#youre gonna hate us these next chapters. we don't regret it

[pacinglikeghosts]

i could never give you peace (would it be enough?)

sydcarmy | single dad!carmy | 8/? chapters

For months, she’s been tugged towards a life she once told herself was off limits, long since abandoned for the sake of a stable career and decent working hours. She wants to blame Carmy for her change, and in some ways, he is to blame, but she also knows in a deep place she wishes wouldn’t pipe up so often that this wouldn’t have gone as far as it did without her contributions. Carmy may have planted the seeds, but she was the one who tended to their fucked up garden of fantasy. And now there was no more hope for quieting down the impulse constantly tugging at her, no more grinning and bearing it, waiting to hear her class assignment for the next year and meeting with first grade teachers to talk over transition in the last few months of school.

OR: things start to fall apart.

as always, layout credits to bunivys!

read it here!

OR...

start from the beginning!

[pigeon-paperweight]

My Kaku Good Guy Rant (help this is consuming my life) (this is very long)

(Spoilers for Water 7 and Egghead, obviously! I'll try and keep this in chronological order. I will mainly be using the manga for examples. This is gonna be lengthy, and ranty, and hyper-analyze...y. I will be using punctuation in this post for the sake of myself and everyone else.)

Let me start this off by saying: Is this the face of a man who hates his life?

Call me crazy (sarcasm), but I don't think so.

Kaku, though he is a Cipher Pol agent, is leagues away from any of the other Cipher Pol agents we've seen to date. The way he acts, the way he speaks, the way he treats others -- it all gets on my nerves because it makes me think he isn't so bad. But we've seen his actions! We've seen some of the things he's done and the bad people he is associated with! He's an evil person!

...Or is he?

Characters can do bad things, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they are bad people, because things aren't always just black and white like that.

We know that Cipher Pol agents are taken in as children, and they are raised through the eyes of the government. They -- as messed up as some of these poor kids seem -- are conditioned to think in a way where the bad deeds they do are deemed 'right', just because they do so for the sake of 'justice'. They don't particularly know that what they're doing is wrong.

Part One: Water 7

When we see CP9 act during water 7, I've noticed that Kaku specifically was less involved in the brutal beatings of Iceberg and Paulie inside of the Galley-la mansion. He seems to stand to the side and let Lucci do the dirty work, along with all the talking.

At the end of chapter 344, Opposing Force, Paulie is seen bleeding with the blueprints in his hand. We don't see who beats him up, but it can be assumed that it was Lucci, due to him being closer to Paulie. Lucci is also the first to grab the blueprints from him. Kaku stands still in the background.

However, they could have both been fighting him, as Lucci says "Your resistance against us is futile..." although again, Lucci seems to talk for the both of them, as Kaku doesn't say a word up until Paulie reveals that the blueprints are fake. Even then, after that, Lucci still does the brunt of the talking.

In my opinion, it's highly unlikely that Kaku would beat up Paulie, because as far as I've seen, Kaku doesn't lay a hand on either him or Iceberg, aside from gently checking Iceberg's pulse.

What makes me think this? Well in chapter 345, Luffy, in casual Luffy fashion, busts in just as Paulie succumbs to the beating, to which Kaku attempts to catch Luffy with his Tempest Kick. Luffy dodges at the last second, but is apprehended by Lucci as he is stuck to the floor using metal prongs to hold him down.

Lucci then yells at Kaku to restrain Paulie, because this was "no time to be fighting (Paulie is nearly K.O'd and bleeding out on the floor)", and Kaku does this:

Notice those little lines next to his head? He's surprised.

Now, he could be surprised due to not thinking about restraining Paulie since he's literally already been defeated, but Lucci knows that Paulie could become a bigger problem if he got back up, especially with Luffy there with him. I picture Kaku as a bit of an extension to Lucci, and since they're both very smart, Kaku would know this too, wouldn't he?

Paulie could get up and free Luffy, or better yet free him and team up with Luffy to 'beat' the both of them. Kaku already knows that Paulie isn't dead, because Paulie's still conscious right in front of him, so why is he so obviously surprised at Lucci's order? Why was it so important to draw those little lines next to him?

Perhaps he was surprised because he was worried Lucci would tell him to restrain Paulie, and he was hoping he wouldn't have to.

Another reason for these little lines could be that Kaku could have been zoned-out, maybe having some heavy thoughts (regret, guilt, or some sort of existential crisis), and Lucci snapped him out of it by getting his attention.

Backtracking just a bit, back to chapter 344, right when Paulie reveals that the blueprints were fake, Lucci and Kaku understandably share a moment of shock.

Kaku, more so speaking to himself rather than anyone else (as he trails off at the end of the sentence), says: "What an idiotic thing to..."

This doesn't have to mean anything, as Paulie could be seen as both smart and an idiot for revealing this in front of them, however I like to think deeper into it, of course.

Kaku could have been calling this action idiotic due to the fact that he knew they would've had to kill Paulie afterwards, and that Paulie likely knew this too, and was just revealing this out of spite and to witness their surprise before he died.

Kaku's words seem a little out of place here. Lucci, of course, just goes straight into 'let's kill this guy 'cause he got on my nerves' mode, but Kaku's response isn't what I would expect. When I read this for the first time, not knowing that these two were in fact Kaku and Lucci, this just stuck out to me (it still sticks out to me, even now), and I can't exactly put into words why.

Again, this makes me think: "Why add this? Why is this so important?"

If they weren't so rudely interrupted by Luffy, Lucci probably would have finished the job and killed Paulie right then and there because Kaku was still standing around not doing anything and just adding random commentary.

One more thing from this chapter, then it's onward and upward from here! We'll get to the Zoro fight and Egghead soon enough!

When Luffy bursts in awkwardly through the wall, interrupting this uncomfortable encounter between the three of them, I stated earlier that Kaku tries to hit him with a Tempest Kick. Right before this, though, Kaku has a moment of hesitation before attacking Luffy.

Of course, as I've said, this can have little to no meaning.

But, can it mean something? Yes!

This little panel of hesitation could be a wave of guilt washing over Kaku, as he knows Luffy and the Strawhats weren't involved in the attempted assassination of Iceberg like CP9 made them out to be. He knows the Strawhats are good people, but he's just following orders. He's aware of the situation they've stuck Luffy with. This bit of hesitation could be him just further instating to himself that this is what needs to be done to get these blueprints.

When Kaku reveals himself to be one of the government assassins, he replies to Iceberg's disbelief with: "You're the one in the wrong. None of this would have happened if you'd handed them over to the government when it asked nicely."

That's rather depressing, combined with the expression on his face.

What is "none of this"? What does that mean? Almost killing Iceberg? Beating up your friends?

His sad expression is pushing me to think that there are more layers to this than just causing harm to Iceberg/Paulie/others.

Why would he need to justify that Iceberg was in the wrong? They were doing this for that sweet sense of justice, after all!

Perhaps the "none of this" really does mean this entire mission, as the whole reason CP9 was sent to Water 7 was to retrieve the blueprints from Iceberg. If "none of this" happened, Kaku would have never been sent to Water 7 in the first place. Makes you think about why he looks so sad, huh? He would have never gotten those five years of bliss.

Remember, Kaku was only 18 when he started the mission at Water 7. That is wild to think about, if you put yourself in his shoes. You aren't even fully developed yet, especially your brain by that time!

If you wanna dive even deeper into this, just think -- all of the other CP9 members are older than Kaku. Granted, Kalifa only has 2 years on him, but they weren't super close during Water 7, so disregard her for now. Lucci was 23 at the start of the Water 7 mission, for more reference of their age differences.

Lulu is 8 years older than Kaku, and Tilestone is 10 years older.

Paulie, however, is only one year older than Kaku. Paulie is his peer. His close friend.

I'm not saying that any of the other shipwrights weren't his friends, Tilestone and Lulu's behavior alone disproves that, however having friends -- especially when you're a teenager -- that are among the same age group as you is important, so it's a little easier to infer that Kaku has an attachment to Paulie, which could be a reason as to why Kaku isn't seen fighting him -- he grew up with him in those five years 'away' from CP9.

After it is revealed that the masked assassins were, in fact, Lucci, Kaku, Kalifa, and Blueno, Kaku is asked to check Iceberg's pulse to see if they can guess the whereabouts of the real Pluton blueprints. We can assume, that from this action, Kaku still respects Iceberg, as all of the other CP9 members have been treating Iceberg like a damn doormat.

Very polite. Just wanted to add this quick one in.

Then -- this is important -- shortly after that, we get this:

Mhm.

To me, here, Kaku is being genuine when he says this. The other members can say that they "don't have anything against Iceberg", but I believe Kaku is the only one who really doesn't have anything against him. He really is thankful for the opportunities Iceberg gave him during his time on Water 7.

Through his actions, Kaku is very obviously genuine, no matter how much someone wants to say he's not. Lucci + Co. beat Iceberg senseless, while Kaku, who could have very easily joined in with the other members, did not. He respected Iceberg down to the very last moment with him, much like I feel he did with Paulie, too.

The next few examples are going to be small, with little bits of my thoughts, because trust me, I really want to get to Egghead.

These examples are throughout the next couple of chapters.

Kaku's face, along with the bubble of an ellipsis at the sight of Paulie. Ouch.

Why does he look so disturbed from the action of hitting Zoro with his Finger Pistol? I'll say it again -- guilt?

Just wanted to add this in because it makes me sad. "Honing their skills to serve the government" is all they're good for, and they all know it.

Alright! That wraps this part up, now we're going to quickly touch on Enies Lobby and Kaku's fight with Zoro, because, honestly, not much needs to be said about the latter half.

Don't worry, the next parts will be shorter.

Part Two: Enies Lobby

I'm adding this section in after I've already finished the Water 7 part, and LET ME TELL YOU: I am currently high on 1 a.m. exhaustion-induced goofiness, and I literally had a dream about finishing this post last night so I'm WORKING ON IT NOW!! NOW!!!!

So please, if you could, excuse me. Me as a whole. Excuse everything.

ALRIGHT LET'S DIG INTO THIS!!!

So, like I mentioned just above the header for this section, I don't want to go too deep into this part, mostly because in my eyes the evidence speaks for itself (especially for the fight with Zoro) however I will go a little bit into some other parts that I find interesting.

EXHIBIT ONE!!! - 'Co-workers pressure you to eat mystery items? Hell yes!'

A bit unrelated, but I just wanted to say how I thought it was a bit funny how Kaku and Kalifa get peer pressured into eating their devil fruits, despite Kaku showing obvious disinterest, and can we talk about their reactions when handed the fruits??

You cannot convince me that they wanted to eat those. Kalifa is struggling. But of course, Lucci comes in with the "It'll be fun", so they just decided 'yep we're doing this i guess'. Was it really that fun, though? Everyone got their ass kicked two times over in the end, so did it really matter?

You poor souls.

Moral of the story, if someone tells you 'eat this thing I'm giving you because it will be fun' -- don't.

Exhibit TWO!!! - 'Crackhead Franky burns the blueprints'

These panels just make me feel some type of way. Of course, Kaku (as the other CP9 members are) is very upset that his five years of work just got burned up into dust in front of him, but it also means that it was ALL FOR NOTHING. Everything was for nothing.

Coming to Water 7, getting the job, liking the job, participating in your interest, making friends, having a good boss and then turning around and ruining it all for the sake of some papers (that you've already been faked out of once, mind you) that just disintegrated and basically never had any meaning in the first place, because 'how the hell are we getting those back, oh yeah, we can't', is what would be going through my mind.

I mean, karma is a bitch, but damn. Also -- are ellipses just Kaku's thing? I'm noticing a pattern here.

Exhibit TROIS! ahem.. Three. - 'Zoro's sword is moaning'

Now we'll get into the stuff with Zoro -- BUT ONLY QUICKLY BECAUSE I'M GETTING TO EGGHEAD, DAMMIT!!

When confronted by Zoro, Kaku stated that Zoro's 'Will you hand Robin's handcuff key over before I kill you?' was a foolish question, followed by another damn ellipsis! What is it with him and those??

Anyways, why is this a foolish question to him? Well, it could go both ways -- Kaku would kill Zoro before he could get the key, or Zoro would kill Kaku before he could give up the key. The first way was probably intended from Kaku's perspective... or was it? Kaku knows Zoro is strong, as he says literally in the same panel that he wished he could see what Zoro was capable of.

Based on Kaku's reaction to Zoro defeating him (which we'll get to in just a moment), I believe he was anticipating his own defeat by Zoro's hand.

Fighting Zoro was almost like a game to Kaku, as he said (during the lighter half of their fight) that this was fun, and the only way for the fun to stop was if Zoro beat him. This was fun for him to the very end of it. That's pretty sad, and I feel like Kaku was excited to have someone like Zoro fighting him, especially with them both being swordsman, as he seemed to really enjoy their fights.

Now for the finale!!

^^ This is right after Zoro informs Kaku that he's fired, rubbing salt into Kaku's many metaphorical and physical wounds. vv

Why did Zoro feel the need to say this? Did Zoro want Kaku to feel bad about what he did? Because usually, foes don't get the time to talk with the person that just beat their ass, because they get knocked out/killed before anything else happens. Did Zoro hit him just hard enough to delay him losing consciousness, just so he could rub it in (and so this would be Kaku's last thought before passing out) that Paulie was upset with him?

Why would Zoro do this? Kaku is an enemy, and at this point in time Zoro didn't know Kaku was going to willingly give him his key (as in he thought he was going to have to take it off Kaku after he was unconscious), so why the hell did he not just knock him out right then and there and get the key? Zoro is pressed for time, because he needs to bring that key to Robin -- so why do this?

Perhaps Zoro is aware that there is more to Kaku than just being a backstabbing government assassin, and that he could have possibly still had a conscience at that time so he just really wanted to rub it in his face that Paulie directly fired him -- because he knew it would hurt.

"You guys... are fired."

'Paulie said that? Oh... what a mess' Kaku says as if he wasn't expecting that? Excuse me, sir?

Sure, okay, maybe he hadn't had the time to think about Paulie and all them dudes with all the shit he'd been dealing with, but honestly, what was he expecting? That Paulie wouldn't say that?

Of course not. Those words just had a lot of weight coming from Paulie, let's be real here. He knew that he was fired. He knew this whole thing would end up with him being fired eventually, so why is he so sad at the fact that Paulie fired him?

This, along with the "assassins can never find other work" leads me to think he knows he's done for. He will be stuck as an assassin until he dies, and that's just how it's going to be. I'm wondering, was he expecting to die here?

I'm curious -- who was it that told him that assassins couldn't find other work? Who is 'they'? Was it you, Kaku? Is he telling himself that?

Or was it someone like Lucci, who wanted to drill into his head that this is what he was 'meant' to do, and there was no going back for him, as if he can't ever redeem himself (praying on this y'all, please Oda PLEASE), just because Lucci wants Kaku on his side to be his partner in crime. Stupid Lucci. I hate that guy.

The next picture will be a little more focused on Zoro's reaction to Kaku rather than Kaku himself.

Again, here we go with those damn ellipses. They are starting to paint a better picture of how complex this could actually get, though, so I won't dog on them anymore.

Let's actually talk about that for a second -- the Oxford Dictionary defines an ellipsis as "the omission from speech or writing of a word or words that are superfluous or able to be understood from contextual clues", and from a couple different sources ellipses in comics can be seen as "there is more to be said here, but you can figure it out because why not" or a character is thinking about something.

What is Zoro thinking about here? What's making him just stare at Kaku while he gets his key for him? Well, maybe Zoro wasn't expecting Kaku to just give him the key, so he's just... watching. Kaku is also laughing (at Zoro's zoo joke, for context), and if I was in his situation I very much wouldn't be, so that can be a bit confusing for Zoro as he might wonder why Kaku is being such a good sport.

This good sportsmanship displayed by Kaku could be giving Zoro a reason to believe in Kaku's complexity and ambiguity, along with Kaku giving him the key right before he passes out. Kaku really felt the need to give Zoro his key because he had earned it, yet Kaku wasn't killed to obtain it -- so this was Kaku's way of surrendering, and that is another reason why I think he was expecting this to be the end of the road.

Bonus to that:

Okay!! I'm done I'm done I'm done!!!!!!!!!!~ I talked a little more than I wanted to but that's okay because were onto EGGHEAD!!! WOO HOO!!!!

Part Three: Egghead

Reminder: MANGA Egghead -- ahead of the anime.

This part is going to be a bit unhinged because as I'm writing this Egghead JUST finished up (who's excited for Elbaf???? WOOP!!) and I have some STRONG feelings.

OK OK OK LET'S GET INTOOO ITTT!!

So Egghead starts and... and.. w-.. wait.

He's sitting on top of poor Sentomaru's battered body. This... this looks familiar.

Oh, that's why. That's weird. What a weird detail. Is this going to happen more in the future? Is this one of Kaku's weird things he does, just because?

Sidetracked, sorry. Anyway-

I'm going to start this off by saying that Lucci has definitely been getting on Kaku's nerves throughout the entirety of Egghead. Honestly, I understand. If I'd have to deal with stupid Lucci for as long as Kaku has I'd be pissed at him too.

It's okay, Kaku. You can kick his ass, I won't say anything.

But my point in bringing this up is that these little moments of Kaku being upset or annoyed with Lucci are building up to something much bigger. Kaku cannot catch a break, and in most of the scenes they're together in he's fed up with Lucci in some way.

Now let's talk about Kaku and Stussy.

He can say they aren't friends all he wants, but I beg to differ. We haven't necessarily seen a whole lot of CP0's interactions with each other outside of carrying out their missions, but there is an obvious connection between these two that I've grown fond of.

Kaku contemplating Stussy's 'Who do I live for?' is interesting -- he doesn't speak on this out loud, but clearly he's got something brewing in the ol' noggin.

This whole page is just wonderful. Also, I think that is the best face I have seen Kaku make. There's a lot to get into here.

So... I absolutely love that Stussy wanted to free Kaku, but what the hell does she mean by 'I know the first thing he'll do if he's released'?? Genuine question. I might have accidentally skimmed over something, because I'll admit I read egghead pretty fast (though I'm thinking about reading all of it a second time because there was just so much happening all at the same time that it got a little crazy) but I don't remember seeing anything else about what she thought Kaku was going to do.

Kaku was obviously not expecting Stussy to do this, as she was pretty much made their enemy because of her betrayal, but Edison's 'I'm sorry for making you betray that friendship' just makes me want to... like.. idk. Edison knew that Stussy and Kaku were good friends, which makes me think that Stussy has possibly talked about Kaku before to the Vegapunks?

I haven't really had a whole lot of time to think about this stuff so everything I say here I'm coming up with as I'm typing it -- it's more speculatory than the other sections.

I think Stussy asking to free Kaku is another case of rubbing salt into Kaku's wounds, albeit more indirect. Stussy cares about him, obviously, but I think what Edison said makes Kaku just do a reflection of his entire life.

Stussy betrayed Kaku, yet she still shows compassion for him because they were friends.

Kaku betrayed Paulie, but completely does the opposite of Stussy. He just completely cuts him off. Paulie and Kaku were friends. Stussy and Kaku are friends.

Despite being his 'enemy', Stussy wants the best for Kaku and tries to help him as best as she could.

This, I believe, makes Kaku do a 180. This situation with Stussy is what could have happened on Water 7 with Paulie, because if you guys remember, Paulie said he felt that Kaku and Lucci were still his friends, even after he'd witnessed CP9 beating up Iceberg.

That is why I think he looks so distressed after Edison apologizes for Stussy's betrayal to him, because he's betrayed his own friends multiple times now, and he's fully realized this isn't all that different from Water 7.

It sure does hurt to be the one betrayed, doesn't it? Now he knows how his buddies on Water 7 felt.

I also want to talk about Edison saying that Stussy's 'inner conflict is a calling card of humanity' (talking about having to choose between being on Kaku's side or being with the Vegapunks), and how Kaku has a little wobbly bubble with an ellipsis.

Has Kaku realized that having humanity might not be so bad? Cipher Pol agents, I'm assuming, aren't really supposed to have this concept of humanity, because they're supposed to be these almost superhuman monsters.

Or has he realized that he isn't like the other Cipher Pol agents, as he secretly does have a sense of humanity that he shoves down for the sake of being in CP0? If Lucci ever found out that Kaku really did have a sense of humanity he would probably deem him useless. However...

Lucci (for the first time ever, wow) shows compassion towards Kaku, being worried that Kaku would be killed in the midst of the chaos that was Egghead.

I always perceived Lucci to be the type to leave behind the wounded, as they weren't of use to him anymore, but he goes out of his way to ask Mars to spare Kaku, which was honestly very surprising. Maybe Lucci still has a speck of humanity in him. Perhaps there is hope.

You're seriously going to tell me that they aren't friends when they're both crying??

Also... do you know that one scene from Air Bud?? This scene between Kaku and Stussy reminded me of that the first time I read this chapter, lol.

Kaku is worried for Stussy's safety, as he knows that if Lucci finds her, he will kill her. And again with this -- what is Kaku going to do next?? I want to know, God dammit, JUST TELL ME!!

Is Kaku going to defy Lucci? Is he going to run away? TELL MEEEE!!

DUN DUN DUN!!!!!~~~

So Stussy is apparently dead, which, okay, when did that happen, and also, absolutely not, but why does Kaku look like he's seriously about to just unleash his rage on Lucci? Do it, please DO IT!! BEAT HIS ASS PLEASE. I HATE HIM SO. MUCH.

But the fact that he's resorted to talking in ellipses again with his face shaded, a huge frown and clenched fists is making me think that this is a breaking point for him. He's just so over Lucci and I would be too. Run, run for the hills Kaku!!!

Kaku's ellipsis bubble is also a teeny bit wobbly, and if you've ever read a comic you've probably noticed that the shape of the bubble pertains to the character's state, whether that be physical or mental, and their speech. But since he isn't talking, his wobbly bubble could mean (and I'm saying could because a lot of the bubbles in Egghead are misshapen, so take this with a grain of salt, this is just what I like to think) that his mental state is, well, not great.

So with a (presumably) dead friend, a long time of growing exasperation towards Lucci, and an already unstable mental state, I really hope Kaku can realize that a line has been crossed, so it's his turn to act.

So now, it's time for the conclusion.

Basically, I just want Kaku to be a good guy. He's so complex and I already like him so much as a character, and I would like him even more if he jumped to the other side. I feel that he's already halfway there. I hope that there might be some sort of redemption in store for Kaku and I will scream if it comes true. You might not think so, but I can dream!!

Anyways, that's my two cents! Or rather... my fifty cents.. or my dollar. That was a lot. Thanks so much for reading!

[coquitokisses]

Trusting Again | chapter 003: the truth

Word count: 3232

series masterlist • previous chapter • next chapter

📍Berlin

So after we arrived at the place, thankfully we weren’t cuffed anymore, but we weren’t in the clear either. We’re kinda in trouble.

“So we’re going to prison.” I looked at Sam and Steve as we walked to the place where they were gonna let us be in

“No, we’re not.” Steve answered

“Well this kinda looks like we are.”

“This isn’t prison.” Steve said

“I cannot believe my first time being arrested was because I decided to follow two idiots and go against the law.”

“Ow, what? You regret it now?” Steve pouted

I just rolled my eyes. “Shut up, this is your fault.”

“My fault?!”

“Yes! We should’ve let the CIA catch Bucky, why the hell did we even bother going to Bucharest? Look where we ended up, and where’s Bucky? Arrested.”

“Oh please.” Sam rolled his eyes “Even you said that this didn’t make any sense.”

“You shut up, tú lo que eres es un lambe ojos, I don’t wanna hear it.” I told him

“Hey, don’t talk to me in Spanish.” He pointed at me

“You’re a kiss ass.”

“Oh look who’s talking.” He looked at Steve and they chuckled

I sighed. “I hate you both.”

We saw Natasha walking in our direction and she approached us.

“You” she pointed at me “Aren’t supposed to be here.”

“Well if I would’ve known it was gonna get this bad, I wouldn’t have come.” I shrugged

“Liar.” Sam looked at me

“For the record, this is what making things worse looks like.” She said in a low voice

“He's alive.” Steve told her

We walked into the office and we saw Tony talking on the phone.

“Consequences? You bet there'll be consequences” Tony said while looking at us three “Obviously you can quote me on that cause I just said it, anything else?... Thank you, sir.” He said before hanging up the call

"Consequences?" Steve said

“Secretary Ross wants the three of you prosecuted, had to give him something.” He shrugged as he started to walk away

“I'm not getting that shield back, am I?”

“Technically it's the government's property” Natasha said “Wings too.” she looked at Sam

“That's cold.” Sam shook his head

“Warmer than jail!” Tony said

“Well, he's got a point.” I sighed “What the hell are we supposed to do now anyways? Die of boredom?”

“Well you can always play Stop with Sam.” Steve looked at me “I’m sure there are some papers and pens laying around somewhere.”

“That'll be great.” I looked at Sam

“Fine, but only because I'll probably die of boredom too.” he said

“Guess we'll be playing Stop then, wanna join, grandpa?” I looked at Steve

“I'm good.” He chuckled “Good luck.”

(...)

It’s been like an hour. I’m getting bored and I honestly want to leave. I just can’t be sitting around doing nothing, I get bored. We're now in the office, the three of us and Sharon, as we watch that doctor evaluate Bucky.

