#what do you mean i'm like ready to pass out 4 hours before i usually go to bed???

[moody-alcoholic]

Cross My Heart

Part 4- Forced Proximity

Summary: eventual poly141 x reader. Enemies to lovers, mini fic.

CW: medical stuff, use of weapons, cannon typical violence, death.

AN: 2 parts in under 24 hours? I have to focus on my main projects I can't focus with this part sitting in my drafts.

Previous parts - masterlist - next

AO3

“You’re really going to make me go into Al Qatala territory with nothing?” You ask as Ghost prepares his weapon. 

“What do you mean you’re going in with the best of us.” Soap says winking at you. You frown at him looking back over at Ghost. 

“Just give me my pistol back. What? You think I'm going to shoot him?” You scoff. There’s silence in the room, you look around. Yes, yes they do think that. You sigh, zipping your jacket up and going over to the door. 

You wait in silence as Ghost comes to stand next to you. He’s dressed in full gear and you’re in basic clothes, not even anything camouflaged. 

“Here.” Gaz comes over to you handing you a radio and an earpiece. You frown at him. 

“I don’t know how to use this.” You say. 

“You’ll figure it out.” He says walking back over to the sofa with Price who’s been watching you the whole time. You clip the radio onto your belt and put the earpiece in fiddling with what you think is the volume tuner. 

“Ready?” Ghost asks. You look up at him and nod. “How far is this place again?” 

“A few kilometres east.” You respond. He reaches over, handing you a knife hilt first. You almost want to laugh at him. 

“Can’t do much with a knife.” You say, it’s spitfull, you want your gun back. You take the knife regardless.

“You can do alot with a knife.” He says and reaches down opening the door and walking out into the night. 

“Good luck.” Price calls. You look back at him and nod. 

You tuck the knife into your belt and follow Ghost into the darkness. 

…

“How did you know about this place?” Ghost asks as you make it to the entrance of the town.

“It was taken over by Al Qatala about a year ago. Been pretty much abandoned since then.” You say, the wind has picked up and you can see thick clouds in the sky blocking out the light from the moon.

“The ULF don’t come this far north, it’s a good way point for smugglers.” You say. You’ve passed through here many times. 

“You really seem to hate the ULF.” He says as a matter of fact.

“They’re both as bad as each other. If anything Konni have been the best, at least for work.” 

“Doesn’t bother you, they're helping terrorists.” He says, there's a bitterness in his voice. 

“The ULF killed my father in a hospital.” You say, anger rises in you. “I never got to say goodbye, I never got to see his body.” 

“You said your mum worked for them.” 

“She did, she was killed by Al Qatala, she was working for Farah.” You say, he doesn’t say anything. You make it to the top of the street. 

“Right.” You say pointing down the road. You walk down in silence, there are some streetlights working rigged up by whoever is using this town for now. 

“What about you? You’re British living a comfy life. What are you doing here?” You ask. 

“We’re after someone.” 

“In Al Qatala? It’s pretty clear you’re friendly with the queen bee.” He shakes his head.

“No.” He says stopping. You hum looking over at him. His eyes are darting around. You look into the darkness of the town, you can’t see or hear anything. 

“Ever killed anyone?” He asks suddenly and keeps walking. 

“Maybe.” You say trying to sound confident. “Why should it matter, you’re a soldier, you took an oath before you killed people. At least I’m doing it to keep innocent people alive.” 

“You smuggle people for Konni, Makarov.”

“I’ve smuggled people for the ULF too, like I said, I work for whoever pays.” He scoffs. You’re surprised, he usually seems so reserved. There’s a reason for the mask. 

“Proper opportunist aren't you?” You can hear the sarcasm in his voice. 

“Fuck you.” You snap, shaking your head. You go turn the corner ignoring his remarks. Suddenly he grabs your arm and pulls you between some buildings. 

“Get the fuck off-” he slams his hand over your mouth pulling you against his chest. You start to fight him then you hear voices. You stop struggling as they get closer.

“The place is empty, why are we back here?” You hear one of them say in arabic. 

“Khaled wants to take this place over. Use it to cut off the ULF movements.” Someone else replies. Does Ghost understand arabic? You assume he doesn’t. 

“I thought I would be home with my family before the end of the month.” 

“When was the last time you saw them?” The other asks as you watch them pass past you. 

“10 months ago.” 

“You’ll see them soon, mashallah.” They walk out your view, their lights fading, leaving you back in darkness. Ghost’s hand leaves your mouth, your heart is hammering in your chest. He lets you stand up, releasing his grip round you. You want to thank him, they would have killed you if they’d seen you. How did he even hear them coming?

“Let's move.” he whispers, pushing past you out towards the street. You follow him close as you walk out into the street, sticking close to the buildings and following the shadows. 

“Up there to the left.” You say pointing at a building ahead of you both. The place is surrounded by a chain link fence. The building looks more rundown than you remember.

“Round the back there's a smashed in door, I doubt it’s been repaired.” You say behind Ghost, still trying to keep your voice low. 

“Copy.” He says. You let him lead, following him close to the building. He pulls something off his vest cutting the links in the fence. He holds it open, nodding at you to sneak through. You go through first heading over to the door. It’s open, you can see from here. You just hope the place hasn’t been raided too hard. 

The place is dark, there are no lights, no electricity. Ghost comes in behind you clicking on a torch. He hands you another one, you take it out his hands turning it on and shining it over the signs. 

“Who taught you English?” He asks. 

“My parents said if I wanted to go anywhere in life I should learn English. I was brought up speaking both.” You keep the fact you can speak Russian silent. Don’t ask, don’t tell. The more advantages you have over them the better. 

“Here.” You say shining the torch over a room that says surgery. The room looks like it’s just been closed up for the night. Cupboards are still full of sterile supplies. That's good, you should be able to find everything you need.

“I’m going to check for other supplies. Are you good here?”  You look over at him nodding and pick up a bag off the counter, you watch him leave the doorway and head into another room down the hall.

You’re not going to be able to find drugs. Price could use local anaesthesia and antibiotics, you don’t even know where to start with human medicine, never mind dog medicine. You recognise tools though, sealed sterile gloves and tweezers, scalpels and plenty of different bandages and gauze. 

You turn in the room walking round the table and over to the other side looking for wraps, something you can use to make a somewhat sterile field. You try to remember what you’ve seen from interning at the hospital for the last few years. You smile as you fill the bag, your parents were right, in the end the education was useful. 

Suddenly you hear a crash, grunting. Someone's in the building. There's an audible grunt, the sound punches, scraping of furniture. There’s no gunfire, you rush over to the hallway following the noise. You can see lights flashing in a room, you burst through the door.

It’s hand to hand contact, they’re fighting on the floor, the stranger is on top of Ghost. You’re not thinking, if Ghost dies they’ll kill you. No matter what you say they’ll kill you. Your hand feels for the knife in your belt.

The man on top of Ghost looks bigger, he's not wearing any body armor, Ghost's weapon flung to the side. You don’t have time to think you take the knife off your waist and jump at the guy on Ghost, plunging it into the man's neck. Blood spurts out covering you all. There’s no noise, you hit the carotid. 

His body goes limp after a few seconds and you stand up. Ghost pushes the body off him. You reach out offering him your hand. He hesitates for a second before accepting it and you pull him up. 

“Hurry up, we need to go.” He says reaching down to pull the knife out his neck. He wipes it on his leg before handing it back to you.

“Fuck me, not even a thank you.” You scoff putting the knife back on your hip. You leave the room going back into the surgery. You pack the last of the gauze and whatever sterile supplies you can find. An opened scalpel falls on the floor making you jump. 

It still has the cover over the blade. You’ll have to give the knife back to Ghost but the scalpel, it’s small, no one would know you have it. 

“Let’s go.” Ghost calls sticking his head in the room before leaving back towards the back door. You look at the scalpel on the floor. 

If you take it and they find it they could kill you. If you leave it you have no way to defend yourself either way. You sigh looking over at the door. 

How easy it would be to betray them.

..

It’s raining when you make it back to the safe house. They’ve piled the bodies up in the shed. They probably won’t get any kind of funeral until Farah’s troops get here, even then if she learns who they are they’ll most likely be dumped somewhere. Or buried in a mass grave, not like the commander in Chief of the ULF has time for Russian Al Qatala operatives. 

“What happened!?” Soap asks, rushing up to Ghost. The rain washed most of the blood off you both, but not all. 

“Nothing. Just a slight complication.” You shake your head going over to the sofa and putting the bags down. Price looks up at you, you smile at him. 

“Can I get cleaned up?” You ask the room. 

“Yeah.” Price says. You walk over to Ghost being fussed over by Soap. You tap him on the shoulder and he turns to look at you. You hold the knife out for him. 

“Here.” You say. He takes it out of your hand but doesn’t say anything. You huff pressing your lips together, you didn’t expect anything. You turn to head up to the bathroom. 

“Thanks.” He calls. It stops you in your tracks. You turn back and nod at him. The scalpel you hid in your waistband suddenly feels like a lead weight. 

Banners by plum98

[sheyshen]

man considering i haven't actually done all that much this week I'm like exhausted.

[marcsburnerphone]

And they were roomates

(Captain John price x F!reader)

Summary: the captain wants somewhere more homely to settle down and when an offer like yours comes alight on Zillow he must take up on it.

Warnings: angsty (very minimal), smut, jealousy, possesiveness?

part 1 - part 2 - part 3 - part 4 - part 5 - part 6- part 7 - part 8!!!!!

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

When you get to the restaurant he has a large hand resting on your lower back. This spot is in the most crowded part of the city, meaning the ride was a bit over half an hour. He opens the door for you, stepping aside to let you in first. You sigh at the heat that radiates from inside as you step onto the hardwood floor of the very extravagant restaurant.

“John, I don't think I’m dressed for this kind of place.” You should’ve asked where you were going, god why didn’t you ask.

“What do you mean?” he asks confused, he looks down at you noticing the way you slightly sink into his side.

“I mean I’m underdressed for this place.” You whisper up to him, he looks around then back to you not seeing the problem at all. 

“I actually think you're overdressed.” He says winking at you, making you look away bashfully.

“John, I'm serious.” His eyes remain on you admiring the way your hair falls just above your collarbone, how you have your gorgeous legs on display for everyone to see. He simply doesn’t know what you’re on about. 

“You look beautiful, cut it out.” He says softly kneading at the meat on your hip, you pass up the long line of walk in groups and wait for the hostess to return which she quickly does.

“Reservation for John.” He says in his usual deep tone. Every so often you swear he lightens it for you.

“Okay follow me.” She gives you both a wide smile and collects two menus. 

John follows her and leads you through saying his ‘excuse me’s to the servers you pass by, keeping you tucked firmly to his side. Although it’s an intimate spot it’s also bustling with business inside. You realize this place is probably hard to get a reservation at as the walk in line piles up.

Once you’re sat and given menus she lets you both know your server will be with you shortly before leaving. 

“Have you been here before?” You ask as he glances over the drink menu.

“I have actually, Laswell and her wife got engaged here.” He smiles and remembers the very eventful night. Him and some old friends had hidden in a booth so they could watch it all take place and ended up getting caught in the end. 

“How long has she been married for?” 

“Nearly a decade.” You sigh with a smile. You want that. You want that terribly.

“Hi, can I get drinks started for you guys?” The server asks, John orders himself a scotch as you decide on what you want.

“I’ll just get an iced tea.” You say before looking up. But when you do you’re surprised to see an old friend.

“Adam?” You say with an awfully wide smile. 

“I knew that was you.” He says leaning in for a hug that you gladly reciprocate. 

“I’m so happy to see you.” You exclaim, last you heard of him he was in America. You wonder when he got back to the UK and how long he’s been back for.

“Me too, it’s lovely to see you. Anyways I’ll be back with your drinks.” He leaves as quickly as he came, stopping by other tables to check in.

“How do you know him?” John asks, you notice his gruff voice has an interesting pitch to it.

“Childhood friends.” You reply.

“Ah has it been awhile?” He asks curiously.

“A long while, he moved to the states and now he’s back I guess.” You shrug not really knowing what else to say.

“interesting.” You notice the way his eyes slightly trail your old friend as he walks around. 

“Okay, do you know what you're going to get?” You ask him to regain his attention. 

“I think so, you?” You nod your head also looking over the menu once more before making your final decision. 

“Here you guys go.” Adam says setting the drinks down at your table. 

“Are you ready to order?”He asks, keeping his eyes firmly on you. You don’t notice it but your very watchful date does. 

“No actually, could we have a couple more minutes?” John says, catching your attention as you give him a puzzled look. 

“Yeah, take all the time you need, by the way I heard from your sister not too long ago she told me you and Brian broke up. I was shocked, truly we all thought you guys would get married .” He says turning back to you. 

“Well they didn’t.” John says lowly beneath his breath. You and your old friend look at him for a second before you reply.

“Yeah, it just didn’t work out.” You reply a little awkwardly in remembrance of the breakup. Brian had also been a childhood friend and a highschool sweetheart.

“You were always too good for him.” you can't think of an appropriate way to answer that so there's a second of silence before he takes the hint. “ Okay then I’ll be back in a bit.” 

“He’s flirting with you” John says once he walks away.

“You think?”

“You don’t.” He feels like he just watched the man’s pupils turn into hearts at the sight of you.

“Are you jealous?” you ask, trying to read his expression.

“Of the childhood friend, or possibly family friend that's flirting with you, no.” He feels like it’s childish but in the end he’s just a man.

“John.” 

“Please doll, don’t.” You can't believe your eyes as you watch his jaw tick.

“Okay.” you try to suppress the smile that makes its way onto your lips. John has absolutely nothing to worry about but nonetheless is pent up.

He changes the topic and asks you about your next painting project, what you think it’ll be and where you think you’ll put it. You ask him about his own work, where did he meet his task force or rather how until Adam is back for your order.

You guys go back and forth on whether princess diana's death was an assassination or simply a horrible accident you say it was an assassination while he calls you crazy till your food is brought out to you.

There’s still light conversation between bites and sips. He’s not jealous, he tells himself, just bothered, bothered that you’ve known that man longer, how he knows your sister and had recently spoken to her, how he looks at you like you're more than friends. 

When dinner finishes up you offer to pay out of kindness and he just laughs shaking his head. When the check comes and he reads it he notices how your items have been paid for and prays dearly to remain collected.

“Did they double charge you or something?” You are confused at the subtle scowl on his face. 

“More like undercharged, do you see your friend anywhere?” He says looking around and you do also.

“No.” 

“It looks like all your items are paid for.” He’s clearly upset and although you sort of understand why, you can’t completely understand.

“It’s probably just a nice gesture John.” Why did he have to do that? 

“Doll I’m a man, I know what this means.” He sighs, jaw clenching. 

“Okay but we’re old friends.” You say trying to calm him down but failing miserably. 

“Oh you don’t say.” He says pressing his lips together. 

“Let's just forget about it, come on.” You softly plead.

“I’m not leaving without paying for your meal.” And he means it. When your unfortunate friend comes back around to collect the check, John's talking before he can get a word in.

“I’m sorry but I’d like to pay for these items.” John says to him with a husky deeper, irritated tone.

“I thought I’d treat an old friend.” Adam says looking to you while John’s holding onto every inch of his patience. 

“I’d like to treat my girl if you don’t mind.” Adam looks back to you for whatever reason but your eyes are stuck on John like you're in a trance. 

“Okay sir I’ll um I’ll rerun this.” He says walking away. It’s awkward silence and he’s still breathing in an unnatural pattern. But my girl, my girl, my girl. Is all you could think about.

“Here you are sir.” He says handing back the check. John gives it a quick glance before placing his card inside and handing it back. 

When he comes back around to give John his card back and a receipt for a signature you guys both get up to leave. 

“It was nice seeing you, maybe we can hang out soon?” Adam says facing you. 

“It was nice seeing you too.” John patiently waits for you to join him at his side.

“Maybe I can get your number?” The tone is one you’d only identify as flirtatious. You shut your eyes for a second realizing John was right but regardless of that he has nothing to be jealous about. 

“I'm sorry if you hadn’t noticed but I'm actually here on a date and I think that would be a little inappropriate.” You say politely while walking away. Once you're next to John his hand is around your waist as he is now the one trying to suppress a smirk. You walk out into the cold air huffing as you tighten your hands around yourself. 

When you get to the car John opens your door as he always does, waiting for you to sit before closing it. He gets in quietly turning the key in the ignition as the car hums to life, you look towards the window and out into the city, in another life you're definitely a city girl who sits at bars with friends and smokes cigarettes on fire escapes. As he’s driving he can’t help but notice the pout on your face. He fears he upset you in some way as your eyes stay on the road.

You can’t help but feel like he’s upset with you for not shutting it down sooner. His silence only leaves room for your mind to take over. This is the common dance between you two. He feels bad for how his jealous tendencies may have affected your first date and you feel guilty for letting this man openly make a pass on you infront of John.

“Doll.” 

“Hmm.” You reply not looking towards him. You’ve entered the long highway that leads home. The city is now in the rearview mirror getting smaller and smaller. With his right hand he caresses your chin turning you to face him. 

“What’s with this look?” He asks softly as his eyes bounce from you to the road. The hand that’s on your face makes its way to rest upon your upper thigh.

“Sorry.” 

“Don’t be sorry, I’m genuinely asking.” He says a little confused.

“I truly didn’t think it meant anything.” He sighs realizing you're overthinking, that’s why you're quiet. 

“Don’t let that bother you, it’s okay.” He reassures you.

“I just don’t know what kind of man sees a woman who’s clearly on a date and is still so bold. Although when it comes to you I fear I’d be the same way.” John says and you scoff with a small smile looking away.

“I would, you're gorgeous, a gem. But my gem.” You can’t help the rise of warmth to your cheeks. You realize John is always complimenting you, always making sure you know how valuable you are. Does he not realize how you feel about him? 

“And how do you think I feel about you?” You say in a tone close to a whisper. His eyes search yours wondering where this is going.

“Getting jealous over a man who doesn’t compete with you and never could is beyond me.” You continue when he doesn’t respond.

“John, you're the most attractive man I’ve ever met, and I’m gladly all yours. My mind is too full of john price to think about anyone else” He groans quietly at the admission, not quite enough for your sensitive ears to pass up on though. 

“Yeah?” He says shifting in his seat as your words go straight to his cock.

“Yeah.” You gaze at him with the widest eyes, his hand clenches and unclenches around the steering wheel as he tries to remain gentlemanly.

You unbuckle your seatbelt causing him to turn his head at the sound. You’re still about five minutes away from home so he's slightly confused. Though all that dissipates when you lean up against the center council placing a hand on his thigh grazing over the growing erection he knows you know is there to plant a kiss on his cheek then one on his lips before sliding back into your seat.

“Thankyou for dinner.” It’s laced with seduction. 

you approach home at a faster speed than usual. He’s out of the car the second it's set in park rushing to your side to help you out. You can’t read his current expression as he practically drags you inside.

“Are you alright?” You ask, he scoffs at your audacity, fumbling with the keys to get the door unlocked. He’s ushering you inside quickly so the heat doesn’t escape from inside the home. You remove your boots by the door as John locks up. When you look up he's closer than you expected and his eyes are staring at you hungrily.

“Have I ever told you that you have a staring probl-“ his mouth is on yours before you can finish. There’s no easing into the kiss this time. He’s forcing his tongue in your mouth taking you by a welcomed surprise. He lifts you up like it’s nothing, hoisting you firmly around his waist. 

His lips drag messily down your neck as he pulls your sweater down further, any and all access to your skin available to him he wants to taste. You’re pressed up against a wall one second and then being walked towards his room another. He’s impatient and it's unlike him, yet he’s never felt more like himself. 

Your hands are in his hair pulling up his mouth to meet yours. His pants are so strained in the crotch area that he’s bucking his hips unintentionally searching for any kind of attention. You've grown embarrassingly wet in a matter of minutes,  being turned on doesn’t describe how you feel. Your skirt has become scrunched above your bum from all John’s touching and kneading. 

“Please.” You whine. He meets your lustful stare, smiling at how submissive you’ve become from just a little touching. 

“What do you want?” His voice has dropped octaves and his accent sounds extra thick as he says it in the short space between you. When you refuse to answer he presses more into you sparking friction so intense and so needed that your eyes shut softly. 

“What is it, hmm?” 

“You John, I want you.” You admit, you’re truly trying your best given what you want sounds too raunchy to speak aloud.

“Well I’m right here, gonna need more of an explanation.” He’s trying his hardest to not just give you it all. 

“Your fingers.” You can’t look at him as you say it. But the smile that forms on his face is so large and proud. 

“Don’t be an ass.” You say watching as your words definitely go to his ego. He knew you had a thing for his hands as he often caught you glancing at them when you got the chance. 

“You’re making my greatest wishes come true, why can’t I just be happy about it.” You smile now as his lips return to yours. He walks more down the hall this time you believe he’s heading into his room until your backs pressed up somewhere else. You open your eyes confused looking around before you notice you’re up against the candlelight painting, before you can question him he reads your mind.

“Don’t think I ever told you how much I love this one.” He says as he begins to remove your top. You raise your hands for him as he throws it to the floor beside you. You feel his hips stutter a bit when he sees the black Lace bra that adorns your chest.

“You’ll be the death of me.” 

“Promise?” 

His hands waste no time in finding the space between your thighs as he rubs an experimental finger over the damp spot that’s soaked through your tights. He nearly drops to his knees for a taste when he realizes just how wet you are. 

“Is this all for me?” he asks, pressing more firmly into the area.

“Yes.” it lacks that poised tone you always have. He grips the thin fabric and rips it in the crotch area and just like all tights, once one thread becomes undone the rest basically tears itself. He peers down looking at your matching panties clicking his tongue. His eyes go immensely dark at the sight of your arousal smeared on your plump thighs. He pushes your panties to the side shamelessly dipping a finger into your glistening cunt. Your back arches off the painting at the new sensation, mouth dropping a bit In anticipation. You hear how wet you are as he slides a finger up and down through your folds simply getting familiar with you, committing this to memory. 

“Please john.” you whine. His eyes find yours as his index finger begins to prod at your sopping entrance. He watches your face intently as he slides it inside, groaning at the way you clench around the single digit. His fingers are thick and coarse and your newest obsession. He can't get enough of the look of pleasure on your face as he begins to pump it in and out of you. You've sucked your bottom lip between your teeth to keep your moans mostly muffled trying your best to make little noise but that just doesn’t work for him. He leans in sucking it into his own mouth before kissing you deeply as you try your hardest to reciprocate. He begins to introduce his middle finger slowly easing it inside next to his other, your mouth falls open as a sound of pure pleasure escapes at the stretch. 

“D’s that feel good?” he asks breathlessly as the nearly painful erection in his pants twitches. You can't bring yourself to answer as your eyes fall to the hand that’s delivering you this feeling of ecstasy. He too watches in awe as your arousal leaks into his palm. 

“S’good all yours john.” you cry out as he presses his thumb to your clit. He can feel you getting close by the way his fingers are fighting to keep pumping inside your tight hole. He keeps the pace as he places sloppy kisses on your breasts sucking a little roughly on the soft tissue and watching the little bruises that immediately arise. 

He watches you in admiration, this is a paramount moment in his life. He curls his fingers towards that spot that makes you mumble incoherently, creasing your eyebrows in diversion.

“John, I'm close.” you're not close you’re practically there and he can't wait to see how pretty you look coming on his hand.

“Come on doll.” he wishes his eyes were cameras, he wants to keep the look on your face as you moan out his name forever. How your hands are holding onto his shoulders for dear life as if he’d drop you. And the way your long eyelashes flutter close. You're a dream, an absolute spectacle. His fingers continue to fuck you through the intense feeling, making sure you’re more than sated. 

He waits for your breathing to slow as he pulls his fingers from you. You whimper at the empty feeling. Your eyes that are struggling to fully open don't miss the moment he sucks them into his mouth gathering every ounce of spilled arousal. He moans loudly around them and you feel that switch come back on as quickly as it did the first time. He takes you to his room kicking the door open and setting you softly onto his bed. He removes your panties discreetly tucking them in his pocket as you still struggle to fully regain awareness. 

“May I?” He asks kindly, leaning down as he begins to hook your thigh around his shoulder.

“Oh John I never you don’t-“ 

“You never what?” He questions in absolute disbelief.

“You know this.” You gesture down to him with your hands, slightly embarrassed.

“I won’t if you don’t want me too.” He wants a taste desperately, truly doesn’t know what he’ll do if you deny him. 

“It’s not that I don’t want you too, it's just don’t feel obligated.” He laughs and you feel the air of his breath fan against you. 

“You're the one doing me the honor here, if you don’t like it just nudge me with your hand.” You nod nervously at him as he gains some focus onto the matter at hand. 

He’s eye to eye with the most mouth watering sight on the planet. You’re perfect in a way that would seem unachievable if you weren’t a living testimony that it is. 

He opens his mouth laying his tongue flat against your folds, your hips buck unintentionally and he moves to grip your hips and hold them firm. 

