#tried to get a good mix of silliness and angst

[randomnerd737]

kinda late, but the snake telepathy bit in Janus's grwm video makes me want to see what the other sides' thoughts look like

suggestions:

Logan: he just thinks about what Thomas needs to do and how to make Thomas' life better, but there is also this constant scream of rage and frustration that never stops in the background of his thoughts

Roman: at least a fourth of it is just thinking about Nico. he also thinks about what he can do to make people like him.

Patton: he's thinking about how awesome the other sides are and trying to figure out how to be a good friend and make everyone happy

Virgil: he just thinks of everything that could go wrong in any given scenario. he makes up scenarios where everything goes wrong.

Remus: it is exactly the same as what he says. the only difference is he occasionally thinks about how lonely he is.

[reiderwriter]

ACK I'm so excited that your requests are open again! Um okay, this one feels a bit silly but I'd love a fic where fem!bau!reader is really attracted to Spencer and the way that he smells? (I just KNOW that man smells like cinnamon and a Scholastic Book Fair.) Like, she's been doing a good job hiding her crush from the team, until Spencer catches her eyes dilating at him when he's standing close. And he's an oblivious king, so he's trying to figure out why they were dilated. If it could be race blind like my last request, and from Spencer's POV, that'd be great. (Or split POV, if you'd rather). I really see this as fluff, but if you want to include angst or smut go right on ahead! Thank you for reading my request! Your writing makes my day.

-❤️‍🩹

A/N: This was so fun and silly, and I love writing awkward, puppy love Spencer because sometimes you just have to let yourself become mildly infatuated with a coworker. For the plot. Or at least character development. I hope you like this one!!

Warnings: none.

Masterlist

You thought you'd settled into work well in your first few weeks as a member of the BAU. You thought you were up to speed about everything going on in the office. There was just one mystery left to solve.

“Where is that smell coming from?” You whispered to yourself, frustratedly sniffing the air for the second day in a row as you attempted to locate the warm, delightful smell that seemed to follow you whenever you were in the office.

“Could be one of Garcia's scented candles. They tend to linger,” JJ said from her corner of the bull pen.

“No, I checked earlier and she said they made her throw those out weeks ago.”

Honestly, it was not knowing that was driving you insane. If you knew what the smell was, you could bottle it, spray it all around yourself, and wrap yourself in it like a little blanket. It somehow reminded you of home and of the public library you'd spent much of your childhood in.

After another day of being able to figure out whoever had bought the scent version of the Scholastic Book Fair mixed with homemade cinnamon buns, you gave up. 12 hours of paperwork, and you were just as excited to get away from the sight of brown folders as ever, and as everyone else in the bureau, evidently.

Grabbing your bag, you got in the line for the elevators alongside your team.

“Ready for the crush?” Derek said, punching Spencer Reid on the arm as they waited ahead of you.

“Ow,” the younger man muttered and you tried to hold your giggles back, rolling your eyes as you watched them in amusement.

Derek’s words were true, though. Every day at home time, the elevators packed up quickly, and being on the middle floor meant that it could often take a while for the elevator to come back to you. You swore it was half the reason Hotch stayed late most nights, just to avoid the crush of the trip home.

“I've been taking the DC public transport since I got this job. You think the elevators are bad. Try 8 am subway on a Monday morning.”

The doors opened, and the three of you climbed into the barely there space of the elevator. With a quick side step, you found yourself against the left wall of the elevator. But to your shock, the scent you'd been searching for for three weeks didn't dissipate as it usually did when you got on the elevator.

It was here. The source of the scent was here.

You tried to stay calm as it grew more potent, tried not to frantically look around searching for whatever man or woman was perfumed in heaven. The doors opened again, and more people squeezed in, and suddenly, you found yourself buried nose-first in whatever sensory heaven existed here on earth.

“Sorry,” you heard a mumble in front of you as Spencer held his hand against the wall above your head, trying to keep a polite enough distance so as not to squish you any further. Your mismatching heights, however, led to your face being just about level with his neck.

You really weren't trying to smell him, but you had to inhale, and each time you did, it was a sensory overload.

It was him. Dear God, it was him.

The proximity and his scent really weren't helping your brain stop short circuiting in that moment, and you had to remind yourself after a minute or two or three that you were staring.

Though evidently Spencer had already noticed, and was looking at you with some concern.

“Are you okay? It's pretty tight in here, but I can try and move back if you're uncomfortable.”

“No! No, it's okay,” you did your best not to shout the words out, suddenly wanting his smell and his body close forever.

You hadn't been looking before, but like a freight train at maximum speed, the weight of his attractiveness hit you all at once. There was a slight stubble peppering his jaw, his hair hanging slightly loose, eyes big, and brown, and beautiful. He was tall, and you knew he was strong from watching him manhandle unsubs each week.

To put it blankly, you spiralled. Hard. Straight into infatuation and attraction, and you felt your head growing light with the tipsy feeling of a girlish crush.

You were fucked.

Spencer was concerned about you for the next week.

For starters, he knew that most new hires pushed themselves to the extreme over the first month and ended up quickly burnt out, mentally and physically. He may not have the best physical stamina, but he knew the lengths he had to go to to maintain his mental and physical wellness while working the job.

Which was why he started looking out for you a bit more. Every time he looked at you, you were staring off into space, somewhere just past him, or around him, face glazed over.

He wondered if you had a fever a few times, subtly touching your forehead - wiping away some sweat or a strand of hair - to feel you, and you did always feel hot.

You insisted you were fine though. But the nervous panic, and the constant insistence made him wary enough to pull you aside one day and ask you straight to your face.

“Do you need something?” He said, having unassumingly lured you off to the meeting room without arousing suspicions.

“What? What do you mean?” You said, instantly defensive. You'd hoped you hadn't been as creepy as you knew you had and that he hadn't caught on to your stolen glances and sudden close proximity.

You really couldn't help it. The man smelt too fucking good.

“If you're feeling sick, no one is going to think any less of you for taking a half day, you know.”

His voice was so gentle, you almost didn't die from sheer embarrassment. Almost.

“Oh! Oh, oh no, I'm fine, I'm totally healthy. As a cow!”

“A cow?”

“Yes, I'm as healthy as your average farm animal. Can I go back to work?”

You made to leave, but he grabbed your wrist gently as you brushed past him, and it was like sparks travelled up your arm and pierced your heart directly.

“Spencer!?” you squeaked.

“Your heart rate is elevated, and you feel hot and clammy,” he said, which was exactly the kind of compliment you were aiming to receive from men you were falling for. “You should go see a doctor and then get some rest.”

“No, Spencer, that's not-”

“Everyone pushes themselves in these first few weeks. I had to take a week off after two days in the field from the weight of holding a gun up for so long, which is more embarrassing than it sounds, and Derek-”

“What cologne do you use?” you snapped, desperately hoping to both shut him up and also detangle yourself from this situation with at least one win under your belt. If you found out whatever the smell was he used, you could buy it, grow accustomed to it, and grow out of whatever phase you were going through before you out your job in jeopardy.

“What?”

“You smell… really good. I was wondering what cologne it is.”

“I don't… I don't really use cologne.”

You baulked, unable to stop your face from dropping as your dreams of detaching yourself from your little crush on Spencer Reid faded before your very eyes.

“Shower gel? Shampoo maybe?”

“They're both unscented.”

“So you just… you just smell like that naturally?”

It was his turn to flush then, though the panic never left your head fully.

“Sorry, is it… distracting.”

“Yes,” you whispered, but with such an exhausted exhale, it sounded like a dreamt sigh. You wanted to kick yourself. You wanted to open his jacket, step inside, bury your face in his chest, and fall asleep.

“I see.”

“Mhmm.”

A minute passed in awkward silence, and you wanted to kick yourself for blurting everything out. Quickly turning to leave again, you wished so dearly to erase the last five minutes of your life, sending up enough hail mary’s to absolve you of any sin.

“Lavender. And sometimes patchouli,” he called from behind you as you took your first steps to the door.

“Hmm?” you said, turning back around against your better judgment.

“What?”

“That's what you smell like,” he explained, hands suddenly very preoccupied with his jacket buttons. “I'm not great with scents, but you also smell… nice. Sorry, that was weird.”

“No, not at-”

“You know, the major histocompatibility complex genes are important for the immune system and appear to play a role in sexual attraction via body odour. Studies have shown that body odour is strongly connected with attraction in heterosexual females.”

“Oh. I didn't know that…”

“Do you want to grab dinner with me?”

The words almost knocked you back into the door, as sudden as they were. Had he just asked you on a date? Or was it a friendly coworker thing? A friendly coworker thing where he acknowledged your attraction to his scent and then invited you out on a date.

“Yes?”

“Yes?”

“Yes. Yes, I would like to get dinner with you.”

He did his best to suppress the smile, and you tried hard as well, though neither of you succeeded.

“Great, perfect,” he said, circling you as he made his way to the door, his eyes always turned to you no matter what. He likely regretted that as he bumped into first the edge of a table, then a chair, and then hitting the door with his back, but in your state of puppy love, you didn't care.

“It's a date,” he said, opening the door and walking away, cheeks flushed with heat.

[jjenthusee]

Subtle Stitches

jason todd x reader

A/N: i had an idea then it kinda spiraled? idk if in a good or bad way but i kept adding more and more. i’m also so exhausted from day to day life so this is to comfort myself HAHAHA so ENJOY :D

Tags: fluff, domestic jason, silly jason, toxic jason if u squint but i’m blind to that 😌 and slight angst but all is well :)

You tiredly started putting clothes in the washer, throwing mixed pieces of clothing from your pile and Jason’s pile.

Colors were first, a mixture of fabrics placed in the machine.

After emptying the laundry basket, you remembered the shirt you threw on the floor from this morning. A bad habit you’ve started to pick up as you rushed to get to work on time.

Unsure of the precise outfit you wanted, multiple changes, then changing back into the original outfit, it gave you a pile of clothes thrown last minute.

You grabbed the shirt off the floor.

It wasn’t dirty necessarily, but now you wanted to wash it.

On your way back from the bathroom, you noticed a spare sock thrown sadly outside the door.

Then a completely different lone sock in your bedroom and a pair of pants you left to air-dry, but never bothered to put away still on the dining chair.

You gotta work on this bad habit you’ve developed, but after working all day and getting home late, you hadn’t been able to give yourself any down time, let alone complete any chores.

You hadn’t even seen Jason. Only giving him quick morning forehead kisses before work as he sleepily tried to cling onto your waist.

Wrapping a strong arm around you, locking you permanently to his side.

You had no idea how his sheer strength kept you in place as he lazily laid on the bed, but after much convincing that you had to fulfill your portion of the rent and several kisses to Jason’s face, did he finally let you go.

As much as it pained you to leave, you loved the wrinkled clothes left by his adamance to throw you back on the mattress next to him.

It felt like every weekday, he was getting closer to convincing you to drop everything, ditch the city, go off-grid and live deep in the woods surviving off berries and spring water, but alas you silently trudged yourself to the bus stop.

You left like a soldier going off to war, sworn to duty while their partner, like Jason, held their tears and waved a white handkerchief as the city bus wisped you away to 8+ hours of labor.

Both of your schedules, opposite of one another, never aligned. Jason swung the city in the peak of the night, under the stars and amongst the ongoing sirens, but you had the most torturous criminal in all of Gotham, a 9-5. It waited for you, forbade you from staying out too late.

You once joked to Jason over dinner that he should leave a small token of…warning to your boss, for a needed day off, but when Jason didn’t laugh and comfort you like you expected, you made sure to make him pinky promise he wouldn’t physically or mentally harm your boss.

When he wouldn’t wrap his pinky with yours, you refused to eat the warm meal he cooked. After dismissing every possible way he could make your boss beg, he reluctantly sworn the great promise of pinkies to not do any permanent harm in favor of you eating.

With a worrisome look, you took slow bites, watching Jason act like he didn’t create new torture tactics at a family dining table.

After another additional verbal reassurance from the man and an unconvincing sigh, he only agreed that if you promised to never miss a goodbye kiss before work, then he would follow any rule you set.

So far, no broken promises and no mass emails about a sudden company shut down due to threats, so it was a win?

Even then, they could force you to work remote, so unless Jason unrelentingly asks Tim to shut down all power and service in the area, you still had to be a working citizen.

The commute to and from work already took up most of your minimal free time, so it felt like you woke up to work, ate a quick meal, then fell asleep to wait for the next work day.

Luckily in the rare moments, Jason got to get a quick kiss on your shoulder before going out for patrol. Usually you were passed out on the couch, but with a beautifully handwritten note from your lover, you woke up on the bed thanks to Jason carrying you.

You needed a Jason recharge soon, but that had to be until the weekend and for work to even out before you got that luxury.

While the clothes were being washed, you started a small water to clean the dishes.

Soapy bubbles coating your hands as you washed the utensils that Jason used to make you daily lunches.

You almost cry at every lunch, adoring the beautiful meal that graced you, made with the scarred and gentle hands of Jason.

With the last pot placed on the drying rack, you sent one last text for the night.

You: clothes in the wash, was gonna put them in the dryer but i’m frog blinking and i need to sleep \(o-0)/

jay: ok, got the dishes when i get back :)

You: already washed them :(((

jay: how dare u be a responsible adult

You: i’ll repent 😔

jay: 12 years in the slammer, community service, and a lunch date with me on saturday

You: yes sir 🫡 i promise to reduce my sentence for good behavior

As you finished brushing your teeth, you noticed Jason’s jacket thrown on the couch.

You were surprised he didn’t take it out on patrol, but after the last stabbing incident there were relatively large holes in the sleeves and pocket.

You were grateful that most of the damage was in the jacket and not Jason, but he still kept it.

After looking at its sad state, you offered to shop for a new jacket together, but Jason was reluctant. Saying it could be fixed.

With a small smile, you grabbed the coat, grabbing your mending kit that you got for free from a hotel you stayed at a while back.

You messily stitched the first hole, but after finding the right pace, muscle memory kicked in and you finished up the stitching.

Not the best work, but you hoped the dark color would hide any mishaps and make it seamless.

When the handiwork was done, you left the jacket as you saw it and went to bed.

—

When work eased up, you almost got to see Jason for a full evening.

You cuddled on the couch, your legs over his, leaning on the pillows.

Engrossed in the movie, but time for patrol was near and Jason had to move your legs and get up to get his gear on.

When he reappeared from the bedroom, you saw the mended jacket back on his broad shoulders.

With a quick kiss goodbye, a quiet shut from the window, you finished the movie. Happy that you managed to save the jacket that Jason refused to let go.

After a couple nights, work was tougher on your body than usual and the jacket was back on the couch. A new tear on the sleeve that you closed up.

The several patchwork was starting to concern you.

You have to convince him that he needed a new jacket. One without tears preferably.

“Jay, I’m running out of thread. I think it’s time.” You tiredly held the worn out jacket in your lap. Poking the needle into the fabric, careful to not prick yourself.

“No, it’s still got some life. Since you’ve sewn it, it’s never looked better.” Jay washed the dishes.

“I’ve heard Roy ask if you tried to sew it yourself. I know it’s not the best work, but even you’re more meticulous than I am.” You knotted the end of the thread, cutting off the excess.

“Roy can’t even tie his shoes, so don’t listen to him.” Jason turned on the faucet, letting the water flow into the sink.

“I know we’re both busy, but I can run to the store after work to buy you one. I saw a really nice one that would look great, It’s not far and I can take the next bus—“ You tried to reason.

“Absolutely not, you already know how I feel about you taking that route so late.” Jason scrubbed the plate.

“I’ll go with a coworker, we do leave in groups anyway. It’s just once—“ You sighed, folding the jacket.

“No, this isn’t something you can convince me on.” Jason placed the glass plate down, a little more harshly than he wanted, but he grabbed a mug without stopping. “I have to meet Babs and Steph to talk about the recon tomorrow, I won’t be in the area.” Sternness filled Jason’s voice, unconvinced.

“Jason, we’ve talked about this, I can go—“

“I don’t want to risk it.” Jason held the cup, frustration in his eyes as he stared it down.

“But, I want to do this for you. We haven’t—“ You pushed, exhaustion making your patience thin.

“I said no!” Jason raised voice, shutting yours down.

The mug shattered in the sink. Jason flinched as if even he was shocked by his own reaction.

The faucet continuously ran water as all noise surrounding you stopped. Like it was inconsiderate to the tension that built in your apartment.

You sat for a moment before walking over to shut the water off.

“I’m—I’m so—“ Jason fumbled.

You looked into the sink, at the aftermath of the pieces of the mug that had snipped his fingers.

You calmly grabbed the sponge soaking up Jason’s blood as he stood there, letting you maneuver his body like a puppet.

You can rinse and sanitize the dishes later, but you grabbed a kitchen towel. Letting Jason sit at the dining table as you patched him up.

“I’m not mad, Jay. I was just surprised.” You disinfected his cuts, no reaction from Jason, probably from years of experienced pain. Years of trying to patch himself up.

It saddened you.

You didn’t realize the privilege of hating the pain of paper cuts and not stab wounds. Hating the sting of alcohol, not digging out bullets out of your skin.

“I know we haven’t seen each other and I’ve been missing you.” You cleaned up the miscellaneous bandage wrappers and sat in front of Jason. “But, you’re more stubborn than usual about this new jacket.”

You looked at Jason who was avoiding your eyes, rubbing at the bandages covering his skin.

With a sigh, he reached for your hand. A silent reassurance as he found the words.

“I’ve missed you too. That jacket—it’s been with me since I’ve met you. I’ve had it too long to just get rid of it.” He admitted, fluffy hair drooping the more he talked.

He continued.

“It’s just…hard to part with it. When I saw the new stitches, it felt good that a part of you was with me on patrol. We’ve also been so busy, I can only see you for a split second before one of us leaves. I know you wanna replace it, but…I need it.” Jason rubbed at your knuckles.

You put your hands on top of Jason’s, reciprocating the rubs as you listened.

“I didn’t know.” You gazed up to Jason, who hung his head down.

Vulnerability was a step that both of you had to learn. You focused too much on Jason, constantly forgetting about your own feelings and Jason still needed help in rightfully expressing his emotions.

You had barely made time to enjoy each other and despite living with one another, you weren’t updated in each other’s lives.

“I’m sorry.” You pecked Jason’s hands.

“Why are you apologizing? I raised my voice and broke a cup.” Jason leaned forward, hesitantly bringing his face and body closer to yours.

You stayed still, not to frighten his advances, to tell him it was okay.

“I would’ve known about this if I had made time for us. I’ve been so focused on work that I haven’t been able to even do simple chores.” You touched your forehead to Jason’s. “I’m so tired. I just want to sleep in next to you and go for a lunch date. But even that’s asking for too much, I guess.”

The vulnerability covered the two of you in a single blanket. Protecting and helping both of you finally be honest.

“No, no, don’t apologize for that. I was ready to help you in any way I could.” Jason kissed your eyelids as you closed them, the exhaustion slowly easing from your bones as you kept contact with him.

He held your face, hands wrapped in bandages.

“All I ask is you take care of yourself.” Jason whispered. Watching your lips, watching your eyes.

“All I need is my Jason recharge. I’m on empty.” You lightly chuckled, sleepiness apparent in your voice.

“I think I could spare some time.” Jason teased, kissing the corner of your lips.

You nudged his shoulder playfully.

“Shut up and kiss—.” You breathlessly pulled at Jason’s shirt.

Before you could even finish your request, Jason leaned in, using his thumb to rest on your chin, opening your mouth for him.

The rhythm was slow.

Jason always started like that, letting you control how far and how soon you wanted him.

Your face heated, letting feeling take over.

Your grip on his shirt got tighter.

Jason pulled your chair closer.

When it wasn’t close enough, he grabbed you to sit on his lap.

Effortlessly, you rested yourself on his thighs, making your body flush with his.

Grabbing at the roots of his hair, you tried to inhale his hums.

Your imaginary battery was slowly filling, maybe you would need to take this a step further for a full recharge.

As Jason’s grip got stronger on your skin, your breaths louder, and the more you pulled at his hair, he got more restless.

In one lift, Jason got you off his lap, laying you onto the dining table.

He leaned his body between your legs.

You watched his beautiful flush face as he lifted your shirt, his hands just as flushed as he kissed down your abdomen.

“Jay, I think I’m too tired to help you.” You breath hitched.

“Relax, this is my recharge too.” Jason leaned his cheek on the inside of your thighs, kissing the sensitive skin before a call rung from his phone.

It vibrated repeatedly as Jason continued to keep his attention on you.

When the ringing stopped, you could focus again.

