#(I’m not sure if the gif is that flashy but just in case)

[bunnysbrainrot]

No Vacancy - Day One

Relationship: Sam Winchester x fem!Reader

Content: fluff, nothing spicier yet

Summary: Separated from Dean and Castiel, you and Sam are on your own. Now paired up, you spend a few days in a motel. The only problem? The last room available only has one bed.

A/N: shout-out to all the Sam lovers, this one’s for y’all (me included tbh) **forehead kiss**

————

“Well,” Sam said, his hands gripping the steering wheel, “I think this is literally the only motel in town.”

And he was right. The two of you had scoured the area for over an hour, driving block after block for any other place to stay. This lone motel was far from where you needed to be for the case, but beggars can’t be choosers.

“That’s what you get in a small town, I guess,” you reply, grabbing your backpack from the floor of the car. Of course, Dean couldn’t fathom letting the two of you borrow Baby, so you had to get another ride. Thankfully, Sam had his own car in the garage of the bunker, a newer one with polished leather seats yet less flashy than the Impala.

Sam parked the car and cut off the engine, letting out a sigh.

You looked at him, tilting your head in concern, “At least we can rest, now. We can shower up and turn in for the night.”

Sam nodded in relieved agreement - the past few days had worn you both thin, exhausted and in need of proper sleep. The two of you stepped out of the car, grabbed your duffles from the back seat, and walked to the lobby of the motel to rent your room.

The clerk at the desk was not a talker, the silence in the room feeling uncomfortably thick. Sam nodded to the man with a terse smile and guided you back outside.

“That guy definitely wants to go home,” joked Sam. At last, you reached room 115, your final spot for the day. You stretched your aching neck as Sam unlocked the door and stepped inside.

“Crap.”

“What is it?”

“I think we were given the wrong room,” Sam continued, stepping out of the room to let you peer inside. A single king sized bed sat against the wall, with no other place to sleep. You turned to Sam, who had already made his way back to the main office. You waited for him for a few moments, seeing him return with a remorseful look.

“What’s up?”

“That’s the only room left,” Sam explained, “you wanna stay here anyway? They didn’t have a cot, but we can figure something out.” He scratched the back of his neck nervously.

You waved dismissively, giving Sam an embarrassed smile, “Don’t worry, we’re both adults here. Sharing a room doesn’t bother me.”

Sam looked at you for a moment, contemplating the next step. He shrugged and opened the door to 115 again, leading you inside.

The room was small and sparsely furnished - just the bed, an armchair, and the TV sat on a minuscule set of drawers. You placed your bag down next to the lonesome armchair, and sat down to remove your shoes.

In front of you, Sam paced at the foot of the bed.

“They, uh… didn’t have a cot, so I’m not sure how you’d want to go about this.”

You kicked your boots to the side and glanced up at him.

“Scared of sharing a bed, Sam?”

If you were being honest, you were petrified of the idea. Ever since joining this self-proclaimed ‘Team Free Will’, Sam had been the one you’d gotten closest to. Before they took you in, you had been more reserved and quiet. A more nerdy type of person; Sam was the perfect guy to buddy up with. You both had a passion for research, to Dean’s dismay.

“So we finally have a chick on the team, and we get another nerd?” He had teased.

Despite Dean giving you shit for it, you had never felt more welcome into a group. There was a sense of purpose, a motivation to save people from monsters. With your help, the world would be a safer place for those unaware of what lurks in the shadows.

Bringing you back to reality, Sam cleared his throat.

“I’m not, I just don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”

You retorted, “And why would I be uncomfortable with you?”

He quipped, “I mean, how often have we been forced to share a bed?”

He had a point, and your brave façade of nonchalance wouldn’t last much longer. Sure, if you both kept to a side of the bed, fully clothed, it would leave the fewest issues. But the butterflies in your stomach told you that this may not be something you could handle easily.

Your mind raced back to a memory of a case three months back, out in Tennessee. It was another shapeshifter, and it was hard for Sam and Dean to gather intel about much of anything. It was Dean’s foolish idea to send you and Sam to question the local townsfolk, masked as a tourist couple to keep your anonymity to a maximum. That time spent with Sam opened your eyes to what you had been missing for a shamefully long time. Love, or at least what felt like it.

Although it had been an act, the sweet gestures Sam had to uphold for the charade won your heart. He opened each door for you, kissed your cheeks, held your hand, the whole nine. Everything he had done drove you wild. Except, the one thing he never did was press his lips to yours. It seemed like a sick game of Dean’s pairing you up like that. You made sure to give him shit for it, telling him how embarrassing it was to have two friends act like a couple. What Dean didn’t know was the secret gratefulness you had for his plan.

At one point Dean did suggest you liked Sam, to which you denied, fumbling over your words like an idiot. He had shrugged it off, but now you wondered if that interaction inspired him to cut you off from him and Castiel. You silently cursed that damn Winchester for it.

“Never, but it’s just for a couple nights, right? We’ll share ghost stories and braid each other’s hair. It’ll be fun,” you joked, having walked over to Sam and patting his arm.

You went to the bed and furiously fluffed each pillow - the ones in motels were notoriously limp. Next you shook out the blanket. You hated the way it stayed cold when it’d been pulled taught to the mattress all day. Of all fun facts about you, Sam found that the most endearing. He hadn’t told you before, but he’d always been keen on your quirks. Simply put, he loved that he wasn’t the ‘weird one’ anymore.

Getting comfortable on the bed, Sam flopped down, still fully dressed in those tough denim jeans and signature red flannel. Your eyes grazed over him as he closed his eyes from exhaustion. Your pajamas were in your duffel, so you fumbled for them before heading to the bathroom to change. The sound of the TV muffled against the door - it seemed to be one of those dramatic crime shows you and the brothers scoffed at.

Pajamas was a loose term for the oversized t-shirt and mid-thigh sleepshorts you wore to bed. If you were alone maybe you’d have worn far less. Sam had removed his shoes, at the very least. You dimmed the lamp in the corner of the room and settled onto the bed. Then that was it, the exhaustion of today had finally gotten to you. It took everything in you to not let your mind drift off to sleep.

“We gotta go into town tomorrow?” You asked Sam.

“Yeah,” his voice honeyed with a groggy softness, “we should talk to the families of the victims. Figure out if these really were ‘accidents’.”

“FBI? Police? Ooh, maybe church officials?”

Sam let out a breathy laugh at your joke, the husk of his voice reverberating through you. God, it could be absolute torture to be around him at times. When the stress of hunting melted away, and you two could be your real selves.

“Just FBI, Cas is on standby as our ‘supervisor’.”

You looked to him fully, “Cas is our supervisor? And Dean actually trusts he can do that? Cas doesn’t know the first thing about the FBI.”

“Eh, Dean thought it could be good for the ‘people skills’,” Sam replied, finally opening his eyes at turning his head to you. Suddenly the two feet between you felt like mere inches. Your breath caught in your throat; you couldn’t reply even if you tried, so you opted for a small smile. Sam countered it with one of his own - the flashy grin that melted your heart more each time.

“We’re gonna have to get up so early. I’m not too excited for that.”

Sam’s face softened, his voice lowering, “We should get some sleep, then. You good with that side of the bed?”

You nodded, rising out of bed to switch the lamp off. The light from the TV drew Sam’s sights to you, loosely shrouded by your shirt and shorts. His eyes raked over your bare legs, wandering up your thighs until your shorts stalled his imagination. Sam followed suit and stood, but walked to the bathroom with a handful of clothes plucked from his bag.

A moment later he returned to see you under the covers, hunched over from the cold. Whatever those shitty detectives said on the TV drowned out as you noticed Sam. Just then you realized you had never seen him wear anything but a suit or his regular garb. Even in boxer shorts and a black t-shirt, he managed to catch your eye.

He caught your eye contact and smiled once more, that familiar ache in your chest growing stronger. You reached over and lifted the covers for him, letting him settle on his side of the bed.

“Do you sleep with the TV on?” You asked softly.

“No, do you?”

You gave him a small laugh, closing your eyes, “Nope. Keeps me up too late.”

Sam smiled. A part of him was relieved that he could get some proper rest with you here. Dean had the habit of leaving the TV on, depriving him of countless hours of sleep.

Even though they were rare, Sam appreciated these moments alone with you. It was easy to be with you. It was easy to laugh, to open up, to ramble on about whatever lore he had obsessed over. He loved the way your eyebrows tugged together when you didn’t understand something, and the way you tried piecing words together before asking your questions.

The A.C. unit cranked on beside the bed, pumping freezing cold air on your back. You shivered, curling into yourself to keep the warmth in.

Sam’s eyebrows raised slightly, “Hey, are you cold? I can turn the A.C. off.”

“Nah, don’t worry about it. I’ll warm up in a minute,” you insisted. Sam sighed, knowing you wouldn’t say yes, and turned the unit off.

He quickly settled back into bed, letting out a shuddering exhale. You waited until he shifted under the covers to speak.

“You cold, too?”

“Maybe just a little bit.”

In the faint light of the TV you could make out his smile. A part of your mind drifted off to a place where that smile met you every day, lounging around in bed. Sam’s hands would run across your skin and tangle into your hair, pulling your mouth to his before making you breakfast.

The room dimmed as the television went silent. You and Sam shifted under the covers for a moment before getting fully comfortable, the silence of the room felt like a bated breath.

Sam broke it first, “These blankets don’t really do their job, do they?”

You replied to him, “Not a damn bit. It’s freezing in here.”

“You can, uh… move closer if you need to,” his voice wavered. The silhouette of his form moved to face you, dimly lit by the light from street lamps in the parking lot. You could make out his sharp cheekbones and the chestnut brown hair draped around his neck.

When another shiver won your body over you took the offer, moving closer to Sam until your arms touched. Now inches from one another like you’d wished, your mind went blank.

It took everything you had to remind yourself what this was, well, wasn’t. This wouldn’t be the lust-driven breakthrough you had hoped for. Nor would it be the time for Sam Winchester to take you the way you ached for. An awkward, strictly business sleeping situation.

You let your mind wander off, the waves of exhaustion turning into the gentle lull of sleep. You could’ve sworn you felt Sam’s arm wrap around your waist, keeping you warm.

————

By the time you woke up, Sam was still fast asleep. You had never seen him like this up close, with his eyes fluttered shut and breathing slowed. The image painted itself into your memory.

You were right, though, Sam had laid his arm over you. And now both had enveloped you close to his chest, rising and falling steadily against your ear. It took twenty more minutes for Sam to wake up.

He stirred until he noticed you flush against him, and he stilled completely. You wiggled in his grip to look up at him.

With a groggy smile you greeted him, “G’morning.”

“Hey,” he said, voice still thick with sleep, “sleep okay?”

You gave him a simple nod, regaining your composure. You scooted yourself away to give him the space that should’ve been there all night. Even though a part of you crumbled as you did, you padded out of bed to the bathroom.