One taste and he’s sure you will truly be the death of him. He immerses himself in you, lapping at everything you're willing to give. You moan softly as your hands find their way into his hair. It’s good, better than anything you could’ve expected. His beard burns the inner part of your thighs and that mixed with the way John has his eyes on you while his tongue finds ways to make your back arch off the bed is mesmerizing. You try your best to not grind down onto his face every time his nose makes contact with your clit. You wonder if he can breathe, deciding he probably can’t by the way his face is snug against you, the ungodly sounds of slurping and grunting is making you woozy all around. 

“tastes so good, all f’me.” He says as he eats you out. It’s muffled into your folds, like if it wasn’t meant for you to hear. You feel that familiar build up of something hot and liquidy poor into your lower belly. A hand of yours kneads at your breast adding to the overwhelming senses of pleasure, with your other hand you pull on the locks of John’s hair, when he looks up he can’t contain it, the way his cock senselessly grinds into the mattress begging to be touched, he removes a hand from your hip carefully sliding it down the bed to release and stroke his aching red cock. He watches you lose yourself in pleasure as he fucks you on is tongue, your needy cries are melodic too him, they make him hungrier than ever before as he fucks his fist in fervor imagining the day he can split you open with it. Before he can think correctly he’s spurting loads more than he thought was possible onto his hand and dress shirt. The groan that he pours into you sends an intense feeling through your body, like thrashing waters that pull you under and keep you there before letting you back up. You don’t mean to, didn’t even expect it so soon but once the vibration hits you your clamping down onto his face. He doesn’t seem to mind, just continues to lick and prod at you letting your hips move slowly on his face. 

“John I’m-” you try catching your breath.

“You better not say sorry my love.” He can’t comprehend that this is real life. He tries to drink up all of what’s left of you before you push him away from over sensitivity.

You lay there breathless and heavy as he climbs above you planting a kiss onto your lips. You moan softly as you taste yourself from his mouth. When he pulls away you look at him with his wet beard and glistening stache. 

“What about you?” You say looking down towards his now unbuttoned pants.

“Finished about five minutes ago.” He says smugly. 

“What?” 

“What can I say doll, you're divine.” He’s not even phased by it and you’re in complete shock. He presses his weight down into you once more for a kiss then gets up and heads into the bathroom, you’re not sure what he’s doing till he comes back with a warm cloth and cleans the mess you made up. You’re unfamiliar with your partner doing aftercare but it’s nice. 

“D’ya want a pair of boxers or sweats, and a shirt or sweater.” He says while going to his dresser. 

“Boxers and sweater.” You answer quietly, you’re spent, as sleepy as can be. When he approaches you with both those things he helps you dress and opens the comforters for you to get inside. He himself is dressed in pajamas as he scoots in next to you pulling you firmly to his chest. You scoot impossibly close and intertwine your legs with his, your face is in the crook of his neck inhaling him as you fall asleep. He doesn’t want to lose this moment so quickly though so he tries his best to keep himself awake for as long as possible just to savor having you in his bed entangled with him physically and mentally. Although it doesn’t last as long as he’d like it’s enough to get him through the hard nights, his eyes drift closed as he too falls asleep.

——————-

I too am ashamed of myself🫶

Comments and re-blogs are greatly appreciated (if you do know spiritually I’m giving you a forehead kiss) ❕

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[christinebloodwrittings]

Hi, I was wondering if you could do an Alastor x Reader, where Reader and Alastor are about to get married, but the day before their wedding, Alastor mysteriously disappears. On their bed lays a note: “I’m sorry, I had to leave.”?

Heart in debt

Pairing: Alastor x Fem!Reader Summary: "Until death do us apart" turned into a "Until I see you again in hell", when Alastor, for unknown reasons, decided to become a runaway groom. Warnings: Gore, bit of angst.

Sorry for the delay dearest, this work took 4 drafts and a lot of re-write, I hope the result is to your liking :3.

The venue was reserved in advance, your mother had chosen the perfect location for you. The catering service was already paid for, as was the florist, band and cake.

Everything was ready.

Looking back, as you finished getting ready for bed, with your nerves on edge, you remembered how your parents reacted when you told them you were getting married.

The best couple ever, welcomed your fiancé, Alastor, as if they had recognized the plague made person. The permanent smile, the aura of death, and well, something they saw in him made them act defensively.

However, of course, your father loved you more than anything in life, so since the ring was of high quality, he had a house on his name, he could provide for you and assure you a future with children, he had no choice but to swallow his opinions and daydream the day when you say he can shoot his brains out.

It was distasteful to you that your father wanted to kill your fiancé, but you knew he loved you and as long as he was with you, Alastor would be fine.

And he was waiting in bed, with his glasses on the edge of his nose, busy with a book. "Excuse me, madam, but if you hold the rifle like that, you will hurt yourself due to the force of the recoil" you remembered your first interaction, his voice was as soft as silk, manners polished up to perfection.

“Then, what would you say is the best way?”  you suspected he was going to say something mannish and arrogant, most man didn’t believed women could do nothing except cooking and breed children, judging by the eat shitting grin he was wearing, you were expecting the worst sexist comment.

Instead he asked your permission to help you, after you said yes, he gently moved your arms upwards to accommodate your position, then gently pulled sideways your hips, “Your support leg must be straight and tight, strong, otherwise you will fall back” then a rustle in the bushes alerted both of you, a white back deer.

“You can do it, aim” he encouraged you, watching the majestic prongs of the deer appear at the distance, “Breathe, don’t rush” his breath on your ear sent a shiver up your spine, “Now!” he spoke, you pulled the trigger, he held you during the push back, that kind of rifle was far too intense, even for him, but it had the enough power to kill the animal just fine.

“Do I have something on my face, dear?” he noticed your stare, smiling softly. You walked to him, pecking his cheek softly, “Now there is” he chuckled, setting his book on the nightstand, then he opened his arms to you, which were soon filled with your figure.

"I can't wait for us to be one" you snuggled against his chest, "Me neither, dearest" he pulled you closer, your hair ticking his nose. "At this hour tomorrow I'll be Mrs. Hartfield, I wish your mother were here to enjoy with us" his mom had passes away when he was a kid, but since your mother was friends with her, you got faint memories of the sweet woman that had raised your soon-to-be husband.

"She probably would have made a joyride out of the planning" his sarcasm got you giggling, "You're so mean" He kissed your temple, enjoying your laughter, "Rather honest, darling".

Nothing could go wrong at the moment, you were in cloud nine, until you woke up and noticed Alastor was gone. It was weird, usually he wouldn't move out of bed until you did. 

“My love, I'm sorry, I  had to leave. I realized I'm not ready. I'll be sending you money to compensate for the expenses. I'm sorry” Signed with his name, his calligraphy on a piece of paper next to his spot.

"Mamma?" You held the telephone life for dear life, barely holding on, "Did something happened my dear? You sound distressed" yes you were, also were under every type of weather, "He left, he left me a letter, and his clothes are gone" You chocked out on your words, tears falling onto your nightgown.

"Like full closet gone?" At her question you yelled back that he was gone, your heart shattered when you took notice that he even took his radio with him.

"I'll be there in just a moment; I'll make some calls okay?" She reassured you, "What happened?" You father spoke in the background, "Alastor left your daughter on her wedding day" Your mother tried to as delicate as she could, "Bastard! Don't worry baby, if he decides to come back, he's good as dead" he made the click of his shotgun sound against the phone, "I knew that son of a bitch was no good for my princess" he shouted.

"Maybe I did something wrong" you sobbed, "No sweetie, how can you think that? The lad wasn't ready, is no one's fault" Your mother tried to reassured you, but truth to be told, nothing could console you at that moment.

You refused to abandon his house, it was briefly yours before he went away, but the real reason was, that you still had some hope he would at some point come back. When he never did, you abandoned the house to live with your parents.

One night, returning late from your make up job at the speakeasy, you felt a rush, a cold feeling up your spine. Looking into the glass on the other side of the street, you caught the sight of a man, walking fast behind you.

Speeding up the pace, you ventured yourself into the swamp, the bayou. You knew Alastor had a hunting shed where you could at least arm yourself, you only had to run faster. Your heels at one point buried themselves in the mud, you had to continue on foot, a plus point since despite the stones and thorns on the way, you managed to reach the place.

You heard the paces even nearer, in a hurry you forced the lock to break, then took a rifle off the table inside, put three bullets in the chamber, then when the silhouette of your stalker opened up the door, he saw the end of the cannon pointing straight at his head.

“Turn back, leave!” your voice echoed through the trees, the wind eating up your voice quickly, “I will not repeat myself” you threatened, pulling the safety mechanism, “Poor little doll, you think you’re capable to-“ shakily, you fired, he was taken aback, nearly fallen to the ground.

“YOU WHORE!” he yelled, pressing a hand to his shoulder, “Leave, now” the rush that firing him gave you, was a sensation you couldn’t describe. It sent a shock of pleasure down your spine, you liked that feeling, even more so, when the one scared now, was him.

“Human scum” you aimed at his head, “See you in hell��� his eyes took a less sharp look, his rage turned into fear, then absolute nothingness wrapped in blood.

Karma was a very ironic lady, when you pulled the man’s body to the lake, you tripped on an underwater root, your body barely above water caught the attention of a beast, and sooner than later, you were devoured by an alligator.

One man, one bloodlust rush sent you to hell.

A hundred years or so, after that incident, after surviving another extermination, hidden in a box in the closet. You felt a presence, something following you, you turned a corner, gun in hand, prepared to defend yourself if necessary.

When the footsteps stopped on the other side of the building, a shadow peeked its face towards you, the smile he was wearing was an amused one, especially when he saw you pointing the gun at him.

A slight unusual sound, seemingly a laugh, followed by its hand taking yours, only to leave a gentle kiss on your knuckles. “Rather dashing, are you not?” your fear was not yet dissipated, but it was so gentle, offering its arm to walk you down the street.

“I’ve been eager to salute you, though I must say, you are rather hard to find” his voice was merely a whisper, “Am I supposed to know who you are?” he stopped in his tracks, “My most sincere apologies, but I don’t own a name, I’m simply a reflection, a shadow of a man” it seemed sad, yet conscious of its existence.

“Does this man, who’s footsteps you should be following, knows me?” he nodded in response, following by a quiet “He does”. You thought back how many men you have consorted with, who might have access or knowledge of umbrakinesis, none came to your mind.

“Am I to be afraid of his intentions?” as any other man you have encountered, you’ve never been able to shake the fear, always having to have a gun attached to your waist, “He has none, he thinks he has hurt you enough, with his sudden absence” he had been prohibited to utter the incident, but he found a way to do so anyways without actually saying ‘Alastor left you, and it pains him every day’.

“Alastor” his name fell off your lips like hasn’t done before, in quite a while, “Will he agree to see me?” you asked, wanting at least an explanation, “He’s not the man you remember” the shadow warned, but you were persistent, “I’d like to see him, if he has a moment he can gift me”.

His nonexistent heart shook in his chest, “I’ll see what I can do” that sentence alone brought you more hope than anything in the world, “Can you do me one more favor? I’ll see that you get compensated” now in your home, you took paper and pen, at the same time that you took a tiny bag off one of your drawers.

“This are three pure gold coins, Spanish ones, Cortéz brought this ones himself” you placed the bag on its hand, “I hope you accept this as payment, to pass him a letter?” he nodded watching you take your quill and start writing to him.

When you were done, you melted a bit of candle wax, sealing your heart in that page, then he left with the letter.

“My dearest friend.

How the time has treated us, I hope will never know. If there was a god up there I shall thank him, for it brought you back to me somehow, however subtle presence that is.

Have you seen the changes? Are you still pursuing your ambitions? How have you been all these years? Many questions flooded my mind, as soon as your name was brought to me for the first time in a century.

If it’s not too much of a bother, I would like to see you, an hour is all I desire.”

I’ll await your answer, in whichever mean you see fit.

While reading the letter, Alastor made a pause, his eyes burning with the old feeling, the same crushing one he was hunted by ever since he left under the mantle of the night.   

“I am not mad at you, I just wish for clearance, closure.

Happy to make your acquaintance whenever you’d like.

Sincerely, Y/n.”

“Take the package with you, and make sure she’s safe” he ordered his shadow, who flew a couple days later to your doorstep.

A box, laced with a red ribbon. Your heart skipped a beat when you saw a radio inside, engraved with flowers and birds in the most exquisite wood that hell could offer. On top of it, there was a note that read “Play me”.

You sat by the fireplace, leaving the radio on the tea table, your shadow friend taking seat beside you while you push the button that was marked.

“One, two, three, testing? Can you hear me, my dear?” his voice was slightly different, there was a lot of static, but you wondered if that was his or the radio’s. “Yes, I can” yours was a melody he had yearn to be blessed with for years, “Wonderful, I had received your letter” your stomach was in tangles, awaiting his thoughts.

 “I do wish to see you, but I have something to tell you first, that may be quite daunting” your breath was caught in your throat, “Go on” you inquired, “The reason why I couldn’t marry you is due my activities in the woods, I am a killer and a cannibal, bringing pain to others grant me pleasure like no other” he laid the truth as plain as it could be, giving that he couldn’t see your eyes directly.

“Oh thank god” he was taken aback by your giggly sigh, “I thought you a…you know, someone that fancy other men” he laughed as well, he found the assumption ridiculous, also he thought strange that you’re so unfazed by his confession.

“You are glad?” you took a moment to find an answer without sounding like you’ve gone mad, “Alastor, are you a man that stalk women down to alleys to feast on their screams?” he answered a firm no to your question, “Are you a man that defiles other women?” another no.

“Do you enjoy killing the scoundrels you hated so much, bullies, the ones that take advantage of the ones with fairer means?” he took a second to pridefully answer “Yes”, you took the shadow’s hand as if it was his, “Then your mother and I can rest in peace, as cruel as you may be Alastor, you still hold your morals high, I cannot say the same regarding your honor” he laughed at the mention of the latter.    

“Did the cat caught your tongue?” he had fell silent for a minute, “No, I haven’t been at a loss of words in a while, is all” the shadow nuzzled against your hand, moving it so it could cup his cheek, “Can I pay you a penny for your thoughts? I think I might be saying it wrong; the young ones say it a lot” you giggled, adding to the ache in his heart.

“I didn’t expect you to be alright with it, it leads me to wonder, why are you down here?” you decided to be just as honest as he was, “I killed a man that had ill intentions towards me, and I liked it a little too much” his smile grew devilishly.

“Did he suffer?” if not, he was going to hunt him to grant the man a second demise, one he would ensure he would regret choosing you as his target. “The fear in his eyes, brought a smile to my face” oh he could not be more in love, he made a wise decision to send the radio, if he had you in front of him, he would’ve devour you entirely.

“How did you died?” he made a silent pray, with some hope that at least your death would not have been painful, “I was alligator food in the bayou, in an attempt to get rid of the body, September 4th, 1929” oh how that fact made a twist in his stomach, just like himself, you were eaten alive.

“I am sorry” you laughed, “For what? Your shed was the most convenient, I killed him with your hunting rifle, like you taught me” he remembered, it was the first time he felt actual pleasure in someone else’s warmth, “I can now stop regretting introducing you to the art of the hunt” the shadow placed a kiss on your temple, “Very much so”.

He felt your skin on his lips from within the connection with the sentient, “Will you join me tomorrow, for tea? I’m helping to rise a hotel with hell’s princess” oh so that’s where he was hiding around, you thought, “Fancy, I must be the one warning you now, I do not look…pleasant, I died in a swamp so I wear that fact in the form of my skin” you admitted.

Water nymphs were pretty, you were somewhat that, only more inclined to an eel. You had a long thin fin for hair, red-yellow spotty skin, sharp teeth, light brown scales covering your hips and torso, not to mention your clear blue eyes, not a choice of color but rather a blind looking hue, much like an eel.  

“Mon coeur, rest assure, I am more concerned of your reaction towards myself” he was to the limit of nearly arranging an emergency visit to Rosie’s for a new wardrobe, “I cannot wait to see you” until you spoke that lovely sentence, “Nor can I, my dear”.

The next day, without a wink of sleep, Alastor creeped behind the princes, after making the many preparations up in his personal bayou. “Charlie, I have a request” he purred, attempting to mask his excitement, “Sure Al, what is it?” the question pinched a curious itch in the princess, “Yeah, you rarely ask for things” added the fallen exterminator.

“I’ll have a guest today, one that I hold in high regards, so I’ll be excused to my room” excitement also brew in the princess itch, “Sure thing Al, no worries” she cheerly smiled at him. It seemed the fact he had company also touched the spider’s curiosity, or rather, surprise.

“Smiles got a date?” he looked in quite shock towards the feline bartender, who could do nothing more than scoff, “That’s impossible, it must be another soul he wants to own” he soon swallowed his own words given that Alastor materialized next to him, “Husker! Your best whiskey please” the way he utter the name of the former overlord was a warning laced with a threat.

Later that afternoon, a knock made Charlie sprint towards the door, outrunning Niffty. “Hello, I’m Y/n, lovely  to meet you, I’m here to see Alastor” you courtesy at the sight of the princess of hell, “Of course, come, come” who eagerly took your hand and pulled you inside, “He’ll be down in a minute”.

She had you sat in the lobby, with the company of Angel and Vaggie, “Sorry if I’m too curious, but how do you know Alastor?” Charlie began the small talk, ever so politely, “If he’s as mysterious as he was in life, your curiosity is well within your right, he’s a dearest friend of mine” the princess was impressed to know her host had more friends than that sleazy woman, Mimzy.

“Aww, how nice!” she also told you that there was no need for any more manners towards her, though you insisted giving the way you were taught ever since you were a child.

“Y/n” your name rolled off his tongue like the beginning of a poem, “Alastor” you turned your head around, before standing up, watching closely as he would not break eye contact with you, as he made his way around the couch.  

“Now those two were not just friends” Vaggie had a sly smile on her face, “That sexual tension is delicious” Angel added watching just how slowly Alastor brought your hand up to lay a kiss on your fingers. Your chest rising noticeably from your tight corset, the excitement was palpable indeed.

“Well if I must atone to the intrigue, she was my fiancé” an audible gasp filled the room, “Now, if you’ll excuse us” since never let go of your hand, he was able to swiftly place it on his forearm as he guided you to the stairs, “Princess, bye friends” you curtsied as you followed him along.  

He had arranged a white set of garden table and chairs, an ensemble of various sweets and meat treats displayed, along with a set of cups and plates in a remarkable shade of blue.

“Oh, Alastor this is exquisite! You shouldn’t have” you knew the meat was for him, he was never a fan of sweets, but you were, “Of course I had, please have a seat” he pulled your seat for you, pushing it ever so gently when you were already seated.

“Always so gallant” pride rose to his face in the form of a subtle rose color, he managed to hide it when his shadow came from a corner to give you a hug, “Oh hello you, he’s so cute, how come he doesn’t have a name?” if you didn’t knew better you would’ve thought that Alastor had gone green from envy, seeing his shadow receive more pets and attention than himself.

“It didn’t cross my mind, he wants you to do so” he sat in front of you as his tone grew bitter, “Alistair would be repetitive, I think William is the best bet” it intoned a purr, your hands caressing the base of its ears, “He likes it”.

He took the time you were distracted to prepare your cup of tea, adding just the right amount of sugar and mint leaves, that gesture brought your attention back to him, “You remember how I like my tea?” he had done that almost as a reflex, “Somethings never leave the mind” he admitted almost impressed with himself.

“You don’t look half as bad as your warning” you scoffed at his confession, “Don’t lie” you rolled your eyes earning a laugh from him, “I’m not”, but even with his sincerity you were conscious of your appearance, “Alastor, I’m part fish, I have scales, for crying out loud” from across the table he took your hand in his, “And I’m a deer, so? Could be worse” he had a point, you had seen the dreadful appearance of some rat demons, “Uhm, maybe you’re right”.

“Why did you leave?” after a long silence, accompanied by the sounds of the bayou, you decided to break the peace, addressing the ‘elephant in the room’. “I was afraid I would hurt you; you knew my step-father and now, my affairs” you were aware he had been raised by the end of a whip due to the monster his mother married, who you briefly met when your mother had tea with his.

“Alastor, you could never” he may be a killer, but you were certain he would never raise a hand to harm you, “You don’t know that, I am this, Y/n” it was your turn to give him a reassuring squeeze to his hand, “Did you loved me?” his eyes, quite more honest than the permanent smile he wore, widen to your question.

“I would’ve done anything to prevent harm from coming your way” you scoffed, “Yes, but did you loved me?” he let go of a breath he had trapped down in his lungs when he finally admitted the truth: “I still do”, but there was more to it, “I feel as…as if I had a debt to you, one I have no idea how to repay, nothing I think is enough” and indeed he had a mental list, burning hell to the ground was the top one choice.

“Is your hand one of the options? Your heart, perhaps?” the wish to wipe his head on the pavement had vanished a long time ago, forgiveness was perhaps the toughest thing to accomplish, but your pride wasn’t that big.

“Is not enough” he shook his head, believing that his heart was either too small or nonexistent, “It would, with time, you do owe me a century” you didn’t wanted to let go of his hand, it was the first long contact from him on years, “I’m…not worthy of you” he tortured himself ten times more than hell already did, but you just shrugged, “Who is then, if it’s not you?”.

“You didn’t marry anyone after I left?” you certainly didn’t, “No” he had imagine you at least could love someone again, be happy, “Why?” but you held him in your heart until the very day you died,  “Silly hope” that broke him, if he had a choice, his smile would’ve fade in a heartbeat.

“I’m sorry” he pulled gently of your hand, leading to sit across his lap, “Water under the bridge” he delight himself in your hand caressing his cheek, lightly, almost asking for permission, when unknowingly he was yours.

“Not for me” he pressed his ears to the back of his head, allowing you to caress him, as his arms hugged your figure close to his chest. “We have eternity, if you’ll have me” he was so glad you mentioned that option, it gave him the opportunity to pull from his pocket a beautiful diamond ring, rose gold.

“Your mother’s ring?” you were in shock at the same time as excited, yet scared as well, “Will you leave again?” he cupped your cheek, placing a kiss near the corner of your mouth, “Hell will freeze over first” you imitated his gesture, “Then, you can ask” his smile softened.

“Y/n, will you marry me?” just as he slipped the ring on your finger, you whispered in his ear, “I’ll have your head if you leave again, yes” sending a shiver down his spine, “Please do” a kiss sealed the engagement just like the first time he had ask.  

[amayaonly1]

Verses Unwritten: A Rap Odyssey

Eminem x Rapper!OC

Verse 3

About: Genji and Eminem started collaborating on a song in the studio, blending their creative energies to refine lyrics and beats. As the subdued hum of the equipment and looping basslines set the mood, their occasional banter and mutual respect shine, revealing a dynamic partnership. Together, they created a song brimming with potential, leaving Genji eager for what the next day would bring.

"Verses Unwritten: A Rap Odyssey" Chapter List: Verse 1 | Verse 2 | Verse 3 | Verse 4 | Verse 5 | Verse 6 | Verse 7 | Verse 8 | Verse 9 | Verse 10 | Verse 11 | Verse 12 | Verse 13 | Verse 14 | Verse 15 | Verse 16 | Verse 17 | Verse 18

Disclaimer: This work is a work of fiction, and any involvement of the character Genji is purely fictional and not representative of any real person.

The studio wasn't buzzing with its usual chaotic energy tonight. Instead, it carried a subdued hum, a gentle rhythm that pulsed in sync with the faint glow of the control panel lights. The air was tinged with a slight metallic tang from the equipment, and the muffled thump of basslines created an almost hypnotic undercurrent. Genji's looping beat filled the space like a heartbeat, steady and persistent, weaving Walter Egan's "Hot Summer Nights" into a nostalgic, airy backdrop that lingered in the corners of the room.

She picked the song for its unique blend of breezy optimism and an undercurrent of sharp melancholy — an unusual juxtaposition that immediately caught her attention. To her, it wasn't just a song or a sample; it was a living, breathing framework. The layers of the track spoke to her as if they're puzzle pieces, ready to be assembled a new creation. This was how Genji's always worked. She didn't just hear the music; she saw it and instinctively knew where it could lead. In her mind, every beat had a place, every note a purpose.

She sat cross-legged in her chair, one hand fiddling with a blue Pilot Frixion, the other tapping on the scribbled pages of her notebook. Across the table, Eminem was hunched over his own notepad, his pen tapping against its edge. The scratching of lyrics on paper punctuated the rhythm as he muttered under his breath, words half-formed and fleeting.

"So, I'm thinking," he began, tapping the notepad. "We start with something simple but in-your-face. Like, 'Guess who? D'you miss me?'. I think it sets the tone without overcomplicating it."

Genji raised an eyebrow, nodding slowly. "Not bad, but I think we can make it punch harder. Maybe you can hit that line with a little more sass? Like it's more of a dare than a question."

"Yeah, I can work with that," he responded, immediately scribbling her suggestion down.

The rhythm of collaboration continued, with him throwing out concepts and her tweaking them into sharper edges. He flipped to a fresh page, leaning into his next thought. "I want the second verse to be wild, something ridiculous but catchy. Maybe I throw in a line about the Kardashians or something."

Genji leaned forward with an unmistakable mischievous glint in her eye. "Why not? Maybe something over-the-top but funny, like '"'Damn, I think Kim Kardashian's a man.'"

