#yes that is a car surrounded by cement

[spacehero-23]

Shoutout to Łódz Boat City!

Only you could screw up so beautifully

[just-some-jam]

YOU au Hanma shuji x reader

“Hanma can you open the door for me please” a voice echoed through his head. It sounded like a soft melody in the distance. Something far off that he couldn't quite reach, so close yet so far.

“Hanma help me please. I'm holding the baby, I can't do both at once” your voice whispered from behind the door. Rocking the infant back and forth.

“Hanma help me please im holding the body, I cant do both at once” you had said simultaneously. While both versions of you holding a body and a child flew through his head. But it finally landed on just one. One that he had not expected.

“Hanma, are you deaf or something get the door Im holding the damn baby” you finally snapped at him. Knocking the man out of his state of unawareness. His thoughts still circling through his head, mixed between last night and now.

“Okay, okay stop your bitching. I'm coming woman.” hanma growled as he walked over towards the big white door that he hated. In the big fucking window like house that he hated even more, in the quietest most boring neighborhood in the whole city that he hated more than that. Hamna hated everything about his new life with you. From the supermarket that didn't sell the type of coffee that he liked, down to the dumb neighbors who would always comment. when they heard you two even seem to be rasing your voices at each other. But like the good loving husband he was he would just put up with it. No matter what the draw back was and you were one of those. You were a draw back, everything that you did was a draw back. When he opened the white door he didn't just open it for you and your child he opened it for himself too. So that he could see the outside world far away from his trapped life. In a home that he hated, in the one part of town that he hated even more. And yes finally surrounded by people that he hated the most.

“Hanma hurry grab her feet” you screamed with the voice of a whisper more afraid of waking the baby then getting caught with a body. You were and still are a draw back, and it always came down to situations like this. When you go off the rails and do stupid things, going off a very small claim that he had cheated on you. With the mail woman of all people. Cliche much one would think but you though it was very much real.

“Im grabbing her legs but could you be more quieter” hanma had yelled back at you with his brows furrowed very hard. Showing the sweat that was gliding off of his almost pail face. Everything could end here and now just by one person spotting them. One person waking up at fucking 2:20 in the morning. To see the atrocity you both have now committed.

He took over now at this point, Hanma was no stranger to violence. No stranger to hiding bodies and covering up crimes. You had married a criminal after all. But you were inexperienced, so bad that the action that was committed a mere few hours ago. Had already incriminated you both, even If you hadn't gotten caught yet. The woman fell limply into the back of the car as hanma tried to slam the trunk as quietly as possible.

He paid no care to the fact that his wife was running back into the house. Grabbing his son and a fully packed diaper bag. Jumping into the front seat of the car as he did the same. A small infant in the back sleeping only a seat away from his mother's crime.

"you just had to bring the baby." He muttered putting the car in reverse.

"what were we supposed to do huh? leave him there?" She retorted back. Watching said boy from the review mirror asleep. As he drove off twords a string of new houses being built at the opposite end of the culdesac. Down as far as the street reached. Settling on a newly dug up foundation that was set to have cement poured that next morning.

Hanma got out of the car now being able to take out his frustrations loudly. Slamming the car door as it echoed off the vancent houses. Reaching around the back to open the truck of his obnoxiously large soccer mom car.

What had you done to him truly. What had you done to his life. Hanma shuji had run from his original crimes for as long as he could. Deciding that he would never senselessly kill again unless he had to. And now you had broken his own personal rule. Throwing the man straight into yet another crime.

What did you do to me?

[dean-you-assbutt-cas-loves-you]

best friends to lovers destiel au fic recs list for @thetiredstuff :D

A Tale of Two Tropes by Amelia_Clark (E, 7k)

 “Am I going to regret this?” Cas asked from the passenger seat.

 They’d just pulled up outside Dean’s grandmother’s house, a tidy Craftsman bungalow painted a cheerful yellow. It didn’t look threatening; there was a porch swing with crocheted cushions and a cement statue of a goose on the porch. The goose was wearing a rain slicker and hat the same color as the house.

In this fic: fake dating, bed-sharing, the doting grandmother Dean Winchester never had, a cement goose with a wardrobe, a contemptuous cat, and a lot of sexual tension that's unresolved until it isn't.

As You Walk On By by MercyBraavos (E, 23k)

Dean and Castiel grew up together. Fell in love together. Lost their virginity together. Made plans for the future, their future, together. There’s only one problem:

Castiel doesn’t remember any of it.

Are We Any Different? by LeviathanBlue, SerpentCountess (T, 41k)

Cas adopts (steals) a cow.  Dean helps.

“Cas… There’s a… There’s a cow.  In my room.” “Yes, Dean.” “Why?” “Because.” "Right."

More Than Kisses by  FriendofCarlotta  (E, 29k)

1996: Dean joins his high school’s pen pal program as a last-ditch effort to keep from repeating the eleventh grade. But soon, the letters he trades with Castiel, a fellow high schooler from Chicago, become the most important constant of his life.

2005: Castiel has been in love with his pen pal Dean for years now. But he’s reluctant to upset the balance of their relationship, so when a new work opportunity takes him to Dean’s city, he keeps it a secret. Will these two ever find their way to each other?

things i knew when i was young by stormwarnings  (T, 16k)

Ok, so Castiel's in love with his best friend.

Which is what puts them here, in Dean’s car, eight hours into a nine and a half hour drive up north to bury Castiel’s mother on the grounds that he grew up on. Because it’s been eight years since Castiel cut ties with his family and left, supposedly for college, and there hasn’t been a word of communication since. Because Dean is, at his core, a good person and a better friend, and when he heard that Castiel’s mother had died and that he would need to return to his childhood home over Thanksgiving break, he knew enough to say he’d go with him.

This is, for sure, not helping Castiel get over his inappropriately persistent feelings.

(more under the cut)

Alright  by  turningthepages  (T, 46k)

Dean is a good kid living in a good town surrounded by good friends and good family. Castiel is the new kid in town and has never truly had a friend before.

Dean comes along and starts to change things for him.

To Build a Home by intothesilentland  (M, 383k)

Twenty-three years of head-over-heels, devastating devotion and love, love, love for the man with bright eyes and dark hair. Fourteen years of friends, best friends, of always together. One moment of rejection.

Nine years of apart. Nine years of heartbreak, nine years of continents away, of not speaking, of no acknowledgement, no interaction, no closure, no peace. No happiness. Nine years of Dean’s life entering motions, going through them, constant, cold and mechanic, like clockwork. Nine years of alone.

God. Nine years. A lot has changed. And yet Dean still loves Cas just the same. Even if his heart hurts all kinds of different.

On the day of Jimmy Novak's funeral, Dean sees Cas for the first time in nine years. He adored Castiel the moment he met him, at only four years old. But after fourteen years of friendship destroyed by one moment of heartbreak, and after nine years of silence, Dean is convinced Cas will want nothing to do with him. And it's killing him.

When In Vegas  by  Dmsilvis, TobytheWise (E, 16k)

Dean has figured out the most perfect prank. The prank to top every other prank. Ever. Getting his best friend drunk and then convincing him they’d gotten married in their drunken stupor was easy. Dealing with Castiel telling him he’s been in love with Dean for years? Well, that’s a different thing entirely.

Castiel wakes up married to the love of his life who he’s been secretly pining over for years. Now he just has to convince Dean that he’ll be the best husband ever, making sure Dean will never regret the decision he made that night.

Things take a terrible turn when Castiel finds out everything was a lie in the name of a prank just as Dean realizes how much he truly loves Castiel back. Will they be able to overcome this misunderstanding or was their relationship doomed before it even started?

The Ocean Between Us  by  noxsoulmate  (E, 27k)

Living a hermit life, Dean Winchester didn’t need much. The only things important to him were his position in the business that was once owned by his family, his boat, and his friendship with Castiel, Charlie, and Gabriel. If only there wasn’t a whole ocean between them, then maybe he could even give his feelings for Castiel a chance …

Room for Two (The Mattress AU) by  almaasi  (E, 14k)

✔ College roommates ✔ Buying a mattress together ✔ Faking a relationship to get a discount ✔ Sharing a bed ✔ Roleplaying as a couple to "test the bed" ✔ Fake kissing becomes real kissing ✔ Fake sex is Way Too Real ✔ Cuddling ✔ Wet dreams ✔ "Oh no I thought I was dreaming but it was real life" ✔ Matchmakers Sam & Charlie ✔ Cas seems kinda clueless but actually understands everything ✔ Mutual respect, support, and understanding ✔ Friends to lovers ✔ Mutual pining ✔ Go౦ԁ sHit        

Honey-Baked  by  mishaminion69, sydkn3e (E,  89k)

There's no ifs, ands, or buts about it...Cas is a weird, tactless, ornery guy. His idea of a job is selling weed out of their shared cabin, his idea of fun is occasional orgies, and he has more creepy dolls and crystals than anyone of their age ever should.

But he's also Dean's childhood best friend, and now he's the star of all Dean's wildest fantasies.

Then there's the whole "being in love with him" thing.

The Ones We Choose  by  lightmyway  (E, 82k)

After telling his family he’s gay, Castiel winds up homeless.   With the help of his best friend, Cas finds himself a home and a new family.  He also finds himself in love with his best friend.  A love that endures no matter the circumstances of their lives, even in the wake of Dean’s rejection.

Despite knowing how Cas feels, Dean clings to his best friend through the years.  In high school and college.  As roommates.  Through Cas becoming a firefighter and his own journey to become a business owner.  With shared time and space, Dean begins to see Cas in a new light.  His attraction grows, along with his feelings.

Letting those feelings spill out one night, Dean changes the trajectory of their lives.  As their relationship grows, they are confronted by Cas’s past and must relive a painful and damaging event in Dean’s life.  But it is the life-changing fire, which is their greatest challenge, making them face their deepest fears and test the strength of their love.

[lunaraindrop]

One word/One sentence prompt thing; "Steve's Eddie the Bat plush"...does that count? Just Steve having a bat plush that reminds him of Eddie 🖤🦇🖤🦇

I have to tell you, this little bat plushie made my plot bunny go rabid! This is insanely long! I hope you enjoy it!

---

Steve stared down the candy apple in annoyance. They looked okay at the vendor's table, but Steve was pretty sure Granny Smiths didn't have an onion aftertaste. What he wouldn't give to be back home and have one of Mrs. Byers candy apples.

At that moment, he should have been eating pizza and a ton of good candy at the scary movie marathon at the Munson's new place. He should be passing around the Tupperware of his peanut butter chocolate chip cookies to his friends. Instead, he was hours away, three states over, eating a mediocre candy apple and hanging out at some Fall Carnival with a girl named Kaitlyn.

Don't mistake this. Steve Harrington was not on a date.

He had not been on a date with a chic in many months. Say...before Spring Break? The ready excuse was all the trauma everyone experienced. Another was all of the doctors visits, recovery, and endless volunteer hours. Who had time to date when Max needed to get to physical therapy and FEMA sent in another case of canned goods for the food bank? When did he have time to flirt with the ladies if he was constantly surrounded by kids? When would he have time to hang out with his adult friends?

Plus, as Steve had come to realize (after many, many car conversations with Robin), he was kinda done with meaningless relationships. Steve wanted the real deal. He wanted to settle down. Steve didn't want a hookup. He wanted a lifetime of love.

Yes, these were all very good excuses. Ones that even Robin believed when he would turn a cute girl down.

But the truth was that Steve *was* ready to date.

Had been for months now.

Maybe, kinda already was?!?

He just didn't know if the person he wanted to be with felt the same way.

You see, Steve came to the realization that he madly was in love with Eddie Munson.

In his defense, he didn’t know what he was feeling right away.

Steve and Eddie shared a hospital room when they got back from the Upside Down. While Eddie had been in worse shape, both of them had been bitten by the bats. They had to be quarantined together for 96 hours before Steve was cleared to go. And go he did....to take a shower and change his clothes. He was right back after that, visiting Eddie and Max.

It turned out that Dustin had been onto something (the ego boost for that, Jesus Christ), trying to get them to hang out. Contrary to outward appearances, Steve and Eddie had a lot in common. When you get past all of the high school bullshit, it was obvious that they could have been great friends before all this. So, they made up for lost time.

When he and Eddie became friends, like actual friends, and not just linked by the kids and trauma, Steve thought that what he was feeling was the joy and connection of having a best friend. Someone he could unapologetically be a dude with. He loved Robin to bits, but there was something special about bonding over fart jokes and impromptu wrestling matches in a living room. While he and Tommy H had been close, they were never *this* close. It was similar to how he and Robin cemented into their friendship, but just...more, if that were even possible.

He actually felt *guilty* for a while because he felt like he was best friend-cheating on Robin. It broke his heart to think that she would ever feel like second best or that she wasn't as important in his life, because she was! He wanted to spend time with her. She was still his best friend, his twin. Robin was like an extension of his own body.

But, with Eddie...it was just *different*. There was this need, the constant craving to be as close to him as humanly possible. An ache that was only soothed by having him by his side.

And it wasn’t just him, either. If Steve was a clingy friend, then Eddie was a fucking koala. Where one would go, so would the other, much to the amusement and annoyance of the other people in their lives. Their whole ragtag group liked to spend time with each other. Of course they would both be there too. And, sure, it was expected to see Steve taking Eddie to his physical therapy appointments. Wayne usually had to work. It wasn't a weird jump that Eddie and Steve would be at Max's together either.

But...Steve got some strange looks at the Corroded Coffin practices for a while. Eddie definitely got strange looks helping Steve sort out clothes and canned goods at the food bank. Steve let Eddie host D&D at his house, and Eddie let Steve put a basketball hoop over the Munson's new driveway.

When they did have to part, Eddie would get all dramatic about missing him, and while Steve rolled his eyes at his antics, he couldn’t help the bashful grin on his face. Eddie missed him. Eddie counted the time, loudly, to anyone who would listen, how long they were apart. (And he was pretty sure he was always right, because Steve counted too. He wasn't the best at math, but it was always close or the same to what Steve counted. He would even tell Eddie, which always pull a curl over his face.)

When Mike said that normal friends don't pine like some war widow when their friend went to the grocery store, Steve...started to figure out that they maybe weren't best friends. Best friends don't have to force themselves to part ways at night and sleep in their own beds, alone, only to sleep and nap on a couch together the next day. Normally, best friends don't find excuses to touch and hold onto each other and hold hands in the car. Best friends do give each other nicknames, but usually not "Sweetheart" or "Baby Love".

Best friends don't want to kiss their friends.

So when Robin had absolutely enough of not having Steve time and dragged him off to defend her best friend title, it was Steve that said, "Robbie... I'm freaking out. I'm not sure if he and I are Platonic with a capital P. Something's going on...and I'm kinda in love with him. "

Robin, wide-eyed, said "Oh. Oh! That's completely different!" and demanded to know every detail of what she had missed.

So, why was Steve hours away, three states over, at some Fall Carnival with a girl named Kaitlyn?

Easy.

His parents called.

As grown up as Steve was, there was still a part of him that was the eager boy, wanting to get their approval and attention.

They had been back to Hawkins only once since the "earthquake", and it wasn’t even for him. It was to get an estimate on the property damage. (They had been there two days and eleven hours. Eddie barreled down the driveway and nearly crushed his ribs when they left town. And Steve could have sworn Eddie laid a barely there kiss to the top of his head. They later watched Murder, She Wrote and cuddled on the couch. It was the most content he had been in a long time.)

On the day that Steve decided he was going to talk to Eddie and figure out what they were doing, his parents called and invited him to their business trip. They had a round trip ticket. They said they would love to see him.

He was so torn. He didn't want to leave the kids, or Robin, or especially Eddie...but they were his parents.

It was Hopper, of all people, that told him to take the break and see his folks. "You have been running yourself ragged, Steve. The kids will keep Munson busy. Go eat some fancy shrimp cocktail and remind the Harringtons that they have a son."

The airport was...hard. He honestly wanted to stuff Robin and Eddie in his carry-on, and maybe Dustin in the overhead bin. There were fucking tears, and laughter at the fucking tears. But Steve did get on the plane.

The first day there nice. Fall in Pennsylvania is really pretty. The hotel was five star. He went to the hotel's spa with his mom. She took him to lunch and dinner.

