#we canNOT forget the importance of forehead touches

[scortrapta]

And here at the start of this new year I think it's important that we all slow down and remember what's really important: size difference

[thatlittlered]

what is in a name | celebrimbor

warnings: afab!reader, no spoilers

GIF by @winterswake

author's note: quoting shakespeare in a celebrimbor fic, I am the devil :) special thanks to @morganas-pendragons for being a babe and helping me pick names

all parts of "the craft" series can be read here

-.-.-

 ‘Man cárat, Hîr vuin?’

 The book in your lap lies abandoned when Celebrimbor steps out from the shadow of your room, flustered to have been caught staring. Your keen ear forestalls any knock on your door, and it seems that the Lord of Eregion himself cares little for impropriety, if it will bring him to you faster.

 ‘I was watching you.’

 You smile for him, always.

 ‘What for?’

 ‘To commit you to my memory.’

 ‘Our memory does not fail. You will not forget me.’

 ‘Perhaps, but I wish to be able to recall every detail. Every strand of your hair. Every bead on your dress.’

 ‘You must study me from closer then.’

 He closes the distance as if drawn to you. His hand upon your cheek, where it has belonged ever since the fateful day of his confession. It almost burns to be away from you.

 ‘You might only see my eyes from this distance, my precious heart.’

 ‘I shall cherish every eyelash then.’

 ‘My lovely Celebrimbor! You speak of my tongue, but what about yours?’

 ‘You have taught me.’

 ‘You have taught yourself.’ you whisper. ‘Or, perhaps, love has taught us both.’

 ‘Love,’ he speaks the word, as if tasting it on his tongue for the very first time.

 ‘Does it come as a surprise that I love you?’

 His eyes slide shut of their own accord. He wishes to remain in this moment forever, to have the words echo in his mind until the End of Days.

 ‘It does, my Lady, for I do not know how to be deserving of it.’

 You frown, ‘I would say that you are and always have been, if you did not insist on calling me by title, even now.’

 The moonlight hides the emerald of his eyes, yet his dark irises are maps entire for you to get lost in.

 ‘What should I call you then?’ His kiss falls first between your eyebrows, melting the line of displeasure away. ‘Meleth nîn?’ then on your nose, ‘Guren vell, as I called you on the first eve that we kissed?’ and your cheek, ‘Or, a new name entirely.’ ending with a soft touch of his lips to yours.

‘Melthoreth,’ he whispers, ‘for the honey of your mouth.’

 ‘Melthoreth,’ you cannot help but trace your lips back over his, branding the name upon his mouth. ‘Is my mouth sweet, my love?’

 He lets you take charge, his valiant efforts are rewarded with the generosity of your lips and tongue. There is a sigh; muscles relaxing as if his very soul is being breathed into your being. He would accept that, too, and trust that you keep it safe.

 You part to allow him to breathe, but he would much rather prefer you didn’t.

 ‘As all parts of you, but I venture to say it is my favourite one.’

 You kiss him again, this time slow enough that he might hear his heart beating in his ear. If it is his favourite part, then he should have it.

 ‘A bit uncouth that you might give me a new name, while you get to keep yours.’

 The way you are looking at him might well and truly shatter him.

 ‘I will take whatever name you wish to give me.’

 Your forehead comes to gently rest on his, your lips replaced by the tip of your thumb on his own. He gazes at you like you are the Moon, and flushes at your touch like you are the Sun. You are both, to him. Every heavenly creation.

 ‘Celebrimbor,’ you roll his father-name on your tongue as if to caress it, ‘the silver fist.’

 Your free hand comes to tangle with his own, bringing it to your mouth so you might show your reverence. What has an Elven-smith ever made that was important enough to have his hands kissed by holiness itself?

 ‘The silver fist and the hands of gold,’ you hum, ‘Malthenhir.’

 His eyes shine with emotion.

‘That is the only name I wish to be called when we are alone.’ A single tear escapes him, but you quickly kiss it off his cheek, ‘A name born of your love.’

 ‘I shall call you by many names when we are alone,’ you promise, ‘and they will all be born from my love for you.’

-.-.-

‘Man cárat, Hîr vuin?’’ = What are you doing, My Lord?

meleth nîn = my love

guren vell = my sweet heart

Melthoreth = (poetically translated) she who speaks sweetly

Malthenhir = (poetically translated) master of golden hands

[shadowgast-recs-weekly]

Soulmates: A Shadowgast Rec List

This week, we have Soulmates! Check under the cut for 10 fics that feature Essek and Caleb being fated for one another, and don't forget to comment and kudos if you like them!

the shade of poison trees by MithrilWren (3791, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek didn't realize, when he was young, that the name on someone's arm could be shameful. Like all other topics, he learned quickly.

Reccer says: I liked it!

Marked by venndaai (1979, General) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

There is a particular kind of magical tattooing process perfected by the Kryn. It is used on only two occasions: for the ritual of Consecution, and when two Consecuted vow to be with one another through all of their future lives.

Reccer says: A fantastic trope subversion (Caleb and Essek don't share any marks), that also explores what it means to choose each other.

you're familiar like my mirror years ago by bubblesandburdensfics (3057, General) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Your greatest hurt's name is on one wrist and your greatest love is on the other. Caleb has a hard time telling which is which.

Reccer says: I liked it!

I can see a glimmer by HostileGlitch (1303, General) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

In a world where soulmates share magic, generated when they touch, Essek realizes how much brushing hands with Caleb Widowgast could mean.

Reccer says: Combining Essek's hunger for touch and his hunger for magical power is next level shit, this concept is so tasty.

with flying colours by idontreallylikebutterflies (2254, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

People who are important to you - platonic and romantic - leave marks on your body. For the longest time, Essek only had one mark.

Reccer says: I love expanding soulmarks to platonic loves and friendships, and Essek's feelings on soulmarks still ring true throughout.

little thumbprints by softlyblue (6239, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes, Choose Not to Warn

In a world where soulmate marks are rare and often mistaken for birthmarks. Essek and Caleb have learned to hide theirs.

Reccer says: The story of Caleb and Essek's soulmarks was great, but I also enjoyed the little asides about other Exandrians' marks and locations.

Fortune's Fool by timbrene (5047, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

The Luxon marks Kryn with the name of their soulmate. Essek doesn't get one until he is 90.after a few more decades, isn't sure he will ever meet Bren.

Reccer says: I like the pining. Essek thinks Caleb is not his soulmate and then later, when he realizes he is there is still so much pining.

Falling Toward The Singularity by Riot_Fae (117491, Mature) Reccer's Content Notes: Graphic Depictions of Violence

Essek joins the Mighty Nein after Travelercon.

Reccer says: A very interesting and welcome take on the soulmate concept! Elegantly written and fun to read!

And In Dreams (we will meet again) by Beauteousmajesty (6138, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Soulmates begin to share memories after the first skin to skin touch. After Caleb kisses Essek's forehead, they begin to share memories

Reccer says: Beautiful writing and an interesting concept!

The following fic received two recs!

Some truths are stubborn as gravity by SkyScribbles (4742, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: Emotionally Abusive Parenting

In which you cannot lie to your soulmate. Which makes things difficult, if you are Essek Thelyss, and you were raised a liar.

Reccer 1 says: It's a different take on soulmates than I'm used to seeing

Reccer 2 says: It's a classic - I love the premise and the worldbuilding involved, and the problems that not being able lie causes Essek - and how he manages to get around them anyway. It's a must read, in my opinion.

Aeor is for Lovers is an 18+ Shadowgast Discord server. The above fanfic recommendations were pulled from our community for this weekly event. All fics, unless otherwise specified, will primarily feature Shadowgast. Have any questions about what this is? Check out the FAQ! Next week, we’ll be back with WIPS!

[star-girl69]

I Loved You Like the Sun

a/n: i hope you all enjoy!!

warnings: swearing, incest, mentions of death, mentions of violence, tell me if i missed anything!!

Daemon Targaryen x Rhaenyra Targaryen x Fem!Reader

Chapter Thirty Six- Death on Her Lips

—-

When you wake, you half expect to still be King’s Landing. Helaena will press a hand to your forehead, wake you with a smile that doesn’t meet her eyes.

But no, instead, you are trapped between two bodies, listening to the sounds of maids shuffle around, wake the babies, take them back to the nursery to be changed and ready for the day.

Daemon and Rhaenyra wake as well, and you half expect Rhaenyra’s maids to come in as well, get her ready, and then she’ll do the same to you.

Instead, she places a hand on your face, turning you towards her.

“A little longer, sweetheart. We don’t have to do anything until noon.”

Dameon hums next to you, kissing the side of your head, and you are so tired, so weak, so safe in the arms of your dragons that you fall asleep again.

—-

The next time you wake, Rhaenyra is leaving you. She kisses your cheek, whispers that she’ll just be over there, and Daemon presses you closer to him, and you know you won’t quite fall asleep again. Instead, you breathe in his scent, sink into his warmth, fade into him.

—-

You are brought out of your half-slumber by Rhaenyra, who guides you with silk soft hands to the vanity. She is already dressed, hair braided and twisted so elegantly.

She talks as she brushes your hair, and you cannot help but hang from her every word with rapt attention.

You push aside your thoughts, attempt to forget, and focus on her.

“We’ll have to go to a council meeting, today. We have been fighting primarily in the Riverlands. Your former good-brother rallied many to our cause, and we are making good ground. The council, they- they will want to know what happened to you.”

You meet her eyes in the mirror, and see the sorrow on her face.

“I…” You scramble to reassure her, but come up at a loss.

“Will you be okay? To speak? I can…” She trailed off, and both of you know there is not much she can do.

“No, Nyra. I’ll be fine.” You didn’t know if you would not fine, but the smile on her face was enough to make you feel just a little better.

“You are more important than anything, sweetheart. Our family is more important than the world.”

You smile and nod, and if she notices that it doesn’t quite reach your eyes, she says nothing.

She lets her hands linger as she helps you dress, palming your hips, dancing across your collarbone. Her fingertips trail up and down your sides, splay wide across your back to pull you close, to kiss you.

You had missed be treating like this. Like you were the sun, like you were a goddess. Rhaenyra stares at you with such reverence it makes your cheeks heat, but she only smiles and helps you slip the red dress on.

Her own is black, and Daemon finally stands; watching you and Rhaenyra with a smirk on his face before dressing himself.

You don’t question when he places a hand on your lower back, guiding you to the Great Hall, almost as if you have forgotten where it is. You haven’t. You would never forget. But you are desperate for him, so you lean into his touch.

—-

“Lady Targaryen.” Rhaenys breathes, almost as soon as you walk into the room. “It is such a relief to see you alive and well.” She takes her hands in your own.

You like to think that if your mother was still alive she would be a lot like Rhaenys.

“Thank you, Princess. I am most happy to back.”

Baela barrels into you next, even though you had already greeted her yesterday before you went to bed, you cannot blame her for double checking.

Rhaena follows, and then they clear and Luke is left in front of you.

He had to return without you, fly alone from Tarth to Dragonstone, be without you for so long. Being the heir to Driftmark weighs on him heavily, and your heart twists to know you were not there to help him.

That is why you live, you think. For your family, for your children.

You open your arms, and Luke practically runs into them, smothering his face into your shoulder for just a moment, before he pulls back and blinks back his tears.

You whisper, so no one can hear, “You know, Jace cried when he saw me as well.” He looks up at you with a disbelieving smile on his face, but another lord starts speaking so you usher him away.

“Lady Targaryen-”

“Actually…” Rhaenyra starts, taking her seat at the head of the Painted Table. “The first order of business I wanted to discuss was my husband and wife’s titles. I would like for Daemon to be my King-Consort, Y/N to be my Queen-Consort.”

Daemon straightens next to her, looking decidedly smug and proud.

You falter. Think of Helaena. Think of her words, when she looked over her shoulder, blue fabric downing behind her.

Who would ever want to be Queen?

But you see Rhaenyra’s barely contained smile, and you realize that this is almost her giving you a present. She thinks is what you want, to be her Queen, the Queen.

And you cannot deny her, so you quickly slap a smile on your face a mumble a thank you. She seems placated with that, turning back to the council, talking about how a formal coronation would be soon, but the two of you would be King and Queen in everything a crown.

Across the table- Jace meets your eyes. You smile at him, and he nods back, eyeing you carefully.

“Your Grace?” Someone asked, and it took you a few moments to realize they were talking to you and not Rhaenyra.

“Oh. Yes, my apologies, Lord Corlys.” He smiled, distractedly, bowing his head before speaking.

“I know it might be difficult, but would you mind recounting what happened? Everything. From the kidnapping to the escape.”

This was something you could do. You could recount it, simple, pretend it was a story you were telling to your children.

A chair scraped along the floor, next to Rhaenyra’s.

“Sit, Y/N.” Daemon said, and you eyed the chair. You pushed aside your fear and strode forward, sitting down quickly.

“Whenever you’re ready, Your Grace.” Corlys said, and you nodded before taking a deep breath.

“As soon as I landed at Storm’s End, I saw Vhagar. But I didn’t think much of it, because I was an envoy. I- I really did not think Aemond would… do what he did. I went into Lord Borros’ hall, and I- I don’t remember much. It’s all quite hazy. But I remember he said that Storm’s End was not something Queen Rhaenyra could call upon at her whim.”

“So he refused?” Rhaenyra asks, grabbing your hand.

“Yes. I told him that I was the rider of Cannibal, and he asked if I was threatening him. I said no, and that I would take his message to the Queen. Aemond then accused me of treason, of threatening a High Lord. I, um, I panicked, but Aemond looked at me as if he wanted to kill me, regardless of his orders. I ran out, but he followed, pulled me back by my hair just before I reached Cannibal.”

