#would be more certain of 5 if i lived on the side closer to it

[seumyo]

todoroki shouto and his 8-month-old son having identical pouty faces.

It becomes trouble when your husband and 8-month-old son are quiet as you’re about to finish preparing dinner. You could sense it, like a superpower you could only unlock when you reached a certain milestone in life.

“It’s just a piece of soft biscuit. Maybe we can give him only a little—“

“No, Shou.”

You had only denied your son a snack once, and yet, the betrayal in his big, watery eyes made it seem like you had committed an unforgivable crime.

Your eight-month-old son, snug in Todoroki’s arms, was pouting hard—his chubby cheeks puffed out, lips trembling, and his tiny hands curled into fists against his father’s chest. Tears clung to his thick lashes, threatening to spill at any moment. He was the very image of pitiful distress.

And Todoroki?

He wasn’t much better.

He’s holding your son with an almost identical expression—unmistakably sulking, his lips pressed together in silent protest (but he knew he could never win this war against you). It didn’t help that your son was his near-perfect replica, down to the way his tiny eyebrows furrowed in quiet displeasure. The only major difference was this little boy inherited your eyes.

Thank the heavens, because you almost came to the conclusion that Todoroki reproduced by himself via asexual reproduction.

Because it was dangerous how alike they looked.

You crossed your arms, unimpressed. “Oh, come on. It was just one snack.”

Todoroki’s grip on your son shifted slightly as he responded, voice flat but clearly displeased. “It was just a small piece.”

The baby, as if understanding that his father was taking his side, whimpered softly and nuzzled closer to his father’s chest, letting out a tiny, heart-wrenching sniffle.

“Dinner is literally a minute away. He’ll survive.”

“He might starve and lose his healthy body,” Todoroki tells you warily.

“Shou, take one good look at our son. He’s chubbier than any of his older cousins, plus, we feed him formula 5 times a day, he eats solid food twice, and even gets a snack when he wakes up from his naps—so don’t tell me he’ll starve when he eats more than we do combined.”

Your husband didn’t argue further, but his silence spoke volumes. He gently rubbed your son’s back, sighing as the little boy let out another sniffle. You knew this game—Todoroki might not be saying anything, but his entire posture screamed, “I think you’re being unfair, but I won’t push it… even though I’m clearly upset.”

“The pouting isn’t going to work on me.”

Todoroki blinked, expression unchanged. “I’m not pouting.”

“You are,” you told him. “And he’s just copying you.”

At that, he finally glanced down at the baby in his arms. Your son blinked up at him, sniffling again before sticking his bottom lip out in an exaggerated pout.

They stared at each other for a long moment.

“…I think this is just his natural expression,” Todoroki finally said, deadpan.

“Uh-huh. I don’t think we’ll ever need a DNA test to prove that he’s yours.”

“Why would we need a DNA test when I’m the only man you’ve ever been with? And our son also looks like me—“

“Oh, Shou. It was a joke,” you sigh lovingly.

“Oh.”

Todoroki hummed, shifting your son slightly so he could wipe away a stray tear from the baby’s cheek. “Your mother is strict,” he murmured, speaking softly to him as if he wasn’t right in front of you. “Very heartless.”

“Excuse me?”

The baby hiccupped, seemingly agreeing.

Todoroki glanced up at you, the slightest hint of amusement evident in his eyes. “It’s true.”

You let out a disbelieving laugh. “Unbelievable. If I left meals to you, he’d be living off of cold soba and whatever random snacks you keep in the fridge.”

Todoroki didn’t deny it (for the most part).

“But I do take cooking classes now...”

“Mhm.”

He gently bounced your son in his arms, his gaze softening as your baby yawned, snuggling closer to his chest now that the dramatics had settled.

You sighed, stepping forward and pressing a kiss to the top of your son’s head. “You’ll thank me later, little pouty boy,” you murmured before glancing up at your husband. “And you—stop ganging up on me with him.”

“I didn’t do anything,” he replied, completely straight-faced.

You gave him a knowing look. “Uh-huh.”

A comfortable silence settled between you before you turned back to the stove, giving the curry one last stir. “Dinner’s ready.”

He smiled. “Finally.”

You shot him a playful glare, though there was no real heat behind it. You took your son from his arms, adjusting him on your hip before pressing a small kiss to his chubby cheek.

“Alright, come on, little pouty boy.”

Todoroki followed closely behind. “Which one?”

You laughed at that.

“Both of you.”

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[bear-yawns]

　𝗣𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗧, 𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗘𝗣𝗬 𝗖𝗔𝗧.　oscar piastri · #81

　　　your boyfriend loves to take naps, and occasionally, you decide to join him.

genres : fluff ... established relationship.　word count : 0.7k.　warnings : none.　 note : my first official f1 fic!! super excited but also nervous to be posting this :') it's the start of a new era <3　　　( masterlist )　( taglist )

Oscar took the chance to nap whenever he could. The constant jetlag messed up his sleep schedule throughout the entire season, so when his body felt tired and there was even 5 minutes to spare, he would take the chance. Lando, not missing any opportunity to tease him about something, said it was because he was still going through growth spurts at twenty-three. 

Given your boyfriend’s habit and love for sleep, you often arrived to see him completely knocked out, whether in the garage, hotel room, or at home. It was endearing, and you had your own way of finding enjoyment in his habit. For instance, your camera roll was overflowing with sleepy Oscar pics; excellent blackmail material if you ever needed it, but most often, you just looked at them whenever you missed him. But your favourite part of it all was waking him up.

Tousling his hair, poking his cheek, booping his nose, kissing his forehead or lips— your methods were practically endless. A lovesick smile was permanently stuck on your face whenever you heard the groggy mumbles he let out as he woke up or saw his scrunched up face at the feeling of your touch. There was a certain charm to all his clumsy, loserish habits, contrasting so starkly with his confidence on track. There were many sides to Oscar, and you had fallen in love with all of them over the years.

It was around 2PM when you opened the door to your apartment, grocery bags in hand. It had been a day full of miscellaneous errands that you had kept putting off, one of which was stocking up on Oscar’s favourite snacks. Now that the 2024 season was finished and he was back home with you— yours for the next four months— you wanted to cook him some of his favourite meals. You had expected to see Oscar in the kitchen or living room, as he usually was. But the house was unusually quiet as you put away food in the fridge. Though, one look into your bedroom told you where he had been hiding.

After knowing Oscar since you were teenagers, it was unsurprising to you when you found him fast asleep on your bed, hugging your pillow to his chest. You smiled at the sight, figuring he must still be struggling to adjust back to the timezone. With you gone first thing in the morning, there wasn’t anything to keep him awake, either. It was no secret that Oscar was the clingier of you two (quite a problem when it came to races conflicting with your schedule), and for all the hoodies and shirts of his that you stole, he liked your pillows. 

The mere sight of your boyfriend comfortably cosied under the blankets on the bed had you starting to feel drowsy yourself. You hesitated for a second about whether to wake him up, join him, or leave him entirely and drink another cup of coffee to get through the day. But you realized quickly that more than anything, you missed his touch the last couple days. Cuddles to sleep was all you craved for. So with all hesitation gone, you climbed up on the bed, easily slipping your arms around Oscar’s waist, hugging his back. The movement was enough to wake him, and he blinked, slightly dazed as he turned around in your arms. 

“You’re back,” he mumbled, words barely above a whisper before he closed his eyes again like a cat squinting in the sun. You giggled, adjusting the pillows as Oscar nuzzled closer to you. “You smell nice… did you get a new perfume?” 

You smiled, closing your eyes as well as Oscar wrapped his arms around your waist and your hands found their way to his hair. “I did. It’s peach. You like it?” He hummed in confirmation. “Still jet lagged?”

A gentle squeeze from Oscar was all the answer you got, but it was all you needed to understand. With the scent of your perfume, your hands threading through his hair, and a soft kiss pressed to his lips, he was already falling back into his dreamland. You soon followed, wrapped in his arms; close, content, and comfortable.

[orphicsun]

Ellie x reader who’ve been dating a few years, and Ellie tries to propose 5 times but keeps getting interrupted, until for the 6th time, she proposes while in the middle of fucking ?? 💕💕

content: cheesy fluff, 18+ content, scissoring, loser Ellie(ish) content FINALLYYY

Ellie was patient at her best and pacing at her worst. She didn't like rushing things that were most beautiful in development. The process of a fuzzy caterpillar emerging from its cocoon and spreading its wet wings in the midst of the entire sky for it to explore, the beauty of childhood, the process of learning a skill like art or playing the guitar. Good things took time.

Your relationship was inarguably one of the most beautiful things to ever exist. Ellie looked back at the years of change between the two of you. The honeymoon phase never seemed to wear off, still giggling as your lips smushed together in kisses soft like warm, freshly-baked cookies and getting the nervous jitters before a nice date.

You both couldn't get enough of each other through the hardships, the times when you didn't agree with each other and needed space. The challenges of when you had first moved in with Ellie and when you had to adjust to each other's lives. You were no magically perfect couple, and that is what made Ellie love the relationship even more if it were. The disagreements and the road-bumps, the stress over money or things out of your control only brought the two of you closer together, as if Ellie were a red magnet and you were completely blue. Ellie would've taken the worst with you over the best with anyone else, and that thought was what resulted in the purchase of engagement ring.

The thought wasn't on a special date or in one of the moments you were tangled up in bed together, but when she was actually in her solitude. You weren't clocking out 'till 3 pm sharp today, and Ellie was in a state of pathetic yearning. She kept random moments in her brain and stored them for times like these, when you weren't near for her to stare at and wonder how she got so lucky. It was a blurry conjuring in her head, a moment when you were folding the laundry and threw a rag at her head. And suddenly, she thought that thought. She couldn't imagine anyone else throwing a rag at her head. And so, Ellie took it upon herself to find the ring that would shine on your hand like it belonged there, something you'd enjoy looking at while sitting at your desk job 40 miles from home. Ellie wouldn't be like one of the men who bought their wife a ring that she had never shared an interest for.

Then came the 6 trials, as Ellie loved to jokingly call them. The first was a product of her own nerves—sweaty hands and a pricey, velvet box didn't suit well with the girl. She planned a date at a botanical garden and lead you through, but her never-ending adoration for you was what got her. Her inability to say no to you.

Walking up the bridge, she stopped. She tapped your shoulder, humming a small "babe.." for your ears to pick up on the nerves in her tone.

You turned around, and that is when Ellie choked. Your hair swayed in the slight, cool breeze of wind. The sunlight reflected the shine of it in certain areas, and lightened it up in others. Your eyes squinted in avoidance of sun, but your smile was bright. You were looking at her. She stuttered and stumbled like a fool until your eyes suddenly lit up and changed course of direction towards a hibachi truck on the other side of the park.

"Babe! Do you have some cash on you? I really want some california rolls." You tugged at her sleeve and Ellie was already gunning for her leather wallet in the pocket of her jeans.

The last four times were all mostly the same. A nice date like a picnic in a park she drove a while aways from home for, a reservations at a Brazilian steakhouse you rambled on about, the botanical garden (again), and her last desperate attempt was at an art museum both of you were excited for.

Everytime it was something different. The timing wasn't right, or the waiter came back with the appetizers or bill. The second garden trip was because the two of you ran into Jesse and Dina before she could even pat down the box in her pocket and assure herself that she would go through with it. Her nerves only worsened each discouragement.

The sixth trial was accidental. She had initially planned another reservation, this time at a high-end steakhouse in the urban parts of your city. It was a week away, and Ellie was living life just fine.

It was still a week away, and the two of you were in bed together late in the night. Ellie's body was pressed against yours with much intimacy, warm tits pressed together and your legs tangled underneath sweaty sheets Ellie would throw off the bed later.

"Fuck, babe. You feel so good." Ellie murmured against your neck while she indulged herself in the heat that emitted from it. She enjoyed your scent and smothering your softness in loving kisses. Her leg hitched up over yours, aligning your cunts as closely as possible before sinking down.

The moan she tore from your throat made her heart pitter-patter, and her hips jolted forward, her clit catching on yours.

"Mhm.." you mumbled lazily, in your own state of bliss. You'd had another long day of work, but the sleepiness didn't stop you from wanting Ellie like this.

"Can I kiss you, babe?" Ellie requested, already moving her peachy lips from your neck.

Your slow nod lead to the sloppy kisses that got Ellie really wet. You felt it against your own pussy, your girlfriend writhing on top of you and dripping both of you onto the sheets. She humped your pussy as if she were catching a heat, not paying any attention to the shlick sounds that caused a vulnerable red in your cheeks until it became one of those things that really fucked with her.

Her mouth pulled from yours despite your small whine of protest, opting to rant out what she wouldn't normally say. "Fuck..feels so fuckin' good. I need to fuck you like this tomorrow. Can I please, please fuck you just like this tomorrow night?" You didn't get the chance to nod—"You feel so warm, like my own little space heater. I could keep you forever, you know." She gave you earnest, but sloppy movements, making you need more while also getting off on her heightened sense of pleasure.

"Yeah, Els. That's nice-"

"Just marry me already." Ellie blurted from her lips, immediately freezing on top of you. When she went still and rose from your laid form, you tapped her shoulder. You sat up, lifting the blanket over your tits as a reaction to the nerves she caused.

"Ellie..? Did you mean that?"

"Well, yes..I've been meaning to say it for a while." She admitted quietly.

Your heart was racing faster than moments ago, and you cupped her face to turn it towards you. "You really mean that? You wanna marry me, too?"

Ellie didn't miss the implication of that. "You wanna marry me?"

"Yes!" You hugged her, completely missing that Ellie was asking in a different way and not in a proposing way, but nevermind that.

Ellie tugged your hips and you move into her lap, melting in her arms. You both giggled like during the very first kiss back in Ellie's hand-me-down BMW, and she smothered your cheeks in soft, wet kisses while holding you close.

"You know, I was gonna propose on our next date. I made the reservation and everything."

"Celebratory dinner?" You suggested, wrapping your arms around her until they can spread over her bare back.

"Yeah, sure. Or..you could be my celebratory dinner." Ellie grinned at your surprise, and flips you back onto the bed to lay for her, already leaving giddy kisses down your body.

taglist: @witzs, @bewareofmyglock, @ruelezz, @mitskimisfit, @g4ys0n. Taglist form here

[bumblebriez]

Love Stricken (PT.1)

(Gojo Satoru x Chubby!Fem!Reader)

(PT.2) (P.T.3) (P.T.4) (P.T.5)

⚠️⚠️⚠️: Smutty smutty smut, Swearing. Drinking. Gojo in loooove

Never in a million years would you think, you'd catch the eyes of a certain jujutsu sorcerer but you did and with that came alot of consequences. That you would eventually find out the hard way.

Your parents vanished a good couple of years ago with no knowledge of why and where, leaving you; the eldest, to care and provide for your younger siblings. Being responsible and forgetting about the life you used to live, you felt lost. Struggling a lot with your self worth.

Your best friend took it upon herself to finally get you to live your life a little more by taking you out on the town for a night.

But you found that night was the start of your downfall.

I plan to turn this into a series eventually and this is also the first time I'm writing in a third person, so there could be a few mistakes not to mention the spelling and grammar might be a little baaad. I'll try to fix them when I can. I'm also not the greatest at writing descriptions.

********

********

"See? Didn't I tell you, you would have fun." Your best friend shouted over the loud booming club music and the noises of the on going clubbers.

You rolled your eyes slightly, head lightly bobbing to the music as you took a sip from the straw in your drink, vodka and cranberry was your drink of choice. It definitely wasn't your first but after the persistent nagging from your bestie to actually drink something alcoholic, you went with the safe one.

"Yeah I loved the fact that I already have a migraine!" You shouted back, eyes squinting from the bright strobe lights.

From the moment you walked in on the party scene, you felt like you were being watched, as soon as your foot hit the concrete floor. You couldn't pinpoint where or who but you could feel their glaze burn holes into you, perhaps it was just the swarm that surrounded you, you couldn't tell.

"You are so dull now! You use to love going out!" You watched as Zariah downed the two shots she had ordered for herself, deciding it'll be better to not delay the inevitable.

"That was before I had kids to look after." She pouted slightly, her hand gripping your shoulder, moving closer to your ear.

"That's why you need to enjoy yourself tonight! Get fucked up, maybe even get fucked? Hmmm~" you shake your head, giggling nervously slightly at the continuous pressure. It was her plan all along. Getting you out there, finding a short distraction from what you were dealing with currently.

You twirled your straw around in your drink, pushing the Ice to the different sides of the glass.

"Stop thinking about them. They will be fine! Rast will be taking great care of them! He wants you to enjoy your night too."

Truth is.. Ever since your parents disappeared, leaving no trace behind except other children they forgot about for you to look after; to become their legal guardian. You have not had much time to yourself.

The years started to flicker by and the realisation started to set in that this was your life now. Your parents were not coming back. They were your kids now. It's a hard pill to swallow and frankly not one you were interested in but what else could you do? You felt obligated to care and provide for your siblings.

The more you worried about your siblings, the more you lost yourself. Your confidence had plummeted and your self image was shattered. Though you wouldn't let anyone know. The looks those skinny tan gorgeous girls would give you as you passed them on the street, did not go unnoticed.

The small remarks guys would leave you to ponder over, never far from your mind.

The comments you received from a previous ex, picking at your self esteem, your self confidence; resided in your core constantly.

You'd never show them that it affected you. You held your head high, trying to fake the confidence you once had.

But when you get home, it was a different story. In the privacy of your own bedroom was when the waterworks started. The constant peering in the mirror, pointing out all the differences between you and other girls. Comparing yourself and wishing for things that were in your eyes imperfections, just to go away.

You were happy alone. At least that's what you told yourself. You didn't need a guy. Especially when you looked like you.

Maybe sometimes you're too hard on yourself. Maybe.

"I don't mean to weird you out but that gooorgeous man has been eyeing you for ages." Zariah broke you out of your zoning, pointing slightly in the direction behind you.

"Consider me weirded out. Don't be silly. You mean eyeing you?" You didn't even bothered turning around to follow, he clearly wasn't looking at you. Maybe at someone who was further down the bar. If not your gorgeous best friend.

You can't seem to help yourself though, your eyes peek around before you could even react, a quick subtle peek.

You flick over the crowd of different people, trying to find the guy your best friend was talking about, until your eyes finally land on who you were looking for.

She wasn't lying.

He was *chefs kiss*

And he was already looking at you.

You couldn't see his eyes since they were hiding behind a pair of low sunglasses. His hair was almost pure white, reflecting off the neon lights that scattered around the room.

A white button up shirt with the a few of the buttons undone, sleeves pushed up to his elbows; drink resting in his longer slender fingers.

Your eyes widen as he tipped his glass at you, a devilish grin resting on his lips.

You quickly faced your best friend returning to raised eyebrows and a cheeky smirk.

"Don't even say anything." You growled, feeling almost foolish that a man of that pristine stature could be even interested in something like you.

Zariah held her hands up in defence "I wasn't gonna but he is fine." She took a slow gulp from her drink, eyes avoiding my glaze.

"You have a boyfriend." You watched her roll her eyes at you, placing her cup back down on the harden wood. "I can still appreciate a good looking guy or a girl for that matter." Her eyebrows wiggled aggressively causing you to sigh dramatically, resting your elbow on the bar; chin resting in the palm of your hand.

Just as you were about to take another sip of your drink, Zariah's eyes widen slightly before spinning around in her chair facing away from you; back in full view.

Before you could even ask what her problem was, you felt a presence appear behind you; them looming over you.

"What's a nice place like you doing in a girl like this?" You stifled a chuckle that tried to escape your throat as you turned to face the new comer, realising it was the guy you were previously checking out. Allegedly.

He leant against the bar, resting on his elbow, his full attention and glaze set on your form. That devilish grin still resting on his lips. Making you feel almost uneasy. Under pressure almost.

"Wow. How many girls have you used that one liner on?"

He tilted his head slightly, his glasses slipping down the bridge of his nose, his eyes peering from behind them. They were stunning. The brightest blue you had ever seen. It was reflecting an ocean. Unnaturally glistening, the specks of colour flowing like a river. Maybe it was just the lightning or maybe you are already tipsy from one drink.

"Was waiting to use it on the right girl." You hummed before taking a sip from your straw, fingers pressed tightly at the tip, your eyes never leaving his as you look at him with doe eyes.

"How charming of you." You smirked moving the empty glass away from you.

"I'm Satoru Gojo but you can call me Satoru. What about you gorgeous?" He pressed with a light flick of his head, his tongue wetting his lips.

"Just Y/n." You felt a slight heat starting to form within your face, this Satoru was clearly flirting with you and you had no idea how to take it. This felt a little be overwhelming for you. He was drop dead handsome and he was showing some sort of interest in you.

"Well 'Just Y/n' can I buy you another drink?" You don't say anything as you look down at your empty glass before giving a nod.

You both sit there for a couple moments more, just small talking as you take your time sipping away at your drink. A laugh here and a giggle there as Satoru throws a joke your way; slowly opening you up, allowing you to get comfortable in his presence. Completely forgetting you did not come here by yourself.

Gojo quickly downs the rest of his drink before his eyes fall on you once more "Do you wanna dance?"

Your breathing hitched slightly at the invitation, Satoru was already moving before you could even respond, pulling you by your hand through the crowds and on to the dance floor.

He placed your hand on his shoulder, placing his own large hands on your hips, guiding them to the rhythm of the music. Your arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer, chest pressing against chest.

A small sweet smile made its way to your lips as you stare up at the much taller man through your eyelashes.

You started to feel a bit exposed, your eyes moved around the room, briefly looking at all the different couples that surrounded the two of you. You caught a few glimpses of a cluster of girls that weren't that far from you, noises scrunched up at you, giggling as they spoke to each other, watching you with envy. It was frankly very uncomfortable.

Fed up with the looks, you pulled back from Satoru abruptly "I'm sorry, I can't-." You muttered more to yourself than him.

But just as turned around, back facing the towering man, he grabs you by your wrist, pulling you back kind of aggressively into his chest.

Your ass press up against him, his hands resting on your hips, digging in slightly to hold you there.

"Don't think about them. Think about me." He whispered in your ear, sending cold shivers down your spine causing goosebumps all over your skin. A quiet gasp leaves your lips at the suggesting tone.

"Think about the way I'm pressed up against you." Our hips moved in a slow dance, his hands guiding me to grind against him.

"Think about the way my hands feel." Your eyes fluttered closed as one of his hands traced your prominent curves over the fabric of your dress, pulling it up slightly when he gets to your thighs, exposing some hidden skin.

"The way my lips feeling on your skin." His teeth grazed your ear lobe, moving to your neck to leave soft burning pecks on your skin, a very small whimper comes from you from the actions.

Your head lobbed back against his shoulder, allowing more access for him. Your skin was burning from the kisses. the touches.

You continue to grind against him, feeling more turned on by the minute. Especially hearing the shutters from his throat when you rub him the right way, making you uncontrollably wet.

"My god. You're intoxicating." He breathed out as he held you against him, tighter. His hand moving up your body, painfully slowly before gripping gently on to your neck, using a ringed finger to push your chin in his direction.

You let out a soft noise as your lips were in proximity of each other, you could feel the essence of where his lips need to be; hovering.

"Think about how our lips feel..." he press a soft peck on your lips before capturing your bottom lip in between his teeth. You couldn't help the noise that flowed out of you. This was so.. hot. He was hot. He was making you hot.

You leaned up to press your lips to his, nearly almost fed up with the teasing. Both of you move in sync with each other, Satoru's hand still holding your neck with no pressure. Keeping you aligned with him as your mouths explore each others; His rings leaving a cold sensation as they graze your skin.

"Wanna get out of here?" He mumbled against your lips, kissing you after each word. You smiled slightly as much as you could.

"Yes please Satoru." A slight groan came from the milky skinned man, pulling you even harder against him. "I'm loving hearing you say my name baby." A little giggle escaped your lips as he nuzzled his nose with yours.

As you both rushed through the bodies on bodies, you leave Satoru alone for just a minute while he ordered an Uber, leaving you to remember why you were here and who you were with.

"Damn. I mean damn. You better be coming over to tell me, you're going home with him." Zariah exclaimed already holding out your belongings as you made your way over to her with a bright smile on your face.

Without saying too much, you quickly lay a fresh kiss on her cheek "I'll see you tomorrow." Your best friend let out a squeal of excitement, watching your retreating form.

"Fucking finally. He better fuck her good." Zariah mumbled to herself before downing the rest of her drink. Accomplished her mission and ready to go home.

You and Satoru walk out of the club, fingers intertwined. Immediately spotting our ride. He leads you towards the SUV, opening the door open for you. Like a gentleman.

You express your appreciation before hoping in and moving over to the other side, mumbling a quick greeting to the driver.

Gojo closes the door behind him once he jumps in, scooting closer to you, not even bothering to put a seatbelt on; which the driver doesn't enforce either.

Frankly he wasn't all too bothered with keeping a conversation but that didn't seem to stop the man who was inviting you back to his.

"Had a busy night so far?" Gojo asked the driver as he wrapped an arm around your shoulder, pulling you closer to him, his other hand resting on your thigh.

You couldn't focus on both of the men conversing when Satoru hands was rubbing patterns into your skin, starting to go high and closer to where was needed to be touched. Teasing you.

You tried to control your breath, ignoring the neediness you were currently experiencing. You pressed a hand on his chest, coming to rest your head. Your eyes still stuck on his dangerous hand.

Your jaw clenched as his hand did in fact go higher, biting your lip as you feel his index finger press against the fabric of your panties; causing you to seize up.

Your eyes look to Satoru, witnessing a cheeky smirk resting on his lips as he continues to chat with the Uber driver. Feigning innocence.

Your eyes started to roll to the back of your head when he continued to rub at your clothed cunt. Your panties becoming wetter and wetter the more he pushed. You started to bite your finger knuckle to hold in any noises that might try to escape you.

You couldn't believe he would even try to do this right in the middle of this car ride, thankfully you were out of view. At least you hoped..

You started to bite harder when his finger pushed aside your panties and swiped at your slick folds, subconsciously you opened your legs wider for him. Scooting down so you were hanging off the seat.

The biting got harder when he plunged a finger past your walls, pumping in and out slowly. Curling in the right spot. His other hand was ghosting over the skin on your shoulders, causing you to shiver while being fingered in the backseat of this strangers truck.

"Ahh shit. Sorry guys. Just gotta make a quick stop. Didn't realise I was low on gas."

"No worries man. You do you." Gojo spoke up still pumping his finger into you, slightly picking up the pace but still managing to conceal you.

The very moment the man jumped out of the car, letting you guys know he'll only be a few minutes, Satoru turned to you, pushing your legs apart further "Two minutes, That's all I need."

You let out the moans you had been holding in, gripping on to his forearm as his pace became aggressive. Nothing you have felt with any man. He was hitting the right spot over and over again with his long fingers. One you honestly didn't think you had. If he kept at this, you were definitely going to cum. Which shocked you to your core.

"Who knew you were so dirty. Letting me do this to you at the chance of getting caught." He moan slightly, adding another finger to the mix. Curling up wards, pulling a quiet cry from you.

"Holy shit-" you whimpered as you felt electricity spreading throughout your body, his fingers felt so nice inside you. Gliding in and out of your wet pussy, the squelching noises were more prominent now.

