#xu shangqi imagines

[spasmsofthought]

currents swept you out (high tide came and brought you in) [shang-chi x fem!reader]

Almost a year later, but the muse came. (Sorry but also not sorry! xo)

I love all the melancholy and weight in Shang-chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. It's something I tried to explore here but I'm (of course) unsure if that was conveyed well.

Also shoutout to the sweet anon who asked about a part 2 to i'll be getting over you my who life many months ago! It kept some of my motivation for this up and kept me from deleting the draft.

Anyways, I love Shang-Chi and I would love to see more writing for him!!!

Please like, comment, and reblog! xo

+++

You think you catch glimpses of him throughout the years. A mirage of his figure around the corner, in a shadowed hallway. When you lay outside among the trees, you swear you see a vision of his face as the sun shines down on you. In the brief moments where the quiet becomes too much at the compound, you glance over your shoulder to see if he’s waiting for you, like he did before when you would sneak around for a quick word or a forbidden touch.

But Shang-qi is not there anymore, not here at all, and you don’t see him anywhere. He feels everywhere but you also know he is nowhere you can reach. Nowhere you can go. He cannot appear to you, even when that’s the only thing you want.

He is a ghost that lingers, but he is a ghost nonetheless.

And when you finally escape the compound and head for Ta Lo, you resolve to leave his ghost where it belongs: in the past.

You aren’t expecting to see Shang-qi in Ta Lo when he finally comes. You aren’t expecting to see him at all. Nan had told you that they had prepared for both his and Xialing’s arrival, but you doubted that he would ever come.

You are not even part of the welcoming group when his company rolls up in the car. First treated as a hostile group, then welcome like family. Your duties keep you physically away but the longing in your heart pulls at you no matter the distance you happen to keep from Shang-qi or Xialing.

You long to see his face, to watch as his eyes light with recognition (if, in fact, he did remember you at all). An ache deepens, and the pulling in your heart becomes slightly painful. You decide you don’t know what will be worse: living with the pain in your heart and leaving him alone or being in his presence after fifteen years of absence and wondering and grief.

When you feel your heart has gathered enough courage, you go to find him. Though the scenery is much different, for a moment you are reminded of when you would look for him at just fourteen years old, willing to risk what felt like it all at the time just to see him transiently.

The teenage love you for him that felt so all-consuming now just makes you feel forlorn.

You sit down next to him and greet him, "Shang-qi."

He turns his face and looks at you. It takes a second but there is a little surprise amidst his recognition. There is something else, too, something deeper. Something that you may not have words for but you understand all the same. A tenderness and vulnerability is there, but also shadows and fog. The rawness of what he felt fifteen years ago has dimmed with age and grief

"It was a long time ago when we last saw each other..."

"I didn't even know if you were still alive." He shakes his head and clasps his hands together on his lap.

"I found my own way," You smile, leaning in to his space before retreating.

There is a brief silence that elapses. One filled with a strange, awkward sense of peace. Or maybe comfort.

"I have heard you are trying to find your own."

"That's one way of putting it." His brow furrows and his eyes take on a different kind of shine. It's not as light as it was.

There is a gap of fifteen years in which you both lived without each other. Whatever innocent little thing you shared with him before he left to make another life for himself has been overshadowed and forgotten for things far more substantial.

For a moment the teenage girl in your heart cries. She wonders if you will ever know his lips on yours or his hands in your hair or a smile meant only for you. It is all she has ever wanted. Adult you, however, knows that the chasm between then and now is something that may not ever be able to be bridged between the two of you. And though Shang-qi is sitting beside you now, you recognize that you may never get to find what was lost so suddenly fifteen years ago.

Shang-qi may never stop being a ghost that haunts all your what-ifs and maybes.

“You were so heavy,” Your hands close around his. “So hard. Brittle. When I was younger, until you left the compound, all I wanted was to help you bear your burdens, but I know now that you wouldn’t have let me. If I asked you now, I think you still wouldn’t let me.”

Shang-qi doesn’t say anything, but you can tell from his eyes that he’s listening. He’s always listening. But his muscles are still tense, his shoulders tight. Still listening but withholding at the same time. Always withholding.

“I know I can’t solve this for you — whatever it is you are trying to fix. I can’t do any of this for you; you must do it for yourself,” You remove your hands from their place over his and expel a deep breath. “But I hope you know you can lay some of what you carry down.”

It is still quiet when you stand from your seated position next to him, but the quiet has transformed. It’s no longer peaceful for comfortable or familiar, but solemn and weighty. No matter how much you may wish to, you cannot untangle Shang-qi’s knots for him. You cannot bridge the gap between the present and past for the both of you. You can only decide to do it for yourself and and hope that he meets you halfway.

“Shang-qi,” It takes a moment, but he tilts his head up and his eyes meet yours, “I know who you are. I’ve never forgotten. But you seem to have, and what we — I — want is for you to remember.”

[tom-whore-dleston]

Pairing: Xu Shangqi x f. reader

Genre: smut

Warnings: mentions of sex, hickies, scratches, amnesia, Vegas shenanigans, alcohol consumption, hangover, Shangqi being a tease, implied smut (plz let me know if I am forgetting any)

Summary: A trip to Vegas leads to you waking up to another man in your bed. 

Word Count: 864

Notes: This started as a request from my bday sleepover almost a year ago 💀 and I lost inspo for it until I decided to take part in @the-slumberparty Warm-Up: One Word Drabble. Thank you Navy and Roo for hosting this sleepover and thank you Bri Bri for the request! Remember to reblog and comment if you enjoyed what you read 😊

word generated: club

request: 🎉 from the prompt list, specially the smutty ones, 15. “I know I should care about the reason why you’re naked in my bed, but I will just enjoy it for a moment.” and 29. “I’ll take it that you like what you see.” with Shangqi? 🫣 👀 - @hollandparkersx

You woke up to a pounding headache and dry throat. But with your friends around, you knew that you would end up drinking more than you can handle and make even more crazy decisions. Speaking of your friends.

Oh shit, what time was it?

The alarm clock on the side of your bed flashed 11:30am. You groaned, massaging your temples. 

Well, so much for brunch at The Cosmopolitan. 

In annoyance, you snatched your phone from the nightstand. Turning it on, you read a message from your best friend.

Sorry, hun! Was gonna wake you up but then we saw you snuggled up to that hottie from the club last night. Don’t worry, we’ll bring you something when we come back. Have fun with your man 😘 Lmk if you need more of those XL condoms 😉

What the fuck was she-

Oh…

On the opposite side of the queen sized bed was a naked man, whose body looked like it was sculpted like Michaelangelo himself. Not to mention, red scratch marks trailed down his back as if a rabid animal attacked him. That couldn’t have been your doing…right? 

He began to roll over, exposing his equally sculpted chest and abs that was littered in hickies and kiss marks. Your eyes widened when you realized the lip stains on his body matched the shade of your lipstick from last night. As you wiped the side of your mouth, your smeared lipstick appeared on your fingertips. Finally awake, the man stared at you, leaning against his propped arm. You tried not to stare at his bulging bicep, but he caught on as he smirked. 

“Good morning, sweetheart,” the man slurred with a low, sexy morning voice that was richer than the coffee you craved to cure your hangover. His eyes scanned your bare torso, smirking as you quickly covered yourself.

“No need to be embarrassed, sweetheart,” he chuckled and you watched his chest rise and fall. “I already know you look beautiful naked.” Your cheeks heated up and you slowly let the blanket fall in your lap.

“I know I should care about the reason why you’re naked in my bed, but I will just enjoy it for a moment.”

The man laughed again. “Well you and I got pretty drunk last night and I guess one thing led to another…”

Now your memories were coming back to you. You and your friends went club hopping on the strip, and you met the guy in bed with you on the bus ride there. While you were still sober, you and he chatted over how you were in Vegas for your friend’s birthday, and he was there to get over some family issues he dealt with in the past month. 

By the time you got to the club, he paid for you and your friends' drinks. You basically left both of your groups to dance with each other but would still follow each other on each ride to the different clubs. At the end of the night, you and he went back to your room while both of your friend groups stayed behind to find a place to eat. The rest of the night with him was still a blur but it was pretty clear that you both slept with each other. Only thing was, you forgot his name.

“I’m sorry,” you started, “but can you remind me of your name please?” 

“Don’t sweat it. It’s Shangqi.” You nodded and then gave him your name.

“I remember your name, sweetheart.” Shangqi smiled. “Surprised you forgot mine when you were screaming it all night long.”

You clenched your jaw as you grew wet between your legs. The urge to pounce on him was strong, especially with the way he stretched across the bed. Your gaze automatically landed on his groin that hid underneath the bed sheet. 

“I’ll take it that you like what you see,” Shangqi teased once he caught you staring. You curled your lips inward as your face warmed up. He decided to change the subject to spare you of your embarrassment. 

“Got any plans for today?” Shangqi asked.

“I was supposed to go to brunch with my friends but seeing that they found us sleeping together, they decided it was best to leave me behind.” Shangqi gave you an apologetic look, feeling bad that he kept you from your friends. You reassured him, “Don’t worry though, I had a great time last night. I mean, I don’t remember everything that happened, but I know it was fun.”

“Yeah, we went through like 5 condoms last night.” He picked up an opened condom packet, causing your breath to hitch when you realized it was a gold XL packet like your friend mentioned in the text. 

You huffed out a flustered breath. “Wow, I guess there is a lot more that I don’t remember from last night.” 

Shangqi’s next words turned you into a puddle. “Want me to jog your memory, sweetheart?” 

You bit your lip as your thighs rubbed together to ease the growing need in your core. God, this man made it extremely impossible to resist him. “Yeah, help me remember every single detail.”

Navigation | Main Masterlist | Xu Shang-Chi/Shangqi Masterlist

[akariamai]

The Golden Dagger Club

Pairing: Shang-chi x symbiote!reader

Word Count: 2145

You were just starting to repair the damages of a recuperating career and then the Blip happened. You were dusted away for five years and appeared back into your shitty apartment – your old shitty apartment that was occupied by someone else – and were left with nothing. Your clothing and furniture were all thrown away and your renewed show was trashed because everyone still alive was trying to cope with the loss of loved ones.

To those that stayed, you were considered lucky. Is it lucky to have nothing to come back to? The banks refused to help and getting any loans needed minimum of five years of income. Obviously that’s impossible as you were dusted for all five of those years making the institution useless. No one was willing to hire either as you were often overqualified or lacked any recent experience in the workforce.

Unlike some of the others who also disappeared, you didn’t have a family to help you adapt to the new culture that flourished whilst you were gone. There was still a semblance of the old but you were on your own.

Waiting was the worst. The United Nations were scrambling to provide provisions, documents, and other essentials for those who came back. It was a real shit show and at times, made you wish you never came back.

You had to worry about scavenging enough food for Venom or else it’s your organs that’ll be on the menu and you want your organs to remain intact and uneaten. You also don’t want to watch Venom bite someone’s head off again. You had to work fast as Venom was most likely going to starve and the government wasn’t working fast enough.

You heard murmurs of an underground tournament that pays very well for winning contestants. You weren’t a stranger of questionably immoral activities. You and Venom needed this. It was a saving grace in the waiting game of darkness. The United Nations were behind on provisions and housings, and you couldn’t wait for the miracle of them hurrying along the process.

So you left. The world didn’t need to know you were back, undusted and alive. It had moved on without you and there was no point in sticking around. The world would believe you were the unlucky ones to be at the wrong place during the Snap.

The world would get to learn of the existence of Venom, see the both of you as more than a blurry black figure from security cameras. See the two of you reappear after your hiatus. Your reappearance will be on that podium, hundred of eyes on you, seeing you, and cheering for you. 

You had arrived to your brand new start. A new beginning to the end of a shitty chapter. “Welcome to the Golden Daggers Club! We’re a multi-platform global operation. Every fight live streamed on the dark web. Thousands of viewers placing bets as we speak.” The ringmaster, Jon Jon, explained as he handed you the sign up sheet. You read carefully, not wanting to be screwed over in the end, and when you deemed everything acceptable you signed on. It was fast and easy. Pen on paper and suddenly a new door opened.

There must’ve been hundreds of people in the unfinished building. Small cells, containing smaller fights, lead up to the giant podium where the grander fights and higher betting stakes take place. Within the club, you had to earn your place. Starting in those small cells and work your way up to become a favorite.

Your first opponent was no one memorable. They were enhanced to some degree but nothing remotely close to be able to take the two of you down. It was almost too easy but Venom adored the attention they’d garnered. On the other side of the cell were many onlookers, wanting to see more of the alien creature. It was itching more for fights, more advanced opponents, and scoring chocolate money. The club loved Venom. The fame and attention caught the curiosity of the club’s founder. 

Xu Xialing was cold, complex, and a fighter. Her coldness was strictly targeted to men but once she saw the person beneath Venom, she’d lighten up around the two of you. You became her friend. You’d learn bits and pieces of her past while you shared yours. She’d given you a chance to start anew even if she didn’t know it. You felt like you owed her for providing a way to provide for Venom in a way your old job couldn’t. You and Venom took it upon yourselves to take out the trash, people who were trying to shut her operation down. The club meant so much to people and you didn’t want anyone to shit on the empire she’d built. 

It was a night like any other. Bets were placed and the money just kept coming. The bar was filled as always and Venom was itching for its turn. “Take it easy on the chocolates, it’s about to be your turn.” You were currently watching the fight between Abomination, who was broken out of prison by his opponent, and the current Sorcerer Supreme, Wong. Wong seemed overwhelmed at first but managed to get Abomination to punch themselves. 

“I’ve worked up an appetite.” Venom grunted as they bit the whole chocolate bar in its entirety. You could feel it buzzing with excitement. 

Wong had won his fight and you were walking towards the main stage. “Doing what, sitting?” You replied as Venom’s pitch black skin covered you fully. Your thin arms concealed by its large muscles and build. No one in the crowd would ever guess who was underneath its skin.

The name of your opponent was called Flux. You had seen his fights before, seen him climb up ranks. You nor Venom were worried though. You’d let Venom take full control as it was its moment not yours. Venom tore onto the stage, hyping up the crowd, and waited for the fight to begin. The lights, the cheers, and the overwhelming anticipation riddled your being. It was exhilarating and you couldn’t wait for Venom to have the time of its life.

Flux wasn’t overpowered by much. Having superhuman strength, stamina and durability assists in keeping up with you and Venom. You’d been lucky no one has caught on to your weaknesses. As Venom controlled your body, you thought about how different your life had become and how thankful you were for being the right match for Venom. Feeling the immense happiness originating from it makes you happy. You knew Venom felt miserable hidden within your body, not allowed to stretch till night fell. Here in the club, it didn’t matter. Almost every fighter had some enhancement that made them different from everyone else. Had skills most didn’t possess.

Once the fight was over, the club’s staff members dragged Flux away towards the locker room. Venom, after celebrating its win with the crowd, followed afterwards. A giant teeth-filled grin dwelled on its face until its skin disappeared into your body.

You opened your designated locker and pulled out a box of chocolates and a 12 pack of diet soda. Opening them one by one you feed Venom by placing them into its mouth and congratulating them on its win while you consume the diet soda. In moments like these Venom resembled a puppy. Craved for your attention and wanted to feel loved. 

You’d notice Jon Jon speaking to someone you’d only seen on your phone. The Bus Boy video that’s been dominating the internet. Venom had dismissed the guy as he wasn’t anything special except for maybe his delicious brain but you didn’t want to find out.

“[Reader], Venom,” Jon Jon yelled, “the boss wants to talk!” The guy next to him watched curiously at the Venom head appearing out of your side.

“If anyone steals even one chocolate or soda, I’ll bite your head off and feast on your organs.” Venom made sure to show off its teeth to the remaining contenders before going to Xialing’s office. You sat down on a chair waiting for her to arrive. Jon Jon left the dubbed Bus Boy in her office as well. He stayed standing, not knowing what to do. He was nervous, that was evident, and a bit awkward.

“Do you know who we are supposed to meet?” He didn’t know how to talk to you or Venom. If he were being honest, Venom kinda scared him. The threats given did not help at all. “I need to find my sister. Do you know her, Xu Xialing?” You noticed he kept a white tissue around his nostrils. The metallic smell of blood allowed you to know the reason why.

You stayed quiet not knowing the reason as to why he was asking. Knowing he was in her workplace, she’ll show herself eventually.

She walked in, taking her place behind her laptop.

“You run this place?” He talked in Mandarin. 

“I own it.” She replied back. 

Another woman was let in by Jon Jon, counting the stack of cash as she walked into the room. She was adorable when she was caught red handed. Having bet against the man, her friend apparently. “Did you bet against me?”

“No.” She lied. “I bet on that Venom dude earlier.” In an attempt to change the subject, she turned the attention on you and Xialing, “Hi Xialing and stranger. I’m Katy. You’re, like, such a badass. Everything that you do is, like, so cool. That was really cool.” She walked towards one of the seats next to her friend, which you still did not have a name for.

“This is [Reader].” Xialing replied, “The Venom dude from earlier.”

Katy gasped excitedly, “No way! I thought Venom had more muscles. Love the costume by the way. What fabric do you use?” She shook your hand frantically and laughed, “Your fight was so amazing. You made me a lot of money.”

