#I won't be answering these asks here on out

[shyxcherry]

bruised hearts & steady hands | nicholas

summary: when your friends drag you for a night out, you didn't expect to catch the attention of the most attractive guy you've ever met. nor did you expect to sleep with him. but here you were, with messed up feelings about someone whose name you didn't even know. oh, and don't forget he's your brother's best friend (and boss).

pairing: tattooartist!nicholas x female!reader

warning: fluff, angst, smut (oral (both), fingering, both protected and unprotected sex), reader has some trauma in her past (mental health issues that aren't descripted but hinted at)

word count: 11.4k

notes: 2/9 of the series down! i absolutely loved how this turned out. like i need tattoo artist nicho like right now... next up in the series will be yuma! let me know who we want after him. likes and reblogs appreciated!

ink and asphalt masterlist

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you let out a sigh as you set the box of kitchen items on the counter. every part of your body was killing you, having to go up two flights of stairs because of course the elevator would be out of service the day you move in. you all but collapse onto the cold tile floor to cool yourself off, looking up when you see your brother walk in with two more large boxes– looking unbothered as usual.

you wouldn't expect anything less from your brother, fuma. he was three years older than you, claiming the title as older sibling– and always using that against you. he's been your guardian since you were practically born. he hated when you moved a few hours away to go to college for the past few years. now that you were back, you were of course thrown under his wing again– not that you minded.

"how are you so unphased by this?" you ask, a little winded from your trip. fuma laughs, sitting the boxes down before grabbing a water, opening it before handing it to you. you drink half of the bottle before sitting it down beside you.

"maybe it's time for you to start working out, brat." you roll your eyes at his statement.

"i'll start working out when you get a girlfriend." you respond, grabbing his outstretched hand as he helped you off of the floor. "i still don't understand how you got me the apartment right next to yours."

"i promised the owner a free tattoo of any size."

your eyes widened. "that wasn't necessary, bear. i could've rented someplace else."

"it was necessary." he told you, leaving no room for argument. "it's my job to keep you safe."

you hum out a response as you start opening boxes to begin packing away. "you gonna hold my hand and walk me to work too?"

"no, but i am driving you."

you rolled your eyes at his answer. "that's only because i'm saving up for a car. it won't be for long."

"i don't care how long it is." fuma responded. "take your time. maybe spend some money on a new shirt first."

you look down when he tugged on the frayed shirt that clearly had a couple holes in it. this was one of your favorite shirts– fuma got it for you when you two went to a concert together when you were 15. you gasped at the notion, smacking his hand away from you. "how dare you say such a thing? you don't see me telling you to get rid of that dirty pokémon that i got you."

"maybe i will when you learn its name." he crossed his arms, waiting for you to tell him the name– chuckling when it was clear that you didn't know the name. "it's eevee."

"i knew that."

fuma rolled his eyes, messing up your hair as he walked by. "of course you did, brat."

"whatever." you huffed. "you got plans for the weekend?"

"yeah. i'm going out clubbing with the guys. wanna come?"

you shook your head. "chae and yunjin are also going clubbing and asked if i wanted to go with them."

"be careful, okay. i won't be drinking, so let me know if you need a ride."

you nod your head, a small smile on your face. "of course, bear. i'll be careful. promise."

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your promise to fuma to be careful went out the window as soon as you stepped into the club. you told yourself you were really going to try, but you immediately caught sight of arguably one of the most attractive guys you've ever seen. he instantly caught your eye– even as you sat down at a booth with chae and yunjin.

you couldn't see too much due to the dark lights, but you could see the way his dark eyes scanned the space with a confident aura. your eyes followed the sharp lines of his jaw, watching as they become more defined as he smiled at some guy as he walked by. and when he lifted his hand to brush his hair out of his face, you could see the tattoos peeking out from under his jacket sleeve. you felt yourself becoming entranced by the man who hadn't even looked in your direction yet.

you shouldn't even be entertaining the idea. you just moved here a few days ago– still getting settled into a new job. you shouldn't be tempted to find someone, but maybe you didn't. maybe you could just have some fun. just fun. no commitment.

"who are we staring at, babe?" you glance over to yunjin as she slides into the booth across from you, sitting down a round of drinks.

"he must be cute because she's been ignoring me for the last 5 minutes." chae responded with a light laugh.

you blush at the fact that you got caught staring at someone. "it's nothing. just a cute guy."

"cute like i want to bring him to meet the parents, or cute like i want to end the night underneath him screaming his name?" you nearly choke on your drink at yunjin's question. "i'm guessing it's the second option."

"oh, girl this could be so good for you." chae exclaimed.

you shook your head. "i don't have time for anything."

"but you do have time for a one night stand." yunjin spoke as she took a sip of her drink before motioning behind you. "i'm hoping that's the guy you were staring at because he's looking at you like he wants to devour you."

chae leaned over to look– a small gasp slipping past her lips. "yn! he's so cute."

you quickly glance over your shoulder, meeting the dark eyes that had captured your attention earlier. when he realized you were staring at him, he smirked, sending a wink in your direction. you bite your lip at the motion, an action that he noticed– eyes trailing to your lips. you smiled at that before quickly turning back around.

"oh my god. that's him." you whisper shout to your two clearly excited friends.

"whatever you just did worked because he has not stopped staring." chae responded. "who knew our girl had it in her?"

"she's about to have a lot more in her."

you groan at her words but couldn't help the stir in your stomach at the thought. you never thought you would be the one for a one night stand, but for someone like him, you would make an exception. "what do i do?"

"you're going to get your ass up and make him come to you." yunjin said, receiving two confused looks from you and chae. "go dance babe."

your eyes widened. "not alone!"

"oh please." yunjin brushed off your concerns with a flick of her wrist. "you won’t be alone for more than a few seconds. i guarantee it. if not, i’ll join you. just make sure you text us in the morning, so we know you're still alive."

you thought about it for a moment, chewing on your lip. "am i really about to do this?"

"yes, you are." chae nodded. "you said it yourself. you have worked hard to get to where you are, and you deserve a night of fun. besides, you said your last boyfriend was shit in bed, so you clearly need to get laid properly."

you let out a sigh, drinking the rest of your drink before standing up. even as you leave the table and disappear in the large crowd, you could still feel his eyes on you– watching you. you tried to blend in, even though you've never danced alone before, closing your eyes before dancing along to the music.

you were alone for maybe 30 seconds before you felt a warm body slide behind yours. his sharp cologne hit your nose as his hand flattened on your stomach, pulling you closer to him. as the two of you dance, you could feel his semi as your back pressed against his front– feeling as it gets harder when you roll your hips back. his other hand moves across your shoulder, running his thumb over your jaw before tilting your head up– meeting his gaze for a second time.

"keep dancing with me like this, and you're not leaving alone." his voice low, rough as he leans in to whisper in your ear.

your breath hitches as his lips graze the shell of your ear. you turn your head, catching more glimpses of tattoos on his neck and chest as you turn around in his arms – grabbing his jacket and pulling him closer to you. “good.”

his eyes scan your face for any sort of hesitance, but he doesn’t get any. his hand slides to the small of your back – the other one in your hair. he slightly tugs on the strands, angling your gaze back up to his. his breath was warm as it hit your skin as his nose brushed yours. “i don’t let go easy.”

“who likes easy?” you respond, earning a low chuckle from him. “but if you take me home, i should at least know your name.”

his smirk was teasing, lips almost brushing yours as his hand moves out of your hair – thumb trailing along your bottom lip that was painted red. “you’ll forget it with the way i plan to touch you, but you can call me weno if you want.” you could tell that wasn’t his actual name, and somehow that made you feel more calm about this. he knew it as well that it was only for tonight. “and i’ll call you red.”

your mouth parted, and he took the opportunity to slide his thumb into your mouth. you wrapped your lips around him, circling your tongue around his thumb as you suck – all while keeping eye contact with him. a small curse leaves his mouth as he watches you. he slowly pulls his thumb out of your mouth, smearing your saliva on your lower lip. he didn’t say another word, grabbing your jaw before slamming his lips onto yours.

his kiss was rough, claiming you like he’s been wanting to do since he set his sights on you. you gasp into his mouth, fingers clutching his shoulders before moving up to tangle into his hair. he lets out a barely their groan when you pull on the strands, but you could feel the vibration against your lips. your lips parted– his tongue sliding against yours, slow and teasing. you shiver as the cool jewel of his tongue piercing slid against your tongue because of course he had one. he almost refused to stop, but as much as he wanted to, he didn’t take it any further – not while the two of you were still in the middle of the dance floor. his grip on your back tightened as he pulled away from you first. you let out a breath, finally feeling the intensity of the kiss, you just shared. your eyes meet his, slightly nervous that he didn’t feel the same way, but all you saw was his eyes, somehow darker now, staring down at you with the same intensity you were sure you had.

“do you want to go back to mine?” his tone was short, clearly struggling to keep control of his emotions.

“i would be really disappointed if not.” you untangle your hands from his hair– him grabbing your hand immediately before guiding you out of the club. you met yunjin’s and chae’s eyes for a second, sending a quick wave while watching the two freak out. you would never hear the end of this from the two of them.

he led you over to his car. “i haven’t had anything to drink, so you’re safe with me.”

you nodded your head, allowing him to help you get in before he got in himself. the lights lit up the car as you passed under them before you two were developed into darkness. his hand drifted to your thigh, right above your knee– unmoving as he tries to focus on the road, but you were making it impossible. the way your eyes watch his every move, lips swollen from where he’s kissed you, thighs clenched shut as you shift in your seat.

he meets your gaze as he pulls up to his place. “last chance to turn back.”

you wait until he parks the car before unbuckling your seatbelt, leaning over– lips grazing his ear while your other hand brushes against his erection. “bold word coming from someone with a boner.”

“get out of the car.” you smile at his demand, pulling away from him before getting out of the car. he once again grabs your hand, guiding you up the driveway before letting the two of you into the house. it was dark, and he didn’t bother to turn any lights on before he pulled you into him. “you’re mine now.”

his mouth crashed against yours, done with the teasing from earlier. the kiss was hot and messy– all tongue and teeth as his hands grip at your sides. his hands bunch up your dress, allowing his hands to run along your bare legs, squeezing at the tender flesh. you moan into the kiss when his hands pull your dress up even more, exposing your lower half to him. his lips leave yours as he spins you around, chest pressed against the wall as his thigh pushes between your legs. his hands tightly grip your waist as his hips press against yours– moaning out when his clothed erection rolls against you. his breath was rough on your neck as his lips attach to the skin, biting down hard enough to have you gasp.

“this is what you wanted, isn’t it red?” you nod your head. tilting your head to allow him even more of your body that felt like it was on fire– everywhere he touched felt like a match had been stuck there.

his hand slides around your waist, trailing along the edge of your waistband before moving down between your legs. his touch was slow, teasing as his fingers ran over the fabric– feeling the wet spot and showing how much you wanted him. “so wet, red. and i haven’t even started yet.”

“weno–” you whine out when his fingers slip into the front of your underwear. his touch was slow, just enough to make you squirm, not enough to satisfy. you hear his low chuckle in your ear when you push back against him.

“patience, red. i’m going to take my time with you.”

your whine quickly turns into a sigh in relief, cheek resting against the wall when his thumb finally puts pressure on your throbbing clit. his lips continued to kiss and bite along your neck as his touch deepens, teasing your slit before he slides a finger inside of you, barely giving you any time to adjust before he’s moving his hand– groaning against your ear when you clench around him as a moan escapes your lips.

“so tight.” he breaths, curling his finger just right to have your back arch, crying out at the feeling. “how long has it been since someone’s touch this gorgeous body?”

“too long.” you groan out as he plunges in a second finger. he started out slow before building up a rhythm that had you rolling your hips against his hand. “fuck– weno.”

“there she is. i want you to lose control for me. you’re not leaving here without screaming my name to the point where you can’t talk.” you jump when his thumb increases speed on your clit, circling the bud tightly. you whine out his name as his hand pumped faster, motions deliberate– wanting to watch as you fell apart. “let me hear how good you sound as you come all over my fingers, red.”

his fingers curled, hitting the perfect spot to bring you over the edge. you cried out his name, rocking your hips against his hand as you ride out your high. his grip was tight on your waist as you opened your eyes to meet his, lust filling his eyes. his fingers leave you as he pulls his glistening hand up to his face. he makes sure you keep eye contact as he cleans off his hand with his mouth, groaning at the taste and leaving you desperate for more.

“you’re not getting any sleep tonight.”

your world is flipped upside down as he throws you over his shoulder. he climbs a set of stairs before opening a door down the hallway. it was pitch black as he threw you back onto the bed. he turned his bedside lamp on before he climbed on top of you– legs keeping you hostage. his breath hit your lips before his tongue shoved past your lips, brushing against your tongue lazily, but it kept you wanting more. your hands gripped his shoulders, pushing his jacket off before trying to pull his shirt off as well. he bit your lip before he sat up– a silent warning to not being patient as he pulled off his shirt.

your eyes ran down his chest and arms, seeing the tattoos that painted over almost all of his skin. you only looked away when you heard him laugh, meeting his eyes as he leans back down– holding your jaw as he kissed you. “like what you see red?”

you open your mouth to respond but stop when his hands cup your breasts. a small gasp left your mouth when he pulled the top of your dress down, exposing your breasts to him. his lips trail down your neck, biting and sucking, while his hands return to your breasts. his hands rough and teasing, squeezing just enough to make you arch into his touch. you could feel his smug smile on your skin, nipping at your neck as his thumb brushed over your nipple. you jump– a moan leaving your lips when he pinches the sensitive bud.

“listen to you. so responsive already, and i’m just getting started.”

his mouth left your neck, impatiently moving down to your chest. he pulled your dress down even further as he kissed between your breasts, letting his tongue trace shapes as he slowly trailed down. his hands cupped your breasts again– like he loved the feeling of them in his hands. he squeezed them one last time before his tongue found your breast. he flicked your nipple teasingly before latching his mouth around it, sucking harshly.

you gasp, back arching as your hands tangle in his hair. “fuck, weno.” he was like an animal– biting and sucking until your skin turned red before running his tongue along the area, soothing it. his hands groping and squeezing at every inch of skin his mouth couldn’t. your back arched into his mouth when he groaned– the vibration sending chills across your skin. “weno, please.”

“greedy girl. begging for more already?” he taunted as his hands started to pull the dress off your body. as soon as he threw the dress, his lips moved away from your breast, trailing slow, heated kisses down your stomach while his hands toyed with your waistband. “say please again and maybe i’ll give you what you want.”

“please.” you beg, raising your hips, desperate for more. “please, weno.”

he let out a hum of approval, sliding your bottoms down your legs. his kissed the inside of your thigh before kissing the other one, biting down in warning when you whined in impatience. he moved forward, finally giving you some relief. his tongue was slow, licking along your folds – watching when you jerked when his piercing pressed against your clit. you had never felt anything like it before, and now you were questioning why. “you’re sweet as sin, red.”

he dove in completely without warning, tongue moving against you like he had done it a million times and knew exactly how to make you scream. he let his piercing do most of the work, circling and rolling over your clit – having you grab the sheets to try to ground yourself. your moans were getting louder, more frequent as his hand spread across your stomach, holding you down. his other hand that was gripping your thigh moved, slightly ghosting up your leg until he was teasing your entrance. with one motion, he plunged two fingers deep inside of you– your hand tangling in his hair at the action.

“f- weno.”

you could feel him get more confident, more into making you come undone again for him. he kept changing up his speed, going fast enough to have your eyes rolling back before slowing down– allowing you to feel everything he was giving you. your heels dug into the mattress, thighs trying to close around his head which only made him pull you closer to his mouth. you glanced down, eyes widening when you took him in. his eyes were half closed, glazed over with lust– face glistening with your slick. he blinked, looking up to see you looking at him. you feel him smirk against you before he winked, curling his fingers enough to have you throw your head back. your stomach tightened, curling with heat– making you let out a low, whining moan.

“are you going to come again, red?” he taunted, pressing his piercing flat against your clit, holding you down when you jerk. you’re unable to answer him, nodding your head at his question. “say please.”

“p-please let me come, weno.”

“good girl.” he wrapped his lips around your clit, sucking harshly, watching as your back arches off the bed. he fills you tighten around his fingers, his name leaving your lips a second later as you reach your high. your hand wounded tightly in his hair, pulling hard enough to have him groaning against you. he stuck his tongue out, cleaning up every drop of your release off you and his hand before moving back up your body. you opened your eyes, instantly meeting his dark ones. “you’re going to ruin me red.”

instead of responded, you hand wrapped around his neck, pulling him down to you. your lips crashed together in a heated kiss as he closes the distance between you– chest pressed tightly together as his lips move against yours. your hands roam his body, feeling every muscle and grove before your hands meet his waistband. he lifted up slightly, helping you get his bottoms off, leaving him bare above you. your eyes glaze over his body, examining every inch of his skin. most of it was tattooed– colors and symbols marking his skin and making him even more stunning.

he moved to hover over you again, but your hands caught him, pushing him to lay on his back before you moved to straddle him. you lean down, capturing his lips again before moving down to his neck. he exposed his neck, keeping his hands tight around your waist, as he lets you bite and mark him like he did to you. you continue making your way down his neck before moving down his chest and stomach until your reach his cock, thick and throbbing– leaking against his stomach. your hand wraps around him, giving him a soft stroke that had him biting his lip, nearly bucking into your hand with need.

you lean down, taking your time as you slowly run your tongue along the underside, watching as he curses with your touch. “fuck, red.”

you smirk before taking as much of him into your mouth as you could– hand wrapping around the rest. he lets out a groan, hand wrapping in your hair. you fully expected him to guide you, but he didn’t. he let your pick the pace, pulling when your tongue swirled around him. you moan, and that alone has him nearly coming undone. you pull away from him with a small ‘pop’ before looking up at him. you kept your hand moving, squeezing at the base and watching him thrust up into your hand.

“condom?” he blinks at your question for a second before the words register. you keep your hand slowly moving as he reaches over into his nightstand, pulling out a condom. you grab it from him– him groaning when you open it with your teeth before sliding it down him.

you move up, hands braced on his shoulders as you straddled his hips. he had a teasing grin on his face that you watched falter as you sank down onto him. a low groan left his lips, along with a gasp from you. his hands gripped your hips, fingers digging into your skin as your hips met his. your breath hitched at the fill of him, loving the way he felt as you adjusted to him.

you started out slow, rolling your hips in a way that had him squeezing your sides– no doubt leaving bruises. his hands started to help guide you, his hips thrusting up at points to meet yours. you lean down, breath shaky as your lips meet his. his hand grips the back of your head, pulling you deeper into the kiss. he felt your moves falter, thighs trembling from your efforts. his hands move, wrapping around your waist before flipping you over. your back hits the mattress– his lips pressing into yours as he thrusts into you.

