

{ taglist 🫶: @kaseynsfws , @prose-before-hoes , @kateg88 , @laliceee , @escaping-reality8 , @mystickittytaco , @penvisions , @elliaze , @eviispunk , @lola-lola-lola , @peepawispunk , @sarahhxx03 , @julielightwood , @o-sacra-virgo-laudes-tibi , @arten1234 , @jhiddles03 , @everinlove , @nobodycanknoww , @ashleyfilm , @rainbowcosmicchaos , @i-howl-like-a-wolf-at-the-moon , @orcasoul , @nunya7394 , @noisynightmarepoetry , @picketniffler , @ameagrice , @mojaveghst , @dinomecanico , @guelyury , @staytrueblue , @queenb-42069 , @suzysface , @btskzfav , @ali-in-w0nderland , @ashhlsstuff , @devotedlypaleluminary , @sagexsenorita , @serenadingtigers , @yourgirlcin , @henrywintersgun , @jadagirl15 , @misshoneypaper , @lunnaisjustvibing , @enchantingchildkitten , @senhoritamayblog , - thank you!! awwwww we're like a little family <3

And to those in the reblogs, I have no idea how to respond to your sweet, sweet, wondrous words, but after reading them all, I have the most fulfilling, full eight-hour sleep I've ever had in three whole months! I love all the effort you put into commenting, and sharing your thoughts, I know it doesn't seem big, but really, you've made such a difference in my life :) Thank you all so much, and I'd love to keep hearing more!!

@darknight3904 , @guiltyasdave , @letsgobarbs , @helskemes , @jodiswiftle , @tinawantstobeadoll , @bergamote-catsandbooks , @cheekychaos28 , @randofantfic , @justagalwhowrites , @emerald-evans , @amyispxnk , @corazondebeskar-reads , @wildemaven , @tuquoquebrute , @elli3williams }

[solvyn]

home is you - q.hughes

summary: after a long, exhausting day, quinn comes home to you—his safe place, his comfort, his always. word count: 728 warnigs: fluff

it's late when you finally hear the front door open, the soft creak of the hinges making your heart skip. you'd been curled up on the couch for the better part of an hour, the tv playing some random show you weren’t really watching, your attention fixed on the quiet hum of the city outside. but now, with the sound of keys clinking against the wood bowl by the door, your whole body relaxes.

quinn’s home.

he looks exhausted, dark circles smudged beneath his eyes, his hair a little messy from running his hands through it all day. his suit jacket is draped over one arm, the first few buttons of his dress shirt undone. when his eyes find yours, he smiles—small and a little tired, but warm enough to melt you instantly.

"hey," he says, voice soft as he toes off his shoes and makes his way over to you.

"hey, you," you whisper back, shifting to make room for him as he drops onto the couch beside you. he sighs the moment his head hits your shoulder, his whole body sinking into yours like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

"long day?" you ask, pressing your lips to the crown of his head, breathing in the faint mix of cologne and the chill of the night air clinging to him.

"the longest," he groans, wrapping an arm around your waist, pulling you closer. "missed you."

"missed you more."

he hums, content, nuzzling further into you. your fingers find their way into his hair, combing through the strands, and he practically melts under your touch. he’s always like this after a rough day—quiet, clingy, needing to be close, needing the kind of comfort only you can give.

"did you eat?" you ask after a moment, your fingers trailing down to rub slow circles against his back.

he shakes his head, eyes still closed. "was gonna just sleep."

"quinn," you sigh, pulling back just enough to look at him. "you can’t go to bed without eating."

he pouts—actually pouts—and it’s so unfair how cute he looks, all sleepy and soft like this. "m’too tired to cook."

"good thing i made something for you then, huh?"

his eyes flutter open, the hint of a smile playing at his lips. "you did?"

"of course i did." you press a quick kiss to his cheek before slipping off the couch, tugging him up with you. "come on, baby. let’s get you fed."

he grumbles a little but follows, trailing behind you into the kitchen. you plate up the meal you made earlier, reheating it quickly before setting it down in front of him. he watches you the whole time, something soft and sleepy in his gaze, like he’s still processing the fact that you’re here, taking care of him.

"you're the best, you know that?" he mumbles around a bite of food, eyes flickering up to meet yours.