"You're already so wet.. probably making a mess on these leather seats. I turn you on that much huh? God you're fucking hot." A deep growl erupted from his throat as his fingers continued to plunge deeper. Faster.

"You gonna cum? You gonna cum on these fingers? I want you too. Cum for me baby." Not only was the pleasure on a whole another level, the shock was too. How was it possible that this guy could very much bring you to the edge in five minutes? This was nothing you had ever experienced before and you are only just getting started.

You couldn't even form words, that's how bad the effect was, they only came out in moans and whines. You were nearly over the edge, stars were appearing in your vision. You squeezed harder on his forearm, nails digging deeper as you started your ascent.

"Oh fuck- I'm gonna- shit." You babbled out, your legs started to quiver as you felt yourself approaching the high, Satoru had brought you too only using his fingers.

"That's it baby. Cum all over these fingers, all over the seats." His words quite literally brought you to the edge, you felt your walls clenched around his fingers, starting to flail against him. He let out a low groan feeling you tighten around his fingers, his cock was becoming uncomfortable hard through his pants; just at the sight of you alone. The thought of you cumming on his cock. Squeezing him so nicely. Gojo was excited.

Excited to fuck the shit out of you.

Your mouth formed an O as you felt the orgasm wash over, leaving you a panting mess. You were left with no words. Completely and utterly stunned. You've never came so fast or so hard  in your life, not even by your fingers and certainly not by a man.

Satoru pressed a sweet kiss on your temple before pulling his fingers out, a small sob leaving your mouth at the bareness. He lifted his fingers to his mouth before eagerly sucking your juices off.

"Mmm. So sweet." You honestly thought you would cum again. This was so embarrassing to you. You were so hot and turned on. You honestly just wanted to fuck him right here and now, not even caring if the driver came back or not. You were becoming inpatient.

It seemed Satoru felt the same way, once he caught a glimpse of your dilated pupils, your face covered in need, he knew he was in for a long night. Satoru smirked dangerous before pressing his fingers up to your lips, not needing to wait too long when you didn't even hesitate to open, sucking contentedly on his fingers. Loving the feeling as your tongue twirled around them.

"Oh fuck-" Satoru shuttered with a slight roll of his eyes, you were something else.

Thank goodness for blacked out windows..

The driver came back, finally for what felt like hours to you, returning on the path to the destination in question.

You sat there completely dazed, thinking of what had just transpired. Trying to ignore your juices that were oozing out of you. While Satoru was whispering sweet nothings in your ear, his hand was lying in your lap and you were just playing with his fingers, his rings. The fingers that just made you have possibly the best orgasm of your life but you definitely knew that was going to change. Real quick.

But a thought couldn't help but sneak in and ruin your buzzed feeling.

How many girls has he made cum with these hands. Said the same shit too. You weren't special. You were just that, another girl to get his dick wet.

But you shouldn't care, this was only fun. This is only suppose to be a hook up. No matter if he made you feel like the only girl in the world for the night. He was good at was he does. He was good at making you feel good in more ways than physical.

The drive felt like hours, you felt like you were losing your mind as Satoru's hands were exploring your body. Trying to push aside the unsettling feeling when he brushed over your extra layers.

From the outside it seemed he didn't even care that you were a larger woman but what worried you was what he was thinking. Your head was full of intrusive thoughts.

Did he really find you attractive?

When he looked at you did he see something more?

Was he disgusted?

Was he regretting this and just being nice?

Far far out of your league.

Little did you know, Gojo Satoru found you absolutely beautiful. All six of his eyes spotted you as soon as you stepped foot in the establishment.

You were positively delicious.

He just had to have you.

And now he does. He couldn't be more happy.

"I can hear those cogs turning in that pretty head of yours." You looked towards Satoru, forcing a smile as he gently brushed his knuckle across your jaw. A small sweet smile resting on his lips; his face close to yours.

"You're really attractive." You simply said, taking in his features properly, getting a clearer picture. Away from all of bright and flashing lights.

His eyes were more sparkling than before, you found yourself looking away every now again, afraid you'd be put under a spell. Not that you'd would mind anyway..

His bone structure was out of this world, it's like he was sculpted by a god or maybe he was just a god.

He was uncomfortably ravishing.

"Mmm I get that a lot. I'm pretty hot. But you." Your eyes widen a little at his comment, not sure how to take it. His hand cupped your cheek, his eyes peering into yours.

"You are crazy fucking hot. That curvy body is going to be the death of me. I mean.. I'd die a happy man in between those thighs." You bite your bottom lip, completely speechless. This man was turning you to putty and no matter how much your body was trying to tell you he was lying. You knew deep down he meant every word.

You were shell shocked.

And unbelievably horny.

The wait was over, you had arrived at the destination. Your eyes glazed over the very large and lavish apartment complex. A completely different place to where you resided. A decently ran down 4 bedroom home that you were pretty positive was still full of mold, no matter how hard you cleaned.

Your mind immediately went into autopilot, as Satoru lead you out of the truck, muttering a quick 'thank you' to the Uber.

Satoru pulled you with him as you both stride towards the entrance, your fingers intertwined. He lead you into the lobby, towards one of the many elevators and as soon as those doors closed. As soon as he had pressed the button, you were pressed up against the glass wall. Your leg hanging loosely over his hip, hand placed securely behind your knee.

"Satoru.. they have cameras.." you whispered as he placed sloppy kisses along your neck.

"Mmm say my name again." He grumbled against your skin, having no care in the world for your protests. The only care was to hear you scream his name, no matter where you both are.

"Satoru stooop, we can't. Not here." You giggled a little as he ran his nose over your jugular. A smirk appeared on Satoru lips as he listened to your laugh.

He was compelled to hear it again and obviously since he was like the funniest person HE knew, it wouldn't be hard.

"But whyyy. You're too sweet. You taste like candy." He whined slightly pulling away to stare into your eyes, quite like staring into your soul. If it was anyone else, you probably would recoil, cringing.

Buuuut he was also kinda adorable. You thought.

You leaned forward pressing a sweet peck on his lips, Satoru dropping your leg, allowing you to correct your posture.

"I do not." You giggled yet again, pressing your hands against his chest, moving them up and down his torso.

"Do too. I can't wait to gobble you up." He pressed, your giggle pierced his ears again, causing his smile to brighten as he stared down at you, basically inhaling your beauty.

"You've got such a way with words." You sarcastically say as you give him a playful eye roll, trying to push him back slightly but to no avail, he stood strong.

"That's not the only thing, Baby." And god did you believe him.

You jump once you hear the ding of the elevator, realising you are so close to getting the life fucked out of you and that put a bounce in your step. You were nearly stepping on the backs of Satoru heels as the both of you wonder down the halls.

Your breathing started to pick up, feeling almost inpatient. You couldn't even blame it on the alcohol because realistically you only had two, you were definitely drunk on something else and you'd only experienced it briefly.

You watched as Satoru's long slender fingers, played with his keys; trying to find the right one.

And as soon as that door was opened, you couldn't even process how fast you were inside, immediately locking lips.

Satoru kicked the door shut with his foot, his hands never leaving you as he pushed his tongue past your lips. You let out a low moan as your tongues started to dance with each other.

The kiss was sloppy and ferocious. You didn't believe when people talked about sparks but in that moment, you started to believe. He left your lips tingling, nothing you've felt before. It sent waves of pleasure throughout your body. Your pussy aching, needing for this man.

You were nearly tripping over each other, bumping into things, lips never leaving each others as you both made your way through the apartment. Letting out a low whimper when your back hit the soft mattress, spreading your legs to allow Satoru to press himself against you.

"I'm fucking you. No more playing. I need to feel you around me." Satoru growled against your lips, before resuming sticking his tongue down your throat.

His hands left you, reaching down to work at his belt, he was quick and efficient, pushing his pants down his legs with one hand.

He broke from you, pushing up your dress past your hips and literally ripping off your panties, exposing your wet and dripping cunt. You'd worry about your panties later.

Satoru let out a low groan seeing you now bare beneath him, your pussy glistening for him. And only him.

You were his for tonight and he was going to rock you until you were cumming for him.

He didn't dare waste anymore time, aligning himself up at your entrance, his head bowed to watched himself push against your pussy, a moan leaving him when he felt how wet you really were, he could just slide in and you'd take him perfectly.

But he knew better, you'd need to adjust.

You were a moaning mess already, grabbing at him, bucking your hips against the ghosting tip of his cock, it was too dark to see have big he was but you soon found out as he pushed himself in.

"Fuck." He let out a staggering breath as he felt the beginning of your tight walls, you let out a sharp gasp as you take him, your fingers digging into his shoulders. The pain was real. He was huge.

You felt the pop as he finally pushed past your boundaries, a synced moan coming from both parties. Satoru moved his hips slowly, his fingers digging into his expensive sheets; restraining himself.

You were mewing lowly as he pumped into you, grateful he was allowing you to adjust to his size.

The more he felt himself able to go further without any resistance, the more he sped up.

"You feel amazing." He huffed out, rocking his hips in a steady pace. Your eyes fluttered as moans flowed effortlessly from your mouth. His cock was rubbing against your walls in just the right way. Tickling that itch you never knew you truly needed.

But you were becoming even more impatient, you wanted him to use you. You knew he was holding back and you wanted him to show you just how much.

Your hand moved up into his hair, gripping at the roots "I want you all. Don't hold back. Please Satoru."

At just the moan of his name, sent him. Before you knew it, both of his hands gripped your hips aggressively, slamming into yours.

You cried out loudly as he repeatedly did it again and again. Fucking his cock into you, hitting right into your cervix. You gripped desperately onto his forearms as he continued to plow into you; bouncing at every thrust.

You squeezed Satoru better than he imagined, you would. He stared down at your form with hunger, watching you arch your back, your beautiful mouth letting out cries of pleasures from his cock. You were taking him so well. He wanted you to scream for him.

"God. You look so good taking my cock. Taking me so well." He purred, placing a hand on the pudge of your stomach, pressing down firmly. He wished he had taken off your dress so he could see your beautiful tits bouncing from every time he fucked his cock into you.

"Satoru! Fuck. Holy shit-" You cried out, throwing your head back against the mattress, arching your back even more.

"Keep saying my name baby. Just like that." He leaned down, resting on his forearm just above your head, not before using his other hand to push one of your legs up, allowing him more access to your addicting cunt.

"AAHH fuck! Satoru!" You screamed out, feeling your body start to shake from the continuous pounding. His cock deeper inside from the new position.

"Fuck yeah. Holy fuck. You're so beautifult." He groaned, your little noises were music to his ears, his fingers digging deeper into your supple skin and you knew it would definitely leave marks.

Your lips crashed against his, teeth clashing together. Satoru swallowing each cry and moan that would try to escape.

"You gonna cum for me? You gonna cum on my cock?" He moaned in your ear, followed by hallowed panting as he pounded into you. You couldn't rely on forming any words, they were just coming out as sobs and cries. You were putty underneath him, no one has EVER fucked you this good before. You were on cloud nine.

And just as you thought it couldn't get any better, you started to feel the familiar build up. You were close. You felt like you were going to explode from the pleasure as it flowed through your body, you couldn't even warn Satoru before you released around his cock, screaming out in pure bliss as you felt yourself gush over him.

Satoru quickly pulled out and watched as you released a great quantity of liquid. Your legs shaking from the overbearing orgasm that shook your core.

He let out a breathless chuckle, realising you. HE had just made you squirt, all over him.

Your hands trembled as you brought them to your mouth, trying to control your breathing.

"Oh god. I'm sorry." You were shocked that you could even squirt and this man had not only brought you to a full penetration orgasm but he made you squirt.

"Hah Sorry? No. That was fucking hot. So hot. fuck." Satoru's breathing became heavier, his pupils dilated as he watched your trembling form, without anymore words, he slammed back into you, pulling a louder cry from you. Having seen you squirt on his cock, brought him closer to his own climax.

His thrusts were becoming sloppier and more desperate as he chased his own high. You were completely dazed, stars in your vision. Being fucked harder into the mattress. An uncontrollable moaning mess.

You tugged at his hair, yanking his head back slightly "Cum in me. I want it."

He couldn't believe his ears, as if you could get anymore sexier.

"You want it. You want my hot load inside your juicy pussy?" Your hands travelled down his back, leaving long and deep scratches, marking him red.

"Satoru- please. Cum. Please. I want it. I want you." He growled from the stinging sensation and from your voice. He was so close. So close.

"Anything for you, baby." He angled his hips and thrusted harder, until he felt it. He shoved his face into the crook of your neck as he felt his own orgasm approaching, his cum shot straight into you, causing a guttural cry from your throat as you feel it coat your walls. Satoru pumped into you until he was dry, slowing to a stop. A complete panting mess above you.

You were trying hard to catch your own breath as he lowered himself onto you, carefully trying not to crush you.

Your hand brushed through his pure white strands, as you both laid there together, in pure bliss. Panting excessively.

Satoru sat up slightly to place a sweet kiss on your lips, you of course accepted happily. He hummed softly before resting his face on your tits.

"I've never squirted before." You panted out, your eyes staring up at the ceiling. You felt embarrassed, more so for the fact you had made a mess but you also felt bewildered. You didn't think you could and you didn't think that any man could pull an orgasm out of you, let alone two, It started you thinking. How many could he make you have?

Every boyfriend you've had, NEVER made you feel like how this man did here. They were all so more selfish for their own desire than satisfying you. Even getting to the point where you would just roll over and let them have their way, sucking the enjoyment out of sex completely. Making it feel like a chore, so you wouldn't have to constantly hear their whines and moans about 'why you didn't want to fuck?'

Tsk.

"Never?" You shook your head lazily, feeling an overwhelming sense of drowsiness.

You felt him vibrate from the low chuckle he let out, his head lifting up to look you in the eyes "Well. I can't wait to make you do it again and again.." his voice was mumbled against your skin as he peppered you with wet kisses.

"And again." You felt Satoru cradle your ass cheeks, his fingers massaging intensely. Hoisting you up, angling himself up with your overstimulated cunt.

And here you thought you could sleep.

Nah. You're in for a long night.

[borkunlimited]

Take Your Time, Miss Deer (Sylus x Reader) - Ch. 10

In a tailor shop tucked in the calmer side of the N109 zone is a little room where all clothes of many different designs come together under the delicate hands of an unassuming deer living in the den of all sorts of beasts and sitting on them is the dragon who wears your clothes.

Your many interactions with Skye, Mr. Sylus’ messenger or-

-Sylus is waiting for you to finally figure out he is playing his own messenger.

A Deer Hybrid! Reader x Dragon Hybrid! Sylus Fic

Tags: Sylus x Reader, Hybrid AU, Suggestive Themes, Fluff, Angst, Predator/Prey

Chapter Summary: The world continues onwards, a new game starts but if you ask him, maybe names does not matter much anymore as long as he holds you in his arms. As the last ice of winter thaws and the much-awaited spring comes marching with trumpets and drums, so does change.

Author's Note: Just tying up loose ends- Enjoy!

Tagging: @phisen @wrimaira

AO3

Ch. 1 / Ch. 2 / Ch. 3 / Ch.4 / Ch. 5 / Ch. 6 / Ch. 7 / Ch. 8 / Ch. 9 / Ch. 10 / Side A / Side B

10: My Dearest, In My Arms

“Do you think he would like it?”

It was already past midnight, the only light remaining was the warm glow of your lamp and you tilted the embroidery hoop for Daisy to inspect your current work while you fixed the quilt wrapped around your shoulders.

The crow, always dutiful, hopped to check your design stitched at the corner of the cream handkerchief, a little dragon among the field of red wildflowers, and it let out a caw of approval, always making sure to nod its head so you know its answer.

Mephisto.

It was the real name of your crow friend, a little secret you found out over breakfast during your stay at one of the many homes of your dragon the night after he woke up from his long nap.

“You can still call Mephisto, ‘Daisy’, sweetie. Mephisto wants to tell you it loves that name.”

While that trivia is certainly exciting and you are happy that your crow friend still wants to keep the name you have given to it, you only grew more eager when you were told by your favorite visitor he can understand the words spoken by your crow friend.

A language that can be learned, as long as you work hard enough.

Ever since then, you try to recall what you have learned only to realize-

-It takes a certain skill to understand your crow friend’s words so here you are, back to interpreting its answers based on its movements for now.

“Do you want me to make one for you as well? I can embroider little daisies for you.”

The winter is coming to an end but even then, the cold still persists. Daisy continues to wear the red woolen scarf around its neck but it was quick to nod again, already looking forward to wearing a new kerchief when spring arrives.

A soft hum escaped your lips, your eyes darting at your window with the curtains swept aside. The little pots that used to line up your window are set to the floor for now, a lesson you have learned the first time your favorite visitor had taken a page from his twin henchmen’s tactics.

A knock.

You stashed your little project on your desk drawer, giving Daisy a wink and your fingers on your lips, a silent ask to keep it a secret between the two of you before opening the window.

Perhaps it was the eagerness, or the happiness when you met eyes with your late night visitor through the window glass that you fumbled slightly when opening your window for him, tugging your wool cardigan closer as the cold air slowly rushes in while you give him a sheepish smile.

It is the most unusual arrangement if Sylus says so himself who prefers entering through your front door.

There are three reasons why.

First, your neighbors.

Unlike the rest of the denizens of N109 zone who are awake at night, the residents of this small community of prey hybrids call it a day once the sun sets.

One by one, each shop goes dark until only the light posts by the side of the roads remain, the day ending with the rustle of the branches of the trees.

“Mr. Sylus, I understand you want to see her but your presence-”

The words of the older lion hybrid stopped abruptly because of course, that deer hybrid is always quick to cut to the chase, refusing to mince his words that sounded louder in the empty streets even when all three of them are talking in low voices.

“What everyone is trying to say is do you really need to announce to the entire neighborhood you are here? In the middle of the night?”

Of course, if it wasn’t the sound of his vehicles (He even drove ones with the quietest engines), then it's the headlights (Even if he set them low) that bothers someone.

“You can always see me tomorrow, Sylus. I am not going anywhere.”

You once told him when he came over during your shop hours and he kissed your cheek first, amused at the faint blush everytime you say his name and then telling you he is willing to leave his car (or motorcycle) in the borders of your small community if it means he gets to meet you whenever.

(The lock of the windows clicks open, his cue to enter.)

Second, your father.

“Mr. Sylus, I hope you don’t take this as an offense but rest assured I already checked my daughter’s room and she is still there.”

It was around the fifth night when your father had gathered enough courage to speak up and Sylus doesn’t have to read in between the lines to know the older deer hybrid is losing sleep over answering the front door for him past ten yet still letting him in just to placate the dragon hybrid’s worries.

(Sylus steps inside, your hand reaching out to brush the snowflakes that clung on his hair while he was making his way to your shop on foot.)

Lastly, was actually himself.

Sleep was never the same without holding you close, without seeing your deer ears poking out above the blanket as you huddled closer to his chest for warmth.

That and his days have been more tiring lately, the N109 zone still a mess after his long sleep and only his precious deer can make everything lighter.

These are one of the nights he is glad you are still up, greedy for all of your smiles.

(Finally, the window closes behind him, followed by a line from you and then him, a precursor to a short play before retiring to bed.)

“Good evening, Mister Dragon.”

“Hm? Are you talking to me, sweetie?”

Sylus smiled playfully, amused at how you are shifting back and forth with a faint blush on your face while you help him remove the red woolen scarf you knitted for him around his neck.

He is fully aware his greed extends to hearing you call him by his actual name several times, having kept count of it and he had made it a goal that the number should surpass the times you addressed him as ‘Skye’, so far, you are barely halfway through.

Which is why he intends to use most of his free time making sure he is around you.

“Well, there is only one dragon here right now.”

“I am afraid not, sweetie. I can see many so you have to call us by our names.”

“Oh, you are right, everyone must be so confused now.”

You smiled at him, making sure to set his coat and gloves by the chair after checking them for tears and your small bed creaked when he took his spot, the one near your bedroom door.

“That’s correct, little doe, so help us here,” Sylus answered, the ever playful smile growing, watching you take the side by the window as he slipped on the dragon puppet you always leave by your bedside, its spot beside your deer puppet and the flower pot with your sole antler.

“Is this the Mister Dragon you are looking for?”, he asked, quirking his brow at the puppet.

“No, mine is certainly taller,” you smiled, giggling softly when he used the snout of the puppet to tap on the tip of your nose and then you pressed your finger between his brows, “This one.”

“And the name of that dragon is?”

A small lopsided smile formed in your face while you giggled softly and then finally, you answered.

“Sylus.”

He always laughs when he hears you say his name. 

Was it because of your shy smile? 

Or how do the two syllables have a harmonious pitch when it comes to you?

Or maybe how you try to pull the blanket to cover half of your face, your ears twitching slightly while you gaze at him fondly?

Even when he tries to not laugh as loud so to not wake up your father in the next room and disturb your neighbors, his shoulders shake, suppressing the laughter that threatens to break your bed that somewhat managed to accommodate the two of you.

Yes, your bed is small, only fit for one person and yet you did everything you could just for him, from altering your blankets to cover his feet to adding more pillows for his head to lie on.

Everything, to make him welcomed and comfortable.

It was cramped, not suited for a tall and broad person such as him, and there are obvious signs that he might not be able to sleep well with such space.

Yet, looks can always be deceiving and this is one of the rare occurrences that he looks forward to sleeping, watching you bury your face on his chest, murmuring “You are very warm.” and he is glad that he woke up before spring because it gave him another excuse to pull you close.

Sylus always told himself he is content, that you calling his real name is enough.

Then, new desires came in.

To see you waiting in the hallway of his home, greeting him.

To always hold you close, the fur of your deer ears tickling the tip of his nose.

To press his lips against yours, your hands intertwined against his before he leaves and when he comes home.

Then, if they come true, he always tells himself he would be finally content.

He can ask you. 

It is just a simple question.

“Sweetie, can I?”

He knows he can always ask you but maybe, all of these little favors, these quiet musings, can wait when spring arrives and by then, the N109 zone would be back to its usual state of chaos he tolerates.

Spring can’t come any sooner.

────────────────────

The last days of winter had always been vibrant, maybe because of the colorful lights and singing decorations against the white background.

Seeing little reindeer statues with antlers on their heads on every corner of the community makes you sad (and maybe, slightly envious.)

Afterall, antlers are the pride of every deer hybrid.

It is true that you and your father never recovered your old antlers, all of them lost in the fire of your old shop (You assumed that is the case since you never saw a trace of them after) but even then, both of you continued the tradition of planting those you have shed after moving away from your old home into the best flower pots you owned with plants you want to grow.

Your father smiled when you told him that it won’t be him this year who would choose what plant will go into your pot but someone else instead.

“And have you asked your favorite visitor yet, twig?”

A faint blush crossed your cheeks upon his question and you shook your head leading to your father ruffling your hair, bidding you good luck.

Of course, you have been rehearsing your question many times in front of the mirror of your studio during your little breaks.

“Mister Dragon, what flowers do you like?”

(No, he can plant anything aside from flowers.)

“Mister Dragon, can you decide for me?”

(You want him to know this is a very important favor you are asking, that it is not because you simply need help.)

“Mister Dragon, I am letting you choose which seed you want to plant.”

(That sounds too bossy.)

You pulled your cap in frustration, little whines muffled by your woolen scarf and maybe it was his acute senses that Sylus is quick to materialize beside you, politely ending the conversation he is having with the owner manning the counter of the small flower shop both of you entered.

“Anything wrong, sweetheart?”

Sylus’ eyes were always quick to scan your clothes for anything amiss.

Is the white woolen scarf tied like a bow around your neck still unblemished? Yes, and as always, you look adorable.

Is your cap still in place? Yes, but slightly tilted so he reached out to fix it.

Are there any stains of red on your coat? No, just a little dust that still clung after you picked up a plant to admire the pot’s ornate design earlier.

Everything seems to be in order.

Except, your drooping ears.

“Nothing’s wrong.”

“Is that so? But your ears say otherwise.”

A soft gasp, and you murmured “How could they betray me?” before tugging your cap again to cover them but he only ended up laughing, his hands holding both of your ears.

“Is the outside not too much for your liking today, sweetie?”

He doesn’t need a verbal confirmation from you to know that shedding your antlers is making you anxious, how your eyes lingered at every glass of the shops both of you passed earlier and they are not trained at the displays inside but at your reflections.

The two of you, not a mirror image for now, not with one of his horns shattered and your antlers waiting for the new season to come in.

“The lights are beautiful today,” you answered, trying to dodge his question and you leaned at his touch as he traced small circles around your ears, his tail flicking slightly in thought.

Always a terrible liar.

How you shift back and forth, your eyes darting anywhere but him, and finally, that sheepish smile.

He already knows this particular expression of yours.

You want to ask him a favor.

“Is asking for favors from me a bit too much now that you found out I am Mr. Sylus?”, he asked, and beneath the playful undertone was a hint of disappointment.

He knows it is still taking you a while to adjust to the actual truth and there are many times you still accidentally call him by the false name he gave you before.

Not that it bothers him but he always find himself wondering if this is a dream, another layer of it, maybe because this-

-This is too good to be true.

Yet, you are quick to shake your head and then after taking a deep breath with all the little voices in your head cheering you on, you believe you found the right question to ask him.

“Can Mr. Sylus decide which plant we should grow for our first flower pot?”

“Our first flower pot?”

“The one by my bedside.”

“You said ‘our first’, little doe. Does that mean there will be more in the future?”

“If you are fine taking care of them with me?”, you asked, and your ears perked up under his touch, the small smile in his face a close to an affirmative.

Without your antlers, you certainly look like a kitten when he pulls up your ears, which he is doing right now (Gently, of course), before he answers.

“I supposed we should get ready before spring arrives, don’t you think, darling?”, he mused and he is already listing down in his head stores aside from this flower shop where you should pick up supplies you need.

Perhaps he should also hire an architect for the greenhouse he has in mind and he is already looking forward to the days you will spend your afternoons there with him.

With your tail wagging in excitement, you certainly look like a puppy now as he folds your ears (Gently as well).

“I can’t wait.”

“Just a few more sleeps then, sweetie, and when you wake up, the snow has already melted.”

“Maybe we should take a long nap for the remaining days so it would come sooner.”

“If there is a lovely deer beside me, I might actually miss spring because of her,” Sylus chuckled softly, now pressing down your ears, making the pointed ends slightly curved.

Now you look like a bear cub and all you need is a nice and cozy den.

“I’ll wake you up!”

“Aren’t you a brave little doe?”

Has winter always been vibrant?

Sylus never quite noticed the lights, the sounds until he is holding your hand with his other carrying a bouquet of assortment of winter blossoms on the way out and in his arms, a bag of gardening tools with more to join it today.

Did he always prepare for the spring ahead?

No, he never did, at least, not for domestic purposes. Preparations meant loading each firearm with bullets, preparations meant making sure all equipment were in top shape and preparations meant his body was in top condition.

This change is good.

This change is real.

These changes are all he could ever ask for.

“Sylus, do you want to check that store with me?”

The two syllables always accompanied with a slight tilt followed by a faint blush on your face as you pointed to a fabric store never fails to make him smile.

“Wherever you please, sweetie.”

All he could think about is how the rest of your days and his will be, taking care of various plants in his corner of the N109 zone.

