#we❤️mink

[theonewhospeaksinweird]

💛💙Protected (Charlotte Katakuri x Female!Reader) Pt. 3💛💙

💚 = Lime/Lil Spicy

💛 = Lemon

💙 = Sad

❤️ = Angsty (won't do many of these unless prompted) 

💜 = Fluff

💔 = Heartbreak (rare unless prompted)

🖤 = Normal 

Part 3, as promised!~ It all comes to the thrilling conclusion, and I FINALLY get to the scene that started this whole story.~ After about collectively 18.5 k words.~ All I can say in my defense is that...THIS MAN IS TOO FINE!~ If you don't want the ✨spicy✨ part of this story, that's totally fine.~ Just stop reading at the line of star squids.~ Enjoy, dearies.~

Minors, Do Not Interact, Please.~

Part 1 <- - Part 2 <- - Part 3

Although I wished for it, the silence that abruptly replaced the sounds of destruction and fighting startled me, along with the suddenly very loud shouting of Pekoms in my ear. 

“Y/N! It’ll be okay-!” The pink clad mink cut himself off at the abrupt silence. Our heavy breaths were the only thing filling the new quiet. We both slowly detached from each other and looked around us to see the same semi-transparent white shield that I had created earlier. Its opaqueness varied in pulses, so I could see that everything around us had crumbled into rubble except the ground inside the bubble.

“What the fuck?” Pekoms mumbled out, looking around until his gaze fell back onto me who looked equally surprised. This sudden change shocked my panicked mind out of its frenzied state, allowing me to calm myself down. The calmer I became, the more I realized how drained I felt again and leaned against Pekoms once more.

“Is this yours, Y/N?” Looking up at my reflection in Pekoms’ black glasses, I gave a hesitant nod before responding.

“Y-Yeah, I guess it is. . . “ This new power still felt weird to me. More so the after effects of me being fatigued and suddenly so calm. It bothered me, but I couldn't put my finger on it. It was like the emotions just expelled from my body. Before our conversation could continue on, some movement caught the corner of my eye. A beat up, and barely moving Strawhat had crawled out of a large hole in the ground.

Once again, the bubble popped so suddenly when my heart jumped into my throat in dread. 

Where was Katakuri? 

With the barrier gone, the rubble around us sank into our little hole, but I ignored it and the weariness tugging at my bones, scrambling over the debris. Desperation clawed its way back into my heart and showed in my deep purple antennae as I crested the pile of rubble, searching for my husband. Tears burned my darting eyes, blurring my vision, until they fell onto the large body sprawled out beside the hole. Katakuri. No scarf in sight. My breath hitched, and the tears fell freely as I took in what that entailed. A part of me already knew what the outcome of this fight would be, but it still hurt to be right. This was the last thing I wanted to be right about.

I felt Pekoms come up beside me on the rubble, his reaction being the opposite of mine when he saw Strawhat alive. Before either of us could go to our respective fighters, the sound of those familiar spurs clanked twice through the air as Katakuri struggled to his feet in front of a crawling Strawhat. I was frozen to my spot, watching with bated breaths as he swayed on his feet. Blue light bathed either side of my face as my antennae drooped down.

"Kata. . . " I whispered out, thinking he was going to try and continue fighting. I wish I could grab the bracelet from my hair and know what was going through his heart and mind right now, but I was glued to my spot, unable to even get past the state he was in. There was blood dripping from multiple wounds, the largest being a hole in his side, fresh bruises littering his body, sure to be a nasty color tomorrow, and his entire body shaking with exhaustion.  

At the obstruction, the retreating captain stood up as well, readying himself for a fight that neither of them seemed to be in the shape to continue. Pekoms growled beside me, seemingly unhappy with the fact that Strawhat was still trying to fight with Katakuri.

"That damn brat doesn't know when to quit, huh? Tch, I figured as much." And with that, my travel companion parted from my side and away from the two fighters. I was about to get up myself, to try and convince my injured husband to stop. That dying for his mother's cause wouldn't change a thing. Maybe it was selfish of me to think so, but I just knew I couldn't live without him. I barely know how I lived before him. Before I could force myself to move, my husband's raspy question stopped me. 

"Are you gonna come back. . . to take down Big Mom one day?" 

Huh? Was he asking this boy to. . ?

"Of course I am! Cause I'm gonna be King of the Pirates!"

Then, the most bizarre thing happened.

Katakuri smiled. He smiled at the thought of someone taking down his mother.

"You must be looking far into the future!" He exclaimed as he started swaying more on his feet. Looking like he was about to fall again is what finally spurred me to action. I didn't know what happened in that fight for him to be so open about his feelings with this enemy, but that hardly mattered now. I started sprinting across the ruined floor, tripping and falling over debris as Katakuri began falling. Onto his back, no less. He was on his stomach before.

I knew I couldn't catch him, but I'd been apart from him for too long, and he needed me just as much as I needed him right now. He landed with a resounding thud that hurt my heart. I could see Strawhat standing there in shock as I finally got to my husband's side. My knees cut on the broken floor at his sides, but I hardly cared as I frantically looked over my defeated husband.

"Katakuri! No no no, are you okay? Please don't die! I love you too much to let you die!" I wasn't sure what to do first, he was unresponsive. The first thing I could think of was to stop the bleeding from the big gash on his side. With nothing else to use, I took the skirt of my dress and pressed it into the wound. The fabric of my skirt was too sheer, though, and barely did anything to stop the flowing life force. As I thought about what to do instead, I could feel another person approaching. 

Strawhat Luffy. 

Meeting him face to face like this instead of through his Haki had a different effect. He didn't seem like a dangerous guy, in fact he seemed quite simple. Yet here Katakuri was, flat on his back after their battle. He had big, round black eyes that shone with determination –towards what, I didn't know just yet– and his mouth was set in a fine line. It unnerved me that I couldn’t take any emotions from his blank face. He was worse than when I first met Katakuri. Strawhat looked far more beat up than Katakuri, which I secretly relished, but was at least able to stumble his way towards us. I knew I stood no chance at fighting this guy if he wanted to finish off my husband, but I'd be damned if I didn't do anything.

"Go away! You won! Isn't that enough? He's already down, so just leave, go find your crew!" I splayed myself protectively in front of my husband. I wouldn't be much of a hindrance if this guy really wanted to get rid of me, though I could stall. If only for a few moments. He ignored me and got closer. I was shaking. Shaking in both anger and fear to make a deep magenta as he dared ignore me. When he was a few steps away, I covered half my arm in Haki –that was the most I could use even after 2 years of training– and threw a punch as hard as I could at him. Even in his weakened form, the infamous pirate caught my fist effortlessly. I strained against him, staring heatedly into his thoughtless eyes. 

With the contact, I searched his emotions and intent, if only to predict his line of thought, but what I found was nothing I expected. Through the pain and exhaustion were strong threads of respect and twinges of sorrow. They were towards Katakuri. That caught me off guard, and the loss of concentration made my Haki disappear. Strawhat didn't move against me as he stared blankly into my confused eyes.

"I'm not gonna hurt him." 

And for some reason, I believed him. I kept my eyes on him as I slowly took back my hand, my magenta lightening to a curious yellow. His grip wasn't very tight in the first place. He turned his attention to my still unconscious lover, and I watched as he stepped past me, took the black hat off of his namesake hat and put it over Katakuri's mouth. That surprised me even more. To think that Strawhat respected him enough to cover his biggest insecurity even after he won. Vice versa with Katakuri taking this fight so seriously that he exposed himself in full to this rambunctious teen.

The boy left after that, staggering his way aimlessly down a winding hall of the half destroyed Mirro-World. I'm sure Pekoms would find and help him. This was out of my hands now that Katakuri had been defeated. Returning my attention back to my lover, I let out a tired sigh. I'd never seen my husband look so beat up before. The thought of how much pain he must be in brought the tears back to my eyes. It was over now, his part was done, and everything was coming down. 

"Oh, Kata. Your mother doesn't deserve you." My quiet words came out watery as I pet his dirty magenta hair a little, wishing I could hold him more, but I didn't want to cause him anymore pain. I wouldn't even be able to get serious help for him until Brulee came back, which I'm sure will be a while since Pekoms needed her for Strawhat's escape. I hope she's alright. My hand moved from his head to the black hat Strawhat had put over his mouth, removing it so I could see his full face. He was still the most handsome man ever. With a sad smile, I bent over and kissed his forehead hoping he would feel the love in it even while he was asleep. 

Looking around, I saw my abandoned medical kit lying on the ground a bit of ways away slightly under some rubble. For hopefully one of the last times today, I made myself get up to retrieve it. My tears had slowed, but when I came back and began cleaning up my husband they streaked down my dirty face again. The warm rivulets of tears dripped from my chin and nose onto his chest as I leaned over him. Starting with his face, I used alcohol wipes to wipe away the dirt and gently clean his cuts. This medical kit only had basic things, so I used all the candy design bandages where I could, and the gauze on his big gash. After about half an hour of quietly working, my silent cries had been reduced to the occasional sniffle here and there. 

The appearance of Katakuri had improved, and everything was at least cleaned, though he looked a bit silly with all the cutesy bandages covering his face and torso. With a weary sigh, I turned my attention to the pile of dirty and bloodied wipes with a grimace. As I began stuffing them into the basically empty medical kit, a groan interrupted the deafening background noise of the Mirro-World. My attention immediately snapped to my husband whose face was contorting from peace to pain. His large hand came up to his dirty locks, grasping at his head as he let out another sound of pain. My breath caught in my throat at the sound.

"Kat. . . Katakuri. . !" My throat closed up before I could get anything else out, and let myself fall down onto his free arm. I could feel him freeze as I let out all my pent up emotions. Everything oozed out of me like a toxic slime with each shuddering sob. Pain. Sorrow. Fear. Relief. All the tension I was holding in my chest slowly drained out of me. I was weak in the presence of my protector.

“You’re okay! You’re alive! Everything was rumbling and falling apart, I saw you fall and he came over and I thought he was gonna. . . he was gonna-!” I couldn’t even finish my sentence. I didn’t want to think about it anymore. Not right now at least. Maybe never again. Wave after wave of tears fell in fat blobs down my face, and I couldn’t stop shaking as I held on tight to Katakuri’s arm. I could feel his regret, pain and shame mixing in with my turbulent emotions at the sight of me crying. My antennae settled into a deep cerulean blue that lit up my crying visage. It wasn’t long before I felt his free hand come to my back and rub it gently. That only encouraged my breakdown, enticing me to hug his arm in my hold tighter. 

“I’m sorry, Y/N. I’ve put you through too much today. I’m sorry I couldn’t win. I’m sorry I wasn’t enough. I’m sorry-” 

“No! Be-Be quiet!!” I shook my head in a childish manner, not wanting to hear those remorseful words misplaced in his mouth. His voice was shaky and his chest shuddered with every regretful word he pushed out, seemingly on the edge of joining me in tears. Whether that was my doing or his own sorrow showing itself, I didn't know. The sound of him being so defeated brought back the anger I felt earlier towards Strawhat, but this time it was aimed towards the real culprit: Big Mom. 

None of this would’ve happened if she hadn’t taken that blonde cook. He obviously wanted nothing to do with Germa, not that I blame him for disassociating from those monsters. Yes, Katakuri would always protect his family because of his own sense of responsibility and love, but she created and invited this threat, just like every other danger, to the family. I knew he could feel my silent anger, but I didn't dare bring up that topic right now. For the moment being, I was just worried about my husband, and only him.

Lifting my head up, my mouth was downturned in a frown as I subdued my crying and swallowed my indignation to continue talking. I saw the suspected tears in Katakuri’s eyes as he moved his shiny gaze from the ruined ceiling to my indignant face. Oh, how I hated that self-loathing look in his beautiful red eyes.

“None of this is your fault. You did your best, I know you did, Katakuri. Why are you apologizing to me when you took on such a powerful opponent with everything you had? You were lying here in a bloody heap at the end of your battle, all because of that damn Strawhat boy. You are more than enough. More than your mom or I deserve. The only thing you should be apologizing for is making me think you died.” The last part of my rant was whispered quietly, the words being the biggest fear I’ve had all day. I swiped at my face, trying fruitlessly to wipe away some of the wetness coating it. His sharp toothed mouth hung open like a fish out of water. He had nothing to say to my rebuttal, but the swelling of tears slipping down his face said it all. 

