#we had to work something out about plans & I felt better that everything got sorted out

[ladyxskywalker]

I will be so happy when this mercury retrograde time is overwith 🫣

has anyone else felt the shift in energy ? positive or otherwise ?

any miscommunication or technology mishaps going on ?

vivid dreams or in need of rest, recharge time ?

I feel like I've been experiencing an emotional release, & just trying to put the good energy back out into the universe

I'm on my hippie shit right now & prob will delete later 💫 xo

[carlsangel]

VIRGINITY (PART TWO)

carl grimes x fem!reader

(you and carl get some alone time.)

tags: p in v sex, unprotected sex (don’t recommend yall)

masterlist here!

read part one here!

The day you lost your virginity, everything seemed so…weird. Rick and Michonne had planned to go on a run for a couple of days and the two of you were left with Judith. You’d both asked for advice from Glenn and Maggie and while you got some pretty good advice, Carl got an awkward conversation and a condom.

This was your chance. That morning, you and Carl woke up early to say goodbye to them. “The two of you are gonna be here with Judith, okay? I have Daryl sort of keepin an eye on you so behave.” Rick tells you, packing some cans of food from the pantry into his bag. You look to Carl with sort of an annoyed look. He returns the same.

“Understand?” You both turn to Rick and nod. “Yeah we got it.” Carl replies. Now you had to figure out a way to get Daryl off your back as well. “I trust ‘em.” Michonne approaches from behind you, putting her hand on your shoulder while giving you a smile. You smile at her back, knowing you’re kinda lying to her. But you’re a horny teenager. You gotta do what you gotta do.

“Well…I’m sure they appreciate that. We gotta go.” Rick tells Michonne, zipping up his bag and throwing it over his shoulder. He makes his way through the house, the rest of you following after. You give them their hugs and say goodbye. Once the door slams shut, Judith starts crying. Screaming at the top of her fucking lungs.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me.” You hold your head in your hands, unprepared for the headache about to overtake your brain. “Hey, don’t be stressed. We can use this to our advantage.” Carl smiles and picks up Judith as she sobbed, also grabbing a couple toys before walking out the front door. You watch him walk all the way over to the armory to hand her off to Olivia.

When he disappeared into the faraway house, you turned around to find something to do. When you do turn around, you’re met with Daryl. “Jesus what the fuck!” You practically jump back, Daryl just looks at you like you’re crazy. “Don’t do that, holy shit- where did you come from!?” You put your hand over your heart and try your best to catch your breath. “The back door.” He just stares at you till you’re done. You finally catch your breath.

“Do I seriously need to watch over the two of ya or can I go work on my bike?” He asks, you sort of hesitate for some odd reason, you felt bad for lying. “We’ll be fine. Probably gonna make some soup or something and I might go to the range later. I dunno what he’ll do, probably clean his gun.” You shock yourself with how elaborate that lie was. He nods. “Okay. I’ll see ya.” He made his way out the front door.

─── ⋆⋅ ꩜ ⋅⋆ ───

A little later, Carl came back and met with you in your guys’ room where you were changing. He closed the door behind him and you turn around to smile at him, your shirt sliding off your arms. “Whatcha doing?” You ask with an endearing smile. He walks a bit closer. “Looking at you.” You giggle at his response. “You mean watching me change? That’s a bit perverted don’t you think?” You rummage through your closet for another shirt.

“I don’t think so.” He slowly comes up behind you, sliding his hands over your waist. He lodges his face into the crook of your neck where begins to plant harsh kisses. “Stop looking.” He tells you, lowering your arms from the clothes you had in your hand. You turn to face him and he smiles once you do. “You’re so pretty.” He puts his hand up to hold your cheek while he pulls you in for another kiss. This one was soft, the kind of kiss that really meant something. A feeling in your stomach told you things would only get better from here.

The kisses continue, only getting more intense and eventually his tongue slips into your mouth. You let out a small moan and you can feel him smile at that as he kissed you even more. You feel him pull you a little and you follow, your mouths still intertwined. He quickly spins you and plops you on the bed. He seemed confident on the outside, little did you know he was extremely nervous. You sit back with your arms propping you up and he leans in to kiss you again, his hands going straight to the buttons of your jeans. It’s quickly unbuttoned and he starts to tug them off you, standing to discard his own shirt as well.

Looking at him like this drives you insane. His messy hair, swollen lips, and the very obvious boner confined by his jeans. You were both scared and excited. Carl on the other hand was just really fucking horny. He got on the bed above you, one of his knees between your legs rutting against your clothed cunt. You let out yet another small moan and this prompts him to pull away and reach around to your back to unfasten your bra. Or try at least.

He was new to this, you can’t blame him. He fiddles with the clasp in a frustrated manner. “I just wanna see you.” He frowns, upset at himself for not being able to successfully take your bra off. You look at him with a sly smile. He shuts his eyes and rests his forehead on yours, his hand freezing in place as he accepted defeat. “Could you help me please?” He has a defeated tone and you laugh, undoing the clasp of your bra, letting it slide down your arms. While you did so, he worked on undressing you completely and then you waited for him to undress himself.

You’d palmed him once, you knew he wasn’t small but christ. Now you were definitely nervous. He smiled at you, basking in your beauty before leaning down to kiss a trail all the way from your stomach, up to your chest, to your neck. He was so unbelievably happy. He leaned back up to kiss you some more, his hand wandering down to your thigh, pulling it up. Your other thigh moves up instinctively and he pulls away to look down to actually do this.

He holds your legs at the back of your knees while guides himself to where he believes is the right spot. Glenn was a fucking liar. He has no idea what he’s doing. Maggie was right. Jesus this was so awkward. “Um…i-is this right or-” He stutters hoping you’d know how to guide him. You did, you helped him but not without accidentally sliding his tip against your clit, extracting a sharp moan from the both of you. Once he found your hole, he looked at you before slowly pushing into you.

Your mouth drops slightly at the feeling, his eyebrows furrow in pleasure. “This okay?” He asked quietly, stopping to hear your response. “Mhm s’fine just keep going slow.” He nodded and kept pushing, eventually bottoming out. He was breathing heavily, and you were too but he seemed to be on another planet. “A-are you okay?” You sort of giggle. His eyes are shut and he nods. “Just really tight that’s all.” He says breathlessly, gripping your thighs like he was never gonna let go. “Mkay. you can start moving if-if you’re ready.”

Well he’s been ready. He begins to slowly stroke in and out of you, he opens his eyes and leans down to kiss you. You moan into his mouth and you wrap your arms around him. He props himself up to hover over you, still pressing his length into your now, sopping heat. He leans his head back into your neck, moaning against your skin while you leave indents on his back from your nails. “You’re so good, so warm n wet. l-love you s-so much. Please.” He rambled, not even sure why he was saying please.

You could only moan in response, muttering a small “I love you too”back. He started to thrust a bit faster, his pace only increasing. It got to the point where you couldn’t even speak. You could tell he was close to cumming, you were too. Everything felt so good, his affection was only making it ten times better. He was so sweet with you, he really wanted you to feel good and not just him. You were glad he was the one taking your virginity.

“Carl-f-fuck I’m gonna cum.” You tell him, your nails digging into his skin deeper than before which causes him to groan. “Mhm me too.” His voice sounds somewhat strained. You clench around him before cumming all over his cock, him following soon after. He bottoms out inside of you one last time, hitting your g-spot perfectly, causing you to both moan loudly.

He smiles satisfactorily, pulling you into his embrace while he breathes heavily. “You’re so perfect.” He presses a kiss to your jaw and smiles against your skin. “You are. I feel so good.” You say basically astounded, reaching your hand up to rest in his hair. You spend a moment, just breathing and enjoying the afterglow.

Suddenly, Carl pulls away from your neck, and looks up as if he had heard something. You eyebrows knit together in confusion.

“What is it?”

“We forgot the condom.”

a/n: ok cuz i’m scared and nervous to post this but imma do it anyway THIS WAS MY FIRST TIME WRITING SMUT i hope it’s okayyy i feel like it was so sped up and im mad about it but let’s ignore that 0-0 hope you like ittttttttttt (im so scared right now you shut up)

ppl to tag: @zomb-1-egutzz

(sorry if u didn’t wanna be tagged for this LMAO)

[tonberry-yoda]

A Nice Girl - Zuko

Pairing - Zuko x f!reader

Warnings - none!!

Word Count - 3,211

Notes - I have been pumping out these really long fics lately lmaoooo. i dont mean to i just simply get carried away. i need to stop before i get a block tho lmao. AND IM ALMOST AT 400 FOLLOWERS OMG!!! im like so excited about it tbh. maybe ill open my request when we get there. thank you all and i hope you're all well. stay hydrated!!

You yawned and stretched, the silk from your nightgown tickling you. That had to have been the best sleep you have gotten these past couple of weeks. As the oldest in the “gaang” at 17 years old, you had to act as the mother of the group and felt this awful need to protect everyone all the time, thus granting you several sleepless nights.

Sure, Ba Sing Se didn't feel like home and it didn't feel 100% safe either, but you got to sleep in a comfy bed and wear some really nice clothes. You had to admit that it was nice to be working with the Avatar sometimes.

You pushed your tangled hair out of your face and looked into the full length mirror next to your bed. Yeah, you definitely slept well, that was no question. You could tell by the rat’s nest created on your head and the sleep lines across your arms and face. You definitely needed to wash up before you started your day.

You got out of bed, stretching as the sun kissed your warm cheeks. You were going to make the best out of today. Lots of planning, but lots of downtime too, so that was nice.

As you finally walked out of your room, you were welcomed to cackling laughter from Sokka, his finger pointed at you.

“Ha, ha,” you said sarcastically, Katara handing you a brush. “Very funny, Sokka.”

“Not just funny,” he said through laughter. “It’s hilarious, y/n! You look so stupid!!!”

You rolled your eyes, hiding a smile, and tamed the rat’s nest on your head, looking a little more yourself.

Aang walked in the house holding a bowl of snacks with a smile on his face. “Oh, good morning, y/n! You sure slept in this morning!”

“Slept in?” You tilted your head. “What time is it?”

Katara took the brush from you and set it down on a nearby drawer. “Almost 10 am.”

“What?!” You were shocked. You were usually the first one up always and if not, you never slept past 8.

Katara giggled. “Listen, y/n. I think it's great that you finally got some sleep. We never really see you rest well, so none of us had the heart to wake you up.”

You beamed. “You guys are the best. Well,” you stretched. “I'm gonna get washed up so I don't look like a sleepy monster all day.” Something about Ba Sing Se gave you the creeps, but at the same time, it was nice to be back in a place where you could bathe in warm water and not fear Zuko coming after you. It's not like you had anything against the Fire Nation prince… it's more like… he was an inconvenience to you and the rest of the gaang. Since you and Zuko were about the same age, you understood him. Well, kinda. You escaped the Fire Nation when you were younger, disagreeing with all of their ideals and overall how they treated the world. You did see the prince as Fire Nation scum, but at the same time, you saw him as a kid, just like you. He was banished for god knows what and he just wanted to go home. You didn't hate Zuko. Not one bit. You understood that he may just be in some sort of hidden pain. But you had to admit that it was kinda nice to not have him around to bother you.

You got out of the shower refreshed and ready for the day. It was nice to have a day off, so you were probably going to get some tea and write in your journal about how the past couple of weeks have been. You figured it would be nice to log everything that has ever happened on this little journey just in case you all wanted a refresher in the next twenty years or so. You slipped on some Earth Nation attire and smiled at yourself in the mirror as you braided your hair. Today is going to be a good day, you thought. Nothing better than tea and some late breakfast.

“I'm going out for the day,” you said, placing your bag on your shoulder. “Stay out of trouble today, got it?”

You looked at Aang and he laughed. “I will, I will! Have a nice day, okay, y/n? You deserve it.”

“You’re all too kind to me. Thank you.”

“And let me know if you find Appa!”

“I will, don't worry.”

You smiled and walked out of the house, smelling the fresh Earth Nation air. Luckily, the walls didn't cover the fresh air, so you could still get the almost afternoon breath.

You spent the beginning of the day walking around shops, buying some supplies and new clothes for yourself and the others. The markets were busy, but it was nice to get some of the things you needed without Aang begging for some stupid trinket that you always ended up buying him because you thought it was cool too. That was always your impulse, stupid things that Aang showed you. Those could be the death of you.

As you finally finished your browsing journey, you overheard a conversation while looking over a map.

“I swear their tea has gotten better.”

“Really? I dunno.”

“I'm serious. It has to be the best tea shop in Ba Sing Se.”

“Fine, we can go try it later.”

You turned to the two men a little embarrassed that you were eavesdropping. “S-Sorry, but I was kinda listening to your conversation… uh… where’s that tea shop you were talking about? I've been trying to find a nice place to get some tea all morning.”

The man hyping up the shop smiled at you. “Don't worry about eavesdropping, kiddo. It's right here.” He pointed to the map you were looking at and you were satisfied that it wasn't too far from where you currently were.

You thanked the man and began your journey to the shop. It was a little closer to afternoon and you could feel your stomach rumbling, so you just decided to skip right to lunch.

You walked into the tea shop and saw people smiling and laughing together, the heavenly scent of tea filling your senses. You were quickly seated at a lone booth and given a menu. Everything looked so good, you could swear that you were about to drool just thinking about food.

You decided to order something that the waitress recommended and as she walked away, you flipped through your journal, going over everything that you and the gaang had been through. You quietly laughed to yourself as you passed a page that said: note to self - slap Zuko’s bald head at least once. Imagine the sound that would make.

It’s definitely been a long trip of both laughter and struggle, and honestly, you were really happy. You don't remember the last time you had laughed so hard before you met Aang and the others. It was nice. Really nice.

“Here’s your tea. Is there anything else you need?” Your tea was set in front of you along with your lunch and you tilted your head at the familiar voice that wasn't your waitress from earlier. It was on the tip of your tongue.

“I think I'm alright, thank-” You looked up and the smile you had suddenly dropped. No way. “Zu-”

Before you could say his full name, Zuko covered your mouth and quickly let go, hoping no one saw or heard any of that. “P-Please don't.”

“But you’re-”

“I know,” Zuko’s voice was low. “Just… can we talk… in the back?”

You looked around the restaurant at all of the other people and back at Zuko. He looked so different. Barely recognizable. His face didn't look so pissed off and he had a short head of hair now that looked healthy. The only reason you recognized him was the scar, but honestly, if he covered it up somehow, you wouldn't have a clue that he was the prince of the Fire Nation.

You nodded and stood up, collecting your things. You followed Zuko to the back, almost a little scared. You had no means of defending yourself. You were a non bender, so if he wanted to pick a fight, you were screwed. You didn't even have a simple weapon on you. Maybe you were getting too cozy.

Zuko brushed off a small table and pulled out a chair for you, which you sat in with slight hesitation.

“How did you get into Ba Sing Se?” You didn't mean to sound so defensive. Well, you did, but you weren't expecting to. Especially not on such a good day like this.

“It's… a long story.”

“Why are you here?”

“Listen… It’s not for the Avatar.”

“Huh? Is that so?” You crossed your arms and looked him dead in the eye. “Then explain to me how you always end up where we just so happen to be. That’s suspicious, isn't it?”

“I-”

“If you hurt Aang, I swear to-”

“I don't care about Aang right now!”

The whole room went quiet. You had never heard Zuko say Aang’s name before, let alone not care about what the Avatar is doing.

“Then why…”

“I have my own stuff to deal with. It's none of your business, okay? I do have a life outside of the Avatar, you know.”

You nodded and looked down at your tea. “I'm… assuming your uncle made this?” You giggled softly.

“Yeah. He did.” Zuko’s voice was small and way less frustrated.

“So that’s why this tea shop has hype all of a sudden.” You wondered aloud, your eyes wandering to the ceiling.

Zuko cleared his throat and shuffled in his spot. “So… uh… what now?”

“Promise not to hurt Aang and I won't say a word about you being here. I believe that you have your own stuff to deal with, so prove it to me.”

“I promise.”

Your eyes locked with his and you smiled, shocking Zuko a bit. You smiled at him, the guy that’s been trying to hurt you and your friends this whole time. The guy who would’ve done anything for the Avatar to be in his hands.

“You probably hate me, don't you?” Zuko spat out, rubbing the back of his neck.

You tilted your head. “Hate’s a strong word, don't you think?”

Zuko looked at you, appalled. “I mean, I would understand if you did.”

“It's been a long road for you, hasn't it, Zuko?”

He nodded at you and you pointed to the other side of the table, just realizing that he was standing that entire time. “Let’s share some tea.”

“I-I don't know if that’s a good idea.” Zuko took a step back.

“Ah, I see,” you stood up, scooting your chair back in. “You’re a busy man with a job now.”

He just nodded at you.

“Well, I'll let you get to it then, but I expect to see you at 6 tonight ready to hang out, okay?”

“Wh-What?! Won't your friends notice that you’re gone?”

You just smiled, collecting your things. “Zuko, I do have a life outside of the Avatar, you know.”

Zuko’s face went bright red as you walked out of the room with a smirk on your face. It was actually kinda cute to see Zuko not being some evil kid with his heart set on hurting anyone.

“You’re leaving?” Sokka whined, watching you grab your bag.

“Yes Sokka,” you said for what seemed like the hundredth time. “I'm leaving. I just want to go get dinner out by myself tonight. Maybe go for a nice walk.”

“Aww man,” Sokka pouted, crossing his arms. “Who’s gonna make dinner now?”

You rolled your eyes, trying to hide the smile creeping on your lips. “Sokka, I left some money on the table. You guys should go out and get something to eat tonight.”

“Why aren't you coming with us?” Sokka tilted his head, counting the money on the table.

“I just want to go out by myself tonight, that’s all.”

“So you’re just gonna have a lonely dinner all by yourself?” Sokka questioned, looking skeptical.

“Yes!”

“She’s lying.” Everyone turned to Toph and your face went bright red. You forgot she could tell if you were lying or not, and it definitely didn't help that you were outside on the concrete so Toph could really feel right through you.

Sokka turned back to you quickly. “You’re going to dinner with someone?”

“Fine, yes, I am, so what?”

“Who is it?”

You rolled your eyes, already late. “Just somebody.”

“Is it a boy?” Sokka gave you a mocking look and you pushed his face away.

“Fine, whatever! It's a boy! So what?! Now let me leave before I'm late. Have a nice dinner everyone.” You waved at the group and ran to the tea shop, hoping that Zuko didn't leave yet.

The bell rang as you opened the shop door. “Sorry, we’re not serving tea anymore, we’re closing at the moment,” a familiar voice said. Iroh peeked his head out, surprised to see you. “y/n?”

You smiled, “hi Iroh.”

“How are you?” Iroh set down the broom he was holding and pulled you into a soft embrace. You never told the others, but you spent quite a bit of time talking to Zuko’s uncle when you got the chance. He was a wise man and kind as well. Maybe that's why you understood Zuko so well, you had someone to give you some insight on the boy.

“I'm good, Iroh. How are you?”

“Oh I'm fine,” he beamed at you, pulling away from the hug. “I'm getting to live my lifelong dream of making tea for the people of Ba Sing Se, so that feels pretty nice.”

“Well, you are the best at making tea, Iroh.”

“Oh, stop. You’re so full of flattery, y/n.” Iroh blushed with a smile. “Is there a reason you’re here?”

“Is your nephew here?”

“You’re looking for Zuko?” Iroh cocked an eyebrow at you and you chuckled, surprised that you were even here.

“I am.”

Iroh gave you a skeptical look, but honestly didn't care much. He thought it was nice that someone wanted to visit Zuko. “He is here. Let me go grab him. Would you like some tea in the meantime?”

“Tea sounds great,” you admitted, sitting at a table.

As you got comfortable, Zuko ran into the room, completely surprised. “You’re here?”

You laughed. “Of course I am! I said I’d be here at 6 didn't I?”

“I thought you were bluffing.”

“Well now you know I'm serious. Wanna hang out?”

Zuko gave you a side eye and thought for a moment. “I think I know what you’re trying to do.”

“And what might that be?” Iroh entered the room, placing two teacups and a kettle on your table. You thanked Iroh as he left with a smile.

“You’re trying to get info out of me. About the Fire Nation… aren't you?”

You shook your head. “You’re so defensive all the time, Zuko.”

“Can you blame me?” Zuko shut all of the blinds in the shop and sat across from you, taking a sip of tea.