“Why would the Task Force release this photo to begin with?” Steve spoke breaking the silence

“Get the word out, involve as many eyes as we can?” Sharon shrugged

“Right.” Steve nodded “Its a good way to flush a guy out of hiding, set off a bomb, get your picture taken, get seven billion people looking for the Winter Soldier.”

“You're saying someone framed him to find him?” I asked him

“Steve, we looked for the guy for almost a year after Austria and found nothing.” Sam told him

“We didn't bomb the UN, that turns a lot of heads.” Steve said

“Yeah but that doesn't guarantee that whoever framed him would get him, it guarantees we would.” Sharon replied and then frowned kinda getting all the pieces together

“Yeah.” Steve turned to look back at the monitor

“Tell me Bucky, you've seen a great deal, haven't you?” Zemo asked Bucky

“I don't wanna talk about it.” Bucky responded

“You fear that if you open your mouth, the horrors might never stop.” Zemo replied

I kinda don't like this.

“I got a bad feeling.” I whispered to Sam as I leaned my elbows on the table

“About what?” He whispered back

“All this.” I sighed “It’s just.. it’s kinda weird.”

“Don't worry” Zemo added “We only have to talk about one.”

And just seconds after that, the power went out and the whole office was dark. Sam and I looked at each other and we kinda already knew that something was not right.

“Bad feeling alright.” Sam looked at me

“What the fuck?” I said and Steve turned around looking at Sharon

“Sub-level five, east wing.” She told him and he immediately looked at me like telling me to go with him

“Just go.” I said

Sam and Steve both stormed out of the office and I stayed there for a few minutes. I saw that Tony and Natasha were walking towards the door and Sharon saw them too.

“Come on.” She said to me

I got up and followed her. When we got out, we were kinda in like a lobby or some shit and there was Bucky just punching anyone who tried to stop him.

“Forget it, I’d rather get arrested.” I said after seeing how Bucky fought with Tony, but the poor man ended up on the floor.

I was really thinking about turning around and going back to where I came from, but before I could even think about leaving, Sharon grabbed my arm.

“You’re not leaving.” She said

“I’m sorry, but who was the one who almost died last time when he appeared in Washington?” She opened her mouth to talk, but I didn’t let her “Exactly, this time I’ll watch everything from a very far distance.”

“But you’re trained better than me.” She looked at me.

“You’re working for the CIA.”

“Cat! You gotta help me.”

I just rolled my eyes. “I should’ve stayed in New York.” I said starting to go down the stairs and she followed me

He might succeed and kill me this time.

When we first got there, Sharon was the first to kick him and I had no other choice than to follow her. It didn’t take long before Bucky was throwing her onto a table, breaking it, and grabbing me by the neck with his metal arm and pushing me onto one of the other tables there. I tried to get him off me once he started choking the shit out of me, but it was obviously impossible to even push him away.

“You could at least recognize me.” I managed to say, words barely coming out of me, as I tried to breath and also get him off me

My sight was starting to get all blurry and then I finally felt his hand releasing my neck. I rolled off the table coughing trying to catch my breath and when I managed to get on my feet again, I ran out of there trying to look for Sam and Steve. I even went outside but there were too many people running and screaming that it was literally impossible to find someone. I just opted to get the hell away from there and ended up walking for almost 40 minutes, also, trying to not get caught by the freaking helicopter that was looking for us.

I arrived at what looked like a small bookstore and decided to call Sam because I had no idea where they might be.

“Hey.” He answered

“Are you guys okay?” I asked him “Where the hell did you go?”

“I sent you the location of where we are.” He said “Come quick tho.”

“On my way.”

I hung up and went straight to Sam's conversation, I saw the pin and realized it wasn't so far from where I was so I decided to walk there and I literally arrived in almost 20 minutes. It was like an old auto shop kinda?

I got in and I saw Steve, Sam and Bucky inside.

“Took you forever.” Sam said

“Y'all literally vanished.” I rolled my eyes “And also, I had to make sure nobody saw me, there's a fucking helicopter looking for us, did you guys know that?”

“Are you okay?” Steve asked

“I’m fine.” I nodded and then I looked over at Bucky

Now that I have him closer and he's not trying to kill me, I definitely noticed that he looked a little different than the last time I saw him. Starting with his hair, which is a little longer.

If it wasn’t because he's a super soldier, I would smash my fist straight into that perfect face of his right now.

“And we meet again, soldat.” I stood in front of him folding my arms “So much for not wanting to be found, huh.”

“Not that I was planning on running into you three, specially not you.” He responded

“Well look at us now.” I gave him the most sarcastic smile ever

“Alright, that’s enough.” Steve said and I just stepped away from Bucky “I see Cat made quite the first impression.” He looked at his friend

“You don’t say.” Bucky sighed

“Oh he did too, trust me.” I scoffed “You do know we all have a fucking target on our backs, right?” I looked at Steve

“He didn't do it.” He said

“Oh I knew that since the moment we saw the news.” I nodded “I just can't really comprehend why the fuck would you go through all this shit when we already have secretary Ross on our asses because of the fucking accords and now we also have the CIA looking for us!”

“No offense, but that's a little hypocrite coming from you.” Bucky said to me “Why do you care so much about following orders now?”

“Offense and listen, you really shouldn't be talking shit after what's been happening.” I turned to look at him “You should've listened to me when you had the chance.”

“You really wanna do this now?” He raised an eyebrow

“Alright, enough.” Steve sighed

“You know what? I kinda want to.” I stepped closer to him, completely ignoring Steve

Not that I wanted to ignore him, but I'm actually kinda mad so my mind is only focusing on Bucky.

“Then why don't you do it, agent?” Bucky said to me

I just sighed. “You really are starting to get on my last nerve, who would’ve thought.”

“Shut up, both of you.” Steve said in a more serious tone “That's enough.”

“What the hell are we supposed to do now?” I turned around looking now at Steve

“That's why we called you.” Sam said

“I'm not tryna put my ass on the line again! We got enough with the accords to also be dealing with escaping from the fucking CIA.”

“What? You regret it now? Cause if that's the case, by all means, go talk to Tony, I’m sure he’ll welcome you with open arms.” He said folding his arms

“Don't be ridiculous, I’ve always been on your side, but this is fucking insane.”

“And don’t you think I know that? I’m tryna think of what to do now.” He said and I let out a sigh

“I just don’t want us to end up worst than we already are.. if that’s even possible.”

“It is, we could be in jail.” Sam said

“Relax, it won’t happen.” He said and I just leaned on the wall without saying anything else. “Who was that guy?” He asked Bucky

“I don't know.” He responded

“People are dead.” Steve started saying “The bombing, the setup.. the doctor did all that just to get 10 minutes with you, I need you to do better than "I don't know".”

“He wanted to know about Siberia, where I was kept.” He said after a few seconds “He wanted to know exactly where.”

“Why would he need to know that?” Steve asked

“Because I'm not the only Winter Soldier.” he replied

“Woah, hang the fuck on.” I shook my head

“Cat.” Steve looked at me

“No, wait, I'm with her on this one.” Sam spoke “You're saying there are more like you?” He asked Bucky

“Yes.” He nodded

“Who were they?” Steve asked

“Their most elite death squad” Bucky replied “More kills than anyone in HYDRA history and that was before the serum.”

“They all turned out like you?” I asked him

“Worse.” He looked at me

“The doctor, could he control them?” Steve questioned

“Enough.”

“He said he wanted to see an empire fall.” Steve added

“With these guys he could do it.” Bucky nodded “They speak 30 languages, can hide in plain sight, infiltrate, assassinate, destabilize, they can take a whole country down in one night and you'd never see them coming.”

“Well this is just great.” I said with sarcasm

“This would've been a lot easier a week ago.” Sam walked over to Steve and I

“If we call Tony..” Steve started saying and I scoffed

“I don’t think we’ll believe us.” I cut him off

“Even if he did..”

“Who knows if the accords would let him help.” I said and Steve let out a sigh

“We're on our own then.” He looked at the both of us

“Maybe not.” Sam shrugged and we both looked at him “I know a guy.”

“So” I looked at Steve “What's next, Cap?”

“I need to make a few calls.” He said “And we need to get out of here.”

“We gotta stay low tho.” Sam said

“Yeah, very low.” I nodded

“I'll be right back.” Steve walked out, I supposed so that he could make "a few calls"

Sam walked out too and I took a deep breath. This is insane.

I looked at Bucky and then I sat on the floor in front of him.

“So” I crossed my legs “Being framed is fun huh.”

“You have no idea.” He sighed “How'd you know it wasn't me?”

“Are you kidding? I’ve been tracking you.” I replied “…From a distance, of course.”

“Of course you have.” He said not at all surprised “Does Steve knows?”

“No, of course not.” I shook my head

“Why? Felt guilty?”

I let out a sigh. “A little.”

“He’s gonna find out eventually.”

“Yeah, I know.” I nodded “I’ve been thinking about telling him, but I just don’t know how he’s gonna react.”

I should tell him. I really should because maybe we wouldn't be in this mess right now if it wasn't for me.

“You have a certain look on your face, agent.” Bucky said in almost a whisper “What is it?”

“I just.. I think I better tell him now.”

“He's not gonna be happy.”

“I know.” I sighed “But I have to.. better late than never.”

I looked back and saw Steve standing next to Sam, who was actually talking on the phone.

“Steve.” I cleared my throat and I stood up from the floor “I, um.. can we talk?” I said and he looked at me “I kinda need to tell you something.”

“Yeah, of course.” He nodded “Wanna go outside?”

“Well I don’t want the police to see us, so here it’s fine.”

I was really anxious. I didn’t even know how to start.

“What is it?” He asked when he saw that I was pretty impatient

“Okay, I’m just gonna say it.” I sighed “Remember when I went with Sam to Europe? To find Bucky.”

“Yeah, what happened?”

“Okay, well remember that we did found him, right? We told you we were in Austria.”

“Yes, Cat, I remember everything, where are you going with this?”

“I didn't lost him.. I, uh..” I bit my lip nervously “I let him go.” I finally confessed, he looked at me a little confused

“What are you talking about?” He frowned and then looked at Bucky “What is she talking about?” He pointed at me

“I was the one who talked to him that day.”

“Yeah and if I remember correctly, he got all defensive and threw you across the room, you were all bruised and even had a cut.” He said “What do you mean you let him go?”

“I talked to him, he said that he needed time and I just.. I simply decided to let him go.”

“Simply decided?” He raised an eyebrow

“Look, I’m sorry.”

“What the hell happened exactly for you to let him go like that?”

“Don't be mad at her, it's my fault.” Bucky interrupted us and Steve looked at him “I was just trying to remember everything on my own.”

“Stop.” I looked at him “I should've knocked the fuck out of you and drag you out of there.”

“Yeah, you should have.” Steve nodded “You realize that because you let him go we’re in this position now, right?”

“Yes!” I raised my voice “I made a mistake, I know and I'm sorry, okay? I didn't think it was too big of a deal at the moment, he just wanted to remember everything on his own and I thought that was okay.”

“Well it clearly wasn't.”

“Yeah, it wasn’t.” I sighed “But at least my intuition was right! He didn't do anything.”

“But look where we are now!”

“But that’s not entirely my fault now, is it?” I said “I mean, the fucker who messed with his head is the real responsible here, he could’ve done it even if Bucky was with us.”

“That’s not the point…”

“It is! It kinda is.” I cut him off

“Cat, you’re not realizing the consequences that your actions had.”

“I am! Trust me, I am realizing it and I knew what I was getting myself into when I made that decision.”

He clicked his tongue. “I just can’t believe you could do something like this knowing it would have consequences. I just..” he sighed “I can't believe that you, out of all people, could do this.”

“I know it was wrong but I just..”

“What?” He looked at me with his hands on his hips

I let out a sigh. “You're really mad at me, aren't you?”

“A little.” He nodded “And a little disappointed too, you were supposed to do your job and I asked you to do it because I knew you were the only one who would do it no questions asked.”

“I know and I'm sorry.”

“We could've prevented this.”

“I know.” I sighed feeling guilty as hell “I really am sorry.. trust me if I could go back in time and change what happened, I would.”

He let out a sigh. “I'll go see if Sam's done so we can get the hell out of here.” He said walking out again before we could say something else

I just sighed and then leaned on the wall. Bucky's eyes found mine and he took a deep breath as he sat straight.

“I'm sorry for trying to kill you.” He said looking at my neck

“It's fine.” I said “Not the first time anyway.”

“Sorry.”

“At least you’re apologizing now.”

“Apology accepted then?”

“I don’t know, I’ll think about it.” I sat on the floor facing him “I tend to hold grudges.”

“Well that’s not good.”

“Do I look like I care?” I tilted my head

“You got issues, you know?”

“Well.. that makes two of us.” I shrugged

“…Can't argue with that.” He shook his head and I chuckled

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[youuuimeanmee]

RWTGI 36 - 37.2 Thoughts

Forgive the 3 chapters at once, lol. If you want to read my thoughts on the latest chapter, it's on down below!

Chapter 36

If you tell me 2 years ago that Yoshino would sleep in the corridor to wait for Kirishima, I would laugh in your face. I never thought this day would come when she's genuinely worried for him.

(Then again, he almost died trying to save her and they have been close lately, so that's fair)

WOW okay queen, slayy. Ugh those pillows look so soft-

That aside, I was shocked. I get that she was too tired to change, but really Asuka? Really? Blatant fanservice outta nowhere? Is she trying to grab the male demographic too? Not that it didn't grab the females already with that kind of bod-

WHY do we get Yoshino's full bod, yet we only get a glimpse of Shouma's abs? I demand equality.

Oh Yoshino. What are you, a dog? How could you differentiate Kiri's smell amongst all else??

Wow Kiri really uses his room as a front. He really didn't lie when he said he can't sleep near anyone's presence. He's like an animal hiding inside a deep cave. And to think his real bedroom is the same place where he often received his punishment.

In the raws, Yoshino actually says in a small note, "That's so typical of Kirishima (to keep things spotless)..."

I remember when Kiri always tidied up Yoshino's mess. I thought he only did it because it's for her, but to think he also keep his own place spotless... Does he have OCD? Then again, serial killers like keeping their place clean-

Question: If Kirishima is inside, how the hell did he lock his place using that kind of lock?

It's giving the vibe of a villain' secret lair.

Why is the room so cold though. I thought it's still October/November. Did he not install a heater there, or did he intentionally blast an AC to freeze some randos who try to break in?

My heart JUMPED when I saw him in the corner of the panel. That panel placement is a genius.

I was so relieved when I see him 🥺🥺 I'm glad he's not masochistic enough to keep his wounds infected. At least he got some treatment (hopefully from the hospital, but I'll take what I can get).

Wow, she really made sure she didn't see a dead body.

SCREAMING CREAMING CRYING.

Asuka really knows how to make a cliffhanger.

THANK YOU for the precious glossary, scans team! 💞😭

Chapter 37.1

Awright! Yoshino and Kirishima finally meet! This means Yoshino would call Shouma about Kirishima so he won't report this incident to Renji! Right?

Judging by his passwords, I thought I was getting better at reading him. Turns out he intentionally made it easier to guess? Wow, way to make a person feel like an idiot.

He really takes Tsubaki's advice to heart 🤣 Starting to regret the time when you burn those albums, don't you.

(Did he burn his all his photos because of sentimental reason, or because he didn't want his enemies to find his weakness?)

Okay, so he really went to the hospital. Good.

Kiri got to have some serious enemies if he only goes to a hospital he could trust.

It's been hammered down again and again that he has no one he completely trust except Yoshino. I hate this kind of set up. It's cliché, yet, it's still playing with my heart.

The way he tried to warm her nosee aughh

Those movements, and no resistance from Yoshino at all?? This is new. She must be really worried and thankful to even care about their positions.

Kirishima, you really said some crazy stuff sometimes.

What. The fuck. Do you mean. You're prepared. To be a missing person. And. To be. An unnamed corpse. Just. To keep. Yoshino. Safe.

I know I said he's unhinged, but he still managed to shock me. I'm impressed.

Istg he's really testing my heart lately. Wdym I'm gonna fall again for Miyama Kirishima. It's not gonna happen?? (It happens)

Still no phone call for Shouma. I hope it's on the next chapter.

Chapter 37.2

Woow, a lot of subtext in this episode. You really need to read between the lines to understand their convo.

Everybody trust Kirishima enough (due to his track records) to protect Yoshino so they're not worried for her safety at all; if anything, it'd be Soumei Renji who's in most trouble.

Basically, Renji from Kirigaya Group (Kansai region) has many enemies because he made a pact with Gaku from Tokusa Group (Kantou region) -- to form a peaceful(?) alliance; despite their clashing ideals. Renji also negotiated for his group to join Kantou region despite the difference in region. Both regions have been on feud for 60 years and it should be for a good reason, so there must be a lot of people within Kirigaya and Tokusa who weren't happy with this joint. (I have to revisit ch 1, 7, & 8 to understand this, sigh). Just a reminder, there was a similar attempt in the past, but it ended with a gang war.

Dang, so even Suo Azami's real identity is faked.

Azami is a drug and weapon dealer?? Fuck.

If we remember ch 26, Akame Hishibe from Tokusa and Azuma Narumi from Kirigaya are conspiring against Renji. Narumi probably aimed to be Kirigaya's number 1 after Renji died, but what about Hishibe? What's his aim? Kirishima said Azami is currently used by yakuza. Could it be, Hishibe made Azami kill Renji because he promised him he'd make a huge profit from drugs and weapons because there's gonna be a gang war once Renji is dead?

I strayed off, lol. Anyways, back to the chapter.

So, as long as Renji is unaware of Yoshino's kidnap, she and Kirishima could live together happily ever after. Now please call Shouma that Kirishima is back safely so he won't have to tell Renji, please.

Wow Kirishimaa. He is so stupidly honest, but sometimes he's such a crafty little shit. This is the same when he agreed to do paper-rock-scissors with Yoshino because he's aware he'd win. He made Yoshino think she has her own choice, when in fact it's all a set up by him. Real glad Yoshino busted his ass this time though, he can't get away with this forever.

Asuka be trying real hard with this whole show-don't-tell, huh. In short, Kirishima finally told Yoshino directly that he's been obsessed interested in her since 12 years old. He's so in love with her, to the point where her small quirk is so endearing to him. Without her, he would've been bored to death. He'd rather die without her, but he'd do his best to live if he's with her.

Sad, but Yoshino couldn't understand his devotion. She thought based on her understanding, love is something that'd wear out sooner or later. She couldn't really rely on Kirishima's feeling forever; and thus, she payed him with money as an insurance because money's value won't change while feelings might change; or at least that's her logic.

(After all the buildup, she still couldn't trust him completely. Is this bc she's traumatized with his drastic change in ch 2? 😭 Wow Kirishima, you fucked up big time)

Woow Yoshino, way to gaslight him what he feel is not love 😂 when your understanding of 'love' is probably just a crush 🤣

Does she realize if they managed to catch Suo Azami, they're essentially preventing a gang war? Probably not.

Heh. She covered her nose because it's cold. Cute.

Wdym she placed herself in that side of the bed. She won't be able to escape easily in that position. Kirishima could just lean to her side with his uninjured hand. Is she not sus Kirishima would do something to her? And why she sleep with him in the first place when she could just go back to her room? She really trust him now, huh.

The tearrss. Is that a tear of relieve, happiness? Or is that a tear of tiredness, lol.

Aww, Kiri. He used to say he can't sleep with anyone's presence including Yoshino, but look at him now 🥹

I am glad you guys made a stronger team than ever, but

CAN SOMEONE CONTACT SHOUMA SO HE WON'T TELL ON RENJI PLEASE??

Damn this turned out much longer than I expected, lmao. But that's because these chapters have been bombs. Can't wait for the next one! XD

[spectrechosts]

Hell's Belles

Yeah there's more of the succubi too. What can I say? I get attached to my characters.

Same deal as Better Off Together, these are just little snippets of hanging out in hell. There is actually kinda an arc across some of these and another thing but like. Don't expect big plot.

Anyway, regarding this chapter: Lilith and the other rulers of Hell have a meeting every 10 years. It takes maybe half an hour and is still the low point of everyone's decade every single time.

Full Series

"Asmodeus! You're late."

Lilith looked around the conference room, empty aside from her, Lucy and the Lord of Pride.

"I'm three minutes early." She said. "And it's Lilith. As it was last meeting. And several hundred before that."

"Sure, early for the meeting. But you should really show up seven to ten minutes before, help set up, show initiative, y'know, like I do." Abbadon said. "And you should use your new name! Going back to your human name, it makes it seem like you don't even care about your place here.

"I'll take that under consideration, Abbadon."

Lilith fucking hated these meetings.

The other Lords of Sin filtered in over the next few minutes, aside from Belphagor, who they had all long since given up on expecting to arrive on time.

"Alright, the decennial meeting of greater demons is now in session." Lucy said, clicking on a tape recorder. "Lucifer, Lord of the Seven Hells, presiding as always. Belphagor absent, assumed late, again, as always."

She sighed, and flipped open the first page of a printout.

"First on the agenda, we have a proposal from Beezlebub?"

"Actually, I would like to hold off on that until Belphagor gets here." The insectoid Lord of Gluttony buzzed, between fistfuls of food.

Ugh, watching him indulge in his sin always made her wonder if she should bring a few girls to these meetings. Might make them slightly less unbearable.

"Second on the agenda, Lilith wishes to reopen discussions of your ongoing torture strike."

Lilith sighed heavily.

"I would once again like to ask Satan to please join us in our strike. It doesn't have to be permanent, but having no sinners punished at all is going to get more attention from upstairs than-"

"THE DAMNED SHALL CONTINUE TO FEAR MY MIGHT!" Satan bellowed, shaking the room with the force of his voice.

"Just for a few decades-"

"THEY SHALL KNOW NOT A SECOND OF PEACE IN MY HELL!"

"Inside voice, big guy." Belphagor said, yawning as she appeared at the conference table wrapped in blankets and clutching a large stuffed shark.

"Belphagor! Lilith, are you-?"

"I'm done." Lilith sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Okay, so-"

"Abababap- Hang on. I'm after Lilith on the agenda." Mammon tutted, jutting a finger out.

"But-"

"This is my timeslot. You had yours, you didn't want it, you can wait. Lucy?"

"It's his timeslot." Lucy agreed. "Mammon, your proposal?"

Mammon cleared his throat. "Alright, you guys are gonna love this. Souls, they're so inconvenient, aren't they?"

"No?"

"Nope."

"Never once thought this."

"Now, hear me out here. One word. Soulcointm."

"SOUL AND COIN ARE TWO WORDS!" Satan yelled, frustrated.

"Yes, but I'm combining them into one new word. Soulcointm."

"Why do you keep saying it like that?" Lilith asked, and instantly regretted engaging with the conversation.

"Ohohoho, why indeed! You see, Soulcointm is no mere currency, my friend, no no-"

"We aren't friends."

"- Soulcointm is the Web3, blockchain capable solution we need to bring the Seven Hells into the next generation!"

"Mammon, none of what you just said meant anything. At all." Said Abbadon.

"Now, I know you're asking, 'Mammon, how do I get some Soulcointm?' And folks, it's so simple, you'll be racking them up in no time. You send me, your buddy Mammon, souls."

"Nope."

"And what I do, is I mint an equal number of Soulcointm and put them in your digital wallet. And that's on the blockchain. That's verified."

"…But, I want souls so I can eat them." Said Beelzebub, and the other lords nodded in agreement. "What can I do with soulcoins?"

"It's Soulcointm, and that's what I'm here to propose. What I need you all to do, is drum up Soulcointm hype, get people onboard, so they want 'em. And then, when everybody wants them, we stop minting more. Then, the Soulcointm that you got at a rate of one to one soul, people are lining up to buy them for more and more, five, ten, a hundred souls apiece!"

"So that they can do what with them, Mammon?"

"Well, now they have them, and people will want to buy 'em for souls!"

"Motion to stop talking about this?" Beelzebub asked.

"All in favour?" Asked Lucy, and all but Mammon raised their hands. "Motion passed. Beelzebub, what is your proposal?"

"Luddites." Mammon grumbled.

"Alright!" Beelzebub buzzed. "I would like to propose that Lust, Gluttony, and Sloth, are all the same sin, and should be consolidated into one circle: Hedonism. The pursuit of pleasure."

"Interesting!" Lilith chirped. "Fuck no!"

"Awww c'mon, you can't deny it makes sense! All three of us are about overindulging in earthly pleasures!"

"You just want to fuck the succubi!"

"Yeah! I do!"

"Well, get in line and pay them like everyone else."

"You don't pay them!"

"Because they love me, dickhead. Answer's no."

"Well, my answer is yes! Belphagor?"

Belphagor snored loudly, having fallen asleep during their argument.

"What- Belphagor. Belphagor wake the fuck up. I'm trying to help us both out here."

"Wake her up and put it to a vote if you want, my girls still aren't going to want to serve the Lord of Maggots." Lilith hissed.

"Oh, yeah, real nice coming from the girl who can look however she wants, shit on the bug guy-"

"You'd like that, wouldn't you."

Mammon cleared his throat loudly.

"You know, these are supposed to be civil meetings. Are we done with this discussion?"

"Yes." Said Lilith.

"No!" Whined Beelzebub.

"Yes." Said Lucy. "That's all that was scheduled on the agenda, would anyone like to discuss anything not-"

"Ooh, ooh, me!" Mammon said, waving his hand in the air. "Pick me!"