The tight feeling of anger was washed away completely by that soft face. The face of a man who’s been given the grace he deserves. Seeing him crying made me smile. He would have never shown this type of emotion to anyone else in his family since he wanted to be seen as an immovable force that protects them, but now that image was shattered. And I'm starting to think it's a good thing he lost. I threw myself down onto his chest, wrapping my arms around his neck. A watery laugh escaped me as I buried my face into his strong neck and his large arms enveloped me in their comforting embrace. Even though he lost, he was still my protector. In his arms was still the safest place I felt I could be.

<コ:彡ミ☆<コ:彡ミ☆ <コ:彡ミミ☆ <コ:彡ミ☆ <コ:彡ミ☆ <コ:彡ミ☆

Muffled voices prodded at my subconscious. I couldn’t discern anything as I pressed my face closer to the warm, squishy thing I lay upon. One of the voices was deeper and closer than the others, the vibration of their words humming through my body. I tried to just ignore it and go back to sleep, but the longer the voices continued the more awake I became. And with my resurfacing consciousness came the pain of my body as I tried moving. The soreness everywhere and sharp pain on my knees made me grimace in regret.

“Shh. . . sleeping. . . don't wake. . .”

“. . . eeping? . . hard as a rock. . . she won’t wake. . .” 

The two other voices that weren't the soothing rumbling began to argue, and until I opened my eyes I wasn't sure where I was, or who was talking. The first thing I saw was pink. Bleariness had my mind as slow as a tortoise as I peeled my face away from the squishy pink thing. Pulling away further, I realized it was a person’s chest. My husband’s chest to be exact. Finally, everything came rushing back and anxiety shot through me like an archer’s arrow. Despite my sore body’s protests, I sat up and looked around wildly. 

I was in Katakuri and my’s room, lying in our bed. Katakuri sat propped up beside me with a lot of large pillows behind him and heavily bandaged. On either side of our bed was Cracker and Brulee, who was the source of the “hushed” bickering. Everyone froze when I popped up like a gopher. I probably looked like a mess right now, and acting so crazy definitely didn't help that rap. Brulee was the first to break the deafening silence. 

“Y/N-nii! You're okay! I was so worried that you weren't gonna wake up just like Katakuri-nii! It was horrible what you two went through! That damn Strawhat, I'll kill him myself!” The large, wispy woman had pounced on me when she started her blubbering, holding onto me tightly by my waist while crying into my stomach. Her tight embrace didn't do my aching body any favors, but the familiar touch made me relax. Her feelings of relief and joy gave me a small boost of energy.

“Sorry to worry you, Brulee. It's okay, I'm fine.” I wheezed out with strained breaths. 

“Get off of her, you witch! You’re really gonna kill her like that!” Cracker came to my rescue in his own little Cracker way. His instigation made the emotional woman let go of me and engage in yet another bickering match, but this one was full volume now that they didn't have to worry about waking me up. I rubbed at my tender muscles while letting out a few amused chuckles. With his siblings’ distraction, I had forgotten to address my husband beside me.

“I'm glad you're awake.” His baritone voice commented quietly. My heart leapt to my throat, and I couldn't turn around fast enough to fully focus on him. There he was, in all his handsome glory. The fact that I could see his whole face caught me off guard. I glanced from him to his two siblings with a silent question before scooting back to his bare side. I decided to voice my obvious question when he said nothing.

“Why aren't you wearing-?”

“I don't need it. At least not with them, and not right now. Mama has decided to continue pursuing Strawhat who is heading to Wano. Some of our siblings are going with her while the rest of us stay to recuperate and rebuild the kingdom.” Despite his serious words, there was a small smile on Katakuri’s face as he talked about his mother going to chase Strawhat Luffy. It made me think about the question he asked that boy. The connection made me giggle. 

Cracker and Brulee stopped their argument at my tinkle of laughter. I couldn't hold it in, and my giggles grew into a full on laughter. Katakuri smiled happily at my joy, soon joining me with a few low chuckles of his own that blossomed into one of his rare laughters as well. We couldn't see it, but Brulee was smiling fondly at our seemingly random laughter with Cracker looking bewildered between all three of us. 

“What the fuck are you both laughin-”

“Come on, let's go check on our other siblings, Cracker.” Brulee grabbed Cracker by a bandaged arm, eliciting a pained cry from him, and dragged him from his seat to our nearby full length mirror. With a hefty push from the tall woman, Cracker was sent into the Mirro-World. Before she went through herself, she spoke to us as we came down from our laughing high.

“You two should rest. I'll tell everyone to let you have your time alone today, wiwiwi.~” And with that, we were alone. I sat there catching my breath as the peace settled in our room. A deep breath quieted my emotions into content, and I could feel the same coming from my paramount husband. My arms snaked around as much of his chest as they could and gave him a tight squeeze which I was sure he barely felt. 

“I'm glad you're happy. Happier. Maybe now. . . you could be more yourself. No more hiding and putting up that omnipotent facade.” Hope for my lover’s possible boost in his self-image bloomed in my chest as I slowly tilted my head up to look at him. He wouldn't look me in the eye, and there was a solemn doubt in his eyes and heart. 

“Perhaps. Though, things of this matter are not so easily changed. Especially not in my family. You know this.” His comment procured a furrow on my brow. Not wanting him to fall off into a dark place again so quickly, I moved into his lap, straddling his waist as my small hands reached up to direct his face to mine. 

“What if you were the one to change that?” That simple question held a few different meanings. Meanings I'm sure the man before me could easily decipher after three years of marriage. He’d never admit it to anyone, but I felt it. I felt his relief when he lost. The joy when Strawhat said he’d come back. The buried hope that Big Mom would fall. Every burden he’s been caused was because of his mother, as is with his siblings. It was a sure bet that Katakuri would be voted the captain of the Big Mom Pirates if his mother fell. Then he could begin to heal his family and himself. 

Katakuri stayed quiet for a good few moments, but I didn't need a verbal answer. I knew the answer of his heart. With my hands on his jaw, and us finally being alone after such a long, draining battle, I couldn't help the beckoning I felt towards him. Even all bandaged up and bed ridden, Katakuri still had my heart and body in a hold. The pain of the cuts on my knees were no match for the yearning burning in me. With deliberate movements, it didn't take long for my lips to slowly mesh into his. The familiar feeling of his sharp teeth prodded at my chin and upper lip, but it just spurred me on. He tasted like donuts, as usual. 

Katakuri seemed to have no qualms with my choice of action since his large hands were soon encompassing my hips. Lithe fingertips danced from his jaw to the back of his neck, leaving a trail of goosebumps along the way. His semi upright position on the bed made it easier for me to lay upon him fully and deepen our sweet kiss. My heart raced faster, and I already knew my antennae were a deep rose pink as they lowered against my head. With flushed cheeks, I minimally pulled away to catch my breath. Upon opening my eyes, my lust filled ones were met with the love littered ones of my husband. The look he gave me, made me a bit shy for being so forthright with my desires. Though, the tent I felt against my butt suggested that it was not unwelcome. 

After a brief spell of bashfulness, I willed myself to continue. It was too late to stop, and I had done enough holding back during the day of the wedding. Not to mention the time I've been asleep. With that thought in mind, I crashed my eager mouth back into Katakuri’s, wrapping my arms around his muscled neck. I could feel him taking in a deep breath through his nose but didn't pull away. In fact, he pulled me closer by my hips. Kata was as needy as I was, but still maintained his self-restrictions. His apprehensiveness to indulge himself in me had my clenching insides groaning in exasperation. It wasn't long before I was pushing myself back against his growing sex with apparent longing. 

“Kata.~ Please, I need you so bad. I know you want to use me.” My usually modest voice rang with sultry desire as I whispered into my husband’s ear. My teasing yanked another seemingly pained groan from him, making him press his sharp nose to my shoulder. Those sharp teeth were just a hair away from my own neck. The thought of what he could do to me with them made me shiver.

Our passionate kiss devolved into one of sloppy desire until I wrenched my lips from his to latch onto his neck. With it being covered all the time, it was an easy weakness I could exploit. Just a soft faux bite right below his jaw had him squeezing my hips tighter. A restrained groan hummed against my mouth as Kata let out hot, heavy pants against my shoulder. I continued my soft bites into his warm skin. My teeth sunk into his flesh, tasting mochi and showing that he allowed me to do this. The feeling of his large muscles straining against me as he still held himself back drew out soft whines from my throat. 

“Don't do this to me, love. I can't. . . I might just. . .” He growled out his labored warning to me. Usually, I would back off and continue to set the pace, but today was different. Today, I wanted to press all the wrong buttons to get the “punishment” I've always been threatened with. For once I wanted my husband to be the one in pure sensual bliss. He deserved it after everything he’s been through. This was my gift to him. If he couldn't unapologetically be himself anywhere else in his life, I wanted him to be completely open with me. Emotionally and physically.

Deciding upon this course of action put a tingle in my spine. I could finally do all the teasing I wanted and say all those things that drove him crazy. Katakuri had been preoccupying himself with kneading my bare thighs from under my nightgown and leaving soft kisses along my now exposed shoulder. Soft mumbles of praise from him to me sung into my ears, only making me more excited for what was to come. He was already teetering on a thin edge. 

I continued to roll my hips back and forth against his fully hard bulge. Slowly and deliberately. A soft whimper escaped me each time I rolled just right over my sensitive spot, clinging to him like he was my lifeline. 

“You can't leave me like this. I want it all, I know I can take it. Just fuck me all you want. It'd be so easy and feel so good.~” Yet another growl rumbled against my chest from his as I continued whispering dirty nothings in his ear. 

“Y/N. Stop. Please.” He used my full name. He was serious, but despite his firm tone, I could feel his raging lust banging on the grates of his body. Screaming from the sewers to let it come out to play to its heart content. I was dangling the key so carelessly above the ravenous hands stretching through the gaps. My own lust had already taken over my body. It was in control with the rest of my emotions tied up and left to watch with morbid curiosity how this would end. All I did was smile and run my hands down his chiseled chest. 

I didn't respond to his plea and demand, but instead continued my dangerous game. I detached myself from him and led my lips on a trail from his neck to his waist band. As I looked up at my needy lover, I could see the dangerous glint in his red eyes. Not the one he got when he was fighting, this was different. It felt more animalistic and unkempt. Something I hadn't felt in him before. It was like there was a whole new part of him that had been closed off, and I was the first to experience it this way. My butt swayed restlessly behind me, my lower stomach begging for relief of this infernal itch deep inside me. And there was only one way to get rid of it. Excitement overrode my momentary fear as I held his warning gaze while making quick work of his pants and boxers.

Finally, the thing I pined after stood before me, lighting my body abuzz and cheeks ablaze. Precum had darkened a wet spot on his boxers and showed no signs of stopping as his cock twitched and pulsed in my hands. A giggle bubbled out of me as I pressed my cheek to the shaft and kissed my way up to the soft, wet tip. I hummed in satisfaction when the soft pink head slid into my mouth, my tongue swirling around his sensitive glands. Just with this much, my mouth was half full, but I knew that other parts of me could handle him just fine. I felt like I could handle anything as long as it satisfied him. This progress had Katakuri moaning and gently holding my head. There was no push of his hands or buck of his hips, but I knew he wanted more. Well if he wanted more today, then he’d have to take more. I let go of my tight grip on his head with a pop, licking my lips as I swallowed his stringy fluids. 

“Doesn't my mouth feel good? You know what would feel even better than my little mouth?” I called out once again to Kata, bringing him out of his haze of pleasure. I continued to slowly pump his full length with both hands, but only rubbed his tip along my now wet cheek. 

“Ka-ta-kur-i.~ Why don't you wanna make your wife feel good?~ I'm begging you.~ I promise it will feel great for both of us.~ Please?~” A faux pout puffed my cheeks when he didn't respond, just letting out those deep, restraining growls and grunts. I knew it would take more than a little teasing to get him to let loose. I let go of his cock fully and sat up on my bandaged knees. The adrenaline pumping through my hot body nulled the pain from them as I took the straps of my nightgown and tugged them leisurely down my arms. The thin, flowy fabric of the gown already showed my perked up nipples through it, but I knew he liked seeing the real deal. The small straps fell off my fingers, but bunched up on my hips, unable to completely fall off without some assistance. 

