#yes i am happy when people give me compliments because most of the time I feel like a ugly piece of shit

[good-things-go]

One thing I will miss from my old job: the customers who complimented my hair

[ticklishfiend]

Ramble On (Arcane)

(lee!jayce, ler!viktor)

Word Count : 6978

Summary : Apparently, Jayce has a lot he wants to tell Viktor, but only does so once he’s drunk on Viktor’s couch. In doing so, his outward love of physical affection makes Viktor realize some things about himself.

a/n : happy new years everybody! tysm for the love on the last fic, it meant sm to me <3 i hope yall enjoy this one bc i really liked writing it. lee!jayce is a treasure and im holding him dear to my heart rn.

this is a tickle fic! not nsfw but the ending is suggestive, so don't like don't read! :D

—

Jayce cannot be serious right now.

“Just this once? Please, Viktor. That last gala made me feel like a– like a dissected lab rat. They had their hands all over me, trying to…pick me apart and figure out my game,” Jayce cringed, throwing his hands to the side in exasperation, “I’m a scientist, not some corrupt politician looking to exploit. I just feel so out of my league…”

Viktor nodded in understanding, his insides fighting against the sympathy he felt for this man. Viktor hated those galas with everything in him. He’s been to only two so far, right at the start of their partnership, and it was hell. 

They were exactly the way Jayce described, the way it made you feel like an object to be inspected upon by those giving you the funds for your work. Like you had to let them look at you the way they do, because in some round-about way you almost owe them the right.

It’s horrible. And now Jayce is begging, pleading with Viktor to go to another with him. 

Viktor’s not even sure what difference it’ll make that he’s there. Most people there always look at him like he’s some wall standing in the way of the Golden Boy. Jayce is always pulled away and prodded at while Viktor’s left to sip on his champagne and watch as Jayce shoots ‘help me’ looks his way. 

But tonight, Jayce seems desperate. The last one must’ve been pretty bad if he’s actually begging Viktor to come. He never forgets to at least ask Viktor if he’s changed his mind and wants to attend before leaving, but this time he looks like he’s about to get on his knees and clasp his hands together.

Viktor grimaced, looking up at Jayce from his office chair in the lab. “You really want me to go that bad?”

Jayce sighed with a tired nod, “Yes. I just need your moral support. I feel better when you’re there.”

“Jayce, I’ve only been twice.”

“Yeah, and they were the best ones I’ve been to,” he said sincerely, before putting his hands on Viktor’s shoulders and squeezing. “I am asking you a favor. Partner to partner. I’ll owe you one.”

Viktor stuck his tongue in his cheek and rolled it in thought. Jayce won’t stop looking him in the eyes like that, all wide and sad and puppy-ish. 

‘When did I get so weak-willed?’

“Okay fine. Fine. But–” Viktor stuck a finger in Jayce’s chest just as the man started to smile all bright. “You owe me. I will not forget this.”

Jayce’s eyes were like stars, “Oh thank you, V, thank you. I won’t forget this either, trust me. I’ll buy you all the sweet milk your stomach can take for this,” he cheered, looking like he was about to jump up and down in glee.

Viktor sighed, pushing himself up off the chair with his cane. “Yes yes, all the sweet milk money can buy,” he pat Jayce on the shoulder as he walked towards the lab doors. “I’m going to get freshened up in my room, so I will, eh…meet you there, I suppose?”

Jayce smiled hard as he ran to open the door for Viktor in gratitude. “You got it, partner.”

—

Just as Viktor suspected. Hell on earth.

It’s so crowded and noisy, the ballroom crawling with wealthy socialites that reeked of expensive perfume and alcohol– so much alcohol.

Viktor almost wonders if there was a pre-game party before this, because the amount of times they’ve had some rich lady nearly stumble over to grip Jayce on the arm and slur weird little flirts and compliments his way was staggering. Jayce looked like he was going to crawl out of his skin the whole night with the way these people were crowding him like ants to a cookie.

As the night went on, Viktor could tell it was getting to Jayce worse and worse. And not just by how visibly stiff and sweaty he’d gotten, either. 

Jayce was drinking way more than Viktor thought he would.

Glass after glass, Jayce was downing as much alcohol as he could pour down his gullet. At one point Viktor even tried to insinuate he slow down a little and fucking relax, but it was no use. Jayce just rolled his eyes like a teenager and took another glass off the nearest tray he could find.

At least he doesn’t look so out of place, seeing as nearly everyone here was on the brink of being trashed. It was surprising to watch all these high-life classy Pilties get their drink on like this, but Viktor couldn’t say it wasn’t a little bit amusing. 

He thought after he left Zaun that he’d seen about the end of getting to watch people stumble and trip over their own feet at a function, slurring their words and laughing too loud at nothing. He supposed it wasn’t the worst way to spend an evening.

But then, Jayce walked back over to him with this look in his eyes. Viktor’s brow furrowed in concern.

“Is everything alright?”

Jayce groaned, before throwing his head onto Viktor’s shoulder and mumbling into his shirt. “W’nna go home.”

Oh shit. Jayce is drunk. Really drunk.

Viktor patted him on the back, looking over his shoulder to make sure no one could see the Man of Progress pouting like a child into his partner's neck. “I concur. But– you’re coming home with me. I’m not letting you walk home alone like this, but my leg can’t make both trips.”

Jayce giggled into his neck, and his breath gave Viktor goosebumps. “Sleepoverrrr!”

Viktor sighed, repositioning Jayce to stand straight as he led them toward the exit. “I hope you know that whatever weird things you say tonight, I won’t let you live it down.”

“M’not gonna say anything weird. You’re just– you’re too judgemental,” Jayce spoke too slow, a little slurred, and Viktor couldn’t help but grin.

—

Oh Viktor has so much to tease Jayce for in the morning. He can hardly wait.

On their walk home, Jayce couldn’t keep his mouth shut. He was going on and on about how smart, how brilliant, how perfect Viktor was as his partner. Viktor couldn’t keep the blush off his face if he tried, but luckily Jayce was a little too out of it to notice. 

Jayce told him how good he looked in his gala outfit, that it fit him perfectly around the waist and the ‘butt area,’ as he put it. He confessed that he started putting sweet milk in his own coffee thanks to Viktor, and he loves it, despite how much he teases Viktor for his sweet tooth. 

And the closer they got to Viktor’s apartment door, the less Jayce could hold in his excitement about their little ‘sleepover.’

“Gonna make you play Twister with me,” Jayce joked with a giggle.

“Has anyone ever told you how much of a lightweight you are?” Viktor said as he stuck the key into his door, turning it to click. 

“Yeeeah, they told me that a lot at the academy,” Jayce smiled, walking in after Viktor and gasping. “Oh it looks so nice in here!”

“You’ve been here, Jayce. Not much, but you have.” Viktor rolled his eyes, placing his keys on the table and walking toward the open area kitchen next to the living room. “I’m going to get you some water. Go sit on the couch, you overgrown toddler.”

“M’not a toddler, I have a degree…” Jayce argued, doing as he was told and plopping onto the couch. He ran his hand over the cushion’s fabric, “You got new stuff since last time. Oh, your couch is so soft.”

Viktor opened the fridge and grabbed his water filter before reaching for the cabinet of cups. “Well, our job pays pretty nicely. I figured I could treat myself to a few furniture items here and there.”

Viktor made his way back to the living area, handing Jayce his cup and sitting next to him on the couch. It wasn’t even 11pm yet, so Viktor still felt wide awake. His hours have been so screwed up recently thanks to his many nights spent sleeping in the lab, so he knows that if Jayce doesn’t get to sleep soon, Viktor’s probably on babysitting duty for the rest of the night.

Which…didn’t sound so bad, to be honest. Viktor’s only seen Jayce drunk like this a handful of times, but that was usually when Viktor had a few more drinks in him himself.

When Jayce gets drunk, he gets silly.

Even sober, Viktor’s found himself chuckling at Jayce’s antics all night. Jayce is far from a stuck-up person, but he’s usually a tad more reserved with his playfulness, especially around Viktor.

He’s sure it’s nothing personal, Viktor can be a bit of a stickler about play in the lab, but he really likes getting to see this side of Jayce with a clear head now that they’re somewhere more private.

So watching Jayce giggle around the rim of the glass at literally nothing was much more amusing to him than it was annoying. He knows how embarrassed Jayce is going to be in the morning, and it only fuels the fire to keep this going.

Viktor can’t wait to see Jayce burn red when he recounts all the embarrassing things he’s said and done over the course of the last hour.

“What’s got your giggle-box turned over?” Viktor teased, bringing his feet up on the cushions and laying back against the arm of the couch so he could watch Jayce.

Then, realizing how weird that probably was, quickly snatched a book from the coffee table to pretend-read just so he isn’t too obvious with his staring.

Jayce snickered, placing the glass down on the table. “I dunno. You’re just, you’re being so nice to me. It’s funny.”

Viktor furrowed his brow with a smirk, “When am I not nice to you? I’m a delight.”

Jayce laughed a little harder at that. “Nooo you are nice. You’re super nice, I didn’t mean that,” he reiterated poorly, only making Viktor suppress a snicker of his own.

And before Viktor realized what Jayce was doing, the man’s head was suddenly laying down in Viktor’s lap, Jayce’s eyes peering at him from under the book. 

Viktor’s brows shot up in surprise. “Oh. Well hello there.”

“Hi,” Jayce smiled before his expression quickly turned to a little pout. He groaned as he grabbed the book in Viktor’s hands and tried prying it from his grip, but Viktor wouldn’t let go. Jayce groaned, “Uugh, pay attention to me.”

Okay, Viktor couldn’t not laugh at that. “Are you serious?”

“Yes. Super serious. I wanna talk, I like talking!” Jayce whined, still pulling on the book in Viktor’s hands. Viktor kept his grip tight, because it was far too amusing to watch this strong, bulky man fail to get a good tug in their little scuffle. “Viktor c’mon!”

“You’ve got to try a little harder than that to– aH! Hah- no, noho- Jayce, do not-!” Viktor’s voice pitched up without his permission, a choked off giggle escaping him as Jayce snuck his hands up over his own head to tickle at Viktor’s sides.

Alright. Maybe Jayce gets a little too silly when he’s drunk.

Viktor’s elbows crashed down to cover the area, letting the book fall off the couch without thinking, but that didn’t stop Jayce.

Now that he was latched on, he wasn’t letting go, and Viktor knew if he kept this up, he’d be giggling like a lunatic in no time.

Jayce grinned wide and proud. “Hah! You’re ticklish!” He teased, fingers pinching into Viktor’s sides with much more precision than they should with both the awkward angle and his clear inebriation. “I could tell. You look ticklish.”

Viktor shook his head, “Whahat does that even–?! gAh- okay, okahay! Enough!” He was full on giggling now, which is ridiculous because Jayce is supposed to be the one embarrassing himself right now, not Viktor.

Actually. What a wonderful idea.

Viktor gathered enough willpower to push his arms away from his sides, quickly diving his own fingers into Jayce’s very exposed armpits and digging in, albeit a little clumsily.

And yet, Jayce still screamed like a girl.

He shot his elbows down to his sides, immediately falling into a bout of ticklish laughter. His head leaned back and exposed his throat that bobbed through his cackling, legs gently kicking at the arm of the couch, more playful than anything.

“Nohohoho! Viktor!” Jayce cackled, and Viktor couldn’t help but snicker incredulously at the ridiculous situation he’s found himself in.

He’s got his fingers stuffed between Jayce’s arms, wiggling them into any muscle and bone he can that he knew would be sensitive on himself.

Viktor’s never found himself in the situation of having to tickle someone to make them stop tickling him before. Actually, now that he thinks about it, this might be his first time really tickling someone. He’s poked and pinched at Jayce a few times in the lab when he’s going about his daily routine of teasing Jayce til he turns pink, though he’d hardly count that as real tickling.

He’s teased Jayce for his ticklishness for a while now, ever since that day his elbow poked a little too funny into Jayce’s rib and made the man squeak. Of course, Viktor couldn’t help but take advantage, constantly reminding Jayce that, ‘yes, I remember, and technically speaking, I could use this information against you anytime I want.’

But really tickling? Burying his fingers into the flesh and digging there with enough gentleness to make Jayce laugh the way he is right now with his head thrown back into Viktor’s lap, caught up in breathless laughter and little squirms he couldn’t control…

...Yeah, this is certainly a first.

Though, Viktor’s not complaining. It’s quite hard to beat a view as cute as this one.

“Plehease!” Jayce begged through his giggling, shaking his head side to side. He wiggled helplessly on Viktor’s lap, but still kept his weight almost entirely off Viktor’s bad leg.

This man is so sweet it’s giving Viktor a toothache.

“What are you begging for? You started this, you were practically asking for it,” Viktor teased, grinning when he saw how flushed Jayce looked at his comment.

His fingers found a spot right near the top of Jayce’s ribs, and the man under him jolted with a cackle. 

“I did nohot!” Jayce argued pitifully, still doing nothing to push Viktor away and stop his assault.

If anything, it almost looked like he was trying hard not to stop him. His fists were balled up, occasionally gripping onto his own shirt like he needed something to grab onto. He was just…taking it.

Oh this could be very interesting if Viktor’s current theory proves correct.

Suddenly, Viktor stopped the wiggling of his fingers, keeping them still and motionless underneath the man’s arms. Jayce panted through his remaining giggles, twitching like he was expecting it to start up again at any point.

His smile never left, wide and bright as ever. Viktor could feel the man’s anticipation under his fingertips.

And Jayce looked positively giddy with it.

Viktor tilted his head in curiosity as he looked down at Jayce in his lap, his face upside-down from this angle. “Are you having fun down there?” He asked, taking advantage of Jayce’s loose tongue.

Jayce’s giggles just started anew, and Viktor didn’t have to move a muscle to prompt it.

“Stohop.”

“I did stop. Almost thirty seconds ago, I might add.”

Jayce’s nose scrunched up from his snickering, “I take it back. You are not nice.”

“Oh?” Viktor’s voice tilted, giving the fingers under Jayce’s arm an experimental curl.

Jayce jerked with giddy panic at the feeling, “Noho wait! You’re nice, you're nice, you’re so nice–! Plehease!

Viktor shook his head fondly, “Are you actually this ticklish or are you just drunk?” 

“Mmmhm, probably both” Jayce smiled wide, looking through his lashes up to Viktor. They both just stared at each other for a moment, Jayce with excited anticipation in his eyes, and Viktor…well, he could only assume he looked about as smitten as he felt. Again, hopefully Jayce was too drunk to notice.

