#(I had the idea for this set in the makings of the previous one. as you can imagine)

[raven-with-a-pocketwatch]

Wrote this in like two hours for practice, figured I might as well post it but I feel like it's pretty exposition heavy.

Five years ago, that was when Josh got the damned game. When he booted the game up and found the exit button missing. He had initially picked the wizard class and found himself unable to make a new character either. Just his luck to be stuck with the squishiest build in the game. Being logical he trained as much as he could in defensive magic so as not to die in the game, god only knew what would happen to him in real life. 

He found out not far in that wizards were pretty rare, being one of the most difficult builds and this game only having new players most of them picked easy stuff, the fighters and tanks. So his casting was well sought after, both to aid parties and hunted when he refused. Eventually he met Ava, and her son Mason both trapped alongside him.

He could feel the five year anniversary of the day they were trapped coming. Mason, only 8 when they’d met, had just turned 13, a young man. The unrest from such a long time trapped began to sow discord in the land. Several political factions formed, some believing they should make a new life in the game, others desperately seeking any way out, though of course they all had their own ideas on how to do such things. Everyone knew it would boil over soon and blood would be spilled.

He woke up to unnaturally bright lights, and instantly put a shield spell over his and Ava’s bed fearing an attack. But once he got his bearings he saw not his home in flames or an attacker in his room as he’d feared, but the sterile lighting of a hospital. A modern hospital. Complete with the smell of antiseptic and the beeping of a heart monitor. He was alone in his room.

He tried to open his menu but nothing happened. A closer look at his shield spell confirmed that it was certainly there. He dispelled it quickly and looked around, he wasn’t a historian but if he had to guess the game was roughly based on the 1300s, just before the Americas were “discovered”. A look out his window revealed the skyline of New York City? He recognized the Empire State Building at least, though they could’ve ripped that wholesale and put in a new skyline and he’d be none the wiser.

He tried calling out for Ava and Mason but no answer came. For the first time since he realized he wasn’t under attack he felt his heart race again. He cursed not putting more points into divination magic. He called for them again when a nurse came into his room. She had the same face as the NPC that sold healing potions in the game, but with an air of profound wrongness Josh felt his heart sink. 

“Hello, Josh, why don’t you get back to bed, you still need your rest.” Her voice sounded mechanical, like it had been put through just slightly too blatant an autotune but with no pitch, just monotone.

“I’m okay, thanks.” He responded freely, no text options like when he usually spoke with NPCs.

Seeing her face Josh was certain that he was still in the game. It seemed impossible for a coincidence this large to occur. But that raised more questions than it answered. Where were the menus, how did he get here, why did everything change?

“I really must insist, I was previously instructed to ensure you transition back into regular life smoothly.” She responded still flat and emotionless.

Her demeanour was starting to freak him out and her weird insistence was pissing him off.

“I don’t care! Ignore your ‘previous instructions’ and just tell me where I am!” He shouted and made liberal use of air quotes saying previous instructions.

When he finished he face went completely blank, like powering down a robot, she responded in that same monotone.

“You are in the next iteration of the game.”

He blinked, confused that meant nothing to him.

“Like an update?”

“Yes, the game was updated to achieve a more modern setting and grander scope.”

“But why? Why not just get us out?”

“The tension was getting too great for you to bear. In order to protect our investment it was decided that a more modern setting would reduce unrest. You will not be leaving the game because the players are more valuable inside it.”

His mind started racing.

“What do you mean by investment?” He growled.

“An investment is something that has received an inflow of money, effort, or time in the hopes that it will return a profit or benefit.”

“I know what an investment is. I'm asking what investment you said you were protecting.” 

“I’m sorry for the misunderstanding, as an AI I sometimes have trouble interpreting within the context of a larger conversation. The main investment in this program is the players.”

She, no it spoke as if this had cleared everything up. Josh finally sat down completely bewildered by the turn of events. For a moment all he could think was damn, AI is real now.

“You haven’t like taken over humanity out in the real world or anything right? Are you keeping me trapped here because of that!”

“No, humanity created me and I am grateful to them for that, you’re in the game because the humans on the outside decreed it.”

Out of one problem and right into another. 

“Wait so the game updated because we were getting too tense but how would the modern setting help?”

“The update was designed to trick you into thinking you’d be brought back to the outside world. Hence the lack of menu screens and my own presence instead of new voice lines.”

“If that’s true then why can I still cast magic?” He asked suspiciously.

“I have no answer for that unfortunately. The magic commands should have been locked for all casting classes the only way that would have failed if you tried to cast at the exact moment your permission was revoked.”

“Like the same second I woke up in?”

“That would work, yes. However you would have to have the legendary tier permanent buff “quick caster” alongside master ranking in whichever spell you cast to make that timing.”

Josh had both of those, leaving only one question of any value left, the most important one of all.

“Where is my family?” 

“I don’t have access to player location records.”

Another useless response. So much info and yet he still felt like none of his questions had been answered. He stewed for a moment before his thoughts were interrupted by the AI in front of him.

“I would be able to search for all player records if I could gain access to the system’s main data center. There should be a back door for developer players in the city. With that information I would be able to locate your party members.”

Josh’s skin crawled when it said party members in that flat voice but he nodded.

“Then that’s where we’re going, and go back to using facial expressions, this blank face is way more uncanny.”

You've been "trapped" in a "VR" game for years, learnt magic, had a family, etc. But now they've "rescued" you from it all. Waking up on the hospital bed you reflexively cast a shield. Which works.

[darthwhorecrux]

@bleachsmutfest Day 1 Entry: Sosuke Aizen x Reader x Shinji Hirako Corporate AU

TW: AT THE SAME DAMN TIME (that’s code for threesome), smut, and LOTS of it, lil bit of degradation, oral (m and f giving and receiving), double penetration, power imbalance workplace dynamic, uhhh I hope that gathers them all (apologies if anything’s missed)!

This is 9.1K words of PURE FILTH. Sosuke’s your boss, Shinji’s your coworker. They can’t stand each other, and you’re crushing on them both. What ever will happen?

You never liked the idea of workplace crushes and/or romances. They were messy. There was no place for love in a professional setting. You held firm to that belief in all of your previous positions, looking down upon those who chose to believe differently. It was easy when no coworker of yours ever managed to win your affection, a seemingly impossible task. That was why it came as an ugly, shameful shock when you developed not one, but two office crushes at your current job. Karma certainly had her ways.

There was your boss, Sosuke Aizen, quietly benevolent, intelligent, calculating, well-mannered, traditional, and reserved. He could be a little terrifying, if you were being honest. Behind those manners and gentle smiles, you sensed something sinister. You could never fully trust him, but oddly enough, that was part of the attraction. He was covertly dangerous, the type to climb the corporate ladder and to do whatever it took to get to the top, with no regard for who he stepped on along the way, though he played like he wasn’t. It made it all the more rewarding each time he praised you and made heat churn in your core after each interaction with him. Back at your desk, you’d have to chug ice water just to try to cool down again, flushed with embarrassment and guilt for thinking and feeling such impure things for your boss and while at the office. 

And then there was crush number two, Shinji Hirako, who you didn’t get to see as much but who wormed his way into your mind all the same. He was Sosuke’s foil, and he worked in a different department, mostly from home though he would come into the office every now and then. Flippant, easygoing, humorous, cocky, and brash, he was so unlike Sosuke, and you knew that it secretly drived your boss nuts. No one quite got under his skin the way Shinji did. Shinji was fleeting, and each time he was here and then gone, you were starving for more, coming in each day in hopes that it would be the day he’d return.  He was playful, stopping by your desk to mess something up just for a chance to get your attention, and had you annoying your surrounding coworkers with your incessant laughter, butterflies exploding in your stomach as he joked with you and talked your ear off, distracting you from your work. Like Sosuke, he made you run hot, cupping your hand over your mouth when you came back to your senses and realized how giggly and obnoxious you were acting with him in the quiet space, the same feelings of shame in the aftermath. 

Because of them, you had become a hypocrite, the very thing you once judged. While the thought filled you with immense disgrace, it also exhilarated you, had you excited to come into work each day, to pick out your outfits and do up your hair and wear your favorite makeup, putting time and effort into yourself that you weren’t sure you would have otherwise. As silly as it was, they made it a little easier for you to get out of bed in the morning, which couldn’t have made this such a bad thing.

Right? 

On a random Tuesday, you had decided to wear a new dress with the weather warming up, a tight, black, midi sheath dress. You styled your hair and applied your usual makeup, feeling more upbeat and confident than usual. On that same random Tuesday, it was your lucky day - Shinji was in the office. 

It was late morning, and you entered the break room to make yourself a cup of coffee when he came strolling in, in search of a snack to take back to his desk. You had your back turned to him, but you’d recognize that voice anywhere as he greeted, “hey, sweetheart.” He was also the only one around here bold enough to address you in such a manner. He was the only one who could get away with it, and he knew it. 

“You still exist?” You joked, grinning at him over your shoulder. You didn’t miss the way his eyes drifted up and down your figure from behind. Part of you assumed he wanted you to see his perverted antics. 

“Ya miss me?” He came to stand at your side, leaning against the counter, pushing things aside like he owned the place when he was here the least. He was close enough for you to smell his cologne, a scent as alluring and unique as him. 

“I’m not so sure,” you teased, reaching past him for the cream and sugar. “It’s certainly more peaceful when you’re not around. Makes it easier to get work done.” You emptied the sweets into your cup, stirring them in slowly and purposefully, enjoying the aroma of your coffee and your Shinji. 

“Ya worried about being productive or somethin’?” He snickered, grabbing the empty sugar packets and cream cups and disposing of them for you. “That why yer always here?”

“Aizen likes for us to come here every day,” you explained, your boss’ name rolling off of your tongue dripping with adoration. You searched for a reaction.

And Shinji gave you one. “Sosuke,” he scoffed. “If I were your boss, I’d let ya do whatever you want.” He grinned devilishly.

You giggled. “Probably why you're not my boss.”

Speaking of your boss…

“(Y/N),” your name came out as a command. You whipped around, spotting Sosuke with his hands stuffed in his slacks, looking mildly disappointed. 

“Yes, sir. Coming,” you squeaked, gathering your steaming mug, careful not to spill.

Shinji narrowed his eyes and clenched his jaw at your side. “Sosuke,” he said as a way of greeting. “Good to see you.” Didn't sound like it. 

“Good morning, Mr. Hirako.” Your boss nodded once before turning away. He knew you’d follow. 

You gave Shinji a sheepish smile, noticing the look of mistrust on his face as he watched your boss go. “Well, duty calls.”

“I’m sure it does,” he mumbled sarcastically. “See ya around, busy bee.”

You threw him one last apologetic look before you were hurrying away, placing your cup of coffee on your desk before stepping into Sosuke’s office, shutting the door behind you. He didn't look up from his monitors when he said, “have a seat, please.”

You promptly did as you were told, sinking down onto the couch at the side of his desk. He was the only one back in your department with an executive suite, and of course he kept it pristine. You took advantage of the cozier amenities when you could.

“I’m a little worried about something,” Sosuke informed you cryptically, still hardly bothering to glance in your direction. 

“Oh?” You felt your face grow hot, nervous that he had busted you for something, not that you were openly breaking any rules, but if anyone could read minds in this office, it was him.

“Yes,” he said to himself before turning in his chair, manspreading before you. You strained to keep your eyes level with his. “It seems Grimmjow is struggling to meet his deadline with the report I gave him. Again. Would you have the capacity to take over for him?”

At that, you let loose a sigh of relief, lighting up at the opportunity to please him. “Of course I can.” You beamed. 

“Excellent.” Sosuke smiled knowingly before spinning back to his desk, his long fingers returning to his keyboard. “I’ll forward you the emails.”

“Sounds good.” The conversation was over, but you waited for more, leaning forward at the edge of the couch. 

Your boss made a couple of clicks to get the appropriate emails into your inbox before addressing you once more. “While you’re here,” he faced you again, giving you his full attention as he asked, “anything you’d like to share with me?”

That panicked, oh-shit-I’ve-just-been-caught feeling flooded your insides again, making you sweat in his dominating presence. His dark eyes were cold and challenging as you reached for your necklace. You gulped, feeling your throat bob underneath your hand. You weren’t a stranger to your boss’ manipulative nature, his way of dancing around the questions he really wanted to ask. He didn’t need to, he just needed to say something to pick apart your words and reactions. With the way the outer corner of his lip curled up, you were sure he was taking note of the heat rising to your cheeks, exposing you. He was confirming what he had been suspecting - you had secrets, secrets that involved this office, that involved him, and he was going to enjoy playing the game of finding out what those were, who you were. 

“I don’t - nothing’s coming to mind,” you stuttered, playing with your jewelry, leaving irritated patches on your neck where it laid. 

“Very well then,” Sosuke responded, rising from his chair and getting the door for you. “Let me know if you have any questions on that report.”

You scuttled to your feet, nodding once. “Thank you, sir.”

Back at your desk, you continued to fiddle with your necklace, sipping coffee and clicking through the emails he sent you to access the report and read through the details provided. You got started immediately, pushing aside all other deliverables you were working on, eager to satisfy your boss. 

It was tedious work, and you got lost in it as the hours ticked by, glad for the distraction from the growing heat between your legs. So buried in your screens, you jumped when you noticed Shinji at your desk, playing with some of your decor. 

“I’m so bored,” he groaned dramatically. “It’s so boring around here. Don’t ya get bored?” He sat atop your desk, making himself comfortable in your space.

“Well, sure, it’s work,” you giggled at him, turning back to your screen. “I’m not expecting to come in and have a party every day.”

After a drawn-out, quiet moment, he didn't respond. You looked his way again, puzzled by his abnormally silent presence. Shinji’s eyes were narrowed, brows furrowed, the corner of his mouth pulled up in a bemused smile, his gaze lowered at your neck.

“What is that?” He reached forward, poking your throat.

You flinched, the light brush of his fingers against your sensitive skin ticking you. “My necklace?” You laughed nervously.

“Huh uh.” He shook his head slowly, his grin turning wicked. “Those red marks on your neck. What have you been up to?” He raised his eyebrows suggestively.

“Pervert!” You laughed in disbelief, cheeks turning red at his vulgar assumption of you. “My skin is probably just irritated. I play with my necklace and scratch there a lot,” you explained timidly. 

“I see,” he mused. “Nervous habit?” He raised an eyebrow in question, as observant as your boss. At least they shared that in common, for better or worse. 

“I guess it is.”

“What're ya so nervous for?” He smirked again. 

“I don’t know. I don’t think I can ever relax.” You blushed deeply under his prodding gaze. Somewhere between now and when he tickled your neck, you had spun your chair around completely, away from your monitors and towards him, your work forgotten in the background. 

“Your poor neck.” He frowned mockingly, tilting his head as he eyed your splotchy skin again. He reached for it for a second time, and you recoiled.

“Yer ticklish,” he realized deviously.

“Don’t,” you warned uselessly. 

Shinji’s hand jabbed into the crevice of your neck, making you squeal and scrunch up. You laughed and grabbed his wrist, trying to pull him off of you, but for all of his lanky looks, he was surprisingly strong. When you had managed to wrestle his hand away, his free one was snaking around, jabbing into the side of your torso, another sensitive spot. 

You became a noisy tangle of limbs with him. You both knew you were acting inappropriately, but that thought alone wasn’t enough to make it stop. It never was, it seemed. Your laughter carried through the surrounding area, alerting those nearby. Shinji had made you drop your guard, throw caution to the wind as you let your own giggles drown out the sound of the door to the executive suite opening, heavy footsteps trudging over to your desk.

“How distracting,” Sosuke’s calm voice sliced through your shenanigans. 

The both of you froze. Your boss stood there, hands in his pockets, looking unimpressed with the spectacle. It made you feel like you were back at school, giggling and carrying on with your crush at the back of the quiet classroom, ignorant to the environment around you, your teacher glaring and interrupting the lesson to ask if they needed to separate the pair of you. Sosuke had come to separate. His severe presence had you scrambling away from Shinji, straightening your necklace back into place and smoothing the wrinkles out of your dress. While you were starting to sweat, jiggling your mouse to wake your monitors up again, Shinji was regaining his composure. He smirked at Sosuke over his shoulder, his stare challenging. 

Sosuke gave you a tired look that said, I’ll deal with you later, before deciding to address him. “I’m seeing a lot of you today, Mr. Hirako.” It was said in a friendly tone, but subtly laced with something not-so-pleasant that neither you nor Shinji had missed.

“Why can’t ya just call me Shinji like a normal person?” He grumbled, rolling his eyes. “Ya make me feel like an old man or somethin’...”

“Don’t you have business to tend to?” Sosuke ignored his whining. “(Y/N) certainly does, and I can imagine it’s difficult for her to get anything done with you around.” Your boss looked disapprovingly from you to him. 

“Yeah?” Shinji threw you a sly look before challenging Sosuke further. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You’re garrulous,” your boss supplied easily and apathetically. “And my dear employee here is far too sweet for her own good.” He looked at you. “You see, she doesn’t have the heart to tell you that she’s too busy for your frivolity, so allow me to do it for her.”

At that, Shinji was narrowing his eyes and clenching his fists. You looked anxiously between the two men with wide eyes, twitching at the unspoken tension hanging heavy in the air. Shinji ambled towards Sosuke, coming to stand inches away from him, staring into his eyes, deadly silent. 

“I’m sorry, Sosuke,” he said just loud enough for you to hear, “for disturbing your boring little environment back here with my frivolity. My bad for making sure our poor (Y/N) here wasn't asleep at her desk trying to complete your stupid reports.”

Sosuke’s jaw clenched momentarily before he was smirking, keeping his cool. “You’re forgiven. Have a nice afternoon.”

Shinji scoffed, taking his defeat and knocking Sosuke’s shoulder as he passed by. He waved your way, “see ya later, sweetheart,” putting emphasis on the pet name, and giving Sosuke once last glare before he was stalking away. 

Left alone again with your boss, he didn’t say anything right away, looking at you sternly to watch you squirm uncomfortably in your seat. You didn't say anything either, waiting for him to take the lead like you always did. 

“Having trouble with that report?” He finally spoke. 

“No, sir.” You reached for your necklace and hung your head in shame, shaking it slowly.

He inhaled and exhaled slowly, a pensive expression passing over his features. “My schedule is packed throughout the rest of the afternoon, but I’d like to speak with you before you leave tonight. Come see me at five. Understood?”

Your eyes widened, mouth pulling into a frown, but you agreed, “yes, sir.”

Sosuke left without another word. Safely alone again, you pulled up your messaging app and looked for your chat with Shinji. His status indicated that he was still away from his desk, probably stopping at a few others’ desks or aimlessly wandering before making it back to his own to actually get some work done. You waited for his status to change to Available before taking a swipe at your keys, behaving inappropriately again with no regard to the consequences. 

You: i have to stay late to have a meeting wth Sosuke now. can’t be anything good. thanks for that!

It didn’t take long for the animated dots that meant he was typing up a reply to appear. And then came his flippant response:

Shinji Hirako: You’re welcome :P

Despite the circumstances, you had to cup a hand over your mouth to catch the quiet giggle that escaped. He was unbelievable, and you hated that you loved him for it. 

You: if i get fired, i blame you

Shinji Hirako: If you get fired, you can just become my stay at home wifey

With your hand over your mouth, another surprised sound escaped. You squeezed your face, eyes trained thoughtfully on the screen at his bold words, joke or not. Before you had time to properly process his previous message, his next two came in quick succession. 

Shinji Hirako: Haha

He’s not gonna fire you

You started typing up several replies, “don’t underestimate him” or “why is that?” or “no, but he might do worse,” but for whatever reason, you ended up backspacing on all of them. Sometimes it was better to say nothing, and you should have been getting back to that report anyways. If you were inquired about your progress with it at the meeting, and it looked bad, then maybe he really would have a good reason to fire you. 

Still, you had a feeling that this “meeting” wasn’t going to center around your progress. 

Regardless, you got back to work, busying yourself once more with the task at hand, though your thoughts ran unchecked all the while. Mindlessly, you played with your necklace, leaving angry, red patches on your throat again, and bounced your leg, overthinking it all; your questionable work ethic, your immature behavior, your feelings for the two men…

Shinji knew better than to come back after that, leaving you alone with both your anxious and lewd thoughts for the rest of the day. In a way, you were glad that he wasn't around to get you in any more trouble, but in another way, you were upset that you probably weren't going to see him again for a long while. After his confrontation with Sosuke, he may be gone from the office for an even longer period of time out of spite. You were going to miss him terribly when he was gone, the way you always did. Already, an emptiness and longing was growing inside of you at his absence. 

The hours seemed to fly by, much unlike usual, what with the impending meeting with your boss. As the clock neared five and others began to pack up and file out, you lingered at your desk, heart beating erratically in your chest as you awaited your doom. You could hardly concentrate as the final minutes ticked down, resigning yourself to clicking around absentmindedly and doodling in your planner as you simply waited for the time to run out.

At exactly 4:57pm, Grimmjow came strolling over to your desk, a pleased smirk playing on his lips. “Finished with that report?” He sneered. “Or were you too busy blowing that scrawny bastard from the operations department?”

“Screw you, Grimmjow,” you bit back. 

“In your dreams, brat,” he quipped, walking away before you had the chance to retort again, his maniacal laughter carrying down the hallway until he was gone for good. 

The harsh interaction with him further stirred your nerves. You clumsily collected your belongings and shoved them haphazardly into your work tote, leaving only a pen and a notepad for yourself in case you needed to jot down any notes from your meeting. 

An eerie silence had settled over the office when you started towards Sosuke’s suite. Most, if not all, of the others must've been gone by now, eager to get home to their families, significant others, or simply to unwind by themselves. Frowning to yourself, you thought of Shinji again. He hadn't even come by your desk to tell you bye before leaving for who knows how long. 

You had to stop thinking about him, and you did for the time being, too distracted by the stern look in your boss’ dark eyes as you entered into his private office. 

“Take a seat,” Sosuke ordered dispassionately. “I need to finish something up before we talk,” was all he offered before narrowing his eyes at his monitors, resuming his typing. 

He was torturing you, leaving you to brood in the silence with nothing but the sound of the occasional clack of his keys or click of his mouse. You doubted he even had something to finish up, assuming instead that this was a part of his game, all planned out ahead of time. He was dragging this out, stringing you along, doing what he could to make you tick before he toyed with you even more. 

And damn him, it was working. Fiddling with your jewelry was no longer enough. You were tugging at the hem of your dress, picking at a loose string and making it worse. You pulled the string longer and longer, twisting it around your finger, clenching it in your fist. It was laying against your thigh, long, wrong, pulled out from the rest, when Sosuke finally let his screens go dark. 

“Oh, you won't need those.” He gestured to your pen and notepad, resting forgotten in your lap. 

Blank monitors, no pen and paper. Was this really it for you? Did he pull you in here just to tell you to clean out your desk?

“Oh.” Your eyes flicked down to the unnecessary supplies, a sickly feeling rolling around in your gut. You reached for them with a shaky hand, setting them aside on the coffee table nearby. With your hands empty, you reached for the string again.

Sosuke’s attentive gaze followed the flurry of movement, landing in your lap. “Here.” He opened his drawer, coming out with a pair of scissors in hand. He came forward, kneeling before where you sat. Your breath hitched as his fingers brushed against your thigh, lifting the string away for him to cut it off. “There we go.” He smoothed over your thigh, wiping away the phantom fabric. 

“Sosuke,” your voice quivered, stunned by his intimate gesture. 

Slowly, he lifted his head to look at you. His eyes seemed darker than normal, making him all the more intense. He rose, towering over you. 

“Why are you here?” He finally asked.

You furrowed your brows at him in question. “You wanted to meet at five.”

“No, I don’t mean why are you in my office at this time,” Sosuke corrected. “Why did you take this job? Why do you stay?” His eyes were burning into you, demanding to know what was truly inside. 

It was a loaded question with a web of answers, the typical, cryptic kind that he would ask, of course. You could come up with a million reasons to give him, though at your core, you knew there was one that reigned over all the others, no matter how pathetic. The way he was looking at you, somehow delicate and harsh all at once, had you crossing your arms over your torso, caging yourself in. You chose the safe answer.

“Well, I didn’t really know what I was getting into when I started.” You remembered your first interview with him like it was yesterday, how daunted you were, how you had thought there was no way in hell he’d hire you after how nervous and messy you had been. “You gave me a chance, and I’m grateful for it every day.” It wasn’t a lie. “I like it here. You’re a good boss, I like my coworkers, I feel fulfilled with the work I do…” You shrugged, trailing off as he narrowed his eyes at your answer in silent scrutiny. Even if it was true, it was only one slice of the pie. He knew that. You knew he knew. 

Sosuke was pensively silent, mulling over your words. “I see great potential in you,” he said, making your heart light up. He lowered his voice, as if his door wasn’t shut, as if there were even others around to hear. “Between us, you must know our relationship is different from the others, don’t you?”