Then the same ringtone started again as Jason’s face scrunched.

“Dammit, I’m gonna kill whoever—“ Jason reluctantly walked away from the table you laid on.

“You better be on the verge of dying, so I can go over there and finish the job, Dickwad.” Jason watched you sit up.

Another huff came out of his mouth as he was not pleased that he wasn’t getting his alone time with you.

Then your phone rung from the chair you were previously on.

Your stupid boss had decided to call about some other task he thought was too important for him.

With reluctance, you answered.

Both of you were disappointedly looking at each other as you were both occupied.

When both calls ended, you silently stared at each other.

You sat on the edge of the table and Jason stood in front of you.

He offered you a hand and you slowly fell into Jason. Burying your face into his chest.

“Sadly, we’re both needed somewhere. I think we need to take a rain check.”

“Can’t believe I have to set up an appointment to get laid.” Jason sighed into you.

You laughed out loud.

“Maybe if a miracle happened tomorrow, but we have the weekend.” You kissed Jason one last time.

—

The next morning, you woke up passed your alarm. Jason’s muscular arms and his even breaths were too soothing that it blocked out the repeated ringing.

The bus was arriving in 15 minutes.

You rushed outta bed, grabbing your keys, putting on mismatching socks on the floor.

Jason lazily perched his head up at all your movement, absently watching you run around.

“Sweethe—“ He called out.

“Shit, did I finish the report?” You ran to grab your laptop.

“My lo—“

“My watch! Crap, I didn’t iron my shirt for the meeting today.” You grabbed your bag.

“What about—“ Jason tried to interrupt.

“I gotta go, but let’s eat out tonight? I’ll call you when I get off.” You ran out the door, blowing air kisses to Jason.

You barely managed to get on the bus before the doors shut and you were scrambling to get yourself in a seat.

After a deep breath, you were gonna make it to work.

A late start, but you made it. You stepped off the bus, walking to the large building that made your jaw drop the first time you laid eyes on it, but it didn’t seem all that spectacular after a couple years of seeing it.

As you were walking, several people were rushing out the building.

Crowds walking out in large strides, taking what they could as papers fumbled out the doors.

You watched in confusion.

What sick villain was wreaking havoc on your building at eight in the morning?

You were about to turn around when your coworker bumped into you.

“Thank goodness you’re out. I was worried when I couldn’t find you.” They grabbed your arm, giving you a once over as you stood there.

“What happened?” You looked up at the building. It seemed fine.

“We gotta go, they got the boss and I don’t wanna be next.” Your coworker pushed you across the street, trying to get you farther from the sea of people shoving you outta the way.

“What?”

“I don’t know, but it all happened so fast, then all the alarms started and ya know when shit starts happening you gotta get outta there. One moment I was making scans, then the boss’ computer flew right by head and his glass walls were shattering. I saw the back of a big red guy and I just got this job, so I ran. I only need to see the back of Nightwing, if you know what I mean—“ You coworker rambled.

You stopped in your tracks, eyes widening at the realization.

“That son of a—“ You raised your voice before your phone rung from your pocket.

You angrily tapped the accept button before you were yelling at the invisible person, yanking your arm out of your coworkers.

“You crazy motherfucker—“ You swerved your body back toward the building, tension built up in your bones that you could only angrily walk back to the building in chaos.

Tons of employees dodging you.

“You forgot your lunch, so I decided to deliver it myself. I hope I got the right floor—“ Jason sung into the phone, walking past a suited man kneeling on the floor, glass digging into his knees.

“What are you doing?!” You marched to the front entrance, gripping your phone as you shoved the doors open.

Jason walked over to sit in the swivel chair, pushing himself to spin once and throw his boots on the overpriced desk. Not caring about dirtying the papers on it.

“Don’t worry, my love. We all make mistakes. We can all be forgetful.”

“What?!” You pushed the elevator button, waiting for the doors to open, but the wait only made you angrier.

“You broke a promise, sweetheart.” Jason spun a pen on his finger, letting gravity and motion balance the pen perfectly.

“What are you talking about.” You entered the elevator and pushed the button for your floor.

“You can’t even remember.” Jason glanced over to your boss still on the floor, motioning with his hands dramatically pointing to the phone. “What am I going to do? This is ridiculous, right?”

Despite your boss not being able to hear the conversation, he fearfully nodded his head quickly, not quite understanding why the Red Hood made a visit in broad daylight. Sweat beating on his forehead.

As Jason counted the elevator rings for every floor you passed, he smiled while on you stayed on the line.

Covering the bottom half of the phone, Jason looked at your boss, his helmet staring down the man.

“Beat it.” Jason commanded, not an ounce of the sweet playfulness he spoke with before.

Your boss was frozen, scared and confused as he looked back at the vigilante sitting in his chair.

In one motion, Jason nodded at the door, never saying another word as your boss ran out the door, throwing his body into the emergency exit stairwell, hopping down the steps.

Now with the man gone, Jason strolled to the elevator.

“You better be gone when I get there Jason Peter Todd—“ As soon as the elevator doors opened, Jason grabbed you, swinging you into his arms as he lifted his helmet and passionately kissed you in the aftermath he created.

In one woozy turn, you were back on your feet as you tried to process everything.

“Now that you fulfilled your promise, I would tell you to have a nice day at work, but, well…” Jason glanced around the office floor. Some lights burnt out and others flickered. You watched as glass littered the floor and chairs were thrown as everyone fled their way out. “You might be out for a couple days. The food is probably cold anyway, so let’s go out for lunch instead.” Jason grabbed you by your waist as he led you to a window he smashed open.

He smugly took your hand and swung your arms as he spoke, overjoyed.

“Watch your step, please.”

“You’re so dead when we get home.” You grabbed onto his arm, afraid to look out the edge of the building.

“What’s another death?” Jason held you tightly to his side. “If it’s by your hands, I’d face death any day.” He looked at you through the red helmet, his words modulated. It would’ve been swoon worthy if he didn’t just evacuate your entire work building, probably humiliated your boss, and costed you your job.

“I’m for sure fired.” You hit your head against Jason’s chest plate.

“Tim wiped all the service and power a mile out. Cameras stopped working before I even stepped in here. I tampered with the security myself, a personal touch. It’s like you weren’t even here, besides your boss isn’t so innocent, but Dick’s got him, he owes me for last night.” Jason’s gloves rested on your sides.

“How did you even convince him?” You couldn’t believe Jason would even ask for the help.

“Blackmail.”

You didn’t believe a second of anything that came out of Jason’s mouth.

After you gave a blank face to Jason, his helmet was looking back at you until he finally broke.

“Fine, it was a humiliating picture of Bruce I’ve kept for the perfect opportunity.”

“You risked all that because I forgot a goodbye kiss?” You raised an eyebrow.

“That you promised.” Jason emphasized.

You could only laugh out of disbelief.

“Fair enough.” You looked out toward the blue sky, wind picking up against your face at this height. “Your banned from any kisses for a week for this.”

“Sorry, wind is picking up!” Jason fell out the window with you in his arms. Grappling hook dragging your bodies across the city.

[catharticmoonshine]

vampire!mizu × reader, mention of blood, suggestive if you squint, some light angst and fluff, wc 1.2k

vampire!mizu who becomes weirdly attached to you the more she drinks of your blood. she scoffs at the thought at first, how silly. she couldn't feel something for you, she couldn't love, and most importantly not someone like you. comes with being undead, or so she thought. but maybe it was how intimate it felt every time she visited you, how you looked at her when you bared the soft flesh of your neck for her; offered her the very essence of your life so readily.

vampire!mizu who finds herself worrying for you when you flinch the second her sharp fangs pierce your skin. she knows you can take it, knows herself well enough to know she wouldn't take more than you can give her. but still she can't help but pull you closer, smooth her hand over your arm soothingly while she drinks your crimson nectar.

vampire!mizu who grows obsessed with the way her bite marks look on your skin, how you look after she feeds from you. so soft, so vulnerable in the way you sink into your pillows, twin puncture marks on your neck still oozing sweet burgundy. as time passes, she makes a habit of leaning in again, breathing in the scent of your skin mixed with the metallic tang of blood, before she rolls her tongue over the slowly closing wounds. she almost moans at the feeling of your steady pulse against the wet muscle of her tongue.

vampire!mizu who's never been one to believe in any higher power. not when her entire life has been one of shame, of hiding the true nature of her being. no god would curse their subjects like this. no good god, at least. but somewhere along the line, the visits she pays you start to feel less like a transaction and more like she gets to worship you. it feels perverted, in a way. but the more she allows herself to take, to melt into your arms and the way you stroke her hair while her fangs bury in your flesh, the more she feels like this connection is something holy. like you are something holy. something she needs to devote herself to. maybe you could grant her the salvation she's been serching for for so long.

vampire!mizu who desperately tries to pull away, to distance herself after she realized just how much of a spell she had fallen under. it feels so unlike her to be wrapped around someones finger like this, it couldn't be. you must have deceived her, made up lies about who you truly were and fed them to her until the bitter poison started to taste like warm honey on her tongue. she swears she can feel her cold, unbeating heart twitch behind her ribs each time your breath stutters and fans over the side of her face when she sucks more blood from you.

she desperately tried not to think of it. of what the faint flutter in her chest could possibly be. because it couldn't be. no vampire could feel this warmth humans wrote poems, fought wars, destroyed themselves for. no vampire could, right? a dead heart could never beat again, not for another soul.

vampire!mizu who vanishes, if only for a few weeks. no word spoken between the two of you after her last visit. the one that made her feel like her bones were about to crumble to dust under your oh so sweet, sleepy gaze. no note left to made the worry gnawing at your stomach any easier, to silence the accusing voice in your head, mumbling blame and guilt upon yourself.

vampire!mizu who fights herself the whole time she's away. she knows she needs to feed to sustain herself, but each time she drinks from someone else, someone that isn't you, disgust overtakes her. each drop of blood from a stranger feel like a betrayal of your trust. how could she throw away what had grown between the two of you like this? she felt filthy, disgusted by her nature. the shame of what she truly was was something she knew all too well. she'd spent every moment of her life hiding herself. every moment save for the time she spent with you.

no matter how much she tried to fight it, she knew what the look in your eyes meant. she never thought she'd see anyone look at her with anything but disgust and fear. still, she heard enough about how a person's soul would soften every so often, how humans try and share their warmth with someone they deemed special for some reason that always seemed like a mystery to mizu. an unsolvable puzzle until she met you. she could deny it all she wanted, but now she knew why mortals would risk everything for a chance at heaven on earth.

vampire!mizu who stumbles back to you way too late one evening, hours after the last beams of the sun had whispered their goodbye over the peaks of the trees and mountains. she shouldn't show up unanounced, much less at this time, and she can't help but feel guity for disturbing you at this hour. even more guilty at knowing she left you alone for this long. she wonderes if you missed her like she did you. the thought is quickly shoved aside when you open your door to her, hair a little messy and confusion shining through the tired look in your eyes. had she woken you up?

there are shadows under your eyes where she doesn't remember ever seeing them. worry weaves its way through her desperation as she mumbles a breathy "can i come in? please?", her voice wavering as the last syllables slip past her lips.

vampire!mizu who's in her familiar place in your arms the second you give a soft nod, her face already buried in your neck as a string of i'm sorry 's tumble from her lips. she's not sure if you can even hear her pleas, her voice muffled by your warm skin. God, you smell so good. how had she gone this long without being close to you, without smelling your skin and feeling your pulse against her lips.

vampire!mizu's hunger hits her like a slap across the face. she'd completely forgotten how hungry she was after refusing to feed from strangers, too caught up in how much she ached to be in your presence again.

her eyes squeeze shut, an adorably pathetic whimper escaping her as she tries to ignore the way her gums tingle with the need to sink her fangs into your skin. You know her well enough to understand her desperation, your hand cupping the back of her head to guide her mouth to where your blood pulses beneath the silky skin of your neck.

vampire!mizu who cant help but cry when your crimson nectar pours into her mouth and coats her tongue. you taste like heaven, like home. she holds you as close as she can, careful not to hurt you more.

she realizes then. realizes that maybe what she always thought of as a weakness unique to humans had now infected her own unbeating heart. and that maybe that weakness doesnt have to mean her end. maybe she could allow herself this moment of warmth and forget about the winter howling outside.

[alesandraelin]

𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚍𝚒𝚍, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚊 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚔𝚒𝚍 - 𝙰𝚛𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚆𝙵𝙲 𝚡 𝚃𝚎𝚎𝚗!𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛

Description: reader's parents kicked her out and she is struggling. The team is always there for her.

awfc x teen!reader Kim Little x teen!reader

*Homophobic parents, self worth issues, angst with a happy ending

Kim was the first to notice. Kim is always the first to notice if something is wrong, especially when it is something to do with her protégé.

The sun was barely peeking over the horizon when Y/n trudged onto the football field, her heart heavy with the weight of the previous night's events. Her parents' harsh words still echoed in her mind, each syllable a reminder of the home she no longer had. The field, usually a place of solace and escape, felt foreign and unwelcoming today. She tried to shake off the feeling, but it clung to her like a second skin.

As the team gathered for their morning warm-up, Y/n forced a smile, hoping it would mask the turmoil inside. Her teammates chatted animatedly, their laughter ringing out in the crisp morning air. Y/n moved through her stretches mechanically, her mind elsewhere. She was grateful for the routine, something familiar to hold onto amidst the chaos.

Jonas blew the whistle, signaling the start of a new drill. This one involved quick footwork and passing accuracy, requiring each player to move swiftly between cones while maintaining control of the ball. Y/n took her position, determined to push through the haze of her thoughts. She moved with the group, her feet dancing around the cones, but her usual grace was missing. The ball slipped away from her, rolling out of bounds.

"Come on, Y/n! Keep your head in the game!" Jonas called out, his voice carrying across the field.

Y/n nodded, forcing herself to concentrate. She retrieved the ball, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. As she resumed the drill, she caught sight of Viv and Beth, her teammates and a couple, working together seamlessly. Their movements were in sync, a testament to their understanding of each other both on and off the field. Y/n felt a pang of envy mixed with admiration. The ease with which they expressed their love was something she had always longed for, yet it was the very thing that had driven a wedge between her and her family.

Nearby, Katie and Caitlin, another couple on the team, were laughing as they practiced passing the ball back and forth. Their joy was infectious, and Y/n couldn't help but smile despite herself. Yet, the sight also served as a stark reminder of her own situation. While her teammates were embraced for who they were, she had been shunned by her own family for loving women. The injustice of it all gnawed at her, threatening to overwhelm her composure.

Jonas called for a water break, and Y/n gratefully took the opportunity to catch her breath. She sat on the grass, sipping from her water bottle, trying to steady her racing heart. Kyra and Vic had both attempted to talk to the girl only to be met with annoyed mumbles and blank stares. Teyah got the same treatment when she tried.

Kim watched on with a frown on her face, Jen coming to check on what she was so worried about.

"Just look at her, it like every bit of light has been sucked out of her. I can't bear it." Kim sighed as she watched you zone out, kicking at the ground aimlessly.

"You know her better than anyone Kimmy, go talk to her after practice." Jen encourages before they are all called back onto the pitch.

Training didn't get any better for the remainder of the day. Poor passes, sloppy in possession and way off target when shooting. It just wasn't good enough and Y/n knew that. The words of her parents from the previous night going through her head with every failed attempt on goal, every time she lost possession by making a silly mistake.

All the girls saw it, they noticed how sloppy her play had become. A stark contrast to her normal 110% effort every time she trained. It worried them all. They all made an effort to try and boost her up with pats on the back and words of encouragement but they were met with silence and no improvement.

Training ended as the afternoon air came in. The girl made their way off the pitch and back into the locker room. Y/n lingered back as she watched them all converse. Beth & Viv walked hand in hand into the locker room in front of y/n. This made her chest pang, it was jealousy, it was longing, it was sadness.

All the girls chatted as they got changed and packed up their stuff whilst y/n sat in her cubby trying her best not to cry. She was approached by Leah who knelt down to her height in her cubby.

"You alright chick?" The blonde asked, her brows furrowed in worry.

Y/n looked up at Leah, putting a small smile on. "I'm alright, I slept really rough last night thats all, I'm sorry for not being at by best today Lee."

"Don't apologise y/n, we all have off days. Try and get some sleep so we can get our happy girl back yeah?" Leah patted the girls shoulder as she stood up to go home.

With Leah gone, y/n looked around the locker room spotting no one there, she let her guard down and broke. Tears streamed down her face as she replayed the harsh words of the night before. Her parents' anger and disappointment had cut deep, leaving her feeling raw and exposed. She hugged her knees to her chest, seeking comfort in the small, enclosed space she had created for herself.

What y/n didn't know was Kim hung around to talk to Jonas about something and had just reentered the change rooms as y/n was crying. Kim quickly made her way over to the small girl, wrapping her arms around her, pulling her close.

"Y/n?" Kim's voice was gentle, filled with concern. "What's going on sweetheart?"

Y/n quickly sat up, wiping the tears away from her eyes. "I'm fine, just tired." She tried so reason as her voice cracked and tears continued to well in her eyes.

Kim shook her head, squeezing her a little tighter. "You don't have to pretend with me. I can tell something's wrong. Do you want to talk about it?"

Y/n hesitated, the words lodged in her throat. But the kindness in Kim's eyes coaxed them out. "My parents... they kicked me out last night. I finally worked up the courage to come out. They don't love me anymore Kim." The last sentence broke her as she cried again.

Kim's heart ached at the vulnerability in Y/n's voice. She reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Y/n's back. "I'm so sorry, Y/n. That must be incredibly painful."

Y/n nodded, her tears flowing freely now. "I just don't understand why they can't accept me. Seeing everyone else so happy and accepted... it just makes it hurt more."

Kim nodded, understanding the depth of Y/n's pain. "You deserve to be loved and accepted for who you are. And you are, Y/n. By all of us."

Y/n looked up, her eyes searching Kim's face for reassurance. "But where do I go now? I don't have anywhere else, I'm 17 I just want my parents."

Kim's expression softened further, her resolve clear. "You can stay with me, as long as you need. You're not alone. The team loves you and I love you. You are so incredibly brave and strong."

The offer hung in the air, a lifeline extended in Y/n's darkest moment. Gratitude surged through her, mingling with the sadness. "Thank you, Kim. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Kim smiled, her own eyes misty with emotion. "We're a team, Y/n. We look out for each other. Arsenal is a family. You're part of our family."

Y/n leaned into Kim's side, drawing comfort from the warmth and solidarity. The locker room, once a place of routine, had become a sanctuary—a space where she could be herself without fear of judgment.

"You're so strong, Y/n," Kim continued, her voice steady. "And we'll get through this together. You've got a whole team behind you, ready to support you every step of the way."

[freaknloser]

Buff!Male x Chubby!FemaleReader Part 5

⚠ Content Warning: Adult language, minor sexual content, angst, slow-burn, fluff, a fat "joke". Context: The day leading up to your date was fairly uneventful, minus a customer that seemed to peek behind your customer service mask. You try to keep your nerves contained until you're delivered to the address Daniel gave you. And—oh. Um... Where the hell are you?! Word count: 7,528 │ part 1 │ part 2 │ part 3 │ part 4 │ part 5 │ part 6 (WIP) │ follow for more! │

Hihihi! Look who's back! (～￣▽￣)～ This is definitely the longest thing I've written in a long time, I just couldn't find a good place to end. I won't lie, it took a lot out of me, but I couldn't stop! As always, I hope you enjoy it and it was worth the wait! ♡

[Comments, asks, and messages make me smile. Constructive criticism welcomed and encouraged! Let me know what you think and if I should continue this series.]

“This register open?”

A woman’s voice jarred you from your daydream, your eyes refocusing, head jerking from the palm of your hand. You stood straight, looking at the elderly woman with a small smile gracing her wrinkled lips.

“Yes, ma’am,” you replied, mirroring her smile. “I’m sorry about that.”

She chuckled, taking the items from her basket to place on the conveyor belt one-by-one. Small beeps rang out, mixing with the others in the background, as you dragged each barcode over the red laser.

“Don’t worry ‘bout it, sweetheart,” she drawled, a southern accent stretching her words into a thick, warm sound; even with the small click in the back of her throat making her words crackle. “Ya’ seem ta’ be miles away… A boy?”

Your heart sunk into the pit of your stomach, acid rising to fill its place. Your date was in less than four hours and you wasn’t sure how to feel. Daniel had never shown you anything less than respect; never pushing back anytime you said no, doting you with cute pet names, complimenting you any chance he could get.