You had never integrated with someone who had so much shameless confidence. She had seen you and Venom fight and she was treating you like a hero. Most run away at the sight of the two of you. It was a nice change of scenery. “Alien, I guess? Venom come out and say ‘hello’ to a fellow fan.”

“A fan…” He muttered as he moved his head towards her, “So unafraid, so courageous. You shall not be eaten.”

She chuckled nervously, “Thank you.”

“I like your pants.” Xialing turned the conversation towards herself.

Katy blushed, “Thank you. Thanks. Yeah.” She was obviously flattered by the compliment as she smoothed out her yellow pants.

“What do you want?” The coldness of Xialing's voice appeared suddenly. A certain sharpness you had never heard, finally making its existence known.

“The Ten Rings ambushed us in San Francisco.” San Francisco was the place where you once lived. The tomb of the life you once had. 

“I saw the video.” Everyone had seen the video. It became a viral phenomenon which was rare as it raced against hero and alien sightings, and meet and greets with international heroes.

“They took my pendant. They’re gonna come for yours next.” You had learned about the pendant Xialing never took off as it was a gift from her mother. To learn he shared the same or similar pendant must mean only one thing. “I don’t know what he wants with them, but we both know it can’t be good.”

“You know what he said to me when he left?” You heard this story only once. It was a painful memory of abandonment and the loss of a sibling. Not in death, but in spirit. Lost of hope while living in the fragments of an once happy family. “‘I’ll be back in three days.’ And after three days, I went to our mom’s shrine and waited. Three days turned into a week, a week turned to a month, and a month turned to six years. That’s how long it took me to realize I didn’t need him any more. I built this place on my own. I didn’t need you then, and I don’t need you now.”

“I volunteer to eat him.” Venom liked Xialing. She snuck chocolates to it and was the first person, who wasn’t [Reader], to not be afraid of it. She gave you and it a home. “I’ll make it painful.” He licked his lips to scare Xialing’s brother even more.

Xialing smiled at Venom. It was the thought that counted and Venom meant well. He inched away from you and asked, “Then why would you send me the postcard?”

“What postcard?”

He got up from his seat and reached into his pockets. He slowly walked towards her before handing it to her.

“I didn’t send you this.” After she spoke those words, everything went to shit.

Masterlist

[make-me-imagine]

Camera Roll: Shang-Chi celebrating Día de los Muertos with you

Camera Roll when spending Día de los Muertos with Shang-Chi

Requested by @youngcroissantturkeyworribler; hope you like it~

General Taglist: @criminaly-supernatural, @imaginesfire, @onuen, @rexit-mo, @witchygagirl, @alexxavicry

Marvel+Shang-Chi Taglist: @aquariuslavenderhoney, @trashywritestrash, @groovy-lady, @marvelouslyme96, @supersourlemon13, @mochamoff, @simsiddy, @gay-and-ready-to-cry, @flourishandblotts-inc, @spuffyfan394, @agent-catfish-kenobi, @cs-please, @soultrysworld, @a-lumos-in-the-nox, @creativitybeware, @that-marvel-simp, @gatefleet, @skylions-den, @dominos-palast, @pockyandme, @merlin-dahlia, @oliviah-25,

[themculibrary]

Shang-Chi Masterlist

360-degree feedback (ao3) - bysine G, 12k

Summary: Wong sighs. “You know, where I come from, dead relatives usually show up to give you lottery numbers,” he says. “Ever thought about paying it forward?”

“He has my rings and she has my empire,” Wenwu replies. “I don’t see what else they might need.”

“Perhaps,” says Wong. “But if anything else comes to mind, feel free to share.”

“Well," says Wenwu, "I couldn’t help but overhear that your recruitment numbers are dismal.”

---

A ghost story.

alive together with you (ao3) - sanctuary_for_all katy/shang-chi G, 11k

Summary: Because her and Shaun? They were a forever kind of deal. (Scenes from Katy and Shaun's friendship, before, during and after the movie.)

All I Want For Christmas is You (ao3) - NyxEtoile, OlivesAwl katy/shang-chi M, 12k

Summary: “I’m trapped in a Hallmark movie and I need help.”

He was pretty sure that sentence didn't make sense. "Has a rugged lumberjack tried to seduce you?”

Katy snorted. “I can not articulate how much unkempt and surly is not my type. Of course, I didn’t think it was Melissa’s, but she ran into some old fling of hers. He is a Christmas Tree farmer. I can’t make this shit up. I need you to convince Jay to take a couple of days off and come up here before this gets worse.”

Shaun paused a moment. "I don't know I could convince Jay to take a couple days off is Melissa was in the hospital.”

beautiful you are my world, my true (ao3) - sanctuary_for_all xu shang-chi/katy chen, katy chen/shang-chi T, 12k

Summary: A part of him had always felt like a thief with Katy, taking what he didn't deserve, but she knew everything now and she was still here. (Set during the tail end of the movie and continues afterward.)

But I need your lips on mine (ao3) - Lizzen katy/shang-chi E, 2k

Summary: The adventure Katy agreed to didn’t include being ravished like this but she’s not-- she’s not unhappy about this arrangement.

if you liked it then you should've put ten rings on it (ao3) - laiqualaurelote T, 6k

Summary: “When did you even get to meet my dad?” Shangqi demands. “You're in supervillain prison, surely they don’t let you guys mingle.”

“Mahjong night,” says Erik, deadpan.

Other people look for retirement homes for their parents. Shangqi has to check out prisons. While sorting out his father's incarceration in Wakanda, he unexpectedly reconnects with his old college roommate, the villain formerly known as Killmonger.

isn’t it strange (i am still me, you are still you) (ao3) - smoakoverwatch katy/shang-chi T, 1k

Summary: Katy knows Shaun inside and out.

She just doesn't know if everything will change now.

lose it over you (ao3) - sepiacigarettes katy/shang-chi T, 1k

Summary; They're close, always have been, but last week tipped the scales, sent them tumbling down. He couldn't have made it through the last ten years without her, can't imagine a time where she wasn't by his side.

"Hey," he says softly, "come back to mine?"

Love Unexpected, Love Regardless (ao3) - grecianviolet katy/shang-chi T, 7k

Summary: After it's all over, Katy realizes she has some very complicated feelings to parse about her decade-long friendship with someone it turns out she's never really known. An end-of-movie emotional fix-it fic. THREESHOT, now with first kisses.

my friend has a crush (ao3) - orphan_account katy/shang-chi T, 1k

Summary: When Katy needs advice on boys, she goes to Shaun.

So it's a bit awkward to talk about her latest crush when he's the object of her affection.

Sing You a Song of Devotion (ao3) - NyxEtoile, OlivesAwl katy/shang-chi M, 53k

Summary: As they walked out, she could feel Shaun stewing and probably pissed off beside her, but he didn’t say anything, so neither did she. Instead she pulled out her phone and googled San Francisco marriage license.

They were in the elevator before he finally spoke. “This is not something I’m willing to let you do.”

“Okay, well, getting deported back to fucking China is not something I’m willing to let you do, so where does that leave us?”

Turning Point (ao3) - Simus_Dinner_Plate_Pecs katy/shang-chi E, 4k

Summary: Katy's twenty-fifth birthday does not go as planned. When she learns that everything she's ever known is a lie, she turns to the one person who she knows she can trust - Shangqi. This three-part story does contain an explicit love scene. Please read responsibly.

urs (ao3) - sunshinesketches katy/shang-chi E, 7k

Summary: “I think we should have sex.”

Her eyes fly open. “What the fuck?”

She looks over at him in the dark, briefly considering that a combination of drinks, tiredness, and sexual frustration from being around Shaun 24/7 have finally driven her insane, but he’s facing her, fully awake, and he doesn’t look like he’s joking.

“Platonically, I mean,” he immediately says. ___ Katy and Shaun try friends with benefits.

What's Behind and What's Before (ao3) - NyxEtoile, OlivesAwl katy/shang-chi M, 58k

Summary: “When are you going to get married?”

Had Waipo not asked him that daily for the last 5+ years he might have panicked. Instead, he responded the same way he always did. "We're just friends.”

Normally, she made noises and nodded. It was part of their routine, going on so long it was almost an in-joke. But this time she turned and stared at him. She looked exasperated, and like she knew he was lying. Somehow. She pulled the ladle out of the pot and pointed it at him. “If you get her pregnant and don’t marry her, I will haunt you from the afterlife.”

Of all the threats he'd had in the last week, that might be the most sincere. "I promise not to do that.”

Life on the other side of the Rubicon.

what's in a name? (ao3) - sunshinesketches shang-chi/katy T, 7k

Summary: “Ooh, I hope it’s a rich international student,” she says, excitement in her tone. “Someone who just arrived in San Fran and drives a million-dollar sports car and has tons of Daddy’s money to spend.”

He rolls his eyes. “Do you really want a guy who can barely speak English to be your soulmate?”

“I could learn Chinese,” she says defensively, “for my soulmate.” --- Katy and Shaun find each other over the years.

Zhi Shi Pengyou (ao3) - hrtiu shang-chi/katy T, 1k

Summary: When Waipo asked Shaun when he and Katy were getting married, Shaun said they "zhi shi pengyou" (are just friends). What happens when Katy starts to realize she wishes that weren't true?

[babyboiboyega]

Without You (Shangqi x f!reader)

Prompt: “When everything was wrong, you made it right.”

Pairing: Shangqi x f!reader

Content: angst, major character death, major feels bruv

Babyboiboyega's Marvel Masterlist

Babyboiboyega's Masterlist of Masterlists

A/N: I used the same prompt for my other Shangqi piece, "I can explain", and I just thought that it would be kinda cool to use it again but in a totally different, more heart-wrenching way!

.......

So enjoy! :)

********

There was a second where it had seemed that they had all failed. Ta Lo villagers and Ten Rings warriors alike. It didn’t matter what side you were on, when the Dweller in Darkness had gained the upper hand, absorbing the Great Protector’s very soul with ease, the feeling of dread spread throughout the entire land and everyone on it.

Not only did Y/N feel the intense feeling of dread, but the panic that followed was almost debilitating. It wasn’t even panic for herself; it was panic for the person she hadn’t seen since the entire battle had started.

She knew- she knew- that Shangqi could protect himself, but she didn’t want to face the end of their universe without him by her side. How could she fix that if she didn’t know where he was?

As she stood and watched the Great Protector grow weaker, she couldn’t help closing her eyes and praying to whoever was listening that he was okay, where he was. That prayer was interrupted, however, by a groundbreaking roar. One that came from the Great Protector who had managed to break away from the Dweller’s grip, all thanks to a well-shot arrow by her own friend. One that immediately put the fight back into each and every fighter.

Y/N continued to fight, now with more determination, but she couldn’t stop herself from constantly watching the battle between the two creatures...and that’s where she had finally seen the love of her life...and he was falling through the air.

Her heart leaped into her throat as she watched his figure free fall right above where the two creatures battled for their own lives. But something was happening...something she couldn’t exactly understand, but she could see it clearly.

A bright light proceeded to emerge from the chest of the Dweller, making the creature roar in both anger and agony. It continued to struggle against the power being thrown at it by both the Great Protector and Shangqi, but it was of no use.

In complete awe of the series of events happening in front of her, she was completely oblivious to the soul eaters still picking them off of the battlefield, one by one. She had only remembered their presence when a screech that made her teeth grind against each other sounded through the air right near her. She had only just taken her eyes off of Shangqi when she felt the unnerving feeling of something tight and rough wounding around her waist, and then she was lifting into the air.

Simply on instinct, she raised her staff, the dragon scale clad end of it aiming directly for the creature’s torso, but before it could make contact, another one of its tentacles struck out, effectively knocking the staff out of her hand.

What came next was a feeling unlike any other. A feeling so intense, that it literally took away her ability to make a sound.

She couldn’t see what was happening to herself, but she had seen it happen to countless others on the battlefield only moments before this. Her soul- her very life’s essence- was being taken from her...and she couldn’t do a damn thing about it.

Her hands clenched tightly, to the point where her fingernails broke skin, yet she couldn’t feel it. Sometime during the battle, after seeing the same thing happen to others, and somewhere deep in her mind, she had imagined the process to be breathtakingly painful. It was truly breathtaking, but she couldn’t feel any pain. All she could feel was an intense coldness; a coldness that was gradually moving through her entire being.

Once again, her thoughts moved to Shangqi. How would he find her? Would he find her, or would someone else have to break the news to him? She hoped that he wouldn’t be the one to find her. He would be utterly torn apart with agony and grief. Knowing him, he would blame himself.

In an ironically cruel way, as she felt her life fading from her body, she could see Shangqi’s figure as he grew closer to the Dweller. The light that had continued to emerge had only dimmed in her eyes, but she couldn’t stop the small, exhausted smile from appearing on her face as she felt the slightest bit of warmth from that light- from his light. Even as she was dying, Shangqi continued to make everything better.

Right as her eyes began to flutter shut, she could only send one thought into the atmosphere around her, hoping that somehow...some way… Shangqi wouldn’t blame himself.

Somewhere her name was being yelled. Through her lidded eyes, she saw a blast of some kind, emitting from the place the light had once been coming from, and then her waist was being let go. The place where the Dweller had been was now empty of the creature, and if she had enough energy to look across the field, she would have seen the rest of the soul eater’s disintegrating on the spot.

If it hadn’t been for the blurry view of the ground rushing up to meet her, she would have thought that she was floating. The mere thought of using energy to hold her arms out was exhausting, so she simply closed her eyes and sent another thought out.

“He did it. He won. I’m so proud…”

********

The first step he took as he stepped off of The Great Protector’s back was a step in the direction he had last seen Y/N.

The entire battle, he couldn’t get her face out of his mind; the way her eyes had pleaded with him to be safe, and the way she had squeezed his hand before they had to part. Now, he wanted nothing more than to grab her by the hands and pull her close to him, promising that nothing would separate them again.

Despite being hellbent on finding the love of his life, he couldn’t help pausing to help those who he saw were injured. Some were just injured, expressions of pain mixing in with relief apparent on their faces; some were worse, their expressions frozen in the same look of fear that they made during the last seconds of their life.

It made his heart clench even tighter than it already was in his chest. All of the destruction, the pain, the death...because of his father’s undying love for his mother. A love that had once been his father’s saving grace being the thing that led to his own downfall. The thought made his steps falter as the brunt of everything he had just gone through finally weighed completely on him, but it only took him seeing his aunt running from around a building for his steps to pick up with even more urgency.

“Xiaoyi! Are you okay? Where’s Y/N? Where’s Katy?” He could hear Xialing right on his heels as she eagerly awaited their aunt’s answers.

Ying Nan answered quickly, her voice firm but her breathing quick. The look in her eyes was enough to scare Shangqi to his core as he stepped forward, struggling to get words out.

“Where’s Y/N?”

She stepped forward to meet her nephew, her hand raising to land on his arm. Her eyes glanced between the siblings and her eyebrows furrowed as she spoke.

“You need to come with me. Now.”

They didn’t waste any time as they all headed back in the direction Ying Nan had just come from. Shangqi had to remind himself to slow down so as to not pass his aunt, the only person who knew where they were going. But it didn’t help that his aunt was now leading them somewhere when all he did was ask if Y/N was okay.

Ying Nan’s steps slowed as they rounded the building and so did Xialing’s, but as he saw exactly what Ying Nan had brought them to see, his steps only doubled in speed before he was sliding across the ground on his knees.

He saw straight through Katy, his eyes landing on the person who she was kneeling over. It only took a quick glance at Katy’s tear-stained face for Shangqi to realize that his worst nightmare had come true.

Shangqi reached down, his hand grazing slightly over Y/N’s face as Katy slowly moved over, giving him space to lean over her. He tried not to think about how cold her skin was to the touch. If he had been going off of her body temperature alone and had it not been for her half-lidded eyes that followed his movements, he would have already thought her...he wouldn't dare think the word.

“Hey...hey, you’re okay. We did it, Y/N. We won.”

There were so many things he wanted to say. He wanted to plead with her to stand up; wanted to promise her that if she got up right now, he would do quite literally anything she wanted him to do. There was a small, cruel voice in the back of his mind telling him that it didn’t matter what he said; you weren’t getting up. He pushed that voice even further into the back of his mind when her lips began moving.

“We won. You did it, Shangqi.”

The pure pride in her weakened voice made Shangqi’s teeth clench together in an effort to not yell over the fact that she was still so proud of him despite being on the very edge of death. He could see that she still looked at him as if he hung all of the stars and the moon in the night sky, even as her eyes threatened to close. He was quick to reach down, gently grabbing her upper body and pulling her closer to his chest. His other hand continued to brush over her cheek, shaking slightly as it made contact with her skin.

“Y/N, I need you to keep your eyes open. Please, just-just keep your eyes open. You’ll be okay.” He seemed more as if he were trying to convince himself that she was okay. His eyes frantically looked over her figure, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

“What’s wrong with her? Can’t you help her- can’t we do anything?” The desperation in his voice paired with the frantic look in his eye made it apparent to anyone that he was willing to go to any length to keep her with him….just like his father.

The thought made all of the air leave his body and he had to suck in a deep, staggering breath as he faced his aunt, his desperate questions still lingering in the air between them.

He looked past the look of sympathy, sadness, and finality on his aunt’s face as she walked forward. Katy’s sniffles filled the temporary silence, and he didn’t dare look at her or Xialing. Seeing their grief-stricken faces would only solidify his worst fear.