The rapper paused, then let out an amused chuckle. "You're ridiculous."

"But you're writing it down, aren't you?" she quipped, nodding his notepad.

"Guilty," he admitted, grinning as he wrote it into the verse. "'She stomped him just 'cause he asked to put his hands…' Yeah, that flows."

"What about the Lindsay line?" Genji suggested, crossing her arms while watching him refine the previous line. "Do you think we should make it a bit punchier, like 'Samantha's a two, you're practically a ten'?"

Eminem tilted his head, testing the rhythm under his breath. "Yeah, I see it. That works." He jotted it down, but shortly before glancing her way with a subtle smirk. "Not bad, Gen. I can see why Dre's always hyping you up."

"Say it like you mean it," she teased.

Hours passed in this cadence, with Eminem crafting and spitting verses to the track, and Genji fine-tuning them. Her suggestions weren't frequent, but they always landed, often improving his initial drafts into something sharper, funnier, or more poignant. Between lines, he occasionally glanced her way, gauging her reactions as if testing the waters. "What about this?" he'd ask, and she'd either nod or offer a sharp, yet insightful tweak that nudged the lyrics closer to brilliance. It was a subtle dance of egos and expertise, a quiet respect between two artists who understood and acknowledged each other's strengths.

Genji leaned back in her chair, stretching her arms overhead as she exhaled slowly. "Alright, I think we've hit a good stride. I can see the song starting to come together."

Eminem smirked but didn't lift his pen. "That your polite way of saying you're calling it a day?"

"Honest is more like it." She stood, gathering her things. "Besides, don't you always clock out early? Studio's like your nine-to-five, I heard."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "You know me too well."

"Exactly why I’m reminding you," she quipped, slinging her bag over her shoulder and pausing at the door. "We'll pick this up tomorrow?"

“Yeah, for sure.” He looked up, the faintest hint of a smile softening his usually intense expression. "We're close."

She nodded, stepping into the hallway. The cool air brushed against her face, grounding her. The quiet outside contrasted sharply with the studio's charged atmosphere. As the door clicked shut behind her, she thought about the music they'd pieced together tonight. It wasn't perfect yet, but it was alive, thrumming with potential.

Genji exhaled deeply, fishing her phone from her bag as she walked toward the exit. The work would continue tomorrow. But for now, she let herself rest for the moment, knowing that tomorrow would bring more music, more ideas, and more possibilities.

[cupfullofpapas]

(yes! finally new art :D!!) Second Vol in The Assistant series: In the arms of a Devil Rated: E F/M Cardinal Copia x F!Reader Papa Emeritus IV x F!Reader Also read it on my Ao3 here Previous Vol. : The Assistant Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

Part 7: Oh when will my dear Cardinal come home

"What?, what?, Is everything okay? is Cardi okay?." You asked worry buzzing inside of you like a swarm of angry bees, Imperator placed her hands on your shoulders.

"No, no nothing like that sister please calm down, the Cardinal is just fine and on his way home as we speak however the tour bus is having some minor issues on which we are keeping an eye on, the thing I have to say is that-- Sister Emelia has taken ill meaning Secondo no longer has an assistant at the moment and you are our only option I'm afraid." You could tell that Imperator did not like the idea of you and Secondo being in the same room let alone working together once again either.

"What about Laiah, Sofia even Vittoria surely one of them has to have some of the same skills?" You watched as Imperator shook her head. "They may possess organizational skills but they do not possess the knowledge and skills that you do, there are no other options." Before you could continue to argue you watched the older woman turn on a heel and start to walk away. On either side of her were two Imperiale ghouls two that you hadn't noticed beforehand their tails swaying to and fro the most you knew about them were their names.

One tall and stock his skin tone had a bluish-grey tint to it his hair was shoulder-length with only one complete horn on top of his head the other had been broken long ago his name was Alto, and walking beside him was Anvil he was shorter than Alto his hair was put back into a bun a scar rested over the bridge of his nose.

"Well, this is perfect." You grumbled to yourself closing the door and retreating to your bed and ignoring the slick between your legs, no longer in the mood. Deciding to just go to bed not even the smell of your Cardinal was enough to make you feel better, your mind tormented you with the memory of the last time you and Secondo were 'together' the look on his face, the look of utter betrayal, hours passed before you were able to get any rest.

When morning hit you dragged yourself out of bed, got yourself ready, and fed your and Copia's fur babies. You also noticed that you'd have to get another cage soon the little pink nuggets were already getting fur. You followed your usual routine the day hadn't even started and you were already irritated. You wanted nothing more than to retreat back under your covers and stay there. Completing your morning begrudgingly you found yourself outside Secondo's office, with an inhale and exhale you knocked on the door a familiar raspy voice called from behind it.

"Entrare"

Entering you saw a set of exhausted eyes look up from the papers on the desk a fleeting look of anguish passed by them before being hardened, the hunched figure sitting up straight as your name passed his painted lips.

"What are you doing here ragazza?"

Secondo asked as his eyes drifted from you back to the papers that he had been working on as he dipped his quill pen into the small bottle of ink his elegant writing continued.

"Sister asked me to fill in for Emilia, I heard she was ill." You answered keeping things professional, it was best to let old memories and feelings stay buried. "I see, well there is the work, get to it sorella".

Secondo pointed the pen towards the desk, your old desk, venturing over you sat down eyes glancing at the area and appreciating that Emilia had kept her workstation neat and organized. Without a second glance, you pulled the folders over staring. Hours passed in silence the scribbling of the pens and an occasional clearing of a throat were the only noises.

"So". Secondo started "How have you and that stronzo sorella?", You shot him an aggravated look before looking back down at the papers choosing not to answer.

"I asked you a question woman, I expect an answer". "We are just fine, now please Secondo let me get back to work". You finally answered sounding more exacerbated than you meant to. Secondo only scoffed "After leaving me for-" He made a face as he spoke "A Cardinal, I would appreciate some communication and answers." "Answers to what?" "Why you left me, Bella". You opened your mouth to speak but no words came out you didn't have any words to give nor answers. "Secondo.." "No don't 'Secondo' me I want to know why". You watched as he stood from his desk crossing the small area, you had already stood up from your desk backing up until the cold wall pressed against your back the former Papa towering above your shorter frame. "Tell me tesoro, what can that Cardinal give you that I hadn't already?" This was so unlike Secondo usually he was silent and stern, this caught you off guard. Secondo had once convinced himself that he didn't need you that you were just a fling that he got slightly attached to and nothing more. But here you were in his office again doing the same work you once did, looking as beautiful as the day you walked away. "Secondo don't-"

"Answer me". His voice was commanding as he pinned you to the wall behind you. "I deserve an answer at least." There was barely any room between you his strong body against yours, unlike Copia you had to crane your neck back to look up at him. Feeling his gloved fingertips trace your sides and down over your hips where each strong hand gripped hard enough to both leave a mark behind and make you whimper.

A gasp passed your lips as Secondo ducked his head down his lips meeting your exposed neck and going right for the spot he knew would drive you wild, gasping your hands flew up to grab onto his Papal robe.

You hated that he still knew your body so well each little spot, each little button that drove you wild, mixing that with not having another's touch for months was a dangerous concoction one that caused a soft moan to pass your lips.

"You remember it, si?" Secondo's lips moved lower biting at the nape of your neck nibbling his way back up and stopping at your ear. "The way I felt inside of you? withering away in pleasure below me as I took you, dolcezza" his voice was deep, husky, and raspy.

You bit your lip your mind disobeying you making you remember it, vividly remembering it, being bent over his desk your skirt around your middle while you let Papa have his way with you, the pressure, pleasure, and pain when his cockhead abused your cervix each time his hips slammed against you.

You silently cursed as you felt your lower lips slick together you were wet, practically dripping as you felt his hand starting to slide your skirt up. For a split second, you heard his voice in your head, the voice of your Cardinal

........."Each time I thought a sorella or fratello loved me, wanted to be with me they always chose Terzo or Secondo-"...................

That was enough to snap you out of it as you pushed against the large man pinning you. "Secondo- Secondo stop". When he didn't listen you grew angry using all the strength in your small frame you shoved him back the man looking surprised.

"Secondo" You spoke firmly. "We had our moments, we had our fun that is all we were and all we will ever be I'm sorry that I hurt you but I am with Copia now and I can tell you what he gives me that you didn't, actual love he never left after we finished fucking I woke up to him still there and not alone in the bed feeling like someone's dirty little secret, I've moved on and now it's your turn to do the same".

You weren't sure where that surge of bravery came from be it anger or adrenaline but you were glad it did because it seemed to be enough to get through the former Papa's head. As he uttered an annoyed 'mi dispiace' as he once again gathered the shattered pieces of his pride, it was truly over. The rest of the evening you both worked in silence, you hoped that one day you would at least be friends again and put this behind you both.

Another month had come and gone and every time you and the ministry expected the band to come back something else popped up, to which Copia always called and told you even before Sister Imperator told you. Again you would wake up alone in your bed you had long stopped getting excited when you heard a big vehicle pull into the ministry parking lot.

The sound usually being a delivery van so when you did hear something pull in you didn't run to the window like the rest of your sin siblings, not until you heard one of them squeal 'They're back!' Your breath caught in your throat, back? as in back, back? as in your Cardinal was home? not waiting for another second you made your way quickly down to the lobby where the large doors opened.

First, the ghouls walked in tiredly several siblings walking them off to the den to rest and then that's when it happened you locked eyes with your Cardinal you felt like pinching yourself to make sure that this wasn't another one of those torturous dreams where you jumped for your Cardinal but was only met with the bedroom floor. You threw all caution to the wind as you ran from the base of the grand stairs to him watching as his arms opened wide you could feel the sting of tears hit your eyes as you lept toward his awaiting arms.

Tag list: @thesoundresoundsecho @xpapaemeritus @copiasprincipessa @siouxbauhaus @strawberrypimpsimp

[yesyourstalker]

Neta: mahi can I ask you a favor?

Mahi: yeah?

Neta: tomorrow before you come in to work can you walk my daughter to the train station?

Mahi: no

Neta: please

Mahi: noooo I'm sorry your daughter is mean and I have to open tomorrow I don't want to wake up even earlier than I have to. Why can't you do it?

Neta: I have to head over to the other store to check up on the baristas. I have to wake up early and I have no time to walk my daughter to school and I don't want her to walk alone because there's weirdos around here.

Mahi: can't you get Baja to do it. she likes Baja.

Neta: I thought about asking him, but no.... she'd probably convinced him to let her skip school. I can't have that

Mahi: *sigh* I'll do it for 50 bucks and 30 minutes added on to my hour lunch

Neta: fine. Just make sure she makes it safe for school, make sure she gets on the train. Don't let her skip, She will try to convince you to do it The train station is only like 45 minutes away. Here's an extra 20 bucks for the train and breakfast, buy some donuts Candi has been craving donuts for the past week.

Mahi:*sigh* if she makes fun of me once I'm leaving her

_______________________________________________

Neta: ..*snoring*......*snoring*........

Alarm: BEEP BEEP BEEP

Neta: uhhh fuck....*sniff*.......

Text

Neta: hey Stefan, I'll be there by 9am

Stefan: I'll see you there

Neta: hmmm *yawn*....*huff*

Ikkan: You're up early..... It's 5:00 a.m.

Neta: yeah I have to head up to the other mall. I have to be there for barista training..... Sorry for waking you up

Ikkan: it's fine I have to leave in an hour anyway, I might study some more.

Neta: ok.....[kiss] good luck on your final exam babe I know you'll pass

Ikkan: hmm

Neta: crab cakes you up?

Cirrina: *sleeping*....hmm what? what is it?

Neta: Mahi is going to walk you to school they'll be there at 6:30 ok?

Cirrina: nooooo I can't let everyone see me with them! I can go by myself I'm not a baby anymore

Neta: Be nice. I know you're not cici but I don't feel comfortable with you walking out when it's still dark out alright. I worry.

Cirrina: fine.... If they try to talk to me I'm ditching them

Neta: Don't be difficult crab cakes. Get ready for school.

Cirrina: *humpf*

Text

Cici: change of plans

Maria: wht? We're not ditching?

Cici: we are I will explain it to you when we meet up. Just wear your uniform and pack your other clothes in your weapons bag.

_______________________________________________

Mahi: *yawn*.....*huff*........ .

Baja: morning Mahi You're up early. Don't you have to go work at 7:00?

Mahi: I have to do this stupid thing for my boss. Why are you up?

Baja: I'm always up at this time. I usually just go jogging. You want to join me sometime maybe. it's good for you

Mahi:.......no......

Baja: oh.....ok.... Well if you ever up to it I'm always up at 6:00 every day except Saturday. That's my break day

Mahi: yeah yeah I get it. You live a healthier lifestyle than me. I get it bye a

_______________________________________________

Neta: hello?

Stefan: are you here yet? I'm here. My apprentice is here. My other employee just showed up

Neta: You hired another employee?? We just needed one

Stefan: technically she is not an employee. She is my assistant but she will be supervising the shop as well

Neta: well the store is a couple ways away. It should take me around 4 hours since there's no traffic so you're just going to have to wait

Stefan: very well I suppose I can wait............*sigh*............ Toguni......

Toguni: Yes sir

Stefan: Make me a flat white please

Toguni: Yes sir with almond milk?

Stefan: Yes, of course. Take a note When you start to recognize regulars I would advise you to remember their orders. Not only does it save time, but it also builds a relationship between you and your customers.

Toguni: yes sir

Stefan: uh hmm... Pacifica

Pacifica: Yes sir?

Stefan: I want you to set a reminder for the of construction of the lounge area I'm tied between modern rustic or brutalism? What do you think?

Pacifica: I'm more of a brutalism type it person

Stefan: Toguni... What do you think?

Toguni uhhhhh..... I like the wood finish it would go well with the concrete walls and floor...... Maybe add some plants. It would be good like instead of just brutalism and they could be eco brutalism

Stefan:. ............*inhale*...............................*exhale*.............................*sip*.............*sip*........hmm

Toguni: did I-.......... Did I say something wrong?......

Stefan: It's perfect, genius, amazing. Pacifica!

Pacifica: I put it in order for wood panels and several tubs of concrete sir.

_______________________________________________

Mahi: *sigh*........ Cirrina!! Come on! Hurry up I don't have all morning!

Cirrina: I'm right here Cod!

Mahi: ...... ....... what's that thing?

Cirrina: it's a cello I have orchestra this week

Mahi: All right, whatever let's go

Cirrina: yeah do you mind walking behind me? I don't want people to think I'm with you or anything

Mahi: nope. I'm standing right next to you like my boss wants me to do

Cirrina: *ugh* ....*huff* what ever...... Just leave when I'm at the train station

Mahi: Neta said I can't leave until I see you get on the train so.....

Cirrina: well I can just tell him that you did. You don't need to be with me!

Mahi: hmmmmmm nah I need to make sure you're safe

Cirrina: You're only doing this to annoy me

Mahi: am I? I can't tell

Cirrina: Ugggg fuck off!

Mahi: hehehehehe Cirrina! You can't go ahead of me. I have to keep my eyes on you just in case.

Cirrina:....*huff*.............hey guys

Friend 1 (Pinta) : hey Cirrina.......is that the cute Tetra you were talking about?

Cirrina: obviously not, look at them.

Mahi: .........................

Friend 2 (Nina): how come your dad isn't here. Isn't it his turn to stay at the train station hehehe

Cirrina: ew Nina, stop. He's literally old, He has some stupid word thing. he has his employee walking us today.

Friend 3 (Maria): so what's the plan we can't get on the train?

Cirrina: instead of the train station we go to the manhole. We tell them that we go to underground school and we go through the manhole and wait till they're gone.

Friend 1: That's the plan?

Friend 2: You think that's a good idea?

Cirrina: I think so

Mahi: what are you guys whispering about

Cirrina: we're talking about our bra sizes. Why are you so invested Weirdo?

Mahi: *eh*.... alright......sorry

Cirrina: alright we're at the train station. See ya

Mahi: now I just need to wait for the train

Friend 1: yeah the train is underground

Mahi: huh?

Friend 2: yeah the train is underground.... We don't go to school with a surface dwellers

Friend 3: could you imagine. *Ugh*

Cirrina: You're doing too much Maria ........yep! So you can go now. Bye. We're heading out to school

Mahi: alright, Open the hatch.

Cirrina: what?

Mahi: Open the hatch so I can climb down with you guys and make sure you get on the train?

Cirrina:(glaring)........................................................ fine

_______________________________________________

Stefan: what would you do if I give you a work uniform

Toguni: uhhhh Wear it.......

Stefan: what would you wear?

Toguni: ...................... What you give me?

Stefan: ..... What do you wear on a regular basis?

Toguni: black shirt, a jacket........some jeans and...... shoes

Stefan: would you be able to pull off corset?

Toguni:uhhhhh

Stefan: Pacifica put in an order for a male corset what is your size?

Toguni: I usually wear a medium for space but I can fit in a small......

Stefan: what is your shoe size?

Toguni: 7.......

Stefan:.............. Take off your jacket............. Okay turn around do a spin full 180........ok.......ok..... I can work with this. Pacifica put it in order for 3 blazers, 3 vests, 4 blouses and 2 pairs of slacks and 4 pairs of dress shoes all in the color scheme we addressed earlier.

Pacifica: right away sir they will be arriving in an hour. Do you still want me to order the corset

Stefan: order 5

Toguni:.hmmmmm

_______________________________________________

Friend 1: Cirrina

Cirrina: we'll hang around in octavo valley for a while. Their turf maps open around 8:00 so we can stay there and then head up after

Friend 2: *ugh* we can't go around octavo valley

Cirrina: what's wrong with octavo valley?

Friend 2: oh my god don't be like that.....you know exactly what I meant. We had plans and everything we were going to wahoo world first

Friend 3: we also wanted to go to mahi-mahi we bought our bathing suits and everything

Cirrina: All right! Okay, let's just get on the train and we'll figure it out! I know my way around this place. You guys are being such surface dwellers

Mahi: so when's the train showing up?

Cirrina: it shows up when it shows up *pff*

Mahi: ok..... It's weird because the only school in this area down here is a cuddleton high. Last time I checked you girls aren't in high school

Friend 1: why are you so invested in what school we go to? Are you going to follow us or something? Don't you have like a job or a life?

Mahi: listen I'm just doing what my boss tells me . I'm not trying to get fired because I lost his daughter all right.

Cirrina: You don't give a shit. You're just doing this to be an assho-.........…hi daddy!

Neta: hi crab cakes! I'm just calling in. Did you make it on the train safely?

Carrie: yeah I'm on the train right now heading to school and everything. How are you? Are you at the mall yet?

Neta: yeah I made it here quicker than I thought. Have fun at school okay? Please don't get into another fight

Cirrina: I won't.

Neta: alright sweet heart.

Cirrina: ok love you bye daddy!!

Neta: bye. I love you too carb cakes

_______________________________________________

Neta: alright... she's safe........so........... Why am I here?

Stefan: well first I need a consultation about the lounge area

Neta: well uhhhhh I was planning on just making it look like the bottom floor you know just.... With couches and chairs and tables and stuff.

Stefan: what do you think of an eco brutalist design?

Neta: oh........uhhhh I mean the lounge is a loft area. It's not a separate room entirely..... so it still kind of has to flow with the original design of the store but.................uh..........

Stefan:..........................................

Neta: ................... do you have any reference photos of what you have in mind?

Stefan: certainly of course. Pacifica!

Pacifica: here you go

Neta: thank you.... Pacifica..........ehhhhhh oh...um ............. Make the wood a bit darker and the concrete black........ with.....warmer lighting. The pictures you're showing me look pretty.............. Sterile.. .

Stefan: hmmm............ I guess you're right........ Pacifica.

Pacifica: editing the order now sir

Neta: is this why you called me here? I thought I was going to train Toguni. Also, I hired an interior designer. Aren't they supposed to be here too?

Stefan: I got rid of them. I told him they're only allowed to work downstairs. They're not working up here.....*heh*.... No.......This is my vision!...........This is my space!!

Neta: I understand that, but you know it doesn't hurt for them to help

Stefan: no!

Neta: ok.

Stefan:............. Thank You for your understanding..............*sigh*........... Anyway.............. I'm so sorry. Do you want coffee? So rude of me to not ask you that. Hahah

Neta: No, I'm fine I-

Stefan: Toguni make me a vanilla macchiato! Sugar free!

Toguni: Yes sir!

Neta: ok.........I guess I'll have one cup coffee

Stefan: yeah about that....... We need to go over the menu. I would love if you sampled some of our pics

Neta: just give me one second... I need to make a call

_______________________________________________

Cirrina: welp We already missed the train to school anyway so you can go now bye ......

Mahi: I could go but I could also call your dad and tell him the truth........... Looks like I don't have to call him. He's calling me

Cirrina: shit

Mahi: hey Neta

Neta: hey Mahi Cirrina's on the train right?

Mahi: uh... what?..... I'm sorry shitty signal. I can't hear you..... You're breaking up! Sorry......................so..... How much are you going to pay me for not snitching?

Cirrina: .... I'm not paying you anything!!

Mahi: All right, I guess I'll just call your dad back and I'll let him know that you and your little friends never got on the train and you're planning on ditching school so........

Cirrina: Cod fine. ................I only have 15 bucks

Mahi: 15?.........hmmmm..... I don't know.... Doesn't seem like a lot

Cirrina: 20... That's all I'm willing to give

Mahi: ... ..............nah ... Taking money from 15-year-old girl doesn't seem right.....

Cirrina: then what the fuck do you want-

Mahi: hold up..... Hello

Neta: can you hear me now?

Mahi: yeah, I can hear you

Neta: You walked her the train station?

Mahi: yep, they're on the train and they're at school. I'm heading off to work right now

Neta: All right good. Thanks for doing this for me Mahi glad I can trust you with this

Mahi: all right......... I decided not to snitch so I guess you owe me now.

Cirrina: what do you want?

Mahi: The tidal wave music festival is coming up in the summer. I need two all access passes for 1 day......... You think you can convince your dad to give you two of them for free? I know I can get them with a big discount and everything but you know it's still expensive and I have bills to pay....

Cirrina:............... fine.... I can see what I can do........

Mahi: alright.... I guess we have a deal

Cirrina: All right, how about this? I can give you two access pass for 2 days and you walk us to the train stop every Friday for a months so we can ditch school.

Mahi: ..........alright fine.

Cirrina: Good.

_______________________________________________

Stefan: okay, so this is our mint mocha iced cappuccino. Really taking that flavor of mint. I feel like this is going to be a great seller during the summer. Ironic because this was our holiday blend.

Neta: ok.....sip.... it's good it tastes like mint

Stefan: Great! Now I want you to sample caramel latte and salted caramel latte. This menu is going to be all specialty drinks some come from my holiday menus and the others were limited time releases. Caramel latte is the standard, but the salted caramel was only served during the fall via 2017.

Toguni: here you go sir.............. I'm so sorry

Neta: It's fine. It's not your fault.............sip...........sip......... Yeah..... I like both of them. They're very good. Very caramel flavor. Yep

Stefan: All right. Perfect Pacifica

Pacifica: adding that to the menu sir

Neta: I'm heading to the bathroom

Stefan: This is your 3rd trip! we haven't tried the apple crisp macchiato that was a on our fall collection for 2019 that was a big hit.

Neta: You've already given me 20 cups of coffee and several varieties of creamer that is the equivalent to 5 jugs of water and 4 laxatives for me. Let me go Okay Let me go to the bathroom Cod damn Feels like I'm being tortured

Stefan: very well I guess we have to wait another 15 minutes...... I don't understand what his problem is. We've been drinking the same amount of coffee and we're perfectly fine. Right Toguni?

Tonugi: uh huh We really are sir......(Discreetly pouring two cups of coffee down the sink)

Stefan: some people just don't appreciate this art form. .......hmmm ..... Pacifica remind me to order a commission with that one artist who painted a mural for my house. Toguni would you be able to stand still for a portrait?

Toguni: uhhhhh I-I don't know

Neta:.ok I'm all better for now why don't we take a break from coffee sampling Toguni Do you know how to use the register?

Toguni: yes sir.

Neta: All right did you watch all the videos about sanitation?

Toguni: yes

Neta:safety?

Toguni: yes

Neta: and your benefits?

Toguni: Yes sir I did

Neta: all right You don't need to call me sir by the way just call me neta (clap) I think I think we're done for the day. I'm going home This has been *burp* excuse me An experience I gonna go to the bathroom

Stefan: Wait, I need your opinion about uniform

Neta: just give him everything and he can pick and choose what he wants to wear that day Oh my COD can I go now I feel like I'm going to be sick Again

Stefan: fine. What do you think?

Toguni: I think that would be fun to do. Different look every day...... free clothes is a perk too

Stefan:..... Great! At least someone is being optimistic thank you Toguni.

Toguni: is he going to be okay?

Stefan: he's just being dramatic

_______________________________________________

Mahi: Good morning!

Candi: You're an hour late what were you doing that was so important!! It's literally a Friday!!! This is our busiest day! What kind of manager is fucking late while everyone else is here on time?!?!

Mahi: hi Candi... You want a donut? I got one with the dried shrimp on it just for you.