Yet reminiscing on the way his voice changed filled you with dread.

“You’re observant,” you finally responded.

She observed you with careful eye, nodding her head slowly, a knowing look on her face. “I been around a while, young lady.”

You finished scanning her things, stated her total, and rested your palms against the cold metal of the register. Her hands dug through her purse, movements slow as syrup. Yet you were patient, even helping when she couldn’t see the small screen of the card reader.

After paying, she took a moment to offer you some unsolicited advice.

“Ya’ know,” she started, gathering her bags in fragile hands, “I’m jus’a silly ol’ lady, but I hope you’ll hear me out. I had a man courtin’ me when I was your age. He was so handsome, the nicest person ya’ ever could meet…”

She looked to you once more, the loss showed clearly, her brows turned up and lips down. The years of longing and sorrow permanently etched into deep lines on her face, making your heart clenched in your chest from the sheer intensity of it all.

“But my mama didn’t approve an’ I was too scared a disappointin’ her. Now, I don’t know why you’re scared, but don’t let it stop you, too.”

That was it; she gave you a small wave accompanied with an even smaller smile then shuffled towards the sliding doors. You blinked, staring at her small figure disappear through the doors, the glass sliding closed behind her.

“Very observant,” you muttered to yourself.

The rest of your shift wore on with forced smiles and empty smalltalk. Cash exchanged, cards swiped, receipts given—but all you could think about was the date and the older woman who seemed to look into your soul with her piercing grey eyes. The last four hours of your shift somehow dragged by even slower, a mix of eagerness and panic making the hours feel like days.

Amanda picked you up when your shift ended, promising to help you prepare for either a great date or a potentially soul-crushing one. Your silence led her to fill the space. While you tried not to think about what the night could hold, she was rambling about work—almost talking about the mysterious blonde man—before shifting to rant about her landlord. She paid almost twice the amount you did, and her apartment looked nicer; but at least your landlord would come to your aid if you called about a broken water heater.

Soon after, you were in your cluttered apartment, one elbow on the second-hand vanity in your bedroom, leaned so close to the mirror that you breath subtly fogged the glass. You examined your makeup, a finger coming to smudge away a small smear of lipstick trying to escape your bottom lip line. The bed creaked behind you as Amanda rolled onto her back.

“I mean, it could be nothing,” she continued, her hair splayed across your mattress like flames. Her head tilted to look over at you. “And it probably is. You have been known to overthink.”

“Don’t,” you snipped, turning in your chair to face her.

“I’m just saying. Remember that time you were convinced that tree outside your window was a man trying to break in?”

You gasped, feigning offense with a hand coming to cover your heart. “I just said ‘don’t’ and you bring up my trauma anyway.”

She rolled her eyes with a scoff, bringing her phone back to her face. “You’re so theatrical.”

“Pot, meet kettle.”

You smirked, standing from your chair to make your way to your closet. Your movement grabbed her attention from her phone, which was quickly tossed to the side, and she somehow managed to beat you through your closet door. She assumed her self appointed role of picking your dress, digging through the options carefully.

“I don’t know, ‘Manda. I just—”

“You’re worried he’s going to peel your skin off and wear it like a suit?”

“Hey!” Your voice came out as a bark, louder than you meant, but you still took a half-step towards her with a finger in her face. “There’s a documented case of someone actually doing that! And there was a guy that made furniture with skin!”

Her upper lip curled in revulsion as she looked at you, hands grasping two different dresses held by plastic hangers.

“You know the weirdest shit,” she commented with unconcealed disgust.

You shrugged your shoulders upwards once, watching her go back to her self-appointed task of picking out your wardrobe. “… I read a lot.”

She finally landed on a dress, jerking it from the metal rod, turning and holding it to your body. You complained, saying you didn’t want your arms exposed, and were met with a sern frown.

You looked in the full length mirror, fingers hooking in the top of the dress to tug it upwards. Of course she picked strapless, why wouldn’t she? And more importantly, why do you still own this thing when your breasts struggled to stay contained in the built-in bra?

You swiveled towards her, the satin navy fabric flowing to your ankles, your hands coming to your hips while giving her a dissatisfied look—and you were met with one in return.

“Let me try again,” she said, already disappearing back through the closet door.

You remind her with a raised voice: “He said it was a nice restaurant!”

Three dress changes later, you were slipping your heels on and grabbing your purse.

“I’m raiding your fridge while you’re gone,” Amanda chirped as you checked your makeup and hair once more in the mirror by the front door. She waited for no reply, already padding towards the kitchen. Only, prior to crossing the threshold, she stopped.

She turned on her heels towards you, her face devoid of any humor. Instead, her brows were knitted together and lips drawn into a tight line.

“Remember what we said?”

Hearing the concern in her voice, your head snap towards her. You studied her face for a moment ahead of trying to give a convincing smile.

“Yes. I have 360 and my location on, my phone is on 100%—”

“Check in every 30 minutes, even if it’s just a word. And if he gets weird: lock yourself in the bathroom and I’ll come get you.”

Oh, the joys of being a woman simply going on a date.

You nod your agreement, understanding the terms fully. While your first date went well, there were added stressors to this one. Without warning, Amanda was running at you, her small arms wrapping around your torso as well as they could.

“You’re going to be okay,” she muttered, but you felt maybe she was saying it more for herself.

Your arms wrapped around her tiny frame, hugging her tightly. Even with the weight of uncertainty, you still managed: “I’m going to be fine.”

Your heart sped more with each step, almost drowning out the sound of your heels echoing on the tile as you walked through the hallways. By the time you were crossing the sidewalk towards your Uber, your knees started to shake. You stared at the silver car as your pace slowed.

This was it, the car that would deliver you to whatever fate had in store for you.

After confirming your name, you crawled into the back seat. As the car pulled away from the building, your stomach twisted violently, as if you were free falling through the air with nothing to grab on to. The reality fully sitting in as your breathing quickened.

Your phone chimed from your purse: ‘on ur way? :)’

You didn’t reply; instead staring at the message as you sunk further into the faux leather seat. You double checked everything on your phone once more: Location on, Life360 sharing with Amanda, battery on 98 percent. The address he had texted you was nearby, luckily. It wouldn’t take her long to get to you if you did need her.

After a deep inhale through your nose, you replied as you slowly exhale through pursed lips until there was nothing left: ‘Yup! I’m almost there.’

The sound of a soft click keeping perfect rhythm almost slipped passed your ears; you glanced up, seeing an orange light flashing in time with the sound. You were close, you had followed the direction on the maps app on your phone about ten times, plotting out when to text Amanda; and this was it. ‘Almost to the place. Talk in 30.’

The car stopped moving, yet you just sat still; staring blankly at your phone.

“Uh… Ma’am?”

You shook your head, trying to realign your vision, glancing at the man behind the wheel.

“Oh, sorry. Thank you,” you croaked as you shoved the door open. Your heels clicked against the concrete as you stepped out into the dim glow of the fading sun. As soon as the door closed and you turned your back, the silver car was was speeding away.

You scanned the building, double checked the address, and you were sure your legs would give out from under you. It was nothing: an empty brick building that looked like it had been painted with tar. Obviously abandoned years ago, made clear by the sun-bleached ‘for rent’ sign in the window.

Your heart jumped into your throat, making it nearly impossible to breathe. Your blurred vision didn’t stop your eyes from darting around the building, and you silently begged that it was a prop that would fall away and reveal the real restaurant behind it.

Where were you? Why didn’t you look up the address to see where you were going? Are you suicidal or just stupid?

Your mind raced, quivering hands diving into your purse to find your phone—but out of nowhere, a deep voice rang out behind you, causing your hand to still as it breached the flap of your bag.

“Shortcake! You made it.”

Somehow, you managed to swiftly gather yourself, forcing a smile as mask to cover the fear lurking just below the surface. Turning towards him as you compelled the corners of your mouth to pull upwards.

“Wow…” It fell from his tongue with no thought. He stared; actually gawked. His jaw hanged slack, basking in the entirety of your form, in every dip and swell concealed beneath the soft black dress. “Your dress…”

You watched him slowly drink you in, shameless but appreciative. Your dress was low cut enough to show the curve of your neck, but covered the expanse of your shoulders. The way the black fabric stretched across your hips, the slit in the skirt offered a teasing peek of the soft skin just above your knee.

With small hearts reflecting in the depths of those blue eyes that seemed to threaten to steal your breath, he looked back into your eyes. The once forced smile you wore shifted into something genuine without you realizing.

“You look stunning. How are you more beautiful every time I see you?”

“Thank you,” you say softly, but his sweet words that threatened to make you blush didn’t quite hold enough power to achieve it. Not when the address you gave Amanda was a nothing more than a vacant building.

“But um…” You shot a glance at the darkened building over your shoulder once more, feeling your stomach flip and acid burn your throat. “It looks like the restaurant is closed…”

Daniel’s jaw ticked, his adams apple bobbed as he swallowed. One of his hands slid into the pocket of his slacks, the other combed through his hair, the curl of hair that always refused to stay in place fell forward against his forehead.

“Please, don’t be mad.”

You waited a couple of seconds, but the only sound he made was the small slap of his palm slapping his thigh as he dropped his arm to his side. You observed closer; his eyebrows were slightly drawn upward, the once large smile now looking more forced.

“I can’t promise I won’t be,” you replied, holding his gaze.

His smile fell completely, and you swore you could see the vein jumping in his neck like his heart was racing—and that was because it was. Although Daniel was always cool and calculated, you never failed to crack his shell.

“Forgive me for lying, Y/N. I shouldn’t have.” His gaze dropped to your feet. “This isn’t where I planned on taking you…”

As he confessed, your heart kicked into overdrive, hammering in your throat as you struggled to swallow it down.

“I just-I wanted to surprise you,” he muttered, shame dripping from his words. His black oxford shoe scuffed against a pebble in front of him, kicking it away from the both of you, refusing to meet your glare. “It was stupid of me.”

“Daniel?”

His entire body went rigid as you spoke his name, but he still peeped up at you through his lashes like a kicked puppy.

“Wanting to surprise me isn’t an excuse for lying after I told you I would rather have my own ride.” How you managed to keep your tone so firm was beyond you, especially when your knees were almost rattling together under the long skirt of your dress.

Your words hit him harder than any punch ever had—because you were right. His face drew into a pout, complete with downcast eyes and a frown, drooped shoulders adding to the disappointment emitting from him.

“I’m so sorry,” he choked, shoving his other hand into his pocket, spine bending forward. “I didn’t think it through.”

If you weren’t so terrified, it would honestly be a entertaining sight; adorable even. Daniel: 6’3”, about 240 pounds of muscle, dressed in a full suit… and standing in front of you with his head down as if you were beating him.

“Daniel, please—”

He flinched, a full bodied shudder like your words could physically cut him.

“Stop being dramatic,” you huffed, folding your arms over your chest. “It just isn’t a good look, you know?”

He nodded frantically, quickly agreeing with your criticism before whispering, “I know.”

Risking a glance at you, it finally clicked. The breath left is lungs in a harsh hiss as his heart shattered in his chest. The look in your eyes, the shimmer that revealed what you were trying to hide. It was something he’s seen plenty of times, been the reason for more than he could ever attempt to count. You were scared; and for once, he regretted being the cause of someone’s fear.

“Y/N...” His hands came from his pockets, instinctually reaching towards you; but he stopped himself, twisting his fists to his chest.

“You’re right,” he spoke fervently, the tightening in his throat not slowing the words from spilling out, “of course you’re right. I shouldn’t have tricked you. Please believe me, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

You didn’t budge, staying firm in your stance, somehow tricking yourself into thinking you were braver than you actually were. Though it probably was only due to the fact that a man who looked like he could pick up a small car was cowering in front of you.

“Let me make it up to you,” he pleaded, words almost disintegrating in the space between you. “I’ll do anything.”

“Give me the address of where you want to take me,” you demanded.

“Yes, yeah!” He nodded again, retrieving his phone from his pocket.

You followed suit, bringing your own out and forwarding his message to Amanda. You waited for a response, only getting question marks which led to your phone ringing. You answered, openly staring at Daniel as you explained what happened.

“Put me on speakerphone.”

“No,” you reply firmly, “I’m not doing that. I’m…” You fell silent, seeing the desperation in Daniel’s face. His face turning red as he held his breath, silently begging you for another chance.

“… I’m going to hear him out.”

The phone jerked away from your ear as curses and screams blared into your eardrum. After threatening the both of you, she was reduced to huffs and you were able to finish.

“I’ll text you when we get to the restaurant.”

Daniels spine straightened, a grin splitting his face as you hung up, avoiding more of Amanda’s high pitched protests. Your hand, still clutching your phone, jerked towards him to point a finger at his face as yours twisted into a scowl.

“This is the only time I will overlook a lie… Only because I can almost see why you would do it.”

“I promise, it wasn’t—”

“I believe you,” you said, cutting off his explanation. “Let’s just try to turn this night around.”

He agreed, bringing his keys from his pocket as he gestured towards a black car by the curb. Maybe it was a bad idea—it did sound like the beginning of a horror movie—but you followed him away from the vacant building, even as your brain and heart waged a war inside you.

A short, but silent, ride in a car that looked like it cost more than everything you owned collectively. You memorized the logo on the steering wheel, committing it to memory so you could look it up later. Something resembling a trident, and it was everywhere. On every headrest, the gear shift, even the small analog clock on the center of the dash.

You thought you knew what a new car smelled like—you didn’t. It was richer than any of the synthetic sprays, leather and warmth that you had nothing to compare to. You were so lost in admiring the interior, seeing the pride that went into every red stitch that lined every curve, you didn’t notice the extravagant building looming beside you until you felt the car stop.

“We’re here,” he whispered, shattering the silence of the cab. Your face snapped towards the window, seeing a young man in a red jacket trotting towards you.

“Where is ‘here’?”

“The Gilded Dish.”

He slid out his door, quickly making his way around to open yours. You ignored his outreached hand, standing on your own. He closed your door, trying to ignore the pain shooting through his chest at your denial, yet knowing he deserved it. You sent the text you promised before observing your surroundings.

The sound of a water fountain quickly found your ears, the only sound besides the traffic buzzing in the distance. Extravagant wasn’t a strong enough word, the place oozed wealth, practically laughing at your off-the-rack dress. Floor to ceiling windows, staff waiting to take keys, an abstract sculpture looming just inside the glass door.

Knowing he was pressing his luck, he still offered an arm, a nervous smile making the muscles in his chin twitch. “Ready?”

Feeling out of your element, you stepped closer, wrapping a hand around the firmness of his forearm.

“I thought we agreed on nothing fancy?”

“No,” his hand rested against the back of yours as he lead you to the door, “you said you didn’t see the point in spending so much on food. I said I did.”

You couldn’t argue, that was true. So, you remained quiet as you stepped inside. Walking through the door, you were met with the strong smell of wood, something you could confidently say had never been the first thing you’d noticed stepping into a restaurant. Spices and herbs lingered, but the musk of oak was almost overpowering.

A short woman appeared from behind a curtain, skin and bones with long black hair. She tried—and failed—to be welcoming as she scanned you, subtly unimpressed with what she was seeing. She asked for a name, seemingly uncaring to the presence of either of you.

“Daniel Sideris.”

Her neck audibly popped as her head snapped towards him, ignoring the open book on the podium in front of her to look at him with wide eyes and mouth agape.

“Oh! Of-of course! Mr. Sideris!” She swiftly straightened her posture, seemingly trying to make herself appear taller as one hand gestured towards a doorway. “Right this way.”

She turned and lead the way into a quiet dining room. The smell of wood faded, replaced purely by savory scents hanging like smoke in the air. You examined the dining room, you immediately felt foolish for thinking the outside looked so fancy because holy shit.

Deep purple fabrics draped from the walls, ebony wood tables with white ceramic plates and glassware strategically placed on top, a golden stand proudly holding a single white candle in the center. Then there was the open kitchen, which was something you thought only existed on television. A quiet hum of conversations gently overpowered by the lull of a piano being played from the corner of the room.

You were lead to a secluded table, bumping against Daniel’s side as you drank in the environment. He released your hand after a small squeeze, then pulled a chair, waiting patiently. Deciding not to press his luck, he didn’t allow his eyes drop to the top of your dress as you sat below him.

After carefully nudging your chair forward, he slid into his own across from you. “Have you been here before?”

He was obviously trying to make small talk; or maybe just get you to say something to show you didn’t hate him. You had to choke back a laugh, your chest tight as you held your breath. Only, he wasn’t laughing.

“Are you being serious?”

He studied you as if he was trying to solve a math equation. “I am.”

The laugh sprung out, your head tilting back as your mouth hinged open, hands coming to grip your stomach. You couldn’t hold back at the seriousness in his tone, or stop when every eye in the room narrowed at you.

Though he wasn’t sure what he had done to be graced with that rich sound, he relished in it anyway. He sighed deeply as the tightness in his shoulders melted.

“What’s so funny?”

You gained your composure, shaking your head from side to side as your laughter trailed into giggles.

“I’ve never even been in the driveway before,” you finally said as the grin clung to your face. “Fine dining isn’t really my thing.”

“Hmm…” His elbows came to the table, fingers steepling under his chin. “I doubt that, shortcake. Something tells me you just haven’t given it a chance before.”

“I just don’t see the point of spending a so much money and having nothing to show for it,” you retorted, pulling a menu to your face. While you had always been curious, you couldn’t justify spending so much and risk not enjoying it.

“But you will have something to show for it...”

The single white page lowered as you peered over it at him with your brows scrunched together, being met with dreamy eyes and a warm smile.

“A full stomach and a memory,” he finished. “The menu changes, too, so you’ll never have the same thing here twice.”

“Never?”

His response was a simple head shake.

“What if I like what I order and want it again?”

“I’ll make it for you,” he replied without hesitation, giving a small shrug of a shoulder to convey how little he cared to do so.

The cardstock held in your grip found its way to the table in front of you, though your fingers still held on. He just smiled at you, admiring the subtle shock written on your face.

“You cook?”

“No, but I’ll learn.”

His response came natural as rain, timely and genuine. Daniel knew he would do anything to be the reason you smiled, even if it meant taking up a hobby he was sure would make him the butt of every joke between his subordinates. None of that mattered, not if it meant hearing your laugh or being graced with the warmth of your smile.

Out of nowhere, a man with a thin mustache and upturned nose appeared at the side of your table, causing you to jump when he spoke, carefully extenuating every syllable of every word.

“Good evening, Mr. Sideris. I apologize for your—” He paused, glancing downwards at you, the corner of his mouth twitching upwards. “—wait… Would you like to begin your experience with a bottle wine?”

‘Experience’? It was dinner. Also: nice jab at your weight. How original!

Your eyes dropped back to the menu, trying to ignore the way your throat threatened to close and chest tightened. Daniel noticed your discomfort immediately, side-eyeing the server with an unapproving glare.

“Apologize.” It was one word, spoken level and controlled, but it held that sharpness. The same deep, dark tone you’d been stressing over. “Make it convincing.”

Before you could even fully look at him, the server was already starting his fast-spoken apology. His eyes were closed, shoulders bent towards you in a bow, head dropped in either shame or fear.

“I apologize, Miss. That was incredibly rude of me; I had no right to speak that way.” Terror made his frame tremble enough for his voice to shake. “I don’t know what possessed me. Please forgive me.”

“It… It’s okay,” you whispered, brain malfunctioning as a million questions flooded your skull.

“It’s not okay,” Daniel chimed in before turning his attention back to the smaller man.

“My favorite wine,” he said firmly, holding the man’s eyes with an intensity that made a chill run down your spine. “And have someone else bring it out. I don’t want to see you again.”

The server darted from your table, shouldering through a black door—never to be seen again throughout the night.

Turning your attention back to Daniel, you watched as a single hand tugged the buttons of his jacket open and a finger hooked in his tie to pull it slack. Slow and calm, like his tone alone the most threatening thing you’d ever heard outside of something echoing through a theater.

“I’m sorry, Y/N. You didn’t deserve that,” he muttered, quiet and remorseful, a steady hand came to rest on the table. “He won’t bother you again, I promise.”

“Daniel?” You watched as his brows raised slightly at his name. “I have a question.”

“Of course! Ask away.”

Though you weren’t sure he would tell you the truth, or if you even wanted to know the truth, you drew in a steadying breath.

“What do you do for a living?”

His lips quirked into a smirk, yet something flickered in the depths of those ocean blues. “I own a few businesses.”

“A few? Impressive,” you remarked; and it really was. “That’s really interesting. What kind of businesses?”