“A traitorous act,” one of the Lords tutted, and your eyes glanced to him briefly before you settled back to staring at the Painted Table in front of you.

“He held a knife to my throat, told me to tell Cannibal to fly. And I did, then he hit me with the hilt of his knife and I fell.”

You can feel Daemon’s hands curl around the back of your chair, so hard you fear he will break it.

“When I woke, I could barely see, barely remember anything. There was a woman there, but I didn’t know who she was. I fell back asleep. When I woke again, it was Princess Helaena at my bedside. We talked, nothing of importance, really-”

“Your Grace. We need to know everything, please,”

“Yes, well, we were just two women who had suffered similar things.” You felt like you were being interrogated, even as Rhaenyra’s thumb smoothed over your skin.

“What things?” The same lord asked, and you found that you truly did not want to answer.

“We do not need a minute by minute recounting, my lords.” Rhaenyra threw the lords gathered a pontes glance, before putting her other hand over yours, holding it tightly with both hands. She motioned for you to continue. You took a deep breath in. Rhaenyra did help. Rhaenyra, and Daemon, always made it better.

“She left me, and the next morning Queen Alicent came to me. She told me I would be treated kindly, and I suppose, I was. They did not torture me, did not kill me. I had food and water, an adequate room. She told me that essentially, the reason I was there was because of Cannibal and my marriage.”

“Thank you, Your Grace. That is very helpful.” Lord Corlys turns from you. “The Hightowers are scared of our dragons.” He concludes, and you nod in agreement. “Please, continue.”

“I spent most of my days with Princess Helaena and her children. We were not quite friends, of course, but just two lonely women. Nothing happened until the assassins were sent. I was with the Royal Family, and they came, I told them who I was, and they did attempt to save me. But Aemond killed Blood, and he died in my arms. Cheese was killed trying to escape, trying to get back to Dragonstone to inform the council of my life.”

Rhaenyra squeezes your hand, bringing you back to the present, back to her.

“I screamed at the Royal Family, that I wanted to go home, and even Helaena shared my sentiments, asking her mother and brother why I was not allowed to leave. The Hand confirmed what Queen Alicent told me. I was lead back to my rooms, and I stayed there for three days. Helaena only managed to visit me once, telling me that the common people had started calling for her death. They called it ‘a wife for a wife.’ Then, suddenly Jace was saving me and we managed to escape. I am most grateful.”

You meet his eyes from across the table, and he smiles as the table erupts into praise for the young Prince.

If anyone wanted to question why you left your escape so vague, they don’t. Rhaenyra squeezes your hand, Daemon places a hand on your shoulder.

When the table quiets, Lord Corlys thanks you again. They talk about potential retaliation, and they don’t even notice when Maester Gerardys comes, bringing a letter and depositing it in front of Rhaenyra.

You watch as Rhaenyra reads, as her face drops, as she curses under her breath. You are just about to ask her what is wrong when she stands.

“My Lords… I have grave news from House Saunton. Aegon has retaliated first, sacked cities in the Crownlands. They advance on Rook’s Rest. The house requests aid, from us.”

The room is silent for a moment. No matter the fighting in the Riverlands, the tension in the Reach, this feels like the first stroke of war.

“Aemond the Kinslayer leads the charge on Vhagar.” She finishes, and no one speaks until Rhaenys does.

“I shall head to Rook’s Rest and battle against Aemond. Meleys is also accustomed to battle. I doubt we will be able to kill him, but I have faith we will drive away his forces.”

“My dear wife,” Corlys starts, and you can just barely make out the fear in his face. “Vhagar is the oldest and most powerful dragon know to this world. You cannot even attempt to face them alone.”

At the first mention of Aemond’s name, you had remembered what he said to you on the night of the reunion. The night of the death of Blood and Cheese. What he did to you, what he took from you when he kidnapped you.

You have never been one for revenge or vengeance, even with your late husband. You always rationalized that he lived and he breathed, and refused to let Daemon kill him simply because he was dying on his own.

But Aemond… he lives and he breathes, but you know truly he does not deserve to.

When you speak, it is death on your lips.

“I shall accompany Princess Rhaenys on Cannibal. We shall defend Rook’s Rest. I shall kill Aemond and his dragon. I shall exact vengeance for his crimes.”

—-

taglist:

@wondergal2001 @akiraquote @a-lil-bit-nuts @anginoguera @thatkinkylesgirl1 @stitchattacks @honeypillowsblog @kaloafd @blackhoodlea @softtina @wallace02sblog @tetgod @hotd-fanfic @rxscpctals @iramagnus

[tulipeae]

my lover is sleeping right beside me. he is sleeping on his side and his arm is slowly moving up and down with each breath, and i am wondering if he is cold, because his arm is bare, but he shouldn't be because it is summer and we are inside and the air inside is warm enough. his arm is smooth, soft, and his hair too, and i want to touch it but i won't because i don't want to wake him up even if he would tell me that it is okay to wake him up and that i can always wake him up even if he didn't get much sleep last night (i woke him up) and is so tired that he cannot keep his eyes open even for a minute. his hair is soft, and his arms are big, just like his hands and his feet and his heart. he is tall and his shoulders are broad, just like his back, and it is easy to forget that he is just a boy — he is a man, a tall man with a deep voice who takes care of me, kisses me on my forehead and tells me everything is going to be alright, but he is also a boy, in need of care and love and someone who holds him in their arms and tells him that he is going to be alright too. my lover is sleeping right beside me. he is tall and his shoulders are broad, just like his back, and it is easy to forget — but important to remember — that big boys need to be little spoons at times too.

            ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎— my lover is sleeping right beside me by m.b.

[likeafairytale]

"There's no one I trust with it but you." - Anastasia to Achilles about the surgery

Achilles shook profusely his head at Anastasia's words. It's been an hour they were debating on the subject, and the man was far away to change his mind. What she was asking... the two demigods knew, for a while now, that Anastasia had a heart defect, what they didn't know was if it was a part of the curse, or if she was born if it, after all medicine wasn't really evolved when they were younger. Achilles was probably the youngest surgeon in town, but also the more effective here, everyone wanted him, and no one else. When he learned that Anastasia would need a heart transplant, deep down he was hoping she won't ask him, but he was wrong.

❛I cannot do that, Tya.❜ He finally said, still shaking his head, which is why Anastasia came closer and softly too his face between her head. All what was covering them was the thin bedsheet between their body, meaning Achilles could easily hear her heart beating irregularly. ❛That something no one ever done before, Anastasia, what if... What if I kill you?...❜ The idea was unbearable for Achilles, who had a cracking voice saying those words.

❛I believe you can.❜

❛You're the only one to believe that.❜

❛It should be enough!❜ She said, quite offended, but an amused and reassuring smile on her appeared, while she passionately stroked Achilles both cheeks, resulting at him closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, when she put her forehead against his. ❛I don't want to leave this world without knowing love fully.❜

The demigod was quite surprise by her words. Love wasn't something stranger to Anastasia, for she was Aphrodite's daughter after all, but she was so skilled to manage other people love that she tented to forget herself in the process. And it pained Achilles, he felt as if he failed. He failed to show her how much she is important to him. Achilles brought her closer to him –at this state, the girl was laying on top of him, and none of them complained about this proximity that they both are used to by now. Passing a hand in her hair, their eyes meet, and Achilles couldn't help but kiss her on the spot. A sweet, soft kiss, full of love. Once again, nothing uout of the ordinary coming from them. Physical contact was their love language, they could go to extreme for that, but who cares? That was their choices.

❛You are loved. Fully. Completely, even. Never forget that, Anastasia Petrova.❜ He said with all the serious Anastasia didn't know he had, and she nodded, before this time she's the one kissing him softly. ❛I will always love you, fully, no matter the life I lives. Do you understand me?❜

❛That's not good enough. Not if you really love me, Ash.❜

❛Tya..❜

He started, and Anastasia brought his face closer, if it was possible, in order for their forehead to touch again. Closing his eyes, Achilles was thinking now. He was the youngest surgeon here, but he had more skilled than any other. He knew Anastasia and her heart problem for as long as he knew her, to be honest it might even be one of the reason he wanted to touch into medicine and surgery, to be able to help, and now that the day has come... shaking his head to come back to earth, Achilles sat in bed, quickly followed by Anastasia with so much hope in her eyes. A long but agreeable silence follow, until Achilles sighed, and all he could do at first is sad smirking and shrugging.

❛My fate is between the hands of the youngest and best surgeon this continent knows, Achilles. You can do it. I know you can.❜

❛Fine.. I cannot deprived this world of the greatess actress after all. When do we start?❜ He said, knowing that he couldn't say no to her anyway.

[bookwormscififan]

Falling Into the Bite, Chapter 2

Read on AO3!

Chapter 1

A/N: Sorry this took so long to update, I'm either hitting writer's block or I'm too focused on the Amethyst Files.

“Do you think that happens to all of us eventually?” Host asked, leaning against the balcony railing and tilting his face toward the moonlight.

It had been a few hours since Murdock attacked Illinois, and while Yancy assured them Illinois was alright, no vampire had been let into the humans’ room. Host and Noir were standing on their usual balcony with glasses of wine, and Host was evidently concerned.

“I think,” Noir mused, swirling the wine in his glass before taking a sip, “I think that if we go too long without blood, maybe we would attack the first living thing we find. But I believe that Murdock is a very different case, and we can’t compare everyone to him.”

“He could have gotten Chica,” Host mumbled, hands shaking as he lifted his glass to his lips. “He could have killed the dog.” He paused when Noir touched the bottom of his glass, steadying his hand so he could drink.

“Yes, he could have attacked Chica,” Noir said quietly, taking Host’s glass from him, “The important thing is that he didn’t, though. Illinois will recover, and they still trust the rest of us. Everything’s going to be alright.” He froze when Host turned to him, hands finding his own as he leaned forward to rest his forehead against Noir’s.

Taking a steadying breath, Noir held Host’s hands tightly and closed his eyes, letting the moonlight wash over the duo as they pressed their foreheads together.

----

“You knew this was going to happen.”

Actor paced the room in front of Dark, glass of blood held in one hand while he gestured wildly with the other. Dark held his head in a hand, resting his elbow on his knee as he listened to Actor’s lecture.

“He’s ready to stake a claim. You know the choices: either let him claim Yancy, or keep them as far apart as possible. You remember what happened to you and—”

“I remember,” Dark sighed, glaring at Actor before dropping his hand. “Murdock is trying his best to be the perfect gentleman to Yancy. He wouldn’t jeopardize it over something so trivial as blood. Something must have happened.”

“When you’re wanting to claim someone, anything’s possible.”

Dark and Actor turned at the voice behind them, growing tense as they watched Night walk into the room, hand behind his back as he smoothed down his shirt. He walked past their chairs to the fireplace, leaning against it and giving Actor a look.

“The instinct is usually to feed,” Night elaborated as Actor handed him a drink. “In some rare cases, the need to feed is replaced by an instinct to claim a human, to mark them as a vampire’s own, setting them apart from other humans to prepare them for either a turning or draining.”

“Murdock wants to claim Yancy as his mate,” Dark said quietly, staring into his glass as if he could find answers there. “Having a human mate is dangerous. You grow attached to them, fond of them, and natural instinct disappears, leaving you vulnerable and weak.”

Actor stared at Dark, seeing the shadow over his eyes and realising that he was lost in his own mind, remembering a past he fought so hard to forget. Glancing at Night, he noticed the elder vampire watching Dark, lips pressed into a thin line before sipping from his drink.

“Human-vampire relationships cannot sustain themselves,” Night stated, ignoring Dark’s glare. “It’ll either end in death or in turning the human.”

----

“Yancy, I’m fine! You can’t keep me cooped up in here because you’re worried about the vampires!” Illinois threw his hands up in exasperation, huffing out an incredulous sound when Yancy shook his head, arms crossed in front of him.

“Youse thought Murdock was alright,” he started slowly, breathing through his nose to stop any sharp remarks. “I don’t know who we can trust anymore. I’m just worried, Illinois,” he relented, ducking his head and biting his lip.

“I know you’re worried,” Illinois said quietly, placing a hand on Yancy’s shoulder to comfort him. “But neither of us are going to get any answers if we stay locked in here. The answers are out there, with Dark and Actor.” He stepped back when Yancy cracked his neck, turning to look at the adventurer with pursed lips.

“I offered Murdock my blood,” he began, voice a whisper as he avoided Illinois’ eyes. “Before he attacked you, I offered my blood and he left my room. Do youse think—”

“We’ll deal with it,” Illinois cut Yancy off, wincing at the slight ache in his shoulder from the bite. “Right now, I want to speak with Dark and Actor. Night, too, if he’s there.”

----

“You realise I can overpower you, right?” Murdock stated as he tried to push past Wilford, grunting when the mad vampire just stood still.

“You can try,” Wilford replied, expression neutral. “If you get out, they’ll most likely lock you back in those catacombs with the silver shackles.” A brief twitch of his lips gave away his amusement as the fight left Murdock, and he relaxed his stance before looking at Murdock.

“I don’t even know why I attacked him,” he sighed, sitting heavily on his bed and staring at the floor, wondering if the red spot was Yancy’s blood. “I just needed to get my fangs into something, and Illinois was just… there.”

“You’ve been a vampire a year now,” Wilford began, furrowing his brow in sympathy. “Instincts are still all over the place. The scientists that experimented on me did mention some sort of claiming instinct, though.”

Murdock looked up, blinking at his sudden head rush, then gaped as he processed Wilford’s statement. “Claiming instinct?”

“You want to claim Yancy,” Wilford pointed out, sitting on Murdock’s table. “You’re either claiming him to turn him so you can spend eternity together, or you’re claiming him to drain him. I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the reason you needed to feed on something.”