“i’ve got you.” his voice quiet against your lips, moving to your neck as his pace builds into fast, desperate thrusts. “fuck, red. you feel so fucking good.”

your nails dig into his back, chest arching into his as his lips claim yours again. he kisses you messily– getting lost in pleasure like you were. your voice raw as your moans turn into soft gasps, hips rolling up to meet his. he could feel you– could tell that you were close by the way your thighs started trembling again, nails scraping down his back.

his hand reaches between you, finding your swollen clit with his fingers, circling it slowly. it was just enough to have you crying out his name as you fell over the edge. you arch into him, extremities wrapping around him tightly, clenching around him as you start to come down. his hips kept moving, starting to stutter as he feels it. your arms pull him down, clinging to him as you kiss him, and that was enough for him. he thrusted one last time with a groan against your lips as he released into the condom.

he stays still for a moment, head resting against yours as the two of you catch your breaths. his hand moves up, fingers trailing along your jaw. “are you okay?”

“i’m okay.” you nod with a soft smile. you expected things to turn awkward after this. like he would immediately want you gone. instead, you felt the opposite, smiling when he leans down to kiss you again.

he doesn’t say much after, leading you not to either. he moves away from you, taking off the condom before grabbing a towel before helping you clean up. you were confused, wondering why he wasn’t asking you to leave. he laid back down beside you, pulling you against his chest, holding you. he pulls the cover around the two of you, pressing one last kiss to your shoulder before you hear his breaths even out– signaling that he was asleep.

you allow yourself to believe that all of this meant something to him like it did to you. maybe it wasn’t just a one night stand because none of this felt like one. but then your thoughts started creeping in– your fear of commitment. you’ve had plenty of boyfriends, but you’ve always kept them at an arm's length, not even letting your brother or mother meet them. you wouldn’t be able to do that with him, and that scared you more that it should. you start to regret coming here because now you’re now going to be stuck on some guy who’s name you didn’t even know.

that thought alone sent a pain through your chest. you asked for his name, and he wouldn’t give it to you. he made his intentions clear that this wasn’t anything more than one night. you try to convince yourself that it meant nothing. he got what he wanted, and so did you. that was it.

so why did it hurt so bad when you snuck out that next morning?

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the last two weeks have been hard to say the least. every time you let your mind drift, they drifted back to your mystery man. his sharp, dark eyes. his teasing smile that seemed to never leave. the way your skin still feels like it’s on fire from where he touched, no matter how many times you scrubbed at the skin. the love bites and bruises that littered your skin took a week to disappear, and you couldn’t bring yourself to look at them– mind drifting back to the best night you’ve ever had before you ruined it.

a part of you felt stupid for being so hung up on someone you only knew for a few hours. it wasn’t supposed to feel like this– like a part of you was broken because you didn’t stay. leaving didn’t normally hurt like this. it didn’t normally leave a pit in your stomach that refused to go away. no matter what you did or what you told yourself, it stayed almost like it was mocking you.

you open the door to the tattoo shop where your brother works, the bell dinging and signaling your arrival. you were supposed to be meeting with him to go car shopping since you were finally settled in. the shop was quiet, empty since it was late on a tuesday afternoon. you noticed some guy sitting behind the counter, hood on sketching on a tablet with his back turned towards you.

“excuse me.” you call out, walking up to the counter. “i’m looking for fuma.”

you watch as his back tenses, confusing you. his hand stops, dropping the pen before turning around. your eyes widen, jaw dropping when you see the guy from that night staring back at you just as shocked as you were. unlike you, he quickly pulled together his act, taking his hood off before standing up– smirk back on his lips.

“didn’t think i’d see you again, red.” his tone was cocky, borderline cruel nearly making you flinch. you try to brush off the sting, matching his tone with an equally rude one.

“didn’t think you’d care, weno.”

“right.” he let out a scoff, leaning forward onto the counter. “that’s why you left, huh?”

he watched your expression flicker, hurt flashing before you covered it up. “what was i supposed to? stay? you didn’t say anything. not even your name. just held me like i was a stuffed animal– like i was convenient for you.”

“i didn’t want to mess anything up.” he spoke. “i thought if i said something, it would only push you away.”

“and i thought if i stayed, you’d push me away.”

his mouth opened like he was going to say something but was stopped when fuma walked into the room. “nicho, i see you met yn.”

his eyes widen just slightly as his gaze flickers back to you. you nod your head, finally knowing his name. it was nicholas. him and another guy owned this tattoo shop where fuma works. he was also one of fuma’s best friends. you unknowingly slept with your brother's best friend.

you blink away your pain, replacing it with a smile as you turn to your brother. “yes, he was just telling me about the shop.”

“maybe now that you’ve seen the place, you’ll finally let me tattoo you.” you roll your eyes at your brother’s antics.

“in your dreams.”

he laughs before motioning to the back. “i’m going to go grab the car. i’ll meet you out front.”

once he walked back the way he came, nicholas turned to you. “did you-”

“no.” you answer, knowing what he was going to ask. “did you?”

“no.” you nod your head, turning to leave out of the front door when he stopped you again. “did that night really mean nothing to you?”

you sigh, hand on the handle before turning to him. “it doesn’t matter if it did anymore. not only are you my brother’s boss, but you’re his friend. i’m not doing that to him. no matter how much that night meant to me.”

you left the store without another word, and you thought that would be the last you would see of nicholas, but of course the universe had other plans. and by universe, you meant fuma. he kept inviting you out with the guys, so you could get to know them. and of course, you couldn’t say no because he would ask why, and you weren’t telling him you unknowingly slept with his friend. he also introduced you to one of his friend’s k’s girlfriend, who you absolutely adored. his friends were nice, and you got along with all of them. except one– the one who refused to leave your mind.

you couldn’t stand to be anywhere close to nicholas. every time you were near him, you could feel your chest ache, the guilt of leaving him hitting you. you weren’t going to go back on your word, and that made it so much harder because he kept trying to get you to. every time no one was paying attention, there was some sort of lingering touch or hushed words that made you just want to jump into his arms. it was starting to get harder and harder to brush them off. he was making you go crazy– like you couldn’t breathe when you were around him. every time you closed your eyes you saw him. every time you saw something red, you thought of him and that nickname he only called you when no one was paying attention. it was only a matter of time before you snapped.

it was late, after hours at the shop. everyone had left, except you, nicholas, and fuma. you were helping fuma clean his station when he stepped out for a smoke because he wouldn’t do it near you since you didn’t like it. as soon as you were alone, you could feel his eyes on you, lingering until he finally spoke up.

“are you really not going to say anything to me?”

you shrug your shoulders, not looking at him. “there’s nothing for me to say.”

“red, you left before i could wake up and say anything.” you turn around, meeting his gaze and trying not to falter. you needed to be strong not only for you but for your brother. you wouldn’t hurt him, and you wouldn’t hurt yourself.

“exactly.”

you watch as his jaw clenches in anger, storming up to you from across the room– chests brushing as he looks down at you. “so that was it? just one night?”

“you and i both made it clear that it was only one night. hence the phrase one night stand.” you take a step back, crossing your arms over your chest.

“things change.”

you nod. “they do. like the fact that you’re my brother's friend.”

“i didn’t know that, but that doesn’t change anything.” you let out a sigh as he argues with you.

“it does.” you argue back. “it makes it complicated. messy.”

“or maybe it makes it real.”

your breath hitches at his words, gazing fully into his eyes for the first time tonight. you feel a knot in your throat as you blink back tears. “why do you care so much? it was supposed to be only one night.”

“because i haven’t stopped thinking about you since that night.” he answers. “and i know you haven’t either. i know you watch when you think i’m not paying attention. staring at me– my body as you remember how good i made you feel. how real it felt. and you just want to what? forget it ever happened because it’s easier? because you’re scared?”

“you don’t know me!” you snap, tears falling– hitting your cheeks. you watch as his face drops at the sight of your tears. his hand clenches like he’s stopping himself from wiping your tears. “you’re asking me to give you something that i’ve never given to anyone before.”

“it’s okay to be scared, red. i won’t hurt you.” you almost soften at the nickname that you came to love, but you still couldn’t force yourself to go there.

“i’m not scared. i’m terrified. what if i let you in, and you leave? what if you become important to me, and you leave? i can’t– i just can’t.” you move away from him, ignoring the calling of your name as you run out of the shop– with hopes of never seeing him again.

⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆

it’s been a week since your breakdown on nicholas. you had completely stopped tagging along with fuma much to everyone’s dismay. you kept pushing away fuma and his interrogations– burying yourself in work and your other friends to avoid him. you’ve gotten a few texts from some of the guys, begging you to come hang out with them, but you refused every time. you couldn’t let yourself be around nicholas because you don’t trust yourself to keep being able to refuse him. a part of you also thinks he actually got the message, moving on from you. you weren’t going to be able to handle that, but it was your fault. you were the one who told him to leave you alone. why were you like this? why couldn’t just give him a chance? instead, you let your fear ruin you once again.

you know you were starting to concern fuma. you had done this before– slowly drifting away from him until he nearly lost you. you could tell it was starting to scare him, but you couldn’t bring yourself to tell him what was wrong. what if he was mad at you or judged you? you can handle anyone else doing those things, but not your brother. not the man who has taken care of you since you were a kid because your mother wasn’t able to– too wrapped up in her sorrows to care for two kids. he was the one who taught you to ride a bike. to cook. he even learned how to do makeup, so he could teach you how to do it. he was the one person who was always there for you, so you never want him to be disappointed in you. but the guilt of sleeping with nicholas, and him not knowing was making you lose sleep at night.

it was a friday evening, and fuma texted you seeing if you wanted to hang out at the shop with him and some of the guys. of course, you said no because you knew nicholas would be there. you didn’t get a response, so you expected to be alone for the evening when you heard a knock on your door. you get up, moving towards the door before opening it. there stood your brother with some alcohol and fried food– your guys go to for nights in.

you move aside, letting him in. “i thought you were hanging out with the guys.”

“got the urge to hang out with my favorite person instead.” he responded, dragging you into the living room before setting up the food. you sit next to him, curling your legs as you watch him pull food out of the bags. “i’d rather hang out with you instead.”

“i know i’m pretty awesome, but you didn’t have to do this.” you bump his shoulder before grabbing a piece of chicken.

“i wanted to.” he opened a drink for you before opening one of his own. “you’ve been acting weird lately.”

“weird?” you question.

“like before.” you went quiet at his words. you didn’t expect him to come right out and say it. you know your pasts were rough and that caused you two to go through some things, but you promised him you would never go to that dark place again.

“it’s not like that. i promise.” you reassure him. your eyes meet his, and you could tell he was trying to make sure you were telling the truth– giving you a small nod when he realized you were. “i’m just- i don’t know. going through something, and i’m trying to figure out how to get over it.”

fuma leaned over, wrapping his arm around your shoulder. “let me help you, brat.”

“i don’t think you can, bear.”

“we’ll never know if you don’t tell me.” fuma pushed. you look down at your lap, picking at your hoodie before you spoke up.

“when i went to the club with the girls, i met someone.” you started to explain. “it felt like- i don’t know– like a chemical reaction. i’d never felt like that with someone before.”

“did you sleep with him?” fuma questioned.

you nodded your head– choosing not to go into detail to save you both the trauma. “it was supposed to be a one night stand. we didn’t even tell each other our names. but it didn’t feel like that. it felt like i had just found a missing piece i didn’t know i lost. but i ruined it.”

“how so?”

“i left that next morning without waking him. i wanted to stay, so bad. but i was scared that he was going to push me away, so i left before he could. and that’s not what he wanted at all.”

“he wanted you to stay?” you nod your head at his question. “so i’m assuming you ran into him again.” another nod from you. “so, what’s the isssue then?”

“i got scared, so i pushed him away.”

“why?”

“because of mom.” you answered– listening as fuma sighed out. he was fully aware of your fear of commitment because of your guys’ mother. “we watched her, bear. after dad died, she became a shell, and there wasn’t anything we could do about it. you had to step up and take care of me because i would’ve ended up like her. after watching her, i made a promise that i wouldn’t allow myself to get close to anyone, so they couldn’t hurt me like that.”

“yn–” fuma started to say, but you shook your head.

“you don’t get it. the way i feel about him is exactly the way mom felt about dad. i remember always asking her why she chose him and not understanding any of her reasons. now i do, and that terrifies me. if i let him in, and something happens, i’m not strong enough to survive that.”

silence encases the two of you while fuma processes your words. “you’re not mom. you are so much stronger than her– stronger than anyone i know.”

“he makes me feel weak.” you tell him. “but he also makes me feel things no one else has.”

“then give him a chance to prove it. it will hurt you more to live with this regret of not doing something.”

“you think i should go after him?” you ask.

fuma nods. “i think if not being with him makes you feel like this, i think it’s worth trying. after i meet him, that is.”

“you already have.” you mumble, watching as his face turns to confusion– before turning into horror.

“is it nicho?” your silence was his answer. “i knew something was going on with him. he hasn’t been acting himself the past few weeks, especially this last week.”

“i kind of blew up on him last week.” you speak up. “but i didn’t know who he was when i slept with him. you gotta believe me.”

fuma smiles at you, relieving your fear of him being mad. “i know, brat. i’m not mad. i just wish you told me sooner, so we could’ve talked about this. you know i hate it when you push me away.”

“i’m sorry.” you apologize. “i was scared you would be upset.”

fuma pulls you into his side. “upset with you? i don’t think that’s a thing. you couldn’t do anything that would make me be upset with you.”

“even being with your friend who is also your boss?” fuma nods.

“even then, brat. but you got to promise me you’ll start talking to me if something is bothering you.”

“i promise.” you smile. “so, what do i do?”

“stop running. give him a chance. i’ve known nicho for years, and he wouldn’t do anything to hurt you. he’s a good guy.” fuma explained. “k has a race tomorrow, and he’s going to be there. want to tag along?”

you thought about it for a moment before nodding. “let’s do it.”

⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━━━☆━━━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆

the air was thick, and you couldn’t tell if it was from your nerves of seeing nicholas again, or if it was the giant crowd that never seemed to disperse. your brother was in front of you, guiding you over to where the rest of the guys were. the music was loud– lights blinding you. but that didn’t stop you from finding him.

he was leaning back on a black car you knew belonged to k, dark hair parted showing his forehead. he was dressed like when you first met him– black jeans and a leather jacket with a white shirt that was low cut, exposing his tattoos. he was sporting a smile as he watched harua and some girl you didn’t recognize argue.

“yn!” you turn just in time to be tackled in a spine crushing hug. you let out a groan as you try to wiggle out of your capture’s arms.

“taki, let me go.”

“never.” he squeezed you, laughing when you let out a groan. “not until you promise you won’t avoid us again.”

“i wasn’t avoiding you, but i promise.” you gasp when he let you go. you push him away from you, nearly knocking him over as you moved away from him. “k, control your psycho son.”

“i will when you tell me why you haven’t been coming around.” k spoke as he walked up to you. you stilled for a moment at his question– something that he didn’t notice, but someone else did.

“k, leave her alone.” a feminine voice spoke up as k’s girlfriend made her presence known. the heavily tattooed girl had her arms crossed over her chest as she made her way to you two. “you guys keep bombarding her, and she’s going to leave again. i don’t blame you though, yn. these guys are a lot sometimes.”

“angel!”

she ignored him, turning fully towards you with a smile. “let’s go get something to drink.”

you laugh at the betrayed look on k’s face, snorting when it turned into glaring at you for taking his girl away. the two of you leave, but not before you glance at where you last saw nicholas– furrowing your brows when you couldn’t find him. you kept your eye out for him as the two of you went to get drinks– listening to her tell a story about high school when you found him. and how you wished you didn’t.

he was talking to a girl you didn’t know, laughing when she said something funny. her hand brushed his arm, lingering for a second too long for it to be innocent. she was tall, model like pretty, and covered in tattoos just like him. they looked good standing side by side, and that hurt you more than you like to admit. you wanted to mad at him but stopped yourself. you shouldn’t even be acting like this. you two weren’t anything– you made sure of it by pushing him away. and the pain in your chest watching them is why you didn’t want to get any closer to him, but there was a new part that had you still wanting him despite the fact he could hurt you.

“are you okay?” you look up to see her looking at you in concern. you smile, nodding your head.

“i’m fine. just looking for a bathroom.”

she pointed it out, and you took the chance to walk away. not just from her, but from the race itself. you didn’t realize that you were almost home but didn’t stop until you closed the door of your empty apartment– something that used to bring you comfort but now brings you sorrow. you were tired of the quiet. tired of the alone, but you didn’t know how to do otherwise. you’ve ran for so long, you don’t know how to stay still.

a low knock on the door broke you from your thoughts. you stand there, staring at the door unmoving. it wasn’t until they knocked again– harder that you moved. you unlocked the door and had just barely opened it when you saw a flash of black push their way into your apartment, shutting the door, leaving you completely alone with who you’ve been running from. you watch as nicholas blocks your exit, leaving you locked in your apartment with him. his eyes never leaving yours as he did so.

“why did you leave?”

you shrug your shoulders, trying to stop yourself from becoming defensive as it came to natural to you at this point. “that’s not my scene.”

“are you sure?” nicholas questioned, taking a step towards you. his voice level– calm but still had that pushing edge to it. “or is it because you saw me talking to someone? because you seemed completely fine until you saw her.”

you shake your head, folding your arms to stop the shaking. “no. it wasn’t about her.”

“no, it wasn’t. it was about you.” you back up when he walks forward, trying desperately to keep your distance. “you weren’t mad. you weren’t upset. you were scared.”

“stop.”

he continued, despite your beg for him to stop. “you looked hurt. like it hurt you to lose me.”

you swallow hard, hating how well he could read you. how could he know this? you two barely knew each other. “don’t-”

“you said you don’t do this.” he stopped an inch from you, arms shooting out to hold onto the couch– blocking you in. “i can be patient. i can wait as long as i have to for you. i’m not asking you to give me all of you. i’m only asking for you to stop running away from things that feel real. from me.”

“what if it is real?” your expression tightened, pushing back your tears. “what if i let it be real, and one day i wake up and it’s gone?”

his gaze softened, lifting his hand up– brushing against your cheek. you didn’t flinch away like the last time he tried to touch you. his jaw dropped when he realized you were letting him in or at least trying to. “then i’ll be right by your side telling you that i’m not going anywhere, red.”

“i don’t know how to let people in. or how to stop running.” he smiled at your honesty, something that shocked you.