“Shangqi,” her voice was soft as she knelt next to him, placing a gentle hand on his back, “her soul was touched by a soul eater. It may not be completely gone...but it’s fading.”

She didn’t need to continue for Shangqi to know exactly what she was saying. Her words showed themselves through her expression.

For a brief moment, he tried to imagine what life would be like without Y/N, but it was simply impossible. Of course, he had been alive before he had met her, but only when she entered his life did he really start living. He had started living with only the thought of Xialing being the thing he held onto from the past.

Looking back on their relationship, he wished he had said “I love you” more. He prayed to whoever was listening that she knew just how much he loved her- just how much he loves her.

His head turned back to face Y/N, and this time, he let the tears that brimmed his eyes fall. Why would he catch them when his entire world was shattering in the span of a few moments?

His voice shook as he softly spoke to her, his head bending down to draw himself closer.

“Y/N...you gotta stay with me. I need you- I can’t...I can’t lose you. Please, I just need you to stay with me. I need you.”

Y/N’s hand shook tremendously as she reached up, laying her cold hand on his cheek. Despite her eyes threatening to close more and more by the second, Shangqi could still see the unadulterated love in her eyes as she looked at him. Her head shook so minutely, that if his attention hadn’t been solely on her, he would have missed it.

“You don’t need me, Shangqi. You saved the world. You...saved us and you...you made everything right.”

His head shook immediately at her words as his own hand raised and landed gently on top of hers. You made everything right.

How could he ever see himself as making everything right when his complete everything was in his arms fading as he watched, helpless? How had he made everything right when the very bringer of the stars and planets to his solar system of life was fading?

Of course, he wouldn’t say that. Call him selfish, but he wouldn’t have his last words to Y/N be him arguing or even disagreeing with her. Not when she looked at him with so much pride.

“Shangqi...I’m tired. I’m so...tired. I’m just going to...I’m just going to go to sleep really quickly. Is that okay?

He couldn’t stop the sob that made its way past his lips. Nor did he want to; all he could think about was the light that made Y/N who she was slowly dimming more and more until only the smallest bit remained. He could only think about the fact that Y/N was holding onto that little bit of light, waiting for him to say that...waiting for him to say that it was okay for her to let go.

Shangqi nodded, his tears blurring his vision as he gazed down at her with as much love as he could put into a look. His hand caressed her cheek as he finally said the words that would haunt him until the end of his days.

“You...you can go to sleep, Y/N. It’s okay. I...I love you, so much. With my entire being.”

And then she smiled. She smiled an exhausted but relieved smile as her eyes closed and her chest rose and fell one last time, her hand going slack in his.

Somewhere in his mind, he could hear the sniffles and soft cries from Katy accompanied by the comforting words from Xialing. But he simply couldn’t bring himself to move from his position.

All movement and sounds around him were ignored as he leaned over her body, his forehead resting against hers like they had done so many, countless times before. But he could feel the difference; not just the absence of the warmth from her skin, nor was it the absence of her arms wrapping around his waist as she had always done.

This absence had a visceral effect on him as he continued to sit there. The absence of the very person whose soul had complimented and grown with his own.

How had he just saved the world while his own was falling to shambles around him?

“You made everything right.” His words were quiet, whispered, and meant only for her wherever she was now listening from.

“When everything was wrong, you made it right. It was you. It...it was always you.”

*********

I hope you enjoyed it! Please reblog, as it can really go a long way, and it really makes me feel good when I see that you all enjoy my writing! Even a simple little comment can make my day :))

Stay safe, y'all!

[jeonstellate]

ride to nowhere

himiko just wanted to be a regular civilian for a couple of weeks, but the universe clearly thought otherwise.

✶彡 xu shangqi x nb!original character

✶彡 movie scene rewrite!au, avenger!au

✶彡 paragraph format — 1.6K words

masterlist

[gif’s full credit belongs solely to its owner]

๑彡 an edited version of this is now available on my AO3 :]

It was only supposed to be a mundane, non-Avenger type of day.

Miko even took the liberty to officially file a notice of absence, instead of just flying over to the opposite coast without letting faers/her teammates know. Granted, fae/she only stuck a sticky note on the fridge and called it a day, but fae/she knew it’d do the trick.

I’ll be in California for two weeks. Do not contact me unless the world is ending. — Miko

In faers/her defense, the Avengers, as a team, is currently going through a transitional period. Thus, as a result, it’s quite tricky to get away for some well-deserved personal time off. If fae/she had gone the legal way of filing a leave of absence, there’s no telling when it’d get approved. More likely than not, another national threat would’ve emerged by then. (Fae/She knows how those antagonists are — they just show up without warning, whenever and wherever they want. None of them are as courteous and considerate as that Phantom Thief Kid in manga, much to faers/her dismay.)

And so there goes faers/her hope of having a peaceful vacation — literally already out the window on the morning of faers/her second day. (Even worse because this is technically faers/her first day to be out-and-about, considering fae/she slept all day yesterday due to flight fatigue.)

Fae’s/She’s too far back to hear what they are demanding to the dude in a red and gray jacket, but faers/her instincts are telling faer/her it won’t end well. There are easily four aggressors in total, although one is still blending in with the other passengers until their cue comes.

Miko can’t judge whether the dude in red and gray jacket can fight since his figure is somewhat blocked from faers/her view; but, even if he can, the odds is still one-to-three: they aren’t really in his favor— Oh.

"Excuse me," fae/she gestures to the man next to faer/her to let faer/her through. Based on how he looks, and how he’s staring intently at the fight that just broke out with a serious look, he seems to be with the three men that are currently scuffling with the dude in a red and gray jacket. Unfortunately, fae/she can’t take him down before he joins the fight — partly because it’d put faer/her in offense rather than defense.

Truthfully, the stranger in red and gray jacket is handling himself well. However, fae/she isn’t rigorously trained to combat any kind of universal threat just to stand back and watch someone else put their life on the line. Just when fae’s/she’s about to pull faers/her weapon out, though, fae/she felt faers/her phone vibrate from faers/her pocket.

Hey, Miko, are you almost here? Cassie and Luis—

That’s only as far as fae/she has read, unfortunately, because fae/she felt someone pass by faer/her: it was none other than faers/her former seat mate and he’s heading towards the dude in red and gray jacket with a determined look on his face.

"Holy shit," Miko cussed under faers/her breath as fae/she tried to put faerself/herself in between faers/her former seat mate and the stranger clad in red and gray as fast as fae/she can while the bus continues to travel towards its destination.

Once positioned where fae/she wanted, fae/she let faers/her weapon expand. Courtesy to Shuri and her Wakandan tech, faers/her staff has upgraded features. Aside from its ability to elongate (and retract) and cause damage from a single hit, faers/her weapon of choice is stronger than ever with its body now completely made from vibranium and applied technology akin to T’Challa’s Black Panther suit. Furthermore, as per faers/her request, Shuri also kept the "stun gun" feature in faers/her new staff (a handy one, honestly, especially whenever fae’s/she’s trying to avoid a full-blown confrontation).

When Sinra’s standing next the Spider-Man and the Captain Marvel, faers/her weapon don’t seem much — but it does its job. Fae/She just despises it whenever the one fae’s/she’s against can easily split it in half. Kinda like how faers/her former seat mate potentially can.

"Aw, c’mon!" Miko voices faers/her protest when faers/her former seat mate’s amputated arm grew into a sword blade. "Don’t get too worked up now, seat mate."

"Who are you?" The lady that’s presumably friends with the stranger in red and gray asks.

However, before fae/she can even think about replying, someone else already answered on faers/her behalf. "Oh, my god, Sinra’s here! An Avenger’s here!"

"What’s an Avenger doing here in San Francisco?" Miko hears the person behind faer/her wonder under his breath.

"Vacation," fae/she answers in a whisper, "supposedly."

"Give me the necklace," faers/her former seat mate demands, "and no one gets hurt."

"Listen here, mate," Miko hardens faers/her stare at faers/her former seat mate, "I don’t know what’s the deal with that necklace, but if dude was willing to take down three men for it, then I’ll sure as hell help him keep it from you." In instinct, Miko even twirls faers/her baton to signify faers/her acceptance of the challenge — or, rather, faers/her readiness to fight.

"Do you have a backup?" The dude in red and gray asks faer/her after he moves from behind and takes the spot next to faer/her.

"Let’s hope we don’t need one."

Just as it always been, especially for someone like Miko who fights battles for a living, the actual fight is a blur. Fae/She remembers bits and pieces of instances from it, like how faers/her combat partner told the passengers to move to the front of the bus and how fae/she used faers/her staff to completely separate the second half of the extended bus from the first half. However, fae/she can’t remember when faers/her former seat mate (who fae/she heard faers/her partner call “Razor Fist” — which makes perfect sense, but fae/she still prefers the nickname fae/she bestowed him) managed to snatch the necklace from faers/her partner’s neck — nor when he managed to slash faers/her clothes.

"I’m sorry I couldn’t stop him from taking your necklace." Miko apologizes as fae/she watches the other passengers exit the wrecked bus. "I’d still help you get it back, if you’d let me."

"Your clothes is ripped to shreds and you’re worried about my necklace?"

Fae/she turns faers/her head to look at him, with one of faers/her eyebrows raised. Besides being a questioning look, faers/her overall expression can also be read as a look of judgment — as though fae’s/she’s looking at him like he’s crazy. "Well, yeah? I can tell that necklace means a lot to you, you know." As an Avenger, Miko has grown to always put faerself/herself after others. To faer/her, faers/her own interests and welfare always come in second — and ultimately not a major concern. "Plus, I bound my chest this morning, and his blade didn’t cut through the tape, so I know no one can actually see anything."

"That’s true," faers/her combat partner agrees thoughtfully while taking his jacket off. Leaving himself in his white button up, he then hands his red and gray apparel to faer/her, "but here. You should wear this, too, since it’s still cold out."

"Oh, no, no. I couldn’t possibly—"

"Just accept it, it’s okay," he insists by moving his jacket closer. "You wouldn’t be any less of a superhero if you accept help from a civilian once in a while."

Miko, once again, gives him a judging look, albeit this time it’s because fae/she find some of his words questionable. "I highly doubt you’re just a civilian, based on how you took down those three guys with minimal effort, but—" fae/she shrugs— "I wouldn’t force you to tell me."

(Fae/she would never tell him fae/she knows, but fae/she definitely noticed how the tense on his shoulders built and then quickly evaporated as fae/she spoke.)

Silence follows as faers/her words sink in between them. Faers/her current companion seems to have nothing to say — until, eventually, he finally did. ". . . So are you going to take the jacket?"

"Not until you give me your name first," fae/she chuckles lightly, "I think I at least deserve to know that much, don’t you think?"

"Sure, that’s fair." He puts his hand that’s holding onto his jacket down to his side and faces faers/her completely. "Well then—" he offers his other hand for a handshake— "you can call me Shaun."

Miko accepts his formality, "My name’s—"

"Himiko Alfonso Tanaka!" A voice suddenly bellows outside the wrecked bus before fae/she can say faers/her name. Fae/she doesn’t even have look out the windows to know for certain that it’s Scott Lang.

"—Yup. That’s my full name." Fae/she chuckles as fae/she lets go of his hand, more so at Scott’s perfect timing rather than slight embarrassment. "Feel free to call me Miko, though, that’s what everyone calls me."

"Are you alive in there?!"

Shaun, once again, offers his jacket out to faer/her. "Looks like your ride is here," he nods towards the windows behind faer/her and waves his empty hand with a smile.

Miko scoffs in amusement, then takes his jacket at last. "Don’t think you’ll get rid of me that easily." Fae/she turns and begins to walk away while fae/she puts his jacket on. "You’ll see me again soon, Shaun."

"I don’t doubt that," Shaun whispers to himself as he watch faer/her jog down to a parked black car. "See you then, Miko."

[lunathebee]

CUDDLING WITH SHANG-CHI

A/n: I can't stop thinking about this HC; I just know he gives the best cuddle time ever.

Warning: None! So much fluff, sugary sweets that rot your teeth (and silly moments).

Shang-Chi is definitely a human heater.

Love to wrap his arm around you and kiss the back of your neck.

You guys would chit-chat about anything tbh.

The cuddle always ends with you and him having a nap.

And this is where the fun part begins lol

Listen, I know Shang-Chi (personally; source? Trust me bro) and I'm not going to romanticize everything about this man.

He falls asleep very fast and is a heavy sleeper.

He still holds you very close to him, not in a suffocating way, but in a snuggling way.

But Shang-Chi sleeps like a log, and on some days he will be slightly snoring.

He is always the big spoon at the start of cuddling and ends up as the little spoon when you guys wake up.

Specifically, when you wake up

Like I said, he is a heavy sleeper, and the fact that you're beside him makes him feel even more relaxed and happy, so that boy ain't waking up soon.

And if you do manage to wake him up, he will say "5 more minutes, babe" without opening his eyes.

Later on, you check on him, and he's like this 💀💀

Nothing can beats cuddling time with Shang-Chi tbh; it's not a big deal but just being in his presence is enough to make you feel safe.

Idk I feel his energy and vibe; I cannot explain it (and I'm a person who absolutely hates being touched).

[makethatelevenrings]

Like Father, Like Son // female!reader x Shangqi

requested? yes!

WARNINGS: SPOILERS, blood, minor violence

Things were happening a little too quickly for your liking. One second you’re standing with your boyfriend and best friend in his sister’s office at her fighting ring and then next, you’re being grabbed by guys that were clad in all black and looked to be something out of a Henchmen Weekly edition. Being the brilliant genius and loyal idiot you are, you immediately moved to wrench your arm free and get to Katy’s side but then a very large, very heavy fist decided to meet your face.

And then you found yourself on the floor.

Voices erupted above you, mixed shouts of Mandarin and English and a lot of cursing from Katy’s end. You blinked past the blurriness that clouded your vision and reached up to press a hand to your burning face. Blood coated your fingers thanks to the split lip you seemed to be sporting and you winced as the pain started to set in.

“Get her up!” someone boomed. “I said to leave them untouched!”

Your ears rang and the coppery taste of blood coated your tongue. You spat it out of your mouth and onto the floor, fully aware of how disgusting that was. One of the henchmen grabbed your arm and hauled you up. You honestly couldn’t focus on where they were taking you and instead kept your eyes locked on your feet below you to ensure that you were truly taking one step at a time.

Until the man holding you stopped and yanked you back, causing you to stumble before he forced you to stand still. Your raised your eyes to find Shangqi staring at you. If someone told you last week that you would be standing before your boyfriend with blood trailing down your lips and his father’s goons separating you, you would have laughed and promptly fucked out of the conversation. But this was real and this was now and shit your lip hurt.

You shut your eyes against the burning tears that threatened to spill down your cheeks and inhaled deeply before raising your chin once more and looking to find a look of pure murderous rage on Shangqi’s face.

So much for a family reunion.

“She stays with me.”

Shangqi’s words ring through your head as he carefully and gently wipes the blood from your chin. You can see by the way his jaw is clenched and his fingers tremble that he’s suppressing the anger that’s lying under his skin.

When his father instructed the guards to bring the women to one room, Shangqi immediately shot that idea down and pulled you behind him. He knew Xialing wouldn’t let anything happen to Katy but he just...he couldn’t let you out of his sight. Not like this. Not here. Wenwu made some passing comment about you being weak and you had to grab Shangqi’s shirt to ensure he didn’t try to take on the entirety of the Ten Rings just to defend your honor.

“Alright?” His voice broke you out of your thoughts and you nodded against the hold he had on your chin. He raised the washcloth once more and dabbed at your lip.

“Need to hear you say it, sweetheart.”

“I’m alright. Thrown for a loop and a bit dizzy but okay.”

He tossed the rag down into the bowl seated next to you, seemingly satisfied with his work. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to the corner of your mouth in a quick, painless kiss that had you wishing for more even though you knew it would hurt like a bitch.

“What is this room?” you asked, your fingers playing with his hair as he crouched before you. His dark eyes roamed around the bare walls and then settled on the pillar of wood that stood in the middle of the room. It had a large, deep groove in it and he pulled away from you to run his fingers down the rough wood.

“I trained on this,” he said, forming a fist with his hand and settling it perfectly in the groove. You moved to stand behind him and took his other hand in yours to run your thumbs over the battered and scarred knuckles that you were always curious about but never had the courage to ask.

Your arms wrapped around him from behind and he let his shoulders fall in relief. His hands tangled with yours and you held him tightly to you.

“I’m sorry. I thought I could protect you from this. I should have never let you and Katy come.”

“Shangqi, I knew what I was getting into when I fell in love with you. I chose to come along even after seeing the fight on the bus. I knew this would be dangerous. But I knew I needed to come with you. You can’t blame yourself for my choices.”

He let his head fall forward and you kissed his clothed shoulder before pressing your cheek to his back. A humorless chuckle escaped his lips and he shook his head.

“You’re too loyal and stubborn for your own good.”

“Yeah, but you love me for it.”

He didn’t even need to say the words. You knew. You knew simply by the way he squeezed your hand. He would love until he couldn’t love any longer.

