#word count: 2480

[pitchsidestories]

Picture You II Fridolina Rolfö x Engen!Reader

masterlist I word count: 2480

a/n: hi, we had this idea for quite a while now and finally got to writing it down, we hope you enjoy it.

Fridolina Rolfö had no explanation for why her relationships always failed.

Her boyfriend of two years had broken up with her out of nowhere and as much as she wanted to feel sad about it, there was some kind of apathy taking over her.

Coincidentally, her teammates had scheduled a team bonding event only a few days after she was dumped.

In hopes that it would ease her pain and appease the younger players, they decided on an ice cream party.

That was how Fridolina found herself sitting in front of a bowl of vanilla ice cream while her teammates uttered words of reassurance to her that she did not want to hear.

“Don’t worry, Frido. We’ll find you a man who’s worthy of you.“ Mapi grinned while pouring sprinkles on top of her chocolate ice cream.

Fridolina looked up at the defender: “Oh… uhm… thanks.“

“Men are so overrated though.“, Cata rolled her eyes.

“Can we change the topic?“, Fridolina asked carefully. She did not want to ruin the mood but she hoped to draw the attention away from herself.

Ingrid gave her a gentle smile, ready to help her friend out.

“My sister will start her job as a photographer for Barca tomorrow.“, she revealed, visibly proud.

Mapis face lit up with excitement: “That’s amazing, Ingrid.“

“Yes, and well deserved. Your sister is so talented.“, Fridolina agreed, relieved but also genuinely happy.

Ingrid beamed, flattered on her sisters behalf: “She will be so happy to hear that.“

Esmee served herself another portion of ice cream: “I’m excited to meet her.“

“You will love her.“, Ingrid promised.

“I’ve no doubt about that.“, Esmee laughed.

“And Mapi and I are making Frido a list for potential blind dates.“, Aitana announced.

Fridolina flinched at the mention.

As she looked over, her two teammates had already scribbled names on an empty sheet of paper.

“How do you even know so many people?“

Mapi shrugged nonchalantly: “We just do.“

“You need to slow down, girls. I’m not sure if I want to date any man right now…“, Frido stopped them.

Mapi and Aitana shared a surprised look.

“Oh, sorry. We only wanted the best for you, Frido. That’s all.“, Aitana apologized.

The Swedish football player nodded: “I know. But maybe I just need break for now.“

Ingrid put a hand on her friends forearm and said softly: “That’s okay, we understand it. You two had been together for quite a while.“

“Yes, but it hasn’t felt right anymore for a long time.“, the blonde admitted.

Alexia shrugged, eating fruit out of her ice cream bowl: “It happens. Sometimes you just fall out of love with someone and you can’t do anything about it.“

The words of her captain resonated deeply with Fridolina who enjoyed the evening more than before now.

“Ingrid, let me breathe.”, you chuckled. It was your first workday for Barcelona as their new photographer, but your sister prevented you from taking photos as she embraced you in a long hug.

“No.”, she shook her head, clearly not ready to let you go yet.

“Please? Hi, everyone.”, you waved politely with your free hand at the players who slowly arrived at the training grounds.

“Hi.”, Mapi grinned.

“Good to see you, Mapi.”, you replied truthfully, relieved to see some familiar faces.

“So happy you got the job.”, the Spanish defender told you thrilled.

“Me too. Also, hey, Caro and Frido!”, you added delighted to see the Scandinavian players.

“Finally, another Norwegian.”, Caroline winked at you.

“Ignore her. Sweden is so much better.”, Fridolina teased her teammate, but swallowed hard at the sight of you, you were even more beautiful than she remembered. Instead, the blonde tried to play down the excitement she felt while looking at you and hugged you casually.

“We won’t discuss this right now.”, Ingrid decided laughing.

“No, but I’m sure you can show me all the great places in the city.”, you glanced at the footballers you knew since your sister played along side them in Wolfsburg.

“That’s more Frido’s thing. She can help you with that and I can teach you the language.”, Caroline declared.

“That’s my sister. Why can’t I show her around and teach her?”, your sibling wanted to know pouting playfully.

Looking between them, Marta announced:” I’m sure you girls will find a way.”

And they did, you easily felt at home in Barcelona with the help of your sister and her friends. It was different to when you visited Ingrid with your family in the past. Step by step you fell in love with the city and its inhabitants.

A few weeks in and you were doing a photo shooting outside with Fridolina for the summer Barca merchandise. The late afternoon sun made her hair and skin appear golden and you had to pause your preparations to remark:” The outfit looks great on you, Frido.”  

“Oh, thank you.”, she beamed at you, making these sporty clothes look effortlessly elegant and timeless.

“It’s true.”, you smiled back while taking a few test shoots to see how well the light, her profile worked together.

“Can I ask you something? When did you start taking photos?”, Fridolina asked you curiously.

Hearing her questions made your smile grew even brighter. “A long time ago. I was like 15 or 16. when I got into it.”, you remembered fondly at the memory.

 “I guess Ingrid and your brother were the test models.”, the Swedish player thought out loud.

“Yes, she was the reason why I became interested in taking sports related pictures.”, you admitted.

Fridolina laughed lightly: “Did she bully you into taking photos of her while playing?“

“No, I saw that they never had any photos of their games so I started doing it. The first ones turned out awful.“, you grinned as you thought back.

The Blonde shrugged: “Isn’t it always like that? The first times I played football, I wasn’t great at it either.“

“You’re right. But taking photos of you is so easy, you’re a natural.“, you replied while you pressed the shutter a few times.

She even looked beautiful doing casual small talk.

But you realized that the collar of her jacket was upturned.

You put your camera down and come closer to fix it for her. After all, the goal was to present the retro looking Barcelona jacket.

Fridolina smiled gratefully at you: “I mean I’ve already done this a few times. But I don’t think I’ve ever felt as comfortable as I do right now.“

You bit your lip to keep yourself from grinning too wide about that compliment.

“Frido, you’re beautiful inside and outside.“, you said without taking your eyes off of her.

Her cheeks slightly blushed: “That’s so sweet of you.“

“Want to change into the second outfit?“, you suggested, giving both of you a break to focus back on the task at hand.

“Sure.“, the Swede said and disappeared into the changing room.

You took a deep breath, grounding yourself again while you waited.

Fridolina emerged in light blue jeans and a slightly oversized shirt in their signature colours that said Barca across the chest.

You shook your head in awe. This woman could literally wear anything.

“Oh, I love that outfit even more.“, you complimented her.

She looked down at herself: “You do?“

“Yes.“, you said while taking a few photos of her.

“I think it would look cute on you too.“, Frido smirked.

“Do you think so?“

You barely finished your question when you noticed that she was already in the motion of pulling the shirt over her head.

“What are you doing?“, you asked laughing.

The football player just handed you the garment: “Here.“

Stunned, you looked at it and the back to Fridolina standing there in her underwear: “Uhm thanks?“

She rolled her eyes with a smile: “No, put it on.“

“Fine.“, you gave in and did as you were told before adding: “But it’s definitely not warm enough for you to just stand there in your sports bra.“

“I guess I should get dressed again.“, she laughed.

You returned the shirt to your model: “Here are your clothes. Hey, that’s my camera.“

You had failed to realize that she had taken your camera and was now taking photos of you with a big grin on her face.

You usually hated being photographed but Fridolina looked too happy so you bit back any comment.

“I’m not leaving without taking a photo of you too.“

“I guess that’s fair even though I’m not as pretty as Ingrid.”, you turned your gaze away from the Swedish woman and looked at the fresh cut grass instead.

“What? Who says? The beauty obviously runs in the family.”, she disagreed.

“Well, my ex-girlfriend said that.”, you shrugged.

“She was a liar then. You’re gorgeous.”, Fridolina observed.

“That means a lot coming from such a stunning woman herself.”, you confessed smiling timidly. For a moment you paused before asking her:” Do you want to see the pictures I made right now or tomorrow?”

“Aw, thank you. Can I see them now?”, curiously she handed you your camera back, where you started to go through the photos you took of her.

“Of course.”, you nodded politely.

 Being this close to you made the blondes heart flutter.

“They’re so nice, y/n.”, Fridolina muttered, suddenly breathlessly.

“Glad you like them. So, I’ll see you before the game tomorrow?”, you changed the topic lightly.

“Sure.”, she beamed at you.

“Goodbye, Frido.”, you responded warmly.

“See you soon, y/n.”, the footballer replied, eagerly anticipating your reunion.

On the next day, you didn’t find the time to catch up with her as you were busy taking the pictures of the arriving players in their pretty matchday outfits. All of them arrived in style.

During the game you were not mesmerized by their beauty but by their beautiful game which you tried to capture with your camera. This was why you wanted to be here, you thought, to watch the best team in Europe thrive in front of your lens. Somehow the Swede always managed to get your attention as you would notice later while seeing through the photos.

When the referee blew the final whistle, Fridolina run to you to pull you into a hug, while you whispered into your ear:” Frido you had an amazing game.”

“Thanks”, she hummed, while her blue eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Well played.”, you couldn’t help but to rave about her performance.

“Appreciate it.”, the fellow Scandinavian mumbled.

“But I got to go around now to take some more shots.”, you explained winking, as you stepped away from her hug. Which had to be completely friendly and nothing more, right? Because she was 100 % straight. Nothing seemed gay about her. Still some signals your sister’s best friend send were quite confusing.

“Y/n, wait!”, Fridolina yelled your name nervously, attempting to hold you back.

“What?”, you turned your head confused.

“Frido, there you’re. My friend wants to meet you.”, Mapi grinned at her taller teammate, nodding into a direction of a very handsome man waiting in the stands, the sight of him, making your stomach turn. He and her would be a pretty couple.

To your surprise, Fridolinas gaze remained fixed on you.

Reluctantly she turned to Mapi, deliberately ignoring the man.

“Mapi, I’m sorry but I’m not interested. I was about to ask y/n to go on a date with me.“, she apologized but her voice was firm and determined.

“What?!“, you and Mapi gasped at the same time, looking at each other in confusion.

Fridolina remained unimpressed: “Uhm yes. I’m actually not straight. You all just assume that because I date men too.“

After a moment of silence, Mapi started to grin like she only now understood the joke that you failed to get: “No, you always dated men since we know you.“

“That still doesn’t make me straight.“, Fridolina replied matter-of-factly.

You would be impressed by her attitude, if you were any less confused.

Mapi had stopped smiling and watched her teammate attentively.

“That’s right.“, you agreed slowly.

The Swede turned back to you: “So… would you go out with me?“

You nodded: “I’d.“

“Really?“, Fridolina asked again.

This time, your face finally reflected your excitement. You smiled: “Yes.“

You both just beamed at each other.

“Ingrid! You won’t believe it!“, Mapi bounced up and down as she called for your sister.

Ingrid joined the three of you: “Believe what?“

“Frido asked your sister out!“, Mapi yelled.

You cringed slightly, hearing it out loud and refused to look at Ingrid.

“What do you mean Frido asked her out? Like on a date?“, your sister asked. Her perfect eyebrows knotted together.

Mapi nodded enthusiastically: “Yes, exactly that.“

“That’s so cute.“

“Oh my god, Frido. You’re full of surprises!“, Ona interrupted, patting the blonde football player on the shoulder and you silently wondered who else had overheard your conversation.

Fridolina raised her eyebrows: “Am I? Or did you just never ask?“

“You’re right. We never asked. We just assumed you were straight. Sorry.“, Ona admitted but she looked less sorry and more happy for her teammate.

You thought their reactions were kind of adorable.

“It’s fine. I just didn’t think I owed you an explanation.“, Fridolina replied politely.

You could not help yourself. You gently took her hand in yours and squeezed it once. There was no way you could contain your admiration for her.

“You didn’t need to.“, you said softly.

Her attention shifted back to you. “The fact that I dated men before you doesn’t change my feelings for you, I hope you know that.“

“During that photoshoot I felt it. But I thought you might just be nice. Now I know I was wrong.“, you chuckled.

Fridolina visibly bit back a smile: “Sorry. I was hoping I’d send the right signals.“

“You did! I was just blind and - … “

You were unable to finish your sentence. Fridolinas soft lips pressed against yours all of a sudden, right there on the field in front of everyone.

“Maybe this was clearer?”, she asked in a hopeful tone.

“Yes, it was.”, you nodded smiling.

In the background you heard your sister telling her girlfriend” Okay, Mapi, I think I need a bit of time to get used to my best friend kissing my sister.”

“You better should hurry up. They’re hitting it off right away.”, the Spaniard punched her playfully in the side, wearing an amused grin on her lips while watching you being showered with kisses by the Swede.

“I see that.”, Ingrid laughed. She knew it would be weird at first, but seeing her favourite people being happy with each other warmed her heart.

For once you didn’t have your camera to capture the moment but the picture of the first kiss with Fridolina after the match would be forever engraved inside your brain.

[h3ffleyswife]

"i cant hold my alcohol" (r. heffley x reader)

desc: fem! reader who's ben's little sister. drunken mishaps, you sleep in rodricks bed, just read it

warnings: slightly ooc rodrick ngl, i wrote this when i was tired lolz sry

word count: 2480

You buckle your seat belt and throw your purse on the floor of your brothers car. "We're going over to Rodricks, his parents are out of town so he's throwing a party, sound good?" Ben, your brother, says while reversing out of your guys' driveway. You furrow your eyebrows, "Rodrick? The hot one in your band?" You questioned, picking at the chipped nail polish on your fingernails. Ben looked over at you and scoffed, "I mean, whatever floats your boat. But no way would I ever let you two date. You guys would make my life a living hell." You roll your eyes and sigh, "Whatever, leave me to my fantasies, Ben."

Your brother's face contorts into one of disgust and he pulls in front of a house that you can only assume is the Heffley's. "Please, spare me with the details of your Rodrick fantasies." Ben says, putting the car in park and taking his keys. You giggle to yourself and hop out of his shitty, beat up car. You can see lots of kids already here, most of them already wasted out of their minds. Ben walks in front of you towards the front door, and your heart flutters with nerves.

Stepping through the door, the first thing that hits your nose is alcohol, and it almost makes you nauseous. Ben's already gone off somewhere, so you walk around until you can find the drinks. Peeking your head into the kitchen, there's a couple borderline fucking on Rodricks kitchen counter. You scrunch your eyebrows and turn around, there didn't seem to be any drinks in there anyways.

It takes you about five minutes and squeezing your way through a bunch of intoxicated, smelly teens, but you finally find the drinks. Gwen Stefani is blasting in your ear while you pour yourself a coke mixed with a little bit of whatever shitty alcohol Rodrick managed to get his hands on. You take a sip, there's not too much alcohol in the drink, which is good. You don't plan on getting drunk tonight.

Rodrick is standing in a corner of his living room, chatting it up with his band members when Ben walks up to him. Rodrick greets him with a high five and a large grin on his face, "What's up dude? What took you so long?!" Chris asks Ben, also giving the boy a high five. "Sorry guys, my sister took hella long to get ready, but we made it!" Ben said and took a sip of his drink, he's lucky you already agreed to being designated driver, because there was enough alcohol in his cup to kill a victorian child. Rodricks ears perked up at the mention of you, "Your sister's here?" Rodrick questioned Ben, who looked at him with a raised brow. "Yeah.. she's somewhere around here, why? Is that okay? She's in our grade, it's not like I brought my 7 year old sister or anything." Ben rambles, Rodrick's now scanning the room for your familiar face.

It's been a running "joke" between the band that Rodrick has a thing for you, Ben's sister, for a while now. Any time you showed up with Ben to practice because of convenience, Rodricks playing would be off, and he'd be distracted the whole practice. There was just something about you, Rodrick thought to himself. "Hey man, stop daydreaming about Ben's sister!" Chris waves his hand in front of Rodricks face and laughs, making Rodrick blink a couple times before laughing nervously and looking at Ben. Ben rolls his eyes before making eye contact with Rodrick, "I wouldn't actually be upset if you tried to date my sister, but I swear on my mother, Rodrick, that I will put you six feet under if you screw her over." Ben places his hand on Rodricks shoulder and tightens his grip, making Rodrick gulp nervously before nodding quickly, "Of course dude, I wouldn't do anything to purposely hurt her!" He swats Ben's hand away, "I have business to attend to, gentlemen." Rodrick shouts, walking- maybe skipping- away to go find you. Ben sighs and takes another swig of his drink while Chris laughs to himself, turning to go try and talk to a girl.

You're leaning against a wall, starting to get mildly bored, when someone taps your shoulder. Turning around, you see Rodrick. Your face immediately gets hot and you give him a small smile, "Hey!" Rodrick says with a smile, giving you a quick once-over. You pretend not to see him looking you up and down, feeling an unfamiliar feeling in your stomach. "Hey Rodrick, how's it going?" You ask, your voice shaky and hands clammy enough to open a seafood restaurant. You cleared your throat awkwardly, normally, you were able to hold a conversation with him, why was it so different now? Rodrick gives you a nervous smile and stutters out a reply, "Well, throwing a party is way harder than it seems, y'know. How've you been? I don't really see you around school much." He smiles at you and you feel like you've just levitated off of the ground, "Haha, yeah I bet. I'm not doing too bad, just kind of doing my own thing, you know? I haven't been doing a lot recently, but I did just pick up a new guitar the other day, learning it's been kind of a pain in the ass though." You find yourself starting to ramble. Rodrick just looks at you and melts into your voice, nodding at certain parts. "You should teach me how to play once you've got it down. I could teach you how to play the drums, not to flex or anything, but I'd say I'm pretty good" Rodrick says and crosses his arms, smirking to himself. You laugh and shake your head, "If you sound anything like you did a couple months ago, I think I'll pass on those lessons, Rodrick" You giggle, watching his face fall.

"Hey! I've improved, thank you! And I wasn't even that bad..." Rodrick looks away with a pink face, and you find yourself smiling at the boy. "Sorry, sorry. I'll have to take you up on those drum lessons, then." Rodrick looks at you and laughs, "You want another drink?" You look at your empty cup and shrug, "Sure, why not."

Rodrick leads you into the dining room where he had drinks laid out on the table, "Let me make you something, are you driving later?" He asks you, and you pause, "I could find a ride home". He raises his eyebrow, "You could always just crash over here if that's okay with you?" Your stomach twists in excitement and you nod, "That's fine by me, why are you trying to get me drunk, Heffley? Don't try anything funny" You say and take the drink he's made you out of his hands, throwing him a smirk afterwards. Rodrick's eyes go wide and he stutters and trips over his own words, "W-wait!! I'm not trying- that's not-" You cut him off by laughing loudly, shaking your head. "I'm just giving you a hard time, if I didn't want to drink, I wouldn't have agreed to you making me drink." Rodrick lets out a loud sigh and playfully glares at you, "Gave me a heart attack" He grumbles and you giggle again, taking another sip of your drink. It was pretty strong, and you realized you should tell your brother to figure out a ride home because you were no longer going to drive him home. You take another sip, "Hey, do you know where my brother is by any chance? I need to tell him i'm not gonna drive him home, maybe Chris can?" Your words start to slur together and Rodrick nods, "I'll go find him and tell him, stay right here, 'kay?" You nod and pour yourself another drink.

