#you can ask me what anything means and i will answer
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girlfriend?
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spencer reid x fem!reader
the people have spoken (the 8 votes on my poll) so here!!!
no use of y/n
fluff and maybe kinda sorta comfort??
summary: reader wonders why exactly she's not spencer's girlfriend and he's more than happy to play along
warnings: reader is younger and has never had a boyfriend, mention of roommate, awkwardness??, new relationship, kissing, reader uses physical affection to distract spencer, "i'm fine" no you're not!!!, insecurities and simply spencer being a cutie
my very first time writing fanfiction and posting my writing!!! please give feedback
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After a long day of daydreaming and a rather upsetting conversation with my roommate, I've come to realize that I'm technically not Spencer's girlfriend. I mean, he's never asked me to be. Of course he's sweet and we've kissed several times but he's never formally asked. I've never had a boyfriend so I just assumed that one or two dates ultimately meant together. Apparently that's not right. Maybe I'm overreacting and maybe I'm not cut out for this dating thing but why hasn't he asked? We can hardly go a day without seeing each other. Doesn't that mean something? Maybe I'm insane because that's highly likely, too.
Although anticipating it, I still jump when he knocks. The door opens and it's clear that he came straight from work, his messenger bag on his shoulder. Like every other day, we walk straight to my bedroom and he leaves his satchel on the same old cushioned chair.
Spencer places his hands in his pockets, his eyes floating over me dubiously.
"Are you alright?"
Well, that took all of three seconds.
"Why wouldn't I be?" I answer, fiddling with my pajama shorts' strings. There's no way I'm turning psycho-not-even-girlfriend on him because he hasn't defined our relationship. Because of the chance he doesn't want me to be his girlfriend, that's a conversation I'm not having.
His eyes narrow and he steps closer. "You're fidgeting, avoiding eye contact... not to mention that you've hardly spoken to me since I've got here which is just... not you at all. You always talk."
"Hey!" I frown.
I watch as his hands come up to hold my face and I begrudgingly look him in the eye only to find concern. "Did I do something?" he asks softly.
My head shakes in his hands. He drops them. "You didn't do anything wrong."
He notices the emphasis, following me when I go to sit on the edge of my bed. I'll never get over how out of place Spencer looks in my room.
His eyebrows raise as he looks down at me. I feel like I'm in trouble. "But I did something apparently."
"Nope," I hum simply, pulling him down by the tie to mush our lips together with little grace. The reciprocation was fleeting, his mouth briefly opening only to move away as fast as it came. "See? I'm fine," I grin unconvincingly.
"You're a terrible liar. Tell me what's wrong," he sighs, stuck between worried and annoyed.
He steps back, eliciting a whine from me. My eyes drop and I figure that I might as well dance around it since I'm a terrible liar. Picking at the loose string on my comforter, I murmur, "do you... um... you like me, right?"
Confusion draws his eyebrows together. "Of course I do. I wouldn't be here if I didn't. Honestly, I'd be crazy not to. What told you I didn't?"
"I'm not your girlfriend," I whisper pathetically, eyes never leaving my fidgeting fingers.
I can practically feel the realization hit him. A shaky breath that never quite becomes a nervous laugh leaves him before he responds gently, "I haven't asked you to be. Do you want to be my girlfriend?"
My head finally lifts, a slight frown on my lips as I nod.
"Will you be?"
My eyes go wide and I freeze. "What?"
He laughs softly, walking a few steps closer before crouching down to my level. "Will you be my girlfriend... please?" he asks politely, a tiny smile on his face.
I nod eagerly before I can do anything else. When words do come out, they're frantic like I can't get them out fast enough. "Yes! Yep! Mhm. Please."
This time, when I kiss him, he doesn't hesitate or pull away, he smiles, hands finding my face and brushing away any stray hairs. A thought occurs and I break the kiss, thumbs brushing his cheeks. "So... why didn't you ask before?" I ask almost absentmindedly.
He swallows and very gently mutters, "I didn't know if you'd want me to be your boyfriend."
I can feel my heart melting as I press a soft peck to his mouth. How did he not know? Isn't the way I'm constantly nervous obvious to him? I'm not exactly good at masking anything.
"Of course I did. I do. And now you are my boyfriend so how about that?" I smile and he does too.
"I'm glad," he laughs.
"Me too."
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usagiarchive · 3 days ago
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what is love? — jing yuan x reader (in the eyes of yanqing)
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"Ooh, maybe someday, could it happen to me too? When will it be? Who will it be? I wanna know, know, know, know, what is love?" — TWICE
sypnosis. [ 0.4k words. fluff. family. ] — When asked on the question of love, Yanqing thinks of his parents.
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“Mama, what is love?”
You turn your attention to the little boy snuggled into your side as you read him a Xianzhou fairytale.
“What do you think love is, honey?”
The kid pondered for a moment before answering, “You and Dad are love!”
The joy he displayed on his face melted your heart and you couldn't help but bundle him up in your arms.
“Really? How so?”
“Don't you and Dad love each other? Isn't that love?”
You smiled and laughed a little, “That's an action, sweetheart, we love each other, it's not really a meaning, sweet boy,”
He tilted his head at you like a seal, very confused.
“The meaning of love and being in love are two different things, honey,” you tell him, not knowing how to approach the subject of love with a four-year old child.
“Think of it this way, let's think of love as your swords, Swords and using your swords are two different things, right?”
The child blinks up at you, “Mama, I understand… but at the same time I don't…”
You laughed and gave him a kiss on his forehead, “I'll explain when you're older, but for now… bedtime!”
Yanqing doesn't remember the interaction now that he's grown older, but if he thinks about what love is for him, you'd find his answer the same.
Love for him, was you and his Dad.
In the way that you learned to love tea as he did, even if you didn't like it at all, detested it at first, all because he loves it and you love him.
In the way his Dad never let you do anything when he's around, during grocery runs he'd lift all the bags and just let you hold his hand, during your weekend dates, he'd never let you worry about anything.
In the way you'd immediately get a pillow and a blanket if you find him sleeping in the patio (and most of the time join him), because he always complains about the crick in his neck he always has when he wakes up.
In the way he'd never seen the two of you have a serious fight, not in front of him at least, or not long enough that he'd notice because the two of you resolved anything within minutes of talking.
In the way his Dad would always peel an orange for you to share, “A half for your Mom, a half for me”, even if you'd go for a second orange, half of it will always be the other’s.
So yeah, if ever you'd ask Yanqing what love is. His answer would be you and Dad.
And maybe… he thinks as he pictures a certain spitfire girl that burrowed her way into his heart, maybe he can find a love like that, too…
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usagi's note: december has been so incredibly kind to me (aside from me breaking my foot and not getting sunday) it's actually been so nice, ive met more people in this app and people here are so supportive and nice! i think ill enjoy this more hehe, merry christmas guys :))
also guys how do you do the tiny text thing? im so interested and i kinda wanna try that type of format in my works.
@usagiarchive 2024. do not repost, translate, or use for AI.
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eczlipse · 2 days ago
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( 수빈 ) ─ 5:28 pm.
summary ; choi soobin, your tutor has had a significant yearning for you for a while. during a session, you seem to keep answering his questions wrongly- leading to you needing a break. what happens once he suddenly feels his jeans tighten during the session and becomes bold with you?
pairing & warnings ; tutor!soobin, fem!reader. dryhumping, smut, fingering, unsafe (no mention of protection), p in the v…
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you thought more about the question you’d been asked— “explain to me photosynthesis.” he repeated. your mind had gone blank, your tutor— soobin stared down at you. the way you tried to puzzle your thoughts together and questioned yourself. you were so clueless, so vulnerable he thought.
soobin quickly recognized your extreme confusion and spoke once more,
- do you want me to explain again?
in response, you hummed lightly waiting for him to continue. your exam had been coming up, the next morning would be d-day.
- photosynthesis is basically how plants make their food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water. they turn these into sugar for energy and release oxygen. it’s important because it helps plants grow and provides oxygen for us to breathe. okay?
you sighed and nodded, you felt down— why weren’t you understanding things as easily as every other student. your tutor could easily tell you’d been stressed, tense even. you’d been shaking you leg, fidgeting with your pencil. he gulped before speaking again,
- do you need a break ? we can talk about other things or, you should get a snack?
you slightly smiled at his attempts to help you. you nodded happily as you got up from your seat. walking away into your dorm room kitchen, finding only a bag of chips from days ago. you sighed and took them, at least it’s edible. what you hadn’t noticed was that, soobin had been staring you down as soon as you’d gotten up. the way your shorts slightly rode up, your hair swaying as you walked- he needed to calm himself down. before he could think more, you stopped his train of thought,
- hey, do you want anything? i only have some chips from like before yesterday. wanna share?
he pressed his lips together and nodded. you smiled at his expression as you brought yourself back to your initial seat, placing the bag of chips in between you both. at that, he dug his hands into the bag of chips taking a few.
although soobin was your tutor, he felt a significant yearn for you. he hated to admit it but, he kind of liked you. his close friends had told him prior to coming to your dorm to 'shoot his shot' and 'be bold'. that was in fact his plan tonight. he didn't specifically plan what he wanted to say, but he knew that he wanted you to know that he wanted you. at that, he stared at you intensely as you got up once more; washing your hands, and bringing yourself back to your seat. he loved your demeanour. he felt a sudden tightness in his pants— he couldn't help it anymore.
- what about i soothe you?
he blurted out, shutting his mouth quickly after spilling out such words. your head flicked over to his, 'did he really just say that?' you wondered.
- what do you mean?
you questioned. 'shit shit shit' was all he could tell himself. he needed to stay calm and collected, and more importantly ; 'seductive' as his friend yeonjun would say.
- i'll make your stress go away, yeah?
he gave you a significant look, hinting that his words meant more than they seemed. you knew what he meant and you were down for it. you couldn't help but admit that you felt things for him, while he would mansplain things to you, show you how things were done and more.
at that, you climbed onto soobin's lap straddling his thighs. he could feel the heat radiating off your body, the soft fabric of your panties brushing against the growing bulge in his pants. his hands instinctively went to your hips, gripping them tightly as you began to grind against him.
soobin let out a low groan, his hips bucking up to meet yours. The friction of your movements was driving him wild, his cock now fully hard and straining against his zipper. he slid his hands up your sides, under your shirt, his fingers splaying across the small of your back.
in a flurry of movement, soobin stood up, lifting you with him. he then, carried you over to the couch, laying you down gently on the soft cushions. he hovered over you, his eyes dark with lust as he took in the sight of you- your chest heaving, your lips parted, your legs slightly spread.
his hands roamed your body, caressing and squeezing, leaving trails of reddened marks on your skin. he tugged at your shirt impatiently, just long enough to yank it over your head and toss it aside.
soobin paused for a moment, drinking in the sight of you lying beneath him in just your bra and panties. his gaze was intense, filled with a raw, primal desire that made your heart race. 
— you're so beautiful.
he murmured, his voice filled with want. he leaned down, pressing hot, open-mouthed kisses along your collarbone, down to the swell of your breasts. his fingers deftly unhooked your bra, tossing it away and freeing your breasts to his greedy mouth. he took one hardened nipple between his lips, suckling and swirling his tongue around the sensitive bud.
you arched into him, a loud moan escaping your lips as jolts of pleasure shot straight to your core. your hands fisted in his hair, holding him to your breast.
suddenly soobin's hand slid down your stomach, his fingers dipping beneath the waistband of your panties. he could feel the heat emanating from your core, the damp fabric- proof of your arousal. slowly, teasingly, he pushed your panties aside, his fingers brushing against your slick folds.
you gasped, your hips bucking up off the couch as his fingers made contact with your most sensitive spot. soobin groaned, feeling your wetness coating his fingers as he began to stroke your clit in slow, deliberate circles. his other hand continued to knead and massage your breast, pinching and rolling your nipple between his fingers.
— soobin, you panted, your voice high and needy please, i need more.
he withdrew his hand from your panties, bringing his fingers to his mouth. he licked them clean, his tongue savouring your essence. 
with that, he hooked his fingers under your panties and tugged them down your legs, tossing them away.
soobin quickly shed his clothes, revealing his lean, muscular body, his skin flushed and glistening. he then positioned himself between your spread thighs, his hard member jutting out. with a swift thrust of his hips, he buried himself deep inside your tightness, a groan tearing from his throat.
he began to move, withdrawing until just the tip remained inside you, before slamming back in, burying himself in you. he set a significant pace, the couch creaking beneath you with the force of his thrusts. your breasts bounced with each powerful drive of his hips, your moans mingling with his grunts and groans.
soobin then leaned down, capturing your mouth in a searing kiss, his tongue plundering and conquering, swallowing your cries of ecstasy. his hand slid between your bodies, his fingers finding your clit, rubbing the sensitive nub in tight, rapid circles. your inner muscles began to flutter around his pounded shaft, your body tensing up the more he touched you.
then, your back began arching off the couch cushions as your climax surged through you like a tidal wave. you let a final moan, your inner walls clamping down around soobin's driving length, as you came.
with a hoarse groan, soobin slammed into you one last time, burying himself to the hilt as his own peak hit. at the last second, he pulled out, his pulsing cock erupting. at that, his seed painted your stomach and breasts as he found his release, his body shuddering above you.
soobin then smirked at you before speaking once more,
— do you feel calmer now ?