Candi:...................................... thank you *eating*

Mahi: You're welcome! Here I got you one too Vinny hope you like strawberry

Vinny: I do actually. thanks

Mahi: All right, let's start the day

Text

Mahi: Im planning to go to the tidal wave music festival you want in?

Umishi: I don't have the money for that :(

Mahi: it's fine I can get you in. I'm blackmailing a 15-year-old

Umishi: I have several questions

Mahi: too bad

_______________________________________________

Ikkan: hey I passed my exam I'm going to be graduating next month. My parents and Noji are going to be staying over at my place You need to help me set up the guest bedroom.

Neta: That's great honey, I'm so happy for you [kisskisskisskisskisskisskisskisskisskiss]

Ikkan: hehehehehe ok...ok....I also bought you ginger soda and Pepto pill like you asked you okay?

Neta: yeah..... just.... Just a little stomach ache is all come here sit with me on the couch for a while Maybe celebrate later with some takeout

Ikkan: Neta you're shaking. Are you okay what's your glucose level?

Neta: 60 I checked I'm great fine I'm amazing I feel fantastic. I just had really really strong coffee and several cups a lot of cups of coffee I only had one panic attack and I only threw up twice so I'm fine I'm fine I'm good i'm amazing

Cirrina: Hi Dad, I'm back from school. My friends are here, put some pants on.

Neta: i never took them off

Friend 2: hiiiiii Mr V.

Cirrina: Nina I swear to Cod

Ikkan: hey cici

Cirrina: hi ikkan

Ikkan: wait Cirrina why are you wearing your swim top? Where's your uniform?

Cirrina:..................... Well.....

Friend 1: we finished our rehearsal early so mr. Luminelli let us leave early. I got our mom to pick us up and take us to mahi-mahi

Neta: oh that's nice of Mr. Luminelli Tell your mom I said thank you

Cirrina: alright.......... I just came here to get an extra set of clothes I'm staying over at pintas for a slumber party

Neta: okay sweetheart. Have fun.

Cirrina: bye love you

Neta:bye sweetie they definitely skip school

Ikkan: You're going to ground her?

Neta: no let her have her fun I've skipped school before and I turned out fine

Ikkan: your heartbeat hasn't slowed down for the past 15 minutes......*sigh*..... Let's just have a quick visit to emergency

Neta: noooo I'm fine I'm just anxious. It's just anxious and I'm fine. I just had a little too much to drink

Ikkan: It's just a quick visit just to make sure you're actually okay

Neta:................

Ikkan: we can get takeout after

Neta:.................ok....... Can I have the bathroom first?

_______________________________________________

Mahi is also blackmailing @fish-at-fish-fish-resort

Toguni was found in a box by @conkreetmonkey

Umishi is still concerned about the concerning text @catastropic

[parcequecestnotreprojeeeet]

Hello! It's Winter!! This story came to me quickly while I was at work. I hope everyone enjoys it.

Where's Brigitte?

Emmanuel was reading the Sunday newspaper in the kitchen when he heard the front door open, followed by feminine voices. He wasn’t expecting Brigitte home yet. He rushed through the house, ready to embrace his wife. Immediately, he hit the brakes when he saw Tiphaine and Laurence hang their winter coats in the main closet. 

“Oh Hi, Manu! It’s good to see you!” Tiphaine said, kissing him on the cheek. 

“Where’s your mother?” Emmanuel asked, quickly getting the greetings over with. "Does she need help with the shopping bags?"

“What? I thought she was home with you. That’s why we came by.” Laurence stated. “She invited us over for dinner.” 

Emmanuel thought he was going to be sick, suddenly feeling faint and dizzy. “Brigitte told me she was spending the day with our girls! She left the house about 2 hours ago.” 

“Are you sure we’re the girls she was referring to?” Tiphaine asked, now beginning to join in on the panic. She and her sister received calls earlier in the day asking them to come over for a fun Sunday dinner.  

Emmanuel had to sit down. “I’m positive because I even said great, say hi to them for me. She wouldn’t refer to anyone else as ours girls.” 

“Do you think something happened to Maman?” Laurence looked at her sister, trying to communicate using only their eyes so as not to scare Emmanuel. 

“Do you think she’s seeing someone else?” Tiphaine asked. 

“Tiphaine!!!!” Emmanuel shrieked. 

“No! Manu! I do not mean another man! Just someone else! I didn’t mean it like that.” Tiphaine corrected herself. "I'm sorry."

He explained everything Brigitte told him before she left their house. She didn’t go into great detail with Emmanuel, which did strike him as odd. He usually knew exactly where his wife was at all times of the day. Clearly, she had been lying to him.

The second the front door opened, Emmanuel leaped to his feet, running to greet his wife. Instead, Sebastian casually strolled in holding an expensive bottle of white wine. 

“Oh, hi guys! Where’s Maman?” Sebastian asked, surprised to see everyone except his mother.

“That’s what we’re trying to find out,” Laurence answered, nervously biting her lip. “It appears Maman told Manu something different.” 

Emmanuel sat with his head between his knees, one leg shaking uncontrollably. He didn’t know what he’d do if Brigitte was hurt or alone somewhere. “What if she’s been in an accident? What if someone is holding her hostage? What if ....” 

Tiphaine wrapped her arms around her stepfather in an effort to calm him down. She was worried too, but Emmanuel needed all the support he could get. “That all seems unlikely, Manu. Please don’t create scary scenarios in your head.” 

“Maman called and asked me to meet her here at 5 o’clock. That’s why I brought her favourite wine.” Sebastian explained. "And my appetite."

Emmanuel's head shot up, his eyes glimmering with hope. “When did you speak to your mother?” 

“Umm...About 4 hours ago.” 

“Ugh!” His head went back between his knees. A few minutes passed before he excused himself. All three kids looked at each other when they heard their stepfather vomiting in the bathroom. Emmanuel had made himself sick with worry. The thought of something terrible happening to his wife was unbearable. Once he was able to stand, he would call the police. Until then, he remained seated on the cold bathroom floor.

“Maman!!!! Where have you been?” Laurence was the first to notice her mother. They hadn't heard her walk through the front door.

Brigitte was greeted intensely, bracing herself for a bear hug from 3 of her favourite humans. As soon as everyone separated, she asked where Emmanuel was. 

“He’s been worried sick! He was vomiting just a few minutes ago.” Laurence explained. 

“Oh no! It’s my fault! I lied to him because I wanted to surprise everyone with a special dinner. I grabbed all your favourite foods at the market and was hoping to have a fun buffet-style meal. I wanted all of us to be together. So, I lied to get out of the house.” Brigitte was annoyed at herself, realizing her plan had backfired. The last thing she wanted was to make her husband sick.

“That wasn’t the smartest idea, Maman, when you have a husband who cares so much about you.” Sebastian retaliated. “He thought you were being held hostage somewhere.” 

“Oh, God. What have I done?” Brigitte cried out as the entire family listened to Emmanuel empty the contents of his stomach again. 

Hellooo Winter! ❤️

Omg hahaha Brigitte, very nice idea for the dinner but you just cannot do this to our sweet potato! The poor thing being (literally) sick worried and already imagining all the possible scenarios hahaha

And I don’t think Emmanuel will want to eat now 😅

Thank you so much, Winter! ❤️❤️❤️

[nightcall99]

Dreams from 29.7.24

Dream 1: So for context, the other day the dude and I had this intense eye contact where time stood still and I 'recognised' him. I could feel all his emotions, everything, and past and future moments collapsed into one (lol). In the dream, it was a gay male couple doing that mock documentary thing (like in The Office/Modern Family) where the characters say stuff directly to the camera. As if I had told them of what happened, one of the couple said: "The look. We know exactly what you mean, we look at each other like that and have experienced it before. It’s very powerful".

Dream 2: I was in my sister's room in her apartment which was in a high tower complex. I left my sister's place and was trying to get to the way to the ground floor in order to leave. There didn't seem to be an elevator and to get down I had to crawl through people's apartments without them noticing I was there. I was trying to get away from my sister because I had done something to her and was trying to forget it (I know what it is but it's really dark and I'm not about this dark integration bs atm). All the way down I was trying to convince myself that what I'd done wasn't that bad and that it was 'normal'. It had certainly felt like nothing was wrong at the time. I didn't know any different. I was in a somebody's apartment, trying to sneak into the next room where the exit door probably was, when a man who I thought was asleep, woke up and saw me. Then he woke up his partner and the both of them told me they didn't want to see me again as if I was on some kind of 'bad person list'. I knew them but they didn't want to know me anymore.

Dream 3: My mum was at the house door about to open it and let in a whole bunch of people, like a crowd of family members and friends. I didn't want them there. But instead of the usual downward emotional spiral, I instantly just let it go. When she opened the door to come inside, the people were all gone. Like within seconds. Like they were never there. I was in awe of my own power.

Dream 4: I think those people I had willed away in the previous dream were coming over anyway. But this was like a couple of hours later. I wasn't ready for them yet however and it was like New Year's Eve I think. I had to go take a shower. There were some people who had arrived already and to use the good shower upstairs I would have to pass them. I didn't want to do that so resigned myself to using the lower floor shower which sucks. I overheard my sister telling my dad she was going out to eat with her friends and wouldn’t be here tonight. I wondered if I should even get ready, like why? I hate showering when the day isn't even done because then I'll be dirty for bed.

[truthandlove]

Shared by Mom, Alex Dawson

"I rocked Dawson to sleep last night and put him down around midnight last night, to wake up around 5:15am to my perfect little boy, cold. Immediately, trying to wake him up and give him CPR, screaming for everyone in the house and to call 911. I can't remember how many professionals came through the house, taking pictures, and asked me question after question. I can't remember how many people tried to talk to me about God, and directing me to support groups. I can't explain how long it felt like it took to get answers. I was asked what happened the day prior. I explained. " We woke up around 9am. I took a shower, then proceeded to give Dawson a bath and bottle before his doctors appointment. We got to the doctors and they gave him 4 immunizations. 3 shots, 1 oral. We weighed him and he was at 15 lbs and 24 and some inches tall. 97 percentile. Healthy and happy. He got his shots and cried the saddest tears I've ever seen, his eyes actually turned bright yellow-green like mine do and just looked at me in so much pain, and it broke my heart. I held him close to me till he stopped and held his finger and just kept repeating "it's alright, hunny. It's okay. It's all over now. I'm sorry, bubbba". I lied to him. It wasn't alright. Nothing was going to be alright." " I was so happy about his appointment and how he was growing, that I decided to take Dawon with Ben's whole family to the hot springs. I put him in his adorable bathing suit,, packed some water in a separate bottle for him, and off we went. I was so worried walking into the baby swim pool as to how he would react.. idk why because he was so stinking happy swimming around. We went to dinner at his mom's house a couple hours later, and he was his normal well behaved happy self. I noticed then that his appetite was off. He didn't want his bottle before we went swimming, and didn't want it after. I thought maybe this one he didn't want because it wasnt as warm as I usually make it." " He fell asleep on and off there. We got home and I gave him a nice hot bottle, which he didn't want, and fell asleep while I was rocking him. I laid him down in the living room, went and changed my PJs and hung out in the living room till almost midnight. Brought him in the room to sleep because I was getting ready to go to bed since him and I were supposed to drive back to New York this morning. I woke up around 5:15, to my perfect little boy, cold, and not breathing. " "The time went by so slow waiting for the autopsy. I kept saying to everyone... " Did I put too much sunscreen on him?" "Did he have water from the pool lodged somewhere from the pool?" .. I didn't put a blanket on him last night because he was in thermals, so I knew he didn't suffocate.. "But I still asked outloud if it could be that. I said, "it had to be those f******g shots!! 15 hours later, he's dead!" " The autopsy came in, and they said they gave him an internal, external autopsy, a toxicology report (which hasn't come back yet) and did blood work. And all they could tell me is absolutely nothing." " They just kept saying how healthy he was and big, and beautiful. And that they can tell if a parent is good by looking by the shape of their head. She said she could tell he wasn't set down often and was held often (which was true). They said there was no explanation for it." " And I'm sorry, but I call bullshit. They said he passed away from SIDs. And not from his immunizations, and I'm sorry, but I just don't believe that. They say it's a myth... And hey I mean, I got my shots, you got your shots.. we are both still here.. but hes not and it is just too coincidental for me. I don't understand how a big and healthy baby can just pass away with no explanation." " We can find the cause of deaths for elderly, adults, and children, but not infants? "

[bowandcurtsey]

GAKEHEJAKW YEEEAAA I LOVE YOUR WORK!!

I have a request for Nacht and Yuno and whoever you want!! ( and if you can only do one, can you possibly do nacht? )

If you can, could you write a scenario that includes something like their s/o idk maybe went on a mission or something and was supposed to come back quickly but they don’t lol and while they are all worried and stuff, it turns out their s/o was just taking a nap 😂 doesn’t have to be that exactly, but basically something of just s/o is missing, they are worried, s/o was just sleeping all along 😂😅

You don’t have to though!!! Hope you’re doing well!! I LOVE YOUU ❤️❤️❤️

afghjhdsa I was so excited to do this because it's hella funny!! Thank you for this request Anony! I'm doing well thank you!! I hope you are well from where ever you are, and I'm soooo sorry that you had to wait this long hehe <3

Characters: Nacht | Yuno x f! Reader Tw: unchecked work, vulgarities!

Nacht Faust

Nacht was so worried that he broke out from his usual cool disposition and was pacing around the house.

He didn’t even realise he was pacing until Yami teased him. “You’re walking around a lot eh, vice captain.”

Which earned him the menacing smile from your boyfriend. Y’know, the one that sent shivers down people’s spine.

He would die before he would admit to Yami that he was worried about you.

He tried to go to his training ground to get his mind off you. But he kept looking back at the time and teleporting back to the base to see if you’re back.

Why the hell are you so late?? It was an easy mission? It wasn’t like you to be slow and if you were in trouble you would definitely have sent a note.

Or were you ambushed? Injured too badly to even send a note…

He smashed the bottle he was holding into the wall in frustration and decided to go look for you. He went back to your shared room to get ready to move out.

Lo and behold you were sleeping in your shared bed. All curled up comfortably in the blanket, looking so serene that Nacht had to blink twice to make sure he wasn’t imagining you there.

Feeling defeated and even more annoyed by the fact that he was all worried in the whole afternoon only for you to be taking a nap, he went to the kitchen to get a drink.

“Can’t believe you looked everywhere except your own room,” Yami sniggered from behind him, trying to hold back his pangs of laughter because he could sense the rage in his long time friend.

“You fucking knew didn’t you?” Nacht spoke with such irritation that if words could cut, Yami would be in half right now.

“I mean.. I was confused to why your ki was so anxious, and I realised you’re probably waiting for y/n.”

“And you didn’t say anything? That she was back??” Nacht was starting to lose his composure again.

“You didn’t ask me?” Yami raised his brows to mock him, “i read ki, not minds, spy boy.”

Nacht was ready to pull Yami’s tongue out when you walked into the kitchen half asleep.

“Oh baby, you’re home. Where did you go?” You walked past the both of them to get a drink, “I didn’t see you when I came back.”

“What time did you come back?”

“Eh?” You blinked at him, “about 1 hour after I left. Didn’t Yami tell you? I said hi to him.”

Nacht’s eyes darted to Yami but the captain had already ran out the door.

Yuno Grinberryall

“Is y/n back?” Yuno asked Mimosa.

“I didn’t see her though!” Mimosa replied to the vice captain, “she would usually come to report her mission to Captain Vangeance, but she hasn’t come to the office yet.”

It’s been 4 hours since you left. The mission was only supposed to take 2 hours caps. Your boyfriend was starting to have a strange feeling about this.

He thought you could have needed to take a detour or something else cropped up on the way. Thinking about how you always had a soft spot for the citizens, Yuno thought maybe you were just stuck doing some other errands for them.

2 hours passed again but you haven’t come home. This was unlike you. You would always report the mission first hand.

“Y/n is not back yet?” Captain Vangeance came out from his office to ask. He too felt it was strange.

This made Yuno even more worried for you. Something bad must have happened.

“I’ll go look for her.” He gave his captain a salute and prepared to leave.

Whether it was his keen sixth sense or the chemistry between the both of you, you had no idea, but Yuno decided to head to the gardens where you liked to hang out before leaving the base.

That was when he found you. Fast asleep on the little metal swing with a cat on your lap with your robe wrapped around it.

Yuno sighed. He wondered what went on before this cute and serene moment that could make you not report your mission the first thing when you were back.

He put his robe over you, but the sudden warmth stirred you awake instead.

You smiled at the handsome familiar face before you, before jumping a little, startling the feline on your lap.

“Oh my gosh, I fell asleep! I have not reported to Captain Vangeance!”

So there you were in William’s office, trying to explain that there was a homeless cat that was stuck somewhere and you rescued it, and thought to put him in the gardens first but ended up falling asleep with it as you were trying to coax it.

[iwadori]

Haikyu Boys when they neglect you for another girl PT 2(Oikawa)

Part 1  Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

Word count: 2.1K

Genre: angst,fluff

Oikawa:

You Oikawa and Iwaizumi have been best friends for as long as you can remember  

You thought that Iwaizumi liked you, but all thoughts of that left your head once Oikawa confessed to you when you were in your last year of middle school.

You and Oikawa started dating you in highschool in your first year and have been inseperable ever since.

You and Oikawa were as opposite as you were the same making you a perfect match.

It was the first day of your final term of your third year. You and Oikawa were planning to go the same university but to do that you obviously need to pass your entrance exams so you fully immersed in your studies.  

You have been the manager of Seijoh since your first year, but because of how time consuming it is and you now fully want to focus on your studies you decided to step down from your title. However, you still were fully supportive of the team making sure to go to every one of their games and even coming to majority of their practices with your textbooks and notes with you.

It seems someone took your place as the manager, yet you don’t know who as have been so busy all you could do in finding your replacement was stick up some posters telling whoever wanted the job to talk to the coaches. But you hope the new manager is at least half as good as you.

You decide after school, you were going to take a break from studying so you went to go to the gym to see your boyfriend and the guys at practice. When you enter, you see all the boys fussing and fanning over someone who you couldn’t tell who it was.  

You spot Iwaizumi away from the crowd tying his laces, when you approach him he looks up and smiles fondly at you, “Hey Y/N” he says schooching over so you can sit next to him.

“Hey Haji” you say ruffling his hair playfully “Who’s the celebrity?”  

“Oh Ririka-san” he responds “The new manager” when he says this he slightly scowls, but you don’t quite catch it as your focus is on your boyfriend who is being his usual boastful self infront of who you presume is ‘Ririka-san.’

As the group disperses, they all approach you with Oikawa lifting you up and spinning you obnoxiously making you laugh at his action. “Well hello to you to Tooru” you say kissing him on the cheek.

You look in front of you and there was Ririka with her hand extended out for you to shake “Hi I'm Yagami Ririka” she says “But you can call me Ririka, you’re Y/N right?”  

You shake her hand quickly dropping it responding with a dry “hi.” Oikawa notices the awkward atmosphere that you created with your response and decides to drag you away to show you his serves. You weren’t fully focused on your boyfriend, with your eyes occasionally drifting to the new girl who seemed to give you a bad vibe from your first introduction.

Practice ends, and Oikawa walks you home (per usual.) Once you are at home, you decide to social stalk Ririka to see if you can find something to confirm your suspicions on her. You’re claims weren’t based on anything besides a vibe but since she is apparently in your year and always has been you find it weird that you haven’t heard a word about her all until now. You don’t find anything on her, besides her being as ‘perfect’ as she seems.

As you and Oikawa walk home together again from the next day’s practice, you were hoping that he shared your same concerns about Seijohs manager but when you ask “Kawa.. Don't you think Ririka-san is a bit odd?”

He looks at you curiously, smiles and says “No of course not, Rii-chan is fine”

‘Rii-chan’ you think, a slight pang of jealousy surges through you at the use of this newfound nickname  

“In some ways she reminds me of you, you know?” he says chuckling, but you weren’t listening focused on the name he just called her.

“Rii-chan, huh?” you say

“It’s just a nickname Y/N, I give them to everone, you know that Y/N” he says

“Yeah yeah I know Kawa, I was just overthinking that’s all” you lie, you knew Oikawa gave everyone a nickname but this one definitely stuck on your mind then all of others and although you can admit your jealousy but there was something else bothering you.

“Well don’t overthink too much” Oikawa says giving you a kiss on the forehead “Don’t want to heart your pretty head about it.” Oikawa then lets you enter your house before taking off to his own.

Over the next few weeks, you are mainly focused on your studies, barely having any time to be with your boyfriend at all. However, if you did even have the time to spend with Oikawa, he was definitely not available since all his time was now with ‘Rii-chan,’ whenever you asked him to hang out with you or to go on dates he always used the excuse of ‘Rii-chan needs help with the schedule and since IM THE CAPTAIN I have to help’ or ‘Rii-chan has no friends in our year, and since it seems that YOU don’t want to befriend her im doing the nice thing by becoming her friend’ and with that you always wanted to reply with ‘maybe no one wants to be her friend because she’s such a bitch’ but you held your tounge.

Today you were fed up with your boyfriends lack of being around and decided to go to his house in the hopes that you can watch a movie or do something together. When you get there, you knock on his door and you hear him shout “Come up it’s open,” was he expecting you or something?

You go upstairs to his bedroom, where you know he’ll be and to your surprise when you open the door in his room it is basically set up like a movie date with food and snacks and a bunch of dvd’s and blankets set up on the floor. ‘Was he planning on you to be here?’ you think.

“Rii-chan you made I-” says Oikawa, stopping hisself when he sees that it’s not his beloved Rii-chan but only you his girlfriend Y/N.

“What the fuck Oikawa?” you ask  

“It is NOT what it looks like Y/N” he says standing up abruptly to approach you but you step back.

“Umm.. So it’s not my boyfriend of 3 years about to have a movie date with his manager after barely speaking to me, his GIRLFRIEND, for the past month?” you say folding you arms “ Did I get that right or am I missing something here?”

“Yes.. I mean No” he stammers “ It’s not a date at all, it’s just that Rii-chan say’s she never watched *insert your favourite movie here* and I thought it would be nice if I show it too her”

“Whatever you say ‘kawa” you say rolling your eyes, this seem to annoy Oikawa as he then sits back down harshly and says,

“God Y/N, ever since you met Rii-chan you’ve been so hostile for once can you not be a bitch! Me and her are just friends.” His aggressive tone shocks both you and him but he doesn’t seem to stop “All I'm saying is, you always wonder why me and Iwa-chan were your friends, haven’t you thought it was because you’re such a judgemental bitch”  

By now you were fed up, so you turn your back to Oikawa ready to leave the room but first you say “ Oikawa, I love you I always have, but I can’t be with you anymore especially since you can’t even see what’s going on. Remember when we used to have movie dates when we were ‘just friends” Your response leaves Oikawa with his eyes wide open since he didn’t expect you to basically break up with him, he thought this was a minor argument. Before he can speak, the door burst open and in comes Ririka who exclaims “Tooru! Im ready to watch M-….oh”  

“I guess I’d be taking my leave now” you say with tears in your eyes “Goodbye Oikawa this was fun”  

It’s been a while since the confrontation at Oikawa’s house and the school was a buzz since after hearing the news of yours and Oikawas break up the school immediately focused their attention on both Ririka and Oikawa the rumours of them being together spread like wildfire. However, to your surprise Oikawa apparently always combated the rumours claiming that him and Ririka were just ‘good friends and will stay that way.’

But you could care less, you still supported the team going to all the games they had making sure to stay clear away Oikawa and Ririka. You don’t go to the practices anymore since you didn’t want to submerge yourself in sweat and bad vibes anymore.

Graduation came and you were very happy, you could finally get out of this place. Once you get through the ceremony and all the boring stuff you go to the gym for one final ‘goodbye’ but before you have a chance to leave you are stopped by Iwaizumi  

“Hey Y/N” he says “how have you been?”  

“I’ve been good, pretty ‘busy’” you respond

“Busy as in, avoiding Oikawa at every cost” he says making you laugh “Come sit down with me for a second” to which you do sitting next to him on the gym bench.

You and Iwaizumi then spend the next hour reminiscing about all your past antics and stories making you laugh and smile fondly at all the nostalgia. After all your talk you pull out your phone to take a picture and you hear Iwaizumi whisper “He never deserved you” so quietly that you almost don’t catch what he says.  

Before you could respond in comes Oikawa of course panting “Y/N! Thank god you’re still hear I need to talk to you!”  

You look at Iwaizumi expecting him to say something but all his does is pull you into a tight hug and says “Goodbye Y/N I’ll miss you” he gets up and exits the room shouting “Make sure to answer my calls” making you chuckle.

Oikawa approaches you and sits in the spot that Iwaizumi does, he takes a deep breath and begins to stay “Y/N, you were right I was wrong. I am an idiot... Rii- I mean Ririka she tried to kiss me. Im sorry”

“Oikawa, you are right.. You're an idiot, but it shouldn’t of had to take me breaking up with you and Ririka trying to get with you to realise that I was right. Why did you even come here to tell me this, so I knew I was right? You didn’t need to confirm my suspicions I knew all along Oikawa”

You stand up to leave, hoping to find Iwaizumi before he goes home but Oikawa stops you. “Y/N I-I want to be with you, to go back to being how we were … don’t you want that”

“Oikawa...” you grab his hands “I love you, I always have and I always will... but I think we both know we aren’t meant to be.. Things haven’t been the best with us even before Ririka came along, it just took her to make us really notice it.”