Unbeknownst to the two of you, his father stood just outside the room. Wenwu felt the familiar ache of grief in his chest hearing the couple. You weren’t weak, not at all. You were the grounding force to his son’s chaos, just like Ying Li was to him. He saw the absolute devastation in Shangqi’s eyes at the sight of your battered face and Wenwu understood. There was a time when he had felt the same way.

It only encouraged him to save his wife and his family that much more.

[lovelybarnes]

protector- shangqi

pairings: xu shangqi x reader warnings: bruises, physical assault, asshole boss about: requested! (DA32) “are those bruises?” + (DA19) “touch her, and i’ll murder you.” a/n: my darling requester i am SO sorry. it doesn’t usually take me this long to finish a request, but i have been exhausted this week fro some reason, and i couldn’t figure out how to end this. i hope you enjoy anyway!

you can barely gather enough strength to push the door of your shared apartment open, weighed down by the bags under your eyes and the fact that you were supposed to leave work over two hours ago. your forehead knocks against the cool entrance of your home, eyes shut in emotional exhaustion as the key in your hand blindly tries to find the lock. you groan softly when you continuously miss it, hitting your head a few times in frustration. you’re barely lifting yourself off of the door, eyeing the lock, and aiming the key when the door swings open, your boyfriend standing in the frame with furrowed brows. “y/n?”

at the sight of him, you step into your apartment and press your face against his chest, loosely wrapping your arms around his waist as he returns the favor with a tighter grip, still a little confused as he shuts the door behind you. “shangqi,” you mumble out, words muffled by his chest, “i missed you,” you continue, nuzzling your nose against the soft material of his shirt.

he’d been gone the past few days for a mission, and while you would usually make a bigger deal out of his return--meaning balloons and some poorly made dessert that he’ll eat anyways and definitely not you, exhausted, and on the verge of frustrated tears--you had been so tired lately, and you were back home too late for anything, anyways.

“i missed you too,” shangqi trails off, pressing his lips to your head as a comfort that works. “are you okay?” he asks.

“i’m better now,” you shrug, completely honest considering the way you can feel the energy you’d lost at your job rushing back into you with the smell of shangqi. “‘don’t even think i need the nap i was gonna take when i came home.”

“are you sure? i don’t think it’ll hurt,” shangqi debates, his worries utterly clear in his tone.

you force a breathy laugh from your throat, nodding, “you trying to get rid of me?”

“never,” shangqi replies immediately. “but, i am trying to get you to maybe watch a movie with me?” he baits, knowing full well that there’s no point in arguing with you when you’re so stubborn, instead planning to put on one of the movies that never fails to make you fall asleep, if not only for you to rest a little.

“that,” you begin, lifting your head from his chest but not moving from your place in his arms. “sounds like a great idea,” you smile, pecking his lips before letting him pull you to the couch, where you sink into him again.

shangqi puts on the movie he remembers katie raving about, dramatically groaning at you each time you fell asleep. none of you had any idea what it was about it, but you were always knocked out cold by the first twenty minutes, less if you were as tired as you seemed to be.

you glance at him when you notice the movie he’s choosing, poking him, “shangqi…” you warn, catching onto his plan.

“what?” he feigns innocence, throwing his arm around you to pull you even closer, “‘felt like watching it. you know how great the ending is.”

you don’t. which is why the lie is so damning.

you only grumble and settle in beside him, basking in his warmth and pressing stray kisses to whichever place you can reach, happy to have him back. you’re asleep seven minutes in.

-

an hour later, you’re shimmying your shoulders in the kitchen, moving your hips to a song you hadn’t been able to get out of your head for a while before shangqi left. you’re making something for both you and him to eat--nothing too hard, of course; shangqi has made sure to assign you something you can’t burn, something you appreciate after the last time you’d almost burnt down the apartment.

shangqi is eyeing you from the hallway where he’d just come out of the bathroom, a small smile crinkling his eyes as he enjoys seeing you in your element, a welcomed difference to who you had been when you walked through the door. he walks up behind you, placing a gentle hand on your hip and another one on your stomach to turn you around, meeting the brightness of your smile once you meet his eye. you continue dancing distractedly, a wider grin taking up your face when he begins to dance, too.

you turn a little too fast and bump into a counter, wincing when your hip comes in contact with the marble and letting a small sound of pain slip out. shangqi frowns, watching your hand as it rubs at the covered wound. “what’s wrong?”

you lift up your shirt, scrunching your nose when you catch the colored skin underneath. rolling your eyes, you wave him off as you drop your shirt, “it’s nothing. accident at work, my boss accidentally pushed me when we were in the kitchen.”

the frown never completely leaves shangqi’s face, eyes drifting to the place where your bruise was throughout the rest of the night.

-

the next morning, you’re out of the bed and nearly at the door before shangqi is even waking up, the brunt of the mission hitting like a train by the time he’d let his head hit the pillow. you’re rushing inside the bedroom, scurrying around to look for something and say goodbye to your boyfriend when he wakes up. he’s barely awake, the world blurry around him when he catches handprint-shaped darkened skin around your wrist as you reach for something. you don’t note his distress as he sits up, examining the skin that had been fine before he’d left as you mumble an aha, getting ready to leave your boyfriend.

“okay, found it. i love you and i will see yo--”

“is that a bruise?” shangqi interrupts, voice serious and completely awake as he moves towards you, gently grabbing your arm to examine the injury closer.

you look down at your wrist, laughing dismissively way as you try to take your wrist back. “it’s nothing--”

“that’s not nothing, y/n. who did that to you?” shangqi demands, tone still kind but pleading.

you swallow, scoffing lightly with a playful smile, “it’s just an accident at work yesterday,” you begin, the excuse something he’d heard before, “he just grabbed me a little too hard--”

“who?” shangqi insists.

finally giving in, you sigh, “my boss. he was just in a bad mood, i’m honestly fine.”

“was he the same one who pushed you and gave you that?” shangqi asks, pointing at the place on your hip where another bruise resided.

“yes,” you admit after a second of stubborn silence, crossing your arms protectively over your chest.

“did you tell someone--”

“i’m fine.” you cut him off, “it was just a one-time thing, he was in a bad mood and he apologized right after.”

“y/n,” shangqi starts, grabbing the hand belonging to the unscathed arm, “please tell me if it happens again. i think you should go to someone higher-up than him with this anyways--” at the look on your face, he stops himself, “but, i know that you love your job and you're not going to do that, so i’m not going to force you to, but if this happens again--”

“i will.” you promise, “i’ll tell you or i’ll tell his boss. she’s really good about that kind of thing. but i need to go now.”

“okay,” shangqi sighs, not happy with the way you were going about it, but not wanting to force you into something you didn’t want. “i love you, have a good day.”

“i love you, too,” you say, kissing his forehead, “i’ll be back soon.” you wave at him before you leave, giving him a view of the bruise outlining your wrist.

it leaves him with an ugly taste in his mouth that he can’t seem to shake.

-

it’s almost your lunchtime when he notices you’d forgotten your wallet at the kitchen island, the memory of you bustling about in the morning as you looked for what he assumed was this. poking his tongue against his cheek, he decides to visit you at work to bring it to you, knowing you’ll probably need it to buy food, and if your asshole boss happens to be there… then why not take advantage of the opportunity to introduce himself?

he’s at your workplace in ten minutes, swinging around your sugar mommy wallet as he walks inside the building. he greets hans, the receptionist that already knows him by how many times he’s come in to eat with you, and makes small talk while he signs in before he’s able to go see you, face already brightening when he sees you in your element, practically glowing.

the smile that’s beginning to grow on his face disappears completely once your boss comes into the picture, harsh words he’s probably spewing at you making your face drop. shangqi speeds up, trying to listen to what your boss is saying when he suddenly grabs your injured wrist with an angry hand, pulling you closer and spitting words in your face.

shangqi isn’t sure how he got in the middle of both of you so quickly, hands already extended to shove him away from you and standing in front of you as a protective barrier, features contorted into a dangerous snarl.

“who are you? what the fuck are you doing in my building?” he barks, coming closer to the both of you. shangqi can feel your fingers tangling themselves in his shirt, but you don’t move away from him.

“no, what are you doing putting your hands on her?”

“i don’t think any of this concerns you--”

“i can assure you it does when you’re leaving bruises on my girlfriend.”

your boss’ eyes flit to you, settling on your still figure, “you went and complained? you pathetic---” he begins to lunge at you, an arm outstretched when shangqi suddenly pushes him against a wall before he can even touch you.

“touch her, and i’ll murder you.” shangqi growls, a promise laced in the cold tone you’d never even thought he had. his grip is tight around your boss’ neck, ironed shirt wrinkling with each passing second of shangqi’s tightening grip. you stand behind your boyfriend in shock, only used to the sweet man who would prefer trapping spiders to take them outside. you pull at his shirt, softly saying his name as a way of asking him to calm down.

with a final jostle, shangqi complies, putting your boss down and only glaring at him as he slinks away, proclaiming he’ll sue. he turns to you once your boss is gone, gentle hands reaching for the wrist that had just been in your boss’ grip. his fingers trace gently over the bruise, worried eyes replacing the angry ones he’d had just before. “are you okay?” shangqi asks, scanning your face and pulling you into his embrace. you nod, tightening your arms around him. “i swear, i’ll kill him. who does he think he is? if they don’t fire him, i swear i’ll bring it up to wong or banner or i’ll take care of it myself--”

“i’ve never seen you that mad,” you interrupt in a daze, slowly pulling away and searching the eyes that had been so furious seconds before, now soft and comforting as they observed you.

“i’ve never needed to be,” shangqi tells you, the hands that had been wrapped around your boss’ neck now curling around your waist to pull you closer again, “but when i saw him hurting you--”

“i’m okay,” you assure weakly. “i’m sorry i didn’t tell you about it,” you murmur into his chest, “i just didn’t want you to worry. i was trying to avoid all this.”

“worrying about you is my job, i’m supposed to make sure you’re okay, y/n.”

“okay,” you give in. “i’m sorry. i promise i’ll tell you if anything happens again--”

“oh, no, this isn’t going to happen again.” shangqi promises, pulling back to meet your eyes, “i’ll make sure of it. i’ll stay with you every day if i need to.”

“you won’t need to, i promise,” you vow, “but thank you for protecting me.”

shangqi swears it’s his honor.

[neganwifey25-blog]

Am I reading this again at 1:40am…yes I am 😮‍💨🫠😂

The Devil's Chair

Pairing: devil!Xu Shangqi x reader

Genre: Smut

*18+ only; please do not consume if you are younger than 18 years old*

Warnings: monster fucking (sorta), mentions of Christianity, supernatural phenomenons, alcohol consumption, throne sex, oral sex (f receiving), spitting kink, tongue fucking, hickies, tit play, Amazon position (just look it up), reader doms Shangqi for a bit hehe, choking, spanking, mirror sex, doggystyle, cum eating, creampie

*Please note that you are responsible for your own media consumption. If any of these warnings trigger you or make you uncomfortable, please do not read!*

Summary: After a drunken mishap, you find yourself in Hell with the devil. He becomes smitten with you, unable to punish you for what you’ve done.

Word Count: 4.6k

Notes: Happy Hoe-lloween whores!!!! To celebrate my favorite holiday, I present to you, devil!Shangqi. This fic was so hot that even Hell seemed cool 😂😂😂 As mentioned in the warnings, there is some monster fucking towards the end so please proceed with caution if that is not your thing. Same applies for all of the warnings! Also, there are talks about religion in this fic, but I am not here to push any beliefs or attitudes onto anyone. This is a fictional piece made solely for entertainment and is not meant to be taken too seriously. This was not beta read. I went over it more than once but mistakes are still mine.

It was the night before Halloween. You and your friends had just left the craziest costume party you had ever attended. You were expecting to get laid tonight by one of the guys you were talking to at the party, but it turned out, he wasn’t all that interested in you. You drowned yourself in tequila and then vodka and then whiskey. The mixture of alcohol obviously didn’t sit well so you yacked the whole party until your friends decided to call an Uber home. By the time you and your friends left the shitshow of a party, you were a little more conscious and sober than a few hours ago.

The Uber drive home was not too bad. Luckily, you were able to hold in your sickness and your friends comforted you with back rubs and bottled water. All that changed when the driver came to a construction stop that was supposed to lead to the street you and your friends lived on.

“Sorry, ladies, looks like this is the end of the road for us...literally,” the driver shrugged.

“Are you fucking serious?” your friend, Lana, yelled. “We didn’t pay you for this-”

“Guys, stop, it’s fine,” you slurred while opening the door, “let’s just walk the rest of the way.” Lana and your other friend, Kathleen, stared at you with dumbfounded eyes. You were too drunk to remember the only way to your apartment from your current location was through a cemetery. This was why Lana and Kathleen ordered an Uber driver, but, again, you were too drunk to remember that conversation. Your friends tried to protest but it was too late. You had already hopped out of the car and started walking, stumbling over your red go-go boots.

“Well, thanks I guess,” Kathleen motioned to the driver, waiting for Lana to climb out the car before she did. They chased after you barefoot in their matching sexy princess costumes. Goosebumps formed on their arms from the nippy air and the intense fear they had of the cemetery you trotted through.

When you, Lana, and Kathleen moved into the small city, you had heard strange stories about the cemetery right by your apartment complex. Your friends were hesitant about moving in, but you being the fearless one of the group, you convinced them that the apartment was your best option, financially speaking. The cemetery did give you the creeps and you wanted to avoid it to the best of your abilities. Yet, right at that moment, all you cared about was getting into the comfort of your home. That was until you came across a mysterious stone chair.

“Oh, look, a chair!” you exclaimed, hobbling towards it so you can free your calloused feet of the tight boots. “Thank fuck, my feet are killing me!”

“Hey, I wouldn’t sit there if I were you,” Kathleen yelled after you. You asked why in annoyance.

“Yeah, don’t you know about the devil’s chair,” Lana began, “legend says that if you sit in the chair in the middle of the cemetery you’ll get dragged to Hell and punished for eternity.” You snickered mockingly at your friends.

“Jesus, you sound like my parents,” you grunted and rolled your eyes. “I’m not going to Hell for sitting in a damn chair!” You plopped yourself down in the stone seat, removing your shoes to massage your feet. Seeing that you were still perfectly fine, you stuck your tongue out at them. Lana and Kathleen sighed and started walking away from you.

“Whatever, we’re walking ahead of you,” Lana called out.

“Hold on!” you shouted while shoving your feet back into your boots. “I’m coming!” As you were about to stand up, you realized you were stuck to the chair. It felt as if you were cemented to it.

“Hey, guys, help me!” Your friends turned around and spotted you struggling to stand.

“Stop fucking around, you’re not that drunk,” Kathleen snapped, stomping towards you. Lana followed in her footsteps.

“I’m not fucking around! I literally can’t get up!” You reached out to them but before they could grab your hands, a portal opened beneath you. The three of you screamed when the bottomless pit opened wider. Lana and Kathleen attempted to clasp onto you but it was too late. The portal had swallowed you whole.

Your friends freaked out more, shouting out for you. When they were only met with silence, Lana began searching for something to dig with while Kathleen called the police.

😈😈😈😈😈

You were falling until you hit a hard surface, flat on your chest. You cursed in pain, rubbing your boobs that saved you from an even harder fall. Your head shot up, looking around the unfamiliar space you had been transported into. The room was almost pitch black, a faint flame from a wall candle luminating the darkness. The light allowed you to capture the dark Victorian style decor. It was as if you were transported to a castle from the 1800s.

The alcohol that once coursed through your blood seemed to have left your system. Upon realizing that, you started cross-examining your consciousness. Were you dreaming? No, there was no way you could have been dreaming. If you were dreaming, you would have woken up before hitting the ground and you sure as Hell wouldn’t be feeling the pain from it.

Wait a damn minute…

Hell.

You scurried to your feet, your heart racing after realizing where you had been taken to. So the urban legend is actually real then? Were you really dragged down to Hell for sitting in that chair? Oh shit! Lana and Kathleen! Could it really be Hell? No, it can’t. If it is, where are the fiery pits and the never ending cries of those who have sinned while the devil sneers in their faces? Speaking of, was the devil as scary and evil as you originally imagined?

Your train of thought came to a halt when the ominous creaking of a door vibrated throughout the room. At the end of the hallway was a red door that opened slightly, inviting you to investigate further. The heels from your boots clicked against the marble flooring, walking towards the red door. You began walking with a purpose, that purpose being to get answers to all your questions. Upon arriving at the door, the black interior decor awkwardly transitioned into scarlet red hues.

You peeped through the door, your eyes landing on a grand staircase that led to a giant throne made of the same marble. The throne looked awfully similar to the chair from the graveyard you sat in. Then, you noticed a tall, muscular man wearing only leather pants with his legs spread out across the throne. The way this man sat gave you a generous view of his crotch area.

You wanted to assume this was the devil since he was all perched up on the throne. At the same time, why did the devil look like a human and not some terrifying creature with horns and a tail? This man was way too hot to be the devil. Then again, perhaps your parents and the church painted Hell to be something scary to keep you compliant.

“Ahh hello there,” the man’s voice was smooth as silk. “You must be the bold and brave soul that sat in my chair.” Fuck, he knows. A shiver crept up your spine as you mentally prepared yourself for the eternal damnation you will receive. At the same time, you wouldn’t mind being damned to Hell if this man was the one you had to serve.

