#there's still some things I need to go back and fix

[sugxto]

power play - eddie/volt/reader

⋆syn: Eddie only has one rule: no fucking in the bar. And of course, he finds you and Volt breaking it. He can't have that.

⋆wc: 3.3k

⋆cw: m/m/afab threesome, light dom/sub undertones, erotic electrostimulation, mentions of alcohol consumption, blowjobs, finger fucking.

⋆notes: reader insert uses g/n pronouns and is not described with feminine attributes. AFAB genitalia, mention of breasts, terms used include hole, entrance, cunt and clit. no spoilers for any of the routes, I suppose, but it is a more established relationship. the first 65% of this is volt/reader, with eddie/volt/reader in the later half. other e/v one shots.

⋆snippet:

“What. The fuck. Are you doing?” Eddie’s voice is harsh, methodical, but level. He usually only sounds like this when he’s kicking out Kristof for starting a fight, or when he notices you doing something even mildly off-kilter when fixing up the club. It’s a dangerous tone.

Neither of you speak immediately. You can't even bring yourself to meet Volt’s eyes; you’re focused solely on Eddie, and how still, how charged he is.

“Are either of you going to fucking say anything?” His grip tightens on Volt’s hair, and Volt nearly stumbles back.

power play

“Does he have to perform every night, though?”

You’re wiping down the bar, Volt expertly throwing a shaker around before grabbing two glasses for the concoction he’s crafting. The liquid fills the tumblers, and he starts to pluck out some cherries from a bowl.

“We have an open-mic policy, darling,” Volt says as he pushes a glass in your direction. Nevermind that it pulls a few drops of spilled whiskey over where you’d just run your rag over.

You sigh, eyeing Volt with annoyance, but he ignores you in favor of having a long sip from his glass. “But it’s almost like you need a sign for him,” you say as you round the bar to sit. You punctuate your words with a wave of the hand, like you’re envisioning a marquee. “Johnny Splash: The Breaker Box Residency.”

Volt downs the whiskey sour, and you can’t help but catch a glance at how his adam’s apple bobs when he swallows. “After that disaster of his American Maestro audition,” he says, popping another cherry in his mouth, “I think he ought to still have somewhere he can feel comfortable performing, don’t you think?”

You nod, stealing a taste of your drink. “I just hope he’s not taking space from anyone else wanting to perform, is all.”

“Aww, spark,” Volt hums, shrugging off his overcoat and pushing his sleeves up like Eddie does for work. “What a darling thing you are.” He props his arms up against the bar, leaning towards you, mischief crackling in his white eyes.

You shrug as you swallow the cherry from your drink. “Don’t worry, I’m not going soft on you two.”

“I perish the thought.” He grins like a cat who’s finally cornered the canary. “I adore when you crackle around the edges like we do.”

You bite back a grin, and reach out to the bowl of cherries for another, when your hand is smacked away.

“Hey! I was -”

“I know, darling,” he breathes, impatience on his lips. You watch his long, silver fingers procure a cherry, and red juice drips down his thumb. “Allow me.”

His lightning brows quirk expectantly, and you fight back an eye roll as you open your mouth, protrude your tongue only a hint. When he places the cherry on your tongue, your lips wrap around his fingers, tingling your mouth. Daring a glance at his eyes, you run the tip of your tongue over his thumb, ensuring no juice is wasted, before pulling away with a lick of your lips.

The ends of Volt’s hair buzz and spark, and his eyes glisten.

(You’ve noticed, between your partners, their similarities and differences - where Eddie’s steel eyes will darken with want, Volt’s dial up their shine, like a lamp when you remove its shade. It’s noticeable enough even to an untrained, unknowing eye.)

“Enjoy that, live wire?” He rubs the pads of his thumb and finger together, making the smallest of sparks.

You say nothing, just take another sip without breaking his gaze.

“Hm,” he muses, standing upright again. “Shall I make you another cocktail?”

You blink in confusion, glancing down at the half-finished tumbler. “I haven’t finished yet.”

“No matter.”

His voice tells it is most certainly some sort of matter. “Volt -”

He turns, rummaging at a few bottles before deciding on a few, putting them to the side. When you finally catch a glimpse of his profile behind his shock of hair, his smile is saccharine.

“Yes, here we go,” he mutters to himself as bottles of simple syrup, bourbon, and lemon juice appear in front of you. No shakers, no strainers, just a grin that sends a shiver down your spine.

You gulp. You know that grin. You say again, a little harsher, “Volt -”

“Now now, live wire, no need for that. I’m just going to make you a cocktail, hm?” Volt cocks his head like he’s explaining a trick to a dog, trying as he might to play innocent.

“Yes but what do -”

Your voice stops with a gasp as, quick as lightning, Volt’s fingers find your jaw and press down on your cheeks to force your mouth open. The pressure is harsh, almost bordering on painful, and Volt’s palm rests fittingly under your chin. You find, almost instantly, your breath comes easier through your nose, and it’s unsteady when it comes out.

His hair is alive, bursts of light sparking close to your skin, and his eyes are wild. “Fear not, spark.” You see him reach for a bottle, his eyes not leaving your face. “I’m just making a cocktail.”

The tip of a bottle is cool on your lips, and sweetness flows into your mouth - but not too much, no no, just enough to cover your tongue.

“Very good, darling.” Volt coos, placing the bottle back on the bar and deftly grabbing the next. This one’s bourbon, you think, and the unmistakable scent wafts to your nostrils. It mixes with the syrup on your tongue, and this time, a few drops escape from the corners of your lips. You feel them, slowly, casually, journey down your chin, your neck, down the center of your chest and between your breasts, leaving a cool streak in their wake.

Volt chuckles approvingly as he allows a few drops of lemon juice to enter your mouth, resulting in even more spillover, and you moan, pleadingly, as your jaw starts to ache.

“Impatient, are we?” He licks his lips, leans forward across the bar so there’s only a hair of space between your lips and his. “You, live wire, look delectable.”

He cuts off your moan with his tongue, intruding on your rigidly held mouth, swiping long, hungry licks over the roof of your mouth, your tongue, lapping at the mixture of liquids he poured like a man parched. You whine, you moan, you plead with the only small sounds you can make. The taste is overwhelming, the liquid dribbles out of you rapidly now, and the combination of the droplets’ wet streaks and nearby electricity elicit goosebumps along your skin.

Volt’s fingers relax as he pulls away, releasing your jaw from his grip but keeping his hand on you (always on you). He sucks at your bottom lip, and you finally have enough control to swallow the remnants of the drink Volt missed. You whine again, still physically prevented from forming words.

He stops, and you swear you can hear the buzz of his charged eyes when they meet yours, white hot with lust. His thumb pets your chin, the tips of your noses kissing. “Did you want something, darling?”

Fuck this man.

Fuck this man.

Hm. That sounds like a good idea, actually.

You lunge forward, your whiskey-laced lips starving for Volt’s, and you grab at his vest with white-knuckled fists. He lets out a growl, a sound of pure want, and you feel his arms snake around you, encircle your waist, and you’re being hoisted forwards across the bar. The stool you sat in clatters to the ground, and you allow Volt to settle your ass on the bar, you lips never separating more than a breath.

Volt’s large hands singe at your waist, a delicious burn as he grips you tightly. You loosen your grip on his vest and wrap your arms around his neck at the same moment your legs lock around his hips, pressing his warm body to you. He rocks his hips between your thighs, and you gasp at how hard he already is, straining against his slacks.

“Fuck, Volt,” you sigh when his tongue journeys down your chin, your neck, licking up the trail of his “cocktail.” Your nails claw at the back of his neck, needing purchase wherever possible. He sucks at a spot at the base of your neck, and a shock surges from your spine straight to your clit. “Oh, oh, fuck…”

His voice reverberates in your neck when he hums in satisfaction. “Live wire,” he says, strained with lust, “I have to have you. Now.” As he says it, his hands deftly find the button of your pants and tug, and they’re gone in a lightning flash, your bare skin hitting the cold wood.

Yes, yes of course, who were you to say no to such need? You need him, needed this, right now, right here on the -

Bar.

Oh no.

You two were breaking Eddie’s one rule.

Your eyes fly open, and you try, feebly, to push Volt away. “Volt. Volt, the bar, Eddie -”

“Fuck Eddie.”

You groan, and you both love and hate that his voice makes you wetter. “He says no sex at the bar -”

“Last time I checked,” Volt’s hands palm the flesh of your thighs around his waist, sparks igniting at every inch they move, “this is our bar. And you, little spark, are ours as well. So, why shouldn’t I enjoy my share, hm?”

You weren’t going to win, you knew that, you rarely ever did with Volt, and the rational part of your brain had clocked out when you locked up after Johnny left. Because yeah, the boys were yours, and they always said the bar was just as much yours now too, so…

You’d just have to be extra attentive when you cleaned up, was all.

You swallow, trying to find whatever liquid courage might remain in your mouth, and start to grab at Volt’s belt. “Fuck it.”

Volt’s grin is tiger-like as he helps you free himself, and you unconsciously lick your lips at the sight of his cock, long and curved with the faintest tinge of blue. Amps sake, how lucky were you that both of your boyfriends had such pretty, pretty cocks?

You trail your fingers along his length, watching as a droplet of pre forms at the tip. Volt hisses, and he grabs your wrist suddenly, and you look up at his white eyes, scared you’ve done something wrong.

But no anger or hurt is evident on his face, just that familiar mischief. He pulls your wrist and hand close to your face, and looks expectantly at your open palm. “Spit.”

Your hole clenches at the word, and you fight back a whimper. You gather the spit in your mouth, letting the glob drop onto your hand.

“Again.”

You don’t think twice.

Satisfied, Volt leads your hand back to his cock, and you wrap your grip around him, glazing your spit over the hot skin, coating him as best you’re able as he maneuvers your wrist. He makes a hum of content after a moment, and you rest your hand on your waist when he releases you.

There’s hardly anymore preamble before the head of his cock is pressing at your entrance, but you know Volt, and you know -

Your jaw falls open in a silent cry as Volt enters you, white hot and slick and everything you need. He gives you a moment, just a moment, to relax into the fullness, before his hips snap, and he thrusts.

So. Fucking. Lucky.

Strings of moans, strings of “yes, yes, yes, fuck yes” fall from your lips each time Volt bottoms out, and you bury your face into his shoulder, the burning heat of his skin and the cool wood a beautiful contrast.

You can hear the sparks of Volt’s hair, feel the puffs of his breath, and you hang on to every curse, every “my spark, fuck, good little spark,” that he groans.

It’s maddening, almost, just how good he makes you feel, how they make you feel. You moan something incomprehensible when he bites your neck and lick the marks. “Volt, volt, yes -“

There’s a surge, a flicker, and you’re empty, and Volt’s weight is missing.

You open your eyes, suddenly terrified from the loss, and you think to scream -

But the sight that greets you isn’t one that’s… entirely unwelcome.

Eddie’s hand has a death grip on the currents of Volt’s hair, tugging hard enough to keep Volt’s chin tilted back, unmoving.

(You think, in the recesses of your fucked our mind, that you wish you could do that, but it seemed to be a skill reserved for literal electrical conduits personified.)

You blink, aligning yourself to this new situation, to this unexpected twist, because when did Eddie -

Eddie.

Eddie.

Uh oh.

“What. The fuck. Are you doing?” Eddie’s voice is harsh, methodical, but level. He usually only sounds like this when he’s kicking out Kristof for starting a fight, or when he notices you doing something even mildly off-kilter when fixing up the club. It’s a dangerous tone.

Neither of you speak immediately. You can't even bring yourself to meet Volt’s eyes; you’re focused solely on Eddie, and how still, how charged he is.

“Are either of you going to fucking say anything?” His grip tightens on Volt’s hair, and Volt nearly stumbles back.

“Eddie, my darling,” Volt finally offers, trying the voice he uses to introduce the next act. The listen-to-what-I’m-about-to-say voice. “My, did we miss you -”

“Volt,” his voice is clipped, and Volt doesn’t try again. “I have one fucking rule. And you know that.”

You haven’t seen the ice that’s in Eddie’s eyes in weeks, and now it’s your turn to try. “Eddie, it was my -”

“Absolutely not.” Titanium eyes stop your words in your throat, and Eddie points a finger at you. “You are not in a position where you wanna lie to me.”

He’s right, and you know it, and you close your legs in an effort to take up less space on the bar.

Eddie turns his attention back to Volt, flexing his grip and pulling his partner’s head closer to him, turning him so their eyes meet. You feel the hum, the charge in the air that flows between them. “No. Sex. In the bar, Volt.” Eddie cocks his head, studying Volt’s strained white gaze. “Or did you not learn the last time when I caught you with Amir?”

Volt’s laugh is shakey, raising his hands in surrender. “It was only a broken mirror, Eddie, and look at me now! We’re being very careful to -”

Eddie cuts him off with a kiss you can only describe as forceful, teeth tugging at Volt’s lips, and keeping him in place as he twists his hand in Volt’s hair. You swear you hear a growl from Eddie’s throat when he harshly tugs Volt away again, and there’s a flash of something in his steely gaze as you watch his free hand start to fumble with his pants zipper.

Sometimes, you’re almost certain there are times that Volt and Eddie don’t communicate with words, that there’s something deeper between them that lets them move in a singular, tandem pace, synchronized. As Eddie unzips, and Volt placidly drops to his knees before him, you think this is one of those times.

“You,” Eddie groans, when Volt, unprompted, places a chaste, quick kiss to Eddie’s thick, angry cock, “need to shut. up.”

He says nothing more, but on instinct, Volt’s jaw goes slack, and nearly his entire cock slips into Volt’s mouth with practiced ease.

Your body tremors as you watch them, notice with interest how a small fuck falls from Eddie’s lip, and he throws his head back, steeling his jaw with bared teeth. He’s so still, letting Volt do the work on his cock, and - and you can’t help it, your thighs press together, and your nails scrap along the wood as your hands turn to firsts.

Eddie notices.

Eddie always notices.

Eddie’s eyes are nearly black with lust, hunger, and barely controlled rage. “You,” he says, voice rough in his throat. “Open your legs.”

You do, and the air is cold where your slick hasn’t dried.

Eddie reaches out his hand, extends his ring and middle finger, and lays them at the very edge of the bar. Still. Waiting.

You blink, unsure, but you’re not sure if you’re allowed to speak.

“Fuck yourself or don’t, live wire, I don’t care,” he says. “He’s - fuck - in more trouble than you. He’s not getting off tonight.”

Lucky, lucky, lucky, your mind chants, and your heart might just explode from electrocution if you’re not careful.

You scoot yourself to the edge of the bar, position your legs under you, line your entrance over where his fingers are raised and waiting. You grip the curve of the wood to steady yourself, and lower yourself down onto Eddie’s fingers, as far as you can, and your mouth falls open in a curse at the feeling of fullness finally returned to you.

Eddie only watches, his fingers knotting in Volt’s hair, trying with his entire willpower not to fuck all his fingers into your cunt. You feel so hot, so slick, and the currents racing through his cock are already dangerously close to shorting if Volt keeps his pace. He knows if he so much as catches a glimpse of those white eyes that he’ll blow like a fuse. So, he watches you, bouncing up and down as best you can, trying to grind your clit on his thumb. Angry as he is at catching you two in the one place you shouldn’t be, he has to admit, he thrives off the power you and Volt are feeding him.

You’re close, so close, and you moan Eddie’s name in want and frustration. He makes no sound, but Volt hums around Eddie’s cock, and you can’t tell whose slick, depraved sounds are whose.

Volt moans again, his grip tighter on Eddie’s hips, and you somehow know he’s warning you that Eddie won’t last long. You quicken your place, angling to find how Eddie’s thumb hits your clit. It’s just right, and you close your eyes, white bolts of lightning behind your eyelids as you climb, higher, higher -

“Yes, yes, Eddie Eddie, fuck, Eddie!” You cry as your orgasm hits like a surge, tingling and coursing through all your limbs, and your legs quiver as you force yourself to slow.

Eddie hisses through his teeth, knowing he has only seconds, and Volt only speeds up. “Fuck,” he grunts, and finally flicks his eyes down to watch Volt work, if only for a moment, but the second those knowing, loving, burning eyes meet his -

He short circuits.

Volt sucks him dry as Eddie groans, curses through his climax, even swallows him down with his nose pressed to the coils above Eddie’s shaft. Doesn’t let a single drop spill, Volt, and Eddie loves him for it.

You all are finally, somehow, able to relax, as you extricate yourselves from your slightly incoherent, slightly precarious positions. Volt, back on his feet, pulls you into his arms, hoists you up as you wrap you legs around them - none of you trust them to hold you up.

Eddie rubs his hand over your back, presses adoring kisses to your shoulder. “You alright, little wire?” He asks, in the softest voice you’ve heard him use all night.

You nod, turning your head to find his face. “Of course, Eddie. Always.”

A corner of his lip tugs up into a smile. “Good.” He plants a warm kiss on your cheek and tucks a hair behind your ear. “Like I said, you’re not in trouble. I know how dangerous Volt’s tongue can be.”

“Hey,” Volt quips, his fingers pressing into your thighs. “A moment ago you liked my dangerous tongue.”

Eddie pays the jest no mind, but still looks up at him. “You’re on close for a week. Alone. And - nope - don’t you ‘Eddie’ me. Alone. One week.”

Volt groans, and you don’t have to see his face to know he rolled his eyes too. “You already didn't let me cum, so I get the message." He, too, presses a small kiss to the top of your head. "But who’s going to keep our spark busy then, hm?”

Eddie smiles, seeing the mischievous glint that just appeared in your gaze. “Well, luckily, they have more than one option, don’t they?”

Lucky, lucky, lucky.

[dearceleste]

astro obs pt 3

hey guys! I hope you all are fine :) hope you enjoy this post

Venus in Sagittarius people are so in and out of love so very quickly. In the moment it seems that they are so in love but the colours fade away very suddenly. I assume it usually can be surprising to them as well because I think they don’t think their feelings through that well anyways. They might also love the idea of love from distance mostly! However once they have anchored themselves on someone or something, it’s their world.

Venus in Leo people like people to admire and validate their romantic partners I have seen. Almost like, see I have such a shining golden trophy.. I very much think these people admire mass appeal themselves so it may be a part of that thing. But they do love loud and proud for the most part. They like sociable people as partners is one more thing.

Venus in Libra people are other folks I have seen you’d never see with questionable or eccentric choices in partners. They usually want people that are admired or at least socially acceptable, someone they don’t have to defend or explain. Also, LOOKS ARE IMPORTANT lol.

Venus in Cancer people are the types to put their family before their partners a lot many times. They do try to be nurturing and kind in relationships, and very much are, but they need that warmth first to give it back, Also very nostalgic and don’t move on very fast, In love with memories. Also very confused and non confrontational in matters of love. I don’t know why but most people I have seen with this placement low-key like the grief that comes with love.

Venus in Virgo people are super avoidant about topics of love for some reason, they usually don’t speak about it very openly and loudly. Conversely, these people don’t speak but SHOW their love. They show it, prove it, even if they may not be able to articulate it well. They should never be with a person who likes to HEAR more than SHOW. I have often seen they don’t give up until the very last straw :(

Venus in Scorpio people may have this thing of having “rebound partners”. They may or may not pursue this desire depending on how self aware they are. They may actually create a situation like that somehow knowingly or unknowingly lol. They might also like the idea of showing off their current partner to their exes, not because they still like them but as a form of a revenge almost lol

Venus in Taurus people do not like the roller coaster love I have seen. I mean if you are SUPER in your feels type of person they might not be able to understand it a lot. They’d like to understand if they are genuinely into you tho but won’t keep up with that attitude for too long I have seen.

Venus in Aries people are actually people who love bravely, someone who would STAND UP for you, but at the same time they are also quick to scapegoat, I would say they are rather unpredictable and volatile in matters of love. I have seen people with this placement can be SUPER LOYAL and fixed on their partners and also cheat on them in heat of the moment intentionally or unintentionally. Unpredictable is the right word loll

Venus in Gemini people are the realest people to not give 2 fs and move on pretty fast not Venus in Sag people lol. I have seen they like to live in the moment and enjoy stuff for what it is now, It is usually easy for them to have their foot out if something happens or just because they aren’t feeling it enough. Many people I have seen with this placement either give or like that hot/cold treatment just to have something going in the relationship lol.

Ok I don’t want to be offensive but Venus in Aquarius people DO love people who are intellectually curious and able to hold conversations with them and talk about deep things with them, but more than intellectually stimulating and being open to “wider perspectives ” they usually like someone who’s rather agreeable I have seen. Venus in Sag are far more accommodating to a partner with conflicting views because it kinda becomes disrespectful to these people if you are not agreeable to them mentally and intellectually yk.

Venus in Capricorn folks usually “delay” falling in love no matter how much they have options or how many people like them. I think they really have some “mental timing” of most things especially love and like if it falls into that bracket or it can probably give them severe doubt and anxiety (for example: finishing school, getting that job, making that money). They are very loyal and would stand through thick and thin but usually do not like to have a struggle in love.

until the next time xx

[watchmegetobsessed]

AUGURI

A/N: this is my current fantasy, being on an italian vacation with my fiancé, that's it, that's the fic.

WORD COUNT: 1.6k

SUMMARY: A glimpse into being freshly engaged, on vacation with your fiancé who is obsessed with seeing a ring on your finger.

MASTERLIST | SUPPORT ME!

If you told your younger self that in a few years you would be sitting on the floor of an Italian villa, doing your makeup, getting ready for dinner at a restaurant down by the beach while your fiancé is out on the balcony making phone calls, you would have laughed at the image. You never thought you’d fit into the picture, with a man like none other than Harry Styles, who is one of, if not the biggest name in business.

And you are his fiancé.

Well, you’ve been his fiancé for just a little over 24 hours, it still feels like a dream, the memory of the sunset walk you took to a secluded part of the beach, then he got down on one knee and said the most beautiful things as he asked you to marry him. There was no doubt you’d say yes and now the diamond ring on your finger is proof that it wasn’t just a dream. 

Your skin is glowing from the day spent on the beach, tanning and swimming, sipping on cocktails and reading. You haven’t decided what to wear yet, so you’re still wrapped in a towel after your shower you shared with Harry when you came back to the villa. 

Once you’re finished with your makeup you gather the mess you made on the floor and then move to the closet to find something to wear. You brought way too many clothes, but you couldn’t help yourself. Harry made sure to go all out and you traveled with a private jet so you had no restriction about how many suitcases you bring. Not that he would have ever said no if you wanted to check five bags if you didn’t travel with the jet, Harry is always eager to cater to your every wish. 

You choose a light summer dress and grab a scarf you can wrap around your shoulders if the night grows colder. Standing in front of the mirror you’re trying to figure out what shoes you should wear when you hear footsteps from the bedroom and a moment later Harry’s tall figure appears behind you. 

He has always been touchy-feely but ever since his proposal he just can’t take his hands off you. From behind, he wraps his arms around your waist, his face instantly buries in your neck as he peppers your glowy skin with kisses. 

“You look stunning,” he murmurs and you flash him a smile in the mirror before turning your head so your lips could meet in a kiss. “Can I call the driver or do you need more time?”

“Call him, I’ll be done in five.”

“Alright. I’ll be downstairs, because if I stay here, we will not leave in five.”