Rodrick shuffles through his now, very full, house and looks for Ben. He finally catches sight of the boy, but he's on his way out of the house. "Ben! Hold on-" Rodrick catches him walking out the door, Ben looks back and tilts his head to the side, "What's up dude?"

"Hey, do you have a ride home tonight?" "I was about to leave and drive mysel- oh shit I forgot about my sister, have you seen her?" Rodrick swallows nervously, "Yeah, we've been hanging out all night. Is she cool to stay here tonight? No funny business, I promise! She's just starting to get kind of drunk, and I need to stay home to like... supervise this party, you know?" Ben sighed and nodded, "Yeah, that's cool. Let me know if I need to come get her at any point. Don't do anything stupid, Rodrick. See you at practice tomorrow." Ben says, shutting the door after he does. Rodrick hopes he's not overly upset with him.

Making his way back to the dining room, Rodrick sees you beeline to the bathroom in front of him suddenly. He looks around confused for a moment before quickly following you to the bathroom, making sure you're okay. You slam the door behind you and Rodrick can hear the sound of you throwing up on the other side of the door. He winces and knocks on the door gently, "Hey, it's Rodrick, can I come in?"

There's a pause of silence. Rodrick can hear you cough, and then throw up again. After a minute or so passes, your voice can be heard weakly behind the door, "...come in". Rodrick opens the door, shoves himself in the bathroom and then quickly shuts it behind him again. You look up at him with tears in your eyes from throwing up, and the sudden motion of looking up makes you nauseous again, immediately throwing your head back towards the toilet bowl. Rodrick quickly kneels down next to you and holds your hair behind your head, and rubs your back.

After you're done throwing up, you look back at Rodrick, wiping your mouth with your sleeve. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to throw up like that. I can't hold my alcohol very well, I guess" You say, thoroughly embarrassed and wanting anything but to be here right now. Rodrick shushed you and tucked your hair behind your ear, "Here, I have a shirt you can change into, do you want pajama pants too? I'll get you water and you can lay down in my bed." He offers, holding you and slowly standing you up. You shake your head, "You don't have to do tha-" "I want to do that, do you need me to walk you upstairs? Or do you got it while I grab you some water?" He asks gently while walking you out the door. Your face turns pink and you sigh, knowing you couldn't avoid it now. "I got it, which room is yours?" "All the way down the hall and to the left, you'll know which one when you open it." He says, smiling and walking away to grab you a glass of water once he sees that you're walking up the stairs. Once you're up the stairs, you go to the room Rodrick told you to. Surprisingly, his room isn't terrible. Could it use some tidying up? Yeah, but for a teenage boy, it was fairly well kept. You sit down on his bed and wait for him, slipping your shoes off.

Rodrick opens the door, and cracks a small smile once he sees you sitting in his bed. You look up and give him a small smile back, grabbing the glass of water he offers you. He walks over and opens his wardrobe, grabbing you a black graphic tee and some pajama bottoms. When he hands you the clothes, you notice that he gave you one of his Loded Diper tee's, and you smile to yourself while your heart flutters. "I think I have these same pajama pants" You state, the pants looking very familiar. Rodrick laughs, "We should totally match, wouldn't that be cute?" He says, with a joking tone, but he meant it.

You looked up and giggled, "Turn around for a minute while I change" Rodrick's face goes red, and he nods before turning around. You take your shirt off and put on the Loded Diper shirt. It smells like cheap cologne and... Rodrick. You can't describe how he smells, but it makes your heart jump in your chest. You slide your pants off and put on the pajamas, looking up at Rodrick, who's still staring into the wall, focusing on anything but the fact that there's a hot girl changing in his room. "You can turn back around, Rodrick"

He turns around and his stomach flutters at the sight of you in his clothes. "Drink some water and lay down, you can go to bed if you want to. I'll sleep on the floor tonight." Rodrick says, taking a pillow off his bed and tossing it lightly on the floor. "I can sleep on the floor, Rodrick, I don't mind" "No, I'm not making a pretty girl sleep on the floor, do you think I'm crazy?" He says, almost offended at the thought of letting you sleep on his floor. You blush, and look away awkwardly with a quiet laugh. He smiles at you, and walks towards his door. "I'm gonna go tell people to go home, I'll be back up in a minute" You nod and he leaves the room.

Laying back in his bed, the situation you're in starts to sink in.

You're in Rodrick Heffley's bed. And you're wearing his clothes. What the fuck? Your heart pounds and you turn onto your side, closing your eyes and cuddling into his pillow. It wont hurt to close your eyes for a minute until Rodrick gets back.

Rodrick goes around downstairs, telling people that they should start to head home because it's getting late. People leave, and Rodrick has to kick a couple people awake off of his living room floor. He looks around at the mess that he'd have to deal with tomorrow and sighs. He'd probably just get Greg to help him with it.

Rodrick walks up the stairs and gently opens his bedroom door. He walks in, shutting the door behind him and then looks over to you, and his heart soars. He swears he can feel his heart pouring out of his chest, how was it possible for a girl to look so beautiful? He walks over to your sleeping figure and tucks your hair behind your ear, "You're so pretty.." He says quietly, and kisses the side of your head.

Rodrick makes himself a makeshift bed on his floor, staring at the small portion of your sleeping figure that he can see. "Goodnight" He says to you with a smile, turning over, thinking about you.

What an eventful night.

hey!!! first fic in a while, let me know if you'd want a part two, thx!!

[drinkingcoffee-inthedark]

getting comfortable

❗️🔞⚠️smut, minors dni⚠️🔞❗️

•azriel x reader•

word count: 2480

you entered the bedroom you shared with your mate at the house of wind in velaris, slamming the door being you. it was a particularly rough mission and rhysand was officially on your last nerve with his critiquing. how dare he complain about your field work, when he wasn’t there!? you defended his city while he sat on his ass cuddling baby nyx all day!

you practically growled with annoyance as you started stripping off your leathers, only aware of a presence in the bed when azriel sat up with a start. taking in his mussed hair and flushed cheeks, you concluded that’s you’d interrupted your mate’s nap. you winced slightly and met his sleepy hazel eyes.

“i’m sorry. i didn’t mean to wake you.”

azriel got up from his spot in the bed and stretched. you drank in the sight of his bare, chiseled, tattooed chest as he yawned.

“it’s okay, my love,” he rasped out in his deep, sleep laced voice. your eyes wandered down to the pajama pants slung low on his hips. his feet padded softly on the carpet as he made his way over to you and helped your out of your leathers. “are you alright?” he asked.

you sighed against his touch as he finished removing your clothes, “no,” you mumbled, “someone needs to kick your brother’s ass.” he chuckled quietly and pressed a kiss to your forehead.

“which one?” he asked, amusement clear in his eyes. you looked at him pointedly.

“which one do you think,” you huffed out as he wrapped his arms around you. you completely melted into his touch and allowed your body to sag against his. you felt his muscled chest vibrate as he laughed softly.

“hmm, you can kick rhys’s ass later. for now, let me draw you a bath, love.” you sighed in relief at the thought and nodded against his shoulder.

you pulled back to look at his face and smiled at how handsome your mate was. his tanned skin and dark hair were gorgeous, his face sculpted by the gods. you soaked in the sight of the faelight dancing in his honey colored eyes. you couldn’t resist pressing a light kiss to his mouth and you smiled at him.

“that sounds heavenly,” you told him. he scooped you up off the floor and into his arms bridal style. you let him carry you into the bathroom, where he he seated you on the countertop.

azriel ran the bath water, nice and hot the way you liked, and added your favorite bubble bath and bath salts to the water. you watched him draw your bath, smiling at the sight of the feared illyrian warrior pouring bubble bath into the tub. the side of him that was reserved only for you. you got up off the counter and stepped onto the cool tile of the floor and removed your undergarments.

the shadowsinger shut off the water, the tub now full. he turned to look at you and quirked an eyebrow at your state of undress. he hummed appreciatively as he took in your bare flesh. you felt yourself flush slightly at the way he eyed your body.

“see something you like, az?” you teased.

he shook his head as he made his way over to you, “no. i see something i love,” and at that, you couldn’t stop yourself from closing the gap between you and kissing him softly.

he wrapped one arm around your waist and cupped your cheek with his other hand. you kissed deeply, reveling in the feeling of his soft lips on yours. you snaked your arm around his neck and ran your fingers through his sleep tousled hair, making him moan softly into your mouth. after exploring each other’s mouths for a few moments, he broke the kiss and pressed his forehead against yours. his thumb swept over your cheek slowly and he smiled at you.

the pure love in his eyes for you had your heart thumping loudly in your chest. you had half a mind to join the priestesses at their next service so you can thank thank the mother and the cauldron for gifting you azriel as your mate. his whisper pulled you from your thoughts.

“you should get in the bath now. the water will get cold,” he told you. you nodded and placed a soft kiss to the tip of his nose before pulling away.

“join me?” you asked him softly.

“of course,” he breathed, moving to take off his pajama pantry, leaving him completely naked in front of you. your eyes roamed his body, just as he had done to yours and your breath hitched slightly when you saw that he was already hard for you. the image had arousal pooling in your core. you silently promised to take care of the need coursing through your veins after you were clean,

azriel wordlessly stepped into the huge tub, large enough to accommodate his massive illyrian wings. you followed, allowing yourself you settle between his toned thighs, your back pressed against his front. you sighed contentedly as the warm water soothed your bones. you completely relaxed into azriel, his hands on your hips, rubbing small circles into your skin under the water.

after allowing you several minutes to relax into the water, azriel wordlessly picked up the loofah and soaped it up. he washed your body, staring with your arms, moving you your torso, then finally passing the loofah to you so you could wash your legs. he helped rinse the soap off your body. azriel would never admit it to anyone but you, but his favorite thing to do was to take care of you. he waited 500 years for his mate, and he wasn’t about to let that slip through his fingers. the spymaster took great pleasure in doting on you.

once the water had gone cold, you and your mate stepped out of the tub, allowing the water to drain. you let azriel dry your body off with a towel, then watched as he toweled himself off. he hung the towel over the edge of the tub, then led you back into the bedroom with his large hand on the small of your back. the two of you slipped into bed, and you nearly moaned at the feeling of the silk sheets against your bare skin. azriel pulled you into his strong arms and held you close, spooning you against his body. it was by far your favorite position to cuddle in, because it gave you such a wicked advantage.

you shifted your hips against his, smirking when you felt his hardness against your backside. she groaned quietly into your ear.

“not fair,” he breathed. you feigned innocence.

“what, i’m just trying to get comfortable,” you said coyly.

“sure you are,” and you didn’t even have to see his face to know he was rolling his eyes. he ran his fingers over your ribs, making you shiver. you bit your lip as his skilled fingers found their way up and up, finally landing on your breast. he circled your nipple slowly, making you squirm back against him.

he finally pinched your nipple between his thumb and index finger, making him smirk as you moaned quietly. he pinched again, before tugging lightly.

“az,” you moaned quietly.

“hmm? is there a problem, love? i’m just trying to get more comfortable,” he threw your words back at you, making you groan.

“that’s not funny.”

“i thought it was pretty funny,” he said, tweaking your other nipple for good measure. you gasped softy and rutted your hips back against him, making him moan at the contact. the feeling of his hardness behind you made your core ache with need. you rocked your hips back against him and he squeezed your breasts with his calloused hands.

his fingers trailed back down your ribs, down your stomach, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake. “may i touch you?” he whispered against your ear.

you nodded and sucked in a breath when you felt his finger circling your clit. he rubbed the sensitive bud lazily, and peppered kisses along the back of your neck. you arched into his touch, wanting and needing more from him.

“please, az,” you breathed out.

“tell me what you need,” he demanded quietly, his lips brushing against the shell of your ear. the sensation sent shockwaves down your spine.

“I need you. inside me,” you told him.

“let me taste you first,” he said, “on top of me. sit on my face and let me treat you like a queen.” your breath hitched at his words and a white hot heat hit your lower stomach. you quickly sat up and positioned yourself above his face, not missing the hunger in his eyes. you balanced yourself on the balls of your feet, your legs straddling his head. you gripped the headboard in front of you for support.

azriel grabbed your hips and pulled your core down onto his mouth. your eyes rolled back in your head as his tongue ravaged your body. he loved tasting you like this, you on top of him, him completely at your mercy holding him down with your thighs. his talented tongue quickly found your clit and worked it expertly. you ground yourself down on his face, moaning his name loudly.

“fuck, just like that,” you encouraged him. you felt his tongue slip inside you and you almost lost your balance above him. he gripped your ass roughly, holding you in place. azriel ate you greedily like he’d been lost in the desert and you were his first meal in years. you squirmed in top of him, rutting your clit against his nose as you felt your release barreling towards you.

“gods, az, you’re gonna make me-” you couldn’t even finish the sentence because his tongue found your clit again and you came hard for him. your legs shook and you needed his hands to keep you upright. he helped guide you back down on the bed. you both panted heavily and you screwed your eyes shut, the force of your orgasm leaving you reeling.

you felt azriel’s hand cupping your face and you opened your eyes to meet his.

“you look so pretty when you come for me,” he said smirking. the look had another wave of arousal hitting you.

“well, you’ll get to see me come for you again, because i still want you inside me,” you told him.

“oh yeah?” he challenged.

“yeah. but i want to taste you too,” you said as you directed him to lay down on his back.

he followed your order, and you crawled down to kneel between his legs. your pupils were blown out wide with lust as you eyed his hard cock in front of you. it was no secret that azriel has the largest wingspan out of all of his brothers. he was thick and long, and the sight of him had you licking your lips.

gripping him in your hand, you dipped your head and placed a soft kiss to the tip. he looked down at you with half lidded eyes and moaned softly. you smirked slightly, loving the effect you had on him. you swirled your tongue around the head and moaned at the taste.

“mmm, i love your cock, az,” you smirked again at the groan that fell from his lips, “it’s so big and it tastes so good,” you moaned before taking him into your mouth. azriel was so large that you could only fit about half of him in your mouth, so you gripped your hand around the base. you bobbed your head and your hand in unison, loving the way azriel moaned for you. his hips bucked up, making you gag slightly. he gripped one hand in your hair and the other twisted around the sheets. he gritted his teeth and shut his eyes tightly. he was trying his best to resist the urge to slam his hips and fuck your face. you pulled away with a smirk and his flew open and he stared at you.

“you want to fuck my mouth, baby?” you taunted. he nodded vigorously.

“so do it. take what you need from me.”

and just like that your mouth was around him again. both of his hands were twisted in your hair, and he bucked his hips up, fucking your mouth. you moaned around him and tears sprung to your eyes as he hit the back of your throat.

“you look so good choking on my cock,” he said, “so beautiful with your mouth so full.” his words had you reaching down to rub your clit, desperately needing release.

azriel suddenly pulled you off of him and you looked up at him quizzically, with spit running down your mouth as you panted heavily. he could’ve come from the sight alone.

“i don’t want to come until i’m inside you,” he told you. you nodded in understanding, and crawled your way on top of him. you positioned your entrance over his cock and sank down slowly. each of you let out a moan of pleasure as he filled you.

you rocked your hips against his slowly, allowing yourself to adjust to his size. you felt so full with him inside you. after adjusting to the way he stretched you open, you began a brutal pace.

you slammed your hips into him, needing to feel him wreck you. he moaned loudly and bucked his hips up, meeting your hips with his own perfectly timed thrusts. the headboard slammed into the wall but neither of you paid it any attention. if anything, it only encouraged you. his eyes were glued to your breasts, watching them bounce in front of his face with every movement you made.

you rode azriel hard and fast, wanting to milk his cock, needing to feel him explode inside of you. you new your were getting close when he chanted your name over and over, and squeezed his eyes shut. he grabbed your hips roughly and slammed you down on him. you cried out as your own orgasm tore through you violently.

“oh, fuck, azriel!” you screamed for him and that sent him over the edge. he came deep inside you, filling you all the way up. you rocked your hips, working both of you through your orgasms. once you came to a complete stop, he opened his eyes and smiled at you.

“i love you,” he said. and you returned the sentiment, placing a soft kiss to his lips. you pulled yourself off of him and collapsed in the bed next to him. you groaned, suddenly annoyed.

“now i need another bath,” you grumbled. he laughed.

“i’ll get one started for you, my love,” he said, kissing your forehead before disappearing into the bathroom.

[amunyan]

Unsure if I should put a warning here. Seriously; When I look at the reactions to the chapters of the other story…

So enjoy the last chapter of this one :D Word Count: around 2480 Warnings: smut

************

The person she trusts most... (3/3)

With eyes full of desire, Mereoleona steps closer towards you. Pulling you close with a gentle touch, she caresses your cheek before planting a brief but passionate kiss on your lips.

You look at her in complete bewilderment as her lips slowly separate from yours. With flushed cheeks, dipped into a bright red, you stammer something incomprehensible. Not really sure if you read the situation in the right way, when she repeats herself. „I still owed you an answer to your confession back then. Fact is; I've always loved you. Unconditionally. You are the person I trust most after you saved me by taking your own blood as an antidote.“ Mereoleona pauses for a moment and her expression changes. It becomes a little darker, almost sad. „I don't know who did you this wrong... if it was even me unknowingly. But it hurt too much to see you beating yourself up all the time. Forcing you to push yourself beyond your limits in an unhealthy way. To see you full of self-doubt, trying to get stronger.“

„I wanted so much to impress you by being able to face you in mortal combat. It was frustrating that you never took me seriously”, you sigh deeply.

„I would have killed you in an instant,“ she replies in her typical harsh manner. „But you have already impressed me - just not with your fighting skills.“

„I did what?“

„Oh? Now you hear me,“ a bright, cheeky smile appears on her lips and she playfully pet your head before caressing your face again. „Remember? I told you so many times - but you never listened. Stubbornly, you tried to become stronger - ignoring that you already were. Just in a different way...“

„And above all; I think I did all for the wrong reasons... I only realised it when you were gone. Ever since the first time we met, all I ever wanted was to be acknowledged by you. Every time you gave me a sign of approval, I was in denial. I waved away everything that I did as nothing special“.

„There is nothing wrong with trying to become stronger and working on your weaknesses. But…”

She sighs, almost unheard, before expressing her regret: „ Maybe I have been too hard on you. But I have told you so many times, and you have never believed me, that I truly adore you. You did not want to see it.

„I guess we have hurt each other in one way or the other,“ you have to admit with a sad smile. „I also realised that you are not always there to protect me or to boost my low self-esteem.

„Yeah. But now you know that's your job,“ Mereoleona adds, and you nod in agreement and repeat the sentence.

