#except there ate exceptions ofc to certain men who are actually MEN

[insane-in-the-membranee]

Certified man-hater? Certified misandrist Wop, wop, wop, wop, wop, Dot, fuck 'em up

[kuroos-moon]

Captains and Strong Independent S/o’s

☁︎︎ request:  Oikawa, Kuroo and either Bokuto or Ushijima (I cant choose!) reacting to a (fem or g/n) reader who does some type of martial art and they’re kinda tough/strong and (maybe they’re the team manager and they don’t take no shit) and the captains kinda crush on them for it? (I like to imagine Oikawa having a tough gf who stops Iwa from being mean to him and jokingly threatens Iwa that if he wants to hurt Tohru he has to go through her

☁︎︎ pairing: oikawa x reader, kuroo x reader, ushijima x reader

☁︎︎ warning/s: swearing, felt a bit of angst while writing for ushijima’s idk why tho it might just be my imagination :> 

☁︎︎ a/n: also dont know if it’s obvious but i kinda got carried away with ushijima’s 

Oikawa Tohru

• is a smug little shit every time you’re with him or in the same room at least 

• like,, he could piss Iwa-chan off to death and he won’t get hurt for it? now this is what he calls power

• sincerely loves and adores you, but at first, he kinda got sad that you’re so self-sufficient, you practically don’t need him 

• but he’s now long accepted that you’re just so you… and in your relationship, it’s you who does the protecting and looking out by a whole lot (ofc it doesn’t mean he loves you less) 

• that’s why he gets so so soft when he gets his turn in being the person who’s leaned on

• as their manager, he loves how you get things done so effectively, even Kyotani bows down to you, as he should—he always says in his head, smiling as he looks at the feral boy getting flustered around you  

• he listens to you all the time and we all know Tohru backing down is so rare 

“Oy, you’re overdoing it, let’s go.” 

“Head home without me, Iwa-chan,” he mutters mindlessly as he screws up another serve, a scowl on his face as he bends down to get another ball; but he freezes at an instant upon Iwaizumi’s words—no, Iwaizumi’s threat.

“Suit yourself, I’ll call y/n.” 

Oikawa has never changed stance so quickly in his life, cleaning up the gym as he sends smiles to his best friend’s way every five seconds, hoping he won’t tell on him on his cute but scary girl who could easily kick him unconscious. 

• he uses your name to threaten anyone who wants to cross him and they will back down immediately

• also likes to show off because he knows you treasure him so much; he likes to be babied by you especially in front of others 

“y/n-chan c’mere,” he softly says, whining a bit. The rest of his team look at the both of you in astonishment as you take the captain in your arms, Tohru’s cheek on your shoulder, looking back at the bewildered look on his teammate’s faces while you sit side by side on the bench. 

They could never get used to someone as tough as you having such the softest spot for Shittykawa… like how could you even stand him? 

“Really tired,” he mumbles, a small smile on his lips when you run your fingers through his hair. “I know, you were great as always, let’s head home so you could rest.” 

“Y/n-chan, today, Iwa-chan hit my head when you were out to get water. It really hurt,” he says, still in your embrace as he smirks at his teammates. 

Their mouths fall open, Iwaizumi’s eye twitching in irritation for his shitty best friend. 

“And Maki-chan…” Hanamaki grits his teeth, looking at him pleadingly in panic as his mind runs through everything he did today, wondering what he could’ve done to your beloved. “He ate my milk bread; I was really hungry.” 

Yup, Maki and Iwaizumi knew there was hell to pay, gulping in unison when you pull away from your boyfriend and narrow your eyes at them. 

“Iwa-chan. I thought we agreed you weren’t hitting Tohru again.” 

A chill runs down his spine, Tohru simply looks at you with pride, pulling you into his lap as he wraps his arms around your waist before you get the chance to throw hands at Iwaizumi.

Kuroo Tetsuro

• loves loves LOVES your remarks, your attitude, the way you take no crap from anyone, like “ah, he’s scared shitless, that’s my girl” 

• dw, you’re not a thug or anything, but men who force their feelings on you will see heaven’s gates early 

• and kuroo’s so pleased about it. sure, he’d love to get the chance to act all cool and brooding and possessive in front of other suitors but what’s more fun is watching their dejected faces as you say—

• “how many times do I have to turn you down? I have my tetsuro, now back the fuck off or I’ll break your nose.” 

• you had no idea he was just outside your classroom waiting for you, arms crossed and a cocky grin stretching his lips when you lock eyes with him

• “chibi-chan!” he calls off cheerily, and you bet he’ll tease you about it til death do you part 

• “don’t just stand there, give your tetsuro a hug!” 

• laughs about how your friendly banters with yamamoto always end up with you winning the argument 

• you rub off as mean bc you won’t take any disrespect, even a little—and that’s great

• those are one of the things he loves about you 

• but he’s always worried you might get hurt or hated for it, though he knows you are very much capable of beating anyone up even kuroo himself

• so he’s always holding you back, and I can’t stress this enough, but this man knows you could fend for yourself and he is so proud you’re his partner 

• he just wants to make certain that no one’ll hurt you, okay kitten? 