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marauder-misprint · 3 days ago
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Permission
Series Masterlist
Sirius Black x Fem!Slytherin!reader
1.5k words
cw: fluff, swearing
Sirius makes it his mission to find Regulus before dinner. He doesn’t have any idea how he would convince Regulus, but he figures he’d start with asking him. Worst Regulus could say would be ‘no,’ right? And then Sirius could work on wearing his brother down until he said ‘yes.’ You may be a dear friend of Regulus, but Sirius was confident he could sway him.
Sirius makes his way to the library. He is almost certain Regulus would be there. He had seen you walk down toward the Slytherin Common Room so all he can do is hope Regulus is in the library and not awaiting you in the dungeons. He feels uneasy as he opens the library door. He doesn’t visit the library often so the thick scent of old parchment and ink takes over his senses. Madam Pince gives him a cautious look from her desk. 
As Sirius walks in, he scans each table for his brother. He passes shelf after shelf, looking down each one. Each table is filled with students but none of the Slytherins are Regulus, and none are ones he could ask for his location. However, he’s on a mission. He has to find Regulus. Sirius looks throughout the entire library and stops right before the last shelf. He takes a deep breath. If Regulus isn’t at the table at the end of this aisle, he’ll have to search all of the castle. He takes a step forward and turns his head. 
There he is, sitting at the table which is covered in stacks of books. Sirius can’t help the massive grin that spreads across his face as he casually strolls down the aisle. The younger boy doesn’t notice him until he’s practically leaning over his shoulder.
“I remember Flitwick assigning that essay,” Sirius says lazily. 
Regulus stops moving for a moment. Then, slowly and mechanically, he turns his head to look at Sirius and sits up straighter.
“Sirius.”
His blank stare quickly turns unnerved as he sees Sirius’ smile. Whenever Sirius hunted him down, it was to give a message to their parents and therefore, he usually had a grim or annoyed look on his face. This unbridled joy is a new look. 
“I need to ask you something,” Sirius says.
“Then ask it, brother.”
“I need your… permission.”
Regulus narrowed his eyes. “For what?”
“To take your friend on a date.”
He blinks at Sirius. 
“My friend?”
“You know which one.”
“Yeah… The dog person.”
“So, can I take her out?”
“I don’t know why you’re asking me. She’s her own person.”
Sirius pulls out a chair and sits down. 
“She said you have to think it’s a good idea. Otherwise she won’t go with me.”
Regulus hums and looks back down at his essay. “That’s interesting.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“After she came back smelling of you twice, she said she’d tell me if you made a move,” he laughs. “Didn’t know she was going to make you tell me yourself.”
“She isn’t making me do anything,” Sirius says, crossing his arms and leaning back into his chair.
“She’s making you get permission, isn’t she?”
“Yes…” Sirius pauses. “So can I take her out on a date?”
Regulus sighs as he takes a long look at Sirius. Sirius sits there silently, trying to get a read on his expression. He couldn’t quite tell which way this conversation was going.
“What do I get out of it?”
“Anything.” 
That was a dead giveaway for Regulus. If Sirius was willing to owe him anything, he really wanted to take you out on a date. It was also a game changer for him. Regulus had been planning on saying no the entire conversation; if you sent Sirius his way for permission, you figured out that Sirius wasn’t taking no for answer from you and needed someone he might actually listen to. 
“She thinks you’re pretty, by the way,” Regulus finally says. “But if you hurt her in any way, I will personally make your death look like an accident. Or they’ll never find your body. I’ll decide on that later.”
Sirius gapes at him. 
“She thinks I’m pretty? Did she say this to you?”
“Yes.”
“Wait, you said if I hurt her. So you think me going on a date with her is a good idea?”
Regulus snorts a laugh. “Well, no. But we’re going to say I do. I think it’d be good for her. And you.”
“Huh,” Sirius says, not completely sure what his brother meant by that but he wasn’t going to ask.
“Huh?” Regulus echoes.
“Yeah. … What else did she say about me?”
Regulus rolls his eyes before actually returning to his essay. “Fuck off. Be glad I think it’d be funny to hear about a date with you from her perspective. Go.”
Sirius claps a hand on Regulus’ shoulder before he leaves the library with a new spring in his step. Was he technically in Regulus’ debt? Yes. But Sirius is certain it will be worth it, and there’s always the chance that he will never redeem this favor. 
He’s surprised when he doesn’t see Regulus at dinner. Dorcas and Pandora sit on either side of you. Sirius spends far too much time watching you with a permanent smile on his face during the meal.
“Did… something happen?” Remus asks cautiously.
“Mhmm.”
“Okay so what happened?” Peter follows up.
“She’s going on a date with me.” Sirius’ voice is giddy.
James nearly chokes on his juice. “She agreed to a date with you?”
Sirius shoots him a look before saying, “All I had to do was get Reg on board. Surprisingly easy.”
“I don’t believe that,” Peter says through a mouthful of food. He swallows. “Why would your brother need to be ‘on board’?” 
“They’re friends, remember?” Remus answers. 
“Probably thought he’d say no or something,” Peter says. 
“But he didn’t. And now we’re going to Hogsmeade this weekend.”
Sirius continues to watch you for the rest of the meal. You don’t look his way once. You think there is no way that he’s already talked to Regulus and managed to get him to say it’s a good idea. You don’t even bother to tell your friends about it. You’re certain it’s not happening. That’s why you sent Sirius to Regulus; the brothers never agreed on anything. They never talked. 
After dinner, you’re leaving the Great Hall with your friends when you hear Sirius calling your name. You turn and cross your arms. Dorcas pulls Pandora away with her, somehow understanding that Sirius would want to talk to you alone again. 
“We’re on for this weekend,” he says confidently with the same giddy grin that was on his face all meal.
You choke on air. “Excuse me?”
“Regulus gave me permission. Said it was a good idea. Whatever you want to call it. I have his blessing.”
“No. No. No.”
“Yes. Yes. Yes, my darling,” Sirius replies, his eyes lighting up. “We are having a Hogsmeade date and you can’t get out of it.”
“No. No. No. No. No,” you keep repeating.
“Come on, love. It won’t be as bad as you’re making it out to be.”
“I’m not getting my hopes up,” you say before running a hand through your hair with a groan. “I’m not believing you until I hear it myself from Reg.”
“That’s fine. But I talked to him in the library before dinner. We’re in the clear.”
You turn away from Sirius and walk away. Your mind is spinning from the idea of actually going on a real date with Sirius Black. There is no way Regulus actually said it was a good idea. He wouldn’t betray you like that. You’re suddenly at the common room entrance. Your body had gone into autopilot while your thoughts and worries about the possibility of this weekend swirled in your mind. However, worry quickly melts into anger as you descend into the common room and see Regulus lounging on one of the couches. 
“Black!” you yell from where you stand at the bottom of the stairs. “I’m going to murder you!”
He glances over at you. Even from a distance, you can see the slight glimmer of fear in his eyes. You approach the couch with purpose in your steps. You grab his shirt collar and pull his face close to yours.
“What the fuck did you say to your brother?” you hiss. 
“You kept saying no to me. Thought you might like to go on a date with a different pretty bloke. At least he’s occasionally funny,” he teases, although there is a slight tremble in his voice.
You furrow your brows as you drop his collar. 
“You were supposed to say no!” you groan, moving around the couch so you can fall down next to him. “You were the one accusing me of dating him!”
“I’m giving you the chance to find out if you actually like him. See if it does go anywhere beyond him being pretty like me.”
“Regulus. I might actually kill you.”
“Why?”
“Because of you, I’m spending my Saturday in Hogsmeade with your goddamn brother!”
“Yeah and thanks to you, Sirius is now in my debt.”
“No,” you gasp. 
Regulus’ lips twitch upwards. 
“He said he’d do anything.” 
“I hate you.”
He shakes his head. “If it’s really so bad, you can decide what Sirius owes me.”
“I think I should get to decide that anyways.”
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tags: @2dloveshp, @yearninglustfully, @made-for-oliverwood, @ilovejamespottersomuch, @hisparentsgallerryy, @itsseaberri, @corawithfanfiction, @devilslittlehelper, @jllyunn, @barnes70stark,
tags: @crowleythesexydemon, @flow33didontsmoke, @navs-bhat, @louweenier, @l0g0phobe,
@ellouisa17, @theendofthematerialgworl, @marina468, @bmyva1entine
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waitforyrlove · 2 days ago
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slytherin ! matt catches reader in his room after losing a bet.
PART TWO.
you curse yourself for agreeing to this ridiculous bet. It had seemed like harmless fun at the time, something to get your friends off your back about always playing it safe. But now, standing outside the threshold of the Slytherin common room, you question every decision that’s led you here.
the heavy stone wall slides shut behind you, leaving you in the dimly lit space that exudes an unsettling elegance. Green light filters through the lake’s murky waters outside the windows, casting long shadows across the plush sofas and polished floors. Every creak beneath your feet feels deafening in the eerie quiet.
your heart pounds. You’re not supposed to be here. And yet, the terms of the bet were clear: sneak into Matt’s space and return with proof. A book, a quill or anything to show you’d been there.
you’d lost the game, and now here you are.
the room smells faintly of aged leather and something crisp, like winter air. You tread carefully, trying to make out which door might lead to the boys’ dormitory. Somewhere above you, the faint sound of laughter echoes—probably from students lingering in the upper common room.
you’re halfway across the room when a voice freezes you in your tracks.
“Planning to redecorate, are we?”
you spin around so fast you nearly trip over your own feet. Matt leans against the far wall, his green-and-silver tie undone, his robes draped casually over one shoulder. His eyes glint with amusement, but his smirk is razor-sharp.
“What—what are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same thing,” he says, pushing off the wall and taking a lazy step toward you. His tone is light, but there’s an edge to it, like a cat toying with a mouse. “This doesn’t seem like your scene, sweetheart.”
you resist the urge to back away as he closes the distance between you, though your pulse is thrumming in your ears. “I was just—uh—looking for something.”
“Looking for something,” he repeats, raising an eyebrow. He doesn’t believe you for a second. “Let me guess: your houses tradition? Break into the Slytherin common room and hope you don’t get caught?”
you flinch. He’s far too close now, his presence making the space feel smaller. His dark green jumper clings to his broad shoulders, and you can’t help but notice the faint, woodsy scent that clings to him.
“No..” you say, a little too quickly. “It’s nothing like that.”
“Then what is it like?” he asks, crossing his arms. The amusement is still there, but his tone is sharper now, his gaze probing. “Careful how you answer, love. You’re already on thin ice.”
you hesitate, weighing your options. Lying to him feels impossible under his scrutiny. His eyes seem to see straight through you, as though he already knows why you’re here and is just waiting for you to admit it.
finally, you sigh. “Fine. It’s a bet, okay?” you admit, crossing your arms defensively. “I lost a bet, and now I’m here. Happy?”
his smirk widens, “I’m ecstatic. Go on, then. What’s the dare? Break into my dorm? Steal my favorite book? Something embarrassing, I hope.”
“Just… find something that proves I was here,” you mutter, your cheeks burning.
Matt’s laugh is low and warm, but there’s something dangerous about it. “You’ve got nerve, I’ll give you that.”
“Can I go now?” you ask exasperated.
“Not so fast,” He steps even closer, until you can feel the heat radiating off him. “You think you can just waltz in here, invade my space, and leave without consequences?”
“What do you mean, consequences?”
he tilts his head, pretending to think. “I could report you, you know. Breaking into the Slytherin common room? That’s grounds for a nice, long chat with the fuckin’ professors.”
“Matt, come on—”
“Or,” he interrupts, a glint of mischief in his eyes, “we could make our own bet.”
“What kind of bet?”
“I’ll let you off the hook—no detention, no tattling to your head of house—but you owe me. I haven’t decided what yet, but when I do, you’ll agree. No arguments.”
you hesitate, weighing your options. The alternative—a full-blown scandal and possible expulsion—isn’t exactly appealing.
“Fine,” you say through gritted teeth. “Deal.”
“Gooood girl,” he says, his voice dropping an octave. He steps back, giving you just enough room to breathe, though his eyes never leave yours.
“Oh, and one more thing,” he adds, his smirk deepening. “If you’re ever stupid enough to pull a stunt like this again… don’t expect me to be so fucking forgiving just like I was.”
with that, he turns and saunters off toward the dormitory stairs, leaving you standing there, equal parts relieved and humiliated.
as you make your way back to your own common room, you can’t help but feel that somehow, you’ve just lost another bet.
this was nowhere close to ending.
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˙ . ꒷ 🪽 notes from author˙— giggles, giggles..