“At least we know to turn off the A.C. tonight. Maybe a room with two beds will open up while we’re out, and we can switch.”

Sam opened his mouth to speak before you closed the bathroom door. What he was going to say escaped him.

He just hoped no other rooms opened up before the evening.

Thank you for your support, everyone! Day two will be here soon

- Bunny

[justabigassnerd]

Newest Team Member

Pairing - Ethan Hunt x daughter!reader

Word count - 5,320

Warnings - violence (guns), death, child endangerment (not on Ethan's part), allusions to sex, swearing, angst

Summary - a one night stand changes Ethan's entire life

A/N - hey y'all it's time for another part of the Lil' Hunt universe!! I'm sorry it's taking me so long to churn out fics I swear I am trying. since this is the first fic to come chronologically in the universe despite it being my second Lil' Hunt fic, I will be making sure the masterlist (when it's posted) will be in chronological order although they can work as standalones. anyways I'll stop rambling now, as per y'all, please send in requests, feedback and enjoy!!!

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Ethan often found that he never knew what to do with himself in between missions. His life was entirely taken over by the IMF so being in between missions was a horrible state of limbo for him. He itched to be handed a message detailing his next mission and to be told it would mean he had to get to work almost instantly. With nothing to do but sit in a safe house and twiddle his thumbs until he gets his next mission, Ethan decides to go for a walk around the city he’s in. He wanders the streets until he stumbles across a bar. It wasn’t anything flashy, but he figured he earnt himself a beer or two.

As he walks in the bar he’s greeted by the overwhelming stench of beer and sweat. He skillfully manoeuvres himself through the sea of patrons to get to the bar and order a drink for himself. As he’s handed a beer bottle, he notices a woman sitting a couple of seats away from him and when he sees the forlorn expression on her face, he decides to cross to her.

“Is this seat taken?” Ethan asks, pointing to the empty seat beside the woman as she looks up at him, eyes slightly wide from the shock of Ethan sneaking up on her but she soon relaxes.

“Knock yourself out.” The woman says, gesturing to the seat and turning back to the bar as Ethan seats himself alongside her, placing his beer in front of him.

“I know I’m a complete stranger, but I noticed you looked a bit down. Is everything okay?” Ethan asks, loud enough to be heard over the music and commotion, but quiet enough for the words to stay in between the two of them. She stays silent for a moment before deciding to speak.

“Just an argument with a friend. Nothing can be done now.” She says with a shrug, smiling sadly before lifting her cocktail to her lips and taking a sip.

“Anything I could do to help?” Ethan then asks, always driven to help people as best he can.

“You could tell me your name.” The woman says with a chuckle, looking over at Ethan who lets out a small laugh himself at the realisation that they had in fact not exchanged names.

“I’m Joe. What’s your name?” The fake name comes quickly to Ethan, knowing it’s safer for both her and him to use a fake name in case anyone who may be a danger sees them together. The woman purses her lips slightly, looking him up and down before letting out a laugh.

“Sorry, you don’t look like much of a Joe. Your parents should’ve thought twice about that name. I’m Abby.” She says, introducing herself after having a laugh about Ethan’s fake name. She then holds her hand out for Ethan to shake which he does with a grin.

The pair continue to have drinks while discussing everything and nothing at the same time. Ethan was just grateful that for most of the questions she asked about him, he had preset lies ready to tell her so she wouldn’t find out about the real-life he led. Before they knew it, they heard last orders being called and Ethan suddenly realised how long he’d been at the bar for. But with the handful of beers he had drank he found himself too tipsy to care.

“So… Joe, your place or mine?”

Ethan woke up the next morning alone in a hotel room. He furrowed his eyebrows as he thought about how he got there in the first place, his memory fuzzy from the night before. He sits up slowly, blinking to adjust to his surroundings as he glances around, immediately catching sight of his clothes strewn all over the floor. When he realises what happened his eyes widen in horror, and he hurriedly gets changed before searching for any kind of note Abby could have left for him since she was nowhere to be found. As he prepares to leave the room, memories flash in his mind of coming back here with Abby and ending up in bed with her. After Ethan has changed and determined that Abby is gone with very little chance of returning, he exits the hotel, retreating to the safe house quickly vowing to not do something like that again.

Ethan would not see Abby again until almost ten months later.

Ethan was placed on a team tracking down a group that was rapidly becoming a bigger threat. When they first emerged, the IMF thought very little of them and figured local police would track them down and stop them before they got any bigger and their faith in that assumption was proven when they disappeared before reappearing after nearly ten months. Ethan and his team had very little trouble in tracking down the group’s main operating warehouse and when they entered the building, they were only moderately surprised to see a group of henchmen with guns staring them down. Ethan and his team were of course very quick to pull out their own guns and get locked in a standoff. Every person itching to pull the trigger but not wanting to initiate a gunfight in fear of injury and death. A couple of minutes pass and all of a sudden, a door is thrown open and a woman marches in. A woman Ethan recognises.

Abby storms in, glancing around at her men before noticing the team opposite her and a sadistic smirk comes to her face when she recognises Ethan.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t Joe… or should I say, Ethan Hunt?” Abby says, pacing gleefully before she approaches one of her henchmen, whispering in his ear and sending him off while Ethan’s eyes widen slightly at the fact, she knew his name.

“Oh, don’t act all surprised Hunt. I knew who you were the moment I saw you in that bar. You can’t be one of the IMF’s top agents and expect us to not know who you are. You caused us a lot of problems Hunt.” Abby says, a ferocity covering her face that Ethan had never expected to come from her. Ethan struggled to process her words, surprised he never figured out she knew who he was or that she was working for the group that he had been tracking.

“So you guys hid because I met you? You were that scared of me that you hid away for almost ten months?” Ethan asks, grip tightening on his gun as he stares Abby down who merely laughs at his words.

“We’re not scared of you. You have one hell of an ego to think that. No, in fact, it’s hard to run a business like this when you’re pregnant.” As if it was cued, the henchman who had been sent out of the room mere minutes ago emerged with a baby in hand. Abby takes the baby and holds them with a look of disgust.

“You know I never wanted kids. But when a one-night stand like you knocked me up. I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to get you off our damn backs.” Abby says and Ethan’s eyes widen at her words, lowering his gun slightly to study the baby in her arms.

“Oh yes, Ethan. This brat is yours. We ran a DNA test and everything the moment she was born.” Abby says, glee overtaking her features as Ethan lowers the gun completely, shocked at the revelation.

“Ethan, what are you doing?” One of his teammates, Jamie, hisses as he notices Ethan lowering his gun.

“Hunt, get it together she’s bullshitting you.” Elsie says harshly, glaring over at Ethan who doesn’t lift his gun, still in shock with his mind swimming with a thousand thoughts.

“I’ve had enough of this.” Daniel mutters, pulling the trigger on his gun and the bullet hits one of the henchmen in his heart. That action caused a gunfight between the two groups. Ethan and his team dove behind cover while the henchmen did the same. Ethan glared over at his teammates who simply shrugged and continued to fire back at the enemy. Taking a quick peek over the box he had hidden himself behind, Ethan was shocked to see that Abby had run off and that the baby was on the floor in the middle of this gunfight. The second Ethan heard the cries of his baby girl it was like something snapped inside him. He steadied his hands and took out the remaining henchmen like he was doing nothing more than playing catch in the park.

“Go and check the rest of the building!” Ethan yells over to the team, already sprinting forward to grab the baby girl who is still sobbing.

The second you were scooped up into Ethan’s arms you began to settle down, tears still in your eyes but Ethan began to wipe them away carefully, holding you closer to his chest as his team thundered down the halls in search of other members of the group.

“I got you, sweetheart. It’s okay.” Ethan whispers soothingly to you as he begins to bounce you lightly in his arms moving away from the bodies that littered the floor and instead moving towards the entrance, continuing to bounce you gently as he waits for his team. He hears no gunshots, and no evidence of anyone else in the building, giving away to him that those of the group that were in the building when the fight happened, had run for their lives.

“Anyone who was here ran for it. This place is deserted. Even that girlfriend of yours ditched.” Jamie says, taunting slightly as Ethan’s jaw clenched.

“She’s not my girlfriend.” Ethan says lowly, glaring at Jamie who shrugs unapologetically.

“Well, you knocked her up.” Daniel accuses, pointing at you snuggled in Ethan’s arms making him hold you slightly tighter.

“I don’t think she’s yours. They’re lying to you Ethan to get you out of the way they said it themselves. Ditch the baby and let’s go.” Elsie says harshly, her words almost a hiss as she looks at Ethan.

“Whether she’s mine or not I can’t just leave a baby here. She’s coming back with us.” Ethan says firmly, glaring at each of his team members in turn who all shrink away from the intensity of Ethan’s glare. Ethan may not have confirmation of whether you were actually his baby or not, but everything in him was screaming that Abby was telling the truth. She may have been using this information to mess with him mentally, and his team was convinced there was no truth to her words. But Ethan’s heart knew different, and when he reached out to gently run the back of his index finger along your cheek and you grabbed it in your small hand, he had no doubt in his mind that you were his baby girl.

“We should head out. We don’t want to get caught by any local police or anything. We’ll get back stateside as soon as possible.” Daniel says and the team quickly exit the building, climbing into the van. As the van begins to drive off, Ethan notices that you’ve begun to doze off and a small smile comes to his face. On the journey, Elsie manages to find some plane tickets back to America, but all the flights have different times. Ethan was granted the earliest flight back which meant the team had to quickly put together a passport for you as well at Ethan’s request to ensure you could make it back to America as well.

When the team made it back to the safe house, Ethan packed his belongings, keeping you in his arms because the moment he tried to lay you on the bed so he could pack quicker you began to cry, only soothed by the feeling of being in Ethan’s arms.

“Okay, we’ve got a bit of time to kill before our flight so let’s get you some supplies, huh?” Ethan asks you softly as he grabs his bag and smiles down at you. He knew he wasn’t going to get a response out of you, but the way you looked up at him curiously was enough for him. After exiting the safe house, giving his team no more than a half-hearted goodbye as he went, Ethan heads in the direction of the nearest shop that sells baby supplies and heads inside, grabbing the basics just to last you until he gets back to America and can buy more.

After getting what you need, he heads to the airport and finds somewhere to change you before having to go into one of the airport's cafes to ask if they could heat a bottle for you which they do so with a smile. After getting the bottle back and at the perfect temperature, Ethan finds himself somewhere to sit and gently offers you the bottle which you grab eagerly, drinking as quick as you can.

