#y'all we have an excessive heat warning

[itsjustpoopeh]

i just saw my lights flicker aht aht AHT don’t you do it alabama power DON’T YOU TRY ME RIGHT NOW

[ameenvie]

Wildest Dreams - jamie tartt x keeley jones x fem!reader

masterlist | ao3 | ko-fi | fic recs

Word count: 4k Pairing: Jamie Tartt x Keeley Jones x fem!reader Warnings: nsfw, smut, minors DNI!, threesome, oral (both m and f receiving), dirty talk, dom!Keeley, switch!Jamie, fingering, vaginal sex, unprotected sex Tags: smut Prompt/Summary: Kinktober day 5 - Threesome. You have a sex dream about Keeley and your boyfriend Jamie makes sure that your dreams come true. A/N: I'm sure Taylor Swift didn't write Wildest Dreams so I can title a smutfic after it but oh well! The premise might be super silly but this is what I came up with lol, but hey it's smut so it doesn't have to be logical at all times right? 😭 I hope y'all like it! Also I'm not sure what the rules are here but I'd like to finish the rest of the prompts even though it won't be October anymore. Is that legal? 😂 Have fun, and let me k now how you liked this one! ❤❤

Your eyes shot open, and you needed a second to take in your surroundings in the dark. Your heart was beating rapidly in your chest, and you let out a shaky breath as you looked over at your phone to check the time. It was a dream.

The small digits said 5:34 and you were relieved you still could catch a little sleep before actually having to wake up. You turned to your side and saw Jamie sleeping with his back towards you, so you scooched over to wrap your arm around his waist, spooning him. He felt so warm and as you were listening to his breathing, feeling his chest rising and falling steadily, you were asleep again in just mere seconds.

The morning sun peeked through the blinds when you woke up. You were laying on Jamie’s chest as he was slowly caressing your hair, planting a soft kiss on the top of your head.

“Morning, love” he mused, and leaned down to kiss you. “Did you sleep well?” he asked with a smug smile on his face. You paid no mind to it.

“Yeah, it was alright. Do you want some breakfast?”

“Mm, are you on the menu?” he asked cheekily and you rolled your eyes at him. You were laughing as you got out of the bed and started your day.

You splashed some water on your face in the bathroom after you brushed your teeth absent-mindedly. You still couldn't get your dream out of your head, it loomed over you like a raincloud, spreading into every corner of your mind. The weather was exceptionally sunny, given that it was the middle of autumn in England. Maybe you could go for a walk on the countryside with Jamie – you thought as you prepared your favorite quick breakfast. You were so preoccupied you didn’t realize he entered the kitchen, only when he already stood behind you with his hands on your hips, pulling you flush against his chest. His mouth hovered against your ear, and you felt his breath on your neck, causing a shiver to run down your spine as your breath hitched and heat rose in your belly.

“Stop, or I’ll mess up your food” you chuckled as he pressed a kiss on your neck. Truth was he drove you mad.

“Would be worth it” he replied and turned you around to face him. He was looking at you with a beaming smile, but didn’t say anything else. You were so in love with him.

“So” you started as you finished up the breakfast and moved to the dining table, “any plans for today?” You were very excited that you could finally spend the whole weekend together, without a match our excessive training. It’s not that Jamie’s job bothered you – hell, you were his biggest fan and supporter, but it was nice to spend some time together, just the two of you from time to time.

“I thought we could invite Keeley over” he said nonchalantly, which caused you to choke on your own spit.

“You what?” you asked, and you couldn't hide the shock in your tone, which you realized didn’t make any sense. Why couldn't he invite her over? She’s your friend. He cocked a brow at you and let out a small chuckle.

“Are you okay? That a problem?”

“No, no! Not at all, it just went to the wrong pipe, that’s all.” You scratched your throat to emphasize. “I’d love to have her, sure.”

A wide, almost Cheshire cat smile spread across his face and his eyes lit up. Honestly if you weren’t occupied by trying to act normal you would've definitely realized that he was acting weird. But you didn’t.

“Wicked! I’ll drop her a text. Should we get food?”

“Yeah, sure” you said, your mind still in an embarrassed haze. “Hey, Jamie?”

“Yes, love?”

“Shouldn't we invite Roy as well?” Jamie didn’t reply at first, he just chuckled.

“Maybe next time.” You nodded and finished your breakfast before the two of you went out to do some grocery shopping and planned dinner. The day went by pretty fast and agonizingly slow at the same time. You felt awkward, your nerves were restless, your mind running thousand miles a second. It’s so stupid, it’s just a dream! It’s normal for friends to have sex dreams about each other. It’s not like she knows. You must act natural.

The ring of the doorbell snapped you out of your thoughts.

“I’ll get it!” Jamie said and bolted towards the entrance of your shared home. You tried to calm your nerves as you braced yourself.

“Hey babes!” Keeley said in her usual singsong voice as she hugged you. You hugged her back and let out an awkward ’hi’. She chuckled before she looked at Jamie.

“Dinner is ready in a few seconds, take a seat!” you offered, and they sat down. Jamie opened a bottle of wine for you, but he didn’t drink. You served the dinner and after a bit of time and a glass of wine – your nerves finally calmed down. Jamie seemed very affectionate all evening, he touched you at every given occasion, ran his fingers on your thigh, kissed the top of your hand.

During dinner you laughed and talked a lot, Keeley shared funny stories about work, you reminisced about old times, it was a light-hearted, warm moment. But you couldn't help yourself catching glimpses of her lips from time to time, remembering the way they kissed you in your dream. Her fingers wrapped around the wine glass, reminding you how they curled inside you. You squeezed your thighs together and let out a shaky breath before you stood up abruptly, muttered a small ’excuse me’ and stormed off to the bathroom.

You splashed some water on your face before Jamie entered behind you.

“You alright, love?” he stood behind you just like he did in the morning, this time wrapping his arms around your chest, kissing your neck. You let out a shaky breath.

“Jamie, I-” you started, hesitating if you should even say anything. It was so silly. “I had a sex dream about Keeley last night.” you blurted out, squeezing your eyes shut. You felt Jamie smile into your neck.

“I know” the prick said. He said, ‘I know’. You spun around in his arm, a look of disbelief on your face.

“I’m sorry you what?” you scoffed. “I swear to God Jamie you’re such an asshole!”

“C’mon love, wait a second-” he started but you left him in the bathroom alone, your blood was boiling in your veins. You felt like you were made fun of. Mocked. By him of all people. You sighed before you went back to the kitchen, and you saw Keeley has moved to the couch.

“You want more wine?” you asked, and she nodded enthusiastically. You chuckled as you settled next to her and poured both of you some.

“Everything alright?” she asked, leaning against the back of the couch.

“Yeah, of course. All good.” You took a sip.

“You know you can tell me anything right?” she asked, but it was more of a rhetorical question. She didn’t need any answers, she knew them already. You trusted her with your whole life. She was sweet, funny, beautiful, loyal, and her eyes were looking so deep inside yours that for a second you thought the world stopped spinning before she leaned in and kissed you.

It was shy at first, unsure if the gesture was welcome. And for a second you weren’t sure either, shock paralyzed your body. But after a few seconds you set your glass down and kissed her back, planting both your hands on her face, pulling her closer. Her kiss deepened as she bit your lip before she smiled. Her hand wandered to your waist where she dug her nails into you before she pulled away for air. She looked into your eyes before her gaze locked onto something behind you, and when you turned you saw Jamie leaned against the door frame of the living room.

Blood froze in your veins as the situation just dawned on you.

“Jamie, I-” you started, but he chuckled as Keeley shushed you and turned your head back towards her.

“C’mon babes” she mused as she caressed your face with her thumb. “He was bit of a prick, wasn’t he?” She looked at Jamie who still didn’t move from the door frame, but she didn’t let you to turn around. She moved closer to you to trace her lips against your neck and ear. “Doesn’t he deserve to watch his mad fit girl get kissed by someone else?” She purred; her eyes locked on Jamie’s. His jaw clenched as he held back a moan. Your eyes shut; you tilted your head to give better access to Keeley. This whole situation was so unreal, you just let it take you wherever.

Her lips pressed slow, wet kisses on your neck as she moved to your jawline, then your ear.

“I want you to tell me if you want me to stop, okay?” she asked. “I’ll stop any second, okay babes? Promise me.”

“I- I promise” you whispered, and you heard Jamie’s shaky sigh from the background. You weren’t really aware of what was happening around you, but Keeley nodded for Jamie to move closer, so he settled in one of the armchairs.

She pressed her lips against yours once more, this time with more pressure, more passion. Her tongue grazed against your lower lip, asking for access which you so happily granted. Her tongue was in your mouth in a second, her tongue swirling around yours, dancing in a perfect rhythm. Her hand sneaked under your t-shirt, leaving light touches on your abdomen, moving up to your breast. She quickly unclasped your bra and squeezed your breast, which caused you to moan into her mouth. The reality of the situation still hasn’t dawned on you yet, as she ran her thumb across your nipple, toying with the hard bud.

“Do you want me to stop?” she whispered.

“No, God” you stuttered, and you involuntarily bucked your hips.

“Gosh, Jamie, is she always this needy? Aren’t you giving the poor thing what she needs?” she chuckled while looking at Jamie. You couldn't help but followed her gaze to your boyfriend, who just sat there, pupils blown wide, and had a massive blush on his cheeks. You weren’t sure if you ever saw him like this before, and you felt self-conscious but bold at the same time.

Keeley turned your body towards him and knelt behind you on the couch. You felt flustered keeping eye contact with Jamie.

She took the hem of your shirt and slowly pulled it over your head before she slid the strap of your bra down your arms, exposing your chest completely. You noticed the massive tent in Jamie’s pants, and she did too. She started to slowly massage both your breasts and boy did she make a show out of it. She was squeezing and fondling them while she kissed your neck, biting down lightly. You closed your eyes and tilted your head to the side to give better access before she slowly swiped her thumb against your hard nipple.

“No touching yourself, babe” she mused and for a second you didn’t understand – your hands were gripping the couch next to you – but then you opened your eyes and saw Jamie squirming in the armchair. You moaned and you felt arousal pool in your underwear. “So greedy, isn’t he? Wants all the fun for himself” she smirked before she put her thumb in your mouth. You licked it and swirled your tongue around it before you started to suck it, making a real show out of it. Jamie’s grip tightened on the armrest as he looked at you.

“Fucking hell, love” he moaned, causing Keeley to chuckle. She pulled her finger out of your mouth before pressing it against your nipple, drawing lazy circles around it. The new sensation caused you to see stars. She took her own fingers into her mouth before she pushed them inside your pants and underwear. Your hips rolled against her fingers as you tilted your head back.

“Keeley” you whispered while slowly grinding against her fingers.

“Do you want me to stop?” she asked but you shook your head quickly.

“No, please, please-“ you whined but she silenced you with a kiss before she looked over to Jamie and invited him over, and he was more than happy to do so. In a heartbeat he was kneeling in front of you, wrapping you up in a warm embrace as he stole you from Keeley for a moment. He kissed you with so much love and adoration that you felt your heart burst with love. You wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him flush against you, while Keeley drew slow circles on your back, not wanting to interrupt the moment.