"Mammon, speak."

"Now, as my friend Beelzebub has so astutely pointed out-"

"Not your friend." Beelzebub buzzed.

"- the Hells are in need of some restructuring. Some consolidation."

"Oh for fuck's sake, you see what you've done? We're not having this fucking discussion again-" Lilith seethed, her talons scratching deep grooves into the table as she gripped it, furious.

"I would like to posit that there is only one sin: Greed, and all circles should be placed under my rule."

"NO!!! NO THEY FUCKING SHOULDN'T I'LL WRING YOUR STUPID PENCIL NECK-"

"Easy there, Lord of Sex Greed."

"This is ridiculous!" Beelzebub buzzed furiously, his loud droning filling the room.

"It was your idea, Food Greed!" Mammon said, shrugging. "You and her and Sleep Greed are all the same, because you're aaaaallllllllllllllllll Greed, baby."

"Sleep greed is a stretch and you know it."

"Why are you mad? I'm agreeing with you! We should take your good idea further! Bring in Violence Greed, Attention Greed, Greed For Other People's Shit-"

"I have so little compared to you fuckers, and you want to take it from me?" Whined Leviathan.

"I, for one, am good with my circle remaining how it is." Said Abbadon, smiling smugly.

"Oh, sure you are, Mr. Perfect, the mortals throw parades for your sin."

Abbadon's smile faltered, a tiny bit.

"Actually, Lilith gets those." He mumbled.

"Of course she does, Lucy plays favorites." Leviathan whined, and then withered under Lucy's glare.

"I don't pick what the sins are, nor where sinners are sent, nor how many circles there are. You want to reorganize, take it up with God. Leviathan." She snapped, and he whimpered pathetically. "Whine all you want, but if you question my leadership again there will be dire consequences. Mammon, Beelzebub, you have your own circles, stop being dickheads. Belphagor-"

She cupped her hands around her mouth.

"WAKE THE FUCK UP! I MAKE YOU COME TO ONE MEETING A DECADE! PAY ATTENTION!"

Belphagor woke with a start, and Abbadon snickered.

"Couldn't have said it better myself, boss-"

"Abbadon, quit being such a kissass."

Lucy closed her eyes and rubbed her hands down her face, groaning.

"If that's all, meeting adjourned. Get the fuck out of my office."

"Why don't Satan and Lilith get yelled at?" Whined Leviathan.

"Because they're my favorites."

"I WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE YELLING!" Yelled Satan.

"FINE."

"YIPPIE!!!"

[everythingpresley]

Don't You Kiss Me Once or Twice - Chapter 15

Character/Fandom: Elvis - Elvis (2022)

Prompt: Jessica Anderson is Elvis Presley's assistant and after months of working together, slowly something sparks between them. Friendship? Or is it more? [ Fem!Reader ]

Rating: Explicit/Mature (NSFW, 18+), Slowburn

    ||     Word Count: 6,304

Author’s note: Get ready for some fluff!

Masterlist

Don't You Kiss Me Once or Twice - Chapter 15

I felt little kisses being placed all over my face. I smiled slightly, keeping my eyes shut knowing who it was. 

“Come on, wake up!” Elvis said whispering in my ear. He then reached down and tickled my waist when I didn't budge. I giggled, opening my eyes. Trying to get away from Elvis’ hands. 

Elvis wrapped his arms around my waist and nuzzled his face into my neck “I love your little giggles.” He said against my neck.

He pulled away and smiled gently.

“Good morning.” I smiled.

“Good morning.” He replied, lying next to me. Both of us lying on our sides, facing one another “You didn’t run away this time.” 

“You woke up before me. Plus, you’re in my room where am I supposed to run off to.” I joked. He chuckled, running his hand down my waist. 

“Then I’ll always make my move in your room if that’s the case.” 

I grinned and reached down to tickle his waist. He shrieked and jerked back, almost falling off the bed. I laughed loudly and pulled on his arm so that he doesn't fall off. 

“What was that sound?!” I laughed.

“Shut up.” Elvis laughed “I have never made that sound before.” 

“It’s cute.” I couldn’t for the life of me wipe of the huge grin on my face. 

“Get over here.” He growled playfully, pulling me to him and kissing me passionately. I returned his kiss with just as much passion.

I pulled back and smiled at him, running my fingers through his hair.

“You’re not regretting this are you?” He whispered, looking at me with wide innocent eyes. 

I took a second to answer because I wanted to be clear. I didn’t want this to be a one time thing but I don’t want to scare him off or say the wrong thing. Our situation was complicated. If I were to say what was on my mind, there was no going back. I can’t stay working for him if he rejects me. 

While my mind was working on what to say I saw Elvis’ eyes widen slightly. 

“Jess.” He whispered, his mouth slightly open. He then let go of me and lied fully on his back, staring at the ceiling “Fuck.”

“Elvis.” I frowned.

“No.” He sat up “What the hell, Jess? I can’t go back to pretending like I don’t want to kiss you all the time.”

“Wow, wow, wow. Elvis.” I sat up, pulling the sheets up to my bare chest “I don’t regret this. I don’t. I promise.” I moved closer to him and cupped his face with both hands, letting go of the sheets “I loved last night. I can’t imagine pretending like it didn't happen. I hated when I decided we should forget all about last time. I was miserable, I want to be near you.” I whispered the last part, leaning my forehead against his. 

He sighed and closed his eyes “Stop raising my blood pressure.” 

“I’m sorry.” I pouted and pecked his lips. He chuckled and opened his eyes. He pecked my nose, my cheeks then my lips. 

“You know, since we’re already naked-“ Elvis started, smirking. 

“You thought I was gonna let you leave my bed without fucking me again?” I raised my eyebrow. 

His smirk transformed to a full grin “I fucking love this.” He said and smashed his lips on mine. 

He laid me back onto the pillows, his lips still attached to mine. Elvis moaned against my lips “I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of kissing you.” He whispered, pulling back slightly. 

I grinned and wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him back down to my lips while playing with the end of his hair. His hands trailed down my stomach to my pelvis, I shivered biting down on his lower lip when he ran his fingers through my wet folds.

He grinned when his fingers met my wetness “Always so wet for me.” 

“Cat’s got your tongue baby?” Elvis pulled away from me, his fingers rubbing me back and forth “Where’s my smart mouth?”

“I can’t think right now with your hands in me Elvis.” I replied, biting down on my lips to not moan when he shoved two fingers in me. Elvis grinned, shaking his head. 

“Don’t deprive me from that moan. That’s mine.” He growled, bending his head down to my neck and bit down on my neck. I groaned, the feeling painful but pleasurable.  

“Don’t leave a mark.” I squirmed, when he kept biting and pulling on the same spot on my neck “Elvis.” I warned when he didn't stop. I then reached for his nipples and twisted one of them. 

He shouted, pulling away from me “Ouch! Why did you do that!” He frowned.

“I don’t want a hickey.” I replied, a grin playing on my face when he rubbed his nipple in pain. 

He pouted, looking at me. I rolled my eyes with a smile on my face, I reached for his hand and pushed it off his nipple then stretched my neck and kissed his nipple. 

“I’m sorry.”

“Thank you.” He grinned “I’m gonna give you a hickey, one day. You won’t notice and I’ll do it.”

“I’ll kill you.” I replied “Are you gonna fuck me or no?”

“There she is!” He laughed “My smart mouth.”

“Yeah because you’re fingers are no longer in me.” I frowned. 

“Okay, okay. Stop pouting, it’s breaking my heart.” He teased, then lined himself at my entrance, slowly pumping himself in. We both moaned simultaneously. 

“I need to shower.” I said once we were done and cuddling.

“Me too.” He whispered, playing with my hair as I laid down on his chest “I don’t wanna move though.” 

“Me too.” I replied. I was way too comfortable in his arms. 

“Can we just stay here?” He asked, twirling the ends of my hair with his fingers. 

“And have the entire mafia coming looking for you?” I chuckled. 

“Now I wish not a lot of people lived in this house.” He sighed. 

I gasped, my eyes widening. 

“What?” Elvis asked.

“Do you think Martha heard us last night?” I was horrified if Martha, the cook heard us. 

“Probably. You heard how loud I made you scream last night?” He chuckled.

I slapped his chest “It’s not funny!” 

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding! She was with her family last night, it’s her day off.” 

“I have an idea! Let’s go to my room and take a bath together.” He grinned, I matched his grin. He had a huge bathtub in his room and it looked amazing. 

“Okay, but let me check if the coast is clear.” I said and got out of bed. 

Elvis groaned once I was out of the covers and walking towards the bathroom.

“What?” I asked him.

“You really are the most beautiful girl, it’s mind boggling how I found a model for an assistant.” He winked.

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t stop the smile on my face. I was blushing so hard “Shut up.” 

He threw his head back and laughed at my response, I don’t know how to take a compliment if that wasn’t obvious. 

I went into my bathroom, brushed my teeth and threw on last night’s pjs that were thrown on the floor while Elvis lounged on my bed with his hands behind his head enjoying the view.

“Enjoying the view handsome?” I asked, walking towards the door. 

“Loving the view.” He replied “Woah! You’re not going out there in those pjs.”

I frowned, turning to face him “Why not?”

“Those are the tiniest little shorts, what if someone is actually upstairs? Some of the guys already have a crush on you.” 

“Fine.” I sighed and quickly changed to a t-shirt and sweatpants. 

Running upstairs and checked the living room and the kitchen, it was dead quite plus it was still a bit early for the guys to get here. It was still 9 in the morning. I jogged down and went into my bedroom. Elvis was pulling on his shirt, his pajama pants on.

“No one’s here.” 

“Let’s go.” Elvis intertwined our hands and pulled me out of my room. We quickly ran up to his room. 

I plopped down at the edge of his bed, my feet swinging while he went into the bathroom to fill the tub. He rustled around the bathroom, I can hear him brushing his teeth and spitting out the excess tooth paste. I could feel the butterflies in my stomach, I was just so happy and jittery to be with him right now. He came out and grinned at me.

“I thought for a second I would come out and not find you sitting here.”

“I traumatized you the last time?” I joked.

“Yeah.” He breathed and came over to tower over me as I continued sitting on the bed. He swept my hair back and cupped my face. I looked up at him with wide eyes. I couldn’t believe I was here right now, I’ve been thinking about this since the first time it happened. 

Please don’t break my heart, I wished. 

He smiled softly and dipped his head to capture my lips with his. 

“Let’s go.” He whispered against my lips “I think the tub is filled.” 

“Yeah.” I replied, kissing him one last time before getting up. He grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the bathroom. Letting go go my hand, he quickly stripped off his pajama bottoms and shirt. Following his lead I reached for my t-shirt. Elvis then came over and got on his knees. I looked at him with a confused look on my face. He gripped the elastic waistband of my sweatpants and slowly pulled them down revealing my bare vagina. He continued to pull my sweatpants, revealing my thighs. He reached forward and pressed open-mouthed kisses on my thighs. 

He groaned against my thighs “You always smell so good and now I know you taste amazing as well.” 

He stopped kissing my legs and helped me get out of the sweatpants. He then stared down at my feet then looked up at me with a grin.

“What?” I smiled, confused. 

“You have pretty sooties.” He replied. 

“Sooties?” I asked.

“Feet.” He explained. I looked down at my feet, they were pretty nice and my toes were freshly painted in a baby pink shade. 

“Fuck it’s so hot to have nice feet.” He continued, studying my feet.

“Really?” I asked, feet weren’t my thing but fingers and hands definitely were. Especially Elvis’ hands. I chuckled when he raised my left foot, making me stand on one foot then he placed a kiss on my foot “Come on, I want to get in.” 

He groaned, rolling his eyes “Fine. But I’m having my time with your feet later.” 

I laughed and shook my head. He placed my foot on the ground and walked over to the tub, testing the water temperature before getting in. He leaned against the tub making space for me to get in in front of him. He extended his hand out for me, I gripped his hand and slowly got into the tub. He wrapped his arms around my waist, my back to his chest. I softly moaned, the water was hot and relaxing. He planted little kisses on my shoulder before placing his chin on my shoulder.

“This feels weird.” I whispered, not wanting to ruin the moment. I placed my hands on top of his hands which were wrapped around my waist.

“What does?” He asked.

“Being here. In your bathtub, in your arms.” I replied.

“Good weird?”

I grinned “Definitely.” 

“Good.” He replied and kissed my cheek. I could tell he had the same smile that I had on my face. Excitement and contentment. 

I loved seeing this side of Elvis, the sweet, relaxed side. He was a complete 180 from when he was around the guys, usually trying to be the male alpha, leader of the mafia. With me right now he was just Elvis. This was making it harder not to fall head over heels for him. I’m trying to keep a wall up to not allow myself to fall in love with him but I couldn't help but let my guard down when he was being sweet.  

I left Elvis’ room and peaked from the banister to see if anyone was downstairs, I was in my sweatpants and shirt again. “Fuck.” I hissed and quickly went back into his room.

“What?” Elvis asked, now fully dressed in slacks and button down, long sleeve.

“Everyone is downstairs.” I replied. 

Elvis grinned “You can’t leave now.” He teased.

“It’s not funny! They won’t leave till midnight!” I frowned. 

“We could just spend the entire day up here.” He grinned. I slowly smiled just because I couldn’t help it whenever he gave me that crooked grin of his, it automatically made me smile.

“We can’t.” I replied “You have stuff to do.”

He shrugged “I’ll tell them not to bother me unless there was an emergency.”

“Elvis.” I hissed “Take them out to someplace or something.”

“Nope.” He replied and lied down on his bed, placing his hands behind his head “You’re stuck here with me. Might as well get naked.”

“Don’t make me pinch you again.” I playfully threatened.

He frowned and quickly placed his hands on top of his nipples that were already covered by his shirt. I laughed remembering when I twisted his nipples in the morning for trying to give me a hickey. I walked over to the side of the bed where he was laying and grabbed his arm, trying to pull him off of the bed.

“Come on.” I groaned. 

He gripped my arm and pulled me down on top of him “Kiss me.” He said. I shook my head and moved my face when he tried to kiss me.

“Get them out, then I’ll kiss you.” I replied, lying on top of him. 

“Liar. You’ll say someone will see us so you won’t kiss me.” Elvis replied and wrapped his arms around my waist, squeezing me into him. I placed my chin on his chest and pouted. 

“Please.”

“I hate it when you pout like that.” He grumbled “Cutest fucking thing.” He said and pecked my pouted lips.

“Fine.” He said, rolling his eyes. I grinned and got off of him. He kissed me and left. I heard him calling them and telling them he wanted to go see new golf carts. I kept my ear on the door, hearing them all shuffle out. I peeked and made sure no one was downstairs. Quickly I dashed through the living room, down to the basement and into my room. I changed into a little matching blue set of a pants and top.

“Jess!” I heard Elvis yelling loudly. It sounded far, I think he was by the front door. I was confused, he was yelling my name in urgency. I rushed out of my room and ran up the stairs. 

“Jessica!!!” He yelled.

I looked at him with wide eyes once I reached the top floor and saw him standing by the front door.

“What, what? What’s wrong?” I frowned.

“Get over here! Quickly!” He gestured with his hand that I come to him.

“What happened?” I rushed towards him.

“Quick, give me a kiss before I go.” He said. 

“Elvis!” I hissed “You scared me!” 

He chuckled and quickly pulled me by the waist to him, giving me a passionate kiss. I smiled against his lips and wrapped my arms around his neck. 

“Do I have to go?” He groaned against me lips.

“Go, I’ll see you later.” I replied, pulling back “Be careful.” I only said that because I know Elvis with his golf carts, he loves to see how fast he can get them to go. 

He nodded and pecked my lips one last time before leaving. 

So this is the new normal? Us kissing like a couple before he goes out? My heart swelled at the thought. I loved feeling his lips on mine. It was intoxicating. How the hell are we supposed to keep this a secret? 

Later on I was in the kitchen, still in my outfit when I heard the front door open and shut, it was quiet so I don’t think the Mafia are back yet. I continued looking for snacks in the fridge when I felt someone come up behind me and quickly wrap their arms around me.

I smiled, realizing it was Elvis.

He kissed my neck. I could feel his smile against my neck.

“What are you doing back so early?” I asked, leaning back against him.

“I missed you.” He replied. I chuckled and rolled my eyes. 

“Where are the rest of the Mafia?” 

“They’re coming, they’re just making sure the golf cart gets dropped off without any accidents.” He replied and continued kissing my neck. 

I turned around in his arms and kissed him. I made sure to keep my ear strained just to make sure no one comes into the kitchen. 

I then heard the door open and a bunch of loud male voices.

“They’re here.” I mumbled against his lips. He hummed but continued to kiss me “Elvis.” 

“Hmm, let them see me kissing you.” He replied. I pulled my head back and frowned at him. 

He groaned and rolled his eyes “I’m in so much trouble.” He said.

“Why?” I frowned, his arms were still around me as I heard their footsteps come closer. 

“How the hell am I supposed to keep my hands off of you?” He growled in frustration and quickly moved away from me as they entered the kitchen. 

“Lunch please!” Joe groaned. 

“I’ll tell Martha to get started on lunch.” I replied as they all started raiding the kitchen for snacks. 

The following week was the exact same. We would pretend like nothing was going on but at night I was in his room, every night without fail. It was me and him and it was my favorite time. Not just the sex but also our late night talks that we had. Like right now, we were cuddling and he was talking about his mom. I could tell from the faraway look in his eyes that he was picturing her in his mind. I couldn’t begin to understand the pain he felt from such a loss given that I had, thankfully both my parents alive and well. The only thing I could do was listening and embrace him tightly, letting him know that I was listening and present. 

“She would’ve like you.” He smiled down at me.

I smiled and looked up at him “Really?” 

“Yeah.” He sighed “She would say you’re a sweet, kind girl. Plus, Dodger really loves you.” I smiled and cuddled closer to him. I loved Dodger and was sad that I didn’t get the chance to meet Gladys. 

“My parents are crazy about you.” I chuckled, running my hand through his chest hair “Especially my mom.”

“Oh I know.” He chuckled.

“My sister said if I didn’t take advantage of you, she would.” 

He laughed loudly.

“Couldn’t let that happen.” I continued. 

“Oh so I should thank Ella for threatening you to go for me.” He grinned. 

“Write her a card that says Thanks for threatening your sister to get her to sleep with me.” 

“I will!” 

He kept playing with my hair as we watched TV, it was almost 3AM both of us way too energetic to sleep. I noticed Elvis not taking his sleeping pills and I honestly was enjoying his company, I didn’t want to sleep. It reminded me of being a kid when I never wanted to go to bed. 

Elvis started humming his song “Love me.” then started singing softly.

“Wring my faithful heart. Tear it all a part but Love me.”

I smiled, nuzzling my head to his chest.

“Well, if you ever go. Darling I’ll be oh so horny.” I chuckled at the lyric change “I’ll be sad and blue, jerking off to youuuu.” He sang.

“Jesus Christ, Elvis!” I laughed and pushed off of his chest. He laughed and pulled me back to him. 

The winter weather settled in Memphis and Christmas day was getting close. I was excited for Christmas especially with all the decorations and lights that lit up Graceland, I loved it. It was my favorite time of the year and it wasn’t about the gifts. It was the lights, deportations, Christmas music and just everyone was in a better and happier mood. Especially Elvis, he loved Christmas and his excitement rubbed off on the entire group. I always made sure to donate to different charities and volunteer at soup kitchens. 

“Hey.” I popped my head into Elvis’ office after knocking. He looked up from the piece of paper he was going over and smiled.

“Come on in baby.”

I smiled and walked in, closing the door behind me. He pushed back from the desk but kept sitting and patted his thigh, indicating that he wants me to sit on his lap. 

Sitting on his lap, I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him softly.

“I haven't see you all day.” I mumbled against his lips.

He sighed and pulled back “I know. I had multiple meetings with the Colonel and RCA.”

“All good I hope?” 

“Eh. But I don’t wanna talk about it.” He replied. 

“I need to talk to you about my leave.” I said, I needed to let him know that I was taking my leave during Christmas, which I always took at the same time every year which was the week of Christmas. I had never spent the actual day here. 

“Yeah whenever you want.” He said and kissed my lips “Except Christmas.” He mumbled against my lips.

“Huh?” I asked, pulling back “Why? Do you need me on Christmas day?”

“Uh. Yeah. I want to spend Christmas with you.” He frowned. 

I ran my hand through his soft dark hair “Honey, I have to spend Christmas with my family.”

“But what about me?” 

My heart broke slightly at the look on his face, he seemed hurt and disappointed. 

“I’ll see you after Christmas.” I mumbled, playing with the collar of his shirt and avoiding his eyes. 

“It’s not the same.” He clenched his jaw.

“Elvis, I barely see my family as is.” 

“You literally just saw them.” He frowned, tightening his arms around my waist.

“That was different. They were here because I was hurt, it wasn’t on a happy occasion.” I replied. I get that he wanted to spend Christmas with me, I wanted to as well but I needed to make time for my family.

He bit his lip and looked off to the side. I sighed and slid off of his lap. He didn't want to talk, it was either his way or no way. 

“I’ll see you later okay?” I asked and kissed his cheek.

He didn’t reply, instead he picked up the piece of paper he was previously reading and continued reading. 

I didn't bother letting him know that I was heading for the soup kitchen that I always volunteered at every year during Christmas. If he didn't want to talk then we weren’t going to talk, I’ll let him calm down and then let him come talk to me. Heading towards my room, I changed into some jeans, a turtle neck and a jacket to keep my warm along with some boots. 

We had been working for hours in the kitchen and serving the homeless people, I saw the regular people who I’ve grown to love. I felt happy that I got to see them, knowing they’re still here and for the ones I didn’t see I just hoped they’re in a better place and no longer homeless. Also, the kitchen just had nice atmosphere. We had the same volunteers, music was playing. It was just nice to know you’re doing something for someone. 

“Hi Mr. Carrolli.” I grinned when I saw the old Italian man who owned this Italian restaurant, every year without fail he would shut down his restaurant just to do this and give back.

“Hi Miss Anderson.” He smiled back politely “Nice seeing you back.”

“Great to be back.” I smiled as I scooped up some soup using the ladle and poured it into the girl’s bowl. 

I continued making small talk with people as I poured them soup when all of a sudden someone stood next to me and kissed my cheek. I jerked back looking at the guy who’s face was covered by his baseball hat, sitting low on his head with wide eyes. 

“I’m sorry.” He said and raised his head so that I could see his face. Elvis.

“Oh my god. You scared the crap outta me.” I frowned then turned back towards the guy who I was currently serving and smiled apologetically. 

“Can I take over?” Elvis asked the guy who was standing next to me, who was in charge of handing out pieces of bread. 

“Sure, man. Thanks, could use the break.” The guy replied and left. 

“What are you doing here?” I asked. Elvis kept his hat low to avoid getting recognized, he kind of looked suspicious but people weren’t really paying attention. Their eyes were on the food that was being served. 

“I wanted to apologize for getting mad but I looked everywhere at home for you and I couldn't find you. Then I remembered that every year on this day you would go volunteer so I came.” He replied, smiling slightly at the person and handing them a piece of bread. 

I grinned looking at him. I loved having him here during mundane things with me.

He turned and looked at me “What?” He chuckled.

I shook my head and turned back towards the people in the line “Nothing. It’s just really cute seeing you here with me.”

I also loved seeing him dressed in a simple shirt, jacket and jeans. 

He smiled and continued serving. I quickly got on my tippy toes and kissed his cheek. 

“You walked here?” I asked, pulling my hair out of my ponytail as we walked out of the restaurant.

“I let the guys drop me off down the street because the car would’ve attracted attention.” Elvis replied.

“And Red let you!” I looked at him with wide eyes. Elvis never goes out without security.

“I’m his boss, baby.” He smirked. I rolled my eyes, he probably threatened to fire him if he disobeyed him. 

“Let’s walk home then.” I said and took his hand into mine.

“Sure.” He smiled, intertwining our fingers together before raising it up to his lips, planting a small kiss on my hand.

It felt like we were a regular couple walking home at night, holding hands. 

“We should do this every year.” Elvis said.

“Really?” I grinned up at him. 

“Yeah, why not. You love doing it and I could see why.” He grinned down at me. Then he removed his baseball cap and placed it on my head, backwards “I hate wearing baseball hats.”

I cuddled into his arm. He let go of my hand and wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer to his side. 

“You understand why I want to be with my family, right?” I asked him after a while of walking in silence. 

“Yeah, I guess.” He sighed “I had plans for Christmas though.” He pouted,

“What?” 

“I planned to fuck you all through Christmas Eve into Christmas day. Then I can wish you a Merry Christmas while I'm inside you.” He grinned.

I laughed and shook my head “Of course!”  

“I’m gonna miss out then.” I chuckled. He shrugged and kissed my temple. He made a joke but I could still tell that it was bothering him. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted to spend Christmas with him but I feel like I’ve been neglecting my family since I started working so far away from them. I would feel so guilty if I didn’t spend Christmas with them.

Elvis had to make a call using the phone booth to let someone come and pick us up once we were close to the house because we wouldn’t be able to get into Graceland without the fans noticing.  

I was now at my parents place after Elvis almost making me late for my flight by keeping me trapped in his bed. He kept his arms wrapped tightly around him, making out with me before I left. Eventually he let me go with a lot of sulking and pouting, I was able to make my flight on time. 