You laugh at his words as he presses one last kiss to your shoulder and wills himself to walk out. You grab a pair of sandals that match your dress and then fix your hair quickly, before heading down after Harry. The car is already waiting, Harry is standing by the open door, scrolling on his phone, but once he sees you he locks and puts the device into his pocket, turning his full attention to you. 

He is always busy, someone always needs him, but whenever he is spending time with you he makes sure to limit his time spent working to the bare minimum, squeezing calls into the time you spend getting ready, calling your mom or when you’re in the bathroom, though he very much likes to join you in the shower. 

“Ready?” he beams with a smile as you walk over and he instantly kisses the top of your head before going for your lips.

“Yeah, let’s go.”

For dinner you’re meeting some of his friends that live nearby. He chose a nice restaurant that has a terrace facing the water, an incredible view for the amazing food. You’re having a great time, Rocco and Bianca congratulate you on your engagement and the conversation moves to discussing their own wedding that happened three years ago. They reminisce about how fun the whole party was, they danced all night with their friends and family. 

A warm hand moves to your thigh under the table, when you glance over to Harry he is already peeking at you, a tiny smile tugging on the corners of his mouth. For a moment, you feel breathless, looking at him with his light sunburn on his cheeks and nose, the breeze is tangling his locks that turned lighter thanks to the time spent out in the sun. Behind him it’s the endless blue sea, the waves seem to move slowly from this far. The Sun is dipping under the horizon, painting the clear sky vibrant shades of orange and red. 

Your heart has never felt fuller. 

Your hand finds his on your thigh and gives it a squeeze. His palm covers your hand, his thumb running back and forth over the ring on your finger, as if he needs to touch it to believe it’s actually there. His smile grows wide, eyes shining as he just stares at you in awe. 

Leaning closer he steals a quick kiss and you swear you hear a content sigh from him before you both tune back into the conversation by the table. 

The dinner stretches long, most tables are cleared around you when you finally decide to head home. Rocco and Bianca came with their own car so you say your goodbye before parting ways. When Harry is about to call the driver, you stop him, putting a hand over his phone.

“Why don’t we walk home? It’s just about thirty minutes.”

“Sure,” he nods smiling and taking your hand in his, you head back to the villa. 

Walking down the streets you pass by a house with an open window, music flowing out into the evening and Harry surprises you by pulling you against him and starts swaying to the rhythm. 

You remember when you met him, he claimed he is not the romantic type, that those small gestures you see in movies don’t come to him naturally. Turns out he just needed to meet the right person to bring it out of him.

And that person is you. 

Your head falls back as you laugh and dance with him, he even starts humming the melody as he twirls and moves you with ease, leading you in this impromptu choreography. When he dips you, a gasp slips past your lips, but he just grins and then kisses you, slowly pulling you back up while not breaking the kiss. 

When he pulls back he brings your hand between the two of you, his fingers once again playing with the ring and while Harry’s gaze is glued to the diamond, you can only look at his face, so bright and happy. 

He places a soft kiss to the ring on your finger, then hooks an arm around your shoulders and you keep walking. 

In front of one of the houses near your villa, there’s some kind of family gathering happening, people are sitting around a table, eating, laughing and singing, having a fantastic time. You watch them happily, it’s always so great to see people enjoy life to the fullest. 

An older man shouts something your way in Italian that you don’t understand, but Harry chuckles and shouts back.

“Le ho chiesto di sposarmi due giorni fa!” 

The man starts clapping and shouting, a few other people joining in and you still have no idea what they are talking about.

“Auguri! Tanti auguri per una vita felice insieme!” they all chant together, raising their glasses in your way.

“What was that?” you ask Harry chuckling, as you keep walking. A cheeky grin tugs on his pink lips.

“He told me we look good together and I should never let you go. I told him I just asked you to marry me.”

“He said that? For real?” you ask, your own grin growing wider.

“See, everyone knows we belong together,” he hums, his lips pressing against yours again, but he doesn’t stop after just a short kiss, he deepens it, tongues melting together, his hand tangling in your hair or feeling up your back through the thin fabric of your dress. It escalates quickly, you can feel his erection pressing against your lower stomach as he pushes you against the wall of one of the houses. Open mouthed kisses trail down the column of your throat and you can’t hold a moan back when he wedges a thigh between your legs, giving you a chance to grind against it for more friction. 

“I love you so fucking much,” he breathes against your mouth and you’re ready to take it further right then and there, but then you hear shouting from near. 

“Vergogna! Go away!”

An old lady is waving your way from a nearby window and you start running, Harry takes your hand and you’re both laughing as you speed up the rest of the street to the villa. At the gate, he pulls you back into his arms and you feel like horny teenagers, can’t get enough of each other. It’s like that tiny ring on your finger has doubled the lust that was already pretty high when it came to you and Harry. 

“Mm, let’s take this to the bedroom, where no old ladies can scream at us for indecency,” you chuckle, when his hand slips under your skirt. 

“Whatever the future Mrs. Styles wants,” he grins and before you could get another word out, he picks you up, bridal style and carries you to the bedroom and continues what you started on the street, this time without an audience. 

Thank you for reading, please like and reblog if you enjoyed and buy me a coffee if you want to support me!

[cheftsunoda]

novacane — ln4

lando norris x !model reader

smau + blurbs

in which lando and yn, worn thin by fame, pressure, and the weight of always being watched, find comfort in all the wrong places — drowning their loneliness in drugs, sex, and each other's broken promises.

fc : cindy kimberly

(a/n) : no one answered if they wanted this or not so now im forcing it on everyone. sorry if you hate it:( this is based off the song “novacane” by frank ocean so if you don’t know it— definitely recommend listening it it to understand.

❗obviously warnings of drug use, relationship toxicity, angst, minor smut and eating disorder ❗

and i gave you angels a happy ending - ywwww

—

yn_ln

liked by lando, alexandrasaintmleux, carlossainz55 & 5,515,007 others.

yn_ln : don’t let the high go to waste

—

view 225,090 other comments.

username000 : oh great she’s with lando AGAIN.

↳ username00 : what’s the problem with her?? i thought they were together

↳ username000 : no they aren’t confirmed together. THANK GOD. she is just a horrible influence for him to be around.

↳ username1 : you do realize lando is a fully grown adult and the people he chooses to be around and what he does is completely on him, right?

↳ username000 : well yeah but i do not think being around her helps his mindset any. he’s changed.

↳ username1 : maybe has had changed from the pressure and stress. maybe he is just tired. leave them both alone.

alexandrasaintmleux : so pretty angel. hope to see your face again soon!

liked by yourusername

↳ yourusername : mwah mwah

carlossainz55 : ….no comment 😳

liked by yourusername and lando

bellahadid : mother 🧎‍♀️

liked by yourusername

↳ yourusername : my poooooookie

danielricciardo : he better have that hickey covered on media day🤣

liked by yourusername and lando

↳ username7 : nooooo so it is lando again.

charles_leclerc : mon dieu.

liked by yourusername and lando

alex_albon : i am respectfully not looking. (i looked)

liked by yourusername and lando

↳ lilymhe : its okay. i did too.

username11 : lando is ruining his reputation for this woman. honestly, i kind of understand.

lando : always high on you.

liked by yourusername

—

flashback

You still remember the way the air felt that night — thick with smoke, perfume, and the kind of heat that clung to your skin long after you’d left the club. It had been Fashion Week in Milan, and you were already four shows deep into a sleepless spiral of afterparties, interviews, and eyes that didn’t see you so much as consume you. You were tired. Exhausted in the kind of way no sleep could fix. And then there he was. Lando Norris — crooked smile, familiar face, eyes like they knew you. Not knew your name. Knew you. And you hated how much that made you pause. You met him at some rooftop club that blurred together with all the rest — flashing lights, empty champagne flutes, and hands that touched too long without meaning anything. He wasn’t supposed to be there, not really. Off-season or something like that. But maybe he needed the distraction just as badly as you did.

He bought you a drink. You made a sarcastic comment about hating tequila and drank it anyway. You talked. You laughed. And then somewhere between his fourth glass and your second lie about being fine, things stopped being surface level. You caught him staring at you like he was trying to read between the cracks. So you let him see them. Or maybe you didn’t have the strength to hide them anymore.

“I don’t think I’m built for all this,” you admitted in a half whisper, legs crossed tightly in the corner of a velvet booth, mascara smudged like war paint.

He didn’t say anything. Just took a slow sip of his drink and replied, “Yeah. Me neither.”

It wasn’t flirtation after that. It was something heavier. Messier. The kind of pull that only two broken people feel when they recognize themselves in someone else’s ruin. Back at your hotel room, things unfolded like instinct. You were both too numb and too desperate to question it. The clothes came off easy. The masks came off harder.

His lips trailed your collarbone. Your hands tangled in his curls. The pressure in your stomach growing with every thrust and then after— the air changed. You were sitting on the bed, his hoodie slipping off your shoulder, and you reached for the little orange bottle you never traveled without. He watched you pop the pill with a swig of warm, flat water from the bedside table.

You caught his stare and raised an eyebrow. “Want one?”

He hesitated. Just long enough for you to know he was still trying to be the good guy, even now. Then he took it from your hand and held your gaze like a dare. You watched him swallow it dry. He turned and leaned back into you— closing the gap between the two of you again. You sat until he began to feel that warm and fuzzy feeling you had grown accustomed to but was still brand new for him.

“What even was that?” he asked, voice low and frayed at the edges. You smiled, tired and crooked. The kind of smile that says this is survival, not seduction.

“Don’t let the high go to waste,” you murmured, echoing the line like a mantra you wished wasn’t true.

He didn’t ask again. You laid back. He followed. That night wasn’t about falling in love. It wasn’t even about comfort. It was about not feeling like shit for five fucking minutes. It was about losing yourselves in each other’s broken parts and calling it relief. It was about two people too hollow to hold anything real — and still clinging to each other like it might fix something anyway. You didn’t know it then, but that would be the first of many nights like that. And the last time anything between you felt accidental.

—

present day…

f1gossipgirls

2,517,001 likes.

f1gossipgirls : F1’s wild child & fashion’s favorite disaster leaving Miami’s dirtiest rooftop club at 4:27AM. Looks like Lando Norris and YN, international model, are taking their rumored situationship coast to coast. The pair were seen stumbling out of RITUAL, the kind of place where the floors are sticky and the bathrooms are sacred. Sources claim Lando looked “glassy-eyed but smiling,” while YN was seen reapplying her lipstick in the back of a black SUV. Oh, and did we mention her heels were in his hand? Eyewitnesses say the duo “couldn’t keep their hands off each other,” and at least one club staffer swears they both entered the same VIP room together. But who needs sleep when your only job is being young, rich, and reckless? We’re not saying they’re the new Bonnie and Clyde, but we are saying someone’s PR team is sweating.

—

view 175,002 other comments.

username00 : the fact that he is doing this when he will be racing in 36 hours is…interesting to say the least.

username0 : someone check on zak brown. mans is probably pacing.

username1 : why are we romanticizing this behavior? they both clearly have a lot of problems that need fixed.

username5 : he is supposed to be a professional athlete. not snorting something suspicious in a club at 3 am. LANDO WAKE TF UP.

username7 : never ever expected this phase in lando’s career but here we are.

username10 : y’all will continue to blame her like he isn’t grown and can’t make his own decisions. like bruh

—

You and Lando always fell into some sort of cycle. Not love. Not quite addiction either — though it came close. Something in between. Something quieter but heavier. A pattern with soft edges and sharp consequences. It started the way it always did — too loud, too fast, too much.

Miami’s air was humid with desperation that weekend — people screaming your name, cameras flashing like seizures, bodies grinding in tempo with the bass. He met your eyes from across the club and that was all it took. You didn’t even smile. Just nodded once, like yeah. it’s time again.You’d both lost something before you even walked in. The music was pounding, the drinks were bottomless, the lines were generous — and by the time he had his hand on the small of your back, you couldn’t tell if your heart was racing from the substance or from him. He leaned down to murmur something into your ear — something stupid and sweet, something that made you laugh even though nothing about the night was funny. And then you pulled out the little bag. Same one you always had. He watched. He never stopped you, not really.

“You sure?” he asked like a formality.

You nodded like muscle memory. He followed. In the bathroom of some overpriced rooftop bar, you did it off the back of your hand while he stood behind you like a shadow, warm and steady and crumbling all at once. His knuckles brushed yours when he took his turn, eyes blown wide and tired even in the mirror’s hazy glow. And somehow, not long after, you ended up tangled together in your hotel bed — hot skin, whispered curses, need disguised as recklessness. It wasn’t sweet. It never was. It was desperate. The kind of touch that only feels good because it silences the scream in your head for a moment. The kind that makes you feel something when you’re numb everywhere else.

But later — after — when your heartbeat finally slowed and your thoughts started catching up, you climbed off the bed and walked to the bathroom without saying a word. You didn’t bother turning on the light. Just stepped under the cold stream of the shower and let yourself cry. Quiet at first. Then harder. Your mascara ran down the drain like ink in water. Your shoulders shook like you were trying to hold your bones together. You didn’t expect him to follow. But he did. Lando opened the door without knocking. Stepped into the shower fully clothed. Didn’t say anything — didn’t need to. He just wrapped his arms around you from behind and held you while the water soaked through his shirt and you sobbed into his chest like a child.

He didn’t tell you to stop. He didn’t ask what was wrong. He knew. He was wrong too. You stood like that for a long time. Just water. Skin. Silence. And the ache of being seen by someone who’s just as hollow.

The morning after always hurt worse. The sunlight hit too hard. The hangover hit harder. And then the notifications. Tabloids. Photos. Headlines about the two of you looking “high and handsy” at 4:27 AM. His team texted. Yours called. And all you could do was sit at the edge of the bed in one of his T-shirts and stare at the phone while Lando paced and swore under his breath. It always happened like this. The comedown. The regret. The beginning of the withdrawal. He left around 10AM, hoodie pulled low, sunglasses on, mumbling something about sorting it with his PR team. You didn’t ask him to stay. You never did.

Because you knew how it went. He’d vanish. Ignore your texts. You’d see him on someone else’s story a few days later. Like none of it mattered. But he always came back. Usually around 2AM. Usually with a knock and no words. Usually when your mascara was already running and your hands were already shaking. It wasn’t love. It was a cycle. And God help you, but part of you needed it.

—

But he tries to stop. For real, this time. After the Miami fallout, after his PR team threatens to pull endorsement deals and Zak himself tells him to “get your shit together or get out” — Lando goes quiet. You don’t hear from him for days. No 2AM texts. No half assed apologies. No hotel room knocks. Not even a story view. Silence.

You assume he’s doing what they all do eventually — detaching. Saving himself. Finding some version of clean that doesn’t include you. You’re used to it. You pretend not to check your phone anyway.

Meanwhile, he’s trying. He really is. He wakes up early. Doesn’t drink. Doesn’t go out. He trains. Eats clean. Answers his calls. He ignores the aching pull in his chest when he sees your name light up his phone — unread messages stacked like shame. But it doesn’t help. None of it helps. Because when the world is quiet — when the race ends and the cameras go dark — he’s left alone with himself. And he can’t stand himself.

He thinks about the way your laugh sounds muffled against his chest. The way your eyeliner always smudges when you cry in the shower. The way you looked at him that night, like you were waiting for him to tell you it was okay to fall apart. And he wants it back. Not because it’s good. Not because it’s healthy. Because it’s something.

The truth is — the high didn’t just numb the pain. It muted the voice in his head that told him he wasn’t enough. That he was wasting his life. That none of it — the podiums, the parties, the press tours — felt real anymore. Being numb was awful. But being awake? That’s unbearable.

He sits in his hotel room one night, a few cities away, staring at the white walls, the untouched food, the silence thick enough to suffocate. He’s alone. And it hits him like it always does — slow at first, then all at once. The ache. The craving. The need to not feel anything. He grabs the bottle. He doesn’t even think. Washes one pill down with cold champagne. Calls your number. You answer on the first ring, like you knew this moment would come. Like you were waiting for it. No words. Just breathing.

And when he shows up at your door an hour later, eyes heavy, hands shaking, hoodie clinging to his skin like regret — you don’t ask what changed his mind. Because nothing did. The truth is, he never wanted to stop. He just wanted to believe he could. Because numbness is easier. And you… you numb the pain. I guess you’re novacane.

—

f1gossipgirls

2,709,112 likes.

f1gossipgirls : Well— it seems Lando Norris and YN LN are back at it again after weeks of distance. The two were seen coming and going from each other’s apartments more than 3 times this week.

—

It started slowly. Like most things do. First, it was just a headline. Some blurry pap photo of you walking out of a café in Milan, cropped in all the wrong ways. The caption read—

“Is YN Letting Herself Go?”

And that was all it took. It wasn’t true. You were exhausted, not careless. Bloated from the long flight, hungover from bad decisions and worse wine, caught mid-step with your shirt rumpled and sunglasses sliding down your nose. You hadn’t even known the cameras were there. But they were always there.

Then came the panel show segment. Some middle-aged man with a smug smile and zero credentials saying, “She’s still stunning, obviously, but you can tell the partying’s catching up to her.”

And it spiraled. Your agent texted you later that night — “No more pasta. Milan is watching.”

That’s when you stopped eating. At first it was a conscious decision. Strategic. If they wanted skinny, you’d give them starved. If they wanted hollow cheekbones and razorblade hip bones, you’d serve it on a silver fucking platter. You skipped meals and smiled through shoots. Faked fullness and learned which lies photographers never questioned. But it wasn’t long before you stopped choosing. The hunger became control. And then the control became a high. One you didn’t need to snort or swallow. And Lando noticed. He always did.

It hit him too, differently. Sharper. Publicly.

He couldn’t win a race without the press tearing him apart. Couldn’t crash out without being called immature. Couldn’t smile in an interview without being accused of not taking the sport seriously — and couldn’t look serious without them calling him cold.

“You’re not focused,” they’d said. “You’re wasting your seat.”

Every race weekend became a war. With his car. With the media. With himself.

And in between the races? Endless hotel rooms. Fake friends. Paparazzi flashes that made him feel like prey. Fans who loved the version of him that didn’t exist anymore. Who worshipped the myth and ignored the man.

He started sleeping in his hoodie with the hood pulled tight, even indoors. Started rubbing the back of his neck until it was red and raw. Couldn’t eat before practice. Couldn’t sleep after qualifying. Couldn’t breathe when it all got too loud.

You found each other in that silence.

It was after some gala you were both dragged to. You were wearing a backless dress that made your vision go blurry when you stood too long. He was in a tux he hadn’t wanted to wear, tie loosened, jaw clenched. You ended up in your hotel room again. Of course you did. But this time, there was no rush. No drugs. No sex. Just… collapse. You sat on the edge of the bed, toes pressing into the carpet, trying not to cry. Your stomach was eating itself, but you couldn’t remember the last time food didn’t feel like failure. He stood by the window, staring out like he was somewhere else entirely. Finally, you spoke.

“They said I looked fat in that dress,” you whispered.

He turned, slowly. Eyes dim. Like he’d been waiting for your voice to break.

“They say I don’t deserve my seat,” he answered.

You looked up at him, tears lining your lashes, voice small.

“I feel like I’m disappearing.”

And he just nodded.

“Same.”

That’s when he walked over. Sat behind you. Wrapped his arms around your waist — too gently. Like he was afraid you’d break. You leaned back into him, your spine pressing against his chest, and for a moment, you both just breathed. No masks. No captions. No noise.

You felt his lips ghost over your shoulder as he whispered, “They only want us when we’re shining. Not when we’re bleeding.”

And you replied, voice hollow but sure—

“Then let them choke.”

You stayed like that for hours. No high. No distractions. Just the quiet devastation of two people being honest. You held his hand like a lifeline. He kissed your temple like a prayer. That night, you didn’t sleep with each other. You just slept. And for the first time in weeks, that was enough.

—

f1gossipgirls

2,101,001 likes.

f1gossipgirls : YN LN in the paddock this weekend — and all eyes were on her. Rumors continue to swirl about her relationship with McLaren driver Lando Norris, and her surprise appearance in the garage only added fuel to the fire. According to insiders, YN was nothing short of lovely — chatting with fans, posing for photos, and offering a few smiles that made it hard not to root for her. As for Lando? Let’s just say the chemistry between the two didn’t go unnoticed.

—

The nights are quieter now. Not silent — you both still wake up sweating, heart racing, hands reaching for something that isn’t there anymore — but quieter. Softer. You’re trying. So is he.

After the last fallout, the withdrawal that left you shaking and sobbing in different cities, you made a pact — no pills, no blow, no hotel room disasters. Just water. Sleep. Presence. Even if presence meant staring blankly at a wall together in shared misery, at least you were there. You still have the urge sometimes. The craving. The itch in your skin when everything gets too loud, too fast. But you text him instead of reaching for a bottle. And he answers. Always.

He’s been better. Not perfect. Not by a long shot. But better. He’s eating again. Sleeping more. Actually showing up to meetings. The anger in his voice has dulled — not gone, just folded into something quieter, sadder, but realer.

When he texts you that week —

Come to the race. I need you here.

You almost cry. Because he never used to ask.

You fly in Friday, lowkey and quiet. No paparazzi. No chaos. He picks you up in a hoodie and worn out trainers, the circles under his eyes more honest than any headline.

He doesn’t say much in the car. Just rests his hand on your thigh at a red light and squeezes, like he’s checking to see if you’re real.

You’re staying with him that weekend. The bed is cold. No sex. Just tangled limbs and half whispered memories of nights you barely remember. You fall asleep to the sound of his breathing and wonder when that started being enough.

Race day comes fast. The paddock is buzzing — too bright, too loud. But he wants you there, so you come. You slip on the pass he gave you, the oversized McLaren jacket, your sunglasses. You keep your head down.

He finds you before the driver’s parade. You’re by the back of the garage, sipping water, watching the chaos unfold.

“You good?” he asks, voice low and warm.

You nod. “Are you?”

He shrugs. “Getting there.”

And then, “I’m glad you came.”

And then, “I don’t know if I would’ve made it through this week if you didn’t.”

You don’t say anything. Just slide your fingers between his and squeeze. A photographer snaps a shot you’ll both pretend not to notice.

During the race, you watch from the garage. Nails biting into your palm, eyes on every sector, every lap. You cheer when he overtakes. Your heart climbs into your throat when he locks up slightly at Turn 10. The crew gives you a nod when he comes in for a clean stop. You feel everything. And for once, you let yourself. When he crosses the line — P4 — it’s not a podium, but it’s a finish. A damn good one. You exhale like you’ve been holding your breath for years.

He finds you after media. Helmet hair, race suit half unzipped, skin flushed from adrenaline and exhaustion. And when he sees you — really sees you — his face cracks open in a way the cameras never catch. No jokes. No press smiles. Just rawness. He pulls you into a hug so tight your ribs ache.

And into your hair, he whispers,

“We did it.”

You nod against his chest, eyes stinging.

“Yeah. We did.”

—

It had been weeks since the race. Weeks since you and Lando swore you’d keep going — clean, sober, together. Weeks of morning check-ins and long, quiet nights. Weeks of avoiding temptation like it lived under your skin.

And it was working. Sort of.

You were tired, but functional. Lando was focused, if a little hollow. You were making it through each day with aching effort and brittle hope. You had even started eating small things again — a banana here, some soup there. Just enough to keep the dizziness at bay. Just enough to convince your manager you were “getting better.”

But the truth was… you weren’t.