You with your embroideries and him trimming the plants. Maybe you and him taking naps under the shade while the twins knit nearby or you and Mephisto playing hide and seek among the rows of plants while he looks for the both of you.

All of it, they all make for good images he wants to see throughout every passing year.

Perhaps dreams will always find a way to materialize in reality.

────────────────────

One can never predict the flow of the stream.

It was your mother’s words to your father from a long time past, her hand on top of her belly while the two of them gaze at their reflections of the running water, the ice finally thawing out.

Your father had asked her back then if the world will be harsh to you as it is to them, if you will detest them when you grow up just as they are to their parents for being brought into this world.

For being born as a hybrid.

As always, she only laughed at his questions while he sighed at her optimism.

“She’s a gentle one, very gentle.”

Your mother will say before they go to bed after their walk, telling him that you are a very docile fawn, the one that refuses to kick much and will only do so when you sense her warm touch.

Your proof of life.

Gentle . Of all the words your mother described you, that specific one lingered inside his head and he had strive to work harder than before even when she passed away too soon, even during the days of mourning when he had to blink the tears to see, to make sure the thread still manages to go through the eye of the needle.

She was right on the mark, of course, you always try to be kind.

Giving flowers to a young predator hybrid you found crying at the side of your old shop even when he told you that you should not be seen with one.

Fixing the tears of the clothes your former neighbors bring over, free of charge (but he noticed you work faster at the prospect of something sweet.)

Eventually taking over him when his hands began to tremble too much, when his perfect straight lines on the pattern paper have become wobbly, his eyesight slightly blurry leading to the thread refusing to enter through the eye of the needle despite many tries.

He had always feared that this is the gentleness that this land loves to swallow whole and spit out the bones after chewing the meat thoroughly.

Yet, the steady stream has brought you to another destination, not to the gaping maw of the cruel world.

“I am ready!”

Your father looked up, pausing from sorting the gifts that continue to flood your shop even when the holidays had come to an end and the Spring Festival started.

The layers of clothes you wore during the days of winter (Much of it is because Sylus always insists for you to wear another coat before you and him leave for a day out) are now replaced with a flowy set and a hat, your nicer clothes as you called them, which you frequently use when meeting with Sylus.

“Do you have everything with you, twig?”

“Daisy and I double checked everything.”

The crow on your shoulder also let out a beep, your first assistant, as you called it and the red scarf it was wearing is now exchanged for the brand new kerchief your father saw you working on last winter.

“Then, shall we go see the new place your favorite visitor invited you to?”, he asked, helping you carry the box of the latest suit you have finished sewing that Sylus commissioned and you nodded eagerly.

His eyes lingered at your back as you went ahead to open the door for him and he had always regretted he was not there when you needed him the most, on that fateful night where the one that had trampled the field of your dreams found you on the place where new wishes are slowly taking root.

“You are always too hard on yourself.”

If your father closed his eyes right now, he could almost hear your mother playfully chastising him just like the many nights when he stays up to finish all his commissions so your family will have enough, enough to ensure a better future for you.

Will she be proud to see you have grown to be a fine seamstress? 

Will she laugh in amusement when she finds out you have stood vigil by Sylus’ side, waiting for him to wake up?

Will she also thank Sylus a hundred times just like he did when the dragon woke up from his long sleep and brought you home the day after?

“Luke and Kieran told me our neighbors are coming as well!”

“Looks like your favorite visitor is trying to apologize for all the late night ruckus, twig.”

With your laughter, the burden of his regret grows light and finally, your father has found his answer.

────────────────────

All of Sylus’ business associates know it isn’t wise to provoke him, especially today.

Sylus was quick to fix all the messes that happened during his long sleep over the course of the winter and there was no sign of exhaustion in his face every time he showed up, whether to keep someone in line or for business negotiations.

For them, his actions are certainly favorable. 

No one wants to operate when everything is in chaos, not when his enemies vying for his position suddenly think it is free for the taking in his absence.

If you ask them who to thank, they all know to whom they owe the dragon hybrid’s speedy recovery and that someone was showered with gifts that it might take her until late spring to open them all.

The room was quiet, except for the distant sound of the slot machines from the casino a few floors down and the occasional shuffle of papers from Sylus sitting at the head of the table, his eyes moving to read the text of the latest contract he had to sign.

The rest of the predator hybrids did not say anything, and maybe because they already have caught up to the latest news before Sylus stepped inside so they opted to drink in silence or take a puff from their tobaccos.

Of course, the latest news is that you, the little deer that Sylus is doting on, is going to be here tonight.

Your first official appearance.

Do you even know how tight the security is for today’s event? They doubt you do, especially when their security, who often stumble inside your studio, all said that all you wanted to do for the grand opening of one of the many casinos that Sylus owns is to pull the lever of a slot machine at least once or maybe press a button of a pachinko game.

Sylus even made the space accommodating to you, inviting the other prey hybrids in your community and he has men stationed around the building ensuring not even an incredibly stubborn journalist will get in to snap a photo of you.

A knock and one of Sylus’ men was about to come and get it until he called out.

“I’ll handle that.”

Sylus doesn’t need his people to open the door for him, not when he had already picked up the faint scent of cotton and wildflowers through the haze of tobacco and he knows who is clearly on the other side, waiting for him patiently.

You call them your nicer clothes.

There you are, wearing them, and holding the box of suit he will wear for tonight.

“Oh, did I come at the wrong time?”, you asked, your eyes shifting at the people behind him, some recognized you and you nodded politely at their small waves.

It wasn’t just the scent of cotton and wildflowers he picked up earlier but something new-

His gaze moved from the top of your head where your antlers are now growing back, still short, then to your hair always adorned by one of the hairpins he gifted you and then finally, to where the new scent is prominent, sweet, incredibly sweet.

Strawberries.

Your lips have always been very inviting and all he can recollect is your particular preference for sweets, especially cakes, how you always give thought on how you will cut the slice with your fork so you would not miss out on both the cream and the filling.

He always wanted to tell you then that he has another method of wiping the cream from the corner of your mouth aside from his handkerchief.

“Sylus?”

You repeated his name again and he blinked, chuckling softly.

“I am fine. If anything, I need to rest my eyes, sweetie.”

“Is there anything I could do to help?”

“Stand there for a moment for me then, miss seamstress.”

Your brows furrowed in confusion and he tapped on the crease playfully after he accepted the box from you before giving you a quick once over and then pressing a kiss on the top of your head.

“My eyes are well-rested now,” he whispered in your ear, the tip of his nose nuzzling the fur before letting go, watching you giggle softly, then he added.

“I’ll see you downstairs. I made sure all of your favorite desserts are served.”

“But they wouldn’t be as delicious with no one to eat them with.”

Does Sylus care if the rest of his business associates are behind him, their ears occasionally picking up words between the two of you?

No, not at all. Not when in the room full of people, all that matters is you and tonight, when his gaze lingered for too long on your lips, he had decided this is the night he will finally ask you.

.

.

.

Yet, maybe he is too focused on phrasing his question to notice that it is not only him who wanted to ask permission.

────────────────────

Louis had always told himself that it will take years for prey hybrid and predator hybrids to get along, a sentiment shared by older prey hybrids in the community despite their cordial relationship with the rest of denizens of the N109 zone.

Yet, against the confetti falling endlessly in this casino where prey hybrids dance with predator hybrids in between the rows of the slot machines and more, the lines put by those who are much older than all of you disappears until all that remains is but a whitespace.

All of the lion hybrids that accompany him are mingling so well among the crowd and maybe they are all too brave because they never noticed they are taking turns twirling you, of all people, around.

“Can you tell them if they value their heads, they would stop horsing around with her?”

“I supposed so but the miss enjoying the party takes higher precedence in Mr. Sylus’ eyes.”

Of course, leave it to the older lion hybrid (Who surprisingly, proved to be a wise one) to tell him otherwise.

This is one of the few times Louis simply shakes his head and he leaned against the counter, keeping a watchful gaze of each member of this little community attending this party.

There goes Simon, the delivery boy of your shop, chasing around Sylus’ twin henchmen with the furious and young sheep hybrid not so far behind, berating them three.  Even here, they really go to so much extent to piss the sheep hybrid’s older brother.

Then, to Simon and that sheep hybrid’s parents, one of the few interspecies couples he had seen, dancing slowly against the upbeat tempo of the music, lost in their own world, the wife wearing a dress you tailored.

Finally, to each of the prey hybrids in the room. Some making jokes, some content on the slow conversation, and others, dancing against the beat.

It is certainly not a bad way to welcome the arrival of spring.

“You lot do realize you were dancing with Sylus’ precious deer?”

Louis asked, taking a sip of his drink while he watched the lion hybrids twirling you earlier walk towards him, taking a break and all of them quickly shaking their heads at his question.

“We know it was her-”

“She saw us twirling people around and it is not like we can turn her down-”

“We only stopped when we realized she needed to sit down, alright?”

The young deer hybrid let out a bark of laughter at their reasons and even then, maybe his concerns for tonight are for naught.

As long as the rest of the members of this small community are enjoying themselves, maybe being a little unguarded is not so bad and he clink his glass with the lion hybrids around him, the song played by the speakers inside the room fading into new one.

All of the lonely nights

Waiting for you to come

Longing to hold you tight

Can crows dance?

Daisy surely can and when it saw you pouting that the twirling had stopped, it was quick to step in as your new dance partner with the new song coming in.

It held the end of your braid, as if guiding you to spin around and the hem of your dress lifted slightly as you chuckled, letting it dictate the steps.

I need you so desperately

Waiting for you to come

Bring all your love to me

“Oh, lookie, Kieran, the bird is trying to dance with the miss!”

Luke exclaimed, and Mephisto was quick to let out a caw, scolding the two for not volunteering immediately when you were left alone by the lion hybrids twirling you earlier.

“Right, try getting chased around by a mongrel,” Kieran answered and he held your hands, swaying you against the beat and their shoes tapping.

Luke clapped, throwing his coat up in the air, and his arms moved together with the beat, waiting for his brother to let him have his turn.

You don’t have to see through their masks to see their grins.

“We’re better dance partners than this bird, aren’t we, Miss Deer?”, Luke asked over the music, taking over and spinning you around.

You were about to say all of them are good dance partners but your crow friend had already taken offense, another game of chase kicking off but this time, they have to duck through the crowd to avoid being pecked by it.

A small wave and your laughter is all you can give as you watch them from where you stand.

But I’d wait a million years

Walk a million miles

Cry a million tears

“Now, where did all of your dance partners run off to, twig?”

“It’s okay. I still have you.”

Your father smiled at your answer, picking up where the twins have left off and perhaps he is being a more doting parent tonight, not wanting for you to feel left out while you wait for your dance partner from his business meeting.

Before, it was him, a young widower with a fawn holding his hand and the other lugging behind an old sewing machine operated by both his feet and his remaining belongings in line to apply for residency in Bloomshore District.

Both of you didn't even have a vinyl player back then yet so he hummed a song for the both of you when you finally had a house, stooping slightly since you were so little back then, so he could dance with you.

Now, the speakers do the singing for him.

Now, you are the one guiding him through the steps.

Now, he can rest easy, knowing you finally have a good life he and your mother had always dreamt for you.

.

.

.

“It looks like your dance partner is here, twig.”

I’d swim the deepest sea

Climb the highest hill

Just to have you near me

Sylus had decided to watch you from afar at first, hidden in the shadows barely touched by the bright lights of the casino and the neon lights of the machines

The clothes you have tailored for him fit him well as always and he is more than aware how you are looking forward to seeing him wear it.

How would you look at him now without the mask, the false name?

He had always been a confident man but he had to gather his bearings before he finally made his way to you, your heartbeat, your scent, and your laugh are breadcrumbs he is picking up one by one and this time, the crowd seemed to instinctively part for him, even when they barely noticed his presence.

Not because he is Sylus, the one at the top of the N109 zone.

Not because he is Sylus, the dragon hybrid willing to burn down cities in your name.

Not because he is Sylus, untouchable, elusive, distant, loner.

No, it is as if the way is clearing itself so he can reach you in quick strides.

“Can I have her for a moment?”

Sylus asked your father, offering his hand for you to take and your father smiled politely at him, letting go of your hand and then stepping back.

A rehearsal between the two of them for a very important event to come in the future.

“Take care of my daughter, Mr. Sylus.”

“I have always been one to honor my words.”

You took one last look at your father’s back as he disappeared among the crowd and Sylus pulled you close, his hand on the small of your back, his steps careful as swayed with you against the beat of the lively music.

“Have I kept you waiting, sweetheart?”

“I like you here, early, late or on-time.”

He smiled at your reply, his precious deer always a little charmer, and then there were many times he had always asked himself if this is real, that this is too good to be true yet every day, he wakes up and everything is still in its place.

Is it real that you indeed stood vigil by his bedside, tending to him? 

Is it real when he held you close under the altered blankets of your small bed? 

Is it real that here you are, letting a hideous fiend dance with you?

He had lied, lied for long because he is a man greedy for your gazes devoid of fear when you and him meet eyes and even the truth has come out, it never changed.

Yet, the notion of being called a ‘monster’ by you still lingers.

His pointed horns are a grotesque mirror of your magnificent antlers.

His sharp canines always send people running while yours make fiends like him love you even more.

His tail’s color is of the abyss and yours is of the bark of tall trees growing in a lush forest.

“Miss seamstress,” he called out quietly and you tilted your head when his hands moved to cup your cheeks, his nose brushing against yours. “Are you having fun dancing with someone like me?”

“Of course. I think Mr. Sylus is a good dance partner.”

“Is he now?”

You can be playful when you want to, he noticed, especially when you are enjoying yourself and he smiled at your response.

“You are always have a way with yours words, little doe,” he continued and with a sigh of relief mixed with perhaps his wishes for all of these to continue, no matter what, he added.

“Lie to me, sweetie. I’ll believe everything you will say.”

You should have know your dragon still has doubts after his long sleep, and sometimes, you hope you have pieced everything together earlier, that you should have seen right through him.

All this time, Mr. Sylus isn’t a shy and elusive benefactor you have thought he is.

“But Skye told me I am a very terrible liar,” you answered and he can’t help but grin at how you are referring to Skye as if he and that man isn’t one and the same, “So when I said that Mr. Sylus is a good dance partner, I really think he is.”

Then, your hand traced the embroidery in his coat and he had to bite his tongue to stop a soft whimper, your touch almost seeping through the fabric into his skin as he listened to you continue.

“When I said that I love how Mr. Sylus fit all the clothes I have tailored for him, I really think there is no need for alterations.”

Finally, your hand held the cuff of his sleeve as you leaned on his touch.

“When I said that I understood why Mr. Sylus lied, I really think he doesn’t need to punish himself too much over it.”

You know ‘Skye’ well, the always diligent dragon hybrid who brings you gifts but now, you want to know ‘Sylus’, the dragon hybrid behind the gifts.

His world is dark, like the fabrics of his clothes but every dragon has to return to a hearth eventually and someone has to look after the embers so they won’t go out.

And perhaps, he also needs a proof from you that this is real.

The first day of spring, of ice thawing, and of the flowers slowly blooming.

Sylus will always remember this day. You and your determined gaze when you declared you will convinced him how much of a terrible liar you are.

How you stood on your tiptoes, holding your hat to cover both of your faces and then slightly losing your balance along the way, his arm immediately wrapped around your waist to balance you followed by a strangled chuckle from him when your fleeting attempt landed at the corner of his lips.

“Oh, I am sorry,” you said sheepishly as he set you back on your feet, slightly embarrassed your idea did not go as planned, “You’re pretty tall.”

“You have nothing to be sorry about, sweetheart,” he replied, shaking his head in amusement.

“Can I try again?”

“I was hoping to ask that first, darling.”

“Help me make sure it will land correctly this time?”

If he asks you to say his name a hundred, a thousand times, and perhaps a million more, would it be too much?

He had to lift you up with one arm when you leaned towards him, not wanting you to stand on tip toes then miss again. With a lopsided smile, he savored the warmth of your first kiss hidden behind the hat you were holding to cover your faces, as if both of you are sharing a secret.

Right now, all that matters is you and this secret you shared with him that he might ask you to repeat more, just so he could remember.

Just you in his arms, and the soft chuckles from between you every time one of you pulls back or bumped each other’s noses. 

A sigh, a smile and then one of you closes the distance once again, another secret shared, a piece of you for a piece of him under the warm glow of the orange fluorescent lights, the music, and laughter.

He was a fool for asking you to lie to him.

There is no need to prolong the dream when this, is very, very much real.

Although, he might ask for more of your convincing (as you called it), when you two are alone later.

────────────────────

The plan was to bring you home after the party.

Sylus had a brief talk with your father earlier and agreed to bring you home while both of you are in between walking around at every slot machine he had purchase, watching you pull down the levers so you can hear a ‘ding’ then tell him you have surely won something.

(Of course, it was amusing that you point at him everytime he asked you what prize do you have in mind.)

You were clearly exhausted with all the fun, a sign it is time to call it a night when he let you sit at one of the chairs to let your feet rest but your words made him rethink his agreement with your father.

“I want to stay longer with you.”

He should have said no.

Yet, he didn’t take the road on your way home, taking the route to the base instead and he sent the twins to tell your father that you insisted, that you refused to move let alone be carried by him.

It was hard to resist you and your adorable threats too especially when you wrapped your arms tightly around his waist from where you are sitting back at the casino.

You and your pout and drooping ears.

That tactic of yours always work so well and now here you are, back at the base and fast asleep in his bed, wearing his clothes.

Sylus can say for himself he is finally content but then again when it comes to you-

-He is a terrible liar too.

His eyes traced the slope of your neck, the sweater he lent you too loose and he was able to catch a glimpse of the fading bite mark he had left on that fateful night.

Then, to your legs tangled against his and his tail wrapped around your waist.

Finally, back to your lips and he remembered the many times both of you shared kisses in between your exploration of the casino machines.

New desires have come in, to touch you and be touched by you, under the cover of the thick blankets.

Now, he had to figure out how to ask you soon but that is reserved for another day-

“See you in our field of dreams, little doe.”

You stir, an unconscious nod, and he close his eyes, listening to your heartbeat slowly lulling him to sleep.

.

.

.

.

.

See you soon, Miss Deer.

See you soon, Mister Dragon.

────────────────────

Author's Note:

Is this it? Is this the end? Nah, we still have an epilogue (that I decided to split into two and you will know why.)

This is the song the dance sequence was based on (Maybe I wrote this fic just so I have an excuse to write Sylus and MC dancing who knows JK): Pachinko S2 Opening - Wait A Million Years

(Also, not me imagining all the characters in this fic in this opening sequence. The show and the book changed my life.)

I honestly had a fun time writing perspectives of each character in this story and painting this AU was so much fun since I get to incorporate all media that greatly influence me.

See you in the next (and last) update!

AO3

Ch. 1 / Ch. 2 / Ch. 3 / Ch.4 / Ch. 5 / Ch. 6 / Ch. 7 / Ch. 8 / Ch. 9 / Ch. 10 / Side A / Side B

[liveontelevision]

Redemption | Lucifer x Reader

This is mostly fluff and angst so far, but there's a chance i'll write a part 2 with some possibly smuttier stuff goin on 🥴

Heads up, Lucifer's a god damn mess in this one. Love to see my boy suffer, though.

♡♡♡

"Sure, whatever. You got the job." Lucifer let's out an exhausted sigh, pushing himself away from his desk and immediately pulling a stack of papers into his hands before beginning to walk off.

You lift up your finger as if to add something to this one-sided conversation, but nothing seems to come out. You shake your head and pull away from the same desk, where you were seated across from the king of Hell.

"O-Oh! Thank you, Your Highness! I'll be here first thing Monday morning!"

"Yeah, listen, I only hired someone because Lillith says I need to lighten my workload, but I can't trust some random sinner... and I got a whole system going, soo - " he responded to you as he took paperwork and filed it away, not at all engaged in conversation.

"Just be here and look busy at your desk. It's the cushiest job ever. If you're lucky, you'll get some calls and schedule some appointments." He waved his hand, silently dismissing you from his office.

"Ah.. well, i'll still be here if you ever need assistance, Sir! Right.. Monday, i'll be here! Thank you - " You stammered out some enthusiastic words before quickly walking towards the door and letting yourself out. Lucifer never stepped away from his work, letting you uncomfortably leave without a word.

The weekend goes quickly, and yet your first week working as Lucifer's assistant goes by slowly. He meant what he said. You simply sat at the desk right outside his office and managed to take one call the entire week. It was spam. You really couldn't complain much, though. You sat there and doodled, or read a book, or kept yourself busy with some other meaningless task and got paid well for it.

Very Well.

You thought that working at a job like this for even a single year would leave you with enough money to live comfortably in Hell, which was saying something. Lillith occasionally came by to ask how the king was, but you were given scripted answers by Lucifer for almost all her questions. You'd say things that made it sound like you were taking on as much work as possible, giving the Queen some sort of satisfaction with your employment.

Your relationship with Lucifer was distant for the first few years you knew him. But, about 5 years into this job, you actually felt well versed in your work. After he trusted you with at least filing things away, you became very familiar with his documents. So, when Lillith suddenly disappeared and Lucifer fell into a depression, you adjusted quickly to pick up anything he couldn't handle. He was frustrated that you were taking initiative but softened at the sight of how well you managed to get everything done.

As his mentality began to improve, he'd take on some paperwork that you would do, finally giving you a chance to breathe. No wonder Lillith insisted on getting him help. He had quite the workload.

After things were settled a bit more, it became easier to try and chat with him. You had brought him a pot of tea at some point, which quickly became a routine after you saw how much he appreciated it. Then as time went on, you'd bring two cups with you, sharing his free time.

You became closer during Lillith's absence, being the only person who saw him on the daily. You'd been there for his angry fits when something especially frustrating would occur. Or when work became too much, it led to a vulnerable display of misery that you had to be careful around.

On a certain day, you finally commented on Lucifer's depressed state. He was quick to open up to you, being too exhausted to consider the repercussions of sharing such intimate thoughts. That was the night you learned that Lillith had just disappeared. She left a note that instructed him to take care of Charlie, but there was no indication of her returning. He was such a kind soul, it twisted your heart seeing him suffer this much.

After that, things started to become more casual between the two of you. You'd handle his work with ease, and he appreciated you more than you'd ever know. Such a hard worker sticking by his side through all of it, it filled his head with a cluster of thoughts that he never had time to entertain. You were pleased to be able to call him a friend after all this time.

It's been 7 years since Lillith disappeared, and things had settled into a routine. You would do your work, ask him questions if needed, and spend your break time drinking tea and discussing personal projects or what your life was like. The few joyful stories you had would almost bring him to tears, considering he never was able to see what free will did for humans on Earth after all this time.

One morning, you heard him taking a phone call before a chipper Lucifer kicking open his office doors. You jumped, the wind blowing some papers away from in front of you.

"Damn it!" You huffed, quick to lean down to collect the mess he made.

"Clear my schedule for the rest of the day, sweatheart! My daughter wants to see me!" He spoke with pride, adjusting his bowtie and taking a deep breath to attempt to ease his nerves.

"Hey, that's great! I'll cancel your meetings. I'm glad to see that you two are finally getting in touch again." You smiled sincerely as you stood in front of him. You towered over him by just a few inches. You gave a quick swipe off his shoulders, clearinv some barely noticeable dust from his coat. He was quick to step away, not expecting the sudden touch. That was definitely something you picked up on; that he didn't really understand how to react to touch after Lillith left.

"Y-Yes, very good. I'll be getting ready if you need me." He stammered out, sending you awkward finger guns before making his way down the hall. You always loved seeing him flustered.

As you tried to get work done, you really couldn't keep your mind straight. You finally put some paperwork down after re-reading the same sentence over and over, realizing you weren't getting anywhere. You let out a huff and made your way to Lucifer's room.

He'd let you into his bedroom a handful of times over the years to pack his bags for trips that would take a few days or to bring him tea. There were a few times where you'd let yourself in, like taking care of him when he would get sick - no matter how much he insisted he didnt need the care - or if you felt he could benefit from talking something out.

You knocked lightly, but not getting a response for a while, you peaked your head inside carefully. He was pacing his room, multiple suits hanging in front of him on a rack and clothes piling up on the floors.

"Oh geez.. Lucifer, can I come in?" You asked out loud, your head already peaking in.

"Fuck! Ooh, sure! Yup! One.. Second..." You tried not to watch him portal away the mess, pushing random items inside before quickly snapping it away. He leaned on his desk, trying to seem unphased as you stepped inside. "Aaand what can i do for you, my dear?" He spoke as if he hadn't been a fumbling mess for the past half hour, but you could tell almost immediately.

"I just - I wanted to tell you how proud I am. I know you've had a rough couple of.. centuries... but I also know how much Charlie means to you, so I'm glad you're finally getting to see her work. I'm sure she looks up to you, no matter what you think of yourself." You looked away, shyly rubbing your arm for some sort of comfort, hoping that you weren't overstepping any boundaries. You weren't exactly looking in his direction when you spoke, so you didn't expect a sudden hand to take yours, running a thumb across your knuckles gently. You immediately perked up.

"Thank you.. You always know just what to say to calm me down, huh?" He sent you a sweet smile. It was clear that he was struggling to keep tears from welling in his eyes, the sentiment just too much for him to handle. He let out a quick sigh before giving your hand a small squeeze and letting it drop. Your eyes widened, and your face turned red. This was a big step. Even after all these years, he rarely made any physical contact with you.

"So! I guess now that you're here, I might need some help with - uh.. suits! W-What to wear.." He picked up on your flustered expression and was quick to change the topic. Snapping his fingers, he let the previous portal reappear. Clothes, accessories, and a full rack of suits fell out like a closet door that had burst open. You both stood in silence for a moment before you broke it with a snort, covering your smile immediately.

As soon as he returned, Lucifer immediately updated you on how the visit went. It was a long vent about some obnoxious red-headed demon, Charlie's clearly angelic girlfriend, and the sudden fear of having to contact Heaven and schedule the meeting.

"I've got it, sir. You know they seem to tolerate me more than you for some reason." You grin wickedly, flipping your hair to display confidence. He let out a soft chuckle and gave you a quick pat on the shoulder before heading back to his room.

It took all your strength not to follow him.

A few months had passed, and you had to pick up some more work than usual due to Lucifer being busy with the construction of the hotel that had been demolished. After it was completely done, you noticed that the building had an apple shaped tower. You confronted the king before he nervously admitted to moving into the hotel to be closer to Charlie.

"Oh! That's.. yeah, that's great, sir! I should be fine here, i've been handling it pretty well so far, right? I'll be fine." Your final statement was more for yourself than him.

"What? You're not joining me? I still have an office, and even if it's a bit smaller, i still expect you to come work for me. There's plenty of rooms, too, if you want to stay nearby. But, hey - if you'd rather stay here then - "

"No! I'll go to the hotel!" You quickly blurted out, seeing a sly grin across his face. Oh, he totally did that on purpose. You let out a groan and rolled your eyes, trying to conceal the light blush creeping across your face.