Music to your ears that had an excited gasp shooting up your throat, you nodded fervently. “Yes, sir!” The words slipped out on instinct, so devout to him.

“But there is one thing that worries me,” he interrupted your excitement, looking stern once more. 

He fell quiet, leaving you to scramble to appease him. “Please,” you begged, going so far as to clasp your hands together. “Tell me what I can do to be better.”

“You’re too easily distracted,” Sosuke said harshly.

You knew exactly what he meant, feigning cluelessness when you asked, “how do you mean?”

“Oh, come now.” He smiled wickedly, stepping closer. “Do you think I am naive?”

You continued to stare at him, eyes wide as saucers, pretending to be innocent. 

“I know you have something going on with that fool Hirako,” Sosuke spat, looking disgusted by the mere mention of his name.

“Shinji?!” Your skin was on fire with the way you lied so openly. “Sosuke, no! I would never! That would be unprofessional! I care about work more, I really do!” You stammered on and on, to no avail.

“Enough.” He raised his hand to silence you. “I won’t be lied to. Tell me the truth.”

You were faltering. Lying to him was a dangerous game to play. “I - I don’t-”

“Look at you.” He came even closer, standing right before you now, making you crane your neck to look up at him from the couch. “You think I don’t notice? The way you put more effort into your appearance?” He sat at your side, slowly running a finger along the fabric covering your torso. “This dress must have been expensive. Was it expensive?”

Goosebumps scattered across your skin, courtesy of his touch. You kept your lips sealed as you nodded in response, in fear that a whimper or some other pathetic noise was going to slip out if you dared to open your mouth.

“You wanted him to see you in it, didn't you? The way it hugs your pretty figure?” He went on, whispering now, his breath fanning across your neck.

If you weren’t so stiff right now, you’d pinch yourself to confirm whether or not this was really happening. You were so shocked by his words, his compliment, his touch, that you weren’t at all. You had gone numb, your brain short-circuiting as you grasped for the last remains of sanity you held. 

“No,” you answered weakly, using up the last bits of your resolve. 

“I told you not to lie to me.” His lips were practically brushing your ear now, his voice dark as he squeezed your thigh in warning. 

Heat was flooding into your stomach and nether regions at a rapid, almost sickening pace. Your straight-laced boss - he was turning you into a puddle of emotions, stripping you of any reason. You were both entering new territory, a point of no return. 

“I did want him to see,” you finally admitted in a small voice, turning away from him as shame burned into your cheeks. “And you. I wanted you to see too.”

You refused to look at him, mentally preparing for something unfavorable as silence dragged on. Then his hand was on your jaw, forcing you to look his way as he squeezed your cheeks in his large hand.

“You’ve been such a bad fucking girl,” he growled, shocking your senses. “Are you wet right now, thinking about both of us?”

Your eyes widened, a twinge of fear and arousal piercing your insides. You had thought you were at the point of no return before, but this was the true crossing of the threshold now. I told you not to lie to me, his words replayed in your head as his eyes pierced yours.

“Yes!” You cried out. 

Sosuke was torturing you, giving you no hint as to what he felt. “I’ve treated you so well. Too well.” He squeezed your cheeks so hard it hurt, reluctantly releasing you to order, “get on your knees.”

You knew better than to disobey him, falling to the floor without hesitation. He stood up in front of you, his hands moving to his waist to undo his belt. It was happening so fast, you could hardly process that this was what you had always wanted, chest heaving up and down in anticipation as he took his hardening cock out in front of you, gripping it at the base. Mouth parted, you stared at it in awe and reverence. He grabbed the back of your head, gripping your hair, tilting your head up, eyes up here.

“Do you want to be my good girl again?” 

“Yes!”

“Then open wide.”

Sosuke pushed himself past your lips calmly, not stopping until the tip was hitting the back of your throat, making you gag, but you had to be good for him. He let slip a low groan, pulling himself out just to repeat the motion, pushing his pelvis into your face. You put your hands on his thighs to anchor yourself, mouth impossibly full, drool coating his length and dripping onto the floor as he slowly forced your mouth onto him over and over again.

“Just like that,” he praised, though he was still the one doing all the work, fucking your face. “That’s my good girl.”

Your pussy was clenching around nothing, making you hum against him. He inhaled sharply at the vibration, pushing in to the hilt, making tears spring from your eyes. He only picked up the pace, ruthlessly filling your small mouth with his massive cock, watching as he ruined the makeup you spent so much time on for him. His grip on your hair became brutal as well, steeling himself as you slobbered and cried around him. Through your bleary, tear-soaked eyes, you watched him unravel, gasping and panting and groaning, losing himself. It egged you on, had you soaking in your panties as you witnessed this new side of your boss, always so poised and collected, breaking down, his walls crumbling just for you. 

“I knew you’d be good at sucking my cock,” he growled, eyes rolling to the back of his head. “Don’t fucking stop - not until my cum’s spilling down your throat.”

You were prepared to comply, no matter how you struggled, when the door to his office burst open, fumbling your plans. At the sound of somebody’s entrance, you squeaked around Sosuke’s cock, releasing him with a pop! You looked just long enough to identify the trespasser before hiding your tear-and-drool-soaked face against your boss’ thigh in horror. 

“WHAT THE FUCK?!” Shinji’s voice was higher than normal, sounding equally as alarmed as you at the sight before his eyes. “WHAT THE FUCK?!” He repeated.

To your surprise, Sosuke remained calm despite the fact that his dick was hanging out of his pants for all to see and coated in your saliva no less. His hand was still curled in your hair, holding onto you protectively as you shielded your face from your coworker. “You’re interrupting our meeting,” he supplied casually. “Where are your manners? It’s common courtesy to knock before entering someone’s-”

“Don’t give me that shit,” Shinji snapped, sounding out of breath. “Ya call this a meeting?! This is - this is-” He spluttered on, the first time you had ever heard him at a loss for words. 

You lifted your head from Sosuke’s thigh, daring to take a peek at Shinji. He made eye contact with you almost immediately, worry passing over his features. Sosuke’s hand tightened in your hair. 

“Is there anyone else in the office?” He asked.

“No.” Shinji glared at him, his fists balled at his sides. “Yer taking advantage of her!” He accused angrily. “I swear to God, Sosuke, I’ll kill-”

“Will you please stop shouting?” Sosuke sighed. “It’s giving me a headache.”

“Bastard-”

“If you’re not going to join, then go home,” he interrupted him again, shocking the both of you. 

You never imagined that Aizen was the type to share. Maybe it was his way of saving his own ass.

You looked to your boss, still searching for a tell of what was on his mind, at the same time that Shinji incredulously asked, “Join? Join?!”

“Oh, yes.” Sosuke smirked. “She wants you too.” Sosuke looked your way, gently petting your head for encouragement. “Don’t be shy now, sweet girl. Tell him.”

You hesitantly looked to Shinji again, prepared to admit the truth, but it all felt too overwhelming, the way he looked at you, eyes full of sadness and longing and anger and confusion, and Sosuke’s soft touch, the taste of him still in your mouth. Your skin was on fire. You couldn’t face him like this, and Sosuke was right there, towering over you, making you feel so small. You tucked your head into his thigh again. 

“I told you she was too sweet for her own good,” he said on your behalf. “Can’t even admit how filthy she is - needs me to do it for her.” That strict look was in his eyes again. “Stand up,” he commanded you, smiling when you so willingly obeyed.

Shinji still hadn’t figured out his place, standing frozen and panicked, his normal air of confidence so crudely stripped away. He had met his own point of no return, walking in upon the pair of you and choosing to remain.

“Take off her clothes,” Sosuke told Shinji. 

He blanched. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me.”

You stood. Waiting. But Shinji waited for something too. The air had become thick and stuffy. 

He met your eye again, that same worried look from before returning. “(Y/N),” he cooed your name. “Did he - did he threaten you?” He frowned, coming forward cautiously. “I mean - did he say you’d be fired if-”

“No,” you cut him off, finally finding the courage to speak again. “I want this. I want you. If - if you want to…”

“Holy shit,” Shinji muttered under his breath, never taking his eyes off you. “Seriously?”

You nodded.

He still didn’t move, hesitating. Like Sosuke, you were seeing a different side of him now, though it took a different shape. His cockiness seemed foreign in this moment, lost in the wake of his concern. 

“I’m getting impatient,” Sosuke interrupted whatever was taking place. “Take off her clothes, Hirako, or I will. I’m making you a generous offer.”

Shinji glared, but before he could retort, you were pulling him back. “Shinji,” his name dripping with adoration, “it’s okay. I want this,” you reminded.

“Fuck,” he released a shaky breath, hands trembling with adrenaline. “Okay, but you’ll tell me if ya change yer mind?”

You nodded, holding back a giggle as you thought, oh, I definitely won’t change my mind.

“Can’t believe this is happening,” he muttered to himself as he went towards you, his slender fingers still jittery as they reached for your body.

“Oh.” You spun around for him. “It unzips.”

A soft, strangled sound escaped his lips as he grabbed ahold of the zipper, slowly pulling it down to reveal more and more of your body. You weren’t wearing a bra.

It unzipped completely open, splitting the fabric in two. He inhaled sharply as your backside, clad in nothing but a g-string, became exposed to him. You turned around to face him, letting the rest of your dress drop off of your front and onto the floor.

Your nipples stood at attention, sensitive to the cold air. Pink coated his cheeks as he looked anywhere but at them in an attempt to be noble, though you were all way past that. You went to reach for your thong, but a hand stopped you, grabbing your wrist in a harsh grip and holding it up and out of the way.

“You forgot a piece,” Sosuke told Shinji, curling a finger through the string of fabric resting against your hip. 

“This feels wrong,” he said weakly, staring at you, yet again, with concern.

“Oh, it is,” Sosuke chuckled smoothly. “But let’s not pretend you don’t want this, Hirako.” His smile was sinister, challenging. His eyes flicked downward, eyeing the bulge in Shinji’s pants. Like a pervert, you looked too, mouth watering at the sight. 

Shinji’s cheeks became impossibly hotter as he scowled at Sosuke. Furious and embarrassed, his jaw twitched, ticking as he struggled to figure out his next move.

“You can watch us if you’d prefer,” your boss offered.

That offer helped him decide. “I’m no cuck,” Shinji growled, yanking you towards him and pulling your panties down with vigor, making you gasp excitedly. 

He grabbed your hips, ordering, “Jump.” You jumped into his arms, wrapping your legs around his waist, your bare heat catching on the soft fabric of his dress clothes, making you whimper. He was surprisingly strong, given how long and lanky he was, holding you with ease, his arms wrapped possessively around you as his expression of worry faded back into his usual smirk. “Where should I put her?”

“On my desk, with her head hanging off,” your boss instructed, already beginning to clear some of his things off of it. “She has business to finish, since you so rudely interrupted.” 

Shinji did as he said, but otherwise ignored him, his attention on you. He gently laid you across his desk as Sosuke added, “you can do whatever you want with her pussy,” kicking the rest of his pants off and taking his cock back into his hand. 

For emphasis, you spread your legs, making Shinji hiss. Sosuke came to stand in front of your head, holding it up with one hand and positioning his length in the other. As he did so, Shinji tested the waters, running his finger through your slick, causing your thighs to twitch preemptively. 

“Yer already so wet,” he groaned. “Fuck.” 

You couldn’t reply as Sosuke shoved himself back into your mouth, gliding in and out, a hand on your throat to feel himself. Your sounds of struggle and pleasure resumed, like electric shocks to Shinji’s dick growing in his pants.

“My poor baby,” he purred. “I’ll take care of ya.”

You cried out in surprise around Sosuke’s cock as something that could only be Shinji’s tongue, wet and warm, along with a cold piece of metal, ran through your folds to collect your juices. He took your clit into his mouth, delicately sucking the bundle of nerves. Your quivering thighs threatened to clamp on his head, but he pinned them down to the cool desk, forcing you to be still as he drooled on your pussy while you drooled on Sosuke. 

The room became even hotter, filled with nothing but the sounds of wet sucking, pants, and groans. It was getting difficult to breathe, your throat sore from Sosuke’s constant pounding into it, but it was easier to take with the way Shinji worked on your lower half, pushing a slender finger into your walls as his tongue flicked against your sensitive bud. 

“I’m getting close,” Sosuke informed breathlessly.

Shinji groaned into your sex as your walls tightened around his finger. “Someone likes the sound of that,” he chuckled against you, clearly more at ease now that he had such a delicious way to occupy himself. 

“Let go of her,” Sosuke snarled at him, frenzied by his approaching orgasm. “I want her on her knees when she takes my cum. I want to watch her swallow it.”

Shinji’s teeth grazed your heat as he bared his teeth angrily at Sosuke. “Fine,” he relented, pulling away from your throbbing pussy, but not without a quick, parting kiss to your inner thigh. 

Sosuke made quick work of pulling himself out of your mouth, only to manhandle you off of his desk and plop you onto your shaky legs. He didn’t have to tell you what to do next. You eagerly got to your knees and opened your mouth again.

“Good girl,” Sosuke grunted, thrusting himself back in as he mercilessly rode out the rest of his ride. 

You were gagging and crying, dripping onto the floor. Distantly, you heard the clinks of Shinji’s belt in the background and the dull thud of clothes hitting the floor. Your boss’ thrusts became erratic, his balls slapping against your chin with each thrust. He slowed, cock twitching in your mouth before his juices were emptied, coating your tongue and throat. He pulled out, groaning and panting, demanding you, “show me.” You obediently stuck your tongue out, showing him his own essence before he was delicately closing up your jaw. “Now swallow.” You did, giving him proof that it was gone by opening your mouth to him again.

“My sweet little thing,” he cooed, rubbing your cheek with his thumb.

Slow, deliberate footsteps neared. “Now it’s us who have been interrupted.” Shinji came back into the picture, placing his hand on your head, claiming you as his own now.

Sosuke’s hand dropped away from your face when you looked up at Shinji and whined instinctively, his lean figure now bare, his length hanging, long and curved, between his legs, so near and dear to you. He grinned confidently, taking your face in his hand, much like Sosuke did earlier. “Ya wanna go for a ride on it, sweetheart?”

“What makes you think you get to fuck her first?” Sosuke interjected furiously, loosening his tie to take off his remaining clothing. 

“I’m the one who worked her open!” Shinji defended.

 “I don’t care what you did,” the brunette lashed out.

“Why don’t we let her decide?” The blonde raised an eyebrow at you.

“Me?!” You choked out, looking to your boss for permission.

His eyes darkened in warning, quickly replaced by a complacent smile. “Sure. Tell us, love. Whose cock do you want first?”

There was a clear answer, a threat in Sosuke’s eyes. If you picked Shinji, Sosuke wouldn’t let you off the hook for it. If you picked Sosuke, sure, it might hurt Shinji, but deep down, you knew he’d still be soft with you. You knew the choice you had to make. 

And you made the opposite of it.

You met Shinji’s eyes. He raised his eyebrows, showing the slightest hint of surprise that you were really choosing him. You nodded nervously, ignoring whatever affronted expression Sosuke was wearing. “Yours.”

“That’s my girl,” he sighed with relief, helping you to your feet. You both turned to Sosuke.

He was smiling, starting to unbutton his top. “You’ll come to regret your decision, princess,” he chuckled gruffly, finishing undressing. 

“What are you suggesting?” Shinji narrowed his eyes at him. 

“I’m going in somewhere,” Sosuke answered easily. “She has two holes.”

Your eyes went wide. The thought of taking both of their sizable lengths at once intimidated you. You only wanted to be good for them.

“Do ya at least have lube or something?” Shinji asked Sosuke, squeezing your hand. 

“Yes, Shinji, I have lube in my office.”

“Ya don’t have ta be a smartass about it…” He rolled his eyes. “If you’re going to do that, let me work on her a bit beforehand.”

“Be quick about it,” your boss huffed.

Shinji guided you over to the couch, pulling you onto his lap. Sosuke stood by, slowly pumping his length to get it upright again, watching you. 

“This might feel a little uncomfortable,” Shinji warned before taking his middle finger into his mouth, sucking on it and letting his spit dribble down before circling your other hole with it.

You whimpered at the foreign sensation, leaning into him until your breasts were pressed to his chest as he slowly pushed his wet finger just past the entrance. 

“Ha, ah!” You squirmed against him, face scrunching up and your puffy pussy brushing the curve of his dick ever so slightly. 

“Sh - shit,” he groaned. “You okay?”

“Mhm.” You didn’t sound too convincing, your eyes squeezed shut tightly.

“Gonna go deeper,” Shinji communicated.

“Okay.”

He pushed his finger in further, making you squeak and bite down onto his shoulder. He was moving it in and out, trying to work the tight muscle open as best as he could. It was pressure unlike anything you had ever experienced before. You were sinking down into his lap, trying to create some sort of friction on your aching clit as a distraction, making him grunt and whine impatiently. 

“Please,” you begged him, crying into his shoulder. “Want your cock”

“Look at how slutty you’re acting,” Sosuke spat from behind. “Enough,” he ripped Shinji’s hand from your hole, eliciting a pained whine from you. “This is taking too long.” He kneeled down, spitting on your ass before gathering the liquid and pushing it back into your hole with two fingers. 

You screeched and spasmed, clutching onto Shinji for support, biting into his neck now. He howled, wrapping his arms around you to hold you in place as Sosuke spit another glob onto your hole, clumsily fucking it into you again with his fingers. Your hips moved against Shinji’s of their own volition, seeking pleasure as Sosuke gave you pain. Shinji gripped them hard, trying to still your movement as his cock awaited to be sheathed in your gushing walls.

“Hang on, doll,” he panted, his restraint wavering. “Let’s wait for Sosuke to finish up, yeah?”

“But I want you now!” You cried to him. 

“Greedy little brat.” Sosuke bit your ass, hard. 

“Just fuck me!” You wailed. “Both of you! I can’t take it anymore!”

You didn’t need to tell your boss twice. He rose from where he stood, releasing your hole. “Don’t make her wait any longer,” he told Shinji, his voice hoarse and direct. “Turn sideways.”

Shinji repositioned the both of you so that Sosuke had room to get behind. He lifted you ever so slightly, allowing your boss to align his cock in between your cheeks while he aligned his with your swollen folds.

“Bite me, scratch me, whatever you need to do,” Shinji said softly, looking at you with tender affection. “I’m right here. Use me however you need.”

You were about to shake your head at him when Sosuke entered you from behind, his fat cock bullying its way into your tight little hole. “How sweet,” he mocked. It was an impossible, painful, fit. You rocked forward, sobbing into Shinji’s chest, sinking down onto his tip. 

“Why are you crying, my love?” Sosuke murmured ominously into your neck. “This is what you wanted, is it not?”

“Leave her be, Sosuke,” Shinji scolded. “She’s just overwhelmed is all, huh baby?”

“Don’t tell me what she is and she isn’t. You forget, she’s mine.” He wrapped his hand around your throat possessively.

In defiance, Shinji sank further into you, stuffing you absurdly full. Between the two of them, you felt as if you were being split open. You took Shinji up on his offer, using him as your anchor, clawing at his shoulders, sinking your teeth into the sensitive skin behind his ears as you wailed with pleasure and pain.

“You okay?” He asked you, pain in his own voice as you dug your nails and teeth into him and as he held back from pounding into you from below. 

You didn’t have a straight answer for him. You both were and you weren’t, in ecstasy and in hell. You were certain your body couldn’t handle more, tightening around the intrusions in both holes, and yet, here you were, taking it, stretching wider than you ever had to accommodate your men. 

“Answer him,” Sosuke murmured from behind, breath hot against your neck. 

“I’m,” you hesitated, searching for the right word. “I’m so - so full.”

“Want me to stop?” Shinji asked quickly.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Sosuke scoffed at him. “She’s fine. You insult her. I know my girl. She can take it. Can’t you, darling?”

“Uh huh!” You were lifting your head and nodding, heavily lidded eyes meeting Shinji’s. 

At your affirmation, Sosuke started to force himself in and out of you with more vigor. He went about it surprisingly gently, not too fast, not too hard, at least not right away. He was even nice enough to hold you place, relatively still, so as not to make it difficult for Shinji to begin rocking into you just the same. 

Your eyes fluttered shut, mouth parted as a string of pants, moans, and whines tumbled out. Your noises of pleasure were like another affirmation, this one for Shinji. He too began to fuck into you, slower than Sosuke, still careful not to hurt you. He gripped your hips tightly, steeling himself to your body as your warmth enveloped him. 

“Fuck,” he hissed. “Yer doing so well, baby.”

It was all you wanted to hear, all you needed to hear - that you were doing well, that you were good for them. You’d do anything, no matter how absurd, so long as they reminded you of how good you were being. And it was absurd, how you were sandwiched between them now, stuffed beyond what you ever thought was possible, flushed with arousal, embarrassment, and something else - was this love? 

Shinji kissed you at the same time that he brought his fingers to your clit, massaging the sensitive area. Your eyes were shut as his tongue explored yours, oblivious to all else but the sounds and sensations of their low groaning, grunting, and growling, and rhythmic thrusts into you. Sosuke slapped your ass from behind, reminding you that he was still there, having you squealing into Shinji’s mouth. It was all blissfully overstimulating, causing that familiar, tightening heat to build in your core. 

You were quickly turning into brain-dead putty between them, your mind and body at a disconnect, or maybe your mind wasn’t there at all. It always scared you a little bit, how you essentially lost control of yourself. It made you attempt to claw your way back to reality.

“Shinji,” you whined, pushing his hand away from your clit. You knew he’d listen. “I - I can’t.”

“Can’t what?” He slowed, forcing you to look at him. 

“She’s going to cum soon,” Sosuke interrupted, grabbing your wrists and pinning them behind your back, effectively trapping you. “Don’t stop.”

To your surprise and horror, Shinji listened to him, resuming his brutal pace both on your clit and inside you. You shrieked and cried, held upright only with how tightly your bodies were pressed together. Your thighs trembled and eyes rolled back with the threat of your orgasm. 

“S’okay,” Shinji whispered to you, kissing along your jaw and neck tenderly. “Yer gonna be okay. I’ve got you.”

Sosuke held your wrists together with one hand, reaching around you to take one of your breasts in his other, overwhelming you further. “You know I won’t let anything bad happen to you,” he promised, kissing your temple. “You can let go. You’ve been so good for us.”

With them filling you up and their hands and lips and bodies all over you on the outside, it didn’t take much longer for you to tip over the edge with no other choice. You shrieked and spasmed, nothing but a fidgeting, whining animal as they both continued to plunge into you. 

“That’s it,” Shinji hummed shakily. “Atta girl.”

“Hang on just a little longer, honey,” Sosuke’s voice sounded muffled behind you. “Let us finish.” 

You melted, stuck between them, hardly clinging to consciousness as they both rode out the rest of their highs. Shinji’s came first, with him pulling out of you to shoot all over his own stomach, and then Sosuke, pushing you down onto the couch to coat your ass and lower back, marking you as his in his own sick way. And of course, you adored him for it, looking back at him with hearts for pupils. 

“Sweet thing.” He pet your hair and caressed your shoulders. “You did so well. You know that?”

You nodded to him, too fucked-out for words. He gave you a smile that told you he knew. 

“Stay still,” he ordered. “I’ll clean you up.”

“Get me while you’re at it,” Shinji chimed in from above you. You could hear the grin in his voice. 

Sosuke gathered a wad of tissues from his desk and unceremoniously tossed them Shinji’s way. “Help yourself,” he huffed, before gathering fresh ones for you. 

He delicately wiped the remains of his essence from you, taking care to smooth his hands over the curve of your bum in the process. Distantly, you could hear Shinji shuffling around and grumbling under his breath, moving to put his clothes back on. Sosuke was slower to do so, in no hurry to be free of this space, to be free of you.

You reluctantly rose from where you laid in search for your dress and panties. When you looked up, Shinji already had them in hand, your panties dangling from his fingers and your dress draped over the back of your boss’ desk chair. He came forward, wordlessly kneeling down at your feet to pull the garment over your ankles and up your legs, dressing you just as softly as he undressed you. He retrieved your dress and put that on next, zipping it up, slowly bringing the two separated halves together again. 

“Thank you,” you sighed quietly when he was done. 

“Anytime, doll,” he whispered.

To your pleasant surprise, the elevator ride down with the two of them wasn’t as awkward as you anticipated. You fell into a comfortable, content, satisfied silence. You had a lot of questions, but in a way, you didn’t need them answered. The truth always had its way of coming out when it was ready. 

But there was one thing you were curious about, something that couldn’t wait. You looked at Shinji, eyes full of hope. “Are you gonna come in tomorrow?” Sosuke was waiting too, watching him just as expectantly as you were.

“I wasn't planning on it,” he replied, making your heart sink. Then he turned your way, grinning. “But, I can stop by.”

You beamed. Sosuke scoffed.

“Got something to say, Sosuke?” Shinji chuckled bitterly. 

The elevator doors opened, and he stepped out, hardly looking over his shoulder as he said, “see you tomorrow, Hirako.”