The modeling world doesn’t care about “recovery.” It cares about bones and collarbones. It cares about angles and sample sizes. And you were trying — but your body was done trying for you. You were mid-way through a shoot in Paris when everything went sideways.

You didn’t feel the moment coming. One minute you were standing in front of the lights, makeup perfect, spine held straight by willpower and spite. The next, your vision was tunneling and the floor was rushing toward you. You hit the concrete hard.

Cameras flashed. Stylists screamed. Someone dropped their iced coffee and gasped like that was the real tragedy. The medics came. The studio was cleared. Your phone was unlocked by someone who barely knew your last name. They called Lando.

He got the call just after FP2. His race suit was still clinging to him, hair damp, body sore — but none of that registered when he saw your name flash across his screen. It wasn’t your voice. It was someone from the agency.

Words like “collapsed,” “dehydrated,” “not responsive.”

He didn’t hear the rest. He stumbled back into the McLaren motorhome like he’d been hit in the chest. Pushed past press officers. Ignored his engineer. Locked himself in the bathroom and stared at his reflection like it might offer a reason not to fall apart.

You passed out. You weren't eating. He should’ve seen it coming. He wanted to get on the next plane to Paris. But the race was in less than 48 hours. And they wouldn’t let him leave. So instead, he relapsed.

It was slow, stupid. A numbing kind of panic that led to desperate movement. He found the old bottle buried deep in his travel bag. He stared at it for almost an hour. He texted you. No answer. Called again. Straight to voicemail. And the fear twisted into something uglier than grief — helplessness. He cracked the seal. Took two.

When your eyes fluttered open hours later in a sterile white hospital room, the first thing you saw was the IV. The second was your manager pacing outside the door. The third was Lando’s name — 10 missed calls. You could barely lift your head, but you reached for your phone anyway.

And when you saw his last message, your heart cracked open.

If you die, I’ll go with you. I can’t do this without you.

And beneath it, another message, sent hours later-

“I’m sorry. I slipped. I just… I didn’t know if you’d wake up.”

You cried. Because it should’ve been you holding him through the relapse. Because he had been trying so hard. Because this wasn’t recovery, it was survival. And even survival was slipping.

Somewhere, hundreds of miles away, Lando sat on the edge of a pristine hotel bed with his head in his hands, high out of his mind and sobbing. He didn’t want the high. He just wanted the noise to stop. He just wanted you to be okay. He didn’t feel better. Not even numb. Just empty. And it was then — in the silence between his shallow breaths — that he realized…the cycle wasn’t broken. It had just gotten quieter.

—

You wake up to the sound of the door creaking open. It’s been two days since the collapse. Two days of IV drips, quiet nurses, and a blurred timeline of stern lectures and shallow breathing. You’re better, technically. Awake. Alive. But not okay.

The room is pale and too still. It smells like antiseptic and synthetic lavender. The flowers on the windowsill weren’t yours — someone dropped them off this morning, anonymous and beautiful. And then he walks in. Lando.

He’s wearing the hoodie you stole from his Monaco apartment last winter — oversized and threadbare — and he looks like shit. Eyes puffy. Lips dry. He doesn’t have the energy to pretend this isn’t the worst version of both of you. You sit up slowly, instinctively tucking your knees under the blanket like shame can be hidden that easily.

“Hi,” you manage.

He closes the door behind him but doesn’t move closer. Just stares at you like he’s trying to memorize your face in case it disappears again.

“You didn’t answer my calls.”

You swallow. “I couldn’t. I… didn’t want to say anything until I knew I was okay.”

“You weren’t okay,” he snaps. “You aren’t okay. You passed out, YN.”

The silence is brutal.

“You said you were eating again,” he adds, voice cracking halfway through. “You lied to me.”

You look away, throat tight. “You relapsed too.”

He flinches. “Because I thought you were going to die.”

“You think I didn’t want to die?” you shoot back before you can stop yourself. “You think I fucking wanted to be here?”

His jaw clenches. He walks across the room, grabs the back of the chair beside your bed, but doesn’t sit.

“You’re not allowed to say that to me,” he mutters. “Not when you knew how close I was to breaking. Not when you promised—”

“I was breaking!” you yell. “Every time I looked in the mirror, all I saw was failure. Headlines telling me I was too fat, too messy, too washed-up at twenty-four. I couldn’t eat without hearing their voices in my head, Lando. I couldn’t fucking breathe.”

Tears slip down your cheeks. You don’t wipe them. He’s quiet for a beat. And then, in the smallest voice you’ve ever heard from him-

“And I couldn’t do any of it without you.”

You blink. “What?”

He steps closer. Slowly. Like he’s afraid of what’s about to come out of his own mouth.

“I used to think you were just the person I used to forget the worst parts of myself. The drugs. The sex. The late nights.” He breathes in. “But it’s not that anymore.”

You stare at him, heart in your throat.

“You’re not something I use to numb the pain,” he whispers. “You are the pain. And the comfort. And the chaos. And the only thing that’s made me feel fucking alive in months.”

His voice breaks. “I think I love you.”

The air is still. He finally sinks into the chair beside your bed, shoulders caving in like the confession took everything out of him. You don’t speak. Because you don’t know how to respond. Because some part of you always feared this moment — feared that the mess you made together might actually be real. That love might exist inside the cycle. That someone could look at you, hollowed and hurting, and still call it love. Lando doesn’t push you. He just stares at the floor, picking at the string of his sleeve.

“Say something,” he whispers finally.

But you can’t.

So you just reach out — trembling fingers brushing over his knuckles — and hold his hand like it’s the only thing keeping you tethered to the world. You don’t say I love you back. But you stay. And right now, that’s the loudest truth you have.

—

You don’t have your phone anymore.

Not really. It was taken at intake, handed over with your makeup bag and the clutch of anxiety meds you’d been hoarding in your luggage “just in case.” You gave it up with shaking hands and a hollow chest. Somewhere in the distance, your name still echoed across headlines. But in here, it didn’t matter.

This place is all beige walls and early mornings. You sleep in a twin bed with sheets that smell like lemon detergent, and you sit in group therapy circles with girls who look just like you — too perfect, too thin, too tired.

You talk. Not all the time. But enough. You talk about the emptiness. The perfectionism. The terrifying high of disappearing and the unbearable crash of still being here. You don’t say Lando’s name — not at first. But he haunts the edges of everything. His hoodie is still the only thing you wear to sleep.

Some nights, you cry. Some mornings, you scream. Some days, you just breathe. It’s more progress than you’ve made in years.

Lando’s world doesn’t stop — Formula 1 doesn’t pause for pain. So he keeps racing. But something’s changed in him too. He doesn’t go out after practice anymore. Doesn’t disappear between sessions. There are no new girls, no blurry club photos, no gossip-worthy moments. He’s… quiet. Focused. Haunted. His team notices. So does his therapist.

Yes, therapist. Zak insisted. After Miami. After the relapse. After the look in Lando’s eyes started resembling burnout instead of bravado. And, reluctantly, he agreed.

At first, he sat through the sessions in silence, arms crossed, jaw clenched. But then the woman — her name was Dana — asked him a question that made something snap.

“What would it mean to love someone who might not survive loving you back?”

He cried. For the first time in years. And then he started talking. About the pressure. The fame. The way winning felt empty now and losing felt like the end of the world. About the way you looked in the hospital bed, wrists thinner than the IV line, eyes so tired but still there — still trying.

He talks about the pills. The sex. The high that used to feel like relief and now feels like shame. And, quietly, he talks about love. Not like it’s a promise — more like a wound he can’t stop touching.

They send letters now. Not texts. Not emails. Actual pen and paper letters that get reviewed by staff and delivered like old secrets. He writes to you after every race. Sometimes just a few lines—

P6. You would’ve said the helmet looked cool today. I’m still sober. Still tired. But I’m trying. Miss you. — L

You sends him drawings, mostly. Little sketches of the view outside your window. Notes in the margins—

Today I ate an entire sandwich. It scared me. But I did it. You’d be proud.

I miss hearing your heartbeat when I couldn’t find mine. I’m not ready for “I love you,” but I’m not afraid of it anymore either.

Please keep trying. I’ll meet you there. Eventually.

We are healing. Separately. But not apart. Not really. You count the days until you can leave — not because you want to run, but because you want to live again. To feel again. To see him again, clear eyed and real and maybe finally whole. He keeps showing up to the track. To therapy. To life. And every time he gets back in the car, he whispers before lights out, like a ritual—

For her. For me. For us.

It’s not perfect. But for once — for the first time — it’s not a cycle. It’s a beginning.

—

The world looks different on the outside. Not brighter, not softer. Just… clearer. Like someone cleaned the glass between you and everything else.

You’re not fixed — everyone in treatment made sure you understood that. There’s no magic milestone, no final day that turns pain into peace. But you’ve reached a point where you’re not surviving despite the feelings anymore — you’re surviving with them. And that’s something.

You walk out of the center with a suitcase, a discharge folder, and a goodbye hug from the nurse who used to sit with you when you couldn’t sleep. You haven’t worn makeup in over a month. Your hair is tied back in a bun. You look… human. For the first time in ages. You don’t tell Lando you’re coming.

You’ve rewritten your “I love you” a hundred times in your head — not like a grand confession, but like a careful gift, one you’re not entirely sure he’s ready to open. Or if you are. But you book the flight anyway. One way. To Monaco.

He doesn’t expect the knock. It’s late — nearly midnight — and he’s in one of his hoodies, sitting on the couch, eyes half-shut from a week of racing and back to back therapy sessions. There’s a half written letter to you on the coffee table. He hasn’t mailed it yet. When he opens the door and sees you — real, standing there, smaller than he remembers but glowing in a way he’s never seen before — his breath just stops.

“Hi,” you whisper.

He blinks once, twice, like he’s afraid you’ll vanish.

And then he exhales. “You’re here.”

You nod. Your eyes are already glassy. “I’m okay.”

He pulls you in before he can say anything else — arms wrapping around you like instinct, like muscle memory, like home. You melt into him. You smell like clean cotton and plane air and a life that doesn’t hurt quite as much anymore.

“I missed you,” he mumbles into your hair.

“I missed you too,” you whisper. “So much.”

You sit on the couch in silence for a while. Not awkward — just sacred. You hold his hand and trace small shapes into the back of it like your fingers forgot how to stop missing him. Then you finally speak.

“I love you.”

His head snaps toward you, like he didn’t expect it.

You say it again. Slower. Truer.

“I love you, Lando.”

He doesn’t speak. His throat bobs. His grip on your hand tightens, just slightly.

“But I’m scared,” you admit. “I’m scared that if we go back to the way things were, we’ll lose ourselves again. That we’ll drag each other down. That we’ll confuse love for dependency.”

He nods slowly. His voice is low, rough- “I’m scared too.” You meet his eyes — those tired, beautiful eyes that saw you at your lowest and didn’t look away.

“But I don’t want to live in fear anymore,” you say. “And I don’t want to live without you.”

He lets out a shaky breath, like he’s been holding it for weeks.

“We don’t have to go back,” he whispers. “We build something new. Slower. Smarter. Softer. No highs, no crashes. Just… us.”

You nod. A tear slips down your cheek, and this time, you let it fall. He wipes it away with his thumb, gently.

“I don’t want you to be my escape,” he says. “I want you to be my reason.”

You close your eyes and lean into his palm.

“I want that too.”

That night, you don’t fall into old habits. You don’t numb anything. You sleep curled up next to him, fully clothed, his hand resting over your heart like he’s guarding it. And for the first time in what feels like years, your dreams are quiet.

—

months later...

It’s strange, the way peace can feel unfamiliar at first. Like wearing a dress that used to hang off your frame — now it fits. And that alone feels like rebellion. You wake up most mornings beside him, and the air is quiet. Not heavy. Not desperate. Just calm.

His hand usually finds yours under the sheets before either of you even open your eyes. It’s instinct now. Like breathing. Like choosing to stay. Lando makes coffee the way you like it. You fold his laundry while watching race replays on his laptop.

It’s normal. Uneventful. Safe. But more than anything else — it’s real.

He’s doing well. Not just on track, but off it too. Still going to therapy. Still checking in. Still sober. Some nights are harder than others — you both know that. But there are fewer secrets now. Less shame.

You write again. Sketch. Eat. Exist. You laugh more. You cry less. You look in the mirror and see a person you’re learning to love — not a ghost. Sometimes people ask if the two of you are “still together.”

As if the world only expects passion if it’s breaking things. As if surviving each other doesn’t count. You don’t give them answers. You don’t owe them that. But if they looked close enough, they’d know. The way he looks at you across the paddock — that smile, soft and full of memory. The way your hand always ends up in his before lights out. The way you whisper “I’m okay” and mean it now.

You think about the song sometimes— Novacane. Even listen to it from time to time. The pattern of destruction you used to so closely live to Hell, you used to live inside it. The numbness. The quiet kind of destruction.

You used to need the high to forget how bad everything felt. You used to use sex to convince yourself you are worthy of life— of love. To forget all the little things that built up inside of you over the course of one day. You used to use drugs— pills, cocaine— anything to calm your nerves and rid your mind of all the bad press, the horrible comments, the overall stress of being a person in fame. You and him used to use each other to make some fucked up form of ‘happiness’.

You don’t anymore. Lando said it best a few weeks ago, while you both sat on the balcony of the Monaco apartment, wrapped in one blanket, your legs tangled together as the sun sank into the sea—

“You were never the high. You were what reminded me I deserved to come down.”

You smiled at him, rested your head on his shoulder, and let that be enough. Because you’re not perfect. He isn’t either. But together? You’re present. You’re healing. You’re free. And that’s better than any high you ever chased.

[date-everything-has-taken-over]

Hi hi hiii I wasnwondering if u could do a fic thing where reader is basically dating most dateables n one day they (the reader) basically ends up feeling extremely sick from not taling care of theirself properly, running around to fix stuff, starting a new part-time job, going out with new friends. Could some of the characters included be dorian, eddie & volt, hector and whoever else? Pls and thank uu!!

Gonna add Barry and Betty because I think they'd fit in very well with this case (And they're my babygirls)

Dorian🚪

● One of the first to notice something was off

●After losing your job at Valdivian, you had gotten two part-time jobs to make up for it, and it was beginning to take its toll

●He was the kne to see you before you walked through the front Dorian. Before you would take a deep breath and put on your best, "everything's okay" face

●He'd try his best to convince you to give yourself a break and get some well needed rest, but you kept reassuring him you'd be fine

●Well, he was right. After one too many overtime shifts combined with coming home to help everyone with their problems resulting in many sleepless nights, you come home and practically collapsed in the front hallway

●"Right, that's it. You're taking a couple days off work and resting"

●Unfortunately, he's still the front door, so he can't take you to bed himself, but bedroom Dorian will take things from there

●If you thought he was like a bouncer before, you haven't seen anything yet.

●A dateable wants to see you. "Are you on the list?" "What do you need with them?" "You're not gonna cause a fuss are ya?"

●He even contemplates moving the hanks downstairs. Sure, they're usually in your room, but they're so loud. He gives them a stern warning (which scares them just a bit) and let's them stay

●He makes sure the house is safe and that your room is the pinical of peace

●"Autherized personal only" Dorian blocks anyone trying to get in, but especially the more rowdy members of the house

●"Darling, you never believe what I heard about Hoove!" Scandalabra tries yelling through Dorian, which was followed by a suspicious thud (I'm sure it's nothing to worry abt)

●Until he sees you're 100% better, Dorian doesn't let you out of his sight (not that he does that anyway). Going to the kitchen for chicken soup? He's got an eye on you just in case

●When you actually do recover, he's making sure you don't get yourself in the same issue and makes you promise not to push yourself

●"It's not just my job to keep you safe from the outside world, love." He holds you close to him, enveloping you in a warm hug. "I will always be there to keep you safe from all danger"

●Even after you're better and going back to work, he's checking on you every chance he gets, reminding you to eat and sleep at a reasonable time

●He may not woo with words as much as other dateables, but he shows how much he loves you every day by being a safe and reliable presence for you

Eddie & Volt⚡️

●Work was short-staffed, and with it being busy season, you were picking up extra shifts almost every day

● They know overworked when they see it, so when you show up to the club, noticeably tired, they clock you right away

●Volt takes a seat next to you, placing his lips on the side of you head

"You know we're always happy to see you, live wire-"

Eddie cuts him off

"-But you look dead tired, go to bed"

● Volt chuckles, wrapping his arms around you and pulling you onto his lap

"Our live wire doesn't need to leave to rest, do they?" He brings you closer. "You can relax right here, live wire"

●After that night, Eddie stopped letting you help out around the club

"Don't worry about it, alright? You look like you're about to fall over anyway"

●Eddie acts tough, but he's checking on you and bringing you water every time you visit the Breaker Box after work

●When everything catches up to you and you actually do end up getting sick enough to take a couple of days off work while stuck in bed, they're both worried (and a little pissed)

●They've seen you running around the house helping everyone, fixing things around the house, settling arguments between other members of the house so they have a pretty good idea of how you ended up like this

●They check on you every day to make sure you're doing alright

●If you're not awake when they come by, you'll wake up to find a glass of water, Nyquill, and a note

'Rest well, live wire -E&V

●After a couple of days of bedrest, you return to the club, and they're happy to see you doing well

●They've both accepted you're too nice to say no to helping everyone in the house, so how do they remedy this?

●By practically keeping you hostage in the club for the next couple of days (Can't get exhausted again if they just keep you at the Breaker Box)

●Eddie still refuses to let you help out even if you insist

"And you get on me for not taking a break," he sets a glass in front of you. "Little hypocritical, don't ya think?"

●He places a gentle kiss on the top of your head, keeping close for a moment before going to the back to do maintenance

●They may be busy running the club, but never too busy for you, and they make sure to remind you

Hector💨

●Also, very quick to notice

●He was very worried when he noticed how much slower you seemed lately

●Asks how you're doing multiple times a day. Never believes you when you say you're fine but he doesn't wanna push it and upset you

●Fully panics when he sees you collapse after walking through front Dorian

●The temperature spikes for a moment until he calms down

●He doesn't leave your side for a moment

●Takes extra care to keep the temperature at a comfortable level for you

●You don't even have to say anything. Ate you pulling the blanket closer to you? Heat up. Are you kicking away the sheets? Air on.

●He so badly wants to be there with you. To hold you and comfort you. But he's still terrified to leave the vents

●He's slightly soothed knowing Betty is taking very good care of you (but also kinda jealous)

●In the middle of the night, when he's sure everyone is asleep, he sits beside your bed, watching as your breath rises and falls

● He brushes your hair aside, admiring your beautiful face (even though it's sick and sweaty, he doesn't care)

●Before leaving, he gives your forehead a kiss. "Feel better soon, my love."

● If someone tried disturbing you or kept you awake, he'd turn the heat up in the room they're in to be petty

●When you're well enough to get out of bed, he's overcome with both joy and anxiety

●Joy because you're well enough to see him in the attic now. He can hold you again (and you can watch him turn bright red as you kiss his face)

● But anxious because, what if this happens again? What if the human keeps pushing themselves? What if it's WORSE next time?!

●He begs you to slow down and not push yourself too hard. To give yourself more free time and rest more often

●The look he gives you is like a kicked puppy, and you just can't help but hold him close and promise to take care of yourself better

●He clings to you for a bit before you leave the attic to go to bed "Rest well, my love."

● When you finally go back to work, he anxiously waits for your return, watching Timmy just a little too closely

●When you finally return, he observes your every move to see if you look tired or overwhelmed

●If not, good. But if you look any kind of distressed, he's whisking you away to the attic to cuddle, then practically dragging you to bed at the end of the day

●You're honestly a little surprised since he's normally not this bold face-to-face

●Even long after recovery, it becomes a new routine. If you come home tired, he's attaching himself to you koala style

Barry💄

● Well, technically, he noticed pretty quickly when he'd see you so exhausted every morning, buuuuut then he forgot and would notice all over again each morning

●Feels terrible when you come home sick and remain bedridden for days

●He's almost too nervous to visit you, scared you'd be mad at him

●"Are you feeling alright, darling?" He peeks into your room, "Anything I can do to help?"

●When you tell him you'd just like to hear his voice and that you love it when he goes on little rants about whatever he's obsessed with at the moment, his whole face turns red

●"Oh! W-well, that's, um, very n-nice, darling." He laughs nervously. He takes a moment to compose himself. "I 'm-I'm glad you enjoy hearing me talk. I'm happy to keep you company, darling."

●Since you're stuck in bed with nothing to do, Baeey is happy to keep you company while you recover

● He'll talk about just about anything that interests him at the time. Makeup, toucans, history, lions, movies. He's also happy to listen if you have anything to yap about

● If you're not able to shower, he'll brush your hair so it doesn't get too knotted while you're sick, taking care to be extra gentle.

●It's so soothing you send up falling asleep. He brings the covers over your body and turns the lights off, letting you sleep peacefully

●Before leaving, he leans down to kiss your cheek "Goodnight, darling."

● You may or may not have woken up with a lipstick smudge on your cheek, but you certainly didn't mind

●When you're feeling better, Barry helps you through your post-sick self-care routine. Warm bath, skin care, hair care

●Helps you with your bath so you don't fall asleep, definitely not because he wants to rub your soapy body noooo definitely not

Betty🛌

●She noticed right away. You've barely been sleeping and even when you do, you toss and turn all night.

●She tries to get you to come to bed early, but you're busy helping around the house. Then she tried getting you to sleep in, but you got called into work early.

●This repeated a couple of times until you stumbled into your room and fell onto her.

●She's happy to be able to spend so much time with you, but she wishes it weren't under such conditions.

●She holds you close, your head just under her chin and your face against her chest (awooga). She's somehow the perfect temperature for when you're cold or overheating.

●She'll gently stroke your head and hum softly until you fall asleep.

● When you wake up, she looks down at you and brings a hand to your cheek. "Good morning, lover." She presses a gentle kiss on your forehead. "I'm afraid I can't let you go anywhere until I'm sure you're better." Her gentle voice makes it seem like a joke, but you know she's serious.

● You wouldn't have thought to leave anyway, you could barely move, and your whole body felt achy but more importly Betty was just so damn sweet and comfortable.

●Ngl it's mostly sleeping and cuddleng with you and occasanaly getting food

●When you finally felt better, she convinced you to take an extra rest day with her "just in case"

Sorry, Betty's is so short! I couldn't think of much for her

[lyricwritesprose]

Oh. So I was the bad guy.

I hadn't meant to be the bad guy. I don't suppose anyone does. But in addition to remembering things like the throne and the armies and the crown of fire (which I knew how to summon, now, and also had a feeling it would be a very bad idea), I remember the utter rage. You think that ruling the world would get rid of rage. Everyone knows what happened to the last person who annoyed you because the crows are still at the bits, so surely everyone around you would take care not to offend and everything would work smoothly and it would all be all right. If you can crush everyone and nobody can crush you (old memories of a dungeon, a torturer, the man who took me as an apprentice because that would hurt my weakling original father worst of all) then everything would be all right and you would be happy.

Right?

Doesn't work that way. There's always more to be angry at. Always something.

And despite a very large portion of my mind being just a scream right now (is that anger or fear? Do I know? Have I ever known?) I didn't want to go back.

It had been good here.

I did have to do something about these bandits, though.