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wosoarsenalsstuff · 10 hours ago
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Forever a Family
Lucy Bronze x Ona Batlle x Teen
Y/N sat on her bed, her Barcelona jersey crumpled in her hands. It was a special one—gifted to her by Lucy and Ona on her first day as part of the senior team. The embroidered crest felt heavy now, like it was holding all the emotions she didn’t want to feel.
Lucy was leaving
Her mind spun with questions she couldn’t answer Where would she go for advice when she felt overwhelmed? Who’d make pancakes with Ona on lazy Sunday mornings while teasing her about her messy room ? Who’d cheer her on with that mix of pride and protectiveness that only Lucy had?
A soft knock interrupted her spiraling thoughts. Y/N quickly wiped her eyes.“Y/N?” Ona’s voice came through the door. It was calm, like always, but there was a hint of concern behind it. “Can we come in?”
Y/N didn’t answer right away. But she couldn’t ignore Ona—not with the way she always seemed to know exactly when something was wrong.
“Yeah,” she finally mumbled, keeping her gaze fixed on the jersey in her lap.
The door creaked open, and Ona stepped in first. Her eyes softened when she saw Y/N curled up on the bed. Behind her, Lucy stood quietly, looking hesitant—an expression Y/N rarely saw on her face.
Ona sat beside Y/N, resting a hand on her shoulder. Lucy walked over and crouched down in front of her, making herself small in a way that made Y/N’s heart clench.
“Y/N,” Lucy said gently, her voice warm but unsure. “We need to talk about this. About… me leaving.”
Y/N’s throat tightened. “I already know,” she said quickly, her voice cracking. “You’re going to Chelsea. Everyone’s talking about it. It’s fine.”
“It’s not fine if it upsets you,” Lucy said immediately. Her tone was firm, but her gaze was soft. “That’s why we wanted to talk to you.”
Y/N’s jaw tightened, her hands gripping the jersey. “You’re leaving. It’s gonna be different. And I—I don’t know what’s gonna happen to us.”
Ona gave Lucy a small nod, encouraging her to speak. Lucy let out a breath, sitting down fully on the floor so she could meet Y/N’s eyes.
“Listen to me,” Lucy said, her voice steady but low. “This isn’t about leaving you. You’re family, Y/N. You’ve been family since the day you moved in with us. And nothing—not this transfer, not anything—can change that.”
Y/N bit her lip, her vision blurring with tears. “But you won’t be here anymore,” she whispered. “What if you forget about me?”
Ona’s hand gently rubbed Y/N’s back, her voice quiet but sure. “Lucy’s going to Chelsea because it’s the right move for her career. But that doesn’t mean you’re losing her. And you’ll always have me here. We’re not just your teammates, Y/N. We’re your family. Families stick together.”
Lucy leaned forward, taking Y/N’s hands in hers. “When your parents left, we promised you’d never be alone again. And we meant it. Sure, I’ll be in London, but that doesn’t mean I’ll stop annoying you every day or flying back when you need me. You’re stuck with me, kid.”
Y/N sniffled, the tears spilling over despite her best efforts. Ona wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close, and Lucy gently squeezed her hands.
“You’ll call, right?” Y/N asked, her voice small.
Lucy smiled softly, her eyes shining with emotion. “Every day, if you want me to. And I’ll make sure you know exactly when I’ll visit. We’ll make it work, I promise.”
Ona pressed a kiss to Y/N’s temple. “You’re not losing us. I’ll make sure Lucy keeps her promises.”
Ona smirked suddenly, breaking the emotional moment. “Besides, Chelsea’s just Lucy’s retirement plan. She’s getting old, Y/N—soon she’ll be creaking more than running.”
“Excuse me?” Lucy shot back, pretending to look offended.
Ona laughed, winking at Y/N. “Don’t worry. When she can’t keep up with the game anymore, she’ll be back here to bother us full-time.”
Y/N burst into laughter, wiping the last of her tears. “Guess I’ll hold you to that, Lucy.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Lucy muttered with a playful glare at Ona. But her grin betrayed her. “Just you wait, Y/N. I’ll be back before you know it—retirement and all.”
And for the first time that day, Y/N felt like things might just be okay.
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ohbueckers · 6 hours ago
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HEART OF A WOMAN. push the reset button we’re becoming something new.
10, CHAPTER TEN. THE RESET BUTTON.
ju speaks. it’s the end. i want to thank everyone so so so much for supporting this story and seeing through it lol. your comments, reblogs, everything you leave in my inbox… it all means so much to me despite half of you being upset most of the time (i get it, nai & paige are very insufferable lmao). NOWWW we can discuss bonus chaps! what do we wanna see? requests are also officially open until i start the next series so i’d totally appreciate some of those as well! pairing. paige bueckers x fem!oc. warnings. bittersweet ending?
present day, august 2025.
i leaned against a wall, arms crossed, trying to act like i wasn’t two seconds from pacing a hole into the floor. the gainbridge fieldhouse was sold out—players shouting, sneakers squeaking on the court, a crowd somewhere above us hyped up and ready for the all-star game.
i should’ve been hyped too. this was my moment. the paige bueckers all-star debut. rookie year, voted in, the whole thing. i’d made it, right?
except, instead of soaking it all in, i was standing in this stupid tunnel, staring at the floor like it had answers. the floor wasn’t talking back, obviously, but it was easier to look at than the people walking past.
“it’s p boogers!”
i looked up just in time to see kk bouncing down the tunnel like she owned the place, azzi trailing behind her with an amused look on her face. “bruh.” i groaned, dragging a hand down my face, but i couldn’t stop the grin creeping in. “we’re not doing that today.” kk was decked out in my all-star jersey, two sizes too big on purpose, and azzi had gone with the team-issued merch.
kk is definitely a good cheer-up method, and i know azzi brought her here on purpose. she knows me, that’s for sure.
“nah, we are,” kk shot back, spinning around to show off her jersey. my jersey. “see this? i’m your biggest fan. autographs are fifty bucks, by the way.”
“you mean my autograph?” i deadpanned, pushing off the wall to meet them halfway.
“nah, mine,” she said, smirking. “i make this look good.”
“yeah, right!” i scoffed with a laugh, pulling her into a quick hug before turning to azzi. “y’all are early.”
“yeah, cam said you’d be back here,” azzi replied, tucking her hands into her jacket pockets. her calmness somehow always made me feel like i needed to explain myself, even when i wasn’t doing anything wrong.
“so… you stalking me now?” i asked, raising an eyebrow. i knew where i was supposed to be. they knew where i was supposed to be. probably not by myself so close to tip-off, that’s for sure.
“not stalk,” kk corrected, already grinning. “just… strategically locate.”
“spell strategically.”
“girl—“
she lunges at me, and i flinch, stepping back with a wide grin. “next time, give me a heads-up so i can, like, actually hide!”
azzi rolled her eyes but smiled. “we just wanted to see you before the game started. make sure you’re not pulling a KD and going ghost or something.”
“why would i do that?” i gestured to myself with mock offense. “i’m the picture of composure right now.”
“right,” azzi dragged the word out, smirking like she didn’t buy it for a second. “feels like forever since we’ve watched you play.” and it hit me again—harder this time.
forever. yeah.
i rubbed the back of my neck, forcing another smile. “yeah, it’s been a minute.” she wasn’t asking to dig—she never did—but she was always good at reading between the lines. and in this case, the line was obvious. it hadn’t been that long.
only a minute since they’d seen me. a minute since i’d seen nai.
well, no. i’d seen her. we couldn’t exactly avoid each other. our jobs made sure of that, but i wasn’t sure if it was a good or a bad thing. i mean, seeing her makes it easier, right? gets the pain of it all over with. except it didn’t. it didn’t fill the space that felt empty whenever we weren’t talking. seeing her, hearing her laugh, watching her avoid my eyes at all costs—it didn’t feel the same anymore. there was a wall now. a different circumstance.
we were strangers.
i mean, not really strangers. we could never be that. i still caught myself looking when she walked past. but it was like everything that once made sense between us, everything that came so naturally, had been boxed up and put in storage.
i hate how good i got at pretending it didn’t hurt.
kk didn’t notice, already turning to azzi to ask about grabbing food, but azzi caught the shift, her brows furrowing just enough to make me nervous.
“you good?” she asked, her voice softer now.
i nodded too quick, furrowing my eyebrows like she didn’t have to worry about me. “yeah. fine.”
azzi placed an assuring hand on my shoulder before they walked off, leaving me alone in the tunnel, and just like that, the weight i’d been holding at bay crashed right back down.
i rubbed my chin, huffing and staring down at my shoes. it was stupid to think about her now. stupid to wonder if she was watching or if she even cared.
she wasn’t here. she wasn’t watching.
and i didn’t blame her.
i’m watching the all-star game.
not voluntarily, of course. it happens to be on in yardhouse, and my stupid eyes keep drifting back to this stupid screen.
i pick at my food, dragging my fork around the plate without taking a bite. a couple of my girls from usc—bree, naia… they’re all pretending like they don’t notice, like they don’t hear the cheers or see paige for sure having one of her best games since being in the league right now. they’re avoiding it for my sake, which i appreciate—sort of. it’s just making the air feel heavier.
“hey,” bree tilts her head up in my direction. “you sure about going back to minnesota?”
i glance her, mumbling a, “what?” mid-bite, although i’d heard her perfectly clear.
“the lynx,” she says, gesturing vaguely with her hand. “you’re really gonna go? leave la? what am i supposed to do without my favorite person to drag to runyon canyon at 6am?”
i snort, rolling my eyes. “first of all, i’m not your favorite person. second, i never agreed to runyon canyon. you kidnapped me.”
“it was consensual kidnapping,” she shoots back with a smile, but there’s something softer beneath her all the playfulness, a quiet undertone of, don’t go.
“i’ll miss you guys, obviously,” i say, waving a fry in her direction like it’s a peace offering. “but i’m not doing anything drastic yet. it’s just… something i’m considering.”
naia folds her arms and tilts her head. “considering enough that you’ve already decided to stay with your dad?”
“your dad?” bree cuts in, raising an eyebrow. “you’ve barely mentioned him since college.”
“he’s mellowed out.” i shrug, more defensive than i mean to be. “and it’s temporary. it’s not like i’m moving in with him forever.”
bree pouts dramatically, pushing her glass of soda away as if she’s protesting. “this feels personal. like, what did i do to deserve this? you’re really gonna leave me here with her?” she jabs a thumb toward naia, who glares at her.
“her has a name,” she deadpans.
“and her is not the one moving to the frozen tundra!” bree quips, throwing her hands up. “do you even know how cold minnesota gets? you’re gonna end up as a nai-sicle, and i’m gonna have to fly out and save you.”
bree’s dramatics usually get a laugh out of me, and i lean back in my chair, my hand brushing along the rim of my glass, thinking about what she said—about the tundra, about me leaving.
i love la—God, do i love it. the sunshine, the beaches, the way life feels like it’s always in motion. but now, i’ve convinced myself it’s too loud, too fast. too…paige.
moving back to minnesota was a sudden decision. the kind you make when you’re desperate for air but can’t find any. it wasn’t even on my radar until that night in front of nika’s hotel, paige in the passenger seat, the look in her eyes when she realized she’d completely lost me. i could still feel the weight of her hands on my face. when i told paige she had to let me go, i realized i wasn’t just asking her to stop. i needed to stop too.
the moment she let go of my face and settled into my passenger seat, something shifted in me. it was like the final thread tying me to her snapped, and all i could feel was this overwhelming need to get out.
i told myself the move would give me space to breathe, to find myself again. but the truth is, i made the decision sitting in that car, staring at the road through the rain soaked windshield as the car fell completely silent. it wasn’t logic; it was survival.
i don’t regret ending it. i don’t regret choosing myself. but i hate not having her in my life.
and maybe that’s the real reason i’m thinking about minnesota. it’s not just about starting over—it’s about making sure i don’t get pulled back into something i can’t handle.
bree’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts. “are you seriously not gonna respond? i just said i’d fly to minnesota to save your life. i think i deserve some credit for that.”
i smirk, grabbing a fry from her plate. “you’re so selfless. really, a true hero.”
my eyes drift back to the tv. she’s there again, all 6’0 of her grinning like she doesn’t have a care in the world, like she isn’t the reason i’m about to pack up everything and move back across the country.
yeah. i have to go.
back in indianapolis, the game had wrapped up with team wnba taking the win in one of those ridiculous, down to the wire finishes that made everyone’s heart stop at least three times. it was the kind of game you dream about, the kind that made the crowd stay on their feet, and the rush of the moment admittedly did help me forget about the static in my head.
“man, y’all really got it all figured out, huh?” i said, leaning my head back against the seat of the bus and watching as natasha cloud scrolled through pictures on her phone. she was showing off shots of her and her fiancée from their last vacation, the kind of photos that looked too perfect to be real, the ones you double tapped without a second thought. beaches, sunsets, matching shades—it was all there.