“Just a couple of corner stores. A laundry mat, a nightclub. Boring stuff, really,” he said casually.

A new server arrived as he was finishing, remaining silent until Daniel was. As he presented a green bottles label to Daniel, who barely glanced, telling him everything about the wine from its name to the year it was bottled. After a small nod of approval, you watched as the server uncorked the bottle.

It was incredibly thought through, every flick of the man’s wrist was done with intent. You never knew up to that point that there was a way to open wine without either the signature POP or the small splash that always found a way to your white shirt. He poured nothing more than a small taste into a glass in front of Daniel.

“That doesn’t sound boring at all.” You glance at Daniel, who is watching you carefully track every movement of the server. If he hadn’t of ended up being such a dick, you would have kind of felt back for mentally berading the first server who called it a experience.

You watched as Daniel lifted the glass by the stim, swirling the deep burgundy liquid in the wine glass, carefully studying the way it clung to the crystal.

“It is,” he said flatly, bringing the glass to his lips to take a small sip.

It was all so natural, something he had obviously done to the point of becoming muscle memory. His glass came to the table with a click, he gestured towards the glass. The server gave a small bow before filling your glass before Daniel’s, every movement smooth and steady.

The smaller man spoke after placing the cork beside the wine bottle on the table, “I believe you haven’t been served. I apologize for the inconvenience. Would you like to hear the specials?”

You gasped as you realized you’d been too busy watching the man pour wine and using your menu as a mask instead of actually looking at it. Hands quickly jerking the paper from the table—and quickly realizing you didn’t know how to even begin how to pronounce most of the words punched onto the paper. Your internal panic didn’t go unnoticed.

“Take your time, cupcake,” he whispered sweetly. “If you have questions, ask. That’s why our server is here.”

His voice wrapped around you like velvet, comforting your growing anxiety. After a couple of questions, and a very patient server, you’d ordered chicken, though you still weren’t sure what it consisted of. Daniel ordered some lamb dish, the words rolling off his tongue effortlessly. Another bow, then it was just the two of you again.

“I have no idea what I just got,” you joked, reaching for the glass of wine. As you took a drink, the rich and earthy with hint of sweetness flavor coated every crevice of your mouth.

He chuckled, the corners of his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Why did you order it then?”

“Chicken is safe,” you said as if it were fact; and it just made his smile break into a grin.

“Fair. So, you asked about me—” That reminded you that you got a barebones answer. Why wouldn’t someone his age not want to brag about being a business owner? “—now it’s your turn. What do you do?”

You never really liked your job; the pay was shit and the customers were even worse, but the management was great and your co-workers were nice. Still, comparing a retail position to a owning businesses was enough to make your face feel warm.

“Oh, I, um… I work at Stitch and Stone at the mall.”

His brows furrowed. “The home goods store?”

“Yeah.” You almost grimaced, teeth clamped together tightly. “That’s it.”

“Okay, yeah. I wanted to make sure I had the right place,” he said as his expression relaxed. “I’ve never been. Do you like working there?”

“It’s okay.”

“Hmm…” He hummed as he observed you closely. “That wasn’t very believable.”

“No,” you quickly rebutted, “as far as retail goes, it’s the best place I’ve worked. It’s just… Well, retail.”

You smiled sheepishly, he chuckled again. You nearly didn’t catch yourself leaning forward to follow the warmth of the sound.

“Well, let me know if you’re ever looking for something else.”

A laugh bubbled up into your throat, caught behind a swift hand moving to your lips. Your hand left to take your wine glass as you tilted your head.

“Why? Do you have a job for me?”

While you meant it as a tease, he swallowed hard, trying to force away the filthy images invading his mind. He shifted in his chair, leaning forward onto his arms folded across the table, doing his best to ignore the stirring in his slacks.

“You could say that,” he murmured; and then it was like a lightbulb went off in his head. His lips curled into a mischievous smirk, an eyebrow lifting, before adding, “Or I could just take care of you.”

Shock filled your face, your eyes opening wide and breath hitching in your throat. Daniel laughed, full bodied, perfect teeth shining in the flickering candle light.

“I’m kidding… kind of.”

You cleared your throat, trying to ignore how your ears burned, using your wine as an excuse to prolong the timing of your response. You watched him over the rim of your glass, trying to somehow mentally dissect him.

“So,” you began, sitting your glass back to the table, “tell me more. Do you enjoy your work?”

You were prying; there was just something that made you feel like he was hiding something. Not that he was lying, just that he wasn’t telling the whole truth.

“It’s okay,” he replied with a smirk.

“Using my own words against me? That’s rude.”

He chuckled, leaning backing in his chair, a finger fidgeting the fork in front of him. “I’m just always talking about work. I’ll tell you anything else.”

“Okay then,” you agreed, folding your arms on the table and leaning forward, filing away his lack of response for later. “Tell me something then. Do you have family nearby?”

“Not really, no. I have two sisters, but they live a few hundred miles away. My parents are in Greece.”

“Greece?” Your eyebrows raised.

He nodded, explaining that they moved overseas after retirement, leaving him a single corner store he turned into multiple. You would be lying you if you said you weren’t impressed. The hard work it would take, the dedication he must have. While he openly talked about his sisters, bragged about his parents, yet every time you tried to dig into more about his businesses, the conversation would shift.

Eventually, you were talking about your family, him asking the questions. As you fell into a spill about your home life, the server delivered the food, setting down the most beautiful looking plate of food you had ever seen. Not a single drop of pink on the rim of the edge of a white bowl, mushrooms soaking a creamy red sauce pooling around a steaming chicken breast resting perfectly centered.

After checking, the server refilled your wine glasses before disappearing once more. Daniel watched as you ritualistically sent a text message, then wasted no more time to saw into your food with a fork and knife. As you took your first bite, you realized this was, in fact, an experience.

You both fell quiet as you enjoyed the bold flavors of your dish. Daniel offered you a bite of his, which was even better than what you had. Perfectly cooked lamb that was so tender, it nearly melted like butter on your tongue. You hummed your approval, to which he was already cutting off another piece for you. Though you said no, a small pile of perfectly bite sized pieces piled on the edge of his plate.

The candle flickered between you, silence only broken by random scrapes of a fork or clink of glass—yet it was comfortable. Though he remained quiet, he smiled every time your hand snuck across the table to grab another taste off his plate.

After a while, your fork and knife rested on your nearly empty plate, your stomach full and taste buds still dancing.

“So,” he said smugly, sitting his silverware on a clean plate, already knowing the answer. “What’s the verdict? Did I open your eyes to the world of fine dining?”

“Ha-ha,” it came out flat, even as you stifled the smile threatening to break out. “It was better than I expected, I’ll give you that.”

“I think you might have enjoyed it more than you’re letting on.”

“Hey,” you playfully snipped, narrowing your eyes as the corners of your mouth lifted, “I said it was better than I expected. But I can’t tell you if I enjoyed it until I see the bill.”

Daniel’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “Why would you do that?”

You returned his confusion. “Daniel, this place is ridiculously expensive. No prices on the menu was a dead giveaway. And if you think I’m the kind of woman who doesn’t carry her own, who only—”

“I know you do,” he interrupted with a small nod. “But I asked you out, Y/N. You aren’t paying.”

“You paid last time. It’s only right.”

“I said no, shortcake. Besides, I do need to make it up to you for lying, right?” His eyes crinkled as he smiled warmly. He leaned forward, a large hand reaching across the table to gently take yours.

“Please, don’t argue,” he said softly, his thumb brushing across the back of your hand a tenderness that made your heart flutter. His blue eyes continuing to beg, even while his mouth remained closed.

“Okay,” you muttered, fingers curling around his hand. “But let’s do something that won’t require the selling of a kidney next time.”

His thumb stilled, a wide grin slowly overtaking his face. “‘Next time’?”

You hadn’t realized you said it, but now you were looking across the table as Daniel was looking at you like a dog that just heard their favorite word. Your smile grew as you watched his proverbial tail wag eagerly.

“Don’t let it go to your head. You’re still on thin ice.”

He leaned forward on an elbow, wiggling his eyebrows. “Good thing I know how to skate.”

You chuckled, rolling your eyes, trying to bite back the laugh that strained your throat. “You’re an idiot.”

“Probably, but you laughed.”

You pulled your hand out from under his, playfully slapping his forearm, trying not to let yourself giggle like a little girl. “Shut up!”

His other hand came up, capturing yours, pressing your palm firmly against his forearm. Your smile fell, eyes dropping to your hand sandwiched between his warm skin and soft sleeve. Butterflies flapped wildly in your stomach, throat suddenly bone dry.

“You say that a lot, don’t you?”

“What?” Your eyes jerked back to his while your cheeks stained pink. “Wha-No? No! Shut—”

You cut off your words and Daniel laughed, his fingers lacing between yours, dwarfing your hand completely under his. The heat from his palm soaked into the back of your hand, sending a fresh wave of pink up your neck to color your face deeper. While your eyes were focused on him, the server reappeared.

“Miss,” the small man bowed towards you before turning back to Daniel. “Mr. Sideris. I trust everything was to your standards?”

“It was,” he replied, never looking away. His hand tightened subtly, not wanting to lose the contact between you.

“Marvalous. May I interest you in dessert?”

“What do you think, cupcake?” Daniel’s voice dropped to a teasing mutter, “Want something a slice of cake or am I sweet enough?”

“Cheesy,” you scoffed, though it held no true bite. “But no, I’m stuffed.”

He agreed, removing his fingers from between yours, but pushing your palm into his sleeve in a silent request. He reached into his jacket, shuffling around for a moment; and in his concentration, his gaze dropped to your lips. As he traced the outline of the color on your lips, he forgot what he was doing.

He blinked, his card emerged, landing in the hand of the server. That was the transaction, you never even had the chance to see the bill.

His hand came back to yours that never moved. He gushed about how wonderful of a time he had, tossing in sweet compliments about your dress. You couldn’t lie, you had a great time, minus the terrifying start… And seeing him take that same tone with the first server.

After his card was returned, he decided to live up to the title of idiot: “I hope we can do this again soon. Can I give you a ride?”

“Daniel…”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

Your hand pulled out from under his, grabbing your phone.

“Will I hear from you again?”

It caught you off guard, your thumbs freezing on your screen for a split-second before ordering your ride home. Another text, then your phone was resting on the table in front of you. Daniels arm was still reached across the table, silently begging for the contact that was taken from him too soon.

“Yeah,” you said softly, the corners of your lips forced downward as you tried not to grin stupidly. “Of course you will.”

He beamed, eyes almost crinkling shut as the grin overtook his face. “Great! That’s great!”

Then he was surging to his feet, shuffling around the table excitedly. One hand coming to the back of your chair in preparation to pull it out, the other palm up in offering. This time, you took his hand, letting him help you up.

He wrapped your hand around his arm, smiling down at you, walking you away from the evidence of the most delicious meal you had ever had in your life. The only time he released you was to hold the door and let you walk through first. By the time you had made it outside, a familiar ping rang out from your purse.

You glanced up, seeing the black Toyota matching the description from the app waiting for you. Repeating the same actions as your first date, Daniel lead you to the car when you pointed it out, making the man driving give him your name before releasing you. He tugged the door open, stepping out of your way.

“Let me know when you make it?”

You looked down at the back seat, then back at Daniel. Ignoring the tightness in your chest, the nerves threatened make your hands shake, you stepped forward. Pushing up onto your toes, a hand coming to his shoulder to steady yourself. He didn’t move, aside from leaning down enough for your lips to connect with his cheek.

“I had a nice time,” you said as you looked up at his red face, knowing your own was burning just as bright. “Thank you.”

“Thank you,” he breathed, eyes fixed on your lips as he fought to keep himself from kissing you. From pressing his palms against the plumpness of your cheeks and taste the wine that stained your lips.

You said your goodbyes before you slid into the back seat, him giving you one last once-over before closing the door. You waved through the window as he took a couple of steps back, jamming his hand in his pockets with a large smile, waving back with the other. Then the car was moving, pulling out from the covered entrance way to begin your trip home.

“This is the first time I’ve ever picked anyone up from here,” the driver remarked, glancing at you in the rearview mirror. “Looks real nice.”

“It is,” you said with a smile, pulling your phone out to let Amanda know you’re on your way back. You turned to the window, looking out at the glow of the streetlights passing by. “It’s incredible, really.”

Though you still had questions, you had a bit of a better understanding of Daniel. You learned about his family… Kind of. Two sisters and he hinted that his parents were originally from Greece. He also managed slipped in a not-so-subtle brag about bench pressing 500 pounds while talking about helping his parents move.

As your mind retraced the conversations, you thought perhaps the way he was on the phone had something to do with one of his businesses. He seemed nonchalant, but it would have to be stressful to be the backbone for five businesses. That had to be it.

As far as the first server went, he deserved to be scolded, and you wouldn’t be completely truthful if you said it wasn’t nice that he was so willing to stand up for you. Still, the way the server reacted was interesting. The staff seemed to know his name, so maybe he had some kind of pull there, being a businessman and all. That made sense, right?

Though it started rough, it ended with you feeling as if you were floating. Daniel couldn’t be a bad guy, not when he looked at you with hearts beating in his eyes or held your hand like it was the only thing anchoring him to the ground. Besides, you had his full name now, and you knew Amanda would be doing a deep dive once she had it.

Between the two of you: you would find out exactly who Daniel Sideris was.

freaknloser.tumblr.com © 2025

[becausebuckley]

michelle's buddie fic recs: week 4!

oh have i got some good ones for you this week! enjoy <3

this is a mix of fics with all ratings, so some include NSFW content. please take a look at both the ratings and the fic tags before reading!

if you come across something you like in this list, remember to show some love to the author by leaving kudos and a comment!

and i'm not good at winning fights anymore | spaceprincessem/@spaceprincessem | 24k | T

five times Buck needs to feel Eddie's heartbeat and the one time Eddie needs to feel his. this is one of my absolute favourites, it was a reread this week and wow did it hit the spot once more. genuinely a masterpiece, cannot recommend this enough!

baby, say you'll always keep me | hattalove/@hattalove | 8.3k | T

the one in which joking about being married to your best friend is all fun and games, right up until you realize that you're not laughing. soft and sweet and a little silly, the buddie fic trifecta <3 all here in one fic!!

cause i'm tired of sleeping alone | rarakiplin (gmontys)/@hoediaz | 14.5k | T

five (ish) times eddie and buck go on dates with other people, and one time they go on a date with each other. oh this is so FUN i love mutual pining and jealousy and firefam meddling!! so good <3

didn't think you meant it | EtoileGarden | 33.5k | E

“Y’know,” he said. Shrugged again. “That last call? I kind of thought I’d have that by now.” “What,” Eddie raised his eyebrows at him. “A roof collapsing on you?” Buck grunted, elbowed Eddie. Lightly, because he did appreciate the humour in Eddie’s voice. “No,” he said. “Just - married.” i love love love the combination of pining and angst and comedy in this!! it's such a good time all around. another reread, and i'm glad i picked this up again!

i could spend the whole day just gettin' by | rowan_wood/@transboybuckley | 4.5k | GA

“I’m sick,” Buck said, eyes closed, when he could sense Eddie reached the loft. softest loveliest fic <3 i'm such a sucker for these two taking care of each other when they're ill, and this hits the spot so perfectly!

if i get burned, at least we were electrified | kaistinlove/@kaistinlove | 9.9k | E

Out of all the bad decisions Eddie has ever made. This one takes the cake. What did he think would happen when he's watching porn in broad daylight at the kitchen table? listen listen okay. buck's TATTOO. no i won't specify further, just read the fic. the TATTOO. trust me on this one. hot and fun and just so so good!!

if you leave the light on | cloudydaisies | 27.9k | GA

the check engine light comes on in Buck's Jeep, Eddie volunteers to fix it and carpool with him in the meantime, and it all breaks down from there, literally and metaphorically. such a delight of a fic <3 i love how this one nails not only the buddie dynamic, but the firefam as a whole!!

my heart will lead me there soon | ColorfulThoughts/@miscellaneouscolorfulthoughts | 7.4k | GA

Buck is pining for his best friend and copes with a new hobby. Who knew fish would bring them together? mutual pining, they are just too blind to see that is my new favourite tag combination <3 the hurt/comfort hurts and comforts so well!!

never known comfort like laying next to you | thelikesofus/@thelikesofus | 2.6k | GA

A long shift ends with a quiet pizza and movie night within the walls of the Diaz house followed by a quiet confession beneath Eddie’s duvet. this was another reread - quite a few of those this week - and wow does it continue to hit so hard <3 literally all of my favourite tags are right there!! i love soft domestic fluff, and this delivers exactly that!!

the evan buckley matchmaking agency | mmtion/@mmtions | 28.6k | M

Buck tries to set up Eddie. It goes well for absolutely no-one involved. (a 5+1 fic) the best oblivious buck ever!! this fic has such lovely characterisation of all the characters <3

the worm vs the universe | lightyears/@bisexualbellamyblake | 6.9k | T

Adriana moves to LA. It would be great, except that Buck starts dating her. adriana!! i love her so much!! the fact that we know so little about the diaz sisters in canon is wild to me tbh, but until proven wrong, i will just assume that adriana is exactly like this <3

slide it in, right to the top | oklahoma/@chippingmill | 4.3k | E

After Buck shows up at Eddie's door with a six pack, Eddie's mind begins to wonder. A bottle of tequila gives him the courage to ask for something he wasn't aware he's been wanting. this is hot and fun and so good and just so very them <3 i love scenarios like this for buddie, and this one is just perfect!!

vanilla disaster, lemon dream | BlueAzalea/@attack-of-the-blue-penguins | 39.8k | T

Eddie leans on his friends, shaves his mustache, goes to therapy, becomes besties with Maddie, admits he’s in love with his best friend, and learns to ask for what he wants. such a glorious glorious eddiemaddie friendship!! lovely introspective fic, an instant bookmark <3

wake up, boy, you're far from home | Daisies_and_Briars/@cal-daisies-and-briars | 23.8k | E

Eddie is miserable in El Paso, having seemingly made things worse. Buck is miserable in Los Angeles, without him. When Buck agrees to go home to Hershey for the holidays, everything implodes. oh and implode it does... such a fascinating look at the buckley and diaz families (i loved madney here!!) and at buddie themselves, of course. such a brilliant fic!!

when the tequila runs out | Artemis_Unbound/@artemisthehuntress | 5k | T

Drunk Buck is an octopus, Eddie is a pushover, and cuddles are had by all. soft and funny and just the perfect nighttime read <3 this might come last alphabetically, but it was the first fic i read this week, and what a delightful start it was!

[dioslesbianwife]

hihi! Can I request Part 5 gang with a female reader with a Stand that kinda acts like the abilities of Clan Malkavian from Vampire the Masquerade? Like, she'd be able to predict the future, at the expense of that power driving her crazy? And like, most of the time she'd be really wacky and silly, and just say the strangest stuff, but sometimes she gets super self-destructive, and rarely she just predicts what's going to happen or knows things she shouldn't with frightening clarity? A mix of fun moments and that sweet sweet ANGST

If you can't or have other priorities that's all good, I just really like your writing and thought this would be interesting to see! :)

hiii, totally and ty for the kind words <3 i hope you enjoy, thank you for requesting ❤️❤️

Bucciarati

Bruno is one of the only ones who really understands how to ground you.

He's unnerved the first time you look him in the eyes and say something like "Don't open the zipper on the 3rd train car, or Narancia will scream."

When it comes true exactly, he just silently accepts that this is your burden.

Keeps a notebook of your ramblings. Even the silly ones.

He's there for you during the bad moments- the spirals, the self-harm urges, the heavy silence after a "vision."

“You’re not broken,” he says, pressing his forehead to yours. “You’re just seeing more of the world than the rest of us.”

Giorno

Fascinated by your abilities- and a little scared, too.

At first, he tries to rationalize everything. But when you predict someone's death with tears in your eyes and then collapse, he realizes how real it is.

You once giggled and called him “King of Worms” and he STILL doesn’t know what that means.

Uses Gold Experience to try and help you ground yourself- breathwork, heartbeat regulation, even small life forms to keep you centered.

He listens closely when you’re having one of your "clarity moments"- you scare him sometimes, but he never looks away.

Mista

At first he’s like: “Haha, you're weird! I like weird!”

The first time you go still and say “Mista, don’t go into the alley tonight. The bullet won’t miss,” he freezes.

When he survives a hit because of your warning, he believes everything you say after.

Treats you like a little psychic gremlin bestie. Jokes with you during your silly moods:

"What's the future, spooky girl?"

"A sandwich. But not for you.”