Then Jayce squirmed with a hummed, mischievous giggle in his throat, before lifting his arms and wrapping them around Viktor’s waist, locking his own fingers together behind his slender back. He was looking at Viktor with a little challenge in his eyes, as if saying, ‘bet you won’t.’

Viktor’s own eyes widened, his jaw slacking in fond shock with a curl to the corner of his lips. Jayce cannot be serious.

“Is this an invitation, Jayce?” He asked with a skeptical chuckle, lifting his fingers to hover just above Jayce’s armpits and wiggle teasingly. At the sight, Jayce giggled hard and shut his eyes back up, his elbows flinching at the thought.

“Noooo,” he said, his smile betraying his words.“Just…gettin’ comfy.”

Viktor hummed, “Could you open your eyes then?”

Jayce’s eyes scrunched tighter. “No way.”

“Why not? You don’t like the view?”

“Oh shut it, you know that’s not why,” Jayce huffed, the grin just unable to leave his face. “No, m’just comfy. And if I can’t see you then…” he pulled his lips in like his next words were crawling out of him against his will. “...then, you can just do whatever you want. I dunno.”

Oh, Viktor is going to eat this man alive.

“So that’s what this is then?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I think you might.”

“Nope. Nuh uh. Shut up.”

“You’re telling me to shut up? In your position?”

Jayce threw his head to the side bashfully, his lips pressed together on a shy smile. “Hm?”

Viktor snickered, “You are actually asking for it. Oh you’re going to hate yourself for this in the morning, aren’t you?”

Jayce snickered, burying his face into the crook of his elbow, “I think I’ll just be glad I got it over with.”

“Oh? This is something you’ve wanted for a while then?” Viktor asked through a grin, before bringing down his index fingers to slowly, teasingly scribble into Jayce’s pits (because god, looking at Jayce like this, all inviting and practically begging for it, waiting any longer to strike would’ve probably killed them both). 

Jayce yipped, his elbows jerking inward and nearly covering his entire face. The fabric of Jayce’s dress shirt created a smooth glide under Viktor’s fingernails that he was sure felt torturous.

His arms shook with the effort to keep them locked behind Viktor’s back, but somehow he stayed put.

Not, of course, without giggling his head off at the lightest of touches under his arms, his heels digging into the couch cushions.

“Mahaybe-!” He managed through light, breathy laughter. His giggling sounded almost nervous, like he knew just how much worse this could get for him.

Viktor adjusted his jaw on his smile, throwing a look to the side like he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. He knew Jayce was a massive lover of physical affection, but good god, Viktor didn’t realize how much he’d like giving it to him.

So Viktor looked back down, getting into character. He’s never really tickled someone before, but he’s more than happy to learn with Jayce as his willing subject.

“There’s no way you’re going to be able to keep your arms up. I’d bet money on it.”

“You hahave– aHk-! Suhuch little faith in mehe!” Jayce joked, doing a much better job keeping composure under these circumstances than Viktor ever could.

Ignoring his comment, Viktor moved his hands lower on Jayce’s torso to pinch at his ribs meticulously, plucking at each one at the top. He got quite a rise out of the way Jayce’s giggles raised in pitch and panic, his legs kicking on their own accord.

Jayce’s desperate smile looked like it was going to burst at the seams.

“Ohoh no fahair!” Jayce whined, his eyebrows pinched together from frantic laughter. His face was so flushed, hair a tousled mess from his squirming, and Viktor felt himself growing warm at the sight. 

Shit. Viktor really likes this.

“How is this not fair? You knew I was going to tickle you, so why does it matter where I do it?” He asked, and though he used a teasing tone, he was genuinely asking. 

Weirdly, now that he’s realized how much fun this was, Viktor wants to approach this from a scientist’s perspective. Test theories, make conclusions, and above all, experiment.

“Becahahause!” Jayce threw his head to the other side, like he’s trying to block his face from all angles. “It– gghaAHha noo!– it’s wohorse!”

“How, Jayce?” Viktor paused his fingers, keeping them poised sharply against Jayce’s top rib. Jayce pouted, letting out another one of his famous whines. “I want you to tell me.”

“Uuugh,” Jayce groaned, looking pained in the best way that Viktor’s prying this information out of him. “It’s just…when you get all pinchy…it feels worse.”

Viktor hummed. “Worse in a bad way?”

Jayce just stared back at him with pinched lips like he’d been caught.

So Viktor grinned. “Ah. Worse in a good way then, hm?”

Jayce’s eyes shut tight, his mouth spreading into a bashful smile that looked impossible to fight back.

“So if I were to, say, do this-” Viktor pinched harsher at Jayce’s ribs, staying near the top and really letting his fingers dig in between the bone, practically vibrating into the flesh.

Jayce immediately arched through a cackle, his chest bouncing with the force of it. His face looked gleefully desperate.

“Noho don’t-!”

“-It would tickle worse than if I were to do this-?” He switched tactics quicker than Jayce could process the feeling, his fingertips softening along the ribs and skittering over the smooth fabric of Jayce’s shirt.

He could still feel the bones under his fingers through the thin fabric, feeling the way Jayce’s body jumped underneath him, and the sensation made Viktor’s stomach flip in excitement.

The change in tickling made Jayce stumble over his laughter, keening through the feeling as his laughter morphed from something deep and desperate, to a lighter, bubblier sound that made his ears turn pink.

“Gghk-hah- aha shihit!” Jayce could barely speak, so visibly flustered by Viktor’s teasing. It made Viktor feel something powerful yet caring surge through him. He was controlling Jayce’s reactions, forcing torturous sensations upon him and pulling humiliating sounds from his throat, and Jayce was loving every second of it. “I– I cahan’t!”

Viktor cooed, “Aw, but you are Jayce Talis. You can do anything you put your mind to, no?” The words flowed like butter off his tongue, the teasing coming so natural to him. He’s spent so long messing with Jayce in their lab, it’s like he knows the exact buttons to press now that he’s got him hysterical under his fingers.

And when Viktor began moving his hands inward, fingers spidering towards Jayce’s bouncing stomach, it seemed that was Jayce’s breaking point. With a frantic shriek he shot his arms down to protect his middle, his knees folding into himself as he quickly curled onto his side, still on Viktor’s lap. 

Viktor’s brows shot up in surprise at such a reaction, biting his lip on an amused smile. He brought his hands up to comfort a still-giggling Jayce, smoothing over his shoulder as he caught his breath in Viktor’s lap.

Viktor clicked his tongue. “I’m guessing the stomach is an off-limits spot, then?”

Jayce huffed a chuckle into Viktor’s thigh. Even drunk, he’s kept his weight entirely off Viktor’s bad leg through the whole ordeal, and even now brings a hand down to massage into the flesh the way he knows soothes Viktor’s aching muscles. Viktor felt his heart clench at such a caring action, wanting to lean down and kiss all over Jayce’s head and the mess of hair that covered it.

“Not off-limits,” Jayce started, his words mumbled into the fabric of Viktor’s pants. “There’s just no way I can keep my arms up if you’re there. It’s pretty bad.”

“Noted,” said Viktor, “I’ll remember to get you nice and secure next time.”

Jayce shot his head up, looking at Viktor with wide, nervous eyes. “N-Next time?”

God, Viktor wanted to just squeeze Jayce until he popped. “What, you didn’t like it? You looked like you were having a ball down there.”

Jayce flashed another shy, closed-mouth smile, his eyes darting away. “Well, I– I just thought that it wasn’t something that…well, something that you would wanna do again,” Jayce shrugged, “You’re not usually playful like that.”

And he’s right, usually Viktor wouldn’t indulge himself with such an outward display of childishness. He’ll tease, oh how he teases, but getting too physical always felt like some barrier he’d have to forge a long path toward tearing down.

Turns out, that barrier was a lot easier to cross when Jayce made it so clear how badly he wanted it from Viktor.

“Well,” Viktor started, smoothing his thumb over Jayce’s shoulder and feeling warm when Jayce leaned into his palm, “You seemed to be enjoying yourself so much. I expected you to push me away, and then…you didn’t. Once I realized you seemed to like it, I found myself enjoying it too,” he said, before chuckling softly, “As odd as it may be.”

Suddenly, the top of Viktor’s hand was enveloped with Jayce’s own (Viktor knew his hands were smaller than his partner’s, but good god, it pretty much wrapped entirely around his own), and it didn’t seem like Jayce even realized what he was doing. He was just savoring every bit of affection Viktor gave him, and indulged himself as he pleased.

As it seemed, Viktor could learn a thing or two from Jayce, and he really, really wanted to.bx 

“You caught me, I liked it,” Jayce mumbled, his words slurred and sleepy as he made himself comfy over Viktor’s lap, leaning his weight on the good leg. “But…I just really like when you’re like this. It’s fun.”

Viktor was glad Jayce’s eyes had slipped shut, because the look on his face had to be painfully obvious. He felt so warm, his insides turning gooey when Jayce snuggled the side of his face into Viktor’s thigh. 

Jayce is so honest. Too honest. Viktor loves and envies him for it so deeply. He can’t understand how Jayce is able to roll those words off his tongue like it’s the easiest thing in the world to do, like it isn’t painful to admit.

Viktor wants to learn how for Jayce. He’s a smart man, they both are. Maybe it’s not as hard as he made it out to be in his head.

He turned his palm up to squeeze Jayce’s, exhaling shakily when Jayce squeezed back gently, tired. “I like when you’re like this too, Jayce,” Viktor practically whispered, hoping his kind words were the last thing Jayce heard before falling asleep. 

—

Jayce woke up to the smell of coffee.

And just as soon as that warm smell hit him, a pounding pain behind his eyes seemed to hit even harder.

Jayce groaned. As he slipped his eyes opened, he realized the sun had a fucking vendetta against him this morning, its rays shining through the window directly into his eyes and going straight to that source of pain in his head. He threw his arm over his face with another groan. 

“I think I’m dying.”

“Well good morning to you too.”

Jayce huffed, suddenly remembering where he was. “Coffee’s on?”

He heard a little hum of confirmation from the kitchen, slumping further into the cushions. Jayce sighed, “I don’t think I even drank that much last night. I don’t know why I feel like actual death incarnate.”

“Oh no, you definitely drank too much. You had some of the punch, yes?”

Jayce peeked over the arm of the couch, sparing Viktor a furrowed brow. “Yeah?”

Viktor smirked, grabbing the coffee pot to pour into their respective mugs. “I suspect it may have been spiked. Everyone that touched that bowl went home slung over someone else’s shoulder.”

Jayce buried his forehead in his arm with a frustrated sigh. “That explains…so much.”

He heard the familiar click of a cane coming his way, lifting his head to meet Viktor’s gaze with a tired chuckle. Viktor handed him his coffee before seating himself down next to Jayce, blowing the steam off the top of his own cup.

“So…” Viktor started, not even glancing at Jayce as he grinned down the rim of his coffee. “...tickling, hm?”

Jayce choked on the coffee he had been trying to swallow down.

Viktor took Jayce’s cup and sat it down on the table to pat his back through the coughing fit, that calm and collected look on his face never wavering. Jayce felt himself burning to the touch.

“I– uh, I don’t– heh, it wasn’t like that–”

“Jayce,” Viktor commanded Jayce’s gaze with his voice. Jayce’s eyes were wide, biting down on his lip in embarrassment.

Viktor just smiled warmly. “I know how you are about physical affection. I’ve received more hugs from you in the past few months than I probably have in the last decade.”

Jayce nodded to show he was listening, but felt himself sadden a bit at the passing comment. How could anyone not want to hug Viktor?

Sure, he’s a bit bony, and is maybe a little intimidating when you first meet him, but Jayce had Viktor in a tight embrace within their first few months of acquaintance. Jayce can’t help but throw an arm around him any chance he can get. He’s just…touchable.

Still, Viktor continued, “And though I’m not one to usually give out such affections myself, you seemed…very happy last night.”

He twisted his lips, thinking of how to word it. “I’m unsure if the whole tickling thing specifically was just a manifestation of your intoxicated state, or if it’s something you also crave when you’re sober,” he tapped a nervous finger against the mug. “Nonetheless…I found myself enjoying it as well.”

Viktor shrugged, but looked a bit embarrassed at the admittance. “I’m sure you don’t remember details, but you told me last night that you had been hoping for something like that to happen for a while now,” he said, giving Jayce a hard, concentrated stare that made him nearly shiver. “Was it just my offering of physical affection that you wanted? Or��the specifics of how I handed it out last night?”

God. Jayce isn’t sure whether to be elated or mortified by how scientific Viktor was handling this.

He loves how Viktor’s accent curls around the words and makes them sound so clinical and professional, but he could also feel how hot his face was burning at the sound and was frankly a bit too embarrassed to answer in the same dignified manner.

“Um…” he started, cringing at the sound of his own wavering voice. “Sort of…both? I think?”

Viktor nodded, his face set in concentration on Jayce’s. Jayce felt so observed, and it made eye contact very hard.

“I do like the, uh…the– y’know-”

“The tickling?”

Jayce huffed, bringing a hand to his face. “Yeah. That.”

Viktor grinned. “You struggle to say the word?”

“In this context? Yeah. A lot.”

Viktor just pinched his lips on a smile. “Please, continue.”

Jayce sighed, “So, I do like that part specifically. Like, kind of a lot.” He shrugged shyly, bringing a knee to his chest to lean on, “But, you’re right, it isn't just that. I…do really like when you touch me in any way,” he said, before stammering, “Wait– that sounds weird but, you know what I mean.”

Viktor nodded once, “I do.”

Jayce exhaled like he’d been holding his breath, picking at the fabric of his pants anxiously. Shit, he never changed clothes last night. His shirt’s probably wrinkled to high hell right now. He must look like a mess.

Jayce ran fingers through his hair and looked down at the cushion of the couch. How is he supposed to tell Viktor how much he wants to touch him, to be touched by him, to feel every fabric of Viktor’s being under his fingertips and have the same done to him, without it sounding as romantic as it feels? 

He doesn’t want to scare Viktor off by admitting how he’s felt about him for the past…god, who knows how long by now, but with the way this conversation is going, it doesn’t seem like he’s getting out of it any time soon.

Jayce bit the inside of his lip. “I do remember last night. Not every detail, but I do remember bits and pieces,” he glanced at Viktor through his eyelashes. He looked so focused on Jayce, hanging onto his every word. “You seemed like you were having fun too.”

Viktor’s expression remained unchanged, but Jayce swore he saw his cheeks flush. “I was. I’ve told you that, you putz,” he taunted, the corner of his lips twitching upward. “You’re trying to change the subject— that subject being you.”

Jayce chuckled, crossing his arms and leaning back against the arm of the couch. “Okay, fine. What do you wanna know then?”