I spent the entire week leading up to Christmas with my parents and siblings. We had the best time, going to our favorite places and restaurants but still my mind kept drifting back to Elvis. I always called him at night before going to bed and he would get mad if I called a minute later. This oddly felt like a relationship but I couldn't help but think if there was another girl right now with him. I sighed and shook the thoughts out of my head. 

I wanted to spend Christmas with him at Graceland. I worked for him for two years yet I never got to actually experience Christmas day at Graceland. 

I managed to convince my parents that I was needed in Graceland on Christmas so we ended up opening my gifts and the gifts I got them on Christmas Eve before my flight. It still felt like Christmas since we got up super early in our pajamas and opened some of the gifts. I was so excited to surprise Elvis for Christmas. My flight got in at 11PM on Christmas Eve then I was on my way to Graceland. The house was quite on Christmas Eve everyone was spending time with their wives and kids so it was perfect timing. It was nearing 12AM when I dropped my bags by the door and tiptoed up the stairs to Elvis’ bedroom. I stood by his door waiting for the clock to strike 12. I knocked on his door and waited patiently.

“Yes?” Elvis called. Butterflies erupted in my stomach, I was so excited to see him. I was shaking in nerves and excitement.

“Yeah?” Elvis called again when I didn't say anything “God damn it.” He groaned and I heard the sheets rustle, his steps pounding closer to the door.

“Yes?” He said and swung the door open.

I grinned “Merry Christmas Handsome.”

His jaw dropped, his eyes widening as his eyes roamed over my body “Jess?”

I bit my lower lip, practically jumping on my toes.

“Oh my god!” He grinned after a second and quickly picked my up in his arms, twirling me around as he embraced me tightly. I laughed, wrapping my arms around him.

“You’re here.” He smiled softly, his eyes shinning with happiness. He pulled back and kissed me.

“I am!”

“Merry Christmas baby.” He grinned “I can’t believe you’re here.” 

I couldn’t wipe the grin off of my face. I cupped his cheeks and kissed him. He moaned against my lips and lifted me up to wrap my legs around his waist. He walked us in, closing the door behind him before placing me gently on the bed. 

“Sorry I couldn’t make it earlier. I decided last minute that I would rather be here, with you.” 

He smiled and shook his head “I’m glad, I really am. As long as you’re here, it doesn't matter.”

I grinned and pulled him down to kiss me “This is your Christmas gift by the way.” I joked.

“Then it’s the best gift I’ve ever gotten.” He grinned against my lips. 

He pulled my shirt over my head and groaned when he saw I wasn’t wearing a bra “I haven't been inside of you for a whole week.”

“Way to long.” I smirked. He kissed my neck, pushing me down on the pillows. He kissed his way down my neck and captured one of my nipples in his mouth. I moaned and arched my back, giving him better access. I pulled him back up to kiss him then hooked my legs around his waist and flipped us over so that I was on top. 

“You really love being on top don’t you?” Elvis grinned.

“Only with you.” I smirked, I was always too shy to explore with previous boyfriends, it was very mundane sex. I had to fake it sometimes but I didn’t want to boost Elvis’ already big ego.

“I feel special.” 

“You should.” I replied and pulled his shirt over his head. Kissing down his chest and bit down on his nipple. He groaned and gripped my hair. I kissed down his stomach making my way down the trail of hair that led to his hard on. I pulled his boxers down his legs, throwing them to the side. 

“Move down.” I said getting off him to get on my knees by his bed as he sat up and move to the edge of the bed, placing his feet on the ground.

I kissed up his thigh then planted a soft kiss on the tip of his cock making his groan and jerk forward. 

I licked up the length of his cock then took him in my mouth. He moaned as I started to suck on his cock. 

He gripped my head and pounded into my mouth, moaning loudly. Tears were streaming down my face as I gagged slightly from having his large cock shoved to the back on my throat.

“I’m gonna come down your throat.” He hissed. 

I patted his thigh, letting him know that I was okay with that. 

After that we decided to exchange gifts and he was so excited to show me what he got for me. He wore his robe and gave me one of his to wear both of us sneaking downstairs to exchange gifts by the Christmas tree. 

Elvis pulled my carry-on and sat down by the tree.

“Okay.” He grinned and pulled a very large box it was a huge trunk. I frowned looking at the unusually large trunk, what the hell could it be? “Open it.”

“What the hell is that Elvis?” 

“Just open it.” He chuckled.

I got on my knees and opened the trunk. I looked inside to see 5 different colored Cowboy hats, navy, black, brown, pink and red cowboy hats with matching cowboy boots. I gasped and grinned.

“You got me cowboy hats and boots?! Oh my god, Elvis!” I was so excited I got rid of my cowboy hat a while back so I missed wearing it. 

He laughed when I launched myself at him, wrapping my arms around his neck “Thank you.” I pulled back and smiled at him.

“You’re welcome, sweet girl.” He said smiling softly, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear. I kissed him then quickly got off his lap to pull open my carry-on. I took out the small wrapped gifts that I got for Elvis. 

“Here.” I placed the first gift in Elvis’ waiting hands. 

He grinned and tore into the gift wrap then opened the small jewelry box.

“I saw it in a vintage shop and it reminded me of you.” I told him. He smiled and pulled the necklace out, it was a gold cross necklace, it had little diamonds on the cross.

“Jess, you shouldn’t have. This looks really expensive.” He frowned. It was kind of because it was real gold with real diamonds but I knew he would love it.

“Shh.” I shook my head.

“Jess. It’s very pretty. Thank you honey.” He grinned then reached forward and pecked my lips. Since the chain was long he was able to get it through his head without having to unclasp it “I love it.”

“I also got you this.” I handed him the next present. He tore off the gift wrap it was a book called The Prophet.

“Honey, I have this already.” He smiled with a slight frown and confusion expressed on his face “I’ve read you some passages a few times.”

I chuckled and shook my head, I know he has this book. It’s his favorite book “I know but I read it and annotated it. So, you can read my thoughts when you decide to read it again.”

“You read The Prophet?!” His jaw dropped “I didn’t think you were interested in it.”

“It’s something you love so I thought I’d read it since its your favorite book.” I shrugged, doubting my gift now.

He kept on staring at me with the book in his hands.

“I-I’m sorry if you don’t like it-“ I started but he shook his head.

“No, no. Honey.” He breathed and placed the book on the floor next to his knee. He then pulled me into his lap “Baby. I-I don’t know what to say. This is the most thoughtful gift I’ve ever received. I-I don’t know what to say, really-” He smiled softly but I could see unshed tears in his eyes before he quickly blinked them away “Thank you. I love it and I love- the cross.” 

I smiled and kissed him. 

“I can’t wait to read it again and see your thoughts.” He grinned.

I took a long look at him and just knew that I was falling for this beautiful blue eyed man. I still don't know what this is because we acted as a couple but we weren’t actually. I didn't even want to ask in case it scares him off. 

Taglist: @urrfavvana @girlblogger2002 @butlersluvbot @iheqrtaustin @dramaticpandabear @godlypresley @amiets2 @felis-haxb16 @marie73ep @scarlettlight06 @whatstruthgottodowithit @sassanoe

Let me know if you want to be added to the taglist!

[melodystone57]

Chapter 3: Razers Edge

Razer sat in the holding cell in silence, repeatedly watching the recent planet he helped destroy. Kilowog wanted to interagate him first and honestly, I didn't have it in me to object. We all walked over to the cell but Hal and I stayed behind.

"You like looking at that stuff, Poozer? You proud of what you did?" Razer didn't even acknowledge him. It was like talking to a wall.

"How many of you Red Lanterns are out there? And why are you hunting Green Lanterns?" Getting the same response as before, Kilowog walked into the cell, grabbed Razer by his shirt, and pushed him into the wall behind them.

" Answer me!"

"Easy there, Kilowog! This thing's a rental, remember?" Hal intervened pushing Razer back down to his spot, to pull Kilowog away into another room entirely. I stayed behind to try and reason with Razer.

" The Red Lanterns abandoned you, Razer. They left you for dead." I walked into the cell and sat next to him," I think that calls for a little payback, don't you? Help us, please. I know there's good in you. Tell us what you know. " Looking deep into his eyes, I could see that he was confused and lost, but most of all hurt.

"I do hate the Red Lanterns for what they've made me. But that doesn't mean I stopped hating Green Lanterns. It just means I have more people to hate." He said looking away from me and back at the projection. I understood that he wouldn't help us in the way we hoped. Standing up from my seat I walked over towards the control panel and turned on the barrier field to the cell. Looking back I sighed in disappointment, I wanted to help him but there wasn't much I could do. I continued walking to the cockpit and into the meeting between the guardians and the rest of the crew.

"Hal Jordan stole the Interceptor. And you wish to reward him by giving him command of it?" Apa exclaimed looking at Ganthet as if he grew three heads.

"Appa, we have no choice. They are our only line of defense on the Frontier. Besides, at that distance, there's very little we can do to punish Jordan, anyway."

"All in favor of letting Hal Jordan and the rest of his crew operate the interceptor?" 13 out of 25 raised their hands. "All those opposed?" 12 other hands raised as the 13 went down.

"Then, we are of one mind. The crew of the Interceptor is tasked with gathering intelligence on the Red Lantern threat and taking reasonable action to slow their advance." Ganthet Annoced.

"We may be of one mind, but only on the protest. Now. What is the status of the Red Lantern's ring?" Apa asked

" Safe. In a stasis box." I replied walking to my seat in front of the Navigation panel.

"Yeah, the ring doesn't take that much room. Unfortunately, Razer does. What do you suggest we do with him?" Hal questioned looking at Razer and then back at Apa.

" Even you know your duty, Hal Jordan. He must be imprisoned."

"Fools!" was said loudly within the science cell. Someone wasn't happy with the new arrangement or procedure.

" For what I have done, they should execute me." Razer spat out violently.

"I do not understand your desire for self-destruction. If one regrets one's actions, one should find a way to make restitution." Aya tried to reason looking at him through an artificial orb that was stationed at the door.

" I'm not about to debate this with a computer!"

" Any orders?" I asked, looking at Hal.

"Yeah, find me a prison. It's not like we can just drop Razer off on a handy Lantern science. Frontier Lanterns use privatized penitentiaries."

" I can compile all the detailed places" Aya tried but was interrupted by Hal

"That won't be necessary, Aya. Just something nearby."

"But nothing too nice," said Kilowog with a scowl on his face. This was not gonna be an easy ride.

"Wow, she took you at your word about the "nothing too nice" thing," I said walking out of the interceptor first and taking a look at my surroundings. The walls were made up of a solid brown rock. But looked to have had holes drilled into it manually. There were giant cobwebs littered everywhere. The room itself was cold and repulsive.

"It ain't that bad" Kilowog defended himself

" Are you kidding? This place gives me the creeps. It's like fear radiates from the walls. It's a dark, dank, repulsive hall full of...." Hal trailed on walking forwards but not truly paying attention/

Looking straight at the corridor in front of us, I noticed three black masses coming towards us. It didn't take long to see 8 legs moving in synchronized movement.

"Spiders!" I yelled out backing away a little.

" I was gonna say "rats", but Oh" he stopped and looked where I was looking and saw that I was correct. Three giant black spiders with spears were coming towards us.

"Well, well Green Lanterns! It's been a long time since we hosted a prisoner for our esteemed colleagues in justice." The middle one announced, walking towards Hal. the more he walked towards us the more is scotched closer to Kilowog.

"I take it you're the warden?" Hal Asked.

"I am Myglom. I operate this prison on behalf of the Spider Guild. Aah, it appears you have something for me. " He looked towards the Razer in the shackles that Kilowog conjured.

"This piece of work is Razer. We have documented evidence of his crimes against sentient beings"

"Oh, I'm quite confident he's guilty. No one has ever escaped from this facility. I'm very proud of that But I'm even more proud of our rehabilitation program. You'll find that nearly 100% of our former guests never returned to a life of crime." He praised looking at me, deep in my eyes.

"Well, I'm sold! Myglom, we hereby officially remand custody of Razer to your care." He pulled Razer towards the guards. Letting the shackles disappear the spiders on the side of Myglom grabbed him and took him towards his new cell. Razer looked back and straight towards me. I was filled with regret not because I had to do this. But because I wasn't able to help him and get him to talk.

"That's one Red Lantern down, more where that came from," Kilowog said as he walked back onto the ship.

Once we left the prison we all went to the cockpit to start our search for a new red lantern.

" I don't know about you, but I'm gonna sleep a whole lot easier knowing that guy ain't on board. Now we can get back to nailing those Red'" A flash of black moved across the window fast in front of Kilowog. "Lanterns. Did you see that?"

"What? Out the window? In space?" Hal replied looking at him confused and going back to his task.

"There! Right there! Right, where?" Kilowog got up so face his chair fell and rushed to where the black thing was looking for it again. "I am not crazy! I saw something there!"

" What is up with you?" I asked Kilowog concerned when the black mass fell on the window scaring all of us.

"Aaaah"

We all rushed out of the ship towards the window looking for the mass.

"Fan out. Our hitchhiker's hiding somewhere." I ordered. I flew towards the engine and used my ring as a scanner for any foreign objects. He flew past me towards Kilowog following it I bumped into Kilowog and Hal bumped into me shortly after.

"Will you stay out of my way?" Kilowog yelled looking between Hal and I.

"We're going about this all wrong! Whatever it is, it's intelligent. It's watching us and staying one step ahead." I yelled out.

"Why are you yelling at me?"

"To cause a distraction, so we can do this!" both me and Hal grabbed the thing only for it to wrap itself around Hal's arm. Both Kilowog and I tried pulling it off, but it just screamed in pain. Giving up on that plan I created a box around his arm trapping it in there, but making sure Hal could get his arm out. Once it was secure I took a good look at it and noticed it looked like a purple starfish. I had one eye and one long tooth hanging out. I brought it inside and set it in the science cell that once housed Razer.

"OK, squid, start talking. Kilowog here loves seafood and has a big appetite." Hal Started looking straight at our prisoner.

"What?" Kilowog said looking at Hal and then at me for an explanation

"It's an old interrogation method from Earth. Good cop, hungry cop." I started kneeling on the floor to get a better look at the starfish.

"Goggan will not go back! Cannot go back! Destroy me, but do not take me back to the grim rock! To live all days like my worst!" the prisoner yelled out.

"Great ugly and nuts!" Kilowog deadpanned

"You escaped from the Spider Guild's prison," I asked standing back up.

"Yes with this!" He pointed to his tooth, "Goggan tunneled twelve years! Me sane, sane! Goggan rid the airshaft. Then you! Still sane"

"You shouldn't have bothered, nut job! Cause you're just going right back to prison, where you belong!" Kilowg exclaimed stepping closer to Goggan mencingly.

"No Please, no! Mercy! Not back to Nightmare Rock! Goggan lives his pain there. Torture Goggan is a child there, and old. The worst of fates! Again and again" Both me and Hal looked at each other in understanding and towards Kilowog.

"What? The escaped con would say anything to stay out of prison!" Kilowog Defended with his arms crossed.

"And if he's telling the truth?" I asked putting one hand on my hip and cocking it to the side,

"Razer's worse than a criminal. If the spiders wanna torture him, let 'em!"

"It's our job, our duty to serve and protect. Even if they're criminals." I responded staring dead into his eyes with my white ones.

"Intriguing! The criminals must be punished. Surely prisoners deserve their fate." Aya asked after overhearing our conversation.

"They deserve justice, which sometimes involves punishment. But not torture." I replied as I kept staring at Kilowog.

"Look We've got to take this back, anyway, so We'll have a look around" Hal interrupted making me look at him in agreement.

"OK." Kilowog gave up "But even if there is something wrong with the prison, it's not like Myglom's gonna let us see it! They'll clean up their act as soon as they see us coming!" that's when I finally understood what Hal meant.

"That's why they're not going to see us coming," I said smirking.

"Please, don't say it"

"We're going to break into prison." Hal finished before I could. We walked back into the cock pit and started our route back to "Nightmare Rock". Once we landed in a secluded and hidden spot, we all walked to the elevator that leads to the ramp.

" It's worse than death! Infinity upon infinity You mustn't go!" Goggan tried to warn us.

"Don't worry, Goggan, just taking a quick look around. Dinner's in two hours. If we're not back, start without us, because we're probably dead." Hal joked back at him. He looked towards me.

" Rory it might be best to stay here and guard Goggan."

" But you'll need my help more."

" And you afraid of Spiders." I paused in thought and realized I wasn't much help with my fear. I complied and stayed with Goggan.

"They're dead by now. We must leave, leave before we're found!" Goggan exclaimed as he paced in his cell

"No, there is not, they are perfectly fine. We will continue to wait." I responded

" The one said he'd be back before dinner, two hours ago! Dinner time has passed. Dead!"

" There is a high probability that Hal was attempting to be humorous," I said getting up from my seat and walking towards the cell.

"If they're not dead yet, they will be soon! Worse than dead, even! "

"Unacceptable. Action must be taken to rescue the Green Lanterns. Even at risk to this unit." Aya said over the comms. I sighed knowing that she was right. Getting up I walked to the elevator and yelled out before the doors closed "You're in charge Aya"

Following their footsteps wasn't entirely hard to do, however, it was hard to stay away from the spiders. Moving silently in the corridors I glided towards one of the cells to avoid being spotted, coincedetily when I looked further in I noticed It was Razer's cell. I walked over to get a better look at him. He was strapped to an x-shaped platform standing upright. He had a cylinder tube around his head that was conducting electricity. His face looked like he was in pain, moving closer to him I went to take off the helmet when I noticed a green streak out of the corner of my eye.

"What the hell?"

" Do not be afraid, I am the Aya Program." the green streak called out.

"Aya what are you doing here? You should be on the ship guarding Goggan."

" I could not let you go alone. A green Lantern makes sacrifices for the greater good." She stated, "I believe I have a way that we can help Razer."

"How?"

"By sending you into his telepathic thoughts with that spare helmet."

Looking around confused, I spotted the helmet. I walked over and grabbed it.

"Now what?" I asked.

"Put the Helmet on and try to keep your mind open."

Following her instructions I waited for a couple of seconds before I felt immense pain, then darkness.

Opening my eyes I noticed I was lying down with green flamed candles around me. Sitting up and looking to my left I noticed Razer sulking with his back turned to me.

"Razer, listen to me. None of this is real. This is not happening. It's ok, you don't need to panic. It's me, Rory. Aya sent me into your telepathic thoughts to help you." He turned around and looked at me in shock for a few seconds until it looked like he finally accepted what he saw.

"I know this is a fantasy. An illusion meant to bring me pain."

"If you know then, why stay here? Why not fight back for control?" I asked standing up.

"The memories keep replaying, over and over, in my head. They hurt. But I don't mind. I get to see her again. Even if it's for one more moment."

"I'm sorry Razer." I said looking down "But, I need your help. I can't save Hal and Kilowog without you. There are too many spiders for me to fight off and my rings not working properly"

"The prison? What are you all even doing here?"

"We heard that prisoners are being tortured here. And Hal and I thought it was unacceptable. We came back here to investigate. And to save you, if that was true."

"You shouldn't have done that. I deserve to be here. I helped destroy an entire world. All those people died because of me."

"That's where you are wrong. Kilowog and I were able to rescue the settlers before the world was destroyed."

"What? Then, I didn't ...It doesn't matter. I'm still the one who pressed the button. In my heart, I'm guilty of murder. I'm going to stay here "

"Too bad we don't get what we want," I said as I walked over and touched his face to bring him out of his memories. Once we were free Aya released him took off my helmet and stood up from the floor.

"I will never forgive this." He said looking at me.

" I have seen your past, and sadly I know your pain."

"No one knows my pain! Certainly, not the likes of you." He spat out angrily and walked towards the door. I followed after him and took a left down the hallway once the door opened.

"Where, now?" Razer asked looking at me.

"Something makes me weaker and brings a feeling of being drained. I believe this is where they are keeping Hal and Kilowog." I replied

"And the other way?" He asked looking to the right.

"That is the path back to the ship." He fled down the right hallway toward the ship

"No! You cannot leave them to die!" I yelled out but he was too far gone. My yelling caught the attention of some spiders. They came towards me, I started to prepare myself to fight. One came at me and I went to kick it, only to receive pain throughout that leg. That same spider took the opportunity to knock me out.

I woke up again in Hal's arms, I moved to get back on my feet.

"Easy there princess. You took a pretty nasty hit to the head. How do you feel?"

" Like I just got knocked out. What Happened? I asked while looking around and saw all the spiders either dead or in severe condition.

"Razer Happened. He got his ring back and went to town on them once he saw that you were hurt. But he gave it back once they were taken care of" Hal handed me Razers ring.

I blushed deeply just at the thought of him protecting me.

" Come on, let's get back to the ship," I said as we began our walk to the interceptor.

"Myglom and his guards in the jail cells. Like you wanted!" Goggan informed as we crawled closer towards us.

"The Guardians have dispatched a new warden. He should arrive in 18 months. In the meantime, I'm designating a temporary warden. Congratulations, Goggan. I'm leaving the prison in your capable hands things. I trust you can free the prisoners from their cocoons?" I asked and was informed.

"Yes yes! Of course, I No one will ever be tortured here again!" Goggan stated as he saluted to us and started his next task.

"You know, for a second there, I thought you were gonna make Razer the warden," Kilowog stated as he looked at me while I walked towards the ship that sat on top of the loading dock inside the prison.

"Are you crazy? I couldn't possibly leave a Red Lantern in charge of this place." I joked only to turn around a look at Razer who had his head down "Because he's coming with us." I threw his ring towards him. Thankfully he had good reflexes. He looked back at my smirking face in surprise. Winking at him I walked onto the ramp with him following behind me. As soon Razer and I were on board the ship took off to look for more lanterns.

"You do not seem to have recovered from your ordeal," I said to Razer as we sat down at the in-floor dining table.

"You have seen my past. It is private." He stated as he crossed his arms.

"Trust me it wasn't my idea."

"You're a smart girl, but yet you risked your life for idiots. Why?" He questioned. I cast my head down to try and hide my smile but gave up and looked at him while smirking

"Because a Green Lantern would do no less."

[princessconsuela120]

❃ FEZCO ❃

Chapter twenty-three: This Side of Paradise—❃

Series masterlist

Chapter Warnings: foul language, everything with teotfw and with euphoria

Authors note: Enjoy guys! All rights reserved to the show the end of the f*cking world.

—❃

Normally, alyssa always kissed me first.

“Are you okay?” I asked, pulling away from the kiss as she sighed. I could tell she was somewhere else.

“Can we wait?” She asked, her voice full of worry as she spoke to me.

“Just for a bit, like, I don't know, for a few days, is that okay?”

“Yeah, of course.

I think it is okay. We've got, like, our whole lives. Plus, she might feel like it tomorrow.

“What?”

“Nothing. I can't believe I've got a brother. I've probably got, like, loads of them. All over the place. I know he's traveled. I've probably got family in Vietnam or some shit. I think I hate my dad more than I hate my mum.” She explained, making me nod.

“Me, too. I hate both of mine, but definitely hate my dad more.” 

It was true, I hated both my parents for leaving. I grew up when I was a kid, it wasn’t fair. My dad was a gangster, a bad one too. I never saw either of them ever again. Atleast my mom had the curtesy to leave me.

“Why?”

“'Cause she died and he didn't.” 

“What was she like?”

“I don’t know, I never met her. I lived with my grandma since I was a kid. She left when I was really young, so did my dad.” Alyssa sighed, smiling at me as she grabbed my hand. We sat next to each other on the beach, staring out at the water as she leaned her head against my shoulder.

“Fez?” She said softly, god I loved when she said my name.

“Yeah?”

“It wasn't your fault.” She reassured, squeezinng my hand with a smile. I smiled back, leaning my head against her with a sigh, a relieving one that seemed to let out all the stress I had been holding all my life. Somehow hearing her say that just made everything really simple. Like I knew I was gonna be okay because I had her. It's like we're at the edge of the world. Like we're safe. Only... we're not.

“We can't stay here.” She called out, seeming to think exactly what I did.

“Nope.”

“We can't go home.”

“No.”

“We should go away. Properly away. Like, somewhere foreign.”

Anywhere sounded perfect with Alyssa.

“Yeah.”

“Somewhere else completely new and start again.” She explained, pulling away from my embrace with an eager look.

“Yeah.”

“Do you want to do that, too?” She asked, making me nod.

“Yes.” I really did want that. “Shit ma id follow you anywhere.” She smiled at me and I smiled back. “We could take your dad's boat. We just need the keys.” 

It's much easier to think someone's the answer if you haven't seen them for years. Because they're not really real. People can't be answers. They're just more questions. Questions like: "Why are you such a fucking useless dad?" I could tell Alyssa was regretting coming here. I could tell that by the way she chucked beer cans at her dads sleeping body.

“Ah, fuck! Ah, Alyssa! Ah! You came back! Oh, thank God. I was worried about you.” Alyssa raised an eyebrow at him as he ran a hand through his hair nervously. “I was. I went looking for you everywhere.”

“No, you didn't. You ran over a dog, killed it, then fucked off and left me.” She hissed, making him sigh.

“Yeah, but after that. After all that. Wait, I killed the dog? Fucking hell!” Then he laughed, he fucking laughed. I was about 10 words away from kicking this man’s ass.