“Jamie, I’m sorry-“ you started, but he shushed you and shook his head. He pressed his soft lips on yours as he licked into your mouth, his tongue grazing against yours.

“I love you” he whispered before he moved his hands to your hips and started to pull your pants down. He did it slowly, leaving soft kisses at every new inch of naked skin. In the meantime, Keeley took her blouse off and you felt her half-naked breasts press against your back as she moved her hands back to where they were before. Jamie reached to touch the wet patch on your underwear before Keeley brushed his hand away and clicked her tongue.

“No touching, pretty boy. Not yet” she smiled as she pushed her fingers through your folds. You arched your back and whimpered as she moved them excruciatingly slow. “Get rid of those, will ya’?”

Jamie didn’t need another word, he hooked his finger into your underwear and started to pull down slowly, revealing your dripping cunt in front of him.

“Good boy.” Keeley’s slender fingers were slowly caressing your folds, stopping just before they touched your clit, teasing you. When Jamie got your panties off, he threw them to the side and spread your thighs. He was practically drooling at the sight in front of him, and you felt exposed as you were laid out in front of them, completely naked while they were still very much clothed. Jamie looked up at Keeley, but she just smiled.

“Do you want a taste, pretty boy? Of this?” she asked as she spread your folds with her fingers before him. You were flustered as you felt your juices drip out of your pussy at her words. This whole scene was so obscene, but it drove you mad. You loved it. Jamie didn’t answer he just nodded. “Should we let him have a taste?” Keeley whispered in your ear while she pinched your nipple. “Do you want his tongue on you?”

You heard Jamie groan and you looked into his eyes. He looked like he wanted to devour you.

“Yes, I- please Keeley, Jamie-“ you struggled to put a proper sentence together, but it was good enough. She nodded and Jamie let out a relieved sigh before he blew some air onto your clit which caused you to roll your hips and whine out as he finally kissed your cunt. He wrapped his arms around your thighs and pulled you closer into him as he devoured you, lapping at your drenched entrance before he moved to kissing and sucking your clit.

You were a moaning and whimpering mess under their touches, which they loved. Keeley was kissing you and playing with your breasts while Jamie ate you out as a man with a mission. And his only mission was to please you. He moved his finger and teased it against your entrance before he pushed it in, quickly adding another one after. His tongue never left you and you started to feel overwhelmed – all these sensations made your head spin, and you felt a knot building in your belly as you rocked your hips against Jamie’s lips faster. Your grip on the couch tightened and it was almost painful, but you needed something to keep you grounded. The room was filled with the noise of your heavy breathing, moans, and skin rubbing against each other.

“Are you having fun, babes?” Keeley whispered in your ear between two kisses. You didn’t reply just nodded furiously, which she rewarded with a chuckle. “Look at her, Jamie, isn’t she gorgeous?”

Jamie’s eyes fluttered open as he looked up at you from between your thighs, and as you locked eyes you felt your body on fire, your orgasm approaching rapidly.

“Fuck, Jamie, I’m-“ you whined, your hand moving into his hair. “Please” you breathed out and he knew exactly how close you were. He moved all his attention to your clit while curling his fingers inside you just how he knew you loved, fucking you faster. You were grasping for air as you felt all your muscles tense before releasing completely, your orgasm washed over you, white overcome your vision as your toes curled, and your walls tightened around his fingers.

He moved his lips from you, planting soft kisses on your thighs as he helped you through your orgasm.

“Fucking hell, angel” he breathed, resting for a second. Once you regained a little of your composure, you pulled him up and made him sit next to you on the couch, between you and Keeley. The tent in his pants was massive and you almost felt sorry for him, so you decided to quickly ease his pain as you pulled his pants down. Keeley didn’t intervene, she just adored the two of you. Once you got his clothes off, his erection sprung free, and you already saw a few beads of precum leaking from it. You bit your lips before you leaned down and licked the tip of his dick. He hissed as he threw his head back, he was so sensitive after all the teasing.

You swiped a long lick against him before you got him into your mouth, hollowing your cheeks and slowly bobbing your head. Jamie was cursing under his breath, singing you praises.

“Fucking hell, love, so good. So good for me” he moaned as you licked and sucked his dick. You were lost in the sensation for a second before Keeley's voice snapped you out of it.

“May I?” she asked, and you looked up at her from under your lashes. Her hand was holding Jamie’s jaw, turning his head towards her. She wanted to kiss him. You didn’t remove your mouth from him, just nodded.

Keeley slowly planted her lips on Jamie’s, and he pushed himself deeper into your throat, causing tears to form in the corner of your eyes. You were so turned on you felt your body could combust into flames at any second. You couldn't help but peeked at them, and the sight was beautiful. Their kiss was passionate, all tongue and teeth while Jamie fucked your mouth. He held Keeley’s breast before he turned to you as they broke apart for air.

“Is this okay?” he started. “If not, I won’t touch her.” His eyes were honest, concerned and loving.

“I want you to make her feel good” you answered, and he moaned before you took him into your mouth again.

“I fucking love you.”

He kissed her again while he removed her bra before he took her nipple in his mouth, sucking on it harshly. Keeley threw her head back and moved her hand under your lips to wrap her fingers around Jamie where you couldn't take him anymore. You playfully licked her finger which caused her to chuckle.

Jamie grabbed your free hand and moved it to Keeley’s bare crotch. You weren’t sure if she removed her underwear when you weren’t looking or she just didn’t wear any, but it turned you on all the same.

“I want you to make her feel good” he said between heavy breaths. You moaned around his cock which caused him to twitch in your mouth. You swiped your thumb against Keeley's clit before you pushed a finger inside her. She was soaking wet. Her hand flinched at the sensation, and she spread her legs to give you better access. It was messy, you were all limbs tangled in each other, lost in the pleasure. But it also felt just right.

You quickened the pace of your finger as you felt Keeley ride you harder. Her breathing became shallow as she succumbed to the pleasure of your finger inside her and Jamie’s lips on her. With his free hand he grabbed your hair to still your movement, removing you from his dick.

“I want to fuck you first” he breathed, his chest rising and falling quickly. Your fingers never stilled inside Keeley, before she snapped, body freezing as she came all over your fingers. Jamie kissed her forehead as you helped her through her high, before pulling out your fingers. Jamie pulled you up before he kissed you and hugged you, while you held Kelley's hand.

“Was that alright?” you asked sheepishly, and as an answer she just laughed.

“Turn around” Jamie said, before he grabbed your waist and turned you to face away from him, straddling him. He sat up a bit and kissed the back of your neck. “Is this everything you dreamed of?” he mused before he kissed the sweet spot just under your ear.

“It’s more” you whispered as you felt him against your entrance. He smiled before he bit down onto your neck, and he slid inside you. The stretch was mind blowing, even after all this time.

“God, love. So good for me ain’t ya?” His head was buried against your neck as he held you against him. “So fucking tight.”

Keeley kneeled in front of you and kissed you before she started massaging your breasts again.

“You’re killing me” you moaned and rocked your hips harder against Jamie. In this position he hit your sweet spot with every thrust, driving you insane.

Keeley moved from your breast slowly to your abdomen, before she was face level with where Jamie entered you.

“Like the view?” he asked her with a smug tone, but he could barely keep it together.

“She’s so good, isn’t she?” she asked, and you felt yourself clench at the praise.

“Ah fuck, you like that don’t you angel?” His hips started to rock into you a little harder as he leaned against the back off the couch. “Such a good girl for us.” As if that wasn’t enough, Keeley dipped her head to lick your clit which caused you to flinch. She smirked before moving her head back down, this time licking both of you at the same time. Jamie’s fingers dug into your hips as he felt your pussy around him and her tongue on him at the same time.

She seemed to enjoy it just as much you did, making you squirm and whine under her tongue as she lapped at your cunt and Jamie’s dick at the same time.

“Keeley, fucking hell” he moaned, and your walls clenched around him. Your second orgasm started to build as you felt your muscles tense, ready to release at any second. “C’mon love, come with me” Jamie moaned into your ear as he bit your neck before pushing inside you harder. Keeley’s tongue circled around your clit in perfect rhythm before she sucked on it while she was caressing Jamie’s balls.

“Fuck, I can’t-“ he stuttered before his thrusts became erratic and he spilled his load inside you. The sensation pushed you over the edge and you came hard - walls crashing down as the coil snapped inside you and you came all around him. After a few sloppy thrusts Jamie pulled out of you and settled you and Keeley on the couch before he returned with some wet towels. He sat down next to you and embraced you.

The three of you were tangled on the couch, basking in the afterglow.

[thegirlwiththeninjaturtletattoos]

ERHIT CH 12 EXCERPT

THE FROSTING SCENE Bayverse Leo x Rose (my OC)

(yes I'm just now realizing the accidental Titanic ref)

This is the tooth-rottingest, fluffiest thing I've ever written and I just need y'all to see it. Warning: it gets...mildly spicy at the end. Like enchilada sauce spicy

turts and oc are late 20s

MINORS DNI 18+

read the full chapter here or ao3

===================================

He shrugged at her and pulled them both over to the counter where his brother’s cinnamon rolls were cooling on the counter. 

 “Well, knowing Raph, he’s probably too grumpy to eat them now. And,” he continued, giving Rose a mischievous smile. “They smell way too good to let them go to waste.” 

She sighed. “You’re obnoxious, you know that?”

He let her go from his embrace to walk around the other side of the island counter, smirk still  painted on his lips. “You love it.”

 He opened the fridge, hunting for something, and Rose rolled her eyes at Leo and mumbled under her breath as she sat down on the bar stool.

 “You’re lucky you’re cute.” 

Leo pulled out a can of cream cheese frosting from the fridge and grabbed a knife from the drawer, starting the arduous task of icing the rolls. He blushed a little as he smiled and scraped frosting onto the bread, and after a moment, raised the goo-covered knife at her with a cocky grin plastered on his face.

“What was that?”

Rose felt the heat crawl across her skin. “Oh, nothing,” she hummed back.

He wiped the excess frosting from the knife onto his finger, slowly moving around the island to where she sat perched on the stool.

“Leo, what are you doing-”

“You’re sure it was nothing?”

She put her hands up as she slid off the stool and backed away from the hulking turtle in front of her. “Leo, don’t you dare-” she laughed, eyes darting and looking for an escape route.

“I’m not doing anything.” 

He smirked at her, looking at the frosting on his fingers for a moment before making a sudden move forward without warning, swiping a smear across her cheek.

Rose gasped, hand flying to her face. “Leo!” she laughed, wiping the frosting off with a finger. “You did not just do that.”

Leo chuckled, his eyes dancing with mischief. He shrugged his shoulders. 

Rose stuck her fingers in the near empty can and fished out a big smear of frosting, her own smile widening. “Oh, you’re going to regret that, Blue.”

He started to back away, but before Leo could get out of her reach, she smeared a dollop across his snout. Leo froze for a moment, then burst out laughing. “Oh, it’s on!”