“Whoa, sweetheart, slow down a little. Don’t want anything bad happening from you drinking this too fast.” Ethan warns softly, moving the bottle away from your mouth as you squirm to reach out for it. He figured you might’ve been at least a little hungry but the way you were acting indicated that you were more than a little hungry. Ethan gently brought the bottle back to your lips as he began to wonder if this was something he needed to be worried about or if he was just reading too much into it. After all, he had never really been around babies before. When you finish the bottle, Ethan has to think about what to do next, he knew some basics of baby care but some of it was still fuzzy in his memory. A woman noticed Ethan’s concerned expression as he looked down at you and took pity on him, telling her toddler to stick with his dad before getting up from her seat and crossing to him.

“Forgive me if I’m intruding but do you need a hand?” The woman asks gently, looking down at Ethan as he looks up at her.

“I just can’t remember what I’m supposed to do after a feed.” Ethan admits, a slight blush of embarrassment flushing across his face as he sits you up on his lap.

“You’re already on the right track. Sitting your baby up is good and then gently burp them just to make sure there’s no trapped air. After that, they’ll be right as rain.” The woman says, her kind smile never leaving her face as Ethan’s eyes widen in realisation, instantly positioning you correctly and gently patting your back.

“Thank you, you’re a lifesaver.” Ethan says gratefully, smiling up at the woman who shakes her head.

“Just helping out a fellow parent. Someone helped me out when I had my first baby, so I do my best to help people out now too.” The woman says softly, nodding at Ethan before bidding him goodbye and crossing over to her family. Ethan watches as the little boy hurls himself into his mother’s arms when she returns and Ethan softens, looking down at you where you had settled on his shoulder after the burping. When it came time for him to board the plane, you had practically dozed off in his arms. He boarded smoothly and found his seat, keeping you securely in his lap as he settled himself in his seat. You remained sleeping until the plane began to take off and your eyes opened, and you looked up at Ethan with teary eyes, clearly scared of the engines and feeling of taking off.

“Hey, it’s okay sweetheart. It seems scary and loud, but I promise you’re safe.” Ethan says soft enough to provide some comfort as you stare at him, reaching your little arms up and placing your hands on his cheeks, bringing a smile to his face that in turn brings a smile to yours. Ethan bounced you on his knee ever so slightly which made you giggle before snuggling back into Ethan’s chest, moving your hands from his face to his shirt where you grabbed a handful of his shirt and began dozing again. Ethan braced a hand on your back and rested his head against the seat and let his eyes slip shut to sleep for a while. He only had to get up once to change you and the rest of the flight was smooth and he soon found himself back in America. He was tired from the day he had, his sleep on the plane helped but he was sure he needed a proper sleep in a proper bed. Despite having the thought of wanting to do nothing more than collapse into bed, Ethan had to make a quick pitstop at the IMF headquarters to talk to the Director about what happened. He begins the journey from the airport to the IMF headquarters, entering the building once he arrives, avoiding the stares of fellow IMF personnel who stare at him with raised eyebrows when they see the baby in his arms.

“Director Brassel, forgive me for intruding but could I have a word?” Ethan asks, knocking on the Director’s office and entering upon gaining permission.

“Ethan, back so soon? And… you have a baby?” Director Brassel says, faltering when he sees Ethan setting down his bag and adjusting the way he’s holding you so you can be more comfortable in his arms.

“That’s what I wanted to talk about, sir.” Ethan says, launching into the full story of what happened from when he met Abby that night in the bar to right now. He saw the variety of emotions swimming through his Director’s eyes as he told the story and all he could hope as he spoke was that he wouldn’t be cast out of the IMF. By the time Ethan finishes his story he’s almost out of breath, having explained everything he deemed important.

“Ethan… that is a real turn of events. And you’re sure this baby is yours?” Director Brassel says, easing himself up from his seat and slowly making his way over to Ethan.

“I was going to head down to the med bay after this to get her checked out and also to have a DNA test run. But I’m confident already in saying that she’s mine.” Ethan says, bouncing you slightly as you let out a giggle. Brassel stops himself in front of Ethan looking down at you and then at Ethan.

“May I?” He asks, holding his hands up as Ethan looks down at you and then back up at Brassel before nodding and handing you over to him so he can get a look at you. However, the moment you were out of Ethan’s hands you began to cry, squirming and reaching in Ethan’s direction as Brassel quickly handed you back over, your cries quickly turning into sniffles as you settled in Ethan’s arms once again.

“I am so sorry, sir.” Ethan apologises, wiping your tears gently and rocking you to soothe you.

“No need to apologise. She clearly feels very safe with you.” Brassel dismisses with a chuckle, smiling at Ethan. Looking down at you one more time, Ethan is reminded of what he came here to ask about in the first place.

“Sir, I was wondering if I could have a couple of days off? Once I get the DNA results back, I will need time to think about my next move, whether I give her up, keep her, or maybe there’s a secret third option I don’t know, but I’ll need time to think about it. As much as I enjoy the work I do here I need to have a clear head for whatever I do next.” Ethan asks as you snuggle into him, not paying attention to either of the two men anymore. To Ethan’s relief, Brassel’s smile doesn’t leave his face and he nods.

“Of course. Take as much time as you need and just get in contact when you’re ready to get back into the field.” He says, making the tension that had been sitting within Ethan dissipate almost immediately upon hearing the words. Now relaxed, Ethan nods slightly.

“Thank you so much, sir.” Ethan says gratefully, giving his Director a quick nod of acknowledgement before being dismissed and heading down to the med bay to get you checked over by the medic. When Ethan reaches the med bay, he’s greeted by one of the medics and ushered into one of the private rooms.

“Ethan, to what do I owe the pleasure?” Jane asks as both adults sit themselves down on chairs.

“I rescued this little girl earlier today. I just wanted to have her checked over and make sure everything’s okay.” Ethan says, drawing Jane’s attention to the baby in Ethan’s arms and she nods before looking back up at Ethan.

“What else can I do for you? I can tell by the look on your face that there’s more to this story.” Jane says, beginning to dig around in her equipment for the things she needs to give you a check-up.

“She’s the daughter of a woman I slept with almost ten months ago. There’s a good chance she’s my baby so I need to have a DNA test done.” Ethan admits, slightly embarrassed that Jane had seen through his façade so quickly. Thankfully, Jane nods and digs around for the equipment she needs for the DNA test while encouraging Ethan to sit you up on his lap so she can examine you. You didn’t take too kindly to the poking and prodding, as well as the cold stethoscope that was used to listen to your heart and lungs. You didn’t like when you had to be sat down out of Ethan’s embrace to have your weight checked but soon settled once you were back in his arms. Finally, Jane took a small swab and rubbed it on the inside of your cheek to collect what she needed for the DNA test. While Jane recorded everything and put the swab into the DNA tester, Ethan gave you all the fuss and attention you required as you giggled.

“Well, the good news is, her heart and lungs are strong, and she seems to be a strong girl. However, she is a little underweight for her age, so I’d just suggest giving her a little extra when you feed her, just so she gets that weight up a little.” Jane says, looking at Ethan who nods, realising that Abby and her group must not have been feeding you enough and he tenses his jaw to prevent his anger from coming out through words. Before another word could be spoken between the two, the DNA test machine prints something out and Jane picks it up, eyes scanning the words before looking back up at Ethan who without thinking, begins to hold his breath in anticipation.

“Well, congratulations Ethan this little bundle of joy is yours.” Jane says, a soft smile covering her face as she looks up at Ethan who releases the breath he had been holding before smiling with a nod in Jane’s direction before looking down at you as you let out a giggle, seemingly sensing Ethan’s happiness. Ethan ducked down to press a tender kiss to the top of your head and his heart swelled as you giggled further before the realisation of his decision hit him like a ton of bricks. He now had to make the decision to keep you or give you away.

Thanking Jane, Ethan gets up, leaves the room and then exits the IMF building before making his way back to his designated safe house. Once he reaches the safe house, he feeds and burps you before pulling his phone out of his pocket, staring at Luther’s contact in his phone, debating whether to have Benji and Luther come over to help him make a clear decision. After a few minutes of internal debate, Ethan texts Luther, telling him to get to the safe house as quickly as possible and to bring Benji with him. Bouncing you gently as he looks down at you, Ethan can’t help but smile.

“I guess I need to figure out a good name for you, huh sweetheart?”

By the time the two men arrived, Ethan had changed you and the two of you were now dozing on the sofa but the entrance of Benji and Luther stirred Ethan who quickly shushed the two the moment they came into his line of sight, carefully getting up from the sofa and crossing to them, ignoring the look of shock and confusion that covered their faces at the sight of a baby nestled in Ethan’s arms.

“Ethan… have you stolen a baby?” Benji asks, eyes wide as he looks from the bundle in Ethan’s arms to Ethan’s face. When Ethan looked over at Luther he could see a similar expression, however, Luther was better at hiding his shock than Benji. Luther’s shock all laid within his eyes whereas Benji’s shock was across his face as clear as day.

“No Benji, I didn’t steal a baby. I slept with someone a few months back and well… she ended up being a part of that group I was tracking and when she showed me her, I just couldn’t leave her behind so, Benji, Luther, this is my baby girl.” Ethan says introducing you to the team despite the fact you were still sleeping happily in his arms. He then watches Benji and Luther process the fact Ethan admitted to sleeping with someone from an enemy group, albeit accidentally, before they focus on you.

“Does she have a name?” Luther asks, a softness to his voice that not many get to hear as he watches you sleep against his chest.

“I’ve been doing some thinking and I think I got it. y/n Hunt.” Ethan says with a gentle smile, looking from you up to Benji and Luther who break out into the softest of smiles.

“Is this why you wanted us here? To meet her?” Luther then asks, watching as Ethan’s jaw tenses slightly as he shakes his head ever so slightly, the movement so minute it could’ve been missed entirely if Benji and Luther had not had their full attention on Ethan.

“Yes and no. I wanted you guys to meet her, of course. You’re two of the people I trust most. But I’ve got a difficult choice to make. I need to decide whether I keep her or give her away.” Ethan explains, looking at his closest friends, a deep pleading in his eyes that makes the two men exchange a look before focusing back on Ethan.

“This isn’t an easy choice, Ethan. It’s a dangerous life we lead.” Benji starts, his brain working as fast as possible to weigh up every pro and con of both situations.

“But we know the best ways to keep her safe. If she’s sent away, people could find out she’s yours, especially if that group tracks her down.” Luther then says, countering Benji’s point gently, both of them sharing a quick glance as they realise the other has made a valid argument. The three men share different viewpoints on the pros and cons of each decision. After about ten to fifteen minutes of debating Luther speaks up.

“We’ve debated this as much as we can, but this is up to you at the end of the day. She’s your little girl and we know you’ll pick what’s best for her. And we’ll support you every step of the way.” He says gently, watching as Ethan looks down at you, gently brushing your soft wisps of hair away from your face as you curl closer into his chest. Benji and Luther could see the internal debate going on within Ethan, how he struggled with knowing that you could be in danger regardless of what he decided to do. After a minute of silent debate, Ethan looks back up at his team.