“you’re telling me paige bueckers, the golden child of the league, doesn’t have somebody?” natasha asked, tilting her phone toward me with a smirk. “no way. i don’t believe that for a second.”
i try to play it off with a shrug of my shoulders. “nah, she’s totally lying,” caitlin clark cut in from across the aisle, balancing a bottle of gatorade on her knee. “she was all about this girl back when we were on team usa together in high school. what was her name? nai? nailea?”
the name hit like a quick jab. i kind of set myself up for that one. “i wasn’t all about her,” i said, dragging the words out, like maybe if i said them slow enough, they’d sound believable.
caitlin’s laugh came quick, along with a raise of her eyebrow. “you kinda were, though. you’d bring her up all the time, like, ‘oh, nai likes that’ or ‘nai said this.’ it was cute, in an annoyingly obvious way.”
i tried for a laugh, but landed somewhere closer to a cough. i scoffed as i crossed my arms. “first of all, no. second of all, you’re remembering wrong.”
“am i, though?” caitlin pressed, grinning as she leaned forward. “so, what happened then? you still talk to her?”
i hesitated, clasping my hands together in the large space between my knees. “nah,” i said finally, running a hand down the length of my ponytail. “we don’t really talk anymore.”
it wasn’t technically a lie. but it wasn’t the full truth either.
sparing the details felt like too much—like the quiet “let me go” she’d whispered that night had somehow traveled with me all the way here, stuck in the back of my mind. the words still clung to me, threading through the days i tried not to think about her and the nights when i couldn’t help it.
natasha frowned slightly. “that’s tough.”
i hated that the conversation had shifted here, hated caitlin even more for bringing it up. but i couldn’t blame her. nai was a huge part of my life then, and somehow, even when she’s not supposed to be, she still is.
“wait—so… what happened? did you mess up? or was it, like, one of those timing things?” caitlin asked. she was genuinely curious, i could tell, but the there was still that teasing tinge.
“clark, let it go,” i said, half-laughing, half-praying she’d drop it before i said something i didn’t want to unpack.
“what?” she replied, holding her hands up. “i’m just saying. it sounded serious back then. you don’t talk about someone like that unless they mean something.”
“it was a long time ago,” i muttered.
natasha glanced at me, her eyes narrowing. “so what’s stopping you now?”
“she doesn’t wanna be in my life,” i said with a huff, and it felt good to say it. admit it to myself. “and, uh. i’ont think i’m really her favorite person right now.” i pressed my lips together, staring at the floor like it might open up and swallow me whole. i’ve been doing a lot of that recently.
“so why not keep her around?” natasha said after a moment. “doesn’t have to be all or nothing, you know. sometimes it’s worth it to just… keep people in your life. even if it’s not the way you thought it’d be.”
“amen to that,” one of the vets added, and i chuckled as i thought about it.
friends. that’s what she was implying, and it felt foreign for us. keeping nai in my life, just not as… her. not as the girl i flew out to connecticut every other weekend to make up for my shenanigans, or the girl who sat on the bathroom counter watching me brush my teeth because “it’s boring out there without you.” not as the girl whose voice i memorized like it was a song stuck in my head, or the one whose stupidly perfect smile made me forget my own name sometimes.
nai had never been in my life as “just a friend,” and i didn’t know if i could put her in that box now. how the hell could i pretend like i could compartmentalize every look, every laugh, every piece of her that’s still stuck in my skin like a tattoo i can’t scrub off? it’d be like trying to stuff something infinite into a container that didn’t fit—like ignoring the fact that she’d always meant more to me than that.
i appreciated the advice, i really did. but now her name was in my head again, and i’d probably be thinking about this for the rest of the night.
and maybe they were right. maybe letting her go didn’t mean losing her completely. but the idea of reaching out—of risking another rejection—it was enough to make me freeze. because what if i tried, and it still wasn’t enough?
i was inside the café grabbing our food, trying to juggle everything—drinks, fries, and some half-assed attempt at balancing the trays without spilling everything—when i caught the tail end of their conversation. it didn’t take long to figure out they were talking about nai.
“yes.”
“no.”
“yes!”
“no!”
“God, cam, you’re so stubborn!” rickea’s voice carried through the door, and i could practically hear her throwing her hands up in mock frustration.
“what can i say?” cam’s voice floated as she added, “i’m right.”
“you’re not!” rickea argued, shaking her head. “minnesota’s not even close to having a shot. i’m telling you, they’re just not—“
“well, if nai wants to go back to minnesota,” cam said casually, sipping her drink, “then she’s got a chance. she said something about being closer to her dad, too.”
i froze for a second, my mind stuttering to catch up with her words. nai. minnesota. closer to her dad. it hit harder than i expected, like a brick to the chest. i tried to keep my cool, but everything about it felt wrong. i didn’t know if i was imagining it or if it was the way the air shifted, but something about her tone made it feel like everything had just paused.
“wait, what?” i forced out. i couldn’t have heard that right.
rae’s head snapped over, her eyes going wide. “bro,” she hissed, kicking cam under the table. “she told you not to say anything.” i dropped the tray, sliding in next to her.
cam’s face froze, her lips still wrapped around the straw. “oh, shit,” she mumbled, glancing at me like a deer caught in headlights. “i mean—”
“why’s she moving back?” it was a stupid question, really. i knew why. the timing of it all.
“i mean, it’s her home,” cam muttered, clearly regretting bringing it up. “and, you know, the lynx could be looking for someone with her skill set if she decides to leave la.”
“betraying us for the lynx,” rae added with a fake scowl, clearly trying to lighten the mood. “cold.”
i didn’t laugh. i didn’t even really hear the joke. this was it, wasn’t it? she was leaving. and this time, there wouldn’t be a next time. no more half-hearted calls or texts that went unanswered. no more moments where we found each other in the same room and pretended everything was fine.
i opened my mouth to say something—anything—but the words got stuck. i fucked it up. that’s what i wanted to say. i fucked it up, and now it was too late.
“i mean, it’s her home,” cam muttered, clearly regretting bringing it up. “and, you know, the lynx could be looking for someone with her skill set if she decides to leave la.”
“you good?” cam’s voice was cautious, and her eyes darted between me and the others, like she wasn’t sure if she’d just kicked over a hornet’s nest.
“i don’t know,” i admitted, my voice barely audible. i leaned back in my chair, running a hand over my face, trying to get a grip. it felt like i was teetering on the edge of something i couldn’t name.
“you look like you’re thinking,” rae cut in.
“i am.”
“about what?”
“don’t know.”
rickea, sitting across from me, didn’t even try to sugarcoat it. “about what you’re gonna do?”
“what am i supposed to do?” i shot back. her eyebrows lifted, and i sighed, softening my tone. “she’s done with me. where we stand’s been pretty clear.”
rickea didn’t blink. “you sure about that?”
my stomach flipped. did she know something i didn’t? “what you saying?”
“i’m saying,” she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table, “that maybe she was gonna talk to you before she made up her mind.”
my breath caught. “what do you mean by was?”
“look,” rickea said carefully, glancing at cam and rae like she was asking for backup. “i’m just saying, nai brought you up the other day. something about wanting to figure things out before… whatever happens next. she didn’t go into details, but it sounded like she wasn’t done with you.”
done with me. i didn’t even know what that meant anymore. but just the thought of it—of her even thinking about figuring things out—was enough for me. i’d take what i could get it.
“so talk to her,” rae urged, nudging my knee under the table like she was trying to get me to snap out of it. “you’re acting like this is already over, and you haven’t even tried.”
cam tilted her head. “and maybe… maybe it doesn’t have to be all or nothing, you know? you could start with just—”
“friends,” i finished bitterly, cutting her off.
she shrugged. “it’s better than nothing,” she tried to comfort. “and if she’s willing to have you in her life at all, then maybe that’s something worth trying for.”
friends. it echoed in my head again, this stupid idea that natasha had already planted. something about it felt so wrong, but at the same time, the thought of letting her go completely was unbearable.
“we’d help,” cam offered with a small smile, nudging rickea. “if you need backup or… whatever.”
“hell yeah,” rae agreed, furrowing her eyebrows like it was a given. “just say the word.”
i exhaled slowly, leaning forward to rest my elbows on my knees. my mind was spinning, looping through all the ways i’d messed things up, all the things i could’ve said or done differently. but none of that mattered now. what mattered was what i did next.
“okay,” i said finally. “how?”
when rickea texted, i almost didn’t answer. the day had been long in that draggy, soul-sucking kind of way where everything felt like a chore. i’d spent most of it staring at my computer, half-heartedly working on a report while fighting the urge to crawl back into bed. by the time the sun dipped below the horizon, i was fully settled on the couch, one leg tucked under me, the other dangling off the edge, a bowl of cereal balanced precariously on my thigh. the idea of getting up, let alone leaving the house, felt like too much effort.
then the second text came in.
rickea: please nai 😫😬😅☹️😣😕😭 (don’t make me beg) 11:23pm
rickea had a way of making me laugh even when i didn’t want to. i stared at my phone for a full minute before sighing and putting the bowl down on the coffee table. cereal wasn’t worth the headache i’d get if i ignored her and she found out.
nai: what’d you forget this time?
her response came almost instantly.
rickea: left something on your desk earlier when i came by. i need it.
vague. no specifics, no explanation, just enough to be mildly suspicious. but i was too tired to argue, so i slipped into my slippers, still in my mismatched pajamas that consisted of a faded hoodie and some loose joggers, and grabbed my keys.
you’re too nice, i thought. the drive over was quiet, the streets still packed to the brim, because this city truly never slept. it was august, and even at night, the air was so suffocatingly thick with heat. my car’s ac sputtered in protest every few minutes, and the radio played low, some random playlist i’d thrown on earlier, the songs fading into the background as my mind wandered.
i didn’t know what i expected when i got to the office. maybe a forgotten laptop charger or a stack of papers rickea couldn’t live without. something small, simple, and annoying enough to make me question why i even bothered.
what i didn’t expect was the glow of my desk lamp spilling out into the otherwise dark room.
i froze in the doorway, my hand still on the knob, my pulse quickening just slightly. i hadn’t left it on earlier, i was sure of it. my first thought was that someone else had come in after me, maybe left it on by mistake. but as my eyes adjusted, i saw the flowers.
some were fresh—bright and colorful, but the others… the others were absolutely done for, their edges browned and curling, their stems drooping under the weight of time.
i knew those flowers. they were my flowers.
they were arranged into a single word, their stems carefully twisted and balanced: friends?
my heart jumped into my throat, and my hands moved over my mouth, my pulse roaring in my ears. i froze, torn between laughing at the absurdity of it and something i didn’t have a name for.
my breath hitched, and for a moment, all i could do was stare. i reached out, my fingers brushing one of the fresher blooms, and my mind raced. there was only one person who would—could—do something like this.
the flowers. the stupid lamp left on. the messy bouquet spelling out a word that felt like both an offering and a question. it was all so… her.
my fingers trembled as i traced the edge of one of the wilted flowers, the brittle petals flaking under my touch. these were the same ones she got me for my birthday, the ones i kept in a mason jar way longer than i should’ve, because throwing them out felt wrong. they looked ridiculous now alongside the fresh ones, but the longer i stared, the more it made sense.
it was us. chaotic, mismatched, and somehow still there. still standing.
“my bad for breaking in. kea helped.”
paige stepped out from a corner in the room, and the movement from my peripheral made me spin around.
“my bad for breaking in. kea helped,” she added, throwing it out there like it was no big deal.
“kea?” i repeated, and it suddenly all made sense in one click.
“yeah.”
“your idea?”
“‘course,” paige replied, shrugging her shoulders as she strolled closer. “couldn’t let you get away without letting you know sum’.”
she strolled forward, her hands stuffed into her hoodie pocket, her sneakers making soft thuds against the carpet. her eyes locked onto mine, unflinching, and even from across the room, i could that whatever she was about to say was worth hearing.
“i know i’m probably the last person you wanna hear from right now. and maybe i deserve that. but i’ve been thinkin’, like, this whole time. about you. about us. and maybe we didn’t always get it right, but i still don’t think we got it wrong.”
my stomach twisted, and i folded my arms across my chest, unsure whether to let her keep talking or shut her down. but she kept going anyway, her words spilling out in a rush, like she had to get them out before i could stop her.
she stopped just in front of me, close enough that i could smell the stupidly familiar cologne on her neck that’d probably been lingering for hours after her shower. her hand fell to her side, fidgeting with the hem of her hoodie.
“i don’t wanna lose you,” she said, and i could hear her trying to hold it together. “not again. and i know—trust me, i know—i can’t undo all the shit i did. but if there’s even a chance, like, any chance, that i can be in your life again… i’m taking it. whatever it looks like. friends, coworkers, random people who wave awkwardly at each other in public—i’ont care. i just… i need you to let me show up. show you i’m capable.”
i chuckled, tearing my eyes away from her. her words held a heavier weight than any of the bullshit we’d tried to ignore before. i stared at her, taking in the way her shoulders slumped just a little, the rawness in her voice, and that damn hope in her eyes. it almost killed me. it did kill me. because, shit, i wanted to say it wasn’t enough. that it was too late. that the cracks were too deep and the damage irreversible.
but that wasn’t true. this was different. an entirely different status that didn’t require any promises or heartbreak.
i still cared. i think i always would. it was in the way i couldn’t throw away that stupid bouquet despite how angry i was that she’d walked out on me that day, the way i thought the only way i could forget about her was moving back to minnesota, which i think would no longer be in the question after this.
because if we did it right this time, there was still a shot.
still a shot.
i moved before i could stop myself, crossing the distance between us and wrapping my arms around her, pulling her into a hug that was too tight to be anything but real. “the reset button, yeah?”
she hesitated at first, but then she let out a breath and hugged me back, her arms feeling like a safe place i hadn’t realized i was missing. she rested her head on my shoulder, a lovable habit. “yeah. ‘s gotta be worth somethin’, right?”
it was worth more than she probably thought.