I crawled back on top of my heavily breathing husband, his sharp eyes hooded with lust, hovering my gooey entrance over his weeping tip. The urge to slide down on it, and ride us both to completion was tempting, but kept my eyes on the prize. Or eyes on the punishment, more like. With us face to face again, I could feel the hot breaths emanating from his mouth and fanning against my face. He could feel my awaiting sex so close as well. Those dangerous eyes trailed from my exposed breasts to my still covered lower half leaving me feeling vulnerable under their piercing scrutiny. He was expecting me to continue my undressing and, subsequently, start riding him like usual. All I did was give him a smile.

“Need some help?” He asked lowly and gruffly. There was a gravel to his voice that brought back the urge once again. It was so close. No. I had a plan. I reserved the right to give my husband what he needs. Even if he doesn’t think he needs it. I gave a nod, unable to talk as his hot gaze stayed on my face. Wanting to ignore his commanding stare, I moved closer to his face. I knew something that he fell apart at. My damp lips pressed against the clammy skin of his cheek, adorning his scar with a kiss. I didn't stop at one, and softly placed a kiss all along his left cheek’s scar. The skin was smooth but raised and was as sensitive as his neck, if not more. He sucked in a sharp breath, held it, then let it out shakily. 

“Do you need something, dear?~” I moved to an innocent facade, but I knew he saw right through me. I was excited and the way my legs wrapped around his waist and positioned his head at my awaiting entrance was proof of that. He didn't respond yet, and just moved his right arm above me to hold himself up as his left hand moved underneath my lower back to hold me tight. Not too tight to hurt me, but I couldn't hope to get out of his grip. Not that I wanted to.

I could feel his hands squeeze at the damp skin on my thighs closest to my entrance before languidly sliding up to my silky gown. Suddenly, with little to no effort, he grabbed both sides of my clothing and tore it in two along with my panties. The sound of the threads snapping so quickly had my breath catching in my throat. Pulling back from his cheek, his eyebrows were furrowed like he was angry, and he was. Angry at the built up sexual frustration and my teasing. Gradually, he sat up, making me quickly hug onto his neck and press my fully naked body to his chest. It didn't take long for our positions to be switched with me underneath Katakuri, and him huffing above me. His hands were quick to push down his pants more and tug them off of himself fully, but swiftly went back to caging me against the bed. 

“You want to take me whole? Want to make me feel good with your little needy hole? Is that what my pretty little wife wants?” Katakuri hardly ever talked dirty to me. Usually it was just praise and sweet talk as we took it slow, maybe the occasional innuendo. But this was him listening to my wants and his needs obliging. This new side of him had me half scared of the consequences and half begging for the pleasure. The duality wasn’t hard to choose between. He was standing on the wire, and all I had to do was blow him one way or another. This was probably my last chance to turn back.

“I need an answer, love. Tell me to stop.” His now soft voice was begging me to tell him no. He was scared of hurting me still, even though he so clearly wanted to fuck me to his heart’s content. I had convinced a part of him to act on his wants for once. The sweet side of him that I was used to was barely holding back the ravenous animal that was clawing its way to the surface. All I could do was smile and put a hand to his clenched jaw as I raised my lips to his ear.

“Do what you want.~” A silent beat. Two. A deep, almost pained, groan erupted from my husband. Soon, my twitchy insides were being stretched to their limits. His impossibly hard cock was already halfway inside of me, bullying its way to my cervix. The suddenness knocked the breath out of me with a gasping moan falling from my lips. I clenched hard around his member, telling him to continue. My efforts were met with a deeply pleasured moan from the giant man above me. Before now, Katakuri would have told me to stop here to keep me from hurting myself. That worry was nowhere to be seen now as his hips pulled back slowly only to snap forward once again, burying his cock deeper inside of me still. 

“Fuck! Oh my gosh, it's so good! Kata!” My words slurred together as the disarming pleasure rolled through my body like a riptide, sweeping my wits from under me. I never knew sex could feel this wild. My reactions to his movements reassured the part of him still worried about my well being, allowing him to more assuredly continue his pace. A steady rhythm was set, faster than one we’ve had before. His large hand encapsulating my waist moved me back and forth in sync with his hips. I felt like a ragdoll being used for his pleasure. Each deep pound felt like I was being split apart, but I could hardly keep up with every one as my head spun with pleasure. 

Katakuri was in no better state than I was, seemingly drunk on the bliss that fucking me like this brought. His face was buried in the pillow above my head, and I could hear him mumbling to himself. It was hard to pick up every word, but I could tell it was about how good he felt. The satisfaction of hearing him sound so lost in the pleasure only made every snap of his hips feel that much better. I explored his sweaty chest with my hands as my legs clung to his sides. One hand traveled up to his damp, magenta locks, raking their way up and down his scalp. This enticed him to lower his head from the pillow to my face and engage me in a sloppy yet passionate kiss.

I desperately sunk my fingers into his hair, holding him to me as we made out. I craved him, every last part of him I adored and I wanted all of him to be mine. Needy whines and whimpers of mine sounded into our kiss as I departed to talk. 

“Don't stop. Don't stop until you're satisfied. I love you so much, please, feel so good for me. You're so deep in me and I love it!~” The confident attitude I had earlier had dissipated in the face of Katakuri’s raw power, and now I just wanted to please my husband. His whole cock was almost fully sheathed inside of me every time his hips hit my thighs. My insides felt so gooey and stretched out already. I had already cum once, and everything was getting to be too much. We hadn’t gone this long before, and I wasn't used to the power of his full thrusts. 

Katakuri stared down at me, locked onto my blissed out face contorted erotically as I begged for him. That seemed to spur him up again, and I could feel a burst of love and sexual fervor rush from him to me. With renewed energy, he sat up on his knees, taking his member out of me. The emptiness I felt without him made me fuss and shake my hips in dissatisfaction. Without a word, I was flipped over onto my stomach and returned the fullness of my husband’s cock but from behind. His hot tip dragged along all the right places as he slid inside me again. Involuntarily, my eyes rolled back, and a loud groan escaped me. The same hand returned to its spot around my waist to hold me in place as Katakuri restarted his pace in this new position. 

“I have such a beautiful wife. I'm so lucky to have you, I'm sorry I'm so selfish. It just feels so good, you feel so good. Thank you for letting me feel so good with you. I can't stop until I make you feel the best. I love you too, Y/N, I love you.” He continued to repeat snippets of that as he got sloppy with his thrusts. Despite the slower pace, each thrust slammed into my butt like a sledgehammer, bringing out my second orgasm. This one was more intense as tears sprouted to my eyes and my walls spasmed hard around his cock. The overstimulation left me a wreck as I blubbered out, “I'm cumming, cummin’, cumminggg!~” deliriously.

This turn of events knocked the breath of me again, and I was left wheezing as he lay on top of me, pressing me into the bed with his hard chest at my back. Nails gripped the sheets, toes curled, but I couldn't let out a single word. I didn't have to because he began mumbling again, but this time in my ear so I could hear.

That was the last straw for Katakuri as he grunted loudly a few times before quickly pulling out and making a mess of my back with his own cum. Harsh breaths from both of us filled the muggy, sex smelling air of our room. It didn't take long for Katakuri to finish letting everything out, so soon he collapsed beside me on his back. We both took a good amount of time calming down from the heated sex we just had. I was fully satisfied, if not overly so, as I lay there covered in cum and with my orgasm leaking out of me. I could already feel my back hurting from the arch it was forced into by my lover's thrusts and weight, but none of that mattered. 

All that mattered was the dazed look of full satisfaction in Katakuri’s eyes as he came down from his high. He always held himself back when we had sex. This was the last wall he had up in front of me, that deep rooted fear of hurting me keeping him from entirely enjoying himself. I was grateful for the amount of vulnerability I was able to see from my paramount husband on a regular basis, but call me greedy because I wanted every last part of him on display for me. We were two very opposite people when it came to sharing our wants and needs, but as we’ve proved over the past three years, opposites attract.

“Can. . . we do that more?” Asked a meek Katakuri, his deep voice cutting through the silence. My face was buried in the mattress, but I turned it towards him with a lopsided smile. 

“I thought you'd never ask. Though, maybe next time we should use protection so you don't have to pull out.” I winked at him as his already red cheeks darkened. An embarrassed groan escaped him and he quickly got up to head to the bathroom. 

“I'm getting a towel for you and running a bath. Maybe once you're clean you'll stop instigating such dirty actions.” He grumbled, making me pout. I opened my mouth to retort, but he beat me to the punch.

“Don't say that unless you’re ready for the punishment.” 

Damn his future vision. With a huff, I stayed silent and just waited for my towel. For now. As I waited, my gaze drifted over to Katakuri’s nightstand. On it sat that dirty black hat that Strawhat put on his mouth after their battle. My eyes softened at the memento. I'd have to thank Strawhat one day for what he did for Katakuri. 

My antennae turned dusty pink.

And with that, This little unexpected mini series of my favorite mochi man ends.~ This won't be the last of him, but I have other wonderful characters that are calling my name.~ Thank you, dearies, and see you, hopefully, soon.~

Part 1 <- - Part 2 <- - Part 3

[lixenn]

Box animals: pixel version

We are contiuning my journey into the pixel art world, this time with KHR's box animals! Hurray!!!

Natsu

I started off with our dear baby Natsu! He's so adorable... I wanna squish him so bad 😭❤️🥺

Uri

Still stying with the felines: it's Uri!! She's also super cute but did give me some troubles at times. But she was worth it ❤️

Mink

Annnnnd last but not least: Mink! It actually took a bit to find a reference for that one >.<

---

That's it from the box animal side for now. I have plans on drawing more of them, so you can look forward to that 🫡

[cebwrites]

scrambles in here. its me. pedro lover anon again. hello. do you have any pedro x male reader hcs. can be nsfw or not, thankyou so much ❤️❤️🐆❤️❤️

a/n: hi anon!! i don't have much but i should be able to wrangle up a few <33 (also the fact that it was so difficult to find this one gif of him alone should be illegal, where are the pedro stans we need more gifs of yall's man!!)

Pedro x Male!Reader

masc reader word count: 0.3k

As we've already seen, Minks are super affectionate people - even the biggest, toughest, and meanest-looking of them won't ignore a garchuu once prompted

Pedro is very much the same way, especially if you give him your patented puppy eyes (not quite rivalling Bepo, but still enough to bring this man to his knees), no matter how busy he is he'll manage to give you at least One(1) little kiss - and no matter many times you ask he just can't bring himself to stay annoyed with his boyfriend

As "cool" as he likes to play it, if you don't cuddle or seek out his affection by the end of the day he's gonna think something's wrong; although if you are avoiding him, it's usually just after training and he stinks of sweat and wet fur

You're not a particularly small guy by any stretch of the imagination but next to him? Why, you don't weigh more than two grapes, he lifts you up with one arm no problem

Taking naps snuggled up to his chest on lazy weekend afternoons is the best feeling you can imagine, your head resting on his chest, fingers carding through the soft fur after his morning shower

He loves the feeling of your hands through his hair, scratching his scalp and behind his ears, but what he loves even more is scratches just under his chin and back not to be the cat stereotype

His paw pads are soft, do squish them when you're all cozy in bed winding down for the night - it helps him relax feeling your skin against them -

Pedro's always mindful of his claws dangerous as they are, always, but sometimes you'll wake up to him kneading on soft parts of your body, your stomach and butt mostly, but he denies any and all accusations of having ulterior motives, it's just instincts, he'd say

[getooine]

Words can’t really describe but I’m making this post as a dedication to my families beloved cat Mink who we lost on the 18th of November. She was one of the most sweet, silly, vibrant and mischievous cats, and her loss feels like part of my soul has gone with her. She’s been with our family since I was 8 years old. I painted the picture on the left because being out in the summer garden with the bees and the poppies was her favourite place to be. The drawing on the right, for Mink’s favourite song, Hushabye Mountain ( from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) which she loved having sang to her. Rest in Peace my darling ❤️

This is also a notice that I may not be posting for a little while on this account, as I help my family come to terms with our loss. X

[baby-xemnas]

🐯🐻❄️+❤️🔥

alive cora au where hes so 😊😊😊😊😊😊 about law having bepo its a little bit too much at first and while laws instinct is telling him to shut up and stop smiling, he is more mature than that....hes not an embarrassed teenager!

and cora is so genuine about being happy for him it makes law feel very warm. like all the "i care about you so much im glad to see youve been taken care of and loved while i wasnt around" type beat

love when ppl draw cora and bepo sometimes and they are just :D!!!! :D!!!! sunshine to sunshine communication

cora meeting bepo and law introducing him as his partner (much to bepos sweating and blushing at how direct he is)

cora: .....🤔

law internally: *oh here we go with the being surprised by the mink* 🙄

bepo: 😨😱💀😫

cora: i shouldve known you'd turn out gay the signs were there all along... 🤡

law: OH WOULD YOU SHUT UP

[quinloki]

I just wanted to drop a crumb of Rabid Devotion on you because I am so freaking excited for it. I'm still writing chapter 1 but it is going so well I have to keep taking breaks so I can squeal at my own damn writing. Because this wouldn't even have been an idea if you hadn't asked for us to squee about OP & our blorbos/self ships. This wouldn't even be getting written if you hadn't have enjoyed my deranged idea so much in the first place and asked for more of it. This exists because of you and FOR you.