Viktor took a sip from his coffee, eyeing Jayce down over the mug the entire time. Jayce suppressed a squirm at the lingering gaze. When he swallowed, he sat the mug down in one swift movement, before leaning back himself.

“Is it a kink thing?”

Jayce thought his own eyes were going to bulge out of his head, his body suddenly running dangerously hot. Okay, now he’s squirming.

“Uh–” he stammered, chuckling nervously. “I mean, I guess it can be? I’ve never…tried it like that before or anything, but I don’t think I’d be opposed.” He scratched the back of his neck just to do something, anything with his hands. 

Viktor just kept watching him, and the realization that Jayce might be implying something with his words made him fumble.

“But that wasn’t– that’s not how I felt about it last night, if you were wondering. Not that I wouldn’t– I mean…god, I can feel how red my face is right now, you are the worst.”

Viktor couldn’t hold back a chuckle at that. He leveled his stare with a smile. “I’m not sorry. It’s quite amusing to see the Man of Progress squirm through such a confession,” he said, before giving a little shrug like this conversation wasn’t picking Jayce apart at the seams. “And, for the record, if it had been a kink thing…I wouldn’t have been opposed.”

Jayce’s mouth hung open slightly in shock. “Wha—Are you serious?”

Viktor smirked. “Is that a problem?”

“No, no, of course it’s not! I’m just… a little surprised, is all. That you’d be willing to, y’know, do something like that with me,” he said, greatly underexaggerating the feelings coursing through him right now. 

If the butterflies in his stomach were real, they probably would’ve eaten through Jayce’s body and infested the entire house by now. He can feel his own heart hammering in his chest, and he’s trying very hard not to get shaky. 

Jayce bit his lip. “I mean. I’m not saying no, but maybe…maybe sometime in the future is all.” 

No one has ever known this about him. He’s open about his love of affection, sure, but the tickling part? For some reason, that had always been kept close to his chest, something too vulnerable and embarrassing to say out loud. 

So for Viktor to know, and be so clearly fascinated by it, was eating Jayce alive. He’s loving every ounce of this humiliating attention, but he doesn’t know how much more he can take of not having Viktor wreak havoc over every sensitive spot he’s hidden for so long.

Viktor hummed, setting his cup down on the coffee table. He wasn’t looking at Jayce anymore, and his demeanor seemed almost…nervous now.

He was biting the inside of his lip the same way he does when he’s cutting it close on an important deadline, and his thumb tapped impatiently on the knee of his bad leg. And Viktor being nervous made Jayce feel nervous, almost hearing the thrum of his own heartbeat in his ears.

Viktor clicked his tongue. “I think it’d be stupid not to say something at this point,” he started, and Jayce felt his heart stop when Viktor leveled an anxious glare his way.

“Last night made me realize that, though I don’t like giving affection away to just anyone…” he smiled something warm and sweet. “...I like giving it to you. When I do, your face lights up something vicious, yet calm in me. I enjoy the feeling very much, and I can only hope you feel the same.”

Jayce felt his breath leave him. He smiled hard, reaching a hand out to grip Viktor’s. Viktor chuckled at the gesture, and squeezed back.

“I do, V. So much, you don’t even know,” Jayce breathed, scooting close to gather as much warmth from the man as he could. He tucked his face into Viktor’s neck, feeling light knowing Viktor enjoyed this just as much as he did. “Anything with you makes me happy.”

Viktor huffed a small laugh through his nose, bringing his free hand up to smooth up and down Jayce’s back. “You know…” he started, leaning his head back to look at Jayce properly, “I’m quite glad you’re such a lightweight, otherwise I don’t know if we’d have ever gotten to this point.”

Jayce snickered into Viktor’s neck, making the man scrunch slightly on a smile. “Yeah, me too.” 

And before he could stop it, Jayce found himself kissing softly at Viktor’s neck, slow and nervous but still so sweet with intent. He heard Viktor gasp, his head scrunching slightly against Jayce’s own.

“Ah– Jayce-”

“Is this okay?” Jayce whispered, his voice breathy with nerves. He kissed again, this time even softer and more hesitant with his question in mind.

And Viktor giggled.

Jayce smiled against the skin, “What are you laughing at?”

Viktor pushed at Jayce’s head, his own voice light with joy, “Your stubble is dreadful Jayce, stop!”

“Oh it’s dreadful is it? Bet you’re just full of dread right now–” Jayce grinned, very purposefully rubbing his mouth and chin all over the sensitive expanse of Viktor’s skin, smiling even bigger when Viktor fell into choked giggles and squeaks he was clearly trying to contain. “What’s wrong, V? Can’t take your own medicine?”

“You are a menace!” Viktor’s voice was so pitchy, Jayce couldn’t stop smiling if he tried. He couldn’t help but nip gently at the spot under Viktor’s ear, squeezing his arms around Viktor’s waist affectionately when the man cackled and pushed against him half-heartedly.

“No-! Horrible! You are–ahaha-!” Viktor melted into helpless giggles when Jayce’s fingers started pinching at his sides, soft and sweet and torturous. “F-Fuhucker!”

Then, Viktor seized Jayce’s wrists with a sudden urgency, and Jayce pulled off with a small look of concern. “Sorry, I just– I thought-”

“You are fine, Jayce,” Viktor panted through a little leftover smile. He brought his face closer to Jayce’s, so close the tips of their noses brushed, and Jayce’s lashes fluttered. Viktor grinned all smug, “I just figured, you may wish to kiss properly instead.”

Jayce breathed, nodding like an eager puppy, “Yeah. Yes, please.”

Viktor hummed in agreement. Then, finally, he closed the gap with intimate softness, brushing his lips teasingly against Jayce with a little breath of his own. Once Viktor had their lips locked together, he pushed forward with a sudden neediness Jayce had never seen in him.

Jayce made a pitiful sound into the kiss, letting Viktor lead their way through it. Viktor cupped his hand around Jayce’s cheek, and the other man eagerly placed his own on top, desperate to feel any and all of Viktor’s warmth.

And Jayce couldn’t help it, he was completely unable to keep quiet about just how much he was enjoying this. 

He panted little gasps when they broke apart, moaned when Viktor finally let his tongue slip through and grazed Jayce’s teeth. He felt Viktor’s hand slip up his shirt, and with how hot everything had been getting, was expecting a different kind of touch than the one he got.

Fingers curled softly at the back of Jayce’s ribs, wiggling soft and featherlight at the sensitive skin. Jayce made the most humiliating sound into Viktor’s mouth, a noise between a giggle and a moan, and Viktor hummed all smug in return. The sound made Jayce’s mouth tingle as his back instinctively twitched away from the soft touch, though Viktor’s fingers always followed.

“V-Vik–”

“You’re so sensitive, Jayce. Ticklish,” Viktor drawled, and Jayce felt himself shiver at the word. “And, if you’d allow me…” he leaned into Jayce’s ear, making sure his lips brushed feathersoft against the skin just to make Jayce tremble. “I’d like to find every spot that makes you tick.”

Jayce felt his entire body flush red hot.

“You are way too good at this.”

Viktor just kissed him again, mumbling into his lips, “I remember something about you owing me? Does this ring any bells?”

Jayce whined through a smile, hiding his face into the crook of Viktor’s neck. “You are evil. Pure, pure evil.”

Viktor chuckled, pinching his fingers into Jayce’s ribs, then not moving his fucking fingers. Jayce felt like a live wire, entirely tense and way, way too excited. 

“Yes, yes. So evil,” he teased, crooking his fingers just slightly to make Jayce whine through a giggle. “Now. Try to stay still, yes?”

Jayce was never going to live this down. 

He’s never been happier to owe anyone anything in his entire life.

…

a/n : tysm for reading! ik this was long but i couldn’t help myself they’re so cute and i just kept needing to write more and more LOL. hope u guys enjoyed and again, happy new years to everyone!! luv u guys MWAH <3

[burntb4bydoll]

It's my first time requesting something on here, I am CRAVING for any Tokio Hotel member with a kind/sweet/obedient reader, I usually can't find stories/headcanons with them where the reader is a sweet and obedient girl, feel free to ignore this request if you want to.

Bae this is so me fr (for the most part😇)

Tokio Hotel with a sweet and obedient gf (slightly NSFW)

Bill Kaulitz

•hes completely infatuated with you. you could do anything you wanted to him and he would let you.

•he thinks that you are an absolute angel. He loves how sweet you are, it makes him so proud to be your bf

•would NEVER let people take advantage of you or your kindness. You don’t like disappointing people by saying ‘no’ but he has absolutely no problem doing it for you

• “sweetheart, you can’t do everything people ask you to. You are too sweet for your own good sometimes I swear.”

•he means that in a endearing way dw! He wouldn’t change a single thing about you

•he tries to test your obedience tbh. He’ll tell you to do something small then slowly start telling you to do more, but you never disobey him. And he makes sure to praise you very well for it

• “oh my, what a good girl. You listen so well, angel. Im so proud of you.”

•definitely is more of a soft dom with you, he can’t imagine being mean to his sweet girl🤭

Tom Kaulitz

•oh boy…

•you two are opposites. He’ll try to get you to do and say bad/mean things just to see if youll actually do it

•your hesitant because you dont wanna be mean, but you obey him and he immediately cant help but smirk to himself

•Bill always scolds him for it tho, you can’t escape mama Bill.

“Tom, Leave her alone! Y/n don’t listen to him, hes an idiot.” 😭

•he thinks its so cute watching you interact with his family. You’re just so sweet and they all love you so much. Hes so happy that they love you just as much as he does

•HIS MOM LOVES YOU. SHE TAKES SO MANY PICTURES OF YOU AND TOM AND SHOWS THEM TO EVERYONE. SHE CALLS YOU HER DAUGHTER TOO😭💗

•not to be a whore….but CORRUPTION KINK?? HELLO???

•LOVES pet names. He calls you princess, sweetheart, my love🤭🤭

Georg Listing

•LORD he is obsessed with you omfg

•you are absolutely everything to him. You’re his precious girl who could never EVER do anything wrong in his eyes

•literally refers to you as his ‘lovely girlfriend’ to people 😭

•his heart almost explodes whenever you do anything for him. Whether that be cooking him food, drawing/coloring a picture for him, or just giving him a small compliment, he’ll always be so so appreciative of it

•HES SO SOFT WITH YOU. He kisses youholds your face so gently while stroking your cheeks with his thumbs:(((

• “You’re such a sweetheart, you know that? I love you so much, my sweet girl.”

Gustav Schäfer

•hes also such a sweetheart, but he likes to pretend like hes all mean and unapproachable😭

•like babe, you are probably the cutest person here you’re not fooling anyone.

•you two are known for being the super lovey couple. He loves to show you off and you’re just happy to be there😇

•although you’re both sweet, you’re the only obedient one in the relationship. He such a brat and LOVES to push peoples buttons just to see how far he can go before someone actually gets mad😭

•BLUSHES SO SO HARD WHEN YOU COMPLIMENT HIM

•you guys are the embodiment of a praise kink. Neither of you can go 5 minutes without being and all nice and lovey dovey to each other

•dare i say….pleasure Dom Gustav…. GUYS IK I SAY IT ALL THE TIME BUT PLS YOU KNOW ITS TRUE

• “such a good girl for me, arent you?”

“Aww, you’re so cute, my baby.” Yes. HIS baby.😇

[eloquent-edits]

Hello!!!!

I'm writing a rivals to lovers office AU and am in need of some inspiration. Can you please do a list of office AU prompts? I don't mind if they get suggestive.

Absolutely! (Also thank you for being the first person to request prompts :3)

Character A and character B have issues with their work computers at the same time, and the poor IT guy has to deal with their bickering while fixing the computers

The printer is constantly breaking and A can’t help but snidely remark on B’s struggle every time it happens

B critiques A’s work whenever they get the chance, claiming A needs to do better if they want to get up to B’s level (the criticism is actually kind of helpful, just poorly worded)

B’s desk is across from A’s, leading to stare-downs when the other seems to be slacking on work and eyebrow raises when personal calls are taken

A leaves anonymous sticky notes on B’s desk about office drama, rumors, and random news stories to see what sort of conversations B likes (B usually looks at these with confusion, throwing them away buT THEY KEEP SHOWING UP WHY)

In the company project group chat, A and B don’t acknowledge each other outside of emoji reactions unless it is necessary

They are forced to work together on a major project with much longer hours than they expected, leading to sleep deprived A actually being nice to B in the mornings (they share a quiet moment at the coffee machine)

B’s ex comes into the office as another company’s assistant, and A can’t help but be concerned at the grimace and pain in B’s eyes

A starts using the printer incidents to ask about B’s history and get to know them better

A celebration at work includes a happy hour, so B dresses up just a little more than usual and A cannot stop staring

B notices A is lingering around their desk more and teases them about wanting to take their spot (A definitely wants to take them in a fight right?)

A’s car won’t start in the parking lot, so B offers to jump it… it’s the first time seeing B less professional (let’s get those sleeves rolled up and a couple buttons loosened from the button-down)

The AC breaks while only a couple people are in office, meaning it’s up to A and B to try and fix it while waiting on maintenance, leading to B on a ladder and A most definitely trying to not stare at their butt

C, an older friend at the office, retires and throws a massive party where A and B get a little too drunk, and B accidentally compliments A instead of criticizing them (A doesn’t know how to process it and B refuses to acknowledge this ever happened)

After A openly disagrees with one of B’s ideas, B confronts them privately, getting a little too close as A is stubborn and standing firm (give me that tension you can cut with a knife, give me that turn away because otherwise one of them will do something they regret)

B finds A asleep at their desk one morning and can’t decide whether to wake them up for the meeting or to let them sleep longer because this is definitely not normal for A

Turns out A worked their ass off to get a major promotion, one that B was eyeing for a while, which makes B jealous and get a little snappy

A is shifted to another area of the office and an annoying coworker, C, takes over the old spot. B finds the change welcoming and unsettling (“They’re not here to bother me anymore…” “That’s a good thing!” “… Yes. I suppose you’re right.”)

B is called into A’s office to discuss another coworkers’ weird behavior, which gives A the opportunity to call B out on their behavior around A

“It’s like on day one of me working here, you put a note in your calendar that said to torment me whenever you could.”

“You’ve gone from criticizing everything I do to actually being somewhat nice and helpful and then right back to being an absolute prick! I don’t understand it at all. What changed? You still seem to hate me, so why be so kind? Why?”

B doesn’t respond with words, just by slowly reaching out to touch A’s hand and swiftly pulling them into a kiss (ideally B would explain more later but that’s up to you hehe)

[starwarsmum]

Maribat Mix Match Monster Mash day 6, I'll Kill You Either Way & Shadow

Marinette was part of a group of older magic users. She had been working with the Justice League Dark on and off for the past couple of years, ever since she had turned nineteen. She was by far the youngest member, but that didn't mean she was the weakest. 