„Good. Now that that's out of the way, let's get on with the fun stuff.“

With an anticipatory grin on her face, the Lioness turns and stretches before beginning to untie the rosy-coloured ribbon around her hips and pulls the jacket off her shoulders. „Come on. You too. Take your clothes off!“

„Wait? What? So fast? I mean, we haven't seen each other for months and... Desire, yes, but... Without a warning and... Although that does look a bit like you...“

Mereoleona's frightening gaze meets yours. She looks at you with a raised eyebrow and a doubtful, sceptical frown as you finish your sentence hesitantly. „Straightforwardness...“

A meaningful smile flickers across her lips before she bursts out laughing: „I was just thinking about a nice bath in the hot springs. But...“

She turns back to you. Her hand slides over your shoulders, closing the distance between you. „But I wouldn't mind pleasuring you right here and now.“

It's not just the sound of her voice so close to your ear that makes you blush. It's also the fact that, almost unnoticed, her hand has moved from your shoulder to your butt. When her hand squeezes it firmly, you can no longer suppress a little squeak.

„Still so shy about it? For the one you wanted so much a moment ago...“ She tenderly bites your earlobe. „But first let's go to the hot springs. Can you hold out until then, or do you want me to come on you right now?“

„Yes,  she nods and takes a sip of her sake. „This hidden place was found by Lady Acier a long time ago. She was my mentor and we often trained together here in the volcano...“ Her eyes gaze absently at the night sky, where the first stars are already twinkling. „It was just the two of us. Not many people dare to come near this volcano.“ Mereoleona pauses again for a moment. Her expression seems almost sad for a moment, before she empties her cup of alcohol. „Sometimes... I really miss her. I always thought my attribute had an advantage over hers, but I was never able to win. I wonder if I could now?“

„It's beautiful out here,“ you comment as you slide your aching body into the warm water next to Mereo. It feels good on your painful limbs and you let out a pleasurable moan.

„ I can't imagine you being week to anyone.“

„But that's the way it is. I also had to start somewhere, “she says with a grin. „And I also had to learn that strength is not only about your physical abilities. But enough of me now. Tell me more about your training!“

You smile back, a little awkwardly, and start to talk about your last few months of exercise. Full of setbacks, but also a little bit of hope as your skills slowly improved and you were able to develop a strategy around your strengths. „When I realised that I could use the ability to create the scent of herbs and poisons to my advantage, I suddenly knew where to start. I am physically weak, but creating an odour to weaken my opponent is my only chance of getting the upper hand. So I expanded my collection of herbs and tried to get in better shape and build up my stamina. But now I know, and today's fight showed me, that I still have a long way to go. „

Mereo slaps you playfully on the shoulder. „That's the kind of fighting spirit I like to see. „

Awkwardly, you rub your upper arm and look at her affectionately as she wraps her arm around your waist and pulls you closer. Her other hand brushes a strand of hair away from your face before bringing it to your neck. Her lips touch yours in a tender kiss - unusual for Mereoleona's wild ways, which she always seems to copy from real lions.

„Promise me one thing,“ she whispers against your lips, her eyes still closed. „This time, your self-doubt is over. Please. Once and for all. You are so much more, (Y/N). “

You nod silently and lean into her for another kiss. More passionate than the last. Your tongue slides through her mouth, caressing hers softly but full of desire.

„I see, “ Mereoleona grins. „You really can't wait any longer, sweetheart. “

Her fingers, which had been resting on your neck, slowly move down, gently stroking your back as she leaves a trail of small bite marks on your neck and shoulders with her lips before pulling you onto her lap.

Your hands also wander up and down her back, stroking it tenderly with your fingertips before you wrap your arms around her neck.

„It's a good thing we're already naked, “she comments, „otherwise I'd have had to rip your clothes off. “  

„ Also that needy? “

„Are you surprised? I've missed you too, you know...“

Her other hand caressed your butt before sliding between your legs from behind, knowing you like to be teased in that sensitive area. You lift your hips a little to give her better access to your perineum as she pauses for a heartbeat. „Oh? That wet already? “ She asks with a smirk before continuing more slowly but more intensely. She even slides a finger inside your vagina. „I can feel it even under water. And I haven't even started yet“.

A small moan leaves your mouth and you bite your lower lips. Your fingertips clench tighter, roughening the bare skin of her back. Getting her blood pumping too as you leave your marks. You can tell by the sound, similar to a lion's purr, that Mereoleona still likes to be roughly touched. She also enjoys the fact that just a few touches from her can make you so aroused, even though she likes challenges. But she knows too well that, all thought you get turned on this easily, to satisfy you is an whole other story. She loves teasing you. She loves to touch you and push you to your limits. Both on the battlefield and during lovemaking. And you love the sensations she brings to your body.

„Come on, you know I can make you feel even better..., “the lioness promises as you sit between her legs, pulling your chin up.

„Turn around, “she commands you. Despite liking the way she touches you at the moment and the way your nipples rub against her in this position, you do as she asks. But not without letting out a slight groan as Mereoleona pulls you into an intimate embrace.

With your head tilted back, resting on her shoulder to return her greedy kisses, her hands, which first pulled you into a quick, innocent embrace, now turn to your breasts. The touches she gives them are no longer so innocent. She teases your already hardened nipples, letting herself be carried away by lust so that the squeezes become stronger with each touch.

You moan softly and let go of her lips as your left fingers cling lightly to her shoulders. The other goes to her thighs. Lightly, but deep enough to leave your marks. The desire to touch her too swells inside you. So your hand finds its way back to her bottom. But not properly.

„That's not fair,“ you complain groaning, „I want to touch you too.”

„Later... Let me take care of you first.” She plants a few fleeting kisses on your shoulders and lets one of her hands slide slowly down your silhouette into the warm water. The other remains stubbornly on your breasts, teasing and caressing your sensitive nipples.

Her right hand moves to your vulva, massaging your inner lips and clitoris before sliding three of her fingers inside you.

„You're getting so tight down here, (Y/N). Come on - open up for me,“ she whispers into your ear, biting your earlobe gently. You allow yourself to sink into her embrace. Taking in all the sensation she is giving your body. Whine out loudly.

„Good girl.”

It's not just the thrill she gives you with her fingers filling and touching every inch of your insides, making you scream louder with each rapid heartbeat, but also her hot breath so close to your ear, the intimate embrace, her long lost but still loved scent of cinnamon and hot spices, but above all the warm  water makes the feeling strange but excitingly intense. Your hips move forward, moving to the same rhythm as Mereoleona's fingers. You just can't get enough of her. Her movements speed up. Bringing you closer to release.

„Mereo...”, you cry. „Please... Let me finally come...“

Mereoleona stops briefly.

„Damn... You move way too much. I can't wait any longer.“

„Mereo?!“

Before you can react, she has pulled you out of the water and is pressing your back against the warm ground.

„I want to feel you too,“ she explains, spreading your legs again. „Can you hold on a little longer?“

Her face comes closer to yours and she leans her forehead against yours.

„Not really,“ you answer, tangling your fingers in her hair, „You know how much I want to do this to you too. So...“

You take the opportunity when Mereoleona gives you a confused look to push her down and take the dominant role.

„You know I want to make love to you too. So please - let me. “

The tips of your fingers stroke gently over Mereoleona's damp skin, teasing her nipples before you bend down to lick her breast, your lips finding their way to give them a greedy suck. Let her moan softly, like a snarling cat of prey.

Your hands go deeper, slowly parting her legs so your tongue can lick over her private parts, tasting her sweet nectar.

„I see - you are so wet already, “ you say with a soft smile on your lips, leaking provocatively over your upper lip. „Still so sweet - no one would expect you to be so delicious down there. “

You lower your head again and push your wet muscle into her. You slowly bring her to the edge. Enjoying the feel of her body shaking under your touch and the movements of your tongue. Enjoying her loud moans as her fingers tangle in your hair.

„You are too good. But this isn't what I had in mind when I pulled you out of the water...“

She pushes herself up on her forearms and leans over to you. Her fingers grab your chin and pull you up. Without saying a word, she kisses you hard on the lips before taking the control again. She forces you back down onto the hard but warm floor. Then she lifts one of your legs before slowly pressing her vulva against yours. A warm shiver runs down your spine and you bend your head. Give in to the sensation. You open your mouth to let out a loud sigh that Mereo smothers with a passionate kiss.

Her movements become faster and fiercer again, like a starving lioness. Wanting to feel her more, you move your hips too.

Breathing heavily, she lies down beside you. She puts an arm around your shoulders and plants a kiss on the top of your head.

The movements of Mereoleona, who loves you like a wild animal, accelerate. Increasingly excited by the feeling of naked skin against naked skin. Feeling her most intimate place against yours after such a long time...

„You've really challenged me every time we do this, ‘(Y/N),“ she says exhausted but with a smile on her lips.

„You too, Mereo,“ you reply with a tired chuckle.

„Did I tell you that my younger brother is awake again? I'm no longer the official captain of our squad.  So...“ A thoughtful look crosses her face and she looks at you with expectant eyes. „We could train here together more often, if you like.“ „Or just look at the stars,“ you add with a tired groan, snuggling up to her and planting a soft kiss on her lips before gazing up at the star-filled night sky.

[vonev]

Kitten

MW2, Simon "Ghost" RileyxReader fanfiction

Another short and sweet one-shot to soothe the pain

Self-insert, AFAB, she/her pronouns.

Word count, 2480

Summary:

You had plans of adopting a kitten for quite a while now, the thoughts danced in the back of your head like a sweet, agonising ticking bomb. You knew it wouldn't be long until you make the impulsive decision to walk down a few streets and pick up a poor kitten by the sidewalks. Or confidently take a stroll to the nearby pet store with the specific breed you want in mind, just to fold at the mere sights of different breeds of kittens waiting to be adopted.

God knows you wouldn’t be able to resist those cute, lovable eyes of theirs with the absolutely heart-wrenching noises they make.

Oh, and Ghost knew.

OR

Two dorks rekindle broken bonds over a kitten. ____________________________________________________

“Meow.”

Your heart melted.

You had plans of adopting a kitten for quite a while now, the thoughts danced in the back of your head like a sweet, agonising ticking bomb. You knew it wouldn't be long until you make the impulsive decision to walk down a few streets and pick up a poor kitten by the sidewalks. Or confidently take a stroll to the nearby pet store with the specific breed you want in mind, just to fold at the mere sights of different breeds of kittens waiting to be adopted.

God knows you wouldn’t be able to resist those cute, lovable eyes of theirs with the absolutely heart-wrenching noises they make.

Especially since you had lost yours to a car crash only a few months ago. 

Oh, and Ghost knew. 

He had seen the way you paced around the living room at times with a magazine of pet belongings for sale. He heard the squeals you would make at the sight of a little kitten that somehow wandered into the base, seemingly uncaring of the world around it as its tiny paws carried its small steps,

But he was not a man of possession. 

He learnt the hard way that attachments only led to inevitable loose ends that he’d have to clean up. 

But he was a hypocrite as well.

As much as he denied ever feeling the connection to you, he knew he had been lying to you—to himself. The number of times he’d catch himself blank out, with you primarily occupying his empty mind was starting to worry him, and he understood that he had to distance himself away from you. Which is what he did.

For the past few months, he purposefully avoided you like a plague. If he found you in the kitchen, he would somehow end up in the bathroom. If you had walked into his room for an enquiry? He’d be out like a light, softly snoring away in the next second. So and so forth.

And for the past few torturous weeks, he had left you with more questions—though, you knew you weren’t getting an answer.

He had heard your cries at times, and they would shatter his heart into million pieces. The urge to barge into your room and hold you close to him had been festering inside him, but with what little self-restraint he had, he would end up walking away every time. Telling himself that it would be the betterment for you and him both.

One rainy morning, Ghost wandered off down the streets with plans to fetch himself some groceries. The food had dwindled because you had been the one running them dry—he’d catch you shoving food into your mouth as you sobbed away in the middle of the kitchen. 

He also took notice of the subtle, yet evident weight you gained as a direct result of sleepless nights and stress that consumed your energy. To his honesty, he thought you looked good with the weight, great, even. Ghost had never been particularly picky with women—not when the one he had his eyes on was as perfect as you.

You were everything right; and wrong. For the past years, you had somehow shot straight through his heart with your presence, completely wrecking the facade he had carefully moulded to the world. He didn’t know how you had done it, but more often than not, he would find himself craving for your seemingly bottomless affection. 

Contrary to him, you wore your heart on your sleeves, even a blind man would be able to smell them from miles away. You were always so charismatic; so welcoming and everyone could read you like an open book—he had to step in from time to time to make sure you weren’t hurt, that your feelings weren’t toyed with.

But that soon stopped when he went out with the squad that one night.

All of you were having a, in your words, girl’s night out as you all strutted down to a local bar. 

To assume you were a capable drinker had been a mistake on his end—as soon as your lips touched the rim of your glass, you were drunk off practically air; he wasn’t sure if it had been the alcohol or the pure high off of the excitement at the bar at that moment.

You truly let yourself go—even went as far as to reel Soap into your arms and waddle to the dance floor.

Watching the two of you slow-dance away in glee had his stomach churned in all the wrong ways. He had gotten up abruptly from his seat and excused himself to the restroom, wanting to get away from the bitter fact that it had been jealousy he felt when he laid eyes on you and Soap in such an intimate moment.

Unbeknownst to him, a pair of heels clicked on the hardwood floor behind his large frame, trailing his path; he had been in too deep of his thoughts to register that the clicks belonged to you, and as soon as he entered the restroom, you were there standing at his side.

“Why are you running away from me?” You whispered.

Those sweet, endearing eyes of yours were on him when he turned around to face you, he had been surprised—and unrightfully, angered.

“I’m not.” Was his bland reply, as he approached the sinks.

“Stop lying to yourself for once, Simon.” His tracks stopped, and he was stunned at the mention of his name—you had only spoken of his name once, and that one time hadn’t been for the right reason. 

“Don’t.” His voice sounded more of a whimper than a demand. “Don’t use my name.”

It hurt.

It hurt so much you felt as if someone had taken a knife and wrenched it into your very heart, twisting and turning the sharp object whilst it destroyed you from the inside. Tears were threatening to spill, but you kept a brave face and closed the distance with Ghost. No, Simon.

You knew you had earned the right to refer to him by name, that he had subtly permitted you long ago when he knew you deserved the privilege—and he called you a friend since then.

“Simon.” Your hand reached up to gently place it on his arm. “You have to talk to me.” You understood that you had been pushing your luck, but you would never in a million years expect him to fling your hand away as though it disgusted him—as if it had been vile.

He didn’t miss the soft gasp that left those pretty lips of yours, nor the tears that pricked at the corner of your captivating eyes; they pierced through his skin and engraved themselves deep in his mind as he watched a tear slide down your supple cheeks.

Even in those moments, he wished he could just push you against the wall and steal a kiss from you—one that he had been wanting for far too long.

Unfortunately for him, the very next second, you were out of the door. 

And now there you stood, amid the busy pet store you found yourself in as your eyes scanned your surrounding—

—Kittens. Kittens everywhere.

Turned out, you didn’t do well with pressure, so you ultimately ended up walking out of the store, giving the staff apologetic glances. As much as you loved the variety you could be picky with, you couldn’t help but think back to your babydoll, the love of your life. 

You felt wrong, downright terrible at times for wanting to adopt a new kitten, knowing that yours are resting up there in heaven with its last memory one of an approaching vehicle. You recount the nights you spent curled up in your bed, the pillow beneath you soaked with tears as you wept for what you once had, the very kitten that would lay next to you whenever you slept.

It had been love at first sight for you. 

You knew that it would be yours the moment you gazed upon it.

Black fur, two bright, yellow buttons for its eyes, the tiny paws that would claw in the direction of you—wanting to get close to you. You had picked it off the sidewalk, on a particularly gloomy day with seeming rain that would never cease. In an instant, you brought it home—no questions asked nor do you need any. You fed and nurtured it back to health within a week, you still remember the way it felt in your arms as you both drifted off into sleep. 

You named it Spirit.

Not because of the guy you were in a team with, no, it was mainly because the kitten would seem to disappear out of thin air at random chances just to come back with either loot or meowls to signify that it had been starving. You were sure you had been close to experiencing having a heart attack when it up and disappeared for too long one time—but it came back unscratched, and longing for your attention after a few hours. 

To say you had been a wreck had been an understatement when you found out why your sweet little kitten had been gone for a full day. 

The team had gone out on a hunt for it—Soap, Gaz and even Price had gotten in on the news and ran to flip every corner of the streets. But Ghost wasn't found anywhere—both the man and the kitten.

Imagine the dread that filled your whole being when you sprinted down the street you found it in, just to spot its mutilated, lifeless body on the sidewalk.

It died where it was found. 

And a piece of you was left on the ground where its body lay, never to be found again.

You grumbled, your palm reaching up to wipe away the tears that clouded your vision as you walked back to the familiar safe house. You understood that you had been desperately attempting to cling onto what was left of you, frantically searching for a new pet to fill in the void of the previous one—but you couldn’t do it, everything hadn’t felt the same since then.

Grief had never been easy to deal with.

The tense atmosphere you had around Ghost didn’t aid your pain either, on the contrary, it worsened it. You weren’t sure if you could handle another loss as significant as the two of them—one, a relationship you held dear for years and the other, a loving tiny companion that you could never replace.

You had to refrain from knocking on his doors a few nights—needing the company of someone who used to be so willing to give it, and now he had been sheltered away, far from you.

It felt like being back at square one, somehow, it was worse.

Ghost would tell you the same if he could—if he wanted to. As devastating as the consequences of his actions had been, he longed for the times you would seek his comfort and huddled away in the shared balcony of yours, the two of you reminiscing the fun times, sometimes, the sad. 

But he had been there, and he only wished he could be back where he wanted to be—in your personal space. Ghost grunted, his hand now gripping the umbrella he held tighter than what was needed, he knew the grasp wouldn’t fully calm him down, but it would have to do for now. 

“Fucking hell.” His feet took him down the very street where you had adopted your previous kitten, and he knew of it because you would ramble his ears off about the damn kitten.

How he hoped he had been the kitten.

He winced.

Not the death that came to it—but the thought of being able to be in your warm embrace and rest well for once in his life.

A small whisper took him out of his daze, barely a whisper. 

His head snapped to the noise, and below him, he saw a kitten—

—one that had an uncanny resemblance to your previous one.

In that same street, tucked away on that same sidewalk he had come to be familiar with.

And as Ghost stared into the beady, bright yellow of its eyes. He knew what he had to do. 

Before he knew it, he was back at the safe house, drenched in rain and the umbrella tossed to the side of the entryway. In his arms, a soft mewl sounded.

You had been in the kitchen, your hands working to make a batch of warm, delectable meals for the boys tonight—when you heard the front door shut close, loud. 

Jumping at the sound, you whipped your head around and saw Ghost, completely soaked with rain dripping off of him. And as you trailed your eyes down his figure, you heard a soft mewl coming from his arms. Ghost seemed to have noticed your curiosity, and slowly but carefully held the tiny creature out in his hand. 

Your eyes popped like a champagne bottle at a nightclub, the utensil you were holding onto fell on the counter, and a staggering Clank sound hit your ears as the spatula slipped onto the floor. Though you were long gone from the kitchen by then, now standing in front of Ghost and peering down at the little creature he carried. 

It looked so much like Spirit.

For just another moment, you stood there.

And Ghost happily complied with your silent request, handing the kitten and letting it slip effortlessly into your arms. 