Thus you get giddy unhinged updates.

The opening lines:

The Polar Tang. In half, sinking to the bottom of the Grand Line. The crew. Status unknown, presumed captured by Blackbeard and his crew. The mink. Alive. Stranded on an uncharted island somewhere in the New World of the Grand Line. The captain. Missing. Last known status was alive and stranded on an uncharted island with the mink.

It's a cold intro but it introduces the setup perfectly. We don't know who the narrator is. They're just kind of reporting what they know.

Poor Bepo is holding down the fort while the paradigm is set up. I'm only 350 some odd words in, which is basically three paragraphs but it's flowing out of my head way better than Mousetrap does. O_o

\o/ We go where the words flow!

Don't sweat it about Mousetrap - you gotta follow that inspiration sometimes, and I'm just so glad to see you have it =3

And I'm deliriously giddy at being so directly a cause ❤️🥰 I love writing and I love creating, but inspiring it in other people is definitely the best thing.

Creation can be hard, and it can be a challenge, and sometimes it can be really frustrating, but it's so worth it. Whether we need to step back and give it space, and power through - it can be hard to tell which we need until one works - but nothing works like inspiration.

And if I can provide that? Ah, that's the best feeling ^_^

So yes, please do continue to give me updates =3

[chromatic-lamina]

For the fanfic ask:

4. what is the plot bunny you’ve been carrying for the longest? optional bonus question: do you ever wonder why you haven’t written it yet and experience deep existential dread?

8. what’s your relationship with constructive criticism and feedback like? do you seek it out? how well do you take it?

47. what story are you most proud of?

91. how has your writing style changed over the years?

Bepo Fanfic Asks 5

(Bepo's officially hanging up his author's hat after this ask! Thanks for all the fan mail. It's made his heart implode ❤️)

4. what is the plot bunny you’ve been carrying for the longest? optional bonus question: do you ever wonder why you haven’t written it yet and experience deep existential dread?

Ooh, it's just as well that Carrot didn't stow away with us. As a fellow-Mink, of course, I would've looked after her, but I think that the trip to Wano gave Captain a breather away from chaos for just a second (although Usopp and Ikkaku using the corridors to practice their curling skills during daily clean-up gave Mugiwara a run for his money. Those hallways are narrow and noise carries!).

As for why Carrot didn't ride with us (I'm guessing that's what existential means --> like she exited and existed on another ship -->). Really, there was no dread involved about any bunnies whatsoever. That was reserved for Mugiwara, and as said, we all had a chance to rest easy if but for a second.

8. what’s your relationship with constructive criticism and feedback like? do you seek it out? how well do you take it?

We're a crew of 20 (+1) and I expect 20 Hearts to heart any heartfelt effort. Captain's always first of course. Don't tell anyone, but his pen name is Sturgeon-of-Depth. Then Adélie, toothy-grin, masked-gander, Jan-Baert, angel_3.14, gonadlier and the rest. Radish is always next to last, same as Massaker-Soldja.

Feedback, if it's honest, like:

You're Your depiction of yourself as me has moved me to tears

is treasured. But if it's just jealousy pretending to be helpful, like:

Plz don't leave A/N in middle of fic. Distracting.

I just delete it. When Clione angel_3.14, Shachi Radish, and Killer Massaker-Solja get as many hits as I do then they can come to my table and we'll discuss things as fellow scribes. Until then, maybe they could pick up some hints by studying my fics to help with their own stats? Although I can't see that any of them would do very well at role reversal Captain.

I think questions 47 and 91 are answered in instalments 3 or 4 (or topics very similar to them!). Thank you for the ask!

If you want to check out my previous answers, they're here! and here! and here! and here!

[dookins]

❤🧲🧥

❤️ - I’m actually a huge Mustelid fan. Ferrets, Weasels, Otters, Minks, Wolverines, Badgers, Stoats…. I just love ‘um. So when I watched Inscryption for the first time in a let’s play (bought the game later) and saw this poor stoat who needed my help, I just knew I had to rush in and SAVE the baby!!

And than he turned into…. [ ‾ ↼ ‾ ] an asshole. A smug, shit talking, super selfish asshole. And I loved him all the more.

I’m not a sci-fi person, or a fan of robots at all. But I like to say he LITERALLY weaseled his way into my heart. If he hadn’t been a stoat first, I dunno if I would have him the time of day at all. But I’m so glad I did ❤️💕

🧲 - Back on the topic of P03’s construction and how he functions, I think it’s amazing how well he can interface with everything in his factory. He has to know his own body to a T. I wonder if like we have multiple systems and networks in us (ex. Circulatory System, Nervous System) he has multiple processors that have their own designated purpose to regulate things? Like how they say a Brontosaurus had multiple brains in it’s neck that acted like checkpoints so it’s body would receive signals from the brain more efficiently. So like one processor that’s solely dedicated to performance, maintenance (damaged) and data storage.

🧥- oh, I need more Bounty Hunter outfit P03, certainly. I don’t recall what artist, but I saw their idea for P03 and with these really cool floaty legs. Ugh!! 😏 it’s high noon somewhere amirite?”

[melis-writes]

Hey babes serious serious question lol what’s Ms Victoria’s fashion sense cause I was picturing her dressing in cottage core over at Sicily but in America and with being a lawyer is she the same is it bougie is it business causal … ? And would she spend coins on a fit?

She comes from wealth naturally and especially being the only girl I know sis was spoilt and obvi Michael would spend a bag on her but I really wonder like would she have been a high end Chanel, Prada, LV and Gucci girl in the 50s

Like this really has been on my mind lmao

You're definitely right about Victoria living her cottagecore life in Sicily. 😂❤️ Lots of cute and light summer dresses for the Sicilian heat at knee length and longer in bright colours or floral and polka dot patterns, especially shirtwaist dresses.

Her fabrics of choice are velvet, satin, and silk. She loves matching her colours with the seasons, so we'd see Victoria wearing brighter/vibrant coloured clothing in the spring/summer especially.

If Victoria's at the courthouse, she's only in business casual consisting of pencil skirts, blouses (lace, chiffon, etc) blazer jackets and so forth if she's in the actual courtroom for trial, preliminary, etc. In her own office doing work but not prosecuting in a courtroom, we know Miss Victoria has an amazing taste in fashion and is always dressing her best. 😌 Victoria wouldn't wear gloves at work or a casual dress like a shirtwaist dress, but definitely more towards sheath dresses. You won't see her wearing patterns at work, unless she's wearing a banker stripe pencil skirt.

We're talking circle/swing dresses (a favourite), jumper dresses, sheath dresses, hand-held purses (leather, sequin, etc), wrist length satin/silk or velvet gloves (and elbow length for special occasions). Victoria's preference for nights out are cocktail dresses (especially sleeveless ones) and she loves a draped or princess neckline.

Faux mink coats and faux mink stoles draped over Victoria's shoulders, and we know she's a diamonds over pearls kind of girl so Miss Victoria's neck, arms and earlobes are dripped out. 😂 She loves to accessorize! Of course when the outfit matches, Victoria will also wear a hat, but her preference is to have a silk scarf tied through her hair or a flower for a cute pin up look.

As for her shoes of choice, Victoria loves her simple flats, Mary-Janes, but is a heels kind of girl. Kitten heels to tall heels, stilettos, pumps, all of that. She's very used to wearing heels.

I remember mentioning in the very early chapters of Moth to Flame that I believe Victoria's engagement dress (a gorgeous, black evening gown) was designed by Gucci. 😍 So yes, she's definitely high end for Italian designer and I could see her adoring and shopping for French designer items too. ❤️ She would definitely not hesitate to drop coin for a fit.

I came across some lovely designs that I can definitely see Miss Victoria wearing! ❤️❤️❤️

[vorgoth]

Happy birthday!!!! I hope you have a good time w the whales (a whaley good time some might say) 🎂🐳❤️

thank you emma!! 😭🫶 unfortunately we saw almost no whales which was a whaley big bummer...... but at least i saw the backs of 2 minke whales and some seals!!!

[sugoi-writes]

*SLAMS FISTS ON A TABLE*

When I tell you, Dear(Deer?) Readers, how MAD I was for not reading this sooner? UGH, ON GOD, I was on the verge of STRANGLING myself. It was CRIMINAL.

But, I finally managed to get some time away from work and life to read this and... Guys, I always say this, but Mink once again spoils us with this chapter. The angst, the hard talks, the banter, THE AFFECTION, the resolution, the Angel-being-the-nosey-friend... POSSESSIVE, lovey Alastor? My heart was FULL and SORE and so raw at the same time.

I've mentioned in previous posts that this work was special to me. It's part of the reason I got so close to @minkdelovely in the first place! But, this piece and getting to know her has also been a catalyst to so many other things. Meeting Hazel, meeting other artists of many mediums, and just... GETTING INTO this fandom like crazy. Mink was a big reason most of this even started, or why I'm still here, itching to come back and write again.

And can you believe, that as I'm sitting here typing this, I'm literally about to burst into tears?

Minky has a special place in my widdle heart. ❤️ As does Sylvie and Alastor. Knowing that the meat and potatoes of this work is finished is... CRAZY. Crazy to think of. She worked so hard to get things right, to make things PERFECT, and to me, she never fails to disappoint. Reading her work makes me wanna swoon, cry, AND and it makes me smarter. Who'd've thunk?

If you haven't already, and I IMPLORE you to... Please read this. Every chapter. Every note. Every reference. Every song associated. Associate your own songs and art to this, and share them with dear Minky. She LOVES to hear about what we think. She would LOVE nothing more than to talk to more people about this. AND I WANNA SCREAM ABOUT IT AND MY (fictional) CHEST BITES/HICKIES TO THE WORLD!!!

Minky-dear, it goes without saying, but I love you to bits and pieces 🥺❤️ and I love that you finally felt that Ch. 10, part 2 was ready for the world. ❤️ And yet I STILL wasn't ready for the feelings it caused!

Thank you for being an inspiring writer, and an even better friend. HDHSHSHSHS I CANT WAIT TO HUG YOU IN PERSON ONE DAY! RAAAAGH

I can just HEAR 'Promise of the World' playing in my head when I think of Sylvie and Alastor on that couch, sipping on coffee and nibbling on croissants while gossiping. It's fitting. It suits them. No need for wedding bells or processions. They deserve the nice, quaint little morning they get. ❤️ (And so much more hdhdhdj)

AnyWAY THIS IS SUPER LONG. HAHAH. HAH. I LOVE THIS. IM IN LOVE WITH YOU. BYYYYYEEEEEE

love and power

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧     ✧     ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

chapter ten: part two

“i won’t die for love but ever since i met you you could have my heart and i would break it for you.”

Alastor x Fem!Reader ; MDNI 18+ ; [y/n] used sparingly ; Alias in Hell is Sylvie

tags/warnings: nothing scary to report here — welcome to your happy ending 💖

word count: 8k

author’s note: cherished ones… i can’t believe we’re finally here at the end 🥲 it’s taken me much longer than anticipated to get this out, but i hope it’s worth the wait. allow me to extend my sincere gratitude to you all for hanging in there and going on this journey with me and this series. this started out as pure self-indulgence and turned into something much more along the way and i hope this is received by you as the gift i intended it to be. they’re not off the album i used as the platform for this series, but feel free to listen to rain and take me back to eden by sleep token, which i listened to A LOT while writing this. thank you again for all of your kindness and support. i truly don’t think i could have finished this without it 💖

prelude ; chapter one ; chapter two ; chapter three ; chapter four ; chapter five ; chapter six ; chapter seven ; chapter eight ; chapter nine ; chapter ten: part one ; chapter ten: part two

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧     ✧     ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

The last couple days had been… good.