“who are you and what have you done with paige?” i muttered against her shoulder, a snarky grin tugging at my lips. it was easier to do than admit how much i’d missed this—missed her. wouldn’t be very friendly-like.
she pulled back just enough to look me in the eyes.
“i’m whoever you want me to be.”
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steddieas-shegoes · 3 days ago
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what does a barbie mean?
for @steddieholidaydrabbles prompt 'hanukkah'
all of my holiday drabbles will be from the bear hugs universe. many of them could probably be read standalone, but will make the most sense and be enjoyed best if you read that first!
rated g | 633 words | no cw | tags: established relationship, fluff
🕎🕎🕎🕎🕎🕎🕎🕎🕎🕎🕎🕎🕎
When Steve picks Rory up from her friend’s birthday party, she’s surprisingly quiet. Usually after parties, she’s bouncing off the walls, blaming the cake and ice cream and soda and goodie bags full of candy.
By the time they get home, Steve’s getting concerned at her silence.
“Hey green bean, you okay?” He asks as they park in the garage. Eddie’s at work for another hour, so he has to do this alone.
He got used to not having to do this stuff alone anymore.
“Mhm,” Rory answers as she unbuckles her seatbelt. It’s not convincing and Steve turns to tell her that. She’s not looking at him, though.
“Do you wanna talk about something? Did anything happen at the party?” Steve asks. He shouldn’t push, but he’s worried that someone was mean to her. Rory can handle herself, but she’s still human, and she’s still a kid, and words can hurt.
“Nothing happened,” she says, but Steve’s not convinced.
“You can tell me anything.”
Rory finally looks up at him. “How come Santa doesn’t bring Sarah and Rebecca presents? They’re good all year.”
Oh. Well, this is definitely better than he expected, and way easier to explain or fix. No one bullied her, she’s just confused.
“You know how Sarah and Rebecca celebrate Hanukkah instead of Christmas?” Rory nods. “Well, for Hanukkah, they don’t need Santa to bring them presents because the family gets all the gifts and they have special meanings to them.”
“What does a new Barbie mean?” Rory asks.
“I think it just means that Sarah is six and wants a Barbie,” Steve laughs.
“But how come they have eight Christmases in a row?”
Steve briefly explains what he knows about Hanukkah, which is not as much as he should know.
And they go inside and look up more information, because Rory is a curious child and Steve never wants her to stop learning.
And when Eddie gets home, she starts telling him all about how Sarah and Rebecca get to light a candle every night and their dad says a prayer and maybe they could light their own Christmas candle on Christmas Eve.
That weekend, they go straight to the library to get a book about the dreidel game, and make a stop at the store to find chocolate coins. Eddie tags along, a little confused about how serious Rory is taking this, but enthusiastic about playing any game that leads to eating chocolate.
The fascination with Hanukkah ends rather abruptly two days later, when she hears Rebecca talking about jelly doughnuts. Rory hates doughnuts with fillings.
Steve doesn’t bother telling her that it’s not a requirement to eat them for Hanukkah, and he gives Eddie a look to stop him before he does.
“I think we should just have Christmas like we always do,” Rory says. Steve nods like he knew this would be her decision the entire time.
Eddie leans over to whisper in his ear. “Was there a chance we were converting to Judaism?”
Steve shakes his head. “She did this with Chinese New Year two years ago and Dia de los Muertos three years ago. She’s just a curious kid.”
Eddie nods, immediately understanding and knowing that she’ll probably find another way to celebrate something next year, and many years after that. He was the same way as a kid, even remembers one year when he learned what Mardi Gras was and made Wayne buy them all dollar store beads and a King Cake at the grocery store.
“Can we keep the candles though?” Rory asks.
“Yeah, those are nice candles,” Eddie looks at Steve to confirm.
“Sure,” Steve laughs, fond as he can be over his two favorite people being so in sync, even with something like this. “We can keep the candles.”
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amiaclone · 12 hours ago
Note
I came to kindly ask something about the unmasked square boss that they take hostage in episode 7
*inhale*
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE 😭
You asked I’ll writeee!
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*Just as In ho was about to shoot the unmasked guard you grabbed the gun down and turned to the guard*
*He looked to be about the same age as you early 20s or teens maybe? Either way he was young it was wrong but he has his whole life ahead of him!*
*The guard seemed shocked you took the gun and sighed* “Tell us where the headquarters of this place is. Killing you would make us just as bad.” *You spoke in a calm yet stern voice the unmasked guard couldn’t help but stare in admiration*
*As he took us to the place the unmasked guard stuck to you the whole time the others seemed he’d kill him during the first chance they’d get you however seemed different i mean he KNEW he deserved to die but….you gave a nice like home feeling he hasn’t ever felt that in ages…..if at all.*
*You decided to try talking to the guard as he was walking right next to you and maybe find out some backstory as to why guards are guards and hey…..he’s kinda cute.*
“Soo why are you a guard anyway?” *You asked out of the blue*
*The guard tensed he continued walking but he didn’t know what to say would you shoot him if he didn’t answer? What was he supposed to do just tell you?*
“Will you shoot me if i don’t tell you?”
*You quirked an eyebrow* “Why would i do that i need you to take us to the place…..ok and im intrigued that’s all how could they hire someone so young like you’re the same age as me dude….” *You stared at him and couldn’t help but observing his eyes….such beautiful eyes yet they seemed emotionless somehow.*
“Well if you really wanna know us guards are asked in a different way you players are.”
*You felt shocked for a second damn he was gonna tell you* “In what way exactly?”
“Well one thing we have in common is that we’re in pretty bad debt too…..if not more.”
*You quirked an eyebrow* “No way some guy here is in debt to 10 billion you’re telling me more than that?!”
*He didn’t say anything but you assumed he nodded*
“Oh well….what else?”
“Some of us are founded from places like let’s say we are homeless or in my case…..”
(Fake backstory incoming 🔥)
“I was an escaper from North Korea I had nowhere to go in fact i was pretty sure I could get sent back any day in the out world….”
*You frowned ah so he didn’t have anywhere to go that’s sad doesn’t justify anything but you can sympathise.*
“Ah so you had nowhere to go so you just took it?”
“Yes i….didn’t think i had a choice. That doesn’t matter anyway after all im pretty sure I’ll be killed after this….”
“Who said we’re killing you?”
*He quirked an eyebrow for once showing emotion on his face*
“No offense but I doubt this plan will succeed there’s too many guards and other workers that could and will come any minute and the manager….im not sure you’ll make it.”
*You shrugged* “Well if we DO fail why would they kill you?” “Number one rule is never show your face I’ll be killed even though im being forced.” *You pondered in thought you didn’t agree with anything this guy did no matter his backstory but you felt bad.* “Well why don’t you quickly put your mask on before they come?” *He sighed he couldn’t help but find your dumb questions…..cute.* “It’s not that simple.”
“Welll i guess this means you basically have to work with us then?” *Maybe lightening the mood was dumb but what else can you do in a situation like this?*
*Yet even though it’s something he never would of considered the unmasked guard couldn’t help but let out a small smile something he didn’t think he was capable of*
“That is so dumb….” *He stopped himself immediately afraid you’d shoot him for saying that you instead frowned*
“Heyy you could be a little nicer you know.”
“Im sorry-“ “Relax dude I’m messing chill out.” *He sighed in relief which you chuckled a bit out of pity and humour.* “You’re funny who knew a guard could be cool in some way…”
Sooo i hope you liked it sorry if it seemed short!
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toxycodone · 8 hours ago
Note
you should most definitely do a ‘dad’ curly body inspection fic,,, I mean whart who said that…
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ship. captain curly x favorite crewmate reader
cw. power imbalance, fauxcest, you call curly “dad” but he’s not your dad.
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“You’re not uncomfortable, are you?”
It’s a rhetorical question, really. You know Curly would brush off any protest from you. Anya’s busy with something. Apparently Daisuke slipped, fell, almost sent a nail straight through his foot—you didn’t pay much attention to the excuse. What followed after was what caught your favor.
“And to help her avoid getting behind schedule, I offered to conduct your body inspection in Nurse Anya’s place.”
You remember yours eyes widening in disbelief. It seemed like a joke at first. A weird one at that, but not something you’d put behind him.
“Guess you should call me Nurse Curly, huh?” He winks to punctuate the sentence.
And so it wasn’t a joke.
You’re here now. In his quarters, of all places. It’s definitely bigger than the broom closet Pony Express is legally obligated to provide you with as room and board, but not much so. Definitely less than captain-like.
“So,” He claps his hands together, smile bright as ever. “Shall we get started?”
Your captain’s eyes are bright, shining with enthusiasm. The predatory gleam that hides beneath them doesn’t go unmissed.
You simply nod. You’ve been here before, done this before. Anya’s inspections aren’t extremely invasive. Mainly just to ensure you’re in proper working order. Pony Express doesn’t take any chances when it comes to personal health as they want to avoid lawsuits, but also, any notation you’re unable to complete your tasks gives them excuse to dock credits.
They’re a necessary part of your routine health checkups. Nothing to be afraid of. Honestly, having Curly conducting it is good, right? Maybe even better than Anya, when you really think about it. He’s the most trustworthy one on the ship. The one who’s almost like family. It still feels awkward calling him dad the way he likes, but it’s starting to grow on you. You can trust him. He wouldn’t do anything to hurt you.
“This is just a routine checkup. Don’t think too hard about it.” He’s putting on those blue latex gloves. He must be serious about this. “I know it’s unorthodox for me to conduct this, but it’s a favor for Anya. Captain’s gotta fill in to keep this ship running properly, y’know?”
You hums in agreement. He takes a few steps forward. You never really realized just how large Curly is. His presence is imposing, a stark contrast from his personality. The sheer closeness of him is intimating. You wonder if he notices that too.
He then asks for you to take off your shirt. You oblige. Hesitation shoots through your fingertips, but it’s brushed away by a shake of the head. This is typical. Routine. With shaky fingers, you relinquish the garment.
Curly seems to drink in the sight of the newly exposed skin. Or is he just studying it? Doing his job? That’s it.
Your captain seems to notice the way you shuffle awkwardly under his gaze. He places a hand on your shoulder, giving you a comforting smile.
“It’s okay to be embarrassed. I know it’s awkward, but it’ll be over before you know it.”
You nod. Then he steps closer, curiously eyeing your chest. His hands reach out to touch you, only hesitating for a split second, before ghosting up your ribcage. You hold back and noises. Anya touches you too, this isn’t odd, per se. However, it’s usually with you lying on a medical bed. And with a medical gown on, at least.
She also doesn’t smile in satisfaction like that. Your eyes don’t linger on Curly’s face long.
He has the audacity to be demure at first, maiming some guise that this contact is supposed to be professional. His hands prod your sides, then your stomach area.
“Is there any pain when I touch you here?” Finally, there’s a line ripped from Anya’s script. “Or any pain elsewhere I should be aware of?”
You shake your head, then give a brief answer. Curly nods, then moves to take a couple notes on the clipboard set on at his desk.
There’s a sense of relief at the back of your mind, happy he’s taking this seriously.
He moves on. Now Curly’s hand move up your ribcage again, cupping your chest, thumbs stroking over your areolas and nipples—causing them to harden at the contact.
Your cheeks flush. Good God, your captain should not be touching you like this. Anya has never done this. And you shouldn’t be fucking enjoying it, either. You jump when he gives one a flick.
Curly seems to notice this. He lets out a soft chuckle.
“Seems your reflexes are in good shape.”
Well, there goes any notion that this is purely professional. He gives a last squeeze to your chest, then removes his hands. Curly takes a couple steps back, then starts to circle around you.
“Your pants.” He makes the request almost sheepishly. “Can’t keep those on, unfortunately…” You want believe his shyness, that he wants to preserve your modesty, but he just can’t. It’s out of his hands. But that would be too obvious a lie.
You shuffle those off too. His presence is behind you now, his eyes definitely glued to your ass and thighs. He is, however, scribbling something down on a clipboard. So he has to be doing some sort of work, right?
“Underwear, too.”
Wait. What?
You glance over your shoulder at him, brow raised in confusion. This isn’t part of routine, and you’re not dumb enough to fall for it. Curly’s still standing there, smiling as if he didn’t say anything remotely weird.
“Just being thorough.” He answers before you can ask. “Do it for your captain’s sake? Please?”