“Umm hi...Mr. Devil,” you stuttered, fumbling with your hands in front of you. The man raised an eyebrow and tilted his head at you. You didn’t think that a gesture this simple would make you weak in the knees. “I-I-I mean Satan, or Lucifer...I’m sorry I'm not exactly sure what exactly to call you.”

The man laughed, his chiseled chest heaving up and down. He leaned forward to rest his forearms on his knees. His legs proceeded to spread even further than they already did.

“There is no need for any of that, darling. Shangqi is just fine.” You repeated his name, liking the way it rolled off your tongue with ease. Your lips curled in, preparing yourself to interrogate him.

“So, Shangqi, you really are the devil?” He nodded once with a blink. “And this is Hell?” Shangqi repeated his previous motions as if he was an automated machine. “So, is the legend true? You, the devil, drag those who sit in that chair in the middle of the graveyard to Hell and punish them for eternity?”

“All of that is true, my dear.” Shangqi paused, reconsidering the latter part of your statement. “Well, I only punish those who give me a reason to.”

“Well, I should also say that I'm truly sorry for sitting in your chair. I was drunk as shit and my friends tried to warn me, but I didn't listen. I guess I kinda deserve getting dragged to Hell. I will take whatever punishment you have for me.” You found your hands snaking behind your back, waiting for how he would react. Shangqi ran his thumb across his lower lip, becoming more attentive to how nervous and submissive you got around him. His head filled with dirty images of you on your knees, fully submitting to him.

“I like you, little one,” Shangqi simply smirked, causing you to perk up. “You aren’t afraid of me like the others. You're willing to accept your fate.” Although you were starting to ease into the conversation with him, he noticed you searching for your next words.

“I wouldn’t really call it accepting my fate,” you stammered, “more like...owning up to the choices I’ve made.” Shangqi’s eyebrow quirked upward, along with his upper body that rested on his legs. He smiled at you wickedly, leaning against one armrest. The handsome devil had grown smitten with you and your nervous demeanor yet witty comments. You were still at the bottom of the staircase, which bothered Shangqi because he craved your closeness. He was surprised by how quickly you had grown on him.

“Come here, little one,” Shangqi ordered, his two fingers motioning towards you. “I want to get a better look at you.” His words combined with that hand motion caused the hairs on the back of your neck to stand up. You timidly rubbed the back of your neck before strutting up the stairs, the sound of your boots relieving the silent sexual tension between you two. You kept your eyes on the ground, hoping not to skip a step and fall awkwardly in front of the devil. Meanwhile, Shangqi’s eyes fixated on your legs, unaware of how he held his breath until you reached the last stair at the top.

You stepped closer to Shangqi, stopping at his feet. When your eyes finally met with Shangqi’s, you were mesmerized by his features. You noticed the beauty marks on the side of his face that lined up like stars, the lone strand of hair that waved away from the rest of his hair, the dimples that defined his lips when he laughed, smiled, or smirked. For someone who claimed to be the devil, he was almost...ethereal.

Shangqi swallowed the lump in his throat when he saw you were dressed as a devil. The way your red leotard shaped your physique, on top of your matching go-go boots, caused his cock to swell against his pants. He fought the temptation to rip your costume apart and sheath you with his shaft. Shangqi may have been one to instigate sin, but he at least respected others’ boundaries.

“Nice costume, by the way. I’m flattered you had me in mind for this hallow’s eve.” Your pussy pulsated as arousal seeped onto your leotard. Since it was thin material, you clenched your thighs together in hopes that your wetness was not evident to Shangqi. You sucked in a long breath, eyeing the growing bulge in his leather pants.

Shangqi stared at you with a mischievous grin, waiting for your next move as if the back and forth tête-à-tête was a game of chess. In that moment, you knew he wanted you the same way you wanted him. As much as that was true, you also knew he liked the build-up, and to some extent, so did you. Why not have a little more fun with this?

“Wanna know something, Shangqi?” You started inching towards him slowly, exaggerating the way your hips swayed since you knew his eyes were trained on them.

“I used to fear you. Growing up in a Christian household, my parents used you against me to be the perfect Christian daughter they wanted me to be.” You climbed onto his lap, resting on his thighs.

“But then, I just felt lost because I wasn’t living under my terms. I was living under someone else’s terms. So I renounced my faith to Christianity.” You paused to place your hands flat against his chest. Despite the hardness of his muscles, his skin still felt soft under your touch.

“My parents didn’t take that well so they kicked me out which turned out to be good for me. I eventually learned to fend for myself and finally started living on my own terms. I guess me dressing as you is a giant middle finger to them.” You were so wrapped up in your rant that you didn’t register Shangqi’s hands gripping your waist, causing you to subconsciously rut against him. Shangqi leered as you moaned at the contact of your wet pussy on his stiff cock.

“If you think I am going to punish you because of that myth about me, you are terribly wrong,” Shangqi said. “You are such a treasure, I should reward you.” His hands roamed to your ass, squeezing your cheeks that peeked out of your leotard. Your teeth grazed your bottom lip before your tongue darted out to moisten your lips.

“I’d expect that from the devil. I know you’re not a god and you wouldn’t punish me for no reason.” Your hands trailed up the back of his neck, twirling your finger around the nape.

The sexy devil chuckled, “My dear, I think you and I will get along just fine.” Shangqi closed the space between the two of you, locking lips with one another. As your lips greedily smashed together, your fingers combed through his hair before tugging it with your fist. Shangqi growled into your mouth before slipping his tongue in. Your tongues flicked against each other hungrily before you pulled away for air.

Shangqi wasted no time in hooking his fingers under the straps of your leotard and pulling the top down to reveal your breasts. You lifted yourself off his lap to tear the rest of your outfit off, leaving you naked aside from your boots and headband with the devil horns. A moan left Shangqi’s lips as he admired your nude figure that crawled back on top of him.

“No bra or panties?” He inquired, his dick throbbing against your bare core. You were instantly reminded of the guy who rejected you at the party and how you wore minimal clothing in hopes of getting fucked by him. You sighed as sadness washed over your face.

“Well, I was hoping to sleep with this one guy-“ Shangqi interrupted you by tilting your head up with his long digit to meet your gaze. He attacked your neck possessively with his teeth and lips, making you forget about the guy you were thinking about.

“Don’t worry about him, sweet one. I’m gonna fuck you the way you deserve to be fucked.” Suddenly, his hand grasped one of your boobs while his mouth engulfed the other. You whimpered as Shangqi sucked and nipped at your flesh, leaving dark marks behind. He repeated the same process to your other breast, causing your pussy to flutter against his leather pants.

“Lean back and hold onto my legs,” Shangqi commanded. “I want that sweet pussy in my face.” You hummed and sunk yourself back against his lap, wrapping your arms around his legs as Shangqi tugged your lower body up toward his face. Your legs naturally spread into the splits, giving Shangqi access to your sopping hole. His rough hands dug into your hips and lifted you closer to his face. Without breaking eye contact with you, Shangqi spat onto your pussy and quickly lapped it up before it could disappear into your cavern.

“Oh, fuuuck, that was so hot,” you whined while watching Shangqi’s tongue lather your slit with his spit. He chuckled smugly before sucking loudly on your labia. You cried his name out, jolting against his knees as your legs convulsed in midair.

“You taste so good, sweet one,” Shangqi praised, “I can devour you all night.” Then, he plunged his tongue into your canal, circling around the entrance. You screamed and gripped onto his legs as Shangqi tongue fucked your pussy. Feeling his tongue stretch you out was the hottest thing you had ever experienced and your stomach twisted in knots. Shangqi smiled down at you condescendingly with his tongue still inside you.

“Mmm, you wanna cum, huh, little one?” He taunted, licking a stripe up your cunt. You arched your back and nodded desperately. “Cum for me. I want all of Hell to know how much of a slut you are!” With that, Shangqi thrusted his tongue back inside you at a faster pace and used one hand to violently rub your aching clit. Within seconds, you were writhing in his mouth, bucking your hips closer against him. Shangqi drank up every drop of you as if it would be his last meal.

As you were calming down from your orgasm, Shangqi helped you sit up in his lap so he could leave more sloppy kisses on your neck. You twitched on him, his throbbing cock begging to be freed. A sudden burst of confidence caused you to reach down to undo Shangqi’s pants. He watched you slide his pants down in one movement, finally releasing his long shaft. Your mouth watered at how huge he was, his dark red tip dripping in precum. Suddenly, you recalled a certain position you have been eager to try.

“Can I try something on you?” you questioned.

Shangqi smiled, curiosity filling his head. “Be my guest, dear.” You grinned and gave him a hot open mouthed kiss before hopping off him to yank the rest of his pants off his legs. His body was now bare, except for his black loafers, but you figured it was only fair you kept his shoes on since yours were still on. Shangqi looked absolutely delicious and you couldn’t wait to ravage him.

You stood up again, spreading your legs in between his. Spitting into your hand, you stroked the saliva onto his cock, his jaw tightening at the friction. When you were satisfied, you pushed his legs back until his knees were against his chest. Shangqi was caught off guard by your dominance, recalling how you were shy for him not too long ago.

“I don’t know what you have in mind, dear, but I like it,” Shangqi interjected slyly. You simpered, lining his cock on your entrance. His eyebrows raised when he realized your feet were still on the ground.

“Just relax and enjoy the ride, baby” were the last words you said before sinking all the way down on Shangqi until your clit hilted at the base. You both uttered pornographic moans, shocked at how delectable this foreign position was. Your high heeled boots kept you balanced as you rocked your hips down onto his cock. You wrapped his legs around your waist to hold them in place.

“Ahh, fuck yeah, that’s fucking hot!” Shangqi groaned submissively, clutching both sides of the arm rests. It was ironic how you, a mortal, were able to dominate and control one of the most powerful beings you knew about. As you thrusted yourself down on him, Shangqi wrapped his hand around your neck, causing you to cough out a barely audible moan.

“Fuck, you really are a slut!” the devil hissed, tilting his head while tightening his grasp around your neck. A dark laugh vibrated from his chest. “All this time, I thought you would be a sweet, submissive little thing. Turns out, you love to sin as much as I love to instigate it.” Your mouth fell agape as your vision became spotty and you slowed your movements on his cock. Shangqi released his hand from your neck, causing you to pant for air and fall against his glistening chest. He assisted you off his cock, allowing you to rest against him.

“As much as I enjoyed you taking hold of the reins, sweet one, I think it’s my turn to be in charge.” He draped you over the armrest, presenting your ass to him. Shangqi gave it a firm swat, watching it ripple against his taut hand. His free hand jerked himself off with the juices from your cunt.

With a wave of his finger, he conjured a long mirror in front of you. You let out a gasp, unsure if it was because of his magic or because how fucked out you both looked. In the mirror, your eyes locked with Shangqi who continued fisting his dick while positioning himself behind you. He tapped the angry red head against your opening, causing you to squirm and bite your lip.

“You trust me right, sweet one?” Shangqi asked softly.

“Yes, I-” You were confused why he asked but even more so when he cut you off.

“Good.” He kissed your shoulder, shoving the head inside you. “If you get scared at any time, let me know, okay?” What the fuck was he talking about? You were about to question him until he stuffed you to the brim, his balls slapping against your clit. After taking a few seconds to adjust, Shangqi pumped himself inside you. Watching him fuck you in the mirror made your pussy quiver around him, more of your nectar coating his length.

As Shangqi pounded harder into you, it felt as if his cock was growing and stretching you out more. All of a sudden, his eyes glinted a fiery red, causing your jaw to drop. His nails turned into sharp claws that pierced your tender skin. A set of large, curved horns arose from his head and his body grew taller and more muscular. His hot, crimson skin revealed his true form as the devil. You expected to be scarred for life, considering he turned into the beast you used to read from the Bible. Instead, you were pulsating like crazy around his engorged devil dick.

“Oh fuck yes Shangqi!” You sobbed, bracing yourself on the armrest. “Fuck me harder, baby! Ohhhh, fuck!” The devil took your neck in his paws once more, this time digging his claws into you. You didn’t care if he punctured your neck and made you bleed. All you wanted was for him to destroy you until you couldn’t walk.

“Yeah, take my cock, you filthy slut!” Shangqi bellowed in a deeper voice, ruthlessly squeezing around your neck. “Take all of my cock in that sweet, little pussy of yours. I know you love this, huh? The way I stretch you in ways you’ve never felt before. Bet you won’t want another cock inside you unless it's me, is that right, slut?” Your lower lip trembled as you nodded with tears falling from your eyes. His pointy, elongated tongue slithered out to lick the side of your face. The feel of his tongue made you wish he had eaten you out in his devil form.

“No- don’t wanna fuck anyone- ahhh- but you, Sh-Shangqi,” you slurred, rolling your eyes back as he jackhammered into you. His hand around your neck snaked up to your chin, turning your head to make out with you passionately. Once he pulled away, he forced you to face the mirror. You almost came by the sight alone of you becoming a moaning mess for Shangqi.

“I’m so fuckin close, little one,” Shangqi announced, his thrusts becoming sloppy and more aggressive. “Cum with me, and I will fill you with my seed, okay?” You were so cock drunk that you barely whispered a yes before he started chasing his own orgasm. One of his claws played with the bud between your legs, while the other scratched down your back. The excruciating drag of his nails led you to cry out in pain and pleasure, finally reaching that peak of euphoria.

Shangqi was not too far behind you. With a few more ruts, he roared loudly while shooting his hot load inside you. His taint spilled from your hole even when he was still unloading. Placing one last kiss on your cheek, Shangqi pulled out of you and watched your mixture of sex leak from your spent canal. You lazily drooped over the side of his throne, all your muscles refusing to move. Shangqi carried you into his strong arms, pulling you against his chest. He lulled you as you trembled and panted from your state of bliss. The steady beat of his heart helped ground you back to reality. By the time you had calmed down, Shangqi had returned to his human form.

“I realized something, little one,” Shangqi said. You peered up at him past your eyelashes. “I want you by my side as queen of Hell.” His proposal made your cheeks warm up. It was a flattering and tempting offer. However, you started to think about the life you had back on earth.

“I-I don’t know what to-” Shangqi stopped you before you could finish your sentence.

“If there is anyone more deserving of being worshipped, it is you, my dear.” You couldn’t help but giggle at his compliment. Fuck it. Your family disowned you, you had shitty living conditions, and your friends would probably replace you within a week from today. If you stayed, you would have a man that actually wanted you and viewed you as more worthy of worship than he. Without further contemplation, you nodded your head, causing Shangqi to beam.

“Wait, do I get a crown or horns of some sort?” You inquired. Shangqi laughed, pecking your forehead.

“I can make that happen,” he replied, placing his hands on the horns on top of your head. The plastic horns transformed into the same horns that Shangqi had. Glancing in the mirror, you gingerly touched the horns that came out from your head. This was a look you could get used to. Wrapping your arms around Shangqi’s neck, you pulled him into another kiss.

😈😈😈😈😈

Back on earth, Lana and Kathleen waited for the cops to arrive after watching you disappear into a portal. Your friends explained your situation to the police, however, they ridiculed and disregarded it, claiming that they were just drunk and hallucinating. The more they talked about it with others, the harder it was to find someone that would believe them. As you predicted, your friends eventually gave up on your disappearance, finding a new roommate to replace you with.

Your parents, on the other hand, searched far and wide for you. They prayed that they would find you, apologizing for disowning you. They were also unsuccessful in finding you but, as usual, they became more active in church to bring awareness to what happened to you.

You may have been a mystery to the rest of the world, but you could care less because you ruled all of Hell alongside your handsome devil.

*Thanks for reading :) Reblogs and comments are greatly appreciated. Your responses are what keep me motivated to write. However, please do not repost or translate my work anywhere.*

[luna-writes-stuff]

Exhaustion, Xu Shangqi

For those of you who have yet to watch Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings; please go. It’s an amazing movie and cinematically beautiful! It’s most definitely in my top three favorite marvel movies at the moment. If you have the opportunity to watch it, I truly recommend it!

Fanfic, female reader

Fluff, spoiler-free

Tw: Kisses? Exhausted reader (overworking), near burn-out, passing out from exhaustion, getting clothed (but it’s not sexual), one (1) innuendo.

Summary: For days you have been working for extra hours, but the exhaustion of it has finally started to sink in for you. Upon finding you passed out in your bedroom one night, Shang-Chi takes care of you and makes sure you take a break.

Work had been specifically tiring today. You had already arrived two hours earlier upon request from your boss, but when a colleague was struggling with times to pick up her children from school, you had kindly offered to take her shift too - which lasted four hours longer than your original one, excluding the hours your boss made you work extra.

As you had arrived home, you had ordered a single pizza for yourself, planning on eating it in bed. Shang-Chi was going out with Katy tonight. He had offered for you to come too, but you had politely declined, claiming you needed some rest. And that had not been a complete lie. You had been exhausted for a couple days; your boyfriend had nearly forced you to take days off, yet you were too kind to take days off when they were not for medical reasons.

So there you sat, in your bed, eating a nearly cold pizza whilst fighting to urge to fall asleep with the box on your lap. The tv had been turned on in the background, but your attention had no longer been on the screen. It had been on the text message your boss had just sent you, asking you if you could come in earlier tomorrow again. And for once, you did not feel like replying. You knew you needed to refuse in order to spare yourself, but the extra money it would give you was tempting. And you had not been particularly good in saying no. You just left the text unread, promising yourself to respond to it before going to sleep. It would be a problem for later.