Vaggie had approached you the morning after your little sleepover with Angel to see if you’d actually take her up on the offer of managing the hotel’s books. It was a welcome distraction, easily falling back into the routine of your old work. And honestly, their records keeping system needed a complete overhaul. It kept you busy and focused, hours passing like minutes as you honed in on creating the foundations of your system.

Funny how in Hell the work you had always approached with a level of disdain in life had become something to look forward to. Something that was all yours. It was nice. Familiar.

Ironic.

You also hadn’t gone to the bar — the biggest improvement, or at least the one you were happiest about. Feeling more like yourself again and less like your father, who had been no stranger to bouts of liquored-up sulking. It was not a way you wanted to remember him by, nor make a habit of for the eons to come. And beyond just feeling better without alcohol in your system, it was great to see Husk in a more friendly capacity again. Haunting his bar in the way you did wasn’t something you were ever planning to subject either of you any time soon. 

You were regaining a level of comfortability in your room as well. Sleeping better in your bed, which had been difficult to do. For the first few days you slept on the loveseat, where you’ve now spent the last two nights curled up with a book in front of the fireplace.

It was a decent distraction, but thoughts of Alastor still plagued you. Try as you might, it was hard for them not to. He felt so present as you went about your day despite maintaining the separation; feeling his aura hovering around you like a sixth sense. You wanted to ask Husk and Niffty if they felt it like you did — if at all — but hadn’t gotten the nerve yet to do so.

What if they said no?

It was too embarrassing even to think of. The possibility of it being some kind of adverse affect from sleeping with him making your blood rush to your face. 

Maybe I took a piece of him, too… 

The heat on your cheeks intensified at the thought. Isn’t that exactly what had happened?

Sure, in a literal sense he had been the one to take a piece of you. But in return, you had witnessed him in yet another state that no one else — in this building, at least — ever had. Just the fact that he had let you help undress him… That wasn’t something you look lightly, even at the peak of your anger toward him. The nervous way your heart fluttered against your ribs at the memory only further proved the point.

You wanted the opportunity to do it again. Undress him, that is. 

What followed after wasn’t of much consequence; you’d be satisfied just the same. Whether that was helping him out of his day clothes and into pajamas or preparing him to pound you into the mattress — either result was made from the same circumstance. You found you had enjoyed it even more than dressing down his bed for the evening, which had always been a nearly meditative part of your day.

Or, well… it used to be.

Did he even bother with that now? Hell, did he ever? Or was it just more busywork? If it was… you missed it.

Taking care of Alastor was tedious at times but it hadn’t been all bad. He was petulant too, which is probably why he was always deflecting and pointing the finger in your face. But past his venom there was charm. His euphemisms and anecdotes. Grumbling into the newspaper with his ears downcast whenever he came across an unpleasant article, which happened more often than not. 

He enjoyed his coffee black and extra hot, but god forbid if it was burnt. That was one of the first things you had been tasked with perfecting, and mercifully, had been able to accomplish. Alastor never made you handle his food, not out of lack of trust but courtesy. Due to the gruesome reality of what he enjoyed eating, it wasn’t a chore he ever charged you with. And you’d busy yourself with cleaning while he ate to allow him as much privacy as possible. 

As much as he adored the structure of his morning routine, beyond that the day was his for the taking. Living the monotonous life that you had, it was admirable. Sometimes inspiring. He had a mischievous, opportunistic outlook on existence — no doubt a quality that followed him into the afterlife — while you had been (presumably) buried jaded and trepidatious.

He was… fun. Even when he was irritating. 

Before Rosie pawned you off on him, the last time you had ever felt something close to fun was killing your grandmother. A horrifying revelation, but true, though that had more to do with the satisfaction you felt from it than anything. But fun was something that was right at your fingertips with Alastor, when you looked back on the last couple weeks. He had quite the proclivity for antics when he wasn’t being crushed by the weight of his self-imposed grandeur.

The memory of when he brought you back to the alley the day after what you had done came to mind. His inspection of the bag you’d left behind had upset you so much in the moment, but now all you can remember is the glimmer in his eyes. The nearly childlike glee in his fanged smile. Sure, it had been at your expense, but that was how he liked to joke. Satire and whimsy adorned with the pretty bow of his voice and charm.

But his jokes were sometimes too one-sided. His delivery too harsh and actions… demeaning. It wasn’t a facet he aimed at you often but the sting of his cruelty ran deep, almost to the bone. Your hand came up to your throat, the pain in your neck only barely subsided. It had been impossible to tell if the chain had bruised you under all of Alastor’s love bites, but if you were being honest with yourself, there was no way it hadn’t. If even just a little.

You made due with covering yourself up. Managing to find some high-collared button up shirts left to rot in the laundry room. Nothing a good washing wasn’t able to fix. And as the days passed and the marks faded, you were able to transition back into more familiar (and revealing, in comparison) pieces of your wardrobe.

Still, being left to your own devices when Alastor had been the one responsible for not only the marks but ruining the dress that would’ve easily solved your problems with its modesty nicked at you. Not that you had expected gifts after the argument, but considering how he made you wear that dress as uniform there was no way he didn’t have plans to provide a replacement that morning. But it never came. 

Instead he had given you a threat and left you on the floor in nothing but a towel, feeling used and humiliated and alone. And yet here you were, with a book in your hand you hadn’t absorbed the last few pages of because your mind was busy remembering the feeling of removing Alastor’s coat.  

Or how disheveled and boyish he looked the morning you went into his room without permission and found him in bed. The strain in his eyes before you walked into Valentino’s arms. His drawn brows and open, kiss-swollen mouth when he made you his own on the bed right behind you. That face would haunt you for the rest of your afterlife.

But there was another face that earned the honor, too. An expression that eclipsed even your grandmother’s worst sneer. Was what you said to him that morning really so outrageous that it had warranted such wrath and disdain? Alastor had been in quite a decent mood too, before the conversation took a turn. Not that it made you feel any better, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that it was something bigger than that. You had copped attitude before and Alastor had either laughed it off as a mild tantrum or course-corrected you before you even had a chance to realize it.

Beyond that, there were also the things he had done after you fell asleep, face buried in his scarred chest. The medicine he had waiting at the ready for when you inevitably woke up from the ache of his bite, which he had taken the liberty of cleaning and bandaging. He had more than likely done it by hand as well, the same as when he tended to it on your bed that awful morning. No magic, no minions. Despite being the least he could do since he inflicted the wound, that didn’t mean he had to do it himself. But he did.

Your stomach turned thinking about it. The force of his anger just didn’t match up with the efforts he took in caring for you after your entanglement. It was the push and pull you had been battling all week, and your eyes flitted to the door. Going up to his room wasn’t something you had entertained, knowing better than to try and call Alastor’s bluff, but the desire to speak with him now was a temptation you worried you’d lose the battle against. 

Knock.

The single, hollow sound echoing off the door sent a jolt through your body, sitting up from your relaxed position on the small sofa near the fireplace. It was Friday, wasn’t it? Meaning everyone had left the hotel already except for you and…

There’s no way.

Your pulse spiked. 

Maybe you just imagined it. Or the hotel was settling. Things like that could still happen to buildings in the afterlife, right? Ghosts and hauntings and creaks and groans seemed fairly on-brand for Hell. Alastor’s shadow — that you had found yourself missing as well — was proof of that all on its own. 

It was that final thought that brought you to the door, hand hovering over the knob as your breath thinned; perspiration beading your skin like morning dew. Tormented by the prospect that opening it would either reveal him or nothing at all.

Unsure of which you were hoping for as you let your forehead fall forward, a huff of air passing your lips. Eyes closed as you relaxed into the cool lacquer of the wooden door, reaching out. Alastor felt especially close now. Typical that he would show up now that you were not only beginning to feel better, but also reaching the end of your rope in your banishment from him. If you weren’t too busy fighting the whiplash of frustration and want coursing through you, you would have laughed. 

Even reconciliation had to be on his schedule…

If he was actually on the other side of the door wanting to make up, of course. This could all be your imagination, which would be particularly cruel on your mind’s part considering how just moments ago you were feeling so desperate to see him, if only just to talk. You sighed, condensation from your warm breath pilling under your mouth hovering near the door.

Was he really there?

Your hand gripped the handle in response, heart heavy and loud in your chest as you turned it and pulled. There was only one way to know for sure.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Alastor took you in as you opened the door. An apprehensive expression on your face, but with an underlying relief. Though he didn’t need eyesight for the confirmation. Your heartbeat and scent told him all he needed to know with an honesty that betrayed you for his benefit. It was rather unfair, wasn’t it?

The life coming back to your eyes did not go unnoticed, either.

He felt what was left of his vitriol drain out of him, and in a rare moment of self-deprecation he found himself hoping his unpolished state would put you at ease. Despite the lingering tension that was still eating away at him, he truly did wish to avoid an argument. Shouting matches were simply… nasty. In a way he did not much, if at all, enjoy. 

Conversation is called an art for a reason.

A true favorite of his and it was much more his speed. With such an adaptable form you could be fencing one minute and duetting the next. Unless, of course, the conversation was bad, which was a fate worse than death. But that hadn’t been a problem with you, for the most part. He’d like that to be the case now as he prepared to linger for as long as it took to reach some kind of resolution. 

Things couldn’t stay the way they were. He knew you’d both return to yourselves eventually, but you had gotten a head start on him. Leaving him to grasp at what was on the other side of this only in regard to himself. If ever he needed you, you’d be just a summoning away. Tied to him always by your contract. Something that typically provided a sense of security to the point of aloofness. But the uncertainty of how you would approach your days independent of him in the aftermath made him falter. Made evident by the color that had returned to your face, that spark of ferocity in your eyes. 

Deep down he understood that you would carry on. 

Tied to him, yes, but not entangled. There was an unpleasant tightness in his chest at the thought, his jaw flexing with irritation. He wasn’t through exploring this, relishing the fire he felt in his blood at seeing you again up close, lungs taking in your scent to feed the flame. Your racing heart a sonnet so sweet in a way that only he could truly appreciate. Feeding a part of him that either had not existed or had been lying dormant which, now awakened, was eager for more and he found himself wondering when it ever would be satiated.

More of your voice ringing in his ears, whether it was coated in insolence or lust… or laughter. More of your scent in his lungs, oxygenating his blood with the bliss of childhood summers. More of your taste on his tongue. Blood, sweat, tears. He’d take it all, or whichever morsels you were still willing to give him. Even if all that left him with was cordiality, it would be far better than letting you slip through his fingers. How wasted you would be on some tramp off the street. Not even taking into account that the average soul couldn’t appreciate your scent, attributes like responsibility and integrity weren’t typically admired here in the pit.

Who else could see you the way he did? 

Past the pout of your lips to the lethal fangs hiding behind them; that sleeping anger you managed to keep at bay but weren’t afraid to use if necessary. Would you ever reveal that ferocity and glowing eyes to someone else in the ways he had witnessed them — induced by tapping into some of your baser instincts? It made stomach twist just to think it. 

Alastor’s imagination began to run away from him then. Flashes of you making some other sinner’s bed, fetching their coffee, and picking up clothes. Drawing a bath, hanging their coat, laughing at their jokes. That now-dear sulk of yours aimed at the faceless menace when one of those jokes went too far. Phantom hands stripping you of clothes, cupping your face, roaming your body… holding your chin. And though his urges were few and far between, worse still was the thought of you crying out a stranger’s name like a reverent prayer, writhing underneath them as you fell apart.

Foul.

Bile scorched his throat as he fought to maintain his composure in your doorway. The filthy handprints he had just pictured all over you gone in the blink of an eye as his own hand twitched behind his back, eager to hold you once more and feel the heat of your skin soak into his palm. Easy as it would be to reach out and satisfy the urge he refrained from doing so, smothering his desire in his fist. Now wasn’t the right time to succumb to impulse. 

As much as Alastor wanted to pull you into his embrace he knew there was still a hatchet to bury. You had touched quite the nerve that morning, after all, and his actions had been less than genteel as a result. As justified as he had felt at the time, it settled in now as something he was less than proud of. Warranted… What a fool he was to think so. Though misguided, all you had done was try to make sense of things. You would be well within your rights to sever any further personal ties with him, and he swallowed against the anxious lump in his throat.