“that’s okay. we have time, okay? just don’t shut me out anymore. let me prove to you that i’m not going anywhere.”

you blink at him, jaw clenching as you fought against everything you had believed in for so long. nicholas could see the fight, hoping that you would pick him. his heart dropped when you brushed his hand away from you, but that disappeared when you when you fell into his arms, wrapping your arms around him. his hand cradled your head as you rested it on his chest, other one pulling you closer to him. his lips pressed against your forehead– a silent thank you for choosing him.

his hands cupped your cheeks when you pulled back to look at him before leaning down. the kiss was soft, patient– like he was promising you he wouldn’t mess it up. your hands curled against his jacket, pulling him closer to you. it felt the same but completely different than last time. it felt like he was trying to take away all of your fears and worries, but it was okay if he couldn’t– because he was going to be there every step of the way until you weren’t.

you sighed into the kiss, lips parting when his tongue traced across them. his hands drifted, running down your sides until he was gripping your hips– pulling them flush against his. your thumb ran along his jaw, drawing a silent groan from him. he pulled away from you, resting his head against yours. “you okay, red?”

“i’m okay.” you nod, letting your hands slowly run down his chest. he watched your actions– intentions clear as day. his eyes met yours, and he couldn’t see any doubt. any fear. just want.

his mouth met yours again, pressing deeper– needier as he felt how much you wanted him. his hands slide underneath your shirt, heating up your skin as he traces along your skin. as his lips got more heated, he didn’t rush. you could tell he was going to take his time just like last time. he was going to make you feel everything he was going to give you, so you never have to question his intentions again.

his grip tightened when you leaned up to kiss him, trying so hard to apologize through your touch. “i’m sorry. i’m so sorry.”

“hey. hey.” he soothed as he saw your tears. “you didn’t do anything wrong, okay? you don’t have to be sorry.”

“but you never gave up trying to talk to me, and i pushed you away every time.”

“because you were hurt in the past.” he spoke calmly, watching as you try to blink back your tears before they fell. “fuma told us about your guy’s upbringing, and i didn’t realize the effect that had on you until the last time we talked.”

“i missed you.” you admitted quietly, watching as his breath hitched at your words.

“i missed you too.” he admitted. “every time i’m in my room, i’m just brought back to that night over and over again.”

“i shouldn’t have left. i didn’t want too.” nicholas smiles at your confession.

“i should’ve been clearer about what this was.” he told you. “this wasn’t just one night, red. never was. i wanted you that night and every night since then, and i will want you just as much tomorrow.” you push down the fear at his words, nodding your head. you were ready to try. you wanted to trust him when he said he wasn’t leaving. he leaned his forehead against yours. “and i will tell you every day until you believe me because i’m not going anywhere.”

you push forward, pulling him closer to you as you kissed him. his hand splayed across your lower back, keeping you in place. he kept the pace slow– hand guiding your head how he wanted to, tilting your head back as his lips left yours. he kissed your neck, leaving marks on your sensitive skin. your hands let go of his jacket when you feel him shrug it off before throwing it onto the couch behind you.

he kept his kisses and touches slow, but they did become more heated– setting your skin on fire. his hands trailing down to your waist. “where’s your room, red?”

“behind you.” you answer, letting out a shriek when he threw you over his shoulder just like he did last time. “i have legs, you know?” you heard him chuckle as he opened the door. you thought that was the end of it, but you jumped when you felt a sharp pain. “did you just bite my ass?”

your back landed against the mattress as he threw you off of his shoulder, but instead of crawling on top of you, he stood in between your open legs, gripping your thighs before pulling your hips to the edge of the bed. his eyes, dark and glazed with lust, trailed over you, lingering on the exposed skin where your shirt rode up. you sit up, pulling the shirt over your head before throwing it behind you. he kneels in front of you when you take your bra off as well, hands roaming your body as he attached his lips to yours. the softness from before was slowly going away– him starting to roughly grip your breasts, rolling your nipple between his fingers and smirking against your lips when you moan into him.

“tell me, red.” he spoke as he pulled away from your lips– still keeping his hands cupped to your breasts. “tell me how much you’ve been craving for me to touch you again.”

you gasp when his lips suddenly attach to your nipple, sucking harshly before biting down hard enough to have you jerk in his hold. “so bad, weno. i had to keep myself b-busy constantly or my mind would drift to you. sleep was a nightmare.”

“my poor girl.” he teased, teeth nipping at your skin– tongue running over the marks. “it’s okay though. i’ll take care of you, red.”

“please.” you almost moan out when his hands unbutton your shorts. his mouth leaves yours before he pushes you back flat on the bed, motioning for you to lift your hips. he pulls them down, leaving you exposed for him– waiting as he ran his hands along your thighs.

“look how pretty you are waiting for me.” his voice rough as he pressed kisses to your thighs, biting down and causing you to yelp when you whine at his words. “you’re practically dripping onto the bed, red. you’re that desperate for me?”

you nod your head. “yes.”

“say please.”

“please.” you beg him.

“please what?” you nearly groan out when his fingers run along your soaked slit before pulling away. his fingers glistened with your arousal before he stuck them in his mouth, shamelessly cleaning you off of him– eyes closing in pleasure.

“please touch me.”

as soon as the words left your mouth, he latched to you like a starving man. the loudest moan left your lips at the action, back arching as his tongue flicks your clit. he hums at the sound causing a whimper to leave your lips at the sensation. your hands gripped the sheets as you try to ground yourself as you became overwhelmed with pleasure.

his tongue pushed inside of you, starting out slow before speeding up. a broken moan left you when you felt his piercing against your walls. you could tell he was loving the sounds, loving unraveling you by the tightening of his hands on your thighs– pulling you closer to his mouth. his hands held you open when you tried to close your legs when he curled his tongue. he heard your broken sounds, smirking when one of them sounded like ‘more.’

he curled his tongue one last time before licking a long strip up your core. one of his hands left your thighs, running down to your soaked core. he slid his fingers through your slick before thrusting two fingers inside of you, watching you as you sharply cry out in pleasure. his eyes watched you as he moved his fingers, curling them just right– your back arching at the feeling. his gaze stayed on you while his lips circled your clit, flicking and sucking at the bud.

“weno-” you cry out as his mouth and hand worked together as he brought you closer to your high. you could feel him smirk at every sound or movement you made, like watching you brought him as much pleasure as he was giving you. he had no intentions on stopping until you were clenching around his fingers.

every nerve in your body felt like it was on fire. your back arched when his fingers curled again. “w-weno. can i please- fuck?”

“can you please what, red?” he teased, knowing exactly what you wanted. he could tell by your trembling thighs and how tightly you were clenching around his fingers that you were close. “do you want to come?”

all you could do is nod your head, way to lost in pleasure. you feel him chuckle against your skin as he kisses along your thigh. “i can feel you shaking, red. just give into me. let me know how good i make you feel.”

that was all you needed to fall over the edge. you moan out his name, not weno this time, but his actual name. he didn’t know how bad he needed to hear you moan his name until it was falling from your lips. he groaned, helping you down from your high before climbing on top of you, capturing your lips. you could feel his erection through his jeans, twitching when you groan out his name again.

your hands trail down his torso, pulling at the edge of his shirt and helping him take it off. you do the same to his bottoms before you reach from him– trying to return the favor when he stops you. “not so fast, red. no moving until i’m inside of you.”

“but-”

“no buts, baby.” he stops you, eyes dark with need. you try again, but this time he grabs your hand– intertwining your fingers. “be good, or i’ll make you beg for it.”

but he doesn’t because a second later he’s sliding into you with one smooth thrust. his hips press against yours, lips kissing your face as you feel all of the air leave your lungs at the feeling of him inside of you. you choke out a gasp, feeling overwhelmed with the feeling of him– not thinking you would ever feel it again.

“there she is.” he coos, biting the lobe of your ear as he starts to move. “there’s my girl. so tight and perfect for me.”

you cling to him as his thrusts start going deeper as he speeds up– groaning against your skin like he’s been wanting this just as much as you have. like he’s stayed up all night, going over that night over and over until you pass out from exhaustion. “weno- mhm”

“that’s it.” his lips press against yours as he felt the stinging of your nails digging into his skin. “are you finally letting go for me, red?”

you nod, or at least you think you do. it felt like a blur. that could also be from the tears wheeling in your eyes. him moving inside of you like he owns every part of you– even the parts you tried so hard to guard from him. all of your reserve was slipping away with every thrust of his hips.

“do you feel that?” he questions, feeling the exact same thing you do. “that’s real. we are real. you don’t get to run anymore.”

you swallow your sob as you pull him down to your lips. the man above you was the only thing holding you together at this point, and you felt like he knew it by how tightly his arms were holding you. he groans against your lips when you clench around him– coming completely unraveled. “nicholas.”

“i know, my girl.” he whispers, feeling the same as you. “come on. give it to me again. i know you can.”

his hips meet yours one last time, and you feel him coat your walls at the same time that you come undone. you cling to him tightly as he helps the two of you come down from your highs, breathing heavy when he finally stills. his weight not heavy but grounding on top of you as he rests his head on yours. you felt one of the tears that you had been holding hit your cheek. nicholas of course noticing before wiping it away.

“hey now.” he murmurs softly as a couple more tears fall. “don’t cry, red. we’re okay. you’re okay.”

you could hear the underlining fear in his voice– scared that he pushed you too hard. maybe even scared you were going to leave again. “we’re okay.”

“i didn’t push too hard, did i?” you shake your head at his question.

“no. it- it was perfect.”

“good. because if you try to leave me again, i’m chaining myself to you.” you laugh at his threat, feeling as he lets out a breath of relief at the sound. like he knows that you aren’t running. you weren’t going to push him away again. “all seriousness. you can’t leave me after this like some sort of fucked up fairy tale.”

your hands run through his hair, something you’ve found he likes. “i’m not going anywhere this time.”

“damn right you’re not.” he kisses the tip of your nose before moving away from you. he got you clean and comfortable before he got into bed behind you, holding you tightly– pressing light kisses to your neck as the two of you let sleep take over. “goodnight, red.”

“goodnight weno.”

⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━━━☆━━━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆

three months later

“you move one more fucking time, and i’m tattooing dumbass on you.”

“your threats turn me on, baby.”

you roll your eyes, readjusting your legs where you were straddling nicholas. he has been begging you for the last two months to teach you how to tattoo, so you could tattoo him. it took forever for you to say yes. you practiced for many hours on practice skins before you even thought about inking him– with him teaching you every step of the way. so here you were, sitting on his lap in one of the private rooms while tattooing a design the two of you came up with together.

“you’re lucky i like you.” you grumble as the buzzing of the tattoo starts up again as you continue your piece. his hands were gentle, trying not to distract you as the rested on your hips.

“it’s a good thing you do because you’re stuck with me.” you glance up at him to see him smiling down at you– no smirk or teasing in sight. and since you had the machine away from his skin, he leaned forward to kiss your cheek. “and i’m not going anywhere.”

after three months of him being by your side, not only saying that but proving it multiple times a day, you believed him. “i know.”

“i’m proud of you, red.” you keep your focus on the tattoo, but preen at his praise.

“i don’t want to stroke your impossible ego, but i wouldn’t have done it if it weren’t for you. you’re very stubborn.”

he laughs at your words. “you started out cute. why did you ruin it?”

“i told you. i can’t let this ego get any bigger.”

you finish up the tattoo, cleaning it up like he taught you before climbing off of his lap. he looked at it in the mirror before turning to you. “you did so good. though i don’t expect anything less from my girl.”

he pulls you into his arms, leaning down before stealing a kiss. you pull him closer to you, not letting him pull away from you just yet. his arms wrapped around you, tucking you into his chest where you felt like you were meant to be. when you pulled away, you kissed the new tattoo– a mark on him caused by you, just like he marked you.

you didn’t realize what life could feel when you didn’t run. you don’t know why you didn’t stop sooner, but a part of you is glad you didn’t. because you may not have the man who was holding you like you were his whole world. “i didn’t believe you could make me feel like this.”

“like what?”

“safe. secure.” you answer before looking up and meeting his gaze. “and so stupidly in love with you.”

you feel him still for a beat, like he was trying to make sure you actually said that, and it wasn’t his mind playing tricks on him. once he realizes you said that, he grins larger than you’ve ever seen as he brings his lips to yours, cupping your cheeks as he did so. “i love you too”

he pulls you back into him, and as his lips perfectly mold with yours, you realize something. you didn’t just stop running. you didn’t just stay. you chose him. and you weren't going anywhere unless he was by your side.

[enwoso]

for love and country | lovie at the euros

part two — 'we hug now’

grumpy masterlist | for love and country masterlist

the day you landed in switzerland, the day of the first group game against france. it was sunny. not too warm, just enough of a breeze to rustle your curls as you climbed out of the car, your arms flailing with excitement.

you had your little cap on backwards, courtesy of your uncle luca and a brand new sticker book clutched in your hand. carol was carrying your matching pink suitcase as she waved away your demands to roll it yourself.

the plan was simple, set up at the rental, rest a little, get ready to see the game and your mummy after the upcoming group game.

but you had other ideas.

"can i talk to mummy." you asked your nonno, holding up your ipad knowing there was special way to call, it having to be done by an adult as your mummy had put restrictions on it months ago after you were calling your auntie ella at five in the morning.

mario didn't even try to argue, one button press later and the call was ringing.

alessia answered from her room at base camp, hair tied up in a bun, headphones half on and posture already softening the second she saw your little face.

"lovie!"

"mummy!" you squealed, the camera jostling wildly as you tried to get a better angle, "i here! 'm in switza-land!"

alessia gushed, a big smile on her face as she looked at your excited little face, "you made it! you look so grown up since mummy last saw you."

"i dis big now" you said proudly, holding your hands up to show your height. "and i didn't sleep on the plane, nonno says i'm a jet lag princess!"

"oh dear," alessia grinned, amused by your excitement and just hearing your voice, "are you going to crash soon?"

"nooo, i had two apple juices and two 'nacks. i'm bouncy!"

alessia chuckled, moving slightly on her bed so she can prop her phone up. "you sure are."

you looked offscreen for a second, then leaned in close, whispering loudly, "mummy?"

"yeah, lovie?"

"where mama?" you asked, your hands now resting on your chin as you waited for alessia to answer.

alessia blinked. "right now?"

you nodded, "i want to say hi."

"she's not in the room, baby. she's downstairs, i think.. getting her treatment." alessia smiled, shuffling a little knowing the next thing you were going to ask.

"can you go see her?"

alessia paused, she knew is was going to be the next thing you said before she then exhaled a soft laugh. "you're really the boss of me, huh?"

you gave a big toothy grin your hands still resting on your chin. "pleasee? i miss her."

that pulled at alessia's heart in a whole new way. "alright, alright. hold on. you better not hang up on me." alessia moved from the comfort of her bed, putting on her slides and tempering her keycard as she slipped it into her sock.

"i won't! i staying right here."

with a chuckle, alessia slipped out of her room, phone in hand, walking along the long hallways and down the short flight of stairs to the physio suite passing maya and beth in the corridor most likely coming back from one of maya's pregame walks.

"who's got you rushing about?" beth teased, as alessia approached them.

"my daughter," alessia said slightly breathless, you shouting a 'hello' from the phone to both beth and maya. "she wants to see le."

the two yelling a hello back to you as maya smirked. "that checks out."

alessia found leah a moment later, lying on the treatment bed her calfs slicked with oil - clearly in the middle of a massage. eyes glued to her phone as she let the therapist do their work.

"le!" she called, walking into the room, leah's head slowly lifting from her phone a shy smile appearing on her face when she saw alessia, "emergency facetime."

leah's brow furrowed, until she saw your little face on the screen, face being held up by your hands as you had a small smile on your lips.

leah then smiled wide, "oh thank god, i thought sarina was calling me back for more tatic sheets." she said as she took the phone from alessia, pressing it close.

"hey my angel, did you have a good flight." leah asked

"hi mama," you said sweetly as you nodded, making some of the team and other girl in the room awe at your cute voice.

"i got my own big bed and a hotel key! mummy says it only for big people but nonna says i'm allowed cause im r-r-repon-ible" you told your mama, as she giggled slightly at your mispronunciation of the word 'responsible'

"is that so, have you grown that much since me and mummy seen you?" leah asked as she watched you flay your arms around as you spoke, carol and mario popping in the frame every so often in the background.

"yup," you nodded proudly. "can i see you and mummy tomorrow?" you asked, your voice a little quieter as your arms stopped moving around with your words.

leah looked up at alessia, who was talking to one of the coaches, as she looked over smiling softly but with sadness still flickering behind her eyes.

"course, we'll see after the game, yeah?" leah said gently, not wanting to overstep or tell you anything different to what alessia had said. "you'll definitely get cuddles."

"mama, we still goin' to the zoo the day after?" you asked, remembering your mummy telling you about it, how your face lit up at the thought of seeing real life elephants. it being one of the only thing you were looking forward to on the trip.

"course, we can see some lions, the giraffes, maybe some monkeys and.." leah listed off as your grin got bigger with excitement.

"elefants!" you cheered, interrupting leah as she nodded fondly, "esme really looking forward to see them, can we see them first, please mama" you hurried out excitedly.

"course we can, mummy has been taking extra special care of her for you," leah smiled as you nodded, a sad wave of a smile appearing on your face but you remembered esme had promised to keep mummy happy for you.

"okay." you yawned suddenly, stretching on the hotel bed like a cat. "'m not tired though."

"you look tired, bub."

"i not!" your voice cracked with the lie.

leah winked, moving the phone to her other hand, knowing you were seconds from falling asleep. "alright, miss wide awake. i'll see you soon. you be good for nonna and nonno, okay?"

"i'm always good." you sleepily said, as alessia came back into the frame of the camera.

alessia snorted a little. "that's a half fib and you know it."

"medium good," you corrected yourself, as your head lay on the soft bed, your mummy insisting it was time for your pj's and bed.