• your conversations often go like this: 

“I’ll beat up whoever tries to lay a hand on me.” 

“don’t say such reckless things, you’re not superman.”

“uhuh, geez, I’ll be fine, I don’t need you to walk me home.” 

“well news flash, your tetsuro, needs his y/n to walk him ho—ow,” he mutters when you slap his chest. 

“go home with kenma.”

“I don’t want kenma,” he scowls, already irked that this is turning into an argument.

“too bad,” you deadpan.  

“ugh,” he groans, “imagine a girlfriend who actually listens to you, just imagine.” 

• he is the one and only person you’ll gladly accept lectures from, bc his lectures are always reasonable and for your own good

after checking and verifying that you were completely okay, you knew he was about to go down to business. 

“you got into a fight? What are you? a thug?” he crosses his arms. You were both inside the gym along with the rest of his teammates who looked like they were far too preoccupied to listen. They were all clearly listening in though, except Kenma of course.  

watching your figures from a few feet away, it was obvious that he was scolding you, and Lev already had a ridiculous visualization of you hitting Kuroo. Everyone was worried you’ll fight him, or maybe even hit him, well, everyone except Kenma, of course. 

The setter knew that you would never ever lay a hand on kuroo as if the 6’1 captain was fragile. He also knew that you loved and respected kuroo too much to actually get agitated just because he was scolding you, you aren’t an unreasonable person. Lastly, he knew that kuroo would be going soft on you in five minutes tops, his best friend is hopeless like that. 

Kenma was right, he always is. Your back is glued to the wall behind you, Kuroo’s hand beside your head, his face extremely close to yours that you’re left flustered which is rare. 

After you were rambling on about how you had to put that girl in her place, going off about how it made you so mad and he should cut you some slack, he knew just how to shut you up. And it worked. You’re speechless. 

“what was that again, hm? go on, you surely had a lot to say,” he mutters, acting all tough as if he wasn’t dying to just kiss you now. when you don’t respond and stare at him and his lips instead, he already gives in. yes, just like that. “you were wrong to do that, okay?” he breathes, the worry from earlier on making its way out through his voice. 

“I know, I’m sorry.” 

Locking lips with you, you pull him closer to yourself, and kuroo had purposely decided to kabedon you on this wall since his broad back would be shielding the two of you from his teammates’ line of sight. 

After pulling away, he pats your head, licking his lips. “I forgive you, I’m not mad anymore.” You look away in embarrassment, realizing how petty you must’ve seemed to him. He sighs before hugging you, chin atop your head. 

“Make this the last time, okay? I swear you’re shortening my lifespan having me worried all the time.” 

You hug him tighter as a response, kuroo letting out a breath of contentment. Regardless of how tough you are outside; you are and always will be his soft little kitten and it was his greatest honor that you allow him to take care of you like this. 

Ushijima Wakatoshi

• is probably a little too used to the idea of his most treasured girlfriend being extremely capable and self-sufficient 

• his teammates would always look at him like ‘why are you not stepping in,’ every time you’re in a tough spot i.e. having an argument with someone or having a too-touchy suitor 

• then they’d be like “oh, that’s why,” after you flung the despicable creature out to space 

• he thinks so highly of you, not only are you physically strong, you’re even tougher on the inside too

• this is kinda a given but I’ll say it anyway—he can be unintentionally insensitive (well your relationship is kinda new)

• example no 1: 

you were arguing with goshiki and while he would normally like to ignore you and let you have your way; he was getting annoyed bc the argument was far too petty. 

“I’m gonna surpass him!” 

“and I’m telling you that you ca-

your mouth is clamped with a big hand, and it took you only a second to realize it was Wakatoshi because only he would have the nerve to lay a hand on you like this. he still doesn’t say anything, dragging you with him in an empty hallway for privacy.

finally after you stopped walking, he turns to you and looks at you expectantly. “what was that for? Did you even wash your hand,” you mutter, slightly annoyed. 

“I haven’t touched the ball yet, don’t worry,” he lowly says, making you sulk because he totally missed your point. “still, you didn’t have to make me shut up by clamping your hand against my mouth.” He’s too… not gentle with you sometimes. 

“you were going to say something you shouldn’t to goshiki.”

“he said something he shouldn’t have.” 

he only narrows his eyes at you and you do the same, anyone from your class would’ve been scared at the sight. You were both known as the cutest yet intimidatingly scary couple. 

• you were in the early stages of dating and though you understood each other well, it wasn’t really enough yet

• it’s all good though, because once you tell him that he was too uncaring of you and your feelings he does something that no other man would do: 

• apologize, admit his mistake, reflect on it a lot and,,, actually change!! 