He had spent so much time wallowing in liquor, wasted countless hours justifying his anger toward you to ease his own unrest. Even if you had picked the fight… hadn’t he brought you right to the edge of it with his antics over the past weeks? In truth, hadn’t making you lose your composure been his goal from the start? He had certainly got what he wanted, just not in a way that was originally intended; culminating in a misunderstanding that threatened to keep parts of yourself locked away from him for, quite possibly, eternity.

Desiring someone’s comfort the way he did yours was something he never expected to have to face, let alone something he ever feared to lose. Alastor wondered for the first time how things between you would be had you met sooner. Granted, you had only been in Hell for two-or-so months, but he was a different man now than he was even then. The Alastor of two months ago still had his microphone, for starters. His sword and shield. Now nothing but another one of his corpses left to decay in the bayou.

That man hadn’t had his confidence shaken, his power drained. Alastor had felt so invigorated when he retreated to the radio tower to mend himself after battling Adam, but the healing process hadn’t been simple. Seeing as the weapon that caused the wound was made of angelic steel, Alastor expected it would take more time than usual, but he had underestimated the reality of it. So many arduous, slow hours had passed as he used all his strength just to make minute progress in closing the gash. It took a week to finally get it to seal, the scar barely formed by the time he encountered you at Rosie’s. 

Simply put, you had weathered emotional storms that he typically had much better control of. There was a sourness in his soul that had been poisoning him from the very beginning of your relationship, which you took — more often than not — in stride. As much as he felt there was no one who fully appreciated you, Alastor believed it to be a two way street. Whether there was anyone else who could take your place — paramour, caretaker, or otherwise — was inconsequential. He simply wasn’t interested in the prospect. Hadn’t he gotten along just fine in his relative solitude before you fell to suffer your infernal fate? 

It wouldn’t be the same.

It already wasn’t, in fact, which is why his feet had brought him here when his stubbornness wouldn’t. Opening the door to him was only the first step. You could still slam it in his face, effectively shutting him out; leaving him standing alone in the hall as the Overlord who owned your soul and nothing more.

He found it to be a dreadful prospect.

“May I come in?”

Even he could hear the exhaustion in his voice, making the question heavy in air as he watched you contemplate. Nervous fingers tapping the doorframe to the same beat as his heart before you stepped off to the side to make way for him. Alastor managed to fight the instinctual twitch at the corners of his mouth. Now wasn’t the time for smiling, despite the wave of relief he felt at your accepting of his request to enter.

As long as it takes…

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

You watched as Alastor practically collapsed on your sofa, massaging his temples with a single hand as he leaned back to cross his legs. Still doing his best to maintain decorum despite how worn out he was. Discontent, you shifted on your feet, not wanting to give into the pity you felt towards him too easily. 

As much as you tried to remember your anger, there was no denying the relief you felt at being near him again. Hearing his voice. And knowing he could pick up on it only made it worse. Would it ever be anything but an uphill battle for you when it came to him? Your eyes couldn’t help but look just past him to where you had fallen to the floor, left to console yourself in your shame and grief. The memory didn’t fuel what was left of your animosity, but pricked at your sadness instead, making you feel the weight of the day.

I’m so sick of this…

Alastor’s gaze followed you as you moved to take your seat next to him, picking your book up off the cushion and placing it on the small coffee table in front of you. His eyes and hand lingered on the cover as you sat down.

“I just missed the first draft,” he said quietly, static replaced with the distant sound of remembrance. Eyes never leaving your copy of A Farewell to Arms as he continued with a small, humorless laugh. “I was eligible for the others but the only Divisions I could have been placed in were booked. Funny, isn’t it, a quota on the worthiness to die at war? But I suppose that’s a conversation for another time…”

The glimpse of his human life caught you off guard. Vulnerability wasn’t something you expected from him, especially not in the wake of your argument; the admission was given so casually you couldn’t help but soften just a bit, leaving you hungry for more of his secrets. 

He turned to you then, somehow looking even more tired than he had before. “We have our own battle to rectify, don’t we?”

You sighed and positioned your body to face him, bringing your legs up to sit criss-cross. This was shaping up to be a long night, so you decided you might as well get this out of the way. Even managing to get a piqued eyebrow out of him from the sober look that was no doubt on your face as you considered what you were about to say. 

“I wasn’t lying when I told you that I enjoyed our…,” you trailed off, looking for the right word.

Our what? 

Things had become so muddled you weren't quite sure what to call it. Sex, obviously, but… it had felt like more to you in the end. No matter how many times you reminded yourself that it wasn’t supposed to be anything other than a one night stand at best — and had spent the whole week drowning your sorrows trying not to think about the worst.

“I know you weren’t.” He said it in almost the same tone when you had admitted it in the first place, but his eyes were soft. “I enjoyed it myself, the second time. I thought that was obvious, but when you asked about the pheromones that morning… they had nothing to do with it. Not that evening. I… initiated that. Which is why I was so incensed by the implication that I was acting outside of myself.”

The confession sunk to the bottom of your stomach. You hadn’t expected him to be so forthcoming and even keeled regarding it. And while you felt relief that the pheromones weren’t at play that evening — and that he had not only enjoyed, but desired it — you didn’t miss the implication of the words he kept to himself regarding how you ended up in this mess in the first place. The more you thought about it, the more you were beginning to understand why he felt the way he did. Was that why he had returned you to your room to wake up alone, because being in his bed was too much of a reminder? Had he really regretted it that much? 

Because you didn’t.

The truth was you had been more than willing to give yourself to him that afternoon. Yes, you knew something wasn’t quite right, but you didn’t know he was fighting against Valentino’s nasty little trick. You’d never know what would’ve happened if you had denied him instead, because that’s not what happened. Would he have gone into a rage? In the state he was in, that wasn’t an impossibility. In fact, that was what you had been expecting, wasn’t it? In a way you dodged a bullet — received his affections, however intense, instead of his violence. The bruised remnants of his mark on your shoulder were a dizzying mix of both. 

Though the ferocity you received the next morning… had it been lying in wait? Using the chain on you the way he did compounded by the words he spat at you was a tough memory to forget, to the point where you wondered if you ever could. He had only punished you that way one other time, but it had been nothing compared to this. Blood burned under your cheeks as you recalled how humiliated you felt. How different would things be right now if he had just let you stay?

“Look I…,” you sighed and ran a hand through your hair, but resisted the urge to look away from him. “I really do understand why you’re unhappy with how things happened that afternoon but…”

Here goes nothing.

“It’s something I’ve been aware of in myself for a little while but… you don’t know how much it meant to me, being touched that way by you and how you let me touch you back it —” You wiped a tear you couldn’t stop from falling and cleared your throat, but the thick, choking feeling didn’t subside. The pinched look on Alastor’s face nearly sent you over the edge, but you couldn’t stop now that you’ve started. He needed to hear this as much as you needed to say it. “It made me really happy, if that’s even the right word for it.”

It wasn’t. But you didn’t know how else you could try to tell him how wanted and safe you felt underneath him. That no one had ever managed to turn your blood to kerosene; every bit of him the match, the bed behind you kindling. At this point it didn’t really matter that you hadn’t known him for very long. You cared about him, much more than you ever expected to, and you wanted to be near him in whatever capacity you could be. Whether that made you his errand girl or concubine, so long as you were spared from the more acidic side of his temper.

“And when I think about how much you regret it, it kills me, even though I know why you do. But… I don’t. You didn’t take advantage of me, if that’s something you’ve been worrying about. Honestly, now I can’t help but wonder if it’s the other way around…”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” he huffed, lightly exasperated as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “You’ve only ever gone along with my impulses and games. My behavior in this has been… unbecoming. I fear my mother would be quite ashamed, and rightfully so, but you’ve come to know me at a low point.”

Everything about him felt wrung out and far off, from his posture to the defeat in his unfiltered voice. It had been absent from the moment he asked to come inside, but for some reason was only hitting you now. Though you couldn’t fight the ache in your heart from the poor state of him, there was still more you needed to know before you could let yourself give in. No matter what subconscious queues your body was undoubtedly feeding him in the meantime.

“You say unbecoming…,” you began tentatively, worried that what you were about to ask could possibly upset him again. “Is that because of how you punished me that morning, or the toying you’ve subjected me to?”

If you had to choose, you really hoped that he’d feel apologetic for the chain. While they could be annoying, his games and tricks were mostly harmless. You had admitted to yourself not too long ago that you were even beginning to miss them. That was not a feeling you extended to the invisible leash that bound you to him, not the way it had been used then, at least.

Alastor removed the hand from his nose to meet your eyes, the speed of his movement catching you off guard. For the first time all night his eyes were clear and earnest; that steadfast, hypnotizing red you had come to seek and cherish.

“Would you accept it if I said both? By pushing you I think I may have set us up for the argument. I won’t say that what you said that morning didn’t upset me, since it did, but… Perhaps if I had given you less reason to think I was playing at another game it would have never happened in the first place.” 

His voice was soft as he held his left hand out to you, a different charge in the air as your eyes broke contact to flicker down to his open palm.

The olive branch.

There was no doubt he could hear the way your heart had picked up, nearly choking you with its fervor as you swallowed against it… and gave him your hand. 

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

“I was so humiliated that morning… I’ve been so mad at you.”

Alastor could hear the tears threatening to spill behind the statement, and he squeezed your hand before his thumb began to rub in soothing circles as you looked away from him for the first time that night. He took a quick moment to follow your line of sight and grimaced when he realized you were looking at the spot where he had treated you so harshly. There was nothing he could do to take back what he did. Regret was such an awful weight, reminding him of long nights trudging through the swamp to discard one of his victims. His mouth soured. It would seem he’d need to add your name to the list.

Things were never meant to end up this way. This… tangled.

He dared to lean forward, not that there was much distance to close on your quaint loveseat, and cupped your face with his other hand to draw your gaze back to his. The conflict in your eyes went right to his stomach with a kick — the chance that you would turn him away forever still there, but he was thankful you hadn’t rejected his touch. He really couldn’t have suffered through the empty ache in his hands for even another minute; the heat of your skin already refilling his cup.

And despite how much he wanted anything but, he knew he had to give you an out. It was only right.

“I was a brute… I can’t undo what’s been done but if you’d like me to leave you alone, I will. I’m not keen on releasing you from our contract, but I would let you leave this hotel if you wish.” The words scorched his tongue, but they were true. He would let you go if that’s what you really wanted. You deserved that chance. “It’s safer here, but I would know immediately if you faced any trouble. Well… any trouble you couldn’t handle yourself, that is. I know how capable you are.”

Alastor gave you a small smile, the first time his lips had curled up with any sincerity for days. It was the most generous offer he had ever given a soul under his heel, and your short, dry laugh in response was music to his ears. There was no bitterness in the sound, nor was there any coming from your scent, but that wasn’t an indication of what was going on in your mind. Something the Overlord needed to remind himself of more often. He took a moment to really breathe you in then, floral notes of almond warming him on the inside as your body warmed him from out. Would it be the last time he was ever surrounded by you like this? 

He didn’t know when his thumb began to absently stroke your cheek, but he loved the flush it brought to your face as you considered his words. A hint of iron gave the sweetness in the air just enough bite to make him swallow, his throat now parched and wanting. It took all he had not to close the remaining space between you, needing your answer before he would move an inch save the part of him caressing your face.

A jolt ran through him as your eyes locked onto his with a resolve that made his hair stand on edge, and he steeled himself as your lips parted to speak. Never could he have imagined that you would join the short list of people to hold his fate in their palm. And fewer still, one that he didn’t hold resentment toward having that power. There was security in your hold, not malice. Such a rare thing to stumble across even in life, let alone in this sulfurous chasm that had been home for the last near-century. As unworthy as he felt to receive it, the thought of losing it was even worse. He wasn’t in love… but it wasn’t impossible that he could be, with more time. 

If you would give it to him.

“I don’t want to leave the hotel,” you said quietly, and brought your free hand up to hold his chin in the same way he had held yours countless times. 

Alastor felt his ears lower despite how attuned they were to hear what you would say next, though the thumping in his chest didn’t help. To reach out and touch him of your own accord this way was bold, and he tried not to hone in on the bashfulness he felt burning his face. Why choose shame when he could have comfort? That was what he wanted, after all. A reprieve from The Radio Demon. There was nothing to be gained in postering, not with you. With you he could be… anything. And no matter your decision, he vowed to provide you with the same space. 