So, that was that. You were quick to settle into the hotel, meeting and bonding with the staff easily. Lucifer had told you so much about them that you could nearly recognize them through their appearance alone. Charlie was the easiest. She had plenty of pictures in the castle and looked just like her father. Once you had settled into your room that was just a few yards away from Lucifers office, you heard a quick knock. You opened the door to Charlie's bright face.

"Hi! I hope you're settling in okay! I don't know how much my dad's told you about my project, but.. if you're interested  - " She holds out a pamphlet, Redemption written across the top of it. " - you're totally welcome to join us!"

You take it with a smile before shutting your door again. You skimmed through it, getting the jist. It made you think of your parents. You hadn't seen them down here, luckily, so you wondered if they'd be in Heaven. You never had the best relationship, but they were family at the end of the day. Maybe it was something to consider.

The work environment was changing. Lucifer handled more hands on tasks, so you saw him less than before. You helped with anything Charlie or Lucifer needed, but still mainly stayed at your desk to finish some routine work. In your free time, you attended exercises and hung around with the other guests. You really only interacted with Lucifer for the past decade, so getting out and talking to others was a nice change.

Every so often, you'd get a chance to chat with Lucifer. When you entered the office in the morning and saw him working at his desk, you quickly whipped up some tea at the heated pad that was added to the office for this exact reason. You took any chance you could catch up with him. Placing the cups on his desk and filling them both, he almost jumped, clearly invested in this letter he was reading.

"Thank you.. how've you been doing? I know we don't get much tea time anymore - " he childishly clinks your cups together before taking a sip, " - but.. just been busy... Sorry." He said softly, his smile slightly drooping as he spoke.

You quickly swallow your tea to reassure him," Mm! Don't be sorry, I knew things would be different here, I don't mind! And besides, Charlie's been keeping me busy with the whole redemption thing. It's kinda fun, everyone here is really sweet." You spoke, going into detail about some of the exercises that went on and how they would play out. His smile never really picked up, he would simply nod and continued to sip his tea as you went on.

"Well - Glad you're having.. fun... I suppose." He glanced at a calendar sitting on his desk for just a moment, before letting out a shaky breath.

"Your highness? Is everything okay?" You immediately noticed his dismissive attitude, before placing your empty cup on his desk.

"It's Lucifer, remember? You've known me too long to keep calling me your highness." He cringed at the title, making quotation marks as he said it. He stood from his seat with a stretch. You had little room between the two of you when he stood up, making you stumble back a bit. He patted your shoulder, a gesture that became comforting throughout the recent months. His hand lingered a bit longer than usual. He stepped away, leaving the office to do some kind of task you weren't paying attention to.

"O-Okay..! I'll see you around then, Lucifer!" You nearly shouted his name, hoping he'd hear it even though he was down the hall at this point. He heard it. And boy, did he regret telling you to do that. He covered his red face as he turned the corner out of your view.

A few weeks had passed, and you really didnt see Lucifer around at all. Every time you went into the office, he seemed to just be heading out. Maybe it was just bad luck. But you went on with your routine, even without seeing him as much as you'd like.

With the stress of not seeing Lucifer and a particularly rough day, you struggled to walk to your room. Fumbling in your pocket for your room key, you caught a glimpse of the devil himself leaving his office.

"Lucifer!"

You called out, almost sounding relieved. He shot his eyes up to look at you, sending you a nervous smile and a little wave. You stumbled over yourself a bit to catch up to him, stopping him where he stands.

"How have things been going? You wouldn't happen to have time for some tea, would you? I'd love to get some updates!" Even with a drained social battery, you wanted nothing more than to be in his presence right now.

"O-Oh! U-Uh.. sure, i'll get it started, I have some time.." he rubs the back of his neck awkwardly, turning back towards the office.

"Great! I'll be there in a second, okay?" You cheerfully went back to your room, not noticing his nervous expressions as he spoke to you.

You took a few minutes to change into some comfortable clothes. Sure, you looked great in business casual, but nothing could beat a cropped t-shirt and pair of sweat pants that bagged loosely around your hips. Lucifer's seen you this way a few times. sometimes, late night projects needed to be worked on and he would always insist that you work in something comfortable, knowing it would take a while to finish.

So you had no issue when you reentered the office, shutting the door behind you.

He desperately tried to keep his eyes away from your mid drift, looking back towards the boiling water on the heated pad in front of him. His vest was undone and his coat was hung up nearby. He had rolled his sleeves up, and stood at the counter with his hands placed on his hips. You took in his appearance, feeling a bit better that he wasnt completely put together either.

"So? How's.. how's your day been?" He asked in a hushed voice, keeping his face completely out of view.

"It's been kind of a rough day, actually.. Charlie needed some help with some new residents, so I had to give a few tours. Which i don't mind of course, but fuck does that take more energy than i have. And some of the demons were looking at me funny, so I had to get out of their fast. Angel hid me in the library for hours! It was fine, though. Besides, it was fun to hang out with him. Oh, and Charlie says i'm making good process, too! That was a good pick-me-up." You said your last sentence with pride, puffing out your chest a bit.

"Fuck!"

You quickly drop your eyes to see Lucifer hunched over, clutching his hand with a hiss. You see the tea pot boiling over and quickly rush over to unplug the heated pad.

"Lucifer, be careful, geez! Is this why i make tea all the time? Can't handle it?" You teased, taking a towel to clean up the small amount of hot water sitting on the counter. Finally seeing the damage, you see a burn forming along the palm of his hand. You look at him for a moment, hovering your hand just over his wrist. He nods to you then looks away, letting you take a soft grasp onto his wrist amd leading it over to the accompanying sink just a few feet away. You held his hand under the faucet, letting a slow stream of cold water run over his hand. He flinches at the sensation, but immediately relaxes once he realizes how much of a relief it was.

"Are you okay?" You asked softly, leaning against the counter with your head cocked to the side. "Maybe it's just because you've been so busy, but i feel like something.. happened. Do you wanna talk to me?" You offered your help, but made it clear that he didnt need to open up if he wasnt ready. It was one of the boundaries you respected that he appreciated so much.

"It's- yeah. I'm fine. Things are going well, right? We have residents, Charlie's getting some good progress apparently, and Heaven's finally keeping us updated on the redeemed souls.. so, it's all good! Just needs a little elbow grease to keep this ship running, right? Nothin' the king of hell can't handle." He spoke smugly.

"Sure! It's great that the hotel's doing well. But I asked how you're doing." You clarified for him, crossing your arms across your chest. He groaned, placing his weight on his elbow on the counter and leaning forward, his hand still shifting under the running water.

"I-I'm.. it's..." he stammered and struggled to piece together his thoughts." It's... been almost 15 years. Since I hired you. Did you know that? Even after Lillith left, you still stuck around and took care of me.. I'm such a mess, why do you still take care of me..?" He mumbled his words, as if he never really wanted you to hear them.

 "I guess it has been, huh? Best decision of my life, really. I mean you pay me way too much, but.. I also got to make a friend, too. I'll be here for you no matter what, Lucifer. You're not a mess, you're doing great." You smiled at him, shifting your position to place a hand on his shoulder. He lets out a shaky breath, leaning his head towards your hand. His cheek brushed against the top of your hand, in a sort of caressing motion. You pulled away, out of shock, your hands enclosed in front of your chest. He looked up to see your eyes wide open and your body suddenly tense. He opened his mouth, as if to apologize, but stops to think for a moment instead.

He keeps his eye contact, taking a hold of your hand again, and pressing a small kiss on your knuckles, before leaving it in front of his lips. You felt his breath against your hand as he finally gets the courage to speak.

"You'll be here no matter what, huh? So.. If i were to ask you to... stay - I mean you don't have to say yes, but.. hypothetically... if i asked..." he spoke slowly, like he was still searching for the words as he said them out loud.

You melted at his sudden affection, your knuckles tingling from the sensation of his lips and breath against your hand. It was only after he spoke, you pulled your hand away from him carefully.

"What..? You mean like... stay in Hell? I don't - Lucifer, i'm confused. I've been working with Charlie for almost six months, you know? What's going on?" You sounded almost frightened, and it sent a pang to Lucifer's heart. He turned the sink off, beginning to rub the water off his hand. He hissed, the friction just causing more irration. Your instinct to aid him took over. You took the towel in one hand and his burned hand in the other, lightly dabbing the towel against the tender skin.

"Well, i said it was hypothetical, didnt I? What.. what would you say? Would you stay?" You paused with your hand holding his wrist, looking dwon at the calmed burn.

"Hypothetically? I don't.. I don't know, Lucifer.. I know Charlie could always use extra hands, and... you'd have to hire someone else, which would be a hassle - " he cringed at the thought of hiring someone else once it was said outloud.

"Exactly! See? You get it! I - We need as much help as we can get for the hotel, so.. maybe try to stick around. You've been too useful to keep doing this silly exercises, don't you think?" He was panicking. You could hear him desperately trying to come up with any excuse under the sun, but it still caused you to tense up. Your body curled into itself and you stepped back a bit, looking at him with such a purplexed expression that even he didnt understand what he was saying.

"Lucifer, I know your work is important and I know how much you want to support Charlie, but.. she said i'm doing it. That I might have a chance to go up to Heaven! Isn't that the whole point of being here? Isn't that what you want?"

His eye twitched at your words and he was quick to change his temper.

"No! It's not! That's not why you're here..! You're here, because I need you - need you to keep working for me! You're here because I brought you here. You know, the last redeemed soul was only here for six months, too! You could disappear at any second!" His voice sounded stern, but it was clear his intentions dripped of desperation. It still hurt you nonetheless.

"I'm sorry, but what the fuck?? I'm doing all the activities and making friends here, I thought you'd be happy about that! I've supported you through so much and even though you're acting this way, i always will! I thought you'd do the same!" You began to pace the office, your breath hitching a bit as you spoke. You tried your hardest not to let the tears in your eyes well up. Not wanting to let Lucifer see you in this state, you began to leave the office, quickly opening the door.

"No! Wait! I can't - I-I don't know how to - " He still struggled to get a coherent sentence out as you turned to face him one last time.

"Sir - "

" I told you not to call me that..!" He clenched his fists at the term.

"No. I can't do this while you're acting like this. I'll give you some space, let you figure out.. whatever's going on with you, then... we can talk. But if you decide that this is all you have to say, then I'll be continuing my work with you and Charlie, as usual. Goodnight, Sir."

You couldn't help but let your voice crack as you spoke. The idea of just moving past this sudden outburst hurt, but you knew that sometimes he just needed that space. And you hated to admit that you could use the space as well. You were supposed to be the calm and collected assistant, right? You were his anchor for a lot of the struggles he'd seen throughout the years and he confided so much in you.

What the fuck was his problem?

---

A few hours had passed, it gave both of you time to calm down from the heated discussion. Lucifer found himself right in front of your room, still without the strength to knock on your door. He took a deep breath in and held it in his chest before finally reaching foward. Before he even got the chance, the door swung open, smacking the air from his lungs. You both make sudden eye contact with eachother before Lucifer was hunched over coughing out the wind that was just knocked out of him. You cover your smile with your hand, pulling away from the door to open it fully.

"I guess you really are a mess, Lucifer.. what do you need?" You couldn't help but giggle when he lost his composure like this, it lightened your mood for a moment.

"Ahha.. you know me so well. I-I want to talk to you, you deserve an apology.." His voice was quiet, but you knew it was sincere. You stepped to the side, allowing him to enter your room.

"Okay, just - let me get through this, alright?" He took in a deep breath and spoke quickly,

"I don't understand why you want to go to Heaven. I told you about it in the past, you know how awful they are.. the rules and the limitations, fuck! They've done nothing but hurt me and fuck up everything going on down here. You couldve died you know! If you werent working for me and were just wandering the streets, you couldve been killed in any of those exterminations! I can't lose you! I-I - " you immediately noticed him losing his train of thought, and take a soft grip on his wrist in an attempt to ground him.

"I think my parents are up there, sir- Lucifer.."

He stops where he's at and looks towards you, before walking backwards and plopping down at the bench in front of your vanity.

"I-I didn't know. I never thought about-"

" - why i'd want to be redeemed? This isn't about wanting to leave you, I just.. i didnt realize this was an option, you know? That i might get to see them, again.."

Just for your own comfort, you shifted your grasp from his wrist to his hand, running your thumb across his palm lightly. The motion made him shiver slightly, still a bit sensitive from the burn.

"I didn't know you'd want to see them, i'm sorry.. you don't really talk about them much, so i thought..."

"No, you're right I didn't really have a good relationship with them, but it'd be nice to know theyre happy still, right? That all that time they spent working to keep me in school was worth it.. don't i owe them that?" He took a moment to process your words, his fingers slowly curling around your hand.

"I mean, you don't owe them anything, really. I have to ask, when's the last time you did something.. for yourself? You've been working for me for years and even here, it sounds like you're.. Ah, I'm sorry, i don't know what i'm saying - ". He always struggled with reading emotions, but even he could tell that that his words struck a nerve.

He looked away, dreading the silence that followed. What he wasn't expecting was the small hic and sniffles that suddenly came from your direction. He almost panicked, his eyes darting around the room for anything that seemed like a solution. He quickly stood up and hesitantly reached towards your face, just lightly brushing the tears that had streaked down your reddened cheeks.

"I-I don't know... I don't need much and I'm happy doing whatever you need me to, usually, so - I'll just keep doing that, okay? I-I'll stay.."

He groans and cringes at your words, before lifting your head to meet his eyes, his hands softly cupping your cheeks as he continued to wipe the tears still falling from your eyes.

"If you want to go to Heaven, I can't stop you. I-I won't stop you. But I also want you to.. be happy. I'm sorry about earlier, I never wanted to make any of this harder for you. You've done so much for me, sweetheart, I was scared of losing.. you... But I can handle myself, I promise. I mean, i'm a 10,000 year old demon with more power than I know what to do with. I'll be okay." He spoke sweetly, finally managing to let out a coherent thought. You melted into his touch, placing your hands overtop of his. Your eyes fluttered shut, allowing the last few tears to drip down.

"I know. I mean, sometimes I don't - sometimes it feels good to be able to help you so much - but I know you'll be fine." Your voice had a hint of hesitation. It was a relief to get some sort of resolve out of this conversation, but deep down, it felt as if you were deemed worthless. After all these years, he's saying he'd he fine if you went on to pursue other things, but why does that hurt?

"You asked when.. when was the last time I did something for myself. Honestly, I feel selfish. I feel like I've spent all this time taking care of you, because I like... feeling needed. I like that you ask me what to wear when you're nervous, or that you let me handle some of your more obnoxious clients just so you don't have to, I- I love it, actually. I love - being with you." You didn't realize you let out a mild confession, until you looked back to Lucifer to see his incredibly nervous expression. He was holding his breath, eyes impossibly wide as he bites his lower lip to prevent a quiver. He finally gulped before looking away and rocking back and forth on his heels.

"W-Well then! Self care at its finest, am I right? Ahha.. that's great how selfish you are! Self-selfless! Very selfless actually, I.. I really appreciate that you enjoy being around - enjoy my company..!" You watch him whip his hands behind his back, defaulting to the nervous mess he usually became when racked with a stressful situation.

"Oh! Lucifer, I'm sorry, that was a lot, I don't want you to feel like you have to - " A red clawed finger quickly hits your lips, and you see him with a lovely flustered expression. He took a moment to collect his thoughts, finger still uncomfortably pressed to your mouth.

"Can I- would you let me just- Fuck.. can I do something?" He blurted out. He was always so easy to read, but you prayed you weren't misunderstanding when you took a hold of his hand and pressed a small kiss to the tip of his finger that had lingered over your lips until now. He let's out a nervous chuckle and you hear an audible gulp as he moves his hands back to your cheeks, pulling your face down slightly to be able to meet his gaze. You can feel his heavy breath against your lips, suddenly realizing how close he actually was. In a quick motion, you pressed another small kiss onto his lips. You felt his hands jump at the sudden interaction, and tried your hardest to keep a smile from creeping on your face.

He let out a quick breath before planting a shaky kiss onto your lips, lingering for a moment longer this time. It still wasn't a lengthy kiss, but it was more than he could manage before stepping away for a moment, overwhelmed by your presence. This finally gave you a good look at him, a bright pink flush covered his face, and a small sheen from the lipgloss you forgot you were wearing appeared on his lips.

"You're so pretty, Lucifer." You spoke boldly, a suddern surge of confidence hitting you, just seeing him in this state.

"Can we keep going..?" You asked softly, taking a seat on the edge of your bed. He pulls at his collar, attempting to let any cool air hit his heated skin to try and calm him down. It's been a long time for him, sure, but considering the previous discussion, hearing you say you loved being around him, was enough to give him the confidence to nod along and sit next to you. You took a hold of his cheek and turned his head to face yours.

"I'll only do what you're comfortable with okay? We can stop whenever you need to." Your voice was sweet, your thumb beginning to run across his bottom lip as you spoke. He struggled to keep his eyes open, melting into your touch, and propped his hand on your arm to keep himself upright. He nodded slowly, finally letting his eyes droop close as you bring him into another kiss. You were definitely more confident than he was in this moment, or maybe it was just repressed excitement for an opportunity like this to happen. With your thumb still holding his bottom lip slightly ajar, you kissed along the each corner of his mouth before leaving an open mouthed kiss right on his lips. You pulled your hand away to place it gently on his leg as you pull yourself closer.

Finally pulling away to catch your breath, you look at Lucifer, who's still holding his eyes tightly shut. Each move you made, made him jump.

"Lucifer, Hey, open up." You laugh as you speak, brushing a few strands of golden hair away from his eyes. "Are you okay? Do you need a break?" His eyes finally shot open hearing your words. The thought of stopping must have startled him. You feel his lips crash against yours, a stark contrast to the gentleness you were giving him moments ago. He shifts to sit on his knees on your bed, keeping himself close to you by propping his hands on either side of your legs. You let out a surprised yelp, quick to catch up with his sloppy kiss. It became more tender as time went on, plus taking the lead again made it a bit easier to control his nervous movements.

His hands moved up to sit on your thighs, mostly to make himself more comfortable at this mildly awkward position. But it still gave you butterflies to feel his hands on you.

You pulled away yet again, taking a moment to breathe and to simply look at his expression. His eyes were watery, possibly from the emotional stress of the past few days, possibly from his excitement alone. You pressed your hand against his chest, feeling his rapid heartbeat beneath your palm. He tightened his grip on your thighs, as if you could disapear at any moment. And it scared him to consider that a possibility. Your mind finally caught up to the problem at hand, seeing him in this state and considering the heated conversation from before.

You pull him in one final time, a deep kiss that seemed to melt his nerves away. Then, you simply brought him into a tight embrace, your hands wrapping around his shoulders and gripping at his vest. For some reason, this startled him more than any of your previous interactions. He was hesitant at first, but still shifted to comfortably wrap his arms around your waist and pull you impossibly closer.

"This is a big decision, Lucifer. I have alot to think about, and it isnt really your fault, but this definitely doesn't make things easier.." you muffled your words into the crook of his neck letting out a shakey breath. He could feel your chest shake a bit due to your close proximity.

"I know, I'm sorry. I might have gotta a little carried away there." He responded. The position the two of you were in let his words pass dangerously close to your ear. You shutter slightly, unconciously leaning into the sensation.

"I'll make sure this is what I want, okay? I promise."

He nods, which you felt in the form of his hair brushing against the side of your face. Lucifer let his head fall down onto your shoulder, taking in the moment while it lasted.

Because, who knows how long this could last?

♡♡♡

FUCK this was angsty my bad. I had this prompt in my notes for days and I still honestly don't know how to properly end it, but i'll make a part 2 eventually.

Accidentally put a lot of personal insecurities in this one 🙃

Hope you enjoyed :)

P.S I have been getting your requests and i'll start them up soon! Just had to finish this one up first!

[ramibow]

This is me casually rewriting Obey Me’s plot, don't mind me.

Manic Ramblings™ below:

This is mostly about their ages and their time during The Great Celestial War. I've got more but I don't want this post to be longer than it already is.

In canon they are all adults and Levi was even a navy general but I cannot for the life of me imagine that so I’m throwing it out.

Obey Me also doesn’t have canon ages for any of the brothers, and I’m not certain if they’ve confirmed their age order. People often reference their rankings (Lucifer, Mammon, Leviathan, Satan, Asmodeus, Beelzebub, Belphegor), but that is the order of how powerful they are, which is why Satan is #4 instead of #7.

Here are the ages I’m giving them during The Great Celestial War (in angel years): Lucifer (18), Mammon (15), Asmodeus (14), Leviathan (12), Beelzebub (8), Belphegor (8), Satan (0/5)*

I think in canon Leviathan would be older than Asmodeus, but I decided to cast him deeper into the pits of middle child hell (also I wanted Mammon and Asmodeus to be closer in age as a part of my personal agenda.)

*Since Lucifer had a Zeus moment and popped Satan from his noggin, I imagined him as being the equivalent of 5 when he was “born” during the Celestial War. Let’s say it was five angel years of built up rage culminating into a person. 

That being said, Lucifer would be the only one that directly fights in the war. Mammon wanted to fight by his side but Lucifer would not let that happen (and god help you if you defied the man). Instead, Mammon is in charge of keeping his siblings safe since they’re basically traitors/fugitives.

Plus, since Lucifer is fighting a war, he doesn't have a lot of time to see his brothers. This is the first time they've been separated from him for a long period of time, so it's been hard for them. They wonder if Lucifer will get killed and the angels that used to be their friends will imprison them (or worse). Paranoia and fear constantly loom over them. The Celestial Realm is all they've ever known, and they don't feel safe there anymore.

Escaping the Celestial Realm is a task in and of itself. I imagine teleportation magic as being something extremely complex and thus requiring a spellbook to perform (so you don’t end up halfway through a wall or something). The brothers did not have that, thus, they spent most of the war hiding out in the outskirts of the Celestial Realm.

Satan appears near the end of the war. Lucifer did not tell his brothers how/where Satan came from (this will come back later for plot-related stuff). Since Satan is the embodiment of wrath, living with him took some adjusting. 

Asmo made it his mission to help domesticate his feral brother with Mammon’s help, of course.

Levi was terrified of Satan, but Satan was curious about him. I like to imagine that Levi sparked Satan’s interest in reading because I think that would be cute. 

Belphegor and Satan would fight a lot when they first met (I imagine Beel, Belphie and Satan as the trifecta of “children most likely to bite you”). Over time they would grow to enjoy each other’s company.

So, yeah. This AU is just going to be "thing I want to change/things I think would be kinda cool + plot". I want to post more stuff but drawing a comic is difficult so I had to settle for this instead.

If you're interested in seeing more I'm going to put any future Lore™ under OM Eden AU for convenience.

[cursedwretch]

What Lurks Beneath - Chapter 5

GIF by featherlumina

Viktor x AFAB!Reader; Word count: 4948 Words; Rating 18+ MDNI

AO3 | Prev

The smut is here, the smut is here! Content warnings below: CW: A smidge of soft dom!Viktor/switch!Viktor if you squint, Vaginal sex, Vaginal fingering, praise kink

Chapter also contains canon-typical (implied) violence, and mentions of injury/blood.

In the cramped confines of Heimerdinger’s carriage, I avoid Viktor’s eyes at all costs. I ignore how his finger traces his lower lip as he stares absently out the window. Realistically, I should be grateful for ride home, but right now I’m half-convinced it was some contrived torture method.

Gods, help me.

Heimerdinger fills the air, ensuring there are no pregnant pauses throughout the journey, rattling off plans for the remainder of the month. Meetings, meetings, meetings.

One such meeting, uncharitably, is apparently taking place at 8 the following morning. Perfect. A board meeting, Heimerdinger informs me, so not one I can skip. Naturally. He’s practically immortal, I remind myself. I doubt he’s ever experienced a hangover, or even needed to sleep in a day in his too-long life.

“Thank you for the notice,” I clip, though it’s a struggle to come across neutral. I paste on a weak smile for good measure. From the edge of my vision, I catch Viktor’s shoulders silently shaking with laughter, shifting to face the window fully. The little shit.

It isn’t until Heimerdinger exits, hopping out with a bright ‘see you in the morning,’ that Viktor looks at me. His hand sliding from his lips as he turns my way.

Lidded eyelids and a lazy smirk. My heart lurches. And there’s something about the way he fixates on my mouth has me following that tug—stumbling across the distance to scramble into his lap. His hands meet my hips, holding me steady as he looks up at me, his head tilting back with a soft exhale. Whisky. Another taste wouldn’t hurt, would it? My hands float up to hold his face between them, thumb swiping across the mole on his cheek.

“I don’t live far,” he warns.

I dip down, pulling his lips to mine, watching as his eyes flutter closed. Strong hands pull me tight against him, one shifting to splay out flat against the small of my back. I trace the seam of his lips with my tongue. He gives me access with a groan, tongue running along mine.

The hand on my hip roams up, tracing along the side of my body, into the dip of my clavicle, before coming to rest on the nape of my neck. I breath in, deep, smiling against his lips as our teeth click. One of those little snags when things are still new. He laughs in turn as he pulls back, hand in my hair holding me in place.

My eyes fluttered open to find his earlier bravado replaced by a shy curve of his lips. “Almost there,” he murmured, his voice softer now. “Would you like to come up?”

“Yes,” I whisper.

He cranes up once more, pulling me into another kiss—slow and soft and heady. He sucks on my bottom lip and it sends my head spinning, whining softly into his mouth.

The motorcarriage jostles as it comes to a stop. I’m hesitant to break away. Greedy. My fingers clutch at his lapels, pulling closer.

“Up,” he smiles against me, guiding me off of his lap.

It’s an awkward scramble out of the carriage. Viktor’s the first to step out, leaning to the driver to shake his hand with a quick thanks. I’m fairly certain he slipped some coin his way as well. Good. I follow without decorum, stumbling out, taking Viktor’s hand as he offers it.

Its quiet. And something electric hums through the air as he leads me to his front door. The feeling thickens when we reach it. With a swallow, his eyes glance my way for a split second before he unlocks the door, propping it open.

Black currant tea, warm leather, and wood envelope me. It smells completely, utterly, like Viktor. Comforting, complex.

His apartment is messy; not health-risk messy, but certainly cluttered. Half-finished projects and knick knacks line the shelves, a discarded mug left on just about every surface. A daunting little pile of coats sits atop the chair at his writing desk. Clearly, he doesn’t pen many letters. I can’t help but laugh as I take a look around.

He regards me with a quizzical brow.

“I thought Jayce was the messy one,” I tease.

Color dusts his cheeks as he continues in, leaning down to set his keys on the table, haphazardly tidying what he could within reach. “He is,” he insisted, “in all fairness, I didn’t anticipate company tonight.”

I smirk, walking behind him, hands sliding around his waist as I press my mouth against his shoulder. His hands still, and his tense shoulders melt under my touch. His fingers intertwine through mine, and he peels them away, turning in my arms.

“So impatient,” he smirks, voice growing low and rough. I raise my eyebrow in a challenge he gladly takes.

The kiss he pulls me into is searing, bruising, as he ushers me backwards. He leads me blind through his apartment, my steps falter, stumbling, until the back of my knees hit something soft. A push, and I’m seated, his bedding a silken whisper against the palm of my hand. He’s out of breath already.

I reach up, tugging at the collar of his shirt; greedy hands fussing with the buttons, exposing more and more to my touch as his legs slot between mine. His hands traces along my thigh, knee nudging against my core and a white hot need curls in my stomach.