“I’m keeping her. She’ll be safer with me, and I can protect her from anyone who would try to hurt her.” Ethan concludes, watching as Benji and Luther nod with gentle smiles.

“Looks like we have a new teammate now.” Benji says with a soft chuckle, looking over at Luther who lets out a light scoff, shaking his head at Benji’s words.

“Can I hold her?” Benji then suddenly asks, looking at Ethan for permission who hesitates.

“You can try, but so far, she’s not liked being out of my arms for more than a second so please don’t be offended if she starts crying.” Ethan says, handing you over to Benji, trying to be as gentle as possible to not rouse you. As Benji held you, your eyes blinked open, and you looked up at the man who was now holding you in place of Ethan and Ethan found himself once again holding his breath. To his shock however, you just smiled up at Benji and snuggled further into his arms, giggling at the shocked expression on Benji’s face before a huge grin crossed his face. Both Ethan and Luther could tell how instantly smitten Benji was with you as he watched you quietly as you reached up and grabbed his pinkie finger in your hand, melting Benji even further.

“I’ve known her for about ten minutes, but I’d already die for her.” Benji states, looking up at Ethan who can’t do much more than smile back at Benji, fully understanding how Benji is feeling because it’s exactly how Ethan felt himself when he held you for the first time and saw how you settled so quickly in his arms. Benji continued to coo and fawn over you while you just giggled at the light tone in his voice, clearly as smitten with Benji as he was with you.

“May I?” Luther then asks, looking at Ethan who nods before glancing at Benji who passes you over hesitantly, visibly upset at having to give you to Luther. Just like you did with Benji, you accepted being in Luther��s arms instantly, grabbing a fistful of his shirt and curling closer as Luther watched, melting with each movement. Ethan and Benji had never seen Luther melt like this. He was usually so stoic, but you had reduced him into a puddle within seconds.

“You comfy there, Lil’ Hunt?” Luther says softly, so softly in fact that Ethan and Benji had almost missed the comment entirely. When they realised what he said, the two melted further at the nickname that they were sure would stick. Luther continued to talk to you in whispered tones as Ethan and Benji watched on.

“Shit, I forgot to buy more things for her and now all the shops are closed.” Ethan swears quietly, immediately ending up on the receiving end of a death glare from both Benji and Luther.

“It’s okay, we can figure all that out tomorrow. For now, I think little y/n deserves all the fuss in the world.” Benji says, before asking Luther if he could hold you again. The two of the men begin to bicker lightly with each other as they argue over who gets to hold you while Ethan watches with an amused grin. It was reliving for Ethan to see how Benji and Luther took to you immediately, but it was a million times better to see how quickly you took to them, evidence to him that you felt safe around his two teammates, and he knew he could trust them to look after you no matter what.

That day, Ethan and his team got a new mission, a permanent one, to keep you safe and protected no matter what.

[rorywritesjunk]

I know it's just a number but you're the eighth wonder

Buggy loves that you have a pair of glasses for every day of the week. Rating: R because hints at sexy times. Warning: None. Don't take glasses off someone's face or you'll definitely see hands coming atcha. (Buggy doesn't do such a thing but it's hinted). A/N: Request from an Anon! I wear glasses myself so this gave me a reason to go on Warby Parker's site to get some inspiration for frames. Also having your glasses fog up when you talk to someone is the most embarrassing and obnoxious thing I've ever had happen to me with glasses.

Title comes from "Wilson (Expensive Mistake)" by Fall Out Boy.

One of Buggy’s favorite things about you was the fact that you wore glasses. He knew it was something that some people were embarrassed by, not wanting something on their face that would draw attention to them (a topic he knew a lot about), but you didn’t care. One thing he loved was the fact that you didn’t have one pair of glasses, you actually had seven pairs, all different colors and styles depending on your mood and how you were feeling that day. 

Your thick black rimmed ones were the ones you did wear the most when you were working. He invited you onto the crew to do carpentry, and while he knew you wore those black rimmed glasses the most, he often saw you working in a pair of safety glasses that protected your eyes from splinters and other dangerous things. Your regular pair would be kept in a case for safety and in your tool box, away from curious pirate captains who just wanted to try them on and see how they felt on his face with his nose. 

When you had down time you loved cooking and baking, recipe books stacked everywhere while you stumbled about the kitchen. You had a pair of thin frames in rose gold that when you cooked they would sit on the edge of your nose so you could see over the top of them while you read the recipes. Buggy saw that once and was confused. Didn’t you need them to see? Why did it look like you weren’t using them?

“I’m nearsighted, Captain.” You told him after he called you out on it. “I can’t see things far away but up close I’m fine.”

“So why do you wear them all the time then?” He asked as he looked over your shoulder to see what you were making. It looked like chocolate frosting. Without warning, he reached down and dipped his finger into the bowl, scooping up some to pop into his mouth. “Betcha didn’t see that comin’ and it was right in front of you.”

You grinned at him and pointed to a small bowl on the counter. “Maybe you need glasses. I set that bowl aside for sneaky pirates looking to taste test.”

Well, he didn’t like being called sneaky or you insinuating he couldn’t see, so he poked your cheek gently with his chocolatey finger before grabbing the small bowl and retreating to the table, leaving you to bake in peace for a little bit.

And it was always a nice little surprise when he got to see what pair you chose for the day. Sometimes he tried guessing before he saw you in the morning, wondering if you’d wear green frames or maybe those blue frames that matched his hair color. You had another pair of wired rim glasses in black, but those were probably his least favorite of the bunch because he didn’t think they were flashy enough for you, and when you took them off your face when you did some tasks, he wondered if he could hide them away so you would go get a different pair to put on.

He actually attempted it once when you set your glasses on your tool box, but you caught him so he pretended he was cleaning the lenses for you. While you appreciated the gesture, his dirty shirt just left smudge marks all over the lenses. He didn’t try again after that.

The cat-eyed frames were a shape he was definitely intrigued by, but when he compared them to Richie’s eyes, he wasn’t sure which was correct (they looked nothing like the lion’s large eyes). He liked them on you when you would dress up, like when he took you out drinking one night and your cheeks were pink from the alcohol, and he definitely noticed how your lenses fogged up when you were talking to him, asking questions and getting to know your captain. They were a pair that when he knocked them off your face when he kissed you, he wasn’t sorry if they got a little crooked.

However, one of his favorite things was when the two of you would be in bed and relaxing. Buggy would be laying across the bed, using your lap as a pillow while you read a book and played with his hair,  your glasses sitting on top of your head and pushing your hair back out of your face. It was something simple, not very flashy, and he liked to see it because he thought maybe you felt safe enough to do it around him. 

The rest of the crew rarely saw you without glasses on your face, but he was blessed with it, that you trusted him to keep your frames safe, like when you’d fall asleep wearing them after a long day, he’d remove them from your face and set them aside with the lenses up, knowing they could be scratched if he wasn’t careful. Or how you’d hand them to him to set aside before you’d start making out with him on his throne or in bed or anywhere where he could use his Chop Chop ability to get them out of harm’s way when you’d start kissing him.

And once you showed him how to properly clean the lenses, he would do it in the morning for you after you picked out the ones you would wear for the day. It was a sweet gesture, one you weren’t expecting, but you appreciated it. 

It also took a few months before he felt brave to ask that one simple question of, “Can I try a pair on? I want to see what they look like on my face.”

He thought maybe you were insulted by the way you looked at him, but then you bounced off the bed to where you kept them, bringing six pairs back for him to choose from. Honestly, you were waiting for him to ask, and you appreciated that he didn’t just take them off your face to see, though there were times it was obvious he wanted to with the way he’d reach up to touch your face, only to pull his hand back at the last second. 

“Pick one!” You said as you set them down in front of him. “Or do you want to try the ones I’m wearing now?”

“Eager to see me wear’em, aren’t you?” He grinned as he picked up the blue pair. You took them out of his hands, carefully unfolding the arms of the frames before placing them on his face. You were mindful of his nose, making sure the bridge didn’t bump it, pleased that they seemed to sit just fine. “Holy shit, this is how you see the world? It’s…weird.”

“Well, they will be weird for you because they are made for my eyes, not yours.” You chuckled as you leaned over to adjust them on his face just a bit. “Don’t look through them for too long or you may get a headache, Buggy.”

He squinted at you through the lenses for a moment, trying to get you into focus, but it was no use. You appeared distorted to him as he looked through them, but he didn’t mind because when he pushed the frames down a bit to look over the top of them as he had seen you do many times, he was surprised by how you were looking at him. 

It was the same way you looked at him every time you started to take your clothes off, and well, this time was no different, except you were removing the glasses from his face to keep them safe, setting them aside with the rest before you kissed him. 

“Maybe we see about getting you a pair, Buggy.” You murmured against his lips as you started to unbutton his shirt. He fumbled with your shirt, cursing that you wore a pullover top today instead of something with buttons. He didn’t want to stop kissing you. “A pair with fake lenses.”

“They make those?” Was his muffled response as you finally slipped your shirt off, tossing it aside. “Won’t it be weird?”

“It’s our little secret.” You promised him as you started to take your glasses off, but he stopped you, pushing your hands away from your face.

“No, no, leave them on.” He told you with a smirk. “Need to be sure you’ll see everything I’m gonna do to ya, y’know.”

[flowersandbigteeth]

Hey I'm not too sure whether you are open for requests but I'll just leave it here anyway because I just absolutely LOVE the way you write mythical creatures and demons. (⁠ ⁠˘⁠ ⁠³⁠˘⁠)⁠♥ Each and every one of your works were just devoured by me in mere hours after I found your profile. ಡ⁠ ͜⁠ ⁠ʖ⁠ ⁠ಡ

Especially the one with Chase the tentacle monster. Yum. (͡⁠°⁠‿⁠ ͡⁠°⁠)✨

So I was wondering if it would be possible to write a drabble or smut of a yandere maedar. They are a bit lesser known Greek mythical creatures and are basically the male versions of gorgons. (Just in case you didn't know)

The fact about their loyalty to their mates is what made me wonder about them.

I had never heard of these before you sent this, but I love the idea of a male version of a gorgon. I immediately got attached to the idea of Rohan having tattoos on his head of snakes in honor of his sisters, which then made me visualize him as this total pierced up sort of biker badass! Thanks for sending me this, it's so interesting to do unique monsters.

Maeder (Rohan) x female reader

Word Count: almost 3k

W: nsfw monster smut, vaginal sex, some bullying and brief discussion of suicide, mention of yandere activities

“Rohan, stop hissing at him,” you chided your security guard. 

“Hsssss!” he hissed louder, bearing his fangs this time. 

The skinny man in the suit holding an 8.5x11 glossy of you with your cello might have pissed himself and practically tripped over his own feet running away. 

Rohan was a pretty intimidating visage, that’s why your mother/manager had hired him to be your security guard. At eight feet tall and probably 500 lbs, the Maeder had a bald head covered with writhing tattoos of snakes bearing their fangs.