The first was holding a sword on Aia, so I grabbed the sword and snapped it in the middle. Should have been enough to tell all of them that they were engaging in an act of stupidity. But the thing about bandits is that they're usually desperate. Since the Empire of the Undying fell, and right now I am not going to deal with that being my fault in several different ways at once, there have been lots of bandits, mostly because minor kings are generally bone stupid enough to give a man a sword and a job and then not pay him afterwards, and what the fuck did they think was going to happen, heavily armed tea parties? Look, they used to say that a child could carry a bag of gold from one end of the Empire to another without being bothered by anything more than well-meaning busybodies, and that wasn't just because of all the impaling and necromantic punishments, it was because my fucking soldiers. Got. Paid. Idiots.

I was woolgathering, and I shouldn't be, because one of the bandits was coming at me with a mace, which I took away from him and broke his ribs with, more because that behavior was extremely rude than because he was any kind of threat to me. Threw it at the head of the bandit leader in the back yelling, "He can't get us all!" First of all, it wasn't true, and second, even if I couldn't get them all, I could most certainly get him. I dodged a sword, broke the arm of the bandit wielding it, and—since Aia couldn't see me—let my eyes flare up a little.

They bolted. Injured members hindmost. The cads.

I sighed, and carefully got my eyes under control, and turned to face Aia.

Oh. Right. That was the other thing about being the Undying. You didn't have any friends. People said they were. But you could see it in their eyes, hear the undercurrent of please no please no please no in the magic. (So was that scream anger, or fear, or loneliness?)

The thing about Aia is that she takes care of things. I don't think she can help it. Orphaned birds. Orphaned deer. Orphaned overlords. Not that she knew about that one. It didn't give me much of a chance, but maybe—

I looked down at the hand I had grabbed the sword with and told it it to stop being quite as invulnerable for right now if it knew what was good for it. "I'll go," I said quietly. "If you want. I'd like some salve, but I don't have to stay here." I held up my hand with its newly manifested fake sword wound.

Which was dishonest of me, yes. On the other hand, the need in her to fix things was every bit as strong as the need I'd had to crush them, and—I don't know—I thought that maybe it would put her on firmer ground? Control is the only thing I know of that fixes the screaming. I didn't know what I was going to do about that on my end of things, I knew I didn't want to go back, but—I also wanted to fix the screaming a little bit for her. To let her control something.

"Oh." She beckoned me back towards the house. "Oren, you're going to turn all my hair gray, do you know that? Why would you do something so risky?"

Oren is very much not my name. "I was scared," I admitted. (Hadn't said that since I became an apprentice, the old man was weak, I wasn't weak, I wasn't going to be weak, someday I was going to…) "Why didn't you stay inside? I could have talked to them."

"Then they would have threatened you."

"Better for me to get a little hurt than you get hurt. There's—I'm—look, it's important that you stay safe, all right?"

"I swear I think you might have been a knight," Aia said, and held the door absently so I could follow her into the kitchen.

I had not been a knight. I was very, very much not any kind of a knight.

I wasn't going to tell her that today, though.

Found memoryless in a forest, you lived for years on a widow’s farm. She tried everything to help you remember. Nothing worked until the day you saw her held at swordpoint, and your true identity came rushing back.

[em1i2a3]

Soak Up The Sun

Pairing: Bob/Robert Reynolds/The Sentry/The Void x Thunderbolts!Fem!Reader

Summary: You and the team are on vacation in Mexico–Val’s treat for staying out of trouble–and Bob ends up getting a brutal sunburn after refusing to wear sunscreen.

Warnings: Just pure fluff here, Descriptions of Sunburns, Bob is in pain in this one (bros please wear SUNSCREEN) Bob and Reader are in an established relationship, Bob’s a bit sassy in this lol.

Author’s Note: In keeping up with the theme of being in scorching hot climates, I decided that this would be a great little blurb to do! I just found it to be a nice little thing to release and write as a little break from my Bob Floyd fic today. I loved writing this little thing and adored the little hint of sassy Bob I decided to throw in there cause the man does have some sass I think. I can’t wait to post my next thing tomorrow, I’m so excited for it! Cause on Friday we’ve got another crazy double update circuit and I cannot wait!

Word Count: 2,856

“Bob…” Your voice was low, a plea edged with exasperation as you leaned one hip against the dresser, sunscreen bottle in hand, “Please…You’re literally going to scorch. I forgot to reapply yesterday and I literally felt my skin cooking. I could’ve sworn I smelled burning flesh.”

From across the hotel room, Bob groaned like you were asking him to give up his freedom instead of just–god forbid–apply a thin layer of SPF. He was standing near the sliding door that led to the balcony, the golden morning sun caught the tousled edges of his damp light brown locks. His thin cover up–white linen, of course–hung open and loose over his chest, clinging slightly where his skin was still warm from the shower you both took. His swim trunks were a deep navy, already wrinkled from him sitting cross-legged on the bed earlier trying to fix the drawstrings so they were even.

His bare chest–pale in all it’s glory–was on full display, freckled and defenseless. And still, he had the audacity to shrug lazily and say “My skin is us–used to the sun. I’ll be fine Y/N.” You stared at him with wide eyes, absolutely aghast by what he had just said.

”Used to the sun?” You repeated, “Bob…My love…Light of my life…The only thing your skin is used to right now is fluorescent lighting and being covered by hoodies, long sleeved shirts, and sweaters year–round…This isn’t New York.” He scratched the back of his neck, his face turning a blush red from all the things you had just called him, clearly trying not to grin, and slowly you watched his eyes soften. It was the look he always gave to you when he wanted to entice you for a kiss–or for when he wanted to convince you to let him do what he wanted.

”Bob. Don’t give me that look. You’re really going to end up getting burned. Put the damn sunscreen on.” He raised his hands as if he was surrendering, but instead he took a step towards the hotel room door.

“Y/N…I’ll be fi–fine. I’m just going to be an hour or two…Maybe less.” You advanced a single step towards him,

“Robert.” You said sternly, which made his lips quirk up into a smile.

”Ou…Using my fu–full name now…We're getting serious hmm?” You squinted at him.

“You’re pushing it.” You warned, still following his movements. You kept your distance, calculating your angle. If you needed to tackle him, you’d need room for a solid launch. The carpet was thick, cushioned enough to minimize injury. Bob’s eyes flicked nervously to your stance, and you knew he saw it too–the calculation behind your silence. You saw his hand move to rest subtly on the doorknob behind him, fingers curling around it slowly.

“I will literally tackle you to the ground in the middle of the damn resort if you don’t protect your skin.” Your voice dropped into dangerous territory. Low. Even. With just enough heat to make his brow glisten.

Bob paused. His hand froze on the handle, knuckles paling.

“Va–Val won’t appreciate us getting into trouble here…” He started, slowly. “Remember sh–she booked this trip for the team so that we could unwind and relax… If we get shipped back to New York for–for stirring things up, Val isn’t going to be happy.”

You arched a brow, stalking closer.

“You know who she really won’t be happy with?” You asked, voice sharp as cracked ice. “You, if you come back looking like the color of Elmo, Bob.”

He groaned like your logic physically pained him. “I do–don’t burn! I tan.” You laughed, short and disbelieving, crossing your arms in front of you.

“Bob, I’ve only ever seen you in different shades of red. Crimson. Rose gold. That one time it was practically cherry Kool-Aid. I’ve never seen you tan. Ever.”

His hand finally gripped the doorknob. Turned it.

And then he had the audacity to smirk–smirk–with a crooked, sheepish sort of charm that softened the edges of his face and made your heart annoyingly ache just beneath your ribs.

“Th–That’s because you never fail to ma–make me blush…”

Your mouth opened, already halfway to a flustered retort–

But the door was already swinging.

“Sorry, I love you, I’ll se–see you in an hour!” he called out breathlessly, bolting into the hallway like a man running from the scene of a crime.

You stood there in stunned silence, sunscreen still clutched in your hand like a grenade with the pin pulled.

“BOB REYNOLDS–”

But it was too late, he was gone, and all you could hear was the hurried slap of bare feet on tile echoing down the corridor.

The door clicked shut gently behind him, like it didn’t just bear witness to your complete defeat, and you let out a dramatic groan, walking to the edge of the bed tossing down the sunscreen onto the thin comforter before dropping face-first into the mattress, climbing up to Bob’s side of the bed, smelling his aftershave–lemon, and mint–on the pillow that he had laid on the night before. You reached for your phone and opened the group chat.

You: If any of you bozos see Bob around please slather him in sunscreen, he’s going to come back looking like a piece of bacon if you don’t.

——————————

The hours had slipped by.

You were curled in the hammock strung up just outside the balcony doors, a paperback in one hand and a half-melted drink in the other. The sun above Mexico had climbed to its highest point, casting everything in that harsh, white-hot glare that made even the breeze feel like it passed through an oven first. Fortunately, you had stationed yourself smartly beneath the wide circle of your umbrella, skin protected, mind adrift in the haze of heat and fictional drama.

The quiet lull of your page-turning was broken by the snick of the hotel door unlocking.

You froze mid-sentence.

Then came the unmistakable shuffle of bare feet dragging across the carpet. Slow. Heavy. The rhythm of a man whose body had turned against him.

You glanced over your shoulder just as the glass door slid open again.

Bob stood there, blinking at the floor like it might shift under his feet. His white linen shirt was wrinkled and clinging in places, damp from sweat. His chest, his arms, even the tops of his cheeks—all a warm, flushed hue of pink that hadn’t been there when he’d left. His light brown curls stuck slightly to his forehead, limp from heat and water.

“See?” he murmured, voice low and sleepy. “I di–didn’t burn.”

You narrowed your eyes, slipping out of the hammock with a sigh and placing your book on the patio table. “You sound like you’re on the brink of heat stroke. Lay down on the bed. Let me get you some water.”

He shuffled past you like a man barely conscious, a wilted version of the smug idiot who’d bolted out this morning. You opened the mini fridge, pulled out one of the chilled water bottles, twisted the cap off–and turned just in time to catch the full, pathetic glory of Bob Reynolds trying to climb onto the bed like it was covered in spikes.

He was moving in slow motion–elbows bent weird, hips at a funny angle, legs dragging like they’d stopped cooperating.

You arched a brow, unimpressed. “You sure you’re not burned? Because you’re definitely doing the ‘I’m burned’ crawl onto that bed of ours.”

“No…” He breathed. His curls fell forward, sticking to his flushed forehead. “No, I’m fine. Just di–dizzy.”

You sighed through your nose as you crossed the room.

He flopped onto his back like it took everything in him, a soft huff of air escaping his lungs as he sank into the mattress. His arm flopped across his chest dramatically, and he looked up at you like a dying Victorian debutante.

You handed him the water wordlessly, and he chugged it in seconds, neck arched, throat working in big, frantic swallows. You watched with your hands on your hips.

“Yeah…” You muttered. “You’re either dehydrated or about to pass out from sun exposure.”

You reached out to touch his arm.

And jerked your hand back instantly.

“Jesus Christ, Bob…” You gasped. “You are burned! You’re boiling!”

He shook his head weakly, eyes fluttering closed as the empty water bottle rolled off his chest. “It’s no–not painful though.”

“Not yet!” You snapped, rubbing your fingertips against your shorts like the heat still clung to them. “Sunburns don’t always show up right away. It usually takes a bit of time. You goof…You’re probably going to blister.” Bob made a soft sound somewhere between a groan and a whimper, curling in slightly on himself. The movement clearly hurt him–his jaw clenched, and his whole body flinched with it.

“I… I th–thought I’d just get a little color,” He said, eyes still closed, lips dry and cracked.

You sighed and sat beside him, pressing a hand gently to his forehead. Still way too hot. He didn’t protest your touch now–just blinked up at you, cheeks bright and flushed with the early burn.

“You’re gonna regret this in about an hour,” You muttered.

He reached for your hand sluggishly, curling his fingers around yours. “I al–already do…Sorry I didn’t listen.” You brushed his sweat-damp locks back from his forehead with your free hand, heart squeezing despite yourself. You let out a breath somewhere between a huff and a sigh, brushing your thumb along the back of his hand.

“You’re lucky I remembered to bring aloe vera with me…”

Bob cracked a faint smile, eyes still closed, his voice hoarse and wobbly.

“Be–Because you knew I’d be stubborn?”

You rolled your eyes but didn’t deny it. “Exactly.” You gave his hand a gentle squeeze, leaning in slightly so he could hear the dry amusement under your exasperation. “Did we learn our lesson, though?”

He nodded against the pillow, light brown curls shifting ever so slightly with the movement. “Al–Always listen to you…”

“Damn right,” You muttered, softening, leaning forward to press a kiss between his flushed brows.

Bob hissed–just a tiny intake of breath–but still smiled underneath it.

“It’s that,” you murmured, brushing your lips over the same spot again, “And always wear sunscreen.” He let out a breathy, tired laugh that made your heart squeeze again. He sounded like he was trying to keep it together through the sheer force of exhaustion and heat.

“Will you help me put so–some of that aloe on now?” He asked, voice low, tentative. “I actually am starting to fe–feel like I’m on fire…And I need to cool off.”

You gave him one more soft kiss between the eyebrows and stood, letting go of his hand.

“Hang tight. I’m gonna go dig it out.”

He made a noise that might’ve been agreement or pain–it was hard to tell at this point.

You padded over to your side of the room and crouched beside your open suitcase, rifling through the tangle of rolled-up swimsuits, cover-ups, soft cotton shorts, and travel-sized chaos. Your fingers finally closed around the cool plastic bottle of aloe, the gel inside sloshing as you pulled it out with a triumphant sigh.

“Got it.”

You turned to face him again, twisting the cap open with one hand and watching as he barely lifted his head from the pillow.

“You’re just burned on your front, right?”

“Ye–Yeah…” He murmured. “I fell asleep on my back.” You paused mid-step.

“…You fell asleep?” He winced, realizing his admission. “So you’re saying this could’ve been even worse?” You added.

Bob made the smallest, most pathetic groan. “Bu–But it’s not worse…” He insisted weakly. “So can you pl–please come here and rub that on my skin now?”

Your lips twitched.

“I should make you wait,” You muttered under your breath. “Just for the drama of it.”

He whimpered. A real one. A sad, miserable little whine that came from deep in his chest.

You sighed again, crossing the room slowly and lowering yourself onto the bed beside him. Bob shifted slowly, groaning as he maneuvered himself upright in the most awkward half-sit of all time. He moved like every inch of him was coated in regret. Still, he reached for you, mumbling something unintelligible as he crawled over and finally laid the full weight of his upper body across your lap.

The heat of him hit you instantly. Not metaphorical heat. Actual radiating body heat–like you were holding a radiator in your lap. The warmth soaked through your thighs, making your skin damp almost instantly, but still…His weight settled into you in that familiar, grounding way. The way it always did.

You exhaled softly, brushing your fingers over his hair again before reaching for the aloe bottle.

With a low pop, you squeezed a generous glob into your hand. The gel was thick and cool, a soft translucent green that shimmered faintly in the sunlight pouring through the window. It smelled faintly of eucalyptus and cucumber–fresh and sharp and oddly calming. A scent meant for soothing. Healing.

You rubbed your palms together to warm it slightly and whispered, “Alright, solar boy… brace yourself.”

You leaned forward and gently pressed your hands to his chest.

His body tensed beneath your touch–muscles flexing instinctively beneath the coolness–before he let out a long, shuddering sigh that sounded like the air had been punched out of him.

“God,” he breathed, “it feels like a piece of ice…Th–that’s so good.”

You smiled softly, brushing your thumbs over the line of his collarbones as you slowly worked the gel into the angry pink flush of his skin.

His eyes fluttered shut, lashes trembling against his cheeks. His body, normally all controlled strength and subtle restraint, was loose now. Boneless. Almost fragile.

“Ha–have I told you that you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me in my en–entire life,” he mumbled, voice drifting somewhere between delirium and sincerity, “and that I don’t deserve such a perfect person like you in my life?”

You snorted, amused despite yourself. “You technically tell me that every day without words.”

He hummed–a low, content sound from somewhere deep in his chest.

You grabbed another cool dollop of aloe and slowly slathered it along the tender skin of his stomach, careful not to press too hard. He flinched only slightly, but didn’t pull away–just let you touch him, soothe him, cool him.

“I love you so much…” He murmured, the words tumbling out like they’d been resting behind his teeth for hours. “And I’m glad that I have you.”

You looked down at him.

His eyes were still closed, face relaxed now. Less pained. His lips were parted slightly, pink and dry and still cracked from too much sun, too much pool water, too much stubborn Bob nonsense.

You bent down slowly, brushing your lips over his gently, careful not to hurt the delicate skin. He responded with the softest twitch of a smile, his hand reaching to weakly brush your thigh where it held his weight.

“I love you too,” You whispered. “And you’re the best thing that’s happened to me as well. Even if you don’t believe it.”

He let out a soft, almost bashful hum, the kind you’d only ever heard when it was just the two of you–quiet and slow and completely unguarded. His head dropped slightly against your stomach, and you felt him melt.

“You’re wa–warm by the way,” He grumbled sleepily.

“Because you turned me into a human heating pad.”

“Still nice…” He slurred, already fading.

You pressed one last kiss into his hairline, then shifted slightly so you could reach for more aloe without displacing him.

“Get some sleep,” You whispered, “You’ve got a long night of whining ahead of you.”

He didn’t answer.

But the weight of him against you was answer enough as he slowly got heavier and heavier against you as your hands continued to work in the aloe.

[cherrychilli]

18+ Eddie Munson x f! reader, idiot friends to lovers, not exactly a meet cute because they already know each other but it's also not not a naughty little meet cute if you get me, face sitting, 69 just not in the way you might think(yet), lots of horny flirting, mentions of blood, minor injury and one tiny meta reference I couldn't help but slip in. WC: 2K

Say what you will about Carol Perkins but the girl's got one hell of an arm. You stare with simmering contempt in your eyes at your purse wedged between the branches of an old, towering hickory several many feet above your head.

You're not surprised by it though. You expected some kind of retaliation after your little spat when you caught her trying to shoplift lip gloss at the cosmetics counter you worked at.

Word travelled fast after that, everyone snickering about how she tried to pull a Winona. Unfortunately for you, the incident wasn't enough to make her swear off five finger discounts. Her sticky little fingers managed to get hold of your purse when you had your back turned for only a few seconds the next day, a crudely scrawled note left behind which read, Come to the woods behind the school if you want your knock off Gucci back.

So you went there anticipating some fight club type of shit to go down. You really couldn't rule that out with a person like Carol, an old school bully to many who went to Hawkins High, especially those unlucky enough to have actually felt the fiery sting of her open palm against their cheek.

Only you were kind of looking forward to this meeting. Now a graduate and a little fired up yourself, you didn't need to worry about anything like a potential expulsion if you were to strike her back, fixing the rings on your fingers so that if you needed to, you could scratch open her chin when you uppercut the bitch.

But Carol wasn't there, a little to your disappointment. Only her handiwork left behind for you to deal with.

So now here you were, a crackling carpet of brittle yellowed and browned leaves crunching under your converse as you try to figure out the best way to go about retrieving your purse, hoping she hadn't also swiped any of the money inside it.

Looking around, you can't seem to spot a stick long enough to try and dislodge it, all of them far too short and skinny like bony witch fingers. The few rocks you try to aim at the thing missed every time too, purse still firmly in place.

So, you knew what needed to be done.

It's been a while since you last scaled a tree but you haven't forgotten how, hiking the skirt of your flared midi dress higher up your thighs while you reach for the closest branch, dry bark crumbling in your palms.

You're as careful as can be, taking your time to test every branch before you bear your full weight down on it, winding your way higher and higher up the thick gray trunk as you remind yourself to not look down.

Sweat beads down your back making your dress stick to your skin and your hands began to feel raw halfway through the climb so the relief you feel when you finally reach your purse is immense. Freeing one hand to pop open the clasp, you're able to confirm that Carol had in fact pinched a 50 which you very much intend to get back with interest before you toss her purse into the middle of lovers lake.

Clamping your teeth down on your purse, you begin your descent, following the exact path you took to get up it only you make it just a few inches lower when you hear a distinct dry snap followed by the shifty sound of footsteps. Two sets of footsteps making their way through the fallen leaves in fact.

Quietly, you sit yourself down on a thick branch that looks strong enough to hold you up, your legs dangling as you try to remain hidden behind the greener leaves yet to turn a shriveled yellow and break off from its branches. The thought of being caught like this is something you're not keen on. Especially at the risk of giving whoever it is an unobstructed up skirt view of your panties.

You hold your breath until they comes into view, recognition dawning on you when you set your eyes on the familiar combo of leather and denim and a very distinct tumbleweed of wild hair.

Eddie Munson, your old classmate and some letter jacket meat slab following in tow. The two of them sit across from each other at the formerly vacant wooden table and bench below, the tinny sound of Eddie's lunchbox echoing all the way up to your ears when he sets it down between them.

You watch quietly and closely at them going back and forth when Eddie quotes his price for a considerably large portion of the devil's lettuce all wrapped up in a thin, flimsy little plastic bag, a little amused seeing him all business and no jokes or smiles. There must be a party happening tonight, you deduce, that much weed too much for just the one person, even for a guy as big and hulking as Eddie's new customer.

The meat slab is the first to leave after digging through his pockets for a few extra dollars until Eddie hands him the stuff, trudging away through the crisp layer of dried up leaves until his footsteps turn muffled and then completely silent to let you know that he's no longer in the woods.

Eddie lingers for a few moments, apparently in no kind of rush as he takes his time closing up the lunch box, pulling out a cigarette and lighter as he gets up from the bench, just about to pass by your tree when-

crack!

The branch you'd perched yourself on wasn't as strong as you thought it to be when it snaps, a choked scream stuck in your throat with your teeth still wrapped around your purse when you lose your balance, your eyes squeezing shut as you plummet.

The impact knocks the wind out of you at first. Luckily you hadn't hit any of the other branches on your way down but a pulsing dull ache weaves it's way through your muscles, your palms and knees dirty and scraped up but your face seems to have landed on something much softer.

When you try to pick yourself up, you find yourself face to face with a pair of black denim jeans, the zipper somehow upside down as your hands press down on a pair of meaty thighs while you try to steady yourself.

You rock back just a bit, still trying to figure it all out with your head all spinny when feel your clothed pussy come to rest on something hard, a puff of hot air blown right into your panties with a muffled exclamation sounding out.

The way you scramble away is almost comical, so frantic like a severed gecko's tail when you figure out that you'd fallen right on top of Eddie, your face in his crotch and his in yours.

"Oh my god oh my god, I didn't mean to- are you okay? Eddie I'm so sorry!"

He's far less jittery than you are, propping himself up on his elbows with a little groan, leaves tangled in his hair, his lunchbox knocked onto its side behind him. The fall had made him bite his cigarette in two, one end lying on the forest floor before it's joined by the other when Eddie spits it out of his mouth. You manage to find his lighter nearby, picking it up and handing it back to him.

"Still in one piece", he pats his chest and he huffs a laugh, placing the lighter back inside his jacket pocket. "Could get used to this. It's not everyday that it rains pretty women."

The flirt. Just as he'd been with you in high school though you're not sure whether to be charmed or embarrassed given the circumstances. So both emotions manage to sneak in before you can decide on which one.

"I- my purse- Carol, see she tried to shoplift, right? I caught her and so my purse-", you find it just behind you, holding it up in front of Eddie's face as you continue to explain. "She lifted it before I could notice and she tossed it all the way up there," you point up at the spot you fell down from. "I slipped. I tried to stay quiet while you were busy but the branch broke and my foot slipped and..."