But later was not two or three hours; it had been ten minutes. The second you threw the left over pizza in the fridge and your back hit the mattress, you passed out. You can’t remember whether you left the tv on or not, or whether your switched the lights off. Everything slipped your mind as your vision slowly grew black. Yet, instead of panicking or standing up, you let it consume you. You knew sleep was much needed and with those extra hours you had been working, a form of relaxation was hard to come by. So you just lay there, and hoped to stay there for the entire night.

“Babe?” A voice suddenly called out. It had been soft, nearly whispered, but you heard it. A warm hand made its way to your bicep, slowly awakening you.

“Are you okay?” The voice asked. Your eyes slowly opened, trying to focus on anything in the room. It had been pitch dark, the only source of light coming from the power button on the tv in the distance. But the voice was familiar, almost welcoming.

You let out a tired hum in response, turning towards the person. Shang-Chi was kneeling beside the bed, one hand holding yours as the other softly stroked your forehead.

“Are you okay?” He repeated, searching your eyes in an almost worried manner. You frowned at his words, not understanding his worry. In truth; you had forgotten how you ended up here. Everything after you had arrived home came to you in a confusing blur.

“I think I passed out.” You concluded in a mumble, though you did not sound nearly as worried as him.

Shang-Chi quickly put on the nightlight beside your head, making you close your eyes at the sudden brightness, covering the with your arm, knocking away his hand.

“Sorry.” He whispered, though he did not switch off the light.

“Well, it would explain why you are still in your working clothes and not in your pajamas.” He offered, standing up and sitting down on the empty space next to you.

“You’re taking tomorrow off. I’ll talk to your boss, I’m sure he’ll understand.” Shang-Chi concluded, rubbing your arm in a loving manner before grabbing your phone.

You had nothing to hide from him, so instead of trying to fight it, you just let him. Half of you wasn’t even sure whether you were still dreaming or not, so you saw no point in resisting.

“He asked you to work earlier again?” He mumbled in a disbelieving manner.

“That’s what I forgot.” You mumbled to yourself, now turning your back on him to try and catch up on your sleep again.

“I hope you’re not planning in sleeping in those clothes.” Your boyfriend warned.

Instead of giving him a verbal answer, you lazily threw your arm over your shoulder, trying to hit him but miserably failing.

“I’m too tired to change.” You defended, grabbing hold of the pillow your hand landed on and cuddling into it tightly.

A moment of silence was followed after that, the only noise being heard was he sound of a text message being sent. The wave of exhaustion hit you again, nearly drifting you off back to sleep. That was, until you felt your socks being removed from your feet. You quickly drew them back in reflex, having seen too many horror movies.

“Relax, it’s just me.” Shang-Chi answered, the bed dipping slightly, indicating he had been seated next to you again.

“If you won’t change yourself, I will.” He said, half of it sounding like a joke, but you couldn’t care less.

“Be my guest.” You answered, straightening your legs out.

A low chuckle was heard from beside you as your socks finally left your feet, your pants following closely behind. With great effort - and zero aid from you - a pair of jogging pants had been slipped on instead.

After a moment of hesitation from his side, Shang-Chi placed his arms under yours, helping you up in a sitting position and letting your back rest against his chest. Still, you made no move to help, and kept your eyes shut in content.

His hands slowly found the buttons of your blouse, carefully opening them, trying desperately not to rip one of or make the wrong move and touch your bare skin instead.

“Would this be under any other circumstances, this would be hot.” He jokingly remarked.

“Ssshh, I’m trying to sleep.” You whispered, resting your head against his chest, simultaneously making him take on more of your weight.

It did not seem to bother him, though. He kept on working on your blouse, immediately stopping when he reached the last button.

“You’re not wearing a bra.” He spoke, nearly sounding confused.

“I took that monstrosity off the second I set foot into this apartment.” You explained, reaching for the sides of your blouse and throwing it off, your eyes still not opening.

You did not seem bothered by the fact that you basically were laying on top of Shang-Chi, your upper half completely naked. And neither did he. You were too exhausted to care and he was too worried to say anything about it. Instead; he grabbed the shirt from under your pillow and threw it on for you.

As you finally found yourself in your pajamas, Shang-Chi gently tucked you in, making sure your shirt was not wrinkling so it would annoy you when you were asleep (he takes great care in noticing small details about things like that).

After he made sure you were content and safe, he threw on his own sleeping clothes, folding yours and his clothes neatly and stacking it on top of the nightstand. He’d take care of it tomorrow. For now, sleep was more important.

Switching off the small light, he crawled into bed beside you, the blankets shifting only a little, though you knew you’d have lost them by the time you woke up. In his sleep he always manages to knock the blanket off of the bed so neither of you will have anything to cover yourselves up with.

His arms lovingly made their way around your waist, pulling you into his chest once again, spooning you tightly, yet not tight enough to suffocate you. Your legs both entangled as one of your hands found his, resting on top of it as a form of satisfaction. A soft kiss made its way to the top of your head, making you smile slightly.

“Don’t pass out again, please.” Shang-Chi mumbled into your hair, stroking your hand in affection.

“I won’t.” You answered, bringing his hand to your lips and kissing it in return. Your lips lingered for a while, the familiar light feeling in your stomach returning. Even after so many times of laying next to each other, he would still have this effect on you, and the thought of it made you more excited than anything.

As your lips left his hand, he gently squeezed your hand, holding it closer to himself. In this movement, you felt him shift lightly, now holding you just a bit tighter than he had before.

“Sweet dreams, darling.” He quietly bid, resting his head on top of yours, before closing his eyes.

“Goodnight, my love.” You returned, snuggling into his hand, letting sleep finally consume you once more.

[euphoniumpets]

Wet dreams | Dark! shang-chi x reader

Summary: Shang-chi caught that you were having a wet dream of him.

A/N: consider me hooked on Dark!shang-chi rn. also, i'm writing this fic instead of studying for my test on friday lmao

Warnings: this is dark smut, 18+only MINORS DNI, SMUT, FINGERING. Slight somnophilla? Smut without a plot. This is filth, daddy kink, nipple sucking.

(this gif have nothing to do with the story but he's making me feel different things)

Shang-chi opened his eyes as he blinked several times to adjust the bright light that streamed through the blinds. He let out a small yawn before he felt someone next to him. He turned around and saw your sleeping figure next to him.

A smile brought to his face as he hovered slightly over you and kissed on your temple. After spending so many years of a broken relationship, you found your back towards him.

His hands trailed over to your figure as he could feel the soft skin against his fingers. He was deep in thought to observe the beauty in you that he couldn't hear what you said. ''Shang-chi.'' You let out a small moan when he noticed that your hips bucked against nothing.

He thought that you were having a bad dream until when he heard you say it again clearer. ''Shang-chi.'' You let out a small whimper, the familiar whimper that you use to do when you guys had sex.

He was flattered, seeing you in this state made his dick hard enough when he heard you moan louder this time. You were desperate for his cock as he kept watching you buck your hips into the mattress. He watched as he saw you grip your pillow tighter as a small whimper left your mouth.

He trailed his fingers slightly towards your waist before his fingers dropped down to your wet cunt. He let out a sigh when he played slightly with your folds before he plunged his fingers into your cunt.

He sucked in a breath when he could feel how tight you were and wet. You let out a moan when you could feel his fingers thrusting in and out at a fast pace. ''Shang-chi.'' You moaned and let out a whimper.

Shang-chi leaned over you as he placed small flutter kisses on your bare shoulder. ''That's it, such a good girl.'' He whispered and leaned into your ear. You let out a small groan and clutched at his wrist to keep him going faster.

''Are you going to cum, baby?'' He asked you in a low voice as you bit your lip in pleasure. He pumped in faster this time, which made you let out a gasp and open your eyes in pleasure. You turned your head around slightly so you could see Shang-chi's body pressed hard against yours.

''Yes.'' You answered with a whimper. ''Yes, what?'' He asked firmly and looked into your eyes. ''Yes, daddy.'' You answered him with a childish voice. ''That's my good girl.'' He grumbled and flipped you over so your back was on the mattress.

You were naked so he could see your bare chest and the marks that he planted on you from yesterday. ''You've been good for daddy, so I think you deserve an award, hm?'' He murmured into your neck as he kept thrusting.

You couldn't let out a word because of the pleasure that was coursing through your whole body. He trailed down to your chest as he opened his mouth and began to suck on your nipple. ''Oh god.'' You let out a moan as you leaned your head back into the pillow in pleasure.

He began to suck softly on your nipple before he went deeper and suck on your boob. He went faster and he could tell that you were so close. Your pussy was clenching around his fingers so tightly.

You gripped on his shoulders as you bucked your hips into his fingers and then you felt the pleasure explode. You let out a loud moan when you came. You breathed heavily and looked down with tired eyes towards Shang-chi as he still had his mouth on your tits.

''Good girl.'' He praised you before placing a kiss on your forehead and releasing his fingers. He looked at you with a smirk as he placed his fingers into his mouth and let out a moan. ''God, you taste so sweet as always.'' He complimented you before laying next to you.

''Good morning to you too.'' You responded with a chuckle as he brought you closer to his side. You saw his cock and it was still hard. You turned him around so he could face his back against the mattress. He looked at you with surprise, not expecting the sudden action. ''What are you doing?'' He asked you with wide eyes and saw you climb between his legs.

''Helping you.'' You responded as you took off his boxers. His hard cock sprung out and you leaned towards it. You opened your mouth as you sucked the tip of his cock while you watched Shang-chi's head lean into the pillow with pleasure.

-

Tagging hot squad: @wint3r-h3art @crazycookiecrumbles @tom-whore-dleston @tmholland @buckybleu

Lmao, i've basically never interacted with y'all except linda so you're welcome to ignore this but hi

[babyboiboyega]

REDEMPTION (Xu Shangqi x reader) Mini Series

REDEMPTION (Xu Shangqi x reader)

Y/N sets out on a personal mission, fueled by her need for justice not only for herself, but countless other people. However, when she comes to the conclusion that she can't take this mission by herself, what happens when she asks an old friend of hers?

1/?: Prologue

Warnings: a little bit of violence, that's it!

Word Count: 3.3k

Babyboiboyega's Marvel Masterlist

Babyboiboyega's Masterlist of Masterlists

Babyboiboyega's "Redemption" Series masterlist

Beta: @cloverrover

A/N: I thought that since Shang-Chi is being released on Disney+ tomorrow, I could start this little series/journey! I’m very excited to write this series out, and I’m even more excited to see you all’s reactions! 

Any and all feedback is welcome! Actually, PLEASE send feedback! Nothing makes me happier than reading comments y’all leave!

Hope you enjoy!

The chatter of the well-dressed crown was merely background noise to your own thoughts. The sparkly dresses and expensive accessories were a part of a culture that you would have normally stayed far away from… but being here and inserting yourself into said culture was one of the first steps to this mission you had found yourself on.

Every single person received a scrutinizing gaze from your eye, but none of them were worth your time at the moment. This mission hadn’t “started” yet; or rather, it hadn’t become challenging yet. It was easy enough sneaking into the theatre and blending in with the other theatre-goers; the real challenge had only just walked in.

You let your eyes glide smoothly over the man you were here to see, raising the flute of champagne to your lips and turning your face in the opposite direction. If he saw your face before you could get the information you needed, the entire mission would go south immediately. The gazes of those around you simply passed over you, a trick you had learned early on in life.

The next destination was already in mind, and it had you strolling leisurely in its direction. The first step was completed: locating the target. The next step would admittedly be a little more difficult, but not impossible.

On the short walk through the theatre’s double doors, you quickly placed the now empty flute of champagne on a nearby table while keeping the target’s moving figure in your peripheral.

The theatre’s winding walkway was dim enough for you to simply press yourself against the wall. As long as you were out of the way of the audience members, you were practically invisible.

Not long after you took your spot in the shadows did the rest of the audience members start flooding in, their excited voices speaking on topics ranging from fundraisers to politics to the opera that they were there to see. While it was mildly entertaining to listen to the oh-so-interesting lives of the rich and privileged, there was only one person in the entire theatre you actually cared about, and it wasn’t in the traditional sense of “care”. More like he would help further you on this personal mission of yours, whether he wanted to or not, and that was why you “cared” about him.

The man walked through the double doors, following the crowd only to veer off in another direction, no doubt on his way to the boxes above the stage reserved for the “special guests”.

You took one step in the direction he went in only to pause. With furrowed eyebrows, you watched as a man roughly 2 times your size stepped through the double doors after the man, eyes scanning the surroundings along with the people who occupied the area. Everything was fine; you had planned for this. But just because you had planned for this did not mean that it made your job easier.

Mere moments later, the lights in the theatre were dimming even more as a voice welcomed the audience. Next came the sounds of the orchestra tuning their instruments as the audience quieted down, and then came the opening notes of the opera.

You were grateful for the carpeted floors of the theatre as you cautiously, but quickly, stepped out of the spot that had been hiding your figure. Without a second thought, not even to rethink your plan B, you quickly walked towards the tall, built man. Under the guise of being solely invested in what was happening on stage, you attempted to step around him, right in the direction the target had walked.

To your expected dismay, your steps were halted when you bumped into a strong chest.

Turning your head resulted in you coming face to face with a man with a stern expression on his face. His eyes focused on your face as you took a step back, plastering a sheepish smile on your face and letting a hushed, breathy laugh escape your lips.

“I’m so sorry, it’s so dark in here-”

“Where’s your ticket?”

His hushed voice cut yours off, leaving no room for any excuse you had prepared to use. His upfront, cold tone made your eyebrows furrow in just the slightest. Maybe...just maybe, this would be harder than you thought.

“O-okay. It’s right here…”

Your hands brought your small clutch to the front of your body before opening it and rifling around in the mostly empty purse. It was simply an act that would play further into this ruse.

Your eyebrows furrowed in concern as you quickened your searching before looking back at the man apologetically.

“I’m so sorry, I seem to have misplaced it. I guess that’s why they encourage e-tickets, huh?” Your sorry attempt at a joke went about as well as you had expected it to in the tough company.

The guard raised an eyebrow at you before looming over you, his eyes boring right into yours.

“No ticket, no entry.”

Despite the hushed whisper of his voice, the roughness of it was apparent. That paired with the cold and unyielding look in his eye made you go to your next plan of action; one that you had really wanted to avoid.

“Fine. Then I’ll just go around and come in the other way.”

Your enunciated your words with a raised eyebrow before turning on your heel and walking out of the double doors that led back to the lobby. You had no intention of leaving until you had received what you had come for in the first place, but the guard didn’t know that...which is what you were counting on.

You heard the door close behind you, and in the second between the door closing and opening again, you managed to step behind the door, obscuring your body from anyone who walked out.

Doing exactly what you had expected him to do, the guard quickly walked out of the doors, his eyes searching quickly around the lobby for your figure. You stayed in your spot behind the door as it slowly closed, and the second it did, your muscles tensed as you sprang into action.

The guard had just turned upon hearing your shoes against the marble floor when you were rushing at him. Acting purely on instinct, your knee raised quickly, connecting with his abdomen. A wheezed breath flew out of his lips as he doubled over, and you took the chance to lock your hands around the back of his neck before throwing your weight backward, taking him with you as you fell to the floor. Instead of his weight landing on you, with a quick shift of your weight and a kick, the guard was sailing through the air above your body before landing with a thud not too far away from you.

It only took a few seconds for you to roll onto your knees and a few seconds more for you to watch and come to the conclusion that the guard was no longer a threat. It was evident in the way his groans echoed through the lobby as he took shaky, painful breaths,

A quick glance around the lobby showed that it was empty before you stood up, reaching down to grab ahold of his ankles. Your labored breaths joined his painful ones as you managed to drag his body behind one of the supporting pillars in the furthest corner near you. You leaned against the same pillar for a second after propping his body up against his, bracing your hands on your knees as you took deep breaths.

“Damn, am I out of shape.”

Your statement echoed lightly through the lobby as you took the time to gather yourself, and at the same time, your eyes followed the wall before you and landed on the blinking red light of a camera. You simply looked at it for a second before straightening yourself and starting the short walk back to the double doors you had just come out of.

The cameras weren’t exactly on your list of things to be concerned about; most likely because you had taken care of them before the elite had started to arrive. It included the simple task of taking one of the theatre’s already published security tapes and putting it on a loop. It was a relatively simple task; almost a little too simple for such a prestigious, well-known theatre. Maybe you’d send a letter advising them to invest in a better surveillance system… later, though. Right now, you still had a few tasks to complete.

The loud, carrying voices of the opera singers paired with the symphony seemed to spill through the doors as soon as you opened them.

The contrast between the bright lights of the lobby and the dimmed lights in the theatre made you pause just inside of the doors to let your eyes adjust, and then you were once again moving in the shadows.

This time, as you gradually made your way to the box hanging over the edge of the stage, there were no obstacles to stop you. It gave you time to think about what you would say to the man that had such a huge impact on your life; an impact that only benefited him and those he worked for and with.

As you grew closer, you could now easily see his distracted face turned towards the stage, giving you the element of surprise as you walked into his box. The curtain closed soundlessly behind you, and then you were facing the man who held a vital piece of information.