"good night lovie, mummy and mama love you, so much" alessia said as she kissed at the screen. you blowing them back sleepily as alessia caught them holding it close to her chest.

the call ended, finally, with three loud kisses and a million mumbled 'good nights' leah handing alessia's phone back to her with a small shake of her head.  "she runs this whole operation," leah murmured.

alessia nodded, not even attempting to disagree. "she really does."

and despite the ache, the fact alessia couldn't pull you into her arms right now or tuck you into bed. the facetime left her and leah feeling a little fuller. a little braver. ... the game against france had left a dull ache in alessia's chest. not just from the loss but from the few fleeting second that she saw you for after the final whistle. you had been curled up in carol's arms in the stands just behind the dugout, eyes heavy with sleep, the sky long gone dark.

alessia had jogged over just to kiss your forehead. you barely even stirring, murmuring something about 'goals and glitter boots' before her mum whispered, "she didn't make it past halftime less,"

but tonight was different.

the lionesses had come out with fire against the dutch, and alessia had played her heart out. no goals but three assists, each one carefully threaded like she was stitching something sacred back together. alessia had energy, control, composure.

as the cheers were still echoing through the crisp swiss night as england file off the pitch, the echoes of sweet caroline lingering faintly beyond the floodlit stadium.

a 4–0 win over the dutch. with three assists for alessia. her name was the one the media team had at the top, the player of the match trophy was hers, her performance one the commentators will gush about for days. the sort of night any player dreams of.

but alessia didn't feel it. not properly.

not when her chest feels hollow, when she knows you are waiting just beyond the tunnel, probably fighting to keep your eyes open despite the late hour.

alessia barely registers the usual post-match noise. the microphones shoved under her chin. the flash of cameras. the reporter's voice feels far away as alessia mutters through the mandatory questions like she's already practiced them in her bedroom beforehand, nodding at words she doesn't quite hear.

leah as always lingers close, a steady presence, occasionally brushing alessia's arm in quiet reassurance. alessia can't stop the restless bounce in her knee, the impatient shift of her weight, her eyes darting toward the mouth of the tunnel every other second.

by the time she's free of the cameras, she's practically jogging. her boots click against the concrete, the din of the stadium softening into the low hum of the concourse. leah keeps pace beside her, silent but watchful, her hand brushing against alessia's as if to ground her.

the family section is alive with the usual chaos. lucy is crouched, letting her niece stick a glittery lionesses stickers to her forehead while pulling exaggerated faces.

ella, ever the joker, is in fits of laughter as she tells one of her jokes to her boyfriend, joe, making joe double over in laughter. the scene is warm, familiar but alessia doesn't stop.

because then she sees you.

you are standing beside your nonna, curls a little messy, the tiniest england flag clutched in your hand. your socks don't quite match, one slouching around your ankle.

your wearing the oversized england hoodie alessia bought you last month. the one you calls her 'lucky one' because you wore it when your mummy scored against spain in the nations league.

the moment your wide eyes spot alessia, your whole face lights up like a lantern. relief. recognition. love. and then, just as quickly, it crumples.

"mummy!" the cry cracks in the middle, a tiny sound swallowed by the cavernous space.

you sprint, your trainers slapping against the concrete. alessia barely has time to crouch before you barrel into her, flinging your arms around your mummy's neck so hard alessia nearly tips backward. alessia catches you, holding you as if the ground might open beneath the two of you.

"i've missed you, lovie," alessia whispers, tucking her nose into your curls, breathing in the faint scent of strawberry shampoo and her mum's laundry detergent.

usually, that earns a squeal or a breathless, 'did you see me on the telly, mummy?' or you would usually wriggle to show off your face paint you'd had done before the game or demand alessia carry you all the way to the car like a koala as you bargain your way to a later bedtime so you can spend time with your mummy and mama.

but not tonight.

tonight, you just cling tighter, your small body trembling. when alessia pulls back a little to check your face, she sees your bottom lip quivering.

and then the tears come.

"i don't want you to go," you sobs, your words breaking as your little shoulders shake, your voice hiccupping as you cling tighter.

alessia's heart feels like it's being squeezed in a vice. she hugs you tighter, swaying instinctively, rubbing gentle circles into your back. "hey, hey... it's okay, lovie. i've got you. i promise i've got you."

but the words don't seem to touch you. your fists curl tighter into alessia's kit, the fabric wrinkling in your tiny hands as you press your face into your mummy's shoulder, sobbing softly but with a rawness that slices through alessia's chest.

leah crouches beside them, her voice soft, a careful calmness to it. "hey, angel. you know nonna's making pancakes for breakfast tomorrow, right? then by the time breakfast is finished, we'll be going to the zoo, you told me on facetime how excited esme was to see the other elephants."

you doesn't even look up. "don't... want pancakes or zoo. want mummy. m-mummy stay."

the last two words crack, like they're too heavy for your small mouth.

alessia swallows hard, blinking back the sting behind her eyes. she can feel the conflict tearing her apart: her head knows she can't break fa rules, can't skip curfew or haul her daughter into camp.

but her heart? her heart is screaming at her to just take you in her arms, bundle you into the hotel and the rules be damned.

ella swoops in having seen the scene pan out just beside her and her boyfriend, joe. and having heard from alessia how you weren't really yourself since the tournament had started.

ella crouching low so she was eye level with you, her grin bright but gentle. "tiny, if you come with me, i'll teach you how to steal grace's boots tomorrow. she hates it. make her do warm-ups tomorrow in her socks."

grace, looming behind her, crosses her arms with mock severity. "oi, don't drag me into your schemes. tiny, tell your auntie ella she's trouble."

usually, that would earn a shy giggle, maybe even a cheeky remark as you would agree just to wind them both up. tonight, you doesn't even blink at them, your sobs quieting into shaky breaths as you burrow further into alessia's neck.

alex edges closer, her presence offering something calmer, something softer. "less... want me to grab her some water? might help her calm down a bit."

alessia glances up, grateful. "yeah... thanks, alex."

as alex slips away, keira, quieter than the rest, leans in and murmurs to alessia, "we'll cover for you, less if you want a bit longer. sarina can wait. nobody is rushing you."

alessia nods, her throat too tight to speak, her hand running up and down your back in slow, steady motions. her teammates linger nearby, some trying to coax a smile, others simply existing as a quiet circle of support.

even beth, who usually is the first to crack a joke, just rests a gentle hand on alessia's back, murmuring, "she'll settle, less. she's just tired."

it takes just over half an hour, water that alex fetched, your nonno's coaxing promises of pancake flipping, and leah softly offering to read esme the elephant later. before you finally, reluctantly, let carol scoop you into her arms.

even then, your small hands stretch toward alessia, fingers splayed, reaching, reaching... until the car door closes. silent tears slip down your cheeks, your big eyes fixed on your mummy through the window as the taillights fade into the night.

the moment her parents and you are gone, alessia's composure shatters. the ache in her chest crashes over her in a wave so strong her knees nearly buckle. she presses her palms to her eyes, trying to hold herself together, but her breath catches, trembling.

leah steps in instantly, no words, just wrapping her arms around alessia and tucking her against her chest.

"she thinks i don't want her," alessia chokes out, her voice cracking. "she doesn't understand. and my head's telling me i need to be here, i need to focus... but my heart's telling me to just take her. forget the rules. just... take her and so she can be with me, be with us."

leah holds her tighter, resting her chin on top of alessia's damp hair as she places gentle kisses to the top of her head. "i know. i know, less. but we'll get through it. you're not alone. not in this."

around them, the other lionesses begin to drift away, beth giving alessia's back one last comforting pat, as ella mouths "we'll sort something tomorrow" as she walks off with keira.

only leah stays, the team giving the two a bit of space, as leah lets alessia cry into her shoulder, her thumb stroking soothing circles at the base of her spine, peppering small kisses to her head and she whispered it was all going to be okay.

when alessia finally pulls back, she fumbles into her backpack and finds the small, worn plush toy, esme the elephant, the one you never slept without. alessia clutches it tightly to her chest, her eyes still wet.

but the image of your outstretched hands, fingers splayed reaching for her as the car pulled away lingers, sharp and unrelenting like a wound that wouldn't close.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

that looks like dad bucky getting mad at the babysitter (us)

First Response

Referring to this

No major warnings. Not intending but open to more!

Please leave some feedback if you like and hit reblog! Take care and do something nice for yourself! ❤️

"Becca, you okay back there?" You ask through as yawn, streetlights passing over in yellow slats.

She coughs. You take that as an answer. The coarse rattle is enough to make your heart rent. You've been hearing it all night. It had you so on edge, that you finally broke.

Only six hours since you left the house. The wait at emerge was too much. You're exhausted. She must be too.

"You remember what the doctor said right? Drink lots of water." You gird as you slow.

You idle outside the Barnes' house. You hesitate to pull in as you see her father's car. He won't be happy. He rarely is.

You roll up behind him and shut off the engine. You undo your seat belt and make yourself open your eyes as wide as you can. You check the time on your phone. 3am. Shoot.

You get out and open the back door. Before you can get Becca out of her car seat, the front door swings open. Mr. Barnes storms out, yelling.

"Becca!" He booming timbre is thunder in the early hours. "Becca." He appears on the other side of the car door. "Where the hell did you take her?"

He grips the metal and you sweat you hear it bend. You stand with Becca hugging you. She coughs again and whimpers.

"We went to see a doctor. She has a fever." You explain. "They got her antibiotics and some rehydration."

"A doctor? Why didn't you call me? I'm her father." He snarls.

You're happy you can't see his face. You can just feel the anger roiling from him. He reaches for Becca and you gently hand her over.

"I did. Several times, sir. I know you're busy--"

He grumbles and pets his daughter's head as she rests against his shoulder. She sniffles.

"Daddy, she helped," she croaks in her small voice. "Please."

He sighs. "My phone died."

You nod. You know it must be terrifying coming home to an empty house when you don't expect it.

"I left a note on the door." You mumble and look away. "Here, let me get the meds and I'll just leave you alone."

You cautiously shut the back door and open the front one. You reach into the center console and pull out the pill bottle. You turn back to Mr. Barnes and Becca.

"This is enough until tomorrow night. There's the script too. You can get it filled at the pharmacy." You hold it out. "They recommended Pedialyte. They gave me a few bottles. I'll bring those in." You offer.

He stares at you. "Fine."

He turns and marches up the walk. You exhale and retrieve the bottles of grape electrolytes from the passenger seat. You drag your soles up the pavement.

You step just inside the front door. You put the bottles on the table against the wall with the round mirror hung from it. You quickly retreat. You peel the note off the door as you shut it.

You go back to the car and unstrap the booster seat. You can't forget that. You carry it up to the house and set it on the wooden bench. The door opens.

"I didn't know she was that bad." Barnes' voice makes you recoil.

"She got worse through the day. Usually how it goes, right?"

"Hm, suppose," he stands on the threshold. "She's laying down. She told me to tell you thank you."

"Oh, it was nothing." You assure him. You swallow a yawn. "I should go."

He's silent. You spin and cross the porch. He clears his throat.

"It's not nothing. She is sick. Very sick." He rasps. "So the next time it happened if it does, you call the number on the fridge. Like I told you."

"I..." You forgot about that. "Sorry, Mr. Barnes."

"If there is a next time, it's the last," he warns.

You turn your head and nod over your shoulder. "Then I hope there isn't."

You go down the steps and shuffle up to your car. You sit in the front seat and rub your eyes. You are so tired.

It isn't just the late hours, it's all that waiting, all that anxiety. You were scared. You didn't even think about losing this job. About how bad you need it. You just wanted Becca to be okay.

You twist the ignition and the headlights flash on. They illuminate Mr. Barnes as he stands on the porch, arms crossed. The lights catch the metallic sheen of his left arm. Even from there, he looks pissed.

You back out and roll the wheel straight. Maybe it's time to start looking for another gig. Maybe not babysitting. Maybe something legit.

At home, sleep doesn't come easy. You're drained and yet you can't seem to settle. Each time you drift off, you hear Becca coughing or feel Mr. Barnes glaring.

You wake to the buzzing of your phone. It's not even seven. It's been barely two hours since you got home.

You answer, eyes so bleary you can't read the ID.

"She's asking for you," Mr. Barnes says evenly.

"Wha--uh? Pardon?" You garble.

"Becca." He says and you hear her on background, moaning your name. He's quiet. All you hear is his long exhale. "Come back. She's sick."

"Mr. Barnes--" you begin but he hangs up before you can finish.

You pull your phone away and look at it. It isn't about him, it's Becca. You just want her to feel better. He must want the same if he called you.

[tsukisangel]

late nights

characters ꕤ akaashi keiji, gn!reader

cw/tags ꕤ fluff but actually a little sad lmao, established relationship you and akaashi are married

wc ꕤ 936

you finish preparing dinner in perfect time. you smile at the clock. your husband should be here any moment now. you make sure to cover the food so that while you clean, and while he makes his way over, it doesn't get cold. you were especially excited because you didn't tell him you were going to cook. normally you cooked together. however, the final volume of the manga he'd been working very hard on editing was going to be published at midnight. he'd been so stressed and excited over it all. you wanted to surprise him with something nice. you knew he'd appreciate it. he liked cooking with you, so he might be sad on missing out, but he was always happy when you did things for him.

you finished cleaning and sat down, looking at the time on your phone. he should have been here by now, but he still wasn't?

you tried not to worry. it was the day the manga would get published. they were probably working a little late. which was fine. it was a good thing you covered the food!

fifteen minutes later, you received a call from him. this worried you.

you took a breath and answered it. "hey, keiji." you said softly, trying not to sound upset.

"i'm so sorry." he said immediately. "we're swamped, something went wrong, i have no idea what still, and i'm gonna be late. i mean i know i'm already late and i'm so sorry for that, love. i don't even know when i'll be home, hopefully soon. i'll call you with another update in a little bit."

you sighed a bit. "that's okay! i hope you figure everything out." you said.

"thank you. you're perfect. i love you." he said gently.

"i love you." you said quietly.

he was quiet for a moment. he knew you so well. you knew he could tell your heart was breaking at this news. you stared at the food in front of you. "i'll be home soon." he said softly.

"i'll be here." you let out a breath, and then hung up.

if he didn't call back in half an hour, you'd eat. you decided for now to set it all in the oven to keep it warm. then, you went into the living room. might as well keep yourself busy until then?

you actually ended up waiting much longer than thirty minutes. you waited an hour, and that was when he called again. you answered it hopefully. "so, how is everything?" you asked instantly. "how are you?"

he sighed. "i won't be home for a while." he said. your heart dropped. "you should eat without me. i'll call you when i'm on my way, okay?"

"okay." you said quietly. "good luck."

"i love you. i'm sorry."

"it's fine, these things happen." you said, sitting down at the table after grabbing your portion of the food. you could still surprise him with his! he wouldn't be that long. "i love you." he was quiet again. "the faster you go back to work, the sooner you'll be home."

"i know." he groaned softly. "i just-"

"i'm fine, keiji." you said sternly. "i will take my time alone to do things i can't do without you bothering me." you teased him.

he chuckled. "i do not-" you heard his name in the background. "i gotta go, love you."

"love you." you said quickly, and then he hung up.

you ate your food and busied yourself with your phone. he'd be there soon. everything was fine.

you waited, and waited, and waited.

akaashi looked at the time when he finally made it home and groaned. it was nearly one in the morning. the volume was published late, and he missed you bad. he assumed you were already asleep, so all he had to do was grab a quick snack, get undressed, and get in bed. he'd shower in the morning. he was exhausted enough.

he unlocked the door, stepping in and dropping his things off. he removed his shoes, dragging his feet as he moved closer into your shared home.

then he gasped, seeing you asleep on the table. he furrowed his brows and groaned softly. he felt horrible. he felt completely horrible. he went over to you, picking you up and carrying you over to the bedroom. you stirred in his arms, groaning a bit as he set you down in bed. "keiji?" you asked.

he nodded, kissing your head. "go back to sleep." he said softly.

you shook your head, sitting up. "dinner." you mumbled. "oven."

he furrowed his brows. "what?"

"made dinner. ate mine, but yours is in the oven." you yawned.

he froze. you made dinner, and he missed it. his heart shattered. he instantly engulfed you in the biggest, tightest hug he'd ever given you. "i love you so much." he said softly, holding you close. you hugged him back with a yawn, still too sleepy to really know what was going on. "i'm so sorry. i'm so so sorry. i'll make it up to you i promise."

"gonna get cold." you muttered with a whine at how hard he was squeezing you.

he nodded, pressing a gentle kiss to your lips. "go back to sleep. i'm gonna eat." he said as you lied back down. "i'll be in bed soon." you nodded, your eyes closing as soon as your head touched the pillow again.

akaashi went into the kitchen, opening the oven and getting the food you made him. he sighed, leaning his head on the table. what did i do to deserve you?

m.list

previous work (overwhelming love) | next work

[strawberryblue-blog]

First time —Pau Cubarsi.

Summary: After watching a movie with your boyfriend, you invite him to sleep over at your house for the first time, and that's not all.

Warnings: YES. +18. Smut, soft, first time, p in v, mdni, etc.

Words: +2.3k.

The film continues to play while your hands remain tightly clasped but honestly, neither of you has been paying much attention to it for a while now. You're curled up against Pau on the sofa, a blanket over your legs, his arm around your shoulders and your hand resting on his chest, feeling the rhythm of his breathing slow with each passing minute. His fingers trace slow lines on your arm, soft, almost distracted but so comforting that they give you goosebumps.

Several hours have passed since you arrived here. After preparing dinner and eating, you decided to watch something fun on television. Outside, the storm begins to rage and you can hear distant thunder announcing its arrival. The rain drums against the windows with a slow and steady rhythm, as if the sky knew that tonight you needed an excuse not to let him go.

You glance at him out of the corner of your eye, without moving too much.

"Are you staying tonight?" you whisper timidly, not daring to say it any louder. Your whole body trembles as you ask but you didn't want to miss the opportunity to do so.

He turns toward you. He smiles at you with his eyes, as he always does.

"If that's what... you want. Are you sure?"

You nod, feeling your cheeks flush.

"It's late... it's raining... and I like how this feels" you say, resting your head on his chest again.

He doesn't answer right away, just hugs you a little tighter with a soft laugh.

"Well, if you ask me like that... I won't say no"

"Then let's get ready" you murmur, getting up.

Pau pulls you back when you're standing, and you fall onto his chest again. This time, his lips meet yours and you kiss softly to the rhythm of the rain behind you. A few seconds pass as you continue kissing until you pull away from him, even though you don't want to, and you get up amid silly laughter and slow steps.

When you get to your room, you go to the bathroom and brush your teeth side by side, sharing glances in the mirror, your cheeks red, bumping elbows, teasing each other about the funny faces you make when you rinse. You hand him a towel to dry his face. He accepts it with a mischievous smile but there is something else in his eyes, a new tenderness, a silent care.

"I never thought brushing our teeth together would be so nice" he says as he wipes his face.

"Because everything with you is nice" you dare to say, and he stands still for a second.

Then he leans down and kisses you on the forehead. It's not just any kiss on the forehead. It's a kiss on the forehead filled with love and emotion, in silence, with your hearts beating. You were just getting to know each other, little by little.

You had always liked Pau. From first grade, you knew he would be hard to forget but life had brought you back together again, and a few months ago, he had recognized you while you were having a date with your friends.