“I guess not.”

“I'm surprised you’re not a little more on edge.”

“Why’s that?” You took a sip of tea as well, humming at how delightful it tasted.

“I'm a firebender. You don't bend right? I could literally take you down at any moment. And it doesn't seem like you have any weapons either.”

“I trust that you won't do anything. Your uncle would probably be pissed about the mess to be honest.”

For the first time in all of your time knowing Zuko, you heard him laugh. He laughed so hard that he snorted a bit, which made him laugh harder. Because of all of his laughter, he made you laugh too, sending you both into a laughing fit. It felt good. You haven't laughed this hard since you first met Sokka, all covered in Appa’s snot.

Zuko literally had tears in his eyes by the time he stopped laughing. Seeing him happy made you feel… good. Really good. It was almost a relief. It made Zuko more human. You didn't know if you could even remotely call him your enemy anymore.

You two ended up talking all night, Iroh occasionally bringing more tea or just little treats every now and then. You literally couldn't stop talking to Zuko. To hear about what it was like to grow up in the Fire Nation as a prince was interesting. To hear what Ozai was really like in person sent chills down your spine. To hear where that scar on his face came from almost brought you to tears. Zuko didn't even know why he told you all of this, but he could say one thing. It felt nice. It felt this giant weight on his chest had been lifted.

After a few hours, you looked at the clock in the shop and frowned. “Bad news, Zuko. I gotta go.”

“Already?” He turned to face the clock and pouted his bottom lip. “Alright then.”

You stood up and collected your things. “Thanks for the tea, Iroh!” You shouted, which was responded with a big smile and a thumbs up from Iroh.

“Thanks for stopping by.”

“Anytime,” you said, opening the door of the shop. “I'll be back.”

“You will?” You turned to Zuko, who almost looked excited that you said that.

“Of course I will. Goodnight guys.”

“Wait,” Zuko ran up to you, holding the door open. “Let me walk you home, it’s late.”

“Zuko, I don't know if that’s a good idea.”

Zuko frowned, but you were probably right. If Aang spotted him for even a second, both of you would be done for. “R-Right. Well… thanks.”

“For what?”

“Hanging out. That was fun.”

You smiled. “That was fun. Thank you for not killing me, Zuko.”

“Anytime.” He giggled, immediately taken aback when you pulled him in for a hug after dropping everything.

He was so… warm. I mean, duh. He was a firebender. But even so, his hug felt so genuine, so nice, and you didn't want to leave. “Goodnight, Zuko,” you said as you pulled away from the hug.

“Goodnight, y/n.” This time, he shocked you by pulling you in for another hug and pulling away only to pull you in again, but this time, your lips were inches apart.

“Can I kiss you?” His voice was in a whisper, his warm breath dusting over your lips.

You just nodded and closed your eyes as his soft lips brushed against yours. You wrapped your arms around the back of his neck pulling him closer. He smiled into the kiss, wrapping his arms around your waist.

When you pulled away from the kiss, both of you said a quick goodbye, your cheeks dusted pink.

Zuko quickly walked back into the tea shop to help Iroh close and put his back on the door.

“I'm glad you found a nice girl, Zuko.” Zuko jumped hearing his uncle’s voice, his face turning a dark shade of crimson.