During your darkest days, he brings you food, blankets, and sits with you in total silence while you rock or cry. He doesn’t always know what to say- but he’s there.

He lets you rest your head on his shoulder and says “Don’t worry… no one’s gonna let the future take you from us.”

Abbacchio

This man is SO suspicious of you at first.

He HATES how you act like a child and then suddenly go full cryptic oracle.

“You’re playing a game, aren’t you? Just a freak with a cracked Stand- ”

Then you whisper something only he knows, about someone from his past, and he goes absolutely silent.

Starts watching you more carefully after that. Quietly shifts from annoyance to concern.

He doesn’t coddle you when you spiral, but he grounds you by holding your hand firmly and reminding you what year it is, what your name is, etc.

Begrudgingly admits one night, “You scare me. But you’ve saved us more times than I can count.”

Fugo

Internally panicking 24/7 around you.

Your weirdness makes him twitch. You said his blood smells like fruit once and he still doesn’t know how to process that.

You once stopped mid-sentence during lunch and said, “The dog in the pink sweater’s gonna die next Thursday,” like what??

Despite this, he studies your Stand like a madman, hoping to understand the neurological effect on your brain.

Your pain affects him deeply. When you’re self-destructive, he’s terrified for you but does not yell. He’ll instead sit beside you, hands shaking, trying to coax you back to yourself with logic and soft reassurances.

He worries one day you’ll predict your own death. That’s what terrifies him most.

Trish

She’s overwhelmed by you at first, and not in a good way.

You said something about her dad before she even knew who he was and she was like “WHO TF ARE YOU?!”

But as she warms up to the gang, she gets softer with you too.

She starts painting your nails while you babble nonsense, and you’ll say something cryptic like “Your favorite color will be blue again when you meet your soulmate.”

When you fall into a pit of despair, she lies beside you, painting your hand and whispering affirmations. She uses gentle distractions to keep you grounded.

“Don’t let your Stand turn you into a ghost. You’re still here. Still real.”

Narancia

“HAHA you said the pasta is trying to kill me!!”

“It is, Narancia. There’s poison in it.”

“Wait what- ?”

He doesn’t realize you’re suffering behind the humor until you break down in front of him one night and say you wish your Stand would just shut up for once.

He tries to be more attentive after that. Starts memorizing which of your ramblings are real warnings.

Gets defensive on your behalf when others call you crazy.

“She ain’t crazy! Her brain just… sees too much.”

Brings you silly gifts to make you smile again, like sunglasses for your Stand or a shiny rock he found.

[cozzzynook]

TFA idea

Bumblebee returns to base holding one large sparkling of course he quickly explains to both Ratchet and Optimus that it's not his but he found them abandoned in a old building while on patrol. After a quick check up the bittie is given a clean bit of health and Bee decides since he found them he has to take care of them, much to Optimus being worried that Bee might not be ready for the responsibility.

However a couple of weeks later the large sparkling is thriving as they let out cheerful giggles when ever Bumblebee pulls a silly face or tickles their pedes and tanks, it makes everyone smile and Optimus can't be anymore proud.

:>

Bee making everyone proud by being able to take care of a sparkling he found and he’s happy to do this since it feels so natural and familiar to him. But not for the reasons the others might guess.

I like to headcanon tfa bee with angst and make him older. It adds ✨ flavor✨ to his character.

- Bee is so good with sparkling’s because he used to live in a sparkling center on the ruined sides of cybertron.

- bee came from the low class of bots who roamed the wreckage of Cybertron because they were not allowed among the populated cities due to being a mix of sub cybertronians.

- autobots do not take kindly to decepticons, seekers, jets, those with outliers, insecticons and beastformers.

- bee is half insecticon but he keeps his wings hidden. He’s able to keep Ratchet from going anywhere near them during private medical exams since the doc bot is not an expert on insecticon cna and therefore would cause more damage than good should he take a look at them.

- really, its just against insecticon culture to have a non-flying mech take a look at ones wings so closely, even if they were a medic.

- Bee is so good with sparklings because he helped raise so many during his sparklinghood to the days he became a young mech and left the sparkling center.

- bee’s creators were long offline and he couldn’t remember what they looked or sounded like. All he knew was that he inherited his carriers wings and insecticon traits and his sires ability to transform into a car.

- bee lets his wings free during this very patrol and thats how he was able to find the little sparkling.

- they were left in the high tops in hopes of a flier spotting them.

- he flew towards the bitty and the sound of his wings humming was able to lull them to recharge after calming them down.

- he knows what its like to have no creators and he knows what its like to take care of a bitty and focus all his attention on their needs instead of his own.

- he acted childish because he wanted to enjoy the childhood he never had. He just didn’t tell the others any of this since he’s actually very private. The only one who knows is Bulkhead and Bee knows his best friend won’t say anything.

- bee is excellent at taking care of the sparkling. Having a recharge and fueling schedule that impresses everyone along with being able to wake up a few nano-kliks before the sparkling does late at night so he can keep the night cries to a minimum.

- bee can already smell and see the signs the bitty is a seeker and he looks in the first places where color comes in to see if the bitty is one of the cons on Earth but to his findings they aren’t.

- to make sure he’s right he does a thorough scent test and shows the bitty freeze frame video clips of the cons stationed here and gets no reaction.

- bee wonders what a stray seeker was doing here so far out from cybertron or one of their other colonies but he soon gets his answer when Sentinel shows up bragging about shooting down two seekers who tried to flee.

- bee figures out pretty quickly what happened and just snaps.

- sentinel is left on the floor leaking energon with his chin broken off and his frame twitching by the time Bee is done with him.

- none of the others can say anything and they just stand there in shock as Ultra Magnus just gives bee a warning on learning to control his anger while Ratchet grimaces because he doesn’t want to help Sentinel but he has to.

- Ultra Magnus understands very well that Bee is by old law still in his rights to do such a thing since Ultra Magnus knows Bee is older than perceived. He also knows Bee came from the harsher outsides and that both outlanders and the cons held endangering sparklings as one of the worst sins a bot could make.

- Personally, Ultra Magnus feels the same and is not happy with his subordinate not following protocol and detaining the seekers so all this could be avoided.

- Bee meanwhile just carefully picks up his fussing sparkling and goes off to his room where he stays for the rest of the evening.

- Optimus tries to talk with him but Ratchet stops him telling the prime to give him a few joors of alone time with his bitty.

“Its not just you whose the carrier hen around here now Prime.”

“If I’m the carrier hen, doesn’t that make you the grand carrier, Ratchet?”

“Slaggin kids and there smart dermas,” Ratchet grouses as they both walk away.

Prowl doesn’t take the hint, he was listening in from the ceiling, and goes inside to talk to Bee.

Its not really talked about but Bee and Prowl are close. Bulkhead is Bee’s best friend but Prowl is his brother and the feeling is mutual.

—

I want to incorporate the decepticons and blitzwing specifically but i’m not thinking that hard right now lol

[otakusheep15]

Flufftober Day 10 - Hair

Content includes: Jade x reader, established relationship, soft Jade (probably OOC), hair as a lowkey metaphor (you figure it out), maybe some very light angst if you squint really hard, no dialogue

In the morning, Jade Leech’s hair is always a mess. 

It sticks up in every direction and it’s impossible to get down without using product. His morning hair is something he’s always been a bit insecure about, even if he never outwardly admits it, but you absolutely adore it. 

Seeing his hair so messy makes you feel all warm and fuzzy every time. For one, he just looks absolutely adorable with his hair all messed up, but that’s only a small part of it. You get to see his hair like this anytime you sleep over with him. He trusts you enough to see him in such a vulnerable state, which you appreciate a lot, not that you tell him that outwardly. 

During the day, Jade’s hair changes a lot. 

Most of the time it's down in its natural style. It is as neat as the rest of him, and you think he looks perfect like this. He’s presenting exactly how he wants to, and you can tell how much confidence he has when he has his hair like this. 

On rare occasions, his hair is sometimes pinned back with hair clips. This is usually when he’s doing something for alchemy or working in the kitchen of the Monstro Lounge. It’s not neat or perfect most of the time, but it’s practical, and that has its own kind of beauty. 

You like his hair pinned back. It’s not long enough to put in a ponytail, so all he can do is pin it up. As a joke, you once bought him these adorable clips with a star on the end. Each one was a different color, forming a rainbow in the packaging. You didn’t think he’d actually use them, but you thought it’d be a silly joke. 

One day you decided to visit the Monstro Lounge. Normally, Jade works at the bar section mixing drinks for customers, but Floyd has decided to ditch kitchen duty, so Jade was stuck in the back. When he heard you had come to visit, he went on break so he could sit with you. 

He came out, and the first thing you noticed were the brightly colored star clips holding his hair out of his face. You smiled but elected not to say anything, just silently appreciating that he actually used your gift. 

At night, Jade’s hair is your favorite. 

It’s messy, but not as messy as it is in the morning. After a hard day of school and work, it’s a bit messed up and sweaty, but overall as neat as it can be. At the end of the day, he loves resting in our lap as you run your hands through his hair, untangling the knots. You love it too. 

He’s calm like this. He doesn’t try to put up a front, instead just relaxing in the comfortable silence between you. Your hands occasionally scratch at his scalp, and he can’t help but lean into your touch when you do. Sometimes, you can’t help but mentally compare him to a cat. 

Regardless of the time of day, you love Jade’s hair. 

It’s an expression of who he is, and it’s a good indicator of what he’s been doing. Even though he tries to keep it neat and perfect at all times, it sometimes comes undone, and that’s okay. 

It’s not always going to be perfect, but he knows you won’t mind. He knows you’ll always be there to support him and love him, even when it’s something as simple as helping him fix his messy hair.

[its-avalon-08]

can i request a logan x reader: reader sees his ex at the paddock one day and gets insecure thinking he invited her and leaves but it turns out the ex is now dating a mechanic from another team or something like that…

just a silly idea i had and it’s totally ok if u don’t feel 100% comfortable doing it! and btw i love your writing sm

my ride or die (ls2)

✦ pairing - logan sargeant x female!reader

✦ genre - comfort, tears, angst

The paddock buzzed with the usual pre-race excitement as Y/N made her way toward Logan's garage. She spotted Logan talking with his team, a confident smile on his face. Just as she was about to call out to him, her eyes landed on a familiar figure – Emily, Logan's ex, standing a few feet away, chatting and laughing with some team members.

Y/N's heart skipped a beat. "Why is she here?" she muttered under her breath, feeling a surge of confusion and anxiety. She approached Logan, her voice slightly shaky. "Logan, look who's here," she said, pointing discreetly toward Emily.

Logan, engrossed in a conversation with his engineer, glanced in the direction she pointed and, without really paying attention, smiled and nodded. "Yeah, great," he said absentmindedly, turning back to his discussion.

Y/N's stomach dropped. His casual reaction felt like a confirmation. She took a step back, her mind racing with thoughts. "He invited her," she whispered to herself, feeling a mix of anger, hurt, and betrayal. She turned on her heel and started walking quickly toward the exit, her emotions swirling.

Logan finished his conversation and turned to look for Y/N, but she was already gone. His heart rate quickened as he realized something was wrong. He began to search the paddock, asking people if they had seen her.

"Hey, have you seen Y/N?" Logan asked one of the engineers.

"No, man, not for a while," the engineer replied, shaking his head.

Logan's worry deepened. He pulled out his phone and tried calling her, but it went straight to voicemail. He ran towards the parking area, hoping to catch her before she drove off.

Y/N stormed out of the paddock, muttering to herself as she headed toward her car. "Of course she'd show up… flaunting herself around… why did he have to invite her?" She tried to keep her tears at bay, but her eyes were already glossy with emotion.

As she reached for her car door, she felt a hand grab her wrist. She turned around to see Logan, his face etched with concern. "Y/N, what's going on? Why are you leaving?"

Y/N pulled her hand away, her voice trembling with anger and sadness. "Logan, did you invite her? Did you invite Emily here?"

Logan's eyes widened in shock. "What? No, I didn't invite her. Why would you think that?"

Tears finally spilled over as Y/N looked at him, her voice breaking. "Because she's here, Logan! And she's a model, she's perfect, and she always flirted with you even after you two broke up. How am I supposed to feel?"

Logan stepped closer, reaching out to hold her shoulders gently. "Y/N, listen to me. Emily is not here for me. She's here because she's dating a mechanic from Haas. I swear, I didn't even know she was coming."

Y/N looked up at him, her eyes filled with doubt and insecurity. "But she's so… perfect. How can I compete with that? She's glamorous and confident, and I'm just… me."

Logan's expression softened, and he pulled her into a tight embrace. "Y/N, you don't have to compete with anyone. You are more than enough for me. I love you for who you are, not because of what you look like or what you do."

She buried her face in his chest, her tears soaking his shirt. "It's just hard, Logan. She made me feel so small, like I wasn't good enough for you."

Logan held her even tighter, his voice gentle but firm. "You are more than good enough, Y/N. Emily is in the past. She doesn't matter to me. You do. I love you, and I want to be with you. Not her, not anyone else. You."

Y/N sniffled, lifting her head to look into his eyes. "You really mean that?"

Logan nodded, his eyes filled with sincerity. "I really mean that. You are the one I want to be with. Forever."

She let out a shaky breath, a small smile forming on her lips. "I'm sorry I doubted you. It's just… seeing her brought back all those old insecurities."

"I understand baby," Logan said softly. "But I promise you, you have nothing to worry about. You're the only one for me."

Y/N nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Thank you, Logan. I love you."

"I love you too," he replied, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Now, let's go back and enjoy the rest of the weekend together, okay?"

"Alrighty american boy, lead the way." she agreed, feeling the warmth of his love and reassurance.

time skip

Logan had an incredible qualifying session, securing a spot on the front row. The team was ecstatic, and he was feeling on top of the world as he made his way back to the garage. As he walked in, he saw Y/N waiting for him, a mixture of pride and guilt written all over her face.

"Logan!" Y/N called out, running towards him. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, burying her face in his chest. "You did amazing!"

Logan hugged her back, smiling. "Thanks, Y/N. I'm really happy with how it went."

Y/N pulled back slightly, looking up at him with tear-filled eyes. "Logan, I need to apologize again. I feel so ridiculously guilty about earlier. I shouldn't have doubted you. I'm so sorry."

Logan's expression softened as he cupped her face in his hands. "Y/N, it's okay. You don't have to keep apologizing. I understand why you felt the way you did."

"But I overreacted," Y/N insisted, her voice trembling. "I should have trusted you. I let my insecurities get the best of me, and I hurt you in the process. I'm really, really sorry."

Logan shook his head, feeling a pang of sadness for how upset she was. "Hey, don't do this to yourself. I love you, and I understand why you felt insecure. It was a tough situation, but we worked through it together. That's what matters."

Y/N sniffled, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I just hate that I made you worry and feel bad before such an important session. You deserve to be happy and focused, not dealing with my doubts."

Logan pulled her closer, resting his forehead against hers. "Y/N, your feelings are important to me. We dealt with it, and I still had a great qualifying. Please, don't beat yourself up over this. We're stronger together."

Y/N nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "Thank you for being so understanding. I promise I'll work on my insecurities. I don't want to make you feel like this again."

Logan kissed her gently, wiping away her tears with his thumbs. "We all have insecurities, Y/N. What's important is that we talk about them and support each other. I love you, and nothing's going to change that."

"I love you too, Logan," Y/N whispered, finally allowing herself to smile. "And I'm so proud of you. You're going to do great tomorrow."

Logan grinned, feeling a wave of warmth and gratitude. "With you by my side, I know I will. Now, let's go celebrate this qualifying session and enjoy the rest of the day together, okay?"

"Okay," Y/N agreed, feeling a sense of relief and happiness. "Let's do that."

As the evening settled in and the celebration for his successful qualifying session began to wind down, Logan found himself quietly observing Y/N. She was laughing with some of the team members, her eyes sparkling with genuine happiness. Her smile was radiant, and the way she effortlessly brought joy to those around her made Logan's heart swell with love.

He took a moment to step back, leaning against the wall, and simply watched her. Every gesture, every laugh, every glance – it all reminded him of how lucky he was to have her in his life. She was his rock, his support, the person who believed in him even when he had doubts about himself. Her vulnerability, her strength, her love – it all made him fall deeper in love with her every day.

Logan felt a profound sense of gratitude wash over him. Despite the challenges, despite the moments of insecurity and doubt, they had come out stronger. He realized that her presence in his life was a blessing he never wanted to take for granted. She was more than just his girlfriend; she was his partner, his confidante, his everything.

In that quiet moment, Logan made a silent promise to himself – to always cherish her, to always support her, and to always remind her just how much she meant to him. As he watched Y/N continue to light up the room with her presence, Logan knew that he had found something truly special. And he was determined to hold onto it with all his heart.

[lonelyhobi]

Just Before Work...

summary:

Taehyung and you were always oddly close, and one day your very thoughtful stepson decides to take care of you before work.

pairing: taehyung x step!momreader

genre: smut, pseudo!incest

warnings: masturbation (M), step!cest, needy Taehyung, lowkey manipulative Taehyung, boob fondle, mommy kink, blow job, he cums in her panties too im sorry

word count: 3.7k

notes: This is just gonna be pure filth, I wrote it a while back and never quite finished it. I’m trying to wrap up all my drafts, and this fic was for a little maknae line stepmom thing I had in the works and now I plan to finish it after like 2 years lol. Once I finish Jimins I'll work on my new fic (7th precinct) and another jungkook angst series I have. Enjoy xx

You loved being Taehyung's step mom. He was such a fun loving eccentric person and you loved getting to spend time with him. But lately, your step-son, for some reason, has really liked playing pranks on you and has been a bit touchy. You didn’t really mind at first but his actions have been getting a little less discreet and a little more vulgar.

One afternoon, as you were washing the dishes inside the kitchen peacefully, your step-son sneakily crept up behind you before surprising you with a slap on the ass.

You turn around to see Taehyung holding in his laughter, boxy smile giving away that he 100% did it on purpose and 100% didn’t regret.

“Hahaha! Got you off guard again! It's really easy to prank you!” He laughs like some dumb kid, as he does another one of those little "pranks" he does on you. You shake your head.

"Taehyung!" you exclaim as you cross your arms. "You shouldn't be doing that at your age. I'm your step mom" you say knowing it's futile because Taehyung is very needy and manipulative and claims that this is his way of ‘showing you affection’.

Taehyung grins mischievously at your scolding, not taking your words to heart at all. He steps closer, invading your personal space as he wraps an arm around your waist, pulling your body against his.

“Aww c'mon Mom, don't be like that! You know I'm just a big kid at heart, always playing silly pranks and having fun! Besides... “ He leans in, his breath hot against your ear as he whispers, “Isn't this just another way for us to show affection? I love you so much, Mommy…”

His hand slowly slides down to your hip, squeezing the flesh there possessively. Taehyung's eyes gleam with a hint of lust and desire, though he tries to hide it behind a facade of innocent playfulness.

“I can't help myself sometimes, you know? Your butt just looks so…” He pauses, biting his lip, “...cute!” he chuckles as he continues. “I'm a growing man, I need to release all this pent up energy somehow!”

Taehyung wiggles his eyebrows suggestively, letting out a dumb laugh as he waits to see how you'll react to his brazen advances and manipulative words.

"Sweetie, you know I have to go to work. I don't have time to entertain or take care of you right now" you scold softly not wanting to upset him.

Taehyung pouts childishly as you mention having to go to work, his grip on your hip tightening slightly. He leans back, looking at you with big, puppy dog eyes that are filled with a mix of disappointment and mischief.

“Aww, but Mom... I'm bored! You always leave me all alone to go to that stuffy office. Don't you want to play with your favorite step-son?” He whines, his voice taking on a deliberately whiny, bratty tone.

His hand slides further down, fingertips brushing against the inside of your thigh as he tries to distract and fluster you. Taehyung leans in closer, his lips nearly grazing your neck as he whispers sultrily, “I can make it worth your while to stay home and take care of little ol' me... I promise I'll be a good boy.”

He punctuates his words with a teasing squeeze to your thigh, his intentions crystal clear despite his innocent act. Taehyung's eyes flick up to meet yours, a challenging glint in them as he waits to see if you'll give in to his manipulative charms or put your foot down.

"Tae Tae you're my only step son" you say chuckling as you roll my eyes. You had about had it with his behavior, if wanted you so badly then you would just give in. "And I need to go to work to be able to pay rent and feed you mister." you answer as you feel his touch growing dangerously more inappropriate.

Sighing out in frustration you run my fingers through your step son's hair. "How about you let me take care of you so you're not so frustrated with me leaving?"