He approached you shyly and greeted you and you recognized him immediately. Pau was the same as ever, with his wonderful smile that lit up the whole city. You couldn't help but feel nostalgic for your days at school, growing up and becoming teenagers who liked each other and showed it off. You reconnected and kept in touch, remembering the moments you had shared growing up at the same school. You still remember how cute he looked as a little boy with his beautiful smile.

You've been together for five months now since he asked you to be his girlfriend and it's been wonderful ever since.

After you finish, his hand gently seeks yours as they walk to your room.

The light from the night lamp is warm and yellow, barely illuminating the room. The storm sounds in the background like a distant song. You get under the covers, facing each other, sharing the silence as if it were just another conversation.

"Are you comfortable?" he asks, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear.

"Very"

You lean in and rest your head on his chest. You listen to his heartbeat, and for a moment, you just breathe there, listening to how his body is listening to you too.

"Thank you for staying" you say softly.

"Thank you for inviting me to stay, you don't know how happy it makes me to be here with you" he replies, caressing your back with his fingertips.

You lift your head to look at him. He was already looking at you. And in that instant, the distance disappears.

The first kiss is slow, soft. His lips touch yours with a delicacy that makes your fingers tremble. You kiss as if you've been searching for each other for a long time, as if each touch were a caress you already knew before. Your hands move up to his neck and then to his hair, caressing his skin. His hands caress your waist over your clothes, slowly and gently, as if he wants to memorize the way you breathe.

You can't stop kissing. Even when you pull away to catch your breath, it's as if you are drawn to each other like magnets, your bodies immediately seeking each other's warmth, joining in an endless kiss charged with emotion, tenderness, and passion. His hands begin to move up your back and caress your long hair as you position yourself on top of him.

The heat rises to your cheeks when you notice your sudden movement, you find yourself straddling his body as you continue kissing with a harder, wilder tone. His hands move shyly over your body and position themselves on your lower back, caressing you. A gasp escapes his mouth when you settle on his pelvis and, with a wrong move, caress yourself against his crotch. You quickly move away from him, realizing the situation, and cover your face with your hands in embarrassment.

"Pau, I'm sorry... I didn't mean to" you try to say, embarrassed.

He stands up and takes your hands away from your face.

"It's okay, honey" he murmurs tenderly and you bite your lip, still embarrassed.

Your cheeks begin to burn as your mind regains awareness of what you were doing. It felt so good, his lips, his hands on your body, suddenly you wanted to continue.

"We can do whatever you feel comfortable with, we can kiss all night or just cuddle... Whatever you decide" he says somewhat shyly, hiding the redness in his cheeks.

You nod, smiling shyly. You're both embarrassed by what happened but you can't deny that your bodies are still excited and eager to feel each other again. You want to be with him, you want to love Pau and have him love you. You need to give him more than just affection.

"I-I... I want to do it" you say so softly that he can barely hear you.

Pau looks at you with love and patience. His hand squeezes yours, calling you in a unique and precious way.

"We don't have to do it today, I don't want you to feel pressured" he insists again gently.

You shake your head, cupping your face.

"I want to do it, Pau. With you" you say confidently.

Although it sounds strong and forceful, your body trembles with nerves and a little fear. The first time is something memorable, and you can't think of anyone else but the love of your life.

He smiles broadly as his hands wrap around your waist, his fingers caressing you gently, conveying a sense of security. His pupils dilate when your eyes meet his, his lips trembling slightly.

"I swear I'll be careful" he says. "I want it to be beautiful. I want us to always remember it that way"

Everything starts slowly, full of sweet pauses, nervous smiles, and long looks. It's obvious that you want to make this first time a magical and romantic moment, so they don't rush. No one is rushing them, only your desperate love to feel one.

You kiss as if each kiss were a shared secret. His soft lips caress yours delicately and with a certain roughness, as do his neck, jaw, and shoulders. Then you move to your bare chest, barely covered by your bra after he takes off your pajamas. He caresses the exposed flesh of your breasts with his fingers, soft and warm touches that make you squirm.

His mouth takes its place where he touched, kissing your skin as if it were porcelain, taking his time. His palms envelop your breasts and you whimper with pleasure when his mouth joins your skin, biting just enough to make you scream. Shyness disappeared the moment this felt pleasurable and safe, with Pau you feel at ease. He makes you feel that way. There is no room for shyness or embarrassment with his sweet words and delicate touches.

Your hands tangle in his hair as his kisses take another direction, walking down your belly. You want to kiss him on the mouth and have him close to you, but you don't complain about this feeling. He does it for a moment and then returns to your chest, this time removing your bra. Your cheeks turn red when he looks at your breasts. It is now that you feel somewhat inhibited but Pau does not let you hesitate, and his eyes ask you. You don't even have to answer; he already knows. And he does it. He takes one of your nipples in his mouth and kneads the other, carefully, lovingly, delicately. He bites, licks, caresses, savors, feels.

The heat in your body is almost unbearable, you can't take it another second, and you know you're more than ready for him. When Pau finishes with your breasts, his hands caress your inner thighs, softly.

With your help, he removes your panties and moves toward your face. He looks at you with his bright, beautiful eyes. Your mouth captures his, and you kiss him confidently, lovingly. It's a way of thanking him for making you feel so special.

His hands timidly caress your center but when you moan, he does it again. Your wetness is evident, and even though you're dying of embarrassment, you know he's desperate too. His bulge brushes against your thighs as the kiss intensifies. His fingers caress your clitoris, and you scream with pleasure, biting your lips. Pau also pants and smiles into your mouth.

When waves of pleasure wash over you, your hand stops his, looking at him with a soft gaze. As much as you want to continue, you already want to feel him inside you. He understands perfectly and kisses your forehead before pulling away. He takes off his clothes, first his T-shirt, and you bite your lip as you admire his hard, sculpted chest. Then his pants and finally his underwear.

With some embarrassment, you look at his erect member, its tip moist with pre-cum and how it awakens at your gaze. You lean slightly to the side and take a condom from your nightstand. You die of embarrassment when his amused gaze points it out.

"Don't look at me like that, Mom always says I have to be prepared!" you squeal amusedly as you hide your face in your hands.

He lets out a sweet laugh that sounds like music to your ears and comes closer to you again. He takes the condom from your hand and removes it from its wrapper, trembling but careful.

In your chest, thousands of sensations begin to boil as nerves invade you. You wonder if it will hurt, but all your questions are answered when Pau looks at you.

He positions himself between your legs, caressing his swollen member while you wait patiently and lovingly. Your hands take his shoulders and you seek his mouth again, helping him with his work. You kiss him deeply and hard, your tongues dancing together as they touch.

When he is ready, he looks at you.

"It will hurt, okay?" he says worriedly. "You can stop me if it's not pleasant or whenever you want, I don't want to..."

"Just do it, Pau" you ask, taking his face in your hands. He smiles in surprise.

He takes the base of his penis and caresses your slit with the tip, from top to bottom, getting wet with your moisture, and touches your magic spot again. Then, when he's ready, with your look of approval, he enters you. You both pant at first, your panting sounding more like pain, so he quickly looks into your eyes.

He looks worried but you shake your head.

"Keep going..." you sigh, caressing the back of his neck.

Pau nods and continues to enter your opening. Your walls are tight and it hurts, your heart is beating fast and your palms are sweating, but when you feel him completely inside you, you gasp.

It's just a slight burning sensation; he had clearly taken the time to prepare you well. For which you are infinitely grateful. He waits a few seconds while they kiss passionately, his hands caressing your head and yours clinging tightly to his shoulders.

He makes a movement inside you, making you moan, and he knows you're ready. So he begins to move inside you, in and out, gently and deeply. You no longer feel any pain at all and only moan with pleasure as he makes love to you again and again. You touch each other with a mixture of anxiety and tenderness, with almost sacred attention.

Your body entwines with his naturally and at no point do you feel out of place. On the contrary, with him, you feel that the world is falling into place.

And when you finally feel united in the deepest way, there is no sound other than the rain and your ragged breathing. He caresses your face, whispers sweet nothings in your ear, and you hug him as if you want to stay like this forever.

There is no rush. There is no need for perfection. There is only love, emotion, and the certainty that something has changed forever between the two of you.

When it's all over, he settles down beside you and wraps his arms around you as if you were the most precious thing he has. He kisses your forehead, your eyelids, and caresses your skin.

"Thank you for trusting me. For giving me this."

"Thank you for making it so beautiful" you reply, your eyes already closing, smiling.

And as the rain continues to fall softly outside, you fall asleep with the feeling that for the first time, you are exactly where you want to be. In his embrace. In his heart. In a story that is just beginning.

[16llui]

The crow's song

When by fate or by chance alone you wake up inside a novel, your first instinct is to try to save your favorite character, Sylus Qin. Stars align again, and now you're his wife, but only on paper. Or not? Will you be able to change the plot, when it looks like even Sylus himself is against it?

✧ Chapters: 2/8

Chapter 2. Unfulfilled wishes

✧ t.w. angst, non!mc reader, misunderstandings, english is not my first language, not proofread

✧ w.c. ~2k

Every day since Sylus'es departure feels like a calm before the storm.

Half of your first day alone you spend in your bed, trying to sleep the time away. You end up having breakfast in the afternoon, somehow even more tired than you went to bed.

Sylus, of course doesn't return so soon.

The next two days are even longer, with wet snow hitting the wooden windows of your room. You glance outside too often, but to no avail: no sounds of hooves from afar, no carriage near the gates. You go to sleep hoping for a change in the wind, wondering what's taking the duke so long to return.

On the fifths day the entire courtyard is covered in fog, as if mirroring your state of mind. You try to remember how many days he spent there in the novel, but with horror realize thar you in fact, can't.

Let's just say it didn't exactly help you sleep that night.

After six days you feel like you're losing your mind of uncertainty and all-consuming silence.

You are restless, roaming from one room to another, but never feeling relaxed enough to sleep. Lucy follows you like a shadow, always ready to offer some tea or ears to listen.

One particularly unpleasant evening, when you ask for your forth cup, it serves as a final blow, and she breaks her silence.

"I haven't seen you like this since the day you learnt you'll be married to His Grace, My Lady."

You divert your gaze from the the base of far mountains. No matter how long you look there, you won't be able to see the carriage anyway. Too dark to make out, too far to reach.

"Well, I didn't stop at four back then, did I?"

Lucy didn't appreciate your humor, refraining from giving you any answer at all. Well, maybe you still wasn't ready to talk about this.

The whole marriage thing, the wedding, it all felt unreal. Like maybe you made it all up. It happened not even a year ago, in a middle of July, like a dream too good to remember. Exactly a month after you woke up in this odd world, as if someone was specifically waiting for you to come to your senses first, before dropping this fantastic news on your still catching up mind.

You don't remember much, honestly. All the memories are vague, hidden from you by your own mind, perhaps for the best, even.

Because even if you still don't know why your family was chosen as the perfect match for the blood of the Duke of the North, you were too sure Sylus himself wasn't fond of the turn of events in the slightest.

Because even if you forget the church with its stained glass windows, or your wedding gown, with three little crows embedded on its corset like a secret symbol of lost hope, never in your life will you forget his eyes, the weight of their gaze too much for you to handle even after all this time.

Sylus has never been a bad husband, of course not. Mostly because he didn't feel like a husband to you at all.

He wasn't rude or pushy, never asked to much of you.

Never asked anything of you, if you were to speak frankly. Not your time, not your attention, and surely not your intimacy.

The ruling family had provided you with an impeccable wedding, no doubt, but they certainly didn't care beyond the vows at the altar. Because the moment the ceremony ended, your dress was changed and your humble baggage was packed, you were set on an unwanted journey to your new home, far and foreign.

Your room here was truly majestic, totally not something to complain about, with its marble fireplace and windows facing the garden. Like a fancy hotel suite, too good for you too afford. And perfectly far from the one Sylus resided in. You still wondered, sometimes, if any of your family knew, that the only time you shared the place of sleeping with the said man was during your unfortunate trip in the carriage.

You sure hoped not.

So aside from, perhaps, last month and a half, when you suddenly decided that something is about to happen (read as the plot) and put all your willpower to stop Sylus from crossing the threshold of that ill-fated guild, you barely spoken to each other.

During your free time, you roamed the estate like a guest long overdue to leave, hoping not to cross paths with Sylus and that unreadable look of his. What were you so afraid of finding in it? Or were you afraid of not finding anything at all?

Your prolonged silence was interrupted by Kieran suddenly entering the dining hall, Luke following shortly after. You long came to the conclusion they could sense when you had a particularly bad mood, as if to strike while you're at your weakest.

"Counting crows, Your Grace?" chimed Luke, seemingly too pleased with your brows already furrowing. "I fear it's already too late for that."

Before you can defend you honor, Lucy beats you to it. "My Lady and I were reminiscing about our arrival to the duchy."

Or well, she tries to. Bless her soul.

She stops abruptly, suddenly realizing that she spoke before you, but you dismiss her worried look with a wave of your hand.

Kieran, however, doesn't dismiss new pieces of information. He snickers, throwing his brother a knowing glance.

"Ohh, I remember that day. You looked so shaken when you got out of the carriage, we thought His Grace was holding you captive."

"I mean, right!"

Oh, they were enjoying it too much for your liking. You've had enough of nostalgia for the evening already.

Taking your last sip, you stand slowly, gesturing for Lucy to pass your shawl. When you proceed to head for the exit, stopping briefly near Kieran to pat his shoulder reassuringly, with most sincere look on your face.

"First impressions can be wrong, so don't worry." You smile for a good measure.

"I thought you guys were jesters at first."

Luke inhales sharply, scandalized. Kieran chokes on a cookie he stole from the table.

"Wait, what? Hey, where are you going?"

But you are in the hall already.

"I'm going to count the crows now, " you call out. "Where's some tea left, so help yourself."

And before Lucy can nag you about the coat, you spring down the steps, eager for some time alone.

Well, maybe a short walk could help.

Snow squelched under your feet, wet and persistent even in the middle of spring. Estate’s courtyard greeted you with silence and cold stars crowding the moon. It was gaining strength, growing and glowing, casting a dim light on your unsteady path up the hill. A few more minutes, and you'll reach the observation tower, undoubtedly warm and inviting, with someone to guide you home in comfort.

You weren't planning to go this far at first, but three overly curious figures in the living room window left you seeking solitude somewhere out of sight.

You glance up.

An old, crooked tree glares at you from the top of the hill, lazily waving its branch with a single crow perched on it. Well, that's something.

And suddenly, before you can make another step up, another one lands on your shoulder, quiet and heavy.

You shriek and immediately loose your balance.

The crow flies away with an indignant caw, but it's too late: you are sliding down the hill with a string of curses on your lips, ready for a cold fall.

In a last-ditch effort to stop, you grab onto the flimsy vegetation to your right. It doesn't hold up, and halfway through, your back crashes into something far too solid.

But no pain follows, so you look up tentatively.

Two all too familiar red eyes are staring right back at you, clearly amused.

"Oh Dear, is this any way to treat your husband?"

Skirts rustling with the movement, you try to regain your composure, too stunned to speak or meet his eyes.

There's no way he didn't hear your not so demure cry of help.

Oh, well...

"Won't you at least greet me? Did Mephisto scare you that much?"

At that, you quickly raise your head. Sylus is still looking at you, a faint smirk at the corner of his lips. His face tired from the journey, but still hard to read. Did he just return?

"I'm happy to see you in good health, Your Grace. Welcome back."

He follows the movement of your head as you nod, bowing a little. You always noticed he had that curious expression on his face whenever you addressed him politely. Calling Sylus by the name still felt too intimate to you, like stepping somewhere you shouldn't be. Saying someone else's secret out loud while everybody could hear.

"Ah, formalities. And here I thought you conquered this hill just to see me come back home, Dear."

You gave him a look.

"I would've conquered it if Mephisto didn't greet me first."

"Oh, I heard you greeting him back just right."

"Ah, Your Grace!"

Blush touched your cheeks, but you stayed strong, suddenly remembering your main mission.

At first glance, Sylus looked fine. Maybe a little disheveled, sure, with his usually pulled back hair now falling over his eyes a little and clothes too crumpled to fit the Duke, but his posture was still confident, and there was a slight blush on his pale cheeks. It must've been windy... You breathe a sigh of relief.

Well, now it's time to be a bit intrusive.

"How did the deal go? Everything went well?"

Your sudden question makes his eyes widen slightly. Sylus gives you an assessing look and shakes his head with half-hearted laugh.

"Now I recognize my wife. Businesslike like usual, right, Dear?"

You feel your blush deepen hearing that title fall from his lips. His wife. If only it played a role during your occasional disagreements.

With an uneven sigh the woolen shawl is pulling shut by a nervous hand, just in time to hide the rapid heartbeat. Sylus doesn't need to know what business was going on in your heart.

He notices your hesitation and deftly takes the initiative, too happy to get out of an unpleasant conversation.

Sylus takes off his heavy coat, and suddenly the chilly wind becomes bearable again, your face slightly covered by a fluffy fur collar.

If only this weight was the only one you carried on your shoulders, you think.

"How about we go inside, what do you think?"

"I think that it's rude to evade your wife's questions," you frown a little. You didn't like it when he acted secretive all of the sudden. Hated to realize how little influence you really had. "Did something happen? You are... not hurt, are you?" You searched his eyes once again.

But he had already turned towards the estate, his hand steady on the small of your back, guiding you down.

"Sylus?"

"I'm afraid it's too late to discuss such... disturbing matters now, Dear. After all, I'm back in one piece, aren't I? Don't worry your head too much before bed."

Your blood run cold. That wasn't a no.

"Come on now. I'll walk you to your room."

Oh, you needed more time.

"Would you like some tea, Your Grace? Lucy made it right before I left, so it must still be hot -"

"No need," he gave you a tight-lipped smile. "I'm too tired after the road. Not exactly a company you would enjoy over a cup of tea."

The rest of the walk passed in silence. You glanced at Sylus now and then, but he never looked back. Something inside tightened with realization: you've crossed the line.

Only now, standing right next to your door, he once again acknowledged your uneasy look.

"Don't look at me like that, Dear. I won't dissappear during the night again, promise. After all, I'm sure you're not going to leave it like this, are you?"

You don't answer, too nervous to play along.

He sighs.

"Have a good night, Dear."

"Good night, Your Grace." You hand over his coat, ready to close the door.

But then, right before your lock clicks, you notice something a little below his wrist. The coat must have caught his shirt when he threw it over his arm, and now that area was exposed.

You freeze.

No, please, that couldn't be.

Because there, right on his pulse line, the beginning of an unusual pattern is starting to bloom.

And suddenly, the door is closed.