Though if he was being honest, he was glad he found a nice girl too.

~~~~~

atla masterlist --- pinned post

@tonberry-yoda

TAG LIST: @ede1faecam

[bekaroth-reads]

Baldur’s Gate’s 3 Characters x Reader/Tav Misunderstanding

[This is basically the situation of, “As my partner-“ “Wait, we’re partners?!” Might add more characters later. Proof read but quickly. Sorry if there are mistakes]

Astarion- The two of you were planning out a way to get into a tomb that had some sort of artifact that Astarion insisted was important. “Important,” was, in fact, the only thing that he was using to describe it. This was something that was causing the most problems as you didn’t want to go through the danger of it all for something that might have been nothing more than entertainment for him. When you tried to ask him to give you more details, he snidely scolded, “Listen, as your partner-“

“I’m your partner?!” You interrupt before he could say more.

Immediately, he covered his mouth and his cheeks with his hand, embarrassment flooding in after what he had just said as he turned away. While he could usually recover from almost anything, this struck the line of being too intimate for him to handle. In fact, you were both so flustered and embarrassed from the whole thing that you had to push the planning of everything for the excursion at least a week out. It’s hard to plan adventures when you can’t even look the other person in the eye.

Gale- He thought that you were overworking yourself; and, if Gale Dekarios of all people thought someone was overworking, then it was pretty bad. Then again, you were important to him, so he was also inclined to mother-hen over everything you did. When he thought the time was right, he pulled you aside to gently scold, “I know this is very important. But, as your partner, I must insist-“

“We’re partners?!” You exclaim.

He felt awful as he sees this as him trying to force you into a relationship that you might not have wanted. And, given his history with Mystra, it makes him feel like he has taken on her role, and it makes him nauseous. You will need to take some time to get him to understand it was simply a misunderstanding and that you do want to have a relationship with him.

Raphael- He insisted on taking you to find, “better,” clothing. When you got over the initial insult of the indication that your current choice in clothes was bad, you questioned why he was so adamant on doing so.

“Because, I am a public figure. I cannot have my partner-“ He started to explain before you interrupted,

“I’m your partner?!”

This seemed to entertained him to no end. “Why of course, Little Mouse. Hurry along now.” He hummed as he gave you a tap on the nose before ushering your stunned self out the door.

Haarlep- The two of you finally had an evening to yourselves. They were sitting on the end of your bed in a soft nightshirt, reading a book. It wasn’t even that they were expressly interested in the book, but between all of the scheming with Raphael and succubus work, they couldn’t remember the last time that they had the chance to do something so simple as reading. They gave a contented sigh as they lied back, their horns bumping against your legs where you were sitting farther up on the bed. Without much thought, they sighed, “I am so glad that you are mine.”

“Wait! Are we… partners? Actual partners?” You question in surprise.

They put down their book and turned themselves to lie on their stomach so that they could look at you with gleaming eyes, your reaction seemingly tickling them.

“Well, of course! I’m never this relaxed with anyone but you.” They sat up a bit and motioned to what they had on. “I mean- just look at me! I even put clothes on for you! That’s not something that happens everyday, my sweet.”

Gortash- To say things were tense would be an understatement. Enver Gortash and you had tried to kill each other about a month ago, and you were both nearly successful. It had taken you these past three weeks to heal, and the whole time the both of you were sure the other was going to try to sweep in at any moment and finish the job. Or, you were, and it didn’t take too much imagination to see his situation as the same. You were both in a similar state when your respective parties had broken up your fight.

Now you found out that you would have to work with him publicly for a time. It wasn’t something that you were looking forward to, but it was necessary to get answers for certain things and create opportunities for your team. You were in the hall that this party was being held at; it was nothing fancy, no dancing, no meal- just a simple gathering for some of the upper class to speak with each other and perhaps have a few drinks. You were beyond surprised when Gortash connected eyes with you and instead of an angry or begrudging response, he greeted you with one of the brightest smiles you had ever seen on the man.

“There they are now! The person of the hour!” He walked over to you and wrapped an arm around your waist. There were some compliments and coos of how darling you both looked together, and how you must have been a great match. Soon after the group walked away to give you two a few moments of privacy.

“You said that we were a couple?” You whisper-yelled at him.

“Of course. Because we are.” He whispered back as he leaned closer to purr into your ear, “We did almost kill each other after all.” Gortash gave you a peck on the cheek before moving you both to mingle with the other little groups of people around the room.

[elderwisp]

◁ || ▷

?: Listen skank.

Dan: God..?

?: I found a hair in my burger and I need you to refund it for me. Also make me another.

Dan: The hell you think you’re talkin’ to?

Kai: Hai.

Dan: Bitch! I thought you died! 

Kai: Nope, just life. Work. College. The usual.

Dan: Hmph. Let’s go sit.

Kai: Wait, aren’t you on the clock?

Dan: Yeah? Who gives a fuck? And if they do, I’ll punch ‘em.

Kai: DAN!

Dan: Meh, it doesn’t matter. I have news.

-

Kai: Holy shit, congrats!

Dan: It’ll be nice working near the bay. The company sounds pretty great too. 401k, free admission to the aquarium, and healthcare. First time in my life I’ve ever had that. Wild.

Kai: I’m happy for you! Who else knows?

Dan: Uh, just you, Frances and Atlas. I’ll probably tell the others at the record store soon. Gotta keep them up to date with the lore.

Kai: Ah. Have you told your dad?

Dan: No-uh. 

Kai: I see.

Dan: I want to tell him, I really do. 

Kai: So what’s stopping you?

Dan: Ugh, feelings. Don’t make me talk about them right now.

Kai: Fine! We can talk about something else.

Dan: Let’s talk about you.

Kai: Naur.

Dan: Si. Where’ve you been loca?

Kai: [ cackles ] I hate you!

Dan: I’m sorry! You seem so… Different. Confident, maybe? 

Kai: I didn’t realize. I dunno, a lot’s happened. 

Dan: Like?

Kai: I slept with someone. Well, multiple people, actually. Taryn knows I like men. About Atlas, too. Speaking of which, there’s no fixing that.

Dan: What the fuck.

Kai: [ chuckles ] I’m surprised you took all of this for confidence.

Dan: I mean, you seem to be holding up better than I expected.

Kai: I feel hollow, Dan. Like everything’s wrong but I gotta accept it.

Dan: You can change it. 

Kai: Maybe, but the way I left things with Alex-

Dan: Alex? Who?

Kai: He’s a good person and I… Took advantage of that.

Dan: What’d you do?

Kai: The night of the party. I told Atlas how I felt. Subconsciously I mean. It all sorta slipped out. I wasn’t really planning on it but he said some things. Well, we both said some nasty things. I was angry. He said that I knew nothing of compassion so I called Alex. I called him and I proved Atlas right. 

Dan: Kai…

Kai: I felt so ashamed after sleeping with him. Using him to mask the rejection I felt. He didn’t deserve that. I’m such a shitty person.

Dan: Don’t go there. 

Kai: It’s so hard not to.

Dan: So you made a mistake-

Kai: Several.

Dan: Everyone fucks up. There is not one person I’ve met that has done everything right. Look at our friend group. Complete mess but I’d like to think at the end of the day we’ve got each other. Regardless of flaws, it’s always been us. 

Kai: I miss it. All of us. Together.

Dan: I do too, but we’ve all got shit to sort out, yeah? Why not give yourself the space to do so as well.

Kai: Sure.

Dan: And stop calling yourself horrible, got that?

Kai: Maybe.

Dan: Bastard. 

Kai: How are you gonna tell me to be nice when you do this shit?

Dan: I never said I was perfect! Want me to grab you a milkshake? 

Kai: Hell no, you said you never clean it.

Dan: PFFT- Valid. I’ll grab you a soda.

Kai: Hey, wait.

Dan: What’s up?

Kai: Thank you for taking care of us.

Dan: Someone’s got to.

[devilfic]

girl. the honeymoon series. LIVING FOR IT. this is a really like loose request, but could you do like a charity event night? not really sure what to happen but the thought of having to reallllly sell the whole marriage thing to everyone at the event is just quite interesting. thriving rn

❝honeymoon❞

IV. sugar-coating.

parts: previously / next plot: an ex corners you, bringing up bad memories. bruce offers you super illegal catharsis. pairing: battinson!bruce wayne x gn!reader. cw: arranged marriage, friends to enemies to (fake) lovers, implied history between reader and bruce, angst, eventual fluff, reader has a scummy ex, bruce is allowed to be a little bit chaotic as a treat and so are you. words: 2.8k.

"So. Wayne, huh? How's that going for you?"

You laugh behind your glass, feigning innocence with a light and fluttery "What do you mean?"

Coulson is a family friend, as much yours as he is Bruce's, and even though he's the competition, he treats you and Bruce with as much respect as you could hope for in your line of work. Bonds formed in boarding school tended not to break easily, "It's just... gotta wonder what you did to make it up to him. Last I checked, you didn't even exist to him."

You swallow your champagne, just for something better to do than flinching, "Yeah, well, he found it in his heart to hear me out. Love like that doesn't really go away."

Coulson's eyes narrow for a second. He doesn't fully believe you. In an attempt to steer toward calmer waters, he elbows you in the side, "Must've learned some impressive tricks if it got that skirt-chaser to commit." But calmer didn't mean desirable.

You really don't want to discuss what you and Bruce (don't) do in the bedroom right now, so you steer the conversation a different direction, "And how is your new girlfriend, Coulson?"

He has a lot to say about her. A violinist in the Gotham City Orchestra with two degrees and a tour coming up later this year. He tells you he'll send you and Bruce tickets, tells you that one of the tour dates is in Spain and it will line up with your anniversary next year. The mention of your anniversary makes your stomach knot up a bit; the wedding was still weeks away, and you'd only just gotten on decent speaking terms with Bruce.

If anyone here knew how thin your marriage's facade was, it would be more than an embarrassment. Your mother would waterboard you in your own blood and tears.

It helped that most people didn't have a clue. Sure, there was gossip and the occasional rumor, but it was all for "fun". It never went anywhere, and any whisper that got too big for its britches could be easily stamped out with a little effort.

But Coulson? He was a friend. He'd known you a long time. If anyone were to put weight to a rumor about you and Bruce, it would be him. Which is why you couldn't let him figure you out.

"...For a while there, I swore you and Bruce weren't on speaking terms at all." Your ears catch the last bit of Coulson's rambling, right as he settles into a silent, knowing smile. "Care to catch me up on the rekindling?"

Well, you see, there's this little thing called blackmail- "When the board appointed me as acting CEO, I felt it time to reach out and make amends. It'd been years since we'd even talked, and with him so busy with his projects, we never really saw each other either. I was surprised that he even had the time, so we met up and just talked. About everything. About the company, about his work, about... what happened. It was a little while after the flood, so it just sort of lined up at the right time."

Coulson nods, impressed and seemingly unaware you'd just pulled that out of your ass, "Damn. Near-death experiences really do wonders for the heart. And now you have a wedding coming up." He catches it before you do, the micro-expression of discomfort. You swear his smile gets bigger, "What's that? Don't tell me there's trouble in paradise already?"

"No, sorry. Not trouble. Just stress. Lots of wedding planning and company business at once. I was kind of hoping to get away from it all here, focus my efforts on alleviating others' stresses." You tip your glass in the direction of the giant banner at the entrance that reads, "Hope For Homes: Housing Gotham's Youth One Helping Hand at a Time".

Coulson doesn't take his eyes off you for a second, "Had I known you were ready to settle down, I wouldn't have let Bruce beat me to it."

“I’m sorry?”

Your friend's smile doesn't waver. You feel a chill settling in your chest, a warning that he’d taken control again. You try to casually scan the crowd for Bruce but you find him in deep discussion with some business partners and your stomach twists. He’s turned, he can’t see you. You can’t call for help.

“Ah, you know,” Coulson steps forward, a friendly distance to anyone else, “saw you and Brucie together and just got to thinking about us. You remember, don’t you?” You keep a solid expression, much to his amusement, “Or was I just a step on the ladder too?”

It’s supposed to be a joke. You ought to laugh it off. You do, stiffly, pressing your sweating glass to your inner wrist to ground yourself, “We were… 17. Weren’t we?”

“The first time, yeah.”

“How could I forget?”

“You did always like Bruce better.” Coulson comes closer. He’s close enough now that anyone would think you were just two childhood friends gossiping, reminiscing on your youth and laughing all about it. Coulson keeps up a pretty smile even as your heartbeat accelerates, “Always worried about him. Always running after him. He didn’t even give you the time of day.”

You keep smiling, “He was angry. I understood-“

“Bullshit,” and he says this so loud that a few people turn and look, but with such a joyful expression that they don’t look long, “you were obsessed with the guy! Couldn’t stand the idea of him knowing what you really are.”

Your blood curdles. You know you should correct him, but your jaw is locked tight.

"That's okay. Bruce is... fickle. One day he's in love with you, the next you're a bug on a windshield. You're no bug now, are you?"

Now he's pushing it. The hand that captures your chin is lightly scented with cardamom, what should smell pleasing and sexy and disabling. It should sweep you into familiar arms, whisk you off into a whirlwind affair that gets the whole party talking. It should spark controversy. It should make you excited to ruin your mother's plans.

Your heart pangs as you remember the look on Bruce's face. Standing in the hall, one hand on the door to the library, yours and your mother's faces illuminated in flickering candlelight. You must've looked like a monster to him the way he fled-

You grab his wrist and tug, peppering a laugh in as if this is all just one big joke, "Let go."

Coulson's eyes spark alight, "I like you the way you are. You know what you want."

"I am not a gold-digger."

"But you are. Even if mommy's pulling the strings, you like being pulled. Only someone with something to gain would play along."

He'd looked at you once like you'd hung the sun in the sky, and now you were the devourer of light. You had consumed it, put out its burning devotion in one fell swoop. And then nothing. As if you were nothing before and would never be anything after. You were nothing as he told you, in no uncertain terms-

"Coulson, let go."

"I wouldn't mind, you know. Brucie is too soft for you. My girlfriend, you know, love her to death, pretends she's not in it for the money. People like that? They come into our world and think that we don't see how it changes them. How they're driven by it just like the rest of us are. She thinks she has to prove to me that she's different. You don't have to. You're committed, I respect that. But it doesn't have to be Bruce."

Your hands tremble at your sides. Almost more than you've ever wanted anything in your life, you want to give him a shiner that would put you out of high society. Your dominant hand curls into a fist, delighted by the idea.

You go to bat off the hand that touches your hip, but when your skin meets theirs, you recognize it isn't Coulson's. You feel the coolness of their ring against your sweating palm and almost sag into it, "I leave you alone for one second, and vultures descend." Bruce places a cool, gentle kiss to your temple. His lips hover there as he turns ever so slightly towards your ex. Coulson releases your chin. "Coulson. How's Lydia?"

You shouldn't delight in the way Coulson tightens up as much as you do, "Bruce! Good to see you. She's fantastic. Tour starts later this year. You lovebirds should come."

"It's a shame she couldn't make it."

"Oh, you know how it is. I'm still in good company. Right?" Coulson turns to you, winks. His smile is rigid.

When others are around, Bruce would snap back into a Wayne: all propriety and good will. You take a look at his expression and it is unreadable. There's a faint smile there, but nothing else he gives away. He is studying Coulson quite intensely though. You don't think he's blinked in a minute.

His eyes flicker down in fake-bashfulness, "I should thank you for that. You know once the board starts talking numbers, they can't stop. Not even for a good cause." Coulson nods politely along, half-listening, "You did good seeking this one out instead. I'm sure you've heard more than enough about numbers after this past month."

It was a simple statement. Most of the people in this room had been spending their days stuffed into board meetings for the end of the fiscal quarter, talking about finance, watching the stock market, money and more money... but it was the bit at the end that did it.

Coulson's eye twitches just so. He hesitates on asking but just can't help himself, "How do you mean?"

Bruce's smile takes on a patronizing color, "Oh, the boys and I were just discussing... sorry, I thought... I assumed it was public knowledge by now, forgive me." He laughs, just a touch awkward enough that it looks like he didn't mean to say anything at all. Now Coulson's smile is falling.

Even you are curious.

Coulson crosses his arms, hugging himself, "It was... a minor error reallocating funds. Nothing more. It isn't public knowledge because it's been handled. Who told you about it?"

"Has it? Been handled, I mean."

You glance between the two of them. For the first time since he'd come over, Bruce looks back at you.

Coulson clears his throat, "It has. Anyone saying otherwise must not have anything better to talk about."

Bruce hums. His mouth falls from your temple to your cheek, placing another kiss there, then another behind your ear. The hand on your hip moves to close around your neck, holding you close so not a word slips out of the space between you and him, "Let's go."

You keep your eyes on Coulson's, watching the gentle flicker between annoyance and politeness. You throw in a giggle for good measure, "Sure thing."

Bruce peels back from you, acknowledging Coulson with little more than a nod, "Good seeing you, Coulson. I'd stick around longer but I think I'm gonna steal them home, if you don't mind."

"Not at all! I envy how much you two are obsessed with each other, truly." Coulson sips his champagne and in a bitter tone, shifts his focus to you, "Think on what I said, hm?"

The nerve.

Bruce is whisking you toward the front doors without giving you a moment to respond. He kisses you more, leans into you with an arm thrown around your shoulders and a giddy smile as he sets his barely-touched champagne on a waiter's tray.

It isn't until you two are outside by the curb that you break your silence, "Thank you."

Bruce doesn't fully acknowledge you with his body, even as his arm remains slung about you, helping keep the chill of the night off you. He sends off a message for your driver, "What for?"

That was right. You'd never actually gotten to talk to Bruce about Coulson, "He... he was questioning the marriage. Questioning if you were the right fit for me. Saying that maybe I'd be better off with someone who understands me," you grit the next part out, "the real me."

"And?"

You look at him. He's watching cars pass as your eyes prick with tears. "I don't think he understands me at all. He never did."

He appraises you out of the corner of his eye, "Could've told you that years ago."

"You wouldn't even give me the time of day four months ago."

You've got him there. You're shocked to find that he isn't annoyed, or defensive, or even ignoring you. He sucks his teeth and shrugs. Presses the bottom of his shoe into an old cigarette on the sidewalk, snuffing out a flame that had died a long time ago. "You were going to hit him. I saw you." You feel heat crawl up your neck as you remember. "I don't know what he said, but he would've deserved it."

"I... couldn't. You know I couldn't."

Bruce turns up his nose as if he's smelled something foul, "It would've felt good, though."

"Yes."

The two of you wait there, just wobbling in the wind, watching cars go by as music and chatter and people flutter out of the ballroom behind you. You don't know what you're waiting for, but you can indulge yourself once in a while. If Bruce wants to stand on the street with his arm around you doing nothing, then maybe you ought to take the time to do nothing.

A few minutes pass before Bruce releases you, nodding for you to follow him up the street. You do, even confused.

He stops right in front of a bright red convertible, a shiny and expensive thing, parked just far enough out of the way that the music is fainter here. "C'mere," Bruce instructs, walking around the front of the sports car, and you follow him, watching your step lest you fall prey to a puddle, "hold this."

He removes the handkerchief from his front suit pocket and lays it over your open palm, much to your bewilderment. Then, reaching into the inside of his jacket, he drops a batarang into your hand.

"Bruce-!" You instinctively close your hand around the thing to hide it, thankful that his handkerchief kept you from slicing your palm open, "what are you-"

"One tire is a spare. Two is a tow."

"Have you been drinking? Like actually?"

You're startled by the grin he gives you, "If we stand here all night, someone'll catch us."

You go to argue when you recognize something hanging from the car's rear view mirror. A pair of dingy, fuzzy dice. Dice you've seen before in older, just as expensive cars. This is Coulson's car.

You grab Bruce by the arm and turn him to you, "Are you insane?"

"It's better than punching him."

The batarang weighing in your hand feels a little lighter at that.

"Couldn’t stand the idea of him knowing what you really are.”

Who Coulson thought you were wouldn't slash the tires of a backup option. They'd be nice, wait it out, play the game for maximum benefit. Jump ship at the first sign of trouble. They wouldn't risk making enemies. They'd let their mother keep pulling their strings.

You sink the batarang into the first tire's sidewall sharp and quick. If Bruce is curious as to how you know how to slash tires, he doesn't ask. He moves beside you and blocks onlookers from seeing what you're doing. When you move onto the next, the entire left side of the car is beginning to sink toward the ground.

Bruce confiscates the batarang from you and quickly tucks it back into his suit pocket, calmly walking you back down the street to where your ride is waiting.

As he is holding the back door open for you, you turn to look up at him and find your breath catching at the still present grin on his face. You haven't seen him this happy to be alone in your presence in a while. It feels... familiar. He meets your eyes and you're reminded of a younger you. A you that could kiss Bruce with all the bubbling adrenaline in your veins. A Bruce that would let you. A Bruce that thought you hung the sun in the sky.

That grin of his softens but doesn't fully go anywhere. You drink it all in. You don't know when you'll see it again.

Bruce touches the small of your back as a taxi whips by, driving cool air up into your faces and breaking the moment. You indulge in the touch for as long as he lets you.

[xxspringmelodyxx]

Birthday Gift~

Gojo Satoru x F!Reader x Geto Suguru (18+, MDNI!!!)

Warnings: Fingering, cunnilingus, anal, P in V, double penetration, edging, squirting

Satoru and Suguru dragged me into our bathroom, a flicker of mischievousness in their eyes.

“Guys, while I appreciate your sweet and thoughtful gifts, I’d love to just sit down and relax~” I whined. I had just returned home from a long day at work with Shoko. When I came back, the two boys were ecstatic. Toru jumped up like a lost puppy finding his owner, while Suguru stood up like normal with a relaxed smile. Toru took my hand and sat me down between them. Not even a second passed by the time I was bombarded with a shit ton of gifts of all shapes and sizes.

Turns out that, while they were at work, they got into a fight about who could get you the better gift. So they took the rest of the day off and went on a shopping spree for you.

They asked you whose gifts you liked more, to which you responded that you loved all of them equally. Needless to say that they were NOT satisfied with that answer. They both looked at each other with a knowing glint in their eyes, nodding their heads as if they had something else planned for you.

They both stood up and grabbed your hands, dragging you to your guys’ bathroom.

And now, here you are, standing in front of the shower, seeing a beautifully wrapped box on top of the counter. You picked it up and opened it up, instantly seeing a blindfold in there.

”A….blindfold? Why? Is there supposed to be some sort of piñata?” I asked sarcastically. When I didn’t hear them laugh, or let out even a chuckle, I turned around to see them both looking down at me with a serious face.

”Guys? Is everything alri-“ Before I could even finish my sentence, Toru and Suguru pushed me into the shower, slamming me against the wall.

Toru stole the blindfold out of my hand, quickly and easily placing it around my eyes to block my vision. Suguru, on the other hand, quickly tore my shirt off, throwing it out of the shower. Toru quickly placed his lips on mine, taking one of my hands and pinning it to the wall. His long, slender fingers intertwined with mine, his touch soft as ever. He forced his tongue into my mouth, pressing it against mine as we made out sloppily. Meanwhile, Suguru was busy latching his mouth on my neck, placing open mouthed kisses along it. One of his hands grabbed my other wrist, pinning it to the wall as well, while his other hand played and tugged at one of my nipples. My back arched away from the cold tiles as the two men practically pushed themselves on me.

”Ah~You guys~” I moaned into the kiss, feeling Toru’s leg push itself in between my thighs, ensuring that I can’t keep them closed. He rubbed it against my clothed pussy, sending a pleasurable feeling throughout my body.