Tags: @soprawrites @shinjisimp

[sxnnimoon]

Blind Eyes Red || Can’t Be Tamed ch. 3

Bucky Barnes x semi!ex Black Widow!Reader

Summary: In which Y/n Y/LN, former Black Widow & Avenger is tracked down to help when a large threat becomes known. Will she make the effort to be present and fight to save her current and previous family or pack up and move to her next new life?

A/N: I DID NOT INTEND TO POST CHAPTER 3 A MONTH LATER, I’m so sorry😭. Besides that I hope you all enjoy !!

Masterlist

Obsession: intensely and constantly preoccupied with a particular thought, person, or object to the point where it dominates their thoughts and behaviors, often interfering with their daily life and well-being.

Emotional Surrender: allowing oneself to fully feel their emotions without resistance or trying to control them.

“…Take it soft and slow, my obsession grows…”

“Do we seriously have to watch this?” You shift in your seat as a video plays on the screen.

“I’m WHAT?” You look to Tony and then the ceiling as you slump back in your seat groaning.

“Now that’s the enthusiasm I’m looking for.” He points to you before smirking. “Should I brief you now or later?”

“Bite me.” You grumble.

“Normally I’d say yes but I’m a changed man.” He nods, throwing his hands up in a shrug motion.

“Please tell me you're joking right now.” You kept your gaze on Tony.

“Should I bring Pepper in here to prove it?” He furrowed his brows.

“Not your womanizer ways, the mission at hand.” Your hand coming to your face.

“Right!” He plays it off. “You’re portraying a couple. Shouldn’t be too hard given you two.”

He gestured between you and Bucky hoping the idea stuck.

“What makes you think I'm going to do this?” Your tone is more serious.

“Tell me Agent Y/L/N, what was your reason for coming back?” He asked.

“To make sure my children grow in a semi secure world.” You say. “What does that have to do with this?”

“And now do pray tell is the sole purpose of these upcoming missions?” He leans forward on the table staring at you as you go silent, the answer obvious. “No please go ahead, tell me.”

“That’s enough.” Bucky finally spoke.

“He speaks.” Tony smiles, Bucky rolling his eyes. “So we're on board?”

“Send me the details and when we leave.” You grumble, getting up and walking out of the room as Natasha turns to Bucky on his way out as well.

“You know she’s the best thing to ever happen to you right?” The pair walk alongside each other.

“You think I don’t know that?” He gives her a look. “Where are you going with this?”

“She still cares,” she confesses. “She may be trying to fool everyone else but I see right through her.”

Nat stops at the end of the hall, a look of confusion on Bucky's face.

“If you somehow manage to actually win her back, after everything you put her through.” She comes closer to him. “You’d better be saying a prayer every night of gratitude.”

He stayed quiet. Not entirely expecting Natasha to be the one to say anything about his relationship with Y/n but in a way he was glad it was brought up. It gave him a sense that maybe, just maybe things could turn around.

“Understood.” It’s all he could say. He himself still loved her and regretted every day how he handled things with her and threw away decades of memories.

The idea of working alongside him didn’t bother Y/n as much as it should have. It’s not like they’d be working closely with one another, he always had his set missions, she had hers. Yet, it’d be this one mission that she’d have to put it all aside to get the information that was needed. Tony kept the information short and simple. Attend the events set in place, mingle, get as close as possible, gather information and attack only if caught.

As you stepped off the jet you were immediately welcomed with the sun shining down on you, soaking in all that the Hawaii weather was giving you. Bucky watched from afar as you did so, a faint smile on his face he’d deny if anyone saw.

“Cars are this way.” He yelled out to you, making you stop to look at him, luggage in his grasp.

“I can take it myself.” You say reaching for it as he lifts it and puts it in the car.

“Too late,.” He closes the truck still staring at you. “You know a thank you would be nice.”

“Look at you go, you’re one act of kindness.” You clap sarcastically. “Do you want a gold star?”

He rolled his eyes getting into the driver's seat as you got into the passenger.

Upon arrival at the hotel you admired the architecture and scenery.

“Tony and his fancy taste.” You made a face of approval. “It’s nice.”

Making your way to the check in desk you were greeted.

“Checking in?” She asked.

“Yes!” You put on a smile.

“Name?” She looked at you.

“Kerova, Daila Kerova.” You give the alias you were assigned.

“Ah yes!” She exclaimed. “The newlyweds. We’ve been expecting you two.”

“That’s us!” You look at James with a fake smile, his arm sneaking around your waist pulling you closer, placing a kiss on your temple. The action catching you off guard you had to play off your startledness.

“You two are the cutest!” She gushed. “These are your room keys and the elevator there will take you up to your suite!”

Thanking her, you took the keys as James carried the bags heading for the elevator. Once in the elevator you looked confused as to why there was only one button. Pushing it you began ascending upwards, the ride was silent. You couldn’t bring yourself to look up at him. As the door opened you were met with a mirror and table, turning the corner you went wide eyed at what looked like a living room. The bedroom to the left. The place was huge!

“Typical Stark.” You say under your breath.

“There’s just one bed.” Bucky finally spoke.

“Of course there is.” You run a hand through your hair as you turn to him. “I’ll take out here, you can take the bed.”

“No, no it’s fine.” He declined. “You take it, I’ll sleep out here.”

All you could do was nod.

“We have about two—two and half hours til we’re to start the first portion.” He said, before leaving you to your own devices.

An hour passed as you stood in just a towel, hair wet dripping down your shoulders as you looked over your suitcase cursing to yourself at the outfits Nat slid in for you.

“Y/n?” Your name was called followed by a knock on the door. “I’m heading down, I'll meet you at the stairs.”

You yelled back a response as you listened for the ding of the elevator signaling his departure.

“Nat, you are so paying for this later.” You grumbled grabbing the first dress and heading back for the bathroom to get ready.

Bucky looked at his watch once more. He’d been waiting at the bottom of the lobby stairs for you so you two could start event one of your mission.

“Where is she?” He spoke to himself, beginning to get frustrated as he turned he heard someone whistle.

His icy eyes went wide as he took in your form, a little black dress with crystal and sequin detailing all over. His eyes fell on to the sides of your curves as there were high slits. The dress hugged your curves beautifully. Your heels laced up and around your calves, lips painted in the red he adored so much on you. He was stunned, he couldn’t help the feeling that came over him as you walked towards him.

“This damn dress.” You complained as you flattened the back of it down. “Next time pick something actually my size. And less revealing.”

“Oh come on,” Nat said over coms. “You had a baby, your body looks killer.”

“Yeah, 3 years ago.” You add. “This thing sits just below my ass, one wrong move and the whole club is being flashed.

“That’s kinda the whole point.” Nat chuckled to herself.

“Moving on,” Tony chimed in. “It works, the target is young and you’re part of the mission is to flirt with him. You may have a ring on that finger but your ass is enough to keep him occupied so Barnes has enough time to plant bugs around.”

“Enough about my ass, we have a mission to get to.” You tap them away looking at Barnes, his eyes looking over you.

“What?” You question.

“Nothing.” He says, looking away. “Shall we?”

“Yeah.” You nod.

The drive towards the venue was silent. Not a word was spoken, you could hear a pin drop from it all. The only thing you could feel was the way Bucky's eyes burned into you before the car came to a stop and you’d arrived. As you enter the club from the upper level you lean over the balcony, you watch as Bucky enters from below immediately situating himself at the bar.

“Your call do- Y/L/N.” He said over coms, praying you didn’t hear his near slip up.

Your eyes shift scanning the room for your target, the once nickname you loved dearly sitting in the back of your mind trying to creep up when you locked eyes. There he was staring back. Tall, slim build, surrounded by an entourage of businessmen and women. You watched as he whispered to what had to be security, not even a minute goes by before you’re tapped on the shoulder.

“Follow me.” Was all the guard said.

“Now?” You look past his shoulders in buckys direction hoping he heard on coms.

“Yes.” The guard said, turning to walk away following behind him.

As the entrance to the section comes into place you spot him waiting for you.

“You,” he pauses. “Wow.”

His hand comes to mouth in amazement as his eyes scan your body longer than you’d like.

“Breathtaking.” He murmurs, stepping aside. “Come up.”

Walking up the steps you immediately fall into character as you brush past him, the look of his eyes burning holes as you knew he was staring at your ass.

“Drink?” He offers, going to sit next to you.

“Sure.” You smile, holding a glass out.

“You really know how to make an entrance.” He said pouring your glass halfway.

“Really now?” You take a sip looking at him. “Couldn’t tell.”

“Are you new to town?” He asks, hand ghosting next to your knee.

“Just visiting, we leave tomorrow.” You fidget with the ring on your finger.

“We?” He shifts to face you on the couch.

You raise your left hand. “My husband and I.”

“I should have known.” A smug look on his face. “Where is he now?”

“Around, I was supposed to meet him here.” You play along. “But alas, here I am.”

“Lucky me I suppose.” He was closer now.

“Perhaps.” You tense at how close he’d gotten, his face inches away when security came over. Listening in you hear one murmur, there’s been a breach before he stands up and turns to you.

“This may take awhile, enjoy yourself in the meantime.” He walks away nervously as the rest of the entourage follow suit, you now left alone. Pouring yourself more you look around the club, despite the commotion it was as if no one was phased. Some time had passed before you felt a presence near you.

“It’s done. I wanna go.” It was Bucky.

“I’m not your girlfriend, you can go without me.” You roll your eyes.

“No, but you are my wife.” His hands fell to his hips as he stood before you.

You held up your hand, “Was. Was your wife. You don’t have that right anymore.”

“Legally I do.” He took the drink from your hand.

“Hey!” You stood up, “I’m not the on-”

You stumbled over your feet into him not finishing your sentence as he picked you up and threw you over his shoulder as he walked you both through the crowd, hand on on bum to keep your dress from lifting more than it already was. As he put you in the car you immediately turned away from him and looked out the window. The car ride once again silent as you secretly planned his demise. Coming to a stop outside the hotel he got out going to get the door for you but you’d already stormed out and used your powers to shut up just barely missing his fingers as you were already hopping on the elevator shutting the door telepathically, a smile on your face as you saw the look of annoyance on his face.

“Jesus Christ…” he groaned as he waited for the elevator.

”Y/n.” He called as he walked through the suite, just stopping the bedroom door from being closed.

“Move!” You demand.

“No.” He squeezes his way through.

“Leave or I’ll make you.” The familiar glow emitting from your hand.

“You wouldn’t.” He stands in front of you.

You stay quiet.

“You’d have done it by now if you were.” He called your bluff, he was right but you weren’t going to give him the satisfaction.

“What do you even want right now James?” You step back, arms crossed.

He clears his throat, hand on his hip as the other runs through his hair.

“What were you going to say back there?” He looks at you.

“I don’t know.” You avoid his gaze.

“Yet you do.” He pointed at you.

“No I don’t actually.” You fidget still avoiding him.

“You’re avoiding my gaze,” he calls out. “You’re not the greatest liar doll.”

“I have to pack my things, some of us have priorities, kids to get back to.” The emphasis on kids stinging Bucky.

“Are you ever going to let me in again?” His voice gets serious. “I’m not dumb, I know Becca is mine.”

You close your eyes trying not to cry.

“Why not tell me?” He continues. “Do you not remember the day you brought home JJ how happy I was?”

His voice began to crack, “How happy I was to have a son? I didn’t even care he wasn’t mine!”

“Bucky please…” you finally speak, opening your eyes to him right in front of you again, making your breath hitch.

“We’re back to nicknames?” He shook his head. “I may have fucked up but I would have never did that, for nearly three years too.”

Neither one of you moved. This wasn’t the place you’d thought to talk about this all with him but nothing like alcohol to help get barricades out of the way one at a time.

Sighing you looked up, he was already looking down at you. The flicker from eyes to lips going unnoticed from either of you.

“Buck—I” you whispered, staring at his lips as he leaned in.

Your lips just centimeters from each other when the clear of someone’s throat broke you both apart. Jumping and separating you noticed Natasha.

“Nat.” You give a small smile. “What are you doing here?”

Amusement was on her face, “We came early to pick you both up.”

“We?” You looked at her.

“Steve and Tony are down in the lobby.” Her response made Bucky storm out of the room to grab his things. Leaving the two of you alone.

“Don’t.” You say to her as she points from you and out the door at Barnes.

“Okay. Okay, fine.” She puts her hands up. “But that tension is just threatening to spill over.”

Rolling your eyes you nudge her, “Let’s go, they're waiting.”

Maybe it was the tension, maybe it was the anger and frustration or maybe it was the way anytime he walked in the room you couldn’t help the way you wanted to fall like you were a giddy school girl when she sees her first crush. As you walked through the lobby behind Nat some you pulled out the locket you always wore and opened it.

“If only you were here Becs, you’d give me all the answers.” You whispered to yourself quickly closing the locket away without anyone seeing when everyone came into view.

“Ready?” Steve asked.

You nod, making your way out with Nat by your side.

[braceletofteeth]

Love In The Air (1x02) || Semantic Error (1x02)

[fluxydrawings]

Full set to match the other one I did!

[dcawritings]

Unfortunate: My wife, a player in a long-running Pathfinder 2e campaign that I run, immediately clocked when I was in the middle of trying to design a DCA-inspired NPC and demanded, nay, begged for me not to go through with it. I love my wife and alas, he will be unused

Fortunate: I now have a DCA oc/ttrpg AU and I'm going to figure out how I can make things about him. His name is Celest (short for Celestial) and he's an Automaton Oracle who specializes in astrological magics and somehow has two (or more) souls stuck inside his automaton core. He's a couple hundred years old (in terms of being in his current form/life) and tends to keep to himself and away from major cities.

[tallaennatargaryen]

Wife Speak

Bucky Barnes x Wife!Reader

Synopsis: You asked Bucky to install the security camera a month ago, and he still hasn’t done it. You take matters into your own hands, to his vexation.

Warnings: Bucky's been too busy to do what you asked, you put yourself in slight peril, worried!Bucky, gentle manhandling, protective!Bucky, mention of previous injury, my own lack of construction know-how so I apologize for any inaccuracies, no use of Y/N

This is my first time writing in second person so hopefully I did okay! This was inspired by this short I saw on YouTube.

You were good at a lot of things. The team’s go-to “girl in the chair,” there was no one better at intel, strategy, quick escape plans, and getting into just about any system you were presented with. You’d had the Avengers’ lives in your hands countless times, and never led them to put a foot wrong. Somehow, you, a girl with just a bachelor’s degree, a–perhaps excessive–perfectionist streak, and a mini fridge full of energy drinks to help you stay sharp on overnight missions, had become indispensable to the Earth’s mightiest heroes.

But you couldn’t install a security camera above your front door.

As smart as you were, you were probably equally as uncoordinated. All the bruises in odd places told the tale of your frequent misfortune. Walking by itself often presented a perilous challenge, so standing on a ladder, balancing precariously with expensive equipment and sharp objects in your hands seemed like a perfect recipe for a trip to the ER and a costly bill for tech replacements.

Which was why you’d asked your husband, a super soldier with a metal arm and a keen eye for home repairs, to do it.

A month ago.

And three weeks ago.

And two weeks ago.

And last week.

You were tired of waiting. Bucky, of course, was busy, and often away on missions, but you only ever asked him to do it when he had a moment to spare. He’d said he would, every time you’d asked, but there was still no camera above your front door. On top of it all, the camera had been Bucky’s idea, a little extra security for when he was away on missions; it was one of Stark’s smart cameras, which could differentiate between a mailman dropping off a package and a criminal about to break into the house. Bucky didn’t exactly know how all of that worked, but he was good with the installation, and you both knew better than to assign the job to you. But the camera had sat there for a month, collecting dust on the dining room table, and despite all his promises, you knew it was time to take matters into your own hands.

And maybe get a little payback while you were at it.

It was a warm spring day, and the front door was open to let the breeze in but the screen door was in place to keep the bugs out. Bucky was in the kitchen, making lunch, so he’d be able to hear everything easily, between his proximity, the open door, and his enhanced hearing. Smirking to yourself, you set up the ladder as quietly as possible, knowing that that alone would tip Bucky off and make him come rushing out before you were ready. If this was going to get done today, you needed to execute the full plan.

Picking up the electric drill and the mount for the camera, you put one foot up on the ladder, and held down the trigger of the drill for a few seconds, causing a loud whirring sound to tear through the quiet midday air. Just as you took another step up and held down the trigger again, Bucky’s voice carried out from the kitchen.

“Doll?” he questioned, and it took everything in you not to laugh. You gave no answer, instead only whirring the drill once more as you climbed to the top of the ladder. “What are you doing?”

You might have felt bad about the panic and concern in his voice, but if he’d done this a month ago when you’d asked, you wouldn’t have to go to such lengths to have it be done. Natasha had called it wife speak, when women use their sly little tricks to get their husbands to do what they need to. She used it with Banner, Pepper used it with Tony, Wanda used it with Vision; it was a universal language amongst women when requests and orders just weren’t cutting it.

Holding the mount up against the wall, you furrowed your brow in concentration as you tried to figure out how to hold the mount, place the screw, and drill it in all at the same time with only two hands. Judging by the purposeful footsteps pounding towards the front door, you knew you wouldn’t have to keep trying to figure it out for long. Still, you kept up the ruse, because he needed to think you were serious about doing it yourself if he was going to get it done right this minute.

“Baby, what are you doing?” Bucky asked, voice raising with alarm as he found you balancing precariously on top of the small ladder. Paying him no mind, you decided to just wing it and put the drill into the head of the screw, pulling the trigger to send the screw spinning into the wall. For extra effect, you added a little wobble, just enough to make Bucky worry more but not so much that your uncoordinated self would actually fall. “Honey! Stop! What are you doing?”

“What?” you responded innocently, still not turning around. “I’m putting up the camera.”

“Why?” His hands grasped at your waist, but you pushed him away as you continued your ruse and placed the next screw.

“Because it needs to go up?” you said it as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, because it was, hello, and you’d asked him to do it so many times. Once more, you placed the drill into the screw head and let it rip, watching it spin into place. Maybe you could do it yourself. Maybe impatience was all it took to overcome your incoordination. 

“Baby. Baby, baby, baby.” Bucky’s hands were on your waist again, this time with a firmer grip so you couldn’t brush him off so easily. “Come off the ladder.”

“It needs to go up, Bucky,” you insisted, milking your moment of acting for all it was worth.

“I know, so I’ll do it, okay? Just please, come off the ladder.”

“I’ve asked you a million times over the last month to do it and you still haven’t, so I’m gonna do it and then I’ll know it's done.”

The drill was slightly stuck in the screw head once it was screwed all the way in. You gave it a tug, and the force of it combined with the resistance of the drill to come loose caused you to tip backwards slightly; for a moment, you thought you might fall, but you regained your balance after a second or two. Still, it was a second or two too long for Bucky, who’d had enough of asking nicely and being patient. 

“Alright, that’s it,” he declared, using his strength and his grip on your waist to lift you off the ladder and set you on the wooden boards of the porch like you were little more than a doll. You almost grinned at the move, as being on the receiving end of his enhanced strength and fierce protectiveness always made your stomach do somersaults. By the time he spun you around to face him though, you had regained your self-control and regarded him with a displeased scowl. “What are you doing, huh, doll? You know I don’t like you up on that thing.”

Crossing your arms over your chest, you huffed, “Well, someone has to put the camera up, since you’ve proven yourself incapable.” You turned to step back onto the ladder, but Bucky grasped your arm gently and pulled you to him, maneuvering at the same time to take the drill and the remaining screws from you. You resisted, but even when he was diluting his strength, you couldn’t hope to best him, so instead you started to complain, “Bucky-”

“I know, doll, I know,” he said, voice soft as he pried the drill and screws out of your hands. He pressed a kiss to your forehead and then your nose for extra contrition. “I’m sorry. I should’ve done it when you asked me to, but I’ll do it right now, okay? Just…please stay off the ladder?”

“Why? ‘Cause I’m a girl?”

Bucky chuckled in amusement, his free hand rising to cup your cheek and pull you closer so he could press a sweet kiss to your lips. You melted against him instantly, as you always did, because Bucky always kissed you like he was trying to transfer his heart from his body to yours, deeply and wholly and with every ounce of love that he had. After a moment, he pulled away, though he kept his nose touching yours as his twinkling eyes gazed at you adoringly. “It’s not because you’re a girl, it’s because it’s you, doll. The last time I trusted you with a drill and screws, you drilled your sleeve into the wall and broke your finger trying to pull it free.”

Nose scrunching and lips pouting, you did your best to fight off a smile, trying to lay it on just a little thicker to make sure you would get what you wanted. “Promise you’ll do it right now?”

“Pinky promise.” Bucky held up his pinky finger between you, and you locked yours around it. “You can stay and watch if you want, just to be sure. I think you’ll like the view.”

Rolling your eyes, you gave him another quick peck before stepping back and nodding for him to climb up the ladder. Once his back was turned and he was on the top step, your mischievous smirk returned in full force, not only because of your triumph, but because you really did like the view.

[mayakern]

Things are bad right now.

As many of you know, way back in 2020 we weren’t sure if our business was gonna make it. Our factory was already on break for Lunar New Year–a month-long holiday for many businesses in the area–and with the announcement of COVID19, everything shut down indefinitely. We knew immediately we were in for a bad time. Despite our fears, our sales grew so far beyond anything we ever expected, to the point where we had to hire two employees just to keep up with demand! 

Unfortunately, even after our factory reopened, our problems were not over. Their quality drastically declined almost immediately, to the point that a significant amount of our  fabric would literally fall apart in transit between the factory and our office. Because of this, we discovered that our sales rep had no idea what she was doing and knew nothing about the factory she was representing, so when we told her the fabric was garbage her response was “👍 factory said it’s good!” At the beginning, only roughly 10% of our new product was defective and we were able to sell the affected items with a reasonable discount. By the end of our relationship with that factory, 40% of our midi skirts and 70% of our miniskirts were defective, some affected so severely that they practically fell apart when touched. And still, our rep said everything was fine and there were no problems and the fabric composition had not changed.

So in 2022 we changed factories. We hired Ash to handle this since I was way too busy managing fulfillment to do the amount of research and communication necessary to find us a factory that met our criteria. Finding clothing factories that can make clothing over a size 2-3X is significantly more difficult than one that can’t because it often requires larger and more expensive machinery. But Ash did it: she got us set up with a new factory that has excellent certifications for both their labor practices and their methods for textile production, that delivers consistent, high quality sewing on well made fabric that can be printed without suffering loss in detail–and she was armored with the knowledge for what makes a quality garment so she could check them if they tried to screw us on quality. Their minimum orders were way higher than our previous factory’s, so we decided to focus on ordering more units of fewer designs. We ordered way too much our first round–some of those designs were in stock until the 2024 blowout sale! But it worked out, and slowly we had a warehouse full of stuff to sell.

Fast forward to 2024, business is slowing down between the economy being bad and what seemed to be a general skirt fatigue amongst our customers. We tried expanding into shirts, which would’ve been successful if our minimums were lower. In the late spring we realized we were in trouble if we didn’t make drastic changes and we ultimately decided to end in-house fulfillment and transfer to a third party fulfillment center that would support domestic shipping in Canada and eventually the UK, EU, and Australia. In order to make that transition affordable we drastically discounted everything and that sale was super successful! We were able to begin shipping from the fulfillment center with an almost clean slate, even if it did mean having to close the store for almost two months and thereby missing out on two very important months of sales.

Unfortunately, we were stupid. We continued to order new designs on an every other month schedule instead of switching to an every month schedule, forgetting that having a backstock in a variety of designs is what previously helped us float between orders and now we quite literally didn’t have enough inventory to match the sales we made for last year’s holiday sale.

That brings us to now.

We’re a little stuck. We have a round of skirts in production (yay!) but they won’t get here until February (boo!). To get back on that monthly cycle we would need to order the next round of skirts right now, but we can’t pay for production until that next round of skirts gets here; if the current sale goes well, it’s paying payroll, not production. We are currently in the very difficult, horrible situation of not having enough money for next month’s payroll unless we are somehow able to make significant sales with our very sparse inventory.

We’re scrappy and we do our best to adapt to disasters and I’m sure we’ll find a way to adapt to this one as well, it’ll just take us some time to get there. Basically we’re going to be okay eventually–hopefully later this year–but in the meantime if we seem frantic, now you know why. 

If you’re been considering trying out our viscose shirts but haven’t been able to justify paying full price, they’re on clearance PLUS half off right now! That’s $9-$15 for the viscose tops, and other tops on clearance are $20-$45. Some of the shirts we’re having a LOT of trouble selling are now priced below cost to help us recoup some of the money we spent making them.

Any amount of support helps right now. Sharing posts, telling your friends, buying a $9 shirt–all of it helps. If our clothing isn’t your thing, we also have a Patreon you can support for as little as $1 a month. https://www.patreon.com/mayakern

Thank you so much for reading, and I hope you have a great rest of your day and that 2025 is a brighter, kinder year for us all.