You sank to the floor, unable to stand straight. Lean against the wall and feel your eyes sting.

All that hard work and it's all for nothing?

You look up, blinking back tears. Sigh.

Looks like it will be a lot harder than you thought.

Because whenever you liked it or not,

the plot began to unfold.

✧a.n. ohh this chapter took me days to deliver... I wanted to make it longer so the reading would be more enjoyable 💋💋 hope the pacing isn't rushed 🙏🏻

thank you soo much for your support, it helped me to stay motivated to actually finish this... tysm!!! ♡

✧taglist: @napforalifetime @allycat2090 @vellihor @sillyfreakfanparty @eurynam @certainduckanchor @vyntheria @donotspeakunlessyouarenamjoon @mcdepressed290

let me know if you want to be added too! ;)

comments & reblogs are highly appreciated ❣️

[skulkiee]

guyssss :D

"So?" Penelope asks, two days later.

"So?" Odysseus blinks at her. It is still strange having him back here, after twenty years, "What?"

"So," Penelope explains, "When's everyone else getting back? Dont tell me ill have to wait another decade."

Odysseus flinches. It's a small movement, but even after two decades apart, Penelope knows how her husband acts. Well, sometimes.

"They're not dead right?" She asks slowly. She hadn't dared to ask before, and Odysseus hadn't spoken of his journey other than those vague initial statements when he was asking her if she would love him again.

Everyone had hoped that the fleet would just follow their king back.

"They-" Odysseus won't look at her, "They're dead."

(Left a trail of red on every island)

"All of them?" Penelope asks, because she refuses to give up her hope that she will see her best friend and little brother again.

"Yes." Odysseus crosses his arms, "All of them."

(As i traded friends like objects i could use)

Penelope stares at him. Her hands twitch slightly, "What. How?" Odysseus doesn't answer, he just stares out the window besides them, so Penelope keeps talking, "Odysseus, answer me! How did it happen?" She snarls, "What happened to our family?"

Odysseus sighs, "They um- Polites died. First. To a cyclops."

Penelope's heart twists. First. Violently, "And Eurylochus?"

(Hurt more lives than i can count on my hands)

"The crew turned against me, Penny-"

"Don't call me that right now."

"Okay." Odysseus mumbles, "They staged a mutiny. I was asked to choose between me and them."

The queen of Ithaca clenches her fists, "Who made you choose?" She hisses. If she has the power to make them pay then she will- what was left of the crew didn't need to die.

(But all of that was to bring me back to you)

~~•~~

"So you're who Ody can't shut up about." Eurylochus says, smiling wide. He had been surprised- though pleasantly- when he found out that his friend had fallen in love in Sparta.

And Penelope, from what he has seen of her, seems like she will do great things for Ithaca. From Odysseus' letters, he knows that she is incredibly intelligent and funny and kind.

"And you must be Eurylochus," Penelope replies, "I have heard quite a bit about you, too."

Eurylochus shuffles awkwardly on the spot at that, though it makes him happy that his dear friend has been talking about him, "Yeah well." He had been walking in the gardens after training some of the younger men in sword fighting, and hadn't expected to meet Odysseus' future wife, "It's a pleasure to meet you at last, queen Penelope."

She laughs, and it's a bright noise, "I wouldn't dare claim the title of queen quite yet, and please, if we are to be friends then we really can't be so formal with each other. Penelope will do."

"Then do call me Eurylochus in turn, Penelope." Eurylochus holds his hand out for her to shake, which she does.

"I expect I'll be seeing you around, Eury." Penelope says, grinning, and walking past him, back towards the palace.

It is not until she is gone that he realises she called him Eury. Only Odysseus does that.

Eurylochus smiles.

~~•~~

Penelope paces back and fourth in her quarters, dressed up in her formal wear- even more fancy than what she wore to her wedding, though less flamboyant.

Her wedding. She smiles and twists the new ring she now wears. Penelope really is rather happy that she married Odysseus- though now, right now that is not what is at the forefront of her mind.

It is her official marriage now, where she shall be named as queen before the whole of Ithaca. And Penelope is terrified.

Because what if they don't like her? What if she messes up or says something wrong or- gods forbid- trips. What if she presents a bad first impression?

It is the knock at the door that jolts her out of her thoughts, "Enter." Penelope calls.

Eurylochus pokes his head in. Kind, friendly Eurylochus.

"You good?" He asks, "It's a big day."

"Yeah." Penelope snaps, "Thanks for reminding me." She smooths her skirts down again, and adjusts her crown.

Eurylochus just sighs and walks in, taking her hands in his so she has to stop fidgeting and fussing, "You look great already, Pen."

She immediately regrets snapping at him, "Shouldn't you be with Odysseus?" Penelope asks, "And wasn't Ctimene meant to be here?"

Eurylochus laughs slightly, "Ctimene wanted to see how her brother was doing, and she decided that since you're, and i quote 'cooler and chiller' than Odysseus, you would be fine."

Penelope rolls her eyes.

"So?" Eurylochus asks then, letting go of her hands and walking over to where her table is.

"So what?" Penelope questions as he pours water out of the jug and into a cup.

"So how are you feeling?" Eurylochus replies, passing her the cup of water, "Drink."

Scared. Nervous. Happy. Worried. Excited.

"What if it goes wrong?" Penelope blurts out, holding the cup maybe a little too tightly.

Eurylochus blinks, "It's all planned out, it'll go just fine- everyone knows what's gonna happen and what they need to do."

"Yes but what-" Penelope stares angrily at her water instead of looking at Eurylochus, "What if i mess up. Or they don't like me-"

"What did that water ever do to offend you?" Eurylochus smiles, interrupting her, "You won't mess up, Pen, because you've rehearsed, and you're one of the best people i know- just imagine what would happen if it was like, i dont know, Polites in your place-"

He's cut off by Penelope cackling at the mental image of her half brother wearing a dress and being the queen. Gods- she's seen the poor guy trip over his own feet enough, and that's without the long, almost floor-length skirts and dresses that women wear.

"See!" Eurylochus crows when shes quietened her laughter enough for him to speak, "It could be worse!"

"So much worse." Penelope agrees, keeping her voice flat despite the amusement threatening to spill over, "It could be you wearing this dress."

Eurylochus lets out an offended noise that sounds rather like an angry bird, "Why you- i would look brilliant in that dress!"

Penelope snorts, "How about we trade?"

"What- i wear the dress and get crowned queen," Eurylochus starts, "And you wear my formal armour and sword and stand at Odysseus' side the whole time?"

"No one would notice!" Penelope shouts, "It's a flawless plan!"

Eurylochus laughs with her then, and both of them keep adding bits on, and it just keeps getting more and more funny, until they're both doubled over and gasping for breath.

"By the way," Eurylochus places a hand on her arm, "They'll love you. You'll be the perfect queen for this island."

~~•~~

"Penelopeeeeeee!"

The queen of Ithaca grins at the sound of her friend's voice behind her, "Yes, Eurylochus?" She asks, already very amused at his time of voice and pouty expression.

"I have a problem!" Eurylochus complains, dropping dramatically onto the couch just across from her desk and throwing one hand over his forehead and placing the other on his heart, "It's such a- a problematic problem, Penelope!"

Penelope raises one eyebrow, "And here i was thinking that Ody was the dramatic one." She laughs.

"It's not funny." Eurylochus crosses his arms, glaring at her, "Odysseus laughed at me too."

Penelope cackles at that, "I wonder why."

"Please, Penelopeeee!" Eurylochus cries, "I need help!"

She sighs and rolls her eyes, "Okay then, what's the problem, drama king?"

"I'm in love!"

Oh. Okay. That's new. Penelope blinks once, twice. It takes a moment for her to recover from that statement, but when she does, she grins like a maniac and leans forwards in her chair, "With who?"

Eurylochus groans, hiding his face in his hands, "Ctimene." He looks through his fingers at her, "And I don't know what to do, Pen! Odysseus laughed at me and Polites knows nothing about romance, helpp meeeeee pleeease."

"You are in love with Ctimene." Penelope says.

Eurylochus nods.

"And you went to ask her brother and the one person who doesn't do romance what to do about it." She can't stop the laughter from bleeding into her voice, "Really?"

"Yeees." Eurylochus mutters, "How do i tell her i like her? Pen, what do girls like?"

"Well i was rather delighted when Odysseus got me my favorite flowers, for one." Penelope answers, "What's Ctimene's favorite flower?"

"Forget-me-nots." Eurylochus says immediately.

Penelope grins, "Get her some of those! Stay away from poetry though- ask her to dance with you next time there's dancing happening! Buy her jewellery but nothing too extravagant-" she pauses, "You making a mental list?"

Eurylochus nods rapidly.

"Good!" Penelope smiles, "Take her down into the market one day, or on a picnic- just you two, don't try and do any fancy metaphors about her eyes or anything like that though, it never ends well." She pauses, thinking, "Buy her an axe."

"An axe?" Eurylochus splutters, "Where did that idea come from?"

"This is Ctimene we're talking about, yes?" Penelope smirks, "I've seen her glancing at the weapons stalls and blacksmiths down in the village while other women look at clothes and jewelry."

~~•~~

"You're what?" Eurylochus shouts, staring at Penelope wide eyed. Because, excuse me, what??

"I'm pregnant." Penelope repeats, her mouth twisting into a smile, "I'm going to have a baby, Eury."

Eurylochus gapes at her.

"And you're gonna be their uncle, so get ready for many sleepless nights." Penelope laughs at his expression.

"Me and 'Mene are gonna go back to Same."

"You shall not escape the terror of helping raise a child!" The queen of Ithaca yells, lunging for Eurylochus' quickly retreating figure.

"Yes i am!" He tosses over his shoulder, before taking off running, laughing as he does so. Penelope cackles behind him.

~~•~~

Penelope presses her hands against her temples, groaning. She is exhausted, and she has a pounding headache. And Telemachus will not stop screaming.

She just wants some sleep. The worst part is that Odysseus is away on some political thing about alliances with Agamenmon, and she has been left with their screaming child by herself.

"You good over there?" Well, almost by herself. Penelope looks up at Eurylochus, who is standing in her doorway, a frown etched across his face.

"No." Penelope shakes her head, trying not to sob, "No actually, I'm not."

Eurylochus walks over and sits down beside her on the edge of the olive bed, "Is it the screaming?" He asks quietly, rubbing circles into her back with one hand. Penelope nods miserably.

"I can look after Telemachus for a night or two while you get some sleep." Eurylochus says gently, "If you want me to, of course."

"Please." Penelope practically begs.

~~•~~

"Eury!" He looks up at Penelope, who is walking swiftly towards him, "Can we talk?" The queen asks.

Eurylochus nods, "Sure." He says, placing the boxes he was carrying down besides him and waving for Polites and the other few men they'd been with to go on.

"So." Penelope laughs slightly, "You're leaving tomorrow."

"I am." Eurylochus grins slightly, "Though you speak as if I'm never coming back! It'll only be a month or so at most, with all the great heroes we're taking."

"It's still war." Penelope sighs, shaking her head, "You'll make sure my Odysseus comes home alive, right? And Polites? I can't lose my little brother."

Eurylochus smiles and places a hand on her shoulder, "I would never dream of coming home without them, Pen." He says. It's entirely truthful.

She meets his smile with one of her own, "And you." Penelope asks, "You'll make sure you come home too?"

"Y- yeah." Eurylochus nods, "I'll come home."

"Good!" Penelope shouts then, ruffling his hair, "Because otherwise I'll have to come to the underworld and bring you back!"

~~•~~

"And what about you, Odysseus?" Patroclus asks, grabbing Achilles' arm to stop him from saying whatever angry remark he had been about to say, "You have a wife back home?"

Polites groans. Eurylochus laughs at him. Odysseus enthusiastically starts telling Achilles and Patroclus about Penelope.

"What's wrong, Po?" Eurylochus teases, "Don't like hearing how awesome your sister is?"

Polites glares at him, "He's not talking about how awesome she is though- Odysseus' going on and on and on about Penny's beauty and how much he loves her and I don't want to hear it a thousand times." He pauses, leaning closer, "Though it did get Achilles to shut up."

Eurylochus laughs a little louder, "Maybe we should tune in- tell the greatest of Greeks that Penelope is better and cooler than him."

"Ehhhhh." Polites smirks, "My sister's the real greatest of Greeks."

"He has nothing on Penelope!"

~~•~~

"Mama?"

Penelope starts, and looks down at where Telemachus is tugging on her skirts, "Yes, dear?" She asks, picking him up. He's four, and that's already too many years with half their family gone.

"Who's-" Telemachus starts, "Why does auntie Mene pick new blue flowers every time the old ones die?"

"Well." Penelope smiles, "Those flowers, they're called forget-me-nots, and they're very special to your auntie, because there's someone that she doesn't want to forget!"

Telemachus grins, "They help you remember?"

"Yes!" Penelope laughs- it's a little forced, "Some people say they do."

"Who does she want to remember?" Telemachus asks, wide-eyed.

"Her husband." Penelope answers, "Your uncle Eurylochus. He went to war with papa-" she turns and starts walking down the hallway, the little boy in her arms, "He is a very kind man, and i cannot wait for him to come home so you can meet him, Pup."

Telemachus looks delighted, "Is he in the portrait?"

"Yep!" Penelope answers, stopping in front of said portrait, "Hes that one, next to papa."

Telemachus stares at the family picture for a long while, and then wriggles until Penelope puts him down, "Im gonna get forget-nots for auntie Mene!" He shouts, running off down the hall, one of the maids desperately chasing after him.

Sweet child.

~~•~~

When Polites dies, the second thing Eurylochus thinks of is Penelope. His dear friend, to whom he promised he would bring Polites home.

He wonders if she'll forgive him, as they leave the cave, leaving their brothers' broken bodies behind to rot. Penelope will forgive Odysseus, of course, she loves him, but Eurylochus?

He doesn't think he will forgive himself for leaving bright, sweet Polites to his fate of a half existence, never to reach the underworld proper. It's so unfair.

Eurylochus looks at Odysseus' back as they board the ship, and swears to do better.

~~•~~

This wasn't supposed to happen. Eurylochus made sure Odysseus stayed healthy as one can in these conditions the whole journey. Made sure that even after he sacrificed six souls, even after they mutinied, that Odysseus' injuries were bandaged up, that he was treated still as one of their brothers.

Because he has already broken one promise, and he can't break another.

And now he stares at Zeus, and they were supposed to go home.

He promised Ctimene. He promised Penelope.

~~•~~

If Penelope were a goddess, Zeus would be cowering before his throne. If Penelope had the power- if Penelope- if this, if that.

There is nothing she can do.

("Good!" Penelope shouts then, ruffling his hair, "Because otherwise I'll have to come to the underworld and bring you back!")

Her feet take her to that place on a path in the palace gardens, dappled sunlight filtering through the willow tree above her, a little carved statue of a pig on a stone plinth, a token to Hestia.

Her feet take her to that place on a path in the palace gardens, where she first met Eurylochus.

("So you're who Ody can't shut up about." Eurylochus says, smiling wide.)

Penelope sighs, and sits down right there, uncaring of how the dusty path stains her white dress. She will wear yellow tomorrow- it is hardly an appropriate colour for mourning, but it was his favorite.

I NEED to write eurylochus and penelope being friends. I dont know why i just need to. Theyd be besties you cannot persuade me otherwise

[redsbookshelf]

Just for the night - Chris Sturniolo

In which... Dealer!Chris shows up at Party Girl!Stoner!Reader's apartment after a deal that went sideways. He shows up with a busted lip, bloody knuckles, "What are you doing here?" You ask, "I didn't know where else to go," He pauses, "Can I stay... just for the night?"

Warnings: Mentions of drug use and dealing, blood, guns, violence, and cussing.

Written in second person, no use of Y/n, slightly angsty, and honestly just fluff of reader taking care of Chris.

Dividers by @bernardsbendystraws

You've just started to drift off to sleep when you suddenly hear quiet knocking on the door of your apartment. Utterly confused, you reach for your phone, "2:38 AM". Deciding against your better judgement, you begin padding towards the door of your apartment, cold hard wood floors sending chills through your body.

As quietly as possible, you approach the door, looking through the peephole. Your brows furrow, not entirely sure who you expected, but it definitely wasn't him. Chris, your dealer you met at a party almost two years ago. He was a good dealer, always gave you the best he had on discount, which made the constant flirting worth it. Besides, he wasn't exactly hard on the eyes. You knew better than to fall for the harmless flirting, because realistically, what guy like Chris is ever loyal, right?

You stand there for a moment before opening the door to shaken looking Chris, "What are you doing here?" you ask, "I didn't know where else to go," he pauses. "Can I stay... just for the night?" You take a moment to further examine him, a busted lip, bloody knuckles, gash on his right cheek. You step aside, giving him silent permission to come in.

"Uh, Chris? What happened to you? is everything okay?" You question, you try to not seem worried, you don't want to make the situation worse than it already is. His back is turned to you when he stops his dragging feet halfway in your living room. "Nothing, I'm fine." He answers lowly. You begin to walk towards him, putting a hand on his arm.

His skin is hot when you place your palm on his bicep. "Are you sure?" he turns his head towards you, giving you a better look at his face. "Let me get you cleaned up, yeah?" Chris doesn't answer, as you pad off to the bathroom, but you don't need him to.

About three minutes later, you're walking towards Chris, who's taken a seat on your couch with his head hung low, with all of the first aid things you could find in your cabinets. It's not much, but it will do for now.

You decide against saying anything, instead just keeling down Infront of him. He slowly lifts his head up to look at you with heavy eyes, before he looks down at the supplies in your hands. "You don't have t-" You stop him, "I want to Chris, it's okay" Giving him a small reassuring smile before placing the things in your hands down on the floor. "This is gonna sting a bit, but I need to clean it, okay?" Chris gives you a small nod.

You begin gently wiping the gash on his cheek with a cotton pad that you put rubbing alcohol on. "...fuck" Chris quietly lets out at the sting. You give him a silent apology, gently squeezing his hand that's sitting in his lap with your free hand. "I just need to bandage this, and I'll be done, promise"

As your finishing up the last bit of the gash on his cheek, Chris starts to speak, "I was at a guy's house, after dealing at a party." You wait for him to continue after he pauses; looking at him intently as he speaks. A silent reminder of "I'm still listening". Chris continues. "I guess he just didn't want to pay, hit me with the end of his gun, punched me 'til I was down and then ran off." Chris won't meet your eyes as he finishes his explanation.

"Chris..." You're barely able to get his name out while closing the bottle of rubbing alcohol and placing the cotton pads to the side before he stands up. "I should go. I'm sorry I even came." He almost sounds shameful as he begins walking towards the door. "Wait, Chris, please don't go," You're not sure why you're pleading him to stay, but you felt like you needed to. "I want you here, just for the night." You've risen to your feet at this point, walking towards him.