“So perfect,” he whispers against my skin, shifting his weight fully onto his knee. Another push, and I’m on my back. A vague clatter goes ignored as it rings through the room. My mouth parts.

He watches me, drinking in each hitch and gasp as his fingers trace up my bare thighs, pushing the hem of my dress up with the movement. His lips part. My heart skitters at the look in his eyes—focused, gentle.

His hand skates to my inner thigh. Tracing up, up, up; parting them with each inch. There’s a hitch, so soft, almost imperceptible, in his breath when he catches the first glimpse of the lace that lies beneath.

Dipping between, he presses his fingers against my still-clothed sex. I arch into his touch. More. He’s slack-jawed and sly, mouth quirking up as he watches his fingers slip beneath the side of my underwear.

“Gods,” he rasps, “you’re soaked.”

I keen. He’s going to be the death of me. I grind against his hand, shameless and desperate for friction. Any foolish hope of maintaining any demure air now cast to the wind as I reach forward, tugging at the button of his slacks, “off.”

He peels my hands away, pressing them down against the sheets; fingers twining through mine as he presses wet, hot kisses down my neck.

I gasp, “fuck.”

“Patience,” he chides.

He takes his time with me—languidly pushing my dress up as his own mouth works its way down. Dizzying. I can feel his smirk with every strangled noise I make. When the hem of my dress pushes past my ribs, he pauses, pressing a kiss to my shoulder, pulling me to sit up before peeling it up past my head.

“Lay down,” he says softly, gesturing towards the headboard.

I slide my underwear off, and quickly resist the urge to cover myself, feeling suddenly bare at his hungry eyes roaming my form as I scoot back. My head hits the pillow. His own tilts to the side as he pushes his shirt down his arms, shrugging it off. His lips quirk at the face I make—pinched brows, lips parted—while I watch him make short work of his pants. He’s lithe, lean, with an elegant cut of muscle. As I drink him in, I spot the metal brace lining his leg. I wasn’t even aware he wore one. He smiles, a little shyly; color dusting his cheeks. Still, he doesn’t shrink away.

“I wanted to do that,” I pout. Which is true. I’d undress him with my teeth if he let me.

He laughs, half-crawling onto the bed, “another time.”

He collapses onto his side beside me, bed doing a little shake before his fingers are curling around my knee to part my legs. His unbraced leg hitches forward, holding mine open as his nails rake up my inner thigh. It’s torture.

“Viktor,” I gasp, a warning.

He hums, craning forward to watch his own hand intently as it slides higher. So close. I turn to look at his face, and I’m struck by just how long his eyelashes are, kissing his cheek with contented blink. When his fingers hit the juncture of my thigh, I whimper. He relents, thank the gods, amber eyes lifting to mine while his fingers brush against my core.

“Good?” He asks. He knows the answer.

My hips buck against his hand, “yes, please.”

His eyes widen, blown-black as his fingers sink inside. I keen, writhing at the delicious curl. Well-practiced. My own fingers find his hair, searching for purchase as he dips down, lips pressing against my ear. I can feel the heat of his gaze, watching my hips stutter and grind against his palm.

“That’s it,” a ragged groan tears from his throat as he whispers into my ear, “so perfect.”

I cry out, that familiar heat building in my core as a litany of praises fall from his lips. So fast. Teeth scrape at the skin beneath my ear, fingers curling within me in time with the roll of my hips.

“Fuck,” he gasps.

My hips stutter with another whine, “Viktor, please.”

He hums, but is cut short as my hand snakes down to his underwear, palming him. “Gods,” he chokes.

My fingers wrap around him through the fabric, thick and weighty in my hand. I let out a strangled noise. Gods. I tug at the waistband, a quick yank and his cock springs free. Gorgeous. I’ve never found a cock gorgeous before. I trace up the underside with a light touch, wringing a sharp breath from him.

“Need you,” I swallow, throat suddenly dry.

Another groan, and he’s falling onto his back, bringing me with him, tugging me forward until I straddle him. My legs quivering, I prop myself up with my palms flat against his chest.

For a beat, we catch our breath.

He looks so soft, wavy hair splayed out on the pillow beneath, staring up at me like a man starved. It’s nearly overwhelming.

So I break the spell; my fingers wrap around him.

His hips buck up into my hands as I give an experimental stroke, pausing to press my thumb against his cock to collect an errant bead of cum. I bring my thumb to my lips, bringing another lovely curse from his lips. He’s salty-sweet and intoxicating. My eyes flutter closed, making a show of it and—

Was that a growl? How interesting.

He grabs my hips, fingers bruising as he pulls me down against him, cock grinding against my clit. I fall forward, hips stuttering with a cry. How on earth does he keep pulling the rug out from under me?

“All this for me,” he rasps, rocking my hips against him, “and I haven’t even fucked you.”

I mewl his name, reaching down with unsteady fingers to line him up with my entrance. He slides into me with a rough, insistent thrust that makes me gasp. I clench around him, the unfamiliar stretch of him sending a dizzying wave of pleasure through my core.

“That’s it,” he gasps, guiding my hips to roll against him. His eyes burn into mine, rapt. There’s a flush to his cheeks, dusted pink as he pants up at me, fingers making their way up the length of my body.

It’s by the nape of my neck that he pulls me down into another crushing kiss, each thrust up into me stoking the flame. He’s all tongues and teeth as I cry against his mouth. A hand snakes between us, thumb circling my clit. With each motion I feel an aching pulse. Intoxicating. I could get drunk off the feel of his cock hitting that spot—that perfect fucking spot—alone.

“You take me so well,” he gasps, breath catching, “so perfect, so needy.”

Each word sends fire through my veins. Thumb brushing against the base of my ear, he presses my forehead against his, our broken breaths mixing in the air between. He gulps as I clench around him, “I’m not going to last if you keep doing that.”

“Don’t care,” I shake my head, thighs shaking as his thumb picks up the pace against me, “me neither, fuck, Viktor—“

“You going to come for me, hm?” He hisses, his own thrusts growing uneven.

I nod, a feeble little motion as I moan out. He chases the noise with his lips, pressing to mine, drinking in each little noise that slips out. Every rough thrust of his cock up into me bringing me closer to the edge, that heat building until I’m mewling, babbling against his lips—

“That’s it,” he groans, “good girl, just let go.”

My back arches as I cry, waves of pleasure coursing through me as I fall apart at his command. He’s close behind, a high-pitched strangled noise tearing from his throat as he fills me, hips jerking erratically. He chants my name, holding me against his chest as I slump forward.

“Gods,” I pant.

With a content hum his lips brush against my temple, hand tracing soothing shapes along my back. I cant my head towards him, pressing a kiss to his jaw as I slide off of him—eliciting one last hiss.

He turns to his side to face me, the corners of his mouth quirking upwards. Though his eyes hold something else—keen and alert, looking into mine like equations were written on a blackboard within. My eyes widen.

Too bare.

I stretch, retreat; eyes sliding shut. A chaste kiss to his cheek and I’m slipping out of the bed with a quick, “be right back.”

When I return he’s half-awake, heavy lidded eyes and a lopsided smile as I tuck myself beneath the sheets. His arms slide around me, tugging close to his chest, enveloping me fully. I sink into the feeling; safe.

As the clutches of sleep find me, I hear him mumble, “I am.. glad you decided to stay.”

- - -

I’m the first to wake. Surprisingly.

The rising light peaks through the windows of his apartment, setting those brown locks aglow—a halo of orange and gold. His mouth was slack, lips softly parted. I leaned in, admiring the way his long lashes kissed his cheek. He sleeps like the dead, which is, honestly, rather unexpected.

Birdsong—a loud, twittering call—rings through the room, as if on cue. Time to get up.

I have that blasted meeting a 8. And the academy was a twenty minute walk away. And I needed a change of clothes. And a shower. Shit.

I really needed to leave.

I pressed a kiss to Viktor’s cheek, murmuring, “gotta get up.”

He groaned, eyelids heavy as they fluttered open. His mouth tucked into a pout as I slipped from his arms. He mumbled, “mh, leaving?”

I nod, rifling through his closet. “Meeting,” I explain, shrugging on one of his shirts.

He’s all limbs, taught and elongated, stretching out. He takes it a hair too far, apparently, as his face pinches into a brief wince. I frown, fingers faltering on the buttons. There’s another muffled groan as he shifts to his side, hand slipping beneath his pillow to stare back at me.

I fish a pair of pants from the closet, slipping them on.

“Little thief,” his teasing voice is rough, warm and gravely.

“You’ll get them back,” I laugh, “walking home in a gown at 7 am feels a bit indecent.”

He hums, “eh, a convenient excuse.”

“Careful, I may pilfer more on my way out,” I pad over towards the bed, leaning down to pull him into a kiss. Soft and slow and sweet. He hums as I retreat once more. “See you, Viktor.”

- - -

The board meeting turns out to be, as always, entirely unnecessary. Bloviation and repetition. I continuously find my mind floating back to Viktor’s apartment: to soft brown hair and fleeting touches and gentle lips. I float through the rest of the day this way; half-present, swept up in the whirlwind that inevitably comes after Progress day.

I manage to carve out a moment for myself to pen a message to Cassandra, taking it alongside the veritable mountain of pending correspondence that’s grown throughout the day. It’s only a quick jog to the pneumatic tubes, thankfully. I’m half-surprised he didn’t have one installed in his office. A suggestion for later, perhaps.

When I return, I’m surprised to find Viktor and Jayce loitering in the office. The events of last night come flooding back at the sight, a fire licks through my veins, curling in my stomach. Low, needy. My face heats as my eyes meet Viktor’s, judging by the tug at his lips his thoughts are the same.

“Afternoon,” Jayce smiles.

He seems… unexpectedly oblivious. Nonplussed, at the very least. I raise a brow to Viktor before I turn Jayce’s way, “good afternoon, Jayce. Meeting with the councilor?”

At his nod, I smile, pivoting on my heels. “One moment, I’ll see if he’s available.”

For his star mentees? Of course he is.

Heimerdinger insists I sit in on their discussion—on next steps, which was, apparently, loosely scheduled the night previous—to take meeting minutes. From the spare seat in the corner of the room, I keep my eyes glued to the page, doing my best to ignore the fleeting glances Viktor keeps casting my way.

“We anticipate, mh, twelve months to complete construction on the Hexgate,” Viktor says, coolly crossing his ankle over his knee as he shifts in his seat.

Hm, interesting.

Heimerdinger’s eyes practically bulge out of his head, exclaiming, “that’s quite an aggressive timeline!”

It really isn’t. Still, I hold my tongue; I’ve learned long ago that it’s better to nudge Heimerdinger in the right direction from the sidelines, rather than advocate in public.

There’s a pause as Viktor’s tired eyes meet Jayce’s, a wordless little exchange that seems to say ‘you deal with it.’

“We’ve worked on these plans for years,” Jayce leans forward, eyes bright and full of promise as he speaks, “you have my word, sir, that we will continue to take every precaution.”

Heimerdinger narrows his eyes before sliding them closed in an animated little nod. “Fine, fine. It’ll have to be discussed with the council, of course. But, you’ll have my vote.”

Viktor is quick to stand, reaching forward to shake his mentor’s hand, “your support is.. appreciated, sir.”

His smile is pleased, peaceful, as he turns towards the door. I go to follow him and Jayce out, steps halting as the councilor calls my name.

“A moment,” he says.

- - -

Cassandra Kiramman is quick to respond, and a date is set for one week later.

Cassandra Kiramman’s estate smelled of freshly-cut lilac mixed with sandalwood and vanilla. Buttery and altogether intoxicating. I bring the tea provided—white with honey and some secret, delectable third taste layered within—to my mouth, savoring each sip. I very much doubt I’ll taste something so fine for a long time.

Her office is bright, ornate. Filled to the absolute brim with flowers and plants of every kind. All quite rare. All exceedingly difficult to keep alive in Piltover’s climate. This room, however, is warm, hospitable, and teeming with life.

Cassandra Kirraman, however, is quite cold. Not unfeeling. But, proper. A woman of process and propriety. Currently, her shrewd eyes are on mine, watching me take in the room.

“You’ve a lovely home,” I say, and I’m sure my smile comes out more grimace-like than I intend.

“Thank you,” she says, “and thank you for sending your materials in advance of our meeting.”

“Of course, I assume you have questions?”

Jayce, who was kind enough to help prep me for the meeting, warned me that she would be more hands on with her patronage. In recent years, at least. I can’t imagine why.

She nods once, curt and to the point, “yes. My primary point of concern lies in your ‘runoffmitigation’plans.”

Ah. As anticipated.

She continues, “You don’t have any sites determined yet, and I don’t expect you’ll find the industrialists of the undercity to be jumping at the opportunity to collaborate.”

“Of course,” I cross my legs as I speak, “but the benefits are great enough that I’d be remiss if I didn’t try.”

She nods, thumbing through the packet of papers.

The arduous pause that follows has me shifting in my seat, leaning forward to add, “nailing down where is my next step.”

She hums, “and your estimate on this? Will you have this determination made soon?”

“That,” I squirm, “is difficult to say.”

She tilts her head, “In that case. let’s aim for 3 weeks.”

Final answer, then.

- - -

It’s an aggressive timeline.

Perhaps it’s time to have a conversation with my boss—one thats been haunting the back of my mind these few months. On my return from my meeting, I march directly into his office; I’m fairly sure any delay would dry up the remaining dregs of my courage after my morning.

I clear my throat, propping the door open, “sir, may I speak to you for a moment?”

“Of course, my girl,” he straightens in his seat.

I reach down to pet his poro, who excitedly circles me, as I take my seat. I shift, throat suddenly dry—

“I’m fairly certain I can take an educated guess as to why you’re here,” he narrows his eyes.

I nod, a bit feebly. The words snag in my throat.

Charitably, he continues, eyeing me with his ever-shrewd gaze as he speaks, “time is about to become quite the premium for you.”

So he heard about my meeting, then. I swallow, “Yes, I expect so, sir.”

“Of course, it’s not lost on me that meeting minutes and correspondence are a waste of your talents—“

“Not at all, sir, I—“

He narrows his eyes at me, hushing me immediately. With a curt nod to himself, he continues, “I’m glad you came to me. I’ve been thinking it’d be prudent to adjust your role—let a student take over the mundane tasks for you to focus on your work. In exchange, however, I do have a request.”

I frown, tilting my head, “sir?”

“I’d like you to be a pair of extra eyes for me—primarily on any Hextech progress.”

Ah. I’ve had assignments like these as his assistant before, of course. I’ve never been a fan of them—hounding scientists to ensure they’re keeping to the ethos. Still, it’s a fair trade. I nod, “yes, of course sir.”

He fixes me with a neutral, if assessing, stare. I shift in place, finger carding through the edges of my notebook.

“Our boys have hit their fair share of snags,” he finally speaks, “I’m also aware you have grown quite close with Viktor, I expect you remain neutral.”

I nod, swallowing thickly. That was quite the emphasis. Did he mean that in a stay-away-from-my-star-pupil sort of way? Perhaps. Perhaps, I’m paranoid. Either way, I’m thrown. Something else scratches at the edge of my mind, and I ask, “Why, sir? Keep accommodating me, I mean.”

It’s a foolish question.

He blinks, mustache tucking into a frown as he considers my words. “It is the greatest importance, my girl, to focus on our future, to shape young innovators such as yourself.”

I’m not sure I enjoy the idea of being molded.

I chew on my lip, nodding. “Thank you, sir.”

- - -

The first two weeks pass far too quickly. I dive headfirst into my project, and visit the Hextech lab a few times. Okay, I’m fairly sure Heimer only meant for me to check in every so often. Call it an indulgence.

Viktor is keeping busy, as well. Relegating us to subsist on stolen glances and fleeting touches. The heat eats at me each time regardless, and I’m still a little unsure whether Heimer’s warning was purely about professionalism, or pursuit.

So, we’ve been careful.

It doesn’t stop the visits from being pure, blissful torture. It builds on it, really.

- - -

“Hello, boys,” I beam at the threshold of the Hextech lab.

Jayce’s greeting is warm, much warmer than Viktor’s—who opts for a soft ‘mmh’ with a wave of his hand, eyes glued to his notebook.

I scoff, teasing, “I’m doing fine, Viktor. Thanks for asking.”

His shoulders shake with silent laughter.

“So, any interesting progress?” I turn to Jayce.

He readily walks me through their latest developments—planning, materials they’re sourcing, the few more tests left before construction kicks off. They’re moving fast.

“Why the hurry?” I tilt my head, finger tracing it’s way down the schematics laid out before me. Jayce has returned to his project, welding what appears to be two small metal sheets together.

He hooks a thumb in Viktor’s direction, “ask this one.”

“I would like to move forward,” Viktor pipes in with a sigh, “the Hexgates are just the surface of Hextech, and will likely only impact Piltover’s elite.”

I hum, he had a point. I step away from the table, crossing the room.

“The undercity will feel the effects too, V,” Jayce says.

“Eh, do we know that, Jayce?” Viktor stands, watching me as I approach his desk, “better to quickly satisfy our benefactors and move on to measurable, tangible impacts.”

His amber eyes shine, hopeful. Up close, however, I can see the purple kiss of dark circles blooming beneath his eyes. He’s been working too hard again.

Jayce hums in reply, not bothering to look up from the soldering iron in his hands, “I know, V.”

This was a regular conversation, then.

It’s quiet for a moment, Viktor silently watching the back of his partner’s head. I shift from foot to foot, drawing idle shapes against the desk top. The soldering iron kicks on.

Viktor’s eyes slide to mine, and my lungs stop. A careful step forward and he’s caged me between his arms, back against the table, breath hitching as he whispers against my hair, “you are incredibly distracting.”

His hips press against mine, driving the point home. My hands find his waist as I struggle to steel myself. I swallow, “I’m going back to the undercity soon.”

He presses a kiss to the corner of my jaw, voice low and amused. “Is that so? And do you require an escort?”

He seals his sentence with a nip at my skin.

“No,” I say, voice airy as I try to maintain an even reply, “I should be fine.”

Jayce clears his throat, “V.”

Viktor backs away, utterly nonplussed as he sits beside me on the table. I take the opportunity to step back, to put some distance between us.

Viktor looks at me, suddenly earnest as he speaks, “you’ve been going to the undercity a lot recently.”

I nod, blinking. I still have yet to find a suitable factory in the Undercity, each visit turning up fruitless. I murmur, “I’m on a tight deadline.”

Viktor stares at me for a moment, lips forming a thin line, “Careful.”

I shrug, giving him a lopsided smile, “of course.”

- - -

One such factory sits conveniently in the higher levels of the undercity, not-so-far from the very spot I ran into that odd man at. It’s partially why I’ve been avoiding it. The sigil lining the exterior of the building, however, was not the same. I’m still not sure if that is a boon, or not. The sense of unease twists in my gut.

I round the exterior of the factory, nose pinching. Smoke plumes up from one of the stacks towards the center, cloying and thickening the very air around me. There’s just enough space between the factory itself and the river, jagged rock and cobble smattering the land between. The ideal location for my work.

I cross around the back of the building, sticking towards the river. The closer to the other end, the more cumbersome the earth becomes: Manageable boulders turn to smaller, frail jagged shards. It’s a scramble. The factory itself is surprisingly quiet—windowless, devoid of most signs of life—save for the guard posted on the other side of the building. A silhouette in the distance, lax posture.

One wrong step. That’s all it takes to send me cursing as I tumble onto the sharp rocks below. A pain tears through my hands. Then, blood. I struggle to my knees with a hiss, investigating the source—broken slivers of shale embedded in my palms. I cry out as I peel the first away.

Swallowing, I manage to muffle the worst of it. My heart leaps into my throat. I risked a glance at the guard, paranoia singing through my blood. Had he heard me?

He shuffles on his feet, leaning against the wall.

I exhale, looking down to tug out another; this one deeper. I glance at the door to the factory, still closed. The guard still leaning there, unmoving. My nostrils flaring, I stand up on wobbly legs. I can deal with the rest later, when I get home. Was that a noise? No, I’m being paranoid. I stagger forward—

There’s a crunch of feet against stone behind me, and I whip around just in time—a glimpse of metal, a resounding crack, the tilt of the horizon.

Darkness.

[worldly-fluster]

Snapdragon

Sylus x non-mc Reader

Part 5 of 6!!

*Sweet sweet fluff 💗*

**two crooows sitting on a light pole an inch apart cause they aren't gay** lol or maybe they are????....mystery of the universe

---

I woke up with a slight headache, not really knowing much of what happened before passing out...but I remember having a nice dream where my Snapdragon found me.

I got up from my warm spot on the couch, not really paying attention to my surroundings nor seeing that the warm comfiness came from a certain white haired 'fiend' that lay passed out on the couch as well.

It seemed watching you sleep until he couldn't stay awake backfired as he didn't wake up even though you jostled him around a bit.

I walked into the bathroom that the twins showed me yesterday, to do my morning business.

---

Sylus' eyebrows furrowed as he started to feel cold, his hands, even in his sleep, searched for your warmth. When he couldn't find your warmth, it seemed to send a jolt of panic through his system, forcing him awake.

"MC-?" His voice was groggy and rushed as he clumsily rolled himself off the couch, body still wanting to sleep but his mind raced, thinking maybe it was actually a dream for a moment.

He heard footsteps coming from the bathroom and quickly stood, his visage disheveled from panic and sleep. He feels like how he felt the first few months you disappeared the first time, when he would wake up from dreams of you only to find your comfort gone, far away from his grasp.

So imagine his relief when he sees you walk around the corner, hand rubbing under your eye. His shoulders sag and he lets out a breath he didn't know he was holding. Before he could think, or you even notice him, his feet carried him over to you where he pulled you into his embrace.

---

I felt warm arms surround me as I stepped into the living room and before I could react, those arms lifted me up to carry me somewhere.

"WAH-?!"

I let out a startled noise, trying to wiggle free from my captor only to hear a chuckle that sounded familiar in my ear.

"Don't move too much, or I'll drop you."

I stopped moving as I turned my head to look to the side, only to see the white hair of my captor.

"Sylus-?"

"Snapdragon."

My heart stuttered, breath leaving my lungs momentarily as I remembered something faintly from before.

"I'm here, I'm here. Your Snapdragon is here..."

Oh.

Oh.

"Your Snapdragon. Or should I remind you?"

I pull my arms from being pinned between us to hug him closer.

"Mm No, you're my Snapdragon, that's also named Sylus."

"Mhm."

"So you kept the name Sylus, I thought you hated it?"

"You gave it to me, everything I am is because you gave it to me."

I hugged him a bit tighter, nuzzling my face into the side of his head.

"I only gave you a name?"

His own hold on me tightened as he stopped walking.

"You gave me more than that..."

Sylus turned around with me still in his arms before he fell back onto his bed with a grunt as I fell with him. I didn't even notice he walked into his room, it was...more colorful than I remember in game. Was it because of me?

I looked up from my new spot on his chest, only to meet his gaze. His hand coming up to graze my cheek with a feather light touch.

His face looked so relaxed, compared to the look he had since I got here. It reminded me of when he had horns and a tail, he looked young...

Speaking of horns and a tail.

"What happened to your dragon bits?"

Sylus let out a short chuckle at my word choice, his face curling into a look of entertainment.

"They're still there...just hidden. No one wants to see a monster just walking around the street."

I frown deeply at that word.

"Not a monster."

Sylus' hands gently combed through my messy hair as he smiled.

"Not to you. Others beg to differ."

"Well they can suck my-"

"Do you remember those flowers?"

I huffed at how Sylus interrupted me but answered.

"The snapdragons I found in the field?'

He nodded before gently turning my face to the side slightly where I saw the engravings on his bed's headboard.

Snapdragons lined the edges of the dark wood, something I probably wouldn't have noticed without him pointing out.

"Snapdragons..."

"Mm..."

Sylus pulled me closer to him, nudging his nose onto my cheek, his lips lightly grazing the skin just below.

"My Snapdragon surrounding himself with other snapdragons..."

I placed my cheek on his chest, hearing his heartbeat that thumped away in my ear that seemed to quicken when I called him mine.

His eyes closed in content. Not feeling this relaxed in what felt like forever...may as well have been.

He feels like he should question why that happened in the first place, he knows that you don't know what happened, how or why, but he won't right now. He just wants to hold you as close as he can, his chest rumbling with contentment. Something it hasn't done since laying in the field so long ago.

---

He never thought he could be jealous...of a crow.

Later that evening, when you were finally able to worm your way out of his cuddles, you found Mephisto perched on his special perch in his room. When he noticed that you saw him he crooned, bobbing his head towards you.

Mephisto stole all your attention from him and he... didn't like it.

After a bit of this, he had enough.

Sylus let out a huff, walking up next to you two and gave you both a side eye before leaning down to push himself between you.

He furrowed his brown and frowned as he stared down at you, ignoring the pecks and caws of displeasure behind him.

You laughed as you brought your hands to his face, rubbing his cheeks and giving him the same attention you were giving Mephisto. His face relaxed a bit before he leaned into you, practically dropping his whole weight onto you causing you to let out what sounded like a squawk.

He laughed as he steadied you both, gripping your arms and holding you close.

The twins were around the corner, out of sight, just watching their boss go from a tense, cold, almost depressed man out for blood, into a calm, sweet, tame beast that would bend over backwards for the one in his arms.

They shared a look, nodding in agreement.

It was now their personal mission to make sure the happiness they have, stays safe.

---

You spent days like this with him, both nearly forgetting about how and why this all happened in the first place. Niether of you really thought about any one else, let alone the original MC of this universe, who was now panicking about where we could have gone.

You both caught up, telling each other stories of the time apart. He had more stories than you of course. What was only a few days for you, was years for him. He was a little more reserved than before but to you he will always be your Snapdragon, no matter how long you spend apart.

The thing is though...you think that it's just how he is, the bestest of friends. He has yet to admit out loud that he...he loves you, he doesn't know what will happen if he ever does say it. He would rather keep what he has now than chance losing you just because he says it out loud.

He will let his actions speak for him, and he hopes that yours say the same.

---

*Nothing can go wrong now, can it? lol*

Tag list: @poptrim @xxfaithlynxx @lavvytae @ellieevu @lost-on-the-road-of-life ❤️

[companion-of-the-dragonmark]

When Was the First Kingdom of the Wilderwest Built? (HTTYD Books)

Hello, my fellow Dragonmarkers! It's been awhile! As promised, here's the article concerning the plausible timeline of the Kingdom of the Wilderwest. This article was actually a very old one of mine that I had written during this month in 2018. Why didn't I post it on here? Because I wasn't on Tumblr until 2020. And by then, I had forgotten to post this on here. Whoops. Teehee. 😜

When did Hiccup the First end the First Human-Dragon War and built the First Kingdom of the Wilderwest?

Many fans just go with what Wodensfang says in Book 11, supporting the 1000-Year Dynasty mentioned in Book 11 rather than the 500-700-Year Dynasty suggested in Book 9. In fact, it's everywhere in the HTTYD Wiki. I guess it's because fans view Book 11 to be more accurate because it's a later book? I don't know; maybe I'm thinking too hard about this.

But I want to talk through this and thoroughly go through the pros and cons of both sides of the argument and do this right. I'd love to know what you guys think about this.