“Oh, baby girl. We hope you enjoy your last gift~ I bet I could make you cum just from rubbing you like this…” Toru said in your ear, licking the outer shell of it. His statement made Suguru chuckle

”Whatever, Satoru. I could make her cum faster.” Suguru interrupted, making Toru roll his eyes.

”You really think you can beat me in something I’m a pro at?” He asked his best friend.

”I don’t think…” Suguru started, moving one of his hands down to your waist. He pulled you closer to him, and away from Satoru to leave him out. He quickly slipped his hand inside your underwear, feeling the warmth radiating from your lower region. He placed his middle finger in between your folds, feeling how wet you already were. He smirked as he placed his mouth on your nipple. He then began to rub your swollen clit, making your hips buck as a gasp left your mouth.

”I know I can beat you.” He finished, rubbing your clit with such speed that it was almost too much.

”Mmmm~Suguuuu~” You moaned, letting your head fall back as you felt his thumb rub you, his middle and ring finger slipping inside of your hole with ease.

“You like how this feels, angel? You like the way my fingers just slip inside of you so easily?” He asks, licking up your breast, your neck, all the way to your jawline. He uses his other hand that was holding your wrist up against the wall to softly grab your pretty face, making you face him.

“Answer me, beautiful~” He cooes, placing his thumb over your bottom lip.

You whimper as you feel him thrust his fingers inside of you, knuckles deep. It felt so good~

”Y-Yes, Sugu~I…It feels so fucking good~” You say, making him turn to Toru with a smirk.

He pulled you into him, placing his Mouth on yours in an open mouthed kiss. He felt the blood rush to his dick, feeling it harden in his pants. He wanted to fuck you so bad, right here and now…especially in front of his annoying, cocky friend…just to show him how good he can make you feel.

He and Satoru had this planned once they both went out to buy you gifts. Specifically when they passed by an adult store full of such naughty and lewd items. The things they could do to you with such objects made his mind go crazy. So all day, he’s just been thinking about how good he could fuck you. How good he can make you feel. How fast he can make you cum~

Damn…the thought of it made his dick twitch.

But he needed to wait. He wanted to see you cum just from his fingers. He wanted to see you shake and squirm in front of his very eyes so that he could treasure the sight for eternity.

”Your pussy…its so tight…so warm…so wet. I can feel you getting closer, you know that? It’s like I know your pussy all too well, angel…like it was made just for me…” He spoke, speeding up the pace. The wet noises coming from you were so lewd that it was driving both Satoru and Suguru crazy.

They both imagined how good it would feel to have your tight cunt just squeeze every last drop of cum out of them. Fuck, it sounded like heaven.

Suguru went back to kissing your neck, leaving plenty of marks on your left side. You could feel your climax reaching its breaking point, especially with your heightened senses due to the blindfold.

”S-Suguuuu…’m gonna…ngh!” You whimpered as your legs began to shake. Your pussy began to drip a bit onto the shower floor, signaling you were about to cum in a matter of seconds.

”Sugu…Sugu…Suguuu~” You moaned, each time getting louder and more high pitched. But just as you were about to cum on Suguru’s fingers, Satoru took you away from him, causing your climax to come to an abrupt stop. You whined as you felt the awaiting sensation slowly slip away.

”Hey! You can’t-“ Suguru began to protest, but Satoru just gave him the finger.

”Your turn is up…now its my turn.” He said, tearing your pants and underwear off. He quickly, but softly laid you on the ground, spreading your legs apart so that he could get a good look at your beautiful, glistening pussy. He licked his lips as he saw your arousal slip out.

”Fuck, baby girl~I bet you taste sweet as candy~” He said, quickly going down on you. His lips latched onto your puffy clit, suckling and flicking it inside his mouth. The weird, but pleasant warm feeling made your mind go foggy.

His warm and wet tongue lapped at your juices, drinking all of it up as if he hadn’t had anything to drink for the last week.

”Toruuu~T-That feels so good…s-so good.” You moaned, your eyes rolling to the back of your head. He hummed, sending vibrations up your body. Your hands made their way to his hair, tugging little strands here and there.

He then took the chance to insert his fingers, only this time he used three instead of two, opening you up and preparing you for what he was going to end up doing to you.

”Yeah? I bet it feels even better than what Suguru was doing, huh? My fingers are better for you than his, right?” He asked, rubbing his tongue up and down your clit at a rapid pace. Your hips bucked again as he asked the question. You didn’t want to answer though because they both made you feel amazing. You couldn’t just choose one over the other.

”She’s not saying anything Toru. That must mean she loves how I play with her, not you.” Suguru spoke up, trying hard to get on Satoru’s nerves. But he wasn’t so easily swayed. He knew he could get you to speak up, so that’s what he’s going to do. He quickened his thrusts in and out of you, reaching in as far as he could, rubbing just the right spot to see stars.

”Oh fuck! Fuck, Toru~” You yelled out as tears began to form in your eyes. Your breath were becoming uneven as you struggled to keep up the pace with him.

”Yeah, that’s right. Moan only my name. I’m the only one who can make you feel this way, right? Right? Come on, baby. Say it. Be a good girl for me, will you? Let me hear your sweet, gorgeous voice say how only I can stir you up like this. Let everyone know that Satoru Gojo is the only man who can make this sweet little pussy of yours feel so, so fucking good…” He moaned, flicking his tongue faster. Your climax was on the verge of breaking once again, your legs shaking simultaneously.

“Yes! Yes, Toru! You…you can only…only-“ You started, your vision going blurry from the pleasure.

Suguru’s eyes widened a bit as he knew what you were about to say. Now it was his turn to interrupt Satoru. He quickly pushed Toru away, causing your orgasm to once again falter.

“The fuck, Suguru!” Toru yelled, making Suguru smirk.

”Times up. Now, its my turn again…” He said, pulling you onto his lap, wasting no time to plunge his fingers deep inside of you once again.

His free hand crawled up your back, continuing to move all the way until he got to your hair. He took a fistful of it and pulled your hair back, planting kisses and hickeys on the right side this time. Toru glared at the sight, seeing that Suguru was taking up both sides of your neck. He quickly made his way into the picture as well, going behind you. He placed his fingers on your clit, rubbing it. He took advantage of the fact that your head was tossed back and placed his lips on yours again in an open mouthed kiss. His other hand traveled up to your right breast and tugged your nipple, making you fall back into him.

Suguru saw this and quickly took his fingers out of you to remove Satorus hand from your clit.

”It’s my turn, you fucker.” He said, making Satoru glare at him.

”Obviously you can’t make her cum right off the bat. So, I decided to come in and help. She needed me.” Toru responded

”No she doesn’t. She needs me. She wants me.” Suguru said back, making Satoru scoff. But before they could continue their bickering, you whined, holding both of their hands, and pulling them close to you.

‘Guys…I…I need both of you~ please…please just let me cum. Please~” You begged, tears threatening to spill out of your eyes from the constant edging they were bestowing upon you.

They both looked down at you, seeing such a gorgeous sight before them. How could they have been so selfish. They were so busy trying to see who could make you cum first, that they didn’t realize they were stopping you from doing so for their own sake. They both looked at each other and shrugged.

”Both?” Satoru asked, making Suguru smirk as he looked down at your blissed out face.

”Both.” He replied. They quickly removed their clothing, turning the shower on just to ‘steam’ things up a bit.

They then sat you on their laps, Satoru in the back, Suguru in the front. They aligned their throbbing cocks with both of your holes, wasting no time to get started. Suguru began to slowly push his cock inside, feeling how easily your pussy opened around him. It was so snug, so wet…just as he imagined.

Satoru took his time with you, as he knew you’d be super tight. He pushed the tip in, feeling you open up little by little. After a good minute, he finally got all of it in, feeling your gummy walls surround him. All three of you felt euphoric, the feeling traveling all throughout your bodies.

They began to move, alternating who went in and who went out. The perfect rhythm to make sure you felt pleasure at its highest intensity.

Satoru pulled your hair back, placing his lips on your shoulder and neck to make some of his marks on you this time. One of his hands made its way around you, placing his forefinger on your clit, rubbing circles around it. Suguru latched his mouth on your nipples, placing both into his wet cavern. The feeling of his tongue switching back and forth to both nipples at the same time made your pussy and ass clench around their cocks. They both moaned from the feeling, loving how tight you were.

“Fuck, angel…you feel…so good…” Suguru moaned, thrusting his hips deeper into you.

”You’re such a good girl for us, aren’t you baby? Such a good fucking girl…” Satoru moaned in your ear, quickening his thrusts.

They both thrusted deep inside of you at such rapid speeds. It was too much for you to comprehend that you were drunk off of it. All that you could moan out were their names.

”Suguuu, Toruuu~”

“Yeah, that’s right. You like the way we make you feel? Tell us, who makes you feel this good? Who do you belong to?” Toru asked in your ear, feeling his climax coming.

”Y-You guys, do! Only you two! No one else~” You replied, feeling the coil inside of you about to break.

”Ah~So fucking tight, beautiful. Come on, cum for us. Cum hard. Show us how good we make you feel~” Suguru moaned, licking up your neck.

And just as he said that, the coil inside of you finally snapped. A wave of immense pleasure surged throughout your body as you came around both of them. A clear liquid began to squirt out of you as well, the pleasure too intense on your body.

“Fuck, look at her, Suguru~ She squirted all because of us…fuck that was hot.” Toru moaned, feeling his climax quickly hit soon after. Suguru followed along within a few seconds.

You three took a breather, trying to gather yourselves together. The shower was still going, the water gently trickling down your bodies, and the steam covering the mirrors and glass around you.

”That felt…amazing…” You said breathlessly.

Suguru and Satoru smiled, hugging you close to them.

”Yeah…you did such a good job~” Suguru spoke, gently kissing your temples. Satoru softly caressed your sides, kissing your shoulder where he left his marks.

”You looked so beautiful, taking both of our cocks at once. We weren’t too rough with you, were we?” Satoru asked, making you smile blissfully.

”A little…but I enjoyed it…quite a lot actually.” You said, making both of them perk up a bit. You could feel their cocks twitch inside of you, slowly becoming hard once again.

”You did, did you?” Satoru asked, his grip on you tightening a bit.

”Maybe we should be a little more rougher with you then if you enjoyed it so much~” Suguru suggested, bucking his hips a bit, making you moan.

”I agree, Suguru. If she likes it rough…then we’ll give it to her rough.” Satoru said, making your heart race.

You three were gonna be there for a while…and well…you won’t be able to walk for a while either.

“What a great birthday present~”

_____________

Hey my lovelies! First and foremost, thank you so much for reading! I really hope you enjoyed it!

I wanted to apologize for the lack of posts! I’m on vacation right now and out of the country with little to no Wi-Fi! So please bare with me for a little bit on the lack! I promise I’ll be back on schedule by July!

Anyways, I just wanted to let you all know, so I’ll leave you be now! I love you allllllll!🫵🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹

[jennay]

Let me take care of you

Request: I don't know if you know, but Noah kind of lost his voice during a concert(?) when you can, can you write that the reader flew out to take care of him or just to be there with him? :c ♥️ You choose whether they're friends or in a relationship, whatever you feel. Don't overwhelm yourself, precious; we love you more♥️♥️

No warnings

An: sorry I put a friends to lovers trope. 😅 thank you for this request. I loved it.

Words 2800ish

Noah Sebastian x reader

Noah Master list

You had always been terrified of heights. The mere thought of being high up in the air made your palms sweat and your stomach churn.

So, how you boarded a plane and flew for more than half a minute was a mystery to you. But you did it for Noah, your best friend, who was going through a rough patch. Your sneaky self conspired with the other three men to visit without Noah knowing.

He'd lost his voice and had to cancel several shows, which made him feel guilty and depressed.

He kept blaming himself for not taking better care of his health even though the others assured him that it was not his fault and that he would recover soon.

You had booked a car online, but when you got to the rental center, you faced an unexpected problem. The vehicle you had reserved was unavailable, and the counter clerk seemed clueless about what to do. He asked you to wait in the lobby while he talked to his manager, promising to sort things out as soon as possible. You felt your blood boil with frustration. You hated waiting - especially when you had paid for something in advance. You glared at the clerk as he walked away, wishing you could zap him with your eyes. You grabbed your phone and dialed Noah's number, hoping to check on him. You waited for him to pick up but heard a different voice on the other end instead.

"Hello, this is Noah's assistant. How can I direct your call?" It was Jolly; his thick accent and cheerful tone always made you smile.

"Hey, Jolly. It's me." You chuckled. "Is Noah paying you well? You seem to be working very hard lately."

He laughs back, "He doesn't pay me shit! I'm just that good of a friend."

"Well, speaking of the devil, where is he?" You ask.

"Sleeping... I saw it was you so I answered for him. Are you here yet?" He whispers, and you hear the sound of a door closing. "Sorry, that was loud. I don't want to blow it. Must escape into the other room." He says, giggling like a child.

"I'm in the same state…city even, but there seems to be some fucking confusion with the car I rented, and it's taking everything in me not to lose my shit right now," you say with a sigh. "Why is this happening?"

You run your hand down your face, feeling lost and not knowing what to do. "Ah, the classic 'I rented a car, and now I'm stuck' situation. You know what they say: 'Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.'" He quips, "Do you need someone to come get you, or are you going to wait it out?"

"OK, well, nobody says that except you. I'm gonna wait. I hate not having my own way around." You pause when you hear your name called at the front desk.

He laughs, "No, I'm pretty sure that's how it's said, y/n. My English is good."

You roll your eyes, letting out a small giggle. "I gotta go. I'll call you when I get to the hotel. Like, I'll actually call your phone."

"See you soon. OK, this is the part where I say goodbye, right?" He laughs.

"Yes, goodbye!" You click end and start toward the desk, wondering how you ended up with the strangest people being some of your closest friends.

After a long, exhausting drive, you finally arrived at the hotel's parking lot. You took out your cell phone and called Jolly, hoping he would come down and help you with your luggage.

You waited and waited and waited…

"I'm coming." He said abruptly and hung up.

You stared at your phone in disbelief. What was that? Did he just cut you off without even saying goodbye? What if you had something important to tell him?

You got out of the car, putting on your sunglasses. You grabbed your backpack from the back seat and closed the car door, leaning against it as you waited for Jolly to show up.

You started to doubt your decision to come here; if Noah was sick, would he appreciate your surprise visit? You shook your head; of course, he would.

You feel excited when you see the tall Swede walking towards you with a goofy smile; he opens his arms wide, and you run to him, hugging him tightly.

"You made it!" He exclaimed.

You pulled away, grinning, "Barely. I think I only cried once on the plane, so that's an improvement, " you joke while adjusting your bag. "Lead the way," you say, gesturing to the door.

"Someone's eager," he teased, opening the door. "I'm excited to see everyone. I miss you guys so much," you said with exaggerated emotion.

He followed behind you as you sprinted up the stairs. "Oh, come on. Don't lie to me. You're dying to see Noah... Just admit it," he said, poking fun at you.

You stopped in the hallway, making him bump into you. You turned to face him, poking his chest and giving him a fierce glare, "Shut your mouth!"

He laughs, gently grabbing your shoulders, keeping you at bay. "Alright, pitbull, calm down!"

You shake your head and continue to walk, "Sorry." You mumble. "It's just, nobody needs to know that. I honestly didn't even want to tell you." You take a deep breath when you feel his arm lazily drape over your shoulder.

"Maybe it's time to tell him instead of telling me." He looks down at you, waiting for a response.

"Hear me out... I can just not say anything and keep my friendship intact," you say.

Jolly's arm drops from your shoulders as he points to the door. He grabs his key and unlocks the door, pushing you in first.

"This place is huge," you say as you peek around. You'd barely entered the kitchen and already felt lost.

"Down the hall doors on the left. Beware, the other two are lurking and waiting for your arrival," he warns.

As he's warning you, you hear a sudden commotion from around the corner. Two figures emerge, dart guns in their hands, and they laugh maniacally as they start shooting at you. You barely have time to react before the first dart hits you in the face. You instinctively raise your arms to shield yourself from the barrage of incoming darts.

"Fucking assholes!" You yell out in frustration, trying to catch your breath as you choke on your laughter. You quickly scan your surroundings for cover and spot Jolly nearby. You run towards him and hide behind him, hoping that he'll provide some protection from the incoming fire.

Jolly groans as he gets pelted with the soft bullets but doesn't move. You peek from behind him and see that the men are still laughing and shooting at you.

From behind them, you hear a door creak open and feet scruffing against the floor.

"What the fuck is going on?" you hear Noah's hoarse voice ask.

You poke your head around Jolly's torso, and your eyes land on Noah. You smile with excitement, feeling your stomach flip.

You run past Nicholas and Folio, flipping them off in the process and laughing hysterically as you jump into Noah's arms. As you cling to him, you can feel his body tense up in surprise. He looks down at you with wide eyes, his mouth slightly agape, as if he can't believe what happened. You can tell he hasn't processed that you're there yet.

"What the…where did you? You're here," he manages to stutter out. His body relaxes, and he squeezes you gently, engulfing you in his tattooed arms. "What are you doing here?"

You pull back, still latched in his arms, as you look up at him. "Surprising you, dummy. Did it work?"

"What do you think?" His brown irises glow while he gazes down on you. "I'm surprised, but why? You had the whole tour, and you chose now? We're almost done." He says, chuckling. "Wait, did you get on a plane?"

You push out of his grasp, brushing your shirt down. "I heard you weren't feeling well…and yes, I did get on a plane."

"She only cried once," Jolly pipes in. "She's growing up so fast."

You shake your head, "...and then these two assholes tried to kill me." You glare at them. "You didn't even say hi! You just started blasting, and I find that rude. Could at least greet a girl." You turn your back to them, swinging around to face Noah. "Anyway, I'm here."

He looks back at you with tired eyes, "Well, as much as I love seeing you. I'm supposed to be on vocal rest. I'm going back to my room."

You stand there confused as he starts to walk away from you.

"Are you coming?" He asks, stopping before his door.

"Wait, you were inviting me?" You chuckle, "I'm comin'." You dash down the corridor and join Noah in his room. The room is plunged into darkness by the black-out blinds. You grin as he snuggles up on the bed, pulls the covers over him, and switches on the tiny TV on the desk at the foot of the bed.

"I had to make it dark." He explains, noticing your curious gaze, "I'm fooling myself into thinking nothing exciting is happening."

You roll your eyes playfully, "Nothing exciting is happening. This is a hotel." You tease, sliding under the covers next to him.

Noah gives you a sly smirk as he slides closer to you, resting his head on your chest. You wrap your arm around his shoulder, gently moving it up his neck and into his hair, where your fingers weave through, making him melt under your touch.

"I know you're not supposed to be talking, but I was curious how you feel about this. How are you coping?"

He lets out a sigh, showing his frustration. "I hate having to cancel shows, you know? It sucks knowing people were looking forward to seeing us maybe for months, and then we can't even show up." He buries his face in your neck, groaning, "I can talk, by the way, just not loudly."

You feel his hot breath against your skin, causing goose bumps down your arms. You wonder if this was the right time to tell him the truth.

You mentally shake the thoughts from your mind; now was probably not the right time. You didn't know if there ever would be a time when you'd feel brave enough. "I get that. As much as you hate hearing it, you're only human, Noah. Shit happens, and I'm sure they'll understand. They would want you to get better instead of ruining your voice," you remind him.

You feel his arm drape around your waist as he says, "I'm happy you're here. It makes things a little more manageable."

You hear his breathing slow down, and his soft snore comes from him. You let him rest and grab your phone, careful not to wake him up. You take a quick picture of your situation and send it to Jolly.

Help

Did you tell him?

NO.

Wake him up?

I can't. It's a rule. It's rude to move if someone is sleeping on you.

That only applies to cats, and Noah's not a cat.

You laugh and text back: Are we sure?

You put your phone down beside you and close your eyes, feeling the need for a nap after your long trip, and then you'd talk to Noah, maybe.

You stir in your sleep, feeling soft touches through your hair; you cuddle closer to the person's chest, feeling arms around you keep you safe and warm. Your eyes flutter open softly, and you are greeted with Noah's neck tattoo. You lean your head back, your nose grazing Noah's chin. "Hi," you groggily say.

"Hi, sleepy head." You snuggle your face back into his chest, not wanting to end the moment. You felt secure and calm, like you could stay this way forever. Until you hear the door fling open, you don't raise your head to look afraid you might get pelted in the face with another dart.

"You did it!" Jolly squeals when he sees you wrapped up in Noah's body. "I'm claiming best man at the wedding!"

Noah's eyes widen in confusion, and he looks at Jolly with a puzzled expression. "What wedding?" He asks nervously.

Jolly stares at you wide-eyed and yells, "Ah Fuck!" before leaving the room and shutting the door quickly.

You smack your hand over your eyes, wishing you could just disappear. Your cheeks burn with embarrassment, and you contemplate getting up, walking to the front, getting on a plane, and never showing your face again.

Suddenly, Noah lightly pushes your shoulder and playfully smiles at you. "That was weird," he says. "Are you OK?" His eyes grow with concern as he realizes the color hasn't returned to your face.

You take in a deep breath and close your eyes. Your heart races with anticipation, and you feel sick to your stomach. But you quickly regain focus and open your eyes. "Is it THAT weird?" Noah's head tilts, eyebrows furrow together, and his voice laced with curiosity, "What do you mean?"

"The voice in my head is screaming not to tell you because I'm so fucking afraid of losing you, but I know…" you pause, trying to catch your breath. "I love you, Noah, but not just in a hey, I want to be your friend kind of way. It's been eating at me for a while now. I made the mistake of telling Jolly; that's why he said what he did."

Noah's mouth drops with surprise, and slowly, a smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. "I know," he says softly. He presses his lips together, not sure what else to say. He wasn't completely oblivious. "That's it?" You nervously bite the inside of your cheek.

"Y/n, why do you think I treat you like I do? I knew there was something more, but I didn't want to push this on you. I'm gone a lot, and I can't always give you what you want and what you need." He reaches out, holding both of your hands with his.

"If you want to give me a shot, I'm ready, but don't want to disappoint you." He flashes his infamous smile at you. "I want to try. At least then when people ask if you're my girlfriend, I won't have to correct them." He nervously laughs, "Are you ready?"

You smirk and sit up on your knees, bringing your hands to his face and pressing your lips against his. You lean back, gazing into his eyes, a permanent smile plastered on your face. "Yes, I'm fucking ready!"

You hear Jolly's voice yell from the hallway. "The wedding's back on!"

You chuckle, and Noah pulls you into his lap, kissing your temple. "He really wasn't the best one to tell."

You shrug your shoulders, "It wasn't that bad…he did kinda make this happen…"

Noah looks at the door hearing someone lean against it; chuckling while throwing his legs over the side of the bed and making his way to the door. He quickly opens the door to reveal Jolly practically falling on his face.

"Dude…" Noah laughs. "What the fuck."

Jolly apologizes, "Sorry, sorry. I'm nosy, you know plus had to make sure little miss wasn't getting her heartbroken." He pauses and smiles at you.

"Well," you say with a grin, "I guess we can't blame him for being curious about our love life. After all, it's not every day that he gets to witness such a steamy romance." You wink at Noah.

Noah rolls his eyes playfully and pulls you closer. "Yeah, Jolly," he says with a smirk, "you're just jealous that you're not getting any action."