"i try," you tease, nudging his foot beneath the table. "eat up, huggy."

he rolls his eyes but doesn’t argue, finishing his food quickly before standing to rinse off his plate. you move to help, but he stops you with a firm shake of his head, hands settling on your waist instead.

"i got it," he murmurs, pressing a kiss to your temple. "you already did enough."

"you sure?"

"positive."

so you let him, leaning against the counter as he moves around the kitchen, the exhaustion in his body a little less obvious now that he’s eaten, now that he’s home with you. when he finishes, he reaches for your hand, tugging you gently toward the bedroom.

"come to bed with me?"

"always."

you barely make it under the covers before he’s pulling you in, tucking you against his chest, his arms looping around your waist like he’s afraid you’ll disappear if he lets go. you settle easily into the warmth of him, tracing lazy patterns along his back.

"thank you," he murmurs into your hair, voice thick with sleep.

"for what?"

"for being here. for taking care of me."

you tilt your head up, brushing a kiss against his jaw. "always, quinn."

his arms tighten around you, a content sigh leaving his lips, and within moments, he’s out, his breathing slow and steady against your skin. you smile to yourself, nuzzling into his chest, and let sleep take you too.

[cyberyam]

hiiiii :3 have you done a threesome with toji and sukuna? 🥸

(i love your toji fanfics so plz, no pressure tho!!!)

pretty.

pairing: roommate!toji x fem!reader x roommate!sukuna cw: rough sex ; threesome ; fwb ; she/her pronouns used ; face fucking ; course language [MDNI!!! 18+!!!] ; praise ; pet names wc: 2.1k summary: roommate!toji has a bad day at work and needs an outlet, and roommate!sukuna doesn’t want to miss out on the fun.

when toji had a bad day at work, you were always the first to know.

you’d be lounging on the couch, a book in hand, half-lost in whatever story had caught your attention that week. then, the front door would slam open, rattling on its hinges. heavy work boots thudded against the floor as roommate!toji stormed in, cursing under his breath, his belongings hitting the ground in a careless heap.

his eyes found you immediately.

“you ready?” he grumbled, voice rough as he stalked toward you.

he didn’t need to elaborate. you already knew what that meant.

and that’s how you found yourself now, as you had every other time your roommate had a bad day. beneath him. before you could even set your book down, he had you pressed against the couch. and now, your legs were folded over his broad shoulders, his body caging yours beneath him. your clothes thrown carelessly to the floor as one of his knees sank into the cushion beside you, the other foot planted firmly on the floor as he braced himself.

each deep thrust sent a sharp jolt of pleasure through your body, the thick curve of his dick hitting that sweet spot inside you over-and-over again. white-hot sparks shot through your veins, your back arching instinctively, nails digging into his toned back.

“too deep—” the words barely formed between gasps and mewls, your voice breaking as he drove into you relentlessly.

“god fucking dammit,” he was angry, you could tell in the way he fucked, every thrust fuelled by the blinding rage that flashed in and out of his vision.

his grip on your waist tightened. as his footing started to slip, he huffed in frustration before hoisting you up with ease. the sudden emptiness made you whimper, but it lasted only a second before he flipped you over, pressing your chest flush against the backrest. your head lolled forward, arms trembling as he slammed into you from behind, setting a brutal, punishing rhythm.

“oh my god,” you choked out, tears burning at the corners of your eyes.

“fuckin’ pricks,” he growled, barely pausing between sharp, ragged breaths. “don’t know what the fuck they’re talking about—shit—” his words broke off into a curse as he fucked through his frustration, the grip on your hips bruising.

“tojiii,” you whined, your walls clenching helplessly around him. every thrust stretched you open, his cock kissing your womb with each relentless snap of his hips. your fingers clenched the couch as the coil inside you wound tighter—

then, the soft click of the front door barely cut through the sound of creaking wood and skin meeting skin.

“could hear you guys from the hall.”

your head snapped up, heat flooding your face at the familiar voice.

“meathead having a bad day?”

“'k-kuna—” you gasped, only able to choke out half of his name as toji didn’t falter for even a second.

roommate!sukuna shrugged off his suit jacket, his white dress shirt hugging tightly to the muscles that rippled underneath as his gaze flicking lazily over the scene before him—a sight he had now grown accustomed to coming home to. “fuckers telling you how to do your job again?”

toji let out a breathless, humorless laugh, only pausing to deliver a sharp slap to your ass. “yeah—shit—someone just got tighter—” his fingers tangled in your hair, yanking your head up from where you’d buried it in the couch. “you like this, huh?” he rasped, voice laced with amusement as his breath fanned hot against your ear. “getting fucked while someone watches?”

you barely had time to process the words before sukuna tilted his head, eyeing you with an unreadable expression. then, his gaze dropped lower, his lips quirking as he adjusted his belt.