• he’s much softer to you after that, and he finally realizes that you were still his precious girl and you were sensitive when it came to him 

• cursed himself for being too reliant on how you never seemed sensitive or needy

• doesn’t dwell too much on regret, just treats you 100x times better 

• is fascinated with your passion for martial arts but is against you overdoing training

• one time, he was torn between dragging you out of practice or just turning a blind eye to your visible exhaustion since you’re always so tough anyway, you’ll manage 

• but then he remembers his promise to himself to never treat you like you aren’t the most special person to him so he excuses himself from practice and heads to your training room 

you sat alone, your back to the wall. everyone else has gone home but you stayed because your muscles were too sore and you felt like you couldn’t even walk for another day. maybe it had something to do with how you’ve been training too much. 

you’re startled upon seeing shoes on the floor you blankly stared at, looking up to meet eyes with Ushijima. “Wakatoshi,” you say in surprise. 

he is expressionless as he bends down across you between your legs, and you had to admit this was something you weren’t used to from him. “are you okay?” he asks, his voice soft as velvet. you’re taken aback by his question, looking away in embarrassment. 

Wakatoshi rarely asks you that, and most of the time it was only when you said the word ‘ow’ when you accidentally hit something. you clear your throat, bringing your hands together to play with your fingers, “I’m okay.” 

it was silent for a few seconds before you hear him sigh, not only that, warm, gentle hands had found its way to yours and you look at him, bewildered. “is this okay?” he asks, looking down at both your hands and you nod. “your hands are much smaller, compared to mine at least.” he says, but you’re too flustered to even understand that. 

“are other things okay too?” he asks, and like his former statement, you didn’t understand. your silence doesn’t stop him though, he decided to push his luck. tugged gently by your wrist, your back’s no longer pressed to the wall as ushijima wakatoshi pulls you in his arms for the first time in your very few months of dating. 

“wakatoshi,” you mumble, your heart racing so much you’re sure he feels it against his chest. he’s so warm, welcoming, and in his loving hold felt like the rightest place to be. “you’re not feeling okay.”

you don’t respond, opting to bury your face at the crook of his neck instead. “I’m here, I know you’re tired.” 

you both stay in that position for a long time, it was addicting to be cradled in his arms and he felt the same. “y/n,” he whispers, and you hum in response. 

“you’re strong. very strong. you don’t need a man at all.”

your heart skips a beat, “toshi are you breaking up with me?” 

you hear a soft chuckle ring in your ears, “let me finish. as I said, you’re very strong. you look like you’re always so tough. but you’re not, and so…” he trails off, so you pull away to look at him, hesitance evident in his eyes, his palm still pressed at the small of your back. 

“you’re not always strong. in fact if I dare say, you are fragile, and I care about you. so please, allow me to be there for you all the time, I’ll be here, just like now.” 

General Taglist [Open]: @noyasbitchh @dinablossom @haru-the-secret @strayczennies @lalisbitch @tinymidgetsstuff @animebs @astrealia @kittykitkatstrawberry @hajimesbbygrl @kellesvt @24hr7dysdizzy @arnxldss @elianetsantana @vicassa @floraraine @beanst0ck @leinnah @kageyamasgirl @deafeningart @minibobabottle   @franko-pop @moonlightaangel @throughtheinterstices @micasaessakusa @dixonsbugaboo @thevillagehiddenintheinternet @ultzuko @yappychan @dipsydoo542 @devilgirlcrybabiey @dai-tsukki-desu​

[ladyreapermc]

Fic: Catching Feelings 7/? (Keanu x OFC)

Summary: AU in which Keanu is down on his luck after he comes to Hollywood trying to be an actor. To earn some money, he joins this app for   escorts and meets Steph, a rising star who hires him to try to forget   her ex. Neither of them are expecting to fall in love and all the problems it brings. (Previous parts: 1 2 3 4 5 6)

Author’s Notes: Well, this took me a while. Don’t you just hate when real life gets in the way? Anyway, here it is. Hope you guys enjoy it.

Wordcount: 3463

Warnings: smut (powerplay; choking); mentions of alcohol.

Steph licked her lips as she watched Keanu standing before her completely naked with the exception of the black collar around his neck, the dark color making such a nice contrast with his tanned skin. Especially with the way he kept his head ducked, eyes downcast like a naughty boy waiting to be punished. The thought of it gave it a thrill.

She never thought of herself as particularly dominant. And definitely not in bed. Sure, she made sure to let everyone know what she thought and wanted; and not only in the bedroom. Steph actually lost a few jobs due to her unwillingness to compromise to certain things for sake of a director’s vision.

And in the bedroom more often than not the boyfriends she had had over the years would only half-listen when she asked for something, giving specific instructions. Kevin used to hate it and once again Steph wondered how she dated him for so long when now she could see they were terrible for each other.

Such a contrast to what she felt with Keanu. It was like they just clicked together. Two pieces of a puzzle. Their needs complimented each other so well. His eagerness to please being perfect for her assertive behavior.