In fact, she was well known as one of the powerhouses of the magical world, all because she was the conduit of Creation. She had had quite a difficult time juggling the various duties that came with being a recognised and respected magic wielder alongside her separate and growing reputation as a fashion designer. 

“Hey LB, we got a request from the bat crew to take a look at a problem they're having,” Zatanna said, appearing seemingly out of nowhere. “Are you free?”

“Yeah, just give me…one…minute…okay, yes, I'm done,” Marinette said, closing the book she was reading with a flourish and turning to face the older magic user. “Who's having a problem with what now?”

“Apparently one of Batman’s crew is having a problem with Spectre, and they need one of us to help out,” she replied, talking too casually. Marinette was instantly wary and gave Zatanna a hard look. The woman gave her a wince in return and her shoulders slumped slightly. “Look, they need one of us and you're the newest and one of our most effective magic wielders.”

“So I'm getting to deal with the bats - who hate magic wielders - because I don't have a history with them?” She tugged anxiously on a pigtail, worrying her lil between her teeth. “Why am I getting punished for being new?”

“No, I know, but honestly can you see Constantine trying to help them? Besides, the Bat in question is the youngest and we thought you'd relate better with him, given your own age.”

“...this is about Stabby? And you said Spectre, isn't he in the business of universal balance?” Marinette was beyond curious now, and confused when Zatanna nodded. “Okay, so you want me to go against someone who has the balance of the universe as his guide for the most violent Robin we've ever had because…?”

“Because he's not a bad person. When he was a kid, he lived with bad people that taught and trained him to do bad things, but he's grown since then,” Zatanna said, sounding passionate and earnest. Marinette could feel her resistance crumbling and sighed before relenting. 

“Okay, fine, but they start getting fussy about the whole magic thing and I'm lodging a complaint,” she said sternly. “When are the bats expecting me to meet with them?”

“Er, as soon as possible? They've sequestered Señor Stabby on the Watchtower, so as soon as you're ready we'll head on up.”

_ _ _

Marinette could count on one hand the number of times she had been on the Watchtower before now and none of them had been happy times. Every time, it had been one of the innumerable bats who had made her regret attending, blatantly annoyed that they didn't have her identity. 

So she was disgruntled to be back, and to help them no less. The only reason she hadn't outright refused was because the latest Robin had been semi-respectful of her wishes and always admonished the others when possible. Well, not Batman, but anyone else? He would shut down the invasive questions if he was in earshot.

Really, if it hadn't been for his harsh demeanour she would have wanted to befriend the young man. But he had been blunt and dismissive of her as a hero, even as he respected her privacy. Whenever he had accidentally complimented her - and it was obviously never done on purpose - he followed it up with a cutting remark about her shortcomings.

Stepping into the meeting room after Zatanna, Marinette gave a weak smile that probably came across as a grimace. She was still short enough that people didn't automatically notice her when she walked in behind someone else, in spite of the spandex suit. But the moment the big bad Bat himself noticed her he started objecting.

“Zatanna, what is Ladybug doing here? I thought you were aware of how grave a situation this was,” he said in his growling voice. Marinette coughed to cover up the snort that escaped her at his almost pun. It didn't go unnoticed. “She isn't even taking this seriously!”

“Oh come on, you cannot say things like ‘grave’ when we are discussing the Spectre and not expect someone to find the humour,” she insisted, feeling justified when the blue one, Nightwing, gave a stressed giggle. “See? But if you do not wish for my assistance, I understand and will be on my way.”

“Tt, that is not necessary,” Robin said, glaring at Batman in warning. “I apologise on behalf of my father, he is concerned for my well-being and it makes him unnecessarily combative.”

“...father?” Marinette was stunned and trying to maintain some semblance of calm as Batman gave Robin an exasperated look. Putting a pin in that, Marinette tried to regain a professional air. “Okay, whatever, I don't even want to try and unpack all of that. If you want my assistance I'm more than willing under the condition that nobody attempts to uncover my identity as a result of said help.”

“You would put your conditions ahead of the safety of another vigilante?” Red Robin said, clearly thinking it was a smart observation. Marinette merely raised an eyebrow which was, sadly, hidden behind her mask.

“You would put your curiosity ahead of the safety of your teammate?” she shot back, cocking a hand onto her hip and waiting as the young man flushed. “Yes, I am putting my safety first because believe it or not, I value my life, not to mention valuing the safety of the magic within my purview. If you want my help, you will follow my rules or face consequences.”

A short silence followed her statement but the bats eventually agreed. She listened carefully as they outlined the problem they were facing and Marinette grew more concerned the longer they spoke. She had heard of Spectre and knew that he was relatively single minded in his quest for justice.

Finally, they all agreed that Marinette and Robin would be holing up in a flat in Gotham until the threat was neutralised. While the idea of living with the youngest of the Gotham vigilantes filled her with anxiety, she was determined to help. Besides, she knew Zatanna had a couple of tricks up her sleeve that could help protect her identity.

_ _ _

“Thank you, for agreeing to help me,” Robin said as they set up the kitchen. Marinette made a non-committal grunt as she stowed different ingredients in their cupboards and refrigerator. They had portalled in as Pegabug and Robin from the WatchTower, and Marinette was making trips back and forth from her home in Paris.

When she was finally done, she turned to face Robin to lay some ground rules. So she was more than a little surprised when she faced him and he was missing his mask. She flushed as she got caught in the most beautiful green eyes she had ever seen.

“I thought it would be expedient to get this over with,” he said after an awkward silence. 

“Right, of course,” she said, tearing her gaze away. Calling for her detransformation, she felt the wash of magic as it rolled away from her. She held out a hand to him and tried to will calm into her voice. “You can call me Bridgette, if you want.”

Damian relaxed slightly as he took in the young woman before him. She was short, with mousy brown hair and hazel eyes. She looked to be of Indian descent and was looking at him nervously. He felt an absurd amount of relief that she was not as appealing to him now that she did not have gorgeous wide blue eyes, and black hair that gleamed blue in certain lights. He was unsure how he would have handled the close quarters with Ladybug if she had been as attractive as a civilian.

“You may call me Damian,” he answered. “I assume we will be able to stay relatively separate during our stay here, but in case it is relevant, I am a vegetarian.”

“Oh, cool, that's good to know,” Bridgette said, her voice a lot lower than it was as Ladybug.

Over the next couple of days, Damian and Bridgette settled into a comfortable routine. Bridgette would go out in her civilian form to get food and other household necessities, and Damian remained inside at all hours of the day. Whenever she was gone, he found himself more on edge, suspicious of every dark corner and empty room.

It was very domestic, and frustrating for Damian, but he had to admit that he didn't dislike her company. All of the qualities that he admired in Ladybug shone through, and he found that he gravitated towards her. She would ask him questions about why Spectre was after him, and make plans to help capture their adversary so that she could keep him safe.

On the third day of containment, Bridgette mentioned that they should probably make a plan for if Spectre found them in their temporary abode. As she discussed an evacuation plan which involved him using Kaalki - a miniature horse that powered the Miraculous of teleportation - a small red bug-thing floated in Bridgette's face.

“Guardian, is it really wise of you to share so much information with him?” The tiny thing squeaked, and Damian had to work very hard not to jump. Bridgette gave the creature assurances, although Damian wasn't sure what he had done to earn her trust.

At their shared meal that evening Bridgette mentioned that she would need to leave the following afternoon, and gave him a phone number to contact her on if something happened whilst she was away. 

_ _ _

On the day after her trip back to Paris for a fashion show, Marinette felt like she was drained both physically and mentally. The amulet that changed her appearance and voice used her own powers to fuel it. She needed to end the threat of Spectre before it went too far and she ended up a liability instead of a help.

“What do you think to showing up somewhere you're supposed to be as a civilian to draw him out,” Marinette asked while they were watching television. She tried to force down a blush when he turned and looked at her, cursing his attractiveness. “Because I don't know about you, but I have real life things to be doing. And as lovely as this has been, it's not really sustainable long term.”

“This has been enjoyable for you as well?” Damian asked, head tilting slightly. He had a pleased look on his face and she bit her lip to stop herself from agreeing too fervently. “I can see the point of it, we would just need to be cautious of any civilians becoming involved.”

They quickly discussed all of the places Damian was supposed to be in the next couple of days and settled on his work at an animal shelter as being least likely to have collateral damage. That meant they had twenty-six hours to make the plan as foolproof as possible, and Marinette was determined to get this right.

_ _ _

Watching Damian interact with the animals at the shelter was the last straw. Marinette could handle his polite manner. She could handle the respectful way he managed their close quarters. She could just about handle the admiration she could hear in his voice when they were discussing strategies.

But this green-eyed, tall, muscled man, who happened to be her age, talking softly to a blind dog so he didn't spook it? Letting it sniff his hand and lean into it so he could pet it? The way he calmed down animals before giving them necessary medications and comforting them afterwards? It was too much and she had to admit - to herself, no-one else - that he was perfect.

She felt guilt gnawing at her insides for deceiving him with Zatanna’s amulet, but she sure as hell hadn't wanted to give him her identity up front. But now…if the mess with Spectre got straightened out, she could see herself pursuing something more with this man.

About two hours into the night shift that Damian was taking, Spectre appeared. Marinette felt when the man entered the shelter and called for her transformation. She shoved Kaalki at Damian and made him transform as well. 

“You cannot hide him from me,” came a deep voice, and Marinette swung around to keep herself between the two. “Damian Al Ghul-Wayne’s crimes are numerous and I will kill him either way. He must pay for the crimes he has committed in his youth.”

“You're not touching him while I'm here,” she snarled back at him, swinging her yoyo in a wide arc. “Damian may have committed crimes in his youth, but he is not that person anymore. And it is my understanding that he was led astray by others during that time. We cannot punish the man for a child's mistakes when they were forced upon him by his guardians.”

“He is a murderer,” Spectre rumbled, his hood obscuring his eyes as Marinette stared at him. “He is an assassin and ended the lives of many with no remorse.”

“He is remorseful,” Marinette declared. “Damian Al Ghul-Wayne is a changed man, I swear it upon my own honour as Ladybug, superheroine of Paris and Guardian of the Miraculous.”

“You would forfeit your own soul alongside his, should he fail?” The sentence cut through her but she refused to waver. When she nodded, Spectre paused before withdrawing slightly. “Very well. I shall be monitoring you, Damian Al Ghul-Wayne, and if you should return to your previous nature, both yours and Ladybug's lives are forfeit.”

_ _ _

“Well that was a little anticlimactic,” Marinette said once they were safely back in their shared apartment the next morning. “I thought there would be a fight, or something. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad we don't have to take on someone so powerful, but it almost feels like it was too easy.”

“You think it a light measure that you have bound your fate to mine?” Damian asked, eyebrows raised. 

“Well it's not like you're going to go out and turn to a life of crime now, is it?” She retorted, rolling her eyes. They were sitting together on the sofa they had shared for the past week. “Just keep doing your thing and we'll be fine.”

He paused before leaning towards her and speaking in a low voice. “Perhaps we should…continue to spend time together. So that you can be sure that I do not cross any lines.”

Heat tingled up her spine as she also leaned forward, their breath mingling. She wasn't sure who closed the distance but their lips met in a soft kiss. It was gentle and warm, not dispassionate but nor was it a searing kiss.

When they pulled apart, her eyes fluttered open again, almost immediately getting caught by his green ones. He moved in once more but she pressed her forefinger to his lips to make him pause.

“Before we go any further, I have to-”

“Ladybug, wait!” Marinette jumped as Tikki streaked into the room, looking at her Kwami bewilderedly. Damian looked annoyed but not angry. “You should leave your amulet in place, guardian, he has been tricking you.”

“What do you mean-”

There was a banging on the door and Marinette looked at it, confused. Hardly anyone knew who lived in this apartment, and nobody from Marinette's life. Damian tensed further when they heard a familiar growling voice demand to be let in.

“Hello, Batman, to what do I owe this…pleasure?” Marinette asked, anxiety and worry building in her gut. The feeling strengthened when he didn't seem surprised by her appearance.

“They were spying on you, Ladybug,” Tikki said immediately, holding out a tiny electronic device. Marinette took it, a cold spreading through her as she turned it in her hands. “That device was embedded in the door. I apologise that I did not find it sooner, Guardian.”

“We put in safety measures to ensure that our teammate would remain unharmed,” Batman growled at Tikki. Marinette felt her hackles raise immediately, and she pinned Damian with a glare. “But since we are on the subject, what are you hiding that you needed to use magic to disguise your identity? There is nobody of your description ever having lived in Paris.”

“You thought I would take no precautions because you told me you wouldn't pry?” Marinette asked derisively as she strode towards the door, heart aching. She had thought that Damian had been sincere, that he was a good person. She had put her own soul in jeopardy to vouch for him and she squashed the bitter thought that she shouldn't have. “I hope that your curiosity was worth it, messieurs, do not ask me for favours in future.”

Damian watched Ladybug stalk out of the building and wanted to follow, to explain that he had had no part in this treachery. She stopped in the doorway to deliver her parting line and she looked directly at him. His breath caught at the utter betrayal in her eyes.

And then she was gone, the door closing heartbreakingly softly behind her. The apartment they had been sharing for the past week - had it only been a week? - instantly seemed duller without her. He finally turned to look at his family, all of whom were in some degree of panic.

“-walked out on this assignment, we should revoke her Justice League membership,” Tim was arguing. “And we'll need to have someone come and take over, move him to a more secure location-”

“We will deal with that momentarily, she knows our identities, she's a risk,” Bruce was saying, evidently frustrated with how this had played out. “We will all have to be in more secure locations in case she decides to share that information-”

“I am not at risk,” Damian said quietly. “Bri- Ladybug has already secured my safety and Spectre has been dealt with. You have destroyed any possibility of having her as an ally and you risked my own life to do it.”

“She would never have walked out on a job half-finished,” Dick said immediately. The others nodded in agreement, but Damian snarled at them.

“If that is the case then you had no reason to worry about finding her identity,” he hissed, anger getting the better of him. “Either she is trustworthy enough to have been allowed her privacy, or she is a dangerous anomaly and you risked my life to try and get information about her. You cannot have it both ways.”

Unable to bear the guilty looks of his family, nor the empty feeling that hollowed his gut, Damian stalked out of the apartment as well.

_ _ _

The past two months had been tense. And brutal. And Damian wasn't sure how he was supposed to return to his normal life after everything that had happened with and because of Ladybug. The relationship with his family was strained, although they were slowly building trust back.