And what? "I'm sorry I sat on your face, Eddie? It won't happen again?" God, you felt so stupid right now.

"Woah woah, take a breath. It's not like I'm going to press charges or anything", he assures you.

You knew he wouldn't do anything of the sort. Eddie was always nice to you. Still is it seems, even after you so rudely and abruptly body slammed into him so damn hard. Maybe your luck's starting to turn. Or maybe it's just because he's in a good mood after a big sale... Yeah, that must be it.

Feeling a little better about the whole thing, you manage to get yourself back on to your feet even if a little unsteadily, holding a hand out to Eddie so you can help him up too. He accepts it at first but when his eyes fall to your knees his hand slips free from yours.

"You're bleeding", he notices.

Looking down, you see that he's right, two open cuts on both knees. Nothing serious but the blood is yet to clot, trailing down your legs in thin red lines and staining your socks.

You don't have anything on you to help dab it with, looking around when Eddie begins to shed his denim vest.

"It's clean, promise. Took it out of the laundry this morning"

The gesture is so sweet, watching him attentively as he kneels at your feet. You attempt to help too, picking the leaves out of his hair because it's the least you could do while he carefully cleans away the dirt on your skin. The feeling of his hand wrapping around your calf to steady himself is nice too, pressing the denim against your wounds so gently that you barely hiss at the sting.

"Doesn't look too bad. That's a good thing. You always had nice legs".

Your face could not feel any hotter than it already feels right now. At this angle, he might even be able to catch another glimpse or two up your skirt again but this time you don't mind at all. He's earned it.

"Thanks", you tell him with a smile, your toes curling in your socks because there's something so nice about being taken care of after the the whole thing with Carol that it makes you want to shiver with delight.

In the past you knew not to take him too seriously just in case he was only being nice to you but at the same time, Eddie was never one to be shy or less than honest about what he thought or said. Maybe you just had trouble accepting that and in turn, accepting that you were more than deserving of that kind of attention.

"You shouldn't be walking around like this. I could give you a ride if you're cool with that", he offers when he looks back up at you, the deep brown of his eyes now a light cinnamon with the sun spilling down on his face from between the branches.

"Yeah, I'd really appreciate that", you accept eagerly.

The drive back to yours is more than pleasant, though you'd never actually lost touch it was nice for two high school friends like you to reconnect on a new level. Eddie even joins you in trashing Carol a bit too though now you feel you might actually owe that thieving venom spitting cobra of a woman a little thank you.

What were the chances of this all happening? the both of you in the same place at the same time, your branch giving way the exact moment he got closer to you? no sooner, no later. Whatever the reason might be, today feels kind of special.

"Sorry I messed up your vest", you hold up the bloody thing tentatively when he pulls up outside your house.

"You kidding? 's the best its ever looked. Pretty hardcore"

You giggle at that, part of you realizing that you don't want to leave his van, trying to stall and find a reason to stay a little longer and keep whatever this is becoming going.

Eddie looks back at you pensively as you do so.

He doesn't want you to leave either. He thinks about how absurdly fast he'd gone from securing a deal like any other day to having his nose buried in your panties out of nowhere. If he doesn't act just as fast he might never get this opportunity again.

"Y' know, I wouldn't mind seeing even more of you next time", he smiles, somehow coming on more sweetly suave than sleazy like you would find any other man who would say so.

"Eddie Munson, you hound", you play scold him back, swatting him gently on the arm. Any excuse to touch him. You can't help noticing how nice and firm it feels under that dark layer of leather.

Honestly, Eddie's a little surprised himself that his charm's actually working too but manages to keep it up.

"So, what do you say? dinner? movie?", he suggests hopefully.

"Sure. Dinner, movie and then, when you come back to mine, maybe we can pick up where we left off from when I was on top of you", you wink back.

[oaksgrove]

hi love! I hope you're doing alright ♡

im here to request a tiny, little angsty piece. I can picture John being so, so tired from work that he just can't stand being touched, but his beloved needs it so badly, so they go for it (holding his hand) —don't get them wrong, they always ask! but they also had a bad day. John snaps, accidentally smacking their hand away.

little angst, with John comforting withdrawn neurodivergent reader after he accidentally snaps at them, which turns into them comforting each other because "you're tired - no, you are tired", until John moves to seek their touch himself

Tired.

Pairing: John Price x Neurodivergent!Reader

Synopsis: Some days are too much. Too loud, too bright, too sharp. When the world presses in, you don’t need grand gestures. You just need John to understand.

Warning: Sensory overload, brief miscommunication/startled response, hurt/comfort, soft reconciliation

The kettle was screaming again.

High-pitched. Piercing. It had only just started, but it dragged across your nerves like nails on glass. You stood frozen in the doorway of the kitchen, jumper sleeves stretched down past your hands and gripped tight in your fists.

It was just a kettle.

But it wasn’t.

The hallway light was flickering again, same as yesterday, the bulb stuttering in the corner of your vision. The drawer next to the stove was open again—your carefully organized cutlery now out of order, one large spoon stuffed awkwardly into the teaspoon slot like a mistake you couldn’t fix. And the boots—

Thud. Thud. Thud.

John’s heavy steps across the kitchen floor, back and forth, back and forth like a pacing bear in a too-small cage. He was muttering again, voice low but rough with frustration.

“Fucking brass—changing the op schedule last minute—bloody nightmare—”

You winced.

You weren’t scared of him. Never had been. But the noise, the pressure, the weight of it all pressing down around your shoulders—it was too much today. Too loud. Too bright. Too off.

You didn’t even realize you’d whispered his name until his voice cut through the air, sharp and fast.

“What?” he snapped, turning with a furrowed brow, hand half-raised in mid-gesture.

It wasn’t loud. Not really.

But it cracked something in you.

Your whole body stiffened. Like a rubber band stretched too thin. Your shoulders drew up high and your chin tucked down, sleeves clenched in your fists, throat closing up.

John stopped.

Instantly.

His face changed—brows falling, mouth parting with regret blooming like a bruise behind his eyes.

“Shit—no, love—wait—” he stepped toward you quickly, one hand out, then hesitated, hovering like he didn’t want to crowd you. “I didn’t mean that. Christ, I’m sorry.”

You said nothing. You looked down.

And that was somehow worse.

“I was just—” he started again, then cut himself off with a frustrated sound, softer this time. “Fuck, I was bein’ a right bastard.”

You shook your head. “It’s fine.”

“It’s not,” he said.

You tried to breathe. The room felt too big and too tight all at once. The kettle shrieked one last time before clicking off. Still too late.

“I didn’t mean to be in your way,” you murmured. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. I just—everything’s loud today. I didn’t want to make it worse.”

John stared at you. His mouth twitched like he was about to argue—but then he caught himself. He crouched a little in front of you instead, like he was trying to shrink himself. His voice lowered.

“You’re not makin’ it worse. I am,” he admitted. “I know when I get like this—loud, angry—I make things heavier. And you’re carryin’ too much as it is.”

You didn’t answer. Not right away.

Just tried to unknot your fingers from your sleeves.

“I don’t always have the words,” you said finally, voice thin. “Some days I just… can’t talk properly. Or explain why everything feels so sharp.”

John’s gaze dropped to your hands, your tight shoulders, the way you were trying so hard to regulate even as your body rebelled against the room.

“You don’t have to explain,” he said. “Not to me.”

You looked at him. A flicker of disbelief passed across your face.

“I’m not good at being…” you trailed off. “Easy. Or quiet. Or normal.”

John’s throat bobbed with a hard swallow.

“I didn’t marry you because I wanted normal,” he said. “I married you because you feel like home.”

A beat of silence. The flickering light still buzzed. But it felt dimmer now—like the world had shifted, just slightly, around him.

“You’re tired,” you said softly. “You’ve been pacing since you got back.”

His mouth tugged into a wry smile. “No, you’re tired.”

You blinked. “Okay. We’re both tired.”

He huffed a warm, half-laugh. Then—very carefully—he leaned his forehead against your chest. Not heavy, just enough for you to feel the quiet weight of him.

“You always let me come back,” he said, voice barely above a whisper. “Even when I act like a grumpy sod.”

Your hand came up without thinking. Just resting gently in his hair. Fingers threading through the soft, short strands at his crown.

“I love you,” you said quietly. “Even when you’re a grumpy sod.”

He exhaled. His arms wrapped around your waist.

“I’m sorry for snapping,” he murmured. “Sorry for making today harder.”

“You didn’t,” you whispered. “You just startled me. That’s all.”

You held each other for a long while—standing in the middle of the kitchen, kettle off, boots stilled, lights flickering quietly above. Nothing had changed. But everything had softened.

And when John eventually pulled back to press a kiss to your forehead, he didn’t say anything more.

He just reached over, finally closed the drawer the proper way, and turned off the light.

“C’mon, love,” he said gently. “Let’s go sit down. I’ll make you tea.”

taglist: @honestlymassivetrash @pythonmoth @kittygonap @rainyjellybear @anonymouse1807 @twoandahalfdimes

[kenzielovesuyou]

𝐻𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠★

𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟 1

pairing: mafialeader!paige X beautypageantqueen!reader!

warnings!: kidnapping, , strict parents, abusive parents, crying, manipulation, passing out, throwing up!<333

no grammar checked!

note: I promise next chapter will be out either by Friday or on Friday, but the next chapter is gonna be really really intense!

it started when I was 5. everyone in my family noticed how pretty and cute I was so my parents signed me up for beauty pageants, and I loved the pretty dresses and accessories it was like my favorite thing, I won titles left and right just for wearing pretty dresses and lightish makeup and curling my long hair the only thing about this whole thing was my parents they always made sure I won and when I didn’t, it was absolute hell..

Driving back from previous competition

“You did great honey! I’m so proud of you!” My mom beams “thanks mom!” I say happily “but you only won by one half of a point… you know better than that” my dad says “I mean I still won..” I say quietly “yes we know but it should be by 5 points like usual..” my mom says “so we need to fix you before you go compete for Miss Dallas” my mom says, I groan because the stuff they put me through is quite literally torture like I’m not exaggerating, It’s actually torture…

a At home

“You know the drill” my dad says holding out his hand, I give him my phone and iPad and sit on the couch, waiting for it to start, then my mom comes “ i’m sorry, honey. This hurts me more than hurts. You” but that she cuts my hand with a blade, I hiss in pain but doesn’t say anything for the past five minutes, my mom has been cutting both of my hands and my ankles “ and you know I do this because I love you right? my mother used to always tell me beauty is pain…” after cutting my hand and ankles she slips in a paper trophy “my mother always said to have beauty and something that you love inside of you” my mom says to me after that, I went into the room of shame inside it had nothing but a bag and my dad’s waiting for me he greeted me with a slap, and after that, he just yelled at me for about an hour straight how I should always be number one and I should be like my mother always winning.. then after that, he shut the door and locked it with the two locks on the outside and honestly, I used to just stare at the wall but now I just bought my eyes out until I can’t cry tears anymore every day for two weeks (except the day of pageants) I was locked in that room and weighed every day and only ate once a week and sometimes my dad would come in the room and hit me for no reason but one particular day was very very bad for me

As I was crawled up in the bed, I really needed to throw, so I got up and started banging on the door, asking for someone to let me out and let me use the bathroom soon my mom heard me and opened the door and just moved out the way, I ran to the bathroom and threw up immediately after I just walked past my parents and suddenly I hit my head hard on the wind floor, and I blacked out..

I woke up back in the bed and there’s note on the floor with two keys (the key to get out the room and to get out the house and lock the door) “ we figured you need some fresh air so you can take walk tonight - mommy and daddy!” I immediately took the keys and unlock the door and then ran to my room I threw on a white spaghetti strap and black bell bottom leggings and simple uggs (but if you don’t wanna wear this, you can imagine yourself wearing something else!) and I walked through the front door and lock the door behind me and just started walking. I inhale the fresh air and started admiring the city. About 10 minutes into my walk I see a black tented van, I have to admit it was a very nice car, but I didn’t mind it and just kept walking until I realized it was following me I started to walk faster until the van suddenly stopped. I started to feel more relaxed, thinking I was just overthinking it until I feel a cloth wrapped over my mouth “ don’t fight it” then I blacked out

I woke up and tried to move but I was hand cuffed and my ankles were tied together then I tried to scream, and I realized my mouth was taped, honestly there wasn’t really anything that I could do so I just accepted my fate and sat there until I actually got bored and started to try to scream eventually, I just started crying because I didn’t know what to do and I got scared then I heard a voice from behind me “ oh you’re awake” it sounded like a female, but I didn’t know for sure until she came in front of me at me “aww look at you.. so sweet and vulnerable..” she says as she gently rips the tape off my mouth “ w-who are you a-and what do you want from m-me?” I gasp “I think your really beautiful and now your my little princess” she says as she’s untying my ankles and unlocking the handcuffs then carrying me to a room “ this is your room. I figured you liked pink because how girly you look” she looks at me up and down and licks her lips “and later we’re gonna go shopping then-“ I started to feel dizzy, and I couldn’t really process what he was saying then my eyes wandered around the room “hey look at me when I’m talking” she’s says as she grabs my chin, I nod slowly, then I felt my head fall forward then I blacked out.

note: I honestly wanted to write more of this, but you guys were waiting so yeah😭

[kawaiigirly21]

Our Little Soda Pop: Chapter 3

Later on, the rest of that day went about as smoothly as it could go. During the recording, the boys did become a bit more touchy but Natasha simply chalked it up to nerves. She fought the urge to smirk everytime one of them tried to allude to something sexual. She was perfect at playing dumb. As if she couldn't smell their wanton arousal. She knew she triggered something and had perfect and total control. So much for their loyalty to Gwi-Ma.

She bet that if she asked them to, they would give up all alliance with the so-called king. Watching as the boys got through their last lines, Natasha had food brought in so they could eat something after singing for so long. Abby and Baby were the first to attack the food but after minor scolding, made sure to leave some for the other three. “You boys sounded great in there.” Natasha complimented as she fixed a plate for Mystery who practically became attached to her hip. “Thank you Ms. Natasha. We're one step closer to our goal in taking down the hunters.” Jinu replied after taking a few bites of his food.

“Jinu lean forward.” Natasha responded. As he did so, his eyes widened as Natasha took a napkin and wiped the corner of his mouth clean. “There we go. Oh? What's up Mystery?” Natasha asked, turning her attention back to the other idol. “Hey um miss manager? When do we get what Romance got this morning huh?” Abby asked, huffing a bit. “I think we all behaved ourselves today. Don't we deserve a little reward too? How come you touched him?” Baby added. “I don't have to explain myself to you and if you keep asking about it, you won't get it. Eat. You have a photoshoot later.” Natasha replied unbothered.

That evening as the boys wrapped up the last of their photos, Mystery watched as Natasha typed away on her phone with a serious expression. She was talking to someone about something important for them. He loved that about her. She was always working. She always looked so busy. Like she completely had her shit together. He adored that about her. However, he also wished she would take a break every now and then.

“Alright boys. Time to go! Max, I expect those photos by Friday!” Natasha spoke while ushering the band out the doors and into their van. “I call shotgun!” Abby shouted as he practically launched himself into the passenger seat. “You had it on the way over here Abs, let someone else get the seat.” “Ugh fine!” He huffed as he moved to the back and Jinu climbed in the front. The drive home was silent save for the silent music playing in the background.

After arriving home, while everyone scrambled to get in Natasha's bed, still, she asked to speak to Abby alone in the living room. “I know you didn't want to give up your seat but you still did because I asked. I like when you boys listen to me.” She smiled as she led him to the couch and sat him down. “It makes me happy knowing that you respect me that much.” She whispered before leaning down to kiss him sweetly.

Almost instantly, his arms were around her and bringing her down to his lap. “Do I get some lovin this time?” Natasha giggled slightly before nodding. “Yes you get one thing of your choice tonight.” The man wasted no time in choosing his reward. “I want your mouth on my cock. I need it Mistress… please~” He whined as he began to free his cock from the confines of his jeans. Looking down, Natasha smirked before pressing a quick kiss to his neck.

“You’re a big boy aren't you?” She then moved off his lap and settled on the floor in between his legs. “Nervous?” Abby chuckled. “Oh please. I've had bigger sweetheart.” Natasha sighed before leaning in to press a kiss to the tip of the large cock waiting to take sanctuary in her mouth. That was a lie. Natasha had her fair share of fun sure, but none of her past exploits were ever this well endowed. Taking the tip into her mouth and swirling her tongue around it, her ears perked up at the heavy breaths Abby was starting to take.

Slowly but surely, she started to bob her head on the erection. Taking more and more of the cock until it almost filled her mouth completely. Save for a few inches at the base. “Oh f-fuck… you look so hot…” Now, at this point she would have smirked and made a comment about how desperate he sounded, but doing anything but trying to fit the rest of the cock down her throat was impossible. “Mm… oh yea… keep going…” Abby moaned as he watched Natasha suck his cock.

Although he was definitely enjoying himself, he was also physically fighting the urge to take the older demoness by her hair and fuck her throat. Not because he was worried about her, oh no. He knew she could handle it. It was his own safety he was worried for. Getting on her bad side was something that was not on his list for that evening. Suddenly, he began to moan louder and his grip on the couch tightened as his eyes watched Natasha quicken her movements.

Humming around his cock, creating vibrations that added to the pleasure. “Shit! Y-yes! Please! Oh fuck! Oh fuck!” Unable to resist anymore, Abby grabbed a fistful of Natasha's hair and began to fuck her throat. Pushing her head all the way down to his crotch causing her to deep throat him. “Fuck!! Mistress! Your throat feels so good! Your mouth! Mm! Mm! Fuck! So good!” The sounds of her wet mouth fueling his desire and urge to paint her throat white.

“Cumming! Oh shit! I'm cumming!! Yes! Yes! Mistress!! I'm cumming!” Looking up at the man, the moment Natasha's eyes met those of Abby's he immediately came down her throat. Pushing her head all the way down to his crotch once more. “Mistress!!! Mm! Fuck!!!” It didn't take long for the man to come down from his high after Natasha pulled away from his cock. “You alright? I-i didn't mean to get that crazy.”

Natasha only laughed and smiled before standing from her position and kissed his forehead. “I'm fine hun. Are you ok? I didn't think you could sound so…whiny.” She laughed as she watched the man groan before standing as well. “Put that away and get ready for bed. I'll join you shortly.” Natasha smiled before grabbing her phone and walking into the elevator. She then dialed a number, while the elevator descended.

“Natasha. I am pleased to hear from you. How are the boys settling in?” Gwi-Ma asked. “Fine. That's the only update you're getting from me, asshole. Don't contact me anymore.”

@prettygirlkiki

@rivainimermaid

Chapter 4

[peasack]

Hiya! Just want to say thank you for being such a talented writer! I love all your works so far, and look forward to seeing what kind of brilliance you create in the future. If you're still up for requests, could you do some hcs about how the group acts with a teen!reader who has a quieter, more shy, and sensitive personality?

AAA TYSSMMMM, and yes totally I loved writing thissss.

Hope you guys enjoy!!!

✦ Thunderbolts x Shy & sensitive Teen!Reader Headcanons ✦

∗ ࣪ ˖༺ ♡ ༻˖ ࣪ ∗∗ ࣪ ˖༺ ♡ ༻˖ ࣪ ∗∗ ࣪ ˖༺ ♡ ༻˖ ࣪ ∗

✦ Alexei Shostakov

Alexei immediately assumes he needs to "fix" your shyness. He’s like “Ah! You are quiet because you are nervous! I will show you there is nothing to fear!” and proceeds to loudly, obnoxiously drag you into activities.

He genuinely means well, but his big, boisterous personality can overwhelm you at times. When you quietly step back or shrink away, he panics and tries to tone it down, but... he's not great at subtle.

Over time, he learns you actually like sitting quietly with people and that you open up best when it’s just the two of you, doing something like a puzzle or eating snacks. He starts seeking out those calmer moments with you.

Alexei loves to brag about you to the others like “My little one does not need to speak loudly to be strong! They are mighty in their own way!”

He becomes super protective. If anyone teases you about being quiet, he’s the first to defend you with a terrifying dad-glare like “Say it again. I dare you.”

✦ Bucky Barnes

Bucky gets you instantly. He’s also a quiet, sensitive person at heart, so your calm energy makes him feel safe. He’s actually super comfortable around you because there’s no pressure to constantly talk.

He’s the king of soft, silent gestures. handing you a snack, holding out a book he thinks you’ll like, sitting with you in comfortable silence. You don’t need words with him.

When you do speak, even if it’s just a few words, Bucky always listens like it’s the most important thing in the world. He never talks over you.

He’s very patient when you struggle to open up, and he never rushes you. “Take your time, kid. I’m not going anywhere.”

If someone makes you uncomfortable, Bucky is silently at your side, his presence alone enough to make people back off. He’s your quiet guardian.

✦ Bob Reynolds

Bob is very soft with you. He knows what it’s like to feel like you take up too much space, so he makes space for you in the kindest ways.

He talks to you in a gentle voice, always making sure you’re okay with the conversation or the environment. “You wanna step outside for some air? It’s a little loud in here.”

He’s ridiculously proud when you trust him enough to open up. The first time you make a joke or initiate a conversation with him, he literally beams for the rest of the day.

Bob likes doing quiet hobbies with you, drawing, reading, watching clouds because it gives you both a chance to bond without the pressure of talking constantly.

He’ll fiercely defend your softness. “There’s nothing wrong with being sensitive. It means you feel things deeply. That’s not weakness.”

✦ John Walker

At first, John is unsure how to interact with you. He’s more used to loud, headstrong people, and your quiet nature throws him off.

He accidentally overwhelms you sometimes (he talks with his hands a lot, kinda barks orders) but the moment he sees you shrink back, he instantly softens. “Hey, hey, sorry, kid, didn’t mean to snap. You good?”

Over time, he starts actively seeking your input. “What d’you think? I wanna hear your opinion.” Even when you give a short answer, he takes it seriously.

He’s super protective of you at school or out in public. If anyone teases you for being quiet, John is immediately in their face like “Problem?”

John’s love language with you is doing acts of service, fixing your stuff, carrying your bag, making sure you’re fed, because he knows words aren’t always your thing.

✦ Yelena Belova

Yelena is so gentle with you. She’s playful and teases you sometimes, but never in a way that pushes your boundaries. She loves your softness, it reminds her of the part of herself she didn’t get to grow up with.

She’s really good at pulling you out of your shell, but she never rushes it. She’ll offer you snacks, invite you on small adventures, and let you say no without making a big deal out of it.

She starts purposefully sitting next to you during movie nights, quietly offering you bits of popcorn and checking in with a soft glance.

When you finally feel comfortable enough to call her your friend or share something personal, Yelena acts like it’s the biggest honor in the world. “You trust me? Good. I will kill for you now.”

She lowkey starts teaching you self-defense, not to make you aggressive, but to help you feel more confident. “Soft is good. Soft and safe is better.”

✦ Ava Starr

Ava is very attuned to people’s emotions, so she immediately senses your discomfort in loud or overwhelming spaces. She naturally shields you from attention without making it obvious.

She’s not super talkative either, so your quiet energy actually makes her feel more at ease. She’ll quietly sit with you, offering a calm presence and a cup of tea.