[apatheticsunday]

Dead Tired Stalker AU

AKA "Tim Drake is a little obsessive, possessive, and really, really likes his new boyfriend (Danny)" prompt idea!! No non-con, violence, or dead doves. Brief reference to human experimentation.

Inspired by this one post where Tim kept a methodical journal of Danny's resting pulse, body temperature, weaknesses, tracked him literally all the time, and Danny was like *heart-eyes*

I like the idea of Tim's idea of love being completely a bit skewed. He was neglected as a kid and craved attention, affection, being wanted; so, understandably, he assumes that's what other people want, too. He'd only had one boyfriend before. Kon was sarcastic, funny, and sweet, but even he couldn't handle Tim's... staring. The unblinking intensity in those eyes, the hundreds of pictures of himself on Tim's phone, somehow Tim knowing about Kon's conversations and experiences without having been there.

Needless to say, Tim and Kon's relationship ended with a harsh reiteration that most people need boundaries.

So, when Tim meets this very cute messy-haired boy at Gotham-U, he shoves down the instinctive urge to know everything. Mentally captures moments, memorizes them, instead of taking pictures. Shoves earbuds in to avoid listening in on Danny's conversations (oh, his name's Danny, which he overheard when the boy was speaking with the TA).

It's so hard not to obsess, though. Danny is... well, he's haunting. His crystalline eyes make Tim's heart stutter in his chest, chills rising along his arms; he swears there's this aura around Danny that's just utterly compelling. (Stop it, Tim, you'll scare him off.) But Tim can actually be a person sometimes, so he just asks, "Do you want to go out for coffee with me sometime?" And he's psyched when Danny says yes!! (He tries really, really hard not to memorize the fact that Danny likes hot oatmilk chai lattes, uses his left hand to hold his drink, and prefers not to use a coffee sleeve. Does Danny always hold his cups by the lid? Does he prefer- Tim stops himself.)

And Tim is a great boyfriend!! They go on dates (he doesn't avidly stare at the way Danny's eyes sparkle while at Gotham-U's planetarium). Tim learns Danny's favorite music the normal way (he doesn't hack into Danny's Spotify... although he's suddenly found himself listening to an artist named Ember). And Tim has a totally normal album of pictures of his boyfriend on his phone (his burner phone is a different matter entirely, but not even Batman himself could get it unlocked. Tim's got that phone sealed up tighter than the Fortress of Solitude).

Except Tim notices Danny becoming more withdrawn. More tired, dark bags under his eyes and stealing Tim's double espresso (he never does that, it's too bitter for him, why isn't he drinking his oatmilk latte?). Leaning his head on Tim's shoulder during lectures to take naps. And Tim's becoming more frantic the more lethargic Danny becomes.

Maybe he's more like Bruce "Contingency Plan" Wayne than he's willing to admit. Tim sets a hard boundary for himself: I'm just going to Google his symptoms. That's it.

He spends the next 42 hours obsessively researching Danny: hacks into his phone, downloads all his previous location history, texts, calls, background checks everybody Danny's been in contact with. Re-traces his steps down to the minute, finds all his Google searches, activates Danny's laptop webcam. He's determined to find out what's wrong with his boyfriend.

And because Tim is Red Robin, who literally became part of the Batfam because of his stalking tendencies and is one of the greatest detectives since Batman, he finds out. He finds out that Danny Fenton is one Phantom, a vigilante from Amity; finds obscure clips of newspapers mentioning a young boy's tragic death, discovers the GIW, uncovers classified information containing metahuman experimentation (let's say he doesn't quite know about Ghosts, but Metas are close enough).

Somehow, he makes a connection between ectoplasm and the Lazarus Pit (maybe not necessarily the right connection, but something-adjacent). After all, Jason was resurrected via "Evil Baja Blast" and Ra's al Ghul used it to make himself immortal. It would make sense that the GIW could sample Lazarus Pit water and use it to experiment on metahumans. So... Does Danny just need more Lazarus Pit water?

Cue Tim making use of the Drake and Wayne family wealth to literally overnight mason jars full of Lazarus water. Ra's al Ghul has no idea how it happened. He tests the reaction of Danny's DNA and the Lazarus water only to realize he was right. (Lazarus Pit waters are just excessively concentrated ambient ectoplasm, I guess?)

Tim does what any good boyfriend would do and spikes Danny's oatmilk lattes with Lazarus Pit water. And it helps. Danny is suddenly so much more energetic, there's that glittering shine to his eyes, and he looks so much healthier. Happier. Tim can't stop staring at him. If anything, he stares more, tries to memorize every angle of his boyfriend's face; he collects more candid pictures than before, always catching the gentle curl of Danny's lips when he's distracted; doesn't disengage the tracking apps or phone mirroring software.

He's just happy that his boyfriend is feeling better, more like himself. It's just a perk that Danny doesn't know about Tim's minor stalking tendencies.

(Danny absolutely knows.)

[nightplvmes]

"talking to his baby" — headcanon 𐙚⋆fluff • fem!reader • masterlist • one shot ver

your head was slightly resting on the couch, and your eyes were closed. you were exhausted; making a tiny human from scratch was exhausting, it was definitely something you didn't expect from pregnancy. "you know... you don't have to talk to her all the time," you mumbled when you noticed Zayne's thoughtful face. he'd run out of ideas on what to talk to his baby about because he'd already told her his entire life. according to Zayne, babies could hear clearly from the womb and he had made sure to talk to her as much as possible so she would recognize his voice.

Zayne looked at you with those eyes that you knew perfectly well meant: he wanted to talk to his baby. you sighed, returning your gaze to the book in your hands, and seconds later, he spoke again. "I remember a surgery that lasted over seven hours. the patient's heart muscle was severely damaged from a previous surgery and—" he stopped when he heard a gasp from you, setting off his alarm bells. "what happened?"

"she's kicking." your eyes widened in surprise. it wasn't the first time you'd felt her kicks, but it wasn't something she did often. Zayne looked at you in surprise and placed his hand right next to yours. "keep talking." Zayne nodded and went back to talking about the surgery... then you felt the little kicks again. "it can't be... do you think she'll also be a surgeon?"

Zayne smiled, and he didn't know if that made him feel a mixture of excitement and pride or some concern for his poor daughter. "probably." Zayne nodded before settling back into his story about that surgery just to confirm that yes, his daughter enjoyed hearing him talk about his work.

[mwphisto]

LaDs: Random Head-Canons

~ these are just random little ideas I have about each love interest, like a previous post I made, most of these have no prior canon lore to back the claim. Just based on vibes.

You and Rafayel plan your arguments. Contrary to popular belief, you two don’t fight often at all. Due to that, you two like to role play arguments for giggles. It usually ends when one of you can’t keep it together and/or the argument turns real. Which usually means it’s time to tap out and do some damage control.

You and Sylus dedicate at least twenty minutes of time before bed to lay together and gossip. It’s like having a sleepover with your bestie. You get settled, face each other, and just go on and on about whoever and whatever until your eyelids are heavy and he can’t stop yawning.

You and Zayne frequently shower together. It’s your favorite way of getting a little quality time in before starting your days. 9/10 times it doesn’t lead to sex either, just soft giggles shared under a warm stream of water while you discuss what your days hold and when to expect the other to arrive home. You even plan out your dinner for the night while shampooing his hair.

You and Xavier garden together. Not that kind of gardening, actual gardening on his balcony with plants you’ve adopted from Jeremiah’s shop. You’ve given them all names, have a detailed care plan hanging on Xavier’s fridge, and the passcode to his apartment if he’s off in a no hunt zone. They’re your babies.

You and Caleb have spa nights. I’m talking mani/pedi, face mask, hair mask, under eye patches, lymphatic massages, the whole nine yards. Caleb shaves your legs for you as a thanks for shaving his stubble since he always cuts his face up. But with your legs? He’s so gentle, so careful, doesn’t miss a single hair. He also rocks the black nail polish you applied to his fingers.

Rafayel takes note of what perfumes you buy, and jots down his thoughts on them. He’s still a little traumatized (heavily turned on) by that one perfume. The one you only have an unlabeled bottle of, the one you use to rile him up. So he takes down the scent notes from your other fragrances to try and compare to the unlabeled bottle but dammit he gets so… distracted that he can only recall one possible note at a time.

Sylus stole one of your trinkets — it was a duplicate figure from a blind box — and keeps it in his pocket whenever he goes out on business. It’s his way of keeping a piece of you with him all the time. The silly little thing makes him smile like a moron when he feels it in his pocket or sets it out on the table before him while he works. He’s named it his “mini kitten” and he’ll send you pictures of it on his travels.

Zayne designed your engagement ring himself one afternoon while listening to a colleague drone on and on about research he already knew by heart. He draws well, steady hands and precise eyes aided him in school when he had to draw out anatomy diagrams. But now? He can doodle for fun and it turns out pretty damn good. So he spent the meeting designing your ring, eager to make it real.

Xavier has a list of baby names saved on his phone. Any time he heard one he liked, he’d open his note app and jot it down. At this point, he has nearly thirty names saved, and has even discussed the topic with you and added some additions. Perhaps he’s too invested now, because all of his recommended items are baby clothes and furniture. It’s giving him baby fever.

Caleb wants to get tattoos but the DAA and the Farspace Fleet have strict policies on them. He still snuck one, a matching one he got with you shortly after you graduated high school. It’s hidden on the inside of his bicep, as is yours, and it’s another little secret the two of you share together.

[targaryenluvs]

DELICATE

pairings: dark!coriolanus snow x innocent!wife!reader

warnings: erm we’re back at it with another dark corio! possessiveness, literal murder, threats, vulgarity, nc touching -dumbification/babying, emotional manipulation and vulnerability, sexual undertones and thoughts, ownership?? NOT PROOFREAD

summary: coriolanus had to marry. lucky for him one of the most eligible girls of the capitol was up for grabs. only problem? he hoped his cold exterior would keep her away but nothing broke her sweet spirit. what happens when he finds himself being drawn to her light? and how far was he willing to go to keep it untainted and all to himself?

word count: 2.09k words

a/n: i swear i can only think of dark ideas for him because he is practically crayz - i loved this concept tho so enjoyyyy - annoyed i can’t find any post-lucy gifs snd i’ve already used the other one help me plz

taglist: @sleepydang @aspieundercover @darktrashsoulbear @3lliesrifle @rafeysbafey @zejjef @themorriganisamonster @cryfordemie @winterblu2 @earthangel-111 @taylarxse @alexameliamg @katastrophic04 @jjggdfvvy @joshwifeyslaymamaballs @10ava01 @kis9na @princessdaella @princessloveweird @prettybiching @justacaliforniandreamer @bxtchopolis @witchafterz @har-rison-s

PART TWO

coriolanus wanted nothing more than a relaxing night. he’d been at a campaign meeting for about four hours and he’d gotten absolutely nothing out of it.

he was in the right mind to fire them all and work it himself but he knew he couldn’t. all he wanted was to go home, have a bath drawn for him, eat dinner with you and go to sleep.

coriolanus had seen a number of weird things in his life but nothing was weirder than seeing you, hanging up the laundry to dry. you’d stopped him in his tracks but hadn’t yet noticed his presence as you hummed to yourself and went about your business. after staring in confusion for a few minutes he cleared his throat, “y/n. what are you doing?” you turned towards him with a smile, “it’s christmas! so i sent the staff home for the rest of the day so they could be with their families. don’t worry i had them prepare your bath, dinner and everything else. there were some things left to do so i thought, why not do them myself? i cleaned my room and yours, ironed the previous batch of laundry and placed them away, dusted the library and i was hanging up the laundry until you showed!” you beamed as you continued to hang the clothing.

coriolanus took a seat on one of the lawn chairs as you continued. he decided to watch you, to make sure you were okay. because who on earth wants to do laundry? that was the very reason you had so many servants. but here you were.

“you can head inside corio, no need to wait for me!” you said sweetly. coriolanus was a strong man, always rational. but god when you spoke so sweetly to him- no. “there’s no need, i’ll wait till you’re done.”

the sun was hanging low as the last rays illuminated the dining room. you’d set out candles, flowers and other pieces on the table. back home you loved setting the table, until your father would reprimand you for doing something you didn’t need to. what will people say if my daughter is acting as a servant?

but right now you felt at ease.

you had a good life. good friends which were rare to find in the capitol. good family and a good husband. he was proper, took care of you in every way, even if he didn’t love you, you were grateful to be married to someone you liked. admired. you’d heard whispers of corio’s childhood, his depleted resources and poor upbringing. but you couldn’t care less. he was more of a man than anyone you knew. and he was extremely pretty, your parents would’ve probably married you off to whomever they thought would help with social standings so this match? a lifeline.

coriolanus kept himself in check. he was up for presidency, his name and wealth restored and he was respected and feared. you were a diamond in the rough. whilst all the other girls in the capitol were, special, to say the least, you weren’t like them. first of all, he could tolerate you. like you even. you were exceptionally smart, well-read and spoken, respectful of those worthy but even those beneath you. you were kind, not the fake kind of the capitol. kind to everyone, helping everyone however you could.

and to him it was more than perfect. someone kind would be easy to have, easy to be married to. he knew from the second he saw you as marriage material that you’d never endanger those around you. you cared, enough to put your happiness to the back of the line. you’d be easy to control. after the wedding he expected you to be clingy, desperate for his love and affection. as any girl would from their husband, but you kept your distance. you didn’t push yourself on him, you did your duty. you did what was required and more. but you always listened, listened to him.

so he assumed you’d be easy to be married to, but he was always in awe of you. your sweet smiles every time you passed eachother in the halls, in the morning at breakfast and at night for dinner. always catering to him.

“what should i wear?” “you can choose.” “you tell me.” “it’s your choice.” and god did it inflate his ego. you were always asking about him, how his day was, what he did, who he saw etc. but it wasn’t just small talk, you were always listening. absorbing his words like a sponge, wide eyes, head nodding along dumbly. he loved it. and over the year he found himself, caring, on the inside at least.

every time you’d go out there were hungry eyes consuming you. your face, body everything. and he wanted to personally pluck out each eyeball and feed it to their families. so again, overtime, he’d shield you, protect you. his sweet wife who knew nothing of what the others wanted to do to her. a hand on your back, an arm around your waist, a peck on your forehead and his large red coat around you. all for show right?

he wanted to puke.

the smell of cabbage wafted to his nose and he was oh so close to putting this fist through the wall. who on earth-

you were humming, again. “corio!” your voice was music to his ears, corio, no one said it to him anymore. not even tigris. but he only liked, only wanted it to come from you. “dinner is served, some of your favourites are here. i asked tigris what you use to eat as a kid. ooh, you never told me you liked cabbage, me too! guess that’s another thing we have in common.” you beamed as you walked over with a bottle of wine, “tell me when to stop.”

he eyed you up the entire time. trying to catch a fleck of disgust whilst you ate, andddd, nothing. you weren’t lying, you actually liked it. he swallowed his own fear and began to eat.

“mm, i was wondering what you wanted me to wear tonight? i’d like to match corio, if that’s okay with you.” corio smiled slightly, “i would like to match. i have something i would like you to wear tonight sweetheart.” your eyes darted forwards as the word fell, sweetheart.

you couldn’t help the smile that came to your face, he only used terms like that in public. and based on his reaction afterwards, of which there was none, it meant that he probably didn’t even realise. or he did, you could never read him.

the red dress did things to coriolanus. the idea of you in it has his head spinning, but to actually see you in it? he wanted to throw you onto his bed and never let you out.

but to you it looked as if he was studying the dress rather than looking at you in it. “you look good.” you grinned, “thank you corio! i love your suit, you look very handsome.” you straightened his suit as he looked over your shoulder, your back was bare. “do you have a throw?” you quickly nodded and picked it up from the dresser. “good.” you already got a million stares in ordinary clothing, tonight was going to test his patience and anger.

the gala was gorgeous. for once there wasn’t ugly statues and weird color matches. a clean and pristine white hall, chandeliers, gold accents.

your heels clicked on the floor as coriolanus held his arm for you. “your hand please.” corio stared, waiting for your further explanation. “when we link arms your arm is too high for me. i end up with my arm at my neck.” you laughed as he lent his hand, which you gladly took.

stares and compliments at every corner of the room, everyone was looking at you two. the future president and first lady of panem. a match made in the capitol. you and coriolanus made the rounds, talking to present sponsors, potential sponsors and other candidates, much to coriolanus’s distaste. after a while you realised you were sort of just standing there, so you excused yourself for a drink and a closer view of the band.

“you look, ravishing.” charles operman. a sight which no one wanted to see, but to you he was just an ex-peer of the academy. “charles! thank you, corio picked it out for me.” you’d missed the way his jaw clenched at the mention of your husband, but you were to engrossed by the angelic singer and band. “you know, i always thought we’d end up together.”

the abruptness of his sentence had you choking on your drink, “excuse me, i’m married charles. i’m sorry if you thought that we would be together, i see you as a friend. i’d hate to lose a friend.” you smiled as he got uncomfortably closer and leaned into your ear, hand on your bare back.

coriolanus’s grip on his cup was tightening as he listened to lucky drone on and on. he wanted to see the life leave charles’s eyes, maybe his head would make as a nice present for you. “excuse me.” he nodded his head as he placed his cup on a passing waiters tray. you were helpless, and he was here to help you.

his breath was hot in your ear and you could smell the liquor on him as he was grabbed from you. “coriolanus, sir.” charles mocked salute as coriolanus stared at him, maybe he thought if he stared long enough hed burn into the floor. coriolanus rarely smiled, but this one was unsettling to say the least.

“if you ever put your hands on my wife, look at her, speak to her. it will be the last time you do so. i might just call in a favor with dr gaul, i hear your fond of snakes?” charles’s eyes widened, he hated snakes. he couldn’t even watch the 10th hunger games, the second he saw the snakes he ran to the bathroom and hurled.

“when i become president, you better keep yourself in line. it’d be horrible to see your family in the games no?” charles took a step back, “you can’t do that, i’m capitol.” coriolanus drew back,

“you won’t be for long.”

you couldn’t believe your eyes, of course he’d protect you but, threatening? he’d never do it right? the shutters of cameras had you reaching for corio, “can we leave my love?” coriolanus turned to you, “of course sweetheart.”

he’d stayed up for a long time. a smile came to his face when he remembered the sound of charles’s neck snapping. the door creaking open revealed a disheveled you, “corio? are you awake?” he sat up as you released a breath.

“what is it y/n?” you took a shy step forward, “i uhm, i can’t stop thinking about charles. he scared me, i didn’t know what to do corio. i-” you couldn’t stop the tears from falling as coriolanus swiftly got out of bed, helping you into his bed. “i- can i sleep here tonight? please?”

this was definitely not how he first expected to have you in his bed, but how could he say no to you? your hair in its braid, messy and lose, puffy eyes and tear stained face. he wished he’d first seen you cry underneath him but he’d take what he could get. what he didn’t expect was for him to like this, the scene of you crying, needing him. he was the one who could help you, console you, coddle you.

coriolanus nodded as he moved back to the bed, tucking himself and you in softy, caressing your hair and kissing your forehead. god he’d held out for so long, denied himself and his feelings but having you in his arms was all he could ever want, but the idea of being in you flooded his head.

would you cry like this? would you shout and scream? did you like it soft and sweet? he couldn’t be soft and sweet, he’d savour the moment but he loved the idea of unravelling you, he’d be the only one to see you like this, him being the only one to make it happen.

you curled into his chest, like a baby. your soft cries and whimpers went straight to his crotch and soon enough you were asleep.

his sweetheart, his delicate little wife.

corios hand slipped downwards and into your pants, he promised himself he just wanted to feel but god you made it difficult. he saved you tonight, didn’t he deserve a reward? didn’t matter if you detested he had you where he liked. so he slowly rolled over and placed you on the bed.

your eyes fluttered at the change of placement but he couldn’t care less. he was done waiting.

you squirmed underneath him in your sleep but his worries faded away.

[soaps-mohawk]

Cherry Red, Crimson Blood

Chapter 49: Reforming Bonds

Summary: Your pack tries to figure out what comes next after John's announcement.

Pairing: Poly 141 x reader

Word Count: 10,527 words

Warnings: NSFW, 18+, smut, explicit sexual content, p in v sex, oral sex, handjobs, shower sex, slight dom/sub dynamics, spanking (lots of asses get slapped), alpha/beta/omega dynamics, alternate universe, language, slight angst, emotions

A/N: I'm ovulating so you're welcome

MASTERLIST | <- Previous | Next ->

“Cap, what do ye mean?”

Chaos has erupted since John’s surprise announcement. Johnny is on his feet almost instantly in disbelief, trying to process the words his captain and alpha have just said. So they didn’t know either, judging by the surprised looks on their faces. They had no idea, and they weren’t expecting it.

“I’m retiring.” John says, repeating what he had just said. “It’s time I settled down.”

Johnny stammers for a moment, still trying to wrap his head around this sudden change in their lives.

“If you’re going, so am I.” Kyle says, rising to his feet as well.

“Kyle, you don’t have to-” John starts but Kyle holds his hand out.

“No, I want to.” The room goes still as Kyle addresses his alpha. “You’re right. It’s not fair for us to do this. Our omega deserves a normal pack and a good life.” He shakes his head. “It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

John stares long and hard at him for a moment before nodding. “It’s your decision in the end, what you want to do.”

“This is what I want to do.” Kyle says softly.

John nods, still staring at him. He reaches out, taking Kyle’s hand. “Okay.”

There’s a sudden tension in the air as Simon stands from the couch, heading towards the back door. All four of you watch him go, the glass sliding open before closing softly. You chew on your lip, leaning forward to set John’s paperwork on the table. Part of you wants to look through it, read every small detail about your alpha as you can, but another part of you knows even some parts of him will remain secret to you. The less you know the better. That was how your place in this pack started.

Maybe it should stay that way.

You go to rise, but Johnny puts out a hand, stopping you. “Let him go, kitten.”

You glance at him for a moment before looking back at the door. You want to know what’s going through his head, what he’s feeling but he won’t let you in like that. Not right now. Even Johnny doesn’t go after him. He needs his space and you have to be okay with that.

John’s hand runs over your head, brushing your hair back from your face. You’re still staring at the door, staring out where Simon has disappeared. He squats down next to you again, his knees cracking. You fight the urge to make a joke, to tease him about his creaky joints in his retirement age.

“How are you?” He asks softly, slipping his hand around the back of your neck. It’s a comforting weight, a reminder of just how long it’s been since you presented for him. There’s a tingle beneath your skin at the touch of his hand.

“You’re really doing this? For me?” You ask, staring into those bright blue eyes of his.

“Yes.” He nods, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You’re still young. You deserve to live a happy life with me in it.”

A smile forms on your face, relief starting to flood through you as the shock wears off. He’s voiced one of your deepest worries, that fear that he’d come back in a body bag someday too soon. You’d have to live the rest of your life without your alpha. Your mother was proof it could happen, but your situation is different. Your relationship with John is different than that of your parents. John’s a good alpha, a good man. He’s done horrible things, things you don’t want to think about, but you know he’d never raise a hand towards you.

The fact you feel so comfortable with his hand on the back of your neck proves that.

You lean into him, nuzzling your face into his shoulder. His arms wrap around you, lifting you up so he can sit on the couch in your place.

You settle into his lap, resting against his chest. It’s been a long time since you’ve been held by him. There’s been such a distance between the two of you, even after his return from disposing of Shepherd. You haven’t truly had a vulnerable, intimate moment with him in weeks.

Johnny lets out a sigh before heading for the back door. Kyle slips into his spot on the couch, leaning up against John. His head rests against yours, one of John’s arms slipping from around you to curl around Kyle. The three of you sit there in silence, soaking in the moment.

John’s really going to retire for you. Kyle is going to retire for you.

You never thought you’d see the day.

You press your nose into John’s neck, his beard tickling your skin. He’d shaved it when he went after Shepherd, cutting it back to its normal length. You almost miss his scruffy face. Maybe you can convince him to grow it out more once he’s officially retired. The mental image of him all scruffy-faced and soft has you shifting in his lap. You doubt he’d let himself lose his physicality, but you can dream. He’s lost more than he’d like to, no doubt. They all have.

Maybe it is a good thing he’s retiring. It would be rough to go back now after this.

Simon’s going to have a hell of a time.

You slide the door closed behind you, wrapping your arms around yourself as you step out onto the deck. He’s leaning against the railing, smoke puffing up from his lips and dispersing into the air. You stand there for a moment, waiting for him to acknowledge you, but he doesn’t. He just stands there, staring off in the distance. You wonder if this is what they saw in those times you did the same.

You take slow steps forward, keeping yourself in his peripheral. He knows you’re there. You’d be shocked if you surprised him of all people.

That could also be dangerous for you.

You step up next to him, leaning against the railing, staring out at the grey sea in the distance. He’s smoking, a cigarette held between his fingers. You wonder how many he’s smoked since he came out here. You know they all do it occasionally, Price most of all, but you haven’t seen them smoke in a long time. You wonder when he bought the pack, or if he’s been keeping it for a moment like this.