Venom dripped from their teeth, a vivid gold compared to his gray skin. Gold studs pierced his face above his eyebrow and a gold septum piercing hung in his nose. He didn’t look like the type of guy you wanted to fuck with. 

You swatted his arm and his gold, reptilian eyes flicked to you. 

“My job is security Miss (Y/N),” he growled, “these groupies are dangerous.”

“I think they are just harmless fans,” you assured him, rolling your eyes. 

He grunted.  Rohan didn’t think anyone was harmless, except maybe you. He saw the sick letters you got from psychos when he went through your mail. Any one of these “harmless fans” could be a serious threat. Your phone rang and you sighed, answering it. 

“Hello mother,” you said, tightly into the phone.

“Where was your head at (Y/N)?” she snapped, “you won't get another sponsorship with that kind of performance. Have you been out partying too much?” 

You huffed. 

“Mother, you know where I’ve been…all I ever do is practice,” you grumbled at her as you made your way through the back of the concert hall with Rohan leading the way. 

He guided you to a sleek limousine and helped you in. You always felt bad for how he had to crouch in these things to fit, but your mother ordered the cars and she didn’t take his comfort into consideration. 

“Ugh,” you groaned, crumpling once you were inside. You loved the cello, but you hated the celebrity of it all. Your mother was a marketing genius and had helped you build a fabulous career, but now you wished you could just work on movie soundtracks at home instead of these public recitals she made you do. She wanted to expand your career, make you into a pop star or something.

You’d recorded two solo albums, composed the soundtrack to a popular video game, and appeared on the cover of a popular ladies’ magazine. Still, as successful as she’d made you, you didn’t get the scheme. You were just a nerdy girl who was good at one thing, playing the cello, not some flashy celebrity. You weren’t exceptionally gorgeous or crazy fit like she seemed to want you to be. 

“Well you aren’t practicing enough,” she snapped, “and what are you eating? You look like a pig! I’m hiring you another trainer, that asshole obviously isn’t doing his job.” 

You rubbed your eyes, probably smearing makeup all over your cheeks, but you didn’t care. Listening to her talk was like melting your face with an iron. 

“Are you on your way home?” she snarled, “make sure you put some ice on your face before you go to sleep. You had bags under your eyes. You can’t go out there looking like a trash bin, (Y/N). I’ve got you an appointment scheduled for Botox next week and then we’ll start looking into a boob job.” 

You put the phone on the car seat and closed your eyes, ignoring her prattling. She was going on about Botox options and body shaping. There was nothing wrong with your face and you didn’t need to go on a diet or get surgery. You needed to figure out how to unlink yourself from being your mother’s project. Maybe she could manage a celebrity puppy…though you hated to put anyone, even a dog, through her version of management. She’d probably make the puppy get leg lengthening surgery or something. 

At some point Rohan just hit the red button to end the call. She’d go on for a while without even noticing you’d hung up if she ever noticed at all. Usually she just gave you some curt order about your diet or skincare routine before hanging up herself. You shot him a grateful glance. 

“She’s just using you, you know,” he said, fiddling with a knife at his knee. 

He was always so stoic except when he had something to say, which wasn’t often. Then he was nervous, even though his voice was deep and commanding. 

“I know…but all this wouldn’t exist without her,” you said, waving vaguely at the expensive dress you were wearing, the limousine, your $10,000 cello, and even him, “It’s kind of a trade, isn’t it?” 

He frowned. 

“Usually trades are consensual,” he growled, waving back at you, “all this wouldn’t exist without you.” 

“Mmm,” you said, “I guess. I could leave if I wanted, but where would I go?” 

He snorted. 

“You can’t actually,” he smiled darkly, “why do you think I’m paid so much?” 

You looked at him blankly. 

“What? My mother is paying you to keep me from running away?” you asked. 

He nodded, his eyes trained on you, reading your expression. 

“You’re her golden goose,” he said, “she was worried you’d fall in love with some tech mogul and want to quit. You’re the talented, beautiful genius, you’ll be just fine, but what about her? To keep her living in the way she’s grown accustomed to, she hired me to handle those sorts of things. Discourage suitors…report back to her on your relationships…Get rid of anyone who gets too close…all of that.”

He pulled out his phone and held up a screen with a notepad app full of dates and times. 

“I’m supposed to be collecting data on your emotional state so she can use it to declare you unfit to manage your own estate,” he went on.

Your eyes widened.  

“Why are you telling me this?” you asked. 

He shrugged and didn’t say anything else, looking away and shoving his phone back in his pocket. You glanced out the window at the city going by and frowned, tears pricking your eyes. Though you were hurt and felt betrayed, you didn’t get to be a nationally acclaimed cellist because you were weak of spirit. You took a deep breath and looked out the window, centering yourself. 

“So I’ve really been a prisoner all along,” you murmured, seeing the tall buildings blurring together as prison bars, “aren’t you afraid now that I know, I’ll try to get away?” 

He barked out a somber laugh and you supposed that was your answer. He was paid to make sure that didn’t happen and just by looking at him you could tell there wasn’t much hope. 

Rohan pulled off his jacket and covered you with it as you made your way into your building to avoid the flashing lights of the few paparazzi posted outside. By your mother’s standards, you looked horrible. If she saw you on some blog with makeup smeared all over your face she would have a conniption fit. 

For a moment you were surrounded with the scent of him and his cologne. He smelled a bit spicy. When you reached the top floor you wandered out onto your balcony, kicking your heels off behind you and looking out over the city. It was hard to feel like a prisoner up here, looking down at the rooftops. You leaned out, clutching the balustrade and took a deep breath in. 

Thick warm hands, suddenly wrapped around you and you started. 

“Don’t jump,” Rohan’s deep voice rumbled in your ear. 

You spat out a dry laugh. 

“You thought I was going to kill myself?” you rasped, “don’t you think it would serve you right, watching me throw myself off the building after what you just told me? You’re my jailor, after all.”  

He turned you around to look at you, tipping your face up and his lips came down on yours, hungry and desperate. 

“You're a fool if you think I’m just going to let her have you,” he growled an inch away from your face, “you’re mine (Y/N).” 

His mouth smashed back into yours, one heavy hand holding you to him by your waist and the other wound in your hair so tightly you couldn’t move. You could only accept his kiss and moan into his mouth. 

This was…unexpected…but not unwelcome. You’d always found Rohan to be attractive, he was just so serious you never thought he even considered sex. You’d never seen his eyes follow another man or woman except with a look of distrust in them. He was handsome so people threw themselves at him all the time, but he never seemed the slightest bit moved, always focused intensely on you. 

The big hand on your waist drifted over your ass, cupping and squeezing the flesh. It slid further down and you let out a squeal, when he pulled you up to his chest, pulling your legs around his waist. 

You dragged your lips away from him just a half an inch and whispered into his mouth. 

“What is this? We shouldn’t be doing this,” you gasped, “you work for my mother.”  

You were confused. He was your jailor, you shouldn’t be giving in to his advances. He chuckled and kissed you, pressing his tongue between your lips and twining it with yours. When he pulled away you were only aware of his words and his flavor, sweet cinnamon.

“I’m gonna fuck you against this window and then I’m gonna take you away from here.” 

Before you could respond his thick hand jerked your dress down, snapping the thin spaghetti straps that held it up and letting your breasts pop out. He pulled your chest to his head and his mouth latched on to your nipple, kissing and suckling. 

“Ahhh!” you wailed, surprised by the sudden hot, wet contact.

“Y-you sh-shouldn’t…” you tried to insist. 

His mouth popped off your nipple for just a second. 

“Then tell me to stop,” he growled, his nose brushing the flesh. 

You just looked at him for a moment, but couldn’t bring the words to your lips. It felt too good. It didn’t matter what happened after this, you just wanted him. 

He smirked and went back to laving your nipples with his tongue, pressing your back against the cool glass behind you. The only thing that came out of your mouth were moans and his name. 

You felt his thick fingers fumbling with your panties until you heard a long rip. Pushing you further up the window, he shimmied your dress up your hips and attacked your pussy with long wet laps. His split tongue played with your clit and your legs instinctively wrapped around his head, pulling him closer as he drove you wild with his agile appendage. 

Propped on his shoulders, he speared your cunt with his fingers. You were already soaking wet and your juices dribbled down his wrist as he pumped his digits inside of you mercilessly. 

Screaming your channel clenched down on his fingers as you came with them inside. Colors flashed in your eyes and your hands clung to his head, nails making crescent dents on his skin. Pulling back, he grinned at you and spun you around to face the window. 

“Do you know how many times I’ve watched you prancing around this fucking penthouse in those little booty shorts you wear, wanting to take you right here?” he growled, “I should have marked off the spot with chalk for how many times I jerked myself off, thinking about fucking you against this window. And as much as I loved rubbing one out over your pretty lips while you were sleeping, I’m gonna make this cunt mine for good.” 

As alarming as that should have been, his glowing golden eyes reflected in the glass in front of you and his hot breath in your ear made your pussy leak even more at the admission and your clit sparkled with need. 

He grabbed the back of your head, his fat fingers digging into your hair, and held your face against the cool glass while he freed his cock from his pants. You screamed his name as he impaled you with it in one smooth stroke, not even trying to hold back.

You had no idea but Rohan needed to take you like this. He needed to ruin you for anyone else. He’d been watching you for a year, obsessing over you, planning and plotting how he was going to take his mate. He would have already killed your mother if he thought it would get him any closer to having you. Instead he’d been collecting information on her and feeding it to lawyers he’d hired to make sure your interests were well represented. 

He held you in the air with little effort, your arms and legs dangling as he pulled back and slammed into you again, all the while holding your head into the window. He’d pinned you against the glass so he wouldn't bruise your cheek as he took you as hard as he needed to. Though you felt like he was going to snap you in half each time he powered into you, your back arched. 

From the edge of your vision you could see the glittering lights of the city sparkling below you. Your fingers pressed against the smooth surface because there was nothing else to hold on to as he slammed into you over and over again. Drool and your black mascara were streaking the glass. 

You howled with every stroke, having never been stretched by someone so large before. His cock was long and thick, filling you to the brim and pounding your walls mercilessly. 

“Fuck, babygirl, that’s it,” he groaned loudly, grunting like an animal as he thrust in and out of you, “you’re so fucking tight.” 

Soon he was just growling “mine” and your name over and over again while he rutted you. You gasped and sobbed, your eyes crossed as his dick battered your G-spot. 

With your pussy gushing around him, he jerked you back against his chest forcing you down over his cock a few more times before he emptied himself into you, grunting your name. The thread holding you together snapped and you orgasmed to his hot cum flooding you, barely noticing the sharp pain at your neck, where he bit you. 

When he slipped out of you, he pulled you into a princess hold, folding his head down at the neck and nuzzling the bite. 