----------------

@iamvegorott @brokentimewatch

[kitmoas]

Only the brightest are seen in the dark

Summary: Being in nature really brings out a fun side

Pairing: WandaNat x Reader x Kate

Word Count: 1.9k

Warnings: Semi-Public Sex, strap on use (r receiving), Spit, Magic use, Play under Alcohol influence, Anal play (does that need a warning?), degrading, names, Dommy Kate :)

*As per usual, if I missed anything important let me know*

A/N: A little treat for the trick of the demonic witch Wanda fic not coming out quite yet. Just a quick, fun little drabble of our favorite little foursome. I didnt edit this sooo any mistakes are mine lol

***MINORS DNI*** ***18+***

Training Grounds Master List // Kitmoas | Occult // Main Master List

Currently you are kneeling at Wanda’s feet, pouting, as you stare out the window at all the kids running around. She’s humming and dancing a bit in her spot as she stirs the pesto sauce that she is working on, completely ignoring the way you try to get her attention. The speakers are drowning out your whining, and if anything it’s just frustrating. Today was supposed to be a good day but the brunette can’t just let a few things slide. 

“You forget that I can hear your loudest thoughts without even trying, little toy.” Her magic vibrates against your skin as she tips your head back to look up at her. She just stares at you, one eyebrow lifted. 

Before the witch can continue the elevator dings and out piles Peter, Yelena, Kate, and an exhausted looking Natasha. Your girlfriend crosses the room, nodding her respect at the older woman before leaving a gentle kiss on your forehead. “When can we break the tiny one outta jail, oh Great Wiggly One?” The archer playfully bows, teasing as she gestures to your kneeling form. 

Your best friends run up, the younger spiders crowding Wanda as they smile widely. “Do not be boring angry emo, it is scary weekend!” The blonde swipes a slice of steak, gnawing on it as she walks away. She plops down at her spot at the table with her feet up on an empty chair. 

Peter nods shyly, still a bit nervous around the powerful witch. “Yes, please Ms. Wiggly. It’s Halloween, and whatever she did the punishment can wait, can't it?” Even with a touch of flush rising to his cheeks, everyone can see the young boy is finally getting comfortable with the entire group and even the dynamic. 

You can see the older brunette’s mask start cracking, a small smile twerking up the corner of her lips. She rolls her eyes, her magic flowing from her fingertips as she plates up the dinner. Following the brunette as she walks to the table, shoving Yelena’s feet off the chair before sitting, you lay your head dutifully on her thigh as you keep your focus on her face. “After you all eat, detka here can be freed from her apparent prison.” Her scarlet lips leave a stain as she takes a sip of her wine, her free hand gesturing at the rest of the table for everyone else to start eating. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------

By the time your group made it to the secluded section of woods, the festivities were in full swing. Everyone was laughing and having a good time, all the younger agents and even the young Avengers all running around. Kate, practically bouncing in her spot, as her fingers are tangled in yours. You know she’s trying to be a good dominant foundation, keep within the boundaries and rules because of your behavioral slip up earlier, so you try to not push her weakness too much. You can see Wanda and Natasha in your peripheral vision, the two giving each other a skeptical look as they observe the archer. 

The night was fun, everyone drinking and experiencing a Stark Halloween Bash. You were surprisingly allowed to drink, though Kate was taking her role very seriously and just nursing a single Apple Elixir. Already feeling a bit buzzed, your guard was completely down as you and Yelena stumbled out of the Zombie Hunt game. “I cannot believe you left me for dead! I’m your best friend!” She was screaming flamboyantly at you, a grumpy pout decorated her painted face. 

Peter and America rolled their eyes, knowing that this would be the argument. Ignoring the other two, your jaw dropped as you swirled to look at the blonde. “Excuse you! You literally shoved Peter into the horde then told America and I to go after him while you ran away!” 

Your argument is interrupted by Kate, who slips behind you and is lifting a cup to your lips before a word is even uttered. Sinking back into her taller form, she wraps her arm around you and lets a kiss ghost your temple. Muttered praise warms you from the inside, and adds to the fog settling over your brain. You barely register her sending your friends away, a smile on your face as you realize what your life is like now compared to years before. Swaying with the love of your life as you watch your best friends run around like children, screaming at the top of their lungs. “C’mon little Chew Toy, I got one more surprise for you.” 

The archer has to support your body as the last drink fills your veins with the burning alcohol, falling over your own feet and air. You're walking away from the lights and action, deeper into the dark woods and it suddenly feels chilly when you’re not under the heat lamps. Voice slurred and slow, you try to ask the brunette where you’re going but she just shushes you. Leaning you against a random tree, she traps you there as she looks down at you. 

Tipping your chin up, she pulls you in for a kiss. It’s heated almost immediately, her lips moving against yours too quickly for your muddled brain to keep up with. A pathetic whine tears through your teeth as she pulls away, and takes a few steps back. Before you can complain, two figures drop down from out of the tree above you. 

Gloved hand covering your mouth before you can scream, and it’s only when you see the crimson mist hovering in the air that you realize who it is. Wanda and Natasha are standing side by side, dressed fully in black even with masks over their faces. You look around trying to find Kate, but you realize that here in the dark you can barely see her as well. Her dark hooded costume makes her almost melt into the shadows while your bright nonsensical costume stands out aggressively. 

You’re being pulled around, shifted and shoved, as the three silently manhandle your body. Cool leather touches your bare thigh, making you squeak at the temperature change. “You know, your Mommy really made a good choice putting you in this slutty little skirt.” The ginger’s voice is rough, raspy in your ear as she gropes your ass. 

Unsure if it’s the alcohol buzzing through your system or your natural reaction to the widow, but you’re already starting to feel warmth growing in your stomach. Kate slides up next to you, her calloused fingers roughly tangling in your hair as she yanks your head back to look up at her. Running her free thumb down your face, cooing at your unfocused eyes, she pops it past your lips. “Such a dumb lil thing, already can’t think and your Daddy has barely touched you.” 

A twig breaks and you see Wanda hovering a few steps back, her fingers dancing with a small red orb. She just shakes her head, a stern look on her face as she pointedly stares at Natasha. The feeling of the ginger’s hands cupping your breasts, makes your eyes flutter, the thin shirt barely a boundary between the two of you. Her soft touch as she pulls and twists as your nipples is always something that overwhelms you, lighting the fire of arousal deep in your bones. 

Kate drags your focus back to her, smashing your mouths together in a messy kiss. Heated and forcing you into immediate submission as she forces her tongue in your mouth, her grip still tangled in your hair at the base of your skull. Just like every other time the two of you kiss, your heart stutters and your breath catches in your throat. The way the archer claims your mouth is different than how anyone else ever kisses you, such a casual dominance filled with the most pure feeling of love and adoration that you truly get lost in it. 

It wasn’t until a low vibration began spreading along your stomach, making your muscles twitch, that you tried to pull away from your make out session. A rough yank on your sore nipples makes you yelp, tearing your face out of the young Avenger’s grip. “Nuh uh, Malyshka, focus on what you’re feeling.” Her grip on your breasts drags you back, grinding into you as you moan. The feeling of a hard bulge draws a wet spot on your flimsy thong, your arousal finally leaking through. 

A broken moan falls from your open lips, when the ghost of fingers slip along your slit. Rubbing your clit as Natasha grinds into you, Kate is unzipping her costume. Holding onto your jaw, she lets you have a few moments of drooling over her flexing abs as they come into view. “Such a pretty mouth making such pretty noises already.” 

The vibrations grow along your clit, slipping down to your leaking hole. “Enough playing around, people are going to start looking for us and today isn’t a day that I want to share the Toy.” Wanda’s voice is stern, directing her attention at the Russian who has been barely touching you. You feel more than hear the ginger chuckle against you, her bulge rutting into you and forcing the misty orb to slip into you. “If you’re going to fuck her, get to it. Unless you can’t get the courage to, are you scared of the woods Natsy?” The mocking tone makes you clench around the small quivering sphere. 

Drawing you in, the archer slips two fingers into your mouth. Shoving them down your throat, her lip slipping out to lick at her bottom lip. It doesn’t take long for your fuzzy brain to start reacting, mumbling out Puppy the more she gags you. Strands of drool start dropping, catching along your jaw. “Open your mouth. Let me play with my little Fuck Toy.” Not another second of warning, Kate’s drool covered fingers roughly gag you before ripping from your mouth. 

Heaving mixes with your whimpers, the magic filling you pushing you closer and closer to the edge. Eyes fixated on how the CEO in front of you strokes her dark purple strap, covering it in your drool. “Yea, cmon Master. Don’t get all soft on me now.” Kate’s voice makes you whine, shrill and catches the attention of a few lower level agents who try to see what the commotion is. A deep resonating growl pulls from the brunette’s lips as she forces her strap into your mouth, muffling the loud gag. 

The magic within you is leaving your thighs shaking, growing as it vibrates in you. It didn’t take much more than the mutt mocking her for Natasha to finally jump into the game. Flipping up your skirt, she slips your thong to the side. Taking a second to watch the way you clench around the leaking scarlet, the ginger finally lets a strand of spit land on your puckered hole. 

As her hips push the head of her strap jade eyes flicker up to meet dark ocean, she teasingly lifts her eyebrow. “Don’t get too cocky now, Mutt. I know you won’t last longer than Toy here, maybe you’ll even break the little witch’s rule of the night.” Between the anger that flares in Wanda’s magic and the way the two Avengers thrusting into you at a competitive level, you had a feeling that this would be the end of Halloween for you but the start of something even more fun. 

[rin-itoshi]

mc’s departure | obey me

summary: how the brothers would react to MC returning to the human world after a year in the devildom

contains: fluff , angst , ?!!!!&;@;&:idk

♯ LUCIFER

he’s the one to see you off, reminding you of the many things he had taught you so that you’d never forget.

his pride is much too large to admit that he will miss you to death and that he loves you dearly.

after you’re gone, he’s gone for hours at a time, holed up in his room with as much as work as he can take on.

he overworks himself with the intention of getting rid of the heavy emotion on his heart.

everything reminds you of him, even the paper clip on his desk that you had once found under his bed.

he gets easily irritable, feeling rather empty now that you’ve gone and left him alone in this now quiet house.

barely leaves his room, only works.

never cries but gets quite emotional when he finds a belonging you left behind.

♯ MAMMON

he cried every single night up until your departure but never showed you that side of him once

after you left, he cried non-stop, not caring if he looked like a cry baby in front of his brother’s who watched him with pitiful eyes.

once his eyes dried up, he soon never returned home as he partied all day and night.

he forced himself to attend parties after parties in order to forget about you.

it never works because everything reminds him of you.

sometimes he sits in his car and just stares into space, wondering what you’re doing now that you’re back on earth.

literally cannot stand the mention of you or your name or he may break down.

pretends to be okay but can’t go a day without getting upset about your absence.

money soon becomes pointless when he realizes no amount of cash will bring you back to the house of lamentation.

♯ LEVIATHAN

curled up in his bath tub and cried himself to sleep.

stopped leaving his room in general, continuously playing games all day and night.

couldn’t look at his ruri-chan figures because they somehow reminded him of you and how much you used to admire them with him.

every inch of his room has your touch on it and it makes his heart ache painfully.

struggles to attend online school but manages to make it through the day by zoning out in class.

claims he doesn’t care about a normie like you but genuinely misses you

sends you messages, forgetting you can no longer contact him without your D.D.D

writes about how much he misses you on his blog fully aware you’ll never see it.

♯ SATAN

reading. that’s all he does.

he hides in his room and reads every single book he has stacked up along his room, even rereading them if he finished everything.

uses books to get his mind off of you—or more so the lack of you.

will sometimes get excited about a stray cat he sees but stops himself when he realizes he can’t tell you because you aren’t here.

gets angry. a lot.

the smallest things set him off and he can longer feign a smile when he hears your name or anything related to you.

he misses you so much that he wants to tear out his hair and rip apart all these book page by page.

his room is in shambles and he can’t seem to think straight anymore.

♯ ASMODEUS

loses his interest in everything.

forgets his skin care routine and lets himself go without caring about it.

forces himself to go to parties and tries to sleep with someone to feel better but when it fails, he stops sleeping around in general.

like mammon, he doesn’t come home often to avoid seeing the house he had lived in with you happily.

cannot forget about you no matter what he does, and that frustrates him the most.

wishes he had done something to stop you or at least slept beside you one last time.

neglects himself for a while.

♯ BEELZEBUB

poor bby isn’t hungry for once.

can’t seem to eat now that you’re not sitting beside him, giggling about something he had said.

spends a lot of his time doing weight training and exercising to get his mind off of you.

misses all the meals you used to make on the nights you were in charge of cooking.

sometimes forgets you’re not around whenever he’s about to go downstairs to eat dinner.

clings to belphie in hopes to fill the gap in his heart.

accidentally broke down your room door in an angry fit when your absence finally set in.

♯ BELPHEGOR

either he sleeps even more or somehow gets less sleep.

no matter what, he feels sluggish and blank.

locks himself in the attic, almost as if he was never released in the first place.

even though he hated humans, your absence affected him the most after he had grown to love you as a human.

nearly went demon mode on diavolo when he found out that you were being sent back to the human world.

partially wishes he never met you but cherishes his memories with you too much to ever wish for that wholeheartedly.

sleeps in your bed often to hold onto your lingering scent that was fading quickly.

complains to beel that you were nothing but a stupid human who turns their backs on demons like them, but he never means anything he says.

“Why is it so quiet in here?” Diavolo asks as he opens the front door of the House of Lamentation with Barbatos at his side. The man’s golden eyes scanned the entry hall, noticing how it was so eerily dark and quiet that it almost felt like something out of a horror movie. It felt like no one had lived here in over two thousand years. “Hello?”