His schemes to mold you into something you weren’t fled him with every exhale of his lungs. It was a senseless desire… Remorseless murders were a dime a dozen here. Thrilling as it had been to see you decapitate that wretch with your teeth, the fact that you refused to do something akin to that again merely for the sake of it like so many others was refreshing. He could appreciate only killing with purpose. That had been his modus operandi in life, after all. Murder was a tool he now used to illicit fear and respect, though most souls here were free game to him even under his mortal code. You were not, and it had taken him much too long to acknowledge it.

“And I don’t want you to leave me alone… ever again, but…”

But…

The shakiness in your voice felt like the blade of a guillotine, hovering above his neck while he agonized over when you would let the rope loose and seal his fate.

“I don’t know if I could handle that again. The chain, your anger — ” A small sob escaped you then, tearing through him like a hurricane. 

Alastor didn’t even realize he was kissing your face until the salt of your tears registered on his tongue. Every little press of his lips an oath to never make you cry like this because of him ever again. And when your hands cupped his cheeks he only had a moment to relish in his relief, sighing against your skin before you captured his lips with yours. A familiar green glow enveloping you both as an unspoken agreement was made.

Peace.

What a magnanimous gift to receive. 

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Low voices pulled you out of sleep, making you aware of the cold that was beginning to sink into the front of your body. You had been so warm… so comfortable.

Safe.

More mumbling at your door as you groaned, the grievance in the sound not lost on you even in your groggy state. It wasn’t lost on Alastor either, saying something you couldn’t decipher beyond its tone of finality followed by the closing of the door.

“It’s still the middle of the night sweetheart, don’t stir.” 

You didn’t even have time to ask who was at the door before he ran a soothing hand through your hair, maneuvering himself back into place in your bed. Pressing the length of his body in close against yours as he nuzzled into your chest, humming as he found the pulse of your heart. The warm, claiming kiss he placed there sent a shiver through you, your shared embrace tightening in response. 

“What’s gotten into you? You promised you’d be good,” you mumbled, wriggling a little from the way his breath tickled your skin.

Even to yourself the warning was half-admonishing at best. But you were also just barely awake. Fingers betraying you as they lightly massaged his undercut, his contented sigh making you hide your face in his hair as if he could see the flush on your cheeks.

You’d be stronger in the morning.

Pet names and kisses like this weren’t something you were expecting to receive again so soon. It had been discussed, and you had both agreed to try and take things slow. A fresh start, of sorts. While you were used to him calling you dear, it was a term he used frequently toward other residents as well.

Sweetheart was… special.

Which he no doubt knew. Most likely saying it when he did so he could press up and relish your rapid heart like you were none the wiser.

“I know, I know,” he conceded, his words muffled by your skin. Inadvertently kissing you more due to the sheer proximity of his lips to your chest. Feeling closer to you now than he had during intimacy.

And, admittedly, cuddling in bed wasn’t exactly what you’d call taking it slow. But by the time you had finished talking — and making out on the loveseat — the two of you were so exhausted that letting him spend the night had seemed innocent enough. Like platonically sharing a bed with a friend. Though that’s not a word you would use to describe what Alastor was to you.

More than friends, not quite lovers. Beholden to each other all the same. 

“Which is why I’ll only do this… for now.”

Alastor’s words and the warning, low tone of his voice hardly registered before you felt his tongue lap at the valley between your breasts, leaving a scorching trail in its wake that made your breath hitch. The soft groan from his open mouth right over your heart only making it beat harder, pleading for more of him. His large palm splayed against your back as he pressed you against his lips to nestle and kiss and suck, as if trying to pull the frantic organ through your skin through desire alone. You gasped as the light prick of his nails between your shoulders sent a fresh shiver down your spine, ending in a warm bloom between your hips as you curled into his touch. His responding needy hum as he grazed you with his teeth making you whimper.

Stronger in the morning…

“You’re not playing fair,” you complained, but it was a pathetic attempt at a scolding. You didn’t really want him to stop. Alastor’s responding chuckle told you that he knew it, too. The sound of it making your heart ache, and you were unable to suppress the small whine from behind your closed lips as he nipped and licked at your collarbone. “I missed you so much.”

You barely managed to finish speaking when he moved up to kiss you properly, slow and sweet, hand leaving your back to cradle the crown of your head. Melting into his touch, you moaned as his tongue entered your mouth; gentle and hot, coaxing whimpers and gasps from both of you as you tangled your fingers in his hair to keep him close. 

“I missed you, too,” he said quietly, nudging your nose with his. 

Tears fell unbidden as Alastor caressed and kissed the lingering bruises from his bite, seemingly determined to make them disappear through sheer willpower. Every little touch — administered or received — was comforting in a way that you feared would leave you insatiable, but the thought that formed in your mind through the haze of affection was a reassuring one.

This was eternity.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

“Fess up, toots.” Angel plopped down on a chair across from you, gleaming as he rested his head in his hands and leaned forward conspiratorially. “You’re havin’ all kinds of sleepovers now, huh?”

You nearly dropped the mug in your hands from the sudden question, and quickly looked around to see if anyone else had overheard. Not that the reconciliation was going to be secret — which would have been impossible to pull off anyway, considering how much the two of you had been moping around the hotel — but you had hoped to at least make it through the morning with the knowledge kept to yourselves. 

“That was you at the door last night, I’m assuming?” The nonchalance you were aiming for just enough to get a laugh from him. “What did you say to him anyway?”

“Just that I was checkin’ up on my girl — which he did not appreciate me callin’ ya, by the way — after missin’ the big night out. I hope I didn’t send him to bed too mad.” Judging by the smug look on Angel’s face, he knew that Alastor definitely had returned to bed at least a little ruffled. “Buuut after I heard ya wakin’ up I figured I’d save the teasin’ for another day.”

“And you started bright and early,” you quipped, unable to help the smile tugging at your lips as you went back to preparing the breakfast tray. 

“Well ya ain’t exactly bein’ subtle, what with the two mugs and all,” Angel taunted, jerking his head in the tray’s direction, “but jokes aside… I’m glad you were able to patch things up with Smiles. Who woulda thought all it’d take was an empty hotel, huh?” He gave you a wink and you narrowed your eyes at the suggestion, but he cut you off before you could even begin to ask the question forming in your mind. “Look, I gotta run, but I’m expectin’ a full report when I get back from work, capisce? Oh! Speakin’a which — guess who’s supposed to be on set tomorrow?”

It was your turn to laugh. “It’s about time that lazy bitch went back to work. Making the rest of you pick up the slack is just rude.”

You both snickered as you added the finishing touches on the tray, rounding out the coffee with some croissants and fruit. It definitely paid to be in the Princess’ circle; grapes in particular were very hard to come by. There wasn’t much time to relish in your mirth with Angel before you felt a cool, slinking tendril climb up your leg. Alastor’s shadow soon emerging over your shoulder to glare at your friend and whine in your ear.

Angel put all four of his hands up in mock defeat and pushed away from the table. “Duty calls, I get it,” he chuckled and gave you a knowing look, popping a grape from the tray into his mouth before making his way out of the kitchen. “Make sure the boss man knows ya got plans for tonight, yeah?”

“Yeah,” you called after him, glancing behind you as the shadow growled at the spot where Angel Dust had been. Its face reverted back to sullenness when you pursed your lips, admonishing him with only a look. Any lingering irritation dissolved as it tugged at your sleeve, urging you back upstairs, and you conceded with a sigh. “You wouldn’t even be here to come get me if it wasn’t for Angel, you know. I expect you to be nicer next time.”

The shadow nodded its head and pulled on you again, its phantom grin quickly returning when you picked up the tray and began to walk back to the elevators. Baseless hostility toward Angel aside, it was hard not to smile as you watched it flitter across the floor; pausing every few feet to materialize and look back, ensuring you were right behind it. If your theories about this creature were right, it was merely acting as an extension of the demon you were making your way back to, and he was apparently quite eager for your return. A warm rush of pride left your body tingling at the thought.

Then again… it wouldn’t do well for the two of you to be late to your sudden appointment with Rosie. Who, according to Alastor, was very anxious to see you both and had something special planned that he had nothing to do with.

Yeah, right… 

When you entered your room, you found Alastor at the loveseat still lounging in his pajamas and you scoffed, “That was a lot of urgency from someone who hasn’t gotten dressed yet.”

“Well, I had to do something. Our mutual friend was getting you off-track. I thought we took the same pleasure in this morning routine of ours, but perhaps I’m mistaken?” Alastor’s tone was light, his smile teasing as he watched the blush burn your face.

You cleared your throat as you took a seat next to him after setting down the tray and decided to change the subject. What point was there in admitting what he already knew?

“Rumor has it that Donny’s finally scheduled back to work tomorrow,” you said conversationally, helping yourself to some of the fruit.

Alastor’s eyebrows shot up in surprise before his face lit up in a hearty laugh; the ebullient sound of it making the mark he had left over your heart radiate with fondness. His face sharpened with that menacing, debonair grin as he looked down at you while you poured his coffee.

“Took him long enough to pull himself together, didn’t it? You did do quite a number on him, darling.”

You hummed, pleased with the proud look he gave you, and passed him the mug; a shock running through you as your fingers touched. Silly, considering how you had been pressed together all evening… not to mention all the other marks he left that matched the one currently throbbing between your breasts. 

Even in life, you never could have imagined something like this. Sitting in the parlor with a suitor, giggling over coffee and breakfast after an evening of whispering sweet nothings between kisses. It would be foolish to think a peace like this could last forever, but this was the afterlife. Wasn’t peace the absolution from mortality and its fickleness? As you watched Alastor sip his coffee, his free hand absently massaging the back of your neck as he hummed along to the radio, you couldn’t help but think so. 

Peace, friendship, sanctuary, love, and power.

Hell wasn’t what you had expected it to be. It was home.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧     ✧     ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

ps: a special shoutout to my darlings @hazelfoureyes and @sugoi-writes for giving me their shoulders to lean on while i worked on this final chapter. you both have listened to me ramble off ideas and scenarios and have supported me with such patience and grace… i don’t know how i’ll ever repay you but i will never stop trying!

pps: i do have plans for an epilogue, but don’t have a timeline on it just yet… stay tuned 😌💖

tag list: @fairyv-ice, @wat4r, @midorichoco, @raynerrold, @krak-jj, @tremendoushearttaco, @redfoxwritesstuff, @chibistar45, @kaylopolis, @cutiebimbo, @lousypotatoes, @rfox1998, @cosmiccandydreamer, @stardustandbrimstone, @cherry-cola-100, @wonderlandangelsposts , @catticora, @velvette3, @sailorsmouth, @alastorthirsty, @reath-solia, @junieshohoho, @cxrsedwxrlds, @fraugwinska, @littlebluefishtail, @nxcxllxsevens, @swagkittybear

[oroontheheels]

So I finished DMMD and here are some of my thoughts.

Spoilers!

My thought about Ren route are neutral, my thoughts about Virus and Trip are negative, so skip if you feel like I might hurt your feelings. ❤️

Ok so I despise the idea of “one true ending” in any dating sim/visual novel. It ruins illusion of creating your own story for me. And I don’t like “wholesome” “healthy” “uuwuuu” romance in fiction (I like it only irl). Because i find it VERY boring. So Ren’s route was very boring for me. He’s ok character but just not my cup of tea. And him being “OTP” of the story makes me SALTY. The same way I felt salty when I finished Gakuen Heaven anime. Imho Noiz or Kojaku would’ve been better “OTP”.

Also I don’t mind selfcest. I would probably marry myself if I could because nobody else would ever want me hahaha

But the fact that now Ren lives in Sei’s body… 🤢

No, just no. It’s bad. It was a somewhat ok route until that final plot twist.

I also hate that this is the only ending where we learn whole story so every other romance route feels unfinished. :/

I seen a lot of vicious fighting around Virus and Trip. So my opinion is that they suck?? They might have somewhat decent design (love the color scheme). But they literally have 0 personality and their motivation is shit. They radiate rich incel vibes. I dunno how else to describe it. They pretend to be intellectual but in reality they just fuckboys.

Also it took them 3 months to come up with the idea to put 2 dicks in 1 hole? What they were doing before? Tortured poor Aoba with missionary position? 🤣

All bark no bite. Such shallow creatures. 0/10

I liked all the other routes though. My top in regard to OTP:

1. Mink

2. Noiz

3. Clear

4. Kojaku

In regards to writing is:

1. Noiz

2. Clear

3. Mink

4. Kojaku

[skepticoyote]

All right, I guess I’ll just come out and spill the beans.