Taehyung leans into your touch, a shiver running down his spine as your fingers comb through his hair. A small, pleased smile plays at the corners of his mouth, but it quickly turns into a wicked grin as he sees an opportunity to manipulate the situation to his advantage.

He turns his head, nuzzling into your palm and pressing a lingering, almost sensual kiss to your skin. His eyes flutter closed for a moment before opening again, now darkened with a mix of affection and lust.

“Mmm, I like the sound of that, Mom...:” he purrs, his voice low and husky. “I'd love for you to take care of me... in every way possible.” He emphasizes his words with a meaningful squeeze to your wrist.

Taehyung's other hand slides fully around to your ass, gripping and kneading the flesh possessively as he pulls your body flush against his. He grinds his hips forward slightly, allowing you to feel the growing bulge in his pants.

He looks at you from under his lashes, his expression a mix of boyish innocence and blatant, wanton desire. His tongue darts out to wet his lips as he whispers, “I'm sure we can work something out... a deal, if you will. I'll be the best step-son ever, if you promise to take extra special care of me…”

His hand slides lower, fingertips brushing dangerously close to your most intimate area as he waits for your response, a smug smirk playing on his lips.

Eyes widening as you feel his bulge against your stomach. Taking a deep breath you say, "Okay honey, mom will help you out but after I gotta work okay?"  

Your hand comes between your bodies to grasp at his hardening length. "Mommy is gonna take good care of her baby bear alright?" your voice coming out in a whisper as you run your hand up and down.

"You want my hands and mouth baby?" you ask knowing his response as your hands work to quickly unbutton his pants so you can make it to work.

Taehyung's breath hitches and his eyes widen in surprise and excitement as he feels your hand grip his hardening cock through his pants. A low, guttural moan escapes his lips as you start to stroke his length, his hips bucking slightly into your touch.

“Y-yeah Mom, fuck yeah” he gasps out, his voice strained with desire.

“I want your hands and your mouth all over me... I want you to take care of your baby boy like only a loving step-mom can…”

He watches with hooded eyes as your fingers work to unbutton his pants, his chest heaving with anticipation. As soon as his pants are undone, Taehyung reaches down to shove them off his hips, along with his underwear, freeing his now fully erect cock.

It springs up, long, hard and thick, the swollen head already glistening with pre-cum. Taehyung wraps a hand around your wrist, guiding your strokes along his shaft as he grinds into your palm.

His other hand reaches up to grab the hem of your shirt, tugging at it impatiently. “Take it off, Mom I want to see all of you” he demands, his voice rough with lust.

“I want to feel your skin against mine as you take care of your baby boy”

He leans in, capturing your lips in a searing, desperate kiss, his tongue pushing past your lips to claim your mouth. He explores every inch of you, tasting you, consuming you, as his hands start to roam your curves greedily.

Moaning slightly into his lips you reply, "Just my shirt sweetie, I gotta go to work remember" you unbutton your shirt letting him see your bra before pulling the cups down. Before bringing your hand back down to stroke his hard length

"You're really big Taehyung.” you say as you marvel at his cock.

Taehyung's eyes darken with lust as he takes in the sight of your newly exposed breasts, his gaze hungrily roaming over the soft swells and the tantalizing curves of your cleavage. He licks his lips, his hand coming up to cup and squeeze one of your breasts, his thumb brushing over your nipple through the thin fabric of your bra.

“Fuck, Mom you're so sexy” he murmurs, his voice low and filled with desire.

“I've always thought you had the hottest tits” He leans down, pressing open-mouthed kisses to the tops of your breasts, his tongue darting out to taste your skin.

He shudders as your hand continues to stroke his hard, aching cock, his hips rocking into your touch. Taehyung's other hand slides down to grip your ass, pulling your body flush against his as he grinds his thick length against your stomach.

He looks up at you with a wicked, challenging grin, his eyes glinting with mischief and lust. “Mmm, you think I'm big, Mom? Wait until you feel me stretching out this tight little pussy of yours” he punctuates his words with a sharp squeeze to your ass.

Taehyung's hand slides around to your inner thigh, his fingers brushing teasingly against your clothed sex. “I bet this pretty little cunt is dripping wet for me already” he purrs, his voice dripping with arrogance and self-assurance.

“I can't wait to shove my big, hard cock deep inside you and make you scream”

He leans in, his lips brushing against your ear as he whispers, “Hurry up your baby boy needs you to take care of him real bad, I need to feel your tight, wet pussy squeezing around my cock as I fuck you senseless.”

You bring your hand up to his chest patting softly.

"Mmm behave Taehyung, I told you I would take care of your little 'problem' well big problem but then I have to go to work okay? Now hold mommy’s hair while she sucks you cock sweetie"

Dropping to your knee you hold his big length in your hand as you lick his leaking slit before suckling onto the head.

"Gosh sweetie you really like this huh?" you ask as you run my tongue up the underside of his cock.

Taehyung lets out a low, guttural moan as your tongue laps at his sensitive slit, his hips jerking forward slightly as he tries to push more of his cock into your hot mouth. His hand tangles into your hair, gripping the strands tightly as he holds your head in place.

“Fuck yes, Mommy I fucking love this” he gasps out, his voice strained with pleasure. “I've dreamed about feeling your sexy lips wrapped around my cock for so long”

His other hand reaches down to squeeze your breast roughly, pinching and rolling your nipple between his fingers.

He watches with hooded, lust-filled eyes as your tongue traces up the thick vein on the underside of his shaft, his cock throbbing and pulsing in your grip. Taehyung's breath comes in short, sharp gasps as he fights the urge to thrust into your mouth, to fuck your face right then and there.

When you suckle on the swollen head of his cock, Taehyung throws his head back with a strangled moan, his grip on your hair tightening painfully. “Oh shit, Mom your mouth feels so fucking good” he pants, looking down at you with a wild, almost feral expression.

He rocks his hips forward slightly, pushing more of his thick length past your lips as he grinds against your face. “I can't wait to feel you deepthroating my big cock, I want to see those pretty eyes of yours watering as I fuck your throat raw”

Taehyung's eyes gleam with a mix of affection and dark, twisted lust as he stares down at you, taking in the erotic sight of his step-mom on her knees before him, her lips wrapped around his aching cock.

He smiles, a wicked, smug smirk playing on his lips as he whispers, “Hurry up and suck my cock like a good little cockslut, Mom your baby boy needs to cum so fucking bad and then maybe I'll let you go to work if you do a good job, of course”

You look up at him glaring slightly. "What do you mean if I do a good job?" playing offended still stroking his cock leaning down to take his heavy balls in my mouth.

Licking around while sucking on them, you watch his cock twitch as more pre-cum seeps out. Letting them fall out of your mouth you go back to tonguing his cock.

"You know baby I don’t mind letting you fuck my throat but why don’t you leave your load inside of mommy's panties so I can take it to work with me? Then when I come back we can talk about what to do with mommy's cum drenched pussy?" you smirk up at him as while taking his cock fully into my mouth, making sure to breathe from your nose.

You hold onto his thighs as you push yourself until your nose hits his pelvis. Despite being older than him and having experience, the sheer size of his cock still made your eyes water.

Taehyung's eyes widened in surprise and excitement at your suggestion, a wicked grin spreading across his face. He looks down at you, his expression a mix of lust, affection, and arrogant pride as he watches you take his massive cock deep into your throat.

“Mmm, fuck yes I like the way you think, Mom” he purrs, his voice low and rough with desire.

“Leaving my load in your panties, letting you walk around work with your step-son's cum soaking through the fabric, fuck, that's so hot” he groans as he rocks his hips forward, pushing more of his thick length down your throat as he grips your hair tighter.

Taehyung's head falls back, a low moan tearing from his throat as he feels your nose press against his pelvis.

“Oh shit, Mom your throat feels so fucking good squeezing my cock” he gasps out, his hips starting to thrust shallowly, fucking your face with short, sharp jabs.

“I can't wait to fill up your panties with my hot, sticky cum to mark you as mine, inside and out”

He looks down at you, his eyes dark and intense as he smirks. “And when you come home, I'll fuck your cum-drenched cunt so hard” he promises, his voice dripping with arrogant confidence and lust.

Pulling off of his cock with a pop as you look up at your step son, a string of saliva connecting your lips to his tip as you plant a kiss to his tip. "Why doesn't Mommy stroke you so you can finish in here baby?" you suggest as you stand up in front of him lowering your skirt and underwear while gripping his cock.

He licks his lips hungrily as he sees the string of saliva connecting your mouth to the tip of his cock, a primal, animalistic urge to claim you, to mark you as his, surging through him.

Taehyung's eyes darken with lust as he watches you stand up and lower your skirt and panties, revealing more of your soft, creamy thighs.

Slowly you slide your hand up his cock letting some of his pre-cum fall onto your panties. "You're doing so good Honey."

He shudders as your hand slides up his shaft, coating your fingers in his slick pre-cum. When you bring your hand down to your panties, smearing his essence onto the fabric, Taehyung lets out a low, guttural groan, his cock throbbing and pulsing with the need for release.

“Fuck, Mom you're such a dirty girl” he pants, his voice strained with desire. “I love seeing my cum on your panties, knowing that I'm going to fill them up so fucking soon.”

You smile, releasing his cock from your grasp as you grab his hands bringing them to your breasts. "Here baby play with these.

Taehyung's hands eagerly grasp at your breasts as you offer them to him, his fingers sinking into the soft, pliant flesh. He kneads and squeezes your tits roughly, his thumbs and forefingers pinching and rolling your nipples until they stiffen into hard, aching peaks.

He leans down, capturing one of your nipples in his hot, wet mouth. He suckles hard, his tongue swirling around the sensitive bud as he grinds his hips against yours, painting your panties with his pre-cum.

Taehyung's other hand slides around to grip your ass, pulling your body flush against his as he starts to thrust into your hand, fucking your fist with short, sharp jabs. His breathing grows heavier, his chest heaving against yours as he chases his rapidly approaching orgasm.

He looks up at you with wild, desperate eyes, his expression a mix of love, lust, and primal, animalistic need.

“I'm gonna cum, Mom. Fuck, I'm gonna cum so hard.” he pants against your breast, his hips stuttering and jerking erratically.

“Gonna fill up your panties so fucking much, here it comes.”

With a strangled cry of your name, Taehyung's cock pulses and throbs in your hand as he starts to cum, his hot, thick seed spurting out in long, heavy ropes to soak through your panties. His body shudders and jerks against yours.

You hold his head to my chest as you coax his hot cum out of his cock. "Good job baby, that's it. Come for your step mom" you say gently, pumping length. The tip trapped in your underwear as you feel your pussy being covered in cum.

Taehyung's body goes rigid, his muscles tensing and flexing as he rides out the intense waves of his orgasm. He buries his face between your breasts, his hot breath coming in short, sharp pants against your skin as he fills your panties with his thick, creamy seed.

His cock pulses and throbs in your grip, spurt after spurt of cum painting your underwear a sticky, pearly white. You can feel the warmth of it seeping through the fabric, your pussy being coated in your step-son's essence as he marks you as his.

As the last spurts of cum dribble out, Taehyung's body goes slack, slumping against you as he catches his breath. He nuzzles into your chest, pressing soft, loving kisses to your breasts as he comes down from his high.

Finally, he pulls back to look up at you, a satisfied, smug grin spreading across his handsome face. His eyes are still dark and heavy-lidded, but now they shine with affection and a deep sense of contentment.

“Thank you, Mom” he murmurs, his voice low and rough from his intense orgasm.

“That was amazing. You're the best step-mom ever.” He leans in to capture your lips in a slow, sensual kiss, pouring all of his love and gratitude into the embrace.

When he pulls back, Taehyung smirks at you, a wicked glint in his eyes as he looks down at the cum-soaked spot on your panties.

“I can't wait for you to walk around work with my load in your panties, Mom. Knowing that your sexy little pussy is all marked up with your step-son's cum.” He chuckles darkly, giving your ass a possessive squeeze.

He leans in to whisper hotly in your ear, his breath sending shivers down your spine.

“And when you come home, I'm going to fuck you so hard, you won't be able to sit right for a week. I'll make sure everyone knows that this tight little cunt belongs to me” He punctuates his words with a sharp nip to your earlobe before pulling back with a wicked grin.

“Now hurry up and get ready, Mom. Your baby boy can't wait to see you again and claim this sexy body of yours all over again, and again, and again…” He smirks

"Mmm I know you will sweet boy, be good for me while I'm at work" you say as you adjust your breasts in your bra and re-button your shirt.

Taehyung watches hungrily as you adjust your breasts back into your bra and button up your shirt, his eyes roaming over your curves with a possessive, lustful gaze. He licks his lips as he imagines you walking around work with his cum soaking your panties, everyone unaware of the lewd act that took place between you and your step-son.

"I'll be back" you smile placing a kiss on his cheek before heading towards the door

He stands there, his softening cock still out and glistening with your saliva and his own release, as he watches you head towards the door. Just before you exit, he calls out to you, his voice low and filled with dark promise:

“Hey Mom don't forget, this sexy body belongs to me now” he says, gesturing to your figure.

“I'm going to be thinking about you all day, about all the dirty, nasty things I want to do to you” He smirks, a wicked glint in his eye. “And when you get home, I'm going to make every single one of those filthy fantasies come true”

He winks at you, a smug, arrogant grin playing on his handsome face as he tucks his spent cock back into his pants.

“Hurry back to your baby boy, Mommy. I'll be waiting to give you the fucking of a lifetime.” He chuckles darkly, blowing you a mocking kiss as you walk out the door.

[gloomyshoujo]

ACCOMPANYING DOODLE COMIC CAN BE FOUND HERE!!

Day 9 for huevember~

Decided to draw Jetko again, this time for a very specific AU I've been tweaking over like a feral animal lol. (heavy and I mean heavy rambling under the cut!)

Urk yea, so I worked my butt off of this one! I really pushed myself with the anatomy, since I wanted it to have a bit of sex appeal ngl lol (also, ya know, wanting to get better at drawing blah blah). I don't think I've ever looked at so many refs at once tho holy shit...

I also tried my best to make it look cool and graphical~ It was fun and fucking brutal I think I went through 30+ different variants, no joke LOL. Shoutout to my bestie for all the help and listening to me ramble like a madman. Title from this song: Renegade Master by Wildchild

OKAY SO PLEASE LET ME BE A LOSER

So not sure how to describe this AU, other than it being sort of a silly master thief mixed with action, romance/smut, drama, angst, revenge and conspiracy. I was definitely inspired by a few anime's, but Lupin iii & Cowboy Bebop were the biggest inspos for sure lol.

Not sure of the timeline, but maybe in the 90s? They're also aged up, Jet is about 31yo, and Zuko 23 maybe? YES there's a bit of an age gap as a treat for me. <333

Both of them served in the military, but at different times and units, so they never met before.

Jet joined the army at 18 to basically avoid homelessness, since he was orphaned and didn't have many options. He did, however, want to set up a fund for 'Bee and Longshot while he worked there. I'm still unsure about why he'd leave, but was thinking he got injured (like in S2), and was discharged (I'm also thinkin' toxic situation-ship with Lu Ten? *looming music* the drama!!). Or maybe he was about to uncover something big by mistake, so they accused him of stuff he didn't do, which had him terminated from the military. Or a combo of the 2??

But whoops, also turns out his fund he was putting aside was stolen/was being lied too, and he, 'Bee and Longshot had nothing left to their names. And because governments suck, he wasn't getting his benefits or barely got enough (or if he was terminated, then he'd get nothing).

This obviously left him feeling pissed and helpless. He tried getting normal work, but he didn't have much luck; which eventually led him to robbing a bank out of desperation (+an old military friend reached out to ask for help with the robbery), using his skills he's learned over his life (maybe at the time, he pretended to date Katara as she worked there to get intel? More drama~ Tho he did regret that part;;;). After that first theft, he not only got money for him and the others, but got a huge thrill from it. Since then, he strived to become the worlds greatest thief! He goes after money, jewels, fine art; whatever gives him a challenge (and a good paycut hehe)~

Zuko, like Jet, joined the military as soon as he turned 18; but it was done to get away from his fathers abuse and influence. He thought Ozai had no connections to the military, and he'd be safe to have his own career/life there for a while. (Also thinking Iroh is not in the picture. Either dead or disappeared)

Unfortunately, his father was far more powerful and corrupt than he thought he was. Not entirely sure why again, but thinking this time around, Zuko did uncover something big going on (but only a small glimpse of it). His father then ordered an assassination against Zuko and his unit, to make it look like an accident/war mission gone wrong (also, think 41st division here; except Zuko was in said division).

In an instant, he lost his comrades, all of them killed off because of Ozai. Unfortunately for Ozai, Zuko did survive, but no one knew of that, and thought he was dead/completely burnt away from the blast (also maybe that's how he gets the scar on his face OR chest?? idk yet).

Zuko did manage to run away and hide somewhere, finding random help and took almost a year to recover. During that time, he had a lot of time to think about it, and decided he'd get revenge against his father.

But it wouldn't be an easy feat. Reporting Ozai never did anything for him (the few times he tried when he was younger). He thought simply killing him would suffice, but he wanted Ozai to slowly lose everything. His influence, connections, money, power, etc. He wanted him to suffer, and lose the things he clearly cared more than anything in the world, even his own family.

So after the incident, he took time to train, get more intel, took mercenary jobs so he could build up his own network/gain experience, etc etc. until he eventually felt ready to begin his slow act of revenge; which would entail him starting from the bottom up, taking apart Ozai's regime if you will, by stealing/destroying/killing his connections/assets/companies/etc etc. if that makes sense?

ANYWAYS. Queue in Jetko!

The first time Jet meets Zuko, it's in the middle of a theft; it was night time, Zuko illuminated by the full moon, sirens going off in the background, as Zuko is holding the very thing he was going to steal. Zuko slowly turns to look at him, with nothing but contempt in his eyes. And Jet? INSTANTLY fell in love.

AHAHA in this AU, Jet is absolutely whippeddddd for Zuko. He thinks he's the most handsome, beautiful, badass person he's ever laid eyes on. Jet is convinced Zuko stole his heart, but he doesn't mind.;-) (yes he's a SAP)

Zuko doesn't care for Jet (or anyone for that matter). He's been pretty much alone for years now, only concentrating on his revenge. But Jet seems to pop up here and there, always in the middle of a robbery or whatever else. He comes to learn Jet is the self-proclaimed "worlds greatest thief", which he doesn't care for.

And yet, Jet always seems eager to speak to him, even helping or saving him sometimes. He doesn't get it, and he wonders if the guy was hired by his father. Yet, Jet manages to wiggle his way in Zuko's heart; which scares him, because he doesn't want to forget his anger and hatred.

But he can't help but be pulled in Jet's antics and chaotic heists, from time to time.

I don't think Jet would care if Zuko was the son of Ozai, in this AU. I'd imagine he'd be more angry about what Ozai has done to Zuko (and others) than Zuko's blood. Also, while Jet is definitely whipped, he does grow real feelings for Zuko the more they interact. He enjoys discovering small aspects about him, or the rare times he smirks or chuckles. But he can see there's a lot of hurt in Zuko, and is worried about him; he really wants him to have fun and be happy (hence why he ropes Zuko into his antics/thefts at times, just to see Zuko loosen up a bit).

As for the plot, AHAHA idk yet. Definitely some conspiracies going on, maybe some classic world domination? Idk. But everything is connected in some ways; even the random fine art pieces Jet would steal, would eventually connect to something bigger. Lots of action too and near death scenes aha. Also, Jets and Zukos pasts and presents would come to intertwine at some point. I'm thinking Lu Ten is one nasty villain too, which would add for some delicious drama~

Unto the nsfw aspect LOL (please respect the honour system and only read if you're 18+ pwease T^T)

So in ALL my headcanons/AU's, Jet/Zuko are switches. But I have SUCH a thing for younger men topping older men AHA (also....Jet is hairy too YIPPEE!). So the first time they even kiss, it's Zuko that pulls the shots. I'd imagine Jet would be flirting with Zuko again, and Zuko feeling both fed up but also interested, would grab him by the collar and give Jet a deep kiss; shocking Jet into silence. He'd just smirk, knowing he won, while Jet's brain short circuits lol. OR their first kiss is Zuko slipping Jet some important info through a chip/pill, which does surprise Jet, but he's eager to play the make-out part.;-)

Not even sure how they'd finally give in and fuck lmfao. But Zuko would, again, call the shots the first time; which does things to Jets brain because he's never been topped by a younger guy (he's veryyy into it tho). At some point, Zuko would allow Jet to top him during an emotional moment, I would imagine aha.