 She squealed and ran from him as he fished out more sticky frosting, vaulting herself over the couch in an attempt to flee from another attack. 

He quickly caught up to her and planted another gob of sugary topping on her chin, as his other arm wrapped around her waist, holding her in place against his plastron. 

Rose was giggling as she wiggled in his arm, completely helpless as he lifted a hand up to her face and smeared the frosting in more against her cheek. She squawked and batted at his large fingers, pulling a deep laugh from the terrapin holding her hostage. 

“Tru-uce, Le-Leo! Truce!”

He let her go with a chuckle, and she turned around with her hands on her hips, trying to look stern but failing miserably as she broke into a grin. "You're impossible, you know that?"

Leo grinned back, grabbing a towel from the coffee table nearby and wiping his hands. "It's part of my charm." He offered it to her, and she gratefully accepted and wiped the sticky sugar off her fingers.

Rose rolled her eyes, but her smile didn't fade. "Well, Mr. Charming, I think we better clean up before someone else sees and asks questions."

Leo cocked his head to the side with a lop-sided grin. "Agreed. But I have to admit, that was the most fun I've had in a while." The soft smile lingered on his lips as he stood in front of her, snout still covered in frosting. 

She reached up and wiped a bit from his face, her touch lingering for a moment. "Yeah, me too. "

The blue of his eyes glimmered with a sweet tenderness as he looked down at her. He lifted a hand to the nape of her neck, and rubbed his thumb gently against her skin as he churred softly. 

She sighed at the touch, and her eyes closed as she leaned into his hand.

“How are you still beautiful covered in frosting?” 

He felt her tense in his palm as her orbs popped open and she looked back at him, green emeralds bright at his words.

“I don’t know about that, Leo.” Rose bit her lip and broke away from his gaze. He tapped his thumb on her neck and hummed disapprovingly, and his other arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her in against his plastron. He could feel her pulse quicken as her chest pressed into the keratin. 

She flicked her eyes back up to meet his.

“If I have to tell you every day, I will. You’re beautiful.” 

A blush flushed across her cheeks as she sighed and gave him a sheepish smile. “Even if-”

He leaned down a little, and tilted her head slightly towards his as the smile began to slowly fade from his lips and a darker expression took its place. “Yep.”

Rose giggled nervously. “You didn’t know what I was going to say.” She could feel the internal pull towards him as he leaned in, her own body mirroring his. 

“Doesn’t matter,” his face was close enough to hers now that his voice was a low whisper that tingled against her skin as he spoke. “You’ll always be beautiful to me.”

A breathy sigh left her lips as his snout brushed against her nose. Leo gently pulled her in closer, bringing her body flush to his and sending shivers up her spine. His touch at her neck remained soft, thumb brushing at the delicate skin and teasing tender lines and sensations as she began to feel the deep gnaw of hunger between her thighs. 

Leo tilted his head further and let his lips lightly brush against hers, bringing a low rumble from his chest to fill the air between them. She lifted a hand to cup his jaw, and bit back a whine as he turned slightly to brush his soft, but firm pout against her cheek in a light kiss. Her skin tingled at the contact, imprinting the moment like a polaroid. She felt so…warm. The heat spread through her veins like fire.

“You taste pretty good.” He murmured huskily, licking his lips as he pulled back. She watched his tongue sweep across his bottom lip with want etched over her face. 

Her hand at his jaw stopped his retreat, the hungry look she wore as she pulled him back to her lips made his breath hitch in his throat. Rose cocked a smirk at him, blush spread across her cheeks and pulse thrumming against his palm as she gazed up at him. 

“God Leo, will you just kiss me already?”

He smiled, and raised his hand from the nape of her neck to her jaw as he ducked his head down to close the gap between them. 

Leo pressed a soft kiss to her lips, heat sparking and blooming at the tenderness as his firm pout brushed against hers. The gentle heat behind it surprised her, and a soft moan sang from her throat when her lips parted slightly and he deepened the kiss. She was adrift as his tongue danced with hers in slow, languid sweeps, practically vibrating with want as lips caressed in melting passes of growing need. 

His arm around her waist pulled tighter, wrapping her deeper in his embrace as his mouth claimed hers. She felt dizzy as her body pleaded for him, hips pressed tight together and needing more. The feeling of his lips against hers was becoming as precious a thing to her as oxygen. 

A low moan rumbled from Leo’s chest, almost mournful, and he gave her one last tender kiss on her lush pout before slowly pulling back to press a chaste peck against her forehead with closed eyes. Her breath was a shaky pant, heart fluttering in her chest as she steadied herself in his embrace. 

Her eyes were hazy when he moved to look at her again, muddy with lust. Leo’s face was a softer mirror of hers; joy beating in his heart and shining in his eyes like pools of seawater. 

“That was..incredible.” She bit her lip with a soft smile, savoring the memory as it lingered on her pout. She lifted her other hand to his plastron, pressing her fingers against the thick plates. 

He shook his head slowly, a grin blooming sweetly on his lips and blush peeking out under his mask. Leo let go of her waist and placed his three-fingered hand over hers on his chest.

“Yeah, it was.”  

“Ahem.”

=========

tags:

@thelaundrybitch, @sophiacloud28, @zombiesnips-blog

[viastro]

first snowfall | xu minghao

ミ★ synopsis: if you’re out in the first snowfall of the season with someone you like, true love will blossom between you.

ミ★ genre: best friends to lovers!au, pure fluff, some humor

ミ★ warnings: none!

ミ★ word count: 1,970

ミ★ pairings: minghao x female reader

ミ★ notes: hi guys! i remembered this saying earlier today and ended up writing this oneshot based off of it hehe. i love minghao and i just keep thinking of his cute giggles i </33 love him so much. my boy. anyways.. i hope you guys like this ! i think it’s one of my cutest oneshots thus far... also it’s 3:50 am i never sleep this is so

“Yeah so that’s the story of how I had to jump into a ditch to avoid getting run over by a firetruck.” 

“... what the fuck?” You state after a moment of silence within the friend group, and Jun chuckles at the clear look of both confusion and concern written across your features. Soonyoung just shrugs his shoulders, leaning forward to grab his water bottle off the table. “That’s how it be sometimes.” 

“No?!?” Minghao says from beside you, causing everyone to laugh at his outburst. You smile, patting your friend on the shoulder to try and get him to calm down, but he just begins to lecture Soonyoung as to how dangerous that was. You smile as the two start to argue, finding the rare occurrence of Minghao losing his marbles rather adorable. 

You and Minghao became close in the beginning of your guys’ senior year of high school. Since you two were the only seniors taking AP Art, you quickly befriended each other through having similar interests. Becoming friends with him automatically meant that you were going to have 12 new friends as well, and that’s how you’re here now. Hanging out during winter break as the 14 of you don’t have deadlines or responsibilities to worry about. 

“Hao, I think he gets it. No need to scold him anymore.” You tell Minghao with a smile, resting a hand on his shoulder. He turns, a frown still on his features, but he immediately softens when he realizes you’re right. He grins, nodding his head and letting out a yawn. 

“And with that, I’ll be taking yn home.” Minghao announces, standing up from the sofa and stretching his arms over his head. You raise an eyebrow, and the guys snicker at your reaction. “We are?”

“Yeah, it’s almost 11. Auntie told me to get you home by that time, and it’s like… a fifteen minute drive. Let’s go.” Minghao explains, and you check your phone, pursing your lips when you see that it is, indeed, 10:45 at night. 

“Damn, I’ll see you guys later!” You say, standing up from the couch and waving goodbye to all the boys. 

“Bye yn!” 

“Bye yn, love you!”

“Be safe!”

“What about me?” Minghao asks, having obviously taken offense to his friends not mentioning his name in their goodbyes. They all glance at each other, before turning back towards him. 

“Y'all hear somethin?” 

“I didn’t hear a damn thing.”

“Maybe it’s the wind?”

“Eh, we see you everyday.”

“We all play games together every night.” 

“I just love yn more.” Seungkwan states in complete honesty, and Jihoon lets out a loud laugh as Minghao shoots him a glare. He wraps his arm around you, turning you around so the two of you can walk out, but not before he glances back and sticks his tongue out. 

The two of you slip on your shoes after you guys wave bye once more, the boys including Minghao in their farewells this time. Minghao opens the front door for you, and you’re about to thank him when your eyes widen in amazement at the sight before you.

The grass and sidewalk is covered in a light layer of snow, with more snowflakes falling from the night sky. You turn to Minghao with a bright smile on your face, and he grabs your hand, pulling you into the snow so the two of you can play for a quick second. You laugh happily as you grab some of the piled up snow on Mingyu’s car, shaping it into a small snowball. 

An evil smile forms on your face as you watch Minghao take pictures of the first snowfall of the year, and you take the opportunity to chuck your snowball right into his back. He lets out a yelp, turning to you with a look of betrayal on his face. You laugh loudly as he tilts his head in annoyance, and you run towards his car when he bends down to prepare a snowball of his own. 

“Yn! Get back here!” 

“I’m sorry!!”

“No you’re not!” Minghao yells with a laugh, chasing you around his car with his newly formed snowball. You squeal when he throws it at your arm, and you hear his loud giggles as he quickly gets into his car, signaling that was the last snowball to be thrown. You grin, wiping off the excess snow from your jacket before stepping into the passenger seat, feeling the warmth of the heater as you put on your seatbelt. 

“Can’t believe you’d betray me like that. It really be your own.” Minghao mutters as he backs out of Jun’s driveway, and you giggle, reaching out and patting his head. 

“What else am I supposed to do when I witness the first snowfall of the year with my bffie?” 

“Not throw a snowball at me?!”

“Well, that’s rather tragic.” Minghao chuckles at your ridiculousness, handing you his phone to aux. You put on fairy by dvwn, humming quietly to the late night tune as you put his phone back on the stand. He turns to glance at you, seeing you smiling contently as you listen to the sweet song. 

“Have you been out during the first snowfall of the season before?” Minghao asks, and you nod your head, letting out a pout. 

“Once or twice, but I’ve only seen it alone though. This is the first time I’ve experienced it with anyone else.” You explain and he nods, turning back towards the road. He’s driving a bit slower due to the snow piling up on the roads, and you let out a small smile.

“I’m glad it was with you though.” You mutter, and Minghao feels his heart thump against his chest at your sweet words. He grins before responding,

“I’m glad it was with you too, yn.” 

“Achoo!” You sneeze loudly, and Minghao mutters bless you, before continuing to snap pictures. You’re about to say thank you when you pause.

“ACHOO!” You sneeze again, and Minghao giggles before saying bless you for the second time. 

“God, pollen is the fucking bane of my existence.” Minghao glances at you, letting out a chuckle as he notices the pout on your lips. He reaches out and pats your head, “It was your idea to take pictures at the lavender festival this year, yn.” 

You roll your eyes, “I know, I just underestimated how bad my allergies are.” 

“Did you take allergy meds?” You nod your head, muttering that they should kick in in about thirty minutes or so. You pull your mask up over your nose for the time being, taking out your phone to take pictures of Minghao. 