“I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I was shit-faced. Oh, I'm sorry. I'm laughing because it's bad, you know? I'm–“

“Can we go out on the boat?” Alyssa asked, catching her dad off guard.

“What?

“Your boat. Me and Fezco want to go out on it.”

“Now?”

“Yeah. Now.”

“Okay. Fine. Give me, like, ten minutes. I need a shit and a Berocca.

“You don't have to come with us.

“What do you mean?

“Just mean, it's cool, we'll manage. Fez is a good driver. We'll have it back by lunchtime.” 

That’s where we knew we were fucked, because instead of handing us the keys, he just chuckled. It made my skin crawl.

[vanmarkus]

20 questions for fic writers

I was tagged by the lovely @jesuisici33 thank you mwuah 💛

I'm gonna put some of it under the cut bc it got kinda long uhh

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

15

2. What’s your total AO3 word count?

188,136

3. What fandoms do you write for?

currently consumed by 911, but most of my fics either belong to The Witcher or Stranger Things

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

789 – Long and Lost /geraskier, 9.7k, explicit/

707 – It might walk like a duck /steddie, 10k, explicit/

656 – The Companion /geraskier, 6.9k, mature/

634 – A promise I could not make (But what if I was wrong?) /geraskier, 16.4k, mature/

451 – Of Banquets and Destinies /geraskier, 5.4k, gen/

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

Absolutely!! I love everyone who takes the time to comment on my stuff, it makes me so happy and excited whenever I get the email 💛

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

I'm a firm believer of heavy angst + happy endings, but I gotta say But where they lay, they cannot stay is hands down the angstiest, because it can barely be classified as a happy ending oops

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

I guess Spare me your dreams has a pretty sappy ending lol

8. Do you get hate on fics?

No, but once I got a comment on the last chapter of a multi, saying that they 'liked it up until the smut' because I made them use spit as lube and apparently 'I was promoting unsafe sexual practices'........ love, this is fiction and not a sex ed class. The characters in question weren't even fully human, come on now.

I have been moderating my comments ever since, because I'm just not willing to give the time of day to idiots like that.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Funnily enough I wasn't big on smut for a really long time and though I felt that some stories needed it, I always just wanted to get it over with as quickly as possible (I also used to skim sex scenes when I was reading) because I just didn't really find them interesting... that kinda changed when I found some truly exquisite fics and realised that smut can be written just engagingly as the rest of the story and now I include explicit smut in most of the stuff I write. I just really enjoy getting into that part of the characters' minds and finding different scenarios and new nasty things for them to do 😊

What kind? Hmm. Not sure, I like to sprinkle in some sub/dom undertones and a little bit of a praisekink or edging even for the most vanilla stuff. I wouldn't say my stuff is that kinky?? Though I did write watersports, public settings and some degradation too, but who even knows what's considered kinky nowadays...

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written?

I don't write crossovers, I don't even read them... it's just not for me, I guess.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I know of, so hopefully not

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Nope, or at least I can't remember anyone asking

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

It was the way I used to RP in high school... I'd write a paragraph and then my roommate would write the next and we'd pass the notebook back and forth until we finished... it was mostly smut though and I have no idea if I could actually co-write something publishable 💔

14. What’s your all time favorite ship?

I have a few forever fandoms and forever ships... but I gotta say buddie is the most fun I ever had in fandom so far, so I think they deserve the title (hah)

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

fuck, so many 😭 but I have a long steddie fic (26k already written and it's about halfway done) that I regret not finishing, because it was the ultimate angst and character study and I just... yeah, it would've been great, but maybe I get into the mood when season 5 comes out (or it'll just make me wanna never touch the fandom ever again, who knows)

16. What are your writing strengths?

Not sure what counts as strength, but I love learning the speech patterns of the characters I'm writing for and I guess I've gotten kind of alright at it??

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Writing fluff is definitely something that doesn't come easy for me

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

Worth it if it makes sense in context and you can make sure that you translate correctly (or realistically incorrectly, if that's what you're going for). Overusing another language just to show that you can is not a good reading experience though, especially if you only put the translation in the end notes.

Also, making a character that rarely ever speaks that language speak it extensively without a good reason can take me out of the story real fucking quick... generally just use it when it makes sense and you can make sure that you're not butchering it.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

I think the first one I ever posted online was a RyoDa fic (jpop rpf, respectively) and the first fandom I posted for on ao3 was Stranger Things

20. Favorite fic you’ve written?

Hmmmm. It kinda changes as I move along. I always felt like Hunger at last was pretty under-appreciated compared to my other witcher fics, but It might walk like a duck was something I wrote in about 2 days because it came to me so smoothly and I really enjoyed writing it... The Companion is a big favourite for me because I think it was a pretty unique idea to work with... also it's not even posted yet but the mudslide fic already has such a special place in my heart, plus it has my favourite confession scene I've ever written so...

idk I'm not a very decisive person lmao sorry

✨no pressure tagging: @forthewolves @eddiediaztho @daffi-990 @callaplums @ladydorian05 and anyone who wants to do it 💛

[victoriousscarf]

For the "get to know your fic author!" 2. 13. 69.? Also I swear I didn't go automatically to question 69 I was genuinely interested in that and only noticed it's the funny number afterwards :'3

2. Do you plan each chapter ahead or write as you go?

Listen I'm lucky if I have an outline that's just a list of "things I can't forget before the story moves on." I will have a vague notion of "these are 3-4 scenes I need to do nextish" but always with room for them to go off the rails or somewhere totally different.

13. what’s a common writing tip that you almost always follow?

I mean I feel like the obvious one is just write. Like don't stop, don't edit, just write and figure it out later. You'll have a lot of fuckery doing this but you'll also /write./

Also a more obscure bit that I think about sometimes: when I was in 6th grade our teacher made us do these worksheets for everything we wrote where we would have to write down the first word of every line and every paragraph and then like, what type of word it was (noun/verb/etc). I hated doing it at the time but I think about it a lot while writing like whoops too many "he's" in a row lets mix it up.

69. What work of yours, if any, are you the most embarrassed about existing?

I mean, the shit I wrote when I was 13 is the most basic answer lmao. I semi-recently went through and yanked it all off ff.net onto Ao3 and took so much mental damage just from copying and pasting it.

But also more generally as a creator you're always going to have things you regret, or things you thought sounded cool at the time that now make you want to die when you think about (Like sorta messing up Nick Fury back in 2012 because it was easy to make him a bit of an antagonistic dick and in hindsight that's not really right but the whole fandom really turned it into a Phil vs Nick thing for a while and the first time I tried to write a cross-dressing character who was probably more of a drag queen than transgender but good lord someone should have taken that away from me a decade ago.)

So I'm not giving you specific fics but like as concepts I have things that looking back make me hide behind my fingers but also you're always gonna end up with bits like that as a writer. It's a good thing when you can look back and be like, wow that was a choice. It means you've grown and will probably do better next time.

[taelovesjohnny]

muted ( the outsiders) chapter 1 Late At Night

here is another story I’m writing with a friend!

I was walking home, it had been a long day at work. If your wondering, I dont go to school anymore. yes I got parents, and yes, they dont really approve but i didn't give them a choice. So anyway, im walking home, my muscles are sore. And im awaiting the fluffy pillows on my bed. My name's Millie. Millie curtis. Im 15, the only girl in the gang. i have 3 brothers, Darry, the oldest one he's strong handsome and very protective of me. Sodapop, he's 15, movie-star handsome, and the brother i can tell anything to. Last but not least Ponyboy, the youngest of all 4 of us, he's 13 loves movies, and books. and my parents, very nice people. they care for everyone that  turns up on their doorstep. 

Im almost 2 blocks away from home, just passin' a dark alley way, when I here footsteps behind me. I turn around and see it's a greaser boy. He's wearing boots, a leather jacket, and jeans. I get along good with other greasers. Most everybody thinks im gorgeous, not me. I think im just a typical, average girl. I keep walking. not thinking anything of it. Suddenly, i feel his hand on my shoulder. I spin around, and look up at him. Im short around 4 feet 4 and I hate it. have to look up to everybody. 

so this dude starts to kiss me. i try to push him back, but he has a strong hold on me. I've never seen this guy in my life. What kind of person does this. I mean, socs i can understand, they do this to everybody. But greasers?? I thought we were better than that. He's trailing down my neck, I'm trying to get out of his grip. I can't, which is kinda' surprising, I am strong for a person my size, and i can pack a good punch in a rumble. I guess this new dude, has done some serious weight lifting. 

" GET OFF!!" I scream. 

"Now baby, why would i do that, you have such a pretty face, i can't resist."

" Your're sick!"

" Hold still, or im gonna do something we're both gonna regret."

" Please, I beg you, please don't do this."

But I knew that it was hopeless, once somebody had a person, they could do whatever they wanted, espeically to girls. The next thing i knew, he had pushed me into the dark alley. And pushed me to the ground. God Dammit. I didn't have my blade. But he did. He took it out, and cut my clothes off, and rolled me to the corner of the alley. It smelled like cat poop, and trash. But that was the last thing on my mind. His blade was trailing down, from the bottom of my ear, to the bottom of my neck. silent tears were rolling down my face. He was now naked and trusting himself on top of my and r@ping me. I didn't know how he could do both things at once, but he continued to cut me and r@pe me. and all i could do was lie there. I struggled for a good portion of the begginning but now my strenght had gone. I don't know how long he was there but it felt like hours. When i finally got off, he silently put his clothes back on. 

" Bye, Bye Kitten,I hope to see you 'round again"

and then he spit in my face. I was left there, no strenght, no clothes, and friends or family near. I just layed there, in the mud. Hopefully my family would get worried, and come look for me. Hopefully. I dont remember when, but at some point I went into an uneasy sleep. It was filled with nightmares.

Dally's Point Of Veiw.

I had just moved to Tulsa, Ok. My parents had abused me ever since i was born, and i finally had the sense to run away. Not that they cared. They probably didn't even know i was gone. I had packed up and moved out. I was living at a bar, no problem, i was used to the noise. Anyway, It was a dark night, perfect to go find so trouble, or make some. I was walking a long a street, when i spotted a girl, just perfect to be messed with. She looked innocent enough. I had the erge to make her life miserable. I dont know why though. Maybe she reminded me of my sick mother. who always acted like she was god or something. 

At one point I was blinded by rage, and put my hand on her shoulder, the next thing i knew, i had her down on the ground. And i was r@ping her. The thoughts going through my head were mercyless. She deserves it. I didn't care how fucked up her life would be after this, I just needed to let go of some steam. when i had finished, i threw on my pants, and told her

" Bye, Bye Kitten, I hope to see you 'round again." 

and with that, I walked off. back to the bar. to go get drunk

[cinematicsoph]

you don't go to parties [chapter three]

You Don't Go To Parties - Chapter Three

Rating: PG-13 ish

Warning: swearing, mentions of drinking, mentions of drugs

Word Count: 2,158 words

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Yesterday

   “Hey man, I’ll be right back. I-I got to go…” Ashton trails off and starts walking to the door, leaving a drunk and confused Calum behind him.

   He walks as fast as his semi drunkenness will allow him to, pushing through and sneaking past every person in his way. It felt slightly ridiculous, and he’d possibly regret it in the morning. But he just had to get to his mystery girl before she disappeared. He kept his eyes locked on her as she walks towards the giant staircase near the entry way and sits down. Don’t lose her this time, Ashton.

   Suddenly he’s panicking. What does one say to a girl you don’t even know? Would he sound like a stalker? Would she run away in fear?

   “Hey, Ash. Are you okay?” Ashton feels like the room is spinning but slowly turns his head towards the voice and sees Calum next to him. “Look, I didn’t care that you had to go but you look like you’re about to pass out. I can give you a cig to calm down.” Ashton hardly ever smokes cigarettes. Occasionally, he’ll smoke some weed with the guys but that’s about it. He doesn’t even remember the last time he smoked a regular cigarette. But what he does remember is the feeling of euphoria he got after it. Feeling nearly paralyzed and unable to talk, Ashton tries to nod at Calum to indicate that he does want one. Seeing as Calum nodded, pulled out two cigs and his lighter then headed for the door, Ashton assumes he understood and follows him out the door.

   “So do you wanna tell me why you looked paler then Michael in the winter back there or are we just gonna ignore it and smoke?” Calum asks Ashton as he lights their cigarettes and puts it to his lips.

   Before answering, Ashton takes the longest drag off his cigarette as he can and then blows the smoke out with a slight cough. “Promise you won’t laugh?”

   “Dude. It’s me. You really think I’m going to laugh at you?”

   “There’s this girl,” Ashton says hesitantly. He looks at Calum and sees his eyebrows raised in shock. “I really really like her. There’s just one problem. I don’t know her name.”

~~~

   “I’m gonna go get a drink! You want something?” Kat yells over the music (if Cameron wasn’t deaf already, she definitely would be now).

   “Yeah, you know what I like! Meet me at the staircase.” Cam goes to walk towards the staircase, and as she’s walking she could’ve sworn she felt someones eyes on her. She chooses to ignore it and continued to the stairs. She looks around the house, searching for anyone she may recognize. Then her eyes landed on him. Tall, handsome, prettiest eyes you’ve ever seen. She felt like she could faint right then and there, even with no alcohol in her system. She had to know who he was.

   She can’t take her eyes off him. And it seems he can’t take his eyes off her either. Feeling her face start to heat up, she looks away in embarrassment. She lifts her head in hope to re-lock eyes with the handsome mystery man. Instead she’s met with an empty spot in the crowd of people where he used to be. She hates to admit it, but she feels a pang in her chest. She was thinking maybe, just maybe, she would be able to talk to him and get to know the man behind the handsome face. Maybe she scared him away. Maybe he wasn’t looking at her the way she thought he was. Maybe he-

   “C!” Kat yells over the music, making Cameron jump out of her thoughts. Kat walks over to Cameron on the steps. “I got you your drink!” She hands the drink to her and sits down.

   “Thanks,” Cam says sadly as she grabs the drink.

   “Hey, are you okay? What the hell happened when I was getting you that drink?”

   “Nothing.” Just the sexiest guy I’ve ever seen disappearing into thin air.

~~~

   “You…don’t know her name?” Calum says after staring at Ashton, completely silent, for a minute. “Dude, what the fuck?”

   “Look, it’s not as weird as it sounds. I promise!” Ashton throws his cigarette to the ground and stomps it out, despite it not being done yet. “I saw her at the very first party of the week and haven’t been able to stop thinking about her….okay that didn’t really fix the weird part like I thought it would. She’s just so pretty! I’ve seen her around campus, and one time I asked her for the time when I saw her just so I could hear her voice. That didn’t help the weird part either, fuck. Calum, look I don’t know what to do, okay? I’m going insane. It’s like a big giant mystery that even Sherlock fucking Holmes probably couldn’t solve!” Ashton reaches to grab Calum’s pack of cigarettes and lights another one. If he can’t talk to mystery girl normally, he might as well try to do it with a shit ton of help.

   And a shit ton of help he got. He ended up smoking 2 more cigarettes and drinking at least 2 cups of straight vodka. If his liver wasn’t dead already, it definitely is now. But he still hadn’t calmed down. If anything, the alcohol and tobacco made him even more anxious about his mystery girl. That was until someone he didn’t bother learning the name of, offered him a joint. He’s not one to smoke weed often, but he knows the side effects it has on him when he does. He smoked the joint slower than he had the cigarettes, wanting to savor the feeling that washed over him every time he took a hit. The feeling of euphoria he was hoping to get from the cigarette finally washed over him making him sigh and relax into the couch.

   It was almost ridiculous how high he felt after just half a joint, but it might have something to do with all the other substances he decided to use as well. He knew he was completely fucked up, but the weed calmed him down enough that he barely noticed. Honestly, he barely noticed anything. He didn’t even really recognize that it’s Calum who hands him a bottle of water and tells him to drink it until Cal sternly tells him to “drink the damn water, or so help me God, Irwin.”

   “I’m fine,” he slurs but grabs the bottle anyway, in order to please Calum. “I don’t need any water.”

   “Whatever, man. I’m trying to ease the hangover that you’ll complain about in the morning. Don’t come crawling to me when you feel like shit,” Calum says as he starts to walk away from Ash. Ashton sits there on the couch for a bit, staring at where Calum was, until he got bored and wanted to go somewhere else. He got up and drunkenly walked up the stairs to the rooms where he and his brothers sleep in, and where many people will probably be hooking up. 

   It’s a normal thing for Ashton to see couples in the hallway making out. It is not, however, a normal thing to see a beautiful girl, sitting on the floor with tears in her eyes.

   "Hey, are you okay?" Ashton asks as he walks over to her, suddenly feeling a bit more sober. She looked up at him and his heart skipped a beat. It was her. His mystery girl. Fuck, okay, Ash. You gotta act normal. "There's a party going on, I don't usually see people crying up here."

   "'M fine. Just a little homesick." She sniffles and brings her knees up to her chest. "I came here with my best friend but lost her somewhere in the crowd about half an hour ago. She was the only thing I really still have that's normal, you know? And now I have no idea where she is, and I don’t know anyone else here.” He hesitantly sits next to her but faces her instead of the other side of the hallway.

   "I get it." He looks at her with compassion, a look she hasn't seen from anyone (other than Kat) since coming to this school. It’s an odd feeling. To get that look from a stranger. She looks at him and turns her body to face him. "It can be hard. Coming to college completely on your own, away from everything familiar." She nods and a couple more tears fall. Before he can think, Ashton reaches forward and wipes her tear away. He sees the slight blush form on her cheeks and panics. "I-I'm so sorry. I just...you are way too pretty to be up here alone, crying at a party." She blushes even more at this and Ashton begins to worry that he fucked everything up, trying to think of the easiest way out of this awkward ass situation without being too rude. I could jump off the staircase? No, there's too many people down there that would either catch me or-

   "Thank you," she says timidly. "I appreciate it."

   "Of course," he says quietly with a smile. "Now do you want to go downstairs to the party? Are you going to stay up here? I could even walk you to your place if you want?"

   "I should probably go. I have a shit ton of homework and studying to do. It's like I can't keep up." She begins to tear up again, clearly starting to stress about all of the expectations college has.

   "Hey, it's okay." He puts his hands on her shoulders, trying to ground her. "It'll still be there tomorrow. And unless it directly affects you now, it's not worth it. What's your major?"

   "Film."

   "Impressive," he says with a smile. "Why film?"

   "M-My dad is a director. He used to bring me on set, if he could. I kinda just fell in love with it.” His attempt at distracting her had succeeded. She goes on a long tangent about how her dad let her work with the camera once she got older. Also how her parents met because her dad worked as a photographer for a bit and her mom modeled for one of his photoshoots. Suddenly she wasn’t stressed anymore. But she was incredibly aware of how much she had been talking. “Shit, I’m so sorry. You really didn’t need to know all of that.” 

   He shakes his head. “No don’t worry about it,” he says with a chuckle. “I did it on purpose. I was trying to distract you from the stress.”

   “Oh. Well, thank you. I just honestly don’t know how I’m going to finish all this homework and pass my classes.”

   “Look, don’t beat yourself up if you don’t pass, okay? There’s hundreds of people here that have failed a class. If you learn organization skills, pace yourself, and prioritize accordingly, you’ll be okay. I promise.” She looks into his eyes and he feels his face heat up. Oh God I’m blushing. I swear no one other than her better find out about this. She giggles quietly (probably at his blush) and it’s the cutest fucking thing Ashton has heard in his life. He makes a decision then and there that if they ever speak to each other after tonight, he will do absolutely anything in his power to make her giggle again.

   “I don’t think I ever caught your name. I’m Cameron, by the way.”

   “I’m Ashton,” he says with a huge smile.

   “It’s nice to meet you, Ashton. And I’m sorry again for telling you my entire life story,” she says with a nervous giggle.

   “Hey, it’s okay! As long as you feel better.” She nods and smiles. God she has such pretty eyes. 

Today

   “C, you’re freaking out for no reason. He has to be really messed up to freak out over that simple of a text.”

   “What if it didn’t mean the same to him as it did to me? I’m probably totally embarrassing myself thinking that I even stand a chance with a guy like him. Knowing my luck, he probably went to his friends afterwards laughing about the poor crying girl who thought she had a chance! And the-“

   “Cameron!” Katrina yells over Cam’s rambling. “Your phone went off, babe.” Cameron’s eyes widen as she picked up the phone and saw the contact name.

   No problem. But look, I got really messed up last night and if I’m being completely honest I forgot everything that happened. Can we start over? 

   Start over? You mean a chance for her to pretend that she didn’t spill her entire life story to a man she just met? Say less. She replies eagerly, desperate to continue talking to him. She presses the button and after a few seconds her phone dings again.

   I’m Ashton :)

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A/N: Heyyyy how y'all doing? This chapter took me way longer than I'd care to admit and I'm so sorry it took so long. I've been thinking about plot points and how to connect things and such so my mind has been running wild. I've also been thinking about Cold as Ice and oh boy have thots been thinking. Anyways, thank you guys, gals, non-binary pals, and others for reading and i hope you enjoy :)

fanfic masterlist

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[lostfracturess]

symptoms and causes | ch. 10

ღ pairing professor gojo x med student reader

ღ summary he's arrogant, self-centered, and he's your professor. renowned for his brilliance in neurosurgery and infamous for his allure. too bad you have to work with him on this research team. now you're stuck with dr. satoru gojo, delving into the complexities of both the brain and the heart—and of how far you'd go for a love that could destroy not only him but you as well.

ღ wc 13.8 k (again, i'm insane)

ღ warnings [18+] this story contains substance abuse/addiction, (rough) smut, mature themes, self-destructive behavior, (heavy) angst, mentions of death / illness / blood / abuse, graphic medical procedures. reader discretion is advised.

ღ author's note not gonna lie, this chapter's gonna be quite angsty. hope the wait was worth it. i'm DYING to hear your reactions! let's dive in!! & pls repost or comment if you enjoyed, highly appreciated ♡

series masterlist + playlist + ao3 + wattpad

<- prev chapter | next chapter ->

"Are you going insane?" 

Satoru's question cut through your spiraling thoughts.

You tore your gaze from the rain-streaked window, meeting his impossibly blue eyes. Only now you realized that the nervous gnawing of your fingernails had gone too far. You shoved your hands under your thighs.

"You look like you're about to face a firing squad," he continued.

"Aren't we?"

The words were dry, masking the acidic churn in your stomach.

He finally looked up from his desk, a mountain of half-graded essays teetering precariously. That infuriating smirk curled his lips. "We'll be fine. Trust me, we've got this."

"How can you stay so calm?"

"Drugs, sweetheart. It's the drugs," he said, his focus already back on the student essay covered in red-ink.

At least he was honest.

"Are you seriously grading papers at a time like this?"

"Had a sudden surge of responsibility. Might not last." He didn't even glance up. "Don't worry, it won't take long. Most of these will fail anyway." A thick red line slashed across the page, a brutal verdict. The next paper met a similar fate with a flick of his wrist. Poor students.

Your gaze dropped to his hands. They trembled, just slightly, but it was there. 

You should ask him how he was. About the withdrawal, his last week on opioids, if the fear gnawed at him as it did you, if the thought of regret crossed his mind.

But you couldn't. 

Yeah, you couldn't. 

How selfish.

He was struggling and you could see it. Painfully clear. And yet, all you could focus on was your own pathetic fear. Weak. That was the word, echoing in your head.

The room felt suffocating. 

It was the day of the ethics committee hearing. 

The day your whole future could unravel. 

You gnawed your nails to the quick, the taste of blood barely registering over the adrenaline pounding in your ears. The rain lashed the window, each drop a hammer blow against your composure. 

What would they ask? What would they accuse?

You were prepared. The research was meticulous, the data irrefutable. But this wasn't about cold facts. If the committee sensed even a whiff of impropriety, they'd tear it apart and use the shreds to bury you both. 

They'd target like a shark sensing blood.

And they wouldn't just attack the science—they'd attack him. You. Everyone.

The thought made you want to vomit. 

Out the window, you spotted Geto and Higurama, making their way across the rain-drenched parking lot. Oh, right, there was something else you wanted to drown in the back of your mind. But now, the memory was back, embarrassingly clear as you saw Geto's face.

"Why did you say that?" you asked, turning to Satoru.

He blinked, momentarily distracted from his grading massacre. "What?"

"You know exactly what I mean."

His lips curved into sly smile. "It was a joke. Relax."

"God, I hate you." You turned your gaze away from him, focusing on the way the rain lashed against the window.

Silence stretched.

Finally, you glanced at him once again. "Did you?"

"What?"

"Share...women?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Why, intrigued?"

"You're stupid." You spun away, but a wave of frustration washed over you.

But to your bad, his curiosity was piqued now. 

He rose from his chair, hands braced on the worn oak of the desk. "And you're intrigued. I can't believe you." He moved towards you, his presence filling the room. "My sweet little girl wants a threesome." He paused, tilting his head. "Never thought you'd be into that."

You crossed your arms. "Stop it already."

"No wait, now I think about it," Slowly, his gaze raked over you, a wicked glint in his eyes making your skin crawl. "I totally should have seen that coming."

"What's that supposed to mean?" You managed the words, but your defiance was crumbling as he leaned in closer. 

The heat radiating from him was almost tangible. His scent, with a hint of warm coffee and something distinctly, maddeningly him, clouded your senses, making rational thought impossible.