He didn't see his dad until the next day's brunch.

And that's when he was told that he would be spending time with Kaitlyn Caissiere, the young daughter of his new business partner.

At first, Steve was terrified that his parents were trying to set him up with this girl, and then horrified at the idea that maybe he was actually being pimped out to "entertain" her.

But, the real truth, while a relief, was annoying.

"Always the God damn babysitter." He grumbled.

That's right. Steve was there to babysit the most annoying preteen he had ever met. And he knew Mike Wheeler as a preteen.

Kaitlyn was a spoiled brat.

A spoiled brat with a ton of money and an itinerary.

The worst kind.

"By 8:00pm you must win me a stuffed animal. If you don't, I will tell Daddy that he should not do business with your dad."

"Yeah, yeah kid. I got it. Get you a stuffed animal."

He had been following her schedule for the past couple of days. Thankfully, he would be flying out the next day. He just needed to keep tabs on the she-devil, and "cater to her every whim" as his dad had said.

Walking towards the games, they passed by a fortune tellers tent.

Kaitlyn stepped on his heel. "Ow! What the hell?"

"I wanna stop here! I want my fortune read!"

"But this isn't on your list-"

"Let’s go now!"

Steve looked at the sign. Fortunes cost $5.00. A little steep, but it wasn't his money. Along with Kaitlyn watching came a wab of cash that was more than four of his paychecks from Family Video.

Kaitlyn insisted Steve stand outside of the tent while getting her fortune told. As she went into the tent, another came out. There were actually two people working the tent, but this older lady stepped out for a smoke break. When she realized she didn't have a lighter, Steve pulled out his own and offered it to her.

Taking a drag from her cigarette, she turned her head and smiled at him. "I like you. You remind me of my grandson."

Steve thanked her before pitching the candy apple into the garbage can like a three pointer.

The lady looked him over. "Sonny, since you are a kind young man and dealing with that child, I'm going to give you a free fortune."

"Oh really, ma'am. That's not necessarily."

"Oh hush! Now, watch the smoke."

Steve felt silly watching this stranger's cigarette smoke. He didn't exactly believe in fortune telling. But then again, he has seen crazier things.

Steve watched as the smoke took a form. He looked closer. "What the fu-"

The smoke took shape as a perfect arrow, pointing left.

"The answers you seek will be found over there. You will know what to do."

Well, what the hell did that mean?

He soon found out.

When Kaitlyn was done berating the fortune teller for getting her future wrong, Steve steered her toward the games. Which ironically was also where the arrow pointed.

Kaitlyn decided that Steve would win her a unicorn from a milk bottle toss. It took him seven tries on the rigged game before he finally won the damn thing.

"That was actually kind of pathetic, you know? Good thing you don't have a girlfriend to get a prize for. We would be here all night!"

Steve knew a challenge, and couldn't let that stand.

"That is because you picked a game that isn't in my skill set."

He looked around and saw a basketball throwing game in the distance with what looked like Halloween plushies.

"There! That's my game. I bet I can win a prize in one shot."

Kaitlyn drew up her nose. "I don't want any of those prizes. Yuck."

"Then it's for me."

She checked her paper. "I will allow one plushie for you. Any more and I will tell my daddy you stole them from me."

Steve was too busy at first looking at the distance of the rim to see what all the prizes were. But he stopped in his tracks when he did.

This was a game he could win easy. And there, on the top row, were a line of black and purple plushie bats with "Ozzy" stitched in lurid orange on the belly.

That...was definitely a sign. He also needed to have one of those bats, and pronto!

The man running the booth gave him a smile. "You a fan of Black Sabbath?"

Steve smacked the bills down with a grin. "Sir, I am tonight."

And just like he thought he would, Steve won the bat easily.

The man handed it to him. "Ha! Good aim! This little guy was meant for you"

As the man gave him the cute plushie bat, Steve knew he had his answer.

Thank you, fortune teller lady.

---

Eddie was waiting at the airport for him. The kids wanted to be there, but they were not allowed to skip school. Robin also wanted to be there, but work wouldn't budge. A "Welcome Home" party in Steve's honor would be had later that evening.

Man, Steve loved his friends.

Eddie held up an obnoxious cardboard sign with his name written in red craft glitter glue. A sign that Steve threw down to hug the bastard as tightly as he could.

"Welcome home, Big Boy! Your chariot awaits!"

On the drive back to Hawkins, Steve told Eddie about his trip. Eddie liked that he got to get the "Pampering he deserves" at the spa, and fumed loudly at his parents having him go out of town just to play babysitter.

"They had to take you away from your home, your *family*, from everything you've ever known-"

"-to toss you a ward?! Your parents are a real hobnobbing dick-weasles."

"Bit dramatic there, Eds-"

"-for 76 hours and 34 minutes-"

"-Wait, where did you get that extra hour?-"

Steve laughed so hard he cried at "dick-weasels."

When they passed the Welcome to Hawkins sign, Steve asked Eddie to drive them to the rock quarry. It was one of the few places they would escape to just drink beer, listen to some tunes, and just...be together.

When they parked, they sat in silence for a minute, before Steve grabbed his carry-on from the back.

"Whatcha got there, Stevie?"

"Its actually something I wanted to show you."

Eddie rubbed his hands together in excitement. "Ooo...what wares do you bring me, traveler?"

Steve shook his head in exasperated fondness. "You're so weird."

Pausing for a second, he brought out the plushie bat. Eddie gasped and snatched it out of his hands.

"Steve! This is the cutest fucking bat I have ever seen. And it's name is Ozzy! Whoever made this has taste!"

"Yeah, it's a carnival toy. I won that."

Eddie smiled at him briefly before his large brown eyes went back to his soft new friend. "Of course you did. Steve Harrington: Slayer of Demon Bats and Cheap Carnival Games!"

Steve laughed, but felt nervous inside. This was it. Make or break.

"Yeah. I just had to get him. He reminded me of my boyfriend back home. I really missed him, but Ozzy here helped."

Eddie froze. He looked back up at Steve again, eyes wide as saucers.

"B-boyfriend? He reminds you of your boyfriend?"

Steve licked his lips, gaining some confidence that Eddie's eyes tracked the motion.

"Yeah, boyfriend. Soul mate. Idiot I love and co-parent seven kids with."

Eddie hands were shaking. He carefully placed Ozzy in Steve's lap before cupping his face.

"Sweetheart. Oh, my love, your boyfriend missed you too!"

Eddie surged forward and finally, finally kissed Steve. It was like coming home. Steve let out a happy whine, and leaned forward into the kiss. Fingers slipped into hair. Worshipping kisses were laid upon cheeks and foreheads. Hickeys were nibbled and lovingly sucked into necks and collarbone.

---

Later, at Steve's Welcome Home party, they showed up together, hands entwined. Steve had Eddie's mood ring on his left ring finger. Still, nobody knew they were officially a couple until they saw the hickeys.

That night, the boys went to bed together, content that they no longer had to hide the extent of their feelings for each other. Taking a break from making out on the bed, Eddie placed Ozzy on the chair and turned him to face the wall. He didn't need to see what his dads were about to do.

[thepancakewitch]

Stairway to Heaven

A fic dedicated to my friend, Stray!

SFW - Gaolang x Reader

In the humid climate of the bustling city, it was hard to find respite in the madness of it. The constant whaling of cars, babies and fire engines, the congested sidewalks that made getting anywhere a nightmare, crowded public transportation with way too many creepy guys, the only safe place was my apartment. Unfortunately, it was located on the 20th floor. The elevator was usually just as crowded, so I always opted to climb the stairs to get back to my oasis. I hardly ever saw anyone taking the stair well. It was more like a cement box with little to no air flow, often being hotter than outside, even in the highest temperatures. Anyone who passed each other sort of nodded and smiled to one another; we were comrades in the pit of hell known as our apartment stairwell.

And today was pushing me to my limits. 15... Only 5 more... My lungs felt like they were on fire, trying their damnedest to pump air into me as I ascended. Gripping the metal support pole, my arms pulled the rest of my labored body up. Each step exhausted me harder and harder. Why was this so hard today!? As I got to the 16th floor, I felt my legs give out as I tumbled backwards and blacked out.

I awoke, in a panic. The worst place to be passed out as in a stairwell with no security cameras! That was practically asking for someone to steal their belongings, or worse yet... I tried to assess my surroundings. It was the hallway. But not my own. Squinting my eyes to get them to adjust to the bright light from the windows, I could make out the numbers for the floor. 4...45!? How on earth did I get to 45!? A loud scream from across the hall awoke me.

“YEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GAOOOOOO!!! I GOT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

I noticed a man running down the hallway; I felt immediate panic as I tried to scurry away from him. A hand gently rested on my shoulder, pushing me back down.

“You’re awake. Are you alright?”

His accent was as light as his hand was on my shoulder. I peered over to the man closer to me; how did I not notice this giant before!? He was extremely built, but his expression and attire didn’t seem to match him at all on first glance.

I scooted away, laughing. “O-Oh yes, no need to worry. Thank you very much for getting me out of the stairwell but-” My awkward escape was interrupted by the running man, who skidded in front of us and threw out both of his arms.

“HEY LADY! Are you feeling BETTER!?!?!”

“Y-yep! I was going to leave...” I felt imprisoned by their auras alone; a quiet strength and a raw, unfiltered, burning passion for STRENGTH as well! Was I safe? Something about the duo told my gut instinct I was fine, but being around strangers was never a good idea. Especially in the city.

“WELL YOU CAN’T JUST LEAVE!” The running man shouted, waving his arms frantically.

“Don’t say such threatening things, Saw.” The other looked up at him with his tired expression, slowly standing up. He had been kneeling by me the entire time I was out, watching over me. “I’m sorry for commotion. We saw you passed out on the stairwell and we brought you up to our floor to make sure you were alright. It seems like you were dehydrated.”

“WHICH IS WHY I GOT YOU THIS WATER BOTTLE FROM OUR APARTMENT!!!!!!” Saw nearly threw the bottle onto the ground, but resisted the urge as he shoved it into my hands. “DRINK UP!”

I never felt so aggressively looked after in my life. Cracking the seal of the plastic cap, I sipped slowly and felt a bit of the haziness leave me. I leaned against the wall, still sweating from the adrenaline rush of waking up to a charging man. Exhaling loudly, I took in more as my body began to cool. “Thank you both very much. I appreciate not having 911 called... y’know how pricey they can be.” I waved my hand a bit, feeling awkward around the pair. Not a very good first impression.

“I EXPERIENCE IT ALL THE TIME!”

“I don’t believe you have any serious injuries, though you might want to keep an eye out for concussion symptoms.”

“Huhh really? She didn’t seem to hit her head too hard...” Saw deflated, folding his arms.

“It can’t hurt.” Gao looked to me, giving me a very faint smile. “What floor are you on?”

“...20.” I spoke, Saw’s face lighting up at the realization he could help more. I quickly intervened in his future plans. “I think if I chill out here for a bit longer, I’ll be fine. You two have enough for me already.” Wasting strangers’ time to take care of me when I failed to get enough water in, why was I like this!!

“Oh, what were your names again?”

“YOROIZUKA SAW PAIIINNNNGGGGG!!!”

A pose followed with a beam, pointing back to himself. “And he’s Gaolang.”

“Gaolang Wongsawat.”

What seemed like a break in the clouds to allow a ray of holy light down, Gao’s stone cold face slowly broke to give another smile. I witnessed two miracles today. I was eternally grateful, as I knew I’d probably never see these two again... or anything to their caliber. How could anything hold up a candle to these two?

“Well thank you both very much, I don’t know where I would be or what I would have done without you.” I stood up again on shaky legs. My body wasn’t at 100%, but 70% ought to get me back to my apartment. “Uhm, have a great... rest of your stay in the city!” I laughed awkwardly, trying to exit the hallway as soon as I could.

“YOU TOO!!” Saw screamed out in response, his mouth opening as far as it could.

Gaolang picked up on the subtlety of my embarrassing attempt to detach, quickly adding in,

“Our apartment is always open if you wish to see us again.”

I nearly fell down the stairs again as I peered back to see the pair smiling at me and inviting me into their apartment. Three miracles!? Surely I was overdue to die soon, because my luck was running out!

Our new routine became my winded ascent to their floor, all forty floors, as soon as I came home from work. Saw and Gao were constantly cooking for each other. I was learning so much about their respective sports, how Muay Thai worked, and their respective countries. Gaolang even began to smile. Over time, the trip up began to take less and less out of me, soon resulting in a much faster trek up.

I managed to catch up to Sawpaing in one instance. It took him a second to decipher if he was going slower, or if I had actually gone stronger.

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!”

He boomed, excitedly putting his hands on my arms as he shook me wildly.

“YOU DID IT!!!! YOU CONQUERED YOUR GREATEST ENEMY, THE STAIRS!!!!!!” He quickly, turned, rushing up the stairs. “WE GOTTA TELL GAOLANG!!!”

Kicking open their apartment door, Saw screamed at the top of his lungs. “GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!”

I followed suit, waving as I caught my breath again. While I did get better at the stairs, it was still quite the work out.

“OUR FRIEND DEFEATED THE STAIRS!”

“That’s why I invited them up to our apartment in the first place.” Gaolang quietly sipped his tea with usual, bored expression. I... had no idea how to take this news. Shock, disappointment, bewilderment...

“This was all an exercise routine!?” I yelled out. “Why?”

“I was worried for your health in the long run.” He calmly set down the cup, looking down. “What if we weren’t here the next time that incident happened?”

FOUR MIRACLES! FIVE? I couldn’t count anymore!

“Wow that’s really smart, Gao.” Saw puffed, genuinely impressed by his rival.

“Well... I...” I was at a loss of words again. “Thank you so much!”

“I hope you don’t take this as a sign to avoid visiting us though. You need to keep your training up.” The Thai boxer grinned, leaning back a bit on his floor cushion. The light of the setting sun began to illuminate their apartment, giving it an ethereal look. Gaolang was practically glowing in it. Saw began screaming again, patting my back repeatedly. As I was budged by the excited patting of Saw, I realized I had another, if only temporary, oasis in the city. The apartment on the 45th floor.

And the staircase? Just a stairway to get to heaven.

[sopestvr]

(BM) MATTHEW KIM.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀“YOU’RE CUTE WHEN YOU BLUSH.”

𓈀﹟★̶̲ 𓍢 ⋆⠀somin brings you along to what she simply called a “car show”, yet you found yourself looking at much more than cars.