You feel warmth rise to your cheeks at how gorgeous he looks in the lavender field, finding him to be the most beautiful person you’ve ever met. Not just in his appearance, but in his personality as well. You always told yourself you’d never fall for Minghao, and that he’s just your best friend.

but alas… here we are.

You plan to tell him how you feel today, in hopes that it’s mutual. You have a hunch that it is based on the increased number of lingering touches and hidden glances towards each other since December. Chan even yelled at you to confess already, saying that it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

which is what you will do today !! if your plan goes right !!!

You try to get Minghao to laugh for a few photos, but he stares at you with a straight face during each attempt. You let out a sigh, about to give up when you let out a loud sneeze through your mask. Minghao’s lips turn up into a smile, prompting a few giggles from him which you immediately snap pictures of. 

“Why do you want me to laugh in the photos so bad?” Minghao asks after the two of you take a look at the photos you’ve taken so far, and you smile up at him. 

“Because you look best when you’re happy.” He feels his heart thump against his chest at your blunt honesty, letting out a cough into his elbow to try and get the heat to stop rushing to his cheeks. You grin, taking off your mask and lifting up your phone.

“Selfie time~” You sing, raising your phone up to take photos of the two of you. You smile in the first few, moving your face closer to his. You’re able to hear your heartbeat in your ears by how fast it’s going, and you just pray that Minghao doesn’t hear it. You bite the inside of your cheek as you prepare for the next post you planned. 

The tips of Minghao’s ears turn red as he psyches himself up to do what he’s been wanting to do for the past three months. He’s been waiting for the right opportunity, and this very moment seems like the best time to do it. 

He pinches his thigh very hard, before turning to kiss your cheek.

While you let out a nervous grin, turning to press your lips to his cheek.

However, you both soon realize that what you’re kissing feels nothing like a cheek. The both of you open your eyes, and your arm slowly lowers to your side, effectively dropping your phone onto the field as you realize that you’re fucking kissing Xu Minghao.

oh my fucking god this isn’t her cheek, Minghao thinks to himself in a panic as he stares back into your wide eyes. He pulls away slowly, and you stare at him in shock as warmth immediately rises to your face. The two of you stand in silence for a moment, before Minghao lets out a loud gasp and raises his hand to his mouth. While you squeal and slap your hand over your lips, eyes bulging out as you stare at your best friend that you just fucking kissed. 

“You like me?!”

“You LIKE ME?!?” The two of you ask at the same time, pointing at the other with shocked expressions on your faces. You let out another squeal, cupping your cheeks to try stop the warmth from flooding your features. Minghao lets out a shocked smile, running a hand through his hair in surprise as he stares at you. 

“Yn, you like me?” Minghao asks, and you nod your head. 

“Minghao, you like me?” You counter, and he nods his head as well. Slowly a smile escapes you, and you let out a laugh at how ridiculous your guys’ first confession was. 

“You know, this is the weirdest way for us to have confessed.” 

“But doesn’t it seem so on brand for us?” You bite your lip to try and hold back a smile, nodding your head at his statement. He grins, wrapping his arms around you and cradling your head. You immediately wrap your arms around his middle, smiling happily against his chest when you suddenly remember something. You pull away, bending down to grab your phone and turn it on. 

You let out a laugh at the photo of you and Minghao staring at each other with wide eyes as your lips are touching. He raises an eyebrow, glancing at your screen and giggling loudly at the picture. He wraps his arm around you, and you both begin to tease the other for the expressions on your faces. All while the hot summer sun shines upon the two of you. Warm hearts, warm faces, and happy smiles as you both stand in the lavender field giggling with each other. 

It’s been two seasons since the two of you witnessed the first snowfall together, and you can confirm that the saying is true.

you truly did fall in love with the person you saw the first snowfall of the year with.

[mando-ag]

Remember Me ~* The Lake

Summary: Din meets reader in the city part during winter, seeing reader for the first time as she plays with children. He quickly realizes this is his destiny.

Warnings: Swearing, fluff, filler, Sensual language. I think that's it loves.

w/c: 2.6k

A/N y'all this is ch.2 of the remember me series. slowly picking up the pace here ;) this one is a filler as well but I hope you enjoy it. <3

The heat warmed your cheek as the sunlight peeked through your curtains in the early morning. Sighing softly you started to get ready for your morning, begrudgingly so. It wasn’t hard to tell that you weren’t a morning person. It just deemed unnecessary for you to get up and do something you didn’t even enjoy. But living in the real world, it’s what you have to do. Need work to pay for bills and food, the bills fund the essentials in your home. Just a boring, irritating cycle of life.

Heating up your electric kettle for some coffee, you washed the leftover dish from the night before, making a mental note to buy more dish soap at the market today. It was Wednesday, the usual day you went shopping for groceries. Why? Who knows, you just get excited because it's the middle of the week for you.

You thought it would probably be best to write down everything in a list because you knew you would forget even if you decided to memorize it for an hour.

Shampoo, dish soap, cooking oil, dryer sheets.. Um what else am i missing.

You looked around your apartment, adding things to your list you knew you would need. Once you were finished you folded it up and went to grab your purse, heading to the store before going to pick up the three rascals.

Definitely your favorite thing about living alone is that you don't need to buy an excessive amount of anything if you don't want to. Beginning to fill your cart with the things from your list, you consciously look around to see if maybe, maybe, you’ll see Mando again.

You need to chill, literally just met the guy and all you mentioned was a book. He literally doesn’t know you. You mentally scolded yourself as you walked through the lanes, grabbing what was on your list. Humming softly as you grabbed shampoo and conditioner, you heard soft giggling on the other side, hearing a man talk to what you presumed to be his child. Your heart sped up as you let your mind believe that it was Mando, listening carefully for the man’s voice again.

“Shit!” You whispered, checking your appearance through your phone camera. “I literally look so bad.” You mumbled, trying to fix your hair a bit more. Slipping your phone into your pocket, you pushed your cart nonchalantly as you heard the voice come close, you could see from the corner of your eye he was there.

Taking a deep breath, looking away from the many options of shampoo and conditioners, you finally turn and face Mando... except it wasn’t him. It was just some random dad with his kid. Hiding your disappointment, you awkwardly waved to the pair, grabbing what you needed before leaving that aisle quickly.

“Oh my god, that was so fucking embarrassing.” You mumbled to yourself, blushing from your stupidity. To think he would actually be there made you stoop a new low. “I need to get laid.” You sighed to yourself as you went to the dairy products. You finished off getting what was on your list, paying and placing it all carefully in your car.

On the drive back to your apartment, you hummed along to the radio, wondering if it was the universe trying to tell you something about Mando. I mean he’s cute… wait what? I don’t even know what he looks like. Yeah I got it bad. You internally fought with your rational side, deciding to stop thinking of Mando for the time being.

Putting everything away, you grabbed a few snacks to take to the kids, getting back out to your car and driving to their much bigger home. All three kids rushed out, greeting you excitedly as you stepped out of your car.

“Hello my little munchkins!” You said, kneeling and hugging all three little rascals. Standing as their parents stepped out of the house with suitcases. Keeping a smile on your face but you were sure the parents recognized the confusion in your eyes. Are they leaving? Yeah no shit, obviously. They have suitcases. You huffed as your subconscious voice was being sarcastic with you.

“Good morning, thank you for coming so early. Jerry and I have an emergency business trip we need to take. We would have told you sooner had we known but like I said this is an emergency trip.” Mrs. Stenson told you, giving you an apologetic smile.

“It’s quite alright Mrs. Stenson, I’m assuming you want me to stay with them?” You nodded to the three children who cling to your side.

“Yes please, we would appreciate it greatly. The trip is one week. We will triple your pay and send you extra money for the three of them. I know this is asking a lot of you… if you’re not comfortable i can find someone else but..” She trailed off looking at you with a hopeful look on her face.

Realizing how much she would be increasing your pay, you quickly nodded. “Don’t worry, I don’t mind watching over them. It’s fine.” You told her, giving her an understanding smile.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” She gave you a quick hug before putting the suitcases in the car. “You know where everything is, if you need extra money, please call us. She turned to her kids, kneeling down the best she could because of her tight pencil skirt.

“My darling angels. Remember mommy and daddy have to leave but we will be back. Now you three better be on your best behavior or you can’t go to disneyland. Remember? Daddy said if you behave, we can all go to disneyland. “ All three kids perked up nodding. “We’ll be good mommy!” The eldest, Jaime said, excited that his reward would very possibly be a trip to disneyland. The girls murmured in agreement with their brother.

“Okay, come give daddy and me a quick kiss before we go.” She said, the kids kissing her cheek and the father’s. “I love you, my little babies. Behave well.” She gave them a tight hug before getting in the car with her husband leaving for the airport. Mr. Stenson wasn’t as affectionate as his kids but they knew their daddy loved them even if he didn’t say it as often as their mother did.

Ushering the kids inside the large home, making sure the doors were all locked. Okay, keeping three kids all under the age of ten entertained would probably be the hardest thing you’ve ever done. But you were determined.

“Okay, it’s breakfast time! What would you like to eat?” You asked, staring at the three wide-eyed children. “Waffles!” Penny shouted, jumping in excitement. Her brother and sister agreed, chanting waffles as you got the ingredients.

“Waffles it is then! Go watch tv and I will bring you your waffles when they are ready. How does that sound mm?” You asked but the kids scurried away as soon as you said tv, leaving you alone in the kitchen.

***

After feeding the children you took them out to the lake, making sure you had their skates in a bag. Usually you would take them to swim but since it’s frozen, the kids wanted to ice skate instead. Laying down a thick towel and a blanket on top of it, you sat at the edge of the grass, a few feet away from where the actual lake began.

“Don’t go too far. I checked and the ice is thick enough but you have to be careful. Loretta, you can skate here.” You pointed to the area where you wanted her to be in. She was the youngest and you were afraid that she could get severely hurt if she went too far.

Helping the kids onto the ice, you sat on the blanket, watching them carefully. You didn’t want an accident to occur. The worst thing that had ever happened when you were watching them was Jaime stepping on a leggo and his foot was in a lot of pain for a few minutes.

Hearing a rustling behind you, you quickly stood and turned around alarmed. Relief and surprise filled your body as you realized it was Mando… with a small child… or baby? Of course, even though you can’t see his face you can just tell he was older than you by a couple years. So he has a kid… meaning he either has a wife, baby mama, or just a single dad. You cleared your throat after a moment, realizing you’ve been staring.

“Sorry, I didn't know it was you… I thought it was an animal or something.” Blush creeped up onto your cheeks, feeling slightly embarrassed. Rubbing your arms, you quickly turned to watch the kids, making sure nothing had happened yet. Glancing at Mando as he walked and stood beside you.

“I should’ve made my presence known. Lake day for your kids too?” He asked, looking at the kids before focusing on your face. You nodded, looking at him.

“Yeah, it’s going to be a long week… is he your son?” You wanted to smack yourself for asking such a stupid question. Obviously, he said “your kids too” meaning this one is definitely his.