“Wh-what was th-that?” you stammered. 

It wasn’t bad, just unexpected. 

“My mating bite,” he murmured, his voice a grumble rolling in your ear, “you’re mine.” 

Your heart fluttered at that. Again, this was all so unexpected, but you didn’t find yourself upset…In fact you felt safe and supported. Like someone was finally on your team. Maybe that was foolish to assume, but as he carried you to your bedroom, you found yourself snuggling your face into his shoulder and sighing happily. 

He stroked your hair as he climbed into your king sized bed with you still tucked in his arms. Arranging himself against the headboard he watched you fall asleep in his arms, gazing in awe at the bite on your neck you’d so easily accepted. Honestly, he’d worried you’d cry and fight and he’d wondered if he would have been able to hold himself back. 

Your soft submission in that moment was so much sweeter and tied him to you more tightly than anything you could ever say would. 

When you woke from your nap, he was going to help you pack your things to take you to a safe house where you could stay while you filed criminal charges against your mother for fraud. You were Rohan’s mate and he didn’t want to see you used as your mother’s meal ticket.

Even if legal means didn’t work, he would find illegal ones to accomplish his task. If you wanted to write soundtracks or albums or do nothing at all, he was going to keep you safe and secure till the day you died. 

[whatstruthgottodowithit]

Dating Dean Winchester Would Include

You’d meet on a hunt [whether a hunter already or a victim it doesn't matter].

Because you’d leave with the boys after right meeting with them.

Your old life couldn't run alongside the new.

You’d instantly find Dean attractive.

But the risk of complicating things would be too big of one.

Dean would feel the same.

It would unnerve him so he’d kind of be an asshole at first.

There’d be a lot of mutual pining.

And Sam would catch on immediately. Especially once he noticed that the amount of conquests Dean had dwindled.

‘Just tell her.’ ‘Oh and get her killed? Sure Sammy.’ ‘You’re allowed to have a family Dean.’ ‘She is family…which is why I can’t lose her.’ 

After he’d get over himself he’d loosen up around you.

And even though you weren’t together you’d act just like a couple anyway.

You’d share a bed on hunts.

And somehow always end up cuddled up together whether in a motel bed or the impala.

He’d tell you he liked you accidentally.

Probably after he saved your ass on a hunt.

‘What the hell were you thinking!?’ ‘I was just…Dean did you just kiss me?’ ‘I, I mean,’ ‘Do it again.’ 

Nothing would really change except now you could actually touch one another.

And Dean would be insatiable.

You’d get caught at least once a day much to Sam’s annoyance or Cas’ embarrassment.

You were sure you’d had sex in every room of the bunker.

He knew what he was doing sure but he wasn’t a get-it-done kinda guy.

He was such a softy when it was just the pair of you. Alone. 

If you told anyone how much he enjoyed cuddling he would 100% deny it.

‘Dean we need to get up.’ ‘Five more minutes.’ ‘If Sam sees us in this back seat-’ ‘Sammy can grow the hell up. It’s my car. And if I want to spend my time butt ass naked with my best girl I will.’ 

He’d always worry about you.

He’d already lost so much.

You’d always catch him checking in on you [glancing at you in the rear view, .making sure you were still there in the middle of the night].

He’d definitely try to bench you from hunts.

And he’d hate that you and Sam could work around his points with logic.

‘It’s not safe. They could use you as a bargaining chip.’ ‘In that case, Sam and Cas better not go either then.’ ‘But-’ ‘You really think that I’m your only weak spot?’ ‘She’s got a point.’ ‘Can it Cas!’

You and Sam would love teasing him.

He’s really easy to wind up.

Cas would 100% try to join in.

You’d love cooking for them.

Your little dysfunctional family.

You’d even look up some pie recipes.

And you’d 100% use them whenever you wanted to get him on your side. He was a fickle man when it came to pie.

He’d want to get married.

For some reason he wanted you to be an official Winchester.

Nothing too big or flashy.

Just the family in the bunker.

Cas officiating with Sammy as his best man.

Slow dancing in the library [not in front of Sam because Dean refused to be tormented].

And he’d even take you on a ‘honeymoon’ .

You’d insist on taking a million pictures [some that were for your eyes only].

And they’d be put up around the bunker, tucked in your phone case, and inside Dean’s wallet to remind you of one other.

It wouldn’t be extravagant.

But a weekend away from work, the bunker and the craziness of your life was enough for you.

And he’d try and keep it up every anniversary.

THIS IS PART OF MY CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE. I’LL BE POSTING AN IMAGINE EVERDAY FROM 1ST - 25TH DECEMBER. THIS AND ALL IMAGINES WILL BE UPLOADED IN THE LINK POSTED DAY BY DAY.

ADVENT CALENDAR OF IMAGINES

[multi-kpop-fanfics]

Betcha

pairing: designer!Baekhyun x fem!reader (ft. Chanyeol)

genre: fluff, comedy, best friends to lovers!AU

warnings: alcohol and food consumption, mild nudity (no smut), reader is drunk af

repost from my old account!

Author's note: I decided to start reposting the stuff from my old account with a bit more proper editing <3

©multi-kpop-fanfics, 2023. No reposting allowed. No translations without permission allowed.

“Oi, Baek, where are you?!” You yell at your friend through the phone, “I’ve been standing here for half an hour now! And it’s freaking cold too!."

“Yah, Y/N, don’t shout! I’ll be there in 5 minutes, can’t you wait a bit more?” Baekhyun gives a relaxed reply, as if he hadn’t stood you up at all. 

It was 10 PM, you (he) had booked a nice restaurant to eat with your best friend Baekhyun, in celebration of his new collection launch. The waiting line was quite big though, since the restaurant was pretty famous. You were also worried you might lose your reservation, simply because the one who made it in the first place wasn’t here.

You had previously met with Baekhyun at the launch party, but you weren’t able to talk for long, because he was busy talking with celebrities who congratulated him for his successful launch. However, he wanted to celebrate with his best friend, without the noise and the crowd swarming around him, in a more secluded place.

You were always grateful to him, because no matter the difference in your lifestyles, he always treated you as his equal. Of course, you were always by his side, supporting him in all of his decisions and risks, his happy and sad moments, his shoulder to cry on. There was only one thing you couldn’t be: Baekhyun’s girlfriend. 

Your trail of thoughts is cut short by the sound of a roaring engine and you turn around to see a luxurious car parking in front of the restaurant, instantly recognizing the vehicle. The door opens and Baekhyun comes out with an air of flamboyance, his outfit different from the one he sported in the party.

The line of customers is now very noisy, as they are ogling over your best friend - and rightfully so, to be honest. However, Baekhyun pays zero attention to them and skips to you, pulling you in a tight hug. “

Sorry for being late, huge traffic.” He rubs the back of his neck with a smile and you roll your eyes at him. 

“Huge traffic huh? More like ‘I was late on purpose to make a flashy entrance’. You even changed clothes!” You mock him and he pouts.

“Hey! I changed clothes because a dumbass called Park Chanyeol spilled his whiskey on my shirt! Besides, I’m always flashy, in case you didn’t know.” He dramatically flips his hair, making you laugh. 

“Okay mr. Byun - always - flashy - Baekhyun, we have a reservation waiting for us to confirm.” You pull him by the hand. 

You make your way to the entrance and the receptionist asks for the reservation, Baekhyun gives his name and within few minutes, you’re seated at your table.

You are quietly fidgeting in your seat, your blue velvet dress now feeling uncomfortable on your body - and not because of the material. 

“Earth to Y/N calling, are you there?” Baekhyun snaps his fingers repeatedly to get your attention. 

“W-what? Is something wrong?” 

“You tell me, I wasn’t the one spacing out.” 

“Oh… Sorry, I didn’t mean to-” you laugh nervously. 

“Nah, it’s okay, I was just messing with you. Anyways, are you ready to order?” he asks with a smile. 

“Um, sure. I’ll get tortelloni a la creme.” You reply and he looks at you with wide eyes. 

“Wow, you didn’t even check the menu.” Baekhyun remarks. 

“I’m a decisive person, unlike you.” 

“Rude, but I’ll let it slide, ‘cause I’m in a very good mood tonight,” he chirps. 

“You deserve it, Baek. You worked really hard on that collection, so it was bound to be a succesful launch,” you state. 

“True, but it was all thanks to you Y/N.” 

“Oh come on, cut the flattery, I did nothing serious-” he cuts you off by putting his hand on your mouth and he starts speaking. 

“When I was down and desperate, you would always drop everything and come to my doorstep with food and stay the night. Even when I was on a designing spree, you would always add your tips and ideas to make everything better. I said it in the party and I’ll say it again: Y/N L/N, you’re my best friend and driving force for life." He finishes and takes your hand into his, the act of affection making your heart flutter.

“Awww, she’s blushing~” Baekhyun coos and pinches your cheeks.

“Hey, I’m not blushing! And don’t pinch my cheeks, I'm not a baby!” you playfully slap his wrists.

“Okay, since you are a grown ass woman, do you want to call the waiter and order some wine?” Baekhyun asks.

“Thought you’d never say it."

As the food and wine arrive on the table, you endlessly chatted with Baekhyun, gossiping about the best and worst outfits of the party, the “celebrities” who were throwing glances at you while shamelessly flirting with your best friend. Of course, Baekhyun could not possibly leave out the moment when one of his friends, Chanyeol, was clumsy enough to spill his whiskey on Baekhyun’s shirt, which was also one of your favorite pieces from his new collection - and Baekhyun’s as well.

The hours pass by, one wine glass becomes two, two turn into three and without knowing, you have emptied two wine bottles, most of it coursing through your veins and clouding your senses in a euphoric haze.

“Whoa, whoa! No more of this for you, young lady.” Baekhyun snatches the glass from your hand right before you gulped it down.

“But whyyyy~ I want -hic!- mooooreeee” you slur in your drunk state.

“Y/N, you’re piss drunk! I can’t leave you alone in this state! Wait here, I’ll go pay for the food and we’ll leave right away." Baekhyun stands up and jogs to the cashier, whips out his credit card and returns to your side. He helps you stand to your feet, your bag and coat in his one arm and he snakes his other arm around your waist to support you.

You make it out of the exit and Baekhyun carefully slides you to the passenger seat. He rushes to the driver seat and turns on the engine, driving to his home, the time now past midnight.

“Slowly now, Y/N… Left foot, right foot, left and right…Okay! We’re in!” Baekhyun says as you both enter his house and he closes the door with his foot behind him.

“Baekhyunnieeeee~ Everything is flyiiiiiing arouuuund~” You say loudly.

“Shhhhh! It’s past midnight Y/N, don’t shout!” He shushes you and you fall straight on the couch, giggling.

“Baek~Hyun~Nieeee~” you chirp, still drunk and in your own happy world. 