Ava can sometimes come off as a little intense, but around you, she softens significantly. She slows her breathing, lowers her voice, and always gives you space to speak.

She becomes really protective over you. If someone dismisses you for being quiet, Ava cuts them down with a sharp glare and an even sharper comment. “Just because they’re quiet doesn’t mean they don’t have something to say.”

She loves doing peaceful, grounding activities with you. Gardening, listening to music, long walks in silence, because she knows you feel safe when things aren’t loud.

∗ ࣪ ˖༺ ♡ ༻˖ ࣪ ∗∗ ࣪ ˖༺ ♡ ༻˖ ࣪ ∗∗ ࣪ ˖༺ ♡ ༻˖ ࣪ ∗

AAAAAA I love you guys so much for leaving requests I swear<333

Hope this was alright for what you asked!!

[y2kuromi]

❛ 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗟𝗜𝗣𝗦, 𝗠𝗬 𝗟𝗜𝗣𝗦 ! 呪術廻戦

featuring. gojo, nanami, megumi, yuuji, yuuta, inumaki, maki, shoko,

synopsis. kisses convey what words can’t. some say i love you, some say i missed you, some say goodbye, and some say stay.

✦ contents: sfw! mostly fluff & angst if you squint, a few are slightly suggestive. all est rel to an extent. cw: shotgunning in shoko’s. finally getting this out of my drafts after a year yayyy! first time writing for some of these characters bear with me ;-;

𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗨 𝗚𝗢𝗝𝗢 ˖ ࣪ . ࿐

satoru kisses you like it’s second nature, like breathing, like blinking, like reaching for you is something innate in his bones.

he presses a kiss to your cheek first, before his lips ghost across your skin. there’s barely any light in your shared bedroom, just the mellow glow of the bedside lamp and moonlight slipping through your window.

his shirt is wrinkled and half buttoned. hair a ruffled mess. he hasn’t even bothered to take off his blindfold, it’s pushed up and rests on his forehead. his blue eyes are heavy and fixed on you like you’re the only thing holding him together

you can tell his work trip was bad by the way he walked in, saying nothing at all. no jokes, no flirty comments, no rambling. he just sank into your bed beside you and pulled you into his arms instinctively.

( like holding onto you was the only way he knew how to breathe again )

his fingers trail along your jaw, featherlight, and then he kisses you. slowly and languidly at first. like he’s holding himself back because he’s afraid of being too much. he sighs into your lips contently. this is the first time he’s allowed himself to be soft all week

you don’t say anything, not yet, reaching up to touch his face, thumb brushing the corner of his mouth. he leans further into your touch, eyes fluttering shut like your hand alone undid everything he’d been carrying his entire life

the kiss deepens, growing clumsier with each passing second. his lips part against yours, tongue gliding over your bottom lip. a soft whimper escapes his throat as your fingers slip into his ivory hair. his body shifts over yours, pressing you gently into the mattress. the kiss doesn’t break, it changes. becoming needier, more desperate, more his

he kisses you like he needs to. he pulls away — barely — lips brushing against yours as he murmurs, “i don’t know what i’d do without you”

you blink up at him, heart thudding erratically in your chest. his voice cracks around the edges as he continues, “you’re all i want” his forehead rests against yours and he’s still breathing hard. like it’s taking everything he has left to talk instead of kissing you,

“i love you” you whisper, because it’s the only thing that fits, because it’s the only thing that matters. it’s so tender, so heartfelt. it breaks something inside him. it completely ruins him

he kisses you again, even clumsier than before, his teeth graze your lip, then his mouth trails south. towards your jaw, your throat, your collarbone. you feel the aching noises he makes vibrate against your skin as his lips find your shoulder. each kiss is delicate, almost too light to feel, yet they set your nerves on fire

his hand slips beneath your shirt, his shirt, palm warm and open against your back. he holds you like he’s trying to protect you from something, from himself, like he’s mentally still halfway between his mission and the sanctuary of your arms

“you’re tired” you say softly, your hand finds his face again. you take in the bags beneath his eyes and the paler than usual hue of his skin, “i’m not going anywhere toru”

“don’t wanna sleep yet” he says, voice barely holding itself together. his lips find yours again, softer this time, slower, “stay awake with me” the vulnerability evident in his eyes weakens your resolve almost immediately. you swallow the ache in your throat and kiss him

you kiss him like the world isn’t crumbling outside the solace of this bed. he kisses you like he’ll never grow tired of you — of the way you feel in his arms, of the way your lips feel against his, of the way your love feels.

his lips find your shoulder again. you feel him groan quietly, more shaky breathing than sounds, like your presence alone is simultaneously pulling the pieces of him together and tearing them apart

you lose count of how many kisses he litters on your skin. they blur into one another, frail, desperate things that say the words lodged in his throat. they say everything he can’t

when he finally settles, face buried in the crook of your neck, arms wrapped tightly around your waist, tangled in the sheets. he breathes, for the first time in a week, like it doesn’t hurt. his body melts into yours , what’s left of the tension within ebbing into nothing as you card your fingers slowly through his damp hair. your other hand smooths gentle patterns on his back

the only sound in the room is the quickened hush of your breathing. satoru is so quiet, so still, for so long you think he might have fallen asleep until he speaks up again, voice barely audible

“i’ve seen everything, all the good, all the evil” his words vibrates against your skin and you shiver ever so slightly, “every inch of this cursed world, you’re the most beautiful soul i’ve ever seen”

and when sleep finally pulls him under, he’s still wrapped around you like he’s afraid you’ll slip through his fingers. in your arms he doesn’t feel like the honored one, or the strongest sorcerer.

he’s just a man in love.

𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗢 𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗠𝗜 ˖ ࣪ . ࿐

nanami leaves for shibuya in fourteen minutes. the clock ticks behind him like it knows, like it’s counting too. your husband is usually a stickler for being punctual but he hasn’t picked up his briefcase yet. his jacket is slung over a chair and his tie hangs loose around his neck, as if he doesn’t have the strength to tighten it

he sits across from you at the kitchen table, sleeves rolled neatly to his elbows, chopsticks still in hand. but he’s not really eating. neither are you.

there’s a stillness between you. heavy and suffocating.

“i should go” he says softly, but he doesn’t make any attempts to leave. you shakily pour him another glass of wine even though you know he won’t be able to drink it

he watches you with something so tender it makes your throat close up — constricted by something akin to grief, as if he’s already gone.

“you’ll be late” you murmur, eyes fixed to the table. you can’t bring yourself to look at him. maybe if you don’t he wouldn’t leave. the lingering silence stretches thin and taut, threatening to snap.

“i know” he says eventually, and it’s more apologetic than anything. like he’s sorry for coming into your life when he knew he’d have to leave eventually. like he’s sorry for everything

you clench your fists in your lap to keep yourself from reaching out to him. because if you did, if you touched him now, you wouldn’t be able to let go

“you haven’t even finished your food” you frown. it falls flat, it’s such an inconsequential thing to say but it’s all you can muster. the important words are too painful, too dangerous. broken shards that would cut your tongue if spoken.

seven minutes.

“sweetheart” nanami says, it’s barely a whisper and his voice breaks just a little. his heart constricts as he watches your eyes flutter shut, like the sound of his voice hurts.

he pushes his chair back abruptly. its legs scrape against the kitchen tile, sharp and jarring. he crosses the room, slow and deliberate, before sinking to his knees in front of you.

he cups your face in his hands —thumbs stroking the curve of your cheek, soft gaze lingering on your skin — and kisses you like it’s the first time. like he’s memorizing your lips, the way you taste, and the way you lean into him. like if he does it right it’ll last him through the foreseeable hell awaiting him

you stay pressed together for too long, long enough to realize that this might truly be the last time. you kiss back harder, fingers carding through his soft blond hair, pulling him impossibly closer

“i don’t want you to go” you whisper against his lips. your eyes are brimming with tears and nanami feels his heart break all over again.

“i know” he rests his forehead against yours. “i wish i didn’t have to”

“you always have to” you cry, his breath stutters against your lips. you shiver ever so slightly as he presses another kiss to your mouth. this one quieter, final

“i’ll always come back to you, my love” he breathed, “you’re my home, after all.” it’s a beautiful lie. part of you knows this might be the last time you get to hold him like this.

you kiss him harder, a feeble attempt to etch yourself into his skin. as if pressing hard enough will make him remember you even if he slips away. when you finally pull back, breathless and trembling, his eyes are clamped shut.

“i have to go” he whispers. you nod, but you don’t let go, you don’t move. there’s a pause full of all the things you’ll never have time to say and then your voice breaks through it

“i love you kento” it’s not soft or careful, it’s raw. his eyes open and the tender, wrecked look in them completely undoes you

“i love you” nanami presses gentle kisses to your temple. then he stands, slowly. it takes everything in him to pull away from you. he picks up his jacket, knots his tie, and grabs his briefcase with shaky hands. he places one last lingering kiss on your lips — slow and bruising, and full of everything he hasn’t said. and then he leaves.

you don’t say goodbye. you never do. a part of you thinks you should have this time.

you let out a heart-wrenching sob as the door clicks shut behind him. it’s quiet after. so quiet it makes your ears ring. you stare at the door as if he’d come back —tie crooked, eyes tired and soft, jacket forgotten — if you stared long enough

but he doesn’t. the wine glass remains full, dinner sits untouched. his chair stays pushed back like he meant to return to it. to you. you cross the kitchen in a daze and sit in the vacated chair. it’s still warm. you press the heels of your palms to your eyes and cry. maybe the universe would change its mind if you cried hard enough, loud enough.

you don’t know how long you sit there, crying until your heart is hollow and your bones have become settled in lonely silence. waiting. because it’s all that’s left for you to do. you wait. but he never returns.

𝗠𝗘𝗚𝗨𝗠𝗜 𝗙𝗨𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗨𝗥𝗢 ˖ ࣪ . ࿐

megumi falls in love with you so slowly, he almost misses it. you’re laying on your side next to him — moonlight curling around your shoulder, casting silver across your warm skin

his comforter is crumpled around your waist, one of your hands is tucked beneath your face and the other rests in the space between you. he’s staring at you, green eyes transfixed by your peaceful figure. he shouldn’t be. he was supposed to be sleeping

but his eyes couldn’t stop tracing over you. because he knows the things you love can be gone in an instant. and you are someone he doesn’t want to lose. he watches the soft rise and fall of your chest and the way your fingers twitch subconsciously. you breathe and his entire world is full of you.

he leans in slowly, like the moment might shatter if he isn’t careful. he musters up the confidence to let his fingers brush against you. breath hitching when your eyes flutter open. there’s no traces of annoyance or confusion in them when they meet his. only warmth

“can’t sleep?” you ask softly. your voice is laced with sleep but there’s tenderness in it — the kind you reserve solely for him. the kind that makes his heart ache

he hesitates, fingers still resting slightly against yours. “didn’t mean to wake you”

“you didn’t” you smile, shifting to close the gap between you. your leg brushes against his beneath the sheets. “were you staring?”

a faint flush rises to his cheeks. caught red-handed. he’s embarrassed but he doesn’t look away, “sorry”

you shake your head, a lazy movement against your pillow. “don’t be” you say, threading your fingers through his in the dark. “i like it when you look at me”

when megumi kisses you it’s hesitant, not because he doesn’t want to. but because he feels too much for you. and megumi fushiguro didn’t do feelings in excess. it was reckless and stupid. but this? you? you were the exception. he couldn’t imagine this with anybody else

he couldn’t imagine sharing his umbrella, shoulder tilted so you wouldn’t get caught by a drop of rain even if his sleeves got soaked, with anyone else

he couldn’t imagine reaching for anyone else’s hand in a crowd, couldn’t imagine anyone else saying his name in that soft voice that made his brain short-circuit. he couldn’t imagine anyone else seeing him this unguarded, this soft, this vulnerable. it would only ever be you.

your lips part instinctively and his hand cups your jaw, steady and solid. the kiss deepens and softens simultaneously. you breathe each other in as if the night will end too soon. you dread leaving his warm bed to trudge back to yours before the sun rises. your fingers curl into the fabric of his smashing pumpkins shirt. holding on like you’re scared he might disappear if you let go

but he’s right there, tethered to you, grounded by the warmth of your skin and the quiet tremble of your lips against his. he kisses you like you’re fragile, not because he believes you are, but because he is.

because loving you feels like standing over the edge of something beautiful and terrifying. he kisses you slowly, languidly. trying to feel, trying to just stay in the moment.

you made it hard to pretend he didn’t want this, to pretend he didn’t need you. you made him soften completely. he finally pulls away, forehead pressed gently to yours. neither of you speak, because there’s little left to say. because the kiss said it all

before you, megumi wasn’t sure what love was. he thought it was solely about loyalty and sacrifices. you made him believe that love could be easy, not easy in the sense that everything was effortless, but in the way that made all the effort worth it.

( you made him believe that love could be as simple as the way your eyes lit up when he remembered something small, the way your laughter softened him in ways he didn’t know were possible. the way he wanted to stay and try even if it scared him to death )

love is the quiet, certain feeling between you that settled in his chest and refused to leave. he didn’t want it to. he blinks slowly, taking in your beauty. sleep tugs at the corner of your eyes and your lips are slightly swollen from his kisses

“i think i. . .” he trails off, voice barely a whisper. he doesn’t think. he knows. he knows he loves you. although he wasn’t quite brave enough to say it

you look at him, you really look at him, in a way no one ever has before. “me too”

his fingers squeeze yours gently. he doesn’t say ‘i’m sorry’. ‘he doesn’t say i’m scared’. he doesn’t say anything. he just stays there with you, lips brushing against yours again, holding on to you because you’re all that matters.

he presses a featherlight kiss to your forehead, pulling you into his chest, arms folding around you like muscle memory. you bury your face into him, letting your fingers find the steady beat of his heart. he breathes you in like you’re oxygen, like you’re the only thing he’s ever known

your limbs tangle in the dark and moonlight slips through the curtains once more. in your embrace there are no curses, just love.

𝗬𝗨𝗨𝗝𝗜 𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗥𝗜 ˖ ࣪ . ࿐

yuuji kisses you like you’re the only reason he still believes in good things. there’s a movie playing on the common room television. something studio ghibli, ponyo? the wind rises? he isn’t quite sure. he can faintly hear the dialogue and soft music but he’s barely paying attention to the glowing screen.

he’s too focused on the way your head rests against his shoulder, the way your fingers brush against the loose threads on the cuff of his orange hoodie, the way your body leans into him, the way you slot perfectly into him as if you’ve always belonged in his arms

the light from from the tv paints your skin in flickers of blue and gold. he watches it gleam across your face and he swears he’s never seen anything more beautiful

your eyes flick up to meet his soft brown eyes. they always gave away more than he’d ever let on. grief, hope, his unwavering heavy kindness, and now a tenderness that belonged solely to you

“what?” you ask, a small smile tugging at the corner of your lips. he blinks slowly, like he’s just waking up from a dream

“just . . . you” he murmurs. you roll your eyes, trying and failing to focus on the movie. it’s pointless. your heart’s already fluttering erratically, resolve melting under the warmth he gazes at you with. like you’d hung all the stars. like he can’t believe you’re real

his free hand rests on your thigh casually, thumb moving in slow circles against your skin. you shift a little, nestling closer to him, cheek pressed to his chest where the steady beat of his heart heals something inside you.

neither of you speak, not for a while. and there’s a sacred stillness to the silence. it’s not heavy or awkward, it’s full of things you don’t need to say because you already understand them. there’s nothing to prove. not when it’s just you, and yuuji, and the quiet space in the crook of each other’s arms

“what about me?” you murmur, his fingers pause where they’re stroking your leg. he breathes in like he’s bracing to say something embarrassing, something that’ll haunt him forever. then exhales and says it anyway

“the world kinda stops when i’m with you,” he admits sheepishly, “you just make everything lighter, it’s like . . . everything slows down and shit that usually feels too loud becomes quiet and i can just breathe”

his gaze is trained on the ceiling. you reach up and brush your thumb against his cheek. he leans into your touch, eyes fluttering shut for a moment

“there’s always something to fight, always someone to help, but you. . .” he finally glances down at you, and the softness in his eyes makes your breath hitch, “you feel like the only thing i don’t have to fight to keep”

“you’ll never have to fight for me, i’m already yours” you say quietly. he smiles. it’s soft, sleepy and painfully sincere. “come here”

you shift upwards, pressing your lips to his without hesitation and he leans in desperately. the kiss is slow, gentle, it’s so soft it’s almost a question. you answer with another. and another. hands slipping around his neck, playing with the hair at the nape of his neck.

he kisses you like it’s the only thing in the world that makes sense. like he needs you to fill the void because no one else can. he pulls you impossibly closer to keep you pressed into the center of his world. to hold him together

your lips trail over his, then to the corner of his mouth, his cheek, his jaw, his scars. leaving behind warmth. you feel him smile as you kiss him again.

“you’re so pretty up close” he murmurs weakly when you pull away ever so slightly. his cheeks flush a subtle shade of pink and he presses another kiss to your lips — one that lingers long enough to say i love you, one that lingers long enough to say stay with me forever

and when he pulls away, foreheads resting together, your hands don’t leave him. one cradles his cheek, thumb brushing his soft skin, and the other rests on his chest, right over his heart.

“you make my world so much brighter” you whisper, “on the worst days, when everything feels heavy, you come in like sunshine and you make them better”

yuuji’s eyes flicker, wide and shining in the dim glow of the tv. he doesn’t try to brush it off as a joke like he usually would he just listens. he swallows hard, then pulls you into another kiss. one that says you matter to him more than anything

“you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me” and in the unguarded way he looks at you, like he’s offering you his entire heart. you know he means it

𝗬𝗨𝗨𝗧𝗔 𝗢𝗞𝗞𝗢𝗧𝗦𝗨 ˖ ࣪ . ࿐

yuuta’s been gone for so long, you would’ve forgotten what he sounded like if not for the breathless voice messages he’s sent you every night, whispering just enough so miguel wouldn’t hear his weakness

sometimes they were just a few seconds long, and sometimes they were lengthy. but they were always quiet. and you listened to them over and over again, savoring the sound of your name and ‘i miss you’s rolling off his tongue

now, standing at the edge of the train station with the static voice of the next train arrival and the chatter from the crowd churning around you, all you want to hear is his voice in person.

the anticipation thrumming in your heart has completely shattered the concept of time. you don’t know how long you’ve been waiting for, but you know you can’t wait a second longer. it had taken a painful amount of pleading to convince gojo-sensei to let you go alone. you’d fought tooth and nail because you needed this moment to be solely yours.

a small part of you thinks you could’ve used the moral support. because as soon as the train doors open and your eyes fall on him, your heart doesn’t just skip a beat. it’s like every second of waiting crashes into you all at once. you feel your knees buckling as you take hesitant steps toward him — as if your body is trying , and failing , to catch up with the feeling surging in your chest

( even with a crowd of people stepping off the train simultaneously, you recognized him instantly )

his hair is longer, a little messy, dark curls brushing his cheeks and the nape of his neck. he looks like he hasn’t slept in days. he looks older, more worn, more real. your heart aches with something akin to desperation. the kind that wants to smooth away the exhaustion beneath his eyes and ease the weight on his shoulders

( you want to wrap him up in all things safe and warm and never let him go again )

and then he sees you. you watch the the apathetic expression on his face unravel into something between disbelief and relief. he stills for a second — blue eyes slightly widening, lips parting like he’s about to say your name, but no sound comes

for a moment, he doesn’t move. he just looks at you, really looks at you, like you’re something he’s conjured up in his dreams and you’ll vanish if he so much as blinks. his chest rises and falls quickly, a part of him has forgotten how to breathe

you step forward at the same time he does, not walking, not running, just gravitating towards each other wordlessly because it’s the only thing you’ve wanted for months. your arms are around each other before you even realize it. fingers gripping his faded hoodie, bodies slotting perfectly together like they’d never been apart

( he holds you like he’s afraid you’ll vanish, you hold him like you’ll never let go )

you feel him exhale into your shoulder shakily. he’s trembling, just a little. just enough to feel it in the way his arm fists gently at your back like he’s anchoring himself. you shift slightly to look at him, and he does the same

his forehead leans into yours, noses brushing softly against each other. his blue eyes are damp at the edges, lashes fluttering against his flushed cheeks, lips parted like he’s still trying to find the right words to say

and that’s when you kiss him. soft, tentative, a question. his lips are warm and familiar but still somewhat uncertain — like he can’t believe this is really happening, like he’s scared to give in and wake up from this dream. but then he relaxes into your touch

his mouth moves in sync with yours, slow and unsure, like he’s letting you guide him, letting you remind him how to be held, how to be loved

when you start to pull away, his lips subconsciously chase after yours. like he can’t help it. like he’s not ready to let go yet. his forehead rests gently against yours once more. neither of you speaks, you’re both to breathless, too stuck in the moment

yuuta’s eyes are clamped shut, like if he opens them you’ll surely vanish. you feel him trembling against you again before he finally exhales and opens his eyes. you see them flicker over your face — soft, yearning, disbelieving

he looks like he wants to say something, like he wants to say everything. but all that spills out is “i missed you so, so much”

𝗧𝗢𝗚𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗜 ˖ ࣪ . ࿐

inumaki doesn’t say much, but the way he holds you tells you everything he’s too cautious to say aloud. it’s a slow evening, the kind where the sun streams through the window in lazy golden streaks, warming the floorboards, and softening everything it touches.

you’re curled in his lap, legs draped across his, and your head rests in the crook of his neck. the sound of frantic button smashing fills the room and you can faintly hear panda’s taunting voice coming through inumaki’s headset.

toge is locked in, brows furrowed, violet eyes glaring at the characters on the screen, the corner of his mouth twitching as panda dodges another one of his attacks. you’re not really watching the game, you’re watching him.

he looks good like this, bathed in the soft glow of the tv screen, eyes narrowed in concentration, platinum blonde hair slightly messy ( the way it always gets when he doesn’t bother taming it with gel )

“tuna tuna” he says smugly, your eyes flicker up to him, a smile tugging at your lips. you watched panda’s character, mileena, stagger on the screen, twitching uselessly as the ‘finish her’ prompt flashes in red letters.

toge doesn’t hesitate, deftly pressing a combination of buttons to use his favorite fatality. it’s muscle memory, he’s done this a million times before and it doesn’t fail to impress you each time

“what the hell?!!” panda groans through the headset, “do you know all the combinations by heart?!!

“salmon” he shrugs, completely unbothered by the unwavering string of insults that were now being hurled at him. he hands you his controller wordlessly. eyes meeting yours, soft and very amused.

you blink down at the controller before raising an eyebrow “you want me to play against panda?” he nods in response, “you’re setting me up for failure!”

“bonito flakes” he replies smoothly, as if disagreeing with your pessimism made things better. this was just another game to him.