A few days after everything had happened, Zatanna had stormed the Watchtower to speak with Batman. She had sworn and raged, ripping into the Justice League founder as she detailed exactly how badly they had messed up. His father had tried to defend his actions but Zatanna had coldly informed them that there was no need to find her identity any longer because Ladybug had resigned from the Justice League Dark.

“Two entire years of working with her, gaining her trust and getting her to agree that working with us was in the world's best interests, and you absolute boneheads screw us over in a week!” She screamed. “So thank you for that! You are damned lucky she resolved your issue with Spectre before she left, because I'm not sure I would bother!”

Looking back on the interaction hurt as he got ready for the annual Halloween gala. He had promised to attend on the premise that he would not need to attend another until Christmas, but he was regretting it today. There was supposed to be a family friend in attendance which was why Bruce had insisted he be there, for their public image.

The gala started much as it always did - loud and filled with obnoxious people. He saw a lot of the usual crowd and gave brief greetings as he worked his way to his favourite corner. It wasn't unusual for the youngest Wayne not to mingle and he was ever more grateful for his outward persona.

He scanned the crowd once more and saw his family chatting with a loud purple haired man who was practically hanging off of Bruce's arm. He grit his teeth before deciding that greeting the ‘old school friend’ of Bruce's would be best done sooner rather than later.

As he approached, he saw a stunningly attractive young woman standing next to the purple haired man. She looked bored, with an underlying discomfort or sadness that resonated within him. He watched as she was introduced to each of his brothers and sisters, her head nodding every now and then.

“Ah, and here's my youngest!” Bruce said with forced cheer. “Miss Dupain-Cheng, this is my son, Damian. Damian, this is my friend Jagged Stone and his niece, Marinette.”

“Good evening,” Damian said, trying to keep his voice cordial. This woman had no idea that he was angry with his family and she didn't deserve to have his anger directed at her.

Strangely, the moment he spoke she froze. He could see the tenseness in her shoulders before she turned to look at him, and she seemed to pale as she looked at his face. She whispered a quiet hello but turned around just as abruptly. 

Damian was confused by the dismissal but decided to take advantage, giving a curt farewell to his family and informing them that he would be leaving soon to get an early night.

Bruce frowned after Damian, already turning to apologise to his guests. Marinette seemed shaken by his rudeness and he didn't want to mortally offend her. “He doesn't socialise well normally, but he is a little miffed with us currently,” he explained, making sure to look appropriately charming and dejected.

“Oh no, mate, what happened?” Jagged said, sounding concerned. Marinette looked curious but also wary - for what reason, Bruce couldn't tell.

“We had a difference in opinion during a recent stalker issue,” Bruce said smoothly. “We had to hire an unknown bodyguard and to keep him safe we kept an eye on them. He decided that meant we didn't trust him, but honestly we're mostly just glad that he's still around to be mad at us.”

“I'm sorry, I must excuse myself,” Marinette said suddenly, giving them all a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Bruce nodded but she moved away from them hastily. Jagged watched her go with a furrow in his brow and Bruce asked if everything was alright.

“Yeah, I'm fine, just worried about Nettie,” the rockstar said. “She's been in a funk for a while now and I was hoping that coming out tonight would help.”

“Marinette will be fine,” Jagged's partner, Penny, said as she joined them. She gave Jagged a kiss on the cheek before continuing. “I'm pretty sure she's nursing a broken heart, you know what rotten luck she has with boyfriends.”

“But that's just it, she hasn't had a boyfriend since that whole thing with Henry!” The pair began to bicker and Bruce began to zone out from it.

Meanwhile Marinette was walking quickly after Damian. She had recognised him instantly, just the sound of his voice making her heart pound and mouth dry. When he had stormed off, she had been relieved, at least until Bruce (Batman, she thought absently) had jovially commented that Damian hadn't actually been a part of the complete violation of her trust.

She caught sight again of his broad shoulders at the bar. She slid next to him cautiously, ordering her own drink. He didn't seem startled when she appeared but he did seem curious. She turned and smiled at him nervously, more a quirk of her lips than a true smile.

“I believed that I had made a poor first impression,” he remarked after his drink arrived. She felt the butterflies in her stomach take flight again and stared at her hands, shrugging. “Apologies, I do not mean to be rude but…why did you follow me to the bar?”

“Maybe I just wanted to get a drink,” Marinette replied, daring to glance at him. She thanked the bar staff as her drink was handed to her and she turned fully towards the man who had so thoroughly enchanted her before. He looked at her sceptically and she chuckled drily. “Or maybe your father mentioned that you were mad at your family for something and it made me curious about your side of things.”

“Tt, my father should not have mentioned it,” Damian said, glaring at his own drink. Hope fluttered in Marinette's veins, her hands tightening around her glass. “My family is incapable of trusting my judgment and have destroyed my reputation with someone I care deeply for. They have earned my ire, even if they believe differently.”

“How did they destroy your reputation?” Marinette asked quietly, looking up at him and getting caught in the same green eyes that had been haunting her for the past two months. He seemed to hesitate so she motioned with her head for him to follow her. “Maybe we could step onto the balcony?”

Damian didn't know why he was talking to this woman. He didn't know why he was following her to the empty balcony, but he felt at ease with her. Perhaps it was because she had similar features to Ladybug, her blue eyes and dark hair making him ache in a familiar way.

“My father hired a security guard for a recent problem I had,” he said, wanting to present his side clinically. He wanted this woman to agree that he was right, that he hadn't overreacted to the absolute invasion of privacy. So he launched into a fairly precise recounting of the issue, only omitting the magical aspects.

“And the timing of the revelation meant that she believed me to be party to the deception,” he said hollowly. Marinette seemed to be shocked by the story and he regretted being quite so open with everything. He was ready to apologise for his forwardness when she blew out a breath.

“I mean, in my defense, you looked really guilty,” she said, grimacing. He frowned at her, not quite sure what she was saying. “And I was about to take the charm I was wearing off and tell you my actual name when Tikki stopped us.”

“...Ladybug?” He whispered, setting his glass on the balcony rail as he turned to look at her fully. She nodded and he felt like he was short-circuiting. She seemed to hesitate at his lack of reaction and he immediately grabbed her upper arms. She held still as he let his eyes sweep her face.

“Surprise? Sorry, I know you probably would have preferred I just stayed out of your-”

She was cut off by his mouth covering hers, his hand cupping her cheek almost possessively. She reached up to twine her arms around his neck, pulling herself flush against him. In between kisses, he murmured soft apologies, his other hand pressing firmly against her lower back.

They eventually broke apart, and Damian thanked whatever gods had made him choose the dark corner of the balcony for their conversation, because they were completely hidden from the ballroom. She looked up at him in the dark and he found himself memorising the lines of her face anew. 

A sudden loud noise from the ballroom made them both jump, though not enough to let go of each other. They edged towards the doorway of the balcony and relaxed when they realised it was just Jagged Stone starting a set for the gala.

“I thought I would never see you again,” Damian said softly, reaching for her again. 

“I mean, that was the plan,” she admitted begrudgingly. “And if I'd known who you were, I probably would have told Jagged I had to miss this party. But I'm really glad I came.”

“You didn't know who I was?” Damian asked, confused and a little stunned. “But Spectre gave you my full name, how could you not know who I was? Not to mention that I am fairly famous.”

“I mean, in Gotham, sure,” Marinette said teasingly, hand coming up to run through his hair. “But I'm from France? And I only really follow fashion, so you weren't familiar to me on sight.”

He fell quiet and leaned into her touch. His arms circled around her waist again and pulled her flush against him. He was slightly overwhelmed by the circumstances but relieved that he had found her again. She pulled lightly on his hair as her fingers ran through it and he sighed, content.

Part 2

[marina41trench]

Inumaru Touma - Drama Collection (Spring) RabbiChat

Touma: Izumi, good morning!

Great work on yesterday’s drama shooting!

Touma: There’s something I’m curious about so I messaged you

Did you manage to finish your math homework…? Iori: Good morning, Inumaru-san.

I managed to finish on time so I’ll submit it later today.

Touma: Oooooh!!

I’m glad!!!! ✨✨

I was curious if you’re holding up well because it was a lot and we have filming as well.

Iori: I apologize for bringing my homework to the set.

I must’ve worried you.

Touma: Don’t worry about it!

The staff were worried about you too!

Touma: Or rather, when I think about it now… Was I in your way when I kept looking because I was curious about your homework 😭?!

Sorry!

Iori: Not really. Rather it was a good opportunity for me to revise and review.

Iori: Thank you for the okara[1] cookie you’ve given me before we left.

Touma: I’m happy for those words 😭

You mentioned doing your homework when you get home, so I thought it’s better if I give you a snack to eat at night

Touma: When I went to the convenience store during break time, I was thinking of a food you could eat with one hand that’s like you, so I picked it! 👍

Iori: Am I like an okara?

Touma: No, sorry. I didn’t mean you’re like it, but it’s like… an okara and you are neat and clean?

Pretty? Something like that?!

Will this convey properly?!?!

Iori: I-I do not understand, but… Thank you for thinking about me.

It conveyed that you’re a very kind person as the rumor says.

Touma: Rumor?

Iori: Isumi-san compliments you and says “Touma looks after people so much it’s annoying.”

Touma:

Touma: That doesn’t sound like a compliment, though?! Lolol

Iori: No, it’s Isumi-san’s love language. He was smiling when he said it, so he’s very happy.

Touma: I hope it is…

Does Haru talk about us a lot? 😳

Iori: Or rather, very much.

Iori:  “When we went for a yakiniku, he asked me if I was eating properly as he kept putting meat on my plate. And he always looks at my plate. So annoying.”

Touma: A-and his expression at that time is…

Iori: He was smiling from ear to ear.

Touma: He was smiling from ear to ear 😆

Touma: I see~~!

He was mad at me and said, “You don’t have to because I don’t eat it! You should eat properly too!” but he was really happy! I’ll give him more meat next time!

Touma: The seven of you are living together, but have you all dined out?

Iori: Yes, sometimes.

But most of the time we’re accompanied by our Manager or the agency’s staff.

Touma: Whoa, I’m jealous! That sounds fun!!

And you’re with your Manager!

Iori: We’re going to stand out since we’re a large group. So there’s preparations being considered.

Touma: Oh yeah, since there’s 7 of you there’s bound to have problems!

What did you all eat? 🤩

Iori: A lot of meat, as expected. And there’s a delicious okonomiyaki restaurant in our neighborhood. We go there to eat as well.

Touma: That’s sooooo nice!! Having 7 people eat okonomiyaki and being lively sounds fun!! 🤩✨

I should invite Utsugi-san next time

Iori: And just like you, Nii-san also asks us, “Are you all eating properly?”

Touma: Mitsuki-san does that too~! Now I’m getting really curious!

Iori: When he says that, he intentionally gives us neatly cooked meat.

There are no words to say about his consideration.

Has someone done that to you?

Touma: Aaaaaahhhhhhh

Haru was mad at that too…

Touma: So that means it’s him showing his

Touma: Love…

Iori: Well

Iori: It is.

Touma: Yeah! I’m glad to start a good discussion in the morning!! Thanks Izumi 😭😭

Iori: It’s nothing… Perhaps I’ve talked too much

Touma: I’m happy that our bonds deepened just like in the drama 👍

Iori: My role was admiring you, and I enrolled in the same school as you.

Touma: Yup! And soon we’ll have a confrontation against Nikaidou-san in the climax!

I’m gonna do my best so I can show you the cool me 🔥

Iori: Not to me, but to my role as your junior.

Touma: Well, yeah. I got happy when you complimented me while I was practicing skateboard techniques lol

Iori: Your reflexes were always great, but I was amazed how you learned a trick in such a short time…

Iori: It's good learning material.

Touma: Eh, I’m so happy…

Touma: I’m as happy as being told “I don’t care what anyone says, I’m proud to say he’s the world’s coolest senior!”

Iori: Like I said, that’s my role’s dialogue as well!

Inumaru-san, are you the type to be startled when you meet an actor who played a villain?

Touma: Eh, how can you tell?! I’m not sure if I’m just bad at it, but I just go, “Ah!” suddenly 😂 lolol

Iori: We also have a member who is easily influenced.

Touma: I’m glad that Izumi’s a good guy…

Iori: I think I understand the reason why Isumi-san opened his heart to ZOOL.

Touma: Really?! Isn’t he showing his pitiable side too much?!

Touma: Are you going to bring your homework in the next set?

Iori:  I don’t think it’s possible now that we’re going to spend more time filming.

Touma: Then I’m going to bring you snacks to accompany you again!

That way I show my status as your senior! 🔥

Iori: Something else besides an okara that’s like me?

Touma: Maybe konpeitou[2] or macarons?!

I’ll think about it 💪

Iori: Thank you very much. I’ll look forward to our next filming.

Touma:

-

TL Notes:

[1] - okara - also called sou pulp or tofu dreg, is an edible pulp separated from soymilk during the tofu production.

[2] - konpeitou - is a small sugar candy that has a spherical shape with bumpy textures.

[astrok1dz]

❤️ Glad you’re back! ❤️

I can’t remember your request guidelines rn so I’m gonna play it safe. Coddling and complimenting Eddie? 👀

RRRAHHHH THAT WAS QUICK!!!!!!! ALR, YES. Eddie needs to be spoiled and just. so much attention. I am very much willing to give that to him. that being said

cw: Eddie being traumatized (duh), a bit of angst, a dash of relationship issues, dw they fix it, happy ending, fluff

Never Too Much

-----

okay so bc of Eddie's past, we know he most probably has a lot of trouble getting into relationships, let alone romantic ones.

so when he met you, and obsessed over you, of course, he felt so lucky he could even breathe the same air as you

but nothing good ever lasts for him, everything is ripped away from him by this god forsaken city. he tries not to get too attached (and fails miserably) so he's shy for longer than he should be.

he's just trying to be prepared for when you'll leave him.

he's absolutely surprised when you don't

he doesn't say anything, of course, but he's just utterly confused

how? how didn't you leave him? all this city had taught him was how he wasn't good enough, how he was different, and how different people, people like him, don't get anything nice. don't deserve anything nice.

you notice this. you always do. it's not hard to tell when he's overthinking. he'll stop and take deep breaths or immerse himself in puzzles, but you're working on communication

you decide to start coddling Edward. to spoil him a little bit.

it doesn't even have to be something big, he'll be grateful for whatever you give him, although he doesn't quite know how to tell you or thank you properly

Eddie hadn't been your Eddie for the last two weeks or so, consumed with work and his plans to cleanse the city. He hadn't had the energy to be quite romantic or intimate lately, so things had been a little colder than usual. It hurt. Did he not love you?