Jolly laughs and shakes his head. "You two are something else."

Tags:

@thisbicc @yumikitten @lma1986 @chemicallady

[bosbas]

Alternate Ending: I knew you'd haunt all of my what-ifs

series masterlist original ending || next part

pairing: benedict bridgerton x best friend!fem!reader, anthony bridgerton x wife!reader WC: 5.2k words (whoops I got carried away)

Warnings: period-typical gender roles, idiots in love being idiots in love, benedict being so down bad for this woman, unrequited love, pregnancy and discussions around pregnancy/birth

Summary: You and Benedict have been best friends since childhood, but things change dramatically once you come out in society. You’re struggling to find someone you’re as compatible with and who knows you as well as Benedict, all while trying to quell your ever-growing feelings for him. Shenanigans ensue.

A/N: The timeline for this ending diverges after chapter 12!! This is how life would look like if Chapter 13 and onward didn't happen.

March 3, 1820 - B, 

I apologize for my delayed response – I’m sure you’ll understand that I was a tad occupied giving birth. But she’s finally here! It was easier than the other three, so I'm personally delighted, though Anthony seemed just as stressed as usual. And, as usual, he'll most likely be resting for the next five days. If he ever stops looking at her in awe, that is. It would be quite adorable if I didn't need to wrestle her away from him to nurse her every few hours! 

Although, I will say that Anthony being taken with her has worked out quite well for me. I was able to finish my novel and get a full night's sleep last night. I'd love to see you soon if you're up for it. You can meet her and we can discuss your latest painting, which I heard was absolutely breathtaking. Anthony and I will both be home for the next week at least, so feel free to pop by any time.

Yours, Y/I

You finished addressing the envelope to Benedict right as Anthony walked into your bedroom holding the tiny form of your newborn daughter. Twisting in your seat to face them, you cooed when you saw her fast asleep in his arms. She was wrapped in a soft pink blanket, and you couldn’t help but marvel at her tiny fists opening and closing absentmindedly as she slept. She looked so peaceful in Anthony’s arms, and it was terrifying to think that a human being this small would grow up to be an adult and that you would have to guide her through it. Well, she would have Anthony too, you thought. And the thought did a lot to quell your fears.

For as long as you had known him, Anthony had been a steadfast figure in your life. He’d been the eldest of the Beaumont-Bridgertons, and he certainly acted like it, too. The responsibility he felt for his family was evident in everything he did, and it was one of the qualities you admired most about him. Now, seeing Anthony cradle your newborn daughter with such gentleness and awe only solidified your feelings for him.

You had decidedly not been in love when you had married him, but one couldn’t simply have four children with someone and not develop at least a little affection for them. The two of you had been wonderful friends even before you were married, and you still were, but along the way, it seemed that you had learned to love each other in your own funny sort of way. It wasn’t the sort of all-consuming love you had for Benedict all those years ago, and that perhaps you had still in a corner of your heart. But it was comforting and safe and built upon a deep respect for one another, and your life was all the better for it. 

Perhaps you and Ben had never been destined for a life like this, you thought. Your childhood intention to wed Benedict had been just that: a naïve plan. That night in the studio with Benedict, after he had found out in the most unfortunate manner that you and Anthony were courting, you had needed something safe and constant. And Benedict had given you the complete opposite. For so many years, he had been your anchor, but that night you felt like the ground had fallen away below your feet and you were in free fall. You had so much love for Benedict that you didn’t even know where to put it. You could feel it from your heart to your fingertips, and it was terrifying. You thought about Violet and Edmund in that moment, and how destroyed Violet had been when Edmund passed. The thought of that happening to you and Benedict made you sick. The thought of taking the risk and putting your heart in his hands only for it to crumble. 

Maybe running away from Benedict at that moment was the cowardly thing to do. Maybe you should have faced your fears and given in to the overpowering love. Maybe you should have kissed your best friend and dealt with the consequences later, holding his hand the whole way through. But you hadn’t. You had sought out safety instead, running up the stairs to Anthony’s room and knocking incessantly until he opened the door, eyes startled and hand holding a handkerchief to his cut lip.

“We’re getting married,” you had declared, breathing ragged and arms crossed tightly over your chest. 

“Who’s ‘we’?” he asked, hoping you meant you and Benedict but suspecting otherwise given that you were currently at his door looking furious. 

“You and me. And we’re going to do it as soon as possible.”

Anthony uttered a soft, “Oh.” He didn’t know what else to say. “And Benedict…” he added in a questioning tone.

“No,” you said firmly. “No Benedict.”

He had expected you to say more, but you just stood in front of him, unmoving. 

“I suppose I can start the arrangements,” Anthony said finally. “If you’re sure this is what you want.”

“I am sure.” 

God, Benedict must have truly done something stupid, he thought. “Very well, then.”

“Good night, Anthony. We can inform our families of our engagement tomorrow morning.”

He just nodded in response, still too stunned to fully process your words.

You cleared your throat and your stoic façade faded slightly. “And thank you, Anthony. For everything,” you said, suddenly very aware of what being married to Anthony might mean.

He shook his head. “No, no. It was nothing. You are family.”

A month later, you were married at the church near Aubrey Hall. Benedict barely stayed long enough to see the two of you say your vows, citing an urgent problem with his cottage in the countryside. His family was kind enough not to question his obviously fabricated excuse, but he couldn’t miss the endless looks of pity sent his way. He had been hurt. Well, you had hurt him. You hurt him when you walked away from him, and you hurt him when you announced your engagement to your family without telling him first, but most of all, you hurt him when you chose Anthony even after two decades of history with Benedict. 

Maybe none of your fears would have come true, and you and Ben would have been happy. Maybe he would have treated your heart with the same love and care with which he always treated you. But it didn’t do to dwell on what could have been. Your marriage with Anthony was real. It was concrete and it was grounding, and you couldn’t imagine a more stable presence in your life.

Bringing you out of your musings, you felt Anthony kiss your cheek in greeting and ask, “Do you want to take her?”

You nodded eagerly, setting down the letter in your hand so you could hold your daughter. “I’m surprised you’re willingly letting me have her,” you teased, laughing as Anthony all but collapsed onto the loveseat across from you, clearly exhausted.

He had been an awfully attentive father the past few days, ecstatic to finally have a girl after three boys. Though she had brought out a heightened sense of protectiveness he couldn’t seem to shake. It was rather endearing to see him so frazzled over a baby that weighed less than eight pounds, but you suspected there might be something more to it.

“She’s so tiny!” he defended, gaze fixed on her admittedly minuscule form in your arms. “I can’t help it…” He trailed off, deep in thought. You glanced up at him, noticing the change in his tone and his hunched posture. After five years of marriage, you had him memorized, and reading him came as naturally as reading a book. 

“Is anything the matter?” you asked gently, already having a general idea about what was plaguing him.

But he shook his head, murmuring a soft no and focusing on the writing desk behind you instead. “Is that for Benedict?” he inquired, nodding in the direction of the letter.

“Yes, I’m just telling him that she’s here and asking him to come visit,” you answered, still eyeing him carefully.

“So, he’s coming to visit, then?” pressed Anthony, eyes back on your daughter, who was currently sleeping soundly in your arms.

“Well, I don’t see why he wouldn’t. Why do you ask?” You changed tactics, trying to seem nonchalant about your concern. 

“Alright. That’s good. Yes, that’s good,” he muttered, seemingly satisfied with your answer but his mind was obviously miles away. 

Growing increasingly worried, you stood up and carefully laid your daughter in her crib, ensuring she remained undisturbed. With her settled, you approached Anthony, who hadn't shifted his gaze from where you had been sitting. Kneeling beside him, you reached out and gingerly placed your hand on his. The touch seemed to quiet his restless thoughts, and he turned to meet your eyes, acknowledging the weight of his anxiety.

Anthony spoke softly, carefully. “I just want to make sure that you and the children are taken care of. In case something happens to me. I want you to have someone.”

You should have known that this was what plagued him. During the first year of your marriage, you settled into a comfortable dynamic with Anthony. It was not quite love, but something like it had blossomed between the two of you. However, it was after the birth of your first son, Arthur, that Anthony reached a breaking point. He realized that his grand plan to marry someone he didn’t love to avoid any undue heartbreak was not, in fact, foolproof. Even if there hadn’t been growing affection between you, Anthony completely fell in love with Arthur from the moment he was born. It was like nothing he’d experienced before; beyond anything he could have imagined. And it was terribly frightening. 

He had shared his fears with you–he’d had no choice in the matter when you were as stubborn and insistent as you were–and you had shared that you, too, were scared. But you trusted one another, and so the two of you navigated parenthood in tandem and Anthony’s fears subsided. Regardless, you could understand that the birth of your daughter brought back this fear in full force, and he felt a greater need to protect her from danger than he would with his sons.

“Anthony, I won’t need someone. You’re right here, and you always will be.”

He shook his head, looking at you with desperation in his eyes. “How can you know that?”

You pursed your lips, brows furrowing. “Even if you aren’t, it won’t be your fault. You’re a wonderful father. And a wonderful husband.” 

With a deep sigh, he clasped your hand and stood up, bringing you with him. “Just promise me you’ll ask Benedict to take care of you if I go?”

Your heart softened. Knowing he needed to hear you say it out loud, you nodded, “I promise.”

---

 March 5, 1820 – Y/I,

One would think Anthony had been the one to give birth instead of you! I’ll pop by today to give him a talking-to. And to meet my lovely niece, of course.

Yours, B

You found yourself in the nursery this afternoon, your three boys gathered around you and your daughter fast asleep in her crib. It was a lovely day out; sunny but not too hot, but the boys hardly noticed. Instead, they sat still, completely enthralled as you read from your current novel. Though you adored reading to your children, you found children’s books rather boring and repetitive. Thus, you had shifted to reading them excerpts from your own reading material. It made the endeavor much more interesting, and the boys seemed to love it too, evident as they hung on your every word.

“‘Listen to me, Frankenstein. You accuse me of murder,’” you read, and your sons gasped, not quite understanding the meaning of the word but easily catching onto your surprised reaction. You continued, “‘and yet you would, with a satisfied conscience, destroy your own creature. Oh, praise the eternal justice of man! Yet I ask-’”

“Surely I’ve heard wrong and you’re not reading to your children about murder!” came Benedict’s voice from the doorway. 

Immediately, three voices squealed in delight and Frankenstein was completely forgotten as your sons rushed over to their uncle. Charles was only one year old, but his brothers’ excitement only fueled his clumsy crawl toward Benedict’s waiting arms.

“They don’t exactly know what it means, Ben,” you laughed. “Besides, it’s wonderful literature. And it keeps them entertained.”

He picked up Charles in one arm and Arthur in the other, making his way over to you as Bernard clung to his leg. “Well, I’m sure you know better than me, darling,” he commented and kissed you sweetly on the top of your head. 

“Isn’t that usually the case?” you teased, standing up to properly greet your best friend. Though you hadn’t joined the welcome committee, you were positively glowing now that Ben had arrived. It had been over a week since you had seen him, and you had missed him terribly. You smiled brightly, instantly at ease in his presence.

Eyebrows raised and eyes shining with mirth, he teased back, “You forget I have three very bloodthirsty boys on my side who have just learned what murder is.”

You looked at Arthur, who was completely focused on attempting to undo Benedict’s cravat, and Charles, who had two fingers in his mouth and was unsuccessfully attempting to put in a third, then glanced back at Benedict. 

“Quite bloodthirsty, aren’t they?” you deadpanned as you gently pried Charles’ hand from his mouth. 

Ben couldn’t help the waves of laughter rolling off him as he observed your sons. “It seems they still have a way to go before they get there.” 

Then, spotting the pink crib across the room, he gasped and set down Arthur and Charles and somewhat successfully shook Bernard off his leg. Walking over to the crib, he stared at her, completely awestruck.

"She’s so tiny!” he exclaimed, careful to keep his voice down so as not to wake her.

You giggled, making your way over. “That’s exactly what Anthony said,” you smiled at him. 

But your smile did nothing to soothe the dull ache that had blossomed in his chest as he remembered all the things he could have had with you. The pain was not as unbearable now as it had been five years ago, but he was inclined to think that it would be there for the rest of his life. In the back of his mind, Benedict wondered if he would have been as good of a father as Anthony. He supposed he would never know, having devoted himself completely to his art and extinguishing any lingering hopes Violet had that her second son would ever marry. But you seemed happy, and that was truly all that mattered. 

Ignoring the pain in his chest, he smiled sweetly back down at you. “What’s her name? Something starting with a D, I’m sure. Otherwise, Anthony will have lost his mind.”

“Yes, naturally,” you giggled. You tugged on Ben’s sleeve to bring him closer to the crib. “Benedict, meet Diana Bridgerton.”

“Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Bridgerton,” he murmured, intently observing your daughter as she slowly blinked her eyes open. 

“Quite eager to meet her uncle,” you observed, but Benedict was too mesmerized by her to respond properly.

“She’s got your eyes,” he whispered after a few seconds, turning back to you and placing an arm around you. Your arm snaked around his back, and you drew him in a little closer.

Leaning down to place his cheek on your head and hugging you tighter, he spoke softly, “I thought you might name her Daisy. Flower names and all that. Besides, it starts with a D.”

Benedict didn’t quite know where the comment had come from. You hadn’t mentioned flower names in years, but the thought had suddenly popped into his brain quite unexpectedly and he had been unable to stop the words coming out of his mouth. He knew he was so incredibly lucky to know you and to love you and to have a friendship with you, but it was at times like these when he wished he didn’t know you quite so well. At times when knowing you was only a reminder of what he lost.

In that moment, you were thankful to be facing Diana’s crib instead of Benedict, because you could feel the tears prickling at your eyes. The flower names. Of course Benedict would have remembered. You had never truly regretted marrying Anthony, but what you had with Ben transcended anything you could ever have with anyone else, and sometimes it was hard to come to terms with the fact that he wasn’t your person anymore.

Shaking your head to will the tears away, you responded, “No. No, I could never.”

“What? You always said you wanted to name your children flower names.”

“No, Benedict. I wanted to name our children flower names.”

He felt all the air in his lungs escaping all at once. It felt as if someone had reached deep inside of him, taken hold of every organ inside his body, and squeezed very tightly. Wanted to name our children. Our children. Our. Just a simple word, three letters in total, had managed to leave him completely disarmed. 

It was silly, really. You were married and had four children with his brother, of all people. And Benedict was still completely and irrevocably in love with you. He rather thought that he would always love you, in some form or another. Benedict suspected that Anthony knew this too, though his older brother was far too tactful to ever broach the subject. 

Seemingly unaware of Ben's internal turmoil as he tried to reduce his feelings to their usual dormant state, you grabbed hold of his hand and led him away from Diana toward the door. “Nurse Edwards can watch the children while we go downstairs to have some tea. I must hear about your painting displayed at the National Gallery! I wish I hadn’t been about two days from bursting so I could have gone to see the unveiling.”

---

November 17, 1820 – Benedict,

Y/N has fallen ill, and I am away on business unable to tend to her. Go to Aubrey Hall as soon as possible and make sure she’s alright.

Please.

Anthony

Benedict could barely hear the rain pouring down outside his carriage over his racing heartbeat. Anthony’s frantic note had left Ben in a state of panic. He had left for Aubrey Hall immediately upon receiving the note, but he still worried that he might be too late. What on earth had frightened his older brother to the point of asking Benedict for help? A million possibilities, each one as devastating as the other, raced through his mind. 

The sight of your home interrupted his catastrophizing, and he swung the door open and ran toward the entrance before the carriage could come to a complete stop. Benedict was somewhat aware that he was getting completely drenched in the rain, but his mind was far too focused on getting to you to care. 

The front door was already open when he reached it, and Benedict burst through, barely hearing the butler’s, “Upstairs in her bedchamber, Mr Bridgerton,” before he was frantically climbing the stairs to get to you. 

Once he reached your door, Ben stopped quite suddenly. He didn’t want to startle you by bursting in unannounced, so he waited a few seconds to catch his breath. Finally, he turned the doorknob slowly, hands shaking nervously as he entered your bedroom. 

In between shockingly vivid dreams and a splitting headache, you vaguely registered what looked to be Benedict’s tall frame standing in your room. You shook your head, confused by his presence and not quite trusting your own eyes, but the effort left you breathless and you coughed violently. 

“It’s alright, darling. You just rest,” he shushed you, shrugging off his drenched coat before he came to your side. 

It killed him to see you like this, pale and sweaty as shivers wracked through your tired body. He had never seen you look so ill, not even when you came down with influenza when you were ten years old, and he was trying his hardest to hold himself together.

“Have you called for a medic?” his voice came out a bit strangled as he asked your lady’s maid, Rose, who had been nervously fidgeting off to the side. 

"Yes, Mr Bridgerton. It's pneumonia," she said softly, her voice filled with concern. "The best we can do is keep her comfortable and give her fluids until her fever breaks."

He nodded, running his hands through his hair in an attempt to calm down. But you had drifted into fitful sleep, and your shallow, ragged breathing was only making him more worried. 

Nevertheless, he had to think clearly. Anthony was away, meaning that Benedict was now entirely responsible for you. The realization steeled his nerves, so he straightened his waistcoat and released a controlled breath, ready to face whatever came his way.

“Where are the children? I trust Nurse Edwards is with them now,” he said firmly.

Rose nodded. “They’re asleep now, but she is there in case they need anything. They’re taken care of,” she reassured.

“Very well. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to them.” Then, clearing his throat, “Ring for tea, please,” he instructed. “And bring me towels and a bowl of lukewarm water.” 

She nodded, hurrying out of the room. Benedict moved closer to your bedside, his heart twisting at the sight of you in distress. He didn't hesitate, pulling a chair close to the bed and sitting down beside you. Gently, he reached out to feel your burning forehead, but you immediately flinched, the pain evident in your eyes as they shot open.

“Too cold,” you rasped. “Please don’t.”

He cursed under his breath, heart cracking slightly at your reaction. But he withdrew his hand immediately, settling instead for sitting on a chair next to your bed, watching you intently for any signs that your condition was worsening.

You looked awfully pale, paler than he’d ever seen you, and your lips had turned a concerning shade of purple. Though even when you were drenched in sweat and shivering, you still were the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen, he thought. Even now, years after you had married another man, you remained his muse. The heartbreak he experienced that summer had been an admittedly excellent source of inspiration, and his new works helped propel him forward in the art world. It had served as a distraction, proving especially useful when Ben heard the news that you were pregnant for the first time so soon after the wedding. But now he supposed that art was no longer a distraction, and had instead become his life. 

Maybe it was better this way, he sometimes thought. Maybe fate had never intended for him to be with you, though he couldn't fathom why the universe seemed so cruel. But the conclusion that he most often came to is that this was some sort of punishment. And he supposed he rather deserved it. He had continuously run away from the person he loved most, his best friend, the love of his life, time and again while you had only waited patiently for him to love you back. 

Looking down at you now, he still felt the need to take care of you. The instinct would never go away. But it was a shame that the only reason he was allowed to do it now was because your husband had asked him to.

Your lady’s maid cleared her throat, standing at the doorway with the items Benedict had requested. He waved her in and had her place the tea on your bedside table, but he took hold of the towels himself and dipped one of them in the bowl of water.

“How long have you been here?” Ben asked Rose, taking in her exhausted appearance.

“Since midmorning, Mr Bridgerton,” she responded, stifling a yawn. "But I'm happy to do it. Lady Bridgerton seems to need it, too."

“Well, I think you ought to go to bed now, Rose,” he responded, gently placing the damp towel on your forehead. You let out a soft sigh of relief, and the tightness in Benedict’s heart loosened the tiniest bit. 

Hearing his words, Rose could have collapsed right then and there. “Thank you, Mr Bridgerton. Please call for one of the servants if you need anything,” she said gratefully. And then, before he could change his mind, she hurried out of your bedroom. 

The towel had seemed to rouse you from your sleep, and you sat up weakly so you could take in your surroundings.

You opened your eyes, happy to find Benedict still in your room. “Hello, there,” you croaked, but he shushed you, immediately holding a teacup to your lips. You took a hesitant sip, but the warm liquid ran down your throat so soothingly that you grasped the cup with your own hands and drank the entire thing. 

Ben laughed softly, delicately taking the teacup from you so as not to touch you, not having forgotten your earlier protests when he placed a hand on your forehead.

“How long have you been here?” you asked Benedict, a particularly strong shiver making your teeth chatter. Noting his look of concern, you rushed to reassure him, “I’m fine, Ben. Promise.” However, you didn’t know how convincing you had sounded, given that you started violently coughing immediately after the words left your lips. 

“I can see that. You look great,” teased Benedict. 

“I bet,” you shot back, and he was unable to keep the fond smile off his face. “I’m–” you started, but another coughing fit prevented you from continuing. He looked at you, eyes overflowing with worry, and exchanged the towel on your forehead for a fresh one, hoping it would provide at least some relief.

Once your coughing fit subsided, you were overtaken by a wave of exhaustion. Sliding back down into bed, you turned to Benedict. “I think I need to sleep if that’s alright,” you said softly, eyes already drooping shut.

“Mmm, I think so, too,” he agreed.

You reached out and grabbed his hand, intertwining your fingers with his and bringing your joined hands to your chest. “Please stay, Ben,” you said, eyes already closed. 

His heart nearly skipped a beat, having completely forgotten just how right your hand felt in his. “Always,” he murmured, reaching over to kiss you on the forehead. Benedict settled into the chair beside your bed, carefully watching you to make sure your breathing remained even. 

An hour later, a particularly intense shiver ran through you and you woke up to find that you were still clutching Benedict’s hand. He was staring at you intently, and you felt an overwhelming sense of tenderness for him. Even though you had married Anthony, he was still here by your side, ensuring that you were safe. Even though you probably looked about two minutes away from death, and even though he probably had much more interesting things to do, he was here.

“I’m sorry, you know,” you whispered, not quite sure you wanted him to hear but needing to say it anyway.

His brow furrowed, not quite sure why you were apologizing. “It’s quite alright.”

“No, I am. I’m so sorry,” you said, barely registering the tears running down your face and mixing with your sweat. 

Ben wiped away your tears with one hand, the other still holding yours. “There’s nothing to be sorry for,” he whispered.

You shook your head and the towel fell from your forehead once again, which he immediately replaced with a new one. “I don’t regret marrying him, but I regret hurting you,” you choked back a sob. “It was cowardly of me, and I’m sorry.”