Oh also, for this scene in particular.....idk. I have a real fetish for cool looking dudes in cool outfits and looking all badass and homoerotic LMFAOOOOO. I do think it displays their dynamic in this AU pretty good. Jet being smitten/whipped and flirting/teasing, knowing full well he's got Zuko's attention; while Zuko seems in control/indifferent and closed off, but he can't help but be pulled in by Jet. (also I just wanted to draw something ~cool~)

As for the text, I was listening to music and it popped up LOL. Idk, I sometimes let whatever I'm listening too atm dictate stuff for me, especially titles because I suck with those. As for the font choice, I wanted a serif font to make it look a bit more old school, and hopefully jazzy. But I also wanted it edgy, something you could either see on a jazz album or 90s rave/techno/house album.xD (Since I was inspired by both genera's lol) It WAS really hard choosing the right font. Several looked great, one in particular I almost went with, but it felt too modern imo. I also knew I wanted it to be red, but it often took attention away from Jet/Zuko. So I tried my best to use the font to my advantage, and have the viewers eyes automatically go towards their faces by making it more saturated in that spot, like a light source? I also did trace out the font like a loser so it would have a hand-drawn texture.:-V

Also I kinda drew Jet more beefy than I usually imagine him by accident? But I didn't wanna change it bc.....his tits came out real good lol. I def need to draw more for this AU. And I hope Zuko's ass also came out good because god did I struggle.

OKAY SORRY FOR BEING A LOSER IN PUBLIC I'LL SHUT UP NOW LMFAOOOO.

[mauveisroyalexo]

C H A P T E R — O N E

Summary: Akira gets the news of a lifetime. Her sheltered world comes crumbling down when her father lays down the law: she’s leaving her family.

Warnings: strong language, breeding kink, heavy smut, strong violence, angst, parallel polyandry relationships, omegaverse, a/b/o, slow burn, trauma/healing themes, abusive family.

WC: 6,042

Previous | Next

“Akira! You’re needed in the family room!”

Looking up from the kitchen sink, Akira placed the last dish on the drying rack before wiping her hands dry and heading to the family room. It wasn’t uncommon for her family to have multiple meetings throughout the week, being that her family represented the largest black community of werewolves. Nearly all of her siblings were alphas, with the exception of her second oldest sister, Naomi, a coveted beta, and she, an unpresented human. It wasn’t uncommon for humans and werewolves to mate, even if that’s not how werewolves came to be, like most people thought. All it took was the bite of one rabid wolf thousands of years ago and mankind as you know it became the bitten and the unbitten. Though urges have tamed over the years due to the mixing of humans and werewolves, there hasn’t been a single incident of animalistic behavior towards the humans. What exactly did this have to do with Akira Batiste? Somewhere in the lineage of the Batiste family, a werewolf mated with a human and now the family is convinced that the recessive gene skipped over to her, leaving Akira as the only human within the family.

“You called for me, father?” Akira stood near the entrance of the open family room. Try as they might, they tried not to ‘other’ Akira too much. Throughout the expanding twenty acre compound, Akira was able to roam freely from den to den, visiting her siblings and other family members bordering the area. She babysat like a good aunt that she is, and often took care of her grandmother at her cottage in the center of the compound—the heart, if you will. Still, in the back of Akira’s mind, she knew she would always be treated differently than the rest of her siblings. Differently from her aunts and uncles and cousins too. “Am I in trouble?”

“Of course not Akira, don’t be silly.” Her oldest sister, Justine, laughed. Akira pouted, looking down at her nails. Her father Joseph sighed, “We called you because we have some news. As you know, we’re getting older and soon, one of the boys will be heading the family in my leadership role within the community.” Akira nodded, listening intently, “Bottom line, you’re going to have to find your pack soon.”

Perplexed, Akira blinked rapidly, “What do you mean, I thought you’re my pack?!”

“We’re your familial pack, yes,” her mother, Miriam, started, “But you’ll have to leave the nest soon. Your father and I will be too old to continue to take care of you, you’re an adult now Akira.” She frowned.

“But, but—,” Akira stuttered, “What about everything I do around the house? Who’s gonna babysit the kids? Who’s gonna take care of grandmother??” Akira fretted, looking around the room at all her siblings. No one spoke, and truly, they didn’t need to. When their father made the decision, it was final. “Won’t you need my help?”

“Well that’s the thing, we’ll be taking care of mother from now on, as well as the kids.” Miriam chirped, “We feel that it’s time you stand on your own two feet, Akira. You’re 26, it’s time—.”

“You’re being presented to the highest pack leaders within the four regions this coming Friday. One of them will be your new pack leader, let’s just be grateful that they’re willing to take a human into their pack at all.” Joseph interrupted. Devastation coated Akira’s face as she stumbled against the archway of the room. It wasn’t a secret that, although it’s not illegal or frowned upon, being human within a werewolf community is taboo. While they are the majority in popular areas of the country, within Smeraldo Valley, the moderate town was coveted by werewolves only. “Don’t be dramatic Akira, it won’t be bad.” Joseph muttered sternly. Immediately, Akira straightened her body and bowed her head, “Of course not, father, I apologize.”

Akira wanted to trust her father’s words, but she wasn’t so sure.

“Akira, I understand you were upset about your father’s decision?”

Akira softly ran her brush through her grandmother’s silvery mane as she got her ready for the day. Now that she knew of her family’s plans to get rid of her, Akira spent the majority of the week moping. While she packed her things, the few of them that there was, she thought about who it was her parents would pawn her off to. Meeting with the leaders of the most prominent packs in Smeraldo Valley meant that her father’s decision was real, and that there was no way out of it. It would look bad if she asked to live among the humans, otherwise Akira would’ve offered up that solution.

“I just…what did I do to be sent away?” Akira’s frown suddenly deepened and her grandmother, sensing her distress, cooed at her as Akira knelt down near her side. Placing her head in her lap, Genevieve patted Akira’s head with a sigh, “I will admit, out of all my grandchildren, you are the one that mostly makes the effort to take care of me. But think of it as not the family punishing you, but as an opportunity to better your surroundings.” Akira pulled away, ignoring the tears that ran down your plump cheeks as her grandmother swept them away, “You will be well cared for.”

“I’m not worried about being cared for.” Akira frowned, “Who’s gonna look after you? What if it’s all an act? What if who I end up with ends up being cruel? I’d be stuck.” Akira’s eyes blinked and more tears seeped through. Genevieve shushed her, wiping her face, “You will not be stuck. I have a feeling that the pack that chooses you will be the one that you need. And you never need to worry about me, my little wolf, I’ll be just fine.”

Akira stood in front of her full length mirror unsure of what she should be doing. She’s never been to a summit before, she wasn't sure how she’s supposed to dress. As she turned to walk to her closet, a knock at the door stopped her. “Come in.” Akira sat down on her bed as the door opened. Her eyes widened in surprise to see her older sister, Naomi there so she stood.

“I came to see if you were dressed yet. I guess not.” You looked at the floor while Naomi’s eyes fitted around your room, “Has your room always been this…small? I never noticed.” While the Batiste’s lived in a rather large home—practically a mansion—it did not always reflect that in the size of the rooms. Naturally, Joseph and Miriam had the master suite on the top floor while Naomi had the third largest room—Braxton having the second, “Why didn’t you move upstairs once Malik and Justine left?”

“Oh,” Akira blinked, “I guess because when they visit with the children and their spouses, it’s still their room.” Akira’s room was on the first level, ducked off by the hallway nearest to the kitchen. It was the smallest room on the floor, being mindful to leave the two big guest rooms for family or visitors now that Braxton moved upstairs along with Naomi. “Plus I don’t own much, it would’ve been too much space for me.” Naomi watched as Akira fretted with the fringes of her robe. She walked further into your room, giving it a once over, “Hmph,” she turned, staring at the small bookcase with its tiny collection of books, “you really don’t ask nor want for much, do you, little sister? You’ve always been such a mousy little thing. Always quiet, always patient. I bet you truly believe the scraps of attention you get from our family is enough for you.” Akira balked at how observant Naomi was. Then again, betas are the most observant of the bunch. “I do think what’s happening to you is stupid, but I don’t disagree with the fact that once dad steps down, there will be no one to support you. Malik is hell bent on succeeding and taking over the family home. He’s greedy.”

Akira watched her sister with both confusion and reverence. It’s not a secret to herself that she should be wary of her siblings. With the amount of affection she received from her parents, it’s no wonder to her that her siblings followed in their footsteps. If her parents were indifferent and even cold at times towards her, then her siblings would be as well. But Naomi was just indifferent. Indifferent and observant. “Justine just doesn’t want you around her husband. His…proclivities with human women aren’t a secret. Or maybe it was, hmph.” Naomi shrugged, “And judging by the look on your face, you seemed surprised by the fact that her mate would step out on her. Don’t be, she does it too. They have a strange relationship, them two. And Braxton, he’ll follow whomever.” Naomi stepped towards Akira’s closet, raking her fingers through the clothes, “Finding a better pack might be a blessing. It’s no wonder grandmother showed you more affection, you needed it.”

“Is that what this is about? Because I’m closer to grandmother than she is to any of you? It wouldn’t be like that if y’all visited her more often.” Akira questioned. Naomi just laughed. Her eyes turned from the closet to stare at her sister, “Have you not been listening to anything I just said? You are the metaphorical runt of the litter. You have no wolf, you are human, our family treats you like crap, yet you don’t see it, why is that? Is it out of obligation? Fear? Love?”

“You’re supposed to love your family.” Akira argued, making Naomi scoff, “And anyway, you all haven’t outright treated me horribly. I know most packs are protective of each other and…I know that most are warm towards e-each…other b-but…” Akira frowned, realizing how that was the opposite of her family. Naomi watched the slow realization hit Akira in real time. Akira was now sitting on the edge of her bed, fully frowned up with sadness. “They tolerated me, didn’t they?” Akira questioned but never got an answer, “So why did they keep me?”

“Mother and grandmother fought for you.” Naomi replied. “I fought for you.” Akira, with tears swimming in her eyes, stared up at Naomi, “I think I wanted you to stay because it kept the attention off of me for a while. Everyone doted on you until it was time for you to present your wolf, and when you didn’t, I was right back where I started. It was stupid, I see it now, to treat you the way I did because you had no control over that. I just got tired of being the prized beta in a den of alphas. I had hoped that you’d at least be a beta or hell, even an omega. It would’ve taken the pressure off of me.”

“So that’s where dad’s disappointment comes from. He’s ashamed I’m human.” Akira realized.

“Our father’s prejudice, that’s nothing new.” Naomi rolled her eyes. “I think I’m more upset that you never fought for more. You dwell in a shoe box of a room, you had more chores than any of us did over the years, you barely got more than one present every Christmas. They sometimes forget your birthday and you’re forced to babysit them little gremlins every weekend. Why are you so—.” Naomi began getting frustrated at Akira ‘s calmness.

“Weak?” Akira answered, a watery chuckle left her lips as her eyes burned with more tears. Naomi frowned, not expecting this reaction, “I could see how disappointed our parents were. I didn’t want to further upset anyone so I just…did what was asked of me and stayed out of the way.” Akira sighed, wiping her face, “It was easiest. Like you said, I’m the runt. Nobody wants the runt.” Akira blew out a breath, standing to walk to her closet, “I should be grateful they didn’t give me away.”

“If they did, you probably would’ve had a hell of a lot better chance at life. To live amongst humans…to live freely from under someone’s thumb.” Naomi lamented about her own fate. “I will say, the only thing we seem to have in common is that our parents both make choices for us. Did you know that betas don’t have mates?” Akira stared at her sister, “Their chemistry is different from that of an alpha or omega. We don’t feel what they do when they find a mate. So the head alpha of the family has to find a mate for them.” Akira turned towards Naomi, putting two and two together.

“..You’re coming to the summit.” Akira says, not surprised. Naomi just nodded in response, edging towards the door, “You’re not the only one getting edged out of this family, little sister. The only difference is the family actually enjoys it. A week-long celebration will be in my honor once the courting season is over for me, as it is with all betas. The wedding alone will be a full day of tightly fitted dresses and over the top sugary sweets.” Naomi actually growled in annoyance and Akira wondered if her sister just truly did not like people, “A never ending nightmare.” Naomi grumbled.

“You’d think with it being the 21st century, wolves wouldn’t be such old fashioned bitches.” Akira gawked at Naomi’s language, “Maybe your new pack won’t be so bad. Maybe they’ll respect you more. Maybe they’ll be nice. Anything is nice once you live a life of cruelty, ain’t it, little sister?” At that, Naomi left Akira’s room. Having Naomi open Akira’s eyes sparked a level of observation Akira never noticed that she in fact needed. She was always in the background, but never truly paid attention. Now she has no choice but to.

“This room will be filled to the brim with pack leaders. In order for alliances to be made, we need the strongest packs in our corner, especially with the rebel groups forming. Think you girls can handle this?”

Both Akira and Naomi looked at each other from the back seat of the Land Rover before giving their father a reply, “Yes father.” Meeting within the center of town in Smeraldo Valley for the summit was terrifying. Akira didn’t want to go, and she knew that if she didn’t, it would’ve caused tension within the family. The large town hall looked ominous as Malik parked the car within the parking lot. The caramel colored, long sleeved chiffon dress Akira wore hit her at the knees and hid her thick thighs and wide hips, though the empire waist could do little to hide her somewhat large chest. The color matched the long ribbon holding her curly mane back, complimenting the richness of her pecan shaded skin. Down to the nude flats, Akira never made a color look so vibrant. Though it took some doing, her sister Naomi also wore a dress, though it wasn’t by choice.

“Akira,” her father called before whispering something to Malik, “a moment.” Akira watched as he nodded to Malik, then turned his attention back to her. Akira bowed her head, afraid to look him in the eyes. His towering presence overwhelmed her, but she tried not to show it. Without warning, her father grabbed her arm and placed it around his, a level of affection she hadn’t experienced since she was younger, “Akira, your alliance falls on a very different expectation than Naomi’s.” Akira nodded along, figuring that it had to do with her being a human, “Naomi doesn’t have to work as hard, she doesn’t have to prove her worth. While Omegas are ideally sought after, Betas are treasured for different reasons. They are the pack's mediators. They set the tone. They level tempers and are strategic in negotiations. Your mother fills that role, and now your sister will do the same.”

“So…you want me to stay out of the way? To let Naomi be the first pick?” Akira knew that her father did not want her ruining any opportunities that benefited the family, which included today’s summit meeting in finding packs for both her and Naomi. If the best of the best wanted Naomi, then whatever was left was meant for Akira, always the runt, always receiving the scraps.

“It’s not just that,” her father continued, “there are certain duties you’ll have to perform in order for this alliance to work.”

“Duties Naomi will not have to do, I assume.” Akira replied.

“You assume correctly.” The two finally reached inside the building, their slow walk purposely meant to stall Akira’s arrival into the large board room. “You have no special talents or abilities. No gifts of any kind given to you by our wolf ancestors. You have nothing to offer these packs or their leaders. Nothing really, except…” Akira listened patiently, waiting for her father to finish, but when he didn’t, she stared up at him. Her steps slowed to a stop as she stared at him with the realization of what he was asking her to do, “…Father, no—.”

“If you care at all about your family, about the safety of your family, you will do whatever it takes to keep these alliances going. And I do mean whatever.”

“You can’t ask me to do that!” Akira suddenly shouted. Before she could get another word in, her father grabbed her arm forcibly and dragged her to the nearest corner, tightening his grip, making her flinch and whimper in pain. Over the years, her mother would give a little tap here or there whenever she threw a tantrum, while her father remained indifferent to her. But never had she been snatched so forcibly before that the muscle would ache and a bruise would later form. Tears welled in her eyes in fear, “Listen you little ingrate,” Joseph spat, hissing at her, “if it weren’t for your mother and grandmother, I’d left you in the woods years ago! I don’t want humans anywhere near my pack if I can help it! But we fed you, clothed you, and gave you a roof over your head—you owe us!” Akira watched in fear as his eyes changed color, his inner wolf threatening to emerge. The fiery red color nearly coated his entire pupils.

“You will do as I say because whether I like it or not, I’m still your father and you will obey me! Now clean yourself up and look presentable before you embarrass us all!” Joseph let go of Akira’s arm, making her stumble into the marble wall. Tears trekked down her plump face. Her arm throbbed with a drumming pain as she held it, still convinced a bruise will form later. Akira quickly wiped her face and took calming deep breaths. She wasn’t sure what she was walking into and it scared her even more. “Akira.”

Akira jumped at the sound of someone calling her name. Malik simply stared, having probably heard the whole thing anyway. Again, Akira quickly cleaned her face and fixed her dress, “Are you done throwing a fit or do you need me to deal with you as well?” Malik whispered. Akira turned, horrified at what her brother just said to her. Maybe Naomi and her grandmother were right. Maybe her new pack would be better.

Entering into the boardroom, Akira could already see Naomi speaking with two men and a woman, already seeming so animated in her conversation with them. When Naomi glanced over at Akira, she could sense something was wrong, already seeing Akira flinch at the slightest touch from Malik or their father. Naomi did nothing though, going back to her conversation.

In the room, five other groups stood, four of which were vying for the attention of other betas and omegas present, all except one. Kim Namjoon was very particular about who he allowed in his pack. They had to be the right type of person (or wolf) to deal with such strong personalities. The silver haired leader watched the room intensely, looking for any signs of weakness amongst the many groups there. That was, until he inhaled the sweet, syrupy smell of molasses and chocolate and vanilla. Honeycomb danced on his tongue and eyes glowed a bright red from the intensity of the smell.

‘Our mate. Our mate is here, our omega.’ Namjoon’s inner wolf spoke, clearly enticed. Namjoon turned to his beta, Jin, who clearly had the same effect happen to him; the icy blue glare of his eyes remained as they roamed, looking for the source, “There, by the door, that’s her.” Namjoon followed Jin’s line of sight, seeing Akira, Malik and Joseph speaking with Naomi and Jackson Wang, a fellow alpha of their brother pack. Malik, ever the observant budding pack alpha, noticed the alpha and beta staring at an aloof Akira. “It seems we found a pack for Akira.” Joseph glanced over at Namjoon and Jin, surprised by the glow of their eyes, “You don’t think that they’re…”

“I’m not sure dad but it seems that their wolves are reacting like any normal wolf that’s found their mate. It’s better than nothing.”

“Do you not know who they are, son?” Malik shrugged, “Kim Namjoon, leader of the Kim-Bangtan pack. First youngest pack leader to have mostly all alphas and betas, highest ranking pack leader next to the founder of Smeraldo Valley—and he wants your sister. A human.”

“This is what you wanted, isn’t it?” Malik asked, confused.

“Yes, but a lower ranking pack, not them.” Joseph sighed with annoyance, watching as Akira strayed off to a corner to stay out of the way. Joseph watched as Namjoon and Jin’s eyes followed her movements. As much as he didn’t want Akira possibly screwing up an alliance with one of the most powerful pack leaders amongst their town, Joseph knew he had no other choice but to let them have her. Namjoon soon went in for the kill, making his way over to Akira. He could tell with her shy nature that having both him and Jin approach her at once would overwhelm her. Hovering near the refreshments, Akira hadn’t noticed until she felt the strong urge to turn around. She turned just in time, nearly stumbling into the wall; she was the perfect height to him, as he liked small and cute things. Delicate things.

“Hello. I’m Kim Namjoon.” The man smiled, offering not just his hand but a buzzing feeling blooming inside Akira’s chest. She looked down, fitting her hand in his. “May I know your name?”

“It’s Akira. Akira Batiste, Mr. Kim.”

“Please, call me Namjoon.” His thumb ran small circles into the back of her hand. The small gesture made Akira gasp. The two shared small conversations by the snacks and drinks, though it was mostly Namjoon who initiated. He could tell that she was a shy, quiet thing. But he was still intrigued nonetheless, still feeling the deep timber his wolf growled for her.

“Please don’t take offense, Akira, but are you the human everyone’s been talking about?” Namjoon questioned in wonder and fascination. Akira glanced at him and nodded. Namjoon never let go of her hand; the small gesture made her insides feel warm and relaxed. She never felt this feeling before, anywhere, and it surprised her. “You’re very shy, are you?” Namjoon chuckled. Akira turned away, but Namjoon continued, “No worries, there’s no obligation to talk to me if you’re not comfortable.”