Admittedly, it had been a while since he had seen your tears, or you, at all. 

It hadn’t been easy for him to avoid you, really, all he wanted was his closure and the comfort of being by himself. But he soon came to realise that it wasn’t the same comfort you offered him on nights of loneliness, no—it was how you opened your arms to him no matter the circumstances, without questions.

And he went and blew it all off from himself when he needed it the most—when he needed you the most.

In the haze of his thoughts, you had peered up at him, and a quiet plea left you.

“Can we bathe it, please?”

And he would have been more of a fool if he declined when you had slowly opened your arms back to him again—and this time, he pushed the fear of commitment to the back of his mind, now choosing to jump into your embrace as he had always wanted to.

Ghost swore to never let you slip away between his fingers ever again.

“Yes.” Ghost felt a sense of relief washed over him as you perked up, your eyes now shone with life that he hadn’t seen in quite a while.

“Yes, we can.”

And he ought to keep his promise.

[draguta]

.a court of ash and smoke | four.

pairing: lucien vanseera x fem!reader

summary: five years before feyre archeron ever stepped foot in prythian, another human girl found herself in the spring court. but the trials and tribulations of her time under the mountain left her with nothing but a certain red-headed high fae emissary, who had once resented her entire presence, to help and guide her.

chapter warnings: canon violence

chapter word count: 2480

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Feyre

You stayed as close to Lucien as you could over the next few days, and avoided Keir as best you coud. You knew that if you got too close to him, he would likely provide you with another few bruises and cuts in retaliation for Lucien embarrassing him in the court that day, and Lucien knew it just as well as you did.

Lucien sat at one of the tables, a glass of wine in hand, and you hovered nearby, not close enough that anyone might suspect that he was anything more than a frequent client, but enough that you might feel some kind of safety from him. Close enough that you could scent him, letting his warm, welcoming smell remind you of better days.

It was there that you hovered, as close to him as you could get, when the skinny young girl - a human from the look of her rounded ears - was dragged into the throne room and pushed to the floor before the dais, before Amarantha. You knew who she was without having to ask, and one shared glance of shock between you and Lucien told you that you were right. Feyre.

Lucien was on his feet in only a second, coming to your side and pulling you as close to him as possible, at the back of the room, hidden from right, as Amarantha asked, “What’s this?”

“Just a human thing I found downstairs,” that foul creature, the Attor, hissed. His wings flapped behind him, and you curled closer to Lucien as you watched the scene play out before you.

“Obviously,” Amarantha crooned. “But why should I bother with her?”

The Attor kicked Feyre harshly in the side, yet she didn’t keel over. “Tell Her Majesty why you were sneaking around the catacombs - why you came out of the old cave that leads to the Spring Court.” You winced, and Lucien’s grip around you tightened, his own breath hitching in his throat, his heart pounding against your cheek through his chest. The Attor kicked her again, stabbing his claws through her chest, enough to make her groan in pain. “Tell Her Majesty, you human filth.”

The girl, on shaking legs, pushed herself onto her feet, an image of defiance, reminding you so much of the time that you too had faced her through the pain, back when you had been strong. Now, you were nothing more than an obedient coward. “I’m here to claim the one I love,” she said, so quiet that you almost didn’t hear it. You tensed, blinking up at Lucien, hoping and praying, but that bronze mask remained, shimmering in the candlelight. Amarantha let out an, “Oh?”, and Feyre continued. “I’ve come to claim Tamlin, High Lord of the Spring Court.”

A gasp rang out through the crowd, and you felt Lucien grunt beside you, but you weren’t listening to them. You weren’t even looking at Feyre. You were focused on Amarantha, on the feline-like grin that spread across her treacherous face, listening to the cackle that erupted from her chest. You were looking at Tamlin, at the little emotion he showed on his face, the stone-cold expression that he wore. “You certainly were busy all those years,” Amarantha sneered at him. Her eyes flashed to you, and you felt your blood run cold. “Developed a taste for human beasts, did you?”

You gripped at Lucien’s sleeve tightly, willing him to provide you with that same sense of safety that you had felt from him before. Yet, in that moment, there was little that even he could do to make you feel safe, to make you feel as if the world wasn’t crumbling around you as her fierce stare trained on you. “But,” Amarantha continued slowly. “It makes me wonder - if only one human girl could be taken once she killed your sentinel,” her eyes flashed to you again. “Then who is Y/N to you?”

Bile rose in your throat, and Lucien pushed you behind his body as much as he could. The girl - Feyre’s - eyes flickered to you, and there was a moment of understanding there, of recognition, before Amarantha continued her spiel. “And then…” she paused. “Oh, you are delicious. You let me hold one girl captive, and torture another innocent girl to keep this one safe? You lovely thing! You actually made a human worm love you. Marvellous.”

You cowered behind Lucien, hand still grasped at his sleeve. He held a hand out, as if guarding you, shielding you from whatever was to come, and you allowed him, not knowing what else to do. “Let him go,” Feyre said, voice wobbling slightly. Another screeching laugh from Amarantha.

“Give me one reason why I shouldn’t destroy you where you stand, human.”

“You tricked him - he is bound unfairly.” This girl knew so much of your brother, knew so much of his curse, and the curse that threatened his lands, his people. Perhaps Lucien had been right. Perhaps Feyre was our saviour.

“You human beasts are so uncreative. We spent years teaching you poetry and fine speech, and that is all you can come up with? I should rip out your tongue for letting it go to waste,” she sneered. “But I’m curious. What eloquence will pour from your lips when you behold what you should have been?”

She pointed then to the girl on the wall behind us, and the colour drained from the human girl’s face as her eyes trailed over the body nailed to the wall from her hands and feet. You couldn’t even stomach looking at it, and even Lucie turned away after a moment. “Amarantha simply roared in laughter. “Perhaps I should have listened when she said she’d never seen Tamlin before. Or when she insisted she’s never killed a faerie, never hunted a day in her life. Though her screaming was delightful. I haven’t heard such lovely music in ages.” You could only thank whatever gods were above that you had not turned out like that girl, that five years prior, Rhysand of all people had saved you from the same fate. “I should thank you for giving Rhysand her name instead of yours.”

The Attor clenched its talons into the girl’s shoulder and spun her around. “Come now, precious,” Amarantha mused, that smooth, melodic voice eerie and cold and gut-wrenching to hear. It was the same one she had used when she had first met you. “What have you to say to that? Do you still wish to claim someone who would do that to an innocent?”

And as much as it pained you, Amarantha was right. Tamlin had stood by and done nothing while that girl was tortured and killed. Her screams still hung in the valleys of the mountain, even weeks later.

“Yes,’ Feyre said. “Yes, I do.”

Amarantha snarled. “Well, Tamlin,” she said, her hand weaving its way to rest on her arm. “I don’t suppose you ever expected this to occur. What do you have to say, High Lord?”

A moment of silence, and you wished with every ounce of being that you had, that Tamlin would rise up and claim the girl as his own. But instead he said, “I’ve never seen her before. Someone must have glamoured her as a joke. Probably Rhysand.”

And you could see the defeat on Feyre’s delicate features, see the way her shoulders slumped. “Oh, that’s not even a halfway decent lie,” Amarantha purred. “Could it be - Could it be that you, despite your words so many years ago, return the human’s feelings? A girl with hate in her heart for our kind has managed to fall in love with a faerie. And a faerie whose father once slaughtered the human masses by my side has actually fallen in love with her too?” She let out a cackled laugh. “So what of this one then? Did you not share her feelings?”

She clicked her fingers, and you felt the Attor’s talons pierce your shoulders before you had a chance to realise what was happening. Lucien lunged forward, grasping for you, but it was too late. You were hurtled across the room, and thrown to the floor at Feyre’s feet. She looked down at you wide-eyed, and when you looked up at her, you did naught but shake your head firmly, a silent warning not to say anything, not then. To wait, for just a moment. “I remember you being so fearful when Rhysand brought her to me all those years ago, Tamlin. Was she not worth your love? Were you happy that she was whored out to my court instead, while you sat happy in your manor house? Perhaps I should have just killed her outright.”

“Do not lay a finger on her,” Lucien’s voice called from somewhere behind you, and you flinched. The last time he had spoken out against her, he had lost an eye. What was he willing to lose this time? Instead, Amarantha simply cackled again, her fingers wrapped around the bone-finger necklace that was always wrapped around her neck.

“Oh, this is too good - this is too fun,” she murmured. “I suppose if anyone can appreciate this moment, it would be you, Jurian. A pity your human whore on the side never bothered to save you, though. Tamlin had two come to his aid.”

Tamlin said not a word, not when you felt Feyre’s caze upon him, and not when you too glanced up at him. Amarantha lounged back in her throne, turning her attention back to Feyre. “Things have been awfully boring since Clare decided to die on me. Killing you outright, human, would be dull,” she sneered. “But fate stirs the Cauldron in strange ways. Perhaps my darling Clare had to die in order for me to have some true amusement with you. You came to claim Tamlin?” She flashed her white, straight teeth.

“Well, as it happens, I’m bored to tears of his sullen silence. I was worried when he didn’t flinch while I played with darling Clare, or the sweet little Y/N here,” her eyes flashed to yours, darkness and mischief hidden behind her dark irises. “When he didn’t even show those lovely claws…But I’ll make a bargain with you, human. You complete three tasks of my choosing - three tasks to prove how deep that human sense of loyalty and love runs, and Tamlin is yours. Just three little challenges to prove your dedication, to prove to me, to darling Jurian, that your kind can indeed love true, and you can have your High Lord.”

You could sense the trap as she spoke, and you spared Feyre a warning glance, but the girl wasn’t looking at you. She was staring with firm, unyielding determination at the High Queen before her. “Consider it a favour, High Lord,” Amarantha continued, turning to your brother. “These human dogs cna make our kind so lust-blind that we lose all common sense. Better for you to see her true nature now.”

“I want his curse broken, too,” Feyre blurted, and your heart beat even fast in your chest, your hands clammy at the thought, the thought that if this girl could make it, could survive, you might stand a chance of seeing your brother’s face, of seeing Lucien’s face. You stared up at her, not sparing a glance at Amarantha, willing any strength that you had into Feyre’s body, anything that you had to be sent to her. “I complete all three of your tasks, and his curse is broken, and we - and all his court - can leave here. And remain free forever.”

“Of course,” you hear Amarantha purr behind you. “I’ll throw in another element, if you don’t mind - just to see if you’re worthy of one of our kind, if you’re smart enough to deserve him. I’ll give you a way out, girl, one that was never afforded to your predecessors.” Feyre shot you a small glance from the corner of her eye, and you held her stare, just for a second. “You’ll complete all the tasks - or, when you can’t stand it anymore, all you have to do is answer one question. A riddle. You solve the riddle, and his curse will be broken. Instantaneously. I won’t even need to lit my finger and he’ll be free. Say the right answer, and he’s yours. You can answer at any time - but if you answer incorrectly,” she paused, motioning a finger to the decomposing body of Clare on the wall behind us.

“And what if I fail your tasks?” Feyre pushed.

“If you fail a task, there won’t be anything left of you for me to play with,” Amarantha sneered, and your stomach twisted in an almost entire flip. Her eyes flickered to you, rolling slightly, before flicking her wrist, a silent command to go. You stood on shaking legs and rushed from the front of the dais, pushing through the crowd to Lucien’s side. He breathed out a deep sigh, and pulled you closer to him once more, hands enveloping around your own trembling ones.

“What is the nature of my tasks?” You heard Feyre ask behind you.

“Oh, revealing that would take all the fun out of it. But I’ll tell you that you’ll have one task every month - at the full moon,” Amarantha crooned.

“And in the meantime?”

“In the meantime,” Amarantha bit back. “You shall either remain in your cell or do whatever additional work I require.”

“If you run me ragged, won’t that put me at a disadvantage?” Feyre asked. You willed her to stop asking questions, to stop speaking before she put herself in a worse situation than she was already in.

“Nothing beyond basic housework. It’s only fair for you to earn your keep,” the High Queen hissed sharply. “Then, we are agreed.”

“If I complete your three tasks or solve your riddle, you’ll do as I request?”

“Of course,” Amarantha stated, almost as if she were hurt that Feyre hadn’t taken her word. With someone like Amarantha, you didn’t blame Feyre for being hesitant. She gave no answer for a moment, her breathing heavy, her face contorted in thought. “Well?”

“Agreed.”

Amarantha smiled, a threatening, snake-like grin as she snapped her fingers and said, “Give her a greeting worthy of my hall.”

You couldn’t look as Feyre was beaten to the ground, burying your face in Lucien’s chest, trying to block out the sounds of her bones crunching, of her blood splattering the ground, of her screams of agony. She did not deserve this, and it reminded you too much of your own first day Under the Mountain. Feyre was you, only five years later, only stronger and more determined.

You only spared a glance when the beating sounds died out, and as you glanced over, you saw her broken body being dragged from the throne room.

[saintseiya-zone]

We’re happy to announce the next SSZ Zine!

The theme will be Asgard and Atlantis-focused and you can participate with fanarts, fanfics, photos and cosplays. Stay updated by joining our Discord!

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[About the Zine]

Description: Among the Saint Seiya factions, Asgard/Bluegraad and Atlantis are often side-lined, so this is SSZ's homage to them. Let’s explore these together!

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[littleseasiren]

Bad Date (Part 2)

Summary: Bucky finally takes you on a date.

Pairing: Bucky x Avenger!Reader

Part One

Word Count: 2480 words

The sweet kiss between you and Bucky is abruptly halted when the elevator stops on the main floor. Reluctantly, the two of you separate from each other and exit the building. You shiver with anticipation while praying you won't make a fool of yourself on this date. You still can't believe Bucky had planned on asking you out before you had gone on your bad date.

"Come on, doll. Why don't you climb into the car while I make a quick call?" Bucky opens the door for you and waits while you get comfortable. "I'll just be a minute."

"Oh, sure. Everything ok?" Maybe you were pushing him too fast? Or maybe he hadn't really planned on taking you out?

"Yeah, just have to get the plans into action," Bucky says as he winks at you, making you giggle. There's the ladies' man Steve kept bragging about. Maybe the real Bucky was a mix of his two selves, the man young man he was before he the war and the man he became after surviving everything Hydra had put him through.

He steps away and quickly makes a phone call. Only a few seconds pass before he climbs in and starts the car. His right hand grabs yours softly as he exits the parking garage. "Are you sure you want to do this? With me, I mean?"

"Of course, Bucky! I can't wait to spend my evening with you. Are we still heading to the Wolf Sanctuary?" You are so eager to spend your evening with him that you can't keep from smiling.

He nods as he slips into traffic. "I just have to make a quick stop first."

You gasp when you see that Bucky has parked in front of your favourite small café a few minutes later. He smiles at your bewildered expression. "I need to grab our picnic basket."

You notice Nonna Isabella struggling out her entry door with a big basket and before you can blink, Bucky is at her side and takes it from her. You slowly exit the car as The Avengers' "adopted" grandma walks closer to you, Bucky trailing behind her.

"Y/N, my bella! I can't believe you two are finally out on a date. I thought I'd be in the grave before it happened, with how slow this pretty boy was moving." She gives you a big hug, squeezing you tight.

"I'm not a pretty boy Nonna. I'm over 100 years old." Bucky mumbles over Nonna's shoulder.

"You'll always be my pretty boy, right bella?" You nod to her in agreement, giggling at the uncomfortable look in Bucky's eyes.

"Good thing age is just a number in Bucky's case, Nonna. He looks good for over a hundred."

Bucky groans in frustration as he mumbles about keeping you two apart for his sanity. "Nonna, here you go." You watch as Bucky tries to give her money, but she refuses to take it.

"You know your money is no good here my bambino. Not after everything you did for me." She kisses Bucky on the cheek and you have to suppress your giggle as you watch Bucky slip the money into Nonna's small clutch. He moves so carefully, you know she won't see the money until later in the evening. She gives you another hug as Bucky puts the basket in the backseat.

"You two to enjoy yourselves," Nonna says as Bucky walks you to your seat and opens the door for you.

"Thank you, Nonna, you're my angel." He gives her a soft hug and walks her back into the café.

"So, what was that about?" You ask as Bucky starts to drive. At the bewildered look on his face, you continue, "Nonna said she wouldn't take your money with everything you've done for her?"

You watch Bucky as he glances away from you. Before he starts to explain, you interrupt. "And no downplaying it. She loves us all, so to be her 'bambino' you must have done something big..."

Bucky glances at you again, before he sighs and taps his fingers on the steering wheel. "Alright... Nonna was having some trouble with a bad biker gang. They wanted her to start paying them a fee, as according to them, she was doing business in their territory. Which is absurd as she's been at that café for over thirty years. One night, after we came back from a mission, I was restless and no matter what I did, I couldn't stop the feeling. I went for a walk outside, spotted her closing up the café and went to say hi. She was so distraught that it took me a while to understand what was happening. The following week when her payment was due, I sent her to the back and had a friendly chat with the gang. Told them she was my family and after some convincing... they agreed not to bother her or any of the nice building owners in the area again. It was all nice and civil. You know me..." he chuckled.

"Uh huh, you just had a friendly talk..." Just the thought of Bucky having a friendly talk with gang members, has you giggling before you continue, "You're so sweet Bucky. Helping them like that. I can't believe you didn't tell any of us, though." You playfully punch him on the shoulder. "We could have helped you."

"It was fine, doll. I can handle myself. They were just a bunch of morons who got in way over their heads. I just showed them their place."

"That's a really nice thing you did, Sarge." You softly run your hand over his muscular forearm, seeing the uncomfortable look on his face. "You don't like getting praise, do you?"

You watch him squirm in his seat. "Uh, I just do what any man would do. Here we are..." Bucky grabs the picnic basket, and both of you enter the sanctuary. Having been there often before, you and Bucky head to the large Mexican Wolf pack in the middle of the sanctuary. You notice a large group of excited people huddled together at the viewing area.

"Damn, I hate being short. Can you see what all the fuss is about?" You try to look past the people, trying to get a glimpse of something but since you arrived late, there is no way you could see anything. As tall as Bucky is, he stands out heads above everybody else.

"Seems like the wolf cubs are playing. They're ambushing each other. Why don't you try and get a glimpse from the front, doll?"

"No, no, there are old ladies and children in front! I'm not going to squeeze past them. I'm not so heartless, Bucky," You mock him. "I'm sure they'll post it on their Instagram page later. I'll just have a look then." You can't help but be a little sad at the loss of opportunity, but you plaster on a smile for Bucky's sake.

"Why don't you climb on my back?" Bucky looks you over when you snort at his suggestion. "Ah, guess your pretty dress will be a problem in that situation."

"Yeah, I prefer not flashing everyone tonight," you blush at the heated look Bucky gives you.

"You're right, doll. I won't like that either. I'm not one for sharing..." His eyebrow raises as an idea pops into his head. "Do you trust me, Y/N?" The look in his eyes shows you he's not just talking about this moment.

"Of course, Bucky. I trust you with my life." The most beautiful smile fills his face, happy at your answer. You know how important trust is to Bucky, always having his past in the back of his mind.