Benedict was at a loss, your confession bringing his complicated feelings to the surface. But before he could find the right words, you had fallen asleep once again, eyes closed peacefully and your breathing even. He sat back in shock, attempting to process the meaning behind your words while still being careful not to move his hand too much so you could sleep peacefully. 

Benedict sat there for what felt like hours, his mind in a whirlwind of emotions. Guilt weighed heavily on his heart as he watched you sleep, your hand still clasped in his. Surely you were at least a little delirious, he reasoned. How could you apologize for something he had caused?

Hours later, the morning sun filtered through your curtains and you stirred awake. You blinked your eyes open, a bit disoriented as you took in your surroundings. You glanced down, seeing Ben sitting in a chair next to your bed, fast asleep in what looked to be an incredibly uncomfortable position. Your hand was still clasped in Benedict’s, his thumb absently stroking the back of your hand. You felt a pang of guilt at the sight and cringed slightly as you remembered your tearful apology the previous night.

Sensing that you were awake, Benedict stirred, half opening his eyes to make sure you were alright. Wincing as his neck cracked, he sat up and asked groggily, “How’re you feeling this morning, darling?” 

“Much better, actually,” you responded.

A sudden wave of panic washed over you. “Who’s with the children?”

“Don’t worry! They’re alright. Nurse Edwards is with them,” he assured you. “Perhaps it’s for the best; they might get to engage with some books actually meant for children.” He kept his tone light and teasing, not entirely sure if you remembered your apology and not wanting to open up the conversation if you didn’t.

“Oh, thank you,” you sighed in relief, relaxing against your pillows once again. Then, swatting his arm, you scolded, “And they enjoy the literature, mind you!”

“I suppose you are feeling better if you had the strength to hit me,” he remarked amusedly.

You rolled your eyes. “I could have hit you last night. Easily.” But your expression turned sincere. “Thank you for coming. I didn’t mean to be a burden; I know you’re working on a new piece.”

“It’s nothing,” he waved his hand. “You could never be a burden.”

You cleared your throat awkwardly, suddenly looking anywhere but at him. “And I meant what I said last night. It was ill-timed, I know, but I am truly sorry.”

“Nonsense,” he shook his head. “There is nothing to apologize for. I didn’t treat you the way I should have and I was the one who hurt you. I’m just glad I can still have you as a best friend.”

You smiled at him, pulling him into a hug. “We seem to be quite good at that, don’t you think? Being best friends.”

“Oh, the best,” he smiled at you, adoration clear in his eyes.

—

orginal ending || next part || buy me a ko-fi!

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[wolfjackle-creates]

Bad Reveal AU Chapter 2 Part 2

As promised! Here's the compilation of every snippet I've written for the 1000 follower ask game. I added an additional 300 words to the end to round out the scene.

Story Summary: Danny loves the Waynes, loves living with them. After the GIW, after his parents, he never thought he'd be able to have this again. A family, a home.

Then he overhears a conversation.

The Waynes aren't just the Waynes. They're the Bats, part of the Justice League. And the Justice League works with the US Government. The same government that runs the Ghost Investigation Ward.

It was all a lie.

AO3 link

Tumblr Links: Chapter 1, Previous

Word Count: 2.6k

-----

Three days later and they were all ready to tear their hair out. Barbara had found nothing new on the Fenton parents, even after Tim and Bruce joined her in the search. Apparently everything about the Fentons had been hidden behind the best digital security they had ever seen. Everything except the basics. And the firewalls were so good that they were almost invisible which is why no one had noticed them before.

Danny’s room lacked any sort of clue. They opened every drawer and went through everything they could find, only for nothing even slightly unusual to turn up. Definitely nothing like the bizarre energy weapon he’d used.

Jason had asked around as Red Hood to see if he could find any leads on the weapon. But every rumor lead to a dead end.

They could find nothing that might lead them to the people who wanted to hurt Danny. And Danny never came home.

Dick was currently in Danny’s room, again, trying to find anything. He was under the bed searching for hidden compartments in the frame or box spring when sharp footsteps sounded in the hall. A moment later, Alfred cleared his throat from the doorway.

“Master Dick! I believe you were instructed to leave the cave so you could rest.”

Dick pushed himself out from under the bed and sat so he was leaning against the bed frame. He flashed a dazzling smile. “Sorry, Alfred. I just had the idea to check the bed frame for any hidden messages or compartments. Wouldn’t have been able to sleep without doing it.”

Alfred sniffed. “We have already been over every inch of this room. You will not find anything new and you know this.”

Dick sighed, letting the smile drop away, and rubbed his face. He looked down at the carpet as he picked at it. “I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep. I just keep seeing his face. He was certain we were going to hurt him, Alfred. My own brother. How could I have failed him so badly?”

Alfred’s shoes came into view as he walked further into the room and sat next to Dick. “You haven’t failed him, Master Dick. And you know that. His fears were his own; based on experiences from before he ever joined this family. And we did not know there were problems to address. But we do now and I have full faith that you will solve this and bring Master Danny back home.”

“I wish I had your optimism, Alfred.”

“Then I shall just have to have enough for the both of us. Now, if you insist on being useful, Titus could use his afternoon walk. Normally Master Bruce or I take care of it…”

“But with B injured and the house full, you’ve got enough to handle. I’ll take care of it, Alfred.”

“Thank you, my boy. Now, help an old man up.”

Dick laughed; it wasn’t sincere, not truly, but he knew it’d make Alfred feel better. “Don’t even pretend you can’t get up on your own.” But he still did as requested and helped Alfred to his feet.

“When you’re my age, you will know what troubles I face.”

“Sure, Alfred. Now, where is Titus right now?”

Ten minutes later, Dick was outside in the late spring sun throwing a tennis ball for Titus. The dog was delighted with the game.

He rather felt like it should be raining or overcast or something. Not a balmy spring day with birds singing and bees buzzing in the clover. Danny was still missing; it shouldn’t be a nice day.

His next throw went much farther than he planned, and Titus bounded away.

Dick groaned and collapsed to the ground. He threw an arm over his eyes as he bit back his tears. Everyone was relying on him to hold it together. Damian was on a hair trigger and he was the only one who could keep him in line consistently; Tim was sunk deep into his research and barely surfacing for another energy drink every few hours; Jason and Bruce couldn’t be around each other for more than ten minutes without someone starting to yell. Duke was spending more and more time on patrol trying to find any information on the meta angle.

And all of them came to him to complain about the others. His family needed him. He couldn’t fall apart.

When a shadow fell over his face, he cracked open an eye expecting to see a cloud covering the sun. Instead he screamed and jumped to his feet as he came face-to-face with Clark.

“Warn a guy next time!”

Clark, the bastard, just laughed at him. “Hey, Dick. Didn’t expect to find you here.”

Before he could reply, Titus returned, ball clenched proudly in his mouth. “Good boy,” said Dick as he petted him. “Ready to go back inside?” To Clark, he said, “Most of us are staying at the manor right now. What brings you here?”

“We’re worried. Bruce called in saying he had an injury that would prevent field work for a few weeks. At the same time, Tim told Kon he’d be unavailable for Young Justice missions until further notice. And Damian canceled a sleepover with Jon with no explanation. So I made two of Ma’s pies and decided to come over for a visit. What’s going on?”

Dick sighed. “Danny’s gone. He discovered who we were.” He let out a hysterical laugh. “And apparently thinks that because we work with the US government it means we were just pretending to like him to gather information so we could turn him over to someone who would hold him against his will and torture him.”

Clark landed and pulled him into a hug. Dick clung on tightly. “Why does he think that?”

Dick shrugged and, reluctantly, pulled away. “Apparently his parents betrayed him once already. I think…” Dick closed his eyes and whistled sharply. “Come, Titus.” He held onto Titus’s collar and began walking away from Clark towards the manor. “We think he already has experience being held and tortured. And that it was his parents fault.”

Clark’s sharp inhale proved his horror at such a thought.

“Yeah. So now Danny’s gone and we have no idea how to search for him. Did B tell you he’s a meta? We knew he had some powers, but clearly we missed some because now we suspect invisibility, density shifting, and flight. So we’re trying to find the people who want to hurt him. But we keep hitting walls!” Titus whined when his grip tightened too much. Dick winced and let go immediately to pet the dog. “Sorry, Titus. You’re such a good boy.”

Clark draped an arm around his shoulders. “Well, why don’t you take me to the cave and you can go over everything you know. Maybe a fresh pair of eyes will help.”

Dick shrugged. “Couldn’t hurt. And maybe seeing you will remind Bruce he knows how to do more than grunt when people ask him a question.”

Clark winced. “That bad, huh?”

“Worse, if I’m honest. Danny shot him with an energy weapon before density shifting out of the cave. So now his newest kid is missing and he’s too injured to go out and search for him.”

Clark let out a low whistle. “Yep. That’ll do it.”

Dick pulled out his phone and opened the group chat. A quick text ensured everyone who was around would make their way to the cave. “I’ve told everyone to meet us in the cave. We’ll swing by the kitchen to get some plates and cutlery for the pie. Thanks for that, by the way.”

Clark ruffled his hair. “You know me, I’m too midwestern to show up anywhere unannounced without food.”

Dick gave a half smile, unable to muster up anything warmer.

Clark tried to keep up a stream of small talk as they swung by the kitchens to gather the plates. But Dick just couldn’t keep up with it. His mind was just too far away, on a young boy with blue eyes who loved hugs and had fit into the family so smoothly.

When they got to the cave, Tim didn’t even look up at the sound of the elevator doors opening. Dick followed his lead and ignored him, instead going straight to Bruce.

“You’ve got a visitor, B!”

Bruce only grunted and didn’t look up from his laptop.

Clark hid a smile. “I’m sure Alfred raised you better than that, Bruce.”

“Indeed I did,” declared Alfred with a sniff from where he was making notes in Bruce’s medical chart.

Bruce’s head whipped up at the sound of Clark’s voice and Dick bit his lip to keep from laughing. “Clark? What are you doing here?”

“Been worried about you and the kids, so I made some pie and decided to come on over. Kon and Jon are both waiting for updates as well.”

Apparently the appearance of Clark and Kon’s name was enough to finally drag Tim from the batcomputer for the first time in days. “Is Kon okay?”

Clark gave him a fond smile. “He’s fine, lad. It’s you—all of you—we’re worried about.”

Bruce looked away. “It’s Danny.”

Clark nodded and sat on the foot of the bed. “Dick’s told me a little. Let’s wait for the others to join us and you can all tell me everything.”

Dick checked his phone. “Babs said my text woke her up and don’t start discussions without her.”

Clark looked at him sharply. “Barbara is here, too? You really meant it when you said everyone’s been staying here, didn’t you?”

Dick shrugged. “Yeah, well, it’s Danny.”

Tim laughed mirthlessly. “Yeah, he’s the only one who all of us like pretty much all the time.”

Clark frowned as he looked around at the people gathered, but didn’t say anything.

Alfred bustled in with a chair. “If some of you would help me set up chairs for everyone? We might as well be comfortable as we talk and eat.”

“Of course, Alfred,” said Clark, seeming relieved. “Be happy to help.”

Honestly, with how many people were there, it only took a minute. Jason and Stephanie arrived just as they were finishing up.

“Duke messaged me,” said Jason. “He’s on his way back from patrol.”

“Damian?” asked Dick.

“I am here, Richard,” said the boy as he walked into the medbay. “I apologize for my tardiness. I was with Alfred the cat and didn’t notice your message immediately.”

Dick went to his side and ruffled his hair. He ignored Damian’s glare with years of practice. “Glad you could make it. Come on, let’s get you a slice of pie.”

“I’ll start slicing,” said Clark.

By the time the pie was sliced and everyone had a piece, Barbara had arrived.

“Where is Duke?” asked Bruce.

Tim pulled up the tracking information on his laptop. “Looks like he’s only twenty minutes out.”

“He’d’ve said something if he’d learned anything new,” said Jason. “I say we just start sharing now. He’ll be back before we get through it all.”

“Agreed,” said Bruce.

Clark nodded and looked around the room. Dick just knew he was cataloging how exhausted they all looked. “What can you tell me about what happened?”

“Daniel lost his mind and attacked Father,” said Damian.

“Listen here, Demon Brat,” argued Jason, “you know damn well that’s not what happened.”

And when Tim backed up Jason, it became a shouting match. Dick buried his face in his hands. A headache was forming and he knew if he tried to intervene, he’d just make it worse right now.

“Enough!” said Alfred when it became clear the others wouldn’t calm down on their own. “We will go over it one at a time. Master Richard, you may start.”

So Dick gave all the information he knew. When one of the others indicated they wanted to add more, he let them. Alfred made sure no one overstepped. Duke arrived partway through and described what he saw when Danny disappeared and used his powers.

When everyone was finally satisfied they’d shared everything they knew, Barbara pulled out a tablet to show Clark the footage of the confrontation in the cave.

“And you don’t know where he got that weapon?” asked Clark after he watched it twice.

“No clue,” said Tim. “We’ve searched his room a dozen times since then, but there’s nothing even remotely like it.”

Jason nodded. “And I’ve been asking around. No one I can find has ever heard of one like it.”

Alfred added, “Even I was unaware he was in possession of such an object.”

Clark hummed as he replayed the last few seconds of the video where Danny density shifted through the stone. “He brought it with him when he left.”

“You’ve thought of something,” said Bruce.

“Could he have hidden the weapon inside something? Like a wall or the floor?”

Bruce hummed as he thought. “Is that even possible?”

Dick shrugged. “We know very little about what he can and can’t do.”

“Want me to take a look at his room with my X-ray vision?” asked Clark.

Bruce nodded. “Please.” No one commented on the begging tone in his voice.

And for the first time in days, Dick felt hope rising in his chest.

“And do we have any idea what he meant by Jason being in trouble, too?”

Jason shrugged. “Probably has something to do with how I died. I’m apparently the only one who can sense Danny’s empathy, too. And I mean supernatural empathy, not the normal person kind.”

Bruce agreed. “I found the most information on Amity Park when I found my way to supernatural message boards. Zatana is looking into some things for me as well. But it always leads back to ghosts. Though why Jason alone is of interest when others in the family have also died is uncertain.”

“I see. Well, I suppose we’ll find out when you get him home. Who wants to show me Danny’s room? We might as well start there.”

Of course, no one was willing to sit this one out. The biggest argument arose when Bruce insisted on pushing himself to his feet. He refused the wheelchair Alfred tried to insist he use, but a raised eyebrow and pursed lips did get him to take the crutches.

Dick and Jason exchanged a smirk at the scene. Alfred always got his way.

So, the entire group made their way out of the cave and through the halls of Wayne Manor until Clark stopped in the doorway to Danny’s room.

He let out a low whistle. “Whatever his powers are, he can definitely hide things in other objects. He’s left a lot behind.”

“Can you tell what they are?” asked Bruce.

Clark shrugged. “Some of them. There’s another item that looks like that blaster he had. Some…rope? I think? A tool box in the floor. A case that’s probably lead-lined. And a lot of stuff that I just can’t identify. I mean, a random cylindrical object. Some rectangles, maybe external hard-drives?”

Damian stepped forward, gripping the handle of his katana. “Then we will smash the walls to see what he is hiding.”

Dick rushed forward to put an arm around Damian’s shoulders and stop him from doing anything.

“Indeed not, Master Damian.” Alfred gave the boy a level look. “We want Master Danny to have a home to return to. And what sort of welcome would he feel if he came back to a destroyed room? Master Bruce, Mr. Kent, I am aware you have other collegues who can density shift. Could one of them be prevailed upon to come and remove the items?”

Damian scowled and kicked at the floor. Dick bit back his smile. The kid really did care about their missing brother, whatever he said.

Clark nodded. “I’ll call J’onn, Alfred.”

-----

Part 3

Several of you guessed this is where I was going to take it the minute I introduced Clark. Didn't see anyone mention J'onn, though. (But that might be because I was sharing such small segments, so fewer people were speculating.) Let me know what you think!

I've finally gotten around to making a Subscription Post for this fic, so follow that if you want notifications!

@hailsatanacab also started a fill for this prompt that I absolutely adore, so check that out here! (It hurts, it hurts so good.)

[headkiss]

Hi Anna, I'm a huge fan of your Steve writings:)) How about Steve x introvert!reader where they have a painting date night at one of their homes?🫶

hiii thank you so much!!! i hope u like it!! | 0.7k so fluffy

Steve is a romantic to the bone. When you first met him, he would’ve denied it to make himself cooler, but now, he wears it around you like a badge of honor.

He’s also ridiculously understanding.

Work today had been a lot, the bakery on main unusually busy with only two of you working. Not to mention you’d been working the front counter, when you’d much rather be in the kitchen making cookies and frosting cupcakes.

Drained is one way to put the way you’re feeling, the battery for socializing running lower and lower until it’s basically empty by the time you’re home.

Steve calls you like he knows exactly when you’ll be getting into your room, and you pick up despite your tiredness. There’ll always be room for him, you think.

“Hey, angel,” his voice loosens your tight muscles just a bit. “We still good for tonight?”

Back to him being a romantic, Steve insists that you go on at least one date a week, and it’s something that goes to show how much he cares about you and your relationship. He also calls you beforehand to check if you’re up to it every time.

You wince a little as you answer, feeling guilty for being tired and for wanting to stay in. “Would it be okay if we didn’t? I’m so sorry, work was a lot and-”

“None of that,” he cuts you off, “how about you just come here? Just me and you?”

“Thank you, Steve. I’ll be there in a bit, okay?”

“See you soon.”

Soon is the time it takes for a shower, getting dressed in sweats, and the drive over to his place. As you step out of your car, you worry that he had something special planned for today’s date, that you ruined that, but his beaming smile when he opens the door is enough to erase your worries.

“Hi,” he says, tossing an arm over your shoulders and tilting his head to push a kiss into your hair. “You okay?”

“Better now.”

Your arms wrap themselves around his waist, and though it’s awkward to walk through the house this way, neither of you make a move to pull away.

Steve leads you into the dining room, and your eyes well up just a little (maybe a lot) at what you see. He’s got a tarp laid over the table, two canvases set up on small easels right next to each other, and paint and brushes scattered over the table. Such a romantic.

“I thought maybe we could have our date here instead,” he tells you, rocking on his feet. Steve knows you better than anyone, and he knows that it can take a lot for you to be in social settings for a long time. He doesn’t care; the most important part to him is spending time with you, anyway.

So, he’s had some ideas for at home dates saved up for you. By the way your arms squeeze him tighter and you murmur his name, all delicate and surprised, he feels pretty good about it.

“Where did you get all of this? It’s barely been an hour since you called.”

“A magician never reveals his secrets.”

You lean up and kiss his cheek, the words ‘thank you’ pushed into his skin.

“Well,” he starts, his cheeks warming at your affection, “you wanna paint something?”

“Absolutely.”

It’s easy to get into the swing of things, dollops of paint squeezed out onto the tarp to use, cups of muddled water used to clean your brushes, and the sort of ease you’ve only ever felt around Steve.

You don’t know how he seems to understand exactly what you need without saying anything, how he accepts every bit of you without complaint, but you’re eternally thankful for it nonetheless.

He knows you the best, and he loves you the way only he could. In this big, huge way that’s in everything he does, even the way he paints the tip of your nose pink.

By the end of the painting session, you’re left giggling at Steve’s piece of art that looks like something a proud parent would put on their fridge.

“Whatever,” he says, fighting a smile at the brightness in your eyes and the laugh you’re hiding behind your hand. “It’s called abstract. Guess you just don’t have the eye for it.”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah,” he cups your cheek in his warm palm, rubbing away a splotch of paint—one that he probably put there—with his thumb.

Your long shift feels ages away, long forgotten and replaced by paint stains on your clothes, a mess that neither of you can be bothered to clean up, and the all-encompassing feeling of being with Steve, of being known and loved by him.

[areyoudreaminof]

some word salad behind the cut

I never thought I’d ever get into writing. My self esteem is so minimal it’s nearly non existent, so I had never bothered to try. But I started writing last year and found I was enjoying it. I made grand plans to write more until I didn’t.

My passion became my poison, suddenly.

As I scrolled through endless fics and writers much more talented than I am, my anxiety perched itself on my shoulder like a crow and squawked in my ear.

“The shit you’re putting out? No wonder nobody is reading it. You’re writing boring stuff. Who gives a fuck about kids and one shots?” It would say. I’d reply that I didn’t want to write smut. I don’t like doing it and it felt silly.

“So why are you writing at all?” Anxiety Crow said, “That’s what people want. And you can’t even do that.”

It came to a head right before Elucien Week. Last year, I wrote three fics I am still immensely proud of. One of which opened a door for me with the first Next Gen characters I came up with. I had assumed that I’d have something else lined up for this year's Elucien Week.

But in that year, I had a lot of personal changes and mental health challenges that weren’t getting better. I made the mistake of starting a long fic and it became this beast that I couldn’t tame. Even one shots and snippets became a chore. I’d have to force myself to finish a chapter, to try and translate the images I saw in my head to paper, but it wasn’t working. This coincided with my depression peaking in early 2024, in which I got suicidal and had to seek help.

By January, I’d gotten more frustrated with my writing, by June, I despised writing in its entirety. Three days before Elucien Week was due to begin, I hovered my mouse over DELETE ACCOUNT on AO3 and nearly trashed a year worth of work. I decided to take a step back to clear my head and to put a stop to this toxic competition I had with myself. I didn’t want to lose the hobby I’d grown to love and destroy the new friendships I’d made. I was absolutely terrified of losing those wonderful friends I’ve made and I felt so guilty and angry at myself for fumbling the bag and not writing anything.

I can’t even tell you why I obsessed over it, I may never go back to writing at all, but the weight of that self hatred has eased up from my chest. It’s not eating me alive anymore. That’s not to say it’s gone of course. Just the other day I had another major moment of doubt, and nearly trashed everything, again. I’m trying to parse through my own mind constantly to sort out my own spirals and triggers. Some days it’s working, others it’s not.

I think I’m now telling you about it, because I’m sure you’re feeling it too. People reached out to me to check on me when I left and others to let me know they were having the same problems. The feelings of inferiority among fandom, the nagging expectations we placed on ourselves. Never mind any of the challenges we face in our daily lives. What’s the worth of my mental health and happiness and why the fuck do I keep measuring it like this?

Whatever comes of this break, I hope that all of us can find our self worth, wherever it is. I see so many incredible artists, writers, and people that inspire me to want to keep going. If you’re reading this, you’re one of them.

Take a breath and take a break. We’ll figure it out.

[its-wabby-stuff]

So everyone’s been punching back for @somerandomdudelmao post. If you know, you know, and if you don’t where have you been? And I saw one of the reblog’s today of Casey and Donnie and it got the cogs in my brain running. So here is a potentially possible outcome for the future:

———————

Here’s the thing. Casey knew the fight was over. They had won and the Krang weren’t here anymore. Of course, the entire event hadn’t come without its own consequences. Most of downtown New York had been destroyed. People had been injured and people had died. The government had stepped in to take care of most of the tragedy. And the event itself made international news.

But Casey didn’t care about most of that. He wasn’t even sure what most of it meant, just the ramblings he heard from the family as they recovered. They hadn’t left the lair since that day. They couldn’t afford too. The city was in a state of panic, and all of them had sustained injuries, the worst of which being Leonardo.