He reached out, his touch feather-light as he brushed a stray strand of hair from your shoulder. His fingertips grazed the soft skin of your neck. Before you could protest, his hand slid lower, tracing the line of your arm.

"Tell me," he whispered, his breath a warm caress against your ear. "Where would you want him to touch you?"

"Stop it." You pushed his hand away, but your resistance only seemed to fuel his teasing.

"Oh, don't be shy now. Suguru doesn't like that," he said, voice low and laced with a hint of mockery. "Tell me, where would you let him touch you? Would you shiver like this for him?" He leaned closer, his tongue tracing a hot path along your jaw that made you indeed shiver.

Then, the door crashed open, revealing a rain-lashed Geto and Higurama. 

You quickly wrenched yourself away from Satoru, pushing against his chest.

Higurama stumbled straight to the nearest chair. With a groan, he collapsed into its worn embrace, fumbling with the clasps of his waterlogged leather case. Papers and files spilled onto the table.

Geto stripped the rain from his hair, then twisted the dark strands into a fresh bun. His eyes flickered between you and Satoru, a single raised eyebrow his only question. You wouldn't meet his gaze, the floor suddenly fascinating. 

Not now. Not after this conversation.

"Just so we're clear," Satoru's voice suddenly cut through the quiet, "I don't share. Not you."

An angry glare was all you could manage in reply.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Geto asked.

"Where she'd want you to—" Satoru began.

"Anyway," you interrupted, your voice rising an octave in a desperate attempt to drown him out. The sharp sound cut through the room, snapping the heads of all three men towards you. "How about we talk about our strategy for the hearing?"

You approached Higurama, the case files spread before him like grim prophecies. He straightened, a determined look replacing his previous fatigue. "So, should we start?"

Satoru and Geto closed in, their footsteps heavy in the silence. Satoru picked up a paper and perched on the edge of the desk.

"Male patient, 37 years old," he began. "Paraplegic due to a motorcycle accident five years ago. We implanted the prototype neuroprosthetic interface to facilitate control of a biomimetic limb."

He turned to the next page. "All pre-operative assessments indicated the patient was a perfect candidate. No underlying conditions, strong mental fortitude—ideal for testing the new neural link."

"Exactly," Geto said, his gaze locked onto a x-ray scan on the table. "The initial calibration was a success. The patient gained full control of the biomimetic limb, experiencing no rejection or discomfort."

"However," he continued. "Two weeks after surgery, the patient suffered a sudden and massive cerebral hemorrhage. He died shortly after."

The room seemed to shrink, the air thick with tension. 

Your breath caught in your throat, guilt a cold stone in your stomach. The image of the patient flashed through your mind—his smile as he took his first, tentative steps with his new limb, the hopeful gleam in his eyes. 

Now, he was nothing but a name on a file, a haunting statistic.

You stole a glance at Satoru—all traces of amusement had vanished from his face, replaced by an unsettling seriousness.

"There was no physical damage to the implant itself, correct?" Satoru asked.

You took a deep breath. "No. All post-operative scans showed no abnormalities with the device. It's likely a malfunction within the neural interface itself that somehow triggered the bleeding." 

Satoru met your gaze. "I double-checked that," you added.

He mustered a faint smile.

Higurama squinted at a scan, feigning understanding. "So, the issue wasn't with the patient. He was healthy and the surgery went well. It's something within the implant."

Satoru pushed off the desk and started pacing the room. "If that's the case, the engineers are in deep trouble. We're in the clear."

Geto scoffed. "Don't be naive, Satoru. The ethics committee will chew us up and spit us out. They'll scrutinize every detail, every decision."

He didn't have to spell it out—the subtext was clear.

Silence settled.

"He's right," Higurama said after a while said, his gaze flicking between you and Satoru. "They'll dig into your relationship. Got a story ready for them?"

Your response was immediate. "We tell them the truth," you said. "We have a committed relationship. Everyone on the team knows, and it hasn't impacted our work in any way."

"But we only bring it up if they ask," Satoru added.

Suddenly, anger burned through you. You whipped around to face him. "Since when did we decide that?"

Satoru met your gaze head-on. "I decided."

"But you don't get to decide for both of us."

"I'm trying to protect you," he said, his jaw clenching. "The committee will twist this. They'll make it look worse than it is. I won't let them tarnish your reputation. So, if they don't ask, we won't tell."

"And you think, them finding out later will be better? You know they will find out, Satoru. Sooner or later, it'll come out. Then what?"

"Can you stop being so damn stubborn?" he fired back, a flicker of frustration finally breaking through his infuriating calm. "This isn't about us. It's about them and what they might do to you, what they would think of you if they found out."

Your chin lifted a fraction higher, a silent challenge. You wouldn't let him play the protector card, not this time.

Geto cleared his throat. "You want some privacy?"

In perfect, maddening unison, you and Satoru spoke.

"No," you declared.

"Yes," he insisted.

Silence stretched between you like a fraying rope, broken only by the relentless drumming of the rain against the windows. You both held each other's gaze, caught in a silent battle of wills that neither wanted to lose.

Geto and Higurama exchanged a troubled look. 

With a resigned sigh, Higurama gathered up the scattered papers. Then the door shut, leaving you and Satoru alone under the harsh fluorescent glare of the office.

Satoru closed the distance between you. Before you could protest, he reached out and cupped your face with a touch that was both gentle and insistent. His thumb gently brushed the line of your jaw as he forced you to meet his gaze.

"Please," he whispered. "Just trust me on this one."

His eyes, those piercing blue depths, held a desperation you'd never seen before. You longed to surrender, to simply accept the comfort he offered, but you couldn't.

"We discussed this, Satoru. Hiding this—it'll make things worse. They'll question our judgment, our ethics. We have to be clear from the start."

"They don't care about our research, they don't care about our intentions." His grip tightened, not cruelly, but with the urgency of a drowning man. "They care about protecting the institution. Our honesty will be a weapon they use against us."

"But secrets always find a way out, and when they do—" You trailed off, the unspoken threat hanging in the air.

Silence followed. 

His features tightened, the internal war etched across his face with brutal clarity. His jaw worked, a muscle twitching beneath the skin. You held your breath, waiting, hoping.

"Fine." He released your face, the touch lingering for a split second before he stepped back. "Your way." He resumed his restless pacing, a shaky breath escaping him as he ran a hand through his hair.

"Satoru, how are you—"

"Fine," he cut you off. "Manageable."

He was a terrible liar.

Dark circles etched a brutal truth beneath his eyes. His shoulders, rigid as stone, screamed a silent protest against the weight he carried alone. Frustration gnawed at you. "If you keep shutting me out—"

He held up a hand, abruptly cutting you off. "Look, I—it's under control." Forced lightness dripped from his words like acid. "Right now, we have bigger things to worry about than my personal issues."

His fingers twitched, then clenched into fists so tight the knuckles turned white. Fine sweat glistened on his forehead, betraying the effort it took to keep still and not claw at his scars.

A familiar ache rose in your chest. You longed to reach out, to bridge the chasm he insisted on maintaining. But his posture, rigid as stone, and his clenched jaw, sent a silent warning. This was his battle, one he'd fight in isolation—as always. 

To argue now would be a futile cruelty.

Still, it took every ounce of control not to slap sense into him.

"Look," he began, his voice soft now, "I know I'm not—easy to deal with right now. And, damn it, I'm asking too much." His hand found yours, the touch fleeting, hesitant. "I'm sorry for dragging you into my mess."

Why was he saying that?

Anger boiled over at his ridiculous apology. Had he no idea what it meant to love someone? To choose them, flaws and all. The urge to yell at him, to shake some sense into him, grew stronger.

How could he be so brilliant, yet so completely foolish when it came to the heart?

"Don't say that," you choked out, hating how close your voice was to breaking.

"We should probably get going," Satoru said abruptly, sidestepping the moment, and moved towards the door. He paused briefly beside you. Before you could react, he leaned in and brushed his lips against your temple.

"I love you," he said, the words barely audible. "And I'll make it up to you. I promise."

He pulled back, and for a heartbeat a flicker of vulnerability appeared in his eyes before the familiar mask slammed back into place. He turned and left the room.

You stood alone, the echo of his footsteps haunting the silence.

Dread twisted in your gut, a cold knot tightening with each breath. Something was wrong. It clawed at your insides, demanding to be heard.

He was falling apart.

But all you could do was watch.

─── ·✧· ───

Cold air whipped down the corridor as Satoru pushed the door open. 

The room within was just as cold. 

A vast, circular chamber bathed in harsh light, the air thick with the scent of dust and old wood. The committee members sat at a raised, semi-circular table—three figures cloaked in stiff suits and stern expressions. Their backs to you.

The chamber wasn't empty. 

Rows of chairs lined the room, filled with observers. Students, researchers, the curious, and perhaps those hungry for the spectacle of your downfall. Their murmurs were a low hum against the echoing silence as you went into the room.

It was less like a conference room, and more like a courtroom.

Eyes burned into you from every direction. 

As you approached, the committee members finally turned to face you. Your breath hitched, catching painfully in your chest. Time warped, the world narrowing to a pinprick as their faces resolved into sickening clarity.

For there, in the center of the committee, sat Sukuna.

His presence was a jagged shard of ice in your heart, piercing through the thin veneer of composure you clung to. His lips curled into a cruel smile, and a flicker of malevolent glee danced in his eyes.

This was a disaster. 

No, it was worse than a disaster. It was a meticulously orchestrated trap. This wasn't about research, about ethics. It was personal. Sukuna would use this hearing to destroy you, to rip away everything you'd worked for.

Bile rose in your throat, burning and acrid.

Before you could process the horror of the situation, Satoru leaned in. His voice, barely a whisper, held an urgency that cut through the panic. "Change of plan. You say nothing, got me?"

Then, he walked away.

Higurama placed a hand on your shoulder. "Come on," he said, squeezing gently. 

He led you away, along the perimeter of the room towards the other observers. Satoru and Geto continued their march towards the raised platform, isolated beneath a spotlight of scrutiny.

The man to Sukuna's left, a stern-faced figure with wire-rimmed glasses, cleared his throat. "Dr. Gojo, Dr. Geto," he began, his voice dry. "Let us begin."

The hearing started. 

Words were hurled like daggers, each a piercing blow masked in the veneer of clinical inquiry. Yet, you barely registered. You were drowning in a sea of fear and confusion, your senses numbed. 

Technical details, research methodology, surgical procedures—every detail of your work was being scrutinized, dissected under the harsh glare of judgment.

With each probing question, another wave of panic threatened to pull you under. You watched Satoru and Geto, their voices distant and distorted. Each answer seemed to disarm the committee's attacks, yet their success did little to ease the relentless churning within you.

Then, Sukuna spoke.

The mere sound of his voice made you flinch. 

"Dr. Gojo," Sukuna addressed Satoru directly, "your research proposal mentions the involvement of a particularly skilled...assistant. It seems her contribution was essential to this project's success?"

There it was. The first arrow, dipped in poison. 

Satoru shifted slightly in his seat, his jaw tensing.

"That's correct. Our research assistant played a crucial role in both research and surgery. Her work throughout was exceptional."

"Indeed," Sukuna purred, drawing out the word. "This assistant...how did you choose this particular student? Was it solely academic potential that sparked your...enthusiasm?"

Satoru's gaze hardened, meeting Sukuna's with cold fury.

"My research assistants are chosen based on merit. If you find that questionable, perhaps that says more about you than it does about me."

"Of course, merit," Sukuna mocked. "Yet, such enthusiasm for guiding this particular student. Surely there were others equally qualified? Or was there something special about her that made her... stand out?"

Satoru's grip on the table tightened. You saw the vein in his temple throb. "I don't indulge in your insinuations," he said, his voice low. "My student was chosen for her brilliance, her dedication. Nothing more."

"Brilliance and dedication... admirable indeed," Sukuna mused. "But perhaps such qualities inspire a greater degree of devotion in their mentors, wouldn't you agree?"

"If your intent is to waste the committee's time with these baseless accusations—" he began, but Sukuna cut him off.

"Accusations?" Sukuna raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "I am merely exploring the unusual level of support you provided this particular student. Such exceptional one-on-one mentorship. And haven't there been rumors?"

He paused, letting the poison of those words spread through the silence. 

The woman on Sukuna's right scribbled furiously on her notepad, while the man to his left wore an expression of barely concealed disdain.

Your stomach twisted.

This wasn't just Sukuna playing games anymore—this was a calculated act of revenge meant to leave you broken and bleeding.

"Rumors have no place in a discussion of scientific integrity," Satoru said.

Sukuna chuckled. "So protective, Dr. Gojo. Perhaps there's truth to those whispers after all... A hint of guilt, perhaps?"

The insinuation hung heavy in the air, a noose tightening around Satoru's composure. You saw the fury ignite in his eyes, his jaw flexing as he fought to contain it. 

"Those rumors are beneath contempt. Our work stands on its own merit."

"Yet, this particular student," Sukuna countered, "she seems to have benefited so exceptionally from your attention. Late nights in the lab, one-on-one consultations. Such dedication to a student's development is truly admirable."

Satoru's knuckles turned white against the polished wood of the table. His voice, when it came, was a barely controlled snarl. "My methods are beyond reproach. The success of the research speaks for itself."

"Perhaps. But even the most brilliant minds can be blinded by, shall we say, distractions?" He leaned in closer, his voice a near whisper. "Tell me, Dr. Gojo, how far would you go to protect this student? To preserve her precious reputation?"

That was it.

Satoru surged to his feet, the sharp sound of his chair scraping back echoing in the deathly silence. He slammed his hands on the table, leaning towards Sukuna, his eyes blazing.

"Enough!" His voice boomed through the room, silencing the whispers. "This farce has gone on far too long. Your accusations are unfounded, and your motivations are sickeningly clear. You will not tarnish my reputation or that of my student!"

Sukuna held his gaze, unyielding.

"Dr. Gojo, please!" The woman on Sukuna's right spoke. "Control yourself. This outburst does little to support your claims of objectivity."

Satoru's jaw tightened, anger flickering in his eyes. But with a visible effort, he reined in his fury. The slam of his hand against the wood was replaced with a heavy silence as he slowly lowered himself back into his seat.

The damage, though, was irreversible. 

The image was planted—the brilliant but reckless professor blinded by his illicit affection, the ambitious student caught in his web. 

Sukuna had won, and he hadn't even needed proof.

The man with the wire-rimmed glasses cleared his throat. "Dr. Gojo, if such allegations held any merit, the consequences would be dire. University policy forbids faculty-student relationships." He paused, the gravity clear in his tone. 

"An investigation would be inevitable. The student would face immediate suspension, possible expulsion. The faculty member—" he shook his head, "termination would be the least of their concerns. And, I hardly need add, the project itself would be called into question."

Each word hammered another nail into your coffin.

"We understand this is sensitive, Dr. Gojo—," the woman beside Sukuna spoke again.

Suddenly, Satoru surged to his feet and began walking towards the door, his footsteps echoing in the suffocating silence. Sukuna watched, his smirk a cruel twist on his lips.

"Dr. Gojo is—indisposed," Geto's voice cracked, a desperate attempt to cover for Satoru's abruptness. "My deepest apologies. Perhaps we could reschedule?"

You watched Satoru go, every fiber of your being urging you to follow. He passed by your chair, so close, yet agonizingly out of reach. The impulse to defy them all, to stand by him, was a wildfire raging within you.

But as you moved, Higurama's hand closed firmly around your wrist.

"Not now," he whispered. "You already look guilty."

His words pierced through the haze of adrenaline. 

He was right.

Damn it, he was right. 

Any protest, any step towards the door, would only be twisted as further proof of the poisonous narrative Sukuna had spun. Despair crashed over you, a suffocating weight that stole your breath.

This wasn't about the research project anymore. 

It was a witch hunt, fueled by Sukuna's poison.

The door slammed shut behind Satoru, the sound a death knell. All eyes in the room were on you now, filled with a mix of pity, condemnation, and a perverse curiosity. 

Your world was crumbling. 

And all you could do was watch helplessly as the debris buried you alive.

─── ·✧· ───

You waited.

You waited for what seemed like an eternity until most people had left the room. Just when you thought you couldn't stand it any longer, you stood up, fast enough that Higurama couldn't stop you. You heard him shout something after you, but you didn't care.

Rounding the corner, his scent of his cologne hit you first. It led you to the men's bathroom. You didn't bother to knock.

The air inside was thick with humidity, the scent of bleach stinging your nostrils. A figure hunched over the sink, the harsh fluorescent light glinting off his damp hair. 

Satoru.

Even with his back turned, his tension was a palpable force.

A man standing next to him, washing his hands, shot you a wide-eyed look. "The hell?"

You cut him off, the words sharp as shattered glass. "Get out."

"This ain't the ladies' room—"

"Didn't you hear me? I said get out."

The man hesitated, then muttered something like 'crazy chicks' under his breath. He cast a final glance your way before shoving past you, the door slamming behind him.

Silence descended, punctuated only by the running water. 

Satoru remained hunched over the sink. He splashed water on his face again, then scrubbed at his hands, the water running faintly pink.

His reflection in the mirror was a stranger. A shuddering breath escaped him as he rested his hands on the edge of the sink, the knuckles whitening with the force of his grip. Finally, he met your gaze in the mirror.

"We're screwed," he stated bluntly.

"We're not."

"You're naive," He turned the water off, the abrupt silence jarring. "Do you even realize what happened in there?"

"I'm not stupid, Satoru."

"We can't do this." He finally turned fully towards you, leaning against the sink. "Sukuna wants to see me burn, and I won't allow you get caught in the crossfire."

"You won't allow me?" You took a few steps closer. "Since when do you get to make that decision for me?"

"Since I'm the one who screwed this up."

"But we're in this together. Remember?"

"Being 'together' is exactly the problem."

You took the remaining steps until you stood before him. "We've been through worse. We can manage this."

"This is different," he insisted, the words strained. "This isn't some paper getting rejected, this is—this will destroy us. You."

"Maybe, but what's the alternative? Give in? Letting Sukuna win?" You tilted your head. "Over my dead body."

"You're so damn stubborn," he said, escaping your gaze and shifting slightly. "You heard what they said in there, if this gets out, you could be suspended from this university. You would lose everything you've worked so hard for."

"And so. I don't care! I won't stand by and see Sukuna ruin you for something we're both responsible for!"

Suddenly, the door creaked open and a man peered in, startled by the scene. You turned your head. "Get the fuck out and find another bathroom."

The man left in an instant.

Satoru met your gaze once more. "I can take the fall. I can handle it. But you—you have a future ahead of you."

The audacity almost made you scream. "Handle it? How? By giving Sukuna exactly what he wants?"

"You don't get it, do you?" he snapped. "You have no say in this matter, not anymore. End of discussion."

His words felt like a physical blow. 

Silence choked the air within the tiny bathroom. You fought for breath, for words, for any thread of understanding to cling to. Your hands trembled, nails digging into your palms until the pain was heavier than the crushing weight in your chest.

"Why do you even stay?" His sudden question a knife to an already gaping wound.

What? 

Why would he say that? 

Wasn't that obvious?

Your heart sank and for a horrifying moment, your mind was a blank canvas, all anger swept away.

"Because you would do the same," you finally managed, the words scraped raw from your throat. "You would stay. You wouldn't leave me."

For one agonizing moment, he simply stared, as if searching for the lie in your words. "You don't know that."

"I do."

Of this you were more certain than anything. Even if he did not see it himself.

"No, you don't." He stepped closer, his presence a looming shadow. "You know what your problem is?" His voice dropped to a harsh whisper, forcing you to meet his eyes. The vibrant blue was gone, replaced by a bleak and turbulent storm.

"You're blind. Naive." His words were like shards of ice, each syllable piercing your already bleeding heart. "You've fallen in love with someone who will break you, and you stubbornly refuse to see it. Refuse to save yourself."

The sheer nerve of it sent a surge of fury coursing through you.

"Yeah, you're right, you're a real pain in the ass." Your voice held a bitter edge. "Most days, I wonder myself why I even stay. But Satoru, hear me when I say—we're not perfect, we never will be. Still, I chose you."

He paused.

His granite facade finally cracked, a flicker of vulnerability in that frozen gaze.

"I don't know if I can do this," he whispered, a broken confession. "I don't know if I can be what you need—what you deserve."

You stepped closer, patience stretched thin, a simmering rage threatening to boil over. 

"And how does that make you feel?" Your voice held a relentless edge. "Knowing, too bad you don't get to decide? That I'm sticking around regardless—even when you try your hardest to push me away?"

His shoulders slumped, and with a shuddering breath, he buried his face in the crook of your neck. "You're killing me," he choked out, the words barely audible against your skin.

"I could say the same about you." 

Your fingers threaded through his hair, felt the tension coiled in his neck muscles. For a few precious minutes, the world outside this bathroom faded away. There was only the warmth of his body against yours, the grounding rhythm of his unsteady breath.

"I can't explain why you don't leave."

"Because you're unworthy of my love?"

"Maybe," he said, burying his face even deeper into your neck. "I don't know."

"Look at me," you insisted. "Satoru, look at me."

"I can't," he choked out. "I'm scared," the confession tore from him, "scared of hurting you, terrified of losing you. You—you make me feel things I've spent a lifetime avoiding, things I don't know how to handle. It scares the hell out of me."

Your heart ached for him, for the vulnerability he so rarely dared to show. "I'm scared too," you admitted. "I'm scared of losing you. So don't push me away, when all I want is to be near you."

Then, slowly, he wrapped his arms around you, pulling you closer. His body trembled against yours. "I don't know what I did to deserve you."

"You don't need to deserve me, Satoru. Love isn't about deserving. It's about choosing each other, again and again, no matter what. And I choose you."

He lifted his head, his gaze searching yours.

"And I choose you," he echoed. 

He leaned down. His lips met yours, hesitant at first, then pressing with growing urgency. Your hands tightened on the short strands of hair at the nape of his neck, feeling the tension seep away under your touch.

His hands tighten around your waist, pulling you impossibly closer. 

You leaned into him. 

You sought him like a gasping breath. 

The kiss deepened, still not fiery, but infused with a desperate kind of hunger. It wasn't about pleasure, it was about presence—proof of each other, a lifeline in a sea of doubt.

When he finally drew back, it was the barest of distances, his ragged breath warm against your skin. His gaze searched yours as if for the answer to an unanswerable question.

Suddenly, the bathroom door creaked open.

Geto's form filled the doorway.

"There you are," he sighed. "Well, at least this time, everyone manages to keep their hands where I can see them. 

─── ·✧· ───

Half-unpacked boxes littered your apartment.

Even after six months, you still hadn't found the time to really settle into your new place. You wondered what was taking up all your time?

Yeah, right.

But unpacking today became a pleasant distraction. Tomorrow was the second hearing, and to say you were nervous was an understatement. 

You busied yourself with mindless tasks—sorting through old journals, debating whether to throw away sentimental stuff you knew you'd never look at again. 

Anything to avoid the relentless churn of worry, the scenarios your mind conjured despite your best efforts to banish them.

Suddenly, your phone buzzed. 

Satoru's name flashed on the screen.

"Look out your window," he said.

You crossed to the window, pushing aside the faded curtains. 

There he was, leaning against his sleek black car, the streetlights casting him in an almost cinematic glow. He tipped his head back, his gaze finding yours across the distance.

"So," his voice crackled through the phone, "wanna do something fun?"

"Fun, huh? Don't tell me you plan on robbing a bank and need an accomplice?"

"I don't need to rob a bank, I'm already fairly wealthy, don't worry. Thought of something more destructive."

"Sounds tempting," you said, "but I'm a very busy woman, you know? I've got people to avoid, laundry to fold—"

"If you don't come down in the next few minutes, you're the one getting folded, first-year."

"You're insufferable, you know that?"

"Irresistible, you mean," he corrected. 

"Give me a minute."

You quickly grabbed a sweater and headed downstairs. You stepped outside and saw him still leaning against his car, arms crossed. He straightened up as you approached, that familiar smirk playing on his lips. "Hey there, beautiful."

"Are you single?" he quipped as you approached. His warmth radiated against you, his breath a whisper against your skin. "Cause I think I wanna make you mine." He opened the passenger door for you.

"Sadly, I'm taken," you replied, leaning in seductively. His breath caught for a fraction of a second, before you slid into the plush seat. The familiar scent of leather and his cologne washed over you.

"That man must be damn lucky." He closed the door with a soft click, walked around the car and got in the driver's seat.

"So where are we going?" you asked.

"Ah, that would be telling." 

With a roar of the engine, he pulled away from the curb.

The drive stretched on, the cityscape melting into the soft twilight. The setting sun painted the sky in a fiery canvas of orange and crimson, casting long shadows across the rolling fields. 

You looked over at Satoru. Bathed in the warm glow, he looked so soft—the tousled white hair, the sharp line of his jaw, the mischievous glint in those impossibly blue eyes hidden behind his dark sunglasses.

You watched the effortless grace with which he steered, one hand relaxed on the wheel, the other resting on your thigh. The warmth seeping through the fabric, the subtle pressure of his thumb tracing lazy circles on your skin.

The buzz of the city gave way to sprawling countryside, and then unexpectedly, he veered onto a narrow dirt road. The car raised clouds of dust. Finally, he brought it to a stop, the engine cutting off abruptly.