Chris is looking at you, scanning your face for any sign of insincerity, but he's greeted with nothing but kind eyes and a small genuine smile. You grab his hand gently, giving him time to pull away. "I'm sorry" Chris states again quietly. "Chris, stop apologizing to me," You've never seen Chris like this, so vulnerable. Sure, when you hang out he's goofy and breaks his tough guy facade, but he's never looked at you like a kicked puppy. "I don't care that it's almost 3am or that you came here bloody, I'm just happy you're alright."

He meets your eyes, feeling your hand gently cup his jaw, being careful to not touch his wounded cheek bone. "You mean that, Ma?" He teases with a small smirk. "And just like that Chris is back," You giggle while rolling your eyes. "yes, I mean that, I'm really glad you're okay. My door is always open for you." As the words come out of your mouth you feel like you've never said something and meant it like you just did.

"C'mon Chris, let's go to bed, I'm exhausted." You tease while gently yawning. Grabbing his hand, you lead him to your room. He follows with no protest, sitting next to you on your bed as you get under your blankets. "I don't bite y'know." You laugh when you realize he's not making any move to lie down. He gives you a small smile before getting under the blankets next to you.

As you begin to drift off, you feel Chris gently wrap his arm around your waist, pulling you into his warm chest. You're not sure if you're dreaming or not when you hear Chris' smooth, quite voice whisper into your hair, "I hope this becomes more than just for the night."

Welp, I seriously tried. I hope you guys like it!! Let me know if y'all want more like this or something different.

Taglist - @bernardsbendystraws

Xoxo - Scar 💋

[dammit-tazmuir]

I've been somewhat confused by the bit before the ending of Harrow The Ninth for some time now, specifically - "No. I'm getting out of here." I'm unsure as to what Harrowhark could've meant by this (but I'm sure the answer is obvious) as just a few lines before. It seems as if she's decided to let Gideon pilot her around. Did she decide to take her chances in swimming through the river and keeping her sanity in hopes of pulling off what Palamedes did? Or was she sacrificing herself for Gideon completely? Also, Dulcinea... :(

Thanks!

HI I've had my inbox open in a tab for this ask for nearly a month because I wasn't sure how much you were wanting and I wanted to give this the amount of attention to detail it deserves and also I kept forgetting and remembering and forgetting again, but all right! Let's do this, okay.

So first thing's first, the answer is absolutely not obvious if the delay didn't say that much already lmao. That whole last scene is like a fever dream and we cannot say for sure exactly what was going down, but we can theorize!

Regarding just the "No, I'm getting out of here," specifically, I think that's just Harrow talking to herself, calming her nerves and making herself focus. She just watched Dulcie get crushed under the collapsing bubble (truly wonderful news for her haters) and can feel her heart pounding in a way she didn't think was possible in the River, so that reads as just, she's briefly afraid of meeting the same fate and tells herself, no, she can and will survive. She won't return to her body but she'll go somewhere else, somewhere she can wait and hopefully see Gideon again. It's Harrow faced with the choice of she can live at the cost of Gideon, or Gideon can live at the cost of her, and going "well if I have to pick I'm more willing to risk the latter, but what if fuck you actually, here's my third option."

I'm not sure if that's all you were asking for clarification on but I wanna talk more either way because MAN there's a lot.

So she pops what's left of the bubble on purpose, taking more control of the situation. Of course, as a Lyctor, she's been practicing dropping her soul into the River and can hold onto herself and navigate better than most. So whether it's that skill or effectively turning herself into a revenant/something adjacent or a little of both, she follows a thanergetic link through to River to the Tomb.

And of course she's got a link to Alecto's body. That was established when she kissed the body as a child and the piece of Alecto that became Nona latched onto her, and if one of my theories is right, it might have been redoubled when she ate a piece of Gideon. (I firmly believe John, Alecto, and Gideon are three separate consciousnesses with their own thoughts and feelings and experiences, but they share the same massive melange god-soul. This would explain a massive number of things, from how Gideon is so chock full of modern memes in a more overt way than other characters to Gideon in Harrow's body regrows Harrow's fingers and more. More on that shortly.)

But here's the thing. The Body isn't there. The sepulcher is empty. The chains are snapped.

And okay. Harrow is framed as physically doing this, but we know she's not. She's doing this as basically a ghost. She doesn't have her body here. So it stands to reason whatever she's seeing in that state isn't necessarily physical either, it's a projection of sorts. But even so, why would it be like that?

WELL... Stick with me here.

The Epilogue is set Six Months After The Emperor's Murder. Chapter 53 is set Half An Hour Ago. It is not "half an hour before the murder", it's half an hour ago relative to......?

Time flows differently in the river, and I've suggested before time in general is physically broken in the TLT universe. If we take everything as written and don't assume any typos or mistakes, it is definitively non-linear. The lobotomy was 9 months 29 days before the murder, Act 1 of HtN was 9 months before, and G1deon's first attempt to kill Harrow was both a few days after the end of act one and 10 months before. I highly doubt an author as detailed as this is going to get a detail like that wrong on accident, especially when it's front and center at the beginning of a chapter like that, especially when such a notable chapter as Epiparados is given something as specific as a one day time difference from the outlier.

(I've found other small details since writing that post, too! There is one (1) time in GtN where Gideon refers to catching Harrow coming out of the Tomb as "a 9-year-old Harrow", when every other time she's 10. It's little stuff but there's so much!)

So I suspect Chapter 53 actually takes place after the events of Nona, actually! From Harrow's perspective, it's before, but from everyone else's, it's after, and "Half An Hour Ago" is relative to either the start or end or some point during AtN. It's after Alecto has risen in the NtN epilogue. That's why the chains are snapped.

Someone sent another ask on Time that, in addition to the above, got me suspecting that Harrow has straight up already started Harrowing Hell off-screen, as well. So that's something!

LASTLY THOUGH. There's also the opening bit of AtN that Tamsyn has read before. Even in that small bit it makes a point of the ambiguity of it, the "any path ahead or behind was blotted out; now she was here." When is this happening? Harrow doesn't even know!

AND. HEY. YOU KNOW WHAT? I am really glad I waited to answer this because I had a thought just now today as I did that I'm sobbing about.

A thought I HAVE had before is...

Upon her chest, straddling the sword, there was an open magazine. The first thing she saw upon opening her eyes was a pair of tits. 

and in HtN Ch53

Something rustled at her side. She had not seen it when she climbed in; it had been tucked to one side of the coffin. When she reached out to hold it in front of her face, she found a shiny mass of magazine flimsy. The crumpled front page showed a woman in a Cohort uniform that was so far from official it did not merely strain credulity, but snapped it in two pieces: a white jacket at least three sizes too small, boots, and nothing else. The ice felt kind and warm; the stone gave as though it were cotton. Harrow lay where the Body had lain, perfectly at her ease, perfectly comfortable, and she peered blearily at the header. “Frontline Titties of the Fifth,” she read, and found she was smiling helplessly to herself. She murmured: “Nav, you ass, that’s not even a real publication.”

Back on the "Gideon shares the god soul" theory, I straight up think Frontline Titties of the Fifth WAS a real publication, in the very beginning days of the Cohort, and Gideon thinks she made it up but she actually remembers it via permeability of the soul lmao. But. DO YOU WANT TO KNOW. HOW ELSE YOU COULD READ THIS. ACTUALLY...

A sword was laid upon her from shoulder to hip. Her feet were bare. Upon her chest, straddling the sword, there was an open magazine. The first thing she saw upon opening her eyes was a pair of tits.

That first part sure sounds like how Alecto was buried, with the sword laid across her and the bare feet. What if it's not the tits in the magazine she's seeing. What if this is Harrow waking up in Alecto's body— perhaps even far across time, perhaps in the distant past, perhaps framed like the Tomb to throw us off but this is actually just Alecto having fallen asleep with her comfort sword and titty magazine and we'll get to see Harrow live any length of time in her body, in her past, giving us a direct look at that mysterious time post-Sovereignty, pre-Cohort or at the first RB attack or something??

But also imagine, whether it's past or present or another Dream, Harrow waking up in Alecto's body and her first focused realization is "why the hell do I have tits?"

Please please please please Tamsyn I am praying.

[explorer-alba]

End of Chapter 1

----

And with that Albas #gw2adventurerchallenge is officially done!

(Also whoops, forgot to change the language back to english - so german success screen it is)

OP Closing words:

No one white Cat got harmed during the production of this Comic.

RIP Alba, getting her first death because I wasn't paying attention during the photo shoot. Otherwise Alba managed to get through the challenge without any death. (But I also played like a coward the first half so,...)

It was a fun challenge. So special thanks to @/mithrasisgay!

I will probably do another run in the future with another class. But I'm not sure if I do another story blog. We will see when the time comes.

Alba's story will continue, but I will no longer tag her post with the #gw2adventurerchallenge.

I will keep some rules for her further progression - like handicaps should she die. Limited access to Mounts and so on - we will see ;V;

Thanks to everyone who accompanied Alba on her journey and who will stay for more ♥

---

And some Background information, that probably won't get answered:

Why did Valefor do this? I thought he is one of the good guys? Maybe a Question that comes to mind, to people who know my grumpy guy. The whole Story of Alba takes place during IBS. During this time Valefor is still in a complicated situation with his "Master" Israfil. The shady, black Charr you were able to see in an previous post and here. In the end it's his fault.

If you want to know more:

The Letter and crow situation. Israfil is someone who causes a lot of trouble during this time. Like letting his crows snatching all the letters that are suppose to reach the black citadel and other locations. He only lets certain messages pass that suits his plans.

That's why Alba and Atlas got send out to play messanger.

---

Thought this might be interesting to know 👉👈

If you still got questions, feel free to drop is in the ask box ♥

[shelleyminx]

this was written for @corrodedcoffinfest Media Mania

Picture This

Prompt Day 31: Closing Time | Word Count: 901 | Rating: G | CW: none | POV: Outsider | Pairing(s): Eddie Munson/Steve Harrington | Tags: Eddie has a crush on Steve, Chrissy as Corroded Coffin's manager, end of tour blues/joy, Steve and Robin are two menaces (and sweethearts), all of them are just dreamy young people and I think that's beautiful

Summary:

Corroded Coffin releases many albums, goes on tour, become the main characters of rock n' roll controversies as bands do. But decades later, one specific picture appears on the preface of their photo biography.

One that only exists because of a ridiculous idea and a hot stranger willing to go ahead with it and make it even greater.

Eddie tackles Doug onto the floor and they both gasp when Gareth adds himself to the pile of people. Jeff doesn't seem convinced to join in, but Chrissy gives him a light shove and he lets his own body fall, the four of them kinda laughing as they roll to the side, lying on the stage they just made the last show of their first national tour. The venues are not that big, but it's fulfilling, a sense of dream coming true tucked under layers of hard work, traveling in an uncomfortable bus, eventually sharing motel rooms. It's amazing anyway. The sold out date tonight left them with a burning hope that there will be a next album, another tour, a lifetime of this. They're exhausted, but so happy it's hard to leave the place and pop up the bubble.

“Man, I want to climb that!” Eddie laughs, pointing to the theatrical hardware that holds multiple lightning equipment.

“You don't!” Chrissy, their former classmate and now tour manager answers, eyes widening.

“Uh-” a guy enters the stage. Not someone they know, probably around their age, wearing a plain black shirt tucked under his jeans. He doesn't look like a staff member either. “They're not here!” he shouts at someone backstage “Yeah, I'll let you. Have you tried the back entrance? You know these rock dudes… They just vanish.”

The five at the stage trade suspicious looks. Unknown guy starts picking up stuff like used water bottles and setlist papers and throwing them in a trash bag.

“This might've got you guys some more twenty minutes. Then you have to go, I'm sorry.” he keeps his work, never minding their excitement.

“I doubt it would break just with my weight!” Eddie continues, despite the others' silence.

“It wouldn't. But I don't recommend climbing there. You'll be seen by the lightning guys and probably get a fine.” Trash guy says.

“Hey, you're like a security guy or something?” Jeff inquires, analyzing the way he's dressed; not rock n’ roll at all.

“My dad owns the place. And we're closing, but you seem to be enjoying some last minutes with the stage, so. Have your fun, just don't break anything.”

“Can I like… Pretend to be climbing? If one of you guys give me a hand I'll be able to reach it and we can take a picture and-”

“No. Chance. My shoulder is fucked.” Doug is still lying on the floor, facing the stage turned off lights. Jeff doesn't even bother answering.

“Oh… It would be a cool picture, though.” Chrissy pouts “Gar?”

“Don't Gar me, Chris. I can't and won't lift this sack of bones. Take a normal picture instead.”

“I can do it.” Son-Of-Someone interjects, uninterested. “It seems like a cool photo to have.”

Eddie rolls on the floor and finally looks at him. Tall, broad shoulders, athletic, All-American-Hot-Type. Chrissy jumps excitedly.

“Thanks! What's your name again?” she asks, offering a hand for him to shake.

“Steve.” He smiles charmingly at her, but it's Eddie's stomach that begins to flutter.

“No need to worry, man. I was just joking-” he starts, desperately trying to get himself out of a possible crush and to go back to his post-concert euphoria.

“It's nothing. Actually… Wait here!” and he runs yelling something that sounds like Bob or Rob or whatever before coming back with a girl on his tow.

“Father Harrington is gonna kill you if he hears about this.” she sighs.

“Father Harrington always wants to kill me either way, might as well give him some reason.” He shrugs “Okay, figure out a cool pose or something.” He turns back to the band “You too! Robin will take the picture for you, join them!” Chrissy shyly gives Robin her camera and the others discuss what they should do.

“Hi. You're… Ed, right?” Steve approaches casually, smiling like he's hiding something. Eddie thanks every God for his lack of blushing.

“Yeah, Eddie.” He's still wondering how to greet this handsome stranger when he's interrupted.

“Cool, Eddie. Hop on.” Eddie thanks every God because no one is paying attention when he actually blushes because this stranger is pointing at his own back.

Their pose is kinda stupid. Doug and Jeff hold Chrissy up in their arms and she laughs, surprised. Gareth Kneels in front of them, making Devil horns with both his hands and sticking his tongue out. Eddie climbs on Steve's shoulder and pretends to be trying to reach the hardware with a hand while making devil horns with the other and opening a devilish smile. Robin takes their picture then asks them to hold on.

Corroded Coffin releases many albums, goes on tour, becomes the main characters of rock n' roll controversies as bands do. But decades later, this picture appears on the preface of their photo biography.

She does something they can't see in the back of the stage and two canons shoot bright colorful pieces of paper at them, just like it happened at the end of their last song. Shocked, everyone but Steve looks kinda marveled at the beauty of it and Robin shoots a picture that showcases their spontaneous joyous faces. Steve is smiling with a knowing look, while Eddie looks up to the paper, Gareth falls to the floor laughing in shock, Chrissy is on the verge of tears.

What a way to close. What a way to start.

A/N: and that's it for Corroded Coffin Fest 2025! What an honor it was to participate!!! Joining this fest gave me the courage to post some of my writing, read amazing fics and get a lot more love than I ever thought I would!!!! My first fic for the fest was about pre-concert jitters, so nothing more fitting than the last being about post-concert joy.

I hope you guys enjoyed this little thingy! Immense thanks to the CCfest organizers, writers and readers. I hope I can see you on the pocket events and on the next edition!

[redandgreyscale]

hiii, i sent the addict james ask

♥️

i love love love jarty and i want so badly to see james breaking down because of an addiction and barty just being so scared because this time james is different- worse- and barty doesn’t know what to do and hes trying so hard to stay in control and help james

- 🫶🏼

Everyone wants angst when do I get to be happy 😭 anyway, headcannon that James has a complicated relationship with food and diet culture because he's an athlete.

Barty has never seen James cry. Not once in all the time they've been together.

He's crying now, full on drowning in tears, snout running out his nose, shaking. Barty doesn't know what to do.

"Hey, It's okay sunshine, what's going on?" Barty gets on his knees beside James, grabs his shoulder on a reassuring touch and tries to look into his eyes.

"I can't do it" James mumbles almost intelligible "I— I can't" his voice breaks with a sob and he falls onto Barty's chest.

And fuck, Barty is never the one on this position, he's never the one who has to comfort someone else, this is not his thing, he doesn't know how to do it, he's going to fuck up.

"What can't you do?" He still asks in a quiet voice as he runs his hands through James' back. James doesn't answer for now, he just keeps crying onto Barty, his shirt growing a wet spot by the moment "It's okay, try to breathe and we'll find a solution later, yeah?"

James nods. It's enough.

They stay like that for a while, James cries, tries to even his breath and the moment it looks like he's made it, he breaks down again. Barty doesn't let go, doesn't stop the soothing touches and words does the best he can trying to be what James needs.

In the end it works out enough, James looks exhausted.

"They said I need to lose weight for the next quidditch season" James mumbles still hiding on Barty's chest. He gets it quite fast. "I don't want it to be bad again, I don't know how to stop losing weight when I start"

"Then don't do it. You've been okay for a while, right? And you've already started losing a couple pounds, I will help you stop"

"No, you can't help" his voice breaks, desperate "nothing can help because now I have it on my brain and it won't let it go until I'm nothing more than bones"

Barty has to swallow. He's seen it. He knows it. The worst of James, when he looks nothing more than an empty carcass thanks to drugs, alcohol or deprivement of food or sleep.

"I'll try to help" Barty still says, as scared as James is "I'm here with you, you're going to be okay"

[abiatackerman]

Yours, wether you want me or not

Event: @levievent "Levi month 25"

Levi in denial, late night talks, 850 words

Summary: You refuse to let Levi push you away, forcing him to face the love he's spent so long denying. Like it or not, you've chosen him—and this time, he won't get to run. Tags: @theremainsof @spouseofleviackerman @levisbrat25 @itsnathateasy @violentvaleska @meowmewow7 @dreamerofthewest @mikabella7 @satorella @sugacor3 @darkstarlight82 @derealizationns @sweetheartzs

Day 3: Like it or not, you're stuck with me

The storm has passed but the wind still howls between the walls of HQ.

It's late, past curfew but you don't care. You march down the hall, boots echoing against the cold stone floor, fingers clenched at your sides.

You've had enough.

Enough of his silence.

Enough of the distance.

Enough of pretending Levi Ackerman doesn't feel what you already know he does.

You stop in front of his office door. You don't knock.

You push it open.

Levi is sitting at his desk, of course candlelight flickeringThe against his tired face, eyes scanning one of a dozen open reports. He doesn't look up.