He had been asleep for days. It was vital for recovery, Casey knew, but the whole thing made him incredibly nervous. Casey felt like a little kid again, sitting on a chair with his knees up to his chest, just watching him. Donatello rarely left Leo’s side either. His own injuries meant he needed attention, and with Leo out, he had the best medical expertise on the machines they’d hooked him up too. Casey often asked questions, which Donnie was eager to answer. That much was the same.

Casey had long since changed out of his resistance garb, being offered a variety of clothes from each of the boys. He never let go of his mask though. That was much too important to him. Gifts and reminders from all the people he loved most.

He was alone today. With Leo. Donatello had entrusted him with enough information for any sort of emergency. But it meant he was allowed to think. He fiddled with the mask in his hands, tracing the markings he had painted on and the scratches it had received out on the field. He let his legs fall into a cross-cross as he slipped the mask onto his face and turned it on. Uncle Tello had left many tidbits of information, recordings and plans for an eventual future where we had won. Not even in his wild imaginations could he have imagined that future in the past. And now there were a million things Casey wanted answered that weren’t saved on his Uncles little device. He had a favorite file, however. One he’d rewatched a million times before.

“Is it working?” He watched Uncle Tello tilt up the camera. Behind him were all the people he loved: Sensei Leonardo, Master Michelangelo, robotic Uncle Raph, Commander O’Niel, and himself.

“It may be older than us, but it still works,” Uncle Tello replied.

“The little red light is blinking right?” Master Michelangelo flew over, looking at the camera upside down with amazement. Uncle Tello pushed him outta the way.

“Despite its primitive nature, it seems to be completely intact. Nothing askew. It’s quite impressive. Great find, Casey Jones.”

Sensei scooped up the kid and ruffled his hair.

“There’s not much storage space left on the card, so we better make it short and sweet. How about a picture? For my archives.” Everybody gathered close together as the timer started counting down. “Everybody say: Genius Built Apparel rules!!”

The video stopped there. Paused on a picture of all of them together. Casey couldn’t help but let out a couple tears, hidden by the mask. It might have been the apocalypse, but it was familiar and comforting, and here, they had all been happy.

“Am I interrupting something?”

“Unc- Donatello!” Casey looked over, his view still obstructed by the photo paused on his screen. “No, no everything is fine, I was just-“ he pulled his mask off and wiped away whatever remnants of tears he had before he looked up at the turtle who had just entered the room. He didn’t have any of his tech on, using his wooden Bo staff to assist his walking, and his bandages had been covered by the presence of an oversized purple hoodie. Casey stared at him, “reliving old memories. Un- Donnie, are you feeling alright?” Casey stood up, panic ever present on the boys face.

Donnie just gave a perplexing look in response. “Are you?”

“I-“ The Krang are gone, Casey. This isn’t like when Uncle Tello got sick. This isn’t the same. There’s no way the Krang would’ve- could’ve. They couldn’t have. How would they? Tears fell down Casey’s face as he sat back down.

Donnie regretted asking the second he had. He wasn’t any good with this sort of stuff and he had clearly been crying before and now he was crying again. There was something on his mind. “I’ll go get Mikey-“

Casey grabbed Donnie’s hand, and his immediate response was to pull away, but he suppressed the urge when he felt how clammy Casey’s hands were, and how they shook just a little. “Uncle Tello, you- you aren’t going to die, are you?”

Donnie had never heard Casey call him that before. And he said it softly, and nervously, not even looking him in the eyes.

“You think a quarrel with an alien species is enough to get rid of me?”

Casey didn’t say anything. In fact what Donnie said didn’t seem to help the situation any at all. And Donnie was starting to put all the little pieces together. Something had happened to him in the future. Something not good.

“Casey, did something happen to me in the future? Did-“ he wasn’t sure if he should ask it but his curiosity took ahold of him, “did I die?”

Casey lurched forward and wrapped his arms around Donnie. Which was a surprising response, but all he needed to know the answer was yes. Despite how quickly it had happened, Casey was incredibly gentle about it. His hands still shook a little as he rested his head into Donnie’s chest.

Honestly, Donnie was a little upset by all this new information. He hadn’t survived the apocalypse, and he had been close to Casey Jones, who had to witness his death. He couldn’t imagine how crazy this entire week had been for Casey. Donnie still wasn’t sure what exactly caused this reaction from him, but slowly, he leaned down, grabbing around Casey’s back and hugging tightly.

Casey let out a breath and hugged tighter, absolutely collapsing, shaking incredibly and crying into Donnie’s favorite purple hoodie. Keep it together, the hoodie can always be washed. For once, Donnie didn’t need to wonder what to do, because this felt like enough. And no words needed to be said.

Only in Casey’s wildest dreams was he able to hug Uncle Tello again. He knew Donnie was never a big fan of physical affection but he’d always seemed to make an exception for him. Old or young, and for a minute it didn’t matter that this wasn’t the Donnie he knew. It didn’t matter that they were now the same age, or that Casey was actually taller. Or how he could feel Donnie loosening and trying to end it. No matter how long this moment was, it would never be long enough.

———————

Ahahaha. I don’t even know. Thanks for reading. Likes and Reblogs appreciated!!

[mountttmase]

reader purposely getting ex!mason jealous and him reminding her who she belongs too! a little bit of everything angst, fluffy, smut ;))

Let Me Try Again

Note - hope you all enjoy 💙 feedback would be lovely as usual 😘

Pairing - Mason Mount x Reader

Word count - 4.5k

Warnings - fluff, smut and angst

Today was not supposed to be like this. You shouldn’t of been sat in the car next to your cousin’s best friend, you should of been sat next to Mason, in his car, before he opened your door for you to help you out. Leaving a kiss on your knuckles before he lead you by the hand up to the church where your cousin was about to tie the knot.

Instead your older cousin’s friend Ryan sat besides you, texting his mum to see where she and your mum we’re as you didn’t want to go into the church without them being there first.

‘They’re about five minutes away, we’ll get out in a sec’ he told you, looking over to see you staring out the window blankly. ‘You okay?’

‘Yeah’ you sighed, giving him a smile

Today was meant to me the day Mason finally met your family. Yes maybe at a wedding with everyone was a bit unconventional but it seemed the easiest way. You’d been together 8 months and the pair of you hadn’t managed to sort out a time to meet with your family due to his busy schedule and whenever he was free, your family seemed to be busy. It’s not even like you lived far from each other but for some reason it just never worked out.

It had been bubbling for a few weeks but everything blew up when you asked him to attend the wedding a few months ago. You’d had it all figured out however he had his own plans, telling you he wanted you to come with him to a wedding of an old family friend and wasn’t taking no for answer.

You’d argued about it for hours, in the end telling him that he never listened to you and you were done with his attitude. He always got his own way and the one time you asked him for something he couldn’t seem to do it for you.

He didn’t put up a fight, telling you to leave if that’s what you wanted and you left his house in a puddle of tears whilst he carried on life normally. You checked in with his instagram and whilst you knew it wasn’t a total reflection of him, he seemed happier with you gone. You thought you were happier too, but you knew deep down you missed him. Yes you had things you needed to work on but you were both too stubborn to be the first one to break it seemed.

‘I’m just gonna get out and stand for a minute, I don’t want my dress to crease too much’ you told Ryan, hopping out of the car so you could smooth down the silk skirt of the dress you were in. You felt good in it, wanting to look better than usual today in hopes it would lift your mood but it didn’t seem to be working.

‘Y/n?’ You heard, turning around to be faced with the last person you thought you’d see.

‘Debbie? What are you doing here?’ You questioned. Trying to play it cool and make out that you were happy to see her when inside you felt your heart drop to your tummy. You’d met Masons family a few times at games and when they’d popped round to his house sometimes. She was always sweet to you, making sure to question Mason on why he wasn’t putting effort into your family and he always promised he’d get better but never did.

‘The groom lived next door to us growing up, we know the family and him and Mase were little besties when they were growing up’ she smiled and you felt your face flush at the mention of his name. ‘What about you?’

‘The brides my cousin’ you confirmed, suddenly noticing his brother and father come over to see you and you let out a breath of relief as you noticed Mason was nowhere to be seen. ‘Well I guess I’ll see you in there? Maybe we can have a catch up later on?’ You smiled but your face soon dropped, watching Mason emerge from the drivers seat of a car that was parked opposite yours and he looked over to you instantly.

He looked good. Better than good, dressed in a grey suit that fitted him perfectly with his hair how you always loved it, short on the sides and long on top with his facial hair growing in longer than you’d ever seen it. You felt your knees weaken at the sight of him as your eyes dropped to the floor.

The next thing you felt was a hand on your shoulder, looking up to see Ryan peering down at you with a sympathetic smile.

‘You ready to go in?’ He asked and you nodded up to him with a smile. You got how it must of looked to the rest of them, like Ryan was your date and you were half thankful he was here with you now but you noticed how Debbie’s face had dropped a little bit.

‘I’ll see you guys later’ you nodded before linking your arm though Ryans so he could lead you up towards the church. ‘Thanks Ry’ you huffed as you finally got out of earshot from them.

‘You alright?’ He asked, knowing that it was Mason standing across the car park giving you daggers. Your family knew you had been seeing someone but only Ryan knew who Mason actually was.

‘I’m fine, I knew today would be hard but now he’s here anyway? What the fuck’ you sulked and you pouted up at Ryan as he let out a little laugh. ‘I had no idea they knew each other’ you explained as you made your way to your seats, saying a quick hello to your family and putting on your brave face.

Today wasn’t about you, so you pushed the thought of Mason to the back of your mind, thankfully he was sitting on the other side of the aisle and a row behind you so you could forget about him for a little bit, focusing on the ceremony until you had to make your way outside to mingle. After 15 minutes or so you took yourself off, walking along by the little lake so you could gather your thoughts but a cough made you look up into the nervous face of Mason.

‘Hey, y/n’ he smiled but you were unsure of what to do, your eyes falling to the floor and he rubbed the back of his neck like he always did when he was uncomfortable. ‘Sorry, I just didn’t want things to be weird so I thought we could talk? But I get it, I’m sorry I’ll go’ he half smiled before turning to walk away but he didn’t get very far.

‘Wait’ you called quietly and he was quick to turn around and face you. ‘It’s fine. It was just a bit of a shock to see you here. I’m guessing this is the wedding you wanted me to go to?’ You asked, rolling your eyes with a smile, making him laugh a little bit.

‘It is yeah. And I take it this is the one you asked me to come to?’

‘Yeah’ you breathed and you shook your head with a smile. ‘That’s just great’ you laughed, covering your face with your hands as you shook your head. ‘Just proves everything I said. We never did really know how to communicate properly did we’ you sighed, crossing yours arms over you body and you caught the upset look on Masons face.

‘Well I don’t know about that’ he told you with furrowed brows but you didn’t want to get into all that with him right now, looking over to all the other guests to see Ryan looking at you with raised eyebrows.

‘I should get going’

‘Why? Don’t want your date seeing us together?’

‘Are you jealous?’ You laughed, but he just scoffed at you, his cocky side now coming out to play but you were ready to give it right back to him.

‘Jealous? Of him?’ He smiled, nodding his head in Ryan’s direction. ‘Don’t make me laugh y/n. Why on earth would I be jealous of him?’ He asked and your confidence melted away a tiny bit until his hand found its way to your hip, his lips coming to your ear. ‘I’m jealous that he’s got you on his arm, yeah. You look amazing and I wish you were with me. But I’m not jealous of him in the slightest’ he told you confidently and you felt your legs turn to jelly.

‘I need to go’ you whispered, detaching yourself from him and rushing over to Ryan. He was quick to put his arm around your shoulder and bring him into your side, trying to comfort you and you tucked yourself into him.

‘You alright?’ He whispered and you nodded lightly.

‘He thinks you’re my date’ you told him, rolling your eyes and Ryan laughed out loud, causing your auntie to slap him on the arm to get him to be quiet.

‘Well I hope you set him straight’

‘I was sort of hoping you’d play along for a bit’ you laughed, but he looked horrified.

‘That’s so gross I can’t believe you’d even ask that’

‘Hey! I’m not that bad and I’m desperate here, Ry. Please just help me out’

‘What on earth are you expecting me to do?’

‘Nothing, just carry on as we have been. We’ve already fooled him as it is we don’t need to do anything more’

‘Fine, but you owe me’ he winked before holding his elbow out for you to link which you did quickly, following the rest of your family inside so you could grab a needed drink.

‘Who’s that boy you were talking too?’ Your auntie asked as you got inside, picking up a glass of champagne and passing you one. You didn’t like the stuff at all but it was free and you were hoping it might loosen you up and take your mind off of Mason, but he seemed to be everywhere you looked.

‘Just an old friend’ you shrugged, hoping that would satisfy her enough to leave the subject alone but luck seemingly wasn’t on your side today and she carried on.

‘You should get in there, he’s gorgeous’ she winked but you just rolled your eyes with a smile before going to speak to your grandparents, hoping they wouldn’t tease you about your love life too.

Mason was sat on the other side of the room thankfully when it was finally time to eat and you could only see the top of his head moving if you turned to face him so you put it to the back of your mind for a few hours, finally let your hair down and enjoy yourself a bit.

After the speeches, you were stood outside on the decking with Ryan, nursing your third glass of free champagne when you decided you were off to the bar for some something different. You hadn’t had anything to actually hydrate you for most of the day and you could feel your legs wobble as you made your way inside. Unfortunately the queue was pretty long but soon enough you felt a hand around your waist and a body press up against your back. You knew who it was instantly, the aftershave he had on was always your favourite and you unconsciously relaxed into his body before he held out a bottle of water in front of you.

‘What’s this’ you laughed, taking it from him and you felt his lips on your ear soon after.

‘It’s just water’ Mason murmured ‘don’t worry I haven’t done anything to it, the seals still intact’ he joked and you quickly inspected the lid before opening it and taking a sip. ‘See? All I’ve seen you drinking is champagne and you don’t even like the stuff’ he commented, your heart racing at the fact he’d been so observant with you and you were about to speak but your thirst took over you and you started gluging the water down.

Masons name was suddenly called from the end of the bar, and when you looked over there was an empty section that wasn’t in use where the bar manager seemed to be waving him over. He pulled you with him by the waist and the man gave the pair of you a smile.

‘Thought id save you queuing, what can I get you?’ He smiled and Mason looked slightly uncomfortable but smiled back at him.

‘Just a bottle of water please mate, and an apple juice’ he told him and with a quick nod he was off.

‘Trust you to get special treatment’ you laughed, turning to him but he looked a little embarrassed.

‘It’s not like I asked for it, I was happy waiting’ he told you, dragging you closer to him a bit and for some reason you didn’t fight him. It felt nice to be back in his company and sort of be on good terms. You kept your hands to yourself though, not wanting to give him any sort of weird impression but he didn’t seems to mind, his eyes flickering all over your face as you stood in front of him.

‘Here you go, you want it on your tab?’ He asked, setting the drinks down and Mason nodded before the guy walked off, leaving the pair of you alone again. He pushed the glass of apple juice over to you slowly and you looked up at him with curious eyes.

‘For me?’ You questioned and he nodded liked it was obvious.

‘It’s your favourite, right?’

‘Well yeah…’

‘I know your arms get weird if you drink too much. I’m just looking out for you’ He laughed, grabbing you a straw as you looked up at him through your lashes.

It was endearing how much he remembered, even silly things like how alcohol affected your body or how you liked to drink with a straw. You weren’t sure what to say or do though, frowning and becoming more confused when he turned you so your back was pressed against the bar and he stood in front of you, blocking your view of the whole room.

‘So what’s his name?’

‘What?’

‘This guy, what’s his name?’

‘Why do you care?’

‘I’m just curious. He seems really close with all your family’

‘Well that’s what happens when you all spend time together’

‘How long have you been together?’ He asked but you caught onto what he was insinuating right away.

‘Are you accusing me of cheating?’ You laughed but his face remained the same blank expression.

‘Not at all, I just think it’s weird how close you all are and we only broke up two months ago. It doesn’t make sense’ he commented and you were furious that he’d even mentioned it however you had been lying to him all day.

You scoffed, looking to the left of you where you caught sight of Ryan coming back inside, scanning the room, his eyes widening as he caught sight of the pair of you.

‘I should go’ you told Mason, pushing your way out of his grip and surprisingly he let you go. ’Thanks for the drink’ you whispered before stalking off to Ryan who tucked you under his arm.

‘Do I wanna know?’ He asked

‘He practically accused me of cheating’ you huffed ‘said you look too close to my family’

‘That’s because I am, this is so fucking weird, y/n just tell him’ he joked and you laughed along with him.

‘I will, I will. I just wanna make him suffer a little bit first’

You kept away from Ryan, but your eyes were fixed on Mason constantly, hoping to get under his skin. He was looking at you too, watching with wide eyes as you sucked your drink through the straw seductively and how your hips moved when you danced as the band started playing. You made sure to keep your distance though, whenever he slyly made his closer to you, you’d make sure you kept away and you saw how he pouted each and every time. You even lost him for a little bit while you were dancing, eyes constantly looking for him but it seemed no use, thinking maybe he’d left as he didn’t want to watch you teasing him anymore.

You made a quick dash to the loo a little while later and just as you were leaving you felt someone push you back inside and lock the door on the pair of you.

‘Mason? What on earth are you doing? You can’t lock me in here’ you laughed looking in the mirror and touching up your makeup as he stood with his arms crossed, blocking your exit.

‘You’re ignoring me’

‘How can I ignore you when you’ve disappeared for half an hour? What do you expect anyway? We’re ex’s Mason, we’re not supposed to speak’

‘But that’s not what I want’

‘Here we go again’ you huffed, turning to face him as you sat back on the sink slightly. ‘Everything’s all about what you want’

He didn’t say a word, just sighed as he looked to the floor, chewing his lip like he always did when he was upset. You hated the way he still had an effect on you and you felt yourself soften at his sad eyes.

‘This guy? Does he make you happy?’ He asked quietly, staring you down to see your reaction but you were done playing games with him now.

‘He’s my cousin’s friend, Mason.’

‘What?’ He asked with a disbelieving stare, his brows now furrowing.

‘He’s not my boyfriend or my date or whatever else. He’s my cousin’s friend, practically my family and I just went along with what you were saying because I didn’t want you to think I was some lonely looser’ you admitted

‘Oh’ he said, sounding surprised but you couldn’t look at him. Instead focusing on your fingers as you played with them in your lap. He didn’t move for a few moments, but you felt him stand eventually, making the few steps over to you before tilting your chin up so you’d look at him. His face was blank, you couldn’t tell what was going on behind his eyes but your heart was in your throat. ‘So you were trying to make me jealous on purpose?’ He asked, a small smile tugging at his lips and you knew he wasn’t mad at you.

‘Not on purpose’ you smiled and he raised his brows as if he didn’t believe you. ‘You just assumed and I didn’t correct you’ you shrugged as he stepped back before pulling you up and turning you to face the mirror so you could look at the pair of you. His hands settling on your waist and you instinctively lent back into him.

‘Look at yourself’ he whispered, lips to your ear as you felt your legs wobble, fingertips trailing up and down your sides making your arms erupt in goosebumps. ‘You are the most beautiful girl I’ve ever laid my eyes on. I don’t care what you say, you’re mine and you always will be so yeah, seeing you with some other guy who I don’t know is gonna make me jealous’ he told you, your heart hammering as he kissed your neck before nibbling in your shoulder. ‘Mine, yeah? No one else’s’ he breathed and you were about to speak but the reflection of his eyes in the mirror made you stop. ‘You gonna let me show you?’ He asked, already gathering up the skirt of your dress so he could access you and you didn’t argue with him or push him off, just slowly rested yourself on your hands so you were slightly bent over for him, parting your legs as soon as you felt his fingers brush over your underwear. ‘That’s it, good girl. You know exactly what I want don’t you?’

You couldn’t reply, his fingers on your clit instantly, rubbing slow circles and you nearly lost your mind straight away. Mason was the last person to touch you like this and he was still as good as ever, seeming to know what your body needed more than you did and he teased the life out of you.

‘Mason’ you breathed as his fingers worked their magic on you and you heard him growl into your neck.

‘Fuck I’ve missed that sound’ he told you, his hand leaving your waist so he could unzip his trousers and pull himself free. It wasn’t long before you felt him at your entrance casing a loud moan to tumble from your throat. He quickly pulled his fingers from you, licking them clean before he was covering your mouth. ‘Quiet, baby’ he whispered and you had to grip the sides of the sink so you didn’t melt at his words before he was pushing into you.

You couldn’t deny you’d missed the feeling of him between your thighs, the way he filled you up like no one else could and the fact you could see him in the mirror and he was holding your eye contact made you want to scream on the spot. But he was right, you had to be quiet so you wouldn’t be caught.

‘Gonna let me fill you up, baby?’ He asked as you took a couple of his fingers into your mouth, sucking on them gently as you faintly tasted yourself.

‘Please, Mase’ you spoke around his fingers as you felt him thrust into you a little bit harder.

‘Good girl’ he breathed, kissing the back of your neck as he grabbed a handful of you bum. ‘You’ll be walking around with me dripping out of you soon. Cause you’re mine, yeah? No one else’s’ he told you and soon after you were cuming around him, the feeling of you pulsing around him causing him to follow not long after.

You felt him pull out and attempt to clean you up before pulling your dress down back to where it was and turning you to face him. He moved to touch your face, running his thumb along your bottom lip to clean your lipstick up before tucking your hair behind your ear as you adjusted the knot on his tie that had come a bit loose.

Unsure of what was going to happen next, you kept your eyes on his chest until he dropped his head to catch your eyes, forcing you to look at him.

‘What happens now?’ You whispered and his face softened instantly.

‘What do you want to happen?’ He asked, his hands settling on your hips. ‘I meant what I said. You’re mine, yeah? I still want you’ he whispered and you felt your heart thud in your chest. ‘But I get it if you need more time’ he told you with a smile and a kiss to the forehead. You wanted to tell him you were done playing around and you were his, but you knew it would take more than a quick fuck in a toilet to sort out all your problems and you didn’t want to pick up exactly where you’d left off. ‘As much as I want to spend the rest of the evening alone with you I don’t think it’s best we hide out in here. Maybe I could come find you in a little bit?’

‘Okay’ you agreed and with a quick kiss to your cheek, he opened the door and left.

You took a second to collect yourself, laughing at the fact you were trying to keep away from him you you’d just let him fuck you in here and with one quick glance over yourself, you left. You didn’t know who you were looking for or where you wanted to go, but when you saw Debbie stood talking to a couple of other women and you felt drawn to her.

She noticed you coming, waving you over with bright eyes and pulling you into a quick hug that made you smile. You had a quick catch up before the subject of Ryan came up where you assured her he was your cousin’s friend and she let out a laugh.

‘Well I know Mason will be happy about that he’s been a right mardy bum today’ she joked and you couldn’t help but giggle. ‘I don’t know what happened but he didn’t tell me things were finished until last week’ she told you, rolling her eyes.

‘Oh, really?’

‘Yeah, I think if the wedding wasn’t today, he wouldn’t of said anything for a lot longer. I always told him he’d be stupid to let you go’ she huffed and you gave her a small smile.