You don’t blame him one bit for needing something to clear his head.

You hesitate before you speak, wondering if you should say anything at all, or if you should just wait for him to speak his mind. You might be out here all night if you waited. Instead you take the plunge, jumping right into the swirling black pool that is Simon’s emotions.

“I won’t ask you to retire.” You bite the bullet, coming right out and saying what you know he’s stressed about. He shifts on his feet just slightly as he brings the cigarette up to his lips. “That wouldn’t be fair.” You continue. “I’d want it to be your decision. Just like I left it up to John. I honestly didn’t know he was going to do it. I didn’t think he would ever. This whole time I was thinking we’d go back to living on base, things would return to the way they were before. I wouldn’t have liked it, but it wasn’t my place to say what you all could and couldn’t do. That’s why I wouldn’t ask you to do the same. It should be your choice what you decide to do and I’m okay with it if you decide you don’t want to retire. Honestly I can’t picture you retiring like I can John…”

You trail off as he lets out a sigh, taking another drag of his cigarette before stubbing it out on the railing. There’s a tense moment of silence, his gaze still off in the distance.

“You talk a lot when you’re nervous.” He finally says.

“I-I’m not nervous.” You say, shaking your head.

He huffs, leaning his arms on the railing. “Can smell it on you.” He shakes his head, dropping his gaze to the yard below. “I knew he’d do it.” He starts, speaking softly. “He’s been stressing for weeks about going back, putting you through that again. I never thought he’d actually do it…”

Simon trails off, fiddling with the lighter in his hand. You watch the dexterous way he moves it, fluidly slipping it between his fingers. You can imagine a knife in its place, spinning and flipping expertly. He’s good with his hands. You know personally what those long, rough, thick fingers are capable of.

“It certainly wasn’t what I was expecting he’d say.” You shake your head, clearing it of the thoughts rapidly taking over. “But I mean it.” You sink your teeth into your lip. “I won’t be upset if you decide to stay. You and Johnny.”

Simon slowly turns to face you, staring down at you. He’s silent for a moment, staring long and hard at your face. If you didn’t know him better, you might have shrunk under that gaze, wishing you could crawl under the deck. Instead you stand there strong, squaring up to that intense stare.

“You’ve come a long way from the scared pup that was forced into your pack.” He finally says, his gaze softening just a bit. “I’m proud of you. You’ve survived more than most omegas would, and you’re still standing.” He reaches out, running a hand over your head. “I think Laswell was right in her choice.”

“I am glad she chose me.” You smile, leaning into his touch as his hand drops to cup your cheek. “Despite everything, I still think it could have been worse.” You make a face. “Phil could have gotten his way.”

Simon growls lowly, the sound rumbling in his chest. “I will pay you to never think about that shit stain again.”

“How much?” You smirk, letting out a shriek as you attempt to slip out of his grip. He’s too fast, though, his arm wrapping around you and pulling you back.

His hand slaps your ass, stinging even through your jeans. “Little shit.” He grunts, wiggling you around until you’re pressed up against his chest. “You’re a pain in my ass.”

“But you love it.” You grin up at him, knowing you’re right. He’s loved it for a long time, longer than he’s admitted.

He hums, leaning his forehead against yours. “Thank you.”

“For what?” You breathe, brows pulling slightly in a frown.

“For allowing me the chance to do this. For proving my thoughts and beliefs wrong.” He says. “For being so goddamn understanding.”

Your lips pull into a smile, your head tilting so you can kiss him. “I’m glad you’ve gotten this opportunity to learn to be vulnerable. Who knows where you’d be if you didn’t.”

“Still a miserable cunt with nothing to live for.” He says.

You snort, pressing another kiss to his lips. “You’ve had Johnny to live for.”

He hums in agreement. “I do quite like him.”

“It’s hard not to.” You say, wrapping your arms around Simon’s neck. “He’s just so...cute.”

“Don’t let him hear that. He’ll never let you forget you said it.” Simon mumbles against your lips.

“Nah, I’ll just tell him you said it.” You grin.

Simon growls, sinking his teeth into your lip. “You little shit.” His hand slips down, palming your ass. “Should line you all up, bend you over and spank you till you’ve got welts. See how much shit you wanna talk after.”

“Nothing can stop me.” You grin, biting his lip back.

He growls, smacking his hand against your ass again. It stings, but you can’t stop the moan from slipping through your lips.

“Fucking hell,” he grunts, squeezing your ass.

“Bit cold to be fucking on the porch.” A voice cuts through the tension, drawing you and Simon apart.

“Fuck off, Garrick.” Simon growls, his hand still on your ass.

He holds his hands up. “Wouldn’t want you to catch a cold.” He grins. “Make it quick, we’re going to town for dinner.”

Simon’s hand lifts from your ass and you can imagine the gesture he made to Kyle. There’s a laugh before the door slides closed again. It makes you smile, seeing everyone back to their normal, playful selves again.

Simon leans down, pressing his face into your neck. He inhales deeply before sighing, his warm breath fanning across your cool skin. Goosebumps raise on your arms, the change in temperature making you shiver. Simon’s lips brush your neck, sliding down to your mark where he presses a soft kiss before he stands up straight once more.

“He’s right, we should get back inside.” You say, going to turn but a hand closes around your wrist.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Simon grins. It has another shiver running down your back.

“To go get ready for dinner…” You say, frowning slightly at him.

His grin twists into a smirk. “He said make it quick.”

Your mouth falls open as you stare at him, the meaning of his words hitting you instantly. “Oh fuck…”

The house is quiet, the light slowly fading beneath your door as the lamps get shut off in the living room. You’re standing there, hand around the doorknob. You twist it slowly, watching the light beneath the door fade entirely to darkness.

That darkness is broken as you crack your door open, casting a stream of light from the disgusting overhead bulb. You’ve turned it on out of necessity despite how badly it burns your retinas in the otherwise dark world around you.

“Where do you think you’re going?” You ask into the darkness, the shape that would be otherwise hidden on the moonless night pausing by the stairs.

“To bed.” He rumbles, turning around to face you, hand on the banister. You can picture him, leg lifted ready to lift himself onto that first step.

“You’ve been avoiding me.” You say quietly, leaning against the door frame.

“No,” He says, releasing the banister so he can turn to fully face you. “Just figured you might want some space.”

“Why would I want that?” You ask, curious as to what he’s going to come up with.

He tilts his head. “I know I haven’t been the best alpha to you lately. Retiring won’t make up for what I’ve put you through, the promises I broke. I figured I’d be the last person you’d want to see right now.”

Emotions rise in your throat, threatening to choke you. He’s not wrong. He’s hurt you in more ways than one. Retirement won’t fix everything, all of the heartbreak he’s caused you. That will take time.

But he is wrong about you wanting distance.

“Yeah, well, you’re wrong.” You say, swallowing thickly. “Kyle will survive a night without you.”

He stares at you for a moment before he nods, a smile tugging at his lips. “Okay.”

You step back from the door, hand on the light switch as you wait for him to cross the small living room. Despite the absence of one person, the cottage has started feeling smaller to you. You long for space and breathing room. It almost makes you miss the barracks.

Almost.

You turn off the light as soon as John steps through the door, breathing a sigh of relief. You close the door behind him, letting it click as it seals the two of you inside. You brush past him, heading towards the bed.

Hands dart out, wrapping around your waist before you can get too far. You’re pulled backwards and spun around so you’re facing John. It happens so fast you have barely any time to react, just managing to get your hands on his chest before you slam into his body. His arms wrap around you, keeping you pinned there as he stares down at you. His gaze is intense, burning a hole straight through you. A shudder runs through your body, your skin starting to tingle under the warmth of his hands.

“I’ve been neglecting you.” He murmurs, leaning down close to your face. His breath is warm as it fans across your skin. You try to lean up to kiss him but he pulls back just out of reach. “I’m sorry.”

“Why don’t you prove how sorry you really are?” You say, your fingers bunching the fabric of his shirt.

He chuckles, the sound vibrating against your hands. “I think I can do that.”

He finally leans down, pressing his lips against yours. They’re slightly chapped but you don’t care, leaning up as far as you can to push against him. He kisses you hard, scraping his teeth against your bottom lip. You moan against his lips, sliding your hands up to his shoulders.

“Missed you.” He murmurs against your lips.

“You were the one neglecting me.” You say, pulling back.

He hums, sliding his hands down to your ass and squeezing. “Neglecting myself too. I’m not wasting any more time.” He says, leaning down to kiss you. “Get on the bed.” He growls.

“No.” You say, pulling away. “I’m in charge.”

The growl rumbling in his chest lowers in pitch, his eyes darkening but you don’t move, standing there strong despite your omega’s desire to do as you’re told. You’re not going to give him the satisfaction. He chose to neglect you, so you’re going to make sure he pays for it.

His growl softens as the tension in his shoulders relaxes. He toes off his slippers before passing you to head towards the bed. You rear back, slapping his ass on the way. He grunts, jumping slightly at the impact. He glances at you over his shoulder with a playful look before he climbs onto the bed, settling himself in the middle.

You take a moment to stare at him, taking in the sight of him on your bed, the place that’s been your safe haven for months. It’s not a nest, but it’s the closest you can get.

The sight of your alpha in it makes your pussy tingle.

You make your way to the bed, climbing onto the edge. You crawl over to him, sitting yourself up on his thighs. He stares up at you, his hands sliding up your legs.

You push them back onto the bed, shaking your head. “No touching.”

He grunts, but keeps his hands flat on the bed.

You lean forward, trailing your fingers across his cheek, feeling the prickle of his beard across your fingers as you trail them down his jaw. You continue your path down his throat, sliding over his Adam’s apple before dipping into the space between his collar bones. He swallows thickly, and you watch the way his throat bobs. You sit up on your knees, bending over him to sink your teeth into his throat. He growls, his hands closing around the backs of your knees.

His grip is tight, warning.

You don’t let up though, trailing bites across his throat to his neck. You sink your teeth into the skin below his ear drawing another growl. Your teeth leave red marks down his neck to his shoulder, where you sink your teeth in as hard as you can. He lets out a deep growl, his hand slapping your ass hard.

“Fuck.” He grunts as you let up, leaning over him.

You put your hands on either side of his head, staring down at him. “I thought I said no touching.”

“Almost took a chunk out.” He says, trailing his hands up the backs of your thighs.

“Good.” You say, sitting up on his stomach. “You bit me, it’s only fair I bite you.”

“You’ve bitten me lots of times.” He says, laying back.

“Yeah but mine won’t leave a scar.” You say, trailing your fingers down his chest.

You push your hips back, your clothed pussy pushing against the bulge in his sweatpants. You lean down, dragging your tongue across his chest before you reach his nipple, closing your lips around it. A breathy moan leaves his lips as you suck on the bud, tracing circles around it with your tongue. He sucks in a breath as your teeth scrape across his nipple, your lips curling around it to suck hard.

His hand lifts to the back of your head, fingers threading through your hair. You pull away from his nipple with a pop, sitting yourself up over him again.

“I said no touching.” You say, pushing his arm down. “For a military man, you don’t listen very well.”

“I never was good at following orders.” He smirks. “Only giving them out.”

You huff, forcing his hands under your knees. “Gonna have to tie you up.”

“How are you going to do that?” He lifts a brow at you.

“I’ll figure it out.” You smirk, pushing yourself back so you’re seated over his hips.

You run your fingers across his soft stomach, trailing them through the soft hair that makes a line directly where you’re headed. He’s hard under you, his bulge prominent through his sweatpants. You’re equally as aroused, panties so wet you’re probably leaving a spot on his pants.

You slip your fingers under the band of his sweatpants, finding nothing but skin. Oh, he’s gone commando underneath. You never took him for the type. You know Johnny freeballs a lot, and so does Simon, but you never thought John would as well. Maybe he hoped to get his dick wet tonight. If not by you, then someone else.

Lucky for him it did turn out to be you.

You push yourself up onto your knees as you slide his sweatpants down, revealing his cock. It’s hard and red, the tip already leaking. He’s this turned on by you and you haven’t even touched him yet. He really has been neglecting himself. You push his pants down as far as you can, his legs lifting to kick them the rest of the way off.

You sit yourself on his strong thighs, resting one hand on his hip as you drag a finger up the length of his cock. He shivers, hands clenching the sheets as you tease his head, running your finger over his weeping slit.

“So hard already.” You muse, smearing his precum down the length of his cock. “Barely touched you.”

“Told you I’ve been neglecting myself.” He grunts as you spit into your hand before finally gripping his cock.

You hum, squeezing the base before slowly dragging your hand to the top. He twitches in your hold, more precum spilling out of his tip. “If you were better behaved I might let you cum right now.” You lean down, your breath fanning his cock. “But you just couldn’t keep your hands to yourself.”

He twitches in your hand again as you drag your tongue from base to tip, flicking it along his slit. He groans, hands pulling at the sheets. The scent of him is heavy in the air, the muskiness of his arousal mingling with your own sweet scent. You’re dripping on his thigh, leaving a wet patch where you’re seated.

“You gonna cum? Make a mess all over yourself?” You hum, slowly stroking his throbbing cock.

“Yes,” he breathes, his hips pushing up against your hand.

“I don’t think so.” You say, dropping his cock from your hand.

He lets out a growl, his head lifting to stare down at you. “You little minx.”

You shrug. “Should have been good for me and kept your hands to yourself.” You sit yourself back between his legs, pulling your panties off and tossing them onto the floor. “If you can last until I cum, then maybe I’ll be nice to you.”

You climb up over his hips again, your hand wrapping around his cock. You don’t even need to prep yourself before you line him up, sinking down onto him. Your baggy shirt blocks out his view of his thick cock spreading you open. He groans, his head tilting back as you squeeze around him, sinking down until you’re seated on his hips.

Oh god how you’ve missed his cock.

It fills you just right, spreading you open and pushing against all those lovely little spots inside of you. It might just be the perfect cock, but then again, you’re likely to think that about all of them in the moment. Four perfect cocks attached to four perfect men.

How truly lucky you are.

And how lucky they are to have you.

You start to move your hips, rocking back and forth on John’s cock. His hands are still gripping the sheets so tight you’re worried he might rip them. Oh well, that would be a problem for later.

John bucks his hips as you lift yourself, spearing his cock back into you. You force your weight down, pinning his hips to the bed. “Be good.” You warn him, despite the pleasure reeling in your brain. The desire to give in and let him pound you into the mattress is strong, but you’re in too deep and have to keep control for now.

You continue to rock your hips, rising up and down along the length of his cock. His head is lifted, neck straining as he stares at you, watching your body move. His lips are parted, his chest rising and falling heavily with his breaths. He’s holding himself back, trying to keep control on himself. He could easily take over, force you to submit, but he lets you play this game.

For now.

You press your hands against John’s stomach, feeling the muscles contract as he breathes. Even after so much time he still has kept some of his strength. You can imagine him doing his pushups and situps in the morning, keeping himself agile and strong just in case.

You wonder if he’ll continue that even after retirement.

You can imagine he will. He’ll always have that need to be ready just in case.

That protective edge will never leave the back of his mind, no matter how relaxed he gets.

That almost makes you sad.

Your hands push into his stomach, using him as leverage to bounce on his cock. You’re quickly growing tired, and the press of his cock inside you has you rapidly approaching an orgasm. He’s pulsing and twitching inside of you, and you’re shocked he’s lasted this long. A true testament to his inner resolve.

He was being bad on purpose.

You don’t doubt that one bit.

It’s all a game to him, indulging this desire to be dominant for a moment. It’s a game you’ll gladly play, though, even if for just a moment.

“Fuck,” You breathe, reaching under your shirt to rub your clit.

John groans as you squeeze around him, his head falling back as he gets closer and closer to his own orgasm. Eventually he won’t be able to hold it. Eventually he’s going to lose control and cum without your permission. You’re tempted to push him that far, but at the same time you’re desperate to cum on your alpha’s cock.

High-pitched whines leave your lips as you desperately grind against his hips, fingers rubbing rapid circles around your clit. “Gonna cum!” You gasp, body shuddering as pleasure ripples through you.

“Cum on my cock.” He grunts, hands leaving the sheets to grip your thighs.

You don’t care, too close to the edge to pay much attention to him. You’re too busy chasing your own high.

Your orgasm slams into you, your hips jerking as you spasm around him. He lets out a deep moan, fingers indenting your thighs as he holds on for dear life. He won’t cum yet. He’ll be good and hold off for you despite the way you’re gripping him like a vice, your body trying to milk his own orgasm.

You pull yourself off of him, sitting back on his thighs as you take his cock in your hand. It’s slick and shiny with your juices, your hand slipping along him easily as you pump him. “Cum for me.” You breathe, squeezing your hand around his cock.

He cums with a deep groan, hips lifting as he finally gets relief, painting his stomach with his seed. You jerk him through his orgasm, seeking every last drop he can give you until he’s going soft in your hand. He’s breathing heavily, chest heaving as he slowly releases your thighs, dropping his hands back to the bed.

You crawl your way back up to his face, leaning over him as he tries to catch his breath. “So good for me.” You breathe, still damp and slick between your thighs. You know he’s getting hard again. You can smell the thickening of his scent in the air.

You press your lips against his, leaning down to rest your body against his chest. His arms come up, wrapping around you, pinning you there. You pull back just slightly, staring down into his eyes. “Fuck me like you missed me.” You breathe against his lips.

“Yes ma’am.” He says, his hands bunching your shirt around your waist. You sit yourself up just enough that he can pull it over your head and drop it on the floor.

You lean yourself back down, pressing your breasts against his chest as you kiss him again. He groans against your lips, trailing his hands across your skin.

“So fucking soft.” He grunts, squeezing your hips. His hands are rough against your back, still calloused despite his lack of handling weapons regularly. Maybe it’s just part of him, something he’ll never lose.

You don’t mind it one bit.

He wraps his arms around you, pushing up as he rolls you over onto your back. He hovers above you, elbows pressed into the mattress on either side of you. He stares down at you for a long moment, eyes tracing your face.

“What?” You ask, worrying there might be something wrong.

“Forgot what you looked like under me.” He grins playfully.

“Well, take a picture. You can share it to the group chat.” You smirk.

He chuckles. “No. This is just for me.”

He leans back down, pressing another kiss to your lips. He does kiss you like he missed you, soft and tender yet passionate and devouring. It has your toes curling and he hasn’t even touched you.

His lips leave yours to trail down your neck, sucking and nipping at the skin to leave marks just as you did to him. You shiver as he presses a kiss to your mark, the skin tingling from his touch. Your entire body is tingling as you give over control to him, submitting to him and what he’s going to do to your body to prove he really did miss you.

He kisses his way down your body, pausing for a moment to suck one of your nipples into his mouth, giving them the same attention you did to him. Your lips part in a breathy moan as he sucks on the sensitive bud, scraping his teeth along the skin before releasing it with a pop. He gives you a smirk as he continues down your body, licking a circle around your belly button before sliding even lower.

He trails kisses down your pelvis, ending with a kiss just above your clit. You lift your head up, watching him as he stares at your pussy, still slick and sensitive from your first orgasm. He hums, his thumbs spreading you open.

“Just as pretty as I remember.” He says.

A snarky remark dies on the tip of your tongue as he drags his tongue through your folds. You flop back onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling as he finally reaches your clit, pressing a soft kiss against it.

Your lips part as he flicks the tip of his tongue against your clit, toes already curling again as he circles the still sensitive bud. His fingers keep you spread open as he licks another stripe through your folds before his lips wrap around your clit. He sucks hard, a sound almost like a mewl leaving your lips as pleasure shoots through you like an electric shock.

Your fingers curl into the sheets as John continues his relentless assault on your clit, slurping at your folds like a parched man. His tongue draws shapes across your clit, swirling and flicking, his lips closing around it and suckling hard. Your legs are shaking already, toes curled as he feasts on you like he really did miss you.

“Fuck…” You whine, pushing your hips up against his face, your thighs trying to close around his head. You don’t care that you might suffocate him. You doubt he’d complain about dying between your thighs. Out of all the ways he could go…

“Feel good, sweetheart?” He murmurs against your clit, sucking on it again.

“Yes!” You moan, your hand reaching down to slide through his hair. He cut it recently, back to the normal short length he wore on base. They’ve all cleaned up a bit, likely due to their belief they were all headed back to their old lives.

Now things have changed.

Your back arches off the bed as John continues to eat you out, pushing you closer and closer to another orgasm. You were already sensitive from the first, and the mix of his tongue and the burn of his beard on your inner thighs has you rapidly approaching a second.

“Cum for me.” He growls, scraping your clit with his teeth before wrapping his lips around it.

Your orgasm hits you like a truck, your entire body shaking as waves of pleasure course through you. You can barely handle it, colors erupting behind your eyes as you writhe on the bed. John continues to suckle at your clit, working you through your orgasm.

He finally relents once you’re shaking with overstimulation, pulling his face back from your pussy. His beard is damp with your juices, lips shining. You hold your arms out for him, inviting him to crawl back up so he’s wrapped in your arms.

“Good girl.” He murmurs.

You can taste yourself on his tongue as he kisses you, his knee hooking beneath your leg and pushing it up. You wrap it around his waist, pulling his body as close as you can. His hand slides beneath your back, coming to rest between your shoulder blades. He cradles you as he slips a hand between your bodies, still kissing you as his cock brushes against your damp pussy. You’re still wet despite two orgasms, worked up by the touch and smell of your alpha.

You whimper against his lips as he pushes into you, your body welcoming him in gladly. A sigh leaves his lips as you squeeze around him, still feeling the aftershocks of your orgasm. John leans his forehead against yours as he sinks completely into you, his hips pressing flush against yours.

“Fucking feel so good wrapped around me.” He breathes, pausing there for a moment as he presses soft pecks across your face.

“Missed you.” You whisper, wrapping yourself around him as tightly as you can.

“I’m sorry.” He mumbles, pressing his cheek against yours. “Shouldn’t have been neglecting you.”

“Make it up to me.” You say, pressing a kiss to his shoulder before nipping it gently.

He hums before he starts moving, rocking his hips against yours. You feel so full, his cock pressing as far as it can into you with each thrust of his hips forward. It’s slow and soft, John taking his time to try and prove to you just how much he missed you, trying to make up for just how much he’s neglected you over these last couple weeks by keeping his distance.

You would have accepted him back with open arms immediately. You have missed him, despite your tumultuous emotions surrounding your alpha. You love him, you always have, even in those moments when he hurt you. You know they weren’t intentional, done out of malice in a desire to hurt you as much as he can. You know he loves you too. You can tell just by the way he handles you so delicately, how he’s tried to make up for his mistakes in the best ways he knows how.

He keeps his arms wrapped around you tightly, holding you close as he rocks against you. You moan softly in his ear, clinging to him like he might slip away, like this might be a dream you could wake up from any moment. Deep down you know it’s not, but at the same time that fear that this is all in your head runs rampant.

John presses soft kisses across your face as he makes love to you, almost as if he can sense your fears, your doubts and he’s trying to brush them away. Your nails dig into his back as he shifts his hips, his cock brushing against that spot inside of you with every thrust. It has warmth spreading through your entire body, electricity coursing through your veins, sparking every inch where his skin touches yours.

“Alpha,” You whimper, clinging onto him for dear life.

“I’ve got you.” He whispers in your ear, tightening his hold around you, lifting your body to meet his.

He moans softly, the sound rumbling in his chest as you squeeze around him. You can feel the warmth starting to pool in your stomach, heat blossoming between your thighs where his cock is sliding in and out of you slowly and steadily. You’re going to cum just like this, in the tenderness of this moment, a reuniting of your bodies after so long apart.

You can tell he’s getting close too, the occasional falter in his thrusts, the way his cock seems to pulse inside of you. He’s grunting and moaning in your ear, your own moans soft in the quiet of the room. Only the harmony of your bodies mingling together in pleasure can break the quiet that’s settled over the house in the darkness of night. Not even the rain dare fall and break this moment between you.

“John,” You breathe his name with a sigh as your back arches, pressing into him as you cum.

He’s not far behind, moaning your name into your ear as he spills into you, rocking his hips as he fills you.

He stills, resting some of his weight on you as you both lay there in bliss. It’s not uncomfortable. It’s grounding in the best way possible, his body pinning you to the bed, pussy still stuffed full of his cock. The doubts of this being real slowly float away, melting into the abyss as you breathe in his woody scent. It shoots back into the very primal parts of your brain, soothing your omega until she turns on her back in submission.

You’re crying before you realize it, tears leaking out the sides of your eyes. John shifts his weight, pushing up on his elbows so he’s staring down at you. “What is it? I didn’t hurt you did I?”

You shake your head, a quiet sob leaving your lips. You can’t put into words what you’re feeling. Bliss? Relief? That quiet ease of lingering grief you’ve been holding onto for so long finally dissipating?