Upon receiving message from Diavolo, everyone had exited their rooms for the first time in a while, looking like they were dragged through the mud. The state they were in made Diavolo jump with surprise, shocked to find that even Lucifer looked like he was ill. “What happened to you guys?!”

“What is it that you need, Lord Diavolo?” Lucifer asked as he ran a hand through his hair to compose himself a bit in front of the red haired man. “If is nothing important, may I kindly ask you to leave and return another time?”

Diavolo sighed, shaking his head lightly as he crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t know what’s up with you guys, but I brought everyone’s favorite person along with me so sing your praises now!”

Mammon huffed, “If ya’ talking about that butler of yours, ain’t nobody care right now! We got bigger things to worry about!”

Barbatos simply smiled, taking no offense to the sly insult thrown his way.

Diavolo cocked a brow in confusion. “What? Of course not! It’s-“

The person stepped out from behind Diavolo, catching the attention of every single male in the room. The seven brother’s choked, staring at the one person they had longed for these past few days.

“[y/n]!” They shouted in unison, practically flying down the stairs to get to you. Mammon was the first to reach you, wrapping his arms around your entire body as he tackled you to the floor. The other brother’s climbed on top of you two, hugging you so tightly that you feared this would be where you’d die. “You’re back!”

Diavolo chuckled boisterously. “This is amusing! You lot are acting like you didn’t know they’d return today!” His laugh came to an abrupt stop when he saw the flat expressions coming from each and every brother. “Oh- Did I not inform you?”

“Obviously you didn’t.” Belphegor scoffed with a roll of the eyes, burying his face in the crook of your neck to inhale your scent. “[y/n]...”

“Ya can’t ever leave again! I’ll seriously get angry at ya if this happens again! Ya either go to the human world with me or ya don’t go at all!” Mammon snapped, cupping your cheeks while getting dangerously close to your face to yell at you.

“I’ll severely punish you if you ever leave this manor without giving me a heads up as to where you’re off to. You’re not just an exchange student anymore. You’re special.” Lucifer explained, a panicked glint in his tired eyes as he reached out to pat your head gently with his gloved hand.

Satan sighed, pressing his forehead against your back. “If you leave again, I don’t know if I’ll be able to control my emotions, so don’t leave.”

The avatar of lust whined loudly, “my beautiful self can’t handle a life without you! Don’t ever go anywhere without me again!” He clutched onto her waist tightly.

“Don’t... Don’t go anywhere.” Leviathan said with a sad frown on his lips as he held your hand, bringing it up to rest against his cheek. “It’s so empty without you.”

“Let’s eat dinner together, [y/n].” Beel suggested, his voice full of emotions as he drooled at the thought of dinner with you.

A million emotions ran through your veins as you sat there, basking in the warmth of their touch. It was overwhelming to receive so much love all at once but it was amazing.

A smile slowly crept onto your lips as you leaned into their touch, enjoying the way they clung to you as if you’d disappear any moment now. “I missed you guys, too.”

“What a lovely reunion!” Diavolo exclaimed happily, snapping a view blurry photos on his D.D.D to send to the group chat later.

After the heartfelt moment, they quickly disappeared upstairs to fix up their appearance before rushing downstairs to the kitchen where you stood. They clung to you like bugs to a light, hounding you about your sudden departure, only to find out that you had gone up there with Diavolo and Barbatos to help the man experience human world activities he had never gotten to try before. Diavolo was sure he had told them that but seeing as they were genuinely distressed, he assumed the message never reached.

Even though they were beyond pissed with Diavolo and his carelessness, they were just glad you were back. Them being here with you really was their idea of a perfect life.

a/n: UH YEA K GOODNIGHT

[cheekygreenty]

Hi, I just saw your prompt list for Shadow&Bone!! could you possibly do No. 2 from Angst, but like with a happy ending? Like reader n Kirigan are togeather but then Alina's comes along.. just, please let be happy at the end. I like angst, but my heart can't handle sad endings 😢😢 thank you!!! ❤❤

Future- The Darkling x Reader

(Very very angsty with a happy (?) ending. It made me cry a lil bit writing it ngl)

You trusted him, wholeheartedly. At least that's what you told yourself every day since she came to the Little Palace; the place you had always called home, where you felt safe from the prying eyes of the public.

Yet now, the place was fueled by harsh rumors of him and her. Everywhere you went you could hear a whisper, nobody tried to hide it anymore, the words were always entirely devoted to your crumbling union;

'I thought they were happy'

We were.

'How can he and Alina not be together, it's destiny.'

I'm starting to think so too.

You didn't acknowledge it. Just put on a sweet smile and a brave face. Don't let them see you're hurting. Even in your own home, you had to pretend and lie, which at the end of the day, when you laid in an empty bed, made you exhausted.

He told you she meant nothing more to him than a mere weapon. But that was when she first came and when he still managed to make it to your shared chambers and would whisper sweet nothings as you fell asleep.

It was different now, on more than one occasion you caught a glimpse of them together, him looking at her the way he always looked at you. However much he claimed to be a good actor and manipulator, there was something there and he couldn't deny it either.

You hadn't confronted him about it yet fearing that if you did, the truth would hurt and sting and make all those rumors true. In addition, you haven't seen him in days and the last time you did, he told you to stay away from the wonderful Sun-Summoner.

The truth was you knew deep down in your heart that she wasn't at fault. That she was not the root of the problem. You constantly fought with yourself to stop any hatred you felt towards her. She was lovely, kind compassionate, and innocent. She didn't deserve to feel your wrath.

But with that came the confusion of who to blame. You or Him. It made you tired and weak. The smallest of tasks made you drained and tears would well in your eyes at the thought of having to live another day like this, a day full of questioning yourself and the man you loved more than anything in the world.

No matter how much of a strong person you swore you were, this was taking a substantial toll on you. He had become your support network and he knew it, he loved it. He always said he finally felt appreciated when you came around, that he wasn't alone anymore. He had conditioned you to be this way. When times got tough, he was always your shoulder to cry on.

No doubt that shoulder was now next to Alina. Perhaps they went on a horse ride, visited the Black Heretic fountain, or were enjoying a rendezvous next to the lake.

You didn't want to know, all that mattered was that he wasn't there with you when you were falling apart. Maybe you relied on him too much.

You wondered if he noticed the whispers too, or the way you'd been missing crucial meetings, or even if he noticed you wearing your red kefta more often, ditching the black once you'd heard Genya speak of making a golden-black kefta for Alina, per the Darkling's request.

That was a punch in the gut. It hurt more than him avoiding conversation with you or even his deterrence of touching you. He had bestowed his colors to her when not even three months ago he didn't know she existed. It had taken you a long time to gain his trust and don his signature black yet all she had to do was waltz in and show up. And it hurt.

And now here you were, training the next generation of heartrenderers, as you did almost every day. You had given your life to the Little Palace and its Grisha and this is how you were being repaid. Not even Ivan, who you had shaped into an excellent soldier, had looked your way lately.

'Excuse me Ms. Y/L/N I have an urgent request from the General' You whipped your head around to the young Grisha boy with an obviously hurt look on your face which he couldn't understand.

'Of course' you choked out and took the piece of paper from his hands and watched him in sorrow as he left.

Ms.Y/L/N? what happened to moya sovereignny? You were never one to uphold the formality, but this was just another blow to your confidence. You were no longer referred to as his other half which only meant your position in the palace was quickly dwindling.

You opened the wax-sealed envelope and took out the thick sheet of paper. There was a time when he himself would deliver the news to you himself and use it as an excuse to spend extra time with you.

'I cannot make it to the meeting with the King this evening, attend and report back to me anything relevant, no horse business'

You scoffed loudly, drawing attention from the young Corporalki around you and leaned on the table in front of you. Not even a please or thank you. With the note clutched in your hand and tears of frustration in your eyes, you stormed out of the Corporalki room and towards his war room.

You peeked through the open door and seen him. He didn't look at all busy as he chatted with Zoya, Ivan, Fedyor, and some other Squaller you didn't recognize. Zoya threw her head back in laughter at something Fedyor said but Aleksander kept his stony expression. You threw the door open dramatically and everyone froze.

'Leave us' you cautioned as Aleksander's onyx eyes looked right into your own.

Nobody moved but Zoya was the first to speak ' Y/N, we're actually in a meeting if you couldn't tell' while everyone nodded along, except him.

You never had anything against anyone in that room, but in that moment you couldn't help yourself and used your small science to bring everyone to their knees in front of you, except him.

'Leave us' His voice rang out in the midst of their sharp breaths and chest-clutching. They scrambled to their feet and left one by one, Fedyor quietly muttering 'moya sovereignny' as he passed you which filled you with some courage. The door shut and the sound echoed over the walls.

You threw the note across the room and let it hit his arm. 'Did you forget your manners General? Or does it only apply to the people you claim to love?'

'Funny you should say that Y/N, you haven't attended any meetings in weeks without providing a reason. You're making me look like a fool'

'I'M MAKING YOU LOOK LIKE A FOOL?!' Your tears were now streaming down your face, falling quicker than you could wipe them away.

He stayed silent and that broke your heart even more, he could've said something, anything.

'Aleksander, I'm trying to keep myself together for everyone, I'm trying so very hard to appear normal and happy but I don't think I can do this any longer. The whispers and the rumors, watching you and her-' You slid down the door and sat on the floor, head resting on your knees. '-It's getting to me.... and it's killing me.'

You thanked the Saints you didn't see his face, for the silence spoke for itself. He didn't deny anything or reach out to comfort you. I've lost him.

'All I wanted was a happy ending.' You laughed a sad laugh that pulled at his heartstrings. With your eyes still facing away from him, you didn't see his hand go up to wipe the lone tear that fell down his face or the slight shake in his hands as he did so. He had no words that would comfort you. He knew what he'd done. He'd been avoiding you ever since he realized it. He didn't want to see you cry or see how his actions affected you.

Telling you that it means nothing to him was of no use. You had it in your mind now, forever engrained around his name, the rumors wouldn't stop and Alina was still around. He truly felt nothing of importance for her. All she meant for him was a key to a better future with you.

He approached you slowly, getting down on his knees next to you. He took your hand in his and held it up to his lips. He never prayed, but right now he silently muttered words to all the Saints. Don't let her leave.

'I'm so sorry Darling. Y/N I love you so much.'

'But you love her more' You yanked your hands away.

'NO. no. Y/N. I swear it. You are everything to me' He had grown serious now, he wanted you to look at him. He missed you.

'Then explain why you're parading her around like a Queen, letting her wear your colors, probably sleeping in her bed'

'I have never toucher her in that way. I'm yours Y/N.' Please look at me.

You lifted your head and looked at his beautiful face. He too looked tired, exhausted. His eyes were red and puffy. Saints, I've never seen him cry.

'You will have a happy ending. I promise Darling' He took your face into his hands and connected your foreheads together. 'I promise. I'm doing everything I can to make sure you will, and even if I can't, I swear you will you and our children-'

Children. Aleksander never spoke of them to the point where you had settled with the idea you'll never have them. Something about the desperation in his voice made you believe him, Aleksander was strong, he never gave up but he also never sacrificed himself for anybody. Up until now, you didn't think yourself worthy enough to be saved in exchange for him.

'-I would give up everything to see you and them safe, away from harm's way. Right now, the world doesn't deserve them, but once I do what I have to do, I'll give you children. However many you want, Just stay. Please'

You were borderline hysterical as you melted into his embrace. Weeks of frustration and hurt disappeared into thin air. Aleksander held you so tight you were having trouble breathing but you didn't care. He held you all day and all night. All meetings and tasks forgotten.

He explained everything in detail, from the stag and firebird to what happens if things don't go to plan. He kept nothing from you, not even the stress and pressure he felt. You comforted him as he always does to you. You fell asleep together and dreamed of a life with a happy ending, one where you never had to doubt his motives, you dreamed of your future.

Taglist (if you want to be added, plz tell me!)

@theonelittleone @searching-for-gallifrey @lostysworld

@0-artemis

[azaleavi]

Best Friend

Requested by anon: hi could I request a sebastian x female reader where they have been best friends for years and reader has been in love with him for a while and it hurts her thag hes dating someone else and one day she just blurts it out because its too much??? angsty with a happy ending hopefully???

Word count: 1.8k

Author’s note: I got my first request!! I was so happy that I started writing right away. Thank you so much for requesting dear anon I hope you like it.

Feedback is always appreciated and don't forget to reblog and like if you liked it and want to see more. Thank you!

Masterlist

(the texts in italics are either throwbacks or thoughts)

Being the best friend of Sebastian was a challenge. It wouldn't have been, normally, but you had fallen in love with him and that made things a hundred times harder for you. But how could you not, when he was the most charming man you have ever met. He was the sweetest human being and he was always there for you when youu needed him. You met when you worked on a movie together and immediately hit it off. Thankfully there were more than one projects you worked on alongside each other so you became even closer. You thought there could be something more between you than friendship, but Sebastian never seemed to look at you like that. You got your hopes up multiple times, only to be let down again and again. So now you just learned to not expect any romantic feelings from him.

I want to tell you something the text read from Sebastian. You heart leaped in your chest at the thought of him wanting to talk to you about something seemigly important. It had to be important. Right? Maybe he would tell you, that he sees you as more than a friend. You texted him back saying that he could come over right now if he wanted to. He sent you a thumbs up, meaning he was on his way so you got to cleaning up your apartment. It wasn't necessarily messy, but there were a few things out you had to put away. Living in different cities or even countries all the time never left you with enough time to completely clean up the only place you called home. A knock on the front door shook you from your thoughts. You walked to it with a deep sigh, excited, but also afraid of what Seb wanted to talk to you about. Opening the door you met with his beautiful face.

"Hi" he smiled as you stepped aside to let him in.