He places the basket on the floor next to him. "I've got a plan. I know this sounds strange, but I need you to cross your legs and grab onto my shirt collar." You cross your legs as he bends down next to you. You grasp his shirt, holding on tightly before he places his metal forearm under your butt. He slowly straightens up, holding onto your crossed thigh as you sit on his bicep like it was a seat, your stomach parallel to his head making you see far into the distance, above everyone else. Gasping, you clutch his shirt as you watch the cubs play with each other.

"Bucky, this is amazing! I can see everything up here. Jeez, you tall people are so fortunate!" You softly exclaim, wonder filling your voice, Bucky chuckling next to you. The next second concern fills your voice, "Aren't I too heavy? You can put me down, I've seen the cubs now thanks!"

"Please, doll, I can lift a car with my normal arm. You feel like a pack of sugar on my bionic arm. Have a good look. See that cub on the right? He's going in for a sneak attack any second now..."

You both watch as the small cub wiggles its butt in the air, nose pressed down in the grass as it slowly crawls closer to its family. The mother wolf glances in his direction, making him freeze on the spot, then huffs and turns around. She makes a soft howl when the wolf cub pounces and lands in front of her, further away than planned, his mission failed. The mother wolf falls down, pretending that his attack was a success.

A giggle forms from the crowd at the little cub's antics. Bucky meets your eyes as you both laugh, a moment passing between the two of you. A moment that is embarrassingly cut short when your stomach gurgles. Bucky tries to hold in his laugh but fails to, laughing at your reddened cheeks.

"It's not funny, Barnes!" You scoff at him on the head softly. "We were out for hours with his stupid hunting attempt, and all I got was one small cup of coffee!" You wiggle on his arm.

"All right, all right. Guess I need to be a better date and feed you, huh?" He softly bumps his head on your stomach before straightening. "Ready to come down and have some food?"

"Yes, please!"

Bucky slowly bends down to a crouch, making it easy for you to step off his arm. He grabs your hand and picks up the picnic basket, pulling you to a secluded spot close to the waterfall. Wolves run around, swimming and drinking from it, giving you two a perfect viewpoint.

Being the gentleman that Bucky is, he quickly throws a blanket down on the grass and gives you a hand to help you sit down before joining you.

"For your dining pleasure today, we have a variety of your favourite foods specially made for you," Bucky says in a humorous waiter voice as he unpacks the basket. "We have corndogs, mini quiches, brie and fig parcels, croissants and chicken kebabs." He points to each dish as he names them. "We also have some fresh fruit, your favourite sparkling wine, and lastly..." he holds up a large container and shows you what is inside.

"Chicken strips! Yes! I love crumbed chicken strips. Nonna definitely makes the best ones... they're just the right ratio of chicken to crumb coating and she manages to make them extra crunchy but not too much, so it doesn't hurt your palate, you know? Sometimes when you eat them elsewhere you can't even taste the chicken. Did you know she adds sesame seeds to the crumb to give it that smoky taste? And--" you stop mid-sentence when you see Bucky's small smile. "Sorry I'm rambling, you don't want to hear me babble about chicken strips..." You can feel your cheeks heat up with embarrassment. So much for playing it cool in front of the guy you like.

"No, doll. Please don't stop, I like the fact that you're comfortable enough around me to talk about normal things. At the tower, everyone is always choosing their words so carefully, like their afraid I'm going to break. If they even bother talking to me. Some Shield agents just look at me then run away..." You follow his line of sight and notice he's fidgeting with the edge of the basket, his eyebrows drawn down.

"It's just because they don't know you Bucky. They know the soldier but not the man inside." Your hand grasps his in comfort.

"Are you sure-" He clears his throat before he continues. "Are you sure about being here with me? With everything I've done..." he lifts up his metal hand, "with this?"

"Of course Bucky. What happened in the past, that wasn't you. And as for the metal arm? I have to say, it definitely grew on me... I think it's kind of sexy."

Bucky doesn't reply but you notice the small smile he's trying to hide. He starts opening all the containers for the picnic.

"So, apparently the camembert and fig parcel needs to be eaten hot, so I think we can start with that?" He quickly opens the sparkling wine and pours it into plastic glasses, passing one to you.

The two of you spend hours just talking and eating, getting lost in each other's company when one of the sanctuary's staff members walks around and asks the two of you if you would like to buy a Wolf Plushie. Glancing at your eager face, Bucky tells you to pick one out. After careful consideration, you pick a white wolf that has blue eyes.

"This one is perfect, thanks," you say as Bucky pays the man. "He reminds me of you..."

Bucky snorts as he replies, "I don't know who you're thinking about, but I think if I was a wolf, I'd most likely be a black wolf, given that I am a brunette. The eyes fit at least."

"Oh, crap! I guess you're right. I must be thinking about Steve," you mock as you throw a grape at him. "I thought you were called the White Wolf, Sarge? Or am I thinking about someone else?"

"You got me there. Guess it does fit me in that regard. I don't even know why they called me that..."

"I think it's cute! They have the Black Panther so why not add a White Wolf as a different protector? No wonder I like you, Barnes, you know I love wolves..."

"Yeah... you do. Think you can learn to love this White Wolf too?" He pulls out the last container in the basket, "I did after all get your favourite cheesecake for you..."

"You know what? I think I just might love him already. I think he's my favourite."

Bucky holds onto your waist as he slowly pulls you closer before his mouth meets yours in a passionate kiss.

In the distance, the wolves begin to howl to the moon, their call a melody serenading you in love.

[recentadultburnout]

Info for writer in Thai series fandom: some music genres and foreign media in Thai

*Due to Tumblr's limit, this repost has fewer examples than on AO3*

Notes:

This chapter is partially because we have so many main characters who love music—an entire group of music lovers in some cases—so I feel like it would be a good topic, and partially because I wanted to introduce you to some of the songs I like. Did you know that at one point GMM was kind of a monopoly in the Thai (pop?) music industry? Not that they are small now by any means. They own so many copyrights, and they kept remixing and using them in the series. I do enjoy those songs, so I'm not complaining lol.

Let's start with some genres that are probably not known internationally.

เพลงลูกทุ่ง -phleng luk thung-country music

Phleng = music, song, melody, composition

Luk = child

Thung = field

Originated in 2480 B.E./1937 A.D.

Luk Thung is a modernized version of Thai country music. It has quite a distinguishing feature, both in the way people sing it and the instrument itself. It has a sibling called Luk Krung, which, unlike Luk Thung, is not a popular genre any more. Luk thung is a popular genre. There is a time when BlackPink is trending worldwide and at number one on many charts but still loses to a Luk Thung singer, Monkaen Kaenkoon, in terms of view count in Thailand. So, yeah, Luk Thung is popular. It’s not considered trendy, tho. Probably because we have a pretty classist society and Luk Thung's target group isn't, like, the elite or the wealthiest.

What the song's lyrics usually are about -Life, specifically the life of the poor. And love—I'm pretty sure love is the most popular topic in everything, whether it's tragic, funny, or touching.

Dancers - The dancers, specifically their outfits, are one of the highlights of the Lukthung show. It needs to be showy and eye-catching. Glitter and feathers are frequently featured. Even if you don't recognize the music as Lukthung, you would probably recognize an army of dancers clad in a very striking outfit as a part of a Lukthung show.

Example

From series

This one is a cover of Got Jakrapun’s, aka King of Luk Thung's, song.

เพลงลูกกรุง - phleng luk krung

Phleng = music, song, melody, composition

Luk = child

Krung = city, capital, metropolis

Originated in 2474 B.E./1931 A.D.

As previously mention, Luk krung and Luk thung are kind of sibling terms. But unlike Luk Thung, Luk Krung is not a popular genre any more. Every once in a while, someone will pick an old song to cover, but there isn't much of a new one, if at all.

Well, actually, since the definition of this genre is so vague, a lot of songs would technically count, but when the word Luk Krung is mentioned, people do have a certain expectation in mind, and it's pretty much "when grandma is still young". I doubt this term would ever be used to describe any new song that does not actively go for a retro vibe.

The Suntaraporn Band - Suntaraporn Band is a very old band and has produced many Lukkrung songs. They were the first ones to start producing what is considered Lukkrung music, actually. It was born in 1939 and is still active to this day.

Example

From series "I Will Knock You" - The song in the background is an original version, and this series also uses a rearranged version as an OST.

This playlist is not from a series but from the novel "I Will Knock You". They are songs that were mentioned in the novel.

Some singers

Gun Napat

-He also sings many other genres. To be honest, he actually didn’t sing Lukkrung song that much. But he’s great at doing it. You may recognize him as the one who sings A Tale of Thousand Stars OST.

Charin Nuntanakorn 

-He has done a lot of things and has a lot of songs, including the one he begged a song writer to write so he could sing it to his now-wife. That song and its background story sounded like peak romance when my mom told them to middle school me.

The song -> https://www.youtube.com/embed/U7XubPfCXtY

เพลงเพื่อชีวิต  - phleng phuea chiwit

phleng = music, song, melody, composition

phuea = for

Chiwit = life

Songs in this genre are about the lives of people, especially those of the lower class, and talk about the difficulties of being taken advantage of, as do songs calling for democracy and political satire. Songs are considered to be in this genre based on their lyrics content, not their music style. Many songs in this genre are also Lukthung genre.

Example

Commoner Band

- This band is formed purely to express political opinion, which is mainly disapproval for coups and people who gain from them.

TaitosmitH

-I see some people ask about songs that were played in LOL2023. One of them is Taitosmith's song. It's the one that's played by Ohm, Nanon, Sea, Gemini, Pond, Phuwin, Khaotung, and Joong. It's called ยุติ-ธรรม.

Caravan Band

- one of the first phuea chiwit band

This one isn't the band’s original song, but it's quite a symbol. Its lyrics are from Chit Phumisak’s, an activist’s, poem.

Singers who are also actors and have acted in a BL series

Kob Songsit

-Theerapanyakul dad from KinnPorsche

-Botkawee's dad from Be My Favorite

-Older Songpol from 55:15 Never Too Late

-He's done some musicals too, and they're great.

-The song Phupha plays in A Tale of Thousand Stars is his song from a musical he stars in, Thawi Phop(ทวิภพ) The Musical.

Here a full song with English sub

Nok Sinjai

-Older Jaya Janiya from 55:15 Never Too Late

- She has been in many dramas and musicals. She and Kob Songsit have done some musicals together before.

Nat Sakdatorn

-Kit(Chopper’s dad) from Never Let Me Go

-Sam from Friend Zone 2: Dangerous Area (2020)

-He is not really known as a professional singer, but he stars in the same musical with Kob Songsit and Nok Sinjai, and I love that musical’s songs.

So, here is the musical I mentioned.

It's called บัลลังก์เมฆ (banlang mek- cloud throne) the musical. This version is kind of the cut version, so the story line is quite rushed, but the songs are all there.

Nok Sinjai as Panrung, the protagonist Kob Songsit as Kuea, Panrung’s second husband Nat Sakdatorn as Pakon, Panrung’s youngest son

The story is about Panrung, who should have a smooth sailing life, but due to her horrible decision-making and being an asshole and dictator-mom, she ruins her own life and also makes her children's lives a disaster.

The characters consist of Panrung, her two ex-husbands, her current husband, her four children, her ex-friend, who is also her current husband's ex-wife, and their son.

The songs are good. The theme song is iconic. The plot is....

Jeep Wasu

-Older Seksan from 55:15 Never Too Late

-His other nickname is Jeep Ror Dor(จิ๊บ ร.ด.) from his famous song with the same name. Ror Dor-ร.ด.-รักษาดินแดน-Territorial Defense If Thai men do not want to be conscripted, they can choose to apply to be trained while they are still students. Those trainees are called ร.ด.

Lookwa Pijika

-Gun's mom from My School President 

Mos Patiparn

-Kiao's friend from Past-Senger

-He also plays a musical

Intira Jaroenpura

-Our favorite BL mom

-She is more actor than singer, but she does sing a bit

-Thun's mother from He's Coming to Me

-Vanika, Thana's Wife, from 3 Will Be Free

-Her movie, Nang Nak(นางนาก 1999), made me relocate a Buddha image to under my pillow to maximize protection.

-Her half sister, Mai, is a big-name singer.

Some more Thai singers and bands

Bird Thongchai

If you watch anything from GMM regularly, then you've heard his song before.

For example, The Gifted 2 uses his song as background music, and the Never Let Me Go pilot trailer uses one of his songs and Our Skyy series name and the theme song are from the song, which was originally his too. Many of the songs that randomly came up in variety shows are his, both the songs the staff edited in and the songs people sing or make jokes with.

He started his career as a singer in 1983 and is still active to this day. He has been a household name since I can remember. His voice is very unique, and he is always open to new things.

Palmy

-Palmy's songs are never boring, and Palmy herself is also an interesting person.

-Friend Zone movie OST is originally her song.

-This song plays with the concept of losing Khwan and even has an explanation about a ceremony to call it back at the end of the MV. There is no English subtitle for that, tho.

Tattoo Colour

-This band’s name is a pun! Tattoo in Thai is Sak(สัก) and colour is Si(สี). Together, สักสี sound like ศักดิ์ศรี which means prestige, honor, fame, or honour.

Foreign media in Thai

Music

Thais have a large K-Pop fan base. My best friend has been a fan for more than a decade now, and the fan base seems to have only grown bigger since. J-Pop and C-Pop are not as popular, but I have personally known a few fans, and there is one in my timeline every once in a while, so I assume their popularity is steady.

And there are, of course, those big names: Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Rihanna, Ed Sheeran, etc.

Animation

There is Japanese anime, of course. Japan is pretty popular in Thailand in general, whether in culture, products, or media. Anime, manga, novels, or even nonfiction books are getting translated all the time and are very easy to find.

China’s animation has started to gain popularity these past few years.

And there are American animation like Cartoon Network and Disney.

Books

Chinese books are always around, I think? In my understanding, (modern?) Wuxia genre market has its peek in Thai around 2500  B.E. or 1957 A.D., not that I would say it not popular anymore, but like, around that time there are some big translator that to this day people will still adopt their translation of idiom from them, so like, they are BIG. In present, Chinese books often has its own section in book store. If you are a Danmei fan like me you might notice before that there are a lot of official translation in Thai, it is a bless really. I would be reading a random unofficial translation on the internet, the translation not even half way, I was dying to know how it gonna be next, and before I know there is an official, complete translation I can get.

Japanese book also often has its own section in book store too. I would say that in a main stream book store the amount of Japanese book are less than Chinese but there are niche book store that sell  Japanese books exclusively, and that is something. Those type of store will mostly cater to anime fans, so the book I talk about are usually something that has an anime adaptation or was adapt from anime, it will also have other merch.

Korean books are getting translate to Thai quite often but less than Chinese and Japanese for sure.

Books in English also get translate often too and books in English as it is are usually the biggest section in the books in foreign language(non-translation) category.

Usually if it is a classic or famous enough it likely to be translate at some point, no matter what language its original from.

Tv show- series/verities

US, UK, Korea, Japan, China, and India drama are what I know for the fact that there are a certain amount of avid fans out there. For verities, for Korea and China, I saw fans make a fan sub for their favorite group, but for Japan, there is an official sub and dub for quite a few programs, last I checked. Does that mean Japan verities are more or less popular in Thai?

In conclusion, it's usually the US, UK, Korea, Japan, and China. 

Index

[hersie44]

Old Friends (Derek Hale x Reader)

Characters included: Derek Hale, Stiles Stilinski, Scott McCall, Lydia Martin, Kira Yukimura, Malia Tate, Jordan Parrish, Noah Stilinski, Chris Argent, Peter Hale, Liam Dunbar.

Requested: No

Type: Reader insert (no use of y/n though), fan fiction.

Word Count: 2480 words

warning: Strong language used, SMUT (Oral - Female receiving, P in V and dominance kink, slight choking kink), 18+ content. Minors do not interact.

Note: Sorry for no chapters these last few weeks, I am terrible at time keeping honestly. I was also dying from a lung infection for a month or so but I lived so here we are.

Chapter Four: Final Chapter.

A drive to Mexico was definitely on my date list but not to save a kid from becoming a “monster.”  Derek has been silent the whole trip, hand on my thigh while I play with his fingers. I could tell that he was worried, there was nothing we could do as humans besides shoot things, I guess that’s why Derek had a handgun in my lap.

It made me nervous, having a weapon in my lap. Something about the thought of killing someone or something is making my stomach turn in knots, not in a good way. But this was Derek’s pack in some way, he'd deny it if I said it out loud, but he was never made to be a lone wolf. His mom, his sisters wouldn't want him to end up all alone. I wouldn't want him to be alone.

“It’s okay, Scott is strong.” I finally spoke and I could see Derek’s eyes glance at me before focusing back on the road, his hand squeezed my thigh in response.

"Derek...please say something." I pleaded, I hadn't heard his voice in hours, and it put me on edge. Were we really going to be okay without any supernatural abilities?

"You'll be safe. I promise." His hand moved away from my thigh and gripped my hand, our fingers lacing together. Then there was silence again...

When we got close to the temple there was a lot of people, hunters I was assuming. Derek stopped the car a bit further away, the breath he was holding in finally left his lungs. That was when he looked at me, his hand gripping the gun tightly before placing it in my hands.

“Keep yourself safe, don’t leave the car. Promise me.” He was looking directly into my eyes, and I could see the silent plea in them.

‘Don’t leave me, don’t die.’

I nodded. Somehow, I knew that if something happened to him, I would run in without a thought, I knew that he knew that too. But he didn’t make me say that promise, he sealed my lips with his instead. It felt different, not like our usual kisses that sent a delicious sensation up my spine. It felt like a good-bye.

When he pulled back, he moved me into the backseat, making me lie down and covering me with a blanket. It was hard to breathe, an elephant sitting on my chest that got heavier with each soft caress of my skin from him.

He lifted his hand away from me and I instinctively grabbed it. My heart was pounding in my ears, adrenaline rushing through my veins.

"You have to promise to be safe too, I can't lose you. I just got you back, Derek. Please." He smiled slightly, leaning down, and pecking my lips.

"You know I struggle to keep promises. But...how about I promise to come back to you, no matter what. I will come back to you, I promise." I nodded; I was satisfied with that. He will come back; he will come back. I repeated that to myself over and over again.

Then his hand left me, the door of the car closed and then there was silence. A deafening silence. His presence wasn’t there to keep me company, to keep my mind away from all the terrible things that could happen to the kids. That could happen to him. I started to count the seconds…

1…2…3…

I heard the voices in the distance getting louder…

4…5…6…

There were several gun shots going off…

7…8…9…

I sat up, looking in the distance at the temple. There stood a blonde in front of Derek, but then she changed. Shifted into something that I didn’t recognize, then she pounced on him. I screamed, banging on the car door, and pulling on the handle to try and open it but it wouldn’t budge. Without thinking I lifted my legs, kicking the back window as hard as possible. I kicked and kicked, then finally it launched off the car and I crawled out.