“Oh, so you finally decided to join me, Jonathan? I told you, you work too hard sometimes.”

His voice was quiet as he spoke without turning around, undoubtedly under the impression that it was his bodyguard who had just walked in. The sincerity in his voice as he supposedly invited his bodyguard to join him made your teeth clench. It made your blood boil, watching the man who had stripped away the last remaining pieces of yourself those years ago act as if he cared for someone other than himself.

“Jonathan had other matters to attend to. He sent me in his place.”

The man turned quickly upon hearing your voice, his eyes squinting in the low light of the box to make out your features. From where you stood, you could see the confusion on his face.

“Who are you? You’re not permitted to be in here.” He leaned slightly in his seat, his eyes searching the darkness behind you for any sign of his bodyguard. His eyebrows furrowed upon seeing none, and then he met your eyes once again.

It didn’t matter how older he looked; it didn’t matter how many years had changed his face, pulling taut in some areas while being loose in others. The look in his eyes as you stared into them was the same endless, emotionless void you could remember seeing standing over you all those years ago. Eyes that were masked enough to reassure you, but sharp enough to wound you when you trusted them. You had learned that the hard way, and you were still dealing with the fallout.

nil/

Voice low but steady, not a hint of hesitance in it, you asked your own question.

“What? You don’t recognize me? I feel like I should be a little offended, considering how much of your time you spent...experimenting on me.”

His eyes narrowed at your question as he slowly stood, grasping at the back of his chair to ground himself in the dim light. He followed you with his eyes as you continued walking around the chair, approaching his tensed figure.

It only took a quick passing of the stage’s lights over your face for his expression to shift. It was apparent, the way he tried to mask his features into an expression of indifference. But you couldn’t deny the pang of satisfaction that went through your body upon seeing the smallest hint of fear in his eyes. It even made the smallest of smiles lift the corner of your mouth.

“Oh...it’s you. Why are you here? What do you want?”

His questions stopped you in your tracks. His voice was slightly shaky but was it from the shock of your appearance, or was it because he already knew the answers to his own questions? You supposed it was a mixture of both.

“If I told you what I was here for, I’d have to kill you. So just do us both a favor, and just give me what I came for.”

As the word “kill” exited your mouth, a piece of his mask chipped away, revealing just how afraid he was. It made the smile on your face grow.

In a poor effort to put distance between you two, he fumbled with his chair, throwing it to the carpeted floor between you two.

As much as you were enjoying watching his scrambling, as sadistic as it may seem, your mind was quick to go back to the bodyguard you had left unconscious outside of the theatre hall. Everything had been going mostly according to plan and, quite frankly, you didn’t feel like dealing with any other obstacle after getting this close to the target.

“You-you can’t kill me. You won’t.”

He had barely gotten his final word out when you were lunging in his direction, hands outstretched. A strangled yell swallowed by the orchestra’s music flew out of his mouth as his back hit the railing of the box, his feet leaving the floor only seconds after.

His arms flew about, looking for anything to grab and anchor himself...only to be grabbed by your own hand.

In a single motion, you had pulled him over the railing only to let him go as soon as his feet were on the ground once more. You watched as he crumpled, quite pathetically, to the ground before turning away. At the sound of his heavy, shaky breathing, your eyes rolled.

“Is that it? You come here to terrorize me and then you leave? What do you want from me?”

His raised voice prompted you to pause in your spot at the curtain of the box. For a few seconds, the only sounds were his heavy breathing accompanied by the opera’s main character’s words of vengeance, spouted in song on the stage. It’s rather ironic, you thought to yourself.

You simply raised your hand, the ring in it glistening in the stage’s light as it passed by. You turned it around, making sure that he saw exactly who’s ring it was and what it meant; making sure he noticed the empty spot on his finger where it usually sat, and making sure he knew that this was only the beginning of what you had planned for him and his fellow scientists.

His quick intake of breath at realizing what it was didn’t go unnoticed, but you didn’t acknowledge it. Instead, you reached to pull the curtain back, getting ready to finally leave the man behind. Instead, you stopped as his desperate words reached your ears.

“You won’t get what you want. You may have the ring...but you’ll never track us down. We’re everywhere. We are everywhere, and you will regret-”

At some point during his villainous monologue, he had stood up, his eyes focused solely on the back of your head with as much malice as he could muster. His words were cut off after a swift kick to the chair that still lay between the two of you collided with his body, quickly sending him over the edge of the theatre’s box.

The sounds of people’s startled gasps coupled with the sound of the doctor yelling as he fell followed you as you stepped past the curtain of the box, deftly closing it behind you once more.

The emergency exit located not even 15 feet away was the only thing in your sights as you quickly slid the ring into your clutch before pushing the door open.

Your steps echoed in the empty stairwell, and the silence gave you time to think about what had just happened and what had yet to happen in your self-motivated mission.

Despite knowing that this mission would be far from easy, especially by yourself, you couldn’t find an ounce of regret in your entire being. Even knowing that there was a possibility that you wouldn’t survive; after all, the organization your mission was centered around was, in every term of the saying, “off of the grid”. If they didn’t want you to know about them and their work, you wouldn’t know. And if you did happen to know about them, it was next to nothing for them to just...eliminate you. You had seen it before.

What would they do to you, a person who was putting everything into making sure their deeds came to light? You could guess, but you wouldn’t be shocked if they still managed to surprise you with their harsh ways of handling things.

However, they wouldn’t get the chance- you wouldn’t let them.

As soon as you passed through the door that led outside, you could hear the entrance to the stairwell opening, followed by the sounds of multiple pairs of feet rushing down. Their panicked voices confirmed your suspicions that they were just audience members, so your quick stride stayed the same, effortlessly blending in with the crowd that had now made its way to the front of the theatre.

The only people rushing into the building were dressed in police uniforms, accompanied by the theatre’s own guards who were yelling what had happened into their ears.

You figured that it was time to leave when one of the officers walked out of the building, his arm supporting the guard you had...encountered earlier. Your desire to leave the area only increased at the sound of countless camera’s clicking accompanied by the yelling of the reporters stationed outside of the theatre.

Their attentions being focused solely on the crowd exiting the building, and the ambulance that was now hastily pulling up, allowed you to sneak behind them unnoticed,

It was only when you were a block away did you finally slow your steps in the slightest, your hand reaching into the clutch you carried and taking out the one thing this entire night had been focused on.

The thick, yet simply decorated, ring reflected the city’s lights off of it’s surface as you held it up. It was simple in the way that it was designed. A simple band with an emerald gemstone sitting in the middle of it, surrounded by writing. Writing in a language you had never laid eyes on before.

Getting the ring was easy enough, the next part was figuring out how to use it in order to gain the next piece of information you needed. It would be significantly harder; you doubted you had access to the kind of technology needed to translate the text.

One of the downsides of being alone on this mission was not having outside help. You had managed to make it this far with only minimal amounts of contact with those who didn’t exactly know your situation, but with this new piece of information, the next person you went to for help would be sure to ask a few prying questions.

As your “borrowed” car came into view, tucked away into a dark alley, you had to ask yourself a question. A question who’s answer would determine how the rest of this mission would go.

Wouldn’t you rather endure questions from someone you know- someone you trust- than from a complete stranger?

You already knew the answer to the question, though to be honest, it had just added another obstacle to your plans. There was really only one person you trusted enough to tell everything, or at least what they needed to know in order to help you. The obstacle itself was finding her, and the first step to doing that was in China, a place you hadn’t stepped foot in for years.

A heavy, already exhausted sigh left your mouth as you situated yourself inside of the car.

“Well...China it is.”

Once again, I hope you all liked this prologue! I do not plan on having an update schedule for this because I feel as if it would stress me out, which would in turn make it harder for me to write the way I would like to! So updates will sometimes be quick, sometimes they won’t be as quick as you’d like them to be, but all I ask if that you be patient with me! <3

This series will be tracked by the tag “redemption” on my page! :)

[watchtowerindistress]

best mistake - Xu Shangqi x fem!reader

Summary: Katy tries to matchmake Y/N and Shaun. If only these two weren’t so stubborn.

Word count: 3.0k

Rating: T

Warnings: fluff, language

Relationship: Xu Shangqi x female!reader

Additional tags: Pre!Shang-Chi and the legend of the ten rings. 

Author’s note: Ever since watching Shangqi, I couldn’t help falling for this sweet boy - this is so unlike me! Let’s send this cinnamon roll some love. This was written in two days - I have been feeling the inspiration ... hard.

Masterlist | Bring me a cuppa

The echoing guitar music resounded in her ears while Y/N’s eyes followed Shaun standing close to the bar. It was truly fascinating how she was always capable of finding Shaun’s figure in the crowd − just by watching those broad shoulders of his. All little smile was on his lips as he was leaning forward, with his back hunched over.

Something warm tingled on the side of her face before Y/N mentioned almost with boredom, “You know I can feel you staring, right?”

And just as she expected, Y/N slowly turned her head to find Katy staring back at her. With playfulness shining in those chocolate-brown eyes, not even embarrassed about being discovered.

Katy started babbling, “Can’t a girl just stare at another beautiful woman? I mean, in what kind of society are we truly living if female solidarity is not even appreciated - I mean, your hair, it’s like so glos-” Out of nowhere, the back of Katy’s hand caressed Y/N’s hair.

Stunned by Katy’s fervent stream of words, Y/N raised her eyebrows. “Uh, are you drunk already? You barely had two tequila shots and you’re already in your flirty phase? Maybe you need to slow down, sweetie.”

Y/N carefully slid her shot glass away before she patted the back of her hand on the table in almost pitying comfort. Like one would pat a child’s head before uttering, “oh, you poor thing.”

“What did I miss?” Shaun’s curious voice echoed from their left, with a bowl of chips in his hand and placed it into the middle of the table between them.

Not wasting any time, Y/N slid the snack closer to Katy. “Either Katy exploring her bi phase or she’s unable to hold her liquor.”

With slow movements, Shaun took a seat between them while confusion was setting on his face with a deep frown. “Okay … sure.” The syllables were pulled apart in a drawn-out word as his eyes narrowed. Not knowing what to make of a Katy who was a flyweight so early in the night.

Katy shifted her eyes between them. “I’m totally fine. Just a generous person admiring her best friend, and you too, Shaun.”

A smirk tugged on Shaun’s lips, moments before he lifted a beer to his mouth. “Love you too, Katy,” he mumbled mockingly. 

“Anyway, I’m just grateful having you two around. Two good-looking people … who could make some beautiful babies. Just strong, beautiful boys and girls. How cool would that be? How do you think your sex would be like?” Katy cocked her head, like she had been harboring that thought for a long time.

Nope, that didn’t sound weird at all.

It seemed that Shaun and Y/N were sharing the same expression – with their lips pursed and crooked heads.

There was something about Shaun glaring and mouthing something next to her at Katy that confused the hell out of her.

“Okay, maybe you do need some water to clear your thoughts, you know. Right, Shaun?” Y/N turned her head to discover him whipping his head in her direction with a close-lipped smile.

“Yeah, totally sounds crazy.”

Something was off about Shaun, same as Katy, but that was kind of a given with the raven-haired woman who was made of weirdness. One of the things she loved about Katy.

Unfortunately, Y/N couldn’t delve into that particular can of worms when a notification lit up the screen of her phone. “Think I can leave you both alone to be responsible grown-up people while I take a quick call?”

Shaun casually waved before saying, “Sure.”

“Really?” Y/N narrowed her eyes in uncertainty.

An affronted Shaun made an appearance. “What? I am responsible and a grown-up.”

Katy finally spoke up. “Okay, that’s just rude, Y/N. Where’s the trust?”

“Shaun, I do believe that you’re responsible, but Katy’s a bad influence.”

Without missing a beat, Katy pointed towards Y/N. “You’re right. She’s right.” She was facing Shaun again who rolled his eyes in response.

“I’m hurt. Physically hurt. And scout’s honor.”

Y/N hummed under her breath once she saw him lift two fingers in the air and felt pleased enough. Two voices exchanged words behind her once she was moving away.

Katy’s muttering voice reached her ears. “You were a boy scout?”

“Hey, I could have been.”

~ Shangqi POV ~

“What the hell are you doing?” Shaun hissed fervently as he leaned forward on his arms. This was turning into one of his nightmares already, with Katy messing with his life like that.

Her wide innocent eyes couldn’t fool him. “What? I’m not doing anything. Can’t a girl just want to see her two best friends be happy?”

Exhaling heavily through his mouth, Shaun shook his head. “I can’t believe this. You’re trying to hook us up after what I told you?” His eyes nervously shifted in its sockets. “Y/N’s not even into me. She’s one of my best friends. I care about her as a friend, … just as I care about you.”

A derisive scoff left Katy. “First, that’s a lie. Second, I saw the way she was looking at you while you were getting our food. Trust me on this, a girl can tell when another is having a crush−”

Wait a second.

“Wait, what?” Shaun whipped his head around in shock at the unexpected reveal.

“And third,” she continued like he hadn’t said anything, “don’t pretend with me. You definitely have different feelings for her than you have for me. Unless there’s a part of you who likes seeing my in hot lingerie.” Katy lifted a know-it-all eyebrow.

Shaun’s voice turned serious. “She can’t know. I was drunk when I told you all of this stuff and that memory was awkward enough.”

Katy pursed her lips. “You mean when you told me how she was effervescent and captivating? That you woke up some days wishing you could share everything with her?”

Shaun felt utterly speechless from her verbatim rendition of their conversation.

“Trust me, it was as awkward for you as it was for me hearing you gush like a lovesick dork.” Katy revealed her cell before declaring triumphantly, “And I got the video. It was too funny to pass up, Shaun.”

Shaun didn’t see the funny nature of it and commanded intensely, “Delete that.”

Katy snorted loudly. “I’m not doing that. It’s going to be my engagement gift for you two.”

Leaning back with a drawn-out sigh, Shaun groaned, “You’re going to be the death of me, Chen. Stay out of this, you hear me? No more funny business, I mean it.”

“Fine, scout’s honor,” Katy offered and lifted three fingers to her forehead.

A neutral expression settled on Shaun’s features before he replied with a bored voice, “That’s the Panem salute.”

If someone had told her that a frigging blackout would douse San Francisco in utter darkness, Y/N would have laughed in their face. It was still a pretty frightening event when a sound pierced through the air a split second before everything turned pitch-black.

Y/N placed her hand against her chest as her head shifted around in anxiety. Her breathing turned normal again once the bathroom doorknob wiggled and Shaun rushed out of it. His dark hair was still wet from the shower he just took. Thankfully, he was wearing black shirt and grey sweatpants and hadn’t been still in the shower when the lights went out.

“Are you alright, Y/N?”

“Yes, I think so.” Her eyes were trying to discern the outside world when she asked, “Do you think there’s a blackout all around the block?” The light of the moon was the only source offering comfort while the blackout was wreaking havoc around them.

Shaun stepped towards the windows and brushed the blinds away. “Seems that way. It could be even farther than that.”

“Great, where are your candles, Shaun?”

Shaun hesitated in the darkness. “I’m a guy,” he merely uttered, like that was explanation enough.

Rolling her eyes, Y/N muttered, “Now would be a perfect time to have some though.”

“I’ll keep that in mind for the next blackout in San Francisco,” Shaun teased her.

“You betcha.” Feeling saucy, Y/N turned on the flashlight of her phone, effectively blinding him.

Shaun groaned before a grimacing smirk adorned his face.

“You never know these days. We live in a world with aliens and basically the end of the world happening through the dusting.”

Shaun was able to see right through her by guessing her emotional state. “It’s daunting, right?”

“More like out of this world.”

Shaun snorted loudly. “Funny.”

Y/N mused out loud, “Not to mention, it could be pretty useful for your next girlfriend to set some romantic mood. You know, light some candles…”

His interest was stirred now. “You know, you sound very committed to my love life.”

“Nah, just pondering.” Suddenly Y/N lifted her head in morbid curiosity. “Why don’t you have one again?”

Shaun seemed to have a little devil on his broad shoulder when he directed his own glaring flashlight into her eyes. “Is a certain someone interested in being my girlfriend?” he inquired with a baritone voice.

“Okay, I realize I started that little bit, but I don’t think it’s funny anymore.” Y/N shrugged her shoulders, referring to the flashlight issue. “It just makes me wonder, that’s all. Why I don’t ever see you with someone serious unless we’re counting the ones who barely survive a few weeks.”

Another thought crossed her mind. Y/N narrowed her eyes with that peculiar notion. “Unless a certain someone isn’t emotionally available.”

Shaun lifted his well-toned arms in defense. It was moments like these it was hard not to get distracted. “Hey, I’m not a player. You should know that about me by now.”

“You just seem like such a nice guy. It would be such a shame to see you pass up on like, the love of your life because you’re afraid.”

“’Love of my life, huh?’” Shaun mouthed wordlessly before he spoke normally, “And I’m not afraid.”

“Me thinks the lad doth protest too much.”

“And what about you? It’s like looking into a mirror. Nothing serious, never settling down. Sounds like someone’s scared too.”

“Okay, I don’t like playing this game anymore,” Y/N grumbled under her breath before turning around as she tried to shift her focus on something else.

“Come on, like seriously, who wants to be with a guy who parks cars for a living, barely even has time for a girlfriend and lives in a shoebox for an apartment?”