†⠀warnings y disclaimers — fem!reader. streetracer!au. fluff. teasing. poking fun at matthew for being a simp. the entirety of KARD doing likewise. swearing. sort of. no smut at all cause my step brothers name is mathew and ew gross no. wc : 1k

♱⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀BLARING MUSIC was never really [Y/N]’s thing, not her forte. I’m lying, yes the fuck it was. Ear bleeding and boisterous songs were everything she ever loved. Whether she was at yet another rave party, or simply just folding laundry in her apartment with nothing but a robe and headphones on.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀So, when she waltzed into a car show party alongside her good friend Somin, the uproarious melodie’s that would burst a normal person’s eardrums were nothing to the lady. Quite frankly, she was pleased by them. Especially the bass, oh did the woman love her a good bass.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀With her and Somin’s arms interlocked, the two young women made their way into the crowd that engulfed the duo like water to a puddle. Their matching heels clacked diligently against the rugged cement floor, [Y/N]’s eyes wandering about whilst she took in her surroundings that practically suffocated her.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀There were bright lights that hung from above, speakers ricocheting off the building walls from within the trunk of cars, the intoxicating smell of alcohol burning through her nostrils. Everything that surrounded the woman brought nothing but joy to her, a lingering smile glistening all over her face as she allowed Somin to guide her through the horde.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀“C’mon I have a friend that I want you to meet.” the woman winked in [Y/N]’s direction, ushering her roommate towards the grouping of cars that were aligned with one another up ahead.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Each one of them were plastered with a different car wrap design that prominently stood out from the rest. They were each unique to the varied men that stood confidently by their vehicles, women wrapped around them with fingers trailing all over their bodies. They were like two ends of a magnet pulling together, each of them all over one another.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Most of the men were far too mediocre for [Y/N]’s peculiar taste. They all had the same style, fake accent, fake chains, and even the same side swoop haircut. The woman thought it was undeniably tacky and boring. Practically none of them caught her eye.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Almost none expect for one.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀He was a broad shouldered man who stood tall and loosely against his bright green 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T. The neon lights displayed saturated hues along his smooth skin, yet the man’s entire attention was only focused on his phone. He paid no mind to the assortment of beautiful women who surrounded him, attempting to grasp his attention.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀A vague ‘hm’ tumbled from [Y/N]’s mouth as she observed the sight, realizing that Somin was bringing her towards the man all the while. He had matching green hair that was slicked back, a couple tiny strands curling against his forehead. If not for his car that the woman oh so admired, her eyes would’ve stuck to him like glue.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀“Yo, Matt! I got somethin’ for you!” Somin hollered mediocrely, her voice alone pulling the man from his device screen as he gazed up in her direction.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Once his chocolate colored eyes landed on Somin, a sly grin marred his previously grimaced face, nodding at the woman. He was about to return back to whatever activities he’d been doing on his phone when he made eye contact with [Y/N] for nothing more than a millisecond. The man was simply just trying to look at his device, yet the moment he realized there was someone walking alongside Somin, he snapped his head back up in an instant.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀His eyes resembled much of a puppy, the way he gazed at [Y/N] who’d been laughing with Somin whilst the pair neared Matthew. Once he took in her appearance, he couldn’t pull them away, scrambling to stand up straight. Only, when he did that, he realized just how tall the woman actually was.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀It was evident she towered over Somin, yet the man hadn’t realized she did likewise to him as well. A hesitant gulp was pulled from deep within his throat, the air around him suddenly becoming a little warm.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀“Ay, eyes over here buddy.” Somin snapped at the man, pulling him from his trance as he shook his head ever so slightly.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀“N/N this is my good friend Matthew Kim. BM for short. And, Matt, this is my girl friend Y/N.” Somin introduced the two, both of their eyes already interlocked with one another.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀[Y/N] displayed none other than a swift snarky grin, her top row of teeth briefly tugging in her bottom lip. However, Matthew on the other hand, couldn’t help himself but hold an admirable expression all over. It was almost as if he was at a loss for words, which [Y/N] thought was absolutely and undeniably adorable.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀“And what does BM stand for?” [Y/N] inquired, her interest piquing at the mention of a particular nickname.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀“Big!” Matthew blurted out of random, earning an eyebrow raise from [Y/N] whilst her grin broadened.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀“Big Matthew. God this fuckin’ idiot…” Somin pressed her fingers against her middle of her eyebrows, an exasperated sigh falling from her lips at Matthew’s incompetence.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀She knew he was dumb, just not that dumb.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀[Y/N] couldn’t help but snicker to herself. Matthew all too entranced by the sounds. Never in his life would he have guessed he’d be so enthralled by a woman he’s barely even met. Yet, there was something about her that he couldn’t put his finger on. Not at the moment, at least.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀“Oh? Is it just ‘cause you’re tall, or.. is for something else?” The woman smoothed out her sly smirk, tilting her head at Matthew who was stunned by her statement, a light pink tint shading his face.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Somin laughed at the man’s expression, bending over a bit whilst she held her stomach. Soon enough others joined them and began poking fun at Matthew’s expression.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀[Y/N] didn’t mean to cause such chaos but it sure was funny watching the man get made fun of by women that were half his size. The way the redness that conveyed across his cheeks only got worse the more they pushed him around was everything.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ “You’re cute when you blush.” [Y/N] added to the fun, the rest laughing at how Matthew had to cover his face that time, turning around completely with his friend wrapping an arm around his shoulders.

© SOPESTVR — do not steal my works. all rights reserved.

[subliminalbo]

Hypnovember Day 5: Self-Care Saturday

It was supposed to be Andrea’s Self-Care Saturday. She’d bought a ticket to see Vertigo early at the Hedron Theater, then planned to spend the rest of the evening locked up in her apartment in sweatpants, eating freezer pizza and watching TV until she passed out. Then, as she was getting ready for the movie, she got the call from Dr. Fielding.

That’s how their relationship worked. Andrea was paid by the job and she only worked when needed, but she was on call 24/7 and powerless to deny a work request. Even though she wanted to protest, she couldn’t even offer a “But…” As soon as she heard Dr. Fielding’s voice, her will simply melted away.

“We have a job for you tonight, Andrea,” Dr. Fielding said

“Yes, Dr. Fielding,” Andrea replied in that dreamy sort of monotone that signaled the total power Carpenter State’s psychology professor held over her.

Sometimes the work could be exciting. The last time Dr. Fielding had given Andrea a call, it was to retrieve a coed who had torn off her clothes and climbed onto a table at Argento’s moaning, “More!” as she shoveled fistfulls of spaghetti into her mouth. Andrea and Tyler had succeeded in both removing the woman from the business and controlling the narrative—protecting a Romero institution like Argento’s by blaming the incident on a mysterious new drug. That’s why Andrea and Tyler worked so well together. They weren’t just good at cleaning up Romero’s messes, but covering them up too.

This call was not the weird horny spaghetti demon lady. This call was, “Attend this scholarship dinner and watch for anything weird.”

“Anything weird?” Tyler had repeated when Andrea climbed into his car with a huff.

“That’s all she said!” Andrea shot back. “What the fuck does that even mean?”

Tyler had lost track of the conversation. He was busy ogling Andrea’s low plunging dress.

“Oh, fuck off,” Andrea snapped. “We got like thirty minutes notice, this is the best I could do.”

“Well you look great,” he smiled.

Tyler speculated that whatever they were supposed to look out for must be so obvious that they couldn’t miss it if they saw it. And, of course, if they never saw anything, Dr. Fielding wouldn’t have to worry about exposing them to too much information. One of those “need to know” type things.

Of course he’d take Dr. Fielding’s side on this, Andrea thought. The scholarship dinner was a great opportunity for Tyler to yuck it up with some big name Carpenter State donors. He absolutely lived for that shit. Andrea had trusted Tyler a lot less since he admitted to her that he’d accept pay in exposure. “Fuck that,” she’d said. “I’m trying to eat.”

The dinner was predictably boring. Tyler had abandoned Andrea almost immediately to introduce himself to Pageant Crowe, the longtime editor of the Romero Scribe. She hung back against the wall trying to make herself as small as possible. After forty-five minutes of listening to old white men speak about the value of a Carpenter education, she tapped Tyler on the shoulder and whisper-shouted, “I gotta piss,” turning more than a few heads at the English majors table.

The bathroom was outside of the dining hall, near the back of the building just by the kitchens. The sound of the muffled speeches bounced off of the cement walls. As she exited the bathroom, she gave herself a moment to sigh, but before she could head back in there she heard a bump from the kitchen. It was probably nothing, she thought, but enough to pick up her terminally bored interest.

“Hello?” Andrea called, stepping toward the dark hallway that led into the kitchen. Next she heard a metallic clang, and a moan floated down the corridor. Andrea followed the noise, gasping when she entered the kitchen to find a woman on the floor surrounded by pots and pans. She was dressed in a red ball gown, an absolutely stunning body with long, black hair and full lips that curled into a perfect crimson O as she moaned. Andrea figured she must have been a donor, because her look wasn’t “fresh off the rack at Target” enough to be a scholarship student.

it wasn’t the woman’s looks that took Andrea’s breath away, though. It was what she was doing on the floor, her legs spread as she fingered herself, cupping at one tit hanging loose from the dress. The woman’s eyes rolled back in her head, delirious as the pleasure drove her forward.

“Good…” the woman moaned. “So fucking gooood…” the woman moaned.

“Jesus,” Andrea laughed. “I’m sorry, I’ll just…leave you to that.”

Andrea went back through the kitchen entrance, closing the big double doors as she exited to give the donor some privacy. But as she made her way back to the hall, she froze as Dr. Fielding’s words flashed like a sign on the highway: something weird, something weird.

“Goddammit,” Andrea groaned when she realized that she had to go back. The woman was gone when she returned to the kitchen, though. “Hello?” Andrea called in her signature whisper-shout. “Horny lady?”

As she crept through the dark kitchen, she pulled her phone out of her small clutch and texted Tyler, then decided that a call would be more urgent. He didn’t answer on the first try. Fuck. A sound somewhere in the kitchen made Andrea jump, but doing a quick scan of her surroundings she didn’t find anything.

“I’m not going to hurt you,” she said. “I’m going to get you help.”

No response, but she thought she heard the sound of something large scurrying across the floor. Fuck, fuck.

She dialed Tyler again, finally getting him as she reached the opposite exit of the kitchen. She turned around at the doors to face the direction she’d just come from, expecting to find a pair of glowing eyes facing her, but instead she saw nothing but the dim glow of the kitchen lights.

“I think I found the something weird,” Andrea said into the phone. “Yes, I know who Pageant Crowe is! Come to the kitchens, you dork, I could be in trouble.”

She turned around again, reaching out to pull the double doors open. As they swung toward her, the woman in red slipped through, pressing her hand to Andrea’s chest.

“Wait, wait, wait!” Andrea whimpered, her phone shattering on the floor. When the woman’s fingers made contact with her skin, it felt as if they continued moving, pushing through into her body. Andrea could feel long, invisible tendrils extending from the woman and spreading out into her body.

Something weird, something weird, something fucking weird!

The woman in red licked her lips as if she were savioring a delicious meal. But Andrea didn’t feel like she was being consumed. The woman was transferring something to her, something that only got stronger as it inhabited more and more bodies.

“Accept me as a gift,” the woman said. “Accept all of me, and I’ll make you feel so good.”

Something…good…so fucking gooooood…

Andrea’s lips curled into a smile as she slowly accepted her body’s new inhabitant. Whatever it was that took hold of the woman in red’s body, it was inside Andrea now. And as its lifeforce seeped into every corner of Andrea’s body, it transformed her into the same drooling, mindless slut as the donor. That was the gift that she was given: the thing inside would have total control of her body, while the Andrea inside was subdued by endless orgasm. She began to moan, feeling that aching desire to be filled in every hole. The thing inside seemed to be feeding off of her sexual hunger. That’s what lust demons do.

The woman in red dropped to her knees, tearing down Andrea’s black panties and plunging face between her soaking folds. Andrea had never been so horny, so eager to cum. And she knew that once she did, she would never stop. She would cum again and again and again until there was nothing left of her mind and the thing could move on to its next host.

“Moooore!” Andrea cried, pulling the woman into her. “It needs more! It’s so hungry and it needs to feed! I need…I need to cummm!” 

Andrea left the kitchen with the same disheveled look as the woman in red. Her hair was a mess, her tits loose from her dress, her smile was wide and her eyes were empty. She hastily cleaned up, then returned to the hall eager to share the thing inside of her with Tyler. Maybe this would finally convince him to give it to her the way she’d always wanted it. And hey, even if he didn’t want to, it wasn’t like he had a choice.

Andrea laughed in a voice that was not her own. After such a long, boring night, this scholarship dinner was finally starting to turn around.

[spacedoutman]

【𝖂𝖊𝖗𝖊𝖜𝖔𝖑𝖋 𝖉𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖒𝖘 | 𝕬 𝖐𝖎𝖘𝖘 𝖆𝖚】

(𝕻𝖆𝖗𝖙 no)

"A p air of golden eyes cut through black. Paul looked up, he couldn’t help but to grin wider. Joy sent his heart thudding at lightning speed. His grin could only grow. The eyes got bigger. Paul trembled like mad."

Description: With the misterious death of his family, Paul Stanley dreams of a life where he never has to worry about anything again. Notorious werewolf Peter Criss can give it to him--but will the sacrifice be too much to bear?

♥ Paul Stanley x Peter Criss

Note: Thank you guys for voting on the poll! I left this mostly unedited and got the ship through an internet wheel. Hope you enjoy! This is part 1 of until I can't take take it anymore

Warnings: Grief

Tears glinted in the sprinkle of moonlight touching his soft face, smearing his makeup as they rolled down his cheeks. He held himself as tight as his arms would let him before snapping. His sobbing drowned out crickets chirping and whatever night animal hung around—well, of course. They’d all probably been scared away by now.

Stanley Bert “Paul Stanley” Eisen pressed his sleeve against his eyes. Wet. Those big eyes sure held a lot of tears. His shoulders jolted. He hugged the steering wheel like a lover and slammed his face into it. His nose almost shattered. His heart writhed. His entire family misteereyusleeh was dead and he found himself out here again.

“People, let me get this off my chest!” He sobbed.

He swept his Iphone out of his pocket. His best roommate’s contact shook as badly as his hand. His throat clenched. His vision blurred. The phone slipped, crashing onto the crackled cement. He threw himself against the car door, which flew open. His body hit the cement with the force of an airplane. Searing pain exploded in his body as every pebble pierced.

“Rock n’ roll!”

He pulled himself up.

Deep green trees surrounded him like an army. He narrowed his eyes. Darkness his between every trunk and bush. His legs wobbled as he stumbled forward. All he wanted to do was cry, that’s all he could do. He looked around, furrowing his brows as a wildfire boomed inside. He had to eat, but there was no food in the car. Why couldn’t he stay out here forever?

He could. Paul ha come out here for a very specific reason. His phone howled in his pocket. He weakly reached down, jamming it between his shoulder and ear as he glared into the darkness.

“Paul.” His ear vibrated as a dark voice rang through. “Have you made it? I smell your presence..”

“I made it.” Paul’s own shaky voice filled his ears. “You.. you’re going to let me live out my dreams?”

“Yes.”

Paul’s eyes turned wild. A weary grin crawled on his lips.

“My wildest werewolf dreams?”

A p air of golden eyes cut through black. Paul looked up, he couldn’t help but to grin wider. Joy sent his heart thudding at lightning speed. His grin could only grow. The eyes got bigger. Paul trembled like mad.

“I’m here, Stanley. To give you the gift of the wild.”

[faketrex]

21 from the setting prompts!!

Thank you, Nico! 💝 For prompt 21, "a car park lit only by streetlamps."

RWRB, firstprince, post-canon, 920 words, reunions and traditions, soft and sweet.

...

If Alex is lucky, one day he'll get to marry Henry.

They don't need it to prove they love each other, of course not. Their relationship is already exactly what Alex wants it to be; a piece of paper signed by a couple of witnesses isn't going to change anything. Despite that, there are three very good reasons to get married: one, Alex loves a party, two, Alex loves giving the finger to closed-minded bigots, and three, Alex really, really fucking loves Henry.

Maybe it's sappy, but daydreaming about marrying Henry always calms him down. Every other path in Alex's life could lead him in so many unpredictable directions that it feels like the variables go on forever, like he'll never fully escape the anxiety and uncertainty no matter which choices he makes. In every iteration of his future, however, Henry is a constant: side by side with Alex, all the way to the end.

So, yeah. Someday he'll pop the question, and hopefully Henry will say "yes." They'll vow to protect and care for one another, in sickness and in health, as long as they both shall live.

Right now, though, Alex's brain is preoccupied going two hundred miles per hour, way too fast for him to be able to concentrate on that sweet daydream.

And–right now, Alex is about to absolutely roast Henry for crimes against fashion.

That's mostly unrelated.

"Holy shit, who held you up at knifepoint and made you wear that human rights violation masquerading as a tie?"

"Hello to you too, Alex. And here I thought you'd be pleased to see me."

"Seeing you requires the use of my corneas. That hate crime is going to burn them off. Come here."

The parking lot outside the fundraising venue is tiny. High concrete walls surround the rectangular space on three sides, with the building on the fourth enclosing it like a kind of courtyard. The gray garage door blends into the concrete. Two weak floodlamps leave a gap of darkness near the middle of the yard. It doesn't make any sense as a parking lot, even one for VIP guests.

The strangest part of the design is that because of how the building is oriented along the shore, Alex can hear the ocean on the other side of one of the walls. It's like being in a cement white noise machine. Or an empty, open-air contemporary art gallery.

Billionaires are so weird. Why wouldn't they put windows in the wall so they could see the ocean? Hell, why wouldn't they just build a garage and put a deck on top?