I ran towards them, my heart pounding in my ears. I was too late. Derek laid there bloody, his hand on his stomach and breathing heavily with the woman, the monster in front of him. It was like it sensed me, it turned around and that was when my blood ran cold.

“Kate…” Her eyes roamed all over me, a chill going up my spine as she grinned.

“Hey bestie, long time no see.” As she stalked towards me, I held up the gun, she paused and feigned a sad look.

“Really? A guy over your best friend? What happened to letting me have him?” I gritted my teeth; I remembered that promise. That she had liked him for longer than I did, so I was a good friend and promised to help them get together. After hearing what she did, I’ve regretted that every single moment. I hate her.

I hate her.

One gun shot went off.

Then two, then three. I saw red, I didn’t stop firing as she bolted towards me, she tackled me, and we went to the ground. Her sharp claws were digging into my skin, holding my arms in place.

“You’re such a bitch, fucking backstabber. You shot me over a guy!” I moved my legs and kicked her off me, getting up and hitting her in the face with the gun, she growled and pounced for me again. I punched her in the face, managing to catch her off guard and making her stumble back. I had a lump in my throat, Derek was dying or already dead because of her. His family was dead because of her, I felt something in myself snap as I walked towards her. I picked up the gun again and pointed it at her. No, not her.

This wasn't the Kate I knew; the Kate I knew was fake. She was never my friend, she used to me get close to Derek. To kill him and his family, I will never forgive her for that. I hope she burns in the deepest depths of whatever hell the afterlife has to offer. I hope the Hale family gets to watch her beg for forgiveness before she burns for the rest of eternity, so she can feel what she did to them.

But before I could pull the trigger a dark shadow slammed into her, knocking her to the side. I looked down and saw a wolf standing in front of me, growling at her. I took the chance to look over where Derek was, but to my surprise he was gone.

"Derek?" The wolf huffed as I called out his name, suddenly my grief left my body. He didn't die, he was standing right in front of me. As a wolf.

The wolf, Derek, lunged at Kate. I felt my rage turn into happiness, but a smile took over my lips.

“That’s what you deserve, bitch.” I spat out, watching as he tore her apart. I hoped his family was proud of him, he finally got revenge for the things she did to them. May they now rest in peace.

When it was over, Derek shifted back. I blinked a few times, then red decorated my cheeks. He was naked, completed naked. Though I didn’t have long to admire him, his arms were around me before I could shout at him to cover up. My face was buried in his chest, breathing in his delicious and familiar scent.

“I’m glad you’re safe.” He whispered to me, his hands finding a way under my shirt. His fingers gripping my bare waist tightly. I smiled.

“I’m glad you’re alive and…a wolf?” I glanced up at him, he had a wolfish grin on his face. He has clearly gotten his werewolf abilities back and was ecstatic about it.

“I evolved.” He leans down, kissing my neck.

“Derek…what about Scott?” I bit my lip, his touch was driving me crazy, but we were here for the kids. Not to get his wolf abilities back and then fuck.

“Over here.” I looked over at the entrance to the cave and sighed in relief, there were the kids. Scott, Stiles and two girls that I didn’t recognise but was nevertheless happy to see safe.

“Good.” Without a second thought Derek picked up and threw me over his shoulder, I laughed and screamed a goodbye to the kids who were all fake gagging and laughing.

When we arrived back at the loft, Derek pinned me against the door and kissed me. I let out a moan against his lips, his tongue invading my mouth as soon as my lips parted. His one hand gripped my hair, the other ripping my jeans down the front. His lips moved down to my neck, leaving hickey after hickey on any exposed skin he could find.

“I’ve been waiting for this.” He growled into the crook of my neck, his hands gripping my thighs and lifting me up against the door.

"I don't believe you." I grinned, a defiant look in my eyes as he stared down at me.

"Show me how much you want this."

His eyes changed colour, that deep blue that I saw in the wolf’s eyes appeared and that’s when I knew I was in trouble. With one swoop he ripped my underwear off and lifted me up further, my thighs rested on his shoulders before he buried his face between them.

His tongue flattened against my slit, moving up towards my clit. He let out a low groan, his fingers digging into my thighs.

“Already so wet for me, huh love?” He looked up at me, his tongue swirling around my clit like he was licking the icing off of a cupcake. The way he held me close, the soft groans and growls he let out was driving me more insane than his tongue. My fingers tangled themselves in his hair tugging on them as his tongue moved down to my entrance, my eyes rolling back as he pushed it in.

“Derek!” His right hand gripped my ass and smacked it hard, a loud moan leaving my lips after the contact. His tongue moved expertly inside me, brushing all the right places just as his left hand decided to join his mouth. His index finger found my clit, circling it. Playing with the sensitive bud. Each little movement building me higher until-

He pulls back. I looked down at him in a daze, my chest heaving but not as much as it should be.

“You wanna tease me? Then you only get to cum on my dick.” I was about to protest when he gripped my thighs again, he walked over to his bed and threw me down on it. I left out a little huff and sat up to protest again, that was when his hand wrapped around my throat.

“I know you want to be good for me, so take off my jeans and boxers. I promise to make you cum if you listen.” A shot of arousal went through my body, he sounded so commanding, and I loved it. I loved having him take control.

My hands made quick work of his jeans; the palm of my right hand pressed against his bulge. He let out a low moan, his eyes focused on me as I leaned forward. I could tell he was aching to be inside me, that he probably hasn’t slept with someone in a while. I pulled down his boxers and kisses his tip, licking it lightly which made him hiss and push me down onto the bed. I was pinned, his hand around my throat.

“You are so much of a tease, you know that?” His free hand pushed my thighs apart, “Keep them open, you move them, and I will stop.”

Despite the rough tone he took on, he lightly pressed his tip against my entrance. My breath hitched in the moment, having him slowly push into me felt like I had reached euphoria. His teasing from earlier made me eager and sensitive, he knew that. I could see that he enjoyed the look of pure lust on my face, he leaned down with his free hand propping him up as he began to thrust.

“Fuck…you feel so good around me.” His grip on my throat tightened, restricting just enough oxygen to my brain to make me see stars with each stroke from his dick. He reached heavenly places inside me, knowing how to angle each thrust to hit that delicious spot that had me moaning his name like a prayer.

“Derek…please…” I managed to stutter out a plea as the pleasure continued to build up in my body, that was when his hand left my throat and found it’s way to my lower back. He lifted me up easily and started to thrust faster, practically pounding into me. I clung to him, my nails dragging down his back. Another groan left his lips as he kissed and nipped at my neck, his muscles tightening under his touch.

“Together baby…” I barely held in a scream as I met my climax, my vision blurring while my mind was filled with fog. But I felt it, his seed releasing inside me before his hips stilled. Oh, and it was the most mind-blowing feeling, being claimed as his in such a way.

We were both silent for a moment, only the sound of us breathing filling the air. Then he laid on his side, his arms pulling me with him. He cradled me against him, one hand in my hair and the other wrapped securely around my waist. His thumb drew shapes on my hip, his lips pressing lingering kisses on my jaw and cheek.

“Are you okay?” He spoke softly, as if not to disturb the tender moment that we were having.

“You mean…after the amazing sex or everything else that happened today?” He chuckled, his fingers lifting my chin so that our eyes met.

“Both.” I smiled.

“Yeah…I’m just really happy that we didn’t lose each other again.” He leaned in, resting his forehead against mine.

“Me too. But you know you’re mine now, right?” I laughed, my hands cupping his face.

“You suck at asking people out, Hale.” He raised an eyebrow.

“I bought you books, took you to Mexico and fucked you good. How do I suck?”

“Okay…fine, it was pretty great besides the part where I thought you died.” I pushed him onto his back and straddled his waist, looking down at him. “But ask me properly.”

“Will you be my girlfriend?” He smiled up at me, his hands on my hips. He knew I couldn’t resist him when he smiled.

“I thought you’d never ask.” I laughed and leaned down, sealing our long-awaited relationship with a kiss.

THE END.

[pandabaozi]

step and repeat

main: yami malik & thief king bakura [gen] tags: banter, modelling, post-canon, very mildly implied citronshipping word count: 2480

An ill-timed switch forces Malik's darker half to step in during an editorial photoshoot.  Written for the fashion-focused Malik Ishtar zine, @bratty-doll 

[read on ao3] [zine download] (free)

artwork commissioned from @/aestromeri

[obscure-reference-girl]

Masks & Misunderstandings Chapter 5

Pairing: Pavel Chekov/Leonard McCoy

Warnings: Swearing, alcohol

Word Count: 2480

Summary: Leonard thought that a nightclub where you had to wear a mask was idiotic, but he humored Jim and accompanied him to the club during shore leave anyway. After Jim fucked off into the crowd of dancing bodies without so much as a ‘never you mind’, Leonard went looking for him and found something unexpected. Meet unexpected: sexy, young, blonde...and if he reminded him a bit too much of a certain Russian navigator he wasn't going to linger on that thought.

Chapter Summary: Leonard and Pavel finally have a talk.

Author’s Notes: We’re finally getting places!

AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/45899593/chapters/116699596

If life had been difficult before Leonard knew the identity of the mystery man, it was positively torturous now that he knew it was Pavel. Now that he knew, his fantasies were far more detailed and intense. The worst part was that the fantasies weren’t just sexual anymore. He kept thinking about coming back to his quarters after a long shift to Pavel curled up in his bed. He would take a quick shower and then slide in behind Pavel to nuzzle into his long neck and fall asleep listening to his soft, huffy breaths. He imagined what it would be like to take Pavel home to Georgia, to make love to him in the barn hayloft of his childhood. He could hear Chekov’s laugh, his soft sighs, his adorably accented voice whispering in Leonard’s ear. Never mind, the worst part wasn’t that the fantasies weren’t just sexual, it was that he couldn’t even bring himself to feel guilty over them. The fantasies filled him with such warmth and contentment that he found himself relaxing into them like a warm bath. He woke up one morning about a week after the incident in sickbay to a particularly vivid dream. Pavel had woken Len by using his mouth on him. Leonard was just about to return the favor when he woke up cold and alone.

It was going to be a long day.

Breakfast only confirmed this theory when he sat down next to Jim and noticed that Chekov was just a few tables over eating with Sulu and Uhura. Pavel was telling Sulu about something that had happened on the bridge the day prior while Sulu had taken the day off to repot his Vulcan Orchids. He was waving his hands energetically and grinning from ear to ear. God, Leonard would never get tired of seeing that smile.

“Bones,” Jim said and smacked him in the arm. “You’re staring at him.” Leonard felt himself go redder that a sunburn. For fuck’s sake, he was thirty-three years old. Wasn’t that too old to blush? Len decided it definitely should be. He snapped his head around to glare at Jim.

“Just observing the surroundings.” Len groused.

“Yeah right Bones,” Jim said, “you look like a teenage girl with a crush.” It wouldn’t have bothered Leonard, if it hadn’t been true. As it was, he wanted to smother himself in the fluffy pillow of scrambled eggs on his plate.

“I have the ability to make your next appointment in sickbay very uncomfortable.” Leonard said menacingly.

“So you do.” Jim acquiesced with his hands up in mock surrender. “You have been a little distracted though, you have to admit.”

“Maybe,” Leonard grunted.

“Are you going to do anything about it?” Jim wheedled.

“Maybe,” another grunt.

When he had finished his breakfast, Leonard returned his plate to the replicator for reclamation. When he turned around, he was face to face with Chekov. Chekov reached past him to place a bowl in the replicator and his hand brushed Leonard’s arm to the way back.

“Hey Len, are you free for dinner tonight. I was thinking maybe we could finally…talk.” He said.

“Yeah, I uh- I guess I am.” Leonard knew that he couldn’t put it off forever. It was a miracle that he managed a week. He had promised Pavel that they would talk. He was nothing if not a man of his word, even if he’d rather gouge out his right eye than try to have this conversation. “We could have dinner in my quarters, nineteen hundred hours?”

“Yes, that will work,” Pavel said. Leonard thought he could see the faint dusting of a blush high on Pavel’s cheekbones. “I will see you then.”   Leonard did his damndest to not stare at the kid’s ass as he walked away.

           By five to seven, Leonard had cleaned his living quarters, replicated country fried steak with roasted red potatoes and sauteed green beans, and changed out of his uniform into a pair of jeans and a black button-down before thinking better of it and changing back. He decided it wouldn’t be too rude if he broke out the alcohol a bit early and downed two fingers of bourbon without really even tasting it. Well, damn it, he needed it!

He needed it because he was slowly starting to realize something, something that, in hindsight, he should have realized a long time ago. He was falling love with Pavel Checkov. Or rather, he was in love with Pavel. He had been falling for Pavel for a long time, long before he had fucked him a dark nightclub. It was quite possible that Leonard had been falling for him almost since the moment they met.

It must have happened in the little moments, when he wasn’t looking. Maybe it was when Kirk and Sulu had gotten into their little prank war and Len and Pavel had taken it upon themselves to prank the both of them. They had dissolved into laughter, falling into each other as they ran for all they were worth as a soaked and spluttering captain and pilot slid down the corridor behind them. Maybe it was when Pavel had spent a good two hours explaining to Leonard why he should convince the Captain to add a running track in one of the cargo bays. Maybe it was when Pavel had noticed just how terrified Leonard was of transporters and took it upon himself to explain every last detail of transporter theory to him. He made a point to try to be behind the controls any time Leonard had to transport and Len always felt a little safer knowing that Chekov was the one holding his life in their hands.  Maybe it was one of the times that he and Chekov had shared a meal while arguing over a new scientific discovery or reminiscing about how much they both missed home.

He knew all about Chekov’s family and home town…in fact, Leonard was surprised to realize that he knew more about Pavel than any other member of the crew with the exception of Jim and Christine. He knew that Pavel’s favorite food from home was blini, that his favorite constellation was Cassiopeia, that he first applied to star fleet academy when he was eight years old (they finally agreed to test him when he was elven on his third attempt).

It took Leonard a moment to fully appreciate that Pavel also knew far more him than he was usually wont to share. Hardly anyone knew that his Mother’s name was Elizabeth, that he sang Sweet Caroline to his daughter to put her to sleep, or that he absolutely hated butterscotch. How had he been so open with the other man without even noticing? He damn well noticed everything else, Chekov’s smile, his graceful fingers, his enthusiasm, passion, brilliance, and kindness. Leonard loved the way he cursed in Russian and the way he counted backwards from 359 in prime numbers to calm down when he was pissed off. He loved the way he got so caught up in his own head being brilliant that he babbled on in a stream of consciousness that was barely understandable.

Oh fuck it, he was in love with Pavel Chekov! He wanted a relationship with Pavel...and for all he knew, Pavel wanted nothing more than a quick fuck. Pavel was nineteen for Christ’s sake. This was when he was supposed to be out making mistakes, doing crazy, stupid things- not that stupid was a word that Leonard thought could ever be entirely applicable to Chekov- that was what nineteen year-olds were supposed to do. Not that Leonard had done any of that, but he was a terrible example. He had been buried in pre-med textbooks and getting himself into a serious relationship too fast and too young…and look how well that had turned out. Even if Pavel might entertain the idea of a serious relationship he couldn’t, in good conscience, let that happen.

           Leonard had just committed to this when he heard the door chime. He scrubbed his hand over his face and dragged himself over to answer the door. Pavel was standing there, running a hand through his curls nervously.

           “Hey Pav.” Leonard waved him in and Pavel followed him over to the small, round table in his main living area.

           “Hi Len.” Pavel took his seat.

          “Uh- I know you’ve liked it in the past, so I made country fried steak. Or well, I replicated country fried steak. Honestly it’s a miracle I don’t manage to burn food from the replicator.” Leonard realized he was rambling. God, this was going to be a long dinner.

They made it through their meal on small talk and awkward silences. Leonard returned their plates to the replicator and poured them each a bourbon, if for no other reason than to have something to do with himself. Pavel accepted his drink with a murmur of appreciation and started running a finger around the rim of the glass absentmindedly. Leonard was briefly hypnotized watching the finger trace its path. Pavel snapped him out of it by breaking the silence.

“Well I guess we should talk now.”

“Haven’t we been talking?” Leonard asked with what he though was a winning expression.

“Leonard,” Pavel raised his eyebrows and gave him a piercing look. However, the smirk he was wearing told Leonard that his attempt to lighten the mood hadn’t failed entirely.

“Okay, alright, alright.” Leonard put his hands up in surrender. “You’re right. We need to talk.”

“Well,” Pavel began, clearly trying to decide where to start. “ I guess we’ve established a few things. “I knew it was you, and you….didn’t. Didn’t know it was me, that is.” His nervous rambling made Len’s heart give a flop.

“In hindsight I probably should have.” Leonard admitted.

“You think?” Pavel asked, but it was with a smile and lacking any real spite.

“Well in my defense I’ve never done a physical on you and you normally stick to blowing up your hands…And that mask damn near covered you entire face!” Pavel gave him a look and he hurried to continue. “And that’s not the point here.”

Pavel chuckled at his course correction.

“I was just sure that it couldn’t be you because you would never do that…with me.” Leonard said with a shrug.

“Well I think it’s obvious that I would Leonard.” Pavel said. “I’m pretty sure half of the nightclub would have.” He continued under his breath, but not so low that Leonard couldn’t hear. Leonard gave an actual laugh at that.

“Just how much had you had to drink?” He asked. Pavel shook his head insistently.

“I don’t think you see yourself very clearly Len. I wasn’t drunk. I wanted you.”

“You wanted me,” Leonard said incredulously.

“I’ve wanted you since the first time you patched me up.” Pavel replied as though this should be obvious. It was certainly news to Leonard.

“Fuck, Leonard, you’re denser than a neutron star. You really don’t see the way people look at you, the way I look at you.” Pavel said, somewhere between a question and a statement.

“Maybe I’m too busy dealing with all the people looking at Jim.” Leonard said, trying for a bit of levity.

“Well I think if you smiled at other people the way you do around your friends no one would even notice the captain,” Pavel said. “Combined with your accent I think it could melt ice.”

“So it’s my smile and my southern drawl that were so irresistible?” Leonard chuckled.

“Well that and your jeans clad ass.” Pavel shrugged.

“My, uh, my what?” Leonard spluttered.

“Len, you’re fucking sexy.” Pavel said.

“Uh, thanks I guess. I think we both know what I was thinking about you.” Leonard said, resolutely looking anywhere but at Pavel.

“Great, now that we’ve establish that we both find each other attractive, why have you been acting weird for the past week?” Pavel demanded.

Leonard could feel the flush rising to his cheeks. The accusation was not unfair.

“Because I didn’t know what to do about it.” He said, finally.

“Well you could have tried asking to see me again.” Pavel said as though it were simple and obvious.

“No.” Leonard replied shortly.

“So you’re attracted to me enough to fuck me in a nightclub, but not enough to try having a relationship.” Pavel spit out. Leonard leaned back in his chair,  physically recoiling from the verbal slap.

“It’s not that, kid.” He said wearily.

“Leonard, I thought we went over this,” Pavel said with a sigh. “I’m not a kid.”

“Sorry. Pavel.” He corrected. “I know you’re not a kid, but for fucks sake! Technically, you’re still a teenager!”