Curly’s choice in words is particular. He doesn’t often feel the need to flex his title as captain, but he’ll pull rank when need be. This is one of those times. An indirect reminder of who’s the one with power here.
And so, you oblige. Fingers link under the waistband of your underwear, sliding them down. You’re exposed fully in front of him now. After a few seconds of silence (which you’re sure is spent by Curly committing your body to memory), he places a hand on your shoulder, urging you towards his neatly made bed.
“On the bed, please.”
You’re sat down before you can protest. Curly pushes you onto your back, slowly guiding your thighs open.
There? Of all places, he’s looking there? Panic shoots through you, and it’s not just because there’s a grown man taking advantage of his role getting on eye level with your pussy. It’s the fact he’s going to notice just how wet you are.
His pupils dilate when he gets full view of you. Your thighs are spread wide open by Curly’s thick, gloved fingers. They’re warm despite the barrier and press into the supple flesh. The way he grabs you is as if he’s trying to restrain himself.
Curiosity beckons him on. Still ensuring your thighs are pressed open, Curly allows one hand to delve between your thighs and explore.
He cups your mound with unexpected gentleness, relishing the warmth. You have to hold yourself back from grinding against his hand. Wetness leaks out of your hole at the contact. It’s sick. Totally embarrassing how you’re dying to felt up by your captain, as dubiously consenting as it is. You close your eyes, an attempt at avoiding any eye contact Curly might sneak in.
One thumb carefully traces up your slit. A breathy gasp is elicited from your lips. Curly’s own breathing, the only sound in the room you can make out aside from the ship’s constant humming, is shaky. His thumb gathers wetness without even needing to press into you. Your clit twitches at the contact, causing your hole to flutter, clenching around nothing.
God, you hope he notices. Hope he slides a finger in. Fuck all the professionalism, the way he tries to mask his feelings for you by constantly infantilizing your and calling you his family. You want to feel those thick digits spreading you open. Then his cock, which you’re sure is far more girthy. Maybe if you took him down to the base, rode him like he deserved, he’d see you for the grown up you really are. Could he still call you kiddo after you made him moan your name and milked him dry? You doubt it.
“Alright, I think we’re done here.” Curly retreats from your form, as if you suddenly combust into flames. “You can go now.”
Huh?
You snap from your fantasies, looking up at Curly. His broad back is facing you now, hunched over as he picks up your clothing. You’re clouded by a mix of feelings—relief, confusion, anticipation for more—but you start to dress as he asked. Something sits wrong in your stomach about all this, but you’re unsure if it’s nausea or butterflies.
“I think we’re all done here. I’m gonna write up that report for Anya.” He ushers you out of his quarters with a sense of urgency. The delusional part of you admires how serious he takes his work, but that unmistakeable tent in his pants alludes to this inspection being cut for less professional reasons.
“See you at dinner, kiddo.”
And you’re back in the hallway, left alone with your thoughts.
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cognitiveoverload · 2 days ago
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Craving (Aaron Hotchner x reader? Does it count?)
summary: Hotch shows up in your hotel room after the events of 2x19.
note: Kinda pathetic!Hotch if you ask me. Wants to be with reader despite still being married, but she says no.
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After emotionally draining cases you’re usually a heavy sleeper, so no wonder you only wake up when the mattress dips in the hotel room you’re staying in. You jolt awake, eyes snapping open to see who got in the bed on the empty side next to you, and you’re shocked to see the man who wraps an arm around you as if it was the most natural thing, resting his head on your shoulder.
“Hotch, what are you doing here?” you ask, fighting the urge to bury your fingers into his hair to soothe him.
Because he’s clearly under the weather, and his warm breath smells like whisky as he rests his chin on your collar bone to look at you. “I don’t want to be alone,” he mutters.
There has always been tension between you, but he’s married, there was no way you would ever even think of giving into that feeling. Having him here, though, makes you wonder just how deep are his feelings for you. He’s not blackout drunk, he probably only drank like two glasses, but thanks to the vulnerable state of mind he was in earlier, it’s no surprise that it got the best of him.
“How did you even get in?” 
He lets out a sigh, then a small smile appears on his lips. “I have my methods,” he replies.
This sentence is followed by a soft sigh, but he remains silent for a minute or two, as if he’s contemplating how to say what’s on his mind. His thumb is rubbing circles into your arm, and while your brain knows you should stop him, you simply can’t get yourself to send him away. He doesn’t want to be alone, and there’s something he wants to talk about.
So, you wait. Rushing him wouldn’t help, and he’s stubborn enough to take his time opening up. Sometimes you wonder if he ever tells Haley about work stuff, or if he keeps it to himself since she has a lot on her plate already because of Jack. Either way, what happened earlier today definitely hit him where it hurt the most.
“It’s my fault,” he finally speaks up, his voice unusually quiet. You tilt your head to the side, urging him to explain. “I should have known, I should have gone there to see if I could help, now there’s a kid without a father and—”
You shook your head without thinking, a hand moving up to push his hair back. “It’s not your fault. You’re not a mind reader, Hotch, you couldn’t have known what he was planning,” you try.
“Aaron.” You let out a questioning hum, but he doesn’t answer, instead he moves a little to place a featherlight kiss on your exposed skin, followed by another, and another at an agonizingly slow pace. “Call me Aaron. I hate it that you call me Hotch too,” he mumbles against your skin.
“You’re my boss, I’m not calling you Aaron,” you point out.
“But we could be so much more than that. You mean so much more to me.” 
Before you can say anything, he moves just enough to be able to kiss you—a gentle, soft kiss that feels so good, but also forbidden. You cup his face, pushing him away just enough to look into his eyes. There’s a mixture of sadness and lust in there, but you know you can’t give in, you can’t let him win this one. 
Deciding that this is your best chance to set boundaries, you move past him as you sit up, watching the way he turns on his back with a groan. “For one, you’re my boss. And second, you’re married. Keep that in mind,” you warn him.
He loosens his tie and props on his elbows. “Yeah, right, a marriage that’s falling apart,” he notes bitterly. When you give him a questioning look, he goes on. “It seems like no matter how hard I try, I can’t be the husband she wants. This job is demanding, sure, but… I don’t know.”
“You need to sleep,” you tell him kindly, not having the heart to be harsh after what he just told you. 
This confession explains the phone calls that always left him grim, but you don’t feel like prying for more details. You know that he loves his family, what he just told you must have come from the desperation caused by the trouble at home and this recent case you just closed. It can’t be more than that.
Hotch opens his mouth, but he doesn’t say anything for now, he just watches you with an unreadable expression. “I’ll have to return to give the letter to Abby’s son. That’s the least I can do,” he suddenly says, lying back down, but he faces you. “Come with me.”
You take a deep breath as you watch him, but then you pick up your phone from the nightstand and put on the robe you left on the foot of the bed. “I’ll beg JJ to let me sleep in her room. Or I’ll take yours since you’re clearly planning to stay here,” you tell him. “I’ll wake you up in the morning.”
“Okay, fine,” he mumbles, his face already buried into the pillow your head rested on a few minutes ago.
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kawoala · 2 days ago
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DRIVEN BY ADRENALINE suna rintarou. chapter 005 ; you wish.
< previous ; masterlist ; next >
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২ 𓂅 ࣪ ೨ ; 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓 (1,441)
২ 𓂅 ࣪ ೨ ; 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 (reader getting more confident, ride along yay, more rin + runa arguing, KISSING, < who said that, past terushima x runa for some reason)
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Two weeks after the first race, Runa invites you to another. You’ve been getting to know Runa and her friends a lot better recently— you’re becoming more comfortable with them. No more nervous looks to Runa, no more excessive use of filler words like ‘uh’ or ‘um,’ more comfortable laughter.
It’s fun when you go hang out with them. It’s become a normal thing for you to accompany Runa wherever she goes, and vice versa. You have friends now. College friend. Friends who race very fast, very cool cars.
You no longer feel the need to dress differently when you’re around them. Which is why, tonight, you’re dressed like how you would for class. Jeans and a hoodie. You feel comfortable, but you’re still weary of the eyes of passersby on you.
This time, Rin is with the rest of the guys when you show up. Your heartbeat speeds up and you have to take a deep breath before meeting his eyes. His effect on you has grown worse and worse.
“Hey, guys!” Runa greets, smile on her face as always.
You walk behind her, hands shoved into the pocket of your hoodie. “Hey, guys,” you repeat, nodding your head.
“Hey, Y/n,” Rin does the same, smiling at you.
Beside him, Atsumu elbows his brother in the side. “Hey, Y/n,” he mocks, snickering. Rin looks at him, glaring, and Atsumu stops snickering. “My bad.”
“Terushima is here tonight.” The voice catches you off guard. Kita doesn’t really talk much, but when he does it’s great. You like Kita. He’s nice and he doesn’t talk shit as much as the others do. 
Runa whips her head over to the white-haired man, eyes widened. “What?” She asks. “Like, here? Like, he’s here, right now? Racing? Tonight?”
Rin snickers and pushes himself off the hood of his car. “Yeah, and I’m gonna kick his ass right about,” he pauses and looks at the nonexistent watch on his wrist, “now.”
Everyone laughs, including you. There’s been a thought in the back of your head recently. Well, ever since you attended the first race, really. You can’t stop thinking about what it’s like to be in that car. In any car, actually. What it’s like to cross that finish line, to drift around the corners— the thought is eating you alive.
“Hey, uh, Rin?”
He turns to you, still smiling from having laughed at his joke. His brows raise expectantly. Runa and the rest of them turn to look at you as well. That feeling of being out of place comes back. You clear your throat. “Can I…” you trail off, glancing around at the others. “Um, actually, never mind.”
Rin furrows his brows, looking around as well. He walks over to you, puts a hand on your shoulder, and turns you away from the group. “What’s up?”
Your hands, still shoved in the pocket of your hoodie, start to sweat. You swallow hard. This is more nerve wracking than probably anything you’ve ever done. “Can I, um, go with you?”
He stares at you for a moment. “Go with me?” He repeats. “Like, ride with me? When I race Terushima?”
You nod timidly.
“Uh.” He clicks his tongue and turns around to signal Runa over to the conversation. Your face heats up. Why can’t he just answer you? “Hey, Runie. Y/n just asked if she could, uh, ride along with me. During the race.”
Runa blinks at him, then turns to you and does the same. Why is everybody acting like you just asked them if you could help them rob a bank?
“Absolutely not.” She shakes her head. “It’s too dangerous and, I’m pretty sure I already said this, but I don’t want to have to look for a new roommate. No way, absolutely not, I do not give my permission.”
“I’m not a child.” It comes out almost involuntarily. You regret aot as soon as it’s said. “I mean— I’m—“ you take a deep breath. “I can make my own decisions. It’s, um, it’s up to Rin. Right, Rin?”
He opens his mouth to talk, but closes it when Runa narrows his eyes. “It’s… complicated. Runa’s right; it is dangerous. We don't want that pretty face getting all messed up, right?”
Right now, compliments will get him nowhere. You press your lips together and look directly into Rin’s eyes, preparing for the loss of dignity you’re about to experience. “Please?” It’s just one word. It’s quiet, barely audible over the engines of other cars, but it’s there nonetheless.
His lips part, his pupils expand. His eyes dart to your lips, then back up to your eyes. He looks at Runa for a brief second, then nods at you. “Okay.”
“What? Rin, no. You just said I was right.” Runa tries to protest, but she can’t stop Rin when he walks over to Atsumu’s motorcycle and grabs the helmet sitting on the seat. He comes back to you and places it in your hands.
“Wear this,” he says. “Just in case.”
“Just in case,” you repeat with a nod.
He leads you over to his car and, before he starts it, he looks over at you. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
You stare at him. Are you? Your life in Miyagi was boring. Routine. Wake up, go to school, go home, go to sleep. Repeat. Nothing ever happened to you. But here? You moved to Tokyo and were immediately taken under somebody’s wing. You had a new group of friends and a crazy secret in a matter of days.
You put the helmet on your head and look over at him. “I’m sure.” You nod. 
He smirks, shakes his head, then pulls his car up to the starting line. There’s already another car there. It’s bright orange and it might be a Nissan, but how would you know? They roll down their window and laugh loudly.
“Got a passenger princess this time, Rinnie? That’s cute. By the end of this race, she’ll wanna be my passenger princess.”
Rin rolls his eyes. “Yeah, right, Terushima. I’m gonna beat you this time, just like I have every other time.” He looks at you and jerks his head towards the blonde man. “Runa’s last situationship. He’s a douchebag.”
Another wild laugh comes from the car and Rin rolls his window up. You giggle at that.
A woman steps out in front of the cars and you suddenly feel self conscious once again. You look at Rin, to see where his eyes are, but they’re on you.
“You ready?” He asks, tilting his head.
You take a deep breath and nod. He sits back in the seat, hand on the gear stick. The woman brings a hand up— the act is familiar to you now. She looks at the two racers, then brings her hand down. Rin’s car shoots off so fast that your whole body clings to the seat. 