Y/N sent him an incredulous glance over her shoulder. “Stop selling yourself short. Sounds like you’re trying to convince yourself more than me.”

“I’m not−”

“Wait, did you hear that?” Y/N strained her ears as she was listening intently.

Shaun needed a second before he decisively said, “That’s ‘Hotel California’.”

“What?”

Stepping next to her, Shaun explained, “It’s Katy’s ringtone. She must have dropped her phone the last time we were gaming together.”

“Gee, I wonder why you don’t have time for a girlfriend, Shaun.”

“Don’t be jealous.” Y/N felt him wrap his arm around her shoulder. “You know you’re the only girl for me.”

Despite the warm feelings taking root in her stomach from his heartfelt but teasing words, Y/N rolled her eyes, just as Katy’s phone went quiet again.

“Shoot. Gotta take care of the stuff in my fridge.” With a dashing motion, Shaun rushed into the kitchen. ��You want to raid my ice cream?”

Y/N was slightly distracted, with the phone in the palm of her hand, when she answered, “Oh, I’m not gonna say ‘no’ to that kind of offer.” Not to mention, after all those times they had raided each other’s foods constantly.

Once she had it unlocked already, a quiet whisper left her, “Oh Katy, you security-averse weirdo.”

“Did you say something?” Shaun’s voice called out from around the corner.

“Oh, just Katy leaving her damn phone unlocked.”

“That’s Katy for you.”

Y/N’s heart was bleeding once the notification ‘phone storage almost full’ filled the top of the screen.

Y/N sighed mournfully and absentmindedly took a seat on his couch. “Oh Katy, you’re hurting my soul.”

As soon as the biggest file with Shaun’s thumbnail filled the screen, Y/N had to chuckle inadvertently. It was probably another one of their pieces of evidence of their wayward antics. Feeling curious and slightly bad about snooping, Y/N still pressed play, since she didn't know whether she was supposed to delete it or keep one of their weird drunken karaoke escapades.

A drunk Shaun with hazy eyes which weren’t focusing on anything caught her attention. “She’s like so … gorgeous.”

The sound of a spoon falling on the counter barely reached her senses before it was silence that followed.

Y/N’s upbeat voice called out without lifting her head, “Hey, Shaun, what is this weird karaoke video?”

Out of the corner of her eye, she could sense Shaun standing in a frozen state behind the counter. “What are you watching?”

“Oh, you know … Katy.” Like that explanation was sufficient enough.

Katy’s low chuckle was uttered from behind the camera. “I think you’re hammered, dude.”

Shaun was in fervent refusal. “No, I’ve never seen things more clearly. I love everything about her. She’s so efferevescient – efficient? eff− captivating, I mean,” he breathed.

Y/N couldn’t help thinking how Shaun was being all cute when he was babbling nonsense and unable to pronounce words effectively.

“Y/N just moves like … she’s air.”

She swallowed and held her breath, as she was unable to avert her eyes from the words Shaun was saying. Utterly in her own world, she stood up with shaky legs as her back was facing the kitchen.

Completely forgetting that present-Shaun was standing right there, probably listening to everything.

“I don’t care how she gets cranky in the morning without her coffee and would bite my head off if I would even dare speak to her. What’s the archer’s name again from the Avengers?”

“You mean Hawkguy?”

Past-Shaun was blinking slowly. “You sure? That doesn’t sound right.”

“Hell, if I know. I’m not into archery. I mean, I could, don’t get me wrong. It’d be fun and I’d be pretty much perfect. I’d probably drop it two days later though. Because it’s just too much work, you know?”

Shaun kept talking, like he was only half-listening. “Anyway, she got me, Katy.” He thumped with his fist against his pectorals, missing his heart way off. “Right here. I’m so far gone. She can do whatever she wants with me.”

“Kinky,” Katy muttered.

“Y/N’s like the love of my life. I just wish things were different. Sometimes I wake up and wish I could share my whole life with her.” Shaun glanced up at her with those puppy eyes when only silence reached his ears. “What?”

Y/N felt speechless as her heart was beating erratically in her chest. Despite his confession, her lips quirked.

“Nothing. Just a lot to unpack here,” past-Katy offered with hesitation.

“Wait, are you taking pictures of me?”

“Hell nah.”

Blackness filled the screen, reminding her with a shock that the video was over. Katy’s phone was limp in her hand while she turned around and stared in shock at Shaun.

“Listen, that’s not what you think.”

Y/N raised her eyebrows at his adamant denial. “You’re in love with me?”

Shaun scoffed once and then a second time. “No? That’s not – you’re in love with me.”

What a man-child, Shaun was sometimes, Y/N thought to herself. She rolled her eyes. "That’s barely even a secret.”

Shaun’s head whirled around. “Wait, you are? Why didn’t you ever say anything?”

Disbelief was shining in her eyes. “Just like you never did?”

Chuckling low under his breath, Shaun placed his hands on his waist before he shook his head. “God, it sounds crazy now that I think about it. I just … didn’t want to ruin our friendship.” With slow steps he inched towards her. “What are you thinking right now?”

Y/N was smiling fondly. “That you’re the most adorkable dork when drunk you is declaring your undying love for me.”

Now barely inches away from her until his breath was brushing against her face. “I’m not adorkable.”

Y/N nodded. “Yeah, you are. Like a pocket full of sunshine in that muscled body of yours.”

Shaun seemed to regain some of his smugness when he smirked. “So, you only like me for my body, huh?”

Y/N shrugged and like she was confiding a secret in him, whispered, “I could climb you like a tree.”

Shaun’s widened eyes were setting her body on fire while even his pupils dilated. “Oh wow, really? Maybe I should have come to my senses sooner then.”

He was getting transfixed on her eyes. “Listen, this is going to sound totally insane and I’m probably going to wreck our friendship for all eternity, but−” He exhaled lowly and continued, “I don’t care. I mean, to a certain extent. But … I’m going to kiss you right now and you’d better punch me in the face before I even get close. And every inch of my body is telling me how I’m going to regret this for the rest of my life if I don’t feel your lips on mine."

Woah, swoon-worthy Shaun was simply unreal.

Y/N was waiting with bated breath, while Shaun’s face inched closer until his exhaling air was caressing her lips.

Despite Shaun’s words, he was giving her time to pull back by getting closer with excruciating slowness. His longing eyes alternated between her eyes in silent question and her lips. Finally, his lips brushed against hers as he exhaled lowly.

The breath against her mouth made Y/N open her mouth, feeling curious of the feel of him.

Trying to explore more of Y/N, Shaun tilted his head and let his tongue dance with hers.

A whimpering sound echoed from her lips at the sensation which soon shifted into a sigh once the taste of luscious boba on his tongue mingled with hers. Her fingers wound around his neck, wanting to keep him there.

As if there was even a part of Shaun that ever wanted to let go of her.

She was breathing him in before Y/N felt Shaun ultimately … stop. With her eyes still closed, she heard Shaun speak.

A smile was heard Shaun in his words. “Best mistake I ever made.”

“Couldn’t agree more.”

[beakeoghan]

we don’t have to pretend

Pairing: Shang-Chi x fem!reader

Summary: Being best friends since high school, the reunion prom finally serves as an excuse to confess your long lasting feelings for each other.

Word Count: 2.2K

Warnings: Fluff, it was supposed to be angsty but has nothing angsty about it. Cheesy promposal and cheesy song choice.

Author’s note: It took me some time but my first Shang-Chi one-shot is finally here! I took some inspiration from the beautiful @wint3r-h3art 's song recommendation, Around by NIKI, but also had a little of everything, from Deadpool references to inspo by the video clip of In the Dark by Swae Lee ft. Jhené Aiko. At this point I'm mastering self indulgent fics, I just can't help it. <3

Comments, Reblogs and Likes are really appreciated! <3 As always, thank you so much for reading!

Shang-Chi was lying down on his bed with his back stretched out and feet still touching the ground. His eyes were looking for answers on the plain white ceiling where he knew he wouldn’t find. The whole incident with the Ten Rings, his dad’s death, and family history were way too much, still. After meeting with Dr. Banner and Captain Danvers, his life had been much more crowded and rushed, always counting on Wong to transport him back and forth to New York.

His heart almost gave out when he heard the bell ringing — he wasn’t expecting anyone. It was a Saturday, the only day he reserved for himself, or to be available in case you were too. He still hadn’t time to tell you about his double life, and he certainly didn’t want to drag you into this mess. He did feel guilty, though, with sneaking around and pretending he wasn’t there when you called him.

Especially since he was in love with you. How could he expect to have you around when he couldn’t even bring himself to tell you who he was?

He heard your voice outside by the door and his reaction was immediate. He left the bed with a jump, quickly pacing to open it for you. He fidgeted on his hair for a bit before letting the sunlight enter the apartment. He was as happy as a puppy on his first time walking out of the house.

“When I said you could always come by, I didn’t mean that you could simply show up like this.” He said playfully, leaning into the crack of the door.

“Oh, I’m sorry, do you have company?” Your sarcastic tone made him chuckle, he loved how you would always find a way to tease him, ever since you were teenagers.

“I mean, I could have. I’m very important and busy.” He gestured that you were welcome to come inside, but almost regretting it a second later. “Sorry for the mess, didn’t have time to tidy up.”

“Yeah, dude. You haven’t run errands with me for four weeks or so.” You took off your shoes to place them by the entrance. “I miss my laundry buddy.”

“I miss you too.” He said, gazing past you. If only you knew just how much he did miss you, not only to run errands but to everything. He missed talking to you, being around you. But he promised himself he wouldn’t let you enter into the danger he was already putting Katy into. Not until he was ready to.

“So, are you coming tonight?” You said as you sat down on his undone bed, running your fingers through the creased sheet. “To prom?”

He looked at you, forehead crinkling up in doubt. “What -, are we back in high school?” He closed the door behind him, still not losing sight of you.

“You didn’t get the invite? We have that reunion prom, remember?” Your cellphone was already in hand and you scrolled through your cleaned-up, perfectly organized email inbox. “See? Tonight at seven p.m.” You showed him the screen as he moved to your side, sitting down on the bed.

As he did, the mattress weight made you jump. Did Shaun get stronger? Better yet, did your best friend ditch you those past weeks to work out? To be honest, it could be. It was the closest you had been to him since he disappeared for god knows how long. You even had your doubts whether you were his best friend anymore.

Not meaning to stare, you drifted your gaze away as he scanned through the email.

“I didn’t receive it… let me search.” He picked up his phone and scrolled around the hundreds and thousands of emails he must not have been checking. Right down the bottom of the inbox, he saw it. “Shit, I must have ignored it.”

He looked straight at you with apologetic eyes. But, you weren’t looking at him.

“What is that?” The perfectly preserved box in which his dad stored the Ten Rings was wide open by his nightstand.

Well, that was promising.

“Erm.. my workout gear?” He said with the most unconvinced voice you had ever heard. Shaun quickly left your side and closed the box, putting it away in his messy closet and closing the door.

“Why do you need ten of whatever that was to your training?” You pointed your fingers at it, even if you couldn't see it anymore.

“You count so fast, huh? And why are you playing detective on me?” He forced a laugh, which was embarrassing. How would he get out of that one?

But you were smarter than that. Whatever he would try to do to stall you, you would read past it.

You sighed. “Shaun, what is going on?” Standing your ground, you patted the bed as you would always do when you needed a moment to talk to him. “Can we talk? Like we used to.”

He knew he was in trouble. He had never been able to keep things away from you when you would talk like that, face to face. Admitting defeat, he sat beside you, his legs crossing over one another.

Shaun, or, Shang-Chi, as you learned now, couldn't seem to stop talking. It was weeks worth of happenings, after all. It did take him a moment to choose the right way to begin, but once he did, it was an open gate.

The words kept falling out of his mouth, and soon enough, everything was on the table. He told you about his sister, his parents, Ta-Lo, and the Great Protector — all of it. Including his new occupation as a side hero and protector of the earth. When he finished, you seemed astonished. You were confused, maybe? A mixture of anguish and uncertainty.

Your silence was keeping him on edge. What if you didn't believe in him? What if, in your head, you had already decided that it was too much for you to handle? You knew him forever. Would this be the end of the line?

All he could do was hope for the best.

After a while, with your head downwards, facing the loneliness of the white sheets beneath you, you finally looked up to him. "I'm so sorry, Shang-Chi." You reached him for a hug, which he embraced with the biggest relief on his chest. "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you."

"What? No, it wasn't your fault." He said with a stuffy voice, his mouth slightly covered by your hair. "You couldn't have known."

You stayed like this for a couple of minutes. Entangled in each other's arms, his sorrow being cured by the sheer presence of your touch. Your longing desire to be near him, gently healing all opened wounds he had in his heart.

It seemed like you cared more for him than this whole mess surrounding his past. He didn't know whether you did not realize the dangers that would come with it, but he chose to believe that you did and were only trying to make things lighter on his shoulders. That is the type of person you have always been.

"I wish I had told you sooner, but I was afraid you would drift away. I don't want you to get hurt." He slowly distanced himself from the hug, still holding on to your arms. "You are my best friend, and my only wish is that you stick around with me."

A shy chuckle escaped your mouth. "You wanted to keep me around by lying to me?" Your hands were just like his, grasping onto his arms.

"I never said it was the smartest idea." He said, playfully. "You are the brains, I'm the idiot that follows you. And Katy is the goofball.”

"You're not an idiot. Well, maybe sometimes, but still." You softly placed your hand on his cheek, stroking lightly. "You're my idiot."

Shang-Chi tilted his head, a smile creeping upon his face. He squinted his eyes, teasing you. "Wow, what was that? Did you just confess you love me?"

You threw your hands up as if quitting his little game, laughing. "I'm leaving! Not going into this again."

"Slow down, pretty girl." He imitated you, a chuckle almost keeping him from talking. "Now that everything has been said and done, can I take you to prom?"

"Oh, now you wanna take me to prom? You wouldn't even know about it if it wasn't for me, and I would go by myself, like last time." You pretended to be mad, pouting and crossing your arms over your chest.

"In my defense, I was going to ask you back then, but you wanted to go with that Nick boy." He rolled his eyes, exaggerating his voice. "Pretty-boy-can-do-everything-Nick."

"That's on you if you think he was perfect. But I wanted to go with you, loser." You hugged a pillow nearby, knowing damn well that you had just slipped the biggest secret you've kept from him. "I just pretended to not want to."

It was like adding two plus two. Simple and easy, yet, how could he have missed it? He was always jealous of the boys around you and it took him some time to realize why, but it never occurred to him that the same was happening to you. You've known each other for half of your life now. All the teasing and nagging, you both cared so much and did so little to show it.

"I guess we should stop pretending." He seemed so serious out of a sudden. Your eyes were locked into him, and you threatened to open your mouth, but he was faster. “I know you know what I mean.”

There was no time for laughing and joking around anymore, or so it seemed. Shang-Chi’s gaze lingered on your face as you assimilated what he had said.

“I don’t, I -” You started mumbling, but before you could continue, he took your hand into his. His eyes spoke more than you could ever say in words, and you just stared back at him. “I agree.”

He sighed as relief washed over his body. He felt as if for the first time, he was seeing you as you are, and you seeing him as he was. Just honest and heartfelt tenderness.

“Now that you admitted you love me, let me do this right.” He stood up from the bed, only your joyful laughter filling the air.

He took a piece of paper and pen lying on his nightstand and wrote something, his back was concealing it from you. He reached for his phone in his pocket, his fast fingers scrolling with only one hand.

The familiar saxophone intro started playing on the lowest volume, the clicking noises of the buttons making it sound louder and clearer as he turned around to face you.

“WHAM!” Shang-Chi whispered, nodding his head in rhythm with the song. As he did it, the paper with a poorly written P-R-O-M? made you burst out laughing.

“Seriously? Careless Whisper for a Promposal?” You stood up as well, your feet curdling up to reach him, your face inches close. “How cheesy.”

“What did Deadpool say? You don’t have to be the hero to get the girl, the right girl will bring the hero out of you?” He smiled, tossing the paper and the phone on the bed, placing arms around your waist, hands closing together to keep you inside his embrace. “You will please, go to prom with me?”

“When you’ve put it so nicely, yes, of course, I’ll to go prom with you.”

Your lips finally touched for the first time. The desire and eagerness from both of you were so intense, it was a little sloppy, but you didn’t mind it at all. You were kissing him, the love of your life. Small pecks here and there, his hands gently made their way through your back until resting on your neck, keeping your face in place.

As you both stood there, bodies refusing to stop the embrace, the song kept playing in the background. It was almost like you were dancing to your private prom, every single thing was perfect because you were together.

His forehead touching yours, your feet in perfect synchrony, swaying away to the romantic ballad, he said: “Is it a bad moment to say that I don’t own a tux?”

You laughed with your eyes shut, picturing him in pajamas right below the sparkling globe in the middle of the dancefloor. “You know what, you could be with the dirtiest shirt you own, it wouldn’t matter to me.”

“God, I love you.”

He meant it. You could see it in his eyes.

As you danced around his messy apartment, the sweetest smile on your face, he could only recall loving you this much from the day he met you.

Shang-Chi would be lying if he said that he didn’t fear for you, your safety, your protection. But at that moment, he had nothing else to lose, you loved him and he loved you.

And that was enough.