Even their fantasies seemed to match because even though Steph never really thought about having someone on a collar and leash for her, having Keanu like this; seeing the trust he had on her made Steph aroused by the prospect.

To be fair, after a month with only her memories and her hands to bring her release, just having Keanu there, being able to smell that beloved combination of leather and metal scent that seemed to be ingrained in his skin from working in that bike shop, was enough to kindle that fire deep inside her.

To feel his touch, taste his lips made every nerve-end burn with need and all Steph wanted was to have Keanu fuck her senseless so she could relearn his body, recommit to her memory the feel of him inside her completing her so perfectly.

She tugged gently on the leash making Keanu moan, his lids fluttering, his hands fisting next to his body and she smirked, turning to the bed and leading the way towards it. Steph could practically feel his hungry gaze on her ass and the temptation of just getting on all fours and let him fuck her senseless nearly won over, but she wanted to enjoy her present.

Pushing him on the bed, Steph got on top of him, kissing him softly, tasting the cigarette he must had had earlier. She brought his hands to her thighs, wordless telling he could touch all he wanted as she trailed kissed down his jaw and neck, making her way to the top of his scar and nipping it gently. Keanu groaned and ached up, his cock sliding against her soaked folds, making a shot of pleasure ran through her.  

“Please ma’am…” his voice trembled with need and she sat back up. “I need you.”

Steph took a moment to look at Keanu as he laid there beneath her, waiting for her next command, his brown eyes hooded and hazed as he watched her. She had never been looked at a man like that before.

She was used to guys staring at her, his eyes screaming all the dirty things they wanted to do to her. She was used to older men sometimes looking at her like she was beneath them; a ditzy pretty girl that could be featured in a movie or a magazine and make them millions.

Keanu was the first to look at her like this. There was adoration in his eyes, but a deeper understanding too. Steph felt it in every inch of her being that whenever he looked at her, he really saw her. Not Stephanie the actress; not the public façade she had to put on to deal with people. He actually saw her. Her flaws and quirks and insecurities and he embraced all of it. Because Keanu loved her.

Her breath hitched at the realization, her hands pausing on their exploration of the plains of his strong chest.

“Everything ok?” he asked because of course, he picked up on it. Keanu always noticed every little thing. Every little hesitation.

Steph smiled, brushing some of the strands of hair from his forehead before she tugged on the leash wrapped around her hand and Keanu followed, sitting up. His eyes clouding with pleasure as she kissed his lips.

It wasn’t like the desperate kisses they’ve shared earlier tonight. This one was slow and soft; recognition of all the mutual affection existed between them. Because even though Steph felt it and was still too scared to say it, she could still show him.

Without breaking the contact between their lips, she raised herself and Keanu held himself steady so she could sink on his cock, connect themselves in the most primal way.

Steph gasped against his mouth at the way of Keanu fit her so perfectly; made her feel every inch of him against her walls, which pulsed in need as she rested her forehead against his, adjusting to the intrusion.

His hands caressed her back gently; coaxing her into relaxation. Calloused fingers exploring her vertebrae, kneading and massaging the muscles and pulling her closer until their chests were flushed together as if not having yet another point of contact between them was unthinkable.

Their gaze locked together; a wordless understanding they seem share washing over them as Keanu brought a hand behind himself, planting it firmly on the bed so he had a point of leverage to start thrusting up, slow and steady. Steph ground her hips to meet him, letting go of the leash so she could cross her arms around his neck, giving herself more support for her movements.

Their breaths mingled together along with their soft moans; sweat coating their skin as their chests slid against one another. She threw her head back in pleasure and his lips found her neck and jaw, kissing and licking; finding every spot that made Steph moan and squeeze around him. Keanu’s other hand fitting itself somehow between them and rubbing her clit helping her steady climb to her climax.

Steph kissed him as she came; afraid of letting the words fall from her lips in this moment of vulnerability. She felt him speeding up his thrusts; losing his rhythm, keening little sounds coming from his throat.

She watched him for a moment, still panting from her own high. Catching the leash again, Steph pulled it back behind him, making the collar tighten around his throat. Keanu arched his head back, his lips parting slightly into a breathless groan.

“Gonna come, babe?” she asked; and he just nodded as best as he could; too lost in his own pleasure. “Do it. I wanna feel you.”

She eased up her hold, letting air rush back into his lungs and he cried out her name as he stilled, spilling inside her. His face shifting into the most gorgeous, blissed-out expression as he panted desperately and rested his forehead against her shoulder, his body shaking.

Steph hugged him and petted his hair, letting him recover from his orgasm, mumbling words of praise and affection against his temple as he caught his breath; realizing this might have been the best sex of her life and she didn’t want to share this with anyone else.

Keanu was hers and hers alone. She just needed to find a way to tell him that.