One day you realized your mistake. Eddie? Your Eddie worshipped you. Sure, he could have his bad moments and want some time to himself, but after all the neglect and abuse he'd lived, he probably wanted to be coddled. He just was too embarrassed to ask you to do it. No wonder things had been like this. It was your turn to take the lead.

Now you knew, and you decided to take matters into your own hands. For the last couple of weeks you had been thinking of little ways to make him feel better, and today would finally be the day when you unleashed them all onto little unsuspecting Edward.

You hear the creak and slam of the door to your apartment. In comes Edward's tumbling silhouette, shuffling around to plop down on the couch next to you. Your sweet boy, all tired from work, all tired from this city. He always was.

"Eddie! Oh honey I missed you so much...", you coo, and his heart melts, because although he knows you adore him, he's used to having his absence not quite matter.

He's silent as he shuffles a little closer to you, and you immediately receive him with open arms and an inviting hug.

"Tough day?", you ask, and he nods. You do as well, and hold his shoulders.

"I got a little surprise for you, c'mon, follow me", you tell him. He looks at you, eyebrows knitted in confusion. You help him get up and slowly peel off his jacket, take his hand, and lead him to your bathroom.

He doesn't even get to see what it is before a sweet aroma invades his nostrils. Your tiny bathroom, adorned with scented candles, bubbles and rose petals floating on your tiny tub (if you could call it that).

What?

He looks at you, confused. Why would you do this? Why you, such an angelic being, the antithesis of this dirty city, do this for him, a broken man?

"I- you didn't-", he starts.

"I didn't have to, I know. But you've been so stressed lately and I wanted to help you relax...", you explain kindly. You start shredding your clothes, ready to enter the tub with him. You extend your hand to him, and he feels as if he's being dragged to the pearly gates of heaven.

"Besides, I've been missing you so much... I wanted you all to myself a lil' bit...", you say, and ignore the sting in your eyes. You really did miss him so so much...

"You can have me all to yourself whenever you want (Y/n)...", he stutters out, feeling guilty.

"Oh...", you let out. There he was, so kind, so sweet to you, so unapologetically yours.

"Well, in that case...", you say, almost seductively, but cover up a little once again when you remember your appearance. You were so busy planning this whole thing for today, you hadn't even shaved, you hadn't taken care of yourself. It felt overwhelming. What if your appearance ruined this whole things for him?

"Shit- I didn't- I forgot to- Sorry-"

He stares at you, but his eyes sparkle and his round face is flushed as if this was the first time he's ever seen you (which you both know is not the case).

"You know I don't care about those things. I want to see you...", he says, taking your hand. He looks at you, eyes full of adoration. His hands make their way to your waist and caress it gently, bringing you closer. He leaves a chaste kiss on your lips.

A few happy tears escape your eyes. There he was, the Eddie you've been missing. You help him undress, hands sliding lovingly over every inch of skin you know he's not fond of. Eddie. Your Eddie, so soft and round and most of all, so gentle.

You both get in the tub, cuddled up together. You don't even need to say a word. You both occasionally ask each other questions regarding doubts or insecurities, and reassure each other. When you're both satisfied with each other's answers you share the silence, snuggled up.

"You're so pretty, Eddie... my baby..."

He shivers, and you keep going.

"I love you, Eddie. You're kind and so so sweet. You deserve this, Eddie"

You notice by the way he shakes that now it's his turn to cry, happy cry, of course.

"My baby, you're so strong... You're safe here, you're okay. I love you Eddie, I'll never leave you". You coo.

He sobs, feeling free to break down in your presence. You kiss his tears away.

"Th-Thank you... you're too good to me... you do too much...", he hiccups.

"Oh, but don't you get it, Eddie? It's never too much", you reply, and for the first time, he begins to believe it.

[zayray030]

Anon 🍓

I had a thought. So Scar(one of the great seven) let’s just say made a bet with another king or something and now his future descendant is engaged to the other king’s descendant.

So then years later when Leona is 18 he’s attending a family gathering(which he is not happy about) when suddenly Scars spirit appears and is like “Sooo uh I lost a bet and now you’re kinda engaged” and Leona’s like “Who me?” And Scar responds with “Yes you bitch”

Now I’m sure you can figure out who he’s engaged to based on my other asks but I’m just gonna say it.

It’s our favorite Ace Trappola!

Ace is the prince of a forgotten but powerful kingdom and is heir to the throne (looks like Leona does get to be king)

Now the thing is no one is supposed to know about the engagement or that Ace is a prince until he is 18(The kingdom has a thing where prince’s/princesses aren’t allowed to show their faces until their 18. So when their face is uncovered they’re able to go places without being targeted)

So when Ace finally gets NRC him and Leona aren’t allowed to reveal their relationship so it’s a lot of sneaking around to see each other. Sure it’s easier to see each other after book 2 but still they can’t hang out to much

This is annoying for the both of them not only because they can’t spend time together but because people won’t stop flirting with them.

Every time someone flirts with Ace Leona is in the background staring at the person like “get the fuck away from my fiancé” but he can’t say anything.

And when someone flirts with Leona Ace stares at them like “I am going to gut you from the inside out” but again he can’t say anything

They are definitely gonna blow their cover at some point maybe during Playful land or Fairy Gala?

Also randomly Kalim and Ace are most likely besties.

Anyway that’s all I got, what do ya think?

This is even funnier when you think about the fact that this would be during Leona's second year of NRC and Ace would have already ghosted his girlfriend lmao. That combination is horrible and hilarious at the same time 😂😂😂

I feel like Leona is simply now in the mood to deal with someone else's mistakes, especially with Ace being so young and bratty and Ace refuses to date an old man. But then a noble or someone starts getting really annoying so they decide to get with each other out of spite and then end up falling in love

I can imagine their being instances where the secret is almost revealed.

Like, chapter 1, Leona wants to kill Riddle for almost killing his fiancée

Chapter 2, Ace feels betrayed about what Leona's doing

Chapter 3, Azul traps Ace in the contract and there's miscommunication about Ace not wanting to go to Leona for help and Leona hinting at it by bringing up Ace as the reason why he's destroying the contracts

Chapter 4, those two actually sit down and talk PROPERLY about what's been going on and they actually properly cement their relationship properly instead of that wishy washy no emotions crap

I feel like maybe tsum tsum, fair gala or even playful Land are perfect for select people to find out lmao

Like maybe Leona's tsum constantly keeps cuddling and kissing Ace and the same goes with Ace's tsum and Leona

Fairy Gala Leona keeps complimenting Ace teasingly and everyone slowly works it out and vise versa

And playful Land is just Leona holding Ace reassuringly that everything is going to be fine

All I know is that when it does get revealed Ace dials the shamelessness up by 100000

He will randomly go up leona, whether or not he's talking to another third year or club member is irrelevant to him, and pout at him to give him his card so he can go shopping

@lummyzzz has written a leoace fic called Lioheart with secretly engaged Leona and Ace so you should go check that out!

[isa-ghost]

q!phil headcanons for love languages?

OHOHOHOHO YES.

I've said before that qPhil's love languages are gift giving and quality time, BUT, I should also mention acts of service. He IS always saying how he prefers being a support. Doing what he can to help is definitely one of his go-to displays of affection.

I took a test and answered based off what I think qPhil would prefer from what we know about his characterization and the habits of ccPhil (like his allergy to taking compliments /lh). From most to least, his love languages were Gift Giving, Acts of Service, Quality Time, Physical Touch, Words of Affirmation. Which is almost exactly what I was thinking.

Let's see how many actual hcs I can get out of this rather than just writing a character analysis. :]

qPhil headcanons masterlist

Obligatory restate that crow brain must obtain shiny things to gift to his loved ones.

Fr though nothing says "I love you" like cool trinkets he gifts because it made him think of the person, or gifts he KNOWS the person has been wanting. Literally look at half his alone time on QSMP and tell me his default activity besides looting isn't obtaining things he knows his friends need, like that one wood type for Cellbit or zinc for BBH.

And inversely, the sentiment that something someone gifts to him made them think of him will earn them the sweetest "aw m8 🥺" because this idiot bird never expects to be on someone's mind. Bonus points if they gift him something he needed so he doesn't have to go on a long and tedious ass trip to resource gather.

Yeah no, words of affirmation mean very little to him. It's not that they don't matter or mean SOMETHING, he gets incredibly soft hearing someone like Missa say "I love you" and all that. It's just that he has an extremely hard time just accepting compliments and praise point blank. And he doesn't need to hear he's loved and appreciated, he knows it through a person's actions and desire to be around him. How they demonstrate their love and care says more than their vocal chords ever could.

The funny thing is, he's so uno reverse about some of his love languages. He'll hype the shit out of his loved ones verbally and he feels guilty sometimes when people do acts of service for him.

Doing acts of service WITH him though. Like teamwork? Chores around the house type shit? He's down for that. It doubles as quality time. As long as he feels like he's pulling his weight and not letting things fall on his partner's shoulders, he's content.

Aka his partner has to force his stupid ass to let them spoil him, he'll just feel bad unless they insist they WANT to do things for him.

OR: Turn it into bonus quality time and go resource gathering TOGETHER. 🤯

Physical touch he's pretty indifferent about. He LOVES hugs and kisses and the occasional cuddle. He's more than happy to hold hands. I've said before, this wack ass polycule fucks. But he can go without physical touch too, he's chill either way. But the fact that it's somewhat infrequent makes it even more special and melts his heart. :)

Quality time though. That's his SHIT. He fucking LOVES just existing with his partner. I am shaking Chapter 3 of AMFMN violently. The long walk with Missa. The picnic. Literally just enjoying some time with him. It's basically his default with the polycule, and his friends too. Gift giving may be his biggest love language, but quality time is the most accessible one, I guess you could say.

On that note, I also point to doing dungeons with Etoiles, misc adventuring with Fit, and building with the kids. Doing fun shit with your loved ones is >>>>>>> to him.

He loves gift giving BUT not at the expense of someone giving him something they need or something he knows they treasure. Don't give him the clothes off your back or something that matters to you. (Hypocritically, he will do the reverse though)

When he's very stressed, his appreciation for physical touch increases. Hugs really do make him feel better :')

He definitely uses certain love languages more often than others with certain people or types of bonds (partners, friends, etc)

Basically, he give gift. He love get gift. He love doing things for people. He love doing things With people. Physical touch special. Words don't matter much to him. As with many things (and in Kristin's words) Phil is "low maintenance."

[igglemouse]

I start the morning off starving because, well, have you seen my belly? The little one growing inside sure does have an appetite! Well, it could be my appetite but I'll blame the baby for now because I'm suddenly craving something sweet. That's fine by me, I am part of the international pancake aficionados and pancakes certainly count as sweat, especially with double the butter and syrup!

The aroma of my syrupy soaked pancakes fills the dining room and the gentle sounds of eating as breakfast is a little bit quiet this morning. Perhaps Pascal has a lot on his mind or maybe I've soaked the pancakes in too much syrup? He seems to not be as interested in it. Something is up.

"Everything ok?" I finally ask as the silence was becoming too much for me.

He stares down at his plate some some, shuffles his fork around some. "The team," he starts, which confuses me because didn't he just win a game? "Logan broke his ankle," he says this as if it means something to me. "The center back?"

"O-oh, yes, r-right, Logan..." I'm still confused but I'm guessing he's some important player on the team?

"He's the defensive anchor of our team and I doubt we make it to the next round now, especially being up against Del Sol. We were already the underdogs and-"

"Are the games played on paper ooooor-"

His laugh cuts me off. "You grow on me more day by day, you know that?"

I shrug, happy to give him words of advice. I guess I'll need to follow his games more to predict these sports related mood swings.

Honestly, I can understand. Yeah, from an outsiders perspective it might look like its just a game, a bunch of grown men kicking around a ball, but for Pascal? For him, it's his career, his passion, and his life. The highs and lows aren't just numbers on a scoreboard, there are people contributing to every goal. A defense working to claim a possession, players sacrificing glory just to hand it to a teammate, a group of people all with one shared goal.

So yeah, I can understand how a bad result or losing a key player for the rest of the year could be sad and I'll definitely be more on the lookout to support him as much as I can.

For now though I'll just spend the day relaxing and sift through baby names. I think I want something that starts with an F...

Frida wasn't the only one taking it easy today. Elsewhere, two people sharing familiar with her were having more of a connection and relaxing, together. Sara and Simón had found each other by chance, as often happens, and since that fortunate meeting they had hit it off incredibly well.

Living next door to each other certainly helped and that short distance allowed Sara to wander over to Simón's place and enjoy the comfort of his companionship and the playful company of his dog or not dog. That was what pulled her to him int he first place, the love he showed some random stray canine was a love she was envious for.

Their time together was nothing too exciting as it usually consisted of lounging around and watching TV, although lately the old picture box had become more background noise than anything else.

"There really is nothing on TV these days," Simone sighed, his eyes drifting away from the screen and slightly more towards her.

"Maybe you are just picky," Sara teased and nudged him playfully in the ribs.

"Or maybe I am just spoiled," he replied, turning his look fully on her now. A look that Sara had quickly grown familiar with, one of raw desire and hunger. Of genuine need. She cherished that, he made her feel wanted in ways she had never felt before, the first man in her life to truly look at her like that. The look would turn into more action as he made his way over to her, cornering her on the couch.

"I never thought I'd have anything to give to spoil anyone," her voice was soft this time, leaving space for the compliment she knew was coming because he always threw one her way when she most needed it. This time though his response would surprise her.

"You always have silly thoughts, you know?" he murmurs, almost as if he's slightly annoyed but the smile on his face let her know it was fine. It was always fine with him. "There's no one I'd rather have than you... There is no one I'd rather have than you..."

Maybe that was a truth or maybe it wasn't. Simón wasn't sure himself. The truth was, there was someone else, someone before her, someone he would die for, someone he would kill for, someone that unbeknownst to him, and Sara, that they both knew pretty well. Frida had been special to him and she lingered in a way that was hard to move on from. You don't simply get over people you've loved but sometimes finding someone new can fill the empty hole, even if it can't completely fill it, it's better half-way filled rather than leaving an empty void....

Frida Varela Index ~ Episode 7 ‘Ambitious Hearts’

[isimpfornatsume]

Jealousy (Oikawa x reader) part 1

Masterlist | part 2

(2nd person POV)

Oikawa Tooru was your childhood  friend. Your parents were close with Oikawa's parents and that's how you met him. When you were in your 1st year in middle school, your parents decided to host some sort of gathering with Oikawa's parents, there, u met the most handsome boy ever, Oikawa. Handsome is not even a word you'd use to describe him. The word would be...

...

Ethereal...