Chuckling, he nodded. “My son Grogu… I adopted him when he was… younger.” Din nodded to his son, he looked quite interesting. A very tiny little child with a bald little head and green skin. How is he so… adorable and tiny? You thought to yourself. Not being able to stop yourself from blurting out the question that had been itching at you since you saw him with his little green son.

“Are you married? Or have a girlfriend?” You asked, looking at him through his black visor. Feeling your stomach clench and your chest tighten as you nervously await his answer. Feeling more anxious to know as he looked away from you towards his son instead.

“No, I’m not married… and I don’t have a girlfriend either.” Din finally answered after a minute of silence, easing your emotions. Moving slightly closer to Mando, you looked at his hands. “Would you like to sit with me?” You motioned to your little spot you had set up on the ground.

Nodding, Din sat down next to you once you had made yourself comfortable. Looking towards the children. Determined to get to know him, you built up confidence to try to converse with him.

“How long have you lived here?” You asked, looking at him. He hummed softly, barely able to hear it. “About three months.” He replied, not looking at you. Three months?! That’s it? It surprised you how little time he’s spent there. You thought a man like himself would’ve lived there longer, probably just kept to himself but you were completely off the mark.

“Oh cool, do you like it here?” He nodded, looking at you. “I do, safer place for my son to live. Be with kids his age.” Motions to the children playing and skating together.

You looked at them, biting your lip as the cold started to seep into your jacket. “Dammit.” You mumbled as you shivered.

Din looked at you, noticing your shivering. Deciding to be bold, he wrapped an arm around you, your body tucked into his side. Blushing from his action, you pressed your face into his arm, trying to warm up. “Thank you.” You told him, the both of you enjoying the silence between you.

After a few hours, you stood to stretch your legs a bit. Looking at the kids, you noticed they were tired. “All done?” You asked as you walked to the ice. Penny nodded, yawning.

“I’m hungry!” Jaime said, pouting as he lazily skated towards you, holding his baby sister’s hand. Smiling you helped switch their skates to their normal shoes, putting the skates carefully in the bag. “Yeah? We’ll let’s go and fill those tummies up shall we?” You hummed softly before turning to Mando.

“Would you like to come with us?” You asked him, watching as he stood up. He nodded, taking his son’s hand and guiding him to the car. “I’ll follow you there.” He mumbled as he picked up his son.

You drove the kids to the restaurant, smiling as Mando walked in after you, standing close to you as the hostess showed you to the table. Sliding into the booth after all the kids were seated together, including Grogu. Mando slid in next to you, looking at you, “Hope you don’t mind.” His voice sounded deeper causing blush to creep onto your face.

“No worries.” You picked up a menu, asking the children what they would like to eat. After they all chose, you looked towards mando. “See anything you want yet?” You asked him, looking at the menu before looking at his face, blushing when you saw him already looking at you.

“I’m not too hungry, maybe I’ll order something to go.” He replied, his voice gruff causing you to clench your thighs together as you imagine his voice from underneath your pu- Stop it. You’re about to eat with KIDS you fucking horny bitch. Clearing your throat you nodded and proceeded to order what you wanted. Watching the kids interact, you felt Mando’s hand touch yours, causing you to stiffen your back at the unexpected touch.

“So.. what do you do for a living?” You asked Mando, taking a sip from your drink. He sighed softly, barely audible if you weren’t paying attention. He leaned back, his helm facing you,”I’m a bounty hunter. I get paid to hunt people down, bringing them back to people they owe debts to.” He watched your face, waiting for your reaction.

You were surprised, from your understanding that profession is quite dangerous, especially for him since he is a father. It made you curious as to why he would have that profession since he is a dad. Voicing your curiosity, you asked him.

“Why a bounty hunter? Not that it is a bad profession, it’s just that you have a child. You have a lot to lose if something happens to you.” Tilting your head to the side, you waited for his response. You looked over at the kids when they got a bit rowdy, telling them to calm down.

“It pays well enough for me to put food on the table for us. For our home. As long as I know that he is alive and safe, I am fine. I’d do anything for him.” He told you, looking towards his son for a moment. You could easily tell he truly loves his son, caring deeply for him. At some point during your conversation, your hand slipped comfortably into his, neither of you seemed to mind or be upset from the tender action. You began eating the meal, watching the children eat, making sure to have minimal mess from the four children eating in front of you two.

***

You both were outside the restaurant, the children saying good-bye to Mando’s cute little baby. The kids piled into the car, chatting loudly.

“Mando… I-I really enjoyed talking to you today… and maybe, um, we could do it again.” You said nervously, you planned on speaking confidently, but once you actually spoke, his stare made your soul tingle and all confidence slipped away.

“I think that would…” He watched your hopeful eyes, your nervous demeanor. “... it would be a great idea. I think it’ll be… good.” Good? The fuck does that mean?? Din mentally slapped himself, that was the weirdest thing he has ever said.

Blushing deeply you nodded, reaching into your purse and writing your number down on a piece of paper, handing it to him. You felt your confidence build up again as he didn’t reject you. Thank God.

“Call me.” You smiled, leaning in and kissing his helm where his cheek would be. You walked to your car, getting in and waving to him as you drove home. What a fucking day.

A/N Y'ALL this took a long ass time to write. mainly because I kept changing things around and school takes my time away! But I got it done!!! I hope y'all liked it, I know its very ~dull~ for the most part.

[kyber-crystal]

➳ there and back again || s.r.

summary: it’s just a nice little competition to declare who comes out on top as the victor. what could possibly go wrong?

words: ~1.5k

warnings: a chaotic stevey/nsam trio. that’s it haha

a/n: trying a new layout! hope you guys like it teehee. this is an old oneshot so i apologize it’s poorly written. 

tags: @sunstalgia​ @wxstedhexrt​ @purpleskiesstorm​ @sylvie-writes​ hopefully this won’t flop if i tag a few mutuals teehee

"You boys ready to get your asses beat?" you teased as you tied your shoelaces.

"Don't get your hopes up, sweetheart," Steve warned. "I hate to brag, but I'm going to win."

Sam groaned. "I don't know why I agreed to this. Y'all are both fast as hell. Last time I got so winded trying to catch up with you."

"Winner gets twenty from the losers!" you quickly shouted, and both of your friends' faces lit up. "And also, bragging rights and glory."

"I swear, you people act more like 13 year-olds than 30-something year olds," Pietro commented as he leaned against the fridge, sipping an iced latte. "You making bets over who's gonna beat the other in a race?"

"Yup," you all replied in unison.

"Well then, see ya," he nodded, as you headed out the door.

"Alright," you breathed out, setting your hands on your hips as you surveyed your landscape. "So around Central Park, checkpoint at Cherry Hill."

"Got it," Steve nodded.

You tapped your wristwatch a few times, setting a timer. "Okay. On your marks. Get set. Go!"

You quickly broke into a sprint, feet pounding against the dewy pavement as you pumped your arms and legs as fast as you could go. You refused to look back, knowing that by doing so you'd be slowed down and fall behind both of them.

The scorching August heat was relentlessly beating down on your back, sweat rolling down your temples and causing your tank top and leggings to cling tightly to your skin. You kept going, though, despite your body screaming at you to stop.

Several minutes later you were not far behind Steve, with Sam only a few yards ahead of him as well. He didn't seem the least bit exhausted as he made a sharp turn and continued sprinting down the sidewalk, and if it hadn't been for your excessive training you would've given up within the first five minutes of starting.

"On your left," he said as he sprinted ahead of Sam.

"On your right!" you shouted as you zipped past both of them.

"Damn it!" you heard Sam let out a frustrated yell as he picked up the pace. “To think I was the top of my class in PE...”

"On your left," Steve informed him a few minutes later.

Then again. "On your left."

"Uh huh, on my left. Got it."

You were nowhere in sight at this point, and as Sam was still jogging Steve came around again from behind, starting from a new lap.

"Don't say it! Don't you say it!"

"On your left!"

"Come on!" he groaned. "Why don't you try targeting Y/N?"

Both men stopped for a moment and skidded to a halt, locking eyes with each other.

"Oh, shit."

"Language."

"Whatever. C’mon! We don't have any time to waste. If we lose, Y/N's never gonna let us live this down."

They continued on side by side while still keeping their pace, keeping close eyes and ears out for you; making sure to stay alert at all times.

"Christ, where'd she go?"

"I don't know—"

"On your right!" they heard you shout as you came bursting ahead of both of them, the wind from your speediness whipping them in their faces. "Come on, slowpokes! Last lap!"

"Are you kidding me?!" Sam yelled after you. 

Steve didn't slow down as they were chasing after you but after a bit, Sam grew frustrated and was unable to continue running, sitting down at the edge of the fountain to catch his breath.

"I win," you smirked as you took a sip out of your water bottle, wiping your mouth and letting out a satisfied sigh. "Victory sure is sweet."

"Need a medic?" the super-soldier looked over at the breathless Sam Wilson.

"I need a new set of lungs," he panted, "Dude, you guys just ran like, 13 miles in 30 minutes. Y/N, I don't even know where you went but you literally just pulled an Usain Bolt on my ass, what the hell."

"I guess I got a late start," Steve shrugged.

"Late start my ass," you snorted, crossing your arms over your chest. "Admit it, boys. I'm the champion here."

"Pfft. Why don't you go take another lap."

"Nah," you declined his offer, "I'd rather lounge around in bunny slippers while watching you do my dishes. Oh! And...you both owe me twenty."

They both took their wallets out of their back pockets, reluctantly placing twenty-dollar bills into your palm.

"Thank you," you smiled sweetly, before sliding the cash in your pocket.

"It's your beds, isn't it?"

"What?"

"Your beds, they're too soft. When I was over there I'd sleep on the ground and use rock for pillows, like a caveman. Now I'm here at the compound, lying in my bed, and it's like..."

"Lying on a marshmallow," Steve finished, "feel like I'm gonna sink right to the floor."

"Exactly."

"Also, since I won, you guys have to be my butlers for the rest of the day."

"Since when was that part of the rules?"

"It's always been part of the rules for anyone who wins anything," you defended yourself. "I'd like a piggyback ride all the way back to the subway station."

Steve just laughed and shook his head, bending his knees slightly. "Alright, alright. Get on."

"Hey, I'm just as strong as him!" Sam exclaimed. "You only want him to carry you so that you get a valid excuse to feel his muscles."

Your eyes widened at his statement, feeling a blush rise up your cheeks. "No I don't."

"Yes you do."

"Oh, shut up," you muttered, hopping onto Steve's back and wrapping your legs firmly around his torso. He hooked his arms underneath to hold you steady, as your arms went around his neck.

"Ew, you're sweaty. You smell. What happened to your blueberry and coffee cologne kind of scent? Why do you sweat so much? But I guess you wearing tight shirts make up for it, since—STEVE! Stop!" you let out a squeal as he leaned backwards slightly, your heart stopping momentarily as you came dangerously close to falling off his back. "You're gonna drop me! Stop!"