---

They spent the rest of the night together in Keanu’s room. They ordered room service and watched crappy movies on the tv, laughing and cuddling together and getting lost in one another until they fell asleep in each other’s arms and Steph didn’t even notice how much she missed sleeping with Keanu or how they could fit perfectly in each other’s arms until she had him again.

She stared at his relaxed face under the pale morning light, tracing the sharp features, his stubble scratching her fingertips, his long lashes fanning over his cheeks, drawing attention to the faint freckles that peppered the area and his nose.

Maybe he felt her gaze or maybe it was just his time to wake up, but Keanu’s eyes fluttered open, his lips tilting into a smile when they landed on her.

“‘Morning,” he greeted, voice still rough with sleep and Steph smiled, kissing him softly.

The kiss quickly turned heated with the way Keanu pulled her closer, his mouth and tongue seeking more of her just as his hands roamed her naked body, bringing Steph on top of him for another round of sex that left her aching and sated more relaxed than she felt in months. It was well over eleven a.m. when they finally got up and showered to come down to the hotel’s restaurant for some brunch, taking a table in a secluded corner so as not to be disturbed.

Steph never ate much in the morning. She was cereal and coffee kind of girl, but Keanu could barely contain his excitement at the assortment of options at the buffet. She chuckled to herself, sipping her coffee and checking her emails while he got himself something to eat.

Steph only looked up when around ten minutes had passed and there was no sign of Keanu. Her eyes darted around the restaurant, catching him engrossed in a conversation with a pretty blonde that seemed a little too friendly.

As if feeling her stare, Keanu looked over at her direction, his smile turning into a wince as he quickly said his farewells to the disappointed looking lady and hurried to join Steph, his expression could only be described as of a kicked puppy.

“Making friends already,” Steph commented, trying to reign in her temper.

“She was just being polite. I had no idea what most of that food was,” Keanu replied with a shrug, his expression shifting into a sly grin. “But you’re cute when you’re jealous.” He kissed the tip of her nose, making Steph glare indignantly while Keanu chuckled, his attention shifting back to his full plate.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to Steph that Keanu attracted so much attention. He was a gorgeous man and so thoughtful and polite. It was no wonder that everywhere they went, as they took her day off to sightsee Paris, women and more than a few guys were not so inconspicuously checking him out.

A teenage girl in the train openly stared at him with something that Steph could only describe as heart-eyes when Keanu offered her his seat. A woman, old enough to be his mom, gushed over him as Keanu held the door open for her when they were leaving a bookstore. And a couple of girls actually catcalled him as they walked by, making Keanu blush and laugh.

Steph did her best to ignore it. She had plenty of experience with this kind of thing from when she dated Kevin. However, it bothered her a lot more with Keanu. In part, it was the fact that he was completely oblivious to it and dismissed her observations whenever she pointed it out.

“They’re just being nice, babe,” he said with a shrug, going back to ignoring the wanton looks he attracted.

It should be a comfort to Steph that he was so down to Earth that he was immune to it, but it was just driving her crazy and she couldn’t help but glare whenever one of those people caught her gaze, making them painfully aware that Keanu was spoken for.

Steph had never felt this possessive of someone before and she wasn’t exactly sure why this was happening. Well, that wasn’t quite true, was it? She knew why she was jealous. Because she couldn’t help but remember that those people could have a night with Keanu if they wished. All they needed was to make a request on Mars and Venus and it was up to Keanu to accept it or not.

“You’re quiet.” His voice startled Steph from her musings as they walked back to the hotel so they could get ready for dinner with Vincent and his boyfriend Jean.

She looked over Keanu’s way, noticing the small frown of concern in his features and forced a smile into her face. This was not the time to have this conversation. Not when they were about to head out with her friends.

“Just tired, I guess.”

“Do you wanna cancel?” Keanu asked, pulling her closer to his body, one arm wrapped around her shoulders. “We can stay in, order room service again. I’m pretty sure there are one or two surfaces of that suite we haven’t fucked yet.”

Steph let out a chuckle at his cheeky grin and wiggling eyebrows and did something she would never consider doing in a million years if she was in Los Angeles: she turned in his embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck and meeting his lips in a kiss.

“I’ve never met someone this horny before,” she said against his lips and this time it was Keanu who chuckled.

“You said that like it’s a bad thing.”

“Never!” She grinned taking a step back. “But we have dinner reservations and Vincent is dying to meet you.”

“Right. Vincent.” It was faint but it was there, the way his brow furrowed a little; the twist in his lips and Steph smirked, just knowing Keanu was jealous.

“His boyfriend is also looking forward to meeting you,” she added.

“Oh!” Was Keanu’s reply, his eyes widening a little; a pink flush making its way to his cheeks.

Steph chuckled and nodded in confirmation as she raised herself on the tip of her toes so she could kiss his nose exactly like the way he had done at brunch.

“But you’re cute when you were jealous,” she commented, making him ducked his head, blush spreading.