A sprawling junkyard loomed before you, a graveyard of rusted cars and forgotten machinery. 

"You want to murder me?"

He grinned, already unbuckling. "What do you think of me?" 

Without another word, he slid out, rounding the car to open the passenger door for you. "Come on, this will be fun."

He walked towards the trunk. Popping it open, he reached inside and pulled out two worn construction hammers.

"You really want to murder me, don't you?" 

Satoru slung the hammers over his shoulder. "Trust me, you'll love it," he said, tossing you a pair of safety glasses. "Don't you want to enjoy our last day before we get suspended?"

"This isn't funny, Satoru."

"Just a bit," he countered.

You approached the towering chainlink gate of the junkyard. Reaching it, Satoru planted a hammer against the bars with a loud clang.

"Choso!" His voice boomed through the desolate expanse. "Open up. I've brought company."

Moments later, a figure emerged from the shadows of a half-collapsed shed. He moved with a surprising fluidity for a man who seemed built of rock and iron. A greasy work overall hung low on his hips, exposing a chest etched with dust and tattoos. Dark hair framed his face.

"Satoru," he drawled, leaning against the gate, "need to let off some steam? And who's the pretty company?" His gaze swept over you.

"Quit drooling," Satoru said. "She's with me."

"Too bad." He gave you another slow, deliberate once-over. "Name's Choso," he said towards you and then unlocked the gate, swinging it open with a rusty creak. "Come in."

The interior of the junkyard was a labyrinth of faded paint, twisted metal, and the lingering scent of oil and gasoline. Sataru strode through with the ease of someone who knew this place intimately, navigating the treacherous terrain with an almost playful familiarity.

"So," you ventured, "how exactly do you two know each other?"

"Old acquaintance," Satoru said. "Went to school together."

Choso laughed. "Worst years of my life. Surgeon here was like a walking force of chaos, dragging trouble in his wake and showing up at the worst possible times."

"Speaking of worst times," Choso continued, throwing Satoru a pointed look, "where the hell have you been, man? Haven't seen you around in a while."

"Been busy," Satoru said.

Choso narrowed his eyes, his gaze lingering on you. "Ah, well, well—now things make a bit more sense."

Choso led you further into the heart of the junkyard, where several battered cars stood. With a theatrical gesture, he swept his arm towards them. "These babies are destined for the scrap heap tomorrow, so have at it."

He then dug into the pocket of his overalls and pulled out a set of keys. He tossed them to Satoru. "Lock up after yourself as usual," he said, already moving away, "and try not to set the whole place on fire, okay?"

Satoru turned towards you, eyes dancing with mischief.

"Safety first," he said, grabbing the safety glasses from your grip and gently placing them over your head. "Gotta protect those pretty eyes."

"Are we seriously doing this now?"

He grinned. "Trust me," he said, before putting on his own glasses and rolling up the sleeves of his shirt. Muscles rippled as he hefted the hammer. "It's fun."

BOOM! 

The first blow from Satoru's hammer echoed through the junkyard. Glass shattered, raining down in glittering shards. Metal shrieked in protest, folding under his relentless assault. Dents bloomed beneath his blows, grotesque and strangely satisfying.

You watched him release all the frustration that must have built up over the past months, it seemed.

Or perhaps he was completely insane now.

After what seemed like an eternity he finally slowed down. His chest heaved, breath coming in ragged gasps. A sheen of sweat slicked his forehead, making his white hair stick to his skin. 

Slowly, he lowered the hammer, knuckles white against the worn wood.

He turned towards you. "Wanna try?"

Wordlessly, you approached. He watched, a hint of amusement playing on his lips, as you took the hammer from his grasp.

With a surge of adrenaline, you raised the hammer and brought it down, the impact resonating through the junkyard. Metal shrieked in protest, a deep crater forming under the blow. The vibration thrummed through your arms, jolting Satoru into a surprised laugh.

"Didn't think you had it in you, first-year," he said. "You still surprise me."

You met his gaze. "Here to talk, or blow off steam?" 

He grinned.

And then, destruction followed.

The hammer felt surprisingly good in your hand. 

With each blow, a wave of satisfaction surged through you. It wasn't just about hitting metal. It was about smashing the frustration out, that had been building up inside you for weeks. It was addictive, the way the world narrowed to just you, the car, and the hammer—

—and it felt damn good.

Minutes later, you paused, taking a breath.

"So," you started, your voice breathless, "why does Sukuna hate you so much anyway?"

Satoru set down his hammer with a thud. "I did some stuff I'm not really proud of in my teenage years. Thought he'd be over it by now, but—guess not."

What's that supposed to mean?

What could he have possibly done to make Sukuna hate him so much?

But then again, did you really want to know every dark detail of his past?

Not really.

You glanced over at him, and somehow something in his eyes told you that you indeed did not want to know. You lifted your hammer, the metal cool against your skin, and smashed the car's side mirror. The glass shattered with a satisfying crack.

Satoru paused, watching you. "You don't want to ask?"

"What?"

"What it was that I did?"

As if anything about this man could scare you at this point. 

But then again, you didn't want to push it.

"Is it worse than your addiction?" Another swing, another satisfying crack as the car yielded further to your blows.

He didn't reply.

You set down the hammer, the metal suddenly too heavy to hold. "It doesn't matter. Your past is your past, Satoru. We all do stupid things when we're young."

His impossibly blue eyes bore into you, sending a strange shiver down your spine. "Besides, if he hates you for being a jerk back then, Sukuna needs a serious hobby."

A smirk pulled at your lips as you slammed the hammer against the car once more, the clang echoing through the tense space. 

Before you could strike again, Satoru's hand closed over yours. With disarming ease, he plucked the hammer from your numb grasp, tossing it aside with a clatter.

The scent of sweat, oil, and his familiar cologne washed over you—heady, intoxicating. He cupped your face, his touch tender even as his hands trembled slightly.

He leaned in, the world narrowing to his electric blue eyes and the quickening of his breath against your skin. "I love you, first-year. Damn it, I love you. I don't care how complicated this gets, I want you."

His lips claimed yours before you could process his words in a kiss that was both desperate and achingly tender. You melted into him, hands tangling in his sweat-dampened hair, the taste of salt and a hint of iron sharp and real on his lips.

Time seemed to bend and stretch. The world outside the junkyard, with all the shit going on, faded into insignificance. All that mattered was his touch, his kiss conveying emotions words couldn't express.

Your hands fisted in his shirt. You pulled him closer, needing the reassurance of his warmth, the proof of this connection amidst the chaos. 

He tilted his head to deepen the kiss, his tongue seeking entry with hesitant urgency. His hands roamed, mapping your familiar curves beneath the fabric of your clothes. 

He broke the kiss, a low moan escaping his throat. Hot, open-mouthed kisses trailed along your jaw before he swept you off your feet, breaking the kiss only long enough to lay you back against the cool metal of the car's hood.

His body followed, pressing against yours. His lips found yours once more, sending a new wave of shivers through you. His hands were rough, long fingers tracing the curve of your hip, thumb brushing against the sensitive skin of your waist, where your sweater hitched upwards.

He kissed you like a man at the edge of a precipice, savoring every sensation, clinging to the fragile lifeline this moment offered. Your fingers tangled in his tousled white hair, holding him close, urging him even closer. 

A moan vibrated against your lips, a testament to the fire you so effortlessly ignited within him.

Then, reality cut through the haze with the sharp buzz of his phone. He pulled back with a gasp, a flicker of frustration crossing his face.

"What's wrong?" you breathed.

"Stupid reminder." A muscle worked in his jaw as he fumbled for his phone. He glanced at the screen. "My pills—"

The words hung heavy in the air. 

Of course. How could you have forgotten? 

Today—today would be the last day he needed those reminders.

As he sat back, you straightened slightly. "You okay?"

He didn't answer immediately. Instead, his gaze swept across the junkyard. With a sigh, he reached behind him, pulling out a plastic blister pack. One final pill starkly visible in its faded foil casing.

"Last one." He held it up for you to see. "Forever."

"Are you—" You couldn't quite bring yourself to ask if he was afraid, but the question lingered in your eyes, unspoken.

He finally met your eyes, and the vulnerability there took your breath away. "Terrified," he admitted. "But also—"

He hesitated. "Alive," he finished. "For the first time in a damn long time, I actually feel like I'm living."

Satoru's eyes flickered to your lips. Without a word, he leaned in, his movements laced with a new slowness that somehow made him seem even more dangerous. 

His lips hovered mere inches from yours as he guided you back until you lay upon the cool metal of the car hood once more.

Above you, the fading twilight painted the sky in hues of violet and indigo, the first stars shimmering to life. Time seemed to dissolve, leaving only the warmth of his body against yours, the grounding rhythm of his breath. 

"Satoru, what—?"

His eyes locked with yours, the intensity in his gaze both thrilling and unsettling. He pulled the last pill from its faded packaging, holding it between his fingers. "Open your mouth."

And without hesitation, you did.

His breath ghosted over your skin as he leaned close, placing the pill on your tongue. Your heart hammered against your ribs, the bitterness of the pill barely registering.

Satoru simply watched you for a moment, his thumb brushing over your bottom lip. "Shame I have to get clean, you look so pretty like that."

Before the pill could dissolve, his lips found yours. With a gasp, you felt him sweep the pill with his tongue into his own mouth.

The kiss that followed was deep, searing, all-consuming.

It was both a goodbye and a beginning, whispered against your lips with the lingering tang of bitter medicine.

You clawed at his back, nails leaving their mark as he tightened his grip, pulling you impossibly closer. Heat pooled low in your stomach, your whimper swallowed by another hungry kiss of him.

Suddenly, teeth grazed your bottom lip, a sharp sting that blurred the line between pleasure and pain. Each flicker of his tongue sent shudders through your limbs, each nip of his teeth left you craving more.

His hand slid beneath your shirt with a roughness that stole your breath. You moan against his lips, your body arching instinctively towards his touch.

He pushed one of your legs up, his fingers trailing along the back of your thigh with a firm, insistent touch. Blazing kisses seared along your jawline, the warmth a stark contrast to the cool night air.

Your hands fisted in his shirt, feeling the desperate echo of his need mirrored in your own ragged pulse. The relentless rhythm of his breath, the feverish touch of his skin—it was an intoxicating chaos that threatened to consume you.

And then, abruptly, he pulled back.

"You give in too easily." A teasing smile played on his lips. "You don't really want me to fuck you on this hood, right?"

"God, I hate you," you muttered, sitting up and brushing your hair back. It was a half-hearted insult, lacking its usual bite.

"Yeah, as if," he countered, the smirk widening. He offered you a hand. "Come on, first-year. We're not done here. Gotta let out some more of that pent-up frustration, right?"

─── ·✧· ───

Back in Satoru's apartment, reality intruded with a gritty persistence.

The remnants of the junkyard clung to you like an unwelcome second skin. Your hair was a tangled mess, your face streaked with grime—a stark contrast to the pristine white tiles of Satoru's tidy bathroom.

"Got you something to change into later." Satoru's voice sliced through the steam, drawing your attention. You turned, water running down your body, and met his gaze. 

"Thank you."

He stripped off his shirt, exposing his defined chest. Then, he reached for his belt, his movements slow. "Takeout later?"

"Sounds good." Your gaze fixated on him as he continued to undress, shedding layers of clothing until he stood bare before you.

He stepped into the shower, joining you beneath the steaming spray. The water, hot as it had been before, suddenly felt scalding against your sensitized skin. His gaze roamed over you with such boldness that it sent a shiver down your spine.

"What are you planning, Professor?"

His hands found your waist, drawing you impossibly closer, eliminating the last sliver of space between your bodies. The water cascaded over you, washing away the grime of the day. He leaned closer. "Maybe we should finish what we started earlier, don't you think?"

His hands, rough yet tender, traced a path along your damp arms, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake.

"Oh, what? You're leaving me hanging earlier and now you want it?" 

"Oh love, I would've fucked you dumb on that hood if I didn't know Choso has cameras all over the place." He trailed kisses down your neck, wrapping his arms around your waist and pulling you closer still, crushing your water-slicked bodies together. His boner already pressing against your back. 

"Don't want him to see you all messed up, crying and screaming out my name."

"You're too confident for you own good," you protested weakly, though the words melted into a sigh as his lips continued their assault, trailing along your shoulders and up your neck. 

He brushed your hair aside to give himself free access, before sinking his teeth into the tender flesh of your throat. Hard enough to leave a mark but not break the skin. You gasp. 

"Still think I can't make you scream?" He teased, as he continued to tease your neck with his teeth and tongue. His grip tightens around your waist, grinding himself against you in slow, deliberate strokes.

"Not quite convinced yet," you said, yet your knees betrayed you, threatening to buckle under the intensity of the heat. But his strong arms held you steady, keeping you grounded as he devoured you with his kisses.

"Oh, looks like you are already on your knees."

"Keep dreaming." Another bite, this one sharper than the last, elicits another moan from deep within your throat. Then, he turned you around to face him. 

Without missing a beat, his lips crushed against yours. Tongues intertwined, grappling fiercely for dominance amidst the clash of teeth. He wrapped his hand tightly around the back of your neck, drawing you ever closer to his greedy lips.

You struggled to catch your breath. Still, you needed more, needed all of him. All you wanted was to surrender completely, to let yourself be consumed by him entirely.

Your hands roam over his slick, muscular form, tracing every curve and contour of his abs. His skin hot against yours. You could feel his length swelling even further against your skin, throbbing with need and begging to be buried deep within your core.

Chills ran along your spine, coiling tighter and tighter with every kiss, until you could barely contain yourself any longer. You wanted to feel him inside you, filling you completely. 

But he seemed determined to take things slow, to draw out every moment as long as possible. 

So you had to push him a little harder. 

"Still not impressed, Satoru."

"Oh, really?" His teeth bit into your lower lip, coaxing a moan from your lips. "Then let me show you just how good I can make you feel."

He grabbed and spun you around, pressing you firmly against the cool tile wall. His hot breath ghosted across the sensitive skin of your neck, making you shiver in anticipation. Your body arched, offering itself up to him completely.

His teeth grazed your skin, leaving a trail of marks and bruises along your shoulders. He grinded himself against your backside, the friction setting your entire being on fire. You moaned softly, the sound muffled by the steady stream of water.

Without warning, his hand slipped between your legs. Two fingers slid effortlessly into your depths, curving upwards to hit that sweet spot that made your head spin and your legs tremble.

He paused for a second, savoring the way your muscles clenched around his fingers as he delved deeper. "God, love—you're shaking already?" 

Then, he began to pump his fingers in and out, each thrust drawing forth a soft moan from your parted lips. 

"It's because of your insufferability. I don't enjoy this at all," you protested weakly, barely able to keep your footing as he fucked you with his fingers. But there was no mistaking the way your hips bucked eagerly beneath his hands.

A cry escaped your throat as he pushed his fingers deeper into you in response. "You're quite loud for someone not enjoying it."

"Shut it and make me cum, Satoru." 

"Always so bold, first-year, make sure you don't regret it later."

With each thrust, you felt more and more lost in the sensation of his touch. Your body trembled and convulsed beneath his skilled hands. Each gasp and whimper from your lips was met with a low moan from him, encouraging you further towards release.

His fingers curl and twist inside you, hitting all the right spots until you think you can't take it anymore. But just as you feel yourself starting to tumble over the brink, he withdraws his fingers, leaving you trembling and gasping for air. "Wha—what?"

"Not so fast, love." Before you can protest, he spins you around once more and lifts you up, pinning you against the wall. Your legs wrap around his waist, your hands digging into his broad shoulders for support.

"I want to feel you cum around my cock." 

Then, he pushed inside slowly, savoring every inch as he filled you completely. He still stretched you every damn time, even though you had fucked before. Still, it was every fucking time overwhelming again—in the best possible way. 

He slowly withdrew and pushed forward again. "Still not good?"

"Could be better," you gasp, clawing at his back, pleading silently for more.

"You know, I love a good challenge."

You cried out, your voice echoing off the tiles as he began to thrust into you. The angle is perfect, deep, maybe too deep, hitting all the right spots as he pounds mercilessly into you. Each thrust sent shock waves through your body, threatening to overwhelm you.

"Fuck, you feel so good. So damn good." He let out a low moan, tilting his head back to let the water run down his face and neck.

You responded with a whimper, your whole body tensing as he delved deeper into your core. Each time he hit bottom, you bit down on your lower lip, fighting to keep quiet to not give him the satisfaction.

But it was in vain as his thrusts became more urgent, more desperate, driving you both closer and closer to the edge. With each thrust, your moans grew louder, echoing throughout the bathroom, mirroring his own desperate moans that escaped his parted lips.

"God, yes—right there—" You feel yourself losing control, your legs shaking as you struggle to maintain your balance against the force of his movements, the sound of running water blending with the slick slapping of skin against skin filling the room.

Suddenly, the grip of his hands on your ass tightens, pulling you even closer against him as he continues to drive into you hard and fast. Your breath quickens as you realize that you're close—so incredibly close. He feels it too, as always. He knows you inside and out.

"Cum for me, love. Don't hold back."

That was it. 

You throw your head back, crying out his name as you feel your entire being consumed by the intensity of your orgasm. He feels it too, every muscle tensing as he drives deeper into you.

"Fuck, you drive me insane." His voice was hoarse, his breathing uneven, and you knew without a doubt that he wouldn't last much longer either.

His movements grew harder and faster, desperate for release as he thrust into your still convulsing core. You arched your back, meeting his every thrust as you felt him near the edge, his cock throbbing inside you.

"Shit," he cursed. He buried himself once more with a hard thrust before he emptied himself inside you, filling you completely. His cum dripped down your legs, blending with the hot water running down the drain.

His head fell forward, a curtain of snow-white hair veiling his heavy-lidded eyes. "God, you feel so fucking good," he moaned, his words a breathless confession amidst ragged gasps.

You wanted, to get out of his grasp, to regain your footing but he held firm. 

"Not so fast," he breathed. Then, he starts to thrust into you again, slow this time, making sure his cum stays where it belongs—deep inside you.

You found yourself growing increasingly sensitive, every new thrust overwhelming your senses as you writhed in his grasp. "Satoru, stop," you gasped, clutching his shoulders tightly. "It's too much."

"I know you can take it, take it for me like a good girl for me." 

His words echoed in your ears as he thrust deep and slow into you, sending shivers through your entire being. You dug your fingernails into his arms, desperate for purchase as he plunged deeper.

"You're such a bitch," you whined. Despite your protests, you were dangerously close to another orgasm.

"Always so fierce." Satoru felt you being close and continued to push you until you screamed his name again. "Good girl. That's it. Come all over me."

Eventually, exhausted and completely spent, he pulled out slowly, wincing slightly at the raw sensitivity of his member. He set you back on the floor, holding you tightly as your legs threatened to give way beneath you. 

"You did so well for me, love." His lips found yours in a tender kiss, lingering there for several long moments before finally breaking apart.

"I hate you," you whispered weakly against his lips.

"Hate me already?" His lips curled into a smirk, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Then you'll hate me even more now because we're not finished yet."

Before a word of protest could escape your lips, his arm snaked around your waist, pulling you close. With surprising strength, he hoisted you off the ground, flinging you over his shoulder.  

Water droplets scattered everywhere as he strode out of the bathroom, carrying you away like some prized possession.

"Wh—What are you doing?"

Before you knew it, he threw you onto the bed. The sheets beneath you were soaked in an instant.

"Now, where were we?" He crawled onto the bed, his body settling between your parted legs.

You swallowed hard, the rapid beating of your heart echoing in your ears, drowning out the distant sound of the still running water from the bathroom. "Satoru, I can't—I'm spent," you managed, your voice a breathless plea.

"Oh, I'm sure you can." His eyes locked on yours with an unwavering intensity that sent a shiver down your spine. With a smirk that twisted his lips into a wicked grin, he lowered himself between your trembling thighs.

Without hesitation, he delved into you with his tongue. You took a sharp inhale, as you felt his tongue move within you. "Dammit Satoru, why are you like this?"

You grasped tightly onto his hair, trying to push him back, but his grip on your thighs only tightened.

"Oh, love, you're so cute when you fight it," he mused against your core. His movements were slow and deliberate, teasing you mercilessly with every flick and thrust of his tongue. Then, he licked and sucked at your clit, swirling his tongue around it in lazy circles. 

Despite your resistance, you found yourself writhing beneath him, surrendering completely to his will as you felt your core to tense and convulse under his touch. 

Maybe, just maybe, Satoru was right—maybe you weren't quite done yet.

But just as you were about to reach the peak, he stopped. 

His mouth left your trembling core, and you couldn't help but let out a whimper of frustration. He licked slowly over your sensitive flesh, his gaze fixed on your eyes, his intent clear. "Beg for it."

God, this fucker always knew how to rile you up.

"I'll fucking spit in your face later, Satoru," you retorted, your frustration bubbling to the surface.

"Oh, don't bother yourself, I might enjoy it," Satoru replied, a wicked smirk playing on his lips as he continued to torment you with his tongue. "So should I stop?"

"I won't give in to you."

"Is that so?" he challenged, sliding one finger inside you with deliberate slowness. "I think we both know how much you need this."

"You're insufferably arrogant," you muttered, gripping the wet sheets beneath you. You bit your lip, trying to hold back the moan threatening to escape. 

"Maybe" He slid another finger inside you, curling his fingers inside you to find that spot that made your breath catch. "But let's see if you can resist me for much longer."

He thrust his fingers deep into you, hitting bottom with his long fingers, sending your head spinning. "Please," you gasped. "Don't stop."

"That's it." Satoru's smirk widened as he watched you unravel before him. "Let go for me, love."

His mouth descended on your clit again, his fingers thrusting into you with a relentless rhythm that drove you over the edge. With a loud moan, you felt yourself shattering under his touch, your entire body tensing with another orgasm.

"How much I love that feeling of you coming undone around me," he said, his voice husky, as he continued to slowly thrust his fingers into you, savoring the sensation of your walls clenching around him. "So perfect."

With deliberate slowness, he withdrew his fingers. A satisfied smirk graced his lips as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and licked his fingers clean.

Moving up your body, his dark eyes bore into yours, their intensity cutting through the haze that clouded your vision. His hand snaked around your throat, his touch gentle as he stroked his thumb over your rapidly beating pulse. 

"You know, you can bring a few things here, if you want."

"Huh?" was all you could manage before you felt him slowly, agonizingly slowly, beginning to enter you once more. 

Inch by inch, he filled you up, stretching you wide until you were certain you couldn't take any more. But still, he kept pushing, burying himself deeper and deeper inside you until he was fully seated.

"Did you just fucking ask me to move in?" you breathed, your voice barely audible over the pounding of your heart. It was a maddeningly slow pace as he began to thrust into you, each thrust driving you wild with longing.

He closed his eyes, savoring the sensation, resting his forehead against yours, his warm breath mingling with yours. "I mean, if you want to."

You wrapped your legs around his waist. "You can't just ask me to move in while we fuck, Satoru." 

"Why not?"

"Because—" The words caught in your throat as he suddenly picked up the pace, thrusting hard and deep into your already overly sensitive core. Leaving you gasping for air with each forceful thrust.

A moan escaped your lips as he found that perfect spot inside. "Oh god, right there!"

"Oh, love, I know that you like that," he growled, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "I always know exactly what you need." His head dropped to your neck, teeth grazing the tender skin there.

God, you hated him—hated him for being so damn right and knowing you inside out.

"I hate you and your fucking god complex." Your nails dug into his shoulders, leaving marks as you held on tight.

"What did you just say?" He suddenly tightened the pressure on your throat, cutting off your air enough to make your head spin.

You struggled to catch your breath. "That you have a fucking god complex."

He smirked, continuing to move inside you with a fierce intensity that left you reeling. "And yet, here you are, begging for more." Each word was punctuated by a deep, powerful thrust that made your whole being tremble. 

You cried out, unable to form any meaningful response save for a series of desperate moans and whimpers. He picked up speed, driving deeper and harder into your core with each passing second. 

"Like that, huh?" 

You wrapped your legs tighter around his waist, holding onto him like a lifeline as he carried you higher and higher toward release. "Yes, don't stop."

He leaned close to your ear, his breath hot against your skin. "Oh, I won't, sweetheart," he whispered. "Not until you come all over me."

You tightened your grip on his shoulders, digging your nails in deeper. You could feel the muscles in his back flexing under your fingertips. Your eyes fluttered shut, overwhelmed by the growing sensation within you. But they snapped open as he gripped your jaw. 

"Open your eyes," he commanded. "I want you to look at me while you cum."

His hand found your throat again. His fingers fit so perfectly around your neck, so terrifyingly perfect. "I want you to see exactly who's making you feel this way."

Without warning, he lifted one of your legs over his broad shoulder, changing the angle—making it even better. Your skin grew hotter as he increased his pace, thrusting into you with such force that you would have slid up the bed if not for his firm grip on your throat.

You watched him through glassy eyes, taking in every detail of his flushed face, the damp hair that clung to his forehead.  His lips parted as low moans escaped his lips before he bit down on his lower lip.His moans were high-pitched and needful, punctuated by sharp intakes of breath as he struggled to maintain control.  The sight alone enough to make you cum, right here and now. "Fuck, I'm gonna come."

"Cum for me, love" he encouraged, his thrusts becoming erratic as he neared his own release. 