Anyway, on to the topic!  

Possible Contradiction?:

In the First Book — the Book that we're all familiar with — in Chapter 6, Page 68, says that:

"The Dragon (speaking of the Green Death) had crawled down into the depths of the ocean and had gone into a Sleep Coma. Dragons can stay in this suspended state for eternity, half-dead, half-alive, buried under fathom after fathom of icy-cold seawater. Not a muscle of this particular Dragon had moved for six or seven centuries."

Wodensfang's account of Hiccup the First in Book 9 "How to Steal a Dragon's Sword", on Chapter 12, Page 203, seems to probably confirm this when he says: "Five or six centuries ago, when I was young, it was a very dark age, and the dragons and humans were at war."

He goes on further explanation in Page 208 concerning the Green Death: "...Merciless flew to the north, and to the Open Sea. He lived so long a loner that perhaps over the centuries he forgot his youth as leader of a dragon army and became quite an ordinary killer. Rumor was that several hundred years later, he was known only as the Green Death, one of the many monsters that terrorize the Deep Sea."

So you're probably saying, "Great! There it is! There's your answer! It was 600-700 years ago! Problem solved, right?"

Wrong.

In Book 11 "How to Betray a Dragon's Hero", on Chapter 6, Page 98, Wodensfang tells the story of how the Dragonmark came to be, as well as a more detailed history of the Kingdom of the Wilderwest and the story of Grimbeard the Ghastly as a boy, and how he changed the Mark. 

He says at the beginning of the story: "Once upon a time, Hiccup, a thousand or so years ago, when I was young and about the size of a Saber-Toothed Driver Dragon, I met your ancestor, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the First, and I gave him the Dragon Jewel and trusted him with the Jewel's Secret."

In Page 100, Wodensfang repeats this by saying: "For over a thousand years, it seemed like I had made the right decision to entrust the Secret of the Dragon Jewel to the humans."

I know right? I'm as confused as you are! Didn't he say in Book 9 that it was "five or six centuries ago"? Maybe even SEVEN centuries ago? Why the change? Did he suddenly get the Dragon equivalent of memory loss due to old age? Does he not know how to count?

Here's the confusing thing: if he was rounding, this might explain it. But the thing is that you can do it with small numbers, but as the number gets bigger, you can't round up in great jumps.

(Warning: Math Ahead!)

For example, say that the number is 8, you round it up to 10 (in certain circumstances) because 8 is closer to 10 than 5. However, if it's 6, then you have to round down to 5 because 6 is closer to 5. The only time that it doesn't is when you're rounding up in percentages (55.678594375 would be 56, for example).

You can't round up to 1000 years from 600, or even 700. That's too high of a jump. Especially when you're telling a historical account. For one thing, it's inaccurate, and for another, it's lazy. And it'll spread lots of confusion.

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A Roman Piece to a Nordic Puzzle | The Hint's in the Roman Numerals: 

So then, which is it? Was the Kingdom of the Wilderwest built 600-700 years ago or 1000-odd years ago? 

First off, allow me to redirect your attention once more to the references concerning the Green Death (also known as Merciless):

The Green Death Takes His Tea by Crownflame on DeviantArt

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"The Dragon (speaking of the Green Death) had crawled down into the depths of the ocean and had gone into a Sleep Coma. Dragons can stay in this suspended state for eternity, half-dead, half-alive, buried under fathom after fathom of icy-cold seawater. Not a muscle of this particular Dragon had moved for six or seven centuries." 

And this one:

  ". . .Merciless flew to the north, and to the Open Sea. He lived so long a loner that perhaps over the centuries he forgot his youth as leader of a dragon army and became quite an ordinary killer. Rumor was that several hundred years later, he was known only as the Green Death, one of the many monsters that terrorize the Deep Sea." 

According to these two quotes concerning the Dragon Merciless, it would appear that the events were about roughly 600 years ago. The problem is that the first quote says he had been in a Sleep Coma for six or seven centuries. I don't know about you, but that doesn't seem like a lot of time to me for him to have forgotten his past and about his nemesis Hiccup. It sounds like in the latter quote, Merciless lived and journeyed alone for a long time — about 100-200 years or more — before he fell into a Sleep Coma.

What might help support this is the mention of what he had eaten in Book 1, Page 129: "He was awake now, and he had coughed up the last thing he had eaten, the Eagle Standard of the Eighth Legion, with its pathetic ribbons still flying bravely."

Now, yes, the HTTYD books are exaggeratory and any historical references are "purely coincidental," and that the Roman Dragonrustlers were about during Hiccup the Third's time (but after Book 3 was said to have fled back to Rome — which is inaccurate because Hiccup's time was during the Viking Age, over 300 years after the fall of the Roman Empire. However, I have a theory that'll explain that in the future). 

But what if we DID get historical here? According to history, the only 8th Legion in Roman history was the Legio VIII Augusta, one of the oldest Roman legions in Rome's history (along with the Legio VI Feratta, Legio VII Claudia, and the (in)famous Legio IX Hispana). They were stationed in Gaul (modern France) near the modern-day Strasbourg area (called Argentoratum in Roman times). It was founded in 65 BC by Julius Caesar during the Gaul Wars. It continued service presumedly until either before or until the Fall of Rome (400-500 AD). 

Of course, since it continued service until that time period, then it's impossible for the Green Death to have eaten the Legion, right?

As Old Wrinkly used to say: "It's not im-POSSIBLE, only im-PROBABLE. The only thing that limits us are the limits to our imaginations." 

So, taking this sagely advice, let's think about this carefully.

According to Roman history, the Eighth Legion was disbanded during the first of Rome's Civil Wars (called Caesar's Civil War and the conflict was between Caesar and Scipio) soon after the Battle and Siege of Thapsus (modern-day Tunisia) in 46 BC for unknown reasons. It was reconstituted in 44 BC by Caesar's adopted son Augustus for Caesar's veterans who had loyally served him and helped him defeat Mark Antony and gain power as Rome's first Emperor.

So basically, there's a two-year gap between the disbandment and the reinstation of the Eighth Legion, which means that Merciless could've easily have eaten the Legion during that time and nobody would've been the wiser, and when Augustus reinstated the Legion two years later, he filled the ranks with other veterans who had served Caesar and Augustus.

What do you think? Plausible?

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Possible Connection to Dragon-Aging and Dates in the Book of Dragons:

Now, in Book 1, in the back of the How to Train Your Dragon book that Hiccup reads (similar to the Book of Dragons in the film) in Chapter 4 on Page 53-58, it says that the last stamped due-date was on "16 May 866 AD". The first and second due-dates stamped on there before that were "10 June 789 AD" and "9 April 835 AD".

However, there's no mention of when that book was borrowed, or when it was returned, or the gap between the date and when Gobber the Belch had burgled it from the Meathead "Public" Library. The Hooligans seemed to have had the book for a while. So the current date of the time of Hiccup's first memoir could be anywhere from 866-900 AD — if not later! 

Suffering Scallops, it could even be in the 1000s AD!!! In Book 7, Hiccup writes in his epilogue that: "Now I am an old, old man, and the world that I created has no need for dragons. They have retreated from the civilization that I brought, along with the wolves, and the Berserks, and the monsters of my childhood."

In 1015 AD, Berserkers were outlawed, and the practice of "going berserk" as a profession and the rituals involving their cults were forbidden until by the turn of the 12th century, Berserkers had all but disappeared from human history. The end of the Viking Age was considered to be between 1066-1100 AD, so, scallops, Hiccup could very well have lived during this time.

(This could explain the crossbows in the TV series, as they were beginning to show up around this time, as well as Hiccup's quote in the first film: "300 years and I'm the first Viking who wouldn't kill a dragon!") 

And, in Book 12, Hiccup also explains in his epilogue that Sea-Dragons like Toothless can live for thousands of years, so maybe 1000-year period might be correct? There's no mention about the other sea dragons, apparently, so I guess they don't live nearly as long?

The problem is the period of growth in the Sea-Dragons. Wodensfang was probably of-age by the time he meets Hiccup the First, and he was "the size of a Saber-Toothed Driver Dragon" then. Then, as the decades and centuries went by and the Kingdom prospered, he grew to be "as large as a mountain". Then he says that hundreds of years ago, he began to "shrink in old age", as Sea-Dragons are small in young and old ages, but in adult stages they're colossal, until he shrunk to the "size of a large Viking hunting dog (probably a Norwegian Elkhound, which lived during this time and was used mainly as a guard and hunting dog)" during the time of Grimbeard the Ghastly. By Hiccup the Third's time a hundred years later, he shrunk to the size of Toothless.

Furious was still considered a baby during Hiccup the Second's time, but grew to be the size of a small elephant. Then 100 years later, he became the size of a mountain, when it doesn't seem that Wodensfang grew that big that quickly (though, to be fair, the Berserks had been feeding him well with human sacrifices for the past 100 years, among other foods, so he probably grew to be that big because of it.) He must've had an early growth spurt. lol 😂

That being said, the reason Furious and Wodensfang have different growing speeds may be likely due to Furious having been fed well since his hatchling days. Whereas it's hinted by Wodensfang himself that he's had a difficult life in his younger days, which is one of the reasons he joins Merciless' rebellion against the Vikings. So the struggle for food could've stunted his growth until he met Hiccup the First later on, at which point he grew faster as more food was available.

Meanwhile, there's Toothless, who's a baby, and has been the size of Wodensfang since the first book, and, according to Hiccup in his epilogue in Book 12, hasn't really grown up at all despite it being 62 years since the events of Book 12 (which if Hiccup was 10-11 when he got Toothless in Book 1, this would make Toothless 65-66 years old by Hiccup's death) and is still able to sleep on his chest. 

He must be a late bloomer. lol 😂

Then there's the Green Death — or Merciless — to consider. While he was Furious's size during Hiccup the First's time, and was considered to be a young dragon, then several centuries later, if not more, when he meets Hiccup the Third, he's still the same size! Do Sleep Comas delay aging and growth or something?

So basically we have FOUR Sea-Dragons who grow and age at various speeds! So I don't think we can glean anything from this.

So . . . 1000 years or 600-700 years? Honestly, I seem to get more confused the further I try to explain it! I hope you're having better luck keeping up than I am at the moment! lol 😂

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Time For a Little More Math! (cue the groans!):

Okay, I'm going to do a little more math. To be honest, graphs, charts, and basic math is the only math I love. If you don't like it, then skip if you'd like, though you'll miss out on the cool part. 😉🧐

I've done the calculations and I'll do my best with it. If there are any mistakes, please let me know and I'll correct them. 

I'll be using current time from 866-1100 AD and then add the date to when the Kingdom of the Wilderwest could've been established in Hiccup the First's time. 

I will be using the terms CTP (Current Time Period) and DFP (Dynasty Foundation Period) to avoid confusion.

Whew! Okay! Now that THAT'S done and over with, let's get to the average ages of the Kings of the Wilderwest to further prove (hopefully) which date it might've been. 

I've organized it into different sections. Before Hiccup the Third, there were 12 Kings of the Wilderwest. So I'll divide the number of years that the Dynasty could've lasted to the number of Kings to get the average lifespan that each of the Kings have to be in order for this to become plausible.

Now granted, some of these Kings could've died young (20s-30s), or very old, or in their middle-ages (pun not intended). This is the AVERAGE lifespan for each king -- not a literal statistic for each and every King. 

Unless, of course, if we were fanciful people, we might've theorized that there's some sort of magic spell in the Dragon Jewel that Wodensfang didn't mention that causes all of the Twelve Kings to die at the same age. 

In that case, if true, and if every King DOES INDEED die at the same age, then since Hiccup the Third dies at the age of 75/76, it would've been 900 years since the foundation of the Kingdom of the Wilderwest since every King would've died at the same age that Hiccup had died.

But we're not fanciful people . . . and that would be ridiculous. lol 😜

However, you're probably noticing that there are no 1000 Years among the statistics that I just showed above. That's because I had just remembered that the Kingdom of the Wilderwest collapsed a hundred years before Hiccup the Third's time. Meaning that if the Dynasty and Kingdom lasted for 1000 years, then only 900 years of that has passed as a kingdom.

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Conclusion:

So . . . WHEW! That took a long time to write (5-6 hours, though the time could've been cut in half had I not done the statistics, but then where'd be the fun in that? lol 😜)

I apologize if any of this went over your head or overwhelmed you with informational overload. If it did, then I sympathize because I'm feeling this as well — and I'm WRITING THIS! 

So my conclusion is that, basically speaking, regardless of the Kingdom being anywhere from 600-1000 years old, 100 of those years need to be subtracted since the Kingdom fell apart when Grimbeard dissolved it a hundred years prior to the current events of the Second Dragon War. So, realistically, the Kingdom — and the 12 Kings (including Grimbeard) — lasted around 500-900 years, and when Wodensfang tells Hiccup the Third about the history of the Wilderwest, he includes the 100 years into the timeframe when the Kingdom of the Wilderwest was first founded.

So I guess that, in the end, the actual date and timeline will be left up to the fans to headcanon for themselves.

If you could take anything from this, what would it be?

What current timeline do you think Hiccup the Third could be living in during the Viking Age? 900s? 1000s? 1100?

And how many years do you think that the Kingdom of the Wilderwest was established (including the 100-year gap)? 1000 years? 800? 700? 600? 

Please share your thoughts! I'd LOVE to hear from you!!! ^_^ 

Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to read this and I am looking forward to reading any theories, corrections, suggestions, discussions, answers, and/or questions you may have. 

I hope this article finds you well, and I hope you have a splendid weekend! 

Long Live the Wilderwest!

— Companion of the Dragonmark

[allwaswell16]

A fic rec of soft One Direction fics with omega Harry as requested in this ask. If you enjoy the fics, please leave kudos and comments! You can find my other fic recs here. Happy reading!

- Louis/Harry -

🌸 Little by Little by nonsensedarling / @absoloutenonsense

(E, 65k, o/o) Harry Styles is an omega who works at the London Planetarium, has lived in the same flat for ages, and is happy enough on his own. When he gets home from his first (horrible) attempt at dating in years, a new pregnant neighbor knocks on his door after smelling his cooking. 

🌸 You're Not My Type (still I fall) by Imogenlee / @imogenleewriter

(E, 38k, farm) Harry is only twenty-four and has no inclination to settle down at all, especially not at the behest of an Alpha. But, as his mum would point out, that was the same stubborn attitude that got him here: in his car, in a thunderstorm, on the side of a forsaken lane of some little countryside town in Yorkshire.

🌸 dream about a summer night by fearsparks / @onlythebravest

(T, 33k, summer camp) Working alongside each other as camp counsellors, Harry and Louis grow closer than they’ve ever been before. That’s not a problem, but now they have these newfound feelings for each other to deal with.

🌸 findin' pieces that can fit by lsforever / @kingonafiftymetreroad

(E, 31k, o/o) an Omega/Omega Established Relationship AU where they’re figuring it out as they go along. There’s a road trip in there, lots of cuddling, some cats and dogs, and, of course, the best first time Harry could ever ask for.

🌸 Is it a sign? by bluegreenish / @greenblueish

(E, 25k, deaf Harry)  the one where Harry meets a certain handsome alpha at his sister's wedding and learns that speaking verbally doesn't have to be the only means of communication.

🌸 love so soft, you ain’t had nothing softer (series) by @neondiamond

(E, 15k, strangers to lovers) Louis is an Alpha with an odd obsession for gummy bears. Harry is an Omega who makes friends a little too easily. They meet on the bus.

🌸 Stars Will Align For Us by @2tiedships2

(NR, 15k, pining) the one where Harry is an omega at a loss of how to get past his pining and gain the attention of Louis...especially considering the alpha is always in a relationship.

🌸 balance between you and me by beckywritesthings / @beckydoesthings

(T, 15k, coworkers) As a successful businessman, Louis is used to the long hours, never-ending work, and constant exhaustion. What hits the hardest, even though he'd never admit it, is the empty apartment he comes home to every day.

🌸 Come In and Change My Life by lightswoodmagic / @lightwoodsmagic

(E, 12k, neighbors) Harry and Louis become friends when Harry looks after Louis' cat during away games, until one night at a party changes everything between them. It's just a shame Louis' going to be away for the FIFA World Cup for three months.

🌸 I Can't Hear You by kikikryslee / @flamboyantommo

(E, 9k, established relationship)  the one where Harry is self-conscious about his body because it's not the 'typical omega body' and Louis shows him why he loves that.

🌸 you give me feelings that i adore by @alwaysxlarrie

(T, 7k, uni) 5 times Louis scents Harry's things and the 1 time Harry returns the gesture.

🌸 Court Wine by @enchantedlandcoffee , red_panda28 / @red-pandaaa

(T, 7k, friends to lovers) after a misunderstanding during a scrabble game, Alpha Louis starts courting Omega Harry without the latter being aware of it.

🌸 All at once, this is enough by @lunarheslwt

(G, 7k, o/o) Harry, overcome with burn out, wants to nest but he has never nested before, doesn’t know how to. Louis, his best friend, is only happy to help him make a nest and be there for him. Along the way, they find something more.

🌸 young hearts on the chase by homemotif / @polaroidlouis

(G, 7k, meet cute) harry’s a hopeless romantic, louis’ oblivious, and it’s going to be Valentine’s Day.

🌸 I Want You to Linger by @insightfulinsomniac

(E, 6k, friends to lovers) A friends-to-lovers fic in which oblivious alpha Louis courts his best friend, nests with the gifts he gets him, and is faced with the reality that sometimes telling someone you love them doesn’t go to plan (but turns out better in the end anyway).

🌸 As one we are everything/We are everything we need by louloubaby92 / @louloubabys1992

(M, 5k, established relationship) Harry finally marries the love of his life. He's got the mating mark, he's got Louis' ring on his finger.

🌸 In the Heat Where You Lay by @marchessa

(T, 5k, mpreg) the one where Louis tries to balance work life and his marriage while he also has to protect Harry from himself since the omega is danger walking on two marvellously long legs at the best of times.

🌸 Oh Christmas Three by @tommokat

(M, 1k, mpreg) A birthday surprise goes awry. Louis doesn’t understand. Harry blames the oven.

- Rare Pairs -

🌸 in the hope of open hands (series) by @justanothershadeofblue

(T, 21k, OT5) Five times the pack is protective of omega Harry, and one time Harry protects them. Featuring Louis and Liam as alphas, Zayn and Niall as betas, and Harry’s as the band's lone omega.

🌸 That Don't Define Who You Are by @lululawrence

(NR, 7k, Harry/Louis/Nick Grimshaw)  the one where Harry is a licking omega with a broken bond who helps heal a fairly hapless beta with a folding bicycle. When Harry also meets the beta's alpha, things start to get... interesting.

[cass-sturn]

It had been a few days since the Ashley incident, and I’d been keeping my distance from Chris.

Not because I wanted to.

Because I need to.

I wasn’t upset with him, I knew it wasn’t my fault entirely. But seeing him caught between two worlds reminded me too much of what I left behind. The mess. The noise. The way people pulled you in different directions until you didn’t even recognize yourself anymore.

I had come to Brookdale for quiet. For healing. For a reset.

But Chris… Chris made that reset feel complicated.

So when he texted me— “Wanna talk?”—I stared at the message longer than I should’ve. And still, I typed:

Yeah. Your place?

I didn’t know what I was going to say exactly. Just that it was time.

I sat on the porch wing sipping from the tea he’d made me. Chris sat beside me, quietly staring out at the sky. The porch light buzzed above us, casting a soft glow over everything.

For once, he wasn’t trying to fill the silence. And for that, I was grateful.

“I should’ve told you why I came here,” I said suddenly, fingers curling around the mug.

He looked over at me, waiting. No judgement. Just curiosity.

I took a breath. “Everyone thinks I just wanted a ‘fresh start.’ That I moved here because I was bored or something. But…that’s not the truth.”

Chris said nothing, so I continued. “I was in a very long relationship, 5 years, his name was Carter.” My voice cracked a little saying his name. “At first, it was perfect, a little too perfect. He was handsome, smart, knew exactly what to say.” I gave a dry laugh. “Guys like that usually do.”

Chris shifted a little closer, not crowding me, just listening.

“He wasn’t always the person he became. The manipulation started slow. Little things. Telling me to dress. Making comments about my friends. Then came the jealousy, the yelling, pushing and shoving, the guilt trips. And I kept excusing it because, well I don’t know why.”

I started into my tea, the steam now gone. “But it slowly started to all catch up to me. It made me question my own thoughts. My own worth.”

Chris was still. And then, softly, “What finally made you leave?”

I looked at him then, my voice barely a whisper. “He told me if I left him, no one else would ever want me. That I was broken. He said he’d make sure everyone saw me that way.”

A long silence passed between us, heavy but not uncomfortable. Just real.

“So I packed up everything, called in a favor from my aunt who used to live here, and go the hell out of that city.” I took another sip. “Brookdale was the first place I could breathe again.”

Chris ran a hand through his hair, his jaw clenched like he was trying to swallow a storm. “I’m sorry,” he said. “You didn’t deserve any of that.”

It was quiet for a moment. And then Chris turned to me, his voice quiet. “I’m really glad you came here.”

That one sentence cracked something in my chest.

“You don’t see me the way he did,” I said. “And that scares me.”

“Why?” he asked gently.

“Because I like it. I like you.” I laughed nervously. “And I don’t trust myself not to ruin that.”

Chris moved closer, not too close, just enough that I could feel the warmth of him. “You’re not going to ruin anything.”

I met his eyes, and suddenly I couldn’t look away. There was something soft there, something steady.

“I think about you more than I should,” he admitted, voice rough, honest. “I don’t even know what this is, or what it’s supposed to be…but I know I want it.”

And just like that something shifted. Like gravity titled.

He leaned in first—barely—unsure, scared. And I met him halfway.

The kiss was soft hesitant at first. Then deeper, more certain. Like we’d both been holding our breath for too long and finally let go.

His hand found the side of my face, anchoring me there. Mine curled the sleeve of his hoodie, not wanting to let go.

When we finally pulled back. I couldn’t stop the small laugh that bubbled up. His forehead pressing gently to mine.

“So, what does this mean?’ I asked, breathless.

Chris smiled, a real one. A rare one. “I don’t know, but we will figure it out.”

And for the first time since moving here, I didn’t feel like I was running anymore. I felt like I was right where I was supposed to be.

Hey! I'm really glad you like my writing. I put a lot of time and effort into creating it, so please be respectful and don’t copy or use it as your own. Feel free to use it for inspiration, but copying without permission isn’t okay. Thanks for understanding!

Hehe they finally kissed! yay!

I will be super active later today, coming out with a bunch of different stuff :)

With so much love, Cass

Taglist:

@sturnsblogs @ilovesturn @ofeliasturnz @bigbombaclatttt @mattsturnsbows @starstrucktyrantinfluencer @courta13 @dummyslut00 @grace124140509 @sturnzzlovee @sturns-mermaid

[wileys-russo]

time management II a.russo x reader

hello! this is my first ever post so pls be nice. It makes me sO nervous to dip my toe into writing on woso tumblr after only being a reader from afar but here we are 🫶🏻

time management II a.russo x reader

"baby? i'm back!" your girlfriend called out from the front door, the soft thud of her kit bag hitting the floor followed by a small grunt as she wrestled to take off her trainers. You couldn't help but chuckle as you heard yet another small thud followed by a yelp and some quiet cursing, it had all but become part of her routine now to fall over during the seemingly simple task. 

"hi clumsy." you greeted her with a knowing smile, the blonde huffing to blow a loose strand of hair out of her face, cheeks tinted pink with embarrassment and face flushed and rosy from training as she entered your eye line. "stupid floor." the girl grumbled in annoyance, shrugging off her training jacket and hanging it over the back of a chair as she stepped into the living room. 

The italian's large hands gently rested on either side of your face, tilting your head back ever so slightly as she bent down down to press a soft but sweet kiss to your forehead as she passed the back of the lounge you were currently sprawled on, work laptop perched precariously on your knees. 

"i wonder if we get a discount now when we go to the emergency room since you're such a frequented visitor." you teased with a grin, the older girl shooting you an unimpressed glare before she disappeared into the kitchen where you heard the tap running as she no doubt chugged a glass of water, yet another step in the post training routine.

"how was it?" you called out, eyes drifting back to the screen in front of you, the half completed report card staring back at you almost tauntingly. Your chest tightened somewhat when you glanced at the last name, a quiet sigh falling from your lips confirming you still had at least nineteen left to write before they were due for submission on monday. As the seconds ticked by friday was ever closer to being over, only tightening your deadline.

Unlike your superstar striker girlfriend you were not gifted with sporting ability, however what you may have lacked in the athletic department you made up for in the academic field. You'd always had a subtle but present passion for sharing knowledge with others, which with a gentle push from your own teachers, inevitably lead you down the path of teaching. After a few grueling years of uni and various placements your hard work paid off and you had finally secured your first permanent primary teaching position.

With the term holidays looming the days seemed to tick by ever so slowly for both you and your year 5 class, which they all made sure to remind you on a daily basis, especially when they were having to participate in anything apart from lunch or recess. The constant battle to keep them focused on anything but what they planned to do when not in school had you wanting to tear your hair out.

You adored your class, and of course you loved teaching. But the final two weeks of term was forever the most stressful for you, and as much as you tried to bottle it up, you were almost certain you were partially responsible for your students wild behavior, it was as if they picked up on your internal erratic energy.

As much as you'd secretly love to give into their endless demands, throw on some mind numbing cotton fluff childrens films for them to consume and keep quiet for the next week, you knew they would in the long term benefit from the lessons. Plus whose to say with a little money taken out of your own pocket you couldn't make it a little more fun for them in this upcoming final week like you'd planned.

Though you had one end goal, which was two weeks off to spend as much time with your friends, family and of course your girlfriend as you could squeeze in amongst some much needed self care time for yourself. Though it meant added stress in the meantime with forward planning your first couple weeks lessons back of next term before this term would even finish as to allow you to actually spend the time away from work, away from work.

"good! got a new PB on the bench press, even beat mary." alessia beamed in response to your prior question as she joined you, her competitive nature not much of a secret to those who knew her well enough. Growing up the youngest of three and the only girl it wasn't hard to see why she was wired with such a drive to win, and looking at her career so far it was even easier to see the obvious benefits it had for her.

"bet she loved that." you chuckled, eyes still focused on your screen as your fingers flew across the keyboard, finishing your sentence before placing it onto the coffee table your feet had been happily perched on, making sure your girlfriend knew she had your full attention as she rambled on for awhile about training and the upcoming match tomorrow.

"ah! you're all sweaty, go shower first." the taller girl grunted a little in shock as your legs shot out to press into her chest, stopping her from collapsing on top of you as you knew she'd intended to. "what! come on just one hug." the blondes perfectly plucked eyebrows furrowed together as her bottom lip jutted out into a small pout. Though after almost three years together now you were well aware of her games and overtime it had become much easier not to give into them, at least most of the time.

"no less, you know I hate it just go shower." you shook your head with a small smile, pointing upstairs sternly as your own eyebrows quirked upwards at her obvious defiance. "you don't always hate when I'm sweaty." your girlfriend grinned cheekily at the suggestive comment as she grabbed your feet, your cheeks flushing with warmth which didn't go unnoticed by the italian, adoring the effect her words could have on you when she wanted them to.