She pulled back and huddled close to him, letting Keanu once again wrap his arm around her shoulders, while she led the way back to the hotel. He looked around, seemingly in awe of how gorgeous Paris looked. She couldn’t wait to take him out again tomorrow, enjoy even more of the city of love with him.

---

They showered together, which proved to be an endeavor that took more time than it saved since Keanu couldn’t keep his hands to himself and Steph ended up on her knees, sucking him off before they finally managed to actually get out and get dressed a lot later than expected.

They met Vincent and Jean on the lobby where Steph introduced Keanu to them, sharing a quick look with Vincent behind his back. She could tell he approved of him but gave Vincent a warning look when she caught him checking Keanu’s ass. She couldn’t fault him entirely. It was a gorgeous ass.

Dinner went amazingly well. Keanu and Jean hit it off over a shared love for motorcycles and spent the night talking after giving up on trying to include Steph and Vincent in the conversation and getting blank stares from both. She didn’t mind. As a matter of fact, Steph was glad he was so comfortable around her two friends.

He seemed perfectly relaxed and at ease with them and at the restaurant, a distant cry from how he behaved that night she took him to have dinner to celebrate getting the part for the Fincher movie. It had only been a couple of months ago, but that night she could tell he felt awkward with his clothes, with the place and the way he was being treated.

Steph had to wonder if the change was due to the fact that Keanu grew used to the ambiance. That his clients just kept bringing him to fancy restaurants and he had to adapt to make them happy and it just became natural to him. She took a gulp of her wine, trying to swallow down the lump of jealousy in her throat.

As soon as she sat her glass down, the waiter reappeared, refilling it for her and Steph nodded in thanks. She ignored Vincent’s small frown of worry in favor of looking at Keanu talking so smoothly with Jean. His smile polite, his voice completely controlled, so different from the excited puppy demeanor he usually showed when it was just the two of them. Steph realized then, much to her dismay, this wasn’t her Keanu. this was Charles and she hated it.

Once again she reached for her drink, downing in one go, the alcohol making her head cloudy and her movements unsteady as she settled the glass back down again, clinking it loudly again her plate, attracting Keanu’s attention. Steph had always been a lightweight when it came to drinking so it wasn’t surprising she was tipsy with only two glasses.

Steph met his gaze, noticing his frown, the silent question in his eyes. She just plastered a smile on her face, but before she could actually say something, someone called out his name, making Keanu look over.

“Of all the places in the world to meet,” a brunette woman, maybe in her late forties, early fifties, said, moving closer to the table as Keanu rose. She was beautiful. Sharp blue eyes, full red lips, sculpted body wrapped in a tight black dress.

“Cassandra. It’s been a while,” he replied with that same polite smile, letting her kiss his cheek and leave a bright lipstick print that had Steph seething. “It’s definitely a surprise. I hope you’re doing well.”

“Just perfect! Celebrating my divorce!” she announced with a wide grin, wiggling her ringless fingers in front of his eyes. “And all thanks to you.”

“Nonsense,” he said, waving her words off shyly. “All I did was listen. I’m glad I could help, though.”

“You were fantastic, darling!” Once again she kissed his cheek and Steph saw the way he flushed, unable to hold the woman’s gaze. “Anyway, enjoy your night.”

She waved them off, walking away as Keanu sat down again, an embarrassed smile on his lips as he set the napkin back on his lap and looked around the table.

“I just realized I’ve never asked you what you do for a living, Keanu,” Jean said, but before Keanu could answer, Steph spoke.

“He’s a hooker,” she blurted venomously, swallowing yet another glass of wine and ignoring the bewildered look on Vincent’s face in favor of looking at Keanu. “A very good one if Cassandra’s reaction was anything to go by. How much is the night with you again, babe? Seven thousand?”

Steph knew she was being mean. That she was hurting Keanu’s feelings and humiliating him, but there was just something in her, something ugly and twisted that was rearing its head and she couldn’t make it go away. The alcohol enabling these dark thoughts, letting them spill from her lips.

“Eight,” he replied through gritted teeth as he got up again, reaching for his wallet and throwing a couple of bills on the table. “I upped it again so I could comfortably afford to come to Paris to see you on a whim.”

His words hit her like a slap, leaving only the sour taste of guilt on her mouth as she met his icy stare. Steph never knew Keanu could be that cruel, but then again, she didn’t think she could be it either.

“Vincent, Jean, it was great meeting you. Have a good night.” Keanu left without a word to Steph and she got up to follow him, but Vincent caught her arm, making her stop.

“Darling, no,” he said in a low voice, his gaze full of pity. “You’re drunk and he needs time to cool off.”

She sighed and dropped back on her chair, fighting off the tears threatening to spill as she reached for her glass again. For her water this time.

“Besides, you have a more important call to make right now,” Jean declared, his face stormy as he looked at Steph. “You just announced very loudly in a crowded restaurant that your date is a hooker. Call your agent. This is gonna be a shit show.”