“It’s him isnt it?” he says with tears in his eyes

“I think so... maybe it’s always been him I don’t know but we know how he is especially when we were 15 I guess you just got me to me first,” you say with tears in your eyes also

Oikawa pulls you into a hug and whispers in your ear “Go get him Y/N” you look at him and smile and nod you head “We will still be friends Tooru.”

You race out of the gym to look for Iwaizumi and you suddenly bump into him since he didn’t actually move he was there the whole time and it seems your indirect confession made him tear up too. “I love you Y/N” he pulls you into a hug which you return then pulls you into a deep kiss.

In the end, you and Iwaizumi do become boyfriend and gifriend still keeping Tooru as your good friend. You all also end up going to the same University and you and Iwaizumi live the rests of your lifes together as the ‘perfect’ couple with yours and Toorus relationship as a laughable memory.

AUTHORS NOTE: Please don’t hate me for this ending!! I had a bad day sooo I decided to switch things up please give me feedback on what you think !!

[joezworld]

The Fat Controller's New Car

Hey so I powered through my writer's block and did this.

It's not based on anything, is very long, and barely features any of Sodor's trains, but I feel like it fleshes out the world around the rails of Sodor.

Chelsea is a character that I already like, just from having written her. She's loosely based on a character from a recent ERS volume, but because SiF's storytelling is... not always stellar, I changed almost everything about her in order to make a better character. I hope you guys like this story and the characters in it too.

Also, at this point you're going to have to have at least a passing familiarity with my other works, because some references just will not make sense otherwise.

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

Tidmouth - Present Day. Tuesday.

Stephen Hatt said nothing as the mangled remains of his Audi were lifted onto the back of a flatbed lorry. He remained silent as the lorry driver secured the wreckage to the back, before driving away.

Once the HGV was well and truly out of sight, he slowly turned around.

Everyone in range flinched, hoping that they were not the target of the Evil Eye.

Silence reigned supreme. Only the idiotic or the egotistical would think that breaking it was a good idea.

.

.

.

"In my defense," James said slowly, staring at the 4 interlocked rings of the Audi badge hanging from his lamp iron, as though doing so would make it vanish, and stop him from being axle-deep in the staff car park. "But those buffers are definitely dry-rotted. They wouldn't have stopped anything, really. It was just a matter of time, sir."

---

The next day. Wednesday.

"What time is the car service picking you up?" Helen, his wife, asked as the butler laid out breakfast.

"A quarter to seven," He replied as he forewent the marmalade and had his toast dry. "They're sending a Range Rover, which should be different." His Audi was a saloon, as were the last three cars he'd owned prior. In fact, the only Land Rover he could remember being in was Ivo Hugh's old Defender; the old CMO used it like a quad-bike, and sent it bouncing up and down the Skarloey Railway for Permanent Way work - not something Stephen's backside had enjoyed the one time he'd tagged along!

"Hm," Helen said, breaking him out of painful memories of the insufficient padding in Ivo's Defender. "They should be here any minute then. You'd best be ready."

Checking his watch, Stephen discovered that he was running behind schedule. Finishing his toast before kissing his wife goodbye, he walked outside, making it more than a few steps before remembering that his Audi wasn't in the driveway.

A gloss black Range Rover was though. A long wheelbase model, it shone in the lights of his house, and he could almost see his reflection in the paint. The front license plate still had the EU flag on it, meaning that it was at least a few years old.

"Good morning sir!" The car said cheerfully. "I'm Chelsea. I'll be your driver for the week."

Stephen was still smarting over the loss of his Audi, and his disposition was perhaps not as sunny as usual. "Good morning. The station, if you please."

"Yes, sir!" Was all the car said as Stephen opened the rear door. Before he could even get in, his cell phone rang.

"Hatt, state your - yes, what is it?"

It was Malcolm, the new Tidmouth harbourmaster. The man was chatty at all hours of the day, and it took many minutes for Stephen to finesse the required information out of the man. As such, he didn't pay any attention as he got into the car and was promptly driven towards town.

"Change of plans," he said towards the front of the car. "We must go to the Docks first."

"Right away." Stephen was still engrossed in his phone - it wasn't even dawn yet and something was already gone wrong at the docks - it seemed like some of the private owner wagons were in worse shape than he'd been led to believe, if the photos Malcolm had sent were any indication.

It was only after the Range Rover made a turn he wasn't expecting that he actually looked up. He was surprised that they were passing the Asda on Tidmouth high street. "This isn't the harbor road?" He said more out of confusion than anything else.

"No sir," Came the Range Rover's voice. "Too much traffic. Figure they'll let you in through the HGV entrance around the back."

They would, and Stephen almost returned to his work when suddenly realized something that had been tickling at the back of his mind since he got into the Range Rover.

"Do... you not have a driver?" He asked slowly, looking at the driver's seat intently. It was almost a pointless question, as the seat - on the wrong side of the car to boot - was empty.

"What?" It almost sounded like Chelsea was audible through the speakers in the doors. "Oh. Yes! I'm surprised you hadn't noticed already; you didn't say anything when you got in!"

"I suppose I didn't notice." He said quietly as the steering wheel spun on its own.

He wanted to question further - he really did - but at that moment they rolled up to the security gate at the port's HGV entrance. The rear window rolled down without his pressing the button, and the guard at the gate raised the gate as soon as he saw Stephen. "Right that way Mr. Hatt, jus' follow the commotion."

"Oh, that's not good." Stephen muttered to himself as Chelsea motored across the port.

It wasn't. With the window rolled down, he could already hear shouting coming from near the base of a crane. Pulling up to the calamity, he could see Salty, Marina, a group of workmen, and even several trucks all glaring at a sharp-dressed man who was yelling severely at Malcom the Harbourmaster. Behind them, a pair of open wagons were in a shambles - their frames bent almost in half from what did not appear to be a very heavy load. These were private owner wagons, and reading the name of said owner made Stephen pinch his nose between his fingers.

"-and it will be a cold day before this railway manages to pull one over on Simon Charles Ruffey the Third!" the man shouted for all to hear.

Stephen groaned to himself as he got out of Chelsea. "Simon, it is cold, your wagons are in their usual state of disrepair, and I will not have you speaking to my staff in that way..." He began, not for the first time.

---

Later

The business at the port had taken entirely too long (damn you, Ruffey, you incorrigible skinflint), and it was well into the mid-morning before Chelsea pulled up in front of the station in Tidmouth.

"My parking spot is there, if you need it" Stephen said as he climbed out of Chelsea's rear seat. "I must leave for a lunch meeting at noon, so... occupy yourself until then."

"No problem sir," The Range Rover replied. "I'll be waiting for you."

Stephen watched as the Range Rover drove away, not to his parking spot, but out onto the street and into town.

I wonder where she's going? He thought to himself before turning back to the station, grimacing to himself as he looked at the empty spot next to the doors labelled "RESERVED FOR S. HATT". To add insult to injury, some bright spark had taken the Audi badge from James' bufferbeam and placed it atop the signpost.

My father would never put up with this... He thought to himself as he pocketed the Audi badge and went inside the building.

----

Lunch

True to her word, Chelsea was waiting for him at noon. Strangely, she was soaking wet, despite the ground around her being dry.

"Did it rain?" Stephen asked as he got in.

"The dryer at the carwash was broken." She said, somewhat snappishly, as they set off. "I didn't have time for them to do a hand-dry, ugh. I hope this is from the spot-free cycle..."

Stephen said nothing as he went through his notes for the meeting, but silently remembered that Chelsea had been polished to a mirror finish when she'd left!

---

That Night

Stephen got home at a quarter past six, Helen greeting him at the door. "Get changed - we've dinner at seven."

In what felt like no time at all to him (Helen still said he took too long in the shower), they were out of the house again, first at the dinner (it was a new "Peruvian-Japanese Fusion" restaurant in Wellsworth that was surprisingly good, considering that none of those nouns should reasonably go together), and then on a "walk down the high street" that very quickly turned into a trip to Marks & Spencer's. By the time they got back to the car, they were laden down with bags.

"Ugh," Helen looked at her hand as she deposited the shopping in the boot of her car. It was covered in grime, transferred from the boot lid. "This is filthy. We must go through the car wash on our way home."

There was a car wash attached to the petrol station nearest to their house, and Stephen snorted slightly as he noticed a very familiar looking Range Rover pull in behind them in the queue for the wash.

"What's so funny?" Helen asked.

"I think James may have met his match. That Range Rover behind us is from the car service - she just got a wash this afternoon!"

----

The Next Day. Thursday.

One advantage of having a car waiting for him, Stephen noted, was the ability to have her meet him elsewhere - a really useful trick when one ran a railway, and could reasonably be expected to hop on a train across the Island at a moment's notice.

Meet me at Brendam Station in 45 minutes he sent in a text message around eleven o'clock - he'd been assured by the hire car company that she could receive and send phone calls and text messages, although he'd no idea how.

Will do. 🚙 Was the reply.

He stared at the phone for a moment, struck by the notion that he was truly living in the future - he could get text messages from a car - before returning to the matter at hand.

"Now then," He said to Bill and Ben, both of whom looked like they'd rather be anywhere else. "I'm sure that I don't need to tell you exactly how much damage, confusion, and delay has been caused by your foolishness."

-

The next stop after that was a meeting all the way in the middle of the Island, at the Culdee Fell Railway. It took some time to get there, and quite a lot less time to finish.

"All right sir?" Chelsea asked as Stephen clambered back in, his brows furrowed in irritation.

"That meeting could have been a conference call or an email." He groused. "We did not need to burn all that petrol or spend all that time coming out here."

"Sorry sir."

"Nothing to be done for it. You got me here early, which is a miracle considering these roads."

"I know a lot of shortcuts!" She said as they pulled onto the road leading out of Peel Godred. On the railroad tracks nearby, Abbey rattled by with a goods train.

"That you do." He said, watching the train disappear into the distance out of habit. "I have been meaning to ask, how did you get... to where you are now? I've never heard of a car driving itself before - well, not except those new electric ones."

"Not much to it really," She said, turning off the main road and heading down a farm lane that Stephen vaguely knew would take them around the congested roads of downtown Peel Godred. "Apparently us talking cars are a bit of a slow seller nowadays, especially abroad, which is where I was going."

"Really?"

"Oh yes. I was actually supposed to go to China, but they knew I wouldn't sell so I just never got sent over. Does mean I can speak Mandarin though."

"Really?"

"是的。我精通它。"

"I'm going to assume that means something?"

"Ha! Yes, I said that I'm fluent in it." She laughed as the farm lane curved around a rise in the terrain. This seemed like the routing of the old Mid-Sodor Railway, and Stephen idly wondered what some of the Skarloey Railway's engines would think about their old line being a farm lane.

Undoubtedly it would not suit his grace.

"-but anyways," Chelsea continued. "When they couldn't sell me abroad they tried to sell me here, but that didn't work either because I'm too "environmentally unfriendly" or something like that. So I did some translation work for them at the factory until I decided I wanted to do something else."

"And that something else was this?"

"Not really, but it's an job, innit?"

"A job? You get wages?"

"'Course I do! My boss says that paying me is cheaper than buying a car and hiring a driver. And it isn't bad work really - keeps me in fuel, covers my insurance, pays my car wash tab, and keeps a roof over my paint. Not much else is there to need really? Well, other than my racing license."

"Racing license?"

"Oh yeah! I decided that I needed a hobby, so I do autocross and gymkhana in my spare time. Everything is regulated now, so I need a license if I want to get into the bigger matches. Last year I even managed to get into the regional championships on the Isle of Man, which was fun."

"Really?" Stephen leaned forward in his seat. "I've never heard of gymkhana, was it? What is it?"

"Oh, well, it's this new sport out of America - it's like a cross between drifting and autocross, with a few stunts mixed in too..."

-

Chelsea got most of the way through an explanation of her sporting hobby until Stephen had to take a phone call, which kept him occupied until they got almost through Arlesdale. Here, the Arlesdale railway paralleled the road between Arlesdale and Marthwaite for a short while as both routes ran into Marthwaite, before the tracks peeled off across the river Arle, while the road went into town before making the same crossing at Bridge Street.

The Arlesdale Railway had a very small track gauge, and so the trains there usually couldn't go as fast as cars on the road could. However, on this day there was resurfacing work going on, and the road was filled with stationary vehicles, queuing up to be let through the construction zone.

The engines of the Arlesdale for mostly gracious about this, whistling commiserations to the locals and their cars as they steamed by.

Unfortunately, Mike was not one of those engines. He thought it was all a great joke, and had great fun taunting the motorists as he rolled by with a train of ballast wagons.

"Look at me! Not stuck in traffic, am I? Look! I'm just flying by! I'll make my deliveries on time and ahead of schedule!" He crowed to the lorries who were sitting and stewing in the midday traffic.

Many of the replies he got are not suitable for print, and simply emboldened him. As he got closer to the head of the line, he stopped making individual boasts, and instead began teasing the traffic generally, blowing his whistle loudly, whooshing steam, and generally ruining any last vestiges of peace that may have existed.

Then there was trouble.

George the Steam Roller still earned his keep maintaining the Island's road network, and was working away on the resurfacing project as Mike chortled past.

"Ah, go get an ASBO, you undersized social delinquent!" He shouted at the nuisance, drawing a squawk of mocking laughter from Mike.

"I didn't know that you could pronounce that many syllables!" He hooted rudely.

George growled, and blew his whistle back at the miniature annoyance. "I'll syllable you, ya runt!"

PEEEEP PEEEP PEEEEEEEEE-BANG! WOOOOOOOOSH

George couldn't have known, but when his driver had last removed his whistle for polishing, he hadn't screwed it back in properly. As George had whistled at things, usually out of annoyance, the whistle had slowly but surely come undone from its threads until finally it let go, shooting straight up and smashing into the metal awning that George's driver had put over his boiler with a tremendous BANG!

Punching a hole through the awning, the whistle continued up into the air on a jet of superheated steam that poured from the socket where George's whistle had been. It now sounded like a catastrophic industrial accident rather than a whistle, and it went on for several long moments before George's driver realized that he was still holding the whistle cord.

The effects of this were calamitous: men scrambled for cover, machines ground to a halt, cars swerved to avoid them, and a tipper lorry dumped his load of dirt in surprise, sending a cloud of dust and grit flying. Just then, a gust of wind sent it billowing over the line of cars, vans, and lorries waiting to pass by. To add insult to injury, a passing flock of birds "relieved themselves" out of fright... all over the same line of cars!

Mike and his driver had seen everything, and they were almost in tears of laughter as they vanished into the distance as fast as was possible!

Unnoticed in all the chaos, George's whistle landed in the middle of the road with a thunk!, just missing the front bumper of an absolutely, astoundingly, apocalyptically upset Range Rover that was three cars from the front of the line. A moment later, the formerly-spotless rear door swung open, and a stout gentleman emerged. He was already dialing a number on his mobile phone as he stalked around to the front of the car. Producing a pair of driving gloves from the pocket of his coat, he donned them before plucking the still-hot steam whistle from the pavement.

The phone call connected, and he spoke curtly as he inpsected the whistle with no small amount of disdain. "Your railway is going to receive many complaints, probably within the hour. Mine will be delivered in person."

He disconnected the call without fanfare, and then pocketed the whistle, frowning when an unexpected clink emerged from his pocket. Removing his hand from the pocket revealed a broken and bent Audi logo.

The stout gentleman's frown deepened.

-

Arlesburgh West Station - Later

Mike was still laughing about it when he rolled into the station at the end of the line. The laughter only increased when he spied a dirt-coated Range Rover in the station carpark. The car looked furious under the layers of bird dirt and real dirt, and revved her engine at him in a manner that she probably thought was threatening, but Mike found merely hilarious.

His driver thought so too. "You know, when I hear a rumor, I always say that 'a little birdy told me'." he said, setting up a bad joke

"Yeah?"

"So what in the bloomin' 'eck did she hear?" He said, a smug look on his face.

It took Mike a moment to get the joke, but once it landed, he was roaring with laughter, much to the bird-muck crusted Range Rover's displeasure.

Then the Range Rover's doors opened, and out stepped the Small Controller and the Fat Controller.

The laughter stopped immediately, and both Mike and his driver went white as sheets!

------

Tidmouth, later still

Chelsea was visibly uncomfortable with all the dirt on her, and when Stephen gently suggested that she find a car wash, she made a bee-line for the local Range Rover dealer. The dealership was a large one, that also sold Jaguars and Lotuses. Chelsea was apparently a regular here, and when the detailing staff saw her pull in, they visibly blanched before setting to work with professional haste.

"It might be a while, sir." One of the cleaners said, and he showed Stephen to the showroom before returning to the wash/detail bay with more rags and soaps.

Give James a run for his money indeed... he thought to himself as he observed the cars in the showroom.

A bright orange Lotus sat off in one corner behind a velvet rope. It was tiny, and so low to the ground that just getting into the damn thing would probably throw out his back.

Clearly not. He thought, before looking around more.

There were two Jaguars in the showroom, one a rather smart looking new XF Estate with a SOLD sign hanging from the rearview mirror, and the other a vintage XJS coupe that looked to be almost as old as his son Richard. Unlike the Lotus, these two cars could talk, and were quietly bickering about something.

Stephen frowned, and looked elsewhere in the building. Even if the last few hours hadn't considerably cooled his opinions on owning anything that could speak, he'd owned a (non-sentient) Jaguar from that era once before. It had spent more time being serviced than it had being driven, and it was not an experience he wished to endure again.

Finally, his gaze made its way over to the Land Rover side of the dealership, and settled on a very smart looking Defender. It was quite the opposite of any car that he'd owned before, with numerous off-road accessories, ranging from a ladder built into the bodywork to a giant snorkel. A steel cargo tray sat on the roof, giving the whole vehicle a very adventurous feel. It also notably wasn't a living machine, which was a point in its favour over the Jaguars.

"Found something you like?" Stephen was brought out of his thoughts by a sleazy-looking man in an ill-fitting suit. "I can get the keys if you wanna take 'er for a spin..."

-

One excruciating test drive later

Perhaps I merely don't like anyone talking to me... Stephen thought venomously as he walked back into the dealership again.

The Land Rover had been a fine vehicle, probably, but the salesman's pushy attitude and total lack of dignity or self-respect had driven Stephen to heights of madness that usually only his engines could achieve, completely turning him off of the Defender in the process.

Inside the detail bay, Chelsea was currently being toweled dry, her paint once again sparkling in the lights of the building.

"Sorry that took so long, sir," She began. "It's just that, well, I can't stand-"

"I understand completely." Stephen held up his hand to cut her off, before turning to the head cleaner. "Please see that the bill for all this is sent to the North Western Railway."

"Oh, sir, you don't have to-"

"In this case, I feel as though I do." He smiled kindly. "Besides, at this point I am willing to do anything that will get us out of here as quickly as possible."

The Rover's smile strained a little. "They didn't try to sell you something, did they?"

Stephen's kind smile turned into a peeved grimace, and Chelsea sighed deeply. "Oh no. Which one was it? Was it that old XJ? He can barely start, the poor thing."

"Actually, it was one of the new-"

"Mister Hatt!" The salesman barged into the detailing bay like a bull in a china shop. "I saw that you came in a 'Rover, so I pulled up one o' the newest ones. Y'know, in case y'wanna trade in the old one? Give you a right good price on it too."

Chelsea bristled at this, and started her motor with a supercharged snarl. "I am not for sale!" She snapped, unlocking her rear doors for Stephen. "Mister Hatt, I do believe we are late."

Stephen smiled, perhaps a touch too viciously, at how the salesman recoiled. "Quite. Let us depart."

Little more was said as Chelsea backed out of the detail bay and into the dealership's forecourt. The Range Rover that the salesman had brought out was idling in front of the dealership, and Chelsea gave it a good look, before stopping next to it.

"They've got some nerve trying to sell this bill of goods." She grumbled as she stared at the new car more critically.

"What's that?" Stephen asked, rolling down the window to look at the car. Nothing seemed amiss to him.

"Paint's wrong." She said firmly. "There's a big discolouration down the side of the door - both of them actually, blimey."

"What does that mean?"

"It means that they pro'lly scraped it against something in transit from Solihull and had to repaint the door. S'not bad or anything but they should disclose that, and I don't think they did."

Looking more closely, Stephen could see that she was right. If he turned his head just right, the midday sun glinted off of the middle of the car's doors differently than the rest of the vehicle.

It was at this point that the salesman came back out again. "So, whaddya think?" He said smarmily, leaning against the new Range Rover without caring if he scratched or smudged the paint.

"Has it been repainted?" Stephen asked, playing the fool.

"What?" The man retorted. "This? It's brand new!"

It was at that point that he rapped his knuckles on the door of the car, presumably to show how "new" it was. However, instead of the expected metallic noise, there was a rather flat thonk as his hand made contact with the discoloured spot on the door.

The man's smile suddenly became a lot more fixed, and his eyes widened. "Eh heh, well, you see, uh..."

"That sounds a lot like body filler, doesn't it?" Chelsea said, her voice incredulous. "What did you pillocks do?"

"I... um... uh, well-" The man stammered, sweat beading on his forehead.

"I think I have seen enough." Stephen said, rolling up the rear window and cutting off the salesman's hopeless stammering. "Shall we go?"

Chelsea said nothing, and rolled away from the dealership in a huff.

--

They arrived at Tidmouth station a short while later.

"I am sorry about all this, sir." Chelsea said, a little embarrassed by the last hour.

"It really is not your fault," Stephen assured her. "I didn't miss anything that can't be re-scheduled - after all, it is my railway! Much like the royal family, I am always on time, everyone else is merely early."

The Range Rover laughed at that, and drove off to find a parking spot.

Stephen made it almost all the way to his office before someone spoke to him.

"Where've you been?" Richard asked, poking his head out of his office door. "It doesn't take that long to ride the Arlesdale, let alone "discipline" them."

"I made a stop at the Range Rover dealership."

"Oh! Find anything you like?"

"The only one that impressed me is not for sale. Everything else was not worth considering."

"You should buy a Tesla!" Came a voice from down the hall, causing Stephen to roll his eyes hugely. Calls to 'buy a Tesla' had started almost before the wreckage of his Audi had been cleaned up, and at this point he knew they were just doing it to annoy him.

"Remind me why I put up with such insolence?" He asked, just loud enough for the office gossips to "overhear".

"Because you hand-picked everyone in this office, including me?" Richard asked innocently. "Which means that you clearly enjoy this on some level?"

Stephen rolled his eyes, and closed Richard's office door in his face before continuing down the hall.

-----------

The next day. Friday.

Mercifully, nothing of any note happened all morning. For the first time since Monday, Stephen was able to have a full and productive set of meetings, phone calls, and business emails without any ridiculous treks across the island, the destruction of personal property, or the unexpected need to discipline an engine.

It was almost peaceful.

Quite naturally, this wasn't allowed to stand, and calamity ensued around lunch.

Tidmouth station had a small parking lot directly in front of the station for Passengers (and Stephen - that was one luxury he had no qualms about taking), while the staff parking lot was located by the sheds on the other side of the yard. There was a private roadway that led out of the customer carpark, across the tracks that led into the sheds, and into the staff carpark.

The private road was protected by a gate in the station carpark, and as Stephen and Richard went outside to meet Chelsea, they noticed a small crowd of NWR employees gathering around the gate.

"What are they doing?" Richard asked to no one in particular.

"Someone bought a Tesla," The Range Rover explained in a most unimpressed manner. "and they're trying out that silly 'summon' feature it has."

"Summon?" Stephen wasn't sure what that meant.

"It can drive itself." Richard explained. "Well, sort of - Tesla says it can. If you park the car and leave it, you can make it drive out of the parking space and come to you, even if you're across the carpark."

Chelsea rolled her eyes. "Personally I don't think it's that impressive. You can summon me from across town!"

"I did know they could drive themselves, although I didn't know you could make one come to you. They parked it all the way down there?" Stephen could see a small white saloon car backing out of a parking space by the engine shed.

"Oh yes." Richard said, watching with interest as the car began rolling forward at a walking pace. "I think it's almost at the end of the range, but it should be fine."

Then there was a few moments of silence, ended by simultaneous cries of dismay and laughter from the group by the gate.

"Oh, it's crashed."

"I told you that pothole needed to be filled!"

"It didn't hit a pothole! It tried to go around the pothole and drove itself onto the bleeding tracks!"

SNAP "James! The truck is getting away!" "What? Again? Oh blast these coupling chains! I barely bumped it!"

"That seems like a poor choice on its part. Why did it do that?"

"I don't know. Maybe it thought it could make it."

"Pah! I've got an adjustable-height air suspension and even I couldn't make it across a set of rails like that. It's just a dumb computer that got too big for its bumpers."