Steve let out a laugh, then proceeded to spin around and around to make you dizzy. You let out a high-pitched shriek, most likely catching the attention of a few passerby who wondered why Captain America had the normally serious Agent Y/N on his back and you were laughing like a little schoolgirl with goofy grins on both your faces.

"Say the magic words, then I'll let you down."

"I hate you."

"Wrong."

"We're no longer friends if you don't set me down right now."

"Nope."

"Steven Grant Rogers, you set me down right this instant or I'm going to beat your ass if you don't!" you threatened, kicking wildly and slapping his shoulders. "Let me down!"

"Those aren't the words," he said simply, rather amused by the frustration on your face. 

It was rather cute, if he was being honest.

"Okay, okay! I love Steve Rogers because he's the best Avenger and his muscles are like no other man here in New York! Now let me down!"

"There we go," he chuckled as he released his grip on you and you hopped off, dusting off your clothes. "See? That wasn't so hard."

"Attention-seeker," you accused, "you just wanted to do that so I'd be forced to compliment you. As good-looking as you are, I'm not putting effort into giving attention to someone who already gets so much of it every day."

"You think I'm good-looking?"

"Don't let it get to your head, Rogers," you rolled your eyes, but he could clearly see the pink tinge in your face which he knew wasn't from just running in the scorching heat. This only amused him further.

"If it makes you feel better, I think you're beautiful."

You almost choked on your own spit, going into a coughing fit and hitting your back to try and stop it.

"Don't mind me," Sam cleared his throat, "I'm just here, third wheeling. Or, chaperoning this couple who refuses to admit they're so in love with each other, if you'd like to put it that way. Oh wow, now Steve is blushing. Wow. Amazing. Y/N looks like she's going to faint. Wowwwww. What a beautiful love story. I totally don't feel left out."

"You wanna go for shawarma?" you offered. "I'm starving, and honestly, I could use the time away from Tony. He'll drag us down to play Mario Kart as soon as we get back home."

"Come on! Stop treating me as if I don't exist!"

You both looked over at Sam and laughed.

"I'm sorry," you sympathetically patted his shoulder. "It's quite the burden, dealing with Captain America on the daily."

"Damn right, now that you practically asked him out on a date and are set to become his girlfriend, I have to deal with even more excessive PDA."

"So, this is a date?" Steve raised an eyebrow at you. "Is that what this is?"

"No! It's not—" you let out a sigh of defeat, "well, if you want it to be, then...yes."

"It's a date, then," he smiled widely, kissing your cheek and sliding an arm around your waist.

"How come I never get the girls," Sam grumbled as he followed behind the two of you. "Life is so unfair."

[theolddarkmachine]

I’ll Take The Blame, You Take My Conscience- Ch. 4

“You love him.”

It wasn’t a question. Panic burned the back of Shiro’s throat as his eyes widened at the statement. He had known his feelings for Keith for some time now, but he knew better than to act on it, aware that he was nothing more than a friend in his best friend’s eyes. It was better for everyone if he just kept it to himself. At least, that’s what he had thought. Then he’d started noticing small things, like how sometimes Keith would let his hands linger on his skin for a fraction longer than he needed to, or how he could feel his gaze tracing the long line of his body when he thought Shiro wouldn’t notice. He’d been planning on telling Keith how he felt at the party. It was amazing how quickly things could change.

“Let him go, Shiro. He’ll need a tool, not a lover. And your love will only make him weak.”

AKA the one where Keith is the leader of a Yakuza clan, Shiro is his ever loyal tool, and they’re caught in a gang war.

Amazing commission by prllnce!

Ch. 1

Ch. 2

Ch. 3

AO3

Consider this your torture warning! Things get dark and twisty here. It couldn't be helped, y'all had to know it was coming after where we left things off lol

Please also excuse any things that may not be accurate, I uh, am not well versed in writing torture scenes.

Reminder on helpful terms:

Oyabun- Clan leader. Saiko-komon- Chief advisor to oyabun. Waka gashira- Middle men between oyabun and clan members.

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

Shiro’s consciousness crested on him like inky black waves of ice cold ocean. The freezing tendrils of darkness weighed him down, holding him below the surface and numbing his senses, and just out of his reach glowed the muted grey light of the outside world. A low, rumbling pressure of far off voices pressed against his ear drums and he struggled to grapple onto the sounds. If he could just anchor himself to something, maybe he could pull himself out of the frigid pool that was suffocating him. His lungs ached as they struggled against the oppressive weight on his chest, and his bones cried out against the fingers of frost that were wiggling deep into his marrow.

Shiro.

His name echoed through the darkness wrapped in heated tenderness. A soundless whine burned deep in his throat as he tried to find the voice.

You always sneak off.

The smooth glide of fingers across his forehead, smoothing his forelock back from his brow, sent a shock through his veins that beat back the ice. His lips tried to form the name of the man he so desperately wanted to see. A phantom touch of lips on his temple pulled him closer to the surface as heat pulsated through the contact. The dim light grew brighter against the black backdrop of his conscious. It felt as if he was everywhere and nowhere all at once, dragging Shiro out of himself, like he always did. He struggled to say his name again, lips stumbling on the monosyllabic word that filled him with a warm bubble of hope. There was a strong grip on his wrists that towed him closer still to the light.

C’mon, Takashi.

Shiro’s eyes fluttered, letting in grey murky light in quick flashing intervals that left spots of light dancing in his vision. The first thing to hit him was the heavy, metallic scent of blood that clung to the air. His stomach rolled as the sickly smell invaded his senses, bile rising dangerously in the back of his throat. Cold metal bit into his wrists as he attempted to raise his hands to his mouth. His vision began to clear of the bursts that had blinded him, revealing a darkened warehouse room. A solitary window high on the wall illuminated the space with dusty sunlight that gave the metal table just to his right a sinister gleam. The source of the stomach turning scent was painted before him in the form of the bright garish red of blood spilled across the floor.

Haxus’ body lay in the crimson sea, eyes upturned in silent horror and a smile carved into his throat. A stooped figure was beside him with his back turned to Shiro. Even without facing him, he knew who the hunched figure belonged to. A shiver of fear tickled his skin in the form of an icy drop of sweat that rolled down his temple.

When Shiro had last seen Sendak, he was nothing more than a thug exercising excessive force on one of the shopkeepers in Yanaka. It had been just after Keith had taken over, and the Raion were still standing on the shaky legs of their newborn leadership that they heard of the man threatening the shop so close to their home. Whether he went as a show of dominance, or a way to exert the pent up rage he’d held within him following the attack from the Akuma, Shiro was still unsure. That night he’d gone and waited for the then unnamed man with his pistol, his tantō, and a thirst for blood that nearly choked him. It was how what would normally have been a pedestrian show of force and possibly a fist fight ended with Sendak mutilated and clinging to life. Nearly a year passed before the whispers of a new Akuma climbing the ranks made it back to the Raion. Tales of the so-called One Eyed Demon were always tinged with the crimson of the blood he spilled and the blackness of the promise he’d made to return the favor to the Raion’s saiko-komon.

Shiro often regretted that day, but now as he watched Sendak spit on the face of the corpse beside him he couldn’t help the small seed of fear that buried itself deep in his gut.

“It’s pathetic he couldn’t follow simple instruction and bring us the one thing we asked for,” Sendak’s voice was thick with muted rage, though towards the dead man on the floor or towards the living one in the chair, it was unclear. He slowly stood from where he’d crouched, eye passing over Shiro coldly as he turned toward the metal table. Sendak drummed his fingers over the surface as he stared thoughtfully at the array of tools that laid across it. Shiro struggled futilely against the cuffs that linked him to the chair bolted to the ground as he heard a voice answer from behind him. The seed of dread bloomed within his stomach as fingers gripped the back of his neck.

“In a way, this may be so much better.” Zarkon’s voice was a deep bass sound akin to rolling thunder. Shiro bit back a cry as his fingers sunk deeper into his skin and pulled his head back so he was looking up at his captor. His dark eyes seemed like endless pools of melted obsidian as they glared down at him. It was the same stare he remembered from all those years ago at the temple and he couldn’t stop himself from pulling against his grasp, which only pushed him to tighten his hold. Everything began to spin as the blood flow was restricted by Zarkon’s grip. “Isn’t that right, Shiro?”

With a jolt, his head was thrust forward again. Sendak’s black eye was settled on him with a wicked smile on his face as he started to walk towards him with a hammer clutched in his grasp.

There was a sickening crunch of bone beneath metal before Shiro’s screams tore through the room.

***

The first time Keith came to, he was still in the furniture store surrounded by debris and coagulating gore. As he tried to push through the murky bog of his mind to connect the chain of events that had landed him there, he was vaguely aware of Hunk and Lance as they came barging into the store with their guns readied. The loud, distinct bark of Hunk’s voice shouting his name was the last thing his senses latched onto before he had been resubmerged within the inky quagmire of his conscious.

The second time he’d come to, he found himself tucked safely within the sheets of his bed. Feather pillows loomed around him in a protective embrace and he felt the familiar scratch of bandaging wrapped tightly around his chest and middle. His brain felt thick as if it had been stuffed with cotton balls and a distant memory danced on the outskirts of his mind just out of his reach. Try as he might to catch the fleeting memory, it flitted through his grasp, taunting him for getting so close and yet being so, so far. He let out a frustrated sigh and was immediately met with a sharp stabbing pain in his ribs.

Staccato clicks of a keyboard cut through the din of his pain as he noticed Pidge sitting at his bedside for the first time. Her legs were tucked beneath her and her laptop was balanced on her thighs as she tapped away, her eyes never leaving the illuminated screen reflected in her glasses. Ruffled brown hair stuck up around her head in a crown of casual disarray and bruise like bags stained the skin beneath her red tinged eyes. He recognized the expression that pulled the corners of her mouth down as one reserved for those in mourning and felt a quick stab of pain ripple across his chest.

“Pidge?” His voice was thick with the gravel of disuse. The sound of her typing paused just long enough for him to tell she’d heard him before it picked back up again in double time. When Pidge was truly worried about something, she had a tendency to type quicker. It had once been something Shiro had pointed out as a joke, noting that she never typed like that when she was supposedly worried about any of the clansmen, which meant she must have never truly worried about them.

Why would I worry? You guys are trained killers and gangsters, she’d said with a shrug of her shoulder and a quick flick of her tongue between her teeth. Now the sound of her keyboard bled together into a constant hum as the keys were pressed impossibly quick. Her eyes never left the screen and her mouth turned down ever so slightly further. A burning hollowness started to fill his chest as the memory that was evading him tiptoed closer.

“Pidge?” He said again after attempting to clear his voice of the grit and sleep. “Pidge, where’s Shiro?”

Keith couldn’t remember a time he’d awoken bandaged up without Shiro being there by his bedside. Even when they’d both found themselves in bad shape, he’d always managed to make it to his side. The room seemed hopelessly empty without him filling up the space beside him and fixing him with a disapproving glare that almost always kicked off a speech about how Keith needed to be more careful. Pidge’s eyes flickered up to meet his, her typing faltering once more before picking back up their pace. The burning emptiness continued to eat away at the space within his chest, making it harder to breathe.