And as if to give Jean’s words even more weigh, Steph’s phone started to vibrate, twitter notifications popping up on the screen, the numbers increasing at an exponentially fast speed.

She looked around, noticing the not so inconspicuous glances from people at tables around them. Some of them trying to be discreet in the way they were typing on their phones. A few didn’t seem to care and were just texting openly.

Panic filled her chest. What did she just do?

xxx(tbc)xxx

go to chapter 08

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[thatfanficstuff]

Bound - 12

Pairing: Niklaus Mikaelson x OFC

Warnings: None. Except Esther. Esther’s a bitch. Oh, and language. And a bad Avengers nod.

A/N: So I have an outline to keep me on track. The whole middle section wasn’t on the outline but they insisted. Enjoy my friends.

***

When I woke, I was laying on the couch with my head in Nik’s lap while he held one of my hands. “Hello, love,” he said as my eyes fluttered open. The smile he gave me had no happiness behind it and I knew instantly whatever was wrong went beyond me passing out.

“What happened?”

He pushed a strand of hair behind my ear. “Do you recall what you said earlier to Elijah and I about not remembering whether or not you ate?”

I was completely confused for half a second. I never said anything about not eating. And then it hit me. The odd inflection he placed on the word remembering.

“I do hope she is all right, Niklaus.” Esther. The Original witch bitch was here.

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath as Nik ran his thumb along my skin in a comforting gesture. Once I was certain I had composed myself I turned so I could see the rest of the room. My gaze took in each of the siblings in turn before finally coming to rest on Esther. “Who is this, Nik?”

He squeezed your hand. “Cassidy, this is Esther. My mother.”

I widened my eyes in feigned surprise and tried to sit up.

She waved a hand through the air and gave a sickeningly sweet smile. “Don’t sit up on my account, child. It is obvious that you need your rest.”

The weak smile I gave her would hopefully have her thinking I was feeling far worse than I actually was. “Thank you. That’s very kind of you.”

“I believe I should take Cassidy to bed, Mother. She still looks rather pale to me.”

She pursed her lips. “Of course, Niklaus, though I do hope to spend more time with her.”

“I’m sure she would enjoy that,” he answered with a fake smile. He nudged my shoulder so I would sit up.

I continued to play the invalid and let him help me to my feet. He swept me up in his arms and I bit my lip to keep from complaining. It was all part of the show. “Elijah, fetch my fiancée something to eat and bring it upstairs if you would?”

“Of course, brother. Anything for our beloved Cassidy.”

I let out the breath that had caught when Nik called me his fiancée. These two were certainly laying it on a bit thick. I thought two men that had been alive for a thousand years would be better actors. If the looks Rebekah was giving them were any indication, I wasn’t the only one that thought so.

When we reached our bedroom, Nik sat me down and began to pace the floor. I snatched my phone from my pocket and set up a group chat between me and my two favorite Mikaelsons.

What the actual fuck is going on?

Nik pulled out his phone and frowned at it before rolling his eyes at me. I gave him wide eyes and pointed at my ear. Anything we said could be heard by anyone else in the house. He didn’t acknowledge the gesture, but he texted back so he must have agreed.

N: Why would I know any more than you at this point?

C: Because I passed out????

E: You are the one that kept mother’s corpse.

I snorted a laugh and Nik glared at me. A sharp knock at the door interrupted. Elijah entered without waiting for anyone to answer. He smiled at me, humor dancing in his eyes as he put the plate in his hand on the table near the door. His attention returned to his phone.

E: What are we going to do about this?

N: I have Maddox looking into it.

C: I bet if I kill her I could get my magic back.

Nik’s shoulders went tight and he gave me a look that said I better not even think about trying.

N: Yes or your magic is gone for good.

E: You would likely die in the attempt. She was powerful before. With your magic added to hers, who knows

I groaned in annoyance, both at the fact they were right and that the witch bitch was alive and well. I fell back onto the bed and tossed my phone to the side. The men continued to text but I supposed they’d let me know if it was something I needed to pay attention to. I wiped a hand down my face. There had to be a way out of this.

Suddenly remembering the conversation downstairs, I grabbed my phone and sent a new message.

C: btw what’s with the fiancée thing?

Elijah raised his eyebrows as he looked at his brother, his lips twitching in amusement.

E: afraid mother won’t approve of you living together before marriage?

I laughed and quickly slapped a hand over my mouth to quiet myself. I loved that these men could have me laughing even in a time like this. I needed the stress relief, that was for sure. Nik scowled at both of us before striding across the room and digging through his nightstand. I sat up with a frown to watch him. Finally, he stepped away and slammed the drawer shut. He turned to face me, his clear blue eyes looking me over.

“Give us a moment, brother,” he asked without turning to Elijah.

“Of course.” A minute later Elijah was gone.

Nik flopped on the bed and pulled me down with him until we were laying face to face. He pushed a stray tendril of hair away from my face and behind my ear. “I know that I don’t say it very often, but I love you, Cassie.”