“her mouth free?”

from the corner of your eye, you caught the slow, deliberate roll of his shoulders as he made his way towards your gasping and moaning frame—the growing bulge pressing against the front of his navy blue dress pants.

toji’s palm came down hard on your ass, the sharp slap making you jolt with a startled cry.

“don’t hear any complaints,” he murmured, his pace slowing deliberately, taunting you as you instinctively rocked your hips back against him, desperate for more.

“pretty,” he mused, voice thick with amusement as his gaze roved over your flushed body, drinking in the way you trembled beneath him.

before you could respond, sukuna was in front of you, his clothed bulge pressing firmly against your lips. one of his large hands slid through your hair, fingers curling at the nape of your neck.

“yeah,” he agreed, a slow, satisfied smile tugging at his lips as he peered down at you. “pretty.”

your gaze flickered up at him through heavy lashes, heat rising in your cheeks as his grip in your hair tightened just slightly.

then, with a bit more force, he rolled his hips forward, pressing his bulge against your face.

“unzip me,” he ordered, his voice dropping the careless tone he carried when he first walked into the door.

your breath hitched, shame pooling low in your stomach at how eagerly your shaking hands moved to obey. but just as your fingers reached for the zipper, a strong grip yanked your arms behind you, pinning them in place.

“nuh-uh, pretty girl,” toji’s deep chuckle sent a shiver down your spine. his teasing barely masked the amusement in his voice as he punctuated his words with a sharp, deliberate thrust.

“teeth.”

the command came from the man in front of you, the gentle caress in your hair shifting into a firm fist, grabbing the base of your hair as he dragged you closer.

your tongue traced up the length of his bulge, slow and deliberate, teasing as much as searching for the zipper. your gaze flickered up through your lashes, watching the way his head tipped back, a low sigh spilling from his lips before he looked down at you again.

a groan forced it way from the back of his throat when he saw the way your teeth had latched onto the cool metal of the zipper, poised to pull it down.

“you’re a fucking tease, aren’t you?”

the hum of your response vibrated against his cock, drawing a sharp inhale from him as you dragged the zipper down, the movement agonisingly slow.

a shiver ran through you as a large, calloused hand ghosted down your spine, rough fingertips tracing the curve of your back with a tantalizing touch—just enough to make your skin flush in goose bumps. instinctively you rocked back, realising that the man who still filled you wasn’t moving at all now.

“aw, c’mon now, no reward before you’ve earned it,” the man in front of you teased, though his patience wore thin.

without waiting another agonizing second, he pulled himself free, his cock hard and heavy, stretching toward you before resting against your cheek. he smirked, tilting his head as if measuring just how deep he’d reach at the back of your throat.

another hand traced down your other cheek, rough fingers brushing over your lips before pressing inside, coaxing your jaw open with effortless control.

“good girl,” he murmured, voice thick with satisfaction.

“you’re gonna take me now, yeah?”

with his salty thumb pressing down on your tongue, stealing your ability to speak, and your wrists still pinned behind your back, all you could do was meet his gaze, eyes wide and expectant.

“uhu,” you hummed, the sound vibrating around his thumb in quiet obedience.

a deep groan rumbled from behind you, followed by a sharp yelp from you as a single, punishing thrust slammed into you without warning.

“hurry the fuck up before i get fucking soft,” toji growled, his tone edged with impatience, his grip tightening as he punctuated his words with another slow, deliberate roll of his hips. he loved teasing you, truly. but he was a man after all, and he wanted his needs met.

“she could’ve bitten off my finger, dickhead.”

“yeah? well, i thought you liked teeth play. now hurry up and stick your dick down her throat, or i’m just gonna fuck her without you.”

and so he did.

he pushed past your lips, sliding to the back of your throat as you sputtered and gagged, throat convulsing around him. but instead of pulling away, he only murmured praise, telling you what a good girl you were, how well you took him as he pressed deeper to the back of your throat.

behind you, toji set his own rhythm, mesmerized by the sight before him. he started slow, letting you adjust to being filled from both ends, before gradually picking up the pace.

sukuna's grip on your hair tightened at the base of your neck, his thrusts growing more insistent as he used your mouth. hot tears rolled down your cheeks, the overwhelming sensation making your whole body tremble.