None of it really matters, though, it's just Alex's brain speeding along at a breakneck pace. The important thing is that he and Henry are the only ones in the parking lot right now.

As soon as Henry is within arm's length, Alex reaches out for him, prompting Henry to smile softly and lean forward.

Alex stops him with a palm on his chest, grabbing the knot of his tie.

"Alex, really," Henry protests.

"Of course I'm happy to see you, sweetheart, and I promise you I'll give you your 'hello' kiss in just a second, but I need to get this thing off you, first."

"It's not that bad–"

"No, it's worse. Whatever you're thinking, it's like, fifty times worse. Did you bring a back-up?"

"A back-up?"

"A spare. An extra tie."

"No, I–"

"Okay," Alex says, tugging the tie out and unfolding Henry's collar. "Here's the plan." He stuffs the hideous fabric in his jacket pocket and reaches up to unknot his own tie. "You're going to wear mine and I'm going to scandalize a few folks by going without."

"But–"

"Because I can get away with 'rakish' and you can't, that's why."

"Right."

Alex is mostly silent as he wraps his tie around Henry's neck and knots it. When he's done, he carefully folds down Henry's collar again and smooths it all out, settling the tie against his shirt placket. "There. You don't usually wear purple, I know, but your stylist is going to have to suck it up and deal just this once."

"I missed you terribly, love," Henry says quietly.

Alex takes a deep breath and runs his hand down the tie once more, then a third time, making sure it's perfect. He lets the air out of his lungs in a slow, measured exhale. It's fine. He's fine. "Me, too. I hated it. I missed you."

"Would you dance with me before we go in?"

"What?"

"It's my turn for a romantic gesture, I believe."

"Okay," Alex allows. "But it's not–I can't believe I'm saying this, but it's not a competition."

"No," Henry agrees, stepping closer. "Just a tradition."

When they're finally wrapped up in each other, swaying together in the dark at the center of the parking lot, Alex closes his eyes to concentrate. In one ear, he can hear Henry's heartbeat, familiar and reassuring. In the other, he hears the low, repetitive sound of the ocean on the other side of the courtyard wall.

With his eyes closed and Henry's arms wrapped around him, Alex's brain finally goes quiet. He takes another breath: easy in, easy out.

"Are you ready for that kiss now, love?"

In silent response, Alex opens his eyes and tilts his face up to meet Henry's.

...

About five minutes later, more or less, Alex finds out that Henry has an engagement ring in his pocket.

He is pretty fucking lucky, after all.

[jaeyleo]

could we perhaps get puppet pink interacting alone with someone from the outside world for the first time when pseudo takes him someplace?? if that makes any sense

yesss!!! this is when chase is pretty much completely puppet pink.

tws: food, brainwashing, captive whumpee. lmk if i should add more!

. . .

"Can you stay in the car for a while?"

Pink nods at his caretaker, holding close his bowl of frozen yogurt. It's a sweet spring day, with warmth and life slowly urging its way back into the world. Pink adores the sight of it.

"I can," he smiles. "H- how long will you be away?"

"Just a few minutes," Pseudo replies. "Can you be brave? Stay in the car?"

The puppet nods. "Yes, Pseudo."

"Good. I'll be right back."

And with that, the doors lock, and Pink is by himself.

He takes a moment to look at his surroundings. Bright tulips and tree blossoms reach for the sun, aching to split open and parade their pretty colors. He can see ladybugs and bees flying about, gnats twirling in the grass. Weeds spring up from the cement, and although most would find them ugly, Pink stops to admire those, too.

He takes a bite of frozen yogurt, gazing more upon the gardens that line the houses around. He isn't sure what neighborhood he's in, or whose house Pseudo just walked into. Whoever's inside isn't very happy to see him, and Pink wonders what words she spits out at him as he backs her away from the window.

He raises the spoon for another bite-

"Hello!"

Pink startles, almost dropping the bowl entirely. A clumsy show of snatching it to and from the air lands him with frozen yogurt dripping on his fingers, lucky to have that be his only spill.

He turns to the open window, only halfway rolled down to let in the air. There is a small child standing outside, with black hair and eyes dark as dirt. He wonders what flowers grow from her irises.

"H- hello," he finally responds, wiping the frozen treat away on his pants.

"What are you doing here?" she asks him. Her eyes wander his face, his hair, as his do the same to her.

"U- um, I'm waiting for Pseudo," he says. "He'll be back soon."

"Who is Pseudo?"

Curious child. Pink turns more towards her, resisting the seatbelts pressure to pull him back. "He's my- my best friend. Takes care of me, lots. Lots, lots, lots."

She smiles, stepping closer to the car. Once she peeks inside, she spots his frozen yogurt.

"What do you have?!"

The sudden holler makes him jump, but he settles quickly.

"I- ice cream. Ice cream."

"..... Can I have some?"

Tulips in her eyes. Ladybugs and bees and blossoms. Pink remembers little voices like hers, little hands like hers, curious eyes like hers. His heart aches.

"You can have all of it," Pink whispers, handing her the bowl. He feels an odd urge to protect her. Ruffle her hair. Tell her not to stand in the street.

The little girl bursts into a smile, bouncing up and down in her excitement. "Thank you!" she exclaims, and doesn't waste a moment to take a bite.

Pink smiles, smiles. "Do you li- like it?"

Nodding, she asks the next question.

"Why does Pseudo take care of you?"

"Oh, I... I'm not... I can't do it."

"What can't you do?"

"Well.... anything, anything.."

"Why?"

Pink has to wonder. Why can't he? He can't remember. Maybe that's why.

"I don't remember how," he says, deciding it's the easiest way to explain, as long as she doesn't ask anything else.

"Why not?"

Shoot.

"Um..... u- um.... I... I don't remember why."

"Why?"

Pink sees vines growing from her mouth. Proteas from her irises, ladybugs and bees and twirling gnats inside her mind. She asks so many questions he can't keep up.

"You sh- shouldn't stand in the street, kiddo," he tells her. The word feels familiar and foreign at the same time. Kiddo, kiddo, kiddo, who was kiddo before this little girl?

"Oh, I guess you're right.."

She opens her mouth to speak again, but is cut off by a woman across the street standing at the doorway.

"Mina!" she yells. "Who are you talking to??"

The little girl giggles, giggles and giggles and shoves the frozen yogurt back at Pink's clumsy hands.

"Bye sir!"

Pink sits up, grasping desperate at the window as she skips away. "B- bye, bye kiddo..."

He sits back into the seat as he watches the door close.

"Kiddo, kiddo, kiddo," he sings. His lip quivers, and a deep, horrible ache breaks into his chest. He misses someone, two someone's, whose voices remain hushed in his mind. Blurry faces and far away touches tap at the walls of his heart, a love ingrained so deep within him he couldn't escape it if he tried. He can't remember who they are. He can't remember who they are, he can't remember who they are. He loves them, he knows them, he misses them, but he can't remember who they are.

"Kiddo, kiddo," he chirps again, staring into the empty bowl for an answer.

[genmaichafan]

I love your mafia AU so much and could just read about it all day. Could you try writting some of the angst and trauma coming with beeing part of the mafia with the Dimitrescu sisters or Donna like a first kill or a punishment for failing à mission ?

Sorry it took so long. At the same time im sure I should’ve took another day on this but im inpatient.

Any ways story under the cut

Request story of donnas first kill. Also i hope you don’t mind but i started putting my stories on ao3

Mammina always said i was a gentle girl.

Always sharing.

Never wanting to hurt anyone.

Always speaking when spoken to.

‘Im sorry mammina. You were wrong.’

There was a newly discovered darkness in Donna's eye. The singular eye reflecting the little light the upscale bathroom had to offer. Sanguine passion splashing off the walls onto the botanist face and clothes. onto the sink and mirror.

The object of said passion resting in the tub. Whose eyes were rolled up into the head. Blood still slowly dribbling from the nose. So cold, so stiff that the Ax stood upright into the ribcage.

Donna looked at her hands. While she did not remember doing such a passion, Donna had no doubt that the crimson laqueur gloving her hands was of the ‘poor dear Isabel’.

Donna thought of ways to dispose of the body. Donna twisted the unfamiliar taps. Water ran the over her fingers, clear liquid barely washed the sins off of her deed.

Chemical solution? Nah. Fertilizer? Maybe. if she cremated the body first maybe it would be harder to trace.

not that cops cared about people like her. Or herself for that matter.

In Donna's world justice was self served and often long coming.

______

“Tell me your not scared benevento!” The kids her ‘peers’ jeered.

”i'm not scared..i just don't want to do it.”

Donna was surrounded by kids her age. Circling her they trapped her in with a boy who seemed slightly younger than her.

”chicken fight chicken fight..” the mafioso nepo babies chanted.

”i dont wanna do it!” Donna squeaked up again.

”Jerry! Here's your chance!” Jerry readied himself, not wanting to take more of this school yard bullying, and lounged forward in pin wheeling his arms around till they met Donna with full pitiful force. Bonking her a couple times before she roughly pushed him away.

The crowd quickly dispersed after, quickly realizing how boring making two ‘wimps’ fight it out was.

Donna sniveled a bit, And began walking back to her pick up spot, head not taking her eyes up from the ground. Even when the dingy car arrived. Even when her father asked her about her day. Especially when her father asked her about her day.

Gianni her father looked at her sympathetically.

”piccola” donna didn't look up at her fathers endearment.

Even though Gianni was a mafioso, he was soft. Especially for his remaining girl.

“Papa, I don’t want to play with the other kids anymore.”

Gianni’s knuckle’s whited with anguish. Hearing your child rather be alone than play was cement casings around his heart. He had to do something.

________

It was weeks later and while Donna had begun to become lonely. playing by her lonesome til it was a chore to talk to the friends that weren’t there. Donna became rapidly accustomed to books.

________

”la Mia gioia?” Gianni peaked into his daughter's plain bedroom where she was raptured by her new book.

”yes papa?” Meeting her fathers eyes.

”I have a surprise for you!”

Gianni seemed genuinely excited, and Donna could not but become excited too! Putting down her book, forgetting to take a mental note of the page.

The beneviento house was larger than average; Mostly for the basement which her father often ran his ‘operation’ in, which his fellow employees often visited to do their ‘work’.

Upon reaching the living room Donna saw a man which she recognized as someone that would come over often; only to disappear in the basement. Beside him he held a girl donnas age close to him like a prized but delicate treasure.

this reminded donna of how her father held her.

’i wonder if she like books as well!’ Donna thought. Shielding herself behind her dad a bit.

”piccola! This is Isabel!” The introduction of which caused the girl to take an extroverted step forward.

“Shes going to be your new friend!” Gianni continued, removing himself from donna way.

isabel spoke up

”We are going to have so much fun together!” Donna could not help but feel slightly betrayed if not misunderstood, but she nodded to be polite. to which their fathers left them to go into the basement.

”can is see your room?”

Isabel looked rather excited glimmer in her eyes. Donna really had no choice but to oblige.

They made their way up to Donna's quaint room. Isabel pushed past Donna inside once she was sure it was the room. Quickly examining the space.

”oh hey-“ Isabel noticed the book that had been left behind.

”don't bother reading this one, it gets so boring after tigerstar dies.”

Donna's jaw tightened from the massive spoiler that Isabel had hit her with.

______

Isabel would often come over with her father, Often multiple times of the week. Isabel wasn’t OUTRIGHT the most terrible, but over time Donnas patience wore thinner and thinner.

One time she even took home the head of her favorite doll saying she had to steal some of her mother makeup to get it back. request of which she did not oblige despite loving her doll dearly.

Isabel throwing a temper tantrum at this. In fact she often did when she could not get donna to do what SHE wanted, even Isabel had a habit of ignoring doing the same in return.

til one day Isabel DID something that was too big.

she wanted to go into the basement and see the thing their fathers did.

Donna vehemently refused. This is the one thing her father forbade her to do.

The memory of which she remembered to this day.

the look on his face scared donna, he never looked this way ever. Donna made sure to remember this.

“Oh youre such a pussycat.-“ again passing donna who actually tried to fight back, which garnered an extra shove to Donnas back.

Donna of which was described as repressed was no longer so. Raising her vice in concern for fear of getting in trouble or worse. Followed Isabel around the luckily empty lab.

”god- just shut up im just looking-“ donna could not sway her and so tried to do so with force. grabbing Isabel by the wrist.

”Isabel stop being a brat!”

The truth sent Isabel into one of her tantrums. Who violently grabbed the nearest beaker and threw it into Donna's face without thinking.

The content of which was a solution that burned the right half of Donna's face.

She fell to the ground in agony.

Isabel, turning the corner from anger into fear, called for help.

Something in Donna went to sleep in that moment.the thing that woke up turned to Isabel. angry and was not done with this argument flipped the situation and choked the other girl with a newly discovered ferocity; promptly rendered Isabel unconscious.

Isabel's father was the one that found them both.

_____

Isabels father instantly blaming donna for the entire mess.

Donna trying to explain and not being listened to.

Isabel tried to speak up, but her father was not letting her get a word in.

Her voice dribbled out the mouth, falling flat of an actual attempt to help. It was clear even she was scared of her own father.

”Gianni-“ he went on and Donna could not hold her focus on the situation.

Donna become overwhelmed. Tears swelling in her one working eye.

with her face in the leftover stinging even after being washed.

The sadness of her fathers disappointed expression.

The anger of being blamed for something that was not her fault.

The anguish of not being believed.

_____

donna did not remember much after that. Just being told to go inside. And when they next reunited minutes later, her father was physically less of a man than before. Pinky finger is no longer there to cry and go home.

_____

Donnas still blamed herself till this day for what happened. Worsened by the fact that Isabel’s father became hers superior.

worsed by the fact that he never forgave their family.

worsened..its worsened until they had to pay their family their profits.

worsened when profits slipped.

worsened when Gianni did the only thing he knew would keep his family in good graces with the Don.

worsened when it was only her and mom. The stress of which caused her to miscarry.

____

Donna often “blacked out” during stressful moments after her father died.

Often troubled by dreams of a vulgar wolf under her skin that left her screaming in the night.

Her mother, tired, did all she could to ease her daughter's spirit.

Even getting advice from an estranged friend of the ‘family’. Whom of which mentioned a psychic medium that suggested that the only thing that could calm Donnas spirit now was her father himself.

____

The table had been set in a purposeful manner before donna. The woman contracted before her with an energy that she could not quite place.

she made note of her appearance: tall and fair. A regalness about her.

the room itself was full of draping cloth, crystals and tapestries on one of which was of an angel she was not familiar with, creating an optical illusion that the woman had wings of her own.

the incense was thick; The room dim.

Regal woman not even asking what Donna needed from her.

”you wish to speak to your dearly departed father yes?”

this shocked donna.

It did not occur to donna that her mother could have just have told her before hand.

Donna being vulnerable at the time ate it up.

”oh dear your fathers coming through” pausing. closing her painted eyes tightly which gave the appearance that he was hard to ‘hear’.

”my dear beloved daughter- its not your fault. Please let go- you have great things ahead of you. You have to continue my legacy- for me.”

Donna teared up.

”you also have a guardian angel dear-“ the woman fudged

“her name.. Angie”

____

the truth of which Donna's mother had explained to the medium that Donna's mental situation was growing worse: that her hastening forgetting spells would take on a persona of a slightly younger woman who named herself Angie.

While vulgar only really came out when Donna was ‘under attack’. Even going as far as protecting Donna from those who spoke unwell in front of her. Many that needed a little soap in the mouth. out mouthed. Many that needed punches. Got their lumps.

Angie needed to protect donna. So she did.

___

Many sessions went by. Donna and the medium grew rather ‘close’ whom of which she learned the name of was Miranda,( on the occasion mother Miranda as she saw herself as a priestess )

often mostly to talk to her father who never failed to come through even once. Donna became ‘indebted’ to Miranda.

many years and ‘sessions’ past down the stream of time.

Donna became an excellent chemist and botanist. Often being buried in her work. Proud, even if it was for the mob.

It made ‘Gianni’ so called proud.

Miranda never called on her for favors once during these years. Even when she became married to the former Don. Even at the wedding. Even after Cioara was born.

she never seemed to want something from her and she appreciated that.

Until the usurpation.

____

Donna's work phone rang.