"Quick! Stop it from getting onto the main line!" "How?!" "Use the shunter's pole! Set the brakes!" CLANG BANG THUNK "Too late! Throw the switch and send it into a siding!" "Which siding?" "ANY SIDING!"

"How do they get it off?"

"I think they can back it up."

"Not a chance! The back wheels are off the ground. Unless he wants to take the front bumper off."

"That's not a siding!" "Peep peep! Look out!" "Oh no! Where did that car come from?!"

"Richard, if this causes any confusion or delay..."

"I'll handle it, don't- why are they all pointing... oh you must be joking."

BANG! CRUNCH! SCREECH!

"My Car!"

--

Fortunately nobody was hurt, however the Tesla was a total write-off.

It took some time to organize the cleanup, but eventually James was able to haul the mostly-undamaged truck back to the station, while a flatbed lorry came to collect the Tesla.

"Twice in a week? New record for ya, killer." Siobhan had come out to investigate the commotion, and it took no time at all for her to begin poking fun at James.

"This wasn't my fault!" James was incensed. "That chain was barely holding on to begin with!"

"I'm sure..." Stephen was deeply unimpressed about the entire situation, but James at least seemed genuine about his innocence.

"Alright, easy does it... easy..." *winching noises* POP "Hey - where's tha' smoke coming from?"

So was the truck, unusually enough. "Now don' you go givin the kettle all the credit for this! Tha' chain's been weak fer months, but does anyone ever listen to auld Ramsey? Nooooo! It's always 'be quiet you', and 'come along now'! Nobody ever believes me, they don't."

"Cripes! Tha's the battery!" POP POP "What's happening? What does that mean?" "It means unhook me!" POP POP FWOOSH

He paused for a moment, now aware that man, woman, and engine were all staring at him. "What? 'e din't cause all the commotion! I wan' my name attach'd to all this; it'll go o'er great wit' the lads!"

"Thermal runaway! GET CLEAR!" Everyone turned to look at the scene of the accident. The flatbed lorry was backing away from the scene as fast as he could, while Richard and the workmen scattered in all directions.

It was easy to see why. Thick black smoke was billowing out from underneath the Tesla, and flames were already licking their way around the rear bumper and up the boot lid.

"Goodness!" James exclaimed, watching the smoke rise into the air. "What do we do now?"

"Call the fire brigade-" "An' get everyone the fook outta 'ere!"

Stephen, Siobhan, and James' crew all scattered, running to evacuate the area and coordinate the emergency procedures, leaving James and Ramsey all alone.

The old truck watched the commotion with great interest. "Ha ha! T'is is great! the lads'll love this! Oi moight owe ya one, Red!"

James, for his part, merely gulped, and hoped that the Fat Controller would remember that this wasn't his fault!

----------

Later....

It took four hours for the Tidmouth Fire Brigade to extinguish the car, and even then that wasn't a sure thing.

"If I'm being perfectly honest with you," The Chief Fire Officer said to Stephen as the firemen began to pack up some of the hoses. "It may well start burning again. These new electric cars can burn on and off for days when new parts of the battery combust."

"How do you stop that?"

"Can't, not really. You've got to immerse it in water for days before the thing gets saturated to the point where it'll become safe. That's about the only way to be sure."

"Really?"

"Oh yes. We've been planning for this for some time. We've been very fortunate that this hasn't happened to us before, but we have a plan." The man leaned in conspiratorially, keen to share his knowledge. "Forgive me if it sounds a touch unprofessional, but we've got skip - real big one, forty feet long - and we're going to fill it with water and put the car in there."

Stephen felt overwhelmed, and once the remains of the Tesla were carted away, (under the watchful eyes of at least four fire engines) he returned to the car park, where some of his employees, senior staff, and Chelsea were waiting for him.

"Is it time ta go 'ome now?" Siobhan asked sarcastically, having laid down on the tarmac next to Chelsea.

A general moan of agreement from the rest of the staff showed that many of them were more serious than she'd been. The fire had cut off the sheds from the main line, and the reduced number of available engines had forced trains to be cancelled, delayed, or combined. Everyone was thankful that the fire was now extinguished before the evening peak, and already engines could be heard rolling past the charred set of rails on an undamaged track.

Checking his watch, Stephen noted that it was well past shift change. Everyone was probably exhausted. "All right. Everyone check in with this shift and then go home. We've all had quite enough excitement for the day."

Everyone might have been tired, but they still managed to vanish with an almost magical speed, and it was soon just Stephen, Richard, Siobhan, and Chelsea left.

"I'm surprised you didn't tear out of here as well. " Stephen addressed his head of locomotive operations, who hadn't moved from her supine position. "No one at home?"

"Eh." She grunted, stretching out on the asphalt. "Deccie's in Birmingham till Tuesday, an' the kid's're at uni. I'm officially an empty nester now."

"It does take some getting used to," Stephen said encouragingly.

"How would you know?" Richard asked, who had gone past 'stressed' and had instead become sarcastic. "I see you more than mum does!"

That brought a laugh from Siobhan, while Chelsea looked like she didn't quite get the joke. Stephen let the joke hang in the air for a moment before declaring with a straight face: "Remember who signs your paychecks..."

That brought the laughter to a halt, and Stephen managed to keep his composure for a long minute before he smiled broadly. "Right! We've all been here for quite long enough - shall we get something to eat? My treat?"

"You had me going there for a second." Siobhan deadpanned as she stood up. "Do ye need me to drive too? For my paycheck?"

"If you'd be so inclined to!" Richard chirped as he opened Chelsea's passenger door. "Awfully generous of you."

Siobhan and Stephen exchanged a glance that spoke volumes, before Stephen opened the rear door.

"Did ye notice that she's Euro-spec?" Siobhan asked as she walked around to Chelsea's actual passenger door and got in. "That means yer drivin'!"

Richard, to his credit, laughed when he realized that he'd actually gotten into the driver's seat, but was confused as he felt around the steering column. "There's no keys?"

Then the seat started moving back. In a moment, his feet could no longer reach the pedals, and the wheel was out of reach. "What?"

"Sorry Sir, Ma'am," Chelsea said apologetically. "But I was actually built for the Chinese market, and I don't let other people drive."

With that, her motor started, she shifted into reverse and backed out of the parking space. "Where to, sir?"

"Hmmm... There's that Italian restaurant across town. What is it called?" At this point in the week, Stephen was unphased, and began poking at his phone to figure out which restaurant to go to.

Up front, Richard and Siobhan stared in pale-faced terror as Chelsea's steering wheel spun on its own and she pulled into rush-hour traffic.

"I think I know which place it is. Is it... uh Dalla fattoria alla tavola?"

"That's it." Stephen snapped his fingers as he recalled the name. "They have a wonderful Lasagna."

There was a beep from the infotainment system, and tiny squeaks emerged from both front seat passengers as the GPS system entered the name of the restaurant and plotted a route across Tidmouth with no one pushing any buttons.

"Tornado is bad enough," Siobhan whispered. "But this is fookin' worse!"

----

Saturday

It was a practically sedate ten in the morning when Chelsea picked up Stephen. It was a sunny day, and she had the windows down. "You don't have to work today, do you sir?"

He chuckled. "Oh no. This is purely personal. You see, I need a new car, and if I'm honest, nothing I have seen so far has impressed me."

"I'm sorry about that," she interjected, keenly remembering the Range Rover dealership.

"Such things happen," Stephen said. "Therefore my plan for the day is to not come back without a car of some sort."

"All right," She said, already pulling up a list in her GPS. "Where to first?"

----

The Audi Dealership - Haltraugh

"Six months?" Stephen couldn't quite believe it.

"Eyup." Said the sales manager. "What's on the floor is what we've got. Everything else is on factory backorder because of the chip shortage."

Stephen surveyed the sales floor. Three subcompact city cars and a tiny convertible coupe were all that he could see.

----

The Ford Dealership - Tidmouth

"I see..." Stephen trailed off as he stared at the ugly-green painted Mondeo. "And these are all you have?"

"All we make." The salesman said. "If you want something bigger, well we've got the Transit, Kuga and the Ranger, but if you want a luxury option? This is it."

"When you say 'this is it...'"

"This one." The salesman clarified. "We've got others but they're not nearly as well equipped."

----

The Peugeot Dealership - Knapford

"Ugh!" A salesman said, looking at Chelsea with disgust as Stephen walked in through a side entrance. "Who's got the "I'm a posh wanker"-mobile?"

Stephen turned around and left without a word.

----

The Vauxhall Dealership - Killdane

The Vauxhall Dealer had many cars, much to Stephen's relief.

"Hello!"

Called twenty-seven cars in unison.

"no." He said to Chelsea.

"agreed."

-----

The Toyota Dealership - Killdane

"They want a ten thousand pound markup on this?" Chelsea was agog. "It's a Corolla!"

-----

The Mercedes-Benz Dealership - Vicarstown

"Well," The salesman began. "We do have one model in stock that I feel you'd enjoy."

He led Stephen over to a very futuristic looking estate car. "This is our new EQS. Brand new for this model year. I'd list all the features but we'd be here all day - better to know that the only thing it can't do is make you breakfast, and even then you can probably run the cooker off of it!"

"Really?" Stephen asked, now quite interested indeed. "How does it do that?"

"Oh, well, it's electric, so all you've got to do is-"

"Electric, you say?" Stephen asked, seeing images of a burning Tesla in his mind's eye."

-----

The BMW Dealership - Vicarstown

"Talk about a face that only a mother could love!" Chelsea sniffed as they looked over the row of saloons and estate cars. Each car had a large front grille, the appearance of which was... unfortunate.

"At this point I am willing to take that chance..." Stephen said grimly. It was almost three in the afternoon, and he hadn't been able to find anything.

"Do you really want to come out each morning and look at that?"

"If I must." Stephen sighed. It was a dreadful looking car, but maybe it drove better than it looked...

-

"Which gear is it in?" Stephen asked, looking at the peculiar shift lever. It had returned to a neutral position after he'd moved it, and he now had no idea which gear he was actually in. There was also a small wheel next to it, the purpose of which was unclear.

"Park is the button on the side," The salesman said. "Push it forward for reverse, and pull it back for drive."

"Forward to go back, backwards for forwards, and push a button for park." This would take some getting used to. "What does that wheel do?"

"That controls the iDrive system."

"iDrive?"

"It's the radio, sat nav, phone, bluetooth, car settings, the lot - you control it all from here." The salesman tapped the top of the wheel, which somehow turned the radio on and set it to BBC Radio 4.

"Riiiight." Stephen tried not to think about that as he pulled the shifter into what he thought was Drive, and instead sent the car rolling backwards.

"It's an easy mistake for first-timers." The salesman said apologetically.

After that false start, the test drive had gone well, or at least it had, until they got back to the dealership.

beepbeepbeepbeepbeep

"What is that beeping sound?" Stephen asked the salesman as he drove the 7-Series through the the cramped dealership lot. "Have you got your seatbelt on?"

beepbeepbeepbeepbeep

"'s the collision avoidance system." The man said. "It doesn't like that you're driving so close to the parked cars." He unbuckled his seatbelt, and a separate dinging sound began to play in the cabin. "That's the seatbelt chime."

dingdingbeepdingbeepbeepbeepdingdingdingdingbeepbeepbeepbeepbeep

"Why does the car not like being so close?"

dingdingbeepdingbeepbeepbeepdingdingdingdingbeepbeepbeepbeepbeep

"Ah, it think's it's gonna crash into them probably." The man continued. "Don' worry though, it'll stop itself long before - augh!"

dingdingbeepdingbeepbeebeepbeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep!

The beeping had grown in pitch dramatically as they approached a larger SUV that was parked slightly further out than the rest. The car evidently thought that it was going to crash, and so jammed on its brakes hard, throwing Stephen against the seatbelt and sending the unbelted salesman slamming into the dashboard nose-first!

-

"How did it go?" Chelsea asked him as he sat down.

"Modern cars have too much technology..." Stephen muttered darkly as he rubbed his shoulder.

-------

The Jeep Dealership - Peel Godred

Neither Stephen nor Chelsea had ever been to this dealership before - located on the far side of Peel Godred, it was buried in the foothills of Culdee Fell, and was almost closer to the Village of Cregwir. In the middle distance, smoke plumes from trains on the Mountain Railway could be seen easily.

The dealership building itself was equipped with a waiting area large enough for Chelsea to drive inside, and she was invited to do so by the salesman, who greeted both her and Stephen warmly.

This was not entirely unusual, except that the salesman was American, and not actually a salesman at all, but was instead an older-model Jeep Grand Cherokee.

"I'm actually a manufacturer representative visiting from our Corporate HQ in Michigan," He explained as he showed Stephen a much newer hybrid-drive version of his model on the sales floor. "And I got roped into covering a staffing shortage. But I promise that I am more than qualified to show you around our product lineup."

He paused and laughed. "Heck, 20 years ago, I was part of the product line!"

Chelsea also laughed, and Stephen felt rather like he did when the engines had an in-joke that he didn't get.

-

Looking over the SUV showed Stephen that while it had many positive attributes, it still wasn't what he wanted. It was too modern, too dependent on technology.

And, as he discovered, this was true of the other cars Jeep sold. Two were also very small and quite uncomfortable, while the third was...

"Where have the doors gone?" He asked as he looked at the Wrangler parked inside the showroom.

"Oh, they can be removed." Said the older Jeep, pointing out the mounting brackets for the doors with his tires. "It's a very popular off-roader, and totally legal to drive with the doors off, so quite a lot of people do it."

"I can't imagine that the electrics mind that." Chelsea murmured, not quite on board with the idea of leaving her doors behind.

"Oh no, the interior is actually fully waterproof; you can wash it off with a hose if you need to." Another pause, and a small smile followed this. "Believe me when I say how useful it is. I've got beige cloth and it needs upkeep, yaknow?"

"Do I ever!" This from Chelsea.

Stephen ignored them, and frowned as he examined the car's interior. Even in this Wrangler, there was a massive screen in the middle of the dashboard, and there was an automatic transmission instead of a manual. "I don't suppose that you have anything more... simple than this, do you? I have quite recently become disenchanted with all the modern gadgetry of today's cars."

The Jeep's brows furrowed. "We do have some used stuff, but at this point it's going to be out of Certified Pre-Owned range." He backed up and tapped a wheel on the floor as he thought about something. "Actually, I do have one car that you might be interested in. It's gonna be a bit of a long shot, but it's the best I can do."

"At this point, I will take a long shot over nothing." Stephen was fairly desperate, and didn't have the energy to hide it at this point.

The Jeep led them into the back of the dealership building. There, a car sat in a dark corner. It was hidden by the lack of light, but what little could be seen showed it was a very aggressive looking car indeed.

"I'm sorry about the dramatic reveal, but usually they don't show this one." He said apologetically as he looked for the light switch. "This was a special edition for one of the top dealers in the states. One of 20, if I remember right. It got gray-market imported right after it was sold - some collector in... Wogan? Wigan? something like that, bought it - and he just looked at it until he sold it at auction, because it has 64 miles on it. And it's a 2010."

He found the light switch, and Chelsea gasped at what she saw.

Stephen had to admit, it was... quite the car. "It's-"

-------

The Next Day

"-Yellow." Helen Hatt finished, her tone flat.

"Yes, I am aware of that." Stephen said, his expression becoming more and more fixed as his wife looked at his new car.

"Are you also aware that it is the most inconspicuous thing I have ever seen?"

"The thought did cross my mind."

"Did it."

"Yes."

"Then why is it in our driveway?"

"Because, Helen," Stephen sighed. "It has a manual transmission, no electronic driver aids of any kind, save for anti-lock brakes and traction control, one screen - and a small one at that - and all of the control systems are controlled by the driver. It is not smart, it is not electric, and it is not a computer. It is a car, Helen. And as far as I am able to tell, it is one of the only ones of its kind for sale on this Island. So I bought it."

She looked at him, and then at the car. "There was nothing else? What about that Vauxhall dealership that always advertises on the telly? Their cars look simple."

"Their cars talk, love. Everything in my life talks. My trains talk. My employees talk. My mobile phone not only talks, but has a name, one I dare not speak aloud lest I wake it up. At this point, it would not surprise me if I woke up one morning and the house started talking to me." He let out a deep breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "So I bought this car, because I need one thing in my life that does. Not. Talk."

Helen's face softened. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize that this was such an issue."

"It really isn't as massive as I make it out to be, but I just need one thing that doesn't complain if I leave it out in the rain."

That brought out a giggle from his wife, and he knew that she was on board now. "Would you like to go for a drive? It is quite something."

"Looking like that, I'd imagine it would have to be." Helen said as she opened the passenger side door. "Do you mind if I run through my other grievances on this? Just so we can get them out of the way?"

"Be my guest." Stephen said as he opened the boot and began looking for something within.

"Isn't the wheel on the wrong side?" She started.

"It's imported from America."

"Isn't that dangerous? To drive on the wrong side of the car?"

"French tourists manage it, all the time."

"What will the neighbors think?"

"This is far from the strangest thing they've seen, and I don't care anyways."

"How much did it cost?"

"A sizable amount. We can afford it."

"How much petrol does it use?"

"More than it should. We can afford it."

"Doesn't that hurt the environment?"

"It would be hypocritical for me to run steam and diesel engines on the railway and think that I'm going to save the planet by driving a Prius."

"Will anyone think that you're having a midlife crisis?"

"Love, we are in our 80's. We are, at best, exceptionally spry pensioners." He pulled the shopping bag from the boot, and removed two sunglass cases from it. "Here."

"As if you'd ever stop working long enough to take a pension. What are these?"

"Aviator sunglasses. Everyone at the dealership was most insistent that I wear them when I drive it."

"Why?"

"Because it looks, and I quote, "Awesome".

"Really?"

"Based on my drive home last night, I'm inclined to believe them." He left the boot lid up, reached into the cabin, and unlatched the roof, allowing the convertible top to come free.

Folding it away, he slammed the boot lid shut and addressed his wife. "Any other concerns?"

"I think David Drury might explode if he finds out that you've got a sportier car than him." Helen did look very fetching with the Ray-Bans on, in his opinion.

"I'd quite like to see that, but I think he'd have to get in line behind Richard and Bridget."

"Of course Richard would, but what's got your sister in such a knot?"

"I spoke to her last night; She bought a new car last week." Stephen lowered himself into the low-slung driver's seat and fished around his pockets for the keys. "It's one of those new Fiats with the TwinAir motor."

"What's that?"

"A two cylinder engine, less than a liter's displacement." He looked at her over the rim of the sunglasses. "She was very pleased at how efficient it is."

"How many liters is this, then?"

Stephen twisted the key in the ignition, and the quiet morning was shattered by the naturally aspirated bellow of the V10 engine inside the Dodge Viper ACR. "Eight. And a half."

Helen could only throw her head back and laugh at her husband's antics, and the car roared out of the driveway and onto the main road, squealing the tires all the way.

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

The next week - The Drury Farms Warehouse outside of Knapford

A yellow and black Viper rumbled up to the archway on the entrance road. On the arch, a sign reading "AUTO-X EVENT SIGNUPS" fluttered in the breeze. It was a minute before the car moved again, as staff members had to be convinced that the driver was not trying to enter the event as a contestant.

Eventually, the car was pointed in the direction of the parking area, and it stopped near the fences that separated the competitors from the viewing crowd. The car's passenger door opened, and a pale-faced man stumbled out, just managing to avoid burning his leg on the exhaust pipe just behind the door sill. Like a newborn deer, he stumbled and weaved his way across the lot until his stomach calmed down. He clutched the plastic folder in his hands against his chest like a lifeline.

Eventually, he found who he was looking for: a glossy black Range Rover that was sitting in the contestant's paddock. As he approached, she perked up on her suspension. He briefly observed a card with numbers on it attached to her side with magnets, but decided it wasn't really important.

"You're Mister Hatt's son, right?" The Rover asked as he walked to her. "I thought I saw his car - is he letting you drive it?"

"My father," Richard wheezed, still not totally composed. "Has bought that ridiculous sports car and has decided to drive everywhere like a madman!"

She looked sympathetic. "Not the 'go-fast' type?"

"I thought I was." He was still unsteady on his feet, and Chelsea opened a rear door for him to sit down in without a word. "Thank you." He said, fairly collapsing into the rear seats.

"Not a problem - just don't throw up on my upholstery, okay?"

"Hopefully it won't come to that."

"It had better not." She paused for a moment, watching an older Jeep race around a corner on the course that had been set out in the warehouse's vast forecourt. "What did you come here for? Does Mister Hatt need me to drive for him again?"

"Yes, but not in the way that you're thinking."

"What do you mean?"

"My father was very impressed with your work ethic and skills when you chauffeured him, and he has asked me to extend to you an offer of employment with the NWR." Richard wasn't quite sure what to do with the folder containing the offer, and eventually just slid it into the driver's seat. "it would be similar to your current job, but with some more specialized transport duties. There's also room for promotion within the railway."

He paused, trying to gather his thoughts. His father had taken that last roundabout exceptionally fast, and he was still loopy from it. "Everything is in the folder, and I would love to sit down with you in an official capacity sometime on Monday to go over everything in detail. This is just the offer, so don't feel obliged to say anything now..." His head spun a little, and he held his head in his hands and covered his eyes. "My god, does he drive like a maniac..."

Chelsea was quiet, and Richard wasn't sure what to do next. "Obviously you're not obligated to say yes right now, or at all, even-"

"Of course I'll do it!" Chelsea squealed. "I'd love to work for Mister Hatt!"

"Work for who?" A voice asked from next to Chelsea. Richard opened his eyes and saw that the Jeep from earlier was now next to Chelsea in the paddock.

"I got a job offer from the railway!" She said, bouncing back and forth on her suspension and making Richard's head swim.

"Oh that's wonderful!" The Jeep said, an enthusiastic grin on his face. "Two wins in one day!"

"Two?"

"They just posted the times. You made the finals!"

"I did?"

Richard tuned them out, and tried breathing deeply through his mouth to settle his nausea.

"Yes!"

"Oh wow! That's- oh skidplates! That's now!"

"I know! Go! Kick some bumper!"

"Okay!" She moved forwards and then stopped. Unconsciously, Richard reached over and drew the nearest seatbelt he could find over himself. "Mister Hatt, I'm about to do a lap. You might want to get out if you're not up to it."

Richard was barely paying any attention to anything other than his own breathing, and just tugged on the seatbelt to say "I need a minute" in a non-verbal manner.

"Oh-kay... if you think you're up for it..." Chelsea sounded wary, not that Richard paid any attention.

For the next few minutes, she didn't say anything, and Richard found the rocking motions of her movement quite soothing.

Finally, she stopped, and Richard opened his eyes for the first time in a few minutes. "What..?"

"Mister Hatt, if you want to get out, you've got about five seconds before that flag drops." Chelsea said as she stood on the starting line of the racetrack.

It took Richard about four seconds to comprehend exactly what was about to happen, and one very long second to realize that he was not going to be able to get out in time.

The green flag dropped.

-

Exactly one minute and fifty seconds later, Chelsea screeched across the finish line.

Exactly ten seconds after that, her rear door opened, and Richard Hatt barreled out, running as fast as he could for a litter bin by the judges' table.

Stephen Hatt and David Drury watched from the visitor's parking area with amused interest

"Does he do any of this sort of thing?" David asked as he leaned against his Ferrari.

"I love my son dearly," Stephen said from behind the wheel of the Viper. "But having caffeine after supper is what he considers exciting!"

[everlasting-stories]

To Feel Again [M]

Genre: light angst, romance

Warnings[!]: smut, penetration, creampie, unprotected sex, mentions of adult toys

Pairing: Doyoung x Reader

Words: 4.4k / One-shot

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Valentine's Day: the day of roses and hearts and chocolates and romantic candlelit dinners. When people proposed marriage and professed undying love.

You sighed, staring unseeing into your bowl of cornflakes as they succumbed to their milky grave and turned to soggy goop. Funny how a date on a calendar could open the pit of despair that lived somewhere near your stomach. It had to be near your stomach. You've been reasonably hungry until you've noticed the date and the pit opened. Your hunger had fallen into it, and the memories and pain rose out of it.

There was a time when this day had been wonderful. Life had been wonderful, you didn't need Valentine's Day, but you celebrated it with reverence and, sometimes, wild abandon.

You knew what love was, what it felt like to love a man and how it felt to lose him. You remembered what he'd said that last morning, how he'd kissed you; how the sun had lit his face as he smiled, promising he'd be back. You also remembered the police, how the sun seemed to dim as they told you the phrases out of courtesy. They were sorry for your loss. They will let you know of details as soon as the investigation on the accident comes to an end.

Since that time, Valentine's Day had passed unheralded, unheeded and uncelebrated. You knew you were a joke of the office - entering thirties soon and never been fucked, that's what they said. The borning woman who had no idea what fun was, wouldn't have known what to do with a man if by some miracle you did catch the attention of one. They were wrong, of course. Not that it was any of their business; it certainly didn't affect your ability to do your job.

If you chose to act and dress your age and spend your evenings quietly, rather than as mutton dressed as lamb in some gaudy nightclub, surely that was your right?

You sighed again, getting up from the table, taking your cereal bowl and dumping the gloop down the sink. A bleak day of petty jibes and pitying looks lay ahead. At least you knew what to expect this year.