"go shower! you smell." you kicked at her lightly with a smirk as she swatted your legs away with ease, rolling her eyes playfully at the jab and turning as if to head upstairs as you reached over for your laptop assuming the conversation was over. 

A sincere mistake on your part as your girlfriend suddenly turned on her heel, launching herself back towards you and over the arm of the lounge, careful of how she landed as you felt her larger form envelop yours, arms encasing your torso and face plunged into your neck.

"alessia!" you squealed in surprise, desperately trying to shove her off of you to no avail as the much stronger girl held on with ease, going so far as to purposely rubbing her sweat dampened hair in your face. "get off! please!" you begged with a scream, laughter echoing around the room as the striker dug her fingers teasingly into your sides, legs slotted in-between your own, careful not to completely crush you beneath her.

"say you missed me and maybe I'll get off." alessia grinned, her lips inevitably finding your own, your stomach doing a back flip as they did, your arms coming to wrap around her neck, hand pressing on the back of her head only spurring her on to deepen the kiss further.

"no! I hate you, get off." you pushed her away with a peal of laughter as her tongue slipped inside your mouth, stopping things before the two of you got anymore carried away. 

"now that's not very nice, no one likes a liar bella." the blonde beamed, bright blue orbs locked with yours, you made sure to tear your gaze away before you got lost in them, melting at the italian endearment as it fell from her lips.

"get off me or I'll call your mum and tell her about our little trip last week." you threatened, withdrawing your hands from around her neck to cross them over your chest, your girlfriends eyes narrowing at your words as she pushed herself up, resting on her forearms which sat either side of your head. 

The threat was not taken lightly, her mum having all but promised the next time her daughter had any sort of stumble at home she'd move in and permanently encase her in bubble wrap, the girls clumsy nature making her a danger not only to herself but also to those around her.

Her most recent victim had of course been you, the slightly tipsy girl had been attempting to romantically carry you upstairs to bed after a big win, the two of you having celebrated with a bottle of wine and catching up on Love Island. 

But the sweet moment hadn't last long and before you knew it she'd tripped over a discarded trainer and promptly dropped you down half a flight of stairs. Luckily all you suffered was a slight cut above your eyebrow from a knock against the banister, and a lovely week of mild bruising on your tailbone. But forever overprotective alessia had insisted you go right to the emergency room to get assessed for a  concussion, and there was no convincing her otherwise. 

After the cut had been cleaned and sealed with a band aid, you'd been deemed not concussed  and alessia had copped a stern talking to from mary who she'd called for a ride, all was well again.

"you wouldn't." "lessi my love we both know I would."

"you know blackmail is a very unattractive quality." alessia tutted with a shake her head, the hint of a smile ghosting her lips betraying her attempt at a stern look as you smiled smugly, knowing you'd won. 

"go shower, i have to keep doing these reports anyway." your face softened as you gently tucked a loose strand of blonde hair behind the strikers ears, the older girl melting at the sincere touch as she stole a quick kiss and pushed herself off of you, standing to her feet and padding off upstairs.

You watched her go with a smile, shaking your head and readjusting your position, grabbing your laptop and mentally checking back into the work with a click of your mouse pad and a sigh. 

You had powered through another three reports by the time your girlfriend returned, her skin care routine always taking up an elaborate amount of time, though your own routines often out lasted hers so you had no room to comment. 

Your indecisiveness, non existent sense of urgency and endless 'final' touch ups when getting ready meant the two of you were known to be late for any event you were invited to, something that frustrated your incredibly punctual girlfriend to no end. But as you were always quick to cheekily remind her with a kiss, perfection took time.

The blonde joined you again on the couch, this time grabbing your mostly bare legs, save for a very short pair of football shorts, and lifting them to rest on her lap. Slotting her body in beside you, she fondly lent over to kiss your cheek before grabbing the remote from where it lay tucked into the side of the lounge. 

Your eyes glanced up from your screen with a quiet chuckle as she clicked in to watch united's match from last week, the calculated re-watching a common habit for the striker the night before a game. You were much accustomed to all of her pre and post match routines, and knew her well enough to know exactly what she needed from you on all occasions, win or lose, good game or bad.

"Where'd you dig these out from then?" The girl mused quietly, fingers tugging up your hoodie and prodding accusingly at the baby blue unc kit shorts she'd sworn she'd lost during the move to your current shared flat. 

"I've always known where they were." you answered cheekily as your lips quirked into a smile, eyes flickering over to hers before returning to your screen, now being alessia's turn to roll her eyes playfully at your vague response. 

Throughout the entire course of your relationship right down to the first few months of dating, her clothes had always seemed to magically appear on your body or in your closet. The girl having to practically beg for them to be given back, you only begrudgingly returning them once they stopped smelling like the Italian beauty you were rapidly falling head over heels for.

(though not that she had to confess to you how much she enjoyed you wearing her clothes for you to catch on how much she did. The blonde was hardly subtle in her affections toward you on a regular day, let alone when she'd return from training or wake up after a sleep in to you pottering around in the kitchen wearing only her jersey, last name sprawled proudly across your shoulder blades)

It all started off harmless, the taller girl always having been incredibly affectionate and touchy toward you, which was no issue given both your love languages included touch. Her hands rested innocently on your knees, tracing small shapes into the soft skin, but then they started to move a little higher, wandering hands gently grabbing at your thighs.

"alessia." you warned quietly, quickly moving her hands away from where they sat dangerously close to the hem of your hoodie. The blonde only hummed, eyes trained in concentration to the game on the tv in front of her, hands laying dormant on your thighs, perfectly manicured and resuming their absent minded tracing.

"less." you warned again, this time with a tired sigh as her hands slid up your legs and her fingers dipped into the waistband of your shorts, nails scratching gently against your hips. "I think you should take a break amore mio." the striker smiled charmingly, hands immediately placed back to where you'd moved them from, the girl interlocking your fingers and bringing them to her lips, gently kissing the back of your palm.

"love we go through this every term, I have to get these reports done. Would you rather I not come to your game tomorrow? Because if we carry on with what you want right now, that's going to be the outcome." You again sighed, your girlfriend leaning in to bury her face into your neck as you messed around with the rings adorning her slender fingers.

"Of course I want you at the game. Just take a small break, let me give you a massage or something." The girl mumbled, pressing feather light kisses to the sensitive skin, your eyes briefly fluttering closed in pleasure before you shrugged her away.

"Five minutes, that's it." You warned seriously, your girlfriend nodding eagerly as her lips quickly reattached to your neck. "Please don't tell me you're setting a timer." she sighed, forehead slumping down to press into your shoulder with a groan, already knowing the answer to her own question as you finished up tapping away at the apple watch on your wrist.

You placed your laptop back on the coffee table, your girlfriend nudging for you to adjust your position on the lounge, turning your body so your back pressed into her front. 

"Baby your shoulders are ridiculously knotted, try to relax." alessia chastised quietly, you withholding a moan as her fingers dug expertly into your skin, working hard to try and de-stress your tightly clenched muscles. 

"is it working?" the blonde asked softly, peppering buttery kisses down the side of your jaw and you hummed, closing your eyes with a content sigh of relief.

"good. So, mearps and tooney will be here in a bit to-" alessia started as your eyes shot open, stress once again consuming you, pushing your body away from hers, eyes widening. 

"Tonight? I have to get back to these reports less." you sighed tiredly, both of you jumping slightly as your timer sounded and you were quick to tap it off, moving your body further away from alessia's who frowned at the sudden lack of contact.

You adored your girlfriends team mates, both at club and country, all of them making sure you knew that just because they were alessia's friends first didn't mean they loved or cared for you any less.

lotte and georgia even having gone out of their way to give alessia herself a stern talking to about never breaking your heart, it may have been fueled by an alcohol filled celebration post euros win, but never failed to make you laugh or feel the sincere care from the other girls.

Right now however the two bubbly Manchester players were the last people you wanted to see, entertaining anyone a thought far from your reach and capacity at the moment. 

You had plans you felt you couldn't back out of for the rest of your weekend. A doctors appointment tomorrow morning, lessons to be planned for the new term, going to alessia's game in the afternoon and out with her family for dinner afterwards. Then Sunday would be consumed by your own family, your grandmothers 95th birthday not something you could just skip out on, and your family were not ones to half do a celebration so you knew it would be a full day commitment. 

So in accordance you'd planned to get your reports done tonight so you could enjoy your weekend stress free. 

Though subconsciously you knew 'stress free' was always going to be a lie.

 You'd had a lot longer than a few days to get these done, but with procrastination and long days overwhelmed by wrangling 25 stir crazy holiday hungry students, your week had drizzled by without a single one touched, every time you tried filled with someone else needing your attention, both at school and at home.

It didn't help that because your girlfriends love language was touch, when your attention couldn't be on her in the minimal time you had alone together during your busy weeks, she'd often become quite frustrated and needy. 

"I don't see why you're upset, haven't you had all week to get them done?" your girlfriend questioned, not intending it to come across as accusatory as it did. "alessia-" you started with a sharp sigh, fingers squeezing the bridge of your nose as you pressed your eyes closed.

"you know the time leading up to the end of term is the busiest for me. The kids are wild and un-engaged but I still have to get through the last of the curriculum with them, I have to go through all their homework and all their assignments to collate these reports, I have to forward plan my lessons for next term so I can actually have a break in-between them-" you paused to take another deep breath, feeling the stress bubbling up rapidly inside you.

"- we have plans with our families all weekend, I need peace and quiet to get these done tonight and as much as I love tooney and mearps we both know that won't happen if they're here." You inhaled, closing your eyes and letting go of the bridge of your nose to run your hands through your hair, letting out a slow and shaky exhale.

"So you have had all week to get them done then." alessia shot back without thinking, crossing her arms over her chest stubbornly as you paused to take a breath, knowing that if you gave in to an argument there was even less chance of you getting things done. 

"Can you not just reschedule to another night? Or go to one of their houses?" You asked softly, trying not to let your emotions win over. "Could you not have worked on your time management? I feel like we have this exact same argument over your inability to mange your own work load all the time!" alessia challenged with a frown, your own face falling at the lack of understanding and support from the girl who was supposed to be your partner.

"like you said, this happens every term. You never manage your time right and get overwhelmed and stressed when it comes to a head when all of your stress could be avoided if you just learnt from the mistakes made last time, prioritized things correctly and fixed the problem!" alessia huffed, throwing her hands up and sending you a pointed look of annoyance.

"you know what? You're absolutely right alessia I don't have the time management to argue about this right now. And yes this is all my fault, because between being needed at school or needed by my students or their parents or needed by my own family or my own friends or your friends or my coworkers or my boss, how dare I not prioritize you and your needs from me. Oh wait? That's what I'm trying to do so I can come to your stupid fucking match tomorrow! So congratulations you are absolutely right and you do whatever you want, just leave me alone and don't expect to see me there tomorrow." you finally snapped, the stress bubbling up and boiling over before you even had a moment to take a breath. 

Standing to your feet and snatching your phone and laptop from the table you stormed off upstairs, the slam of the bedroom door seemingly triggering knocks at the front one announcing the arrival of your dinner guests, who had no idea what they were about to walk into.

Alessia looked upstairs and bit down on her bottom lip, contemplating following you, but the continuing knocks at the front door had made the decision for her, the girl composing herself before hurrying over to open it. "Finally! What did I interrupt you mid shag?" mary teased, hurrying inside past her teammate who closed the door afterwards, still trying to wrap her head around what had just happened.

"Hope everyone's decent!" mary yells looking around for you, the teasing grin falling flat from her face as she instantly picks up on the strange tension in the room and the somewhat guilty look plastered to the young blonde in front of hers face.

"Where's tooney then?" alessia asked quietly, making her way into the kitchen to grab mary something to drink. "Her turn to buy dinner, she was still trying to decide what to pick up on the way. Hey leave that, what's happened?" mary moved to close the fridge, nudging alessia and opening her arms, the younger girl accepting the hug with a troubled sigh.

"What's gone on less?" mary asked softly, dragging her to sit at the island as the older woman joined her, rubbing her back gently when alessia groaned, dragging her hands down her face before recounting the argument and most of what lead up to it.

"Oh less." mary sighed once she'd finished, alessia resting her head on her hand with a frown. "For a smart girl you're so thick sometimes." mary stated bluntly, shoving the strikers head off of her hand as she swiped her arm out from beneath her. "mary!" alessias frown deepened, shoving the girl back whose smile only grew.

"when you get home from late training, whose got dinner ready and waiting for you on the table?" mary simply asked, shutting down the blondes questions with a wave of her hand, waiting patiently for an answer.

"she does." alessia mumbled.

"when you're in a strop cause we lose or you miss a sitter, whose there afterwards to build you back up and look after you?" mary questioned again, her pointed look shutting down any protests from the younger girl who sighed and repeated the same answer as before.

"when we go on national camps, we're away for what? weeks at a time? same thing with tournaments, away games, media days, we were gone for months with the euro's-" mary continued as alessia let out yet another troubled sigh, the pieces starting to slot together in her head.

"okay yes, I get it." the younger girl intervened, mary waving her off before continuing.

"no less, let me finish. You got upset because what? she doesn't give in to your cry for attention and give into whatever you want from her? which mind you she does do every other day, as well as give her entire care and attention to twenty five kids, daily. God knows I struggle to deal with you lot who are adults daily! Not to even think about how much pressure is likely put on her from the school, her students parents, people can treat teachers like shit. But despite that she still goes out of her way to do the little things like double check your kit bag for you on a weekend in case you forgot something, leave those soppy little notes in your bags for you to find when we go away to camp, go out of her way to cook for you and have it ready when you're home late . But that's probably because she knows how moody you get when you don't eat right." mary joked lightly, bumping her shoulder playfully against her teammates.

"my point is, you can hardly have a go at her for you not thinking she's managing her time right. When the main things you're sopping about her not having time for is something she avoids things like her work, to do. So really..." mary trailed off, looking hopefully to the blonde beside her.

"-she's not bad at managing her time, I need to get better at managing my expectations around her time." alessia finished as mary's eyebrows shot up in surprise, that answer better than what she was even angling for.

"bingo!" mary confirmed as alessia let out another loud groan, feeling the weight of the dirt from the hole she'd dug herself into beginning to weigh heavily on her shoulders. "that makes it sound like I'm one of her students just constantly demanding her time and attention." alessia whined into her hands, shaking her head remorsefully. "I mean you said it, but if the shoe fits..." mary trailed off with a shrug, unable to argue the somewhat valid point made. 

"less, you've been infatuated with the girl since you laid eyes on her in that coffee shop, there's a reason we took the mick out of you for it. Show her that when she's struggling to manage her time and her workload, you're there as her partner to help her shoulder it and work through it. Support her like she's always supporting you, its not all about the big gestures either. Do the little things that help take away from the stress she's feeling right now, you love each other very very much, and she still knows that." mary comforted the striker, again gently rubbing a hand up and down her back as alessia nodded.

"well I'd say my work here is done, that'll be 250 pounds for my valuable time and treasured advice please." mary stood to her feet, holding out her hand expectantly, alessia unable to keep from cracking a small smile as she pushed the keepers arm away.

"right. I'll go call tooney and we'll bugger off, you go fix things with your lady and hopefully I'll see you both tomorrow. But-" mary started before alessia cut her off, guessing already what the keeper had to say. "-but if she has reports to do, it's okay that she misses the game." alessia confirms, mary beaming proudly as the two of them walked to the front door.

"good girl, god they grow up and learn so quickly." mary wiped a fake tear from her face as alessia practically shoved her out the door, thanking her and with a quick hug she was disappearing off into the crisp april air.

meanwhile you sat upstairs trying your very best to concentrate on the reports in front of you, your mind running rampant with the stress at the thought of not getting them done, the overthinking causing somewhat of an internal meltdown as you closed your laptop and laid down with a large sigh.

a knock at the bedroom door shifted your focus, you sat back up and hastily yanked the laptop open before resting it on your knees, calling for alessia to come in. the blonde gingerly opened the door and leant against the frame, rocking awkwardly on the balls of her feet as your eyes stayed trained to your screen.

"i made dinner." the older girl announced softly, running a hand through her hair with a small sigh when you didn't respond. "do you want me to bring you up a plate so you can keep working?" she took a seat carefully on the corner of the bed, reaching out to place a hand on your ankle, a small sense of relief spreading through her body when you didn't push her away.

"i'm sorry." "i'm sorry."

you looked up as you both spoke in sync, small smiles settling on both your faces as you did. 

"you don't have anything to be sorry for, I've been quite selfish. You have so much on your plate at the moment and instead of helping you share the load I've just been adding to it and complaining when things don't go my way. that's not healthy and not helpful and i'm really sorry, i hope it isn't too late to change that." alessia was quick to apologize again as you closed your laptop and moved, sat beside one another at the end of the bed.

"i could have communicated things a little better instead of just bottling it all up and then snapping on you, that wasn't fair and i'm sorry too. And you were right I do need to get better at managing my time and prioritizing things so it doesn't all bank up to be dealt with at the last minute." you admitted shyly, the both of you reaching out for the others hands, fiddling absentmindedly with one another's fingers.

"i love you." alessia blurted out, a smile creeping onto your face at the words, echoing them back as you both shared a tender kiss, relief filling both your bodies that the argument for now had been resolved. 

"where's mearps and tooney?" you asked, perking up as you suddenly remembered part of what lead to the argument in the first place. "at their own places, mary might have popped over and admittedly talked some sense into me." the italian admitted with a guilty smile, the two of you sharing a look before bursting out into laughter, both of you looking toward the keeper as an older sister figure for this reason.

"so, game plan." your girlfriend straightened up, kissing your knuckles before dropping your hand. "i'll bring you up some dinner, you work on your reports, try to go to bed before eleven and get some sleep. then tomorrow i'll drive you to your appointment in the morning, go to my game. You stay here, and do your reports. i'll tell my family we'll go to dinner next week instead, they come every week so they won't mind, we order pizza for dinner and i'll be around if you need anything but i'll stay out of your hair. Then hopefully everything's done by your grandmas birthday on sunday." alessia rambled out, only pausing to take a breath once she'd finished.

"less, baby-" your eyebrows knitted together, the girl holding up her hand to silence your protests before they could fall from your mouth. "no, you always go above and beyond for me, this is the least i can do for you. please?" she practically begged, hand coming to softly rest on your cheek as you nodded, leaning in to connect your lips again, smiling at the all too familiar feeling of warmth it ignited in you.

long term you knew this was a problem you had to work on, but for right now, wrapped up in your little love bubble, you knew things were going to be okay, and that was all that mattered.

[bumblebriez]

Love Stricken (PT.4)

(Gojo Satoru x Chubby!Fem!Reader)

(PT.1) (P.T.2) (P.T.3) (P.T.5)

⚠️⚠️⚠️: Swearing, love sicknesssss, fingering. Confidence boosting Gojo 😫 talk of weight and appearance.

Never in a million years would you think, you'd catch the eyes of a certain jujutsu sorcerer but you did and with that came alot of consequences. That you would eventually find out the hard way.

Your parents vanished a good couple of years ago with no knowledge of why and where, leaving you; the eldest, to care and provide for your younger siblings. Being responsible and forgetting about the life you used to live, you felt lost. Struggling a lot with your self worth.

Your best friend took it upon herself to finally get you to live your life a little more by taking you out on the town for a night.

But you found that night was the start of your downfall.

Okay so this one isn’t as long as I was hoping for and I’m so sorry for what I’m about to do 🫣

But I’m trying to get the ball rolling. I didn’t proofread this one which I should’ve and will if I worry about it too much, so mind the mistakes.

We love a lovesick reader and gojo but gojo just doesn’t know it yet but you see what I did there right? 🤭

I do apologise if it does piss anyone off that I keep changing back and forth from Gojo/Satoru I don’t realise it at the time but I do make sure Reader only calls Gojo, Satoru.

If it does seem like it’s going a little fast for feelings, it’s because it is. That’s the whole point of the title.

Thank you for the support though ❤️ I’m happy that everyone is enjoying it so far!

********

GIF by saewrq

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If any of y’all are wanting to get into a taglist for my works, just leave a ‘❤️’ below and I’ll make sure to add everyone in!

After the moment on your porch, you had let Gojo inside your home. You felt a little nervous as he looked around your living room, a small smile graced his lips as he took in the homey atmosphere.

There was the familiar tension between the two of you.. you could cut it with a knife at how thick it was. You didn’t know what to do and you didn’t know what he would do.

You really wanted to jump him, there was no point in lying but you saw the way Gojo clenched his fists, like he was stopping himself from.. something and it really just made the need worse.

“Cosy.” He commented simply; looking back at you, taking in your sheepish expression, you brushed a stray hair behind your ear before you began to speak. Unable to help yourself explain your situation.

“It’s not exactly 5 stars but it’s a home-“ Gojo immediately cut you off before you could go further.

“You know I don’t care right? Stop looking at me like that, a home is a home and I’m not judging where you come from.” Your eyes slightly widened at his words, completely stunted by them.

He stepped closer to you and placing a hand on your hip and pulling you against him. “Nothing will change the way I feel about you. Not a home nor children..”

He leaned in to press a kiss to your lips but stopped halfway when a small voice call out.

“Another weird man?” You both turned to face Riku, who stood in the hallway, stumbling upon the scene.

Gojo immediately dropped his hand, falling back to his side. You huffed lightly before growling lowly at your little brother. “You are suppose to be in bed.”

“I was thirsty.” Riku respond bluntly before walking past the both of you and into the kitchen. You glanced at Gojo briefly and caught the sight of his usual smirk that you had grown accustomed too.

“He yours?” He didn’t have a tone of regret, resentment, disgust, anything. Just simple curiosity. Which you did appreciate actually. Even if the assumption was that you had your own children, it didn’t stray him.

You shook your head lightly, moving away from him “Siblings.” You confirmed but it did cause a sense of slight surprise and fascination inside Gojo. Though he didn’t show it, simply humming softly.

“Full?” He asked not bothering to hide the curiosity at least.

“Yeah. Full siblings.”

Gojo blinked a couple times, his expression unreadable before he opened his mouth again.

“So same parents?”

You huffed in slight amusement with a small shake of your head “Yes Satoru. That’s normally what it means.”

His mind was going a little haywire, all kinds of scenarios and possibilities filling his mind. If that little girl was truly your full blooded sibling, why was she the only one with cursed energy? He really did assume they were yours. This was very unexpected but he also couldn’t help the small relief that poked his heart. You weren’t completely bound.

Riku walked back into the living room, heading down the hallway back towards his room without so much as a glance.

Gojo snickered softly at the boys attitude “He’s charming.” He carried a sarcastic tone in his voice.

“Tell me about it.” You grumbled lightly as you walked into the kitchen, Gojo following you in. You were trying to keep yourself occupied, you felt nervous. Needy. You really didn’t know how to react around him right now.

You don’t know if it was because of the situation with Zack or simply because of Gojo’s presence. Maybe both. You just felt overwhelmed, your hand trembling lightly as you started to put some of the dry dishes away.

You definitely didn’t fail to feel Gojo move closer to you, not exactly pressing against you but you could feel his body heat. Your breathing hitched when you felt his fingers brush against your skin, removing some hair from your neck, baring your skin to him.

“You seem.. tense.” He murmured huskily while leaning down to press an experimental kiss on the side of your neck.

You let out a shaky sigh, your jaw clenching tightly at the burning sensation he left. You wanted more.

He smirked lightly before pressing another kiss and another. His lips gliding across the skin, moving down to where your neck and shoulder meet.

“We can either talk about it now or wait until I’ve had my way with you.” He whispered against your skin as his fingers reached around from behind to tease your waistband, the tips slipping under it.

You gripped the edge of the counter, when his hands slipped underneath, now playing with the waistband of your panties. He let out a small breathless chuckle, his hot breath sending goosebumps along your skin.

“But I think we both already know the answer to that..”

You let him undo the button on your jeans, along with slowly pulling the zip down, his lips now leaving open mouth kisses on your neck.

“You know.. how long I’ve been craving to feel you again?” His mouth had moved up to your ear, nipped softly at your earlobe before pressing a kiss behind your ear. His hand diving into your pants without hesitation, his fingers teasing you over the fabric of your panties.

“Your panties are already soaked baby. You want me that bad huh?” You could feel and hear the smug smirk on his lips as they continued to brush over your ear, his breathing starting to become a bit more ragged.

You whimpered quietly, your eyes fluttering open and closed, you were burning hot to the touch and you knew he could tell.

“Oh god.. I’ve missed that noise..” He grunted huskily, his fingers now starting to rub you through your panties, pressing hard against the fabric covering your sensitive clit.

You knew you shouldn’t be letting this happen right here, right now in the middle of your kitchen.. but you really couldn’t stop it and you REALLY didn’t want to. The amount of times you had touched yourself to the thought and memories of that night.. you were never truly satisfied.

Gojo Satoru had completely broken you, he had ruined you for anyone else and even yourself. You needed him.

His free hand trailed up your body, groping your clothed breast, squeezing hard as his fingers continued to dance in a steady rhythm against your cunt.

Your head lobbed back against his shoulder as he trailed his tongue up the base of your neck, nipping the skin. While his fingers now pushed aside your panties, slipping past your slick folds, rubbing vigorously.

You moaned out softly, though you tried to keep the noises at a minimum, whimpering at the burning sensation, the ache. The need.

“Shhh. Don’t wanna be too loud and wake the kiddos.” He purred in your ear, smirking against the shell of it, he was definitely putting on a front, from the way his hips grinded into your ass subtly, the heaviness of his breathing, this was affecting him just as much.

Your thighs squeezed around his hand tightly as your body started to jerk but he stopped, he stopped fucking rubbing you, causing a small whine from you.

“Open them.” He growled lowly in a warning tone, his hand on your tit gripped harder than before.

You immediately compiled and his fingers picked up faster than before, causing you to falter and jerk.

“Good girl. Just like that.” He purred as your body continued to writhe and tremble, Gojo could tell you were losing yourself, the nosies that were threatening to spill, your body movements.. his breathing hitched when you rub against him the right way, his hips grinding into you harder.

He groaned softly in your ear as the hand on your breast moved up to your mouth, pushing his pointer finger and index finger into your wet cavern, you eagerly sucked on his fingers, able to conceal the noises. His eyes rolled to the back of his head slightly at the feeling of your tongue twirling around his fingers.

You whimpered against his fingers as you felt the familiar build up on your orgasm, you were basically already moaning in relief already from your approaching climax that you had tried to reach but never seemed to get the same effect.

Gojo let out a shaky breath, his lips still resting beside your ear, purposely showing you how desperate he was for you, making you listen to how worked up he was getting because of you.

Your loud moan was muffled by his fingers pressing deeper into your mouth, your eyes began to roll to the back of your head as you felt your orgasm erupting throughout your entire body, Gojo growled lightly before almost aggressively attacking your neck, bitting and sucking hard.

You trembled hard, your legs shaking as he continued to rub you through your intense orgasm, his fingers slipped out of your mouth with a string of saliva, he quickly turned your face to the side, capturing your lips in an hungry kiss; teeth clashing against yours.

The kiss slowed down as you both pash passionately, his fingers slowing to a stop, moving from your panties and resting on your hip.