“heisenberg” it said had it been optional donna would’ve ignored it. In fact she would’ve ignored him every time he called.

If she were to describe him she would donna would say “unsavory”

so much so she could just block out the call entirely. Not remembering much but remembering one specific call that ended in him calling her a “Jekyll and Hyde.” Whatever that was.

she picked up.

”hello?”

”Donna. I need you to do something.. please.”

The familiar voice of Miranda came through shaking with a tone that she has never heard before. A desperation that caught her attention. And before Miranda said what she needed she knew she could not refuse.

”yes?”

”I need you to back me up, I need you to-“ Donna did not remember the rest of the call.

When Donna next roused.

She was not at home. In fact she was in someone else’s home: One she'd only been to once before.

This time though it was dark. The light of the moon was beaming down on her and off the blood speckled walls.

Surprisingly she did not feel unsafe.

Something in her told Donna that whatever was needed was done. It was handled.

Donna looked at the body contained in the tub.

A woman her age. As embedded in her chest, past her ribcage.

Her eyes rolled back mouth agape.

It was Isabel Rugen.

Donna found out that she and a few footmen had cleared the rugen estate that day.

[deathandthesoul]

for jesse (have a whole smattering of questions i want everyone's oc to answer hehe): 👻, 💥, 💢, 💤, 🌙, 📣, 📸, 🌠, ☄️

👻 GHOST - do they believe in ghosts? what are their "ghostly experiences", if any?

He knows they exist, has seen them, and has probably made a few in his time. A couple people he knows are involved with at least one ghost and he's interacted with a particular one a bunch in passing

💥 COLLISON - what emotions do they have trouble dealing with?

Every single one that isn't some kind of extreme that he can actually label. Anything below a certain level blends together into an indiscernible numbness, so he's constantly chasing that high just to feel something

💢 ANGER - what are some habits they have that will take some getting used to?

(Reposting and adding to this one.) Jesse's got this weird idle predatory lip licking thing that he does when he's thinking about drinking someone. Also flicks his lighter on and off when he's pensive or nervous, or fiddles with one of his weapons, or puts cigarettes out on himself, out of boredom too. Sometimes he'll go sit in one of his cars and just rev the engine for a while

💤 SLEEPING - do they fall asleep easily? what helps them sleep?

Jesse has always been able to get to sleep pretty quick. As a vampire it's even easier. He has some rituals surrounding daysleep: usually puts on some kind of audio or video about the things he's interested in (cars, engineering, explosives, chemistry, the military), in a place that suits his aesthetic. He really hates sleeping alone. It's better when his little spoon is there. He's never without his family/pack/coterie in the building or otherwise nearby during the day though

🌙 MOON - what is your oc's greatest wish? how far are they willing to go for it?

Jesse has 2: Get married and prove his loyalty to and cement his place in the Camarilla. He's not one to half-ass anything. He'll do whatever it takes, consequences be damned, except betray his squad

📣 MEGAPHONE - how loud are they? what do they speak like? got a voice claim?

I haven't considered his normal volume but it's probably average. His yelling is louder than an average yell though. He's got this rough, gravely voice that lends itself well to growls. The way he talks is punchy and commanding, reflective of his confidence. He'd make a good drill sergeant. No voiceclaim yet!

📸 CAMERA - do they enjoy having their picture taken? what's their go-to pose? do they like taking photos? what do they take photos of?

If Aidan (partner who is a professional) takes the photo, yes. Usually he just lets Aidan pose him but otherwise tends towards relaxed leaning on things with a burning stare or wicked grin. Taking photos isn't really his thing but his subject matter is mainly himself, Aidan, cars, or places/objects that have been burned

🌠 SHOOTING STAR - if they could make any wish with no repercussions, what wish would they make?

He'd probably wish that his mom had a better life while she was around, or to not feel numb all the time

☄️ COMET - what do people assume about them? are they right?

"That guy would kill me if I looked at him wrong." They're right

[datauthorress]

The Monster in Her Eyes [Chapter 10]

pairing: alucard / original female character / alexander anderson

summary: years after the death of integra hellsing, a young woman moves into the hellsing estate to start a new life after events happened in her home country. a new butler has been appointed to take care of the estate, which includes the monsters that have been dormant since integra’s death. but her will states that the new owner of the hellsing estate also owns everything belonging to hellsing, including the vampires that lay within.

warnings: car crash [mentioned], blood, injury, torture, loss of finger, character death.

When Shelby opened her eyes, she could feel that her hands were bound behind her back, that she was on the cold, cement floor of some cool room. It felt stiffening.

Like a tight space.

“Sir, are you alright?” she heard a familiar Scottish-accent laced voice ask.

Anderson.

“Besides the pounding in my head and my leg, I think I’m okay.” Shelby replied quietly, before she managed to open her eyes and blink rapidly, so she could take in her surroundings.

It looked like some kind of dungeon cell, with the only source of light being a torch on the outside right next to the cell. There was no window or another source of light in the cell. When Shelby glanced over to Anderson, she noticed the chains around his bulky form, his waist, torso and even the ones binding his arms behind his back. Looked like whoever did this took precautions.

“We’ve been abducted, I assume?” she asked.

���Seems to be sir.” he replied. “You’re bleeding.”

She was indeed. She could feel the side of her head throbbing, the sensation of liquid slowly dripping down from the side of her head. Her leg was throbbing as well.

Glass breaking, metal bending and crunching and the sound of tires screeching as they come to a halt. Voices loud and demanding, arms grabbing hold of her and throwing her around. The sound of shots and a something thin and sharp connecting with her neck, darkness falling over…

“This was planned,” Shelby said quietly.

“It seems to be,” Anderson said calmly. “Can you get into contact with your vampire?”

“No,” Shelby replied, her eyes turning up to a small metal bar just above the cell bars. She noticed one on each wall, all four of them having a green light on the front. “It seems the devices on the ceiling are preventing our connection from being stable. Even though we have discussed me having psychic abilities, it’s still debatable whether or not I can control them. It seems that at least our abductors know Alucard and I have a mental link, so they took precautions.”

“Do you have an idea of who it could be, sir?” Anderson questioned, arching a silver eyebrow.

“Yes,” she nodded. “Sir Grimm.”

“Aye, I remember him. Nasty man,”

“Quite. He wasn’t too happy with me being the head of Hellsing and he definitely wasn’t happy to find out that you’re alive as well,” Shelby answered, wincing softly as she moved her leg to try and shift herself into a better position. “I have a theory that he’s going to kill me,”

“Which he won’t get the chance to,” Anderson said with a scoff.

Before Shelby could reply, both of them heard the sound of voices and footsteps. Both of them watched as two security guards came into view, both of them holding large lanterns and then the frame of Sir Grimm.

“Should’ve fucking known you would do something like this,” Shelby said, anger within her voice despite being calm.

“You’re too smart for your own good, Miss O’viere.” Sir Grimm said.

“Where’s Walter?” she demanded.

“I left the butler where he was.” Grimm spoke, referencing the vehicle they had been in.

“Why are we here?” Anderson asked.

“Originally I just wanted Miss O’viere, but I figured this would be a great opportunity to get you on my side, priest.” Grimm replied, the slight curl of his lips on the left side.

“He who kidnaps a man, whether he sells him or he is found in his possession, shall surely be put to death.” Anderson quoted.

“Exodos 21:16, very nice.” Shelby complimented.

“You know of the Bible?” Grimm scoffed.

“I may be Agnostic, but I’ve read the Bible many times.” Shelby snapped back. “Anyway, what do you want with us? I assume you’re going to kill me eventually.”

“Oh, you are quite right on that, Miss O’viere.” Grimm said, before he signaled one of the security guards. The guard unlocked the cell, allowing Grimm inside with one of the lanterns. “But for now, I want you to suffer. Integra was never easy to intimidate, but you…. you put up a good front, but deep down, I know you’re pathetic and scared of everything.”

“Sorry to say you’re wrong,” Shelby said, glaring up at him. “But you are right about one of us being pathetic.”

Grimm’s eyebrow scrunched and he raised a hand, before bringing it down and striking Shelby across the face with his palm. Shelby’s head snapped to the side roughly and she was stunned for a moment before she hissed and turned her head back to Grimm, a dribble of blood coursing down her chin.

“Shut your mouth, whore.” Grimm snapped.

“Sir -,” Anderson began.

“I’m fine,” Shelby said, before she spat blood in Grimm’s face.

Grimm made a facial expression of disgust and backhanded her across the face, sending her to the floor. Shelby grimaced, already feeling both of her eyes puffing up from the hits.

“Unbind one of her hands and pin it down,”

Shelby grunted as the security guards grabbed her by her shirt before she was pinned onto her stomach. She tried to resist as her left hand was taken out of her bindings and pinned onto the floor by her wrist. Shelby glanced up as Grimm brought out a large knife from his pocket and knelt down beside her, a sick grin on his features.

“So, which finger shall I cut off?” he asked.

“How about none?” she growled.

“Oooh, afraid that’s not the right answer, Miss O’viere.” Grimm tsked.

“Keep your hands off of her,” Anderson demanded, pulling on the thick chains that were holding him back.

“What about your index?” Grimm asked, ignoring Anderson’s demands as he placed the knife across Shelby’s left index finger. “It’ll be hard for you to grasp things, not that you already have issues because you got every bone in your hand broken by that vampire.”

Shelby remained quiet, though she was breathing hard. Her head was being held down on the side of her face, so she could watch as one of her fingers would be cut off. “Not talking?” Grimm taunted. “That’s alright. I’ll have you screaming in seconds.”

After about five seconds, Grimm grabbed onto her middle finger and kept it pinned down. He placed the base of the sharp blade against her flesh, pressing down slightly and causing Shelby to wince. “You could beg for me to stop, Miss O’viere. I might consider it.”

Shelby glared at him but said nothing.

Grimm shrugged and pressed the blade down more, causing her hand to tense up and her fingers to bend from the pain that began to spread through her hand. Blood began to bead from the laceration and Grimm continued to press down.

“Come on! Beg for me to stop!” he demanded.

“Fuck you,” she spat.

“You little…” he snarled, raising the knife into the air before he brought it down onto her middle finger, completely severing it from her hand.

Shelby released a scream of utter agony, blood gushing from the newly made wound. It hurt. It hurt so bad, more than when her leg had been crippled from the car accident so many years ago.

“Shelby!” she heard Anderson call out; concern laced within his voice.

Shelby felt tears burning the corners of her eyes, but she refused to let them spill. Grimm scoffed, obvious disappointment in his features. He grabbed the severed digit from the floor, glancing at it before wrapping it up in a napkin.

“My dog will enjoy this,” he muttered.

“Vile bastard,” Anderson swore, gaze darkening at the other man.

“Bind her,” Grimm ordered.

Shelby was picked up once more and she grunted as she sat up, blood still seeping from the stump on her hand as her hand was bound behind her back. Once that was finished, Grimm grabbed a fistful of her collar and slapped her hard across the face, causing blood to fly from her mouth.

“Do you get off on this, asshole?” Shelby coughed, glaring at him. “Picking on others to make yourself feel better. I bet your wife left you because you have a tiny d-,”

Before she could finish, Grimm fetched his gun from his hip and smacked her across the face with the butt of it, causing her lip to split and for her to fall to the floor once more. Her vision swam, her hearing low and disorienting as she heard Anderson’s demands to let her free.

A fistful of her short locks was grabbed again and Grimm made her sit up. She noticed that he was speaking, but his words were distant. And then….

She felt something.

A presence in her mind, attempting to connect with hers. She willed her mind to relax, blocking out Grimm completely. With a pulse, her mind was open and willing and blinked quickly, seeing red before she saw her vision magnify, moving forwards quickly. It was as if she was moving quickly, but not moving at all, the presence that she connected with taking control as it moved rapidly within the walls of the dungeon, up a series of stairs and into a foyer where two guards were guarding the door. The redness finally moved through the doors, down a long gravel driveway and to a road, surrounded by trees and fields.

“Master, I can see you.”

“Alucard?” she whispered.

“I can see you. I know where you are. I’m coming for you, Master.”

And then the connection broke and her vision returned to normal.

“Alucard…” she murmured.

“What did you just say?” Grimm demanded.

A grin began to spread across her battered features, and she began to chuckle, before it turned into full-blown laughing. Grimm didn’t seem amused in the slightest.

“What the hell is so funny?” he asked.

“Alucard knows where we are.” She sang, grinning despite the pain in her face. She relished seeing the color drain from Grimm’s face. “And once he finds us, he’ll have his orders to search and destroy. I would say your prayers if I were you, Grimm. Because you’ll get no mercy from him.”

Grimm snarled and pushed her away, before barking an order at the guards. They left, locking the door behind them, and quickly walked away.

Shelby sniffled, feeling blood dripping from her nose.

“Alucard is on his way, then?” Anderson asked, eyebrows furrowing slightly.

“He is,” she nodded. “Good thing too. I’m dying to see what he’ll do to Grimm.”

“I’d imagine it’ll be quite bloody,”

“Mm,” she said in agreement.

~ ~

It was about an hour later when a security guard came back, unlocking the door to the cell. He approached Shelby and crouched down to undo one of her hands. As soon as her hand was freed, Shelby slammed her fist into his cheek and knocked him back. When his hand came back forwards, she kicked him square in the face, watching as he fell back, knocked out.

With enough room, Shelby rummaged through his pockets and found the key to Anderson’s chains. She finished freeing herself, before she limped over to the priest and began unlocking the chains.

Both of them glanced up as gunshots rang out from a floor or two up. “I recognize those sounds,” Anderson said.

“Hm,” Shelby said and unlocked the last chain, letting them fall onto the ground with a clatter. As she took a step back, her leg buckled and she stumbled, to which Anderson used an arm to wrap around her waist to prevent her from falling.

“We need to get you medical attention, sir.” he said, helping her stand upright.

Before Shelby could speak, a loud gunshot rang out throughout the smaller room and blood sprayed onto her face. Her eyes closed on instinct and then she opened them again, glancing at the priest before her.

“Anderson?” she whispered.

His body toppled to the floor, a bloody hole in his forehead.

“I should have just killed you right from the start,” Grimm sneered, approaching her with a gun aimed right at her forehead. “You are nothing but a bug that needs to be squashed. A worthless human being.”

“I think it’s the other way around,” Shelby said, seeing something glint in the corner of her eye. She glanced at it, noticing it was one of Anderson’s bayonets, sticking out from his sleeve. So he had them the entire time.

“You fucking whore,” Grimm snarled.

Right before he pulled the trigger, Shelby ducked down quickly. The bullet imbedded itself into the wall where her head had been, and she grabbed up the bayonet before she lunged at Grimm. He reacted quickly, shooting at her once more and the bullet broke through the blade, snapping it in two and grazing her shoulder. She felt the pain but powered through it and shouted as she drove the broken bayonet into Grimm’s gut.

He immediately shouted out in pain and toppled to the floor, taking Shelby with him. The gun clattered away from him out of arm’s reach and Shelby yanked the bayonet out of his gut, causing blood to gush out of the wound.

Grimm watched as she raised the broken weapon, his eyes widening in realization. “No, wait-!”

Shelby drove the blade into Grimm’s chest, blood immediately pooling at the wound. He choked as the metal stabbed through muscle and tissue, into major arteries. She gritted her teeth, tears pooling in her eyes as she yanked the blade out, blood splattering onto her face and clothing. She screamed and drove it into his chest again, then again and again and again…

“Master!”

“Sir!”

Cold hands grabbed her by the shoulders, and she screamed once more, rearing her hand back to stab whoever had grabbed her. Immediately a large hand took hold of her wrist, stopping it from reaching said person. She felt a cold hand cup her cheek, another hand (albeit warmer) touch her shoulder. She blinked, shaking as she glanced up to the faces of both Alucard and Anderson, concern etched in their features.

Shelby breathed shallowly, loosening her grip on the handle of the weapon, and letting it fall from her grasp, barely hearing it clatter onto the cement floor. Her features scrunched as tears began to roll down her cheeks and she released a choked sob before the vampire before her pulled her close against his chest.

“It’s over, master.” Alucard spoke, his voice unusually soft.

Shelby shook as his arms wrapped around her protectively, shielding her from the gory scene behind her.