"Hey. Come in." you greeted back. He walked in and took off his shoes as you closed the door. You walked into the living room and sat down on the couch. He fidgeted with his hands, a sign that he was nervous. "What is it Sebby?" him being nervous made you even more nervous so both of you were just a bundle of nerves.

"It's just... I just..." he sighed, leaning forward and rubbing his face with his hands. Something was wrong.

"Hey, you can talk to me" you reassured him, putting your hands on his back and rubbing it.

"I accidentally told Chris that you are a virgin" he finally blurted out. Your hand froze on his back. He looked back up at you, only to see you trying to hold back a laugh. "Why are you laughing?" he asked, confused.

"He already knows Seb." you let out the laugh you've been holding in. His face lit up in realization and he relaxed against the back of the couch. "This is what you wanted to tell me?" you continued to laugh.

It was after he left that you let yourself feel the sadness of not getting the confession you were waiting for.

You loved having him as a friend, but you wanted more. You wanted to be the one that wakes up next to him every day, who gets to kiss him every chance you get. You could dream about it how many times you wanted to, but it would never happen. Especially when he had a girlfriend. You remembered when he told you.

"Can I talk to you for a second?" he grabbed your elbow as you were walking away from set, done for the day. You turned around, noticing how your face was closer to his than it probably should have been. He seemed to notice too as he stepped away from you. Your heart broke a little at his movement, but you knew that it wasn't his fault. He didn't feel the same as you did. You couldn't blame him, really. Why would he love you? There were so many better people out there whom he could choose. You understood, no one ever noticed you, so why would he be different. It was your fault for falling hopelessly in love with him. You tried to stop, you truly did, but it was no use. You couldn't tell him either, your friendship would be forever ruined. Of course he would be nice about it and say that he would want to keep being your friend, but you knew that it would never be the same.

"Yeah, sure we can talk" you smiled at him. The two of you walked to his dressing room, that was empty. You sat down on a hair as he did the same. "So?" you urged him to talk after a few second of silence.

"I met someone" your world stopped at his words. He looked up to see your reaction, but your face was blank. Your thoughts were a mess as you tried to come up with a response, trying to not show how your heart just broke into a million pieces.

"That's..." you cleared your throat, blinking a few times to get rid of the tears that started gathering in them. "That's amazing Seb." you froced a smile on your face, praying that he wouldn't see through your mask.

"She is actually working with us so I want you to meet her." he smiled, excited at the thought of his best friend and girlfriend meeting. You wish you could be happy for him, but right now you couldn't feel anything else but pain.

That was 8 months ago and they were happier than ever. Well... were before she decided to break up with him out of nowhere. He has been heartbroken for a long time, but he had you helping him through it. It was hard on you, but he was still your best friend and you knew you had to be there for him.

You were currently at his house, having a movie night. He was feeling much better now, your presence helping him through the worst of it. He was eternally grateful for you because of it. You were cuddling on his couch, becoming much closer in the last few weeks. You didn't use to do things like this, but when he started initiating the touches you didn't object. You thought it would be only for a little while, just because he needed someone to be close with after the breakup, but it didn't stop and your feeling were only getting stronger and stronger with each passing day. The movie was playing, a cliché romance, as he ran his fingers up and down your arm, your head on his shoulder. The man on TV was confessing his love for the woman and it made you think about what it would be like if you told Sebastian how you felt. He doesn't need a girlfriend right now you reminded yourself.

"This is so dumb" he rolled his eyes.

"What is?" you asked back, not understaning his problem.

"They were friends before this. Why ruin a perfectly good friendship with these feelings?" he felt your whole body stiffen at his words so he moved away to look at you. "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing" you tried to brush it off and go back to cuddling, but he wasn't having it.

"No, something is wrong, I can feel it" he pushed.

"Seb, seriously, it's nothing. Don't worry about it."

"No, you have to tell me when something is wrong, we are best friends and I don't want you to keep secrets from me-"

"I love you" you blurted out, your mouth moving without thinking. No, no, no, no this cannot be happening right now. He immediately stopped talking and just stared at you, frozen. You stood up from you place and started walking back and forth in front of him." I know you don't need this right now and I didn't even want to tell you, but you just kept pushing and I-" stopping your rambling, your eyes filled with tears. You let out a stuttering breath, your hands on your mouth. I've just ruined everything. I'm so dumb. You looked at him, still sitting in the same place, his mouth open in shock. "Please say something." you pleaded moving your hands to your sides, not being able to take his silence anymore.

"You are in love with me?" he whispered, eyes boring into yours. Heart sinking in your chest you looked down.

"Yes" you sighed, feeling like a ton has been lifted from your chest, the truth you've been holding in had finally been revealed. Two legs appeared in front of you and two hands grabbed your arms. You didn't want to look up, already knowing the rejection, that was coming.

"Look at me y/n" he asked quietly. "Please" he said when you didn't oblige. You finally looked up at him at his request, face now soaked in tears.

"I'm sorry" you whimpered, your heart fully broken. You valued his friendship so much and you didn't want to lose him over this, but it felt like it was already over. He pulled you into a hug.

"Do not be sorry for your feelings" he tightened his grip on you, making your tears fall faster. You let out a sob at his affection. This might be the last time you get to hug him like this so you gripped his waist as strongly as you could. He pulled away enough to look into your eyes. "Don't be sorry because I feel the same way." your heart skipped a few beats, your eyes widening. You couldn't believe your ears so you just looked at him confused. Sebastian smiled at your cute impression and swiftly pressed his lips to yours. You couldn't even close your eyes considering how shocked you were. Sebastian realized you weren't moving and pulled away, worried. He called your name in question which shook you out of your frozen state.

"What did you say?" you finally spoke.

"I said I love you too." he laughed.

"But you... you were... you... what?" you stuttered, not being able to form a coherent sentence.

"I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you" he chanted as he pressed his forehead to yours, still laughing, which was cut short when you pressed your lips to his. You kissed for a minute, but you had to break away from the other for air.

"Why didn't we do this sooner?" you laughed, wiping away the remainer of your tears.

"I don't know" he leaned in to kiss you again, smiles on both of your faces.

Permanent taglist: @byatomoe

(let me know if you want to be added)

[dragon-kazansky]

The waiting game | Helmut Zemo

From the second Zemo was out of that cell, he knew there was one thing he had to do. He had waited until he was far from the prison to pull out the ring. A wedding ring hung from a chain around his neck. He had kept it on him all this time, kissing it every night before he went to sleep, and looking at it every morning when he woke up.

It's all he had of you on him all these years.

After meeting with Sam and Bucky in the garage, he takes them to the airstrip where a plane is waiting.

"There is somewhere I must go first."

"This isn't a vacation, Zemo. We have a job to do." Sam warns.

"This is something I have to do. There is someone I have to see. I am not going to debate on this, I must go."

"Fine, but then we go straight back to the job."

"Of course."

It's quite the detour from heading to Madripoor, but he can't let this chance pass by. He would never forgive himself if he didn't do this right away.

You had no idea.

He hadn't called ahead. You didn't know he was out, even if just for a while. This would be a total surprise for you. He hoped a welcome one. It had just been too long.

God, he missed you.

The three men stood outside your house. It was a beautiful home, well taken cared of. Zemo had Oeznik keep tabs on you over the years. He needed to know you were safe and well. He was over the moon when he heard you had moved into one of his safe-houses. He knew exactly where to find you.

"Who loves here?" Bucky asks.

"My partner."

Zemo knocks on the door and adjusts his coat. He takes a deep breath, a little scared of what may happen next.

The door creaks open and you're standing there in shocked silence. Clearly not expecting anyone at all, but least of all your husband.

"Helmut?"

He smiles. It's the same handsome smile you remember. The one that gets your heart racing, the one that made your darkest days brighter, the one you fell in love with when you met him.

"Hello, Liebling."

"Oh my God."

You're quick to wrap your arms around him and hold him. You bury your nose into his chest, his scent overwhelming you, but you had missed it too much to care. He wraps his arms around you, holding onto you like he'll never be able to hold you like this again.

"You're really here."

"I'm here, my darling."

He places his hands on either cheek and takes a good look at you. Time has treated you well. You're as stunning as he remembered you to be. He didn't even have a photo to remember your by, and his biggest fear was that he would soon forget the sound of your voice, or the way you looked.

Though on those nights, he would remember your wedding day. He could never forget how you looked on that day.

"I can't believe it, how?"

"If we may come inside, I will explain."

You let them inside, greeting the guests your husband had brought with him. Once you were all settled, he explained what had happened. The Flag Smashers, the serum, how he had got out of prison.

"You're finishing your work."

He nods. Zemo was sitting right beside you with an arm wrapped snugly around your frame. He needed to touch you as much as possible, he had been deprived of such luxury for so long.

"At least rest here, don't leave yet." You clutch his hand, eager for him to stay. You had just got him back and now he was leaving again.

"We can't. We have to be in Madripoor." Sam explained.

"Madripoor? Oh, Helmut..."

"I'm sorry, Liebling."

"This isn't fair. I just got you back," you whisper.

"I know, I'm sorry, my love. My work is unfinished and I must see it through to the end."

"Then you'll go right back to prison." You stood up sharply and turned away from him.

"Y/N."

You shake your head and leave the room, disappearing down the hall. He can hear your cries the moment you leave. A horrid pain strikes though him, as if he had been stabbed in the chest.

That was the feeling if his heart breaking.

He hated it when you cried.

"Excuse me, gentlemen."

Helmut makes his way to the bedroom you once shared. He can your muffled cries through the door. He presses his forehead against the solid wood, his heart aching to see you.

"My love?"

He only gets a few muffled whimpers in reply. He hated that sound, loathed it.

"They cannot keep me from you, my darling. No prison will be able to stop me from returning to you."

He hears nothing. Then some shuffling. The door clicked open and you stood there, wiping at your tear stained cheeks.

"My love." He pulls you into his arms and you just melt into him.

"You're out and I have you for all of five minutes before you're off again."

"I'm sorry, Y/N, but I must finish what I started."

"And then what?" You glare at him.

"Like I said, no prison will keep from you. I finish my work, they lock me up for a while, but then my new mission begins."

"Your new mission? What else could you possibly have to do?"

"Come home to you. You'll be my mission, Liebling." He gives you a dashing smile as you stare wide eyed at him.

"Oh you!" You hit shoulder rather harshly, but he only laughs in response.

"I thought about you every single waking hour of every day." He lets go of you to grab the chain from under his sweater, holding up the ring.

"My wedding ring..."

"You gave this to me for a reason, remember?" He takes off his left glove and shakes you his hand. "So you would be with me always."

"I remember."

"I promised I'd return it, didn't I?"

"You did."

He takes the chain off and removes the clasp, letting the ring fall into his palm. With his other hand he lifts your hand. You watch as he slips that important piece of jewelry back onto your finger where it belonged. You chuckle as he kisses it.

"There."

You look at each of your hands. This is how it should be. You look up to his face to find those stunning eyes looking back at you with all the love in the world.

"I just need you to wait a little longer."

"I will. I'm sorry."

You throw your arms around him and kiss him. You draw it out for as long as you can. If you could freeze time, you would freeze it here.

When you let go, you sigh.

"I have to go, Liebling."

You grab for his hand, not yet ready to let him go just yet, but you know you have l other choice.

"Be careful."

"No promises," he replies, teasing you.

"I mean it, Helmut."

He kisses your forehead and you let go. You let him wall away before you follow, only to find them all at your front door.

"Thank you." Sam says, nodding at you.

"If you need anything, you know where to find me." Though you're speaking to all of them, you can't take your eyes away from your husband.

"I will see you again," he tells you. Sam and Bucky don't seem to notice the way he winks at you.

He has a plan.

Smug git.

You smile at him.

"I know."

You both smile at each other. To anyone else it would just look like a couple smiling at one another. To each other, it meant so much more. You would see Zemo again, but you would just have to wait.

@ajeff855 @moonstuffsteve @sky-writes-stuff @lieutenantn @lostghostgirl94 @friday18eo @yaskna

[ookami-tsun]

How about for xiao and childe and other characters u want when they start to ignore the reader for lumine/aether and the reader start to think that they had just got bord from them with fluffy ended plz and have a nice day

Tsun: I am surprised that we will get so much requests, I thought we will have some after a few days... Power of Ookami touch? I hope you enjoy this story, it is Ookami approved? \(X^X)/

As for the other requests... I might need some time to digest and understand some of the unique topics, so I hope you understand and give me some time to write to the best of my abilities

Pls enjoy the story below!

Childe X reader

Birthday Surprise

--------------------------------

“Hey, Childe, are you free?” I asked as I walked towards him

However, before I could get an answer, Aether came and interrupted me.

“Childe, I got the item you wanted…they are: birt-” as Aether started listing out the items Childe requested, Childe quickly covered Aether's mouth and dragged him away.

“Childe?! What is going on?!” I worried as it isn't normal to cover someone's mouth while they're talking.

“W-well...” he coughed before continuing, “I-I got something to do with this guy, I will catch up with you later!” he said as he dragged Aether as he started rushing off.

So, for the next days, I tried catching Childe to find out what was going on, but all I saw was him getting extremely close to Aether…

“Y/N, I will find you later, please stop following us.” Childe said as he dragged me to Angel's Share, and settled me at one of the tables

“Rest here and wait till I come back” he said as he kissed my forehead before running off with Aether.

Patiently I sat, thinking of how I ended up at Angel's Share drinking apple cider that I bought at some point of time.

… What is going on…? Why I am getting chased away..? The feeling is unpleasant. I feel my heart beating painfully and I clenched the fabric where my heart is tightly, hoping the pain would go away

.

...It can’t be…Is what I think actually all true? When I decided to find Childe to talk about the issue, I found Childe and Aether turning towards each other and kissing… They kissed!