“and what do i get if i win?” you ask coyly. he tilts his head slightly, considering your words as if they were actually a real question, as if he didn’t already know exactly where this was going

you don’t wait for an answer. instead you set the controller aside and shift in his lap until you’re completely facing him. he takes off his headset, slow and deliberate, as one of his arms curls around your waist

“tuna mayo?” he asks, voice barely above a whisper

“yeah, that’s what i want”

inumaki kisses you softly, lips moving lazily against yours like there’s no rush. like he could stay here forever, just breathing you in. his hand remains wrapped around your waist, while the other drifts up to cup your cheek — thumb brushing gently over your skin.

your hands slide up into his messy hair, and he tilts his head back ever so slightly, deepening the kiss just a little, just enough. his thumb stills on your cheek. his hold tightens and he sighs against your lips like you’re the only thing he knows

when he pulls away his violet eyes are so full of warmth it makes your heart ache. he says nothing, just presses his forehead to yours, lips still parted as if he might kiss you again any second

“you guys better not be making out again! i’m sick of third-wheeling” panda’s voice screeches from the discarded headset. you both break into quiet laughter that’s muffled by each other’s closeness

inumaki ignores panda’s exaggerated protests and kisses you again, slower this time, really savoring it. like he’s trying to make up for every moment he can’t say what he feels out loud, like he’s trying to make up for every moment he can’t love you the way he yearns to

𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗜 𝗭𝗘𝗡’𝗜𝗡 ˖ ࣪ . ࿐

maki’s eyes are trained on you. sharp, focused, too focused, like you’re the only opponent that’s ever mattered. you’ve sparred with her a hundred times before. same dojo. same polished wooden floor and soft mats beneath your feet. same hum of energy between your bodies

but today, something’s different. today she isn’t holding back. she isn’t softening her blows or helping you to your feet when she knocks you over. and it’s not because she wants to hurt you

it’s because she can’t let herself be controlled, be weakened, by how much she wants you. not when the cursed zen’in name still weighs heavily on her shoulders. not when you make her feel something so soft it hurts, not when you make her feel something she’s spent her entire life being punished for

affection. softness. love

you block another one of her charged blows. the impact has your forearms stinging as your back hits the dojo mat. you scramble upright breathlessly and she’s already circling you. amber eyes watching your body closely

“you’re distracted,” she says flatly, “or maybe you’re just off your game”

you swipe the sweat from your brow, chest rising and falling quickly, “maybe i’m off my game because you’re trying to kill me”

“if i wanted to kill you, you’d be dead” she scoffs. you flash her a teasing grin and for a second, just a second, she feels her composure crack. her chest tightens and her fingers twitch at her sides

that’s the part of you that terrifies her. not your cursed technique, not your cursed energy. it’s the way you make her want to let her guard down

she lunges at you again and you meet her halfway. hands fumbling, bodies tangling. you end up on the ground again, this time with her on top of you, one knee between your thighs, one arm pinning your wrists above your head.

your breath hitches in your throat. so does hers

“maki” you start, but she shakes her head fervently

“don’t” her voice is low and her words come out pained, “don’t say my name like that”

“like what?” your brows are furrowed, eyes heavy-lidded as they look into hers

“like you want me” she snaps. you’re both still breathing hard, the weight of her body presses into yours. her grip on your wrists is firm, but not too tight, you could throw her off if you wanted to. but you don’t. because contrary to her belief you do want her. here. just like this

“why do you keep doing this?” you ask, voice softer now, “you’re always pushing me away”

“because you make me feel weak” she’s glaring at you like she hates you, but her voice betrays her. it’s shaky and full of emotion, “i can’t afford to want you, so you shouldn’t want me either”

you study her face. it’s vulnerable, flushed, and frustrated in a way you’ve never seen before. she looks like every part of her wants to hate you. but she doesn’t. she can’t

“but i do want you” you say quietly, “i’ve liked you for ages”

“i know” she frowns, but she’s leaning in closer until your noses brush against each other. her amber eyes are fixed on yours, torn between restraint and her desire for you, “that’s the problem. you make me me feel things i shouldn’t”

your heart hammers in your chest as her lips brush against yours. when she kisses you it’s not gentle or sweet. it’s desperate. her lips crash into yours with all the pent-up emotions she’s tried so hard to bury.

you slip your wrists free from her grip, threading your fingers through her hair as you arch up into her. she tastes like surrender. like she’s spent every waking second of her life convincing herself that this was wrong and now that it’s happening she can’t stop

and she doesn’t want to. her hand cups the back of your neck, the other barely propping her up above your frame. she sighs into your mouth, soft pink lips parting as the kiss deepens

when she finally pulls away, her amber eyes are half-lidded and dazed. as if she’s just woken up from a dream she wasn’t supposed to have. “what are you doing to me?” she whispers, it sounds like it hurts. like loving you is something she’s been holding onto for too long.

“same thing you’re doing to me” you breathe, kissing her again, slow and sure. she flinches, barely, but you feel it. you feel her urge to push you away. but she doesn’t. instead, she leans into the kiss because no matter how dangerous it is. no matter how much it scares her. she knows this is real

because you kiss her like there’s no curse strong enough to undo this thing blooming in the space between you.

𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗞𝗢 𝗜𝗘𝗜𝗥𝗜 ˖ ࣪ . ࿐

shoko always has a distant look in her eyes when she smokes, like the present doesn’t exist and she’s somewhere else. somewhere quieter, lonelier.

it always makes your heart ache when she goes there, because in that place behind her eyes it doesn’t matter how close yeou sit to her, how softly you say her name. you can’t reach her. not really

tonight she been in that place from the second she stepped over the threshold of your apartment. she hasn’t said much in the past hours, just nodded when you offered her a drink, curled into your sofa, and lit cigarette after cigarette with trembling fingers

the warm orange glow of the lighter cast soft shadows over her face. she was ethereal, untouchable. so beautiful. and so, so far away.

she’s sad tonight. she doesn’t express it out loud, she doesn’t cry. you can feel it in the tired flick of ash from her cigarette, like she’s trying not to feel anything at all.

you sit beside her quietly, wringing your hands in your lap. you don’t touch her as much as you want to, not yet, you just sit close enough for her to know she isn’t alone.

after a long minute she says, “do you want to try?” her voice is soft, barely perceivable. she holds the cigarette between her fingers elegantly. her lashes cast shadows on her cheeks as she looks at you

“try?” you blink cautiously. shoko never asked you to smoke with her. never. not even as experimental teenagers

“smoking” she says, a ghost of a smile flickering at the corner of her lips. “you’re always looking at me like you’re curious”

you feel heat rise to your cheeks, “i mean . . . i kinda am” you shrug, “but i look at you like that because you’re so beautiful”

she smiles, but it faded as fast as it comes. her expression slips back into something unreadable. she leans in slowly, takes another drag, and gestures for you to come closer

you hesitate for a second, because the moment feels too delicate, like it might shatter completely if you move too quickly. you shift towards her slowly, her thigh is warm against yours. her fingers curl gently under your chin, tilting your face towards hers. her other hand. her other hand lifts the cigarette to her lips again.

she inhales slowly. then she leans forward, breath fragrant with smoke, and exhales into your parted mouth. it’s softer than you expect. the smoke curls between you, hazy and intimate. your lips brush against each other’s without fully kissing. you’re close, so close

her hand shifts from your chin to your cheek, thumb stroking your skin tenderly, “you okay?”

you nod, not trusting your voice. your eyes are locked on hers and they don’t look so distant now. they’re still sad and heavy, but they’re focus on you. only you. your lips part again. not for smoke this time. you kiss her

it starts off tentatively, her lipstick smudges against your skin, faint red stains marking where her lips have been. the kiss is full of everything she can’t bring herself to say out loud. her arm slides around your waist and her fingers press in gently. gently pressing patterns

you sigh against her lips, and she takes that as permission to kiss you deeper. the sadness doesn’t leave her, not completely, but it fades ever so slightly. your hand comes up to her jaw, thumb brushing against her mole

“you don’t have to pretend to be okay with me,” you whisper, “if today sucked, you can talk to me about it” shoko closes her eyes weakly. inhales. exhales

“i’m not doing great” she admits. you kiss her again, slow and tender. she leans into you like you’re the only thing that’s truly anchoring her. smoking doesn’t make her feel this good

“you don’t have to be” you say, resting your forehead against hers. her lipstick is smeared and there’s a softness to her now that she rarely lets anyone see. you sit like that for a long time tangled together in the quiet, soft hum of your apartment. with the soft burn of the cigarettes in the ashtray and the smoke lingering in the curling around you

shoko doesn’t need to go anywhere tonight. she doesn’t need to stare off into the distance. she just wants to be here. with you

© Y2KUROMI 2025. please do not plagiarise, repost, or translate any of my works on here or any other websites.

[revelboo]

Hello boo:3 I thought you may have a stressful day so I'm gonna flash you with my handsome stinky little boy (⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠)

I hope I made your day a little,have a good day (⁠*⁠´⁠ω⁠｀⁠*)

( he needs a bath ,he won't escape😈😆😂)

🤣 poor little guy and yeah, I did need this after yesterday, so thank you!

Exhaustion

Starscream x Reader

• Venting when he finds you in your little wash rack, his daughter cradled against you and your head against the back of the stall, Starscream mass shifts and reaches to lift the sparkling out of your arms and you startle awake with a gasp. And just stare up at him. ‘Again?’ You ask and his wings flick as the tiny sparkling blinks big optics innocently at him like she didn’t keep you both up all night screaming for no apparent reason. Again. A human thing, you’d tiredly said. Hooking an arm around you, he takes the wash rag from you and you lean into him. “You need to rest.”

• Letting him wash you and your daughter, you drift in and out. Because she’s a little angel during the day, napping or chirping happily. At night? She just screams. Even when you sleep curled around her. Don’t know what you’re doing wrong. If it’s an alien thing you’re missing or a human one, because you have no idea what you’re doing. And apparently you drift off again, aware of him lifting you and cradling you both as he ferries you to the berth and your bedding. “Maybe we should let Megs have some of this,” you mutter tiredly and he clears his vents, warm air washing over you.

• “We don’t need his help,” he grumbles as you let him ease you down in your blankets, skin still wet and he grimaces as you sleepily watch him. Knows you’re not eating like you had been, you’d almost fallen asleep and smacked your face into your plate of food the previous day. And he doesn’t know how to fix it, but Soundwave and Megatron keep trying to help. Like they’re sure he’s not capable of doing this alone. Like he’s too much a failure to take care of his own mate and sparkling and he hates it. Hates that he doesn’t know how to do this and feels like he’s drowning.

• Reaching as he settles your daughter’s warmth against you and you yawn against her head to make her warble and kick, it’s a struggle to stay awake. You watch him kneeling over you, trying to dry you both off. And you should care that you’re soaking your bedding, but you just want to sleep. Watching him frowning, wings trembling like he’s about to have a nervous breakdown. Until you grab his wrist and tug. “Stay,” you whisper, more a demand than a question because you’re afraid he won’t. That he’s too overwhelmed and he’s going to run. Bury himself in work and hide from you and his daughter. “Please?”

• Venting, he stretches out on his side facing you, his sparkling between you both. And he cups your cheek, a servo sliding against you. Wondering if you think he’s failing you as you smile tiredly and close your eyes. If you think he’s not up to this, because his processor is doing that more than enough for both of you. All of Megatron’s sneering dismissals of his opinions since joining the Decepticons tearing him apart bit by bit, making him bitter and angry. Making him almost believe them himself. That he’s not enough, that he’ll always fail no matter how hard he tries.

[theegyal]

When I Was Your Man [ Annie x Smoke ] +18

⚠️: Anal, rough sex, black magic, gory, torture, angst, toxicity

Part 6

The old flame she never planned to reignite? She did.

This morning didn't mean a shit. She tried to convince herself. The most important right now was to teach Anders a lesson.

After cleaning her shop, fixing her altars and broken statues, putting in boxes the roots and leaves, Annie kneeled to pray. She hadn't been inherently good or neither wicked. Nevertheless, her deeds should not become the origin of her demise ; Because yes, Annie persuaded herself that the destruction of her sanctuary would ultimately have irreversible consequences on her daughter. What if she couldn't pass through Oyá death's tunnel no more ? Or if any communication between them ceased ?

"Anders..." she muttered, mystically, her jaw tightened "the night will come. For you"

In a clay bowl, one he'd eaten from, she laid the roots. Devil's Shoestring, to make his path a tangle. Mullein leaves, to cloud his mind. A pinch of goofer dust to seal it. This good-for-nothing nigga had put filth on her sanctuary, the spirits were angry, the ancestors reclaimed a deep cleaning, her daughter path to Oyá had been blurred.

A debt must be paid.

She pricked her thumb with a silver pin. She watched a single drop of her blood fall, soaking into mixing powder.

"Anders Ray Johnson," she whispered, her breath ghosting over the bowl. "You walked on my soul. Now you ain't gon' have none. No ground to stand on at all."

She blow up the cursing powder to the winds.

Back to Lizzie's, the silence in the twins' room was loud.

Stack undressed, ready to take a shower. Smoke sat by the window, lighting his pipe. Right before his young brother slip into the bathroom, he asked :

"Was it good to fuck Annie?"

Stack's breath hitched. What the fuck Smoke expected him to say ? Of course it was good. Her pussy tasted honey, the way her tits bounce from behind, the sweet smell of her hair...

"Good as much as taking the back of a gun at the temple."

A dry, ugly sound left Smoke's lips. Might've been mistaken for a laugh.

"You asked for it."

He looked out at the street. Four blocks away from here was located Sweet Mama's Kitchen. Smoke let a smug grin tug at her corner of his mouth. Whoever messed with her had to die, simple.

Yeah, Annie was his wife, and even after seven damn years she still got a hold on this soul. But, one thing Smoke hated more than anything else, was people messing with his blood. Bending over for Stack was the line she should've never crossed.

She needed a lesson and Smoke was eager to teach her.

He would be her shield and her cage all at once.

"Stack."

"See that building her food spot in ? Find the landlord. Tell'em the Smoke Stack twins ain't buying no fuckin lease. We go buyin' the whole damn block."

The young twin rolled his eyes "thought y'all were cool again. I mean after that big ass head she gave you..."

"So ? She blow out my dick and we good ? Do the shit I'm askin' you, boy" replied Smoke

"That shit gonna get uglier than Roosevelt side piece...anyway, count me in." He said, disappearing in shower.

Now that part of the plan was settled. Smoke release his grip from the rifle, take an old paper out the drawer and scratch some words.

Annie didn't give him a name. She always had this tendency of protecting dumb ass nigga from reaping what they sowed. Doesn't matter truly, Smoke knew a lot of folks who can play great detective games, some Al Capone minions with a large money appetite.

"I'm outta the town" he shouted for Stack.

When you spit in the air, be ready for it to fall down on your face. The debtor's time had come.

The curse didn't knock gently, he kicked the door off Anders' mind.

Second ago he was drinking corn liquor with friends under a big sassafras tree and the next the whole delta became his own personal hell. Mosquitoes suddenly targeted him, sun lights turned into flames, the heat burning his skin, bugs buzzed around him as if he became a putrefying corpse.

His friends' eyes turned down, red, squinting, judging.

Anders immediately rose up right in front of this dumbfounded boys, he stormed to the dusty road, side to the plantations, then close to an oxbow lake.

His brain cracked open, spilling his sins to the gators and the snakes.

"I DID IT!" he howled with a ragging voice. "I GUTTED THAT DAMN CAT! I SMASHED HER STATUES! I THREW MUD AND SHIT ON HER BABY'S GRAVE—"

His crazed rambling carried over the murky water. A truck engine cut off down a dirt road nearby. Smoke still sat in the engine, his blue hat protecting his head from the sun. He listened, heard every words.

Smoke didn't flinch. Didn't move, neither. He just sucked on his cigarette slow, the molasses-sweet tobacco crackling like it was listening too. Eyes shaded beneath the brim of his hat, he stared out at the cypress knees and the muddy water moccasins slipping through the shallows.

Anders kept shouting. Now bent over, hands clawing at his skin like he was trying to dig something out from under it.

"I cut the black cat open, the old man told me it would bring her misery —AH." He sobbed, "her baby... her damn baby didn't deserve no goddamn shining rock! I smeared mud and shit on the grave! You hear me?! Shit!" He was laughing now.

"Always talking about roots, leaves and bullshit. She rot in those now—Huh ?" His laughter became crazier.

He beat his chest like he was calling thunder down, head rocking back and forth, teeth chattering disgracing the sun's heat. His drawers soaked through with piss and fever. Eyes glassed over, all pupil. Nothing human left in them. He didn't see the world anymore, just echoes of what he'd done.

Smoke, still parked, remains in his truck. He was not the kind of guy who believed in spirits, hex or any type of magic. He did believe in Annie though. And seeing the current state of Anders, he understood her rage, because he also shared the same.

Their baby. That bastard stained their child's resting place. Fury gnawed at him, furious tears burning his eyes. He balled up the letter down on the passenger seat. He didn't need the shady dogs help now, he had to handle it, himself.

This wasn't enough. That nigga didn't pay enough for his crimes.

"...baby... baby got worms now, I seen it, I seen it..." Anders continued sneering

"Grave got teeth," he mumbled. "Grave bit me. I seen 'em eyes lookin' at me from the dirt—ain't no baby, it's a snake baby, all curled up in the blanket..." He cried horrified now, clawing at his own face.

That was it. That was the last goddamn straw.

The hot tears in Smoke's eyes evaporated, leaving behind a cold, murderous calm. He shoved the truck door open, his hand already reaching for the butt of the gun tucked in his waistband. He was gonna walk over there, put the barrel in that blasphemous mouth, and end this nigga life right now.

He swung a leg out. And froze.

Something pushed back. Not a person. The air itself got thick, heavy like wet wool, pressing on his shoulders, chest, on his face. He tried to force his way through it, gritting his teeth, muscles straining.

It was like trying to walk through concrete. A wave of heat washed over him, smelling of ozone and something else... something that smelled like Annie's skin. Her magic. Her will. A blunt, silent, invisible No. This was her kill. Her justice. And he wasn't invited.

"Fuck," he snarled, frustrated. He slammed his fist against the steering wheel, defeated.

"Shit, you ain't made her alone Bunny"

He wrenched the truck door shut and stomped on the gas, tires spitting dust. He drove straight to Juke Joint, its neon sign a lurid smear against the falling dusk.

Inside, the usual noise of liquor and lies filled the air. He bypassed it all, heading for a backroom where two hard-looking fellas, ones they brought with them from Chicago, were playing cards under a grey cloud of cigarette.

Smoke didn't waste time with greetings. He peeled off a thick wad of bills and slapped it on the table.

"Down by the oxbow lake," he said, his voice flat and deadly. "There's a crazy motherfucker shoutin' to the sky. I want him. Bring him to the basement. Don't kill him. I'll handle that part myself."

The bigger of the two men eyed the cash, then gave a slow nod. "Consider it done, Smoke."

Night fell heavy and black. In the damp basement of the Juke Joint, under the swinging glare of a single bare bulb, Anders Ray Johnson was tied to a wooden chair. He was quieter now, trembling, his eyes darting into the shadows. The ranting came in waves, weaker, more pathetic.

"...the mud, it was warm..." he mumbled, drool tracing a path down his chin. "She told me... the baby's eyes... saw me... oh god, the dirt got teeth..."

The wooden stairs creaked. Smoke descended, his shadow falling long and sharp over the dirt floor. He pulled up another chair and sat opposite Anders, lighting a cigarette, the flare of the match lighting up the cold fury in his eyes.

He let the silence stretch out. Then he leaned forward.

"Tell me again," he whispered, his voice soft as a razor's edge. "About the grave."

Anders just sobbed, shaking his head. Smoke took a long, slow drag from his cigarette, the cherry glowing a vicious red. He reached out and, with unnerving gentleness, pressed the lit end into the back of Anders' hand. The madman screamed, a high, thin sound, the smell of burnt flesh and hair filling the space.

The scream didn't satisfy Smoke. It wasn't enough. It wasn't nearly enough. He tossed the cigarette to the dirt floor and from an old table nearby, he pulled a long, sharp-looking skinning knife, its edge gleaming under the bare bulb.

He leaned in close, mumbling, speaking not to Anders but to the some presence in the room, a ghost he didn't believe existed. "She was quiet. Never even cry when she came into this world. A quiet little thing." He grabbed Anders' right hand, pinning it flat to the wooden arm of the chair. "And you... you put your loud, filthy hands all over her quiet place."

He placed the blade against Anders' index finger, at the knuckle. He didn't hack. He pressed, a single, fluid motion of steel through flesh and bone. The finger came off, dropping to the floor.

Anders' shrieked, gurgled of extreme pain. Smoke didn't even blink. He took the next finger. Then the next.

"Couldn't just let her be," Smoke continued, his voice dangerously steady as he moved to Anders' head, grabbing a fistful of greasy hair and yanking it to the side. "Had to make foolish moves. Had to bother her nap time." He brought the knife up to Anders' ear, the cold steel tracing the shell.

And, with a quick, brutal tug, he chopped it clean. Blood poured hot and fast down Anders' neck, soaking his collar. He thrashed, his sanity completely shredded, his cries now just inhuman noises of agony.

Smoke let the head fall back. His eyes, cold and dead, drifted lower.

Not only Anders mess up with his daughter but that dirty thumb he got between his leg dared touching Annie.

"Now I think about it. You did welcomed me back, pant unbuckled, right ?" Smoke laughed bitterly, his rage shifted. "Gon' ask you the same question I asked my brother" he inhaled loudly "be careful though. You ain't my blood."

He used the tip of his knife to rip Anders' drawers open. "Was it good to fuck Annie?" Smoke's eyes betrayed a pure, raw jealousy. Just thinking that this rag had pounded his wife's coochie made his blood boil.

Unfortunately for the madman, the only answer he could provide were howls and moans. These didn't satisfy the former soldier.

"I see," Smoke simply said.

With the blade, he grabbed the downed, terrified flesh and swiftly sliced it with an upward cut. A final, piercing scream tore through the basement before dissolving into a wet, rattling sigh.

"Guess it wasn't that good," Smoke faked a reflection, then got his eyes back on Anders. "Well, I know you lie. Because she's so sweet. Sometimes too reckless for her own damn sake."

He stood up. Anders slumped in the chair, life draining out of him onto the dirt floor. Smoke pulled his revolver.

BANG!

"Only wrong you done was steppin' in our way. Now rot in piss."

He walked up the stairs and out into the cool Delta night air.

The drive was long and quiet, away from the town faint lights, heading down a dark road that ran alongside the river. His hands were trembling on the wheel. The adrenaline left his body, Smoke remained tied to his half from another life.

The smell, blood and burnt flesh back the basement, echoed Chicago black alleys, that time he used to work for the mob. He'd thought he'd left that part of himself buried back north. Looked like it was just sleeping.

He finally saw it. A small wooden cabin, set back from the river, a single candle light burning in the window like a beacon : Annie's house.

He cut the engine and walked up to the porch. He could see it was clean, she got rid of any filth. The dead animals were gone, the mud on her baby's grave had been washed.

He raised a hand, knuckles stained with blood, and knocked.

One time, two time. She opened at the third.

"Elijah... what did you do ?" She spoke low

"Finished what you had started"

An angel pass through Annie's eyes

She closed her eyes, breathing deep.

"Get in the bathroom."

He stepped past her, and she closed the door, shutting out the night.

In the wooden bathroom, Smoke stood in front of the small steamed-up mirror. Annie followed his steps.

She came to him, her afro hair in cornrow braids. Her eyes were quiet, blank.

She knew what he did.

No—she knew what they did. Elijah and her.

Her fingers, warm and sure, went to the buttons of his bloody shirt.

"I can do it myself," he grumbled, pride thick in his voice.

"We crossed a line, Elijah. You should've listened to me. You shouldn't have intervened."