The ride is exhilarating. Adrenaline pumps through your veins as the cement walls around you go by in a blur. The only thing you can hear is Rin shifting gears and the roar of the engine. A corner comes up, Rin shifts gears and drifts around it. Your chest heaves, eyes wide.
It’s not a long race. Less than half a mile, if you remember correctly. You’re smiling ear-to-ear, laughing loudly. This is the best experience you’ve ever had in your life, you think. Before you know it, Rin is just a few yards away from the finish line. You look back as best you can and that bright orange car is nowhere to be seen.
You let out a scream— pure excitement. Your skin is tingling adrenaline. You can’t believe it. Rin crosses the finish line and stops his car. Before he even puts it in park, you’re ripping off the helmet.
“You won!” You exclaim in a laugh. “You fucking won! Holy shit!” You know you look crazy. Your eyes are wide, your hair is probably a mess, you’re breathing heavily. “Holy— Rin, you won!”
He returns the wide grin, letting out a laugh as well. “Did you think I would lose?” He asks, jokingly narrowing his eyes. “Y/n, I’m wounded.”
You giggle and stare at him. He looks good. A little too good. You wish you could blame it on adrenaline when you surge forward and kiss him. You wish you could blame it on adrenaline when he kisses you back, cupping your face in his hands. You wish you could blame it on adrenaline when you lean back with another giggle, smile permanently plastered to your face.
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২ 𓂅 ࣪ ೨ ; 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓
@sahrii , @cherrysurf , @heartmaddie , @jpegarchives , @vertejay
@tiramizuloz , @gumims , @mybelovedvi , @chaotic-neutral-ig , @usbrous
@iheartamora , @iluv-ace , @xavlyzn , @velvetreds , @mysticstrawberryballoon
@h0n3y-l3m0n05 , @aethersluvrr , @smiithys , @rriwyu , @twiishaa
@kissingkzuha , @massacremars , @ilovejeansosomuch , @anqelkoz
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rainroses45 · 3 days ago
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Imagine 10 year old sammy coming up to you as a little brother asking for advice. he had asked dean about it, but he didn’t really give him anything that sounded how do you say…safe. the majority of deans pick up lines would have given sam ten punches in the face and several questionable looks at his age if he had gone through with it. luckily for him he had an older sister.
“hey umm Y/n can I ask you something?”
“sure,” you would pat the seat next to you on the couch. dean and john would have been out either finishing a hunt or getting some grub, leaving you alone with your brother dearest.
“how do I talk to girls?”
you wouldn’t even bat an eye at his question or laugh hysterically like your younger brother dean had. you would answer him in a soft tone and a nonjudgmental manner.
“the same way you talk to others,” you shrugged your shoulders, “you treat them with respect and kindness unless she is a total bitch then wish downfall on her family and her goat.” sam would laugh at your answer, but it wasn’t exactly what he was looking for.
“what if I find them pretty?” he asked nervously, avoiding your gaze. he was never one to ask personal questions, especially having a father like john, he would much rather read about it or maybe ask his siblings.
“that’s simple,” you looked down at your brother, “you go up to them - in a none creepy way,” you added which sam chuckled. “and you say ‘hey I think you are really pretty’ and that’s about it.”
“really?!” sam raised an eyebrow suspiciously.
“yup, and if the girl finds you cute too she’ll continue on the conversation but if you sense she feels uncomfortable, just say sorry and have a good day and then bounce away.” you shrugged your shoulders, “not that hard.”
“thanks.” sam smiled back, “dean told me to slick my eyebrows back and whistle.” sam’s face formed disgust as he told his older sister what is brother gave him as advice. “i mean why would a girl turn back to me like i’m calling a dog?”
you laughed reaching out to bring your brother into a side hug. “you are so smart for coming to me instead of dean for good advice. i mean sir is scared of tampons for crying out loud.” you let out a snort laugh.
“yeah.” sam chuckled before asking, “what’s a tampon?”
this was going to be a long night.
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The Prophecy Chapter 3: Please, I've Been on My Knees
Summary: Aurelia retreats to her private quarters after their wedding feast and Lucius visits.
A/N: Thank you everyone for taking this journey with me! This may be the shortest chapter of the series but who knows. I hope you keep enjoying this story! If you want any specific blurbs from this universe, I can take requests! ALSO, I started making a playlist for this story so, if you want it, let me know and I can share it. Warnings: 18+, arranged marriage, hint of marriage consummation, she's not excited about consummation but she consented, flashback, Geta being Geta, Lucius being an okay dude and not pressuring our girl.
Separator banner credit to: sweetmelodygraphics.
Flashbacks are labeled as such.
Aurelia’s private quarters were dimly lit by a few flickering candles, their flames casting long shadows against the marble walls. The opulent chamber was still and quiet, far removed from the jubilant clamor of the banquet hall. Aurelia stepped inside, her crimson gown trailing behind her, her face drawn with exhaustion and a kind of quiet fury that had built throughout the evening.
She crossed the room with deliberate steps, her shoes clicking softly against the polished floor and came to a stop in front of the wide window, looking out at the twinkling lights of the city below. The moon hung high, casting a pale light over the Roman rooftops. It should have been a sight of beauty, but to her, it was just another reminder of the cold empire she was a part of—one that had stolen so much from her, including her peace.
Behind her, she heard the quiet rustling of fabric as Lucius Verus entered the room. She didn’t turn. She didn’t have to. His presence was unmistakable, as it always was. He had been quieter tonight than she expected, but then again, he didn’t need to speak to make his presence known. His energy filled the room with a heavy tension, the kind that always lingered after a battle—an uneasy truce between two warriors who had fought their own wars, even if they had never met on the battlefield.
"I didn’t think you’d be here so soon," she said, her voice betraying the fatigue in her bones.
Lucius didn’t answer right away, and when she finally turned to face him, he was standing by the door, his posture rigid, as if he too were unsure of what to do with the space between them. He had removed his imperial cloak and his tunic, revealing the broad expanse of his shoulders and the hard lines of his body, still as striking as ever. But there was something else about him—something softer now, something that seemed less like an emperor and more like the boy he must have been in his faraway childhood, a time before all of this.
Aurelia felt a sudden pang of something she couldn’t name—a fleeting sympathy, perhaps?—but she quickly shoved it aside. She had learned long ago to bury her emotions, to guard her heart. There was no room for such weaknesses now.
Lucius’s piercing blue eyes met hers, searching, almost as if he were attempting to read her.
"Did you mean what you said?" he asked, his voice low, but the question hung in the air like a challenge.
Aurelia didn’t flinch. She wasn’t afraid of him, not in the way others were, not anymore. She had already seen what he was capable of—he was a gladiator, a killer, a man forged in the heat of battle. What could he possibly do now, except attempt to break her.
But she was already broken.
"I meant every word," she replied sharply, her voice gaining strength. "I will never love you, Lucius. I will never be your ally by choice. But I am here. I will play my part, for Rome and for the Empire."
Lucius didn’t react at first. He just stood there, watching her. His gaze was steady, unwavering, but there was something different in it now—less of the emperor’s cold authority and more of a man who had seen too much of life’s cruelty to believe in anything like love.
"You think I want your love?" His voice was quieter now, almost a whisper, but it carried a certain bitterness that made her pause. "You think I came into this marriage with the hope that we’d be some great power couple, ruling Rome with passion and glory? I have no illusions, Aurelia Carina Cassia."
The use of her full name—Aurelia Carina Cassia—felt like a weight, as though he were not just speaking to her, but to the very woman she had been before all of this. The name she had been born with, the name that had been tied to another life. A life that was no longer hers.
"Then why did you marry me?" she asked, the words slipping out before she could stop them. She had asked herself the same question countless times, but hearing him speak so bluntly, without pretense, it made her want to understand.
Lucius's jaw tightened, and for a moment, he seemed to hesitate, as if searching for the right words. "Because I had no choice," he said, his voice low but firm. "I couldn’t rule without legitimacy. I needed you to secure my claim. Your bloodline... the Empire needed to see me as the true heir."
Aurelia felt a sudden wave of disgust flood her, but she fought it back. She had known the truth from the moment she had been offered the choice: marry Lucius or die. There was no illusion of love here. No romance. Only survival.
"Just like me," she said bitterly, her eyes narrowing. "You needed my bloodline. I needed your power and protection."
Lucius’s eyes darkened slightly and he took a step toward her, closing the distance between them in a way that felt more predatory than protective. "We are not so different, are we?" His voice was softer now, tinged with something that felt like understanding—but whether it was real or just another layer of manipulation, she couldn’t tell.
Aurelia’s pulse quickened. She felt a strange mixture of irritation and something else—something she didn’t want to name—stir inside her. She had been in control of her emotions for so long, yet here he was, reminding her of everything she had tried to bury.
"Don’t mistake me for someone you can control, Lucius," she said, her voice suddenly cool and sharp. "I am not a prize to be claimed or a piece of property to be used. I may wear your crown, but I will never be your puppet."
Lucius didn’t flinch at her words. Instead, he stopped in front of her, his gaze locked on hers with that unnerving intensity. For a moment, there was silence, and the only sound in the room was the soft flicker of the candles.
"Who says you have to be?" he asked, his tone shifting again—this time with a flicker of something like respect, or perhaps understanding. "Maybe we don’t have to be anything to each other, Aurelia. Maybe we can just exist in this world, for whatever time we have left, without trying to change the other."
Aurelia swallowed, her chest tightening at his words. There was something in his eyes now that made her feel exposed, as if he could see through her carefully constructed walls.
For a moment, she considered saying something else—anything else—but she bit her lip and kept silent. She had no more words, no more energy to fight. This marriage, this empire—it was a cage, and they were both trapped inside it.
"Fine," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "We will exist. For as long as we must."
Lucius nodded, though his expression remained unreadable. He stepped back, giving her space, but the tension between them was still palpable, hanging thick in the air.
"I’ll leave you to rest," he said quietly, turning toward the door but before he could reach the threshold, Aurelia’s voice stopped him.
"Lucius," she said, her tone softer now, though no less guarded.
He paused, glancing back at her.
"For what it’s worth," she said, her words hesitant but true, "I don’t hate you. Not yet."
Lucius’s eyes flickered with something—maybe surprise, maybe something deeper—but he didn’t say anything. Instead, he gave her a short, almost imperceptible nod and left the room, closing the door behind him.
Aurelia stood there for a long moment, staring at the empty space where he had been, her thoughts a swirling mass of anger, confusion, and something she was too afraid to admit.
She sat down on the edge of the bed, her fingers curling around the fabric of her gown and let out a long, shuddering breath. In the Roman world of power and survival, love had no place. All she could do was endure.
And in the silence of the room, she realized that perhaps, in this strange marriage, endurance would be all they would ever have.
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Flashback ~ Wedding Nights and Feasts
The grand hall of the imperial palace was alight with the glow of hundreds of candles, their flickering flames casting long shadows across the marble columns and golden tapestries. The air was thick with the sound of voices—nobles and senators, officials and soldiers—laughing, clinking goblets, and speaking in hushed tones of political matters, all the while pretending to enjoy the extravagance of the evening.
Aurelia sat at the center of the room, her back straight and her face a carefully composed mask of regal calm. The feast was elaborate, more lavish than any she had seen before, with tables laden with roasted meats, fresh fruits, pastries of all kinds, and goblets of wine that never seemed to empty. It was a celebration meant to mark the union of two powerful families, a political marriage cloaked in the facade of love and festivity.
Beside her, Geta sat in his place as Emperor, his posture rigid and his eyes scanning the room, his expression cool and detached. He rarely spoke to her, his lips pressed together in an unreadable line as he occasionally exchanged formal pleasantries with the dignitaries at his side. He did not look at her directly, but rather, his gaze seemed to skim over her, as though she were just another part of the evening’s decoration—a beautiful, silent accessory to a ceremony that had more to do with power than affection.
Aurelia shifted in her seat, the weight of her wedding gown pressing down on her shoulders. It felt heavier than she remembered, the delicate silk and embroidery stifling in the warmth of the hall. The wine, which she had sipped sparingly, made her head spin a little. The noise of the crowd seemed distant, like the murmur of waves crashing far away, while the tension in her chest built steadily. She wanted to be anywhere but here, anywhere but beside Geta, who barely acknowledged her presence.
She glanced up at him, and for the first time that evening, their eyes met. His gaze lingered for a moment—barely a second—but in that moment, she saw something flicker behind his dark eyes. A glimmer of something unreadable.
It was not affection, but perhaps it was acknowledgment. Or perhaps it was just the weight of the situation bearing down on them both. He was the heir to the throne, but he was also, in some ways, as much a prisoner as she was. Aurelia quickly looked away, not wanting to read too deeply into it. They were both bound by duty. Perhaps that was all they ever would be.
"Empress Aurelia, it is a pleasure to finally see you in a laurel wreath. It suits you well," came a voice, pulling her from her thoughts. It was one of the senators, his smile oily and too wide. He was leaning in, his wine-stained breath making her skin crawl.