“Childe...” I said as I tried to hold back my tears, both of them turned around and noticed me

“Are you...bored of me...? Why…?!”

I felt as if I a truck had hit me… I couldn't breathe, I felt like I was drowning and that made me decide to flee.

“Y/N! Wait! Let me explain…!”

And so we started playing cat and mouse with Childe being the cat. I had reached the dead-end of an alleyway before Childe had kabedon-ed me to prevent me from running

After catching his breath, he tried to explain. But I refused to hear him, I covered my ears and squatted down… What if he came after me just to break up with me?

“I don’t want to hear! You scum!”

“S-sorry...But let me explain..” he tried to coax me as he brought my head towards his shoulder to cry.

“Aether and I kissed...” He said as he continued, “But! It really is a misunderstanding! I was getting his help to pick a gift for you, but we stood too close and happened to… I don't like him at all!”

“...Lies...You've been avoiding me for weeks and was with Aether the whole time...” I reasoned so as to not be persuaded

He kissed my cheek and said “Idiot...It is for you who forgot their birthday today...I was trying to rush everything so we could celebrate at night...”

He then stood up and held his hand out to me. ”Y/N, today is your special day, rather then crying...Let’s end today on a happy note”

When we reached Good Hunter, Sara scolded Childe for making me so anxious on such an important day and made him spend more so that I could be appeased with food. I am not a glutton! ...But...I shall accept this apology birthday dinner from Childe

Xiao X reader

Jealousy

------------------------------------------------------

Recently, Xiao has been avoiding me and has been following Lumine around instead as well as staying in Jueyan Karst for long periods of time

But what annoys me more is that, I do not own sigil of permission unlike her, I cannot enter Jueyun Karst...

Ugh, what are they doing inside?! Let me in!

I tried looking in, but all I can see is the both of them carrying some objects in.

Maybe...Just maybe if he really cares for me, he will tell me? Ugh, my curiosity is really killing me! I am dying to know!

I need to investigate! Maybe someone in Liyue will know what is going on...!

However, no matter who I ask, no one seems to tell me what Lumine and Xiao were planning. They are hiding something too...

.

"Y/N..."

Soon after I decided that I will have to investigate, the target of my investigation had came up to me

Let's see what would he say as an excuse...

"Xiao...so, you are finally going to talk to me after forgetting me for so long?"

"I-I am sorry... But if you follow me somewhere, I can show you the reason..." he said guilty while pouting, that cute appearance isn't going to persuade me...

After looking at his adorable appearance, I struggled between making it hard for Xiao and following him. In the end, I chose the latter: nothing will make my emo boyfriend upset, and I will not be the one causing it.

...Well... Just this once...

.

As Xiao slowly removes his hand from my eyes, I was speechless, isn't this Jueyun Karst?!

"Xiao? What's going on?"

He blushed and looked everywhere except at me and said "W-well... You usually take so much care of me, and always neglect yourself...So, I wanted to surprise you"

He then led me towards a table filled with my favorite foods and sat me down.

"Although it is not much..." he covered his mouth with his hand to hide the blush, but his ears betrayed him "...Happy birthday, Y/N"

"I am really sorry that I was avoiding you...I wanted to keep this all a secret..."

I looked around and noticed that there are many decorations around... This must be the reason why the both of them was making a lot of trips.

I felt guilty for suspecting them while they are trying their best to make my birthday a memorable occasion...

"Xiao..." I spoke while feeling emotional, "I am so sorry I suspected you, I should have been more understanding and patient..."

I went towards Xiao, hugging him and resting my head on his shoulder.

"This is the best birthday I ever had... I have wronged the both of you, please forgive me..?"

"I forgive you..." Xiao said while holding up a piece of meat and said "If you open your mouth wide..."

This is when I died, Xiao who usually keeps to himself, tried to feed me. Personally "spoon" feeding me! I am not a child, but I can't help but to want to be spoiled if he is going to be so sweet!

"Is it good..?" he asked as he tries to hide his desire for a compliment.

"...I-it is really good...I hope I can have this for the rest of my life..."

"Then...I will just have to cook for you, for the rest of our life"

...Is this.... a p-proposal...?

[giorno-plays-piano]

Heartache

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Soldat!Reader

Warnings: yandere, obsession, kidnapping, captivity, torture, brainwashing, delusional Bucky.

Words: 2535.

Summary: You don't need the one whose name was Bucky Barnes, a hundred years old broken man who returned back to the world that couldn't offer him anything but regrets and nightmares. You need your Soldier, the one who won't return to you even if you throw Bucky back into that iron chair and fry his brains for the thirtieth time.

P.S. I have to say it turned out darker than I expected. Attention! Bucky is free from his programming, but he does not heal as he should. 

__________________

“You look old.”

You decide to give him the pleasure of hearing your voice. It sounds dull from behind the glass when Bucky comes closer, looking at someone he recognizes too well, but you do not recognize a man he became, nothing reminding you of the one with whom you once shared your bed.

You know what the man looking at you through the glass thinks. You didn’t age a day since the last time he saw you, and while he knows why, it still surprises him to see a young woman watching him calmly as if all those years didn't pass.

“You miss your star.” You say, tilting your head to the side and narrowing your eyes at him when you see his new vibranium arm.

“It doesn't matter.” His answer is immediate, and Bucky isn't surprised to hear the raw anger in his own voice: he is no longer the Soldier you knew, and he is worried he won't find a way to interact with you. You don't seem too interested in Bucky Barnes and whoever he works for despite the fact you are hardly HYDRA's soldier yourself.

What he doesn't know is that you still stay the soldier you have been once, and nothing will ever change that regardless of whoever Bucky Barnes sends your way to cure you from HYDRA's conditioning.

"I'm glad you remember me."

You find it peculiar: a man who has been trying so hard to get rid of anything that ties him to the Winter Soldier has been looking for you for years, finally tracking you down, capturing you and bringing you here as if your pure existence didn't remind him of the worst years of his life. What did he expect to find? A comfort in someone who once had been paired with him just for the sake of research?

"Don't bother, Mr. Barnes. There's nothing there left for you."

You see he's taken aback because you have hit a nerve. Apparently, James Buchanan Barnes thought the connection between the two of you remained the same, and he could dig up the feelings that had long been buried. Stupid, you think, he's forgetting the most important part: he is not the man you formed the bond with. You don't need the one whose name was Bucky Barnes, a hundred years old broken man who returned back to the world that couldn't offer him anything but regrets and nightmares. You need your Soldier, the one who won't return to you even if you throw Bucky back into that iron chair and fry his brains for the thirtieth time.

It doesn't matter. After all those years you didn't believe in happy endings, and even if the man watching you through the glass think he is going to get one after getting out, he is clearly deluding himself.

Averting his eyes, Bucky clears his throat and changes the topic, trying to give himself a false hope he can mend things. “I will convince Shuri to treat you. She helped me break through the conditioning, and she will do the same to you."

You could raise your brow at him, but maintaining this facade is tiresome and doesn't make sense. "I see you have no idea how much my conditioning differs from yours. You can't break through it. It's embedded in me."

"I thought so, but I got rid of mine. You can do it too, I'm sure."

Although you see him trying to assure you, Bucky's getting agitated because he really has no idea what HYDRA did to you. He couldn't know it when he still was the Soldier, but now the lack of his knowledge leads you to the thought your former masters destroyed whatever info they still kept - they foresaw he would search for you.

"Your brainwashing was flimsy. I've always wondered how come you were considered HYDRA'S greatest assassin when you just needed to see your dear friend once to start getting your memories back." You snort, knowing Bucky would feel a slight hint of jealousy in your voice, but you don't care: you've never hid from him you only needed the Winter Soldier, and he was gone.

Bucky doesn't know what to say as a part of him wants to scream there was nothing flimsy about electroconvulsive therapy he went through over and over again, but he looks at you and sees how different you are from him, having no memories of your own, not knowing even your name or the place where you came from. It doesn't scare him, but the fact you had long merged with the Soldier you've become does. You don't separate yourself from her the way he did. In fact, the Soldier had completely absorbed your true persona, and Bucky doesn’t know the real you. He only knows RED, a Soldat who at one point was been created by HYDRA just like all of them were. Despite searching for the information about your past for years, he found nothing, not even the year when you became a part of the organization. Bucky doesn’t think you did it willingly judging by the fact how you reacted when he had been training you among the other Soldiers, but he can’t be sure.

You’re a ghost. None of the masters who had been giving you orders know anything about you except your specialization and things you can do. Bucky supposes there were once people who knew the truth, but all of them are probably dead since the ones he has captured were utterly useless. His only hope is Shuri who might bring whatever is left somewhere deep inside your mind to the surface, yet he isn’t sure she will take you: the more you talk, the more it becomes clear you will not ask her to do it willingly, and Shuri won’t like that. The redemption can only be granted to someone who asks and works for it.

You don’t seem the type.

“What do you want me to do?” He asks you quietly, his forehead almost touching the glass separating you two when Bucky watches you with that pathetic expression of his. “If I let you go, you will return to people you serve. If I bring you to police, you will end up in a lab in the hands of the government.”

You allow him to see your smile as you observe him, desperately hoping you will tell him you will come back to the good guys and stay with him, playing a role of his funny little girlfriend because Bucky Barnes cannot allow himself to form an adequate relationship with any woman who has not been tainted the way he was. It probably seems so tragic to him that he had to spent years trying to catch you.

Although the chair you’re bound to doesn’t let you stand and come over to him, you still lean closer to the window, wearing the same polite but welcoming smile you used to lure your targets closer to you.

“I want you back in that chair, going through the whole process of brainwashing again until you become the Soldat you’ve been. I want you standing with me and feeling as much pain as I did until your sensitivity goes down to zero, and you no longer remember those funny friends of yours. I know you won’t trade your freedom and whatever else you have after getting out, but I don’t need James Buchanan Barnes or White Wolf or whoever you have become. I am RED of HYDRA, and I have bonded with the Winter Soldier you buried, Bucky.”

When he leaves, the massive metal door getting locked ten times the least, you stare at the grey wall beside the glass. You wonder how getting the privilege of remembering his past made him so miserable, a pathetic, broken man who did not understand how lucky he had been, not only breaking free from HYDRA’s grip but gaining his true identity back. He probably pitied himself, poor little boy who had been broken by the big bad guys. He did not understand that all other soldiers who came after him, except the suicide squad made with Stark’s serum, had been turned into ashes. There was nothing left to break in them - and you either.

_______________________

Shuri wasn’t happy to hear your story just like he thought, but Bucky couldn’t lie to her, hoping she would understand. Of course, she didn’t, telling him outright it was impossible to treat somebody who didn’t want to be treated. While it was also inhuman, forcing you to do something against your will just like HYDRA has been doing all these years, it also erased the possibility to use the same methods she chose when she treated Bucky.

“You don’t understand,” she tells him, shaking her head, “it’s not that I don’t want to help, but without her cooperating it’s close to impossible. They didn’t use the same ways to program her just like they did to you.”

He isn’t satisfied with her answer even though he knows Shuri wants to help. He can’t leave it like that, leave you to your fate, return you where you belonged, and he keeps asking who or what may be able to help you until she finally tells him something about electrical stimulation of the brain that can awake memories that you have buried. Shuri immediately regrets it, seeing how Bucky’s face lights up.

“It is a very complicated process that requires an extensive medical knowledge. Worse, even if performed correctly, this technique can traumatize her even further. Please don’t do this. We don’t even know if this method will be effective.”

Bucky doesn’t promise her anything, though a part of him feels guilty he made her tell him this. He just has to do it: undoubtedly, HYDRA or whoever you work for now will force you to go through the brainwashing process again, and whatever treatment Shuri told him about can’t be worse than this. If Bucky does everything right, you might stand a chance to live like he does, away from the horrors of the war you had been a part of ever since the organization abducted you. Even if you don’t want it, clearly it is an effect of the memory suppressing machine: any sane human being wants to have a normal life, right?

It takes him months to find and steal the equipment he needs, leaving no traces - it reminds him of the days when he had been under HYDRA’s control, but he does what he has to. Learning how to use the machine is a much more complicated task, but Bucky is grateful for that serum-enhanced brain of his: he nearly swallows the information from the books in record time, reading about sending a burst of electrical energy into your cerebral cortex to stimulate your brain and finally retrieve your memories. Now he knows what Shuri meant by traumatizing, but this doesn’t stop him either. He does what he has to do.

“What is your name?” He repeats after listening to your screams for ten or maybe twenty minutes, your body going limp in the black, cold chair when you open your mouth, breathing heavily, your face stained with tears and sweat.

“Dolores.” You say immediately, knowing he will repeat the procedure if you keep silent, your heat beating wildly. “I grew up... on a small farm in Iowa... I had an older sister... and slept with a big teddy bear with a red ribbon...”

“You are lying.” He says simply, and a jolt of electricity cuts through your head, nearly electrocuting you while you scream again and again.

For some reason he always feels it when you say what he wants to hear instead of the truth. What he doesn’t understand is that the truth he wants has been told months ago: you did not remember and you were not going to remember anything from your past. It was stupid to try. There was nothing left of you, and while he thought he was resurrecting a human in you, he was simply destroying your body that was regenerating every night after the therapy.

When you receive a new jolt, shaking and screaming, tears streaming down your face until they fall down onto your already wet t-shirt, you whisper through gritted teeth, “Either I will have you as my Soldat, or I will not have you at all.”

Bucky presses the button.

__________________________

When he is finished he takes you to a bath in the room next to your cell. You almost lose the ability to move for an hour or two, giving him time to prepare you: Bucky undresses you and slowly lowers your body in the tub filled with warm water, watching that you take a comfortable position and don’t slip, effectively suffocating. Today he had almost gone too far, risking to fry your brain: you still refused to give up even after two months of therapy you have gone through, and Bucky isn’t too happy.