You both pulled away, your eyes were half-lidded, your breathing heavy from both kiss and orgasm. Gojo smirked lightly; lips still basically touching.

“You’re so beautiful..” He whispered softly, his nose nuzzling yours; a small sweet smile gracing his lips. You both stare into each other’s eyes for a few moments before.. everything was a blur.

You let out an uncontrollable squeal as you were turned, lifted and thrown over Gojo’s shoulder, your eyes were wide at how effortlessly he was able to pick you up. Yes. Gojo did give off an intimidating aura, you weren’t going to lie but.. he wasn’t exactly buff‘buff’ personally you found yourself to have wider proportions than him.

And yet here he was.

Dangling you over his shoulders like you were a towel; showing just how strong he was and he didn’t even falter. In fact. He smirked cheekily at your reaction.

“Satoru! What are you doing!”

“Where’s your room?” He didn’t bother answering your question, already moving from the kitchen; you just hand helplessly.

“Put me down and I’ll show you!” You exclaimed softly as he moved through the living room, your hand reached out to turn the lights off as you past the light switch, knowing full well where this was going.

Despite your tone.. fuck you were excited.

Another small help from your lips when Gojo slapped your ass with a firm hand and you knew it left a red mark and that just made you squirm more.

“Not a chance baby. You’re mine.” He chuckled darkly as he let his body find your bedroom itself.

Damn.

**

You hummed softly as Gojo’s fingers danced up and down your arms, you both were tangled up in the sheets; in complete bliss and pure satisfaction.

You were nestled in between his legs, your back resting against his bare chest as a comfortable silence settled over you.

“So.. you gonna tell me who gave you those flowers.” He muttered softly, pressing a brief kiss to your bare shoulder; a very small frown etched into his brow.

A small sigh escaped your lips when he brought up the inevitable, your hand mindlessly tracing up his knee.

“Just.. someone. Someone I rather not talk about. Not now. Not like this.” You murmured leaning more into him, focusing on the feeling of his fingers.

Gojo’s frown deepened at your words and your lack of sharing, he wasn’t use to it. He wanted to know. He needed to know but he didn’t want to come off as a jealous man because frankly it was far from it.

Whoever left you those flowers, wasn’t just a simple gesture of love or affection, you could be in danger and yet you didn’t even know it.

His nose pressed against your shoulder as his fingers continued to run up and down your arm.

“That bad huh?” He murmured against your skin, causing a small nod from you. “Yeah.. that bad.”

He could feel you tense when he first mentioned it, it clearly was a sore topic for you, maybe even traumatic. No matter how much he wanted to know. He wasn’t going to pry it from you; even though he was use to being able to gather information in.. various ways.

“How about.. parents, why aren’t they around?” You were slowly starting to realise how bad some things were in your life when the only questions he could ask you was related to trauma but.. at least this wasn’t a fresh wound.

“They ah.. they disappeared 6 years ago.. no one knew what happened, no one had heard or has heard from them since, they just vanished. Akari was only a newborn when that happened.” You answered in an almost blunt tone, having had spoken this story countless times to the point you were already numb to it.

Instead of pitying you which was one; not his way and two; you didn’t need anymore. He tried a different approach. “And you’ve done an amazing job, being their fill in. I bet you’re the best big sister they could ask for.”

You smiled lightly at his compliment, your heart fluttering at his sweet tone. “That means more than you know…” You whispered softly, turning around carefully in his arms; resting your head on his chest, his hands holding you against him so you couldn’t slip off. It was always nice for someone else to tell you, you were doing a good job, it gave you a nice boost, not drastically but still good.

Another comfortable silence drifts over the both of you before you decide to strike up another conversation.

“So.. you’re a teacher?” You questioned with a slight tease, your eyes glancing up at him. Gojo smirked lightly before meeting your eyes.

“What? Didn’t expect that I’d have that kind of occupation” He snickered lightly, his fingers now trailing over your back.

“Well… no not really.”

He narrowed his eyes playfully “And why not? I’m perfectly capable of teaching little brats.”

“And I never said you weren’t. I just.. wouldn’t take you for a teacher is all.” You retorted back in a teasingly tone, your fingers trailing over his chest. “And that boy ‘Megumi’ was one of your students?”

He just hummed softly, his head nodding in a slow motion. “Yeah.. though he is a little bit more than my student. I’ve known him since he was a little boy. Took him in.”

You smiled lightly, your eyes still on his face “So like his adoptive parent?”

“Yeah. I guess you could say that.” Gojo hummed faintly pulling you even closer, scooting you up; so your head was resting on his shoulder, while he shoved his nose into your hair.

His eyes fluttered closed as he inhaled your scent. God. How long has it been since he felt this way? Had he ever? It’s like he had no cares. No obligations. They just fluttered away while he continued to hold you in his embrace. You were making him feel like a normal man and you weren’t even trying to.

One of his hand started to move across your body, starting from your upper back, trailing down your spine. His eyes opened slightly as he watched his fingers spread out over your skin.

“Hey.” He whispered into your messy locks, pulling a hum from you in acknowledgment.

“Lie on your back.” He quietly demanded, almost.. desperately if you squinted but Gojo wasn’t a desperate man.. was he? What were you doing to him.

You pulled a small face but complied either way, sliding off him, to lie on your back. Gojo let out a small noise at your obedience and quickly moved to hover over you.

This was different. He wasn’t staring down at you with desire or hungry. No. He was glazing at you with affection.

He smiled lightly before lowering himself to press his lips to yours, in a tender and gentle pash.

Just as you began to even try to deepen the kiss, he moved; his lips moving to your jaw at a slow pace, pressing gentle and steady pecks, continuing to your neck.

You turned your head slightly to give him more access but he didn’t stay, he continued moving down to your collarbone; his lips leaving hot kisses against the skin.

Your breathing started to pick up when he moved down the valley of your breasts. His hands were traveling up your sides and he did so.

You inhaled deeply when he took in one of the stiffened buds into his mouth, sucking and pulling back with a pop before repeating the same actions with your opposite breast.

You were afraid to speak, you didn’t want to disrupt whatever he was doing but what you did know.. this wasn’t just foreplay.. he was worshipping you.

You couldn’t help the small jolt of your chest as you held back a chuckle, when he nuzzled his face against your tit, pressing small kisses to the mound; staring down at him with amusement and awe. He looked like a cat.

“Don’t laugh.” He murmured softly, his tone a little serious but had an aspect of playfulness.

“Sorry. Sorry..” You whispered softly, biting your bottom lip as you continued to watch him.

He finally moved from your breasts, his hands caressing your sides gently. You couldn’t help but feel a little insecure suddenly, though he’s already seen you naked; something about how raw and intimate this was.. made it more real.

How his lips purposely kissed over your pudgy stomach; the faint stretch marks. He never once hesitated, never once recoiled.

“You’re so beautiful.” He whispered against your skin almost sensing your feelings. His voice was sweet, just like honey and you couldn’t take your eyes off him, completely locked on. Your heart beating so fast; you thought it would burst out of your chest.

His stunning blue orbs, glanced up at you; locking in on your eyes and expression.

“You’re the most beautifully precious thing. I have ever seen.. ” Your breath hitched in your throat and you couldn’t help the stinging feeling in your eyes. The moment was so sweet and tender. You couldn’t help but tear up. No one had ever made you feel so wanted like this man right here.

And in that moment.. you knew.

You had completely fallen.

You were love stricken.

And you were such a fool for it.

**

Gojo sat on the edge of the bed, your room was completely dark; though it was early in the morning.

He stared at you with a soft expression as you slept soundly, completely unaware you were being watched by him. Sure it probably was a little creepy but he couldn’t help it. You looked stunning. You looked precious.

The way your lips were parted slightly as you slept, your eyelashes pressed against your cheeks, fluttering every now and again.

God.

When did he turn into such a sap and a pushover. His younger self would’ve been petrified.

Nah.

He knew why. You. Just You.

And he was welcoming it with open arms.

He smiled softly before leaning down to press a VERY soft kiss to your temple. He wanted to stay. He wanted for you to wake up to him in the morning but he needed to go.

He was already dressed and ready but his heart wasn’t. He spent all of last night.. making sure you knew how he felt, only for him to disappear once again.

But it’ll be different this time. You would definitely see him again, of course you would. He needed to protect you from the unseen. You were his and he looked after his own.

He rose from your bed as carefully as he could, which wasn’t exactly hard. I mean he’s Gojo Satoru.

With one last glance, he blipped from your room; appearing right next to that trash can.

He growled under his breath when he realised.

He quickly tore off the lid to find the can empty. He knew that. He just needed to be sure. Someone had come to take them.

He slammed the top of the can back in place before he glanced around. His six eyes looking deeper into the surroundings. Sensing nothing he let out a deep sigh.

This wasn’t a freak accident, you were in danger and it was confirmed.

The real question, the next course of action…

You. You NEEDED to tell him who got you those flowers because once he had the information, he can put a stunt into whoever’s plan involves you.

[the-pen-pot]

Merthur Fic Ideas & WiPs

So I have a Merlin fic ideas page over on Patreon but obviously I can't link direct to that from AO3. So I'm popping one on here so you all know what's incoming/in the works/rattling around in my brain.

Coming to AO3 September 29th 2024

The Water and the Wilds:

'Magic is as much part of nature as the earth, sea and sky. Other sorcerers who sought out the circle found that their power developed certain affinities. Their abilities became tied to the cycle of the year. There would be one season at which their power was at its peak and another where it lay almost dormant. They became more closely connected to the natural ebb and flow of the world.'

'But?'

'But they were not Emrys. His strength is beyond anything in living memory, and the heights he could reach are, as yet, unknown.' Aglain spread his hands, his shoulders rolling in a graceful shrug. 'I can only tell you that the Tir Na Lei means no harm. Three is the number: the ritual is set. The circle will not call on Emrys again.'

______

In a Camelot where Arthur is king and magic is permitted once more, Merlin's power begins to change. Can he and Arthur overcome the challenges thrown their way, or will their relationship be forever changed by the ordeal?

(Approx 50 k in length, rated E)

If you want to read what else is in-progress, check out below!

Works In Progress

(All drafts are currently available over on Patreon - first chapter free to read. The rest are available to patrons in the $5 tier and up. They WILL become available on AO3 eventually. See bio or pinned post for link if you're interested ♥)

King and Court - 24 chapters currently drafted and available on Patreon - this one will begin updating on AO3 next as it's the one I've written most of.

Summary: Loneliness is an insidious thing. When Merlin looks at Arthur, he sees not just a prince waiting for his time to rule, but a young man struggling to find his place in the world, with little help from anyone else.

The truth is, Arthur needs more than the friendship Merlin can offer. He needs people he can trust: men and women who will become his court and his confidants, and if he is going to survive to take the throne and lead Camelot into its golden age, he needs them sooner rather than later.

Finding loopholes in Uther’s laws is no easy feat. Court life is a dangerous game, but it’s one Merlin has every intention of winning so that Arthur can have knights of his choosing by his side.

And then there is the matter of his magic…

(In my head this is basically entitled *~shenanigans, love and a golden age~*. Canon divergent AU)

Love Is Never Lost - 11 chapters currently drafted and available on Patreon.

Summary: Uther Pendragon has never approved of Arthur’s friendship with Merlin. There had been disappointed sighs and whispered warnings, but Arthur had never thought it would come to this: scars on Merlin’s back and a manservant made hollow and thin by cruelty.

Yet Uther’s efforts to drive a wedge between them instead bring Merlin’s greatest secret to light, and once the wound of secrecy has been purged, their healing brings them closer together than ever before.

Much to Uther Pendragon’s horror.

When Merlin disappears, Arthur is left questioning the true honour of the crown and the value of a kingdom forever stained by his father’s tyranny. Will he answer the call of duty, or will he sacrifice everything to chase the cries of his heart?

Tags will include: magic reveal, corporal punishment, slavery themes (and all that may imply), missing presumed dead, good Morgana, Arthur's POV, slow burn, dreamwalking, happily ever after eventually plus whatever else shows up as I write these!

Sigh No More - 7 chapters drafted on Patreon. This fic is my beloved. My baby. I'm obsessed. Fantasy Age-Of-Sail AU

Summary: Prince Arthur Pendragon, Captain of the Llamrei, would far rather spend his days patrolling Camelot's Waters than assume his place on the throne. Yet when he finds the wreckage of a vast ship and one lone survivor on board, nothing can prepare him for the path his life will lead.

Nor the demands his heart will make.

Hiraeth Ideas

Additions to the Hiraeth universe ideas : Just some little bulletpoints to remind me about things I would love to add to the Hiraeth verse once it's actually done.

Gwaine vs. a lemon

Merlin gets flu (my biologist heart wants to explore Merlin's immune system vs. Camelot germs plus no modern drugs. Excellent hurt/comfort opportunity - not that Hiraeth really needs more of that.)

Merlin "tormenting" Arthur via the bond (Explicit,  definitely)

Merlin shows Arthur (and others?) modern London.

The knights of Camelot at the zoo (sort of)

Maps/globes/celestial bodies knowledge

💀 Agravaine 💀

The one with the eclipse (some king and his sorcerer are trying to show off said sorcerer's power. There just so happens to be an eclipse.They know what it is so Merlin cannot claim credit, but he totally fucks with them anyway.)

Non-Hiraeth ideas

Magic Reveal Via Time-Travel  (Added June 2024)

Merlin and the knights get themselves into some kind of dire situation. Merlin, in a panic and realising he's not strong or knowledgable enough to save them, pretty much demands that the universe in general sends someone who can help.

What actually happens is he gets flung five years into the future, and his future self (who is more capable, among other things) takes his place. He sorts out the dire situation, whatever it may be, and that leaves Arthur and the others with future!Merlin, who is not only very magically capable but 100% their Merlin with lots more confidence, as irreverent as ever, and unmistakably thrumming with magic. They can all feel it, because Merlin makes no effort to hide.

More to the point future!Merlin remembers this from the other side, when he was younger and the same thing happened. He knows this is when the others find out about his magic, and he is able to answer their questions and emotional responses calmly and rationally, because he already knows Arthur isn't going to kill him or hate him or anything.

(Quite the opposite, in fact, since he's having to hide the fact that Arthur's ring is currently gleaming on his finger. He is grateful, at least, that he wasn't a. Pulled naked out of the bath for this magical meeting or b. wearing his crown, which would have been hard to explain without breaking Arthur's tiny brain.)

Meanwhile, young!Merlin is in Camelot, five years in the future, and Arthur and the others are a bit older, a (very little bit) wiser, and are also doing a brilliant job of calming him down and letting him know everything will be all right. And actually showing him the golden age they achieve -- that it's not impossible and out of reach.

Possibly a long four parter from young!Merlin, young!Arthur, older!Merlin and older!Arthur's points of view. Assuming I can write it without being confusing 🤣

Merlin's Voice - possibly a bit dark

My desire to put Merlin inhurt/comfort situations knows no bounds, but this one actually stems from the fact that Merlin doesn't remember the hug after he's been missing in Servant of Two masters and I'm weak for Arthur being a worried angsty little lamb about his missing manservant.

I'd probably go AU and make Morgana good, with Merlin's magic being known, and just have Morgause basically taking Morgana's place, except she and Agravaine are trying to get information about Camelot's weaknesses, and who better to lean on than Arthur's idiot manservant.

Cue Merlin being missing for days, Arthur panicking, Agravaine being dismissive as usual, and Morgause growing increasingly frustrated at the fact that she cannot get anything of note out of Merlin.

In the end, she tries a spell to force him to speak, except that Merlin is so fiercely determined not to betray Camelot and Arthur that his own magic takes the spell and twists it, forging it into a spell of silence instead.

Morgause gets cruel in her frustration, but eventually, Merlin manages to escape and head back for Camelot. It's no easy journey, and more to the point, the spell silencing him will not come off. No matter how hard he tries. He was so determined not to say anything that his magic went overboard in an effort to meet his intent.

I want to write that hug so Merlin remembers it. I want to have Arthur initially teasing about the silence but getting increasinlgy distressed by it. I want the realisation that Merlin is so incredibly expressive that the others rarely need him to write what he wants to say, they can get the gist of it from just a look.

It's one of those ones with ~vibes~  I want to explore, but I have no idea how it ends.

The "Back To The Start" One

So I made this post on Tumblr and it did numbers (I was thinking 4 people would "hell yes" me, not 2000 +)

"Not me sitting here thinking about writing a fic where we start with Arthur dying in Merlin's arms after Camlaan and it's all tragedy and then the magic rises and they both end up back at that first day, in the marketplace, Merlin with "How long have you been training to be a prat, my lord?" dying on his lips as they stare at each other, fascinated, horrified, so fucking relieved because they both remember ALL of it and none of it's happened yet and this time they can maybe make it to a different, better ending.

And they can do it together."

BUT TO EXPAND

I want to explore how Arthur and Merlin would interact with each other having lived in one another's pockets for ten years, only to be sent right back to the beginning, while retaining everything they are to each other. Merlin's magic newly revealed from the confession by the lakeside. The two of them standing there with every mistake in their future rather than their past and realising that maybe "two sides of the same coin" means "you need to work together, dumbass".

I want the two of them shocked by how young the other is. How different Camelot seems from what they're used to. How harsh Uther looks now that they know it can be different (though not as different as it should be, Arthur realises.) I want them correcting their mistakes (and each other's mistakes) and taking all that they know of each other and rebuilding their relationship (all their relationships, actually) on that honesty.

And the others don't remember. Morgana is still Morgana, still struggling, but still hoping to be saved. Mordred's just a boy.  Lancelot never sacrificed himself and it's so clear in Arthur's eyes that Gwen loved them both but that she loved Lancelot first and in a different way.

The knights end up at Camelot earlier simply because Arthur and Merlin set out to find them earlier. 

("We need Gwaine." "Do we? Really?" "Yes, you great prat. Come on.")

And so much more.

The "Fake Favourite" One 

This is basically me having a desperate urge to write all the political whatevers of Arthur taking Merlin as a favourite, smashed together with a fake dating AU.

Basic premise is simple: in an effort to avoid the latest princess eyeing up his hand for marriage (and with Uther's blessing, because it suits him for now to put off marrying Arthur to someone) Arthur decides that he will pretend Merlin is his lover and favourite. They spend all their time together anyway, and half the court rumour already appears to think they sleep together, so it will hardly be any change to either of them.

Except all Arthur has to do is say the words to make it happen, but there's a lot more to being a favourite than that. Merlin can't continue to serve him, and then there's the whole situation of a new wardrobe (which Merlin and his magic both fight against) the political wheeling and dealing that comes with a servant being elevated in status, not to mention the subtle ways in which the court first tries to manipulate Merlin, and then is manipulated by him in turn (for the good of Camelot)

What starts out as Arthur aggressively but jokingly courting Merlin (because Merlin said he was bad at it) ends up much closer to *actual* courting.

And no, Merlin cannot sleep in the antechamber, because the chambermaids will notice they're not sharing a bed.

(This basically would end up being a story about Merlin no longer being a servant but becoming a valued member of the court almost by accident (but being very good at it) and the two fools falling helplessly in love with each other while they pretend to be lovers.)

Morgana, Gwen and the knights would be placing ridiculous bets and generally watching it all with disbelieving horror and delight because only these two idiots could make falling in love so complicated.

The "Stuck In Close Quarters" One 

Merlin and Arthur trapped underground in VERY close proximity (like lying on top of each other) and running out of air and Merlin’s magic is too weak (thanks to a battle maybe) to get them out but he can replenish the air but there is no way Arthur won’t notice.

Cue a magic reveal in close quarters and love confessions.

The Horn of Cathbad one

Merlin dies and due to some glitchiness with his magic, he doesn’t immediately come back. Instead, Arthur, in the freshness of his grief, reaches for magic.

He uses the Horn of Cathbhad to see Merlin again, knowing that if he summons Merlin’s ghost and looks back, then Merlin will stay. (Maybe Gaius warns him - but he doesn’t take it as a warning, but a blessing.)

And Merlin answers, and Arthur doesn’t dismiss his ghost. There are ghostly shenanigans and while it’s not the same as having his friend back, it helps. He doesn’t really have to grieve.

Except that Merlin’s spirit starts to become restless and angry, and it reaches the point where Merlin is *begging* Arthur to let him go. He doesn’t know about his immortality but something is pulling at him.

And Arthur finds the strength to let him go and it’s like losing him all over again.

And then, of course, Merlin comes back ❤️

Blind Merlin One

Arthur and co. suspect Merlin has magic but haven't spoken of it to him yet. While out on patrol, Merlin takes a curse meant for Arthur, one that effectively blinds him until "you see the truth". Arthur thinks it's about the magic and it dredges all that out into the open, but the curse doesn't leave. Merlin quickly adapts to using magic to "see" (in a manner of speaking) and keeps his eyes covered to hide their glow.

Of course, Arthur's threatened about Merlin's vulnerability and baffled about the curse etc. It turns out that the truth they need to see is how they feel for each other. Angst/hurt/comfort/fluff because I can.

Omegaverse One (Maybe a series? Sort of tempted to try out some MPreg)

Well off my normal beaten path, but I keep what-iffing it so I'm writing it down here (and will totally draw on some of the mechanics and plot points of Gilded Cage)

Not all magic users are Omegas, but all Omegas have magic, which means Merlin has more than one secret to keep, and he keeps it well. It "helps" that when he presented in Ealdor, one of the Alphas in the village attacked and bit him, forming enough of a bond to stabilise his biochemistry before he managed to escape. It was that incident that pushed him and Hunith into making him go to Camelot.

Merlin successfully hides what he is for years, thinking he's safe, but the Alpha who bit him never stops looking for him. The Alpha eventually tracks him down, threatens Merlin etc., but gets killed in a tavern brawl before he can make good on his threats. That, in turn, breaks the bond that's been keeping Merlin stable and able to pass, in general, as a beta.

Cue it all going a little bit to hell because Arthur thought he knew everything about Merlin and it turns out he really didn't, and now his irritating and attractive beta manservant who always smelled good is an irritating, attractive, sorcerous omega manservant who smells amazing... etc.

(and maybe this one sounded a lot better in my head? There's a whole heap of nuance I'm not putting down - but it's a possible future Merlin fic.)

Different curse fic

A sorcerer curses Arthur with magic in order to make the Pendragon heir everything that the king hates. He wants to see if he is a hypocrite who will spare his sorcerous son, or a tyrant who will damn the ties of blood and execute him.

Cue Arthur frantically trying to hide the fact that he has magic from everyone, including Merlin, except that's fantastically unsuccessful because Merlin has magic, knows magic, *is* magic.

Then you've got Merlin desperately trying to hide the fact that Arthur had magic from the court while concealing that *he* has magic from Arthur. He very small and tired and stressed about it.

But the upshot is that Arthur has a better understanding of magic - how it is not, in itself, bad or corrupt - and because his magic has no chill and absolutely adores Merlin it acts as the pivotal point that brings out all their secrets (and desire)

The Lancelot and a dead body one -probably shortish.

This is more a scene that anything, but I keep thinking of how to expand it a bit better (I did a text chat thing on tumblr about this plot bunny I need to write it one day)

Arthur and all the knights are in an antechamber off the armoury after an evening training session. The door is ajar. They hear Lancelot come in and Gwaine's about to call out to him when Merlin stumbles through the door.

'I need your help burying a body!'

And Lancelot doesn't squawk or demand answers but just says, in a "so done with this shit" voice: 'Again?'

Meanwhile Arthur and the others are like "What the hell?" and follow Merlin and Lancelot out towards the border of the Darkling Woods where there is a huge and very dead monster just.... lying there.

Then we have Merlin making desperate and really bad excuses, which Arthur would be more willing to pretend he believed if Merlin wasn't bloodied and swaying where he stood and also had flowers blooming around his feet, because Merlin used a lot of magic to take this thing down and it's kind of leaking a bit.

And then we go on from there with the knights spending all night trying to dig a big enough hole and asking questions and all that, and Merlin being too tired and beaten up to really put them off - and then I end it somehow. (I did say this was just a scene!)

[mpregrapidpreg]

My (latest) Birth Story

I'm sorry it's been a while, this last birth really was something else...

So, just as a recap for people who may have missed a few things on this blog, I recently fell pregnant after some help from @spontaneous-birther. Steadily, from about the 8th of January, I found that my belly was growing, and quite quickly at that!! For the first time ever, it wasn't just belly growth I was feeling but I found my chest swelling into, well, breasts. Before I knew it, by the 18th, I was clearly big enough to pop, and my body knew that, hitting me with contractions which, might've been Braxton Hicks, but turns out, they weren't...

I went on a walk and very quickly found contractions getting closer and closer until they were about ten minutes apart. For a while, the contractions seemed to just hover around that point and, with Isabella's help, we kept checking if my ass was dilating at all (it wasn't), or if there was any sign of decent towards my genitals (there also wasn't).

One day of labouring like this passed. And then another. And another. This is definitely my own fault, but I was just planning on giving birth in the comfort of my own home, maybe with a little help but by the 23rd, I was still labouring with very little sign of progress. I hadn't slept and I was a bit delirious and very very adamant that no doctors should be called.

Where I live, they don't take kindly to cis men who fall pregnant, for a variety of reasons. Most people don't believe it's possible and, for those that do, there's they go straight to being worried about alien invasion. 😅 As such, hospitals were completely out of the question in my mind. The best Isabella thought we could do was contact an expert in magical pregnancy, someone from @pregnancy-librarium-roleplay.

After discussing the rituals I used to get pregnant, and how long I'd been labouring, they decided that there wasn't any time to be wasted and Isabella would have to deliver my baby. They concluded that there weren't any signs of dilation from the usual places because the embryo was implanted into me via my belly button, it was going to be a navel birth!

By this point, I was too exhausted to stand, but gravity was going to be the best help here so, shifting me onto my knees, I was made to lean my head onto Isabella's chest as she attempted to break my waters. I don't remember much clearly, but it was a really weird sensation. When I was feeling a contraction, she was told to try to widen my belly button as best as she could, pressing down into it and against the sides. It took a few attempts, but I distinctly recall feeling a gush of liquid maybe one or two very short moments of relief before the contractions I was already having intensified so much!!

The pain immediately pulled me away from my delirium as I started to push even though it achieved very little. We were both a bit panicked as the contractions were very quickly less than 5 minutes apart and lasted for easily more than a minute each. Before I pushing would be effective, the baby's head would need to be properly aligned with my navel, so Isabella was talked through how to turn the baby, pressing and squeezing my bump quite firmly in certain ways to shift them around. I was told that I needed to resist the urge to push until the baby was aligned or it would make Isabella's job more difficult, but I just couldn't. As each contraction crashed over me, I wailed and I pushed ineffectively, I think it took maybe two or three times as long to move the baby as it should have.

There was no time to waste when the head was aligned though and it just a few pushes, a head was stretching my belly button wide. Feeling the need for more space, I stopped leaning on Isabella and moved to my hands and knees. I tell you, the way I was grunting was the most primal thing you could hear!! But I just gave in to the instincts and pushed and pushed and FINALLY, my baby was born...

I've been so exhausted that I couldn't keep everyone up to date, and I'm so sorry for that!! I'm hoping to be back on my feet soon as I've got a work trip. But that does mean this blog will probably be going on hiatus for a little while from Thursday, I'll be back soon though, promise!