"Thank you," she replied coolly, offering a tight smile, but her attention was drawn back to Geta. The way his mouth tightened when his twin entered the room, or how his gaze flitted from guest to guest, never settling on her. He was far more interested in the politics of the evening than in the woman at his side.
The moments dragged on, the sound of clinking cutlery and polite laughter filling the air as the night deepened. Aurelia’s stomach twisted with the knowledge that she would spend many more nights like this, forced to sit at the table, to smile, to pretend that this was her choice.
Her fingers, which had been tightly gripping the edge of her goblet, tightened around the stem, her nails digging into the delicate glass.
Geta, still barely acknowledging her, looked up then, catching her eyes once again. This time, there was a flicker of something in his gaze—perhaps curiosity, or even frustration. But whatever it was, it was gone in a heartbeat. He turned his attention back to the men beside him, a conversation about military matters beginning to unfold.
The night wore on with little change. The banquet was lavish, yes, but it felt more like a gilded cage. The guests praised her beauty, complimented her elegance, but they never asked her what she thought. No one cared for her opinions, her desires. It was all about marriage. It was all about power. Duty.
After what seemed like an eternity, the music began to swell, signaling the end of the feast and the start of the traditional dances.
Aurelia had no choice but to follow. She was led away from her seat by a servant, her movements stiff and controlled. She did not look at Geta as she passed him, but she knew he would be at her side for the next dance.
As they joined the throng of dancers in the center of the room, Aurelia caught a glimpse of Geta moving toward her. His movements were slow, calculated—his posture never changing, even as he took her hand in his. His fingers were firm, but not gentle. There was no warmth in his touch, only the cold certainty of what was expected of him.
The music swelled around them, and they began to dance. The movements were practiced, each step a part of a ritual that had been passed down through the generations. But even as they moved together, Aurelia couldn’t help but feel a sharp sense of isolation. She was surrounded by the thrumming beat of the music, the eyes of the court watching their every move, but there was no connection. Nothing to bridge the distance between them. She felt as though she were dancing with a stranger.
Geta’s gaze remained distant, his eyes fixed somewhere far beyond her, as if he were looking at the empire rather than his bride. He did not seem to care for the spectacle, for the performance. He danced because he had to—because it was expected of him.
Her chest tightened, a lump forming in her throat, but she swallowed it down. This was her life now. A life of duty and silence, of rituals and politics.
When the dance ended, Geta offered her a curt nod, his hand slipping from hers with no more warmth than when it had first touched her. He turned and walked away, lost in the swirl of the crowd, leaving Aurelia to stand alone at the center of the hall, her heart heavy with the weight of it all.
Hours later, the imperial palace had quieted. The last of the guests had been sent away, and the halls were still. Aurelia had changed out of her wedding gown, donning a simple silk robe that was far more comfortable than the heavy dress she had worn for the ceremony and the feast. She had been bathed and prepared by her attendants though she felt no sense of relief. The ceremony was over, but the reality of her marriage had just begun.
Her chambers were vast, opulent and yet it still felt hollow, as though the walls themselves were closing in on her. Aurelia sat at the edge of her bed, the weight of the day’s events pressing down on her shoulders. The soft light of the moon filtered through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the room.
A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.
"Enter," she called out, her voice steady despite the apprehension twisting in her gut.
The door creaked open, and there he stood: Geta, dressed in a simple night tunic, his expression absolutely unreadable. He glanced at her briefly before stepping inside, closing the door behind him with a quiet click.
Aurelia stood, her heart pounding in her chest. This was the moment. The moment that would define their marriage, the moment that would bind them together—at least, in the eyes of the empire.
Geta didn’t speak at first, his eyes scanning the room with an almost clinical detachment. It was as though this was just another political alliance, another transaction. Not a marriage. Not an intimate bond.
Transactional.
The emperor walked toward the bed, his movements deliberate, but not rushed. He removed his shoes and sat at the edge, the silence between them thick with unspoken tension.
Aurelia swallowed hard, her mouth dry. She stood across from him, her hands trembling as she clasped them in front of her.
"Is it... time?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, the question feeling strange even to her.
Geta turned his head slightly to look at her, and for a fleeting moment, she saw something softer in his eyes. But it was gone just as quickly, replaced by the cold, distant look she had grown quickly accustomed to.
“It is,” he replied, his voice steady, but there was no warmth there.
Aurelia’s heart sank as she stepped toward him, the enormity of what was to come hanging between them like a weight. This was not the passionate union she had imagined. This was not love. This was duty.
Geta reached for her, his touch firm but unfeeling, pulling her toward him. There was no tenderness in the way his hands gripped her, no gentleness in the way he kissed her. His lips were cold, mechanical, as though he were performing a duty rather than seeking a bond.
And how she hoped it could be something. She already felt so lonely.
Aurelia closed her eyes, feeling the disconnect between them. The weight of their marriage, the distance between them, settled deeper in her chest. She didn’t feel loved. She felt like a pawn in a larger game that she had no control in.
She had no choice. She could not pull away. This was her life now. No love. Only duty.
Please the Emperor. Give him heirs. Serve at his side.
As Geta’s hands moved with practiced efficiency, Aurelia stood still, her body stiff and her mind elsewhere - somewhere by the seaside. She felt the sting of loneliness in the marriage bed, the ache of emptiness that nothing could fill.
And when it was done, when he withdrew and settled beside her, there was nothing.
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It has been a long couple of days in one of my fandoms. I’m not naming the fandom. I am not naming the authors involved. I am not naming the fics.
Because it doesn’t matter.
In one of my fandoms I came across a fic on AO3. A quite long fic, marked complete.
I thought it would be nice to settle in and read post Christmas festivities.
I think I ruined the Christmas holidays for multiple people by being the bearer of bad news.
You see, straight up, the ‘author’ of the fic mentions that they used parts of other people’s fics and had the fics in the author notes section.
I assumed they meant they had used OC’s and were inspired by them. Strange they hadn’t linked them properly.
I had not even gotten part way through the first chapter and felt sick.
You see those authors? Are all on a discord server with me. I knew well enough they would not have given permission to anyone to copy and paste entire chunks and chapters of their fics.
Four different authors with four different fics.
So I asked politely on the fic if the ‘author’ had asked permission. I also DM’d the authors with a link and a ‘Have you seen this’.
The authors had not.
The ‘author’ proclaimed they ‘tried for a year’ and couldn’t figure out how to contact them.
Me: *slow blink*
Also me: I know at least two of the authors had links to the discord a year ago. I also know that all four authors answer comments regularly.
I have gone back and forth with them- because I was trying to be gentle. It’s the internet- they could be anywhere from 8 to 100 (I do know their age now, since assuming they were younger was insulting.)
I was trying to gently educate that this isn’t ok to do and to offer ways that they could have contacted the authors (and in future can contact authors- mainly leaving a comment in their fics comment section).
One of the authors that I contacted, when she commented, was basically told that ‘I’ll change that one bit’ ignoring all the rest that was copied and used.
The ‘author’ has taken down a couple of chapters and told us we are harassing, belittling and bashing their fic and it’s our fault it’s having parts taken down.
Keep in mind- they said they wrote 2/3 of the fic. Going through it I was recognising my friends fics as huge parts of it up to the last six chapters (of a 25 chapter, 300+k fic)
Which lead me to think.
Maybe people don’t realise that there are unspoken of rules to writing fanfic and inspiring your fics off of someone else’s.
So maybe we need rules actually written out.
Fanfic writing is a lawless place, but I’m pretty sure everyone is going to agree with these.
Rules for writing fanfiction
1: Being inspired by fics is great. Always try to link the fics to yours- on AO3 there is a data field for this.
2: If you want to use a scene etc and build off of it/go in a different direction, ask the author first. Especially if you plan on using part of their writing. We can’t stop you from writing it but it’s polite. Accept that you may be told no.
3: Do not take entire chapters and copy it word for word. It’s plagiarism. If you are doing it to multiple fics in one story, you will end up with contradictory scenes.
Changing one or two words out of an entire scene or chapter, or changing a single sentence does not make it yours. It is still plagiarism.
4: If you know a character is an OC, ask permission. Accept that you may be told no.
Remember: No answer is not consent.
5: AO3 has a lovely comment function where you can ask things of authors. If the author you want to ask things of has comments turned off, accept that they do not wish to be contacted and accept that no contact does not mean do what you want. No contact means no permission.
6: Consent is sexy. If you want to do anything with someone else’s work, you ask. This includes using any part of their written words, any of their OC’s. This includes podfics and translations and to a certain point, art.
A: Podfic. It’s always good to ask- again acknowledging you may get a no- or be told it is fine so long as it is not done by ai- or uploaded via any place that came make money off of it.
B: Translations. This one is a tricky one. Some authors will be fine and some will not. The issue stems from translations not being word for word and some concepts being lost in translation. I acknowledge it is great to have fics in multiple languages however I also acknowledge that it is a lot of hard work between the translator and the author to ensure there is nothing lost. Not all authors have the bandwidth to do this, especially on fics that can be a few hundred thousand words.
C: Art. Most fic writers are fine with fan art. It’s only here because someone is going to bring it up. If an author has ‘fan art welcome’ go for it and post using the inspired by thing on ao3. If they don’t- ask. It’s likely a yes but everyone has their comfort levels and it’s still polite.
There are probably more but honestly? It’s fanfiction. It’s a lawless place held together with strings and ideas. It’s made on playing in other peoples sandboxes.
Just please, remember that people’s OC’s aren’t public property unless stated otherwise- and don’t blatantly copy other people’s work.
Someone will realise it feels familiar and we are fandoms. We don’t tend to forgive and forget when it comes to the big things.
And yes, it is an odd feeling to write ‘don’t use other authors OC’s without permission’ while also saying it is fine to write established characters that are from various forms of media. The difference is honestly a respect thing. Think of fandoms as sand boxes with a few toys scattered in. Anyone can play with those toys. If someone brings their own toys to play, you don’t just take them without asking.
I’m going to likely never post another tumblr post. I’m asking please don’t go looking for the author or the work. I don’t want them to continue to pull the harassment/bullying/bashing card. Which honestly led me to asking on two discord servers if my responses were bashing anything (no they weren’t. So at least I don’t feel like a bully on top of being the bearer of bad news).
Now it’s time for Eli to take over for a bit. Everyone needs a half feral, under socialised hellhound teen in their head (you don’t want him. He likes stabbing people and eating hearts).
Just remember.
No means no.
Consent is sexy.
The absence of a response is not a yes.
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ayaffect · 2 days ago
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While I think they have the right to know that Jean is deeply traumatized so they can better navigate the situation, I don't think they're entitled to know what exactly it entails. Jeremy has the right to know that he's taking in someone who might be difficult to handle, who might need extra care and attention etc. to prepare for that, not the exact whys. I honestly don't remember if Kevin told Jeremy he would 'tell him anything'. But even if he did it seems like he's always vague about it. He explains what Jean needs and what to expect from him without getting into details. It sounds like he shares his experience and the overall picture but not specifically what Jean went through. E.g. he didn't tell him how Jean was injured - he told him what Jeremy needed to know which is the list of injuries, he told Jeremy that the buddy system was important by "confessing his own lingering reliance on it" and that Jean might not want to talk because 'he was not afforded the same decency and freedoms and is not used to having a voice or power'. And for some reason it was important for Kevin to ask if Jean was the one to tell Jeremy about his hand before answering.
I think it doesn't matter if Kevin would be upset about it or not, we can only speculate about that. He deserved to know with whom he was sharing his own trauma. He made sure Jeremy understood it was a closely kept secret and Jeremy thanked him for trusting him with it. Sure, 'it won't leave the room' means he's making sure it won't be shared further but it feels disingenuous not to tell Kevin who is in the room, even if we assume Kevin trusts whoever Jeremy trusts. Kevin told Jeremy to be careful with the truth and careful with Jean and while from Jeremy's point of view he probably is, I don't know if I share the sentiment.
"Would've found out either way", "human curiosity" and "didn't exactly tell anything to him to make him silent" are not good arguments. The 'way' in which they find out matters. And it's common sense not to prod just because you're curious and to not share information about someone's trauma without their permission. And that applies for that person's other friends. Doesn't matter if Jean confides in them about other details. For some reason Jeremy understands it in some situations ("I don’t want you to tell me about Jean; I want him to tell me when he’s ready") but not others?
Jeremy said so himself: "Kevin had already sworn him to silence regarding his hand, so keeping Jean’s secrets would only be an extra step from there" (which doesn't include Cat or Laila for some reason? they somehow don't count in the 'silence' and 'keeping secrets'?) & "it wasn’t his place to interfere with Jean’s trauma or his healing"
I’m sorry but the codependency between Cat, Laila and Jeremy is so odd to me. Like the fact that Jeremy told Cat and Laila about Jean being assaulted at Evermore during his freshman year without his say-so?
And Jeremy was so wrong for getting Kevin to confess something that could cost him his life and then not telling him Cat and Laila was in the room? Like WHY. Why are you incapable of keeping a single secret to the point you betray people’s trust like that. Jeremy I love you but what the fuck.
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