“And in the eyes of the federation I’ve legally been an adult for over three years,” Pavel said.

“Regardless, I’m too old.” Len said with a shake of his head. “I have a child for fuck’s sake.”

“Yes, a child who I happen to adore.”

“I can’t do casual, Pav.”

“I don’t want casual Len,” Pavel fired back, “not with you.”

Leonard froze, suddenly very aware of his own heartbeat. It felt unnaturally insistent, demanding to make itself known. They sat in silence for several moments as he processed the statement. Pavel sounded so sure. It made it hard to remember the promise Leonard had made himself less than an hour prior.  

“I got into a serious relationship way too young and I won’t let you make the same mistake,” He said finally.

“You won’t let me?” Pavel scoffed. “I think it is my prerogative to decide what is best for me.”

“You know what? You’re right.” Leonard said, throwing his hands up. “But it doesn’t change anything. It isn’t going to happen again. That’s the end of it.” He said firmly. Pavel looked blank. Leonard knew what Pavel look like when he was happy, sad, excited, in pain, proud, disappointed, but he had never seen him look so empty. It killed him that he was the cause of it.

“Then I guess all we can do is try be friends again. I don’t want to lose your friendship Leo.” And fuck, he was the only person who had ever called Leonard that. It felt special in a way that Leonard didn’t quite understand. It certainly wasn’t making things any easier on him.

“Of course we’ll be friends.” Leonard replied. “I can’t imagine life on this tin can without you.”

“My friend’s call me Pasha, you know.” Pavel downed the last bit of his drink and clanked the glass back down on the table. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then Len.” He pushed himself up from the table and gave a bit of a wave as he walked to the door. Leonard waved back and stared after him stupidly.

The door closed behind Pavel and Leonard thunked his head into the wall. He was so fucked.

[mooseintheocean]

Wincest Writing Challenge: Round 9: Summer Lovin’ | @mooseintheocean​ vs. @nisaki-chan​ Prompt: broken air conditioner Rating: Gen | Wordcount: 2480 |  AO3 Tags/Warnings: none Summary: The boys are driving through Arizona heat with a broken air conditioner trying to cool down and don't melt through the seats. 

(110°F = 43°C for all my fellow metric scale users out there ;))

The A/C broke an hour into their 9-hour drive. It rattled ominously when they were passing the state line and after couple of unfruitful attempts to work properly, it just died. The car turned into a Finnish sauna in less then 10 minutes and the 110°F outside did nothing but help with that. Of course it had to gave up now, just as they were driving through Arizona, fucking Arizona in the middle of summer.

"Oh Baby, why do you hate us so much?", whimpered Dean petting the dash just in case the car could be bribed with some love this time. It hardly ever happened before, but Dean still believes his Baby can hear him. Like that time she miraculously fired after Sam smashed her into the old house when they hunted Woman in White all those years ago. All it took was Dean pleading and telling her how beautiful she was and after spluttering for couple minutes she came to life and drove them away to the next hunt. So yes, it happens and Dean will always try. Beside, he loves loving his car.

The Impala was the best thing in their world. Their first and only true home. Their most valued possession. But she had one flaw - the air conditioner broke quite regularly. No matter how many times Dean would fix it, it would just give up after a while. And it was broken more often than not. Making the car too cold in winters and too hot during summers. But they usually made through that. Today was different though. The heat was unusually oppressive, the temperature was record breaking high, the air was extremely humid and it felt like there was nothing to breath in.

Back when they were kids they would shimmy out of their clothes and ride in the backseat in just their boxers reveling in the relief that the breeze from rolled down windows gave them. Later when Dean didn't want to seat in the backseat with Sam anymore and Sam became self-conscious of his ever growing body, he would wear Dean's biggest, loosest t-shirt (the one that was even too big for Dean at the time), that covered most of his thin, fifteen-year-old frame but still enough light fitting that it could make the air circulate freely. Dean still remembers what the view of Sammy stretched out in the backseat in his t-shirt did to his body. Those sweaty palms, labored breath and swelling in his pants had nothing to do with the heat outside and everything to do with his younger brother looking like a sin personified and still so totally owned by Dean. He always has been possessive of his boy but seeing Sam in his clothes triggered his most animal instinct. If dad hasn't been around, Dean would be all over Sam in that backseat. That thing between them had actually started because Sam insisted on walking around in Dean's clothes and one day Dean just couldn't help himself anymore. They ripped his favorite AC/DC t-shirt that first time but Dean couldn't bother to give a fuck when he had a lap full of freshly sixteen Sammy teeth deep into his neck, trying to suck the pulse out of him.

It is really hot right now. The sticky kind of hot. The kind of hot that make Dean melting through the leather seat and sticking to it simultaneously. Even going at high speed with all the windows rolled down didn't help much against the stuffy humid air. Everything was waiting impatiently for the rain that no one knew when or if it would fall.

"Fuck Arizona, seriously Sammy, why do we always have to drive through the worst weather", Dean moaned while wiping his forehead with the bandana Sam handed him earlier, "I's like someone hates us, ya kno? Fuck, we could start baking in this car or we should get some steak and put it on the dashboard. It'd be medium rare ready in no time... Aaaaand now I'm hungry for some steak, great!"

"Pull over, Dean, please", Sam said calmly, shedding his shirt and throwing it in the backseat. Dean glanced at Sam surprised, but did as requested. Once the car came to a halt, Sam asked, "Do you think you can fix it?"

Dean shook his head, "Not really, it's always the same thing, and I can't fix it without taking the whole panel out".

"Crap", Sam sighed and got out of the car.

"What are you doing?", Dean scrambled out of the car as well and walked up to Sam rummaging through the trunk. The heat outside was even worse than inside the car. Which was close to impossible. He felt like he got instant sunburn and was pretty sure his freckles stood up prominently. God, he hated them, he really did. Unlike Sam, who would spend hours counting and licking and kissing them, and then starting it all over again. Okay, so his freckles might not be that bad.

"Looking for something to help us live through this shit", Sam answered distractedly, half folded into the trunk. Dean couldn't help himself and looked down at Sam's butt. Hey, he is only human after all! Anyone who claims they can resist those perfect globes is a liar. Normally Dean would be all over them, pinching, squeezing or otherwise occupied with, not now though. Not with the heat beating down on them and feeling like he was standing right before the sun, that he could only reach out and touch it. His t-shirt was soaked through completely. The warm sweat was trickling down his back in that uncomfortable way like something was crawling all over him. He shed his ruined shirt, wiped down with it quickly and threw it next to Sam's in the backseat.

"Aha!", Dean turned around to see Sam holding a small car fan that can be hooked up to a cigarette lighter plug, "I bought it last time the A/C broke. Never used it though. It's not much, but we don't really have much options here. We can't exactly wait the day out and start driving again at night, can we? Bobby's waiting for our help".

Dean nodded slowly, "Yeah, he said to be there as soon as possible. We need to get there before the last night of the full moon".

"Well then, this has to do it," Sam turned around and walked to the backseat, taking his pants off as he went.

"That's not going to work. It'll just pump hot air back at us".

"That's why we need ice. If you put it behind the fan, it will blow the cool air from the melting ice", Sam explained while putting ice cubes from the cooler into a shallow plastic box he found in the trunk, "By the way, we need to pick up more ice somewhere".

"That ice is going to melt in seconds", Dean argued but helped Sam secure the fan and the box to the dashboard.

"That's why we need more of it", Sam slid into passenger seat with the wince when he felt his naked knee peel off of the upholstery, he threw a cold bottle water at Dean, "Take off your shoes and pants, wet your hair and drink more water. We need to pick more of that too, we only have the two left".

"You know I get all tingly when you take control like this. And is it just me or do you just want me to get naked", joked Dean but he chugged the water like he didn't drink for years before he took off his pants and threw them in the backseat with the rest of their clothes.He didn't even care if it was illegal in Arizona. Dean knew the drill by now. Bare feet and wet hair helped your body let out a lot of heat and bring down the temperature of your body. He put the now half empty bottle behind his neck, so it would cool him down. The condensation from the bottle was dripping down his back and neck. And it felt glorious. Now, if he could only make it drip all over his body, that would be amazing. He brought the car back onto the road and peel off in the direction of the nearest gas station.

The fan helped just a little. Enough not to go crazy but not enough to stop sweating.

"Sammy I'm melting. Sammy, help. Saaamyyyy!", Dean whined. His mood was sour, because he just hated being sweaty. It always left him feeling dirty and smelly. Unless, of course, he was sweating during sexy times. That he loved. Sweating during sex means the sex is going good.

Sam didn't answer. Instead he just turned around and opened the cooler, producing two small ice packs he also found in the trunk earlier. "Here, try this. Obviously it should be frozen, but well, kinda short on the freezer here. I figured it can at least be cool enough to work", he put one of them on Dean's neck and Dean moaned like he just came.

"Damn, Sammy, you're a life saver". It felt amazing. Close to being as amazing as cold beer and even colder shower or bathtub full of ice Dean dreamed about for the last two hours. Sam put his own ice pack on his forehead and sprawled out on the seat. His long legs falling apart. The tiniest moan left his mouth but Dean caught it anyway. And he should be watching the road, he really should. Especially with the way the heat was bouncing off the asphalt and causing an illusion of wavering images and making him focus harder on the road. The last thing he wants, is to put them in a ditch, but damn, Sam’s naked, glistening with his salty sweat skin (Dean knows he tasted it many times before, it's delish) is calling out to him. He is pretty sure it says, “look at me”, “touch me”, “lick me” and he's so close to complying. He snaps out of it though. Pats himself on the back mentally for being so strong and resistant and focuses back on the road, turning the radio up a notch.

They stopped at the nearest gas station half an hour later and Dean basically run towards the promise of the air conditioner after reluctantly putting his pants and shirt back on. He shivered when he stepped inside the cool air that felt freezing on his overheated skin. His sweat changed into an amazing cold droplets. The store was almost out of drinks, ice and ice cream, which wasn't all that surprising given the weather outside. They menaged to buy two pounds of ice and stocked up on bottled water. And just as Dean walked over the the nearly empty fridge with cold beer Sam stopped him.

"No, Dean. We’re not getting any beer I don’t want you to have a heatstroke".

"Oh, c'mon Sammy. That’s not true. The beer is innocent. Just look at it. look how inviting it looks. Don't you want some?"

"No, it isn’t. Alcohol heat up your body and dehydrate you faster. Which means you’re more prone to a heatstroke".

Dean dropped his hand in disappointment. Sam just squeezed his shoulder in a silent assurance, "We’ll get you all the beer you want after we’re done with this hunt. K?"

He bend down and kissed Dean’s pouting mouth softly. Dean grumbled a little but trailed behind Sam to the cash register. He grabbed a box of popsicles on his way. He needs at least something nice out of this store run.

"How much for the bag of ice?! $10?! Sammy they’re stealing from us! They’re making money on human misery. Unbelievable!" Dean was trying to fit all the ice and drinks in their always reliable green cooler with one hand while trying to keep his fast melting popsicle from dripping all over his precious leather seats in the other. When he looked up Sam’s face was turned towards the sun, and he was sucking on his ice pop in a way it could only be described as fellatio. Dean has never been so jealous of a popsicle before. He couldn’t help himself. He tumbled out of the back seat, brought surprised Sam down by his neck and kissed him deeply. Sammy's lips were deliciously cold and he was eager to return the kiss. Dean moaned when one of Sam’s hands that was still holding a bottle of water straight from the fridge touched his lower back. The coldness of the bottle and his boy's mouth was the most amazing feeling right then. Sam released him all too soon. With the quick peck, two, three, four for good measure he step out of Dean's arms with a pleased little smile.

"C'mon Dean, the sooner we get to Bobby and out of this desert, the sooner we can take a shower together", Sam winked, taking off his clothes and settling down in the steaming hot car. Dean looked down at his now melted to nothing popsicle, throwing out the stick and following Sam's suit. The air was heavy and suffocating. And they still had a long way ahead of them. Dean couldn't drive fast enough to get them away from Arizona.

Two hours after leaving the store the heat and humidity only got worse. Dean was sure he lost at least five pounds by now, with how much he sweated out. And Sam pressing cold compresses against his skin wasn't helping that much anymore. It still felt good, but the effect was fleeting. The lighting split the sky in half and they both held their breathes until the heavens opened. The heavy rain fell down like a blessing. Dean whooped loudly and parked the car on the shoulder. Two seconds later he was dancing in the rain to the sound of thunderstorm, barefoot and wearing just his boxers. Nothing he ever felt before could compare to the amazing feeling of cold rain washing him off of the sweat and dirt. Dean’s boyish excitement was infectious and Sam joined him almost instantly, matching smile on his face. Dean pulled him down for a deep kiss. Huge droplets were hitting down on them, soaking through their boxers. And they really should be going if they wanted to get to Bobby on time. But they just couldn't be bothered right now. Dean was drinking the rain from Sam's lips, his hands fitted in his brother's wet hair, pulling him closer, always closer. Sam's hands on Dean's butt brought him tighter to his hips and he drove his tongue even deeper into his brother's mouth. Dean figured five minutes wouldn't pull them all that much behind the schedule.

He never felt so elated because of some stupid rain before.

[bellinghamount]

Hey, i love your stories, could you do one with Mason Mount based on 34+35 by Ariana Grande? A passionate one, lots of oral and car sex? Pls🥵❤️

34+35 | mason mount

warnings: smut! 34 35 we can 69 it! yes, that's exactly it, semi public sex, throat fuck, dirty talk, sweaty mason 🥵 🥵

word count:  2480

notes: hi!! thanks for the request, and did u believe this is already on my list? I was planning to post it in the next few days 😅 btw I know this took longer than it should have, I had some problems, but it's here now so enjoy it!

"What are you doing tonight?" Y/N asked as Mason parked his car at the curb of her house.

He got out of the car and turned around to open the door for her. When Y/N saw Mason's full body, she felt her legs getting weak. He looked handsome and scented as always, not to mention the well-chosen pieces of clothing.

"Picking you up, so we can watch the movie, wasn't that the deal?" Mason asked, holding the door.

"Oh yeah." She walked past him, taking a seat in the passenger seat. She cursed softly, wishing he had said something else. It was only a short time before she could forget about that fucking movie and drag him by the hand to her apartment, so they could have sex.

She could feel her whole body almost on fire. Y/N had woken up feeling different that morning. At one point during the day, she realized that she was actually really fucking horny. Because of his gaming schedule, it had been over a week since she had seen him. Y/N and Mason had only been dating a few weeks, but she knew when she needed him in a special way.

They had decided to go to a Drive-In Movie, Mason thought it might be fun and different. He liked to be discreet, so he took another car than he usually used with darker windows. Y/N thought it was almost impossible for an outsider to see what was going on inside if the windows were not open, and it was driving her crazy, with her head bubbling with ideas.

All the things she and Mason could do in that car without the people outside having a clue, but every time she looked at him, it didn't feel like he was thinking about sex like she was. Mason drove concentrating, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel to the beat of the music on the radio.

"What's wrong?" He asked when the car stopped. Mason parked in a spot farther away and away from the other cars, but it was still possible to see the screen. "You look...restless?"

"That seat." Y/N wriggled in her seat as he analyzed her. A smile appeared at the corner of her mouth. The 69 position was something she had been wanting to do with him, and damn, that place seemed like the ideal setting. So she decided to hint at it in a subtle way. "It's uncomfortable."

"Really?"

"Yes, I would be more comfortable if you would let me sit on your lap." She replied, giving him a suggestive smile. Mason smiled back, reaching out to turn the handle on the outside of the seat. He used his legs to drag the seat back until he had more room for both of them there.

Mason slapped himself twice on the leg, and she wasted no time and walked over to him, sitting on one of his thighs. He ran his hand around her waist and Y/N hugged him by the neck.

"We ain't really gonna see the movie, are we?"

"We ain't seein' a thing tonight, Mase." She said before holding his jaw and pulling him into a kiss. Her hands were lost in his hair as she pulled him close to feel every bit of his mouth. Mason slid his hand down her thighs, and there he realized that that dress was too short. She really knew how to arouse him when she wanted to.

"So, Mase, let me ask you again." She pulled away, just enough to look at him and smooth a finger down his cheek. Mason had an exciting unshaven beard, she couldn't wait to feel the friction of the hair between her thighs. "What are you doing tonight?"

"Doin' you right?" he replied, groping her thighs and moving his hands up to her hips.

"That's better."

"Don't you think we'd better go back to your apartment then?" He asked before she could silence his lips with another kiss.

"No!" Y/N looked at his lips, before bringing their faces together to kiss him. She kissed eagerly, making Mason forget the confusion of a second ago and surrender, hugging her tightly. Her hands reached down to the hem of his shirt, and she pulled it up as expertly as she could to bare his torso. Mason kissed his neck as her hands roamed up his chest and down his biceps, leaving an invisible trail of fingernails.

His hands molded the silhouette of her body, squeezing each place with a certain, perfect pressure. But he wanted more, and that position was not the most ideal. "Let's go to the back, then."

Y/N got off his lap and let Mason jump into the back seat first. She almost drooled when she stopped for a second to analyze him standing there, shirtless, with his legs spread and a large bulge marked at his crotch. Y/N gave a little smile and motioned for him to lie down.

Mason lay down with his hands behind his head, longing for the moment she would ride him. She knew he liked it when she was on top because the position gave him an exclusive view of her bouncing tits as she rode his cock intensely. But Y/N had other plans.

His eyes flashed anxiously as she joined him in the back seat, one knee on either side of his body, but Y/N had her back to him. She lowered her hips to the height of the beginning of his ribcage and that made him bring his hands to her ass, automatically.

"What are you doing?"

Y/N looked at him, over her shoulder. "What do you think?"

She said and soon turned her attention to what was right in front of her. She didn't waste much time and soon attacked Mason's belt buckle, of which she easily opened, then took care of the buttons and zipper. She bit her lower lip as she stroked his erection over his panties. Mason let out a groan at the precious touch.

"Looks like we have someone very excited here."

"Oh, sure, talk about me, but I don't even need to touch you to know that your pussy is dripping for me, do I?" Y/N gasped, feeling his fingers squeeze the inside of her thigh.

"No, you don't have to, but I really want you to touch."

"Then suck my dick, my angel, and I'll take you to heaven while you sit on my face."

She smiled excitedly, brought her hands to the hem of Mason's pants and lowered them along with his underwear enough to free his hard cock. She grabbed the base and leaned down until she was face to face with that huge dick she was enchanted by, leaving Mason facing her pussy.

"Where are your panties?" He licked his lips, pulling up her dress.

"I must have forgotten." She replied, holding his cock firmly, giving light kisses to the head and sucking the pre-cum coming out the tip, making Mason moan.

"I guess you already knew where this night was going to end and wanted to move things along." She sighed, feeling his fingers between her pussy lips, and pushed her hips toward him spontaneously.

"You're a lucky one, then."