Last year had been your first Valentine's Day with this particular company and, therefore, your first with this particular bunch of malicious people - your fellow employees. As front counter receptionist, you were the company's first "public face" and some of your co-workers had decided it didn't look good if that face wasn't surrounded by gifts from admirers on this day.

When the first bunch of anonymous flowers had arrived, you've been flustered, flattered and flabbergasted that anyone would send you flowers. You had hurriedly cleared a space on the counter for them, proudly displaying them, fussing with them to show them off at their best and make them visible from the greatest distance. You kept touching them, moving them slightly, reaffirming they were really there. Your heart sang; someone had noticed you. Maybe he was too shy to reveal himself; maybe he was married and couldn't: your mind was alive with questions, trying to solve the mystery of their origin. You were all in all happy.

Then a large box of chocolates arrived, closely followed by more flowers. By lunchtime, these had been joined by a little plush cherub, two red plush love hearts, a pair of earrings, three more bunches of flowers, four assorted boxes of chocolates and a large jar of candy hearts. They all carried the same anonymous message. And you knew then and there what is the catch behind this.

By the end of the day there were nine flower arrangements, ten boxes of chocolates, three cherubs, the two red love hearts, three teddy bears, two jars of candy, the earrings and a gift box containing four pairs of edible undies. Just before the close of business the final humiliation came - a fantastically wrapped see through box containing an inflatable male doll with vibrating tongue, a massive purple vibrating dildo and a copy of the Sex for The Beginners book.

You had to stay at your post until the last visitor or client left. But the rest of the staff was already heading out of the building. Some boggled at your desk, some snickered, a couple made loud crass comments and a very few had appeared horrified at the pile of stuff surrounding yourself. The building had almost emptied before that last visitor departed. You were sure that, too, was a set-up, particularly when you saw it was the client that had been visiting quite frequently lately.

Myungsoo ushered the man to the street and turned back to you as you gathered your coat and handbag, ready to escape.

"Gee, you're a popular girl. Who would have thought?" He reached your counter and began collecting up the flowers, grinning madly. "Let me help you with all that."

Before you could say a word, he bundled all the flowers, chocolates and assorted other items into your arms. You could barely see where you were going. Myungsoo put his arm around your back and shepherded you out the door, peeking at the vibrator in its transparent box. "There you go, sweetheart. Looks like you're definitely gonna get some action tonight." He turned smartly away, laughing as he rapidly put distance between the two of you.

You obviously had thrown the whole lot in the nearest dumpster and hurried to the relative sanctuary of your car before breaking down and sobbing, burying your head in your hands to hide from prying eyes of curious passer-bys.

Standing at your kitchen sink, you wondered what they'd pull this year. It couldn't be worse, could it? You sighed again and then abruptly shook your head, standing straighter. To hell with it - you were not going to let them get to you today.

It had already begun when you arrived. A bouquet of irises sat at the front of the counter. You were tempted to throw them straight in the garbage, but decided they were too pretty, too unusual. So they stayed. Curiosity got the better of you as you looked at the card, expecting it to say something sappy and insincere, as last year's cards had.

"You are worth far more than they will ever realise. Hear the flowers."

You pondered the card. Hear the flowers?

What on earth did that mean? You raised an eyebrow as you settled into your post: at least it seemed this year would be more intriguing than last. During quiet moments throughout the morning, you'd pick up the card, reread the cryptic message and study the beautiful bouquet, but its secret was never revealed.

No gifts arrived for you, no more flowers. You were relieved, but it only served to deepen the mystery of the flowers. As your lunch hour approached, other staff began filtering out of their offices to take a break. They all noticed the irises. Several of the women stopped and commented on their beauty. No one laughed.

As always, you left the building for lunch. You would usually grab a sandwich somewhere and do a bit of window shopping. Anything to get away for an hour - if you stayed in the office, someone always "needed" you for something.

When you returned, a neatly typed page was on your desk: "The meaning of flowers". One line was highlighted in blue: "Iris: Have Faith. Don't Give Up On Hope." A single purple violet was pinned to the page. You scanned the page to find "Violet (Purple): You occupy my thoughts". You put the page to one side, but still in view, unsure whether to laugh at it and throw it along with the flowers away before the punch line or wait it out. This was definitely a far more sophisticated assault than last year.

Throughout the afternoon a steady procession of couriers arrived, carrying flowers and gifts. You nervously watched each one approach your counter, only to breathe a sigh of relief as the teddy bears and hearts, the chocolates and flowers were all destined for other souls.

At 4:30PM a man approached your station: nothing unusual in that; everyone that came to see someone had to check in with you. What was unusual was that he actually saw you as a fellow human, not a robot programmed to take names and give directions. He smiled at you, a real smile that reached his eyes and warmed your heart. Something familiar in his eyes...

"Good afternoon. My name is Kim Doyoung. I have an appointment to speak to Choi Myungsoo. Would you mind letting him know I am here, please?"

Quickly, you dialled Myungsoo's extension, giving him the information. Myungsoo, as usual was brusque to the point of rude, telling you to "entertain the idiot 'till I'm ready for him - he's not supposed to be here for another 15 minutes".

You were tempted to tell the polite gentleman exactly what Myungsoo had said, but instead used your tact and diplomacy (that was why you were hired after all) to tell him that "Mr. Choi is a little delayed. He will be available in a few minutes."

With that being said, you offered him a seat.

Again he smiled. "Those are beautiful flowers," he said, nodding towards the iris bouquet. "A discerning choice for a lovely lady."

You lowered your eyes, feeling the heat rise in your face, knowing you were blushing.

His voice softened and became much quieter. "You don't remember me, do you?" Your eyes flew to his face, confused. Were you supposed to know this charming man?

"I had an appointment here at the same time, on this day last year. I was waiting outside for a taxi when you left. That was uncalled for, the whole situation that happened - mean and heartless and exactly what I would expect of Myungsoo and his friends. I deal with them only because I must. They offer a service unparalleled in this town."

He leaned across the counter, his voice so low only you could hear. "How they manage it, I cannot tell. They are pig swill and don't know a pearl when confronted with one." Doyoung paused, seeming to weigh up his next statement, then leaned closer to you. "Did you hear the flowers?"

Your eyes again flew to his face, your mouth falling open a little. "You sent them?"

"I did. And the violet. I had hoped to counter whatever crass display they had planned this year. Would you possibly consider spending the evening with me?" His face was eager, hopeful. "A nice dinner?"

You were stunned, flattered, amazed - but also wary. This was Myungsoo's client. He could easily have been put up to this. You studied his face closely, seeking any hint of a lurking cad. His face fell. "But, of course, you have other plans. I apologise for embarrassing you." He moved away and sat, abashed, on one of the hideous lounge chairs to await his appointment.

You studied this man. He didn't seem to fit the mould of Myungsoo's usual cohorts. For one thing he was unerringly polite. He was also good looking, very, very good looking, without being outstanding or flashy. He was also much closer to your age than Myungsoo's and had an air of quiet confidence, like he had nothing to prove to anyone and nothing to fear from them either. You looked at the flowers. Could Myungsoo have possibly thought of something this elegant? You didn't think so. You took a deep breath: to hell with it.

"Mr. Kim?" He looked up. "What time would you like to pick me up?"

In your bedroom, staring at the clothes hanging limply in your closet, the cool bravado that had claimed you as you agreed to the date vanished. In its place indecision, doubt and outright terror took hold. It seemed painfully obvious to you now, away from the office and that lovely man, that it was all another twisted joke, something for the office beautiful people to laugh at during tomorrow's coffee breaks. Why did you say yes? Your wardrobe was woefully inadequate. It was years since you'd been out with a man; you were bound to make a fool of yourself, even if it wasn't a set-up.

At that thought your heart jumped and lurched. The possibility that Mr. Kim - no, Doyoung; this was a date not a business appointment - was sincere in his wish to take you out only heightened your confusion and indecision.

Finally, in desperation and the realisation that if you didn't decide soon, you'd still be in your underwear when he arrived; you chose a chanel-knee length cremé skirt and baby pink cashmere sweater, topped off with knee length boots. The heels were quite high, but you remembered him being tall, so that wouldn't be an issue, as long as you didn't fall over in them.

You were saved from an overcritical examination in the mirror. You had just completed applying your makeup when Doyoung arrived. You grabbed your coat and quickly walked out the door, before you had time to rethink and back out.

"You look lovely," Doyoung said, smiling down at you. Feeling the heat creeping up your cheeks; you weren't used to receiving compliments, particularly from someone like him. You mumbled a shy thanks as he helped you put on your coat and led you to his car.

Sitting in the car as he drove, you were able to study the mysterious man that is Kim Doyoung. He was extremely handsome, not in the classical sense, but he certainly was far from a plain looking man - a man at peace with himself. He knew who he was and was content with that; he knew what he wanted and how to get it; and what was beyond his capabilities and lost no sleep over it. He obviously managed quite well; his car was expensive but not too flashy.

The restaurant he took you too was a quiet small place, away from the standard eat-and-entertain strip. It was intimate without claustrophobia; the decor was elegant without being overbearing; the lighting low but not dim; the service attentive without being intrusive. The food you could not describe - later, you barely remembered what you had eaten beyond it being "nice" - your attention was totally taken by Doyoung.

He was gallant and charming; helping you with your coat and holding your chair for you at the intimate table for two tucked away in a corner. Doyoung quietly suggested items on the menu he thought you might like. It was obvious he'd been here before, was a regular, but usually without company. His choice of wine was perfect to go with the excellent food as you enjoyed each other's company.

And you talked.

You learned a lot about him. Doyoung was 34, older than you had thought; he had been engaged, but his fiancé decided to break off the engagement for simply falling out of love. He had had a series of short term relationships that had petered out and, for the past several years, had lived a solitary life, rarely going out with women. He didn't work as such; his livelihood came from investments, which explained him being a client of the company you worked in. Myungsoo may be a jerk, but he was the one of the best investment brokers around.

He had been attracted to you the first time he met you, a year ago, but had been intimidated by the evidence of all your admirers. When he realised it was all a cruel joke played by his adviser and the other brokers, he was mortified. He had seriously considered changing brokers, going to another organisation but that would have meant he had no chance of meeting you again. So he stayed. He had been in your office on three occasions since then, and each time had seen your quiet, unflappable charm and how your talent and lovely nature were either ignored or taken for granted by those around you. He was determined to gain your attention, but without the office cricus freaks being able to use it against you, hence the mystery flower delivery this morning.

You found yourself opening up to Doyoung. He seemed sincerely interested in hearing what you had to say, hanging on your every word. It was a liberating and wonderfully powerful feeling. You weren't used to being the centre of anyone's attention. You told him of your pride at the independence since the loss of your lover, all those years ago. You were happy in your little home, content with your work, rarely coming to the attention of the office jokers.

It was over coffee that you admitted to Doyoung something you haven't admitted to yourself: your life was lonely and you missed the affection of another person. You missed the companionship of sharing your life with someone.

Immediately after the words had left your lips you regretted them. You have given away too much of yourself, been too forward. You lowered your eyes, not wanting to see the closed expression you knew would be on his face, so you didn't see the fleeting look of pain, quickly followed by understanding and hope.

However, you did feel his hand close over yours and squeeze lightly. You looked up into a face of gentle eyes and soft smile. "Would you like to take a walk with me," he said quietly. "I think it's time we leave - they want to close the restaurant anyway."

You looked around yourself noticing that you two were the only people other than staff left in the restaurant, and many of the lights were dimmed. You gasped in wonder - you had no idea you've been there so long. "Yes, a walk would be lovely."

Doyoung ushered you along the street and across a small, neat park to a promenade along the riverbank. It was enough lit to feel safe and you walked along arm in arm. You felt his arm snake around your waist hugging you closer to him, and you snuggled against him, your arm around his back. The moon was up, the stars were out and the night was peaceful and clear.

Your heart was singing and your eyes sparkled. You've been right to take this gamble. He was sincere, and it was wonderful. But the night was late, and it was rather cold.

You shivered. Doyoung felt it immediately and turned off the promenade proposing to head back toward the street where he had left the car. "I'd better take you home. It wouldn't be much of a date if you ended up ill."

At your door, Doyoung formally thanked you for a lovely evening and asked if he could see you again. You smiled and surprised yourself only a little by reaching up and kissing him lightly on the lips before saying: "Would you like to come in for a nightcap?"

Doyoung blinked, looking mildly bemused for a moment before studying your face. "Are you sure?"

Oh, most definitely, you were sure. You have thought of nothing else since you two have left the river. He looked right, he felt right, and he smelt right. You wanted him but was sure he'd never make a move. He was too much of a gentleman to ever force the issue.

You took his hand and led him into your home, kicking the door closed with your foot, shutting out the rest of the world with its mean people and ugly attitudes. You reached up to kiss him again. This time he lowered his head to yours, cradling your face in his hands as he returned the kiss. The lips met and parted, allowing the tongues to join and caress each other. His hands moved down from your face to caress your body, yours moving up from his hips. Both of you parted, searching each other's faces for confirmation of your desires.

"I think we're on the same page," you said. "Why don't you leave your coat on the couch? Do you want the nightcap now, or after the tour?"

"I'll put a hold on the nightcap," Doyoung answered, reading the desire in your eyes and knowing it was mirrored in his while stripping off the coat.

"Right."

You took his hand again. "This is the lounge. There," you pointed to the right, "is the kitchen and dining room. This way," pulling him down the hall, "is the second bedroom, the bathroom and," dragging him through a doorway, "here is the main bedroom."

"Very nice," he said, looking around, trying not to focus on the bed.

Suddenly shy, you both looked at anything but each other, awkward in a lack of intimate knowledge of each other. Doyoung tentatively reached out a hand to you, aiming to caress your breast, veering off at the last moment to your shoulder, but still lightly brushing your breast with his fingertips. Your gasped breath emboldened him and he reached his other hand, caressing your other breast lightly as you shivered under his touch and sighed.

Your own hands went to his chest, running down the front of his shirt and back up, then beginning to undo the buttons, pulling the shirt from his trousers and teasing his bare skin with your fingers.

Doyoung pulled his shirt off and then raised the sweater over your head and off the arms, moving in to kiss you as his hands went around your back to undo the clasps of a bra and returned to cup your breasts. The sensation on your breasts as he caressed and pinched the nipples sent a sharp message straight between your legs. You could feel yourself becoming moist and shuddered under his touch; breath becoming uneven.

Pushing him away you removed the skirt, letting it pool at your feet while looking into his eyes. Doyoung took the hint and began unbuckling his belt, then grinned foolishly and sat beside you to take off his socks, sneaking kisses of your neck and shoulders as he did so. You both stood again, slightly apart. He dropped his trousers and you could see his briefs pushed out of shape by his erection, the fabric straining.

Doyoung stepped up, taking you in his arms, kissing down your neck and across the collarbone, his hands lowering to your hips, sliding under the elastic and beginning to tug your panties down. Your own hands flew to the top of his briefs. Together, you pulled down the underwear, stepping out of them and standing naked before each other. Again Doyoung moved first, holding you and gently pushing backwards onto the bed, following after you onto it.

He ran one hand down the body of yours, teasing and tickling the beginning of your womanhood and beyond, teasing you with his fingers, tickling across your mound and easing around your damp centre. You moaned as he explored, your hips twisting and twitching. It had been so long since another man had touched you there. It felt amazing, wonderful, but achingly short of what you needed. You could feel his hardness against your thigh. Reaching down, you took his cock into your hand. It was hot, hard and pulsed under your touch. Doyoung groaned and his hips jerked convulsively. You kissed him hard and whispered fiercely, "Please, it's been too long. I need you, now."

"For me too, far too long," Doyoung gasped back, rolling you onto your back and positioning himself before gently splitting your lips and sliding steadily but firmly into you. Your moans were prominent in the air as he stretched and filled you right, not stopping his steady thrust until he was wholly inside you, your warm walls gripping him tightly. Your eyes met and locked as you lay still, immersed in the feeling of each other's body.

Being warm, wet and a safe haven, you were engulfing his cock. Doyoung was filling you with his hard heat, owning your body completely. You fit each other perfectly; you could see it in each other's eyes. You belonged together.

As great as this feeling was, you needed more. Doyoung slowly withdrew, till only the very tip split you. Both groaning as he pushed back in, again slowly feeling each other with delectable inch. Slowly in and out, in and out, revelling in the feeling of each other's bodies, gradually building up speed as your need increased.

You could feel the fire building, the tension increasing as sensation on sensation smashed into you with each thrust, your body twitching, your hips writhing. Still it built; higher, tighter, fiercer. Your entire being was wrapped around Doyoung's cock as it pumped in and out of you. You could hear him grunting with each thrust, feel his body trembling as he got closer to his climax. His speed increased and you breath got caught in your throat, your back arched, legs went stiff as you began to twitch when the white light exploded through you, spreading warmth and scattering your senses.

You felt, from far away but deep within you, Doyoung losing his rhythm before coming, pumping wildly into you, grunting and thrusting hard one last time as he shot deep inside you feeling spent but overly fulfilled.

Your hand was making lazy circles on Doyoung's chest as you lay, curled against his side with a head on his shoulder. You weren't sure how you've come to be in this position, but it felt so right and he smelled so good.

You were at peace while drifting off to sleep.

Waking up without feeling body by your side, you immediately felt the loss. Doyoung wasn't there. Your heart dropped, the pit near your stomach threatened to open and engulf it. Sensing the tears coming up, you accidentally feel something on your side with a hand.

He wasn't there. But there was a note.

"I am so sorry. I hate to leave you, knowing you will wake alone. There is something I must do."

You had just finished reading when the phone rang, disturbing your thoughts. Grudgingly, you moved to answer it. "Hello."

"Wish I was still beside you."

Your heart flipped again. The pit dissolved so you could breathe again before whispering, "Doyoung."

"Y/N. Tell me, what are you planning for breakfast?"

"Uhm. Coffee? Maybe some toast. Why?"

"Don't move. I'm on my way. With breakfast. And it's better than toast."

You lay back in bed, listening to the dial tone after he hung up. Surprised, you smile softly. You must remember to thank Myungsoo for introducing them.

If this is how you will feel loved and feel free to love again, you have no complaints.

Your new chapter is about to begin and hopefully, it will last for a very long time with a man named Kim Doyoung.

[cheelduh]

How to get Hit-listed by a Stonehide Lawachurl (High School AU!)

Part 6 of the highschool au

Parts: 1 2 3 4 5

Pairing: Childe x fem!reader

Synopsis: Childe’s a menace to everyone when playing dodgeball. Even as his new girlfriend, you’re no exception to his affinity for raising hell during the most tranquil of circumstances.

Warnings: Swearing, bad humor, and absolutely horrid spelling mistakes.

Words: 5.3k

Note: Longest chapter yet sheeeesh 🗿

Negotiation is an art.

Childe, or "Tartaglia" has utilized the art of negotiations in his daily life. Whether that be scamming the ninth graders with fake weed, or convincing the teachers why he doesn't deserve detention for injecting random fluids from the chem department into the school's resident pet frog.

All in all, by becoming an expert in the field of negotiations, Childe is nothing if not a master, tongue silver and smooth as he takes on a new opponent.

Which is why he dutifully negotiates with you on this Monday morning in front of the History classroom, getting down on one knee and pulling out a—

"I hope to Barbatos you aren't proposing Childe," You hiss, panicked eyes landing on the velvet box he's pulling out. "Considering that we're sixteen and still in highschool."

As if remembering those meagre details, Childe gulps and shoves the box back into his pocket. "Uhhh yeah, I was just, tying my shoelaces?" It comes out as a question.

You let out a sigh of relief, overlooking how he undoes his shoe laces just to do them all over again.

The ring burns in his pocket as he gets back up.

"Why did you call me here?" You ask, hand on your hip, foot impatiently tapping. The tap tap tap isn't because of impatience though, it's because you need something to cover the nervous palpitations of your heart.

He gives you a vicious smile, sinister enough to shake the bones of anyone who's observing, opens his daring mouth to show the imaginary sharpness of his teeth. Then with the confidence of about a hundred shirtless tiktok boys, he finally demands:

"If you don't become my girlfriend, I will kill—"

"Yeah sure thing." You answer before he can finish, soft smile growing.

Childe chuckles evilly, "I knew you'd say that, but I've come prep—wait a minute." He snaps out of his villain origin phase, stumbles back a bit, then his eyebrows are furrowing in confusion. "Did you just say yes?"

You nod, cheeks flaring up. "Don't make me repeat it." Then you look away, too embarrassed to see his reaction.

For a second, Childe's internal conflict following the chain of this event causes him to temporarily malfunction, and all he can do it stare at you in amazement.

It's only when you tell him to stop staring and jump off the school roof is when he snaps out of his daze, a grin festering on his face.

He lunges straight at you, giving you no time to deflect him as he wraps his bone crushing arms around you, then lands a soft smooch on your forehead.

"Let go of me you idiot!" You barely wheeze out, light headed not only because of your lungs being squeezed like oranges, but also because of the sloppy kiss he's delivered so ungracefully.

He does so reluctantly, and you're unamused, wiping the stickiness off your forehead with a sleeve as he steps back.

"Ew what the fuck?" You say, glaring at him. "What's wrong with you?"

He completely ignores you, giddy with excitement. "Ah girly, you have no idea how long I've wanted to do that. I can't wait to introduce you to my parents and eat lunch together and kiss each other during break—"

"Slow down." You tell him, as red as a tomato towards all his suggestions. "We've barely started dating."

"Oh," Childe stops momentarily, then nods in agreement. "You're right. We should start small. How about I walk you to class?"

"We're already in front of class." You nudge your head towards the classroom, and catch Zhongli and Venti peeking from the side of the door, trying not to be obvious.

You narrow your eyes at them threateningly.

Childe tugs your arm, lovingly looking you up and down. "Let's walk to class together anyways. In a circle."

A complete waste of time, yet it's impossible to say no to the face he's making.

Before you guys depart he suddenly stops, gasping loudly, remembers something important. "I have to make a quick phone call."

Childe speed dials Scaramouche, and the latter picks up annoyed, answers the phone with muffled sounds in the back. Something that sounds a bit like pleading and whimpering.

He then mutters something that forces dread into your system. "You can release the hostages."

You hear Scaramouche groan on the other end, muttering a "such a pain in my ass", but choose not to question it immediately.

As soon as the phone call is done and you're back by his side, you point at his phone questioningly. "What hostages Childe?"

He gives you a close eyed smile, taking the fifth.

"What hostages Childe?" You repeat again weakly.

—

First period goes by smoothly for the most part. Lisa, your so called best friend, once again is bought off like a corrupted politician by your new boyfriend. She sits far away from you, leaving you without any defences against the menace that dotes on you a bit too much.

Throughout class, all Childe does is score Venti's colourful pens, and then writes you annoying little love notes, using the expert origami skills he's learnt from Anthon to deliver them to you.

Despite the threat of distraction these notes pose, the corners of your lips can't help but tug upwards at his enthusiasm and attempt at poetry.

Zhongli makes sure not to ask you two any questions the entire class, leaving you to your own accord.

Lunch comes around soon enough, and your usual table of Diluc, Jean, Kazuha, and Lisa is disturbed by the torpedo that is Childe, and he brings collateral with him.

Kaeya whole-heartedly ceases the opportunity to sit near his stoic statue of a brother purely with the intention to annoy the premature crap out of him, but one look from the redhead sends the chicken-shit right back where he came from.

When Childe forcefu—lovingly feeds you the smiley fries and dinosaur nuggets his stunning mom packed him, Diluc looks just about ready to hurl.

Lisa winks at you two, Kazuha doesn't even bother looking, and Jean tries with upmost effort to keep Diluc from launching himself at the whipped fatui boy basking in your attention.

"Quit embarrassing me." You whisper-exclaim sharply, noticing how Jean passes Diluc—all green in the face, a puke bag discreetly. "Shouldn't you be doing something illegal right now? Or vaping in the stalls?"

"I quit vaping for you girlie." Childe boops your nose with his finger. "Well, at least full time. I still need a puff when I'm around Signora, to like, get rid of her awful vibes."

While it is endearing how he quit vaping for you, it doesn't lessen the need for you to bury yourself alive right here and now.

Then you sigh, pick up a Dino nuggie, and shove it in his mouth, the tip of his tongue flicking your finger. You die inside.

"There, you happy?" The action of feeding him is so...intimate, it sets your heart aflame.

Childe's a lovesick puppy when he chews, imaginary tail wagging a hundred times a second. "Can I have a kiss too?"

Diluc slams his hands on the table and stands up, hurriedly picks up his grape juice and makes a break for it. You don't blame him.

"I'll kill you." You smack him with a napkin, blazing red. "I'll end your pathetic little life right here and now."

By the end of lunch, Lisa and Jean have to restrain you so you don't break the world record for the maximum amount of mutilations that can be done on a single body.

Fourth period is a break. A break from Childe you mean. It's expected of the school's resident bad boy aka menace to skip classes in order to skip over the bodies of his victims.

You bask in the momentary peace, until it's disrupted by a tap on the window. Reckon it's nothing, maybe a bird flew into it, because intentional taps are impossible from the third floor. Except your conviction is hindered yet again by another tap.