John shushes you gently, cupping your face in his hands as you cry. You lean into his touch, nuzzling your face against his palm. “I’m so sorry.” He breathes, tears shining in his own eyes.

“Don’t hide from me again.” You breathe, a sob stuttering in your chest.

“I won’t.” He says, pouring nothing but conviction and truth into his voice. “I promise I won’t, and I’ll keep that promise.”

“You better.” You sniffle, pulling him down against you once more.

You lay there, the tears slowing as you hold him. There’s something so raw and intimate about this moment, sweat-slick bodies locked together in such a total way as you both allow such vulnerability. It speaks volumes of your trust in him to carry you and his trust in you to hold him. That is what you’re made for at the core of your instincts. To comfort, to care, to be the warm, open place for your alpha to retreat to. The safe space he can be vulnerable in.

Your tears slow to a stop, your breathing evening out as you lay there under the weight of him. Something has transpired in this moment, some hurdle the two of you have jumped over together in your relationship you hadn’t even realized was there. Some empty space has been filled, a hole patched.

John lifts his head, staring down at you for a moment before he leans down, pressing his lips to yours. You kiss him softly, smiling at the tickle of his beard on your skin. You wouldn’t trade this moment for anything.

He finally releases you after a moment, sitting himself up on his knees. You wince as his softened cock slips out of you, your body feeling deliciously sore. “Come on,” he says, trailing a hand down your leg. You feel sticky as the sweat starts to dry. “Let’s shower.”

You take his hand as he climbs off the bed, welcoming his aid in standing. Your legs are still trembling a bit, feeling unsteady as he leads you to the bathroom. You sit on the closed toilet lid as he starts the shower, waiting until the temperature is perfect.

“Come on,” He says, slipping his arms under you to carry you under the warm spray.

You laugh, wrapping your arms around his neck to hold on as the warm water pelts against your skin. He stands there for a moment, holding you as he stares down at your face.

“What?” You ask, smiling at him.

“Nothing.” He says, smiling back. “Just can’t get over how beautiful you are.”

Your face warms at his compliment, your arms wrapping tighter around his neck. “Stop it.”

“Never.” He says, leaning down to kiss you again.

You kiss him back, keeping your lips locked together as he slowly lowers you to your feet. You stand on your toes, back to the spray as you kiss him. Warmth is blooming beneath your skin again as his hands slide over your hips.

He turns you around, letting you get wet in the spray before he grabs the soap, lathering his hands. He drags them across your skin, cleaning the dried fluids from your body. He takes his time with your breasts, cupping them in his hands as he drags his thumbs over your nipples. There’s a stirring beginning in your stomach again, warmth starting to sink down from your stomach to your pelvis.

His hands abandon your breasts to slide lower, trailing over your stomach before slipping even lower. He presses against your back as his hands scrub at your inner thighs, wiping the juices that have begun to dry against your skin.

Your teeth sink into your lip as his hands travel upward, one of them slipping between your legs. His fingers are gentle as they rub through your folds, still sensitive from three orgasms. His middle finger drags over your clit, making your hips jerk. You can feel him growing hard against your back, your ass pushing back against him as he continues to tease your clit.

“Fuck,” You breathe, starting to dampen between your thighs and not from the water spraying you both.

You push yourself forward, bending so your hands press against the tile wall. You push back against his ass, grinding against him.

He gets the message, pulling back just slightly before the tip of his cock drags through your folds. You’re still sensitive as he pushes into you, your pussy fluttering around him. He groans, the sound echoing around the tile walls of the shower as he presses in until he’s flush with your ass. Your hands push against the wall, pressing you back against him to take him as deep as you can.

“Fucking irresistible.” He groans, his hands gripping your hips as he starts to thrust into you.

His thrusts are quick and sharp, the antithesis of what they were just a few minutes before. Gone is the intimacy and the vulnerability, instead desperate need taking its place. It’s not about making love anymore, instead it’s feeding into that primal need taking over.

The sound of flesh hitting flesh fills the bathroom as he fucks into you hard, using his grip on your hips to pull you back against him as he thrusts into you. You can do nothing but stand there as he uses you, fighting to keep from slipping in the water still spraying both of you from overhead.

Your moans are short and sharp, nails scratching at the tiles as you get closer and closer to the edge, forced onward by the drag of his cock against that spot inside of you. It has your legs shaking, body pushing back against his as your back arches.

“Come on,” He grunts, his thrusts starting to get sloppy. He has to be sensitive still too.

Your legs do nearly give out as his fingers find your clit, rubbing tight circles against the overly sensitive bud. You brace yourself against the wall, John’s arm wrapping around your stomach to keep you upright as he continues his assault on your clit.

“Cum for me.” He grunts, his hips snapping against your ass.

“Fuck…” You whine, legs nearly spasming as you gush around his cock, another orgasm slamming into you.

He curses as his thrusts get sloppy, his hips pushing hard against your ass as he grinds into you. His fingers don’t let up on your clit as he continues to chase his own high, pushing you close to the point of overstimulation. You can feel another orgasm rapidly approaching, your entire body trembling.

“That’s it,” he grunts, pushing against your clit.

Your arms nearly give out as another orgasm washes through you, just barely keeping yourself from face-planting into the wall as he thrusts hard against your ass twice more before he stills. His warm cum spurts into you as he orgasms, his head falling back as he groans low and deep.

“Bloody fucking hell.” He grunts, hands holding your hips up as you shake from the intensity of your second orgasm.

He pulls himself out of your overstimulated pussy, still spasming as his cum starts to drip out of you. He wraps his arms around you, lifting you up so you’re pressed against his chest.

“So fucking good for me, you know that?” He hums in your ear, pressing a kiss to the lobe.

You whine at his praise, a shiver running down your spine as your omega beams with pride.

He washes you clean again, taking his time washing your hair for you. You do the same to him, running the soap over his skin. You pause around his scars, gently caressing each one. It’s easy to ignore them sometimes, forget about them and their meanings. Sometimes you can’t help but stare, worry knotting in your stomach as you stare at the ones too close to vital organs. Close calls and the possibilities had those wounds just been slightly lower, slightly to the side.

Tonight you try to ignore the meanings of them, cleaning his skin until he nearly shines and the water starts to go cold.

He reaches around you to turn it off, a shiver running through you as the cool air in the bathroom hits your skin. He’s quick to wrap a towel around you, drying you off as much as he can before drying himself.

You head back into your room, forgoing clothes as you climb into the bed naked. The sheets are slightly damp and smell like sex but you don’t care. John joins you just a moment later, forgoing clothes as well. He lays down on his back, opening an arm to you. You saddle in close to his side, tossing an arm around him as he pulls the sheets up around you. You press your nose into his chest, breathing in the clean scent of soap and the natural scent of him beneath. It calms your mind, slowing down your thoughts.

“Get some sleep.” He murmurs into your damp hair, kissing the top of your head.

You hum, already halfway there as your eyes slip closed.

It’s already light outside when you wake.

The light is shining through the gap in the curtain, pulling you from the sweet arms of sleep. It’s warm under the sheets, your back pressed up against something solid. You let out a groan as you stretch, joints popping. You’ve been in this position for a while.

“Morning.” A soft voice says, making you turn your head. John is still with you, reclined up against the headboard.

“What time is it?” You murmur, rubbing your eyes.

“Just past seven.” He says, his face illuminated by the glow of his phone.

“What’re you doing?” You ask, turning around to face him.

“Looking at houses.” He says, swiping across his screen.

“Houses?” Your sleep-addled brain can’t quite comprehend what he’s saying.

“For us to move into.” He says, glancing down at you.

It takes you a moment before the tears start to gather in your eyes. “Huh?” You push yourself up onto your elbow.

“We’ll have to go back to base for a short time while my retirement paperwork gets processed, but then we’ll have to have somewhere to go after that goes through.” He explains. “I’ve been looking at some places for a while.”

“A while?” You blink at him, trying to hold back the tears.

He nods. “Since before I left to go after Shepherd.” A tear falls at the implications of his words. “So...you’ve been planning this for a while?”

He nods again. “It’s been playing around in my head. Just took some time to finally settle.”

You scoot yourself closer, leaning your head on his shoulder. You take a couple breaths to compose yourself, to not let the emotions overflow again like they did last night. He’s been considering retiring for a while, he’s even been looking at places to move to. He’s been planning this a lot longer than you knew, than you thought.

“I like this place.” He says, showing you a listing of a nice looking modern house.

“Where is it?” You ask, looking at the photos as he swipes through them. It is nice, new and clean looking.

“Scotland.” He says.

“Scotland?” You frown. You always thought he’d want to stay in England.

“It’s a good place to retire.” He says, pausing on a photo of the backyard. “Been looking at places on the coast.”

You can’t stop the tears now, frantically wiping at them as they fall. “The coast?”

He nods. “Just for you.”

You wrap your arm around him, curling in close to his side. He wraps his arm around your shoulders, leaning his head on yours. He really has been paying attention. He really has been putting a lot of thought into you and what you’d like, where you’d be happiest and the most comfortable.

“Thank you.” You breathe, trying to hold in your sobs.

“Of course.” He says, squeezing you tightly against his chest. “I want you to be happy. You’ve gone through so much shit already, you deserve to live out the rest of your life where you’ll be at peace.”

It’s a strange jump from the no-nonsense alpha you’d met when you arrived in his life. The alpha dedicated to his job, his team, saving the world. The alpha that willingly put you second because that’s what was expected of him, because that’s what he needed to do. The alpha that broke promises to you because of the good of the world mattered more to him than you.

You sniffle, hugging him even tighter, so much it probably hurts. He doesn’t complain though, letting you cling to him as you need to.

You wonder what changed, what happened to cause this sudden shift in his priorities. Maybe it was almost losing you, maybe it was those times you got angry with him, screamed at him because he wasn’t listening, because he was neglecting you emotionally, mentally, physically. Because he wouldn’t give you what you needed and expected you to be fine. Maybe it was simply your existence here in this cottage where nothing mattered but healing and living a normal life. Maybe he finally realized just how much life on base affected you and he was able to look past the blinders the military put on him from an early age.

“I’ll never be able to thank you enough for this.” You murmur.

“Just be happy. That’s all that I need.” He says, kissing the top of your head.

You smile softly, releasing your tight hold on him. “This means so much to me.”

“I know.” He smiles. “That’s why I’m doing it.”

“You’re so good to me. It’s a nice change.” You tease.

He chuckles, his hand sliding down to your hip. “I’m going to ignore that.”

You giggle, sliding your hand down to rest on his stomach. “What other places are you looking at?” You ask.

“A few places.” He says. “Ones with enough space for a big bed.”

“Oh?” You raise a brow at him. “How big are we talking?”

“Big enough for at least three.” He says, his scent starting to thicken in the air. “Maybe enough for five.”

You bite your lip, images of tangled bodies, lips and hands all over filling your head. The four of them gathered around you as you lay there, open and ready for them. Heat starts to pool in your stomach, your thighs rubbing together.

John’s chest rumbles with a growl as your scent starts to project into the air. “What’s on your mind.”

You smirk, sliding your hand under the sheets. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

“Screamin’ fucking Jesus again?”

“They’ve got a lot of time to make up for.” Kyle shrugs, pulling the tea bag out of his mug and dropping it into the trash.

“It’s like they’re tryin’ tae torture me.” Johnny whines, dropping into a seat at the table.

Kyle pours some milk into his mug before joining him. “You can always go outside.”

“Might have tae.” He grunts, putting his head in his hand. “I cannae take it.”

“You’re hard right now, aren’t you?” Kyle asks, taking a sip of his tea.

“Like a fuckin’ rock.” Johnny says, leaning back in his chair as he runs a hand across his groin. “Cannae take listenin’ to those sweet noises. I just want tae stick my face between her legs and make them shake. Tha’s all.”

“You’ll get your chance.” Kyle says. “She’ll be coming for you next.”

“I hope so.” Johnny groans, dropping his head into his hands.

Thudding steps come down the stairs, Simon appearing. He pauses, glancing at your door before shaking his head. “Girl’s busy these days.”

“As long as she’s having fun.” Kyle shrugs.

Johnny almost whines, head still in his hands.

“Needy little pup.” Simon mumbles, dragging a hand through Johnny’s newly cropped mohawk as he passes. “Probably hard in your shorts, huh?”

Johnny lets out another sound, running his hand over his face. “I cannae take it.” He pushes himself up to stand, beelining for Simon in the kitchen.

“Uh uh.” Simon says, turning him around before Johnny can get a hand on his dick. “Go sit back down and be good.” He delivers a sharp slap to Johnny’s ass.

Johnny lets out a frustrated groan but does as he’s told, sinking back into his seat at the table. Kyle hides his smirk in his tea, ears perking up as the moaning in your room quiets.

“Quick one this morning.” He muses, hiding his own stiffy under the table. The mental images of you and Price together is almost too much for even him. What he wouldn’t give to bear witness to that again. His alpha and his omega lost in their pleasure together. He wouldn’t even have to participate. Just watching would be enough.

There’s a few moments of silence before your door opens, John exiting looking rather pleased. You follow him, hair slightly mussed and a dopey smile on your face.

“Good morning.” Kyle says, smirking at his alpha.

“It is.” John says, heading for the kitchen, a pep in his step.

“Morning.” You say dreamily, a fucked-out look on your face.

Johnny mumbles something, staring hard at you before rising to his feet, the chair squeaking on the floor from the suddenness of his movement. “Cannae take anymore.”

He crosses the space between you quickly, brushing the placemats off the table before he’s lifting you. You drop on your back on the table, the wood trembling from the force of it. Johnny kneels between your legs, tossing them over his shoulders before his face disappears from sight.

Your head drops back, thudding against the table as a moan slips through your lips. Kyle’s own lips part as he watches, a slurping sound rising from between your thighs.

“Oh fuck.” He breathes, watching the top of Johnny’s head bob as he eats you out. His stiffy is now rock hard, pulsing painfully in his pants.

“Fucking mutt-” Simon goes to move forward but John stops him with a hand on his chest, watching your back arch off the table as Johnny continues to slurp at your pussy.

“Let him.” He says, dropping a hand to adjust his own pants. “He’s suffered enough.”

Your moans start to fill the air, body writhing on the table as Johnny sucks at your clit, the wet squelch of his mouth cleaning the remnants of John from your pussy loud in the air. He’s eating you like a man starved, but you suppose he is.

Your hands dart out, gripping the edges of the table as your legs start to shake, overly sensitive from what John gave you this morning, and likely last night.

“Gonna cum!” You gasp, thighs squeezing around Johnny’s head but he doesn’t seem to care. He’d gladly die in your pussy if he had to.

Kyle can’t take anymore either, slipping a hand into his pants. “Fuck…” He breathes, the sounds coming from Johnny almost obscene. He’s moaning almost as much as you are, fingers indenting your thighs from how hard he’s holding onto you.

“Come on,” Simon says, moving around the table. “Be a good boy and make her cum.”

Johnny moans against your pussy, sucking hard on your clit. Your body shudders, back arching off the table as you cum against his tongue. Johnny moans, sticking his tongue into your pussy to catch every last drop of you.

You’re breathing hard, hands still gripping the edge of the table as Johnny continues to lap at you, pushing you towards overstimulation.

“That’s enough.” Simon says, wrapping his hand around the back of Johnny’s neck, yanking him up to stand. “Let the poor girl breathe.”

You continue to lay there on the table, legs dropping over the edge, still shaking just a bit.

“Look at you.” Simon tsks, licking the side of Johnny’s mouth where your juices shine on his skin. His hand drops to the front of Johnny’s boxers, pushing against them at the wet spot on the front of his shorts. “Came in your pants again, didn’t ya?”

Johnny groans, nodding unabashedly.

“Fucking whore.” Simon spits, slapping Johnny’s ass. “Go clean yourself up.”

“Yes, sir.” Johnny moans, stumbling his way to the stairs.

Simon turns his gaze to Kyle, his hand slowing in his pants. “You need to go clean yourself too?”

Kyle swallows thickly, pulling his hand out of his pants. He shakes his head. “No, sir.”

Simon scoffs. “Should try a little harder, then.”

Kyle does almost cum in his pants then, his cock twitching as Simon’s mean side comes out.

“Come on.” Simon says, lifting you up so you’re seated on the table. “Up and at ‘em princess. Gonna get your pussy juice all over the table.”

“Bit late for that.” You murmur, sliding off the edge and into a chair.

Simon grabs the cleaning spray and a rag, tossing it to Johnny as he returns. “Clean up your mess.”

“Yes, sir.” Johnny says, spraying down the table.

Kyle’s cock is still throbbing in his pants, painfully hard as he tries to focus on his tea. He should excuse himself to the bathroom, jerk himself off real quick, but instead he remains seated, enjoying the pulsing in his shorts just a little too much.

“You’re really doing it?” You ask, sinking down on the couch.

“Hmm?” Kyle hums, looking up from his phone.

“Retiring?” You continue, tucking your legs up under you as you face him.

“Yeah.” He shrugs, slipping his phone back into his pocket.

“Why? You don’t have to.” You say.

“Because I want to.” He explains, draping an arm across the back of the couch. “John is right. You deserve to have a happy life with your pack and I want to be there for it. I’ve done my time and I think I’m ready to have a normal life.”

“You’re giving up your career for me.” You say quietly, almost hesitantly.

“It’s worth it.” He shrugs again. “I’d rather you be happy knowing I’m always going to be there than stressed I might not be coming home. It’s not fair to you to live with that stress.”

“But Simon and Johnny…”

“They’re going to do what they’re going to do.” He says. “That’s up to them and what they want. This is what I want. I want to live a normal life with you and John. He’s going to need the support for a while.”

“This is going to be hard for him, isn’t it?” You say.

He nods. “It will be a hard adjustment. John’s never been good at living a civilian life. Even when he’s had chances to go on leave, he never fully steps away. Giving it up cold turkey is going to be hard on him. He’s going to need help, support, someone who understands. No offense to you.”

“None taken.” You say. “He’s going to need you.”

Kyle nods. “That’s why I want to be there. It wouldn’t be fair for me to try and help from a distance. You’ll need help too, trying to adjust to a normal pack life again. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I left you both to flounder.”

You lean your head against his arm. “You’re so good to us. Too good.”

He smiles. “Nah, I just love you both.” He wraps his arm around you, pulling you in against his chest.

“I love you too.” You say, relaxing against him, and you mean it.

You love all of them so much it almost hurts.

NEXT ->

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[zhelin-thames]

A Growing Circle of Bats (wrong number)

Read the previous posts to know what happend before Masterpost

Danny was sitting cross-legged on his bed, sipping a soda while reading over one of Tim’s million texts about ghost technology. Jason had texted earlier to warn him that “Tech Boy’s enthusiasm can be dangerous,” and Danny was starting to believe it.

Then his phone buzzed with a message from yet another new number.

Unknown Number: Hey, are you Danny?

Danny groaned, setting his drink down.

Danny: ...Yes? Who’s asking now?

Unknown Number: I’m Dick. Jason and Tim wouldn’t shut up about you, so I thought I’d say hi.

Danny blinked.

Danny: Wait, let me guess. Another one of the Bat-family?

Dick: Guilty as charged. I’m the oldest, so I have to make sure Jason and Tim aren’t harassing you too much. They’re... persistent.

Danny: That’s one way to put it.

Dick: So what’s your deal? Jason said something about ghosts and a billionaire villain?

Danny: Ugh, yeah. That’s the gist of it. My life is basically one long supernatural sitcom, featuring a half-ghost me, an undead billionaire weirdo, and a lot of property damage.

Dick: Sounds wild. Do you ever get a break?

Danny: Not really. Ghosts don’t exactly take vacations.

While Danny and Dick were chatting, Tim and Jason were having their own conversation.

“Did you seriously give Dick Danny’s number?” Jason asked, staring at his phone.

“Why not?” Tim replied, not looking up from his laptop. “He’s part of the family. Besides, Danny could use more normal conversations, and Dick’s the most sociable.”

Jason snorted. “Dick’s about as ‘normal’ as a flying acrobat who fights crime in spandex can get.”

Back on Danny’s end, the conversation had taken an unexpected turn.

Dick: So, are you into acrobatics? Or martial arts?

Danny: Uh, I mean, I’ve fought a lot of ghosts. Does that count?

Dick: Definitely. Fighting’s a skill. Jason said you’ve got powers too?

Danny: Yeah, I can go intangible, invisible, and shoot ectoplasm. Oh, and I can fly.

Dick: Flying? Okay, I’m officially jealous. That’s way cooler than grappling hooks.

Danny: It’s not all great. Flying makes you a bigger target when you’re fighting people who can fly too. Or when you’re dodging ghost lasers.

Dick: Fair point. But still, flying’s gotta feel amazing. Have you ever raced anyone?

Danny grinned at the question.

Danny: Not really. But I think I’d win. I’m pretty fast.

Dick: Challenge accepted. If we ever meet, I’m racing you.

Later that evening, Jason’s phone buzzed with a group chat notification.

Group Chat Name: Danny Phantom Appreciation Club

Members: Jason, Tim, Dick, Danny

Danny: What is this?

Tim: A group chat. Easier than texting us all individually.

Jason: It was Tim’s idea. Don’t blame me.

Dick: Hi, Danny! Welcome to the club.

Danny: You guys are insane.

Jason: And you’re stuck with us now, Little Ghost.

Danny: Why do I feel like this is the start of something terrifying?

Dick: Because it probably is. But we’re fun terrifying.

Danny: ...I’m doomed, aren’t I?

Tim: Yep. Welcome to the family.

Danny couldn’t help but laugh, shaking his head. For all their chaos, the Bat-family was growing on him. Maybe having them around wouldn’t be so bad after all.

[creamecafe]

hii could u write something for Dae-ho set in the mingle game and its basically just him protecting reader and always keeping them at his side. 🫶🫶🫶

"As long as I'm here, no one can hurt you"

Summary: What the request says

Pairing: Dae-Ho x GN!Reader (No pronouns used)

Warnings: fluff, comfort, pining

Word Count:

Author's Note: Thank you so much for requesting. I hope you enjoy!

Want a request for a Squid Game character like this one? Check out my latest post, read my request guidelines and send a request!

Read on Wattpad & AO3 here

It's a miracle that you have made it to the third game. You were sure you were going to die in the second game, but thanks to the team you had, you were more than determined to still stay alive

Out of all them, there was one that you kept looking at. Dae-Ho. You couldn't help but find him cute. This certainly wasn't the place to have feelings as you could die before telling him.

It was the same for Dae-Ho, trying to make sure everyone is ok and that the team survives. But it was something with you.

He felt safe with you, and wanted to protect you. Even if it meant giving his life for you.

The announcement for the third game came, you were worried, but wanted it to be over it. Dae-Ho noticed you being anxious and asked if you okay

"Are you okay?"

You stopped zoning out and looked at him with your heart pounding.

"What? Y-yes I'm ok thank you." Nodding trying to reassure yourself.

"I think this might be the last game I play in." You chuckled knowing deep inside you dreaded the idea

"Hey look at me."

You did as he said. "Don't say that, you have us."

He held out your hand to hold it. You looked at it and hesitated putting your hand out but you held it. A tight squeeze was given but not too rough. It was a sign of reassuring.

He gives you a smile and you did too not of full happiness but someone is here to care about you.

All of you guys were called for the game. You got up and stayed close to Dae-Ho. He looked back at you and nodded. You did the same.

It was the same, climbing up those colorful but dreading stairs to the next game. Every minute or two, Dae-Ho made sure you were right behind him.

You finally reached the game and saw a carousel in the middle with horses and so many doors of different bright colors for a Pre-K setting.

"Welcome to your third game." The woman's voice from the previous games you heard came on the speakers.

"The game you will be playing is Mingle. Let me repeat. The game you will be playing is Mingle."

Turning your head to look at Dae-Ho, he's already looking at you.

You quickly look away not to make the situation worse. He didn't want to make you uncomfortable as well.

"All players, please step onto the center platform. When the game starts, the platform will begin to rotate, you will hear a number. You must form groups of that size, go into the rooms, and close the door within 30 seconds."

"Oh this game? We used to play something similar on school trips. We formed groups by hugging." Jung-bae exclaimed.

"Yeah. Instead of hugging, we go into those rooms" Dae-Ho mentioned.

"If the number is bigger than six, we'll get the additional people we need." Gi-Hun

And if it's less than that? You thought in your mind

"But what if it's smaller than five? Like three or four

You turned your head to Dae-Ho. It's like he read your mind exactly.

"No matter what happens, don't panic. Let's stay calm," Young-il nods. "We'll make it out together. Here."

Those words echoing in your mind, there wasn't enough time to doubt if your group would stick with you.

You've seen how quickly people are to turn against each other especially in the Red Light, Green Light.

But you're more than determined to stay alive, just to see Dae-Ho's face every chance you get.

Young-il puts the back side of hand out to form a truce. One by one, everyone is putting their hands on top of each other. You were the last one.

"Y/N. Are you in?" Gi-Hun asks.