Shit, she’s cute like this, he thinks to himself. He lifts you in his arms and takes you to his bedroom, placing you carefully on the bed.

“Hnng, too tight-” you croak and try to reach the zipper of your dress to remove it.

“OH NONONONO-” he stops you and rushes to his closet and takes out a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt to give you. He sees you still struggling with your dress and decides to help you out of it.

“Why is this happening to me….Okay, here goes nothing....” Baekhyun takes a deep breath, unzips your dress and takes it off slowly, revealing your body in underwear and thigh-high stockings. His breath hitches at the sight.

“Damn, you’re so beautiful…” he whispers under his breath.

“Baekhyuuuun, I’m cooold,” you whine, snapping Baekhyun out of his trance and putting you in his more comfortable clothes, having taken off the stockings as well. By the time he dressed you, you had calmed down and you were nearly asleep, making him sigh in relief. When he was about to leave the room, your voice makes him freeze in his tracks.

“I love you, Baekhyun”. These four words were all he wanted to hear from you, and he couldn’t help but answer the same. “I love you too, Y/N” he says softly, but you had already fallen into deep sleep.

You wake up the next day from the sunlight hitting your face and the smell of freshly made coffee. You open your eyes slowly, your head still hurting from last night. By the time you come to your full senses, you realize you’re not in your house and you’re definitely not wearing your clothes. You smell the clothes, the scent of cedarwood and bergamot hitting your nose and making you smile - Baekhyun’s clothes.

You get up slowly and make your way to the kitchen and you see Baekhyun making breakfast, his hair ruffled from sleep and wearing clothes similar to the ones you were wearing.

“Good morning sleepyhead,” he smiles and gives you a cup of coffee with a croissant.

“Good morning, Baek.” You reply and sit down.

“How did you sleep?” he asks you and takes a sip from his coffee.

“I went out like a light, but my head is pounding like crazy…How much did I drink last night?”

“You drank a lot… and I couldn’t leave you alone, so I took the liberty to bring you to my house, the ride was shorter too-”

“Hey, hey! It’s totally fine, Baekhyun! Thank you for everything, I really appreciate what you did for me,” you smile at him and cup his cheek with your hand, “I got a question though… How did I end up in your clothes?” you look at him and his ears turn red at your question.

“I-uhm, uhh- ahem, okay. As you know, you were drunk and I took you to the bedroom, so that you would sleep comfortably. You were trying to unzip your dress but failed miserably, so I…helped you take your clothes off and gave you a pair of mine, you know, to feel more comfortable while sleeping - not that I wanted to check you out in your underwear or something.” Baekhyun finishes and scratches his head anxiously.

“Yeah, sure thing Baek,” you raise a brow at him. Baekhyun releases a breath he didn’t know he was holding. The relief was short-lived, as he was taken aback by your next words

“I don’t know if you meant the ‘I love you too, Y/N’ you said last night, but I meant it.” You tell him and your heart starts racing. 

This is it, this is the make or break moment, Y/N. It’s all or nothing- 

“I meant it, Y/N. With all my damn heart.” Baekhyun replies, his face red from the sudden confession. You start laughing and he’s frozen in his seat.

“W-Why are you laughing, Y/N? What is so funny to you?!” Baekhyun pouts in confusion and you fan yourself, trying to calm down from your previous laughing fit.

“Ha, haha, don’t get me wrong, Baek. It’s actually really funny, because I always thought you saw me as your friend, yet I wasn’t brave enough to confess all this time… Talk about real clownery,” you admit and Baekhyun starts chuckling in return.

“Honey, it was always you. Just because I’m flirting from time to time, that doesn’t mean I'm actually interested in every woman I flirt with. It was mostly to get a reaction out of you, but it seems like I failed miserably.” He raises his hands in defeat.

“Oh, and what makes you think that confessing and flirting with me now will make fall for you?” you ask him with confidence and you see a familiar glint in Baekhyun’s eyes:

“Betcha, ma girl, I met ya and you’re gonna be mine."

[eddysocs]

Proposing Change (Gregory House x OC)

Summary: House finally pops the question to Anna, but is all really as it seems?

Word Count: 1,823

Warnings: Marriage proposal, angst, arguing, banter, sarcasm, making up

A/N: Gif made by @malice1329

House sat in his office, mulling over the conversation he had had with Wilson earlier that day. The words echoed in his mind. Wilson had suggested that Anna might be expecting him to propose. As House replayed their conversation, he realized that he couldn't ignore the possibility any longer.

He had always been reluctant to take that leap, but if there was even a chance that Anna wanted him, with all his faults, and that she longed for a deeper commitment, House couldn't risk losing her. With a mix of anxiety and determination, he made his decision.

Pawning off his case on his team, he spent the better part of the day choosing a suitable ring, a task he did not relish, but one he knew would be necessary. She deserved something nice. Nothing flashy. She wasn’t that kind of girl. Finally satisfied with his choice, it was time for the next step.

That evening, House stood outside Anna's apartment, the engagement ring clutched tightly in his hand. He was surprised to find himself a little nervous when he knocked on the door. What if Wilson had been wrong, and Anna was fine with where they were in their relationship? Simple. He’d have to kill him.

When Anna answered, surprise flickered across her face as she saw House standing there. He almost never showed up at her place. It was always her coming to his. Hell, by now she’d practically moved in.

"Greg, what's going on?" Anna asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

"I’d get on my knee, but bad leg and all, so you’ll just have to bear with me," House began. "Anna, I've been thinking...about us. And I know I'm not great with words, or feelings, but I want you to know that you're important to me. You've changed my life in ways I never thought possible. Ways I’ve often actively avoided until now."

Anna's eyes widened, realization dawning on her. She felt her heart race, fairly certain of what House was about to say, but not quite sure she actually believed he was going to say it.

"Anna, will you marry me?"

Anna's breath caught in her throat as she processed House's words. Emotions surged within her. Joy, shock, and a not so insignificant amount of confusion, but it was small enough that it was pushed to the back of her mind as she focused on the moment at hand.

"Yes," she said before she’d even consciously decided to. It might have been unexpected, but she wanted this, she had no doubts about that. She just didn’t think the day would ever come that he’d ask.

When Anna showed up to work the next day, ring on her finger, it was no wonder she’d drawn attention to herself. Taub refused to believe it, convinced it was some sort of prank House was trying to pull on the team. Honestly, Anna couldn’t blame him. It’s exactly the sort of thing he would do.

When she finally got away from the buzz of excitement from her coworkers, Anna ran into Wilson in the hallway. "I’m sure you already know by now, but—" Anna began, letting the ring on her hand do the rest of the talking for her.

"Oh my god, he actually did it," Wilson exclaimed with a laugh. After a moment, he pulled his gaze away from the ring and met Anna's eyes. He was met with a puzzled look. Feeling the need to explain his reaction, he cleared his throat, and dropped the amused grin on his face. "I mean, I told him—"

"You told him what," Anna asked, cutting him off. Something about the amount of disbelief he displayed was raising a red flag. "Did you tell House to propose to me?"

"I’m simply suggested that you might be expecting him to. It has been nearly two years," he explained, but he felt his argument was already losing steam. "Anna, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for it to come out like that. I didn’t think he’d do it so soon. It was only meant to give him something to think about. I just thought...I thought it might be something you wanted, something that could make both of you happy."

Anna struggled to hold back her emotions, all but forcing her voice to remain even as she addressed him. "I appreciate your concern, but this is about more than just a proposal. It's about the authenticity of our relationship. I don’t know if House's feelings for me were truly his own or if he was just doing what was expected of him."

There was a heavy silence before Wilson spoke again. "Anna, I have every reason to believe that House's feelings for you are real. I may have inadvertently influenced him to act, but deep down, he cares about you more than he knows how to express. He genuinely loves you. I’ve seen it firsthand."

Anna closed her eyes, absorbing Wilson's words. Mixed emotions swirled within her, but she couldn’t find it in her heart to put the full blame on Wilson. He was a good man, and House was a loose canon even on his best days. Yet she couldn’t push away the doubt that had been planted in her mind.

When Anna got out of work, she went right over to House's apartment. Her hand shook as she put the key in the lock. She’d been avoiding him all day, and absolutely dreading this conversation.

She wasted no time though. Best to rip the bandaid off in one fell swoop. As soon as the door shut behind her, she got right into it. "You proposed to me because Wilson told you to?"

House flinched at her words. Guess it didn’t take her long to find out. He grabbed his cane and got up off the couch in order to try and justify what he’d done. Yet his usually guarded facade began to crack under the weight of her accusation. Although he had anticipated this confrontation would happen at some point, dealing with the consequences of his actions was still a bitter pill to swallow, no matter how many times he’d had to do that very thing since meeting her.

"I thought it was the right thing to do," House stated in his defense. A weak one, perhaps, but it was the only one he had. "I wanted to make you happy."

Anna's eyes welled up with tears, but she swore she wouldn’t let him see her cry. "Is that supposed to make it better? That you proposed because you thought it was the 'right thing to do'? It was supposed to be a declaration of love, House. It feels like a lie now. But everybody lies, right?" Her last words were like venom, repeating what she’d heard him say so often.

House was silent. Anna stood there waiting for an answer, waiting for him to fight for her or something. Just something. She finally cracked. "What, nothing? You can’t just dismiss this like you dismiss everything else. I want a life with you, Greg, and sometimes you make even the thought of that impossible!"

When he still didn’t say anything, Anna scoffed, her face red with anger. He wasn’t even fighting back. "I think it's best if I leave," she told him. "At least until you can figure out some clever response."

Anna turned to leave, her resolve unwavering. House stood rooted to the spot, leaning on his cane as his heart pounded in his chest. Her words stung and regret washed over him as he realized the depth of the hurt he had caused. He watched her go, the weight of his mistake settling upon his shoulders.

That was two weeks ago. Those had been her final words to him before she walked out of his apartment and hadn’t looked back. Why she thought she could wait him out, she didn’t know. House's stubbornness ran deep and her patience was wearing thin. If they stood any chance of moving past this, she was going to have to suck it up and make the first move.

Taking a deep breath, Anna finally decided to confront House directly. She made her way to his office where she saw him throwing a tennis ball against the wall at a steady rhythm. Anna cleared her throat, catching his attention.

"House, we need to talk," Anna said firmly.

House glanced up, his blue eyes meeting Anna's icy gaze. "What's the matter, Anna Banana," he quipped, a smirk playing on his lips.

Anna's heart sank at his flippant remark. He clearly wasn’t ready to be an adult about this, but she was determined to stand her ground. "Did you even mean it," she asked, her voice wavering slightly.

"Mean what?"

"Your proposal."

House furrowed his brow. He couldn’t understand why she was asking him this. "Of course I meant it."

"I know you're not a romantic, House, but Wilson literally had to tell you to pop the question. Forgive me if I’m a bit doubtful about your level of commitment here."