What a nuisance.

You finally turn to look outside the window, face down, and spot Childe waving incessantly, rocks in hand, oozing with excitement that can't be concealed and a grin that nearly takes you into cardiac arrest. Without meaning to, you send him a small smile, waving back as Baal drones on about quantum superposition.

Successful in gaining your attention, he moves aside to reveal the hefty corpse of a stonehide lawachurl with a destructive path in its wake. The ridges and bumps of its hide are enough to do a number on the road, ruining the school's playing field.

Your smile drops down into a horrified frown in the span of a few seconds.

"Wow." Albedo, your lab partner whispers from next to you, for the first time distracted in class.

"Yeah," Kaeya whistles from behind you two, one hand supporting his head. "What a gesture."

"Y/N, I'd be grateful if you could possibly obtain a black crystal horn for me from the specimen." The blonde asks, entranced by the corpse that your boyfriend is flaunting off to you with pride.

"Aren't those things endangered cutie?" Lisa makes sure to butt in, as per usual.

Yes. Your boyfriend with several issues and an affinity for chaos brought you the corpse of an endangered geo-infused creature that's five times the size of him. During school hours too, the fiend. Like a cat dragging the corpse of a dead mouse to its owner.

You groan into your hands, heart racing while the fire is coursing through your veins.

That idiot.

—

Childe is exceptional at a lot of things, like the switch and making weapons out of seemingly harmless things (e.g shiv out of a toothbrush), but what he prides in the most is physical education. With washboard abs, uber tall height, and a dickish smile to top it all, he has everything it takes to showcase his top tier athletic abilities.

He pounces at the opportunity to show off in front of you, wanting nothing more than to have you fawn over his strength. He's sure it'll be enough to have you all over him, wrapping your cute little arms around his muscled ones, passing him his water bottle and dabbing away at the sweat on his forehead. Most of all, he daydreams you planting your soft lips on his to congratulate him after a big game.

Physical education, for you, is a pain. You may be good with your brain, but games exert more energy than necessary, and coordination that lacks logic entirely. You're just here for the credit. The over-achiever part of you walks the extra mile to ensure a grade in the high nineties.

Although witnessing Childe clad in the school shorts and matching polo shirt is enough to make this worth your while, you'll die before admitting it. Especially when he gawks at you as if it's the first time you're wearing the sports uniform yourself. It has you fidgeting with your fingers and tugging your shorts down nervously.

You try not to flip him off like you usually do, especially since it's not even been twenty four hours since he's asked you out.

Mr.Zhongli blows a whistle, calling all the students over to surround him. It's odd that he teaches most of the subjects at this school, seemingly the only adult present, but no one questions it in fear of genshin logic. Moving on, he explains that you have a dodge ball game today.

Lisa groans beside you. She hates anything that requires the exertion of energy, oftentimes bringing a book to read while everyone else screams in the background.

You're relieved, mainly because Childe and Tohma are usually captains, and Childe always picks you to be on his team as a means to flex his skills. For you, it means sitting back and watching him carry your team towards a straight A.

However, all your dreams are crushed when Zhongli announces the team leaders.

"Y/N, I trust that you'll lead the blue team to the upmost of your ability. Childe, prepare to lead the opposing red team."

Your knees shake as you stare at him in disbelief. "But Sir—"

"No buts Y/N." He scolds you lightly, checking off your names on the clip board. "I'd like to witness your exceptional leadership skills."

In reality, Zhongli just wants to reenact a lovers-on-opposing sides trope, wanting to see how the two of you crack under the pressure. In a way, it is an exercise of leadership.

Instead of picking teams, Zhongli assigns teams for the both of you according to his own judgement, trying to make it as fair as possible.

Lisa pats your back after your teammates are assigned, trying to cheer you up. "It's going to be okay. You guys are dating now, so he'll go easy on you."

You look up to meet Childe's eyes from across the court. He gives you a charming smile, which turns downright barbaric as he lifts up a thumb and motions to slash his neck with it. Then he wickedly mouths "I'm going to destroy you."

You blink and turn away as fast as you can in fear. "We're fucked."

Lisa, witnessing the entire ordeal nods alongside you, doing nothing to reassure you because she herself has given up.

Suddenly a hand lands on your shoulder gripping you tightly. "Let's wipe the floor with that g*nger." The voice is ice cold, threatening enough to send a shiver down your bones.

You turn to meet Rosaria, who frowns at you. Most of the time she doesn't really put an effort in dodgeball, but she must've seen your crestfallen expression, trying to comfort you in her own detached way.

Rosaria is the other school nurse in training, alongside Barbara, but somehow her patients end up more injured, sick, or mentally defiled than before they entered the room. She also spends after hours beating up Chads in the school parking lot. Also runs a blog with her booby co-author Kaeya that emphasizes mostly on the dark knight hero.

Spotting the rest of your team behind her, you begin to criticize them one by one.

Standing against the wall is Kaeya, pushing both his biddies up with his crossed arms like an absolute whore. He's breaking about several dress code rules right now. Venti is next to him, drunk off his butt as he beat boxes with Tohma.

Eula mutters under her breath, on and on about seeking revenge on Zhongli for putting her beloved Amber on the opposing team, promising him an unfortunate fate. Xiao is miserably squatting on the floor, sharp eyes observing everyone in the gym, scowl not ready to dissipate anytime soon.

Then you look over at Childe's team in the distance. Jean with a determined look on her face as she listens to Childe's game plan, and Diluc crossing his arms with his brows furrowed in concentration. Even Amber, the best baller in the school, is stretching out her arms, assisted by the gifted princess of the school, Ayaka.

Not only that, but Childe has the king of dodging on his team—Kaedehara goddamn Kazuha. Beidou shoots you a wicked smirk, winking at you until she's disrupted by Ningguang's shove.

"Oh my god." You cry out when the realization hits you, falling to your knees in despair. "We're completely fucked!"

"No we aren't." Rosaria mutters lowly. "You're only fucked if you want to be. Don't you dare throw in the towel before the fight has even begun."

"But I—"

"Stop it." She grumbles again, rolling her eyes. "You're being annoying now. If you lose the game, that makes him the dom. Don't you want to be the dom?"

She's right. You do want to be the dom.

Her words of encouragement, and not at all veiled insults somehow allow you to find motivation deep within yourself. You get up and stomp towards the rest of your team, calling their attention with your newfound confidence.

"Listen here soldiers!" You shout out, determination clear as day. "I know I am not capable of leading. I know that I barely have the physical capabilities needed to defeat the opposite team."

You take a deep breath, pointing at your cutie patootie boyfriend across the gym as you seethe. "But that man, that harbinger of chaos, that instrument of war, is nothing but a tyrant. And I cannot let such a tyrant be a victor in this battle. Not when innocent lives are at stake."

Tohma speaks up, sending you a bewildered look. "What lives—"

"Shut the fuck up soldier!"

"Yessir!" He immediately stiffens, saluting you.

"Are you ready soldiers?" Your voice booms, and everyone reinforces their priorities, except for Kaeya though. He just lazily smirks.

After Zhongli places the balls in the middle, everyone prepares for the battle of the century.

'Gods, please let us win this war' you pray to the archons above, closing your eyes in concentration.

'Give me the strength to flex my superior skills' Childe wishes, then adds on quickly 'also I want to dominate this world.'

'Give me the strength to make it to Friday.' Rosaria prays for nobody but herself, rolls her eyes at all the unnecessary dramatics of this dodgeball game.

"3..." "2..." "1..."

Zhongli ends the countdown by blowing hard into a whistle, signaling the beginning of the game.

Not even two seconds later a ball whooshes past a few of you at the speed of light, followed by a tail of fire. The ball of death kisses Kaeya square in the nose, sending him reeling back into a wall with enough sheer force to cause an indent.

Everyone winces.

Before you all can reel in from the initial shock and make sense out of wherever the hell that asteroid came from, Zhongli's voice booms throughout the gymnasium.

"Mr. Ragnvindr, headshots are strictly forbidden. You are out!"

With a scoff, Diluc, satisfied with his work, leaves the court with no apparent qualms. He accepts his defeat with the upturned corners of his lips.

Rosaria pokes Kaeya's body with the tip of her heels, then cringes when he shakes awake, up from his short lived knockout and sends a wink her way.

"Getting handsy when I'm unconscious? I didn't think you'd be one to partake in such vulgar activities." His eye twinkles in mischief, and if his momentary defeat at the hands of brother has him fuming, he doesn't show it one bit.

The only thing that keeps Rosaria from knocking him out for real is the blood that trails down onto his lip. She doesn't want to clean blood off her shoes, especially since it's a pain in the ass to get off.

You're about to tell them to get up and take this seriously, but a softball does your job for you when it darts straight at Rosaria. With pristine accuracy, the girl manages to pitch herself away last minute.

You swivel in Childe's direction, who wears a remorseless grin, which only grows wider once you pick up a blue softball next to your feet.

The glare that he receives has him shaking in exhilaration. More so than the elation he'd felt when he took down that Stonehide Lawachurl for you, as a gift of promise.

You begin to bark out orders. "Eula, Xiao, and Rosaria cover the front and act as decoys."

They nod immediately, but Xiao still clicks his tongue in distaste as he starts following orders.

Then you offer Kaeya a hand. "Get up princess. You're on sniper duty."

With Diluc out of commission, the battle is fair and square now considering both sides have the same amount of people. Ergo, no one's at a disadvantage.

That is—until Lisa fake trips over pure air, landing on the floor in a dramatic slow motion.

You roll your eyes.

"Oh dear! I think I've twisted something." She cries out, crawling away from the battle field, acting as if she's paralyzed completely. "Don't worry about me. I'll cheer you on from afar. The battle has begun, and it seems as if I've become the first casualty."

You don't let the countless amount of Lisa's betrayals get to you, even this one. It's just her personality to flake out on anything and everything that requires her to do more than below the bare minimum.

Focusing on the match, your eyes are only on Childe, just as his are on you.

You aim the ball straight at his ribs, step back a bit, then propel the ball in the air with as much energy as you can, using your entire body as a power outlet. The ball spins in the air, reaching the awaiting victim.

Childe, unbothered, dodges the ball with perfect precision, the ball not even grazing his clothes at the least.

Your jaw drops open, and you're about to move for another ball until he grabs the same ball you threw at him. With the sharpness of a predator locking in on its pray, he focuses on you like a missile locks on its target, launching the ball in the air for power that has you trembling, second to the powerful ball that was thrown by Diluc.

With your pupils dilated at your impeding doom, it's Xiao that grabs you and thrusts away.

The ball lands on the floor, smoke rising.

"Holy shit!" You shriek over everyone else's grunts and shuffles. "Are you trying to kill me?"

"Isn't it poetic?" Childe shouts back while he slides away from the balls being thrown. "Lover against lover. Either you're by my side, or in my way. And right now, you're in my way." He narrows his eyes dangerously. "Albeit reluctantly, I will take the victory babe. Even if we are on opposing sides."

"There was zero reluctance in that throw asshole!"

You thank Xiao, who wipes his hands on his pants in disgust. "Filthy humans. So pathetic and weak."

Mildly offended, you roll your sleeves up and begin to fight with everything you've got as soon as he walks away.

The dodgeball game goes as expected for the most part, Eula carrying for most of it with the flow of her skills.

Tohma actually tries like the presumptuous asshole he is, aims straight for his girlfriend Ayaka, and takes her out completely. His only justification for that is "I ain't no simp!"

He shelves his cocky attitude when facing Childe with a sense of dignity and prestige you didn't think he had in him.

The two one of a kind fuckbois puff out their chests so that they look more hefty than they are, having some kind of an Alpha match. The 'me stronger than you. me dominant. me get all the women' type beat.

Unfortunately, Childe manages to fence him with his throws, and lo and behold, the square off ends with a dejected Tohma dragging his feet to the nearest bench.

Eula oversees that Ningguang and Beidou meet a quick end, taking their slower dodging to her advantage. You're actually rooting for her, tasting a sliver of victory that you haven't reached yet. So close, yet so far.

Amber trips on herself in the middle of throwing a what should've been coordinated ball, and it loses most of its momentum. Xiao is directly in front of it, and will probably be able to catch it with ease.

Ah, another short victory.

If Childe loses his expert baller, he's only left with Kazuha and Jean, whom's lack in the art of throwing is made up by their ability to dodge most of the fastballs.

However, all your plans and hopes are crushed when Eula slides in front of Xiao last minute, sticks out her foot, and let's the pathetic product of Amber's would-be downfall hit her on the leg with the total force of about 0.0000001 newtons.

Your chances of winning have just went down by a staggering 60%.

"Eula!" You cry out, collapsing on the ground. "How could you?"

Tohma cups his mouth and bellows obnoxiously from the bench. "SIMP!"

"I cannot avenge my clan if I win a false victory." Eula crosses her arms, casting her gaze down in visible uncomfortableness. "Amber will pay her dues in two business days. Mark my words."

It all a load of cap. She's sleeping with the enemy and you know it.

You grit your teeth. Fuming with an abundance of rage, you pick up three balls and throw them all back to back, taking out Amber and Kazuha simultaneously.

Childe's heart flutters in another kind of delight when you pluck out his team members one by one with no hints of remorse.

In retaliation, Jean and Childe work in sync to swiftly take care of a distracted Rosaria.

"Shit." You hiss underneath your breath.

It's Venti, Kaeya, Xiao, and you who are the only remainders of your short-lived team. It's still two more people than Childe and Jean, giving you the upper hand briefly.

It's a mystery to everyone how Venti is still standing. You reckoned you would've lost him as collateral during the beginning of the match, but it seems he's able to hold his own.

When you squint hard enough, you realize that Xiao has been t-posing in front of the nonchalant SoundCloud rapper that's about as high as a kite. He must've been defending him throughout the entire round.

His defenses are all in vain once Childe correlates another attack with Jean, sharp-shooting four rapid balls that are secured on their targets.

Xiao swerves to the side, avoiding most of them, until one is about to reach a nonchalant as shit Venti.

You scream at him, eyes widening as you run towards them in slow motion. "NOoOoOOOo-"

The yaksha doesn't waste a moment, shifting so that he's covering Venti's body with his own, which to be honest is a pretty heartwarming sight.

The ball hits his lean back, a sharp thud following when it hits the floor.

Xiao is out. But his sacrifice is so inspiring that it brings tears to Zhongli's eyes, makes everyone in the gym go silent in awe.

Even the sadistic Childe melts, cerulean eyes gaining back their light, halting his fire.

When Xiao finally uncovers Venti's body, he speaks from the bottom of his dead heart. "I'd do anything for you..."

Venti shakes out of his baked state, blinking at him stupidly with a nervous chuckle. "Ehe~? I don't even know who you are."

The entire class sweat drops. Whatever slip of compassion on Childe's face earlier has become nothing but a memory. Even your eyes dim.

The next time Childe aims and locks at Venti, it's not with malicious intent. It's a favour, for you. In a way it adds dimension to who he is and the lengths he's willing to go for you, even at war.

Venti steps away with a bounce in his gait, hands behind his head.

Kaeya and you are the only ones left standing now, and the game becomes too tight knit to tell which side's going to win. It becomes utter chaos, balls being launched every second, stamina slowly decreasing as everyone lurches away from their demise.

As laid-back  and charming as the boy presents himself to be in front of the ladies, he's not very patient when it comes to facing circumstances like these. He's side lined for most of the match, finding it boring. And when Kaeya gets bored, the intensity of the tide changes, and everyone knows they're going to get a run for their money.

Kaeya coasts a hand around your hips, pulls you real close, purposefully leaning his bust into the side your innocent arm.

When Childe's smile drops, and the glint in his eyes reads 'DANGER' in full caps, you know it's time to be properly scared.

Your blood runs cold, mouth opening briefly and then clamping shut immediately.

"I'm so glad to be on your team Y/N. Maybe this'll give us the chance to become...closer." His hot breath fans against your ear, voice loud enough to be heard by onlookers.

Suddenly everything stops, falling into an unsettling silence.

You attempt glance at Childe, being met with a glare that's directed at the Captain of the Skating team. The ball in the orange-haired boy's hand deflates from the sheer intensity of the squeeze.

The tension becomes unreadable. Even Zhongli is caught mid-sip with his tea.

Quickly, you shrug off Kaeya's arm. "Childe, he's just fucking with you—"

Childe cuts you off by hurling a ball with nothing but the objective of cold blooded murder.

Kaeya whizzes past you, successfully ducking to avoid the hit, and his amused laugh rings through your ears. He rolls away from the following attacks, chucking his own series of colourful balls.

The events that unfold are blood-curdling enough to make even Satan boil his pants with diarrhea.

You take the clear opportunity presented by their concurrent dumbassery to take out Jean, the ace of the other team.

Childe's rage blows over when Kaeya eventually loses interest and takes the L, playfully winking at you while walking backwards to the rest of your team.

Now that all the distractions are dealt with, Childe's eyes flicker to you, and you share a murderous glance.

"Finally," He slaps the softball with a free hand, lips thinning into a homicidal smile. "I've been waiting for this. You better not disappoint me."

While Childe may be a violent anarchist who's only aspiration in life is to become a government contracted killer, he's also supposed to be your sweet boyfriend.

Slowly, you inch towards the front. "We don't have to do this Childe. We can coexist peacefully."

"Peace was never an option Y/N." He sighs, cracking his neck. "Besides—how else can I prove myself in your eyes? You may be my greatest weakness, but you are also my greatest adversary."

"I don't know, maybe start with not trying to obliterate me?"

"I'm obliterating you out of respect." He counters with a playful pout.

"Well I'll be paying my respects to your grave!" You lurch ahead into a sudden assault, yeeting as many balls as you can his way.

"That's my girl!" Childe whistles, grin widening psychotically when he goes all out, leaving you with an absence in favorable openings.

Out of nowhere, the fire alarms start going haywire, along with a beep in the PA system, which stops you two in your tracks.

A panicked voice of who you assume to be Yanfei shrieks through the comms. "CODE ORANGE! CODE ORANGE! EVACUATE THE BUILDING, THERE'S A STONEHIDE LAWACHURL ON THE PREMISES."

As if on cue, the ground starts rumbling and a Stonehide Lawachurl bursts through the halls and into the gym, looking around for something. Or rather, someone. It's sharp bumps and ridges make an indent on the floor, cracking it in.

Everyone falls into a state of panic, Zhongli trying his best to evacuate the class from the emergency back door as quickly as possible. "Settle down class, we have to follow protocol."

You, devoid of any emotion or sense of fear, turn to your boyfriend in such a calm manner it strikes an ominous dread in his stomach.

You stare.

Childe stares harder.

“I thought you killed it."

"I did." He retorts slowly, switching to gaze at the raging beast in amazement.

"Then why is it in the school!" You seethe, glaring daggers at his side profile.

Childe chuckles sheepishly, scratches the back of his neck. "I may or may not have stuffed the body in the boys washroom. Y'know, for safe keeping?"

The Lawachurl locks it's gaze on you, the prey, and then roars furiously. Turning into its geo-enhanced state, it begins charging at you with all its might, the target being solely Childe.

Leave it to your boyfriend to get on the hit list of an endangered beast.

"Fear not my vibrant girlfriend. Our first date can be surviving this." Childe cheekily kisses the top of your trembling hand before grasping it tightly and making a run for it.

[lostysworld]

A healing touch – Kaz Brekker x reader

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 (final)

Pairing: Kaz Brekker x reader

Warning: OOC, mention of touch avertion, mention of injury

Summary: it is the second time you touch Kaz to help him, and what if you intend to make it a ritual.

A/N: I promise, guys, there will be more romance in the next chapter

Masterlist

– This is for you, guys!

You are welcomed with cheerful shouts in the almost empty Slat. Two boxes with pies and other different snacks land in the nearest table, and immediately Crows come around.

– Did you steal it from your dad's? - Jasper gives her a suspicious glare.

– Worse. My mum was hit by her midnight inspiration last night, so she spent that whole time baking.

They open these boxes with different things for each person inside. There are cheese pie for Matthias and blueberry cupcakes for Inej, along with dark chocolate for Jasper and-

– Waffles!

Nina cries happily unwrapping her own present, content like a little girl. You smirk.

– Yeah. I don't know if they are like your favorite ones-

– They are perfect! - she takes a small bite and gives Mattihas to taste.

– What's this?

Inej puts another pie out of the second box, that smell spreads across the whole place at the moment. Faint blush covers your checks.

– That one is for Kaz.

And there is a reason under your blushing. Not just anyone unknown is honored to receive such a present from your mother.

You know that recipe pretty well, she's cooked this for your whole life. The pastry is sweet, but apples inside are sour and covered with cinnamon, that usually takes your mind completely away.

But the slight worry starts capturing you. There is long past the hour Kaz usually coming back, and he's still nowhere to be seen.

Just the next moment you all see Brekker comes in almost falling through a door, and Jasper rushes to him.

His shirt is stained with blood and the coat is soaked from the constant rain outside. But Kaz is still trying not to black out right in front of the Crows.

– Kaz!

You instantly run to him cursing under your breath as his touch avertion comes to your mind.

Jasper extends his arms to help the man and catch him, but he only shakes his head flopping down on the chair. Inej rolls her eyes, being so stubborn in this situation won't end up well for Brekker.

Seeing like Kaz settles down his leg, you are sure all your previous manipulations are gone without a trace.

Kneeling in front of him you try to inspect his wounds, but the man throws his arms up to avoid the contact.

Anger starts overwhelming you.

– Kaz-

– It's just a stab.

– Just?! I wonder how your head is still on your shoulders.

He flashes a grim glance towards you, not ready to surrender yet. You remember, the man has a set of supplies in case of emergency, but it will be better for you to help himhim right here.

Watching you he realizes what your intentions truly are about.

– Don't even think about it. A thread and a needle are enough.

– We don't have time for stitching, - you help him out of his coat and now tear his shirt into two.

– What about my boundaries?

– Let's talk about them, when you stop bleeding to death.

A slight chuckle rings from your behind, and Inej leads others from you, giving a bit of private space. She knows, Kaz is in good hands now.

Brekker greets his teeth, more in resentment, than in pain, and turns his head away from you.

When your anger passes, you starts feeling ashamed.

– I'm sorry, Kaz, but I need to do it.

Now you can see his wound, that is really nothing but a stab, but it keeps bleeding nonetheless.

The man still casts displeased glances at you, but they are more worried in nature.

You cover the wound with your hand, feeling blood slowly soaking through your fingers. Brekker flinches and freezes on his place.

You can't even imagine how disgusting it feels to him, but you really have no choice.

Kaz is watching your hands moving carefully. First, it's your veins that turns black once his pain starts flowing away, leaving only numbness around his wound.

The man tries to concentrate on that heat that radiates from your palm, than on the touch only.

You are not cold, not like his brother. Frankly, your palm even starts burning, and Kaz sees your lips whispering silently.

You are a true ray of sunshine in this place. Always here to help, even if no one asks you. Always cheering everyone up after heists. And pies that you parents bake are something to die for, though he's never told you this.

You suit the Crows, you suit him, the Bastard of the Barrel. But you'd better not. He's seen the Slat takes away the best people. Kaz doesn't want you to disappear from their lives.

When Brekker shifts uncomfortably on his chair, you only press your hand firmly.

– It may burn. Ignore it.

His brow goes slightly up, he doesn't see you so concentrated before, but the wrinkle between your eyesbrows makes you another person. Now Kaz realizes what power you do hold inside of youself.

He wants to say, that it's enough, but you only cut him off.

– Shut up and don't move.

The man barely holds the urge to roll his eyes at that. You are the only one, who isn't afraid of telling him off. Surely, because your life doesn't depend on him or his mood.

He doesn't notice you stop touching him, when the accident brush of your fingers runs across the bare skin of his side.

There are only blood stains on the previous wound, but you don't even leave a scar on it. The perfect work.

A smile crosses your lips.

– He's alive, guys, - you raise from your knees turning to others. – Very much alive.

The man intends to stand, but is stopped by your grasp on his gloved hand. You lean forward slightly, whispering to him only.

– You are worse that a child in the healing house, Kaz Brekker.

As soon as you and Jasper walk out of the Slat to walk you home, the boy wraps his arm around your shoulders.

– He likes you, - you almost choke on the air.

– Excuse me?

– Kaz, he likes you.

You look him over.

– Is it Kaz Brekker we are talking about, Jas? - but he only shakes his head.

– I mean, every time when I want to help him he threatens me with a gun, - Jasper throws arms up in amusement. – And look at yourself! A couple of words and Bastard of the Barrel sits calmly at you feet.

– Actually it's me, who was at his feet.

You smile, but it is fast to disappear. Jasper furrows.

– What?

– It's his touch avertion. It worries me.

– Well, you are a healer-

– I can't heal it, - the fact of your uselessness makes you angry. – It is in his head only. I can't help him.

Jasper takes a thoughtful pause and then lowers his gaze at her.

– But you've done well today, haven't you?

You don't respond, but his words settle down in your mind. Yes, you have feelings towards Kaz, strong feelings. But even if he doesn't let you in, you can help him.

By slowly making Kaz used to your touch. In the end you will not give up this easily.