My partner was able to secure a decent promotion at work and so we are stable enough that I do not have to work full time outside the home.

Which means I have the time and energy to take on commissions again.

I opened a Ko-Fi account, and decided to start small. Starting at $3.50 CAD, you can request a drawing from me. Wanna see your cat as a Transformer? I’ll do it, and I’ll do my best to make it funny and/or cute.

My monthly goal is $250 and currently I am at $70.

If I can meet this goal, I stand a good chance of being able to move into doing art, writing and silly stuff full time, which is my dream.

I am also offering a $7.00 compliment video. This is basically just a brief video of me gushing over a piece of art you have created. These are usually about a minute long and you are free to share the video wherever you like. I will ONLY offer compliments… I will NOT be roasting anyone’s art, this is purely to make artists feel good.

Other options are available too if you want a more standard commission such as a con badge. Just ask and we’ll discuss!

I really want to make this happen, guys. Please consider tossing a couple bucks in the pot!

Thanks for looking.

[just-my-latest-hyperfixation]

Thx, @a-little-unsteddie, for the tag! ❤️

Yesterday was the last day of my vacation and we put it to great use - had a lovely day out by the sea and even saw a mink in the wild.

Today, we had to get up at 4:30 to catch the ship home, so I'm kind of dead on my feet rn, but we got to watch a lovely sunrise over the sea with seagulls flying all around us as we drove over the bridge that took us off "our" island.

@flintandfuss, @lunaraindrop, @renaissan-vvitch, @becomingfoxes, what's a good thing that happened to you today? ❤️

Okay so the post I made about me and Liam enjoying the livestream of the concert last night made me wanna do something because the world is a bit shit right now and we all could use it

It can be a tag game if you want or you can just reply or reblog with your own but:

Talk about one positive thing you’ve done or experienced in the last 24 hours. It can be anything at all that made you smile. Maybe an interaction with a stranger or hearing a new song that you loved or getting a raise or maybe you just saw a really pretty flower on a walk. Whatever it is, talk about it and spread a little positivity to people if you can ❤️

I’m just gonna summarize mine from earlier:

Last night Liam and I watched the livestream VOD of the Noah Kahan concert at Red Rocks and sang every song together and just spent a good two hours enjoying no interruptions of real life and no chaos and no expectations. I needed the reminder that me and my adventure buddy can have just as much fun on adventures at home ☺️

And I’m gonna tag some people to get it going but there’s no pressure to do it or tag others: @tattooedbats @madigoround @zerokrox-blog @izzy2210 @simplebtromance @wormdebut @wynnyfryd @legitcookie @sidekick-hero @flowercrowngods @every-aj-needs-an-angel @rozzieroos @griefabyss69 @artaxlivs @estrellami-1 or anyone who sees this and feels like continuing

[sashi-ya]

Hello Sashi~ First of all, congrats on 1K followers, you definitely deserve all of them, sweetheart!!!!! 🎉🌹🎉🌹 After getting my brain into sinning mode, for Spicy Week Lv2, may I request:

Law x Fem!Reader + Romantic relationship + [Biting/Marks + Using DF powers + blindfold + overstimulation + begging + breeding] + canon AU (whoever tops doesn’t matter to me ;) )

Heheh, I just love Law so much, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with sweetheart. Have a wonderful day! Let me know if you need anything else! ❤️🌹

Baaaaaby!! of course my dear Michelle ♥ Thank u so so much for the way you always support me and for being the best team mate ever!! ♥ ~ I hope you like this OS that I wrote for you. It takes place in Zou when Law returns from Dressrosa, so you can imagine how needy he is! Enjoy, love u!! ♥

🔥NSFW ~ Trafalgar D. Water Law x F! Reader ~ Perfect Place to Get Wild

Tw: Marks, Using DF powers, blindfolding, overstimulation, begging, breeding, mentions of pregnancy, oral, vag. Reader has df powers too. Fluff. Canon AU, island of Zou.

Wc: 1.7K

What you think is a hallucination, is not. Bepo is hugging the captain, your captain, your beloved Law. He is back from Dressrosa, he is alive, breathing and smiling.

“Baby!” you scream, running towards him. You jump on him; he grabs your waist so tight. Law and you press foreheads, tears of joy run through your cheeks. “You came back!” you whisper. “Of course, I came back. You were waiting for me, weren’t you?” he whispers back, kissing the tip of your nose.

Truth is that you really thought he wouldn’t come back, you pray each day and each night so Law wouldn’t give up his own life just so Doflamingo could fall. Days at Mokomo Dukedom have been ok, all the Minks made you feel like home. But the waiting seemed to be endless... Yet, there is nothing to worry about now, he is here. “He is alive, he is here!” you repeat.

“We should let the happy couple have their moment!” shouts Penguin and your crew disappears in between the biggest trees that grow in the back of a giant elephant.

Law puts you down, and you notice bandages on his right arm. “Babe… What happened? Does it hurt?” you ask, inspecting the white gauze perfectly tighten around his bicep. “Long story, don’t worry it's already healing. Why don’t you tell me where our room is? This dress with all of these garnishments looks so good on you, babe” he says, with a devilish smirk on his face. “Our… room?” you ask, confused. But still, you point towards a big tree that holds something similar to giant pineapples. “There, those are like little houses” you tell him, still amazed by Bepo’s homeland.

“Heh… Room. Shambles”

You fall over the little bed you were kindly assigned when you get to Zou. Law falls over you, all of his body weight crushing you. “Law…” you mumble, gasping for some air. “I’m sorry, (Name)-ya. But I just need you” he tells you, desperate. Your lover pounces onto you, kissing you so violently, so needy. Law needs you; you were apart for so long. The day before he left for Punk Hazard, was the last night you two have spent together.

Your body needed him as much as he did. You instantly kiss him back; your hands travel all over his chest trying to unbutton his black shirt. But Law stops you. “Wait…” he says, grabbing your wrists and pinning them to the bed. “What’s wrong, babe?” you ask, worried. “Uhm… let me cover your eyes” he tells you, with a visible painful expression on his face.

“If you don’t feel ok, we can do it later babe…” you tell him, but to your surprise Law is already taking a bandana Wanda gifted you to and covering your eyes. “Love these colors” he whispers while he ties the cloth on the back of your head. “Hehe, ye.. yeah…” you stumble on your own words, as Law has begun to attack your neck with kisses and bites.

“Auch…” you whimper, as Law bites excessively your flesh. “I’m sorry, babe… but… I need to…mark you… you are so mine” he says, muffled by the nibbling he does to your skin. And because it does not only hurt, but it also feels so good you let them mark you. “Let’s be a little wild here…” he jokes. “Hum… perfect place to be wild…” you laugh.

Every little sensation multiplies, as you can’t see but only feel. The scent of your lover's skin invades your nostrils, he is all sweaty, he smells like lust, like pure need. Tattooed hands travel all over your body, he tears one by one the thin strings that hold the back and front parts of your dress together. Law uses his mouth to rip the beads that garnish your hips. “You look like a princess, like a Goddess” he mumbles while kissing your collar bones, going down to your breasts.

“Mhh… I missed them” he says, and licks so slow and soft one of your nipples. You squirm at the surprising and delightful sensation. Law sucks and nibbles your hard nipples, while his hands squeeze your boobs so good. You can’t see, but still can imagine Law’s eyes fixed on your mouth open, whining his name and nonsense words.

Once he is satisfied with your overly stimulated breasts, his mouth goes lower and lower. Law licks your belly, placing some kisses in between. “You taste so good, baby girl” he says. “I’ve been bathing with the girls, they told me to use honey and cacao nibs all over my body for when you come back” you tell him, remembering the times Wanda and Nami told you about that magical “Mink mating spell”. “No wonder I want to get wild in here with you…” he says and bites you over your hip bones. Your hands blindly reach for Law’s hair, already wet from the sweating. Zou is so hot and humid during these months…

“Let me see if you also taste like honey here” he utters, while already kissing your entrance. “I bet it does” he mumbles and then separates your labia in order for his tongue to reach your sex better. You moan, soundly, praying not to wake up the “night ruled” minks.

Law alternates sucking and devouring your core, with bites on your inner thighs. “Mmm already turning purple…” he says while you feel him kissing the painful spots where he has bitten before. <War> trophies you would admire during the next few days.

To his heavenly tongue movements some fingers in and out of you are added, beckoning motion, perfectly hitting a spot he only knows how to find inside you. “You are soaking wet, babe…” he utters surprised, and you feel his fingers slide on your inner thighs so that you could feel how aroused you are.

“Babe… Law… wanna see your face, can I take this off?” you beg. “Hmm… I don’t know” Law giggles and stops devouring you. “Please, babe…” you moan, but you can’t keep talking, because you can feel how Law’s hard sex rest over your core now. You whine, you need him inside, you’ve been edged to death, you need release, but you also need him to fuck you forever. “Please”. “Beg for it”. “Please, fuck me”. “Want me inside, huh?”. “Please… Law…”

You feel his hands reach your blindfold and slide it softly to your mouth. “Bite it, you will need it unless you wanna wake the whole island up, including the elephant” he dares to joke, but you swallow. That only means one thing…

“Room… Takt”

Yes, he is using the room and probably the electricity too… After all this time you are not really sure if you will be able to handle it. For some reason being inside his room made your whole sensations be in full control of him, if he wanted to over stimulate all of your nervous terminals at the same time, he could do it… And he is, indeed, in the mood for it.

You are now standing up, yet you can’t move your own body. The blue bubble around you emits that buzzing sound, pressure all over your body, make you feel lightheaded. Being trapped in Law’s room is as scary as weird, but you trust your sadistic boyfriend. And he is already planning the best way to make you explode…

“Counter shock” he casts, you widen your eyes when you see the little light form in between his thumb and index. Law smirks, but this time, he does not touch you. He instead raises his palm in front of you and you can instantly feel how stings of soft electricity stimulates every single pleasure nerve ending in your body.

You bite the bandana on your mouth trying to conceal the loud whine that escapes your mouth. “Law…” you say, panting, squirming. “Thought of a new way to make you feel good while missing you at PH” he utters and smirks while with one hand jerks himself off, completely hard and aroused.

And the sensations never end, you can’t even tell if what you are feeling is multiple orgasms at the same time or a big one, but what you know is that fucking with a needy "Surgeon of Death" feels extremely good.

And because you thought your body reached its limit you beg your lover to stop. "Baby… I can't… it's just…" you tell him, spitting the cloth that covers your mouth.

"Already? Ok, then. Come on" he says and gets closer to you. Law stops the room, yet you can still feel the sensations hitting your nerves. You fall exhausted into his arms.

"You know exactly what's next, don't you?" He asks and lifts you up from your ass. You wrap your legs around his waist, nodding with what's little left of energy… after all you still want him inside you.

"Good girl" he says and penetrates you deep. Your mouths shaped in an o form, lingering one over the other. He moves his hips, fucking your mercilessly, both smiling and making out.

He walks towards the dresser and sits you there, you notice he is getting exhausted and his arm hurts, but he never stops fucking you. Law grabs your cheeks and makes you turn around so you can see yourself in the little mirror the dresser has.

Both of you admire the image of your bodies melting in one, the way your face and Law’s face gets lost in pure pleasure and release.

"Wanna fill you up, let me impregnate you" he says panting. "Fill me up, Law… cum inside me, please". You watch Law’s countenance give in to pure pleasure as he comes, you come too, feeling the way his sweet warm release bathes your insides.

"Hopefully I got you pregnant" he says, but instantly covers his mouth, embarrassed. "If not, we can try countless times, babe. I want you to fill me up from now on…"

Some kisses and both return to the bed. Cuddling and softly nuzzling on his chest you ask, "you blindfolded me because you didn't want me to see these scars, right?". "Uhmm… yes..." he accepts.

"Let me heal them all for you, babe" you whisper and use your devil fruit powers to regenerate every single tissue that has been wounded…

That's why Law has no scars from that time back at Dressrosa ♡~

[chicinsilk]

US Vogue September 1, 1953 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Model Mary Jane Russell

Jacketed costume for cocktails through a mediumsized evening. The dress, the newest line: sleek and seamless from right under the bosom-not even a belt. Pattern S-4446. We used slate-blue Costa-Tabasso Italian silk. That fine glitter: diamond jewels from Harry Winston. The ranch mink muff: Revillon Frères.

Photo Richard Rutledge

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