"Tch," he mutters. "You forget how doors work?"

"I knocked," you lie flatly, closing it behind you.

Now he does glance at you, briefly. His eyes narrow.

"It's late. You should be sleeping."

"And you should be human," you snap. "But here we are."

He doesn't answer, just clicks his tongue and looks back down at the page like your presence is a mosquito he's trying not to swat.

You don't move. You won't.

"I'm not here to talk about sleep," you say.

"Then talk fast."

"No."

He lifts his head again. Slower, this time. His eyes settle on you with that sharp stillness he uses in battle—measuring, guarded.

You walk to his desk and stop in front of it.

"I'm not going to talk fast. And I'm not going to leave. I'm going to say what I've been meaning to say for weeks, and you're going to listen."

Levi leans back slightly, folding his arms over his chest.

"Tch. That so?"

"Yes." You inhale. "Like it or not, you're stuck with me."

A pause.

He blinks once. Slowly.

You continue before he can cut you off. "You've been trying to push me away ever since you figured out how I feel. Since before that, even. You keep hiding behind protocol and rank and 'protecting me' like that makes it better."

He opens his mouth. You raise a hand.

"No—listen. I'm not your subordinate right now. I'm not a soldier. I'm not asking for permission. I'm telling you."

Levi's jaw tightens. "You don't know what the hell you're talking about."

"I do."

"No," he growls, standing now. "You think this is some storybook shit? You think I can just—what? Love you and go back to sharpening blades like none of it matters? That I can sit here while you throw yourself into the field and wonder if this is the day you die in front of me?"

"I think we've already been doing that!" you shoot back. "Every mission, every ambush, every time I come back bleeding, you're there. Scolding me. Stitching me up. Staying awake all night. And don't act like that's just part of the job."

You step around the desk. You're closer now. He doesn't move.

"I know how you look at me, Levi," you say, quieter now. "Like I'm the only soft thing you've ever allowed yourself to want."

He stares at you. Unblinking. Still.

You press on.

"And I know what you're going to say next. That I deserve better. That you're not good for me. That your hands are stained and your past is rotten and you're too cold to give me anything real."

You stop right in front of him. Chest to chest.

"Say it, then," you whisper. "Say it and mean it. Say you don't want me, and I'll walk out that door."

Silence.

His eyes flicker. His throat bobs.

But he doesn't speak.

And that's how you know.

You reach for his wrist—slowly, gently—fingers curling around his wrist.

"You don't get to choose for me," you say. "You don't get to decide what I feel or what I want. I've already chosen you, Levi. And I'm not going anywhere."

His hand twitches beneath yours.

Then his voice—quiet, frayed—cuts through the air.

Your heart stutters.

"You think I'm scared of you?" he breathes. "I'm scared of what I become if I lose you."

You squeeze his hand. "Then stop trying to lose me on purpose."

His breath shakes. His eyes fall shut.

And when they open again, something cracks.

"I'm not good at this," he admits, voice thin. "I never was."

You step closer. "Then be bad at it. With me."

And finally, finally—he lets his forehead fall against yours.

Not a kiss.

Not a confession.

Just a surrender.

A silent, trembling promise that maybe—for once—he'll let himself be loved.

[captainsophiestark]

The Beach Episode

Cassian x Reader

Masterlist - Join My Taglist!

Written for my 2k followers celebration! Requested by @writeroutoftime! Thanks for the request Rita! This was seriously fun to write. Hope you like it!

Fandom: A Court of Thorns and Roses

Prompt: "I've waited for this."

Summary: Cassian's finally been un-banned from the Summer Court, which means it's time to celebrate with his mate and his friends.

Word Count: 1,739

Category: Fluff, Humor

Putting work into an AI program without permission is illegal. You do not have my permission. Do not do it.

I stood next to my mate, Cassian, the fearsome general of the Night Court's armies as he surveyed the scene before us with his hands on his hips. He took a long, deep breath in, then let it out slowly.

"...I've waited for this," he said. "For a long, long time now."

From Cassian's other side, I heard the High Lord of Summer let out a heavy sigh.

"Just don't make me regret this, please."

Cassian grinned, and I saw a cloud lower over Tarquin's expression.

"Don't worry. I won't."

With that, before anybody else could get another word out or otherwise change their mind, Cassian swept me into his arms and launched us both into the bright skies of the Summer Court.

I laughed, holding Cassian tight, his grin and joy contagious as the wind whipped around us both. After getting to the other side of the war with Hybern, we'd finally had time to do other things, like reestablish relationships with allies. And, for Cassian, part of that reestablished relationship with Summer included Tarquin officially lifting his ban on Cassian, as a sign of good faith and appreciation for all Cassian had contributed during the war.

Of course, neither of us had wasted any time talking to Tarquin and organizing a beach day with the rest of our friends to celebrate.

"This place already looks amazing," he said, leaning in to speak close to my ear as we swept across the land. I could see the shining coastline stretching out from here, with a small cluster of our friends already gathered and waiting for us. I squeezed Cassian's shoulder a little tigheter.

"Just you wait. You're going to love it here. And it has nowhere near as much pollen as Spring."

Cassian grinned, then carefully swept the two of us lower and lower, until we were able to touch down on the beach. Cassian immediately kicked off his shoes, wiggling his feet into the sand and throwing his head back with a sigh.

"Ah. It's been too long since I got to do this here," he said. I just smiled as I watched him.

He'd landed us just on the edge of the section of beach our friends had set up on. Since none of them had been banned from Summer, they'd all opted to come here early and set up a celebration for Cassian, while I'd gone with him to get his official pardon from Tarquin. As soon as Cassian looked in their direction, Mor put up a hand and waved us both over.

"Come on, you two!" she called. "We've been waiting for you all morning!"

Cassian wasted no time taking my hand and pulling me with him to our friends. Azriel sat on a lawn chair under an umbrella, a book in his hand, looking less than thrilled to be here. Mor, Rhys, and Feyre kneeled around a sand castle that looked remarkably like Tarquin's palace. And of course, slightly off to one side, Amren and Varian shared an armchair, Amren sitting between Varian's legs and leaning back against his chest with an almost feline smile on her face.

"What took you so long?" asked Rhys as we at last reached the group. "Did Tarquin suddenly have second thoughts?"

"I wouldn't blame him if he did," Azriel muttered, almost too quietly to be heard over the waves. Cassian just shot a scowl in his brother's direction, then flung an arm around my shoulders and pulled me to his side as he answered Rhys.

"It's been so long since I saw this place, I wanted to fly the long way with my mate to take it all in. Can you blame me?"

Rhys just snorted in response, and Cassian turned to address Varian.

"Are you here to spy on me? Make sure I don't do anything worth getting banned again?"

Varian just gave a noncommittal shrug, keeping his face carefully blank.

"I'm here to spend time with Amren."

Cassian grinned, this one with a feral edge to it, especially as his canines flashed in the bright sun.

"I'm sure that's at least part of the truth," he said. The corner of Varian's mouth twitched into a tiny smile as Cassian put his hands on his hips and addressed our group more broadly.

"Well! Thank you, everyone, for coming to celebrate my return to Summer!"

"We already had this planned!" Mor called, picked up a handful of sand and tossing it in Cassian's direction. "We'd still be here even if Tarquin hadn't unbanished you."

Cassian completely ignored Mor, his grin never faltering for a moment.

"As the honoree of the day," he said, emphasizing his words despite not looking directly at Mor. "It's my pleasure to officially say: Let's get this party started!"

I let up a whoop, and Feyre joined me. Rhysand clapped, a grin on his own face, and Mor had a smile, too, even as she shook her head. After everything we'd been dealing with lately, I truly couldn't think of anything I wanted more than a celebratory beach day. I got the feeling my friends agreed.

"Come on, Cass," I said, taking a half-step away from my mate and grabbing his hand. "Last one in the water buys the next round at Rita's!"

Cassian made it easy made it easy to pull him after me, the two of us racing for the shoreline. I thought I heard Mor swear before following after us, but no matter what, I knew I didn't need to worry about racing Cassian. We'd definitely be able to beat at least one of our friends to the water, so the first round at Rita's would be on one of them.

Cass and I hit the surf at the same time, then kept our momentum going as we barreled forward as fast as possible into deeper water. Once we got far enough, I plunged in head-first, coming up with a giant smile and a laugh. Cassian's wings made swimming a little harder for him, but through sheer determination and a little creativity, he made it work.

Mor, Feyre, and Rhys joined us not long after. Az seemed content to study his book on the beach, and Amren seemed to feel the same about laying with Varian, which meant the next Rita's tab would be on one of them. The five of us in the water had the time of our lives, splashing and diving and competing until we couldn't anymore. We eventually ended up just floating together in the waves, letting them buoy us in and out of range to the shore as we let the sun warm our faces.

Under the water, Cassian's hand found mine. I glanced over at him, but found his eyes still closed, face pointed towards the sky, even as he twined his hand with mine. I smiled and gave his hand a little squeeze.

"This might be paradise," Cassian mumbled after a moment. He spoke quietly enough, and with enough background noise, that I didn't think our friends could hear him. I pulled him a little closer to me through the water and he sighed. "I can't believe I spent so long banned from a place like this."

I couldn't help a little snort. "I can't believe you blew up a building the last time you were here."

Cassian sighed, then let go of my hand to wrap his arm around my waist, instead. He pulled me to him, and we floated like that, side by side in the sparkling ocean of the Summer Court.

"...I thought we agreed we weren't going to bring that up."

I grinned, even though I knew Cassian wouldn't see it.

"I agreed not to bring it up in front of Tarquin. That's a very different promise than not bringing it up at all."

Cassian let out a long, heavy sigh. Then, a split second later, his arm tightened around me and dragged me under the water. He let go almost immediately, but not before he'd dunked me and completely ruined my peace and relaxation.

"Cassian!" I shouted, coming up spluttering. When I got the salt water out of my eyes, I found him grinning at me. I narrowed my eyes at him, then let an absolutely feral grin stretch across my own face.

"Oh no," came Mor's voice from my right. Cassian and I both ignored her, our eyes staying locked on each other. "I was relaxed you two-"

"Just don't do anything to get yourselves banned from Summer again," Rhysand broke in, before Mor could finish her insult. In sync, Cassian and I's grins widened. There was a reason we were mates, after all.

To the side of us, I could hear Mor, Rhys, and Feyre moving out of the water, all three of them muttering and shaking their heads. I gave it maybe ten minutes before they decided to return and join the fray, once they saw that Cassian and I weren't in range of any buildings to destroy.

In the meantime, it'd just be the two of us. Magic would be fair game, as would recruiting allies once our friends decided to join the fun, although just because we could didn't mean anyone actually would join up with either of us. I used all of my strength to muster as big of a wave as possible and sent it at Cassian, and barely a moment after it hit him, he rushed me.

The two of us laughed, flinging water at each other, Cassian trying to sweep me into his arms and into the sky just to drop me back into the waves while I tried to wrap him up and drag him under. We'd had half of a nice, relaxing beach day. It only felt right for the other half of it to be spent on a water fight.

We stayed out in the water until sunset, when hunger brought us back to the beach for a campfire. The water fight hadn't had a winner, unless you counted the fact that we'd all enjoyed ourselves immensely, which I knew Rhys and Azriel would've hated to hear me say. Still, I couldn't help feeling like I'd won the lottery as I settled in on the sand next to my mate, surrounded by our wonderful friends just sitting, laughing, and talking around the campfire as the sun sank into the ocean behind us.

Now that Cassian had been unbanned and we finally had some breathing room from everything with Hybern, I planned to come back here with Cass as often as Tarquin would let us.

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

Everything Taglist: @rosecentury @kmc1989 @space-helen @misshale21 @diego42

Maasverse Taglist: @lilah-asteria

[jungkooklover777]

clark kent meets your family

clark doesn’t have as big of a family as the average american, just his ma and pa.

you remember meeting them for the first time. to say you were nervous was such an understatement, your belly felt like it was going to cave in on itself from how much adrenaline was running through.

“you don’t have to do much to impress them.” he said. “they’re pretty taken with you.”

that made you happy, giddy with knowing an inkling of how they feel towards you before an official meeting.

clark has loving parents— the kindest pair selected by fate to raise the kindest soul. the term ‘kindred’ has a deeper meaning when it comes to his ma and pa. they found a baby in an advanced technological pod and thought well, he’s one of us now. we have to raise him and love him and care for him.

you tear up sometimes when he talks about them and he’ll smile all warmly with those cute indents pressed into the sides of his cheeks and say, “don’t cry.” so gently. he’ll wipe your tears when they fall and you’ll tell him, “oh clark, you’re so loved.” and he’ll dot a kiss on your forehead before saying, “so are you.” with a soft smile.

they greeted you with such enthusiasm, all smiles and giddiness. you were stunned momentarily with how quick they accepted you, you forgot to be nervous.

his mother made an amazing home cooked meal (nothing says “welcome home!” southern hospitality) and clark’s father showed you how to make it. you know, ‘for whenever you’d want to eat it again’. “the secret is in the hands.” he said. “you have to be careful and considerate.”

you’re remembering all of these memories the entire car ride to your family, while your boyfriend is thinking of all the ways your mother can kill with a spoon.

clark understands that out of the both of your parents, it’s your mother that has the call to truly take action. props to your dad for trying his best, though.

your boyfriend is everything— nervous, anxious, timid, tense. it's so unlike him yet so on-brand. only clark would sweat over being tolerated at best.

his hands grip the steering wheel despite the car being parked and you take off your seatbelt, patiently waiting on him to make a move.

and when he does, he speaks. long gone is the mighty timbre in superman's voice, it's replaced with timidness. it seems as though clark has accepted an early defeat. “i really, really want them to like me.” his eyes are filled with unbridled insecurity.

“aw, clark.” you mumble in awe.

you hold his cheek in your palm, finding no other way to comfort him other than your touch. he leans into it with a gracious expression— like you've thrown him a lifeline. he presses a kiss into the heel and your thumb swipes fondly under his eye.

“they’ll love you.”

you don't say ‘like’, you say love. you assure the man you're in love with that your family— the people who've watched the many different versions of you blend into the woman you are today, the same group of people who have raised you with love, care, and respect, the people who've had the gift of growing up alongside you— will love him. they won't grow fond of him in the same way they are of you yet, but they'll learn in time. you’re absolutely sure of it.

he stares into your eyes and nods nimbly, the anxiety still there but lessened significantly.

“ready?” you ask, gently.

you find his answer in your interlocked fingers.

you ring the doorbell and wait, curling your free hand around his bicep and resting your temple against his arm.

clark relaxes a little, his breathing steady and posture straight.

he can hear joyous laughter on the other side, the kind that brings an automatic smile to the face. he knew your nieces and nephews would be here as well, excited to see their beloved aunt. a thought pops into his head before he can dismiss it: children of his own someday, with you. that wouldn't be so bad now, would it? no, he thinks as he tilts his chin in your direction.

the door opens and just as you're in sight, you're engulfed in hugs and a blooming warmth.

clark beams at the sight, so happy you're cherished by your family the same way he is by ma and pa. clark can only hope to unite the two families.

“dad," you start. “this is clark.”

you rub clark's shoulder blade comfortingly and he puts on his best smile.

your dad tilts his chin up, sticking his hand out to shake with clark's. “clark, it is nice to finally meet you.”

“it's very nice to meet you, too, sir.” your boyfriend shakes his hand and tries hard not to think about if his own are sweaty.

you step inside and are immediately swept away by the tide of your cousins and uncles and aunts. you turn back to meet clark's panicked eyes but they're out of your sight when you see the back of your mother's head.

you don't know what was said but when you see his shoulders visibly relax and your mother smile, you know he's gonna be alright. you both are.

random disclaimerrr: i’m ngl bringing a man home sounds so stressful 😭 happy reading! ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ ♡ © 2025 @jungkooklover777

[tuserlivia]

I'm going to answer to both of you here. And let me say, you are so going to regret this lol. You see, those two have literally consumed my soul for years. I don't have one or two favorite fics, I have dozens (almost 200 bookmarks on ao3 and counting).

So, this is gonna be a long post I'm afraid but well, if anything it's worth giving a shout out to all these amazing authors ❤ (titles in bold are my all-time favorites)

alltheworldsinmyhead

Come to me in red (post CK) cowritten by whitherward

 and it's all to come (post CK)

l'appel du vide (canon divergence. absolutely brilliant)

tidal wave and pour away the ocean (pt 1 and 2, post CK. angst so good you can eat it with a spoon)

spilled rubies, molten gold (post ck)

the hungering hearts (vampire AU. delicious)

compliance (post CK)

due diligence (post CK)

honey to taste (post CK)

whitherward

roomy, and drenched in sunlight (post CK. wish there were 100 chapters)

save the undone years (WWI au. also wish there were 100 chapters)

a tall ship, and a star to steer her by (post CK, Inej centric)

marycontraire

Exits and Entrances (pre Ice Court)

Strike true (post CK)

Just desserts (post CK)

No funerals (pre Ice Court)

No echo (post CK)

Greet the unexpected visitor (post CK)

By the book (post CK)

cameliawrites

Sea glass (pre Ice Court and post CK, multichapter)

what a mother was (post CK)

collision course (post CK)

Lingers sweetly on the lips (post CK)

softly sleeping, here in the deep end of someone who loves me (pre and post canon)

Sea change (post CK)

and there's a drawer of my things at your place (pre and post canon)

In the wild soft summer darkness (post CK)

love is not love which alters when it alteration finds (post CK)

LinearA

Serves you right (post CK)

Fully clothed, gloves on (post CK)

Nessuno mi tocchi (none may touch) (post CK)

oneofthewednesdays

Love's Austere and Lonely Offices (pre and post canon)

insignificant457

No reason to be afraid (pre Ice Court)

unfortunate17

Homeland (Post CK)

apropensityforcharm

your sacred stars won't be guiding you (pre Ice Court)

match to your fuse (post CK)

thesuncameout

Dinner and Diatribes (pre Ice Court)

downn_in_flames

keep your brittle heart warm (post CK)

midnights (post CK, multichapter)

youareiron_andyouarestrong

if the lord don't forgive me, i'd still have my babe and my babe would have me (post CK)

black is the color of my true love’s hair (post CK)

DidoWasDoneWrong

Seigaiha (post CK)

TheQueenWillRuleTheBoard

let me weep for all the things we've lost (post CK)

A_nonnie_mouse

The trouble with wanting (post CK)

The deal is the deal (post CK)

Better then dreaming (post CK)

I strongly recommend checking all the works by these authors. I could go on because I have more but I think it's best to stop now lol. This is my bookmarks list if you want to take a look. Thank you for asking and happy Kanej hours 🖤