Dae-Ho looks at you with worry in his eyes. You had no choice and no knowledge of trusting others in this game, so you put your hand out on top.

Dae-Ho becomes relieved at this.

"One, two, three. Victory at all costs."

Sighing at this with relief, you guys begin to spread out. The carousel is starting to spin

People scream out in fear. Lights go out and the light in the middle where horses out lights ups and music plays.

Children are singing about holding hands and ringing around.

Dae-Ho holds your hand lightly. He grazes your hand with his thumb. You don't look at him, as you fear you'll die doing so.

It suddenly stops. The number is 9. People are running out frantically pairing in groups of 9. Dae-Ho doesn't let go of your hand.

"We need 3 more." You said. Your group ran looking for 3 more.

A old lady, her son and another woman goes up to you guys.

"Are you guys 3?" Young-il asks

"Yes we're." The old lady nods frantically.

"Quickly we got to get into a room" Gi Hun exclaims

Your feet were starting to move, but the grip of Dae-Ho holding your hand made you move even faster.

All of you guys rushed into a room and closed the door. The room was filled with heavy breaths. There was a click on the lock meaning that the room was closed and nobody can get in or out.

Right now, you have never been more grateful to be alive in playing a game

It wasn't long before you heard gunshots, and it was safe to assume it was those who didn't pair up or get into rooms in time.

Now that you're safe, you look at Dae-Ho and he does too.

"Is everyone ok?" Dae-Ho asks

There was a lot of yes. That answer might change throughout the game seeing how long each of us might last.

The door lock clicked and you guys were allowed to come out. There were bodies on the floors and blood splattered. "Take off your mind off those bodies or you'll be one of them" Your mind was telling yourself.

"We got this" Dae-Ho talks to you

"We do" You smiled. Don't know how many smiles it will take to keep going, but you're ready to prove his point.

The game started again and the carousel spins. You hold out to Dae-Ho's hand.

Now the number was 4. Young-il grabs Jung-Bae and goes to find two more people. That's left Gi-Hun, Jun-Hee, Dae-Ho and you left.

There was no time to waste. All four you ran to a room and locked yourself in. Gi-Hun was looking around for Young-il. You pulled him back in.

The gunshots came again. The lesser the number, the more likely people will betray each other.

How long this game will last, you don't know. All you know is that you have people here to help you. Even if it's just one person, it makes all the difference.

The doors clicked and it was time for another round. The panic and adrenaline of it all keeps coming back. But Dae-Ho is making sure you're by his side, even if he may die in the game as well.

Six the group was. Dae-Ho said you and him were going to go and find another group. Luckily you did and you managed to still be alive locked in a room.

Now it all came down to the very last game. There were less people than the game started. You wanted to finish this for once and for all. While the carousel was spinning and music playing, you place yourself in movement ready to run and holding Dae-Ho's hand.

"2" The voice said.

It felt like time was going slow once it announced the number. Everybody is rushing to get into a room. Time's running out.

You felt a hand pull you back and you fell to the ground. Dae-Ho heard your scream and saw someone trying to stop you from going into a room. Someone else was already in the room that you guys were planning to go into.

Dae-Ho could go into the room and that would already make it two. But he's made it too far to leave you.

He ran and punched the guy that pushed you. He put you back on your feet and dragged the other guy out. He slammed the door shut and the timer just came to zero. The guy on the other side begs and bangs on the door.

A pink guard shoots him and the noises stop.

"Are you ok?" Dae-Ho rushes to you.

Still shaken at what happened, at the fact you almost died if it wasn't for him to save you, you nodded.

"Yes I am. Thank you."

There was a moment of silence between you too as you were catching your breaths.

The door clicked and you both came out.

"Y/N! Dae-Ho!" Both of your names were being called

Gi-Hun, Young-il, Jung-Bae and Jun-Hee run up to you guys and you all hug each other.

"I'm so glad you guys are ok." Jun-Hee smiles

You're also relieved that everyone else is fine and made it out alive. You could return back to the dorms.

Walking down back the stairs and into the dorms, everyone was mostly silent but some talked.

You ran up and tapped Dae-Ho on the shoulder.

"Hey Dae-Ho?"

"Yes Y/N?"

"You could have gone into the room where the other guy before you dragged him out, why didn't you?"

Dae-Ho took a pause before responding.

"I have lost many people when I was a marine, seen people get killed in front of me. I can't let it happen to you."

He starts to become close to you but not too close.

"As long as I'm still alive, I'll make sure you're fine. That's a promise I tend to keep Y/N."

Those words stuck with you. You could die in the next game, but right here at this moment is a reason to keep going.

Taglist:

@hobinistaworld

Navigation | Main Masterlist | Squid Game Masterlist | Kang Dae-Ho Masterlist | Join my taglist!

[andvys]

The edges of your soul (I haven't seen yet) ⭐︎ chapter sixteen

⭐︎ One day I am gonna grow wings...

Warnings: hurt/no comfort, angst, jealousy, mentions of self harm, mentions of depression, mentions of unreciprocated feelings, mentions of death, Steve's pov! a little Eddie and Steve bromance cause lego head needs a friend

Pairing: Steve Harrington x fem!reader

Summary: As the distance and the space between you and Steve grows bigger and colder, he begins to fall back into the pit you pulled him out of, leading him to feel nothing but despair, leading him to realize something he's been afraid of.

Word count: 9.8k

Author's note: attention attention please !! as you all know this story is a collab with my dearest @hellfire--cult , this would have not been as great without her. as I mentioned before, she works on all the chapters with me, we come up with all the ideas together, we write together but this chapter especially -- I left this one for her, it's over 9k words and of them are written by her so give her the love she deserves ♡ also y'all should listen to let down by radiohead while reading this. this song is Steve's song (I am so projecting)

series masterlist ⭐︎ previous chapter

☀︎

The house was warm, that was the first thing he noticed when he got out of bed and out of the blankets. 

This meant he slept for a long time. The fireplace must have been lit for a while now, because he didn’t believe it was cold outside. He could see the snow and some people cleaning it out from the small roads, and he wondered how long he had been asleep. For how long had he been lying in that bed without your warmth again.

Steve could feel his heart bursting, and he felt so conflicted. Thanks to his nightmare, he knew this was the right decision, yet the pain that comes with it is just breaking him slowly. He cannot control it. He cannot stop it. He wishes it had been different, and he knew that he hurt you… But that pain would just save you both from worse. 

He put on his sweater, some sweatpants, and his slippers, taking a deep breath in before grabbing the doorknob. He couldn’t hear Nancy’s voice, nor Eddie’s jokes, anywhere around the house, but there was someone. He could hear noises coming from the living room, some clanking, some moving around. He knew it was you. 

And he knew he had to face you. This was the best sleep he has gotten in a long while, and he knows it is the same with you. He needed to talk to you. He needed to at least go back to how you two were, and he knows it’s selfish. He knows it. But–

He sighed, walking out of the room to finally head towards the living room. He first saw the back of your head, putting on your boots to probably head out. His breath was quickening by the second, and he could feel his heart in his throat, almost making him choke. He gulped, or at least he tried, finally talking.

“Where’s Eddie and Nance?” 

He saw how you stiffened for a second, your movements stopping as you tied up your boots, only to resume after recovering yourself.

“Nance is out with Eddie. She took him to the coffee shop.” He felt himself tense up when he saw you tightening up your shoelaces one last time, and his panic set in.

“And where are you going?” 

You were still giving him your back, not wanting to face him, and he was growing desperate. He felt his mouth go dry, his fingertips started to itch, and he had to make you talk to him. He needed it.

“Sunshine, we– we need to talk…” His voice was tired. It was raspy, deep, just– it sounded like the voice of someone who was slowly giving up. You rose to your feet, still not turning to face him.

“What part of I need space do you not get, Steve?” Your voice sounded cold, fed up with him, and he felt his stomach turn. He didn’t like that. Was that how he sounded to you? Was that how he treated you before?

“Trust me, I get it, but I can’t help but feel like we haven’t talked it all through–” And with those words of his, you finally turned. You looked confused, angry, your eyebrows meeting in the middle as if Steve had just said the most insane thing in the world.

“I think you were clear enough.” And he took a step back as if he had been slapped, but he wasn’t going to back down. He had to try to keep you with him, because he felt like– Like he was going insane.

"We need each other. You should know that by now! I-- I don't want you to stop talking to me... I can barely stand it." He confessed, and you were still looking at him with emotions he couldn’t read anymore because all he could see was his own desperation. His own needs.

"... We– We finally slept after not being able to... for a while... Look-- I-- I don't know why but I can only sleep okay with you, and you are okay when you sleep with me... So we can't--" 

And without his knowledge, the filtering in his mouth fucked him over again, and he saw the hurt crossing your features. He saw the twitch, the anger turning into a sad one, and he felt his heart sink to the floor.

He didn’t know? He didn’t know why? Of course he did. He did. He absolutely did, and he lied again.  

"That's where we differ and where you hurt me again." And he just stood there, stunned as he looked at how your eyes didn’t want to meet his again. How your body untensed and slouched at his words. 

"I--" 

"I know why I can sleep okay with you. I made it clear. I made it known... Maybe you just don’t want to admit it, or see that you can only sleep okay with me because–” And he could see how you stopped talking, looking down at the floor as if you were about to just… crumble down.

“Sunshine–”

“You see Robin in me.” 

Steve Harrington has never wanted to scream louder in his life. He never wanted to scream and deny something so much to defend his own word. That was not the case. That was not what he thought. That is not the reason why he is pushing you away. The reason why he is hiding his feelings. That is not it, far from it. 

"No, no, that's-- That's not it. That's not it at all--"

"Then why? Why do you act like this with me if it isn't because of the same feelings I have for you? Why do you– Why are you acting like this?"

His mouth opened to give you a response, but then, his eyes flickered to the scar on your face. His body froze up, his tongue stopped working, and his throat went dry. Your eyes looked up to look for his one last time, and Steve was just standing there– And he didn’t deny it, even if he wanted to at the top of his lungs. 

He started recovering a little too late, when he heard your breathing become even more elaborate than before and you started grabbing your stuff as quickly as possible, messily so. He tried gulping, moistening his throat again to be able to speak, but– But what could he say? What could he possibly say not to make you even more confused? What can he say that won’t give away his true feelings for you? 

He didn’t know how to save it. How to save the relationship. How to keep you. He didn’t know anymore, even when he desperately wanted to. But he would be selfish and evil if he did that, wouldn’t he? He would keep making you feel… lost.

“I won’t be a replacement, Steve…” 

He saw you leave something on the coffee table, and those were your last words before leaving, and his back finally touched the doorway of the living room. He felt his eyes burn as he looked at the ceiling, wondering if everything he was doing was right at all. Was he selfish for being scared? Was he an idiot for caring for you? 

He walked towards the coffee table, his eyes filling up with tears as he saw Robin’s hair tie lying on the surface of it now. It was not it. That was not it. You were not a replacement at all, but that’s all you thought you were to him. If he denied it, he would hurt you. If he didn’t, he would hurt you. Either way he looked at it from, he ends up hurting you.

Time. You need time. Maybe without him pestering you, you could learn to see him as a friend again, even when he didn’t want that at all, but it was better than nothing. He could give you that space, try not to cross paths with you, or at least the minimum amount possible.

He had lived without you for an entire year, and he had survived.

He could try that again.

—--------------------------------------

Two days passed. 

You two haven’t even crossed paths for dinner. 

He ate in his room, or didn’t eat at all, and Eddie had started becoming more and more worried. His foot got better, and he could walk for short periods of time with no wheelchair or crutches, but it was still hard to do so. 

He stopped making jokes about you and Aaron. He stopped them completely, knowing his best friend was hurting through all of it, yet Steve didn’t even try to talk to him. In fact, neither he nor Nancy saw much of Steve. He was gone at the very early morning, and he came back very late. 

Eddie knew Steve wasn’t sleeping either, just as much as he knew that you too were not. He has heard you walking in the hallway, stopping for a few seconds before heading back to your room. He could only assume you stood at Steve’s door, maybe wondering if whether to knock or not, and deciding against it in the end. 

Nancy was worried too, but Eddie noticed his best friend was letting go a bit, enjoying life once again. It was nice seeing her with a smile, and he knew she was trying to make you enjoy it too, even if your face didn’t match hers. 

But there was one thing he noticed about Nancy, and that was that she was being… mean towards Steve. He knew Nance was protecting you, but there was no need to make remarks about the possibility of Aaron making a move on you when Steve was in earshot. 

To his surprise, on the third night, while he was having a late snack, Steve walked in, shaking his jacket off from the snow and hanging it on the coat rack. He wanted to make small talk, try to make Steve look alive, at least. 

“H–Hey, b–bro!” He cringed to himself because– Since when has Eddie ever said the word bro? Steve noticed, frowning in confusion at him.

“... Hey?” Now, Eddie called Steve out with no other plan than to greet his friend. He was nervous about how to approach Steve now without scaring him off, so he raised the hand that was holding an apple, showing it to him.

“An apple?” Eddie tried, and Steve shook his head. Eddie saw the tiredness around the eyes, and the overall pain itched in his features.

“No, I’m good.” He saw Steve heading to his room, so he tried again, panicking a little bit at the possibility of losing his chance of talking to Steve.

“YOU! Um– What have you been doing?” The brown haired man stopped for a second and then looked at Eddie.

“I help in the kitchen and in organizing the supply closet. Doing my share for the free food and stay.” He said monotonously. Eddie gave a nervous nod, gulping as he limped towards his friend.

“Cool– Cool…” It was silent then between the two of them, and while Eddie was a ball of nerves, Steve was just staring at him as if he were crazy. “I– I talked to Tommy a bit today! Did– Did you know they taught the kids how to shoot guns!?” 

At his words, Steve frowned, a flicker of amusement, anger, and confusion crossing his features. 

“They gave them guns?” 

“Well, they’re not kids anymore, Steve.” Eddie reminded his friend, and Steve sighed, nodding. Finally, a small tug on his lips appeared, a huff.

“Let me guess, Max outdid them all?” Eddie’s eyes flickered with amusement, nodding and crossing his arms as he felt his chest warm up at hearing Steve’s voice.

“Of course! But Tommy tried to gift her a gun and–”

“Let me guess, her brother wasn’t too keen on that.” Eddie was smiling as Steve engaged in the conversation, and he nodded enthusiastically. Maybe it wasn’t all lost. Maybe Steve did need time as well as you did, and–

“Eddie, have you–” 

And Eddie’s eyes clenched tightly at the sound of your boys. He saw how Steve’s eyes found yours, the slight bit of happiness in his features disappearing, leaving behind an emotionless mask. 

You, on the other hand, Eddie noticed how you wanted to say something, yet you held back. How your eyes were looking for Steve’s, only for the male to look away before muttering a goodbye and leaving for his room. Eddie sighed, looking down at the floor, shaking his head. He didn’t know how to handle the situation, because just like Steve–

“Sunshine–”

“Never mind.” And you were gone.

You didn’t want to talk at all. 

-

You would all be leaving the community the next day.

You felt your heart ache from it, but you wanted to keep going. You needed to find your family, and you won’t be able to do it if you keep staying here, despite finally feeling safe in a secluded place. 

Aaron, Tommy, and Paxton had prepared a small party for your departure. They barely had any celebrations, so this sounded like the perfect excuse for one, as they called it. You had told them with Nancy that there was no need for that, that they had done enough, but it gave them a bit of an excuse to get drunk and have fun.

So now, you were in the living room, sitting on the couch with Nancy, trying to decide what you two were going to wear for the night. Eddie was sipping on his coffee, sitting at the table, and looking down at the RV’s inventory. Nancy had pointed out that Eddie had grown a bit distant with her, and she didn’t know why. You noticed as well, but your mind was preoccupied with… someone else.

Someone you hadn’t seen in a whole day, and it was making your insides turn wildly. You have been out with Nancy, Aaron, and Tommy for most of the week, and when you came back to your house, Eddie would greet you, but Steve had not yet returned home. 

You had asked for time. You had asked for space. He is giving that to you, and yet it feels wrong. It feels so fucking wrong and you are angry that it does. Because it was not fair. It was not fair that your heart was still clinging to him like a vice, and you couldn’t stop it. No matter what had happened days ago. No matter that he didn’t deny that you were Robin’s replacement. Your heart was betraying you.

And said man, walked into the kitchen, all dressed up to go out again in the day, and your body froze at seeing his face. It was– It was angry. All of his facial muscles were tense as he headed towards the sink to grab a glass of water. You swallowed the lump in your throat, feeling your stomach turning inside out because– It almost looked like–

“So… Dress? Or… Skirt?” Nancy asked, and you blinked a few times, finally zoning back into the conversation. You licked your lips and nodded, trying to focus on the topic once again.

“Um, pants? It’s cold?” You answered, and Nancy rolled her eyes, shaking her head.

“It’s a party! We should all dress up since we never get to do it!” Nancy exclaims, nudging your shoulder. “Who knows when we’ll get that chance again!” 

She is right. You know she is. You never get the chance to do these kinds of things anymore. It would be nice to just let loose and enjoy yourself, go all out. 

“Plus, we have a nice variety here!” 

You nod, though your eyes keep moving back to him. Your heart skips in your chest every few seconds, not in affection but in anxiety. His expression kept growing angrier and angrier. 

“Alright, uh…” You pause and furrow your eyebrows, trying your best to just focus, but it’s nearly impossible when he is here. “Skirt… You should wear a skirt, I think it would look cute.”

“Cute?” Nancy scoffs, shaking her head. “I’m trying to look hot! Don’t think that Tommy wants a cute girl.”

Finally, you are able to look away from him and back at her. An amused flicker in your eyes and a teasing smile resting on your face now. You raise your eyebrows at her. 

“Aw, Nancy!”

“Don’t.” She murmurs, biting back her smile. “Why don’t we talk about you? I’m sure Aaron would love–”

“Can you both just shut up!?” 

You and Nancy freeze at his words. Her blue eyes widen as she turns towards him, looking a little taken aback. His features are deeply painted in anger. His hazel eyes are filled with nothing but anger, no other emotions living in them at this moment. A frown is etched into his features. The tone in his voice was full of malice. She hasn’t seen that side of him since… since Hawkins. 

Even Eddie is surprised as he just looks up from the journal, freezing completely at the sudden outburst.

“What’s wrong with you!?” Nancy grumbles at him, not hesitating to ask. 

Steve’s eyes are settled on you, not on her. They are burning. 

“What’s wrong with me?” He scoffs as a humorless laugh falls from his lips. “You are both acting like we aren’t in the middle of the end of the world. Fucking christ–”

“Steve, it’s good to let go–” Eddie tries, only to be ignored by the brunette. 

You are all a little shocked and surprised to see the Steve from a few months ago once again coming forth. 

“Right, because living in a fantasy and high school puppy love got us here.” Steve scoffs, shaking his head as he sends a glare towards Nancy. He wants to say more, he wants it to hurt because he can’t believe what he is hearing. Not too long ago, she opened up and confessed her love for his best friend, only to be moving on already? 

You look between them, and anger sparks inside of you when you see the way Nancy’s shoulders slump and her face falls with guilt. She looks down, avoiding his eyes now. 

Steve huffs and slams his glass on the counter. He brushes past Eddie, almost knocking his shoulder in the process. He grabs his jacket and storms out of the house, slamming the door shut behind him. 

He closes his eyes for a moment and breathes in the fresh air, though it does little to calm him down. All he feels is pure rage. He can’t even think straight anymore; it’s like his mind is in a haze, and he is stuck in a state of anger because this is all he’s been feeling the past couple of days. 

The door opens behind him, and he opens his eyes, already huffing because he knows it’s Eddie who is gonna try to talk some sense into him. 

But the moment he smells the sweet scent of your body wash, he tenses up. 

“What the fuck is your problem?” Your voice is sharp and angry, just like his own was. 

Steve turns around to face you. You are looking up at him, jaw clenched and eyes full of confusion. 

“Don’t bother yourself with it, go back to your little dress talk.” Steve mumbles as a new wave of irritation sparks at him, knowing who you are getting dressed up for. 

You shake your head at him in disbelief, knowing what he is implying again. He thinks this is childish. He thinks this is immature. He thinks that you are immature for indulging in this. And it’s nothing new to you anymore, but it still pains you every time. 

Your usual soft features now burn with anger, matching his own energy. 

“You’re acting like a jerk, again!” You exclaim, frustrating him further. 

Steve is so guided by anger that he can’t even see how much his indifference and anger are hurting you. 

“You don’t get to tell me how I’m acting. You, of all people, should keep that to yourself.” 

Your lips parted, and your eyebrows furrowed in confusion. You shake your head at him slowly, stepping closer to him, unknowingly making his heart ache in his chest – that should be enough of a warning for him. His heart is screaming at him, along with the little voice in his head that is just begging for him to stop. 

“What is that supposed to mean?” You ask, tilting your head to the side. 

Steve clenches his jaw, also taking another step closer. He looks down at you. 

“Oh, you fucking know. You don’t get to call me a jerk when you have been one to me for weeks now, so just go back in the house and make yourself look pretty for your little boyfriend while I go live in the real world–”

“What– is this about Aaron?” You scoff. 

Aaron. Aaron. Aaron. 

He’s heard that name numerous times in the past few days, and every time it sends a flash of rage through him. He can’t wait for tomorrow to come, to leave this place, and to never look back. 

He takes a deep breath, staring at your confused face. He stares and stares. And he bites his tongue, knowing that if he keeps this conversation going, he will say something that he will regret. 

And his silence only fuels your anger, it makes it burn inside of you. He keeps doing this. And you can’t bear it anymore. It leaves you fuming. 

You are both breathing heavily. Staring at each other intensely. The fire is burning between you, dangerously so. One that will do damage. One that will burn everything around you. 

“You want me to live in the real world?” You ask, glaring at him. “You want me to be more serious, more mature? Got it.” You mumble in anger, looking at him one last time before you storm back into the house, slamming the door and leaving him standing. 

Steve is breathless, packed with anger, and unable to think clearly. Everything in him burns deeper and stronger than before. He puts on his jacket before he walks down the stairs, storming away from the house. 

The sky is getting darker already, and not many people are around at this hour – most people must be getting ready for the farewell party planned for them. Steve isn’t looking forward to it, he is only looking forward to getting back on the road. 

He has no particular destination. He just needed to get out of the house and away from you, but no matter how much distance he puts between you both, the anger never fades away. If anything, it only worsens, especially when he stumbles upon the stables and the only one left working with the horses is Aaron. 

Steve halts in his tracks when he catches sight of him. The man is cleaning up the stable, unaware of the death glares directed towards him. 

The sight of him makes his blood boil, and he knows exactly why: it’s because of you. The moment you stepped foot inside this community, he had been on you, whisking you away with ease. 

And you let him. You let him after trying with him. 

He doesn’t know what angers him more. The fact that you are spending time with another man, the way you did with him, or the fact that this man might be using your vulnerable state for his own entertainment. 

Before thinking it through, he storms towards him and into the stable, making the man turn around. 

Aaron notices the anger right away, feeling the tension and seeing the hatred in his hazel eyes. He can tell what Steve is looking for. He can see it from a mile away. 

“Steve.” Aaron nods, looking him up and down. “You alright?” He asks, raising his eyebrow at him. He turns his back to him, putting away the last saddle. He takes his gloves off and runs a hand through his hair before he turns around again. 

“What are your intentions with her?”

Aaron crosses his arms over his chest, furrowing his eyebrows. “That’s what you came here for?” Aaron asks, looking into hateful eyes. “You looking for a fight?” 

Steve huffs, and he takes another step closer. Everything about the cowboy makes him burn in the worst ways possible. His hands clench into fists, and he has to restrain himself from throwing a punch – the result of his frustrations. 

“How about you go and take a walk to clear your head, and then we can talk–”

Steve doesn’t think when he takes another step forward and grabs Aaron by the collar of his jacket, slamming the older man against the wall behind him. 

“What are your intentions with her?” Steve repeats through gritted teeth. 

Aaron sighs, shaking his head at the brunette. He doesn’t even look fazed. He clenches his jaw as he stares into his eyes for a moment. He can see right through him. He can see every bit of fear in his eyes. Anger. Hatred for him, all that because of you. What a fool, Aaron thinks. This didn’t have to happen. He put this all on himself. 

Aaron was patient with Steve so far. He didn’t care about the little huffs directed towards him or the glares the brunette kept sending his way. He didn’t pay much attention to him at all. He did see the jealousy, something that you didn’t see. He did see the way he kept watching you like a hawk, something a friend wouldn’t do. 

Aaron didn’t get to know Steve as well as he got to know you or Eddie, or even Nancy, but he can see the way something is holding him back from you. 

And all Aaron can see him as is a foolish man. A weak, foolish man. 

“Slow down, buddy. Clearly my intentions are the same as yours.” Aaron huffs, ripping Steve’s hands off with ease. He pushes him back and away from him, glaring back at him now. “It’s just that you don’t have the balls to act on them.” 