Pouring a strawberry-scented shampoo on his palm, Bucky starts to carefully wash your hair that grew longer in the months of captivity, watching that neither shampoo nor the foam gets in your eyes. You are nearly breathless: the serum they gave you made you less stronger than him, but your regeneration abilities are on a whole different level, and soon your body will adjust and erase the damage made.

He asks himself whether keep using the machine makes sense since he didn’t make much progress, the programming still very much in you even after all those incredibly painful sessions. What if you were right from the start? What if there was nothing to remember, and all he could do was to leave you in the state you were in before he destroyed whatever was left of you?

No, he can’t do it. Leaving you means taking away your chance to ever get back to normal life, and he can’t force himself to do that.

Never in his life Bucky Barnes will admit letting you go meant never getting his own happy ending the way he wants it.

“Why reinventing the wheel when you can make it so much easier?” All of a sudden, your hoarse voice whimpers in his ear when you look at him, tiredly moving your head up. “Do what they’ve always done. Use the programming to give me an order.”

A part of him is shocked with the revelation: he wanted to be neither the Soldier nor the one giving him commands. But the other part makes him realize how much easier it would be if he just used what has already been done to you instead of relying on an obviously ineffective method that damaged your mind and body. Of course, he has nothing in common with Karpov sending him on the assassination missions. Bucky only wants you to learn how to become human again, free you from HYDRA once and for all, give you the life you undoubtedly wanted. Even if he uses the same method the organization did until he finds a better way to undo the programming, it is still for your own good.

___________

Tags: @finleyjayne​ @alexakeyloveloki​ @helenaeisenhower​ @villanellevi​ @hurricanerin​ @inlovewiththefictionalcharacters @chris-evans-indian-fanfic @navegandoaciegas @rosalynshields @brattycherubwrites @sllooney @angrythingstarlight @lookiamtrying @buckysbunny @soleil-dor @stargazingfangirl18 @dillybuggg @literate-lamb @cosicas-cuquis @sarge-barnes-sir @buckybarnesplumwhore @jaysayey @megzdoodle @gotnofucks @lux-ravenwolf @iheartsebandchris @ximebebx @jeremyrennerfanxxxx123 @sourpatchspinster

[chockfullofsecrets]

Critical Role: The Importance of Timing, Ch 1

<<chapter navigation TBA>>

(Read on AO3)

Rating: Gen

Summary: Jester sobers quickly, though, pouting insistently down at them.“Four is pret-ty bad, you guys.”

Kingsley nods seriously. Thus validated, she starts bouncing excitedly on the balls of her feet. “I think we need to punish them, Fjord!”

Caleb and Essek make the mistake of overworking themselves right before the Mighty Nein are scheduled for a reunion. Lessons are learned.

Wordcount: 3.6k (yeah, this one’s going to take a while)

A/N: making some more progress on my backlog of prompts (this one happens to be both from the most recent vote and this lovely anon prompt)! cross your fingers that this is going to be my first finished chapter fic lol

---

Caleb hardly remembers it, later.

It was evening - not particularly late, but after three near-sleepless nights time stretched into its own kind of viscous liquidity. Like a soup.

He laughed to himself at the absurdity of it, too tired for more than the barest expense of breath. Essek would know better than he, of course - he turned to him, intending to share the thought, and found a sheaf of notes thrust mere inches from his face.

“Here,” Essek said brusquely. Exhaustion did not lend itself to the usual smoothness of his speech. “I think I have it, finally - if we engrave it this way, the spell will replenish itself without interrupting conversation, yes?”

“Oh.” He took the papers, looking them over blearily - his eyes widened, a brief rush of vigor returning. “Oh, this is - oh, this is good! Let me just fabricate the surface smooth again and we can try-”

There was a crash from a location beyond the lab and therefore currently unimportant. Neither of them looked up.

The interruption, then, arrived unexpectedly.

“Hel-loooo!”came a lilting Nicodranian accent from the hall. “We got here early and you didn’t answer your door so we used our super cool magic powers to come in, and we should to-tally make a hammock themed room in the mansion tonight because I think Fjord is kind of land sick - Caleb, look at me, why do you look so terrible?”

Caleb knew the consequences of ignoring that voice. He looked up.

After hours of gazing at runes, his eyes refused to fully adjust and take in the three figures in the doorway. He squinted and managed to make out a bit of blue. “Jester?”

“They look tired right out, the poor things,” a purple blob pronounced from Jester’s right. “We haven’t missed out on an adventure, have we?”

“No,” Jester said, “Essek would never go out with his hair looking like that. Right, Essek? Aren’t you, like, super embarrassed that your hair’s all floppy right now?”

Sitting shoulder to shoulder with the floppy-haired drow in question, Caleb could just barely hear him hiss in protest at the interruption. “Leave, then, if it disturbs you so.”

Caleb blinked, starting to fumble together a sentence to dull the reprimand, and suddenly the remaining green blob resolved into Fjord as he put a hand on Caleb’s forehead and crouched to look into his eyes. “All right, it’s bedtime for you two. Jes, can you get Essek?”

“Wait-” Caleb grabbed weakly for the table, for his notes at least, but he was already being swept up in Fjord’s arms and carried bodily from the room. Essek sounded much more awake - and irate, frankly - behind him, trying to explain something, but it had been far too long since he had been anywhere near horizontal - with his head pillowed against Fjord’s bicep, he was asleep before they reached the stairs.

---

Waking is a slow process.

He is not alone - there’s a weight to being tangled up in someone else, the warm scent of closeness, and even without his eidetic memory he does not think he can ever forget the stony, moon-soaked smell of having his face buried in the crook of Essek’s shoulder.

He yawns lazily. Essek must be very tired, if Caleb is awake and he is not, and he is the better cook of the two of them anyway - although of course neither of them have any comparison to Caduceus, or Yasha now that it’s been several months since her last poisoning incident. He presses a gentle kiss to Essek’s jaw and rolls out of bed to get started with breakfast.

Or tries to, at least. His top half makes it out of bed easily enough, but the rest of him does not seem inclined to follow.

Something clanks at the foot of the bed as he narrowly hauls himself up from a quick trip to the floor. He props himself up on an elbow, halfway through another yawn, and finds himself staring down a pair of manacles hooked around his ankles.

He kicks cautiously. The chain threaded through his bed posts clanks again.

Panic begins to stir low in his gut. “Essek!”

There’s a sleepy murmur next to him. He twists to find Essek blinking awake - there’s not much else he can do, with his arms shackled above his head and his legs chained below in similar fashion. The cuffs are padded at least, stuffed with what looks to be worn handkerchiefs, and they’re both fully dressed in sleep clothes - their captors don’t want to hurt them, then, not yet.

Caleb scans the room frantically. The book he has been reading is still propped open on the bedside table, the door knob Essek had pried from an Aeorian ruin after Caleb had commented on its sparkle still proudly adorns the bathroom door, Kingsley is still leaning against the window-

He grins smugly as Caleb’s gaze snaps back to him. “Oh, good, you’re both awake. Comfy watch, but it’s ever so much more boring without the-” He pulls his hands from his pockets and rocks them back and forth. “Oh, and also the fish folk trying to kill us, those are great.”

“Kingsley?” Caleb demands. Next to him, Essek makes a shocked sound as he presumably recognizes that he cannot move any of his limbs. “What is this?”

“Oh, I can’t rightly say.” Kingsley saunters over and swings himself neatly up onto the mattress, worming between him and Essek to sit cross-legged at the center of the bed. “Wasn’t my idea, at any rate-”

“Jester and Fjord were here too,” Essek interrupts. “Is this - this is a prank, is it not?”

“Hush, you,” Kingsley smirks. “All I’ve got is that I’m to ensure you don’t make your way free with any spellcasting before Fjord and Jester get back. And to that end…”

He breaks the pause with a dramatic flourish of his arms, spreading them wide before laying a palm down lightly on each of their bellies. “I’m told this should do just fine, if the two of you care to demonstrate?”

Caleb connects the dots just a moment too late to throw himself back off the edge of the bed. “Kingsley - wait - ah!”

There was a time when it would take minutes for his mind to link the intruding sensation of touch to anything but wariness. Now, the instant Kingsley’s fingers start scribbling he’s flat on his back, pushing weakly at the offending limb and doing his best not to collapse into hysterical snickering at how much it - it -

“Tickle, tickle, magic man,” Kingsley teases, pupilless eyes aflame with mischief. “No, no, don’t bother fighting it. I’ve heard tales about those ribs of yours, you know. Especially how much you love letting Jester play with them, hm?”

“N-nein, that’s not-” Caleb tries to protest, but he’s already giggling just at the thought - Fjord and Jester are here, and he’s stuck, and Kingsley won’t stop tickling him-

Kingsley’s grin grows another satisfied inch as he turns back to Essek. “And you, stubborn - oh, are you trying to cast something? Is that what that face means?”

Essek is struggling, jaw working and face scrunched as his entire body trembles in time with the claw vibrating its way into his belly. Caleb can practically see the Misty Step brewing on his tongue, just a few short words between him and freedom if only he can get them out without laughing.

Until Jester tracks him down, that is. He hasn’t - they’ve been apart, and then in Aeor, and then working on their big project for the past few weeks, and Caleb hasn’t exactly gotten around to admitting that he might like Essek to - admitting anything, really. Or telling Essek that now that Jester knows he’s ticklish and doesn’t entirely mind it, any attempt to escape will only end in more retribution.

An oversight, in retrospect.

Kingsley purrs, apparently entirely delighted with his victim’s predicament. “Oh, come on now, you can do it! It’s been a while since I’ve seen a good magic show.” Essek shakes his head frantically, lips pressed together even as his cheeks puff with repressed giggles, and Kingsley grins all the wider. “No? Let’s see how long you last when I really start pressing your buttons, then.”

On his side and snickering helplessly, Caleb cannot help but feel a little jealous as he watches Kingsley tug up Essek’s shirt and wait for his eyes to widen in terrible anticipation. “One last chance, then? Cause I think this is really going to tickle.”

Caleb wants him to succeed, really, he does - but watching Essek try as hard as he can to curl in on himself as a single fingertip starts to rub at his navel, squirming and squeezing his eyes shut and finally barking out the first two syllables of his incantation before the third succumbs to high, squeaking laughter holds its own considerable charm. “Ahahaaaa - nooo, hehe! - wh -” He laughs a little more, shoulders shaking, and barely manages to gasp out the words. “Fjord - Jester - where -”

“Couldn’t take it? Oh, you are a ticklish thing,” Kingsley tells him, laughing when Essek’s attempt at protesting collapses into a breathless snort. “You’re wondering where they are? Really, I couldn’t say. Maybe they’ll be gone for hours, and I’ll just have to keep tickling and tickling-”

He’s focused in on Essek now, taking his other hand off Caleb to wiggle it menacingly over a defenseless armpit - Essek takes one look at the new threat and screams. “Caleb!”

Kingsley’s replaced his hand with his tail squeezing around Caleb’s thigh, and it tickles so badly and unexpectedly that Caleb would like to curl up in a ball and do some screaming of his own, but with Essek pleading for his help there’s no other choice.

He pulls himself back onto his elbows and flops into Kingsley’s lap as best he can with his legs chained, reaching blindly for ticklish spots that used to belong to Mollymauk - gasping through a new wave of laughter as the spade of Kingsley’s tail starts to poke at the soft back of his knee, he crowds his fingernails against the small of Kingsley’s back and yelps in preemptive terror as Kingsley starts to laugh and reaches for him instead. “Fjord! Jester!” he shouts. “Help!”

“Gah - oh, fuck, thahat’s - haaaa-” Kingsley flails for a moment, legs kicking out as he tries to shimmy away, but in the next moment his fingers are tickling mercilessly under Caleb’s arms and Caleb can hardly breathe, let alone keep tickling him. He flails to escape, trying to wrap his arms around himself and use them to drag himself away at the same time, but really that just means that Kingsley’s hands are stuck in his armpits now and he’s going to die-

“Right, right, I’ve learned my lesson, no ganging up on our little star,” Kingsley grumbles. Caleb gasps in breathless relief as Kingsley works his hands free - he’s facedown on the mattress, but he hears Essek shout for Fjord and Jester too before dissolving into another fit of giggles. Presumably Kingsley’s putting his tail to good use somewhere.

A hand grabs his shoulder, and he’s rolled over onto his back with his legs untwisting beneath him. He blinks up into Kingsley’s gaze, eyebrows raised in apparent dudgeon. “You, on the other hand,” Kingsley growls, as if his lips weren’t curving up into a fanged smile already, “I am absolutely going to need both hands for what I’m about to do to your ribs.”

“Mist,” Caleb sputters reflexively, and then, louder, “Fjord! Jester! FJORD!”

Kingsley’s eyebrows rise even higher. “Oh, it’s sweet that you think they’re going to help you. Unless - oh, did you want more hands?”

Caleb hardly hears the approaching footsteps over his own anticipatory squeal as he watches Kingsley’s fingers start to wander back down towards his ribs. “Nein! - eheeheh, oh gods, nein-”

But then, suddenly, blessedly, the fingers ghost lightly over his ribs and settle for spidering across his tummy instead. He wheezes in relief - half of it comes out as giggles, his nerves still on high alert, but he fully intends to enjoy breathing while he can.

He flops tiredly back, eyes tracking to the doorway as Fjord and Jester stroll in. “Sorry for the wait,” Fjord says politely. “Jester and I were just finishing up lunch. Because it’s lunchtime.”

“No rush, Captain!” Kingsley practically chirps. “We’re having a wonderful time, aren’t we, boys?”

Fjord looks completely unsurprised to find the two of them in chains. Jester is practically bouncing beside him. Caleb imagines this does not bode well for them.