"I already crossed it the first night I came to you, clothes full of my father's blood." He paused. "You crossed the, Bunny. Not me"

"It was the first time I begged my ancestors to fight for me. Not to heal anything."

She kept working her way down, peeling the sticky fabric from his skin. He didn't move. Didn't help.

When the shirt was off, she started on his belt buckle. A smirk crept across his face.

"Pervert," she mumbled as his pants dropped to the floor.

"Get in," she ordered.

For a second, he resisted. Silly witch—she forgot he was the one who gave orders.

But when he looked at her, at the cold wrath carved into her face, he obeyed.

No hesitation.

He stepped into the shower.

Annie trailed him. She twisted open the shower knob, letting the cold water fall on their bodies.

She stood there, her thin brown cotton dress soaked through, clinging to every curve, her nipples hard pebbles beneath the fabric.

The hot water sluiced over his back, but he didn't feel it. All he felt were her eyes on him. Fucking witch. Standing there in her soaked dress, looking like she was judging him from on high. Her face was cold, but he knew what burned her deep inside.

"Turn around," she said.

As Smoke turned, Annie took the soap — one she made herself, smelling like tobacco leaf and honey — and started from the top. Slowly her hands washed the grime out his shoulders, dragging down the hard ridges of his back. She scrubbed like she was trying to erase the man he'd been hours ago. The man with cursed blood on his hands. The man who set foot where he shouldn't have.

She got to his waist, her fingers brushing the top of his ass. "Ain't no scrubbin' can clean what you done," she whispered. "But I'm gon' wash you anyway."

"Ain't no sage can chase the karma you gon' get from hexing that man" He replied, defiant.

Smoke breath hitched when she slid her hand round front, lower, below his abdomen. She gripped his cock, purposely, jerking him under the stream, letting her slick fingers play with his tip, hand gliding easy over the thick length of his dick.

"Mmmh— you so damn hard," she muttered, "I'm just washin' Smoke, why you ready ?"

All she could do was talk. Hoping he never turned around and witness the mess she was. Her swollen and hard nipples were pulsing under the dress, her big brown soppy breasts squeezing against each other, pulling heat up her throat.

His balls were heavy and full. She caressed them with care, sliding her softly soaped fingers between them.

He grunted, hips twitchin'. "Fuck. You ain't shit Annie"

He turned, facing her. Annie vagabond hand now released from his crotch, get on his chest. Her palm resting near his heart.

"You feel that? This drum beating hard and loud" she whispered, her voice venomous. "That's mine."

Oh, he felt it. He felt the seven years crying out for his own cowardice, the damn seven years of jerking off to the memory of her taste, her smell.

He felt the rage, knowing his own brother had been inside her.

He felt the white-hot fury of another man—a piece of shit like Anders—daring to kiss her, shove his —now chopped— dick inside her cunt. Yes, Smoke felt all of that in the frantic rhythm of his heart.

He had to remind her, to reclaim her body.

Smoke's hands snapped around Annie's waist, his thumbs digging in hard enough to bruise.

"You crossed that fuckin' line, Annie," he snarled, the words tasting like ash in his mouth.

A faint smirk touched her lips, a look of pure defiance. "We already live on line, Elijah."

Then she shoved him. All her wiry strength, slamming him back against the rough wood of the shower wall. The shock of it, the sheer audacity, blew a fuse in his brain.

In a heartbeat, he had her.

He wasn't gentle. He grabbed her by the front of her wet dress and slammed her against the opposite wall, her head cracking against the wood. Her eyes widened, but she didn't scream. Fuck yes. He wanted her to fight, resist.

He tore the flimsy cotton down, shredding it off her body until her huge, hard tits were bare, bouncing softly.

He crushed his mouth against hers, a brutal kiss that was all teeth and tongue. He owned this mouth. Anders hadn't touched it, not like this. Stack hadn't touched those bruised lips. They were his.

He bit her, tasting the blood, and the metallic tang sent a jolt straight to his groin.

His steady hand went down, grabbing a fistful of her fat pussy and coiled pubic hair all at once. He rubbed her phat clit, grazing over her moistened inner lips. Her cunt dripping honey.

He thrusted two fingers in her vagina, making her coonie talk in squelching blurb.

"Fuck—Annie you so wet"

He pulled his fingers out of her with a wet smack that made her gasp.

"Turn 'round," he commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument. "Put your hands on the wall."

For a second, she just stared at him, her brown eyes blazing with a fury that matched his own. They weren't mad at each other, probably the pressure of the whole day and its mess. A lesser man would've flinched to her gaze. Smoke just stared back, waiting.

Mumbling under her breath, she did it. She turned and braced herself against the rough wooden planks.

Smoke spread her phat cheeks apart, water sliding down the crack of her ass. Her pussy lips were swollen, sticky with juice, and still glistening from the work his fingers did.

He slapped one cheek hard, the sound echoing off the bathroom.

Smoke lined up behind her, one hand spread over her wide lower back, pinning her down while the other guided his cockhead right to her bootyhole.

No only her pussy drip but her anus became slicker, oiled by her own fluid.

"Fuck babe—ya shit so tight"

His penis base slip in her sopping small hole, with one stroke. But he didn't shove it all the way, not yet.

He let the thick base of his cock stretch her, holding himself there, feeling the tight ring of her asshole clenching around him in a desperate, involuntary rhythm. He could feel the heat radiating from her, the way her whole body was humming like a struck bell.

He leaned in close, his mouth at her ear. With a taunting voice he murmured "Feels good, ain't it bunny? All tight and hot around my dick. Just how you like it."

"Go to hell," she gasped, her voice strained. Her ass twitched, pushing back against him, a traitorous little movement her body made without her permission.

A cruel grin spread across Smoke's face. He started to pull out, the head of his cock dragging along the sensitive flesh. "Oh? You want me to stop? Aight, I can stop."

Panic flared in her eyes. She twisted her neck to glare at him over her shoulder. "Don't you fuckin' dare, Smoke."

"Then say it," he whispered, pushing back in just an inch, a torturous taste of what she was missing. "Tell me whatcha want me to do to that tight little hole of yours."

"You wish," she spat, but her voice was breaking, her pride dissolving in a wave of pure, desperate need. He could feel her trembling under his hands. He pushed in another inch, then pulled back again.

That's what did it.

"Please," she whimpered, the word ripped from her throat. Her facade finally shattered. "Elijah, please."

She called him by his real name, hope to touch his heart.

"Please what?" he growled, needing to hear it, needing to own her surrender to their shared sickness.

Her voice was a raw, ragged sob. "Please, fuck me. Fuck my ass, Elijah."

The words were a lit match to a barrel of gasoline.

With a possessive roar, he grabbed her hips, digging his fingers in, and rammed his cock deep inside her. All the way to the hilt.

A guttural moan tore out of her. Her bigs tits bounced harder, nipples spilling milk down the shower floors.

He started to pound into her forcefully. She met every single thrust, her ass pushing back, her body taking all of his big fat dick, demanding more.

"Yeah, like that," he grunted, slapping her rounded ass "Take my whole goddamn cock, Annie!"

"Deeper!" she screamed back, her voice shredded. "Mmm—Fuck Elijah ! Don't stop, beat my anus baby, drill that hole—"

He grabbed her by the waist and lifted her slightly, changing the angle, driving his dick into her guts at a new, impossible depth.

She howled, an animalistic sound of a pleasure so intense it bordered on pain. He felt her climax building, her insides clenching and fluttering around him. The feeling of her so close, of her body coming apart around his dick, pushed him over the edge : he creamed her ass inside and out.

Annie's legs gave out and she slumped against the wall.

Smoke stood behind her, his veiny thick dick covered of sperm, still hard, still pulsing.

"we ain't done yet" Annie said, lowering her gaze on his aching cock. She headed her hand and shut the water off. "The mattress"

She spoke before stepping out the bathroom.

He followed. Like a man under a spell.

She climbed onto the mattress, back arched low and wide, ass round and high. Now on all four, Annie looked back at him, her dark skin glistening, her pussy lips swollen and leaking like fruit split open in the sun.

"Bet you ain't got no damn good meal for seven years long"

He dropped to his knees behind her. Spread her peaches wide with both hands, watched that juicy creamy drip trail slow down the inside of her thighs.

He buried his face between them. Licked her like he was thirsty,starving. His tongue dragged over her clit, then down to her hole, then lower, tongue-fucking her milky ass like it was his last supper.

Annie moaned, loud and filthy. "Goddamn, boy... tryna baptize yourself or what?"

He didn't answer. Just groaned and licked deeper, tongue stiff, nose pressed to her pussy, the scent of her making his eyes roll back.

Smoke felt her pussy juice sticking out on his nose, lips, damn near his eyes. Climaxing one time wasn't enough. He wanted to penetrate her. Burying himself in her womb.

He climbed over her, lined his cock up with that soaking pussy, and pushed in all the way, slow, mean. Annie gasped, back arching, tits pressed into the mattress, the whole bed squealing under the weight of them both.

He beat that pussy like it owed him money. His balls clapped against her bubble ass. Annie took it. All of it. Back arched, mouth open, eyes rolled up. She met every thrust with her own, clapping her ass, like she was built for it.

"Say it," she hissed, lookin' back at him. "Tell me you ain't never lettin' go."

"I ain't," he growled. "You mine, Annie."

"You late," she moaned. "But you here now."

She came first, crying out, her whole body convulsing, wetness spilling down to the sheets.

He followed seconds after, cock throbbing as he spilled deep inside her, panting against her back, holding her tight like she might vanish if he let go.

They collapsed together, breathless. The mattress soaked, the room steaming.

The room was quiet now, save for the distant song of crickets and the whisper of the river not too far off. Moonlight dripped in through the crooked slats of the wooden walls, catching the sweat still shining on their skin.

Annie lay on her side, thick thighs slick with their mess, chest still heaving from the fucking they'd done. Her braids sweated. Smoke was behind her, spooning. One hand heavy on her hip.

He stayed inside her, softening slow, but he didn't move. Didn't breathe too deep. Just let his body speak what he couldn't say.

Annie stared into void.Real quiet. She was trying not to feel too much. She could still feel the echo of him inside her, every stroke sitting in her ribs like memory.

"I ain't never meant to need nobody," she said finally. "Least of all you."

Smoke said nothing. Just breathed steady behind her, eyes closed, out of guilt. He was the one abandoning her.

She swallowed hard. "When you left, Elijah... somethin' inside me cracked open."

She wiped at her face but tears kept sliding sideways down to the mattress.

"I ain't wanna cry no more," she whispered. "Ain't wanna feel nothin'. So I stopped. I stopped bein' soft."

He still didn't speak. But his arm slid around her waist, asking for permission.

Annie trembled.

"You know what it done to a woman, to be left like that?" she asked, voice breaking. "With a belly full of grief? With a baby and no name to give her but mine?"

Smoke pressed his lips to her shoulder. It was the only answer he had.

"I missed you," she said, breath shallow. "Hated that I did, but I did. Every damn day. Missed how you talked to me like I ain't scared of nothin'. Missed how you laid your head on my thighs like church pew."

He let out a low breath, like he was finally bleeding. There wasn't a day he didn't think about her. But what the use of telling her right now ? She would never believe his words.

"I ain't wanna feel this again. That hope. That softness. I don't want it," she mumbled. "Don't wanna love you and end up empty again."

"Annie," he whispered, lips dragging slow against her skin. "I ain't gon' leave this time."

She shook her head, crying. "Don't promise me that, Elijah. Don't lie in my bed and make me believe somethin' sweet."

He pulled her closer, chest flush to her back, his hand slid up to cover hers, fingers intertwining.

"I done already lied too many times, Bunny. I ain't got a place to go beside your arms."

She turned to face him. Her face swollen, tears soaking the pillow. "I can't be caring no more. I'm no longer the woman you knew"

"Well, I would just have to love the new version of yourself, even more"

And with that, Annie sobbed into his chest. The kind of tears she'd been holding back for seven long, bitter years.

Smoke wrapped her up. Didn't try to fix it. Didn't say shit else.

He just held her, heart beating heavy, whispering "I'm here" like a spell over and over until she believed it.

The sun crept through the wooden blinds, casting honey light across the bed. The sheets was tangled, damp with sweat. Annie lay nestled against Smoke, her bare back to his chest, their legs braided like roots under the quilt.

He still held her like she might vanish if he loosened his grip. Face buried in the crook of her neck. His breath slow, content. Ain’t nothing rushed in that bed. For the first time in years, Annie felt… calm.

Until a knock broke the hush.

Three soft raps. Hesitant. Then the squeaky creak of the screen door pushing open.

“Miss Annie…?” came a familiar voice, low and unsure. “Miss Annie, you home?”

Annie blinked. Took a breath. “That… that Anaya?” she murmured, sitting up, the sheet clutching her chest. “It’s still early. Why she comin’ here?”

Smoke stirred behind her, grunting sleep-heavy.

She stood, grabbed her night robe off the bedpost, wrapped it around her full frame, and padded barefoot to the front door.

Anaya stood there on the porch, shift crooked on her body, face all anxious and wrung out.

“Baby, what is it?” Annie asked, brows pinching

“I… I ain’t know where else to go, Miss Annie.” Anaya’s voice cracked. “I went to open up the restaurant like always, but there was these two big men out front. Said I couldn’t go in.”

Annie frowned. “Why? We ain’t got no damn violations. Health inspector ain’t been by.”

Anaya’s eyes darted toward the trees. “They said… said the whole buildin’ done been bought out.”

“Bought?” Annie’s voice sharpened. “By who?”

Anaya swallowed, twisting the hem of her apron. “They said… the Moore Twins.”

Annie’s body went still. Her breath hitched. Time stop.

Behind her, bare feet creaked on the floorboards. Smoke had come out the bedroom, drawstring pants loose on his hips, his chest bare, eyes already full of dread.

“Shit,” he muttered low under his beard.

Annie turned slow. Her face was blank at first, then her eyes met his.

Her eyes filled up fast, of tears. That wet shimmer of disbelief. Betrayal. Hurt so sharp it cut the air clean.

“Elijah…” she whispered. One word. But it held every piece of her breaking heart.

Tag List :

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[yoomiwrites]

Silly idiot

Summary: (gn) Reader tends to forget everything – like eating, for example. Lucky for them, they have Marco. Well, and Izo.

Note: Another one of my favorite characters. I just want to hug him and never let go.

✦═════✦═════✦

The sun was brutal, but the sea breeze almost made you forget it. Almost.

You were perched near the ship’s railing, arms lazily draped over the wood, watching the waves roll by. Time tended to slip away like that when you were out at sea — one job leading into another, one task turning into five.

And like always, in your focus, you’d forgotten the basics: breakfast skipped, water untouched, skin bare and soaking up more sun than any human ought to.

"Yoi."

The soft voice came from beside you, and you barely turned before something nudged against your arm — a bottle of water. Marco, as casual as ever, leaning on the rail beside you, eyes half-lidded and distant like the conversation wasn’t even happening.

"You’re gonna dry out before we hit the next island," he mumbled, the faintest curve at the corner of his mouth.

You blinked, a little dazed, but your hand moved automatically, taking the bottle. "Oh. Right. Thanks."

It wasn’t the first time, either.

You’d started noticing it, barely — how sunscreen would randomly appear near your hammock when the sun was merciless, or a plate would quietly end up beside you during lunch rush, even though you’d never asked.

But you never really thought much of it. Just friendly crewmates, looking out for each other. That’s what the Whitebeard Pirates did, right?

It wasn’t until later that day, when you sat in the shade below deck, rubbing aloe onto the burn you should have prevented, that Izo sauntered over. His steps light, his grin sharp as ever.

"You know," he started, folding his arms, "if Marco babies you any harder, people are going to start asking when the wedding is."

You paused mid-rub, blinking at him. "What?"

Izo’s grin grew, clearly enjoying himself. "You think people haven’t noticed? The water, the food, the sunscreen. The ‘oh look, another hat for the sun mysteriously appeared’ routine." He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "He’s been hovering over you for weeks, dummy."

Your stomach did a strange little flip, the memory of each ‘coincidence’ clicking into place all at once. The water bottle. The hat. The quiet, unspoken way he always showed up right when you needed something, before you even realized you did.

Izo leaned back, satisfied with your stunned silence. "It’s cute, really," he added, tapping your shoulder with a single, perfectly manicured finger. "Very Marco."

Later, you found yourself back on deck, eyes scanning the ship almost on instinct.

And sure enough, there he was. Leaning against the mast, casual as ever, the late afternoon sun painting gold across his hair, one eye cracked open, like he’d known you’d show up.

No words passed between you at first. Just a long, quiet glance and then, in his usual, quiet way, he lifted his hand and held out a bottle of water.

Your fingers brushed his when you took it this time, lingering a little longer than usual.

"...Thanks," you murmured, a little softer. A little more aware.

His lips tilted up, easy and relaxed but there was something knowing behind his eyes.

"Anytime, yoi."

The next morning...

The sun had barely crept over the horizon, the deck still kissed with that soft, sleepy kind of light. Most of the crew were still knocked out from last night’s drinks or patrols — all except the early risers. And one particular phoenix.

You spotted him leaning against the railing, coffee mug in hand, eyes fixed on the pale sea stretching ahead.

And for once, you weren’t the one running on empty.

You’d been up earlier. On purpose.

Awkwardly filling a small tray in the galley with things you’d usually forget for yourself — water, fruit, some food you vaguely remembered him picking at when he actually ate, and the smallest bottle of aloe (because even a man who burst into flames probably needed something for sun-exposed skin, right?).

You felt like an idiot holding the tray, hovering near him, standing there a good ten seconds before you even managed to speak.

"...Hey."

He turned his head slightly, one brow raising in slow curiosity. "Yoi?"

You cleared your throat, trying not to sound as awkward as you felt.

"You’re always looking out for me," you mumbled, offering the tray out with both hands, eyes darting everywhere but his face. "So... I thought maybe I should return the favor for once. Or at least try."

For a moment, all you heard was the creak of the ship and the soft wash of the waves against the hull. Then you dared a glance up.

His expression wasn’t teasing, or even smug. Just something warm and slow and — unmistakably — fond.

He set his coffee down on the railing, and with a little tilt of his head, took the tray from your hands, fingers brushing against yours with deliberate slowness.

"You noticed, huh?" he murmured, voice low, the hint of a smile curling at the edge of his lips.

"Thanks to Izo," you muttered, cheeks heating, but there was no sharpness behind it — only a quiet flutter, sitting heavy and real in your chest now.

Marco set the tray aside on the railing, but didn’t step away. His hand lifted instead, fingers brushing the line of your hair back — the same easy gesture he always did when your face had gotten a little too much sun. But this time, the touch lingered, his thumb lightly skimming your cheek before pulling away.

"You didn’t have to do all this," he said, voice soft. "But I’m glad you did."

You swallowed, voice barely a whisper. "You didn’t have to look after me either."

"Didn’t feel like I had a choice," he replied, gaze flicking lazily to the sea and then back to you. "Some people just make it too easy to care, yoi."

And just like that, the silence wrapped around you both — the comfortable kind, not the awkward one you’d expected. The kind that settled between two people who finally understood where they stood, without needing to spell it out.

A little later, Izo was lounging nearby, perfectly shaded, manicure pristine, and smirk sharp as ever. You barely had to step onto the deck before his voice called out, sweet and sing-songy:

"Well, if it isn’t Marco’s favorite little project."

You nearly tripped over your own feet.

"I’m not—"

But before you could string together the world’s weakest defense, a familiar shadow stepped into view behind you. Marco. Lazy posture, slow smile, that usual feather-light presence that somehow still managed to make your heart trip over itself faster than your feet ever could.

"Project, huh?" Marco echoed, eyeing Izo casually as he crossed his arms. "That what you’re calling it?"

Izo’s grin only sharpened. "What else am I supposed to call it, dear? You practically wrapped them in bubble wrap the past few weeks. And don’t think I didn’t see that little tray this morning. Adorable, really."

You flushed, throat locking up, unsure whether to defend yourself or pretend you were busy counting seagulls.

But Marco didn’t miss a beat. Didn’t even blink.

"Yeah," he said, voice as smooth and relaxed as if he were talking about the weather. "They’re important to me. I care about them."

Izo blinked. Once. Twice. You could actually see the way the words settled, cutting straight through his playful little jabs and landing somewhere unexpected.

"...Oh," Izo muttered, his perfectly crafted teasing expression faltering just enough for you to catch the rarest sight of all: Izo, genuinely caught off-guard.

Marco tilted his head slightly, eyes cutting toward you now — open, calm, clear.

"I’ve never been shy about what I want," he added, voice low, a hint of affection pulling at the corners of his mouth. "And I want them."

Your mouth went dry, your heart somewhere around your throat.

Izo, now fiddling idly with his earring to cover his own sudden fluster, waved a hand. "Well. I... wasn’t expecting that much honesty before dinner."

Marco only chuckled, easy and warm, before glancing back toward you. His gaze softened, fingers brushing lightly against your arm — steady and sure.

"Now you know, yoi."

And as much as Izo was still trying to recover his usual sharp tongue, the moment had already shifted. It wasn’t a secret. It wasn’t hidden in gestures or teasing anymore.

It was real. Clear. And all yours.

After dinner, the sky was painted dark, scattered with stars, the kind of peaceful night that made the world feel smaller and closer. The sea rocked the ship in a soft, lazy rhythm as you sat at your usual spot by the railing, your mind still looping the words Marco had so effortlessly dropped earlier.

"I want them."

Simple. Blunt. No hesitation. You’d been chewing on it all day, and now the silence was deafening.

You heard his footsteps before you saw him, the slow and steady kind that didn’t rush, didn’t need to. Marco always moved like the world would wait for him.

"Yoi, there you are," he said softly, easing down beside you like it was the most natural thing in the world.

You fiddled with your fingers, heart thudding somewhere between your chest and your throat. He waited — patient as ever — until you finally managed to glance his way.

"So..." you started, barely a whisper, "About what you said earlier..."

One brow arched slightly, a flicker of amusement in his gold-blue eyes. "You mean the part where I told Izo I care about you, or the part where I made it pretty clear you're mine if you want to be?"

Your face burned. He was giving you no room to hide. But your throat didn't lock up this time — not fully.

"I wanted to tell you... I feel the same." Your voice was small but steady, hands awkwardly gripping the railing, trying to anchor yourself against the flutter storm in your chest. "I’m just... not very good at saying it."

A low hum rumbled from him, the kind that felt like velvet and heat all at once.

"You just did, yoi," he said softly. His hand reached over, fingers curling gently under your chin, lifting your face until your eyes met his.

"That’s more than enough."

And then his lips brushed yours, soft at first, slow and warm — not rushed, not demanding — just the kind of kiss that let you feel every quiet thing you hadn’t been able to say out loud.

When he finally pulled back, you stayed close, nose barely a breath from his. You could still feel his hand lingering at your jaw, thumb grazing your cheek.

But before you could fully melt, his voice dropped — lower, smoother, that smug edge returning like it had never left.

"Yoi... You do realize," he murmured, lips ghosting along the shell of your ear, "if you wanted a little more warmth, you only had to ask."

You blinked, heart stuttering at the clear teasing laced in his voice.

"I happen to have endless supply, you know. Phoenix perks."

You swatted at his chest, half laughing, half flustered, and Marco let out a quiet chuckle, leaning back just enough to flash you that cocky, easygoing grin.

"See? Much better when you don’t overthink it."