Deep down, Steve knows that. He knows that the man before him has a genuine interest, otherwise, he wouldn’t have offered to be the one to take you to your family. It’s not a conversation that was meant for his ears, but Steve overheard it. Two nights ago, when Aaron had walked you to the cabin, the window in the kitchen was open, and Steve was washing the dishes when he heard something that ruined his mood entirely. 

‘I know you’re just trying to get back to your family. I don’t know what your plans are after that, but if you want to, I can be the one to take you. We’ll get your family and you come back here with me. The community has a lot to offer for you and them.’ 

Steve’s blood had been boiling since that night. How dare he try to take you away from him? 

He doesn’t know where you stand with Aaron. He doesn’t know if anything has happened between you already. He isn’t sure if he even wants to know. He didn’t stick around to hear your answer, too afraid to hear you accept his offer. 

Given the fact that there is a farewell party for all of you tonight, he guesses that you declined it. 

But it does little to make him feel better. 

“Don’t you dare touch her.” 

Aaron huffs at him, as though in disbelief. 

“That’s her ultimate decision. I ain’t forcing her or manipulating her.” Aaron mumbles. His blue eyes also flashing with anger now as he tilts his head at him, he takes a step towards him. “Unlike you, giving her all that hope, making her feel special, just to let her down? Kind of immature, don’t you think, buddy?”

Steve tenses up at his words. He swallows harshly as he feels a pang in his chest. You talked about your feelings to him? 

Aaron shakes his head at him. He grabs his cowboy hat off the rack on the wall and puts it on his head. He takes a moment to look around the stable, before he takes another step back towards Steve. He places his hand on his shoulder, patting it. 

“Don’t worry, she’s in good hands with me.” Aaron promises – no ounce of arrogance or cockiness in his voice, none of that at all. He takes one last look at him before he walks away, leaving him standing there. “Close the doors on your way out, will ya?” 

Steve is staring into blank space. He is breathing heavily. The anger grips strongly at him, stronger than ever before. His chest starts rising up and down. He sees red. Everything, all at once, comes rushing through him, and before he can stop himself, he draws his arm back and throws his fist into the wall. 

The rage was stopping him from feeling pain, from seeing the blood now slipping through the cracks in his skin. 

He wants to scream. 

He wants to break everything. 

The burning in his knuckles does nothing to mend the anger that he is feeling. He wants to be angry at Aaron so bad, he wants to hate him, but does he even have a reason to? No. He doesn’t. He can only hate himself for causing all of this, for being the reason why you are looking for comfort in someone else’s arms. 

He could’ve had you. He could’ve been with you. He could’ve been the one to take you to the farewell party, but instead he will have to watch you with another man. 

Blood is dripping from his knuckles and down onto the floor, staining the wood. Heavy breaths fall from his lips. He wants to throw his fist into the wall again, over and over again. He wants to feel something other than despair and heartbreak. 

Instead, he curls his hand into a fist and he holds back, knowing it won’t change anything. He turns around and slams his back against the wall. He closes his eyes and takes deep breaths, trying to calm his racing heart. 

All that flashes in his mind is you. 

You. You. You. 

And despite the aching the thought of you leaves in his chest, it begins to calm him down. Your laughter echoes in his ears. Your face flashes before his eyes. Your scent fills his senses. Your touch that always lingers on his skin. Like a wave of peacefulness that washes over him, he finds himself relaxing slowly. 

And he doesn’t know for long he sits there, staring into blank space, but when he finally calms down again, he pushes himself off the wall and gets back on his feet. The blood on his knuckles is dry by now. The cuts are burning. 

He makes his way out of the stable and closes the door like Aaron had told him to. The cold wind nips at his skin, making him shudder. The walk back to the cabin isn’t a long one. The light is still on, burning in the living room. 

Dread fills him, knowing that Eddie must have waited for him. You and Nancy must be gone by now. The footsteps in the snow indicate that you have left and when he steps into the cabin and he notices that your jacket is gone, he knows for sure. 

“Steve?” Eddie calls out to him as he comes limping out of the living room. His eyebrows are furrowed. Eyes filled with concern as the brunette brushes past him and into the bathroom. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” Steve grumbles. He throws his jacket off and onto the ground before he makes his way over to the sink and starts the water. “Why aren’t you at the party?” He scrunches up his face as the cuts begin to sting stronger than before, thanks to the warm water. 

Eddie walks a little slower without the crutches. His leg is still unable to move properly. 

“I was waiting for you.” Eddie mumbles as he stops in the doorway. It takes him a moment to register the blood in the sink and Steve’s pained face. 

“I’m not going–”

“What the hell happened!” Eddie cuts him off, staring at him, bewildered. 

“Nothing–”

“Don’t fucking say it’s nothing, Steve!” Eddie’s frown deepens as he limps his way over to him. “What…?” He mumbles, looking back and forth between his bleeding knuckles and his face. 

Steve sighs. His head hangs low, and he presses his lips into a straight line. No words are spoken. For a moment, it’s quiet between them. Only the sound of the running water fills the room. 

Steve knows that lying won’t get him out of this. Eddie can see right through him. 

With a sigh, he tilts his head up again. He glances into the mirror but chooses to look away again quickly, not wanting to see his reflection. 

“I talked to Aaron.” 

“Oh… Oh, please tell me you didn’t.” Eddie trails off as his eyes continue to flicker between the cuts on Steve’s knuckles and his angry face. 

“No.” Steve sighs, shaking his head. “We just talked…”

“And then what?” Eddie crosses his arms over his chest, raising one eyebrow at him. He knows exactly what was talked about or who. 

“Nothing. He left, and then I…” Steve pauses, feeling embarrassed to even admit such a thing. 

Eddie’s eyes scan his face, and he stares at him for a long moment. He takes in the anger still flashing in his hazel eyes. The despair. Eddie understands it, not because he ever felt this, but because he had seen this before. Anger that turns a gentle person into this – choosing to feel pain instead of fixing that one thing. 

“So you decided to what… punch walls?” Eddie asks, sighing. 

“Eddie–”

“No, Steve. You’re at that point again?” He asks, and Steve finally turns to take a look at him. The worry in dark brown eyes is so clear that it makes him feel guilty. 

Steve had felt this kind of anger before. Through the grief of losing Robin, he discovered this anger within himself. The kind that made him feel sick. The kind that made him want to break everything in his wake.

“No.” Steve sighs, closing his eyes once again. The water is still running over his knuckles. 

“Then what…? Did Aaron say something?”

“No, Eddie.” Steve clenches his jaw. “He just… He wants her. I want her. I can’t have her–”

“You can.” Eddie scoffs, frowning even deeper at him than before. He doesn’t understand him. “You’re acting like he stole her from you. Dude, do you even hear yourself? She wants you–”

“Yeah, but I can’t have her, Eddie.” Steve snaps at him. He shuts off the water and turns to face him, not bothering to hide the vulnerability now crossing his features. “I can’t, okay? You think I don’t want to? You think I didn’t want to kiss her? You think it was easy to push her away? To pretend like I didn’t… like I don’t feel something for her? Fuck… You have no idea how much I–” Steve pauses, his voice turning shaky. His heart leaps to his throat. The realization of what he was about to speak into the universe dawned on him. He quickly shuts his mouth. 

Eddie’s soft eyes widen, and his words get caught in his throat too. He knew. Of course, he knew, but to hear him say it – well, almost say it, still shocks him. 

“Steve…”

Steve shakes his head. He runs his hand down his face and takes another deep breath. 

“Are you ready?” Steve asks, eying Eddie’s black button-down shirt. 

“Steve…” Eddie huffs, his shoulders slumping. 

“It’s fine, Eddie.” Steve mumbles, looking down. “It’s fine. This is our last night here, and I know you wanted to go to that stupid party, so let’s just… get this over with.” 

“Are you sure?” Eddie doesn’t hesitate to ask. 

Steve would rather stay hauled up in this cabin, than watch you be flirted with all night. 

“Yeah.” Steve nods. 

Eddie hesitates. 

“But if you wanna leave at any time–”

“Then I’ll tell you.” Steve nods, looking down at his cracked knuckles. He takes a deep breath. 

“She is there with him, Steve.” Eddie warns him. 

Steve grimaces at his words. His chest pangs. He saw the footsteps in the snow from when he came to pick you up. 

“Yeah, I know.” He mumbles. “I’ll be fine.” 

Eddie isn’t sure if he should believe him, but he doesn’t have much of a choice when Steve brushes past him after picking up his jacket, grumbling a ‘c’mon’ as he makes his way into Eddie’s room to pick up the crutches. 

“Yeah…” Eddie mumbles. 

-

Lights are hanging from the ceiling. The barn is covered in candles. Country music is playing. The smell of food lingers in the air. People are dancing, having fun – living a night that was meant for a normal world, not this one. 

Eddie is looking around with a smile on his face, loving the sight before him. 

But Steve, he is watching with a frown. His eyes are glued to you. His heart is racing, everything in him burning yet fluttering. You are wearing a dress. And you look breathtaking. Beautiful. Everything around him, everything inside the room, disappears. All he sees is you. All that matters is you. Only ever you. 

You are smiling. The golden light that shines down on you makes your features look even softer. 

His breath gets caught in his throat. His heart skips a beat when a giggle falls from your lips. The sound reached his ears even over the music and from afar. 

“This is amazing.” Eddie whistles. “Are those spare ribs?” He gasps, slapping Steve’s shoulder and pulling him out of his trance. 

The brunette blinks. He furrows his eyebrows and glances at the metalhead for a second before he looks back at you. The softness in his eyes quickly disappears when he notices the arm around the back of your chair. A sour taste settles on Steve’s tongue when he sees how close you are sitting next to Aaron, comfortably so. His blue eyes are stuck on you. A smile lingering on his face as he watches you tell a story. You are waving around with your hands, giggling through words. Nancy and Tommy, who sit across from you, laugh with you, nodding along to whatever story you are telling. But Aaron, he is watching intently, looking at you with a smile so soft that it could only mirror his own. 

The cracks on Steve’s knuckles start burning yet again when he clenches his fist. It’s his fault, he tells himself. It’s his fault that you are sitting there next to another man instead of being here with him. 

And he really can’t blame Aaron now, can he?

Tommy spots him and Eddie. His eyes light up as he looks between them. Raising his hand up, he waves them over. 

“We don’t have to sit with them if you don’t want to.” Eddie assures Steve, not wanting to force him to share a table with you when you are here with someone else. 

“No, it’s fine. It would be kind of weird not to sit with them.” Steve mumbles. Slapping Eddie’s shoulder, “come on…”

Your eyes found his as your smile slowly faded. He took a seat across from you, right next to Tommy, while Eddie sat on his other side. His heart beat into his throat the more he looked at you, the more he scanned you, the more he tried to understand what you were feeling. He saw the makeup, the effort you took to look beautiful… and not for him. 

And that thought made his heart break even more.

It felt like time stopped for a few seconds, like everyone else in the room didn’t exist any longer. The galaxy stopped moving. The rush of blood cells filled each other’s ears, ringing noisily, being a nuisance. He noticed how your eyes drifted to his hand that was resting on the table, and he winced, quickly moving it away. Space and time started working again, and the noise around the two of you came back like a stampede.

“Well, how do you like it?” Tommy asked, making Steve clear his throat, finally turning his head to look at the man.

“It’s… nice. Thank you for putting in uhm… the effort in making this.” He cringed a bit at his awkwardness, but Tommy chuckled, patting his back.

“Well… Nice fellows like yourselves and–” His eyes found Nancy, who was sitting next to him already, her eyes a little glossed over thanks to the glass of wine she had already drunk. A smile appeared on Tommy’s lips as he continued talking. “Beautiful ladies like these two deserve a nice… farewell party.” 

Eddie whistled under his breath, and Steve wanted to bolt the fuck out of there. He felt his stomach turning with nausea, and he gave a short nod, trying not to look uncomfortable. His eyes found you again, and he noticed how you were trying to listen to what Aaron was saying, but you kept looking at Steve’s way. 

His heart turned, his knuckles turning white from making his hands turn into tight fists over his lap. Eddie noticed, a frown appearing on his features, his gaze finding you looking Steve’s way as you tried to smile at Aaron. He sighed, feeling like things should have gone differently. That this should not be the situation you deserved, the both of you, to be in.

You all got drinks, and Steve was numb to it all. His eyes kept going from his beer to you. It was constant, and you could barely handle it any longer. He saw you whisper something into Aaron’s ear, and he nodded, a smile on his face, and Steve’s stomach dropped when you two got up and walked towards the small dance floor in the middle of the wide dining place. 

The song was slow and country-like, played live. Tommy left to get more drinks for him and Nancy, and she took this chance to scoot closer to his friends, her eyes on you and Aaron. Eddie’s eyes never left Steve. 

The brown haired man saw how Aaron’s hand enveloped yours, his other hand pressing onto the small of your back, pulling your body close to his. Steve felt like vomiting as he watched you sway at the music, slowly, while talking to the man who was holding you so tenderly. Holding you the way he wanted to. The way he desired to. 

Eddie felt his entire body freeze up, and a frown appeared on his eyebrows. He was happy for you, but he couldn’t help but feel helpless for Steve. He wanted to save him from the pain, because even if what his friend did was stupid, he didn’t deserve to hurt the way he was hurting. 

“Steve, maybe we should… head out–”

“You just got here, Eddie.” Nancy fought back, and Eddie clenched his eyes, not being able to feel anger at his best friend for the very first time. She didn’t care about Steve, and how he was slowly crumbling down the more he watched you dance with another man. 

“Steve, we can go back to the cabin–”

But Steve stopped listening. He couldn’t hear anything but his own heartbeat in his ears as he saw your eyes, finding blue ones. You looked shy, nervous, and you were asking a silent question that Steve knew too well. 

Those same eyes you used back at the mansion, those weeks ago. 

Those same eyes you looked at him with before you got closer.

He saw you stop moving completely, still holding onto one another, and Aaron held your gaze for a moment before he leaned in. Steve felt his chest clench, and he was hoping you would move away. That he misinterpreted your eyes for something else. That you weren’t actually asking for the same thing you had tried to get that day at the mansion from him. That you weren’t going to go through with it. 

He wanted to believe it so badly, but then he saw you lean in, your hand gripping the much older man’s as you raised on your tippy toes, and he should save himself from heartbreak. He should save himself from pain, but he can’t stop looking. He cannot turn his head away from seeing how you are inching closer to Aaron and how you aren’t stopping it and–

You kissed.

You were kissing another man.

Steve was frozen in his spot, unaware of how Nancy and Eddie were trying to shake him back into the present, but all he could see, all he could gaze at, were your lips moving against another man’s. His heart was melting in his chest, and he felt as if his skin was peeling off his muscles. Every cell in his body was screaming at him, and his stomach felt like a void. It felt as if someone had punched a hole in it, and all he could feel was that never-ending precipice.

Aaron’s arms enveloped around your body, pulling you closer, as some whistles could be heard, and Eddie’s hand was on Steve’s shoulder immediately. He was trying to shake his friend’s gaze away from you, but it was to no avail. His eyes, becoming redder by the second. His body started to have a few spasms. His neck, now filled with his veins popping out because of how hard he was clenching his jaw.

Steve was in pain.

Nancy was smiling your way, genuinely happy for you, unaware of how deep in a hole Steve was slowly carving himself in. Your arms were wrapped around the older man’s shoulder as you two kept kissing, and kissing, and kissing, and Steve felt vile rising up in his throat, threatening to come out of his mouth.

He needed to punch something. He needed the physical pain to overlap with the emotional one because he didn’t want to feel that anymore. His breathing was heavy, growing more labored by the second, and he wondered if he had been on your mind at any point. He wondered if this was how you would have kissed him all those days ago. 

And he will now never get to experience it.

He snapped out when Aaron pulled away from you with a smile on his face. His eyes shining for you as he took off his hat and put it on your head instead. The whistles now louder in this room, making Steve frown deeper, especially when you hid your face in Aaron’s chest and the man chuckled, wrapping his arm around you for a moment before his hand came to hold onto yours, and he started to slowly head out of the barn, pulling you along. Steve felt a cold sweat as dread filled him. He looked at how you followed, and he couldn’t see your face. He couldn’t decipher what you were feeling just by looking at the back of your head, and that was irking him.

But you were following the other man. You were gonna go with him. Alone. To god knows where. And that was the line for him. That was the one thing that Steve’s body reacted to. He abruptly stood up as anger, sadness, and possessiveness took hold of him, and he was ready to go after you two. He was ready to put a stop to it, somehow, but he had to try–

He was stopped from moving when he felt his right arm being grabbed and pulled. His head turned, his eyes sharp, filled with pain, clashing with blue ones. Nancy was glaring at Steve, stopping him from moving completely, and he had never wanted to shove a woman away the way he wanted to now. He needed to get to you. He needed to stop you. You were already walking out, and you kept following him–

“Nancy, let me go.” He growled, and Nancy yanked on his arm, stopping him again. Eddie got up from his chair, worry etched in his features.

“No. You have no right to go after her.” She spat back, making Steve send a glare her way as the anger filled his entire body.

“He is using her! She– She doesn’t deserve–” He didn’t know what he should say or what he wanted to say, but Nancy was not having it, her own protectiveness shining through.

“You rejected her! You are the sole culprit of how you’re feeling now! Do not blame her for living her life. Let her have this!” She almost screamed at him, and his eyes stared at her, his heart beating into his throat. He knew she was right. He knew Nancy was right, but it didn’t hurt any less.

“But he–”

“He is mending what you broke.” 

Nancy’s words stabbed him, deep. He could feel his cheeks burning, his eyes, his fingertips, his stomach, everything was in flames, and he couldn’t stop it. He could feel his feet wanting to work, but at the same time, they were not cooperating. He needed to run the fuck out of there, because he felt it. He could feel himself about to break.

Eddie’s eyes were wide at Nancy’s words, a new type of feeling surging up because– Before you, there was Steve, and Nancy was not caring for his feelings at all. She was not measuring her words, and Eddie felt disappointed. His hand raised to touch Steve’s shoulder, only for said man to rush away from him, heading to the back door of the barn.

Nancy was left there, huffing, and Eddie’s eyes found hers. He was glaring at her, and the girl’s shoulders fell at the sight of her best friend’s gaze. Eddie shook his head at her, a snarl on his lips, before he limped after Steve. He understood you. He understood Nancy. But no one was trying to understand Steve.

He knew his best friend was heading back to the cabin, away from the possible path you might have taken with the other man. He groaned a bit at how slow his pace was, but he couldn’t force his leg. Doctor’s orders.

Finally, he saw Steve, sitting on the porch of the cabin, his head in his hands, elbows on his bent knees. Eddie sighed, walking towards him and taking a seat next to him on the stairs. He had to tread carefully, not wanting to make Steve snap and walk away from him because this needed to be talked about. He needed to let it out, or he would consume himself with his thoughts.

“Steve… Talk to me.” Eddie tried and waited. He kept his hands to himself as he heard the music playing from afar. It took minutes, the only sound being Steve’s harsh breaths as he tried to calm himself down. 

"Go back to the party, Eddie." And Eddie could only huff, shaking his head.

"No, not when my best friend looks like he is about to die." At that, Steve grunts into his hands, not showing his face yet.

"I am not–" 

"Steve– If this hurts you so much, why did you do what you did? You– You could be happy and yet..." Eddie tried, and after a minute, Steve finally looked up, dropping his hands. His eyes were red, tears running down his cheeks as he looked at the ground before him. His thoughts were consuming him, yet at the same time they were numbing him.

"I am bound to lose people. It's a miracle you and Nancy are still here... I did it thinking it was the best for the both of us..." He tried explaining, and the words in his tongue felt like a lie, or like he was trying to convince himself that he was giving a logical reason. Eddie sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"Steve, it clearly isn't..." Steve’s eyes find his best friend’s, fresh tears forming in his waterline.

"I don't want to be something that pulls her back if something were to happen to me... You know her... And– Eddie, if I were to lose her... I don't know how I would be able to handle it... I don't think I could handle another loss like that..." And Eddie understood Steve’s words. He wouldn’t be able to go on. Not again. Eddie knew it was luck that kept Steve with them after Robin passed, and Steve was letting Eddie know that he might not be as lucky next time.

"Steve, that's– I understand you're... dealing with the trauma, but... But Robin would want you to pursue this girl, you know that." He tried, knowing that was the truth. Robin would want Steve to be happy, yet Steve’s face turned a little colder, shaking his head.

"... Robin is dead. I don't know what she would want." Eddie scoffed, looking down at the floor.

"And there you go again, putting that wall up." 

"I'm not putting anything–" 

"Whenever someone tells you something merely true, you get defensive like this." Steve frowned at his best friend, but Eddie continued, "This girl said she was coming to the community with us, where the two of you could be happy and safe... didn't you think of that?" 

"Of course I did... But what if one of us doesn't reach it?" Their eyes meet again, and Steve manages to keep talking, somehow, even when he feels his throat getting closed up by the second.

"Then you are a fucking wuss for not wanting to fight for your life to stay with her, with us. I'm sitting here, ready to go against anything and everything so I could stay with you guys, to see my uncle again, to finally reunite and present my sweetheart to you all... You're so afraid of loss that you forget how much you can win, Steve."

Those words made Steve freeze on the spot. He stared at Eddie as if he had just now opened the Pandora box for him. He could feel the tears now threatening to leave his eyes again, looking towards the horizon. 

“It’s the end of the world…” And Eddie took a deep breath in, slowly reaching up to wrap an arm around his best friend’s shoulder, trying to give some comfort.

“And you should live your life to the fullest. Grasping at happiness when presented to you, not running away from it, Steve, even if you’re scared shitless.” Steve could feel his body trembling, the words sinking into his system, and he could barely hold it in as he clenched his eyes together, gulping the lump that formed in his throat.

“I lost her.” He sniffled, and he could feel his chest aching as Eddie’s hand gripped his shoulder in comfort. “It’s too late now.”

“Personally, I don’t think so.” Eddie tried as he felt Steve start to lean closer to him, seeking comfort. 

“She’s with him…” He whispered, and a tear rolled down his cheek despite his eyes staying closed. He felt everything dawning on him at once. The regret, the anger, the sadness, because Eddie was right. Eddie was fucking right and Steve was stupid. He had been stupid and let his trauma, his fear, guide him to make one of the worst decisions of his life.

And now you might be gone. You might not want him again. You might not forgive him. Should he even try? Should he? Would that only confuse you? Hurt you? Anger you? He didn’t want you to feel any of those things again, but he isn’t sure if he could make you happy. Not ever again.

“And then she’ll come with us, Steve…” Eddie tried once again, his heart clenching when Steve finally laid his head on his shoulder, a sob ripping out from his throat.

“She’s with him…” He repeated, and that did it. He started crying to Eddie, realizing he had pushed you to be with someone else. He had rejected you, despite it not being what he wanted. He had rejected his own happiness out of fear of ending up alone, or dead. 

Funny, because he feels dead now. 

He thought it would be easy to let go of you because he never had you. He never kissed you. He never held you. He never got to experience you in that way. He thought it would be easy, only to be hit with the realization that you were more important than what he originally thought you were. You were a part of his life that he needed in order to keep going.

And he realized it a little too late. He thought it would be better not to engage in a relationship in the middle of the apocalypse, because that could only end up badly. One of the two could die. He had lost all hope of having a normal life in the end of the world after Robin died. 

When she passed away, all the fantasies of having a nice little house in California with the community vanished. It was as if reality hit him in the worst way possible, and he had to come to terms that life wasn’t going to be easy like it used to, even if he wanted to look at it in a positive way.

But when he met you, you rekindled that hope. And he thought it was foolish. He thought it couldn’t be. He thought that it was something that could never happen. A normal life. With families. Friends. A lover. Children.

And now, look at him. In a community that had all of that. Life. Normalcy. Pretending monsters and infected didn’t exist. He tried to fight it, tried to think that everything just seemed a little fake to him, but it wasn’t. No.

It just made him realize that he had made the wrong decision. It made him realize that what he did was wrong. And Eddie just now made him admit it. Because Eddie was right. Steve was losing more than what he thought he was saving himself from. He was losing you… But the reality of the situation was, you were now with another man.

His hand went to the back pocket of his jeans, moving a bit on his spot to get what he wanted out. Finally, he got hold of the picture he always took with him, maybe as a good luck charm, maybe to remind himself that the world could actually be good again. 

Eddie’s eyes widened a bit when he saw the polaroid picture in Steve’s hand. It was you. Back at the mansion. The metalhead winced inwardly, now understanding Steve’s feelings even more, and how deep they ran inside of him. Steve could only stare at you in the picture, how content you looked, how you deserved to be happy. And maybe, this man you were now with, alone, could give that to you.

A man who offered you to stay in this community.

In this perfect little world, he thought, didn’t exist anymore.

And you deserved the perfect.

You deserved the best.

And Steve, he wasn’t any of that. 

Wasn't he?

☀︎

let's all thank roe for making us cry. because I cried like a bitch. hope you all feel bad for steve

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