She had never killed anyone in her life. Never even had the thought.

Was it self-defense?

It had to be.

“Anderson, take her. I’ll deal with the remainder of the enemies here,”

Shelby didn’t resist as strong arms lifted her up and she immediately curled one arm around the priest’s neck, the other hooking around his shoulder, shoving her face into the crook between his shoulder and neck. She heard his breath hitch slightly, before he cleared his throat and began moving.

Shelby could hear the sound of distant gunshots going off as she and Anderson entered the upstairs area. It was the same as she had seen earlier. She heard the sounds of voices and could see blue and red sirens coming from outside. She turned her head slightly forwards as they approached the open doors and winced softly as the rays of the setting sun cascaded across her battered features.

“We’re outside, sir.” she heard Anderson say softly, his grip remaining firm by gentle.

“They’re coming out!” a voice called out.

The first person to come forward was Walter and she could see the few bandages on his face, from the cuts of the car accident earlier. “Shelby, oh my god…. bring her over here, Anderson.”

Anderson walked over to the ambulance, where the paramedics had a stretcher out for her. He went to put her down, but she refused to let go of him for a moment.

“You’re safe,” he said softly.

After some hesitation, Shelby relinquished her hold on him and allowed him to set her down on the stretcher. The paramedics guided her gently to lay back, as they began to check her vitals.

Walter saw the extent of her injuries. Multiple cuts and lacerations, the missing digit from her hand. His blood boiled with rage, but he kept himself calm.

“She’s in shock, we need to get her to the hospital now.” the paramedic said, beginning to place straps over her body to keep her in place.

“I’ll go,” Walter said, before he turned to Anderson. “Stay here until Alucard comes out and meet us at the hospital.”

“Understood,” the larger man nodded.

With that, Walter hopped into the ambulance.

~ ~

Multiple lacerations, bruises and cuts littered her body, mostly in her facial features. She was now missing the middle finger of her left hand, which had been cleaned and bandaged up. She had been allowed to shower quickly though before she had put on a gown and been situated into a room.

While the authorities took her statement, Walter had stayed by her side the entire time. When Anderson and Alucard arrived, the authorities had been intimidated by their presence, but ultimately had to stay to get a statement from Anderson. He was pulled aside so they could take his statement.

“Nothing is left, master.” Alucard spoke, red eyes glowing softly as he looked down at her.

“Good,” she said quietly.

Anderson walked back into the room with the authorities and the male cop cleared his throat. “Everything seems to check out, Miss Hellsing.” he said. “Father Anderson’s statement matches with yours.”

“And what will become of what happened to Grimm?” Walter asked.

“It’ll be shown as self-defense.” The cop replied. “You did what you had to do to protect yourself.”

“Good,” Walter said.

“We’ll take our leave now and get the report written up.” the cop said. “If we have any further questions, we’ll give you a call.”

“Thank you, gentlemen.” Walter said politely.

The cops nodded and left the room, giving them privacy. Shelby sniffed. She had never liked cops, but some weren’t too bad.

“I’m going to email the Round Table and let them know of this disaster,” Walter said. “This could have been prevented if Grimm had never been allowed onto the Round Table. I knew he was going to be a problem from the very moment we met him.”

“Aye, I agree.” Anderson agreed.

“Master,”

Shelby glanced up at Alucard, noticing the gleam in his blood-red eyes.

“Give me an order, master.” he grinned widely. “Tell me what to do, who to go after, who to destroy.”

Shelby swallowed thickly, before her gaze hardened. “You have one order, Alucard. Search and destroy. Until there’s nothing left of them, nothing left of Grimm’s estate, nor his bodyguards, security guards or people who knew about his plan to kill me.”

His grin widened, sharp fangs glinting in the light of the room. He bowed to her, eyes glowing brightly.

“As you wish, my master.”

And then he was gone, phasing through the wall.

Shelby leaned back against the pillows, resting her head against them. She knew Alucard would take care of them, no matter what.

“I need to rest,” she said softly.

“I’ll stay here,” Anderson volunteered.

“And I’ll position two guards outside your room, sir.” Walter said.

“Thank you,” she nodded, letting her eyes drift close for some much-needed sleep.

[jahayla-parker]

My Darling, your Freddy fluff fics are sooooo comforting 😭❤️

Might I request Freddy helping fem!reader through/after a panic attack? Whatever you're comfortable with. ❤️❤️❤️

Anxious Love : Freddy Carter x Reader

Description: 3.5k wc, Freddy Carter helps the reader through and after an anxiety attack. (I’m aware that anxiety and panic attacks are different as I suffer from both, but after discussing with the requester I’ve settled on this being semi generic but referred to as anxiety as it is statistically more common and I want people to hopefully get comfort from this).

Warnings: anxiety/panic attacks discussed and described, self doubt, that’s it. It’s hurt-comfort.

“Freddy” y/n whimpered quietly, tapping his shoulder.

Noticing her tone, Freddy swiftly spun around, his eyes instantly inspecting her for injuries, “Darling, what’s the matter?”

She opened her mouth but closed it again, unable to form the words to express her predicament.

Freddy noticed and saw the shaking in her hands, “Is it okay if I hold you?”

Once she gave him a weak nod, he stepped closer, “come here love “

He pulled her closer to him, holding her as tight as he could, “I know it’s hard, but breathe with me okay? Just focus on my breath, nothing else”.

Y/n swallowed the nausea building in her and nodded.

“How are you doing?” Freddy whispered into her hair.

“My chest hurts, Freddy, I can’t breathe” she hiccuped, gasping.

He frowned, rubbing her back, “you can breathe. I know your mind is telling you otherwise, but you can breathe”.

She whimpered and buried her head against his chest, fisting his shirt tightly.

“Breathe for me please” he encouraged, rubbing his hand through her hair.

“Stop telling me to breathe! If I could breathe, I would’ve done it already!” She cried, her legs trembling under her.

Freddy sighed, irritability was normal with anxiety, he knew that.

But, he knew it must be serious, she hadn’t snapped like that before.

Deciding they needed to be done for the day, Freddy hooked his arm under y/N’s armpit to keep her upright.

“Lean on me” he whispered as they began walking, her knees nearly buckling.

Silently, she pressed more weight onto him as she zoned out straight ahead.

Freddy’s eyes locked onto her as he lead them to his car.

“I’m sorry” she cried with guilt, pulling away from his side.

“It’s okay, love, let’s-“ he began, but she shook her head rapidly.

“I- I need to s.. sit d-..” she mumbled, feeling dizzy.

He rushed back to her, guiding her to the cement blocks surrounding the water feature outside.

Once she was seated, he kneeled before her, grabbing her hands, “thank you for telling me y/n. Now, I want you to look in my eyes”.

She glanced over at him but footsteps around the corner shifted her attention.

“I know, but just look at me please. You’re safe, you’re okay, and you’re going to get through this” he soothed, rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb.

Freddy listened as y/n took short and shaky breaths, slowly moving her eyes back to his.

“You’re doing great love, just look in my eyes, I won’t let anything happen to you” he assured her tenderly.

“Can you hear my voice?” Freddy asked after she held his gaze for a minute or so without deviating.

Taking a deep breath she whispered a faint yes.

He smiled at her, “wonderful. Now, to help you better, can you tell me what happened?”

Freddy squeezed her hand as he felt her fingers tense at his question.

“It’s been bad all day” she admitted, free hand running through her hair.

He nodded, encouraging her to continue.

“I couldn’t focus, I’m really tired, and, and my heart, it, it won’t “ She rambled, tears in her eyes.

Freddy felt his heart shatter the way it always did when she was in such despair.

He brushed some hair from her sweaty forehead, “shhh, I get it love. Any trigger today?”.

He didn’t want to push, but he wanted to be able to offer more help and the best way to do that would be to address the cause.

Freddy knew y/n had anxiety so often times it was unprovoked, but she also dealt with panic attacks as well which had triggers.

He wasn’t sure which one caused today’s discomfort.

“No… just really an-anxious” she sighed, rubbing her sternum over her shirt as she simultaneously shivered.

Freddy instantly noticed her anxiety induced sensitivity to the cold, and peeled off his coat.

He quickly wrapped it around her shoulders, smiling softly as she grabbed the sides and curled into it.

Now that she wasn’t reacting to each sound around them, he decided to have her do some grounding techniques.

“Y/n, can you tell me five things you can see?” He asked quietly, buttoning the coat over her making it more of a poncho as her arms were not in the sleeves.

She groaned, “I hate this game”.

Freddy nodded, “I know love, but come on”.

She sniffled, her nose running a bit.

Freddy used his sleeve to wipe her face, “Fine, how about five things that are green?”

Y/N’s eyes scanned their surroundings, “The tree… that car, …….. the…..- I can’t do this”.

Freddy shuffled closer, kissing the up of her head as her breathing picked up again.

“Yes you can. Listen, I’m so proud of you, you’re doing so well love. You said the tree, the car, what else? What else is green?” He redirected her.

“The… grass” she said, looking up at Freddy.

He smiled at her and nodded encouragingly.

“Umm… that guy’s shirt” y/n pointed after a moment.

Freddy pressed his lips into a fine line as he noticed her hand shaking significantly less than early.

“Mmm, what else?” He asked.

She looked around, grip tight on his hand, “That hill?”

Freddy nodded as she glanced back at him, “that works. Now, what are four things that are blue?”

Y/n gave him an irritated expression but began to scan for items matching items request.

“The water fountain” She said, looking next to her.

Freddy smiled and nodded.

“The sign there “ y/n added, holding two fingers out on her free hand.

“Your jeans” she said, a faint nervous giggle leaving her lips.

Freddy squeezed her hand and smiles widely, “very good love, one more?”

She looked around for a few seconds, not noticing the way her shaking had faded and heart slowed.

Her eyes cast to the sky, “the sky today”.

Freddy heard the whimsical sound of her voice and smiled to himself, “it is beautiful, huh?”

She nodded, still keeping her eyes locked above her.

After letting her zone out on the clear sky above them for a few moments, her breathing slowing, he spoke quietly.

“Three things that are yellow?” Freddy questioned.

“That BMW” y/n answered, looking at the parking lot.

He grinned, pleased she was giving more detailed descriptions than before; suggesting she was able to concentrate more.

“The posts in the parking lot” she added, turning back to him.

He nodded, rubbing her cheek tenderly.

“I don’t see anything else” she mumbled.

Freddy looked around, there weren’t nearly as many yellow items but there still were more to name.

“Just one more love, don’t rush,” he soothed, lowering his hand to hers.

She stared into his eyes and took a deep breath before letting her eyes wander the area.

“That plant?” She asked Freddy.

Freddy kissed her forehead, pleased it wasn’t as clammy now, “two white items?”

Y/n didn’t resist this time and instead quickly pointed to the door they’d exited, “the set door”.

Without waiting for him to remind her to find another, she searched for another white object.

Freddy watched her silently, his eyes analyzing her body language to see how she was doing.

His fingers discreetly slid around the hand he was holding, moving to feel her pulse.

Just as he noticed that her heart rate has calmed, she smiled softly, “your teeth”.

Freddy chuckled, unaware he’d smiled when checking her pulse.

“One y/f/c?” He smiled, saving her favorite color for last.

“My bag” she said without pause, her eyes still on Freddy’s.

He nodded, smiling proudly at her, “excellent love”.

She yawns and grins shyly at Freddy.

Chuckling, he slowly raises to a standing position, “how do your legs feel?”.

Y/n smiles widely at him as a form of appreciation for helping her, “they’re okay”.

“And your head? Anymore lightheadedness?” He questions, holding the outside of her biceps as she sits up straighter.

“Nope” she assures him, getting ready to stand.

“Alright” he smiles, “cause if you’re lying and you pass out on me, I’ll tickle you until you wake up”.

She gasped and shook her head, “you wouldn’t dare Freddy!”

He smirked and kissed her cheek as he helped her stand, “if you hid it from me, yes I would. After bringing you to the hospital, that is”.

Y/n giggled and yawned again as he wrapped his arm over her shoulder.

“Let’s get you home for a nap Hmm?” Freddy suggested, guiding them to the car.

“It’s early honey” she argued, another yawn following.

He smiled sweetly down at her, stroking her hair as she rested her head on his shoulder, “I’m aware, but you’ve had a challenging morning and it’s okay for it to have tired you out. That’s normal”.

She hummed and snuggled into his side more, his coat still hung loosely over her.

Freddy cautiously watched her as they entered the parking lot and approached his car.

“Watch your head love” he reminded her as he opened her door for her.

Y/n slowly slid into the seat.

As he went to close the door, he laughed and pulled it back open, “we should probably remove this first”.

He gently unbuttoned his coat from around her as her arms were trapped under it.

Freddy kissed her nose as she pouted at him, “if you want to actually put your arms in the sleeves, you can still wear it darling. But I need you to be buckled in, so your arms need to be free”.

She nodded, “I don’t want to get out, can I umm.. just…”

Freddy waited patiently as he let her try to find the word she was searching for.

Y/n groaned, tugging on her roots in frustration over not being able to find the simple word.

“Shh, Shh, Shh, hey now. Love, don’t do that” he whispered, delicately uncurling her fingers from her hair.

“I.. gah! It’s a simple word and it’s right there, but I just-“ she sighed, looking down at her feet resting on his car’s floorboard.

Freddy frowned, tilting her head up so he could look into her eyes, “darling, give yourself a break. Alright? It’s okay to still be a little disoriented and foggy”.

She gave him a weak smile and nodded.

He smiled back and pressed his lips to the crown of her head, “I’m serious y/n. This is normal for anxiety, you know that. I’m sorry it’s frustrating, but it doesn’t make me think any less of you. So please don’t let it make you think less of yourself”.

She leaned back until their heads parted, reaching her hand up to cup his cheek, “thank you Freddy”.

Freddy beamed and nodded, “always, now, were you asking to hold it?”

Y/n’s smile grew, “yes”.

He leaned down, kissing her forehead as he rested his coat in her lap, “there ya are love, now, watch your feet”.

Freddy double checked her legs weren’t in the way of the doorframe before closing her door.

He rushed around to his side, promptly sliding in and starting the car, “we’ll be home soon”.

She looked over at him, one hand holding his coat to her nose, breathing in his scent.

Y/n’s other hand reached for his, Freddy shifting his grip on the steering wheel to be able to hold her hand.

He smiled over at her, rubbing circles on her hand with his thumb, “thank you for coming to me. I’m really proud of you”.

She smiled shyly, “thank you for helping me… again”.

Freddy noticed while she was sincere, there was a note of guilt or embarrassment in her voice.

He squeezed her hand, glancing away for a second to watch the road.

When he looked back at her as they pulled to a stop, he whispered, “‘ey love, none of that. Yeah? You know I’m always happy to be there for you when you need me”.

She curled the side of her mouth upwards in a weak smile, “You know I really do love you right? I know I’m not the best at showing it but I-“

Freddy scrunched his brows together as he looked at the road.

He knew he needed to go, it was his turn, but he couldn’t put this discussion off.

So, he found a spot on the side of the road, pulling his car over so he could stop and look only at her.

“Y/n, don’t you ever doubt that. I know you love me” Freddy stated, shifting to face her.

"Okay, good. Cause… Freddy…I know I'm hard to love and I'm all broken inside, but I promise you, I'm loving you with everything I am. I'm loving you with all my pieces” she whispered, eyes boring into his.

Freddy felt his eyes water as he listened to her kind words, “darling…”

He unbuckled his seat, reaching out for her.

She set the jacket in her lap and leaned over the console, wrapping her arms around him.

“Sweetheart, as much as I love hearing you say you love me, where is this coming from? Hmm? Why do you feel you’re hard to love or that I don’t know you love me?” He inquired, rubbing the back of her head.

She sniffled, snuggling closer to him, now sitting on the console in a desperate attempt to be nearer to him.

“Y/n, love?” He asked, concern laced in his voice when he noticed her erratic breathing.

She leaned back enough to peer up at him, “I'm scared, okay? I'm scared that one day you're going to wake up and not love me anymore. I'm scared that you're going to get sick of my craziness and my need for constant reassurance that you aren't leaving me. I'm scared that you're going to get fed up with my panic and anxiety attacks. Most of all, I'm scared that you're going to see me the way I see myself. And I feel selfish for asking this, but… Just please, please don't leave me."