“How are you feeling?” Her voice was strained as she sidestepped the question, raising alarm bells in his mind. With a labored grunt, Keith tried to push himself up further from where he lay in the mound of pillows. The cushioning was suddenly stifling and he was certain if he didn’t push his way out, he would surely suffocate within it. As he struggled against the mounting feeling, the memory danced within his reach and he latched onto it as if it were a life preserve. The entirety of the trip to Okazaki rained down upon him in a painful crash of hail and dreadful realizations.

We can’t lose another oyabun.

I’ll see you on the other side.

His heart began to crash against the inside of his pained ribcage as the onslaught continued.

Gun shots and blood.

The pained expression on Shiro’s face as he was held down.

Bright light before everything else went black.

Keith had been beaten, he’d been stabbed and he’d been shot, yet none of that compared to the pain that erupted within his chest as the memory faded away leaving him alone in his bedroom with the realization that Shiro had been taken. The emptiness of his chest throbbed like the pain of a shin splint. It was settled so deep within himself that he wasn’t sure where he ended and the earth moving hurt began. Heartbreak was its own kind of pain entirely, and in that moment he felt as if he were feeling every heartbreak across a thousand lifetimes as his being yearned for the one person that wasn’t there. A ripping sensation erupted in the middle of his chest, separating his sternum with a shock of wet heat, and it was a moment before he realized it was caused by a sob.

“Where is Shiro?” He asked again, his voice cutting angrily through the tears he refused to acknowledge. Pidge’s sigh weighed a thousand pounds against his shoulders as she finally stopped typing and carefully closed the laptop. Her hazel eyes were filled with the golden fire of determination as she fixed them on him.

“We don’t know.”

Those three words sent Keith into a tail spin. Like a crashing plane, everything sputtered and tumbled around him in a kaleidoscope of broken glass and smoke. Her words droned on as she explained how the Raion police contact in Okazaki had reached out to the clan about possible gunfire in the area. The words slipped into the cracks between the wreckage of his thoughts as he attempted to make sense of them.

“By the time Lance and Hunk got there,” she paused as she took a steadying breath and pushed her glasses further up her nose. “It was just you. No one else there was alive. They searched for him amongst the bodies but he was already gone, Keith.”

His breathing sped up as he picked through the pieces of rubble that were burying themselves deep within his skull.

Gone.

There was something so final about the four letter word. Shiro, his Shiro, was gone. No longer present, or departed. Not many that were gone in their world came back, and those that did hardly ever did whole.

“All we know for certain is that the Akuma have him.” The contact of Pidge’s small hand over his startled him. Looking up to meet her stare, he saw the tears that threatened to spill over. When she’d first come to the Shinku no Raion, Shiro had taken her in under his wing, seeing himself in the hollowness of her eyes. Though Pidge quickly became an integral part of the clan and had opened up to the rest of their misfit family, she’d always gravitated to Shiro when she needed someone to share her darkness with. Without him, she was untethered and lost at sea. It seemed her and Keith were together in the same boat.

“We’re going to get him back,” he said, his voice heavy with the promise as he squeezed her fingers within his own. The wreckage had settled, and in its place sat the cold calm of rage. It simmered in his veins and oozed into the open wounds that were laid bare in his chest. They would get Shiro back, and he would make them pay.

***

Keith was pouring over the maps of the known Akuma territory, his mouth twisted in a thoughtful grimace at the ache in his ribs from the bruises and broken bone that laid beneath the bandages under his shirt. His entire being felt as if it was pressing against the inside of his skin, trying to escape the confines of his flesh and his insides throbbed with his worry. So much precious time had been wasted on him as the Raion had waited for him to fully awaken from the near coma he’d found himself in after their run in with the Akuma. A low growl rumbled deep within his chest as he wiped a hand across his eyes in an attempt to push away the tiredness he had no right to deserve. It had been three days, and he hadn’t allowed himself to sleep since. Keith’s eyes continued to dance across the maps as if he could pull the secret of Shiro’s location straight from the dried ink on the pages.

His raw nerves had long since pushed his waka gashira away, leaving him alone with his messy thoughts.

We’re doing our best, Keith, but right now we’re chasing down ghosts, Lance had yelled after he’d returned with Hunk from a long night of prowling known Akuma docks only to receive a hardened glare for their efforts.

You can’t risk the rest of the clan for one person. Shiro would understand that.

In hindsight, Lance was right. If Shiro was the leader, he would know that one man was not worth the many he had out risking their lives to search Akuma hideouts. But Shiro wasn’t the leader, and he wasn’t there to be Keith’s good conscience. He also wasn’t there to stop Keith from punching Lance in the face.

He opened and closed his hand thoughtfully, rubbing his other hand against his knuckles that still prickled from the contact they’d made with Lance’s jaw.  

The sniper’s blue eyes had been filled with a mix of betrayal and sadness as he glared at his oyabun, launching forward in retaliation before Hunk wrapped his solid arms around his waist to stall his assault.

We’ll get back out there, Hunk had said, eyes downcast and refusing to meet Keith’s. I know you’re angry, Keith, but this isn’t our fault. With a cold look from Lance as he squared his jaw, they both walked out of the meeting room he’d locked himself in and didn’t return. Any communication from them came through Pidge, who had fixed Keith with her own cold silence after a particularly aggressive argument regarding her hacking skills.

Alone with himself there was nothing to push away the look in Shiro’s eyes as he had been held down just on the other side of the store from him. His grey orbs had been filled with pleading, wanting nothing more than for Keith to just cooperate long enough for them to regain the upper hand. The Akuma thought Shiro was the true oyabun, and maybe if he’d just listened, they would have left him conscious and maybe he could have done something to save him. The fact of the situation burned in his throat and he choked on it any time he tried to reveal his truth.

Lance was right about more than one thing. This wasn’t their fault. It was his. Keith was responsible for Shiro being taken, and now he may never come home. His rage filled cry ripped the silence of the room in two as he threw his fist into the metal tabletop. The rush of electric pain spread across the knuckles and down through his wrist. He pulled the pain up further into his skin, holding onto the sharp sting that reverberated in his bones if only to feel something other than the pain of the bleeding hole in his chest.

The door to the meeting room squeaked as someone opened it. Keith’s shoulders tensed against the sound as he turned his head slightly away to hide his grimace from the person that had entered his space. Teeth grazing his lower lip, and eyes downcast, he saw a quick glimpse of Pidge in his peripherals as she dropped another folder onto the table next to him without a word. Her steps were soft against the carpet of the room as she turned on her heel and headed back towards the door. The silence was deafening between the both of them and it only made the ache in his chest deepen. Nails cut into the flesh of his palm as he tightened his fist, ready to find another surface to unleash his rage upon until his skin was left bloodied and torn.

A worried cough pulled him from his thoughts.

“Maybe you should get some rest.” Pidge’s voice was guarded as he heard her return to the space beside him. “I can take over for a bit.”

“Pidge,” his voice was a warning as she reached for the map in his hand. Her fingers trembled slightly as she paused, judging if she should still attempt to take it from him and if it would be worth the impending fight. She sighed in defeat and dropped her hand back to her side and leaned a hip into the table.

“Come on, Keith.” The way she spoke reminded him of how he once saw Daiki speak to a wild dog that he and Shiro had once found outside of the temple. It had been shaking and snarling, drool foaming around its jowls at it snapped at anyone that dared come close. The realization that he was the dog and not Daiki in this situation burned his already frazzled nerves.

“You won’t help him like this.”  Silence hung between them as they let the statement settle in the air. With an angry huff, the oyabun pinched the bridge of his nose and screwed his eyes shut to block out the world around him. Maybe the blackness of the inside of his eyelids would swallow him whole.

“Every hour that passes just means a higher chance he’s dead!” Keith’s voice broke under the weight of his sleep deprivation and despair. With his head still turned towards the ceiling and his eyes closed, he felt her fingers ghost over his as she grabbed the map from his hands and gently eased it from his grasp.

“I know,” she said with a low shush. “But he’d want you to take care of yourself too.” His answering chuckle was colored with bitterness as he finally looked at her. Pidge’s tawny eyebrows were stitched together with concern, but he didn’t miss the matching dark circles they shared.

“You’re one to talk,” he said without any real accusation. She sighed again before she wrapped wrapped her arms gently around his waist as to not disturb the bandaging underneath and pulled him into a hug as if her small frame could keep him from falling apart.

“I don’t run a Yakuza clan though.” Her response was muffled in his shirt as he ruffled her hair quickly before returning the embrace. They stood together in silence, each trying to suck the pain from the other while simultaneously searching for their own salvation in the halos of their arms.

The moment of weakness passed as a strong knock echoed against the wood of the door. Pushing away from her, Keith pulled on his steely mask as all his emotions settled back into place as he turned towards the trespasser. A woman in a police uniform stood in the doorway, her crystalline eyes scanning over the duo as they pointedly stared back at her. Though she looked to be in her mid-twenties, her hair shone a bright silver in the fluorescent lighting of the room. He couldn’t help but think that it looked like starlight as it glowed around her face and fell down her shoulders.

“I don’t mean to intrude,” her voice was thick with politeness and a foreign accent. “I’ve heard of the loss of your oyabun.” If she noticed the way his shoulders tensed at the title, or the way Pidge’s eyes quickly flitted towards him and away again, she didn’t let on. Remaining where she stood-- whether as a sign of respect or fear, Keith wasn’t sure-- she continued.

“My name is Allura.” Her name was well known within the Shinku no Raion. Allura had become a phantom member of the clan, feeding them information from inside the police force whenever she caught wind of any Murasaki no Akuma activity. Hunk had made the contact and therefore kept up communications with the officer but Keith and his waka gashira had grown accustomed to hearing that intel had come from her. He felt himself relax ever so slightly at her introduction.

“I’m Keith,” was all he offered, not moving to close the distance between them.

“Pidge.” Her voice was curt as she kept up her defenses. Gold met aquamarine in a show of dominance before Allura broke the eye contact. A small triumphant smile tugged the corner’s of Pidge’s mouth upward as she crossed her arms over her chest.

“Hunk said I would find you here,” Allura said, fixing her gaze on Keith instead.

“And what do we owe the pleasure?” He let his voice fall into an authoritative tone, brushing aside the way it reminded him of how Shiro would speak when acting as the oyabun. It made him feel like an imposter in his own role as he tried to fill the shoes of the man that served him.

“I brought someone that may be of worth to you in your search.” As she spoke she pushed away from the door to reveal a figure on the ground behind her that had been propped against the wall. The body’s head lulled to the side, his neck bent at an uncomfortable angle with his ear pressed to his shoulder and his eyes were shut. If it hadn’t been for the handcuffs and the angry red welt across one of his cheekbones, Keith would have thought he’d fallen asleep in the hallway. Familiarity dug its fingers into his skin as he looked at the man. Black hair fell over his forehead and his mouth was turned downwards in a frown that had haunted him for the past three days. The searing heat of bitter rage burned his insides as he recalled the way that same man had pressed the barrel of his gun to his forehead.