 The both of you went into the same middle school and since that gathering you can't help but harbor feelings for this chocolate colored hair boy. Throughout your middle school journey, the both of you became closer and closer and decided to enroll into the same high school, Aoba Johsai. On graduation day, Oikawa confessed to you. "Hey. Y/N-chan. I-I think I-I have a crush on you," Oikawa said that day and you could remember it oh-so clearly. It was the 1st time you heard that confident boy stutter and saw him blush. "Oikawa-san, I-I like you too!" you muttered out that day and you swore you saw his eyes that couldn't possibly be any brighter, lit up brighter than ever. "Be my gf then N/N-chan!" he said excitedly. Oh dear lord, he seemed so happy when you agreed to it, like giving a child the gift they had wished for for a long time on Chirstmas.

That was how you 2 had started dating...

When you and Oikawa were a 1st year in Aoba Johsai, he joined the volleyball club and you signed up as their manager. Damn, was Oikawa happy to see you, his gf, every practice giving him a towel and some water. Not many people noticed you and Oikawa at 1st everyone thought you two were just close friends. Until... Oikawa became a regular after the 3rd years stopped playing and focus on their studies. A/N: idk what u call it. Oikawa did a spectacular serve during one of the matches and went on the news! Oh how happy and proud you were when he went on the news. The both of you celebrated it over some milk bread and favourite/food (F/F in short). 

After that Oikawa's popularity shot up and over the course of half a year, he stopped showing much physical affection to you and when you asked he just said, "Y/N-channnn. You know i would love to show affection but I'm popular now and I have a freaking fan club. A/N: which I am a proud member of. I don't want anyone bullying you because you're receiving my affection. You understand right? N/N-chan?" "I-I understand. We can show affection in secret like in the storage room, changing room and at home right?" you asked innocently. "Yup! We can! I knew you would understand N/N-chan! I love you so much!" Oikawa told you. You blushed, "I-I love you too. So so much."

Not long later, on the 2nd last day of sch for the year,  Oikawa received a confession from the most popular girl in school, her name was Ruby. Ruby had long hazel brown hair and sapphire like eyes which complimented her fair skin so beautifully. Not only that, she was a year older than you and Oikawa! And she was exactly Oikawa's type, his dream girl. 

"I-I'll think about it and give u my answer tomorrow..." Oikawa replied to her confession with his whole face tinted pink. 

Little did Oikawa know that you heard the whole conversation between Oikawa and Ruby. 'What's there to think of? He already has me. Unless... he want to break up with me...' you thought.

"Kawa!" you rushed to him once Ruby was gone, pretending that you didn't eavesdrop on the confession that took place a few moments ago.

"Hey my cute little N/N-chan. How was school today?" Oikawa responded, turning around to give me one of his award winning smile that every girl including you would swoon over.

"Meh. School was pretty boring but not when you're here!" you whispered to him, not wanting anyone else to hear.

"Come on my little princess~ lets go home. How about you crash at my place tonight?" he asked excitedly

"Hmm. Let me text mom 1st." you answered hoping your mom says yes.

Both you and Oikawa's parents know about you two dating and they obviously approved. Your mom especially was super happy that Oikawa was your bf. She would very often ask some questions about you and Oikawa's relationship then later on not-so-secretly tell Oikawa's mom about your answers. (she talks loudly to Oikawa's mom on the phone) Your mom would always invite Oikawa over for lunch/dinner and same goes to Oikawa's mom. The both of your moms often host gatherings that consist of you, Oikawa, his mom and your mom (since both of your  dads were busy at work) to talk and gossip about your relationship with Oikawa right infront of the both of you. And if that wasn't enough, your mom would show Oikawa and his mom your embarrassing childhood pictures when she host the gathering and vice visa when Oikawa's mom host the gathering. All you could do was look at Oikawa pitifully. A/N: enough with my blabbering. Sowwy about that 🙇🏻‍♀️

You checked your messages every few seconds until you got a reply from mom.

Mom💗(Birth giver):

 you can crash at Oikawa's place but be careful ok sweetie? Don't be a nuisance for Mrs Oikawa!

Y/N🥰:

Ok yay thanks mom! luv u!

"Mom said yes! Yay! I can sleepover at yours!" you exclaimed jumping up and down with excitement.

((Time skip till you're at Oikawa's house))

"Having fun N/N-chan?~" Oikawa asked.

"Yup! I love it here!" you declared with a cup of hot coca that Mrs Oikawa made for you. "Want some?" you questioned.

Oikawa took this as an opportunity to tease you and held your wrist that was holding the cup to lift the cup up and take a sip of your hot coca. You blushed so hard and stammered, "Oi-Oikawa what are you doing?!" "Drinking your hot coca," he replied innocently. 'I swear that guy is gonna be the cause of my death' you thought.

"Oh ya N/N-chan. I wanted to talk to you about something..." Oikawa stated in a serious tone.

'Uh oh. I do not like how this sounds. Oikawa is hardly every serious unless it is volleyball or a very important matter. Could it be about Ruby's confession?!' your thoughts were all over the place, they seem to be everywhere all at once.

"Y/N-chan. I got a confession from Ruby-senpai and I'd like to discuss with you about it..."

[sociopathicartist]

heyy!! I was wondering if you could do a fluff (romantic) oneshot in which Sans (UT) has a gothic gf who is actually really sweet, kind and caring towards others despite the way she expresses herself. I'm just really curious as to how that dynamic will play out in their dating life ^_^

LUV LUV LUV UR WRITING BTW

hey! thank you for requesting, i’m gothic in style so i loved getting requested this! i scrambled through a lot of ideas, but thought doing this in a letter format would be the best for showing the full dynamic that sans loves instead of cramming tons of info into a single scenario one shot. hope you enjoy it!

baby,

i’m not too sure why i’m writing to you this time. i guess all the smiles and loving comments you give me whenever i write to you have finally got ‘under my skin’, and i’m writing you another letter right now, probably to be slipped into one of your bags or under your pillow for you to find.

i know a lot of people give you weird looks for the way you dress. i know the barrage of compliments you get when we go anywhere out in public annoys you, but i also know that you accept every compliment anyway despite wanting to be left alone because you don’t want to be mean, and you don’t want to fall under the stereotype that people place on you by just giving a small smile instead of a loud, outgoing thank you.

you’ve never said that to me directly, but i’ve been with you long enough to know how you feel.

i never really understood why people thought you were scary or mean for the way you look, figures they’d think the walking skeleton was scarier, or the seven-foot robot they watch on tv who has a chainsaw that can come out of him at will.

i never thought you looked scary, and i never had the fear that you were going to insult me whenever i asked you for directions down the street where we first met. why would i look at you differently for the way you look whenever everyone looks so different all the time? isn’t it a normal thing to be different?

even though you’re the most beautiful person i’ve ever seen (even if you turned into a worm, which yes, i’d still love you), it wouldn’t matter to me if you woke up tomorrow and decided to change your entire look. your looks aren’t what matters to me, even though i do like the cool eyeliner you wear or the t-shirts you have with bones on them.

i’ve never been loved by someone like the way i am by you.

i can’t get your alluring voice out of my head, and every time i roll over in bed to see the silly letters and doodles you’ve given me that i have pinned to my wall, i can’t help but be reminded of how much i love you. (even though i never forget, baby.)

it makes me so happy to see how much you hang out with papyrus, and how genuinely you treat him. i love seeing you chill out with our friends, and how happy and relaxed you look. i love how you’ve never made me feel dumb for not knowing certain human traditions or cultures, and how you just explain them to me and give me easy reminders when i forget something important.

even when your black lipstick leaves kiss stains on my skull that are hard to rub out, and when you steal my jacket to wear whenever you’re upset or missing me, i’ll never take away from how amazing you are.

maybe i’m gushing a bit too much. it’s a lot easier to write this all out rather than say it directly to your pretty face.

i just want you to know that i’ll never look at you differently for how you dress and that i’ll never be embarrassed and ask you to tone down your makeup or outfit for when we go out. i can’t wait to hang out tomorrow and wrap you in a tight hug, listening to your pretty voice as you tell me about how your day was.

i think i’m going to save the other mushy stuff for a later time. i just wanted you to be able to read this when someone gives you a weird comment or makes a snarky joke. maybe it’ll help you remember that some short skeleton out there thinks you’re the coolest (and hottest) creature to walk on this earth.

i love you, and i’ll be thinking of you always.

- sans.

[inevitably-johnlocked]

Was discussing compliments last night with my spouse and it made me curious about others opinions on compliments.

How do you feel about compliments? Do you enjoy them and trust them? Do you have to be in the right headspace?

Compliments are a sticky subject for me. Growing up most compliments were either a prelude to wanting something from me or a backhanded compliment. One of the only genuine ones I can remember is when my maternal grandmother told me "Yellow is your colour." So I am always suspicious and dismissive of compliments even from my spouse, which is not exactly great.

*Asks are sent for fun, no pressure to answer.

OH MY GOSH HOW DID I MISS THIS?? I keep missing a bunch of your asks, I'm so sorry. I found another one recently about my OTPs but it was getting long so I need some time to sit and answer it, LOL.

Ah, I love compliments, but the problem with me is growing up with a gaslighting parent, you tend to not... trust or believe compliments because oftentimes the parent would say things to get what they want. And many times in my life, people say things to me TO get what they want... because I trust so easily and in turn I get hurt badly.

Also, I have severe self-esteem issues where I genuinely believe I don't deserve nice things, and people being nice to me don't actually mean it. It's a shitty way to live, I know, and it's something I'm trying my hardest to work on this part of myself in CBT to try to alter my thinking to more positive or neutral thinking. BUT oddly enough, validation and niceties are how I feel motivated to continue on. So whenever you guys send me really kind, generous asks, I really actually DO sit and cry happy tears every single time. I'm not being disingenuous in that regard, I really am moved by kindness shown towards me.

Part of being so solitary is that I don't really spend a lot of time around people.

So yes, like you, I am generally suspicious and unbelieving of compliments, but being that way all the time has the unfortunate side effect of people not giving you the compliments in the future, so in turn it becomes a "confirmation bias" scenario, as my therapist explained to me. I'm learning to accept and internalize the compliments I receive these days and LET myself feel good about them. <3

Thank you for your ask! <3

[pardi-real]

Honeymoon Knight / Chapter 5 - Under the Starry Sky

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pictured: Nac in front of the cafe

Lucas: "Now, finally... shall we talk about your strengths, Nac? As expected, what comes to mind first is... Your elegance and diligence, perhaps? 

You're refined, serious, and hardworking... Handling various tasks for us. There must be many people helped by you, Nac, don't you agree?"

Nac: "Mr. Lucas… Thank you very much."

Lamli: "Hmm, Nac's good points... Nac's good points... ......"

Nac: "Lamli. Aren't you struggling a bit too much?"

Lamli: "Oh, shut up! Didn't you struggle just as much, Nac?  Nac's good points are... not as much as Master Lucas, but... maybe your mature side, I guess..."

Nac: "Hmm………..."

Lamli: "Nac, you may have an annoying way of speaking... And you're strict, but... Somehow, I feel like you're always much more mature than me. You're calm… and I guess that's kinda cool~”

Nac: "S-Stop…! Could you please just stop?"

Lamli: "Wha, what?"

Nac: "That's enough. It feels really awkward listening to this..."

Lamli: "Huh? What's that about? I'm genuinely complimenting you."

Nac: "I'm saying I've had enough. No more, please."

Muu: “You said that… but you're actually happy, right?"

Nac: “Muu! Please don't tease me.”

Lucas: “Fufu… Good for you, Nac. Now then... my lord. Next is finally your turn."

> "Uh, yeah..."

Nac: "Fufu… I could list 100 good things about my lord. However... if I were to pick just one... it would be... undoubtedly, the charm of my lord's beauty within their heart.  Clear as a lake, warm as the sunlight filtering through the leaves... My lord's heart is more beautiful than anything."

Lamli: "As for me... I like my lord's kindness and their smile! They look into my eyes, smiling gently at me... I love my lord!"

Lucas: “Fufu, that's right. My lord's kindness... I, too, am irresistibly drawn to it.  But... I also think that the occasional cute expressions my lord shows are very lovely."

> “E-err…” > "Thank you..."

*Close-up* Lucas: "Everytime, I'm waiting eagerly for my lord to return to the mansion... that's how it is for me, you know?"

> "I-I see…"

Lucas: “My lord is the best medicine for me.”

> “M-medicine…?”

Lucas: "Yes. When I feel tired, or feeling unwell... My lord's smile is giving me the most energy. Therefore..."

Lamli: "W-wait! Master Lucas! You're going on too long by yourself!"

Lucas: "Hmm... Was I?"

Nac: "Even if it's you, Mr. Lucas... we can't overlook you making advances on my lord."

Lucas: "Well, well? Even gentle Nac is a bit intimidating today.”

Lamli: "If we do it this way, then I can praise my lord more! I have confidence to keep praising until the boat docks!"

Nac: "Lamli...! Monopolizing is not allowed. I also have several more good points about my lord as many as stars in the sky."

> "Everyone, stop!"

Nac: "Oh? My lord? Did we trouble you?"

Lucas: "Fufu… perhaps we get a bit carried away?"

> "I think that's enough about me"

Lamli: "Eh~... Is that so... I can say a lot more, though…"

> "It's embarrassing..."

Nac: "Understood. Since my lord says so, please endure it, Lamli."

Lamli: "Tsk... I get it... then, my lord! I'll tell you the rest when we're back at the mansion in private!"

> "Thank you, Lamli"

Lucas: "...Ah! That's right! Well then, next is Muu's turn."

> “Yeah” > "Let's praise Muu!"

Muu: "Huh! I get a turn?"

Lucas: "Of course. We want Muu to be happy too."

Muu: "Hooray~! Thank you!"

Lamli: "Buu also has many good points!"

Muu: "Ehehe... Somehow, when it's my turn, I suddenly feel embarrassed."

Nac: "Then from me..."

~ A few minutes later ~

And so, we praised Muu's good points. Muu, smiling satisfactorily, looked very cute... It was heartwarming to watch.

Nac: "Well, we've arrived at the cafe, our destination."

Muu: "Ehehehehe."

Lamli: “You're still grinning, Buu?"

Muu: "Because being praised makes me happy."

Lucas: "As the old tradition says... I hope happiness comes to us."

> "That would be nice."

In this way, the third-floor butlers and I... spent a lively time in the city of Velis.

~ After a while ~

I was in a room at an inn in Velis. The room inside the inn prepared by the butlers was very familiar. And for a good reason, because this inn is the villa we stayed at last year. It seems that when the butlers were looking for an inn… they negotiated with the villa owner if they could borrow it. Of course, he graciously agreed.  I was feeling nostalgic, visiting the villa after a year and spending a quiet night.  At that moment... Suddenly, I heard a knocking on the door.