Freddy’s mouth parted slightly as his jaw lowered at her response.

It took him time to compose his thoughts so he pulled her to him, holding her tightly.

“First,” he whispered into her ear, “I’m never leaving you. Especially not over something like this”.

He pressed a light kiss to her earlobe, “second, I will never not love you. I know you would normally tease me about how one can never know those things for certain. But I’d argue I do. At least when it comes to you. No matter what happens my dear, you are engraved in my heart and soul. Nothing will ever change that, definitely not you needing or wanting me or my help.”

She choked on a whispered sob, sinking into his arms.

Freddy closed his eyes, both his arms and hands tightly holding onto her as he took a breath to keep his voice calm.

“While I wish I could take this all away for you, make it so you never have to experience another panic or anxiety attack or doubt yourself, it doesn’t mean I am bothered by helping you through it” he promised, his warm breath tickling her ear.

“I don’t want you to ever feel like this, but I don’t mind being there for you. I wish it were for another reason, for your sake, but I love and am honored to be able to help you. So while I wish you didn’t have to experience this, I cherish you trusting me and being comfortable enough with me to come to me in those moments” Freddy swore, kissing the tip of her ear.

Y/n cried into his shoulders her tears saturating his tshirt but he wasn’t phased.

“Lastly, my precious darling, I wish you could see yourself the way I see you. Before, during, after, and between attacks, and just in general. You are my favorite person…. Don’t tell my mum “ he added, both of them giggling softly.

“But you are. And always will be, so you don’t need to worry, about anything. Especially not that my love for you would ever change or that you or your anxiety could ever do something to change it “ Freddy begged, placing slow and soft kisses to the side of her head.

“Seriously, if you don’t stop saying you’re sorry or thanking me, I’ll pull the car over again and kiss you until you do” Freddy teased, squeezing her hand as he neared their place.

“Is that supposed to be a threat?” She rebutted, voice frail but a smirk on her lips as she stared over at him.

Glancing at her briefly before back at the road, he smirked, “mmm, alright perhaps not such a great one? Change it to the opposite then, no kisses until you stop”.

“No more sorrys or thank yous, got it” she smiled, burying her free hand in his coat on her lap.

Freddy chuckled, smiling over at her.

She raised an eyebrow at him, earning more laughter.

Complying with his promise and her silent reminder/request, he took advantage of the next mandated stop in the road to press his lips on hers.

As they pulled apart, she smiled up at him and he kissed her forehead before turning his eyes back to the street.

“Can I change one of my answers?” Y/n mumbled as they walked onto their home, hand-in-hand.

“What?” Freddy asked softly, holding the door open for her.

“From earlier. I want to change one of my answers for blue things to your eyes” she said quietly, looking into his eyes.

Propping the door open with his back, he pulled her to his chest slowly as to not startle her, “very sweet darling, but that’s not how it works love, it is what you notice in the moment”.

She blinked up at him and nodded , “ I know and I did… but in the moment I’d just focused on how calming they were, not the color”.

Freddy blushed and grinned widely, “I think I actually prefer that, love”.

She giggled and nodded, covering her mouth as she yawned.

“Ahh, see you distracted me” He joked, guiding her inside by placing his hand on her tailbone, “It’s time for you to get some rest”.

It took him only minutes to help her change into more comfortable clothing and into their bed.

He grabbed her weighted blanket from their closet, gently placing it over her body.

Kissing her cheek, he spun around and headed back to the closet.

He smiled as his eyes landed on the stuffed animal he was looking for.

Freddy grabbed that and a pair of fuzzy socks before going back to the bedroom.

“I think this guy could help” he said, handing her the stuffed animal that had a weighted bottom.

“Thank you Freddy “ she smiled, her eyes blinking slowly from exhaustion.

He nodded, kneeling down by the end of the bed, “now, these should help with your cold feet, love”.

He carefully pulled the fuzzy socks over her toes and feet, ensuring it didn’t tickle.

He hummed in content as he stood up, pulling the blankets back over her feet.

Glancing towards her, he smiled back at her as he took in the sight of her relaxed facial features and smile on her lips.

“Freddy…” she whispered as he watched her from the doorframe.

He nodded, silently waiting for her to continue.

She bit her lip, wanting to plead with him to stay.

But she was so tired of asking things of him, even if he told her it didn’t bother him.

She didn’t want to have to beg him to stay with her; certainly not after all he’d just done.

Freddy noticed the look in her eyes and her hesitation, quickly putting it together.

He gave her a small smile as he pulled a causal t-shirt from his dresser drawer; his back to her as he silently changed into it.

Y/n watched, hoping he’d decided to stay, but not wanting to get her hopes up.

He then bent down and took out a pair or trousers from his bottom drawer.

Freddy quickly switched bottoms before turning back to her, “is there room for me?”

She smiled widely and nodded rapidly, unnecessarily trying to shuffle to the side more but being stopped by the weight of blankets he had over her, including the 50lb weighted anxiety blanket.

Freddy chuckled, shaking his head at her failed attempts to move.

He lifted the corner of the covers, sliding under the main comforter.

Y/n turned her head to him with a smile.

Freddy adjusted his spot on their bed, moving so she could rest her head on his chest.

She crooked her neck so she could breathe in his cologne and closed her eyes, breathing deeply to keep her heart rate steady.

“That’s it love, you’ve got it” he encouraged, lips resting on the top of her head, “I’m right here, I’ve got you”.

He watched as her head sank into his chest more as sleep overcame her, whispering to the otherwise empty room “ just rest my anxious love. I’ll be here when you wake”.

If you need to speak to someone about anything, including anxiety, panic attacks, depression, etc. please do. Utilize Google and/or this list for your country’s resources

Freddy Carter Navigation/Masterlist

Kaz Brekker Navigation/Masterlist

Pin Hawthorne Navigation/Masterlist

Main Navigation/Masterlist (All My Works)

Current tag list (comment here to be added): @ell0ra-br3kk3r @brekkershadowsinger

[tearsfortheyouth]

DARK! STEPHEN STRANGE x READER

A/N: Guys I finally wrote it. There may be a part 2 just let me know if you’re interested. Part 2 would most likely include non-con/dub-con, a fight between regular Stephen and dark! Stephen, etc.

WARNINGS: kidnapping, drugging, manipulation, grief, unhealthy coping mechanisms, violence, murder, mentions of SA

Parings: dark!dr strange x reader; dark! Stephen strange x reader; Stephen strange x reader

Emptiness

The cold that gripped her body was unforgiving — it’s burning mouth kissing each inch of her shivering body. It overcame her, devouring her in one measly bite.

Her body collapsed to the earth beneath her with a loud crack, the echoing sound bouncing off the deserted city of New York and sending shockwaves of noise into her ears. Upon the impact, her small frame rolled, the cement scraping her shoulders and bare legs. The sound of fabric ripping was earned as her body came to halt, and a loud groan of pain escaped her.

She was silent as the stinging rolled in currents throughout her body, her face scrunched with an excruciating pain.

Very slowly, her eyes fell open, the hue of blue meeting that haunting scenery that surrounded her. The mere sight of it sent a cold surge of fear through her body, shocking her into movement as she quickly sat up in her place.

Her head snapped to the left, than to the right, taking in her unfamiliar surroundings.

It was a familiar place — yes, she had seen it before, for it was unmistakably her home in New York — however, this universe was completely and shockingly different.

Black smudges of what appeared to be ink covered just about every object in her eyesight, practically devouring each building, each car, and every ounce of mass that once made up the universe.

Where was she?

She pushed herself up slowly, a hiss of pain escaping her as she brushed off gravel and dirt from her scarred and bruised knees. To her surprise, the ruble did not fall to the dirt beneath her, instead turning into the black ink like substance that consumed everything else and seemingly beginning to evaporate.

Her mouth parted as she watched this happen before her eyes, her brows furrowing in confusion as she watched it slowly disappear.

Her breath hitched slightly, her eyes glistening with a new found urge — get the fuck out of here.

She turned, jogging quickly down the empty street in search for anything, anyone, that could help her leave this world safely. She was powerless with multiversal travel , a mere gifted mortal stuck in a decaying universe that would surely consume her if she stayed.

What was she going to do?

One minute, she had been traveling the multiverse with a young teenage girl and Doctor Stephen Strange, fighting desperately to defeat the Scarlet Witch and prevent her from taking anymore lives, the next, she was falling through a star shaped portal — alone — where she landed here.

Suddenly, she felt fairly regretful for joining America and Stephen, wishing deeply she could go back and decide to stay in the warm comfort of her bed.

At that thought, she froze in her place, her eyes brightening with the knowledge she had picked up from both America and Stephen — everyone had a variant, including Stephen.

She had to find this universe’s Doctor Strange.

Her head snapped upwards, her eyes scanning the tall skylines and buildings in search for the familiar structure she had grown to know all to well.

Finally, her gaze fell upon a decaying Sanctum, a sigh of relief escaping her as she began to sprint towards the building in a state of urgency.

The sooner she could get out, the better.

Soon enough, she found herself on the doorstep of the sanctum, her feet freezing to the concrete below her. Something gripped her, her body becoming cold with the fear that washed through her.

She felt frozen in her place, her head leaning upwards to stare at the large building that towered over her.

The building was decaying, black matter eating away at the brick and foundation, the sky consuming it hungrily.

Taking a deep breath, she muttered a small prayer for protection beneath her breath, her hand coming to grip the small Norse ax necklace that hung on her neck. Gripping the steel doorknob, she pushed the thick wooden door open.

The first thing she noticed was the beautiful staircase that seemed to go on and on. Merely feet away from her sat the wooden pathway, a collection of dust and dirt laying thickly on the untouched wood.

The next thing she noticed was the sound of an ocean.

Taking a few steps closer to the staircase, she examined the water that sat beneath the stairs, sand meeting the fresh liquid.

Crouching slightly, she let her fingers gently graze the water, and when the very tips were submerged, she quickly took them out, a cry of pain leaving her.

The water was ice cold, the temperature freezing her finger tips in an instant.

She quickly stood, her head snapping towards the staircase once again. Cradling her hand to her torn shirt in an attempt to bring her fingers warmth, she stepped onto the worn wood, the groan of the stairs filling the house with an eerie noise.

When she finally reached the top of the stairs, she found herself calling out for the sorcerer, her light and airy voice carrying throughout the melting foundation.

She cast a worried look at her aching hand, noticing the color of deep blue that had stained her fingertips. They burned with a pain unfamiliar to her, and with a shaky breath, she wrapped her other hand around them.

This universe was drawing her power from her.

“May I help you?” A soft voice asked, and she jumped in her place, her head turning quickly to the direction from which it came.

Her eyes fell upon another set of stairs where a man stood, his frame tall and slender as he slowly made his way down.

She could recognize the voice immediately, and though it was different in tone and volume, her eyes lit with relief.

He didn’t look at her, his eyes casted downwards as he reached the bottom. He wore a set of blue, grey, and black robes, the fabric flowing from his body in an elegant manor.

This Stephen was no doubt Stephen Strange, but as he finally lifted his gaze to look at her, she found herself silenced in quiet surprise.

Beneath his eyes were blue and purple bags, the usual blue of his pupils now stained a dark color. They looked black, as if he were a man possessed and consumed by the devil himself.

Though he stood tall and assertive, his shoulders were drooped with the weight of the universe, the beasts of burden dragging him down until he looked pathetic and miserable.

This wasn’t her Stephen.

When his eyes fell upon her face, his posture and composure seemed to have shifted completely, his lips parting slightly in awe as he looked at her.

She watched as his eyes dragged along her every feature and detail, and she struggled to speak.

Something was wrong.

“(Y/n)?”

He sounded pathetic, awestruck and wonder lacing his words as he watched her carefully.

“No — I’m not-“ she tried to begin, but he cut her off.

“I know. You aren’t…my (Y/N)…” he stated, a sigh leaving him. He approached her softly and slowly, as if he were afraid of scaring her.

She felt frozen as his hand came to grip her chin ever so slightly, his dark eyes darting across her face as he examined her. “But you are (Y/N),” he finally concluded, his brows furrowing slightly.

It was as if he were seeing the moon for the first time. His eyes were wide with adoration, absolute infatuation radiating off him like an electric current.

It was disturbing, standing there as his black eyes stared into her green ones.

She shivered slightly at the touch of his cold hand, and she backed away from him quickly, remembering what she had learned throughout her multiversal travel: never trust anyone.

Having realized he might’ve scared her, he quickly drew his hand back, his lips pressing into a thin line.

“I need to get back home,” she finally asserted, not noticing the way his eyes seemed to darken at her statement.

He raised a brow, a deep exhale leaving him as he folded his hands behind his back.

Her eyes trailed along the messy room before finally reaching the large window. She stepped closer to it, bringing her arms to wrap around herself.

The view was absolutely beautiful.

Death was a beautiful little thing.

“Home?” He asked her, joining her near the window. He carefully cast her a look, his eyes again stuck on the woman’s face.

It had been years since he had laid his eyes on her.

She nodded silently in reply, her eyes still fixated on the decaying world in front of her.

“I got lost,” she finally began, turning to look at him. She met his eyes instantly — they were cold, nothing but black seen. “I got separated from my Stephen.”

He stiffened in his place slightly, his head tilting in interest. “Your Stephen?”

She nodded in response, looking outside the window once again. “There are variants of everyone in the different universes. In the grant scheme of things, there are an infinite amount of possibilities — of pathways — that we haven’t taken. It’s the “what-if’s” that define the multiverse.”

He stared at her in silence, nothing but the sound of his breathing providing any sound. He was captivated with her voice, clinging into each and every word she spoke.

“From what I’m seeing, this universe is coming to an end,” she finally concluded, peering at the beautiful black hole that sucked everything into it. Black liquid floated throughout the air, carrying with it the universe piece by piece. “What happened here?” She whispered, her hand coming to rest on the railing beside the window.

Stephen was silent for a minute, his eyes still stuck on her face. He couldn’t bring himself to look away in fear that she would disappear, again, and he would never see her again.

He couldn’t let that happen.

“Things just got out of hand,” he replied, his voice deep with the weight of the world. He gave her a small look, taking in her features quickly.

She looked tired and weak, but just as he remembered.

“Would you like some tea?” The Sorcerer asked, not waiting for answer as he strode into a small section of the room that contained a porcelain tea pot and a glass cup.

“Are you the only one left?” She asked quietly, turning to look at him as he prepared a cup of tea for her.

As he handed her the warm cup, he cringed slightly at how pitiful she looked. Her eyes glistened with sadness for a universe that wasn’t even hers, the thought of Stephen being alone making her feel guilty.

Slowly, he nodded, unknowing of what to say to the woman. He hated pity, especially from the woman he had sacrificed everything for.

If only she knew.

“How did you become separated with me?” He asked her curiously, and she moved away from her place at the window. Quickly, she moved towards the large desk that sat at the center of the room, her eyes glancing across each paper that sat thrown messily onto it. Stephen watched carefully as she brought the cup to her lips, taking a big gulp from the tea.

“For the last twenty four hours, we’ve been fighting a losing battle,” she started, ignoring his heavy stare that continued to linger on her. Every move she made was being watched like a guardian, and she began to feel herself growing slightly uncomfortable. “We are merely ants compared to the Scarlet Witch. She could crush us any moment. We were trying to contain her — trying to neutralize the threat she posed, but it was no use.”

Her breath hitched slightly at the memory of hugging Stephen. They had finally reached their destination, and out of an uncontainable joy, she had thrown her arms around his frame, hugging him tightly.

One second she was wrapped in his arms — the next, she was shaking in the cold on the decaying universe.

“She closed in on us and grabbed the young girl she had been hunting, but not before shoving my Stephen and I into two separate universes. I need to get back to him.” The last part was a plea, her voice raising an octave. She stared at him now, her palms resting down against the table.

She was desperate.

“What am I to you…in your universe?” He asked, the question nipping at his insides like an unforgiving disease. He simply could not stop himself, for his undying need for her was slowly killing him.

At this question, she looked at him, her mouth pressing into a thin line. She said wasn’t expecting his question, and she found herself caught off guard.