“His name is Prorok. I can’t tell you much more than that and the fact he’s an Akuma. I didn’t want to call in anything to look up his information so I wouldn’t need to take him in.” Allura’s disdainful gaze fell on the unconscious man as she paused as if considering whether to divulge anything else.

“He was wondering around Yanaka, which leads me to believe he may be useful to you.”

Keith wasn’t aware of the low growl that had escaped him until he felt Pidge’s questioning gaze tickling his skin. He felt his fingers twitch at his side, grasping for the daggers that normally sat on his thigh. His mind filled with the many different ways he would have carved them into his skin.

“Why are you helping us?” Pidge asked, snapping his twisted thoughts and pulling him back to reality. Her arms were still folded over her chest as she eyed Prorok.

“The Shinku no Raion saved my father when my own job could not. We are indebted to you,” Allura’s voice was small at the admission. A beat passed between the three of them and the only sound was the deep breathing of the unconscious Akuma.

“You owe us nothing,” Keith finally said, stepping forward and offering his hand to her. She took it gently, her sky filled eyes welling with tears at the gesture. With a quick squeeze of her hand, she pulled away and turned to leave.

“Tell Hunk we’ll be speaking soon,” she called over her shoulder. Her words fell on deaf ears as Keith glared down at the man on the ground. Amethyst fire blazed deep within his eyes, burning holes into his flesh. His anger rolled off of his skin in waves and caused the hair on Pidge’s arms to stand on end. In all the years she’d known Keith, she’d never once felt scared in his presence. Now, as she looked at the way his face twisted into a feral snarl at the sight of the Akuma, she felt the innate need to run. It was the first time she truly believed him to be a killer.

Without a word, Keith grabbed the metal that linked Prorok’s handcuffs and began to drag him further into the building. As she stood alone in the hallway with the silence weighing down upon her, she felt the icy fingers of worry run a trail down her spine.

***

Artificial light from the bright fluorescents overhead burned Prorok’s retinas as he slowly opened his eyes. At best, he’d hoped he’d have found himself on the cold hard ground of a police cell, and at worst he’d imagined he’d have ended up in the Akuma warehouse where they take the useless and the failed. What he hadn’t planned for was to find himself in the middle of what looked like a boardroom. Something about the mundaneness of the room felt infinitely worse to the other options. Rough rope bit into his bare chest as he struggled against the constraints that held him to the metal chair.

“You’re finally awake.” The cold voice reverberated off the walls and tiled floor around him. Soft footsteps followed as his captor walked from behind him, not looking up from the dagger he twirled quickly around in his fingers in a blur of black metal against white skin. Mauve flickered towards him from beneath the curtain of onyx bangs that brushed over his nose and in his eyes. The last time Prorok had seen those eyes, he’d had the weapon and the immobilized enemy. Now with the roles reversed and the steel that turned the liquid pools of purple into hard amethyst, he felt the distinct bite of fear.

Prorok had thought Zarkon would be the worst thing that would have happened to him. When they’d returned with the man they thought to be the oyabun of the Raion, they’d been met with the wrath of their own leader and Sendak. Before his eyes he saw as they demonstrated what happens to those that fail the Akuma and it had been enough for him to gravel for a chance to right Haxus’ wrongs. He conveniently left out the part where he’d had the true oyabun in his grasp and he’d left him battered and unconscious at the furniture store like a bleeding gift for their rivals. Zarkon’s smile was a jackal’s grin as he handed Prorok a box with explicit instructions to leave it on the footstep of the Raion temple. Something about the way he’d given the order sounded as if he didn’t expect the Akuma to return home alive, and as he watched the Raion leader begin to unbutton his shirt, he wondered if Zarkon had known all along.

The crimson shirt fell from Keith’s shoulders with a whisper, revealing the stark white of bandages that held him together. Prorok kept his eyes trained on the tight fabric that ran across the muscle of his back to avoid meeting the gaze of the Raion oyabun. Carefully folding the fabric, Keith set it on the table, next to the line of varying knives, hammers and tools.

“Can’t get blood on my shirt, you know.” His voice was pure ice and void of any emotion. That voice was the voice of a man that had everything taken from him, and now had nothing to lose. When they’d moved on the Shinku no Raion, they’d thought they were dealing the clan a killing blow. It was as Keith’s fingers danced across the cold, gleaming steel of the array of tools on the table, that he’d realized they’d only given the clan the drive they needed to be monsters. Settling for the black dagger he’d originally held, he turned back to Prorok with an inhuman scowl. Despair gripped his lungs, forcing the air from them as Keith stepped forward until Prorok’s vision was filled with the white, black and purple fury that the oyabun exuded.

“You’re going to tell me where Shiro is.” It was a statement, not a question. His captor dropped down on his haunches so that he knelt before him. The ropes chaffed his skin as he pulled against them again as if he could somehow get away from the near demon stare of the Raion.

“I’d rather die,” he spat, saliva speckling his things and the bridge of Keith’s nose. The cold touch of metal bit into the space underneath the fingernail of his right index finger as the oyabun pressed the dagger into the skin. Heated breath caressed his ear as Keith leant towards him as if he was about to let him in on a secret. His closeness was more unsettling than the tip of the knife in his finger bed.

“I never said you’d live.” With the quickness of a lightning strike, he pushed the dagger forward and underneath the nail, separating the plate from the flesh. The pain was blinding as he used the knife’s edge to remove the nail completely. Blood sprayed across his chest in a macabre imitation of a Pollock painting. Prorok sunk his teeth into his tongue in an attempt to cage his cry of pain behind his teeth. The sharp pinch returned underneath his middle finger as Keith pulled back.

“You only get the relief of death once you’ve earned it,” he snarled as he thrust the dagger upwards once more, scooping the nail free of his finger. Without another word he repeated the process with the remaining digits on Prorok’s right hand, the vicious light gleaming in his eyes as the Akuma finally broke. His howl ripped apart the otherwise silent room and filled it with his pain. Blood dripped from his fingertips and onto the floor like garnet rain that stained the once white tile.

“Where are they keeping him?” Keith’s voice was gruff, turning into a growl by the end. The exposed tips of his fingers were impossibly cold. He focused on the feeling in an attempt to push back the otherwise electric pain that was radiating up through his entire arm. Every cell in his body revolted against the trauma as it tried to protect itself against the injury.

“I don’t know,” he choked, looking away from the glare that would burn a hole straight through him. In truth, he really didn’t know. The last he’d seen the saiko-komon was at the warehouse where Haxus had been killed, but he hadn’t seen him since. Whether he was still there receiving his own torture or he was already dead and disposed of, Prorok couldn’t say. It was an admission that would sign his death warrant, and while he’d put up a front, his heart beat in triple time at the idea of his demise.

Keith’s tongue clicked against the back of his teeth as he stood and returned to the table. With his back towards the Akuma, Prorok searched futilely for an escape. Jostling against the biting rope that had rubbed his skin raw, he felt the chair he was tied to hop slightly. Throwing himself against the binding again, the chair scooted forward again with a loud scrape against the tile. Keith used his dagger to pop the cover off a light switch near the table, leaving a smear of bright red against the white wall. The exposed wiring was ominous in the light of the room as he attached a jumper cable to them.

Prorok rocked the chair again only to feel two of the legs leaving the floor. A moment of uncertainty passed before the balance shifted and he fell sideways into the pool of his own blood. A small sob escaped him as Keith’s footsteps returned to him and he heard the metallic clink of the other end of the jumper cable attaching to one of the chair’s legs. He watched as his torturer’s form walked back to the table and leaned a hip against it. The oyabun grasped the switch between two fingers as he fixed his murderous glare back on the man on the floor.

“That isn’t a good enough answer.” His voice was gravel and broken glass as he flicked the switch. Prorok’s vision went white as electricity ran through the metal of the chair and burned against his insides. Snot and drool rolled undignified from his nostrils and mouth as he shook against the ground, his body taken over by the white hot heat that coursed through it. As suddenly as it had started, it stopped, leaving his sight blurry with tears and pain as he gasped from the breath he’d been choked of as his body had seized.

“Let’s try a new question. Where do the Akuma keep their captives?” Keith’s fingers kept their hold on the switch as he stared intently as Prorok as if he could lift the answers straight from his mind with sheer willpower. His captive continued to struggle for breath as his heart hammered against the back of his sternum. He had barely heard the question over the heartbeat that pounded in his ears. Fear was deafening him as he realized he was going to die there.

“I don’t- I don’t know where Shiro is,” he stammered through a sob of mucus and tears. “Please.” Any fight he had left in him dissipated as he saw Keith’s fingers twitch over the switch.

“Keith,” a new voice cut through the din of his cries as another Raion joined them. There was a brief moment of silence before the oyabun turned his attention to his subordinate in the doorway with a quick nod to say what he needed to say. Prorok kept his eyes trained on the light switch.

“We received a package.” The newcomer’s voice was hushed as if he didn’t want to divulge the information to his leader. He felt himself tense against the ropes as he realized it was the package he’d delivered to their temple.

“What is it?” Keith asked sharply, annoyance coloring his tone. The mauve fire flickered back over Prorok before returning to the man in the doorway. His answering sigh was filled with unease.

“We don’t know. It’s-” a pause as he chose his words. “It’s for you.” The Raion’s gaze met Prorok’s once more before he gave a curt nod to his subordinate. Pushing away from the table, he held the tortured man’s stare with a look of vehemence and disdain.

The sharp amethyst of his eyes were the last thing Prorok saw before Keith flipped the switch and left the room.

***

His waka gashira stood around the package in the meeting room, staring down at it with suspicion. It was an unassuming brown box about three feet long and five inches wide as well as deep, and yet something about the simple cardboard made Keith’s skin crawl.

“Where did you get this?” He asked, his voice breathless as his fingers dragged over one of the edges. A small, rust colored stain had bled through the corner, leaving an ominous blemish on the otherwise light brown material.

“It was outside the temple.” Hunk’s voice was colored with a gruff edge as he reached into his pocket to pull out a folded half sheet of paper. “This was with it.” Ice filled his veins as he took the note. A weight settled across his chest as he took a steadying breath. His fingers trembled against the paper as he unfolded it, dread pooling in his gut as he read the words.

We want the real Crimson Lion.

Blood roared in his ears as his shaking hands reached for the box. A prophetic knowing feeling was gnawing at his insides like worms through dirt. He could feel the holes it left leaving his nerve endings bare for all to see as his fingers ghosted over the cardboard and found the edge of the box. His entire being screamed for him to open it while also simultaneously begging him to leave it closed. With a steadying breath, his fingers dipped between the lid and body of the box so he could tug it off.

Color fell away from the world around him as it stopped with a violent shudder. Everything was void of color, descending into a monochromatic scene of whites, grays and blacks, and all Keith wanted to do was paint it all red.

Red with his rage.

Red with his revenge.

Red with their blood.

An animalistic cry tore from his throat, shredding his vocal chords and leaving the metallic taste of blood in its wake. Three pairs of eyes watched him with a mix of worry and fear.

Before them in the box, nestled in brown packing paper, was Shiro’s arm.