I grinned. “I didn’t realize how much I liked you and Elijah calling me Cassie until you called me Cassidy in front of your mother.”

He hummed. “Well, it would be a shame for her to pick it up and start using it. I’m rather fond of it myself and would hate to have to find you a new nickname.”

I let out a soft giggle. “It’s not much of a nickname when it’s only a letter shorter than my full name. You know that, right?”

He leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss to my lips. “Hush.” He took a deep breath. “I assumed that this was understood, but I suppose I should know better.”

My brow furrowed as I frowned at him.

The hand that wasn’t propping his head up appeared between us, black velvet box clutched in his fingers. My heart raced as my gaze darted between him and the box. “Is that…” I trailed off, unable to voice the question. I was going to feel like an idiot if there was a pair of earrings in there.

The corner of his mouth kicked up. “Open it.”

I shifted so my hands were free but I was still leaning on my elbow. My hand shook as I took the box from him. The lid snapped open with little encouragement from me. I sucked in a breath and tears immediately flooded my eyes. Nestled in the velvet was a ring. The most beautiful ring I’d ever seen. And it was absolutely perfect for me.

The round stone was surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds held in place by two bands made of rows of diamonds. It must have cost a fortune, but it was simple, elegant. I plucked it from the case and held it in the fingers of my left hand. I couldn’t believe he’d picked out something so stunning for me. 

“Do you like it?” His voice was soft, uncertain.

I tore my gaze from the ring to smile at him. The hand that held the ring found his face and pulled him forward for a kiss. We separated only far enough for me to lean my forehead against his. “It’s amazing, Nik. I love it.”

He put more space between us, his smile as he looked at me, made him even more gorgeous. His hand wrapped around my own and pulled it away from his cheek. After plucking the ring from my grip, he shifted his hold so he could slip it onto the appropriate finger. Before he had it settled fully in place, he looked from it to me. “Marry Me?”

My head fell back as I laughed. “Yeah, I think I can do that.”  

***

I barely had time to enjoy my newly engaged status before Elijah came to retrieve us. An irritated expression on his face made it clear it wasn’t his idea. Nik linked his fingers with mine and led the way to the living room.

Everyone was settled there with varying unreadable expressions on their face. It was Esther that broke the silence. “Why did you not tell me you were proposing to the girl, Niklaus? We could have made it a family occasion.”

Nik cleared his throat. “Yes, well, she’s not marrying the family, is she?”

She stood then. Even her fake smile was tight with displeasure. She really didn’t like my hybrid. “Don’t be ridiculous. Of course, she is. That’s what marriage is, trading one family for another. For the bride anyway.”

“Things have changed a bit, mother, since the last time you were around,” Elijah interrupted. He stepped between us, obstructing my view of her and handed us both a glass of champagne. He leaned forward and kissed my cheek. “Congratulations, sister.”

My face heated at the sentiment and he stepped away only to turn to Esther again. “Besides, she’s already family.” He returned to his post on the other side of the room, his dark eyes watching as the rest of his siblings gave us their good wishes.

His mother came last. She settled her hands on mine and I resisted the urge to shiver from the chill of her touch. “I am so glad that my Niklaus found someone like you. You are exactly what he deserves.”

I wasn’t quite sure how to take that considering her obvious dislike for Nik. Nik’s hand was resting on my back and his fingers dug in slightly with her words. I didn’t know if it was a warning to curb my tongue or a sign of his irritation. I gave her the sweetest smile I could muster. “Thank you so much. That means a lot.”

Suddenly, the witch bitch smiled and it sent a shiver of unease up my spine. “We shall have a ball to celebrate this momentous occasion. I have just decided.”

The siblings exchanged glances amongst themselves. The only one that appeared moderately happy by this news was Rebekah. Well, of course she would be excited about a ball.

“I’m not certain that’s necessary, mother. We do like our privacy,” Nik argued.

“Well, I believe that it is. You wouldn’t want to disappoint your mother, would you Niklaus?” Her voice had an edge to it that made me want to smack her.

“Of course not. He was just surprised is all. It’s a fine idea,” Elijah intervened. He probably didn’t trust either of us to be diplomatic.

I might have managed. I just had to keep reminding myself that she could turn me to dust with a snap of her fingers. “Actually, I think what Nik was getting at was that normal people don’t have balls anymore.” Okay, maybe I couldn’t behave. She just irritated the piss out of me.

Esther’s jaw went tight as she looked me over and the tension in the room became a palpable thing. I just kept my gaze locked with hers and a stupid clueless smile on my face.

Oddly enough, it was Kol that broke it. “If you’re going to be part of this family, sweetheart, you really must learn that we have never been normal.”

My gaze darted over to him and his cheeky grin. He gave me a wink and my smile shifted into something far more sincere than it had been. 

***

Please don’t spoil the surprise for anyone if you’re commenting. Thanks, loveys!