She was silent, pondering his question as he starred at her. She shifted uncomfortably, sitting herself down on a wooden stool that sat empty.

She didn’t know what to answer with, for she didn’t even know what they were. Though there had been a few stolen kisses and hugs, lingering looks of absolute adoration, and an undeniable connection between the two, nothing had been established.

She sighed quietly, her unharmed hand coming to rub against her collarbone. “In all honesty, I have no idea.”

The variant raised a brow, gesturing for her to continue.

“I mean, it’s never been…established.”

Stephen nodded slowly, his arms crossed in deep concentration.

“What about you? What were you and…I? Her? I don’t know it’s all confusing —“

A humorless chuckle escaped him, amusement branding his face at her rambling. For the hundredth time, his mind began to reply memories of their life together — or lack there of.

Her face haunted his dreams every night, glimpses of what could have been dragging him down to the very bottom of the sea.

He could remember everything.

“I could say the same,” he began, his voice rough with remorse. “You were murdered before we could establish that.” He ended with a dry chuckle, his voice cracking slightly as if he were on the verge of a breakdown.

And yet he held himself together, blinking away the foggy memories from his eyes before turning back to her. She was silent, staring up at him in surprise.

Murdered? She was murdered?

“Can I ask how?“ she asked carefully, her voice soft. She didn’t want to push boundaries to far, for this man seemed to be on the cusp of being labeled as deranged. She room another drink, doing her best to ignore his heavy gaze.

Stephen nodded, allowing himself to lean his back against a wooden pillar beside the girl.

“She was with me — here, actually.” He paused to gesture to the room they both stood in, the faded blue light of universe illuminating across the large wooden walls and floors. “It was late; I told her she should stay here, with me — I knew it was dangerous — but she refused. She told me she needed to feed her cat and do some cleaning tonight, so she needed to be home.” He small smile crept along his lips as he allowed the faint memory to replay in his mind. Her wearing his shirt, that stubborn glint in her eyes that never ceased to disappear, the way her lips would curl when she smiled.

All he saw was her.

“I tried to reason with her, but if you’re any way like her, I’m sure you understand that she refused. Started saying how she could handle herself and that I needed to have more faith in her.”

He paused again, moving towards the window once more. He gazed out of it, his arms folded behind his back as he stared in silent anguish.

“I let her go,” he bitterly concluded, his voice wavering slightly. Guilt washed over him, voices of unreasonable paranoia screaming at him.

It was his fault.

“Next thing I know, I’m seeing the NYPD pull her body out of the lake. Autopsy says she was sexually assaulted, murdered, and dumped into the water. Put up one hell of a fight though.”

She wanted to say something, anything that could take his pain away, but she knew it was useless, so instead she asked: “did they ever catch the people?”

At this question, Stephen’s eyes lit slightly, and he looked at her. “No.” He paused, his eyes scanning her every feature. “But I did, and I killed each and every single one of those bastards.” From his voice dripped absolute disgust as he replayed the news footage in his mind. His mind was like a twenty four hour movie theater, his photographic memory never seeming to be able to forget the horrific and gruesome murder of the love of his life.

Never again.

She took the final drink of her tea, swallowing the last drop of liquid. She had to admit — it was one of the best things she had ever consumed. It was unlike anything she had tried before.

The young woman lifted herself from the stool, her feet carrying her to Stephen once again. She hesitated slightly, lifting her hand to rest on his shoulder in comfort. “I’m sorry, Stephen.”

At the feel of her hand, he found himself leaning into her touch. The softness of her fingers comforted him, the familiar warmth that radiated off her body engulfing him like a hug. He could feel himself choking up, for he was finally with her again. She was standing right there, comforting him like she had always done.

She was exactly how he remembered her to be.

“You have the powers as well?” He found himself asking, and at this, she gave a weary smile before nodding.

She felt her stomach flip ever so slightly, a small unusual feeling beginning to spread across her body. She did her best to push away the feeling, but his intruding gaze was making it hard for her to keep herself together.

“Did she have them?” She asked, her voice wavering slightly.

Stephen nodded, a sad smile tugging at his lips. He could remember waking up beside her each morning, the warmth of her body wrapped in his arms.

Now everything was so fucking cold.

She young woman hummed softly, unsure of what to say. She felt awkward, the weight of this man’s burden crushing her. She didn’t know what to do, nor what to say, to make him feel better.

This Stephen was a weak fragile shell of what her Stephen is. The variants trauma frightened her in all honesty, for his eyes were so black it was if he were about to drop dead at that very moment.

“I need to get back,” she finally stated, moving away from the man. She wiped the dried blood from her lip, wincing slightly as the bruise that was beginning to form.

At this assertion, Stephen quickly drew himself away from the window. “Where is your Stephen?” He asked, ignoring her statement. His eyes watched her carefully, his voice hardening slightly. It was a small shift in tone, and yet the woman barely missed it.

She glanced at him carefully, pausing before speaking. Though his tone shift was small, she had picked it up. Cradling her hand in her unhurt one, she cautiously proceeded. “As I said, we were separated…I have no clue where he is, but I’m sure he’ll be able to find me somehow,” she emphasized the last bit, her vision blurring ever so slightly.

She blinked, adjusting her eyesight accordingly as he stared at her. “I really need to leave, Stephen. I’m growing weak here,” she tried again, a dull ache in her head beginning to form. It came softly at first, like a knock upon a wooden door, but soon she found it almost unbearable. The palm of her hand reached up to press against her temple, blinking rapidly in an attempt to ease the pain.

“You think he’ll be able to find you? In here?” The variant asked, though it sounded more like a statement. He gestured to the wide window, the black hole outside sucking in the universe, the grey hues illuminating along the walls of the room in an eerie and yet beautiful way. “I don’t think so,” he finally concluded, a dry chuckle leaving his lips.

He looked at her again, and for the first time in a very long time, he had won.

“I’ve been waiting for this day,” Stephen lowly stated, a sinister smile branding itself onto his face. He stepped closer to her, watching as she struggled to find words and piece together what had been done to her. “I’ve been searching across the entire multiverse for decades, waiting to find another her.”

She stumbled in her place slightly, her hand coming to grip the wall to keep herself up. She dropped the glass cup, her eyes stuck on the pristine porcelain as it slowly fell to the wooden floors beneath her feet and shattered.

The tea.

“And yet everywhere I looked, she just wasn’t the same. They weren’t her.” He stated the last part bitterly, his vision burning with hatred. “Here I was, alone and desperate. I couldn’t even close my eyes — seeing other versions of myself living the life I once had, what I could have had with her,” he spat, venom lacing his words. “I tried everything, I sacrificed everything for her, and it just wasn’t enough!”

His voice broke, and a shaky sigh escaped him. His hand reached up to grip his face, rubbing exhaustively at the area. “Why did these other versions of myself get to be happy? Why did they get her? After all, I’m a good man. I’ve done my duty as Earths protector, and yet the universe decides to punish me, ” He stood right in front of her now, his eyes tracing every inch of her frightened face as his voice dropped to a low tone, “Now that — that wasn’t fair.”

She wanted to cry, her breathing quickening as he closed in on her. She pushed herself back against the wall, trying to put distance between the two.

“So I killed them. I killed each and every one of those variants so I could make the different versions of myself feel what I had felt — so I could finally sleep and not see her face,” he seethed, his voice dry. There was nothing — no shame, no remorse.

“Stephen —“ a wave of dizziness overcame her, and her grip on the wall faulted. She found herself collapsing, a helpless cry escaping her when she landed straight into the sorcerers arms. His strong hold on her waist felt nauseating, her skin crawling at the feel of his stone cold skin.

“And when I closed my eyes at night, I no longer saw her. I saw you. You are everything like her; you are her. ” His breath was on her neck now, his voice low and quiet. Her body shook violently, tears clouding her vision. “You have no idea just how long I’ve been searching for you, (Y/N). Everywhere I looked, you weren’t there.” His grip on her body tightened, and he leaned into her, taking a sharp inhale as she struggled against him. “And next thing I know, you’re here, like a present from the universe. Now I know I’ve finally won.”

“Please,” she struggled to speak, trying to escape from his grip; however, her body protested against her minds commands, and what she was able to fight against was quickly swatted away by the older man. She fought him, her body falling weakly to his feet. “Stop!” she sobbed, and he wrapped his arms more tightly around her mid section, pulling her up from the floor. “Stop fighting this,” he growled threateningly into her ear, her backside pressed dangerously close into his chest. “You and I are meant to be, (Y/N).” His arms were wrapped around her tightly, one hand coming to grip at her jaw to keep her head still. “Please! Let me go!” She desperately cried as he dragged her away from the wall towards an unknown destination.

Her vision was black and white, her mind heavy with the drugs that had been fed to her. She wanted to be sick — the feeling of his hands gripping her body sending waves of absolute horror and disgust through her veins.

Stephen smiled — it was a sick little thing, the corners of his lips turning up in an amused expression. “Believe me,” he muttered roughly into her ear.

“I have no intention of ever letting you go again.”

Please vote/ comment!!! Let me know if you wanna see a part two ;)

[editorandchief]

Cold Hands | Luca Changretta

Summary: Reader is new to New York when they catch the eyes of Luca Changretta.

Warning: None

Request: No

Exploring her new surroundings Y/N found herself walking down yet another street lined with buildings that look like every other one she had visited, how was she ever going to get to know her way around if it all looked the same?

While taking note of the street sign that she just passed she failed to notice the tall Italian man that was exiting a shop until she crashed into him.

She begins to topple over from the impact ready to hit the hard cement, before a ice cold grip latched into her wrist halting her movement. Her eyes snapped to the cause of the cold temperature, finding a large hand that was firmly holding her wrist just slipping in the small space that was left exposed by her jacket and gloves.

traveling up the hand to find the black sleeve of a jacket leading to broad shoulder before finally landing on the face of a man.

"Are you alright?" The man asked looking down at her from his superior height. "You should watch were your going." He advised.

Steadying herself on her feet Y/N looked over to see another man dressed similarly to the first watching with neutrality in his face.

"I'm sorry." She apologized. "Ironically enough I was trying to watch where I was going, the street sign at least." She chuckled slightly growing more nervous by the second as the man simply raised his brow to the stranger.

"I'm new here and was trying to keep track of the street signs, I actually hears there was a park around her somewhere..." She trailed off seeing both men now giving her odd looks. "You probably don't care." She realized ceasing her rant.

The man looking down to her held and amusing look in his eyes as he glanced down, following his gaze she sees the mans hands held in between hers as she runs around in an attempt to create heat.

"Oh my goodness I'm so sorry." She apologized once again dropping her hands to her side. "Your hands are just so cold, you should really wear gloves this time of year." She suggests looking from his hands to his face.

"Si comporta come la madre di qualcuno, no?" The man standing next to them says with a chuckle. (Acts like someone's mother, no?")

The man in front of her nodded his head in agreement with the statement. "Your right." He said flexing his hands. "I just can't seem to find the time." He smiles down at her.

"Dovremmo iniziare a tornare indietro ora Luca." The man speaks again. (We should start heading back Luca)

"Vai alla macchina, sarò lì tra un minuetto." He replied causing the man to walk away with a smirk in her direction. (Head to the car, I'll be there in a minuet.)

"Well I should get going." Y/N said talking a step away from the man.

"What's your name?" He asked halting her movement.

"What's yours." Y/N countered not expecting a question from him. "I mean Y/N, you don't have to tell me your if you don't want to."

"Luca." He states. "So what brings you to New York?" He asks tucking his hands into his jacket pocket.

"Oh...I got a job a law firm, it's only a secretary position." She replied.

"Are you good at that?" He asked.

"At being a secretary?" She asked. "I sure hope so."

"No." Luca shook his head. "taking care of other people's lives."

"I guess you could say that." She laughed at the way he explained her job, before Luca could say anything else a car pulls up to the curb. Looking inside Y/N sees the man that had left them earlier. "I guess you have to go."

"Yes, it would seem that way." He smiles glancing over to the car. "Perhaps we will see each other around." He sais walking over to the awaiting vehicle.

"Perhaps." She replied continuing down the street.

"Oh am Y/N" Luca called from the car. "The park is two block in the opposite direction." He informed getting into the car.

____________________Two Weeks later__________________

Today was the day, Your fist day at work. Grabbing her purse and her checking for her keys Y/N Headed out the door to begin her journey to work.

She hoped that work would provide as good experience as the rest of the city. Y/N had no idea why people said that New Yorkers were a mean people, she had nothing but good experiences starting with her meeting of the tall Italian man, Luca.

They had run into each other every now and then when Y/N was shopping around or on her way to the park, slowly getting to know each other meet by meet.

Walking into the clothing store Y/N's eyes grazed the rack full of different colors and styles of clothes.

Spotting to clerks behind a desk Y/N saw one lean over and whisper to another both eyes widen before one rushes over to her with a bright smile.

"Hello welcome in." She greeted. "Is there anything I can help you with? Something I can help you find."

"Yes actually." Y/N smiles back. "I was looking at the dress in your window over there an-" Before she could finish the woman had grabbed her arm gently leading her farther into the store.

"A very nice choice." She complemented. "One of our most popular styles."

"So a lot of people have it?" She asked beginning to change her mind.

"Oh goodness no...I just...meant a lot of people like it, not everyone can pull it off like I know you will." She corrected. "Plus today is the last day we will be selling it so no one will buy it after you."

"Really, Does it come in (Your Favorite Color)?" She asked looking over the rack.

"Lila!" She shouted to the other clerk. "Go to the back and find this in (Y/F/C), now" She ordered.

"Oh no that's fine, I'm sure one of these colors will do."

"It's really no problem." She assures as Lila rushes over to the two.

"I'm afraid we don't have that color right now." She informed. "But I know a great tailor not too far and we can have it made."

Y/N eyes widen at the suggestion, turning to search the rack frantically before picking up one of the other colors.

"This one." Y/N stated holding up a dress that was her second favorite color. "I think I'd like this color a lot better. May I try it on please?" She asked the women which of course they agreed.

the women talk casually to Y/N while heading to check out with the dress after trying it on.

"Is there anything else we can help you with." The woman she learned was called holly asked.

"No I think that will be al-." Y/N stopped as something catches her eyes. "Actually I'd like to buy those as well."

And that's how Y/N ended up walking around New York with a pair of black leather gloves a soft cashmere lining on the inside in her pocket, waiting for the opportunity to gift them to Luca. It wouldn't be so bad if she hadn't had the gloves for a week chickening out every time they ran into each other.

Much like she would right now, spotting Luca standing a ways down the sidewalk as she clutches the gloves inside her jacket pocket.

Matteo, who was there when you and Luca first met, nudged the taller man before gesturing to Y/N as she grew closer to the pair.

"Good Morning Luca." Y/N greeted. "Matteo."

"Buon giorno tesoro." Luca replied. "Where are you headed this morning?" He asked with a small smile. (Good Morning my sweet)

"It's my very first day of work." She answered a bright smile attempting to hide her nerves from both her new job and the man standing in front of her.

"Well good luck on your first day." Luca replied eyes narrowing on her face before he began reaching up, his fingers brushed against her cheek. A shiver ran down her spine as once again Luca's Ice cold hands come in contact with her. "You had an eyelash on your face." He informed holding up his hand showcasing the small hair on the tip of his finger.

Deciding this was as good a time as any Y/N reached up with one while pulling the gloves out of her pocket.

Sliding the gloves onto his hands she didn't dare look up at his face as she forced the accessories onto him, this was weird right? Buying gloves for a man you barley knew. Of course it is, but she wouldn't have to if he would have just done it for himself.

Once the gloves where secure on his hand she took a step back looking up but never meeting Luca's eyes, her eyes passed over Matteo for a slit second seeing him with a look of pure amusement.

After a few moments of silence she clears her throat before letting out a deep breath.

"Well I should get going," She said shuffling away from the duo. "Don't want to be late of my first day." She called turning around and walking quickly away.

Looking down at his hands Luca admired the gloves on his hands.

"I told you she got them for you." Matteo said looking down at the gloves as well.

humming in agreement Luca looked up to the Italian man across the street before giving him a nod signaling for him to continue watching over and reporting back to him everything he saw about his girl.