“look at me,” his voice gruff, lost in the way your hot mouth felt around him.

your wet lashes fluttered open, meeting his gaze.

“so fucking pretty,” he groaned, the sight of you—eyes glassy, mouth stretched around him—sending a shudder through him. your muffled moans vibrated along his cock, each one making his hips snap forward on their own.

your body ached to writhe, to move, but you were held steady by the men crowding you. you barely had time to register the shift in toji’s hands—one wrapping around both your wrists, the other roaming lower, fingers tracing down your ass before pressing against the place where he was already stretching you open.

suddenly, a new pressure joined his relentless thrusts, pushing against your overstimulated hole.

you wanted to cry out, but your pleas were muffled by the man in your mouth.

the heat, the stretch—it was too much. your eyes rolled back, the blinding feeling drowning you completely.

“you like this, pretty girl?” the man behind you panted, between thrusts.

his finger pressed against your already-stretched hole before slipping inside, guided effortlessly by the slick mess dripping from where he filled you.

oh god— you wanted to cry out, to whimper it, but the words dissolved into a strangled sputter as the man in front of you held your face flush against his crotch, your nose buried in the coarse hair at his base.

“god, you’re so fucking tight,” toji groaned, his pace growing more desperate, becoming more sloppier as he readjusted his position, raising a leg onto the couch beneath you so he could angle himself deeper. “fuck.”

the familiar knot coiled in your stomach, winding tighter with every relentless thrust. your mind blurred, pleasure consuming every thought, heightened by the lightheaded haze of asphyxiation as the man in front of you kept you buried against him.

but he wasn’t a monster.

he would pull out just long enough for you to gasp for air, your chest heaving, your lips slick with spit and precum—before deciding you’d had enough and pushing himself back into your mouth, resuming his steady, merciless rhythm.

“shit,” he seethed through clenched teeth as your tongue dragged along the base of his cock, his breath hitching. his thrusts grew shallower, more erratic, his grip tightening as he pressed your face firmly against his body. with one hand, he loosened the collar of his dress shirt, his chest rising and falling in sharp, uneven breaths.

sweat beaded along his skin, his auburn hair clinging to his forehead, his need to cum intensifying as he watched you beneath him. you were a wreck—lips stretched swollen around him, drool spilling down your chin, tears streaking your flushed cheeks as you took it from behind, body jerking with every brutal thrust. even through the haze, you tried to keep your glassy gaze locked on his, the desperation in your expression sending another shudder of pleasure through him.

you were the first to come, your body wracked with tremors as toji finally let go of your wrists and pulled out his thumb. the ache from his grip barely registered over the waves rolling through you, but your legs threatened to give out beneath you, only held steady by his now firm grasp on your hips. your body jerked between them, raw and oversensitive, but they weren’t finished yet.

“fuck, just like that,” sukuna groaned, your muffled cries around his cock sending a shiver throughout his body. his hips stilled, pressing himself deep as his release spilled into your throat, forcing you to swallow around him with every pulse.

toji wasn’t far behind. your walls still fluttered around him, pulling him in with every drag of his cock, your body too fucked out to do anything but take it. that tight squeeze, the way you pulsed around him—fuck, it ripped his orgasm from him, thick and deep inside you, leaving you moaning softly at the warmth that spread through you.

sukuna finally pulled out, his cock slipping from your lips with a slick pop. he wiped the drool from your chin with his thumb, watching your swollen mouth part slightly as you tried to catch your breath. behind you, toji eased out, his eyes fixed on the mess between your legs—his cum dripping from your ruined hole, sliding down your inner thigh in slow, lazy rivulets.

“pretty,” he murmured, his voice rough as he exhaled, watching your swollen hole pucker from the sudden emptiness.

“feeling better?” sukuna asked, amusement evident in his tone as he tossed a glance to the other man.

“yeah, much.”

you collapsed onto the couch, body spent, chest rising and falling in slow, uneven breaths. a flicker of guilt curled in your stomach—because as exhausted as you were, you knew you’d be looking forward to toji’s next bad day.

an. i had way too much fun with this, i'm sorry anon (i wrote this while at work lmfao)

© cyberyam