Y/N said, and Mason smiled, he really was lucky. Y/N was tired of talking, she wanted to use her mouth to do other things. She ran her tongue down his length to his balls, Y/N sucked each one masterfully, running her tongue along his perineum gently making Mason move his hips. He began to work his tongue into the hole of her vagina, feeling each of her muscles contracting around his tongue.

Y/N moved up and put her lips around just the head, sucking and swirling her tongue around as her hand jerked him off. She heard Mason curse softly against her intimacy, knowing he was going to start appealing. He moved his head, scratching her thighs with the hairs of his beard, knowing how much it drove her crazy, before he brought his lips to her clit and began sucking it. Y/N moaned into his dick, beginning to realize that it had become a contest as to which one of them would make the other come first.

She began to speed up her hand movements, and with each one she moved her mouth down a little further, aiming to swallow him completely.

"Fuck, Y/N." Mason let out when he felt himself have his cock entirely in her mouth. He could feel it touch her throat. A cocky grin broke out on his face, and Mason decided to start using his fingers. He shoved two at once into her hole, starting a frantic back and forth while sucking on her clit. Y/N let out grunts that were impossible to understand, Mason's work on her core was making her body soft and relaxed as her orgasm approached, but she couldn't stop her movements.

She began a rhythmic up and down, taking all she could from him with each descent. Y/N could feel his dick throbbing in her throat. God! He was so hot that she knew that that provocative 69 would not be enough to satisfy her that night.

"You taste like fucking candy, Y/N." That made her moan and sigh. Mason was going slow, then fast, making circles, and long strokes, changing the pressure and suction.

Y/N was trying to control her own breathing and help the tension in her muscles as Mason sucked her by thrusting his fingers into her. His tongue seemed to set off a trail of fire that started at the point of her clitoris and ran up her entire body. Her breasts rose and fell as she continued to work on his cock, but Y/N felt that Mason had much greater self-control than she did.

"Damn, Mason, is there anything you don't know how to do with that tongue?" she had to pause to say. He didn't answer, just continued what he was doing, causing her to let out a long moan. Y/N whimpered his name and held his dick with both hands. The muscles in her jaw were hurting, so she just jerked him off. She analyzed Mason's cock for a few seconds, completely drooled by her saliva. That dick was hers, and she wouldn't stop until she saw him cum.

Mason squeezed her ass with his free hand, he wished he could tell how sexy it was to feel her moans vibrating on his cock, but he didn't want to break the rhythm of his movements. He knew that Y/N was almost cumming by the way she was squirming and squeezing around him. He moved one hand down to her hair, grabbing for her scalp, looking for some kind of control as Y/N had his cock in her mouth.

Y/N saw that as great encouragement, so she released the base of his cock and grabbed his thighs to keep her balance. He moved his hips upward, she knew he would cum faster if she let him fuck her mouth for a while. It drove her out of her mind, knowing that her mouth was driving Mason crazy. She moaned and choked at the same time. Mason had skill, but he also knew how to be gentle.

He let go of her hair, leaving her free to keep his focus 100% on her orgasm. Y/N smiled, taking a deep breath and returning to hold the base of his cock to suck it intensely from the tip. The movements of both of them were precise, the car got hotter and hotter and more and more she felt close to exploding. Mason kept the movement of his tongue and fingers faster and more intense, to the point that he had Y/N rolling over in his face. The grunts she let out were incredibly sexy.

Her thighs trembled with anticipation, her heart pounding hard in her chest, her eyes rolling back as she finally released her orgasm. Her body instantly relaxed on top of Mason's, she closed her eyes enjoying every sensation of pleasure, feeling the shock rise through her body and the delight crackle in each of her veins. This was too good to be real. Mason licked and sucked all of her fluids, giving her an incentive to continue working on his cock with quick, rhythmic sucks.

He had to bite the inside of her thigh to keep himself from moaning loudly when he came. Y/N kept his cock in her mouth, swallowing every load of cum. She wouldn't let such a new car get dirty so quickly.

Mason rested his head on the bench and looked up at the ceiling, his hands caressed her thigh as Y/N licked his cock to get it clean. He patted her back twice to get her to stand up. They both sat down, and she jumped up on his lap, arranging her dress. The roots of Mason's hair were wet from sweat, and a few drops were forming on his chest. He was also panting a little, just like he did after a game: sweaty and extremely hot.

He pulled her into a gentle kiss, mixing every taste and texture they could share.

"Are you okay?" He asked, stroking her face, from top to bottom, with the back of his hand.

"Yes, that was amazing!" She exclaimed, clinging her lips to his again. Mason slid his hands down her back gently.

"I don't suppose we'll stop there." He pulled away, brushing his lips against hers in a slight tease, with their noses bumping against each other. Y/N's eyes were glassy and full of energy.

"You supposed right." She began to distribute kisses down his collarbone, down his chin and neck.

"But can we go home?"

"You don't like sex in the car?"

"I do, but..." Mason pulled away a little to look at her, wiping away the strands of hair that hid her face. "I want to take care of you like you're the only girl in the world. There's not much room or freedom here for me to kiss you the way I want to."

"Sure."

Y/N smiled and got off his lap, straightening her own clothes while Mason put on his shirt and zipped up his pants. She jumped into the front seat first, and he went next.

"You have a day off tomorrow, don't you?"

"Yeah, why?" Mason replied, arranging the seat position. Y/N gave him a smile full of mischief, drumming her fingers on his shoulder.

"Nothing, just nice to know I didn't save energy for nothing."

Mason laughed and started the car, knowing that that night, he wouldn't sleep at all.

[daughterofhecata]

Da ich jetzt ins Bett gehe, das Update:

Who’s gonna take you home tonight? – 4775 words → 6029 words (+1254 words) COMPLETED + posted

Necessary Tragedies – 6710 words → 8191 words (+1481 words)

Kapitel 6 – 1605 words → 2721 words (+1116 words)

[sexting fic] – 2768 words → 2961 words (+193 words)

you walked into my life at 2am – 1377 words → 3274 words (+1897 words)

Music Box Blues → Die Stille der Nacht – 0 words → 2944 words COMPLETED

Kink January – 0 words, 0/31 fills → 8719 words, 9/35 fills completed

Cotta/Goodween locker room → because the night belongs to lovers – 1635 words → 3021 words (+1386 words) COMPLETED

Ripped At Every Edge – 2480 words → 2887 words (+407 words)

=> final word count: 19.397 words

Ich habe überhaupt keinen Vergleichswert! Auch wenn ich mir ziemlich sicher bin, dass ich in einem Monat schon deutlich mehr Text produziert habe - zumindest habe ich mich (größtenteils) an die vorausgewählten WIPs gehalten, drei davon beendet und schon ziemlich guten Fortschritt mit den Fills für Januar gemacht!

NaNo Project Pile

Ich klaue jetzt mal diese Idee von jemand anderen auf meinem Dash, weil ich definitiv weder Zeit noch Energie noch Inspiration habe, NaNoWriMo "richtig" zu machen, aber ich will und werde auf jeden Fall versuchen, ein paar Projekte fertig zu stellen oder zumindest gute Fortschritte zu machen.

Mal schauen, wie viel von diesen ich bis Ende des Monats tatsächlich schaffe.

Who's gonna take you home tonight? - Cotta/Bob, mostly pwp

Necessary Tragedies - Peter/Skinny, mein Versuch, miyais Hatef--k-series nahe zu kommen

Kapitel 6 von the perfect part about it is: it's all that i've got

[no title yet] - Cotta/Goodween sexting fic

you walked into my life at 2am - Skinny/Ty, inspiriert von MGKs my ex's best friend

Music Box Blues - Peter/Skinny, für den DDF fic Adventskalender auf ff.de

mit den Kink January ficlets anfangen - mehr Info dazu folgt ;)

[hottpinkpenguin]

Hey. Could you do a angsty and fluffy #4 + #10 with Cahir? ❤️

Into Stars

a/n: WOOHOO anon WOW this just about broke me to write (in the best way). love love love the combo of these prompts! let me know what you think!!! <3 <3 (**the angst is heavy y'all, proceed @ your own risk and don't say you weren't warned!) Characters: Cahir x WarriorFem!Reader (used y/n = your name) Word Count: 2480 | 9 min. read time Warnings: extremely graphic depictions of combat, blood, gore, major character death, MAJOR angst

You ignored the insistent banging on the doors to your chamber, focusing on lacing the leather bracers around your wrist. It was the last piece of your armor that needed to be donned before you were ready to join the battle waging outside the city gates.

“I swear to the Gods, y/n, if you do not open this door I will break it down!” Cahir’s voice was hoarse with rage outside your door. You didn’t doubt that he would break it down, but you couldn’t afford the distraction right now. Outside your window, you could see the night stars choked with smoke as the city below burned. White hot adrenaline shot through your veins like electricity.

“You may command the White Flame’s army, Cahir, but you do not command me!” you screamed back, finally securing your bracer at last. You grabbed the hilt of the scythe sword Cahir had gifted you last summer before he’d told you his heart belonged to another, unsheathing it and making for the door. You knew what you’d find on the other side when you opened it, but the ferocity with which he burst into your chamber took you by surprise nonetheless.

“What are you playing at!” he yelled, grabbing the sides of your face in his palms. His face glistened with sweat, and his hair was disheveled from battle. Across the breastplate of his armor, you saw several swipes of blood, and you noticed he was limping ever so slightly. He surveyed you from head to toe, taking in the sight of you in your unvarnished silver armor.

“Out of my way, Commander,” you snarled, making to move towards the open door. There were distant sounds of combat in the castle.

“You’re not going anywhere, y/n” Cahir snarled. His voice was quieter now, softer somehow, but still shaking with barely controlled emotion. It enraged you. You shot him a murderous look, your grip tightening like a vice on the hilt of your sword.

“I should ask you what you’re playing at, Cahir,” you spat back. You could feel the bitterness you’d swallowed down for the last year and a half until you’d almost choked on it bubbling up like boiling acid on your tongue. “You are neither my commander, nor my lover. I see no reason at all for you to concern yourself with my well-being.”

Your words landed heavily, and despite the intensifying din of battle in the halls outside your chambers, the silence between you was thick enough to suffocate in. Cahir took in a few heaving breaths as he returned your fiery gaze. The anger that had burned in his chocolate eyes when he’d first burst into the room was now replaced by something deeper. You had the unsettling sensation that you were looking into a bottomless chasm in his gaze, and you found you had to avert your eyes. Tears of anger clawed at your throat, and you clenched your jaw against them. You refused to cry - again - in front of this man.

The silence stretched longer between you. For an instant, you’d hoped he would say something. You would have settled for anything: him scolding you, him admitting you were right, an apology, a muttered plea for you not to fight, a command for you to leave with the rest of the ladies of the court through the secret tunnels. But it was becoming increasingly apparent that he was going to let you suffocate in his indifferent silence.

Disgusted with yourself for harboring a vain hope that maybe, just maybe, you’d see a flicker of the love he’d once held for you in this final goodbye, you shook your head and stepped again towards the door. Battle would do you a bit of good; death would save you the embarrassment of having to see him again, you thought darkly.

Before you’d taken a step, though, you felt his fingers come to rest feather-lightly on your wrist. His eyes bored into the floor, but his breathing was still ragged. You stopped, stunned.

“I still care for you,” he mumbled, so quietly you thought you’d misheard him. You took a stuttering step backwards. His fingers gripped your wrist more tightly, and he forced his eyes up to meet yours. You were dumbfounded to see tears pooling at his lash line, the mask of rage he’d worn a moment before now completely dissolved. All you saw now was desperation. You knew it well; you’d felt it ever since he’d cast you off for his mysterious lover in Aretuza. Your mouth fell open in a small ‘o’ as your heart threatened to break free of your ribs.

Almost as quickly as the moment had come, it was lost as the chaos of combat burst into your chamber. Three of Cahir’s men were pressed hotly by four of the invaders. One of Cahir’s men was bleeding freely from a spear in his thigh, and his face was a sickly shade of yellowish white as he struggled to stay upright. His comrades had the sluggish, delayed movements of soldiers long exhausted and at the edge of collapse as they parried against the vicious sword strokes of their opponents.

You and Cahir sprang into action quickly. Cahir, still keeping his grip on your wrist, pulled you behind him as he spun around, all signs of his limp gone. He raised his sword to connect with an opponent’s, the jarring metal-on-metal twang setting your teeth on edge. His men fell in line with him, emboldened by the sight of their commander, and pressed back on the enemies with renewed vigor.

The soldier with the spear protruding from his thigh, however, was too grievously injured to be of any use to the battle. You set to purpose as you saw the man sink to his knees. Looping your hands under his armpits, you dragged him backwards from the heavy fighting until he could lean against the back wall of your chamber. He was paler now, and you knew he was moments from bleeding out. You knelt beside him, looking into his eyes. He was young - no more than seventeen, you realized with a pang of grief - and he looked frightened. His eyes searched yours frantically as he struggled to remain conscious.

Gently, you laid one of your hands along his cheek, smiling sweetly at him in what you hoped was a calm and reassuring way.

“Sssh now,” you murmured gently. “Rest here awhile.” The boy’s eyes glazed over, but you saw the fear evaporate in them as he let out one final sighed breath before falling still. Allowing yourself one brief moment of repose, you closed his eyelids and sent a prayer to the Gods for his soul.

You could spare no more than that, however, before you felt the press of combat behind your back. Rising to your feet and turning to face your assailants, you saw Cahir step between you and one of the enemy about to strike you, his eyes blazing with ferocity as he drove his sword hilt-deep into the man’s gut. The man let out a gurgled cry of pain as blood pooled in his mouth, spilling down his chin as his eyes fogged over and death took him.

From the doorway at the opposite end of the room, you saw with a sinking sensation in your chest that three more men ran in to join the melee, and the crest emblazoned on their chests was not that of your country. Down now to you, Cahir, and the other two soldiers – weakened and exhausted – you felt a grim sense of determination seep into your muscles. There was now no hope of beating the enemy; your only chance was to hold them off and wait for reinforcements, although you weren’t certain any would come.

You stepped forward, now shoulder to shoulder with Cahir, your sword drawn as you proceeded to engage one of the newly entered enemies. He was, thankfully, a slender man and the sword arm of his light blue tunic was soaked with blood from a gash in his shoulder.

Sensing an opportunity, you struck out with your sword, making contact with his shoulder close to his existing wound. He recoiled in pain, his arm falling limply, his sword along with it. He reflexively dropped the shield in his other hand to grasp at his wounded shoulder. In an instant, you saw your chance, and he saw his mistake. He tried to summon what little strength he had left in his sword arm to block the thrust of your blade, but he was not quick enough. You sliced the killing edge of your weapon decisively against his throat, and you did not need to watch the life extinguish in his eyes to know that it was a mortal blow.

“Y/N! No!”

In the same moment you heard Cahir’s shriek of fear, you saw the blur out of the corner of your eye. Raising your sword high over your head, you pivoted to face the oncoming assailant, but this time it was you who was too slow. You felt your enemy’s blade sink into your side, grating against your ribs with a sickening crunch. Your entire body erupted into blistering, white hot pain. Disoriented, you sank to your knees as your opponent withdrew his blade. Through the haze of pain and your blurred eyes, you felt Cahir straddle over you as you crumpled to the ground and lock sword with the man who’d stuck you with staggering ferocity.

You fought to keep from sliding into darkness as you pawed aimlessly at the wound on your side. You’d been a medic in the army of Nilfgaard long before you’d learned how to fight, and you’d seen enough wounds to know this would kill you. Gingerly, you looked down at your hands. The blood staining your palms and armor was so dark it was almost black; another sign of your pending death. As if from far away, your mind considered the scene with a scientific dispassion.

The sounds of battle above you mingled with the sounds of Cahir’s guttural screaming as he plowed onward into the fray, hacking and slashing with animalistic brutality. The soldier who’d dealt your destiny fell in a dull thud, bleeding out from a rib-to-sternum gash Cahir had dealt him.

The ceiling of your chamber rippled as parts of your mind sank under the surface of unconsciousness. The pain was strangely gone now, and your whole body felt cold. You focused only on your breathing - ragged and irregular. That distant, observing piece of your mind begged you to hold on. For what exactly, you weren’t sure…

Moments slid by. Time felt warped. You weren’t sure how long you forced labored breaths in and out of your body, and you couldn’t tell anymore if the sounds of combat were indeed less now or if you were simply losing grasp of your senses. Your sight seemed to fade in and out, like a fire whipped almost to the point of being extinguished by a cold wind.

Suddenly, you registered something. A change in your body’s position. You blinked sluggishly, trying to force your mind to read the scene in front of your eyes. A face, brown eyes. They were looking into yours, tears spilling from them down strongly cut cheekbones. A handsome mouth twisted into a cry of pain.

Cahir, the distant part of your mind called to you. The name echoed in your head.

“Cahir,” you managed to choke out hoarsely. He sobbed in a mixture of relief and grief to see you still clinging feebly to life.

“My love, don’t go. Please, no. Y/n, no.” His words were a senseless string of babbling pleading as he tenderly removed your helmet, brushing your mussed hair from the sides of your face. His touch had a strange quality to it: it felt as if his two hands were in fact a million, caressing over every square inch of your form instead of just your hairline and temples - the result of your quickly fading faculties, no doubt.

“We didn’t have enough time,” he wept, his voice fracturing and his eyes burning with tears as he gently cradled your head in his lap. He could see the bright hues of your irises dulling to the distinctive dark gray shade indicative of death. He had only moments now. You smiled weakly up at him, your eyes adrift as your gaze faded in and out of focus. “I can’t live without you. I love you,” he whimpered, his head bowing against your chest.

Your last remaining flicker of comprehension processed his words. Marshaling what little strength you had left, you forced words out of your throat. You hoped they were intelligible - your tongue felt swollen and thick and it wouldn’t cooperate with your lips.

“With my death today, you’ll start a new life tomorrow.” It was a line from an ancient Redanian prayer your mother used to recite with you each night when you were younger. It wasn’t something you thought of often, but it surfaced from the sinking recesses of your memory now, at the doorstep of death.

Cahir lifted his head from your chest, struggling to put space between his sobs as he looked into your fading eyes.

“Even if I had a thousand lifetimes to live, the one I lived with you would be my best,” he whispered fervently. It was the traditional Redanian response to the prayer for the dying, which Cahir hadn’t realized you’d known. He realized now that he would never know the full extent of what you’d heard, seen, felt, or loved in your life. There was no way to ask you, no way to tell you of his feelings, no way to share a sunrise or a meal or a winter’s storm together. There would be nothing new for the two of you; you’d live now only in Cahir’s memories.

Cahir leaned down to kiss your lips one last time while they were still warm with life. He felt something deep inside him splinter as he did so. His hands shook and he felt as if he were collapsing in a hole that had opened in the center of his chest.

When he looked back up to your eyes, he saw you were gone. He wished for a great many things, and the weight of those wishes crumbled into that single moment took his breath away. He wished he’d never left you, he wished he’d never lied to you about giving his heart away, he wished he hadn’t taught you to fight, he wished for another day, another moment with you, one more chance to hear your voice, to see the sunlight in your hair, to feel your body under his.

But most of all, he hoped you’d heard him before sinking into the stars…