‘Look Debbie, I love your son, I really do. But sometimes he’s…’

‘A bit of an arse?’ She finished and you both erupted into giggles. ‘Trust me love, I know. I raised him. But I also know how kind he is and how loving he is and how highly he thinks of you. He wouldn’t of been such a grump seeing you today otherwise’ she told you and you nodded in agreement. Deep down, you knew all of this already. ‘Speak of the devil’ she whispered as you felt a hand on your lower back.

‘Hey, mum’ he smiled, leaning over to give her a kiss on the cheek. ‘Do you mind if I steal y/n for a bit?’ He asked sheepishly and Debbie’s eyes flew to meet yours so you gave her a small smile and a nod before she patted him on his shoulder.

‘Don’t mess this up’ she told him quietly and you all laughed as she walked off, leaving the pair of you alone.

‘Will you come outside with me?’ He asked you with a smile and you nodded before he grabbed your hand and took you onto the decking where most people were gathered now. The sun was almost set, turning the sky a beautiful orange and pink colour and even though it had been warm all day, there was a slight chill in the air. The fairy lights hanging along all the wooden frame work of the decking made you feel like you were in a fairytale as he lead you into the middle of the dance floor.

He turned to face you with a shy smile, quickly taking off his jacket before helping you put it on so you wouldn’t be cold and you felt yourself blush as his scent overwhelmed you. You couldn’t look at him, eyes on the floor until he took your hands in his, placing one on his chest before wrapping his arm around your waist, threading his fingers through yours on the other hand before pulling you even closer.

The music was slow, and the pair of you were silent as he gently swayed you from side to side. You rested your head on his chest whilst he placed his cheek on the top of your head.

You felt the tears in your eyes slowly form, being this close to him and not knowing what it all meant. You didn’t want to get your hopes up for him to tear you down soon so you started to pull away but he didn’t let you, holding you even closer to him before tilting your face up to his.

‘What’s wrong?’ He’s asked, face now looking at you full of sympathy as he realised how upset you were. ‘Talk to me’ he breathed but you just nestled your head into his neck, unsure of what you wanted to say. ‘Can I say something then?’ He questioned and you nodded, dropping you arms to around his waist as he looped his around your back. ‘I miss you. I miss you a lot and I know I didn’t treat you right in the end. I was selfish and immature and I completely get if you don’t want to be around me anymore. Im still learning I guess, like how to be good enough for you cause I know I wasn’t, but it’s pretty obvious we’re not meant to be apart. I know I let you down and I’m sorry’

You breathed out a sigh of relief into his neck, thankful you were both sort of on the same page. You missed him too and you knew you didn’t want to be without him anymore.

‘I’m sorry too’ you whispered pulling back to look at him but he seemed confused. ‘It wasn’t all you. I feel like we forgot how to talk to each other in the end. Like I planed this whole day out in my head and just assumed you’d come’ you chuckled

‘You don’t need to be sorry for that, it should of never of got to that point’ he told you, placing a gentle kiss on your forehead. You both were a quiet after that, slowly swaying from side to side as you clung to each other but you still had a few questions for him.

‘Hey, Mase?’

‘Yeah’ he smiled, happy with the fact you’d used his nickname.

‘Why didn’t you tell your parents we were over? ‘ you asked and you saw his face drop as he shrugged his shoulders, his eyes looking anywhere but you as he clearly felt a little embarrassed.

‘Cause I didn’t want to admit it to myself. Telling them made it real and I knew I’d messed up’

‘Why didn’t you want to meet my family either?’

‘It’s not I didn’t want to’ he told you, finally looking down at you again so you could see the sincerity in his eyes. ‘Just scared I guess. I wanted them to like me’ he said and you gave him an understanding nod before he smiled at you brightly. ‘But you’ll be happy to know, I’ve spoken to your mum and I’m pretty sure she loves me’ he winked

‘You what?’ You laughed, pulling back so you could get a proper look at him but the way he was blushing let you know he was telling the truth.

‘Yeah, when you were shaking your bum trying to rile me’ up he joked and you blushed at him calling you out before he kissed your cheek gently ‘but yeah I went and introduced myself’

‘Wait, what did you say?’

‘I don’t really remember I was sort of bricking it. Told her I was a friend of yours and stuff but I think I made a good impression’

‘Oh yeah?’

‘Of course. She asked if I was single and if I would ever consider taking you out on a date’ he winked and you hid your face from him again, blushing furiously at the thought of your mum trying to set you up. ‘I told her I would love to, that I’ve wanted to for weeks and that I hope I could convince you cause you deserve to be treated like the princess you are’ he told you softly and you felt you eyes well up before you looked up at him. ‘So what do you say? Will you let me try again?’

You didn’t speak, afraid of how your voice would sound but you nodded up at him with a smile before he crashed his lips into yours. You didn’t mind though, you’d been itching to feel his lips on yours since the second you’d seen him get out of the car this morning and you completely lost yourselves as you stood in the middle of everyone sharing the sweetest kiss you’d ever had.

‘I bet your mum thinks I’ve put the moves on you quickly’ he joked as he pulled away and you quickly looked over to her, seeing her smiling widely with her hands clutched over her chest. ‘We should probably go and talk to her, I feel like I need to explain who I am properly’ he laughed and you smiled up at him sweetly.

‘How about you get me another apple juice first and then we go see her?’ Her you winked as he took your hand, slowly walking you back inside and towards the bar.

‘You drive a hard bargain’ he laughed and you followed him inside, your heart feeling more whole than it had in months. You knew it wouldn’t be easy and things would have to changed but as you caught the dimpled smile of your favourite brown eyed boy, you knew things would be okay.

[aheathen-conceivably]

At first, Josephine had tried the best she knew how; but she swiftly realized that she knew nothing of this life. Zelda and Giorgio spent nearly every moment from sun-up to sun down tilling, planting and attempting to harness water. They had tried to explain the basics of their attempts, but any time she tried to help she could see that they spent more time guiding her than actually working, and the moment she got out of their way their work went noticeably faster.

Yet it wasn’t just farming. Everything about this life was more difficult than she could have imagined, beyond anything her mother and her life had ever prepared her for. Foodstuffs only came in the most basic ingredients, electricity was sparse when it worked at all, and they were in a constant struggle to conserve water and fend off drought.

She felt like everything she did was in someone’s way, or that it would need to be redone by someone else as soon as she finished; even worse, she often found that she had no idea where to begin, and she would have to ask Zelda and Giorgio for help, taking them away from their work as their words of guidance began to sound more and more belittling to her ears.

So she decided that she couldn’t stay on the farm any longer, pretending to be something that she wasn’t and muddying everyone else’s attempts to make their lives better. She had to do something to contribute, to make herself feel worthwhile and valuable again. 

As she put on her clothes from New Orleans and her mother’s jewelry she could feel herself coming alive again, settling into the trappings that made her feel like who she was, and who she wanted to be. She would find something, anything that would make her fit in in this foreign place.

But her attempts didn’t last long. She walked the streets to whispers, some of them about their own doomed situations, others about the well dressed stranger who had the gall to walk their town rouged and powdered. A city slicker, a foreigner, a threat in turbulent times.

I read about girls like that. In town from the route to peddle themselves and move on, can you believe it? It’s a shame, really, but I mean look at her, what else would you expect?

She would try to smile at them, to form some sort of social circle, some beneficial connections like those she had known in New Orleans, but then their sneers only intensified and made it clear that no amount of charm would make her welcome among them. 

Again and again, they turned down her friendliness, they whispered about her in front of her face. Only she wished that was all, she wished that it was only about her. It was nothing that she hadn’t heard before, nothing that hadn’t been whispered about her back in New Orleans. No, it was the whispers that had nothing to do with her that hurt the most.

I simply don’t know how we’re going to feed the children. Then with another one on the way. We’re doomed, truly. I don’t know what to do. 

My sister lost her farm, up in Oklahoma. Her husband said he was off to California for work but it’s been months. I told her he isn’t coming home but she’ll starve if he doesn’t.

You should have seen them, sick like it was tuberculosis, but no, it’s the dust. It will kill them, I’m sure of it, in their lungs that way. But it’s death there or death in California. What of it? What can we do?

Whispers. More whispers. The intel that she didn’t want, the information she had most feared. For years she had scoffed at Giorgio’s predictions. I’m telling you, Jo. My father’s even moving the business. It’s going to be ugly. We have to do something, anything. We need a plan. 

Nonsense. There was too much fun to be had, too much music and too much life. But now she didn’t even need to hear the whispers to know it had come true. The line of beggars and unemployed seemed endless, and as she walked by them she realized that she was but a few steps from where they were. Because the whispers were right, she was a fallen woman, one of many who now hovered around the shopfronts like ghosts. Women with no skills other than their smiles and their charms, women doomed to repeat their pasts as the world crumbled around them.

She knew that they were right, the whispers. She didn’t belong here, and she never would. But there was nowhere left to go.

[mellowsadistic]

The Magician's Game - Chapter 5

“Well, that takes care of everything for today, I think,” said the Magician.

The ladies were all staring, unnerved, at the place where Susie and her mother had vanished. What sort of life had the girl gone home to? All of them knew it could just has easily have been them in Susie’s place, voted off to face who knows what horrible fate. Madelyn sucked her thumb nervously, and Becky squirmed in her stinky diaper.

“You can all do as your please for the rest of the afternoon,” the Magician continued happily. “Wander around the house, look around the gardens, or just go back to yours rooms for the night. It’s your choice, but don’t stay up too late. You need to be well rested for the second challenge tomorrow.”

“What time should we come back here for dinner?” Abby asked, a little apprehensively. She hoped it wouldn’t be baby food and formula again.

“Your dinner will be delivered to your rooms tonight,” said the Magician. His eyes glittered as he spoke. Abby didn’t like the look on his face, as if he had something planned, but what could be worse than having to eat disgusting, mushy baby food?

“Oh!” he said suddenly. “There is one thing I’ve forgotten. Stay where you are a minute, ladies.” The Magician’s eyes fell on Becky. He looked at her with his horrible smirk and said, in syrupy-sweet baby talk that turned the women’s stomachs, “Daddy thinks someone has a very ‘tinky nappy, doesn’t she? Does wittle baby Becky need changies?”

Becky turned scarlet and looked at the floor.

“Answer me, young lady.”

“Yes,” Becky said through gritted teeth.

“Uh-uh-uh, sweetie. You can do better than that. If you want to get out of that dirty diaper any time today, you have to ask me properly. Unless you’d rather spend all night in poopy pants?”

She flashed him a furious look. “Please Daddy,” she begged, her eyes filling with angry tears, “I’ve got a very stinky nappy. Will you change me?”

“Not quite, little one,” he said happily. “One more time. But this time try it in baby-talk, just like Daddy did.”

Becky sobbed. How much more was he going to humiliate her?! Wasn’t it enough that he’d stripped her of her toilet training and put her back in fucking nappies?! But the horrible, disgusting mess in her pants was getting too much to bear. She’d been in this filthy thing since lunchtime! “Pwease Daddy!” she wailed, determinedly not looking at the others. “Baby Becky has a vewy ‘tinky nappy! Pwease can I haf changies?”

“Good girl! That’s better! Alright, princess. Lie down and Daddy will clean your messy bottom. The rest of you can watch.”

Tears in her eyes, Becky lowered herself onto the changing mat that had suddenly appeared on the dining room floor. She couldn’t believe this was happening to her! A part of her still hoped that this was all some sort of bizarre nightmare, that she might wake up any second to find she was still a regular twenty-year-old woman who could keep her pants clean and dry.

With a loud ripping sound, the Magician undid the tapes of Becky’s diaper and pulled down the front.

“P-U!” he exclaimed, fanning his nose theatrically when the mess in Becky’s pants came into view.

Becky wanted to sink into the ground and disappear forever.

“What a little stinker!” the Magician teased as he lifted Becky’s legs in the air by her ankles. He smiled while he worked away at her mucky bottom with a pack of wet wipes. “Who’d have thought such a pretty girl could make such a yucky mess!” he said.

Becky cringed with shame. She felt exactly like those filthy brats at daycare. She glanced up and saw the others staring at her. They all looked disgusted. Katherine was actually pinching her nose! “Don’t look!” Becky whined. “Don’t look at me!”

Abby, Madelyn, and Katherine knew they should give her some privacy – if the Magician forced them to stay, they could at least avert their eyes – but something about the horror of the scene kept their eyes fixed on Becky. A grown woman getting her dirty nappy changed. They couldn’t look away.

“Nooo!” Becky mewled, squirming in place while the Magician cleaned her up.

“Hold still, little missy,” he told her sternly, but she kept on wiggling and whining. Sighing, he snapped his fingers, and suddenly Becky went quiet. Then a happy giggle burst from her lips.

“Goo goo ga ba ba!” she gurgled, as a dim-witted smile spread across her face.

“There we go!” the Magician cooed, smirking. “That should keep you settled down until you’re all cleaned up. Here, I know just the thing to occupy a fussy baby during a diaper change.”

He slipped off the shoe and sock from one of Becky’s feet and gave it a tickle. She squealed excitedly and grabbed her foot, lifting it up to her face in an extraordinary show of flexibility. Then, while the others watched with looks of revulsion on their faces, the twenty-year-old woman shoved her big toe into her mouth and started sucking on it wetly.

Even Madelyn, who’s thumb was still planted in her mouth, watched with distaste as Becky drooled cross-eyed over her toes like some mindless infant. It was like the Magician had drained her adult mind right out of her body! The fact that a man would dare do this to a woman made her seethe with rage, but there was nothing she could do about it now. She’d come up with a plan soon, she told herself. This freak was going to get it.

The Magician finished cleaning Becky’s bottom while she sucked on her toes and babbled nonsense. He pulled a fresh nappy from thin air and slipped it under her bottom, giving her a generous sprinkling of sweet-smelling baby powder and patting it firmly into her tushy before taping the bulky diaper snugly around her waist.

“There we go!” he announced, and Becky cooed happily up at him, her mentally reduced mind happily enjoying the pleasant tone of his voice. “I’ll finish taking care of baby Becky for this evening,” he told the others, “so you can all head off now.”

The three ladies immediately headed for the exit, slightly dazed by what they had just seen. They couldn’t get the image of Becky babbling and getting her butt wiped out of their heads. Madelyn slipped out first, Katherine behind her – but before the fashion model could leave, the Magician spoke.

“Oh Katherine,” he said, “if you do decide to go exploring the house again, at least put some undies on this time sweetie.” He chuckled. “Such a naughty thing, running around with your bottom hanging out, flashing your no-no spot!”

Katherine hurried out of the room, blushing brightly, her arms slightly outstretched to keep her balance as she toddled and stomped away unsteadily. Abby followed quickly behind her.

“Katherine,” Abby said, catching up to the toddling woman in the corridor to their rooms. She had to supress a laugh at the sight of the snobbish lady waddling bowlegged down the corridor with her bare bottom mostly exposed by her short dress.

Katherine looked at her suspiciously. “What?”

“I was just wondering… The Magician said Susie got three votes, and I’m pretty sure it was me, Madelyn, and Becky. So I wanted to know who you voted for.”

Katherine raised her eyebrow. “And why should I tell you that?” she sneered.

Abby scowled. “Fine! I thought we could work together, but if you’re going to be a total bitch about it, you can forget it! I don’t know why I asked. You’re just some stupid toddler now anyway.”

Katherine blushed angrily. “Fuck you! At least I didn’t poop my pants earlier today!”

Abby went red herself. It had felt so disgusting having to waddle back to her room with a yucky mess in her pants after the first challenge. At the time, she’d been so relieved not to be made incontinent that she hadn’t thought too much about it, but now the memory made her cringe with shame. “Go and waddle back to your room, little girl!” she spat. “You can practice for your next baby pageant!”

Katherine stormed away furiously, stomping her feet unsteadily, and this time Abby didn’t restrain herself. She laughed nastily as the fashion model toddled off to her room looking exactly like a grumpy three-year-old.

Katherine slammed the door behind her, seething. That stupid girl should just wait! Eventually the Magician would do something to her as well, and then she’d see how she liked it! Hopefully she’d end up in diapers forever like Becky.

Abby stormed off as well. Madelyn had already gone back to her room too, and Abby decided not to disturb her. Even as a ridiculous thumbsucker, she was still a little intimidating with her short hair and her black suit and her stern, commanding voice. In any case, Madelyn had been on her side last time. She considered waiting for Becky, but she doubted the disgusting little pants-pooper would be in any fit state to discuss strategy for a while.

She went to her own room. The Magician might be a terrifying monster, but his house was certainly comfortable, and Abby laid down on the queen-sized bed, thinking hard about how she could possibly win this ‘game’. She thought about the Magician’s deep voice and handsome features, even his superior smirk, and her hand slipped almost unconsciously between her legs. She had an idea...

A few hours later, and Katherine was waiting impatiently in her room, sat up in her bed. There was a knock on the door.

“Come in!” Katherine snapped. “It’s about time! I’m hungr…”

Then she froze at the sight of the woman who had just entered the room. It was her. The nanny she’d seen nursing the young woman when she’d tried to escape earlier that day.

“Hi, sweetie!” the lady cooed. She cupped her heavy, swollen breasts and jostled them. “Are you ready for din-dins?”

Katherine squealed in fear and jumped out of bed. She knew exactly where this was going and she wasn’t going to let it happen! She tried to run past the crazy woman and out the door, but her knees gave out before she’d taken two steps. She fell to the floor and started crawling desperately to get away.

“Silly baby!” the woman chuckled, reaching down and swatting Katherine playfully on her jiggling bare bottom. “Where are you off to? There’s no running away from Nanny this time! Baby needs her tummy full! Yes she does!”

Katherine turned around to look up and the woman, and felt her mind go numb. The lady had her tits out. They were enormous, pale and creamy. Katherine had always thought of herself as having big breasts, but they were nothing compared to the beachball sized tits wobbling alluringly on this woman’s chest. On the end of each nipple, a drop of pearly white milk glistened. Katherine found herself unable to avert her eyes. It was just like it had been with the baby food – the Magician was making her crave it, she knew. She tried to look away, to focus on something, anything else, but her eyes kept being drawn to the woman’s chest, and her stomach began to rumble.

“There’s a hungry baby!” the woman cooed. Nanny. Her name was Nanny. She helped Katherine to her feet, but the fashion model turned toddler barely noticed. She was too busy gazing hungrily at the drop of milk that had just ran down the underside of Nanny’s breast. She was hungry. She was a hungry baby.

Nanny say down on the bed and pulled Katherine into her lap. “There’s a good girl,” she crooned, guiding Katherine’s lips towards her nipple. “There we go. Time for num-nums. Time that all little girls got fed.”

Katherine latched on hungrily, her mind nearly empty. Somewhere in the back of her head, a voice was screaming at her that she had to stop, that she was a grown woman, that she ought to be disgusted by what she was doing. But she ignored it. She was a hungry baby, and she needed her num-nums. She started guzzling down Nanny’s warm, rich breastmilk like it was the most delicious thing she’d ever tasted. It was the most delicious thing she’d ever tasted, like honey and vanilla and something else that set off fireworks in her brain. Nanny rubbed her back, cooing at her softly while she nursed, and Katherine drank until she was full, and she drifted off to sleep with another woman’s nipple still planted in her mouth.

It was a similar story in the other girl’s rooms.

“Naughty girl!” Abby’s Nanny scolded when she barged into the room and found the younger girl playing with herself. “I’ve already had to spank one naughty girl today, and I can see I’m going to have to spank another! That is not ladylike behaviour, little girl.”

Abby barely had time to shriek in surprise before she was pulled over the older woman’s knees and given a short but painful spanking with her underwear pooled around her ankles. But if the spanking was bad, it was nothing compared to the humiliation of what came next. Still dazed and confused by this terrifying woman’s sudden presence, Abby didn’t even fight as the lady pulled up her top and guided one of her breasts into her open mouth.

She squealed in horror once the nipple was thrust between her lips, but no matter how hard she tried she couldn’t spit it out! She thought about Madelyn and her stupid thumbsucking habit, and realised it must be the same. She couldn’t stop her lips from nursing! All she could do was let out muffled squeals of protest as the warm mother’s milk started to flow.

Over in Madelyn’s room, the feminist lecturer received a slightly different surprise. “Hello, Maddy,” said the Magician, appearing suddenly beside her bed and making her yelp with surprise. “I’ve come to feed you dinner, sweetie,” he said pleasantly, pulling out a baby bottle and ignoring her look of deepest loathing. “I think you’ll find this very yummy, little miss. I made it specially for you.”

She looked suspiciously at the bottle. It looked like it was full of formula, the same as the one she’d drank for lunch earlier that day.

“It’s mostly breastmilk,” he went on, smirking at the look of revulsion on her face, “but I added a special ingredient as well.” His smile widened. “You see, I hopped over to your university campus, and it turns out you’re not very popular among a lot of the male students! In fact, when I explained the situation, many of them were only too happy to comply when I asked them to help fill your bottle for your din-dins tonight.”

Hey eyes widening with horror, Madelyn stared at the baby bottle. “You mean…” she mumbled fearfully around her thumb. “Is dat…”

“It’s mostly breastmilk,” he said again, “with a few healthy splashes of male piss and ejaculate.”

Madelyn tried to back away, to run, to fight, but her body was frozen. No! This couldn’t happen to her! Not this!

Slowly, clearly enjoying every agonising second, the Magician slid Madelyn’s thumb from her mouth and replaced it with the nipple of the baby bottle. Madelyn tried to squirm away, to spit it out, but it was useless. Her lips got to work. Her stomach rolling, she could do nothing to stop the disgusting mixture of breastmilk, pee, and sperm squirting into her mouth and down her throat. She felt sick. But as the Magician guided her hands around the bottle so she could feed herself, and tucked her under the covers of her bed, she couldn’t stop nursing eagerly from it. The fuller her belly got, the sleepier she became. With the bottle still in her mouth, her eyes fluttered closed.

Becky, who’d been woken from her mentally reduced baby state by the Magician only to find herself presented with a woman’s breast to drink from, had immediately started crying and wailing again in her room.

“Hush now, silly baby,” cooed her Nanny, thrusting one of her nipples into Becky’s mouth. The incontinent girl latched on uncontrollably, her eyes wide with shock as her body immediately started to nurse. But she quickly stopped caring. The milk was so yummy!

She settled down and cuddled close to her Nanny while she was breastfed, feeling totally at peace with the world. And she was also starting to feel very sleepy. Milk drunk, she realised, as her awareness came briefly back to her. She was milk drunk, like a baby. A belly full of breastmilk to help the baby go to bed... She barely noticed when the woman withdrew her nipple from her mouth. She felt very warm. Very warm in one particular place to be exact. With a sleepy whimper, Becky realised she was wetting her nappy. The smell of piss reached her, and she wrinkled her nose in disgust, but she was too tired to cry and mourn her potty training any more. Becky drifted off to sleep in her soggy diaper, and slept until morning.

Katherine was already dozing. Abby and Madelyn fell asleep quickly as well, their tummies full of breastmilk (and in Madelyn’s case, a little something extra as well), and they dreamed about full nappies, and smacked bottoms, and adult-sized nurseries that they couldn’t escape from no matter how hard they tried. And when they woke up in the morning, all four of them had wet beds.