“Oh!” Akira quickly fixed the misunderstanding, “Oh no, it’s not that! I’m just—I never—I usually don’t come to these t-type of things so…” Akira trailed for a moment, biting her bottom lip nervously, “I d-don’t know what to say…”

“Well how about I ask a question, and then you try and answer as best as you can. Easy enough, right?” Akira nodded timidly. “Do you have any siblings, Akira?”

“Yes, I have 4. Two older brothers and two older sisters, I’m with some of them today.” Akira nodded, signaling Namjoon to look around the room, finding one of her siblings, Malik, staring at him, and the other, Naomi, still in conversation with his friend, Jackson. Namjoon turned his attention back to Akira, completely unfazed by Malik’s gaze, “What kind of hobbies are you into?”

“Hobbies? Oh um…I like to read. Some, I uh, I barely have time these days.” Namjoon nodded, already plotting to build an entire library wing just for her in his mind, “I enjoy cooking, I guess.” Jin suddenly picked up on the conversation, having heard her soft dulcet tones from across the room. He wanted to hear that sound more. “I enjoy cooking for my family.” It wasn’t a total lie to tell, she did enjoy cooking, just for people who enjoyed it, mainly her grandmother and nieces, nephews, and baby cousins. “I like to knit too. Sometimes I like listening to music or watching movies at home.”

“What about going out?”

“I’m usually busy with chores that I don’t have the time to.” Akira spoke without thinking, not knowing that what she said was odd to Namjoon. His brow slightly furrowed, ‘Chores? Chores?! Our omega shouldn’t be lifting a finger, she should be treated like a princess!’ His wolf was screaming, no doubt Jin heard it too. Just before Akira could clear up any confusion, Joseph and Malik strolled over to their corner. Namjoon’s wolf was growling at the sight of them, already not trusting the vibe they were giving him. He didn’t like them at all.

“Ah, Mr. Kim! I see you’ve taken a shine to my little princess.” If Akira could fix her face to show disgust, confusion, and anger, she would. Since when has she ever been this man’s princess? “She’s our special one.”

“Yes, that she is.” Namjoon smiled at her, making Akira nearly melt, “I was just wondering to myself why hasn’t she been to any of the summits before? Surely Ms. Akira was of age to find her own pack then.” Akira glanced between Namjoon and her father, seeing the silent battle unfold.

“Ah, yes, well her mother and I were very cautious about Akira joining another pack. Not only is she our youngest, but she’s also the only human to be born in our family for years. Protecting her has been our main priority and truthfully, I just couldn’t let my little girl go.” Joseph disingenuously smiled while reaching out to pinch Akira’s cheek. “But sadly, her mother and I are growing older and now is the time that we want to make sure that Akira is well taken care of.”

“Is that so?” Namjoon tried to keep the monotone lithe from his voice as best as he could, knowing that everything Joseph said was complete bullshit.

“Yes, my sister is…a rarity, I guess you can say.” Malik interrupted, sensing the tension, “Is that why you want her, Mr. Kim? Because of her rarity?” You watched Namjoon’s eyes glow and for whatever reason you reached over and grabbed his wrist. It was instinctual, you didn’t like fighting. Namjoon’s eyes returned to their natural color and his breathing slowed. That’s when Jin decided to walk over, having heard enough, “Actually, we believe Ms. Akira to be our mate. She’d make a perfect omega.”

“She can’t be an omega, she’s human.” Malik laughed, clearly finding Jin’s comment crazy.

“Being an omega isn’t just a wolf subspecies. It’s also a state of mind. Human or not, you can clearly see that your sister’s personality fits that of an omega.” Jin quipped, “Or do you simply not see your sister as someone worth the time to notice?” Akira’s eyes widened and she unintentionally squeezed Namjoon’s wrist. Before Malik could retaliate, Joseph stepped in, “I think you and I need to have a talk about Akira’s future.” Joseph and Namjoon stepped away, leaving Akira, Malik, and Jin standing where they left them. While Malik and Jin stared daggers at each other, all Akira wanted to do was just crawl in a hole and die.

“To my daughter Naomi, for securing a match with the head of the Wang Pack, Jackson Wang. May the alliances between the packs grow stronger and stronger.”

Akira watched as everyone held up a glass in honor of Naomi’s match. Dinner once again fell on Akira as it became her responsibility. Catering to such a large group wasn’t anything new to her. She knew now that she wasn’t ignorant to her family’s ways, that she was treated as a maid to suit their needs. The mere fact devastated her, yet she held it all inside to get through the rest of the evening. While passing around the dinner table to pour everyone a drink, her father made the surprising remark, “And to my other daughter, Akira. She has somehow managed to snag the leader of the Bangtan Pack, Namjoon Kim! What a surprise it was that he wanted her first, no negotiating needed!” Joseph laughed.

“Really Joseph, was that necessary? Really??” Miriam scoffed, annoyed with his behavior. Meanwhile, everyone looked to Akira, shocked at how she managed to snag the highest pack leader within the community. Akira remained silent, shuffling around the table to top off everyone’s drink before heading to the children’s table to make sure they were taken care of. She then started to make her way to the kitchen before her grandmother stopped her, “Akira.” The steely sound of her voice made everyone stand on edge. Alphas might be leaders but elders, especially omegas, are coveted. They are held in high regard and when they get angry…

“Joseph, did I raise you to be this cold? Did your father? Your daughter was accepted into a pack—a very esteemed, powerful pack—and you talk as if it was a complete shock that they even wanted her, have you no sense of pride for her?” Genevieve tsk’d.

“Mother—.”

“You will do right by this child even if I have to make you myself.” You could’ve sworn that she hissed at him, “Your father would be so disappointed—.”

“Well my father isn’t here, is he?” Joseph muttered coldly, “No, those devilish humans saw to that!”

“Joseph, please!” Miriam begged, “That is your mother!”

“Don’t defend me, Miriam.” Genevieve muttered, “Your husband seemed to have forgotten that if it weren’t for the humans, he wouldn’t be here his damn self. He knows that my grandfather was human, my father too, and he knows that it’s their blood that runs through his sorry veins. Your father, god rest his soul, was the gentle giant that he was. He loved all of mankind, wolf and human alike, and it sickens me how you treat this child!” Akira cowarded off to the side, afraid of the tempers brewing in the family dining room. She didn’t want this. She never meant to cause a fight.

“Can I say something, please?” Akira suddenly spoke, surprising everyone, including herself, “Father is right.”

The widening of her grandmother’s eyes told her she better hurry to explain, “Humans are welcomed, yes, but not by many. And the packs that usually let them in are shunned. It is…it’s surprising that Mr. Kim even wanted me. I-I’m nothing special, we know that—.”

“Akira—.”

“Mama please,” Akira interrupted Miriam, “it’s true.” She then looked down at her hands, “We know it’s true. I’m not gifted like Malik or Braxton or Naomi and Justine. I’m nobody, and for whatever reason, Mr. Kim wanted me. Maybe they need a house maid or something, I don’t know, the point is, I got lucky. And after all of this is over, all the arguing won’t matter because you won’t have to see me again. I’m sorry I caused all this fighting, that’s not what I wanted.” Akira felt herself choking up so she looked away, “I-I promise I won’t cause you anymore trouble, I’m sorry.” Akira turned and went back to the kitchen, making the tension in the dining room uneasy.

Quietly, she cried to herself as her insecurity of being a burden grew and festered. The burn that settled deep in her chest bellowed as she tried muffling her cries, but how useful would that be in a house full of wolves? After a few minutes, she quickly dried her eyes, wiped her face, and finished cleaning up in the kitchen. She scrubbed dishes and countertops. Hugged and kissed each one of her nieces and nephews and cousins goodnight as they brought her their dirty dishes, thankfully never turning out as mean and self righteous as their parents. She cleaned up after their table and then when she noticed everyone had left the dining room, she cleaned up in there too.

An hour later, with nearly a few more dishes to go, Akira heard the light tapping footsteps of heels entering the kitchen, which meant it could only be her sister, Justine, “I wanted to tell before we left how much I enjoyed your performance, little sister. You make pity look so disgustingly pathetic, even I almost felt bad for you.” Justine laughed, a glass of wine still in her hand as she tipped the last of it back. Akira stopped what she was doing and glanced at Justine before shaking her head and going back to cleaning. Instead of a rebuttal, Akira just held out her hand, waiting for Justine to hand her the glass. With one last gulp, Justine handed over the glass so Akira could wash it. She laughed, “My god you’re so weak.”

“Fine. Then let me be weak.” Akira shrugged, the monotone tilt to her voice catching Justine off guard. “I don’t care anymore. I’ve gone from little sister to punching bag in the span of twenty years. I’ve gone from the baby of the family to house slave. And now, I’m surprised at how sad I am that I will be leaving the only home I’ve ever known, the only family—if you could call us that—that I’ve ever known, to live with strangers that’ll probably treat me worse than how you, or dad, or anyone else has ever treated me.” Akira prophesied, staring ahead at nothing in particular, “I used to want to be you…” Akira turned, staring Justine in the eyes, “I used to think how amazing you were and how much I wanted to be like you. Like Naomi too. I would tell everyone how cool my sisters were and how much I loved being around you. Until I turned 10, that is.” Akira scoffed, turning away from Justine as she finished up, “When I didn’t present as anything, I could see father—Joseph's—disappointment.” Akira corrected, feeling absolutely no emotional ties to her father now,

“I just pushed it to the side, thinking I could make up for what I lacked in other ways. But seeing you instantly side with him, as if wanting his approval so badly from him that you would instantly turn on me? It hurt more than anything.” Akira could feel herself getting teary so she finished cleaning and then wiped her hands on a dish towel, “I lost so much more that day, I lost my best friends one by one. I lost a father and a mother. The only person who didn’t turn me away was grandmother.”

“Why are you telling me all of this?” Justine rolled her eyes, even when she herself didn’t like the truth being told to her at this very moment. With tears in her eyes, Akira turned to face her. The sight caught a tipsy Justine off guard, “I’m telling you this because one day, your daughters will present soon. And if the outcome isn’t what you want, will you turn on them too?” Akira didn’t even let Justine answer, having left towards the kitchen entrance with adrenaline pumping high in her veins. She quickly made it to her room, taking in the clutter as half empty cardboard boxes sat in corners of her room. Akira was finally coming to terms that the family she knew was never really hers. She was just a temporary fixture in their space, like the help. And even though she would be free of all of that very soon, she still didn’t know what she was walking into.

I did not like this chapter at all.

[storydays]

A silly little request from anon.

What if while in Gristles and Bridgets wedding, John Dory’s daughter (y/n) was found by Branch, thinking that she was lost and shocked that his older brother had a kid. (actually JD just lost her in the woods while hunting for food. Branch knew that Y/n is jd’s kid cuz of the looks) JD AND Y/N, FATHER-DAUGHTER REUNION. But also angst, since y/n didn’t know anything about her father

sorry my english is bad

When Will I See You Again?

John Dory X Daughter!Reader

Branch X Niece! Reader

BROPPY

(15 years ago)

“Yeah, yeah! Baby girl, wait until you try Big Daddy’s gumbo!” a 30 year old John Dory laughed loudly as he mixed some vegetables and yak burger meat in a pan, making faces at his 8 month old daughter who giggled from her playpen.

It’d been the two of them since Kyomi, John’s wife of 15 years, passed during labor. It still hurt but John still had a reason to smile everyday:  you. 

You were a perfect combination of himself and your mother; although you took his smile and hair color, you took your mother’s calming personality and you both had that cute little gap between your front teeth. Your mother was an R&B Troll, one of the subgenres of Pop and Funk Trolls, who lived on a small island between Pop Village and Vibe City.

John Dory came across her during his journey of self discovery and Kyomi helped him break out of the role of oldest brother and the leader role, and helped him to understand why his brothers’ reacted the way they did. Together they then traveled around the world, looking for his siblings. But once John had seen how happy his brothers were, he’d decided to keep his distance, they didn’t need him anymore. 

John snapped out of his thoughts when he smelled something burning. “Ah sugar!” He yelled as he moved you further away from the campfire and hurriedly put the water out. 

Once the fire was out, he turned to check you over, but you were fine, and not even paying attention to him anymore, instead you were facing away from him, playing with the necklace around your neck and babbling to yourself. John sighed softly and walked over to your crib and watched you play for a few minutes.

“Well, that gumbo is going to have to be made another day, darlin’. How about a breakfast dinner?” He asked, before grabbing you up, making you squeal in surprise, and put you in the baby carrier before heading out into the forest for more wood.

*timeskip*

You babbled along as John Dory sang softly under his breath, as he gathered wood, when a loud screech startled you both. 

John cursed under his breath before rushing off, trying to get you both to safety when a claw scratched against him, making him trip, and hiss as he pressed a hand to his chest, feeling the deep scratches, before he felt his blood run cold when he realized you were no longer attached to him. 

“Nonononono!” He yelled, chasing after the bird before he tripped over a tree branch and face planted in the dirt, rushing to get up, yelling your name, hoping something could help him.

But the bird was far from his reach and so were you.

John Dory fell to his knees before an harsh sob escaped him as he started to wail in despair, calling for you desperately:

“(Y/N)!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

*Fastforward to present day*

“GOOD MORNING, UNCLE BRANCH!” You squealed, as you saw your uncle yawning. He chuckled softly, accepting the cup of coffee you were offering him.. “Hey, firefly. You ready for a royal wedding?” “You mean the one where Aunt Poppy and Aunt Bridget tried to dress me up as an actual flower?” 

Branch snorted in his coffee. “Oh yeah, Poppy showed me the pictures.” “It’s not funny, traitor!” You huffed, pouting and crossed your arms. Branch chuckled again making you smile before turning back to your journal, which was filled with different Troll fashion designs for each tribe. Branch started to make breakfast before peeking over your shoulder.

“Wow, (Y/N)! These are amazing!” You smiled brightly, you always did when people complimented your work. “Thanks! I was so excited for the wedding today, I got so inspired! Can you guess what the theme is?”

“Hmm,” Branch hummed, as he got the ingredients ready for breakfast. He smirked to himself seeing all the hearts and swirls in your designs. “Chesseburgers?” He guessed playfully.

“No!” You giggled, “It’s love. Love comes in all shapes and sizes, Uncle Branch. Sometimes, you just need a little bit of help to find it.” You said softly, fidgeting with the necklace around your neck, and looking over your designs with a thoughtful look. 

Branch studied you carefully, something was bothering you, you wore the same look he distinctly remembers his oldest brother having when he thinking hard. He cleared his throat before asking, “Wanna help me cook?” 

*Timeskip* 

Now dressed in your wedding outfit,( you were the flower girl with Tiny being the flower boy), you stood next to your Uncle, dancing on the balls of your feet excitedly, stars shining in your eyes.

“Now, if there is anyone who objects to this—” “STOP THE WEDDING!” A loud voice screamed, making everyone turn to watch the mysterious Troll parkour their way down to the front of the crowd. Branch pushed you and Poppy behind him, eyeing the new Troll suspiciously. 

“Sorry, sorry, is this a bad time? I’m just looking for a Troll named–” asked the Troll as he pushed his goggles up, before gasping seeing Branch.

“Baby Branch!” The weird man then came up and started rambling about nothing of interest to you, as you could see how much this Troll looked like you and was strangely familiar. But seeing your Uncle uncomfortably trying to get out of the man’s grip.

“Hey! You put my Uncle down right now!” “And tell us who you are!” demanded Poppy, standing tall besides you. Branch groaned as he jumped down. “Oh right, right, sorry. I’m Branch’s brother.” You gasp as Poppy took the lead. 

You studied the new Troll, ignoring the argument between Branch and Poppy, and approached him. “Have we met before?” You asked, ceasing all conversation, not noting Branch bit his lip nervously.

“Now that I think about it……” John trailed off, seeing the necklace around your neck and gasping softly, before pushing your bangs from your face. “(Y/N)?” He asked softly, eyes tearing up. “Um.. yep that’s my name, heh. Says it on my necklace.”

“Oh my God….oh my God! You-you’re alive! “ John Dory laughed in disbelief before hugging you tightly. “I’m alive! I’m alive?” You giggle, hugging him back instinctively before backing away nervously. 

“Of course you wouldn’t remember me…you were just a baby when we got seperated.” John huffed softly, before looking at you with sad fondness. 

“(Y/N).....I’m your dad.”

There's no such thing as silly request :)

PART 2???????

[becausebuckley]

michelle's buddie fic recs: week 51!

almost the last fic rec list of the year, can you believe it? like last week, i haven't cross-referenced this list with previous ones, so apologies for any potential double recs!

this is a mix of fics with all ratings, so some include NSFW content. please take a look at both the ratings and the fic tags before reading! some might also contain spoilers for season 8.

if you come across something you like in this list, remember to show some love to the author by leaving kudos and a comment!

before the night fades | MilenaDaniels/@milenadaniels| 8.6k | T

EddieAna and BuckTaylor double date and it ruins everyone's night. this fic is one of my favourite outsider povs ever! it does such a wonderful job of capturing our 911 characters as well as fleshing out a lovely cast of ocs <3

chicken alfredo | EiraLloyd/@unlifeira | 4.6k | T

when Helena laughs at the idea that her son is now able to cook well, Buck ropes Eddie into proving her otherwise. this captures the buddie dynamic so so well <3 also made me hungry lol

do you want me (or do you want me dead) | carpediaz/@sofa-king-lame | 2.3k | T

The one where Buck finds out Eddie wears reading glasses and loses his fucking mind over them, and Eddie knows exactly what he's doing. eddie in reading glasses is a VISION holy shit buck is so relatable in this. i love the silly fun!!

emails i can't send | heartbeatdiaz/@lonelychicago | 6k | T

buck should've known better than to let his email account open and then give his computer to a toddler to play with. i love love love the formatting of this one, with the emails and everything <3 so so good!! they're just french angelfish <3

i took a little journey to the unknown | 42hrb/@exhuastedpigeon | 4.3k | T

“I-it’s okay, you don’t have to talk,” Buck says and the comforting warmth is back on Eddie’s hand. The only thought that rings clearly through his head is that Buck’s hand is safe. Buck is going to keep him safe. “Just - can you squeeze my hand if you’re awake?” this is just such a lovely fic. i love the character study elements and the hand holding and just <3

in the dark (with the stars) | tawaifeddiediaz/@aashiqeddiediaz | 13k | M

Eddie’s relationship with food, anxiety and cooking, as told through the past and present. eddie's relationship with food in both canon and fanon is absolutely fascinating to me. i loved this take on it so much <3

last first kiss | songbvrd/@songbvrd | 3.4k | GA

Buck tries to say goodbye. Eddie isn't ready. frankly i think the best promo i can give this fic is exactly what i said in my comment here, which is "tim minear better be taking notes" because wow it's just that good <3

lucky boy | serenelystrange/@serenelystrange | 1.9k | T

In which Buck and Eddie are so bad at being in a secret relationship, but instead of show-typical angst, fluff! secret relationship buddie, the gift that keeps on giving <3 exactly the fic i needed on a cold early bus ride this week!!

platonic co-parents don't kiss like we do | thelikesofus/@thelikesofus | 7.1k | M

5 times other people see Buck and Eddie kiss + 1 time they really mean it. i love love love all these different types of kisses <3 the loveliest buddie fic from the perspective of the firefam!!

take what the water gave me | Daisies_and_Briars/@cal-daisies-and-briars | 20.7k | M

New transfer to the 118, Eddie Diaz, has a secret. And upon getting to know his coworker, Buck, who is also hiding something, he begins to suspect their secret is the same. He's wrong. i've been devouring every little snippet of this fic i've seen on tumblr and i was so so excited to see the full thing land in my inbox! and wow did it not disappoint. such great worldbuilding and such a fantastic characterisation of eddie <3

the bunkroom fic | exvichan | 11.5k | T

The Station 118 bunkroom has witnessed a lot over the years. Private conversations, spats, occasions of affection, joy, and anguish. It’s seen pranks, and games, and camaraderie. It’s even been privy to an unfolding love story or two. It holds the memory of each of these moments. the 118 bunkroom my beloved <3 i love these little moments so much, especially the conversations between the firefam!!

the wayward son | brewrosemilk/@gayhoediaz | 56.9k | E

Eddie misses his son, grows a mustache, pines after his best friend, and becomes a regular at a gay sex club. That last part is either an indulgence or an inevitable, somewhat self-destructive conclusion to several decades worth of compulsory heterosexuality and catholic guilt. Don’t ask him which. i can't even capture the vibe of this fic in just a few lines but holy shit is it brilliant. the most incredibly writing, great characterisation, and also just very hot stuff. an immediate bookmark and new favourite!