Your mind was so hazy from all the sensations that you didn't even register what you were screaming as you rode out your fourth orgasm of the night. Your body convulsed as he continued to thrust into you, barely noticing what he hissed as you felt him fill you up again.

You felt him shudder against you. Then, he collapsed, his weight pressing against your body as he supported himself with his hands on either side of your head.

His breath mingled with yours, warm and heavy against your skin. He gazed down at you with a look of sheer adoration in his eyes.

With a gentle touch, he brushed a stray strand of hair from your heated face, his fingers lingering against your skin. Slowly, he lowered his lips to yours, kissing you with a tenderness that was so different to the way he just fucked you.

"So, what about moving in now?" he murmured against your lips.

"I'm not answering that now."

─── ·✧· ───

Later that night, you were jolted awake.

Not from a sound, but the suffocating weight on your chest. 

Satoru's grip around you was a vise, the pressure sharp against your ribs. His breaths rasped in your ear, harsh and uneven, like each inhalation was tearing something loose inside him. His body twitched against yours.

"Satoru?" You tried to shift, to ease the weight pressing you into the mattress, but his hold was unyielding.

"Satoru," urgency clawed at your tone. "Hey, wake up."

His response was a strangled groan, followed by a string of words that were almost impossible to decipher. You clawed at his arms, panic rising as the air squeezed from your lungs. Still, he held on. Your blood turned to ice.

"Satoru, please wake up."

Somehow you managed to wrench yourself free. The cool air on your skin was a shock after the heat of his body. 

You cupped his face, the stubble rough against your palm, forcing him to meet your eyes. "Satoru, wake up," you pleaded. "It's just a dream."

His eyes snapped open. Even in the dim moonlight filtering through the curtains, you saw the fear in them. His pupils were dilated, swallowing up the vibrant blue with an alarming blackness. A sheen of sweat made his skin gleam like he'd been doused in icy water.

His hand shot out, fumbling for yours with a frantic desperation that made you gasp. His fingers clamped around you like cold iron, his grip bruising. 

"No—they can't—" His voice was a strangled rasp, the words barely coherent. "Can't let them—" Each word seemed etched with pain, a fresh wound torn open with every syllable. His grip tightened, his fingernails digging into your skin.

"Can't what?" You flinched slightly under his grip. "Satoru, please, look at me. You're safe. You're here with me."

A flicker of awareness broke through the terror in his eyes, his gaze finally landing on you. But the intensity was staggering. It was as if he were seeing you for the first time, fear still clinging to him like a shroud.

"It's okay," you soothed, gently running your hand through his sweat-soaked locks. "Just a nightmare, Satoru. Nothing but a bad dream."

He sat up, the sheets sliding away from his bare chest. You caught a glimpse of his ribs, the rise and fall of his breaths ragged. He ran a trembling hand across his face. 

"Sorry—" His gaze flickered over you, the panic fading just enough for him to register the mirroring fear twisting your features. "God, I'm so sorry."

"It's okay. It was just a bad dream."

His eyes swept over your arm, tracing the red marks left by his bruising grip. "Did I hurt you?" His hand reached out, hesitating just short of touching you, then traced the path of the bruises on your skin. "Fuck, love—did I do that?"

"It's okay," you said again. "I'm fine."

It was a lie, but you couldn't bring yourself to admit how the lingering ache made your skin crawl. Not now.

He fisted his hand in his hair, fingers digging into his scalp, threatening to rip the sweat-dampened strands out. "Sorry," he said again, then he leaned in, his lips brushing your temple with a surprising gentleness.

But it didn't soothe. 

It felt like a desperate plea for forgiveness he feared he didn't deserve.

He swung his legs out of bed. His bare feet hit the threadbare carpet with a muffled thud. He didn't turn towards you, his back a rigid line against the faint light filtering through the window.

Unease prickled your skin. "Satoru, what's—?" You sat up, the warm blankets pooling around your waist. 

You watched as he moved to the dresser, grabbing a pair of shorts and a shirt.

"Satoru, what are you doing?" 

He hesitated as he pulled the shirt over his head. For a heartbeat, he was still, as if caught between the urge to flee and a desperate wish to explain. But when he turned, the mask was firmly in place.

"Just need some air." He didn't turn towards you, didn't offer a glance. You couldn't even tell if he was truly seeing you. "I'll be back." 

His hands were a blur of motion as he laced his running shoes. You watched, a knot of fear twisting in your gut. "Satoru, please—talk to me."

"I can't." His response was sharp, tinged with a defensiveness bordering on panic.

Your heart ached. Your mind clouded.

You didn't know what was right anymore, letting him go or holding him back. Somehow it seemed you were always wrong.

His fingers twitched. You saw the moment his control frayed. Nails raked against skin, then his hand closed into a fist, fingers digging into his palm until the knuckles turned white.

He moved toward the door, halting in the frame. "I'm sorry." He slipped out, leaving the door ajar. You didn't follow him.

The silence he left was cruel.

The darkness of the room suddenly so heavy.

Your heart was a shattered mess in your chest, each shard scraping against your ribs with every ragged breath. 

The urge to sink back into bed, to burrow into the sheets, was overwhelming. But you couldn't. Bare feet met the cold floor. Reaching the window, you peered out into the moonlit night.

Below, his figure stood bathed in the pool of light cast by a flickering streetlamp, his form stark against the cracked pavement. As you watched, he fiddled with his smartwatch, likely starting some sort of running program.

His head lifted and his gaze found yours. His surprise was a knife in your already battered heart. Even from this distance, you saw the tightness of his jaw, the hollows beneath his eyes carved even deeper by the pitiless streetlight.

For a breath, an agonizing heartbeat, you saw a plea flicker across his face. But then, he turned and began to run. Each stride was a brutal reminder of how far away he was slipping, how powerless you were to stop it.

"You're so stupid, Satoru."

How could you ever sleep now?

How could you ever sleep again without him by your side?

Strange, how you can love someone so deeply, so all-consuming, that sometimes it scares you how involuntarily raw and vulnerable you are at his mercy.

But the truth was, loving him also meant accepting the ragged edges, the parts of him that were sharp enough to draw blood.

Of that, you were painfully certain.

─── ·✧· ───

Sleep had been a fitful, fleeting thing. 

Each shallow breath was a struggle against the dull pain in your skull. When morning finally bled through the curtains, it felt less like waking and more like surrender. 

Then, the jolt—his weight pressing down, his familiar scent sharp against the stale air.

Satoru. 

He'd slipped back into bed beside you. He smelled like sweat and something acrid—cigarettes. 

He tightened his grip around you, pulling you close underneath the sheets. Yet, even with his warm body flush against yours, there was a coldness in the space between you.

"You smell like smoke."

He stirred, burying his face in the crook of your neck. You felt his hair, slightly damp with sweat, against your skin. "Was with Suguru," he mumbled, his words muffled.

Should you be angry with him that he went to Geto instead of staying with you?

Probably.

But right now, you had really other concerns.

Or perhaps you were too tired to even try at this point.

You turned in his arms, squinting against the dim light filtering through the curtains. The exhaustion carved into his face was stark, the shadows beneath his eyes pools of bruise-purple. 

He looked younger, fragile. 

It was a sight that ached in your chest like a newly-bruised rib.

"Satoru, what's going on? Why did you run?"

He sighed, a long, weary exhale that seemed to drag something out of him. He shifted, burrowing deeper into the curve of your neck, as if seeking both comfort and a shield against your questions.

"Don't know," he finally admitted. "Was just—too much."

You knew better than to push. 

Instead, you shifted in his embrace. 

You let your hand rest against his chest, his heartbeat a frantic, uneven rhythm against your palm. It was too fast, too erratic, and despite the warmth of his body, a shiver traced its way up your spine.

"You know, today is the second hearing," you muffled against his chest.

"Yeah, I know." His grip on you tightened. For a long, agonizing moment, you simply lay together. The scent of smoke hung heavy in the stillness.

"We'll get through it," you whispered. "As long as we stay together."

His only response was a soft exhale. 

His body shifted, molding against yours. His breaths deepened, the frantic edge fading. You felt his body loosen, the rigid tension seeping out of him. His heartbeat began to slow beneath your palm.

You shifted slightly, settling comfortably into his embrace. You stared out the window, the first tendrils of dawn painting the sky a muted grey, and listened to the uneven rhythm of his sleep.

Perhaps you should hate him just a little. 

Perhaps that might make all of this a bit easier.

─── ·✧· ───

Morning arrived with a harsh finality that mirrored your own restless night. Sunlight pierced through the gap in the curtains, a cruel, accusatory beam that cut through the lingering shadows.

Yet, there was no time for dwelling.

No room for the exhaustion that throbbed behind your eyes.

"Satoru," you whispered, shaking his shoulder. "We have to go. Now."

He stirred with a groan, momentarily disoriented. Then, a flicker of urgency replaced the sleepy confusion in his eyes. 

Right. 

The damn hearing. 

It all came rushing back, cold dread coiling in his gut.

"Fuck," he muttered, scrubbing a hand over his face. "I overslept."

You sat already fully dressed on the edge of the bed. Your gaze met his, your brows furrowed in a silent echo of the questions burning on your tongue.

But for now, you shoved them aside. There would be time for that later, time to tear down the walls he'd built between you.

"Come on, you need to get ready."

The drive to the hospital was a blur of rushed movements and strained silence. The looming hearing hung in the air like a storm cloud, every mile bringing you closer to the inevitable clash. 

Your stomach churned, waves of nausea threatening to overwhelm you. It was a battle to keep the rising fear from twisting your face, a battle you weren't sure you were winning.

Why all of a sudden? 

Why did it suddenly feel like your whole world was falling apart?

You'd been so sure you would make it, that you'd get through it together. With Satoru by your side, nothing could happen.

But that certainty was crumbling into dust. 

One glance at his pale face, the blood drained from his skin, and fear clung to your throat. You didn't dare ask what was going on inside his head, but his silence was an answer in itself.

Upon arrival, the sterile meeting room felt more like a prison cell. 

Geto and Higurama waited, their expressions grave. You met Geto's gaze, a silent exchange passing between you. He knew. He knew, that you knew that Satoru spent the night at his place. But you shoved this thought aside as well. There would be time later.

"Glad you could finally join us," Higurama's voice held a sarcastic edge.

"Sorry, overslept," Satoru said.

"We don't have much time," Higurama cut in. "I spoke with the committee."

"And?" You prompted.

"They're not happy." He met your gaze. "They're questioning everything—your story, your... relationship."

"They suspect you acted recklessly with the surgeries," Geto added addressing Satoru. "That your judgment was clouded, that you let her operate because of an inappropriate interest."

"Of course, that's what Sukuna wants them to believe," Satoru said.

"Listen," Higurama interjected. "I've talked to the woman in the committee. Even if Sukuna wants chaos, the others are more focused on damage control. They want to bury this, protect the research, and avoid scandal. So, it's best if you just come clear now."

"So, what are we waiting for?" you asked.

Higurama met your gaze, a flicker of something like pity in his eyes. "Even if they're willing to sweep this under the rug, there'll be consequences. Suspension, likely. For both of you. You understand, right?"

"And so," you said, the words like shards of ice. "If it means this is finally over."

The words hung heavy in the air. 

You glanced at Satoru, expecting his usual pushback, his sense of protecting you, some flicker of anger—but there was nothing. A deep frown creased his brow, his gaze locked on the floor. He scrubbed his arm with unnecessary force, leaving a raw, red mark on his skin.

Then, Satoru and Geto exchanged a fleeting glance, a silent communication that sent a chill down your spine. There was something off, you knew it. The silence stretched, and the pity in their eyes as they turned to you began to curdle into a sickening dread.

Finally, Satoru spoke. "Let's do it then."

His surrender was a cold slap, sharper than any open defiance could have been.

"We don't have much choice, do we?" he added.

Higurama rose, a thin folder tucked under his arm. "Then, let's go." 

Higurama and Geto moved to leave the room. Geto briefly rested a hand on your shoulder. "We'll wait outside."

The door clicked shut leaving Satoru and you alone.

Satoru stared at the polished mahogany desk, his jaw working, as if he were trying to swallow a pill made of sandpaper and broken glass.

Something within you wanted to scream. To rip that flimsy facade of calm from Satoru, to shake him until the truth rattled out of him. Yet, the words died in your throat, strangled by the knowledge that it wouldn't change a thing.

Satoru's gaze flicked toward you before he pushed himself away from the desk. He walked over to you.

"You know I love you, right?"

The words should have been a balm. Instead, they were a razor blade against raw skin. "Don't you dare do anything stupid in there," you warned.

A bitter smile twisted his lips. "Come on. They'll be waiting."

Your legs felt like lead as you followed him out of the room.

─── ·✧· ───

The hearing room held an oppressive chill.  

The chill wasn't just the temperature, it seeped from the sterile walls, the unyielding chairs, the weight of judgment hanging in the stale air. It was not a place designed for truth, but rather a tribunal designed for condemnation.

One by one, the committee members entered. 

The familiar ache of dread curled in your stomach when Sukuna's gaze found you.

"Only Dr. Gojo is required today," one of the judges intoned.

You met Satoru's gaze. He smiled faintly, somehow it looked so cruel, so sad. You wanted to scream, to tear your way to his side. But Geto's hand held you back.

He guided you to the seats reserved for observers. To be forced into silence, into watching him getting torn to shreds under Sukuna's assault—it felt like a betrayal worse than any accusation they could hurl.

Your hands clenched into fists, nails biting into your palms. The pain a bitter focus.

Sukuna watched the proceedings, that smug half-smile plastered across his face. 

He didn't care about the rules—about your lives. 

This was all a cruel joke to him, a twisted play where he was the puppeteer, and you were the tangled marionette forced to dance to his tune. 

This wasn't about the research—it was about breaking you, breaking Satoru, proving that all your defiance was nothing against his terrible will.

Then, Satoru sat before the judges.

"Mr. Gojo," the woman on Sukuna's left began, "we have reason to believe that your relationship with your students might be inappropriate. That it goes beyond the bounds of a teacher-student dynamic."

Wow, they didn't even bother to ask anything else today.

For a long moment, Satoru didn't move. He seemed frozen. His gaze found yours, and it was as if the whole world narrowed down to that single connection. The intensity in his gaze so sharp it was like a shard of ice against your skin.

Here it was, the crossroads. He could tell them.

Tell them the truth—that you were in a committed relationship. That his decision to include you in the project was made from a place of trust and respect for your capabilities, not an affair.

It was better than the alternative – Sukuna twisting everything into a salacious tale of a reckless professor and his eager student, jeopardizing the entire research project.

A flimsy shield, yes, but a start. A chance for the truth to fight back.

He inhaled sharply, and for that split second, the world hung suspended. Then, with a jaw so tight it might shatter, he turned back to the judges.

"If my actions have been perceived in such a way," he began, "then it is entirely my fault. I have perhaps overstepped certain boundaries. I will take full responsibility for my actions."

No.

No.

Satoru, why?

For fuck's sake why?

A wave of nausea washed over you, bile burning the back of your throat. Your hands clenched into fists, the short nails digging into your palms with enough force to draw blood. The pain didn't register.

"All actions were initiated on my end. There is no wrongdoing on her behalf, and any suspension would be unfounded," he added.

The lips of the woman beside Sukuna pursed, the words beginning to flow in a blur of accusations and coldly calculated legalese.

You didn't hear her. 

Didn't hear anything anymore.

Didn't hear anything over the roaring in your ears, the frantic, uneven thud of your heart trying to claw its way out of your ribcage. The room spun, the judges' faces blurring, the sterile walls tilting inward. Your vision tunneled. Your breath ragged.

The full weight of it crashed down—not just Sukuna, but this new catastrophe Satoru had brought crashing down around himself. His life, meticulously balanced on the razor's edge was about to collapse.

Reputation, career, everything—and all because of a sacrifice as pointless as it was heartbreaking.

Satoru's response cut through your panic like a gunshot. "I am aware of the consequences. And I take full responsibility."

The words were a death knell. 

The enormity of it all crashed down on you. 

Your breath caught, a strangled gasp clawing at the back of your throat. Fingers clawed at the back of the chair in front of you, wood creaking in protest. You lurched forward, a futile escape from the crushing weight. 

Your heart hammered against your ribs like a caged bird battering itself against a prison of flesh and bone. Voices blurred. Your breathing shortened. Your fingers, still gripping the chair, were turning numb.

"Suguru—" Your voice was a ragged plea. "Out—get me the fuck—out of—" The rest of the sentence choked in your throat.

He didn't wait a second.

With a surprising gentleness, he pried your fingers from the chair, the wood creaking beneath your white-knuckled grip. Your legs were leaden weights. He helped you stand, every step was a battle against the dizzying blackness encroaching on your vision.

The room seemed to tilt as Geto steadied you.

The judges, Sukuna, they all blurred into grotesque shapes in the periphery of your failing sight. Everything was too loud, too bright, too much.

Satoru watched you leave in silence.

<- prev chapter | next chapter ->

author's note: oh boy, oh boy! so much happening, so little fluff. i'm so sorry—but remember the story will have a happy ending, just have to come up how that will happen ehehe. next chapter will dive back into satoru's unhinged brain, because i love writing from his pov.

thank you SO MUCH for your unwavering support! this story's going to be a bit of a ride, and i'm so thankful you're here for it. your comments absolutely make my day! next chapter might take a little longer due to a university assignment, but i'll be back to writing like a maniac as soon as i can. thanks for understanding! ♡

wishing you a great day or night and an awesome week ahead! ♡

🏷️ @sad-darksoul @aerithsthingss @mylovelessnightmare @bbyxxm @musababy @neuviloved @ykehqqy @hexrts-anatomy @fvsm4x @tw0fvced @heijihattorisgf @sadmonke @thatsopanu @sirencholia @sugurusdiscordmoderator @erwinslut @shervinss @certainlysyko @mechalily @purplehallow11 @kendall0111 @bloopsstuff @therealestpussyeater @louoi7 @whereflowerswenttodie @billiondollarworth @deluluforcarlos55 @starrynight-777 @vina21 @michelleeveline @boba-is-a-soup @cre8inghavoc @love-jelly @daimiyu @d0nk3y-k0ng @mo0nforme @smolbeanzzz @oneiricals @ynishalee (pls comment on the series masterlist to get tagged in the future!)

[casspurrjoybell-28]

Alpha's Addiction - Chapter 4a

*Warning Adult Content*

Escape - Part 1 - Kao

My breath is coming out in short puffs in the cold night air as the Alpha escorts us to the lake.

I'm high on adrenaline, grasping Oliver's hand tightly.

I need to find an opening.

When we get there, Oliver dutifully looks for fireflies as I stand next to the Alpha.

My eyes scan the area, looking for some type of weapon I could use against him.

That's when I spot it.

A thick piece of firewood that's been abandoned in the grass.

It's not the most elegant,but it will have to do.

But first I need to find a way to distract him so he stops watching us like a hawk.

That's when Oliver cries out.

I whip my head to where the sound came from, spotting him laying in the grass a few feet away.

The Alpha and I both rush over to see what's wrong.

"It hurts," he cries, curling into a ball.

"What's wrong, young sir?" the Alphas asks frantically, obviously regretting his decision to take us out.

If Oliver's hurt, he'll be the one to take the blame when Zacan finds out.

But as I look over my son, I realize what he's doing.

He's acting. He never cries like that when he gets injured.

As the Alpha frets over him, I sneak off to grab the piece of wood.

It's heavy but I manage to lug it up into both my hands.

While the Alpha is still occupied with Oliver, I creep up behind him, preparing to hit.

Then I swing as hard as I can at his head.

The roar he lets out is earth-shaking.

It also means he's still conscious, despite being knocked to the ground, cradling his head in his hands.

We don't have a lot of time before he gets back up.

I grab Oliver's hand, dashing towards the trees.

I've never run so fast in my life.

My feet hit the ground in hard slaps, my slippers barely holding on.

Zacan never gave me outdoor shoes because he didn't want me leaving the house.

But I need to think realistically.

The Alpha will catch up to us.

He's faster, probably even when he's injured.

And I don't have any kind of weapon.

Zacan wouldn't even allow me near kitchen knives.

Shows just how much he trusts me.

I hear him behind us, the thundering of his heavy steps as he chases us.

I would turn into my wolf but then I'd lose my clothes and my bag and then we'd be fucked even if we got away from him with no food or water.

My adrenaline is running thin and exhaustion is taking over.

Oliver is running faster than I am, now.

It's no wonder, anyway.

Our pack is designed to keep Omegas weak and malnourished so we don't rebel.

So much so that I can barely sprint for more than a minute.

We run past a few more trees before one of my legs cramps and I fall to my knees, my ankle twisting under me.

A burst of pain emanates from the action and I hiss, accidentally letting go of Oliver's hand.

"Get up, Mama. Get up," he urges but I can't, feeling dizzy and weak.

"G-go. Just run," I order him in a sharp voice, making him flinch because I've never spoken to him like that before.

He disappears into the trees without me having to tell him twice.

A few moments later the Alpha pounces on me, pinning me to the ground.

He roughly flips me over, eyes glowing with his wolf's fury.

Alphas hate being deceived.

"You little traitor," he growls, large hand closing around my jaw.

"Where is the boy?"

I spit in his face.

He roars, backhanding me so hard my vision goes dark for a few seconds.

"You're gonna pay, little bitch," he seethes, wrapping his hand around my neck and pulling me up to slam me against a tree.

I choke out a scream, clawing at the hand that's blocking off my windpipe.

I break his skin, drawing blood until it's running down his hands but he doesn't let go.

"I can kill you. I can do whatever I want with you and hide your body where no one will ever find it. I have nothing to lose, so tell me where the fuck the boy is or I'll..."

His eyes suddenly go wide, his face tensing as he stops speaking.

I blink in confusion as he tries to sputter out words but then his body jolts a seconds time and blood splatters all over me.

His body falls to the ground and I see Oliver standing there, blood-covered knife in hand.

He lunges at the Alpha, stabbing him again even though he's clearly dead.

Over and over and I watch in terror until I snap out of my shock, grabbing his arm to stop him.

"Stop. Stop. He's d-dead. It's done..." my voice quivers as he looks up at me with murderous intent in his eyes.

"He was hurting you," he says, as if trying to justify what he did.

"I know, baby. Thank you. Y-you saved me. But we have to go now. He's bound to have communicated with the others through the alphas' mind link. They'll be after us soon enough."

Oliver nods, expression blank as if he didn't just stab someone to death.

"Okay, mama. Which way do we go?"

Shaking from what just happened but trying to get ahold of myself, I look up at the sky, locating the North Star.

We'll head that way.

It's always where Des and I had planned to go if we ever got the chance to escape.

I take his hand, disappearing into the night.

I try not to think of what I've turned my son into... a killer.

*

I don't know how long we've been walking.

My whole body hurts from when the Alpha attacked me and I'm bleeding in multiple places in addition to having a limp from when I injured my ankle.

Oliver, thankfully, has no wounds.

He holds my hand so tight it hurts, looking up at me worriedly every few seconds.

I know it's not good.

I know I'm not well and I don't know how much longer I can keep up this trek.

It's early morning, the sun barely up and still no one has come after us.

I thank the Moon Goddess for that.

But we must find shelter.

We're still deep in the woods, so I push on, hoping we can find a clearing to rest.

But then something makes me freeze altogether.

Voices. Male, Alpha voices.

'Zacan's men have found us.'

"Oliver," I whisper, kneeling down to him, my tone gravely serious.

"Climb up that tree. Climb up there and don't make a sound."

"But Mama..."

"Give me the knife," I order, realizing I should've made him do so much earlier.

Thinking about it, I wonder where he managed to swipe it from.

Oliver reluctantly obeys, handing me the blade then promptly scaling the tree.

Once I can't see him anymore, I'm satisfied, finding my own coverage in the foliage.

The voices are still far off but they will be near soon.

If I can surprise them, I'll have an advantage.

I slink through the trees, careful to stay in the shadows as a I grip my knife in my sweaty palm.

The closer I get to them, the stranger I feel in my chest.

It's like a burning sensation... but it's oddly pleasant.

Like long-buried heat has re-emerged to light my heart.

It's the weirdest feeling, I can't quite put my finger on it.

But never mind that now.

I hold my breath as I lie in wait, ears strained for the single pair of footsteps getting closer with each passing second.

The Alpha must have separated from his group. Perfect.

It'll be far easier to attack when he's alone.

I can tell by the significant length between the footfalls that he's tall, if not giant, so I must be smart about this.

I must stab quickly and directly, one and done.

I can't afford a scuffle.

Moon Goddess knows I'd never win.

My heart is beating so fast now, the funny feeling from earlier now roaring with intensity.

It must be the nerves.

I'm about to kill someone, after all.

'He's here.'

I take a deep breath before I jump from the bushes, levering my weight with one hand on his shoulder while the other shoves the blade towards his neck.

In seconds my wrist wielding the blade is apprehended, just shy of his neck.

I scream as he grabs me, pushing me to the forest floor under his enormous, muscular body, pinning my hands above my head with ease.

I find myself staring into cold, ice blue eyes that leave me breathless, my heart feeling like it'll beat out of my chest.

I'm breathing hard, staring up at the man, the Alpha, who holds me captive in his gaze.

This is not one of Zacan's men. No.

"You're going to have to try harder than that, little wolf," he says in a deep, teasing baritone.

I gape at him, eyes wide, finally understanding the wildfire blooming inside me.

'Mate.'