Knock, knock...

> "Yes?”

..........

...However, there was no response. Suspicious, I gazed towards the door...

> “Is that...?”

Upon closer inspection, a piece of paper was inserted under the door.

> “This letter…” > “This is… just like before…”

‘Dear my lord, If you're not too tired... Please come to the beach. We have prepared a heartfelt hospitality.

- From the third-floor butlers’

These meticulous handwritings... are probably Nac's. And the content of this letter feels familiar too.

> “Could it be, just like last year…”

With a bit of tension and excitement, I headed towards the private beach.

[Private Beach]

Zaash… zaash… zaash… *sound of sea waves*

Nac: “Fufu... You've come, my lord."

Lucas: "Good evening. Thank you very much for coming despite the sudden invitation."

Lamli: "My lord! Were you surprised?"

> "It's like last year, huh..."

Lucas: “Fufu... Actually, today at lunch, when we were talking about memories in Velis… we wanted to see the starry sky with the lord once more. So, we called you like this."

> "I'm happy" > “Thank you”

Nac: "Of course, we also have drinks and snacks prepared."

Lamli: "Now, my lord! Please come near this mat! Let's look up at the stars together!"

> "Okay"

And so, as invited by Lamli… I was about to sit on the mat, but at that moment...

Lucas: "Wait, my lord... Please wait a moment. Don't lie down just yet."

> “Huh?” > "U-uh, okay"

Lucas: "Fufu…  Lamli, Nac. Now, get ready…”

Lamli: "Yeees!"

Nac: "Yes. My lord, please excuse me."

With that, the three quickly sat down (seiza style) on the mat.

> "What??"

Lucas: "Now, my lord. Please."

> "Please do what...?"

Lamli: “This is a revenge for last year! We will definitely offer you lap pillows! Please gaze at the stars over here!”

While saying that, he pats his lap.

> "E-err..."

Nac: "As butlers, there's a line we shouldn't cross, but... Since the other two insisted on offering a lap pillow, so…  for that reason… I can't be the only one just watching."

> "Nac too..."

Lucas: "My lord, it's okay. Nobody's watching."

> "E-even so, it's..."

Lucas: "Please, don't be nervous. It's almost been a year since that summer. We've been through a lot, and our bonds have deepened more than last year."

> "W-well, that's true, but..."

Lucas: "We're ready. All that's left is for my lord to come over here."

Lamli: "That's right, you know? My lord."

> "............" > “Err…”

Honestly, I was very nervous and confused... But it made me happy that the three of them had prepared this for me. The phrase ‘revenge from last year’ that Lamli mentioned... If that's what they desire... I want to do whatever I can.

Somehow, while thinking about that... I found myself contemplating, ‘If it's just a lap pillow…’

Nac: "Um, my lord... If we're causing you any inconvenience, we apologize."

> "Uh, well..."

Nac: "Of course, we have no intention of forcing anything. If it's difficult, please don't hesitate..."

> "......It's fine."

Nac: "Huh?"

> "If it's just a lap pillow..."

Lamli: "My lord...!!"

Nac: "Are you sure about this?"

> "I want to respond to everyone's feelings."

Nac: "My lord……"

Lucas: "Fufu, thank you very much. I'm really happy that my lord said that."

> "Um, so what should I do..."

Lucas: "Fufu. First, please come to my lap. The order has already been decided."

> "You are well-prepared"

Lucas: "Fufu. It just shows how much I've been looking forward to this."

And so, I gently placed my head on Lucas's lap. Having someone give me a lap pillow was nerve-wracking... But, thanks to the butlers talking to me as usual... The tension gradually eased. 

I couldn't fulfill the butlers’ wish in Velis last summer... But now, I can. 

I felt a bit of happiness welling up. Another memorable day with the butlers was made.

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[bloominal]

Pretty privilege

✦Yes, pretty privilege is real and I have it. I mean look at me and my life it's the definition of pretty privilege. Everyone and I mean absolutely every single person on planet earth loves and admires me, they look at me with so much love, affection and admiration in their eyes. Everyone has heart eyes for me. I light up every room i walk into, i light up everyone's soul, people always greet and welcome me warmly with big bright smiles and stars in their eyes. I always feel so welcomed and accepeted around everyone. They can't take their eyes off of me, it's like their eyes are glued to me. Everyone falls in love with me the second they lay their eyes on me. I always have the best first impressions, everyone always thinks highly of me and respects me, people can't help but crush on me like teenagers, they daydream and fantasize about being with me, they all love my presence so much they miss me when I'm not around.

✦ I have the ultimate pretty privilege, people can do anything just to make me happy and see me smile. Everyone loves me so much that they can't help but want to please me, they can go above and beyond and out of their way just to make my life easy. I live such a soft life because everything and everyone works in my favor, everything is rigged in my favor. Everyone knows I deserve the best, they want to give me the world. People go out of their way to serve me, to please me, to make me happy, to make me feel special, to make me feel respected and valued, that's just how it is, that's just how my life is with pretty privilege. People never fail to make me feel precious and treasured. Every single day i get  millions of compliments from everyone around me, i can't go a day without getting complimented by atleast ten thousand people whether it's on socials or in real life, i have so much to be complimented and praised about like in everyone's eyes I'm the most perfect human being who is deserving of all the appreciation, respect, positive energy, love and material gifts, people's intentions towards me are always the best, people always think in the best interest of me.

✦ I always get offered free food, clothes, cars, literally anything i want people are willing to just buy it for me. I get so many gifts on a daily basis, i get all my material desires gifted to me. It's like I'm a royalty, everyone loves giving me gifts, complimenting and praising me. My mailboxes are always filled with tons of sweet letters and gifts. It's so normal for me to get complemented by everyone all the time. My house is filled with all the gifts i receive on a daily basis, it's crazy how anything i want without even saying it outloud or anything it just gets gifted to me, like it's insane how i always get what i want, all my desires and wishes are fullfilled without even lifting a finger. I am undeniably pampered, everyone takes care of me, everyone around me always feels the need to make me comfortable and take care of me. My luck is the best. I am the luckiest person in this whole wide world and it's a fact. I'm just so lucky, i always get what i want and everything works out in my favor because i was born lucky. I always feel so blessed by how magical my life. I have all the privileges in the world. I live a soft life where I'm provided with everything.

✦ my face card is so powerful that it needs to be studied, the power my inner and outer beauty has on everyone is godly. People are literally wrapped around my finger, situations, life, the whole world is wrapped around my finger and only works in my favor, to give me every thing i want instantly, the world is programmed to be in my favor. Everyone's always so in awe of me and impressed that they'd literally applaud me breathing. Every single day i experience all the benefits of having the prettiest visuals in the universe, people holding the door for me, carrying my bags, treating me with kindness and speaking to me in the most polite and loving tone, random poeple always offer to pay for my food, shopping, everything, why are people so generous with me. i get everything for free, i love the little ways in which people make me feel so special and so precious, like i am some kind of gift to humanity, receiving millions of compliments from strangers, friends, colleagues and family, receiving all kinds of gifts and favors from everyone. Everything is basically handed to me on a diamond platter just because of how perfect my beauty is.

✦ Why is it that i am such a timeless beauty, why is it that i surpass all beauty standards and am my own beauty standard something that people want to achieve. I am the epitome of beauty, i can't stop glowing up every second, i just keep getting prettier and prettier every single day, whenever i see my reflection i can't help but just be in awe of how mesmerizing, ethereal, flawless, stunning, enchanting and charming i look at all times no matter what. My beauty is worshipped, i am worshipped. It's like Red carpets are laid out for me everywhere i go, my presence is a blessing to everyone it's cherished and treasured beacuse everyone  know how valuable i am. It feels so amazing to constantly be praised, cherished, prioritized and chosen.

✦people can't help but stare at me and get hypnotized by my beauty, they literally can break their neck trying to get even a glimpse of my beauty, people always turn their heads, do double takes to look and admire me. I take everyone's breath away when i walk past them and i always hear them whisper about how beautiful and gorgeous i am, it's like I'm unforgettable and they would remember me for the rest of their lives because i am the most gorgeous person they've ever seen and they're whipped for me. I am everyone's muse, they write songs and poems about me. when people get to know me they are even more impressed by me and admire me for my knowledge, intelligence, personality and charm. I have a magnetic aura i always attract the best people. everyone wants to be around me, everyone misses my presence when I'm not around they feel the shift in energy when i enter a room, i bring in so much positivity everywhere i go, their eyes light up, when they see my texts or calls they always text back in less than a second, and pick my calls in only 1 ring, I'm never left on seen because i am always prioritised i am always favored. I am deserving of all the love i get.

Eye contact with me makes people stutter, and their heart flutters i give everyone butterflies in their stomach. Everyone loves the sound of my voice, it's so enchanting they can pay to hear me talk. Everyone listens to me attentively, because they know every single word that comes out of my mouth is valuable.

✦I'm world wide famous, everyone knows me for my beauty and charm, i have a perfect face and facial features, i am a genetic miracle. I surpass all beauty standards. i am conventionally and objectively attractive to the point that i can get away with anything. I have a face that is considered the most beautiful in the world, my skin is absolute perfection, everyone asks me for beauty tips and routines all the time. Where i shop from, what brands i use, what perfumes i wear everyone wants to always know.

I am so overwhelmingly beautiful, people can't believe their eyes. They can't get over the fact that i am the most beautiful, stunning, jaw droppingly gorgeous and attractive person they have and will ever see in their whole life, they stutter get nervous and flustered by me, their body language gives it away even when they're trying to be confident, the way the listen to every single word that comes out of my mouth so attentively because of how valuable i am everyone always agree with me on everything, it's like my word is the word of god and i can do no wrong. They're instantly in love with me and awestruk by me like i am some kind of angel or a god/goddess, people are hypnotized and lost in my beauty, they often zone out and just daydream about me all day long it's impossible to get me out of their head. They can't even express in words how my beauty makes them feel, like they feel so happy, grateful, lucky and blessed to be able to see me. they can't hide the fact that they are whipped for me.

✦I am so pretty, people want my autograph, they want to take photos with me, I am known for my attractive and mesmerizing natural beauty. Just because i am so ethereal and enchanting everyone wants to please me, they go out of their way to make life easy and special for me. I am the epitome of perfection and everyone recognizes that. Everyone knows that i am the most gorgeous person on earth. Everyone spoils me with gifts evey single day, i just get new cars, home, money gifted to me out of the blue, just for existing, people buy me stuff. When I walk into a store and people are so mesmerised that they want to buy me whatever i want. Everyone desires me, everyone's on their knees for me and why wouldn't they when i am the literally the prize. I have the pretty privilege and the rizz to that charms everyone.

[gotham-daydreams]

With the reading that i did for yandere batfam about how unpleasent it is for the reader because the batfam is quick to blame and mentally-terrorize the reader if the reader is being aggresive to their affection or very very much uncooperative (or active-agressive(?) agressive-unccoperative(?) Idk how to put it in words. Is it rejecting their affection(?)) in their return of affection.

I can personally say that heck yes, weaponized the freak out of the guilt but not so aggresive. Be as petty as you can be.

If it was me, i would so much be passive-aggresive and numb myself to their affection. And can worked on minimalism/low-maintenance affection and physical contact to survive/living. In short being introvert. I dont need your love and affection to live. Cutting my relation out of the Wayne mansion? Too bad, so sad for me. I have survived from lesser affection in my childhood from when you neglect me. And with your force affection? Yeah, i have survived less and this will be a breeze.

You forcefully try to hug me? Yeah, i dont like being hugged. Please keep yourself away from me. Its not nice of me to reject your affection? Yeah, cant be helped that i develop dislike of physical affection because of how often you ignored me.

You compliment me? Sure, whatever, thanks i guess. I know i am amazing, lots of people told me. And the awards help to solidify that too.

You forcefully make me join your game-night? *looking at them as if they lost their mind* I dont want to. I cant refuse? Fine, i'll play your game but with the most minimal effort just to make you itty bitty bit happy so that you wont hound me later and after this finish, i can go back to my room to become a hermit.

Forcing me to play my music piece in front of you? Sure, i'll play it. *after i finish playing* Are u happy now? *giving them the most dead-panned look* If you are, let me go back to my room in peace.

Forcing me to bake a cake? Its a bother, i am not in the mood to baking stuff. Still forcing me? Fine! *inhaling deeply as if its the most inconvenience thing in the world* *bake the most simple cake ever* Done! Anything else that you want to bother me with? *giving them the look of being annoyed but wont tell it to their face that they are a nuisance for manners sake*

You want MY help? *sigh exasperatedly* *giving them the most fake smile ever* Sure. I can help you. But are YOU sure you want MY help? Since i am confindence the others can do much better than my useless forgetable self. I mean you can do it without my help for years now, i am sure you can manage. But if you want my help, who am i to refuse, right? *still giving the most fakest brightest smile*

The amount of pettines that can be done is endless. Like not saying it straight to their face. The passive agressive!! Sometime complimenting oneself and have pride on how amazing they are so batfam words have nothing on reader, other time just self depracating themself, being aware of how lesser in some field they are compare to the batfam to guilt them but its not like its not true.

Or like instead of despairing and giving in to batfam or have stockholm syndrome. What about just being adaptive? Making the best of their situation? Sure, this suck and i can not escape. But i am alive and i will make the best of whatever life have thrown me. I survive years of neglect. I WILL survive out of being kidnapped of my life that i build, back to where my house of hatred is. I may not be happy, you probably will make me miserable if i act out of line (i am pretty sure our line is different. I feel pretty justified to act like this but i know you think i act out of line), but i am going to make sure that you wont forget your sin no matter what (i personally think this is a great punishment. Sure i tread carefully on your line, but i wont give in to you.)

Sorry if this is long. I dont even know where i am going with this. Maybe i feel bad for the reader who always seem to never win in the captive and i want them to at least have some small victories without the punishment, i guess. But you can ignore it if you want. Or if this is bothering you.

I get what you mean! And yeah, honestly doing all of that petty stuff, and generally being uncooperative and such is very fair! After all, it's what the Batfam deserves after everything...

To which I have to say that they do something worse than just normally kidnap the reader but that isn't in part 3 (don't want to get anyone's hopes up too high now). Though it does make the Batfam more deserving of such behavior, so, again, acting that way is very fair and honestly? Go off.

The family will have to deal with it, and even if eventually they'll try to 'correct it', they're more smart than they are brutal, in my opinion. They'll let is slide for a while even if it hurts, but eeeeveryone has a breaking point.

Gotta take those small victories while you can and while they count, y'know? Their guilt will be their down fall for a while.