Essek pipes up from behind him, metal clanking as he tries to move to see around Kingsley. “Did - heh - did we oversleep? I think the shackles are a bit uncalled for-”

“Oh,” Fjord says, low and dangerous. He’s not smiling, not yet, but Caleb can see it in his eyes and that is even worse. “Don’t mind those. It would be a shame to let the two of you leave your bedroom so soon when you haven’t seen it in days and days, wouldn’t it?”

With Kingsley still tickling at his waist, Caleb can’t even begin to coax his stomach muscles to let him sit up as Fjord and Jester cross to the bed and loom over the both of them. Jester claps her hands together, looking dangerously pleased with herself. “Do you like them?” she enthuses. “We got them from a pirate raid, because someone put our other set on a fish person that jumped right back into the ocean.”

“They were getting rusted anyway - I don’t think we collected a single one of those at sea, they’re not even waterproofed.” Fjord grumbles amiably. “These, though-”

He hooks one finger delicately through the chain connecting Caleb’s ankles to the bedpost and tugs, dragging one helpless foot just close enough to scoop up in a waiting hand. “Now these are made for some real seafaring shit. Could hold a body for as long as you want, as long as they aren’t inclined to use any magic tricks.”

Caleb tries to yank his foot back. Fjord just chuckles and leans over to stare him down, his yellow eyes warm and amused. “Isn’t that right, Caleb.”

“No magic tricks,” he gasps out through another fit of giggles as Fjord rubs a warning thumb over his sole. It’s hardly a concession - between that and Kingsley, he hardly has the breath to try anything.

“Good,” Fjord says encouragingly. He puts Caleb’s foot gently down and turns to Essek. “Now you.”

Caleb turns to look at him - from what little of Essek’s body language he can read, he looks wholly confused. “You’re not going to let us go?”

Fjord crosses his arms. “Oh, I’m sure we can come to some kind of agreement. Just consider this a friendly reminder that Jester, Kingsley and I are quite capable of following any… magical exits.”

Essek visibly rallies at the mention of magic, quirking an eyebrow. “I wasn’t aware you had learned how to Teleport.”

“Essek,” Caleb hisses. Fjord shushes him and stalks a single step forward, just close enough to start tickling lightly at the bottom of one purple foot.

Essek’s superior expression lasts all of a moment before his entire body starts flailing to escape the single point of contact. “Ah! No, nohoho, wahahait, I didn’t - ahaha, stop that!”

“You’re right, I can’t Teleport,” Fjord says conversationally. “Good catch, I’d kind of forgotten about that one. Jes, we’ve got some antimagic stuff on the ship, right?”

Jester interrupts herself from making increasingly dramatic faces at Essek to answer. “I think so? You know, just in case if we meet someone icky like you know who.”

“Perfect. Maybe you and Kingsley can keep Essek busy, and I’ll head back to the ship and root around for it?” He looks calmly down at Essek, kicking as frantically as he can with the few inches of leeway the shackles afford him and still completely unable to avoid Fjord’s fingers. “It’ll take a while, mind you.”

Jester perks up, dancing over and reaching for Essek’s other foot. “Yes! Kingsley, did you try his ears yet? They get all flappy and it’s really really-”

“No!” Essek rushes out, squeaking in harried protest when they still don’t stop tickling up his arches. “I - wait,” he pleads. “No! I won’t cast, I won’t!”

Fjord grins. “That wasn’t so hard, was it? Alright, Kingsley, can we give them a moment?”

Kingsley removes his hands from both of them rather reluctantly. Fjord claps his shoulder in silent thanks. “Now, would either of you like to explain why we found the two of you half-dead from sleep deprivation?”

“Yeah, you guys, we were so worried!” Jester adds. “You can’t do that when we’re not around to take care of you! You guys haven’t been doing this all year, have you?”

“We’ve only met up in the last few months,” Caleb adds, wincing a little as their eyes turn to him. He sits up slowly, wincing apologetically in the direction of Essek’s wrist shackles. “But no, we have not, we are just working on this project - it is a real ficker, there are so many moving pieces - and we are nearly done, we meant to sleep last night.”

“How many days?” Fjord asks. “One? Two?”

When neither of them answer, sharing a silent look, he hovers a hand threateningly over each of their trapped feet. “Believe me, you really don’t want us to pick a number.”

“Four,” Essek says warily. “But Caleb slept for at least an hour each night, and I don’t need to-”

“Oh, four’s a lot,” Kingsley cuts in. “Did you not learn how to sleep in shifts, not being on the ocean, or do you just enjoy each other’s company that much?”

Essek turns bright red. Caleb’s pretty sure he turns even redder. Even Fjord looks a little embarrassed as Jester and Kingsley collapse into laughter.

Jester sobers quickly, though, pouting insistently down at them.“Four is pret-ty bad, you guys.”

Kingsley nods seriously. Thus validated, she starts bouncing excitedly on the balls of her feet. “I think we need to punish them, Fjord!”

Caleb can easily guess what this punishment will entail. “Wait a moment,” he says hastily, “we have not even told you about this project-”

“It will be worth it,” Essek adds. “If you would just let us-”

Fjord nods thoughtfully, ignoring their protests. “What do you say, a minute for each hour they should have been sleeping?”

“No-” Caleb starts.

“So that’s sixteen for Essek, and - Caleb’s been napping on and off, sounds like, so we’ll round it down to a neat half hour for him.”

Caleb gapes fearfully. A half hour of tickling, after months and months - he can admit to himself that he missed it a little, but- “That’s too much,” he blurts. “Bitte, you’ll kill me-”

“Really, this is unnecessary,” Essek adds, surprisingly dignified for the way he’s trying helplessly to press his feet against the bed. “Just - we are well rested now, we only need a few hours more to finish the project, there is no need!”

Jester pouts. “Oh, Essek, don’t you want to hang out with us?”

Essek flounders at that, and Caleb can’t help the soft smile that slips out of him. “I would like nothing more,” he assures her, “but being chained up and - and tortured - was not quite on my mind-”

“Well then, you shouldn’t have been so dumb, Essek,” she says cheerily. “Caleb, do you want me or Fjord to tickle you?”

His mouth goes dry. Jester will be - Fjord teases, but he is gentle at least, and Jester is - Jester-

He looks over at Essek, wide-eyed and eyes flicking between all of them in some strange combination of bewilderment and anticipation, and braces himself. “Jester.”

Kingsley laughs, delighted. “Oh, he must really love you,” he tells Essek. “He’s gone and given you the better option by far.”

Essek looks at Caleb, gaze softening. “Really?”

Caleb grimaces back at him, a little embarrassed by himself. “He’s exaggerating. And besides, I am not the one laid flat out here.”

Essek frowns. “Yes, about that.”

“Caleb doesn’t like having his wrists pinned down,” Jester says easily, scrambling up onto the bed and into Caleb’s lap. “Though you should know that already if you two are boning-”

“Jester,” Caleb pleads. Kingsley starts to laugh again.

She beams at him, darting in to press a kiss to the tip of his nose. “Hi, Caleb!”

It’s impossible not to smile back. “Hallo, blueberry.”

He looks around her to see Fjord walk over and settle on Essek’s side of the bed, patting his shoulder companionably. “It’s good to see you two, really.”

Essek just sighs.

Kingsley prods at his belly, earning a hasty yelp. “He’s in a mood, it seems. You want some help with him?”

His stomach grumbles, just then, and Fjord laughs. “Why don’t you get some lunch instead,” he suggests. “We’d have brought something up, but the screaming sounded rather urgent.”

“Aye-aye, Captain,” Kingsley cocks a loose salute and swings back off the bed with one more tickle under each of their arms, snorting in amusement as Caleb and Essek both squirm and protest. “The others should be arriving soon, I’ll keep a weather eye on the door.”

“Yes, do that,” Fjord says, waiting for him to round the corner and start down the stairs. “That guy is really into sea lingo.”

“Kingsley is great,” Jester enthuses. “Don’t you guys think he looks so much prettier now that he’s all tan?”

She’s not wrong. “Ja, sure.” Caleb says. “By the way, what exactly did the two of you tell him about-” He flushes. “About my ribs?”

“Oh, you know, just some stuff!” Jester says cheerfully. “Most of it is definitely not true by now, probably, since it’s been a super long time since we’ve seen you.”

She puts both of her hands on Caleb’s shoulders and presses, sending him flat on his back and leaning over with a mischievous smile. “Good thing we have a whole half hour to catch up, huh?”

Caleb gulps.

[moonlit-imagines]

Headcanons for being Diana’s child

Diana Prince x child!reader

warnings: ww84 spoilers ahead!

a/n:

prompt: anonymous: “Lacey! I see you're taking request for ww84, would you write HC for being Diana's child? I'm not sure you're up to HC though. Hope you have an amazing year ;)”

growing up with so many stories of your mother’s home

that and stories passed down from your grandmother

“and asteria held back mankind in order for the amazons to survive. our people shall never forget her sacrifice” -diana

“tell me another!” -you

“i can’t tell you all my stories! then what would i have left to say?” -diana, giggling as she tucked you in and gave u a kiss on the forehead :)

you had to keep her secret growing up

😔sadly you couldn’t tell everyone you had the world’s coolest mom

buuuut a mom who works at the smithsonian isn’t NOT cool

👉👈exclusive field trips at school

“y/n, can you ask your mom if i can touch that?” -classmate, pointing to a display

“i already know the answer and it’s ‘no’” -you

actually knowing a decent bit about the stuff there

and the people too!!!

“if it isn’t our archaeologist in training, how’s school going?” -mom’s coworker

“pretty well! how has it been here?” -you

“busy busy busy” -coworker

diana teaching you ✨self defense✨

you were half amazon, but you shared many of her traits

that included her speed and strength

*ahem* and badassery

“okay, y/n. you are much stronger than your friends, but they cannot know that. you must be careful not to hurt anyone by mistake or show them how powerful you are” -diana

“so i can’t give my friends piggy back rides?” -you

“i would advise against it, just in case” -diana, chuckling

on your first try against a punching bag

you uh. destroyed the punching bag

“uh...we’ll work on that, yeah?” -diana

“i can’t lie, mother, that was pretty cool” -you

she opened up about steve to you and only you

“he gave me this watch right before he...he saved the world. i wish you could have met him” -diana

“he sounded brave. and really sweet. i mean, at least you got to know him” -you

“that’s true, my love. i am very lucky to have known him for what little time i had, i will cherish it forever” -diana

you were very wise at times. and she enjoyed learning what it was like for her mother to raise her

and although she felt guilty making you hide your true self from the world, you understood that it was necessary

you were not able to grow up as free as she did, but you assured her that it was not a bother at all

you guys totally go on “lunch dates” on saturdays because life does get busy for the both of you and you guys make time to catch up

you tease her when there’s sightings of a woman saving the day

“busy day of work, mother?” -you

“what can i say? i can’t keep myself away from the action” -diana

“when will you let me get a piece of the action?” -you

“your time will come, y/n” -diana

dont let me forget that your mom is super affectionate!!!! (as long as you’re comfortable with it ofc)

kisses and hugs and little notes and alway fixing your hair and cupping ur face just cuz she wants to see her baby!!!!!

oh also!! you can go out whenever you want really because she trusts you to come home on time and knows you can hold your own

“going to see star wars with some friends, mom!! see you in a few hours!” -you

“no problem, do you need money for your ticket or snacks?” -diana

“all taken care of! love you!” -you

“i love you too” -diana

and then stuff got really weird!!! weirder***

starting with the gala that your mom had to go to, you got the house to yourself

it wasn’t all that spectacular really but that’s what happened

meanwhile......

*after meeting steve again* “oh, gosh! i have to call my child and let them know that i’m not coming home tonight!” -diana

“w-what? you have a kid?!” -steve

ngl your mom did not want you to have ANY part of the dreamstone stuff

but she also did not want to leave you alone so ye you had to go to cairo with her and steve but you were really happy to meet steve

“your mom told me that you like history” -steve

“some of it. i do like her history though, i can only hope to see where she comes from one day” -you

“well, i accidentally crashed into themyscira, maybe you will, too” -steve

“wait...you found themyscira on accident??” -steve

“don’t get any ideas, y/n” -diana

“but now we have an invisible jet! it’s like this was meant to be!” -you

once your mother started losing her powers, it was your duty to step up to the plate

and you did a pretty good job for your first time hero-ing

“they remind me so much of you. that’s a good thing” -steve

“the world is not ready for them” -diana

being a pretty badass detective when it comes to max lord and the dreamstone

oh! and then meeting barbara. she was pretty cool

jk she was a lil wild ngl

and it was between defeating her and saving your mother and her first love, you knew which was more important

and your mother was proud of how responsible and caring you had become

soon enough, she did have to renounce her wish

and you had to say bye to steve

“hey kid, it was really great knowing you. i’m so glad that your mom has a kid like you, you’re gonna do great things” -steve

“and i’m glad my mom got to see you one more time, but i’m sad to see you go. goodbye steve” -you

feeling REALLY bad when your mom was crying next to u

but there was still work to be done

she had armor for you and another from asteria herself

and you two were about to get down to business

“y/n, before we go any further, i have to let you know that this is a one time thing. you will have more opportunities in the future, but after this, you should go back to normal. be a kid for as long as you can. it goes by so fast, i don’t want you to miss out on a second of it” -diana

“i know, mother. i understand” -you

clashing with max

and reminding him of the ✨child neglect✨ that he is at fault for

it was a very rough and emotional couple of minutes

but the world was.....mostly saved

it needed some time to be put back together

and you and your mother had to return to normalcy

“i’m very proud of you, y/n. one day you’ll make an excellent warrior. but you know that there’s no rush” -diana

“i know, mother. but you have to admit, we make a pretty good team” -you

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