"What Wilson told me was that if I didn’t do something to show you I was serious, you’d eventually leave and I’d end up alone. I asked him what I should do and he said 'Marry her'. He didn’t tell me to propose. Besides, do you think I’d take orders from Wilson?"

At that, she had to laugh. It did sound a little ridiculous when he put it that way. House didn’t take orders from anyone. Anna cut her laughter short. The moment of levity didn’t erase her anger or hurt, but it felt nice to smile around him again. "I guess I blew things out of proportion," Anna said as House resumed his throwing and catching.

"Yeah, you did," House replied in a deadpan. The sarcasm was not appreciated, he realized as he glanced at Anna. "Okay, so maybe it wasn’t all your fault. I think the man that’s really to blame here is Wilson."

"Greg," Anna chastised. All she wanted was for him to take this seriously.

House sighed, setting the tennis ball aside and giving Anna his full attention. "Fine. I screwed up too. I should have explained everything when you brought up Wilson. I shouldn’t have let you walk away. I thought by not fighting that I was giving you an out."

"An out? I don’t want an out. I’m in this until the end, whatever that end might be. Are you?"

"I’m in. Does this mean I have to propose again?"

Anna tried to fight the smile that he so easily brought out in her. "I already said yes, didn’t I? Guess that means I’m stuck with you, for better or worse." She knew House's reputation and the challenges that came with coexisting alongside him, but she also believed in second chances and the potential for growth, even in a man like Gregory House.

Forever Tag: @arrthurpendragon, @baubeautyandthegeek, @foxesandmagic, @carmens-garden, @fawera, @themaradaniels, @that-demigirl, @iloveocs, @bossyladies, @b1rvt4, @getawaycardotmp3

Anna Home: @jkthighs, @unwrittenletter, @terezausername, @amandulie

[survivorraccooncity2]

Final Tribal Council - Opening Statements

Here are all three finalists’ opening speeches.

Ariel: https://youtu.be/D41d_XDOUQM

Transcript: Hi Jury! Before I talk about my game, I would like to say 2 things. 1. I have so much fun playing this game with all of you. The diversity of this cast is beautiful and that makes this season iconic. It was truly an honor to have played this game with all of you. 2. I would like to apologize to a few people in this game. Evangelina, I'm sorry we weren't able to talk at the merge, Cliftone I'm sorry we weren't able to talk to all. I was asleep when you message me and I only got the chance to read your message in the morning, by that time you were already voted out and I want to keep the holiness of the game. That's why I didn't respond because if I did that would just feel wrong, it would just be purely jury management and it would just not be fair for everyone still in the game. Evangelina and Cliftone, I'm sorry, it was nothing personal, it was a strategic decision I made and I would like to explain why I didn't try to connect with the two of you at the merge.And now that I have said those things, I would like to start talking about my game on where it all began.On day one, we are already flooded with a lot of twists. One world, the summit, and the coins and the advantage shop catalog. When I read all the twists, I knew that this season is going to be chaotic and messy. That's why on day one, I decided that whatever happens along the way, I have to make sure that the game I am playing is deeply rooted in the core aspect of this game which is social, strategic, and physical or trying to win the challenges. But with all the twists and advantages this season, I know if I want to make it to the end I have to take a risk. I know I have not taken a flashy or upfront risk, because I always make sure that if I take a risk, it doesn't have to be flashy it just has to be well calculated.So in the first round of the game, my mission was to start building my social game. Most of you might be looking for someone you can trust, for me, it is the exact opposite. Instead of looking for someone who I can trust, I keep my eye on someone who trusts me. And that person was Dominique. On the first few rounds, Dominique made multiple alliances in our tribe and I knew that because Dominique has included me in those multiple alliances. For others, that might be a red flag, but for me, I read it as a sign that Dominique trusted me. So what I did is, I cultivated that trust and reciprocate the trust Dom is giving me, and that's how Dom and I were able to move forward together. Having the one-world twist is a good opportunity to branch out my social game outside of my tribe in case a swap is going to happen. And that's how I connected with MJ and Navi. MJ wanted an alliance with me and Navi, which is excellent on my side because from the moment I chatted with MJ I know for sure that Mj is going to be a power player and I have to be on her good side. It also came at a perfect time because a few rounds later, MJ was voted by her tribe to go to the summit and she got to pick two other people from the 2 different tribes to go with her. So obviously, MJ picked me and Navi. Aside from being safe to the joint tribal, we were also given coins to distribute and I use these coins as a currency of my trust. I used my coins to show the person I am giving them to, that they can trust me and that I trust them. When we get to swap, MJ, Navi, and I were able to pick our tribe members. I picked Julia, Ava, and Dominique for different reasons. And when it comes to either Clefford or Evangelina I let Navi choose first. And that is the first risk I took in this game. I know that the odds of Navi picking Evangelina was high because Clefford have a little beef with Jinx before that round, that's why I took that risk, and I was right, Navi chooses Evangelina and Clefford ended up on my tribe. This move was important for me because Clefford and I are actually good friends outside of this game. Having Clefford is my biggest advantage in this game, especially because no one knows that we are closely working together. And that's why it was important for me not to personally pick Clefford during the schoolyard pick to not raise some suspicions. Although I and Clefford did our best to keep our alliance very lowkey, someone was still able to notice that we are each other's ride or die. And in fact, that is the very reason why that person got voted out. It was Jinx. After Jinx mutinied from Tyrant and move to Golgotha,  my main priority at that point was to keep Clefford safe, and then try to work with Jinx and hope Jinx and Clefford can repair their past. The reason why I wanted to work with Jinx is because I think they are such a cool person, that's all, it was purely emotional on why I wanted to work with them, and that's how I learn how to handle my emotions in this game. Unfortunately, Jinx wanted Clefford out so bad, it became obvious to them that me and Clefford are working together because of how hard I was trying to keep Clefford safe. So when Jinx said to me that I could not let Clefford go because he is my ride or die, that is the time I decided I have to make sure Jinx got voted out. I have already planted a seed with Jinx that I want to work with them, and that's how I got the heat when they got voted out. I feel like, by connecting to them and trying to work with them they might have felt that I was just giving them false hope. It ended on a tie, 2 votes on Jinx, 2 votes on Clefford and one vote on Dom, because I have already showed Dom she can trust me, I was able to make Dom feel comfortable and safe on our side, so she decided to save Clefford and  vote Jinx out instead.I have to say that that vote was the pivotal moment of my game. Because after that vote is when the alliance of Clefford, Dominique and I came to life. Although it was Clefford who made the alliance chat, I would like to believe it's me who is the glue of this alliance. I am connected with Dominique from BSAA, and I am connected with Clefford outside of the game, and I brought the two together to dominate the last part of the game.I know coming to merge, my priority is be on the majority and at the same time manage my threat level. People might already have their eyes on me because of what Jinx has said on their last words, so I have to downplay my game really hard. I started to play a very under the radar game, I decided I have to act like I am just a goat, and that's how I get voted at the sheep of the season and as someone who doesn't deserve to be here during the touchy subjects challenge. I turned Jinx's last words as my advantage, told people I don't really have a plan, I'm just trying to lie low, because I just receive a heat from Jinx and people buy that. They thought I was just afraid or too scared, and they thought there's nothing really much I can do. So by using Jinx's last words as my advantage, I was able to down play my threat level, and with my connection with MJ and Clefford I was able to be on the right side of numbers. And that's how I was able to put myself on a good position moving forward. Because of Jinx last words, another thing I learned is that I need stop trying to connect with people on emotional level if I don't have a plan of working with them. I notice how badly I have hurt Jinx, because I have tried to connect with them. And that's the reason why I decided not to connect with  Evangelina and Cliftone at merge. For me at that point, with the transparent twist, the line has been drawn. Their was a majority of 7 and there was the other side who did not vote for Navi. I was already planning to move forward with the majority of 7, so trying to connect with Evangelina and Cliftone at this point would just be trying to play their emotions. Knowing myself, it would be hard for me not to hear them out and I would probably be convince to be with them and then I would have a delimma on what to do. And I would just be giving myself a hard time of voting them out anyway. Although, of course I would have responded if they message me, like how DJ, Els and Julia, but at that point, I don't want to message them first if there is nothing I can offer to them, I don't want to play with their emotions by giving them false hope.So at the first few rounds after the merge, I played an under the radar game, manage to keep my threat level low, and just trying to go with the majority. After Navi, Evangelina and Cliftone get voted out, that's when I started to make my way unto the top. At this point, I have the majorityof 7 alliance, I have my alliance with Dominique, Adeline and I, I am on MJ's good side, I have a connection with Ava and of course my alliance with Dominique and Clefford. I wanted  DJ as my one one one alliance outside of the 7. I did try to keep DJ as long as I can, but at final 10, I don't want Ava and Adeline to feel left out of the 7, because from the Navi, Evangelina and Cliftone vote, they were pretty quite. So at final 10 I want them to have a voice, and unfortunately that round Julia is immune so the choices are either Els and DJ. Adeline and Ava wanted to keep Els, and wanted DJ gone. Clefford also wanted DJ gone, because apparently MJ got DJ too. When I learned that DJ and MJ also got a one on one alliance, that is when I decided I got to let go of DJ. Voting DJ out that round is a very good move for me personally on a multiple reasons, 1. MJ is now one army less, 2. We got to keep Ava and Adeline feeling secured with the majority of 7 and 3. I wanted to spread the word that Ava, Adeline and Els might be working together because why else would Ava and Adeline choose Els to be safe? It is important for me that people think that Ava, Els and Adeline might be working together, so that we could target them next. Because all I want is a final six of me, Clefford, Dominique, MJ, Zukiswa and Adeline, so that Dominique and I can I a choice wheter we go with Adeline or Clefford for our final 3.So after DJ got voted out, I get to my mission on planting seed to everyone of the Ava, Els and Adeline allaince. So at final 9, MJ, Zukiswa, Clefford, Dominique and I decided to blindside Ava and Adeline and vote out Els. Soon after that Adeline quits unfortunately, so I have to adopt my plan, with Adeline quitting, I have to have another spare ally on final six other than Dominique and Clefford, I just blindsided Ava so it I did not think I could pull Ava on my side again. Fortunately, I was lucky enough I was able to connect with Ava again. It was a perfect timing too, cause MJ have already notice what I am doing and now they are trying to blind side me. Luckily, Ava told me they indeed have a plan to blindside me, so in that round, I assured Clefford and Dominique they can trust me so they will be more inclined on keeping me. I survive that round, and Julia got voted out instead. With my social connections to Dominique, Clefford and Ava, I was given another life in this game.At final 6, I have to admit this is the round where I didn't have much power on what happened during tribal. For me at that point, I would have rather vote out Zukiswa, cause I was trying to keep Ava until Final 4. Because for me, my best combination of final 4 so I would have the best chance getting to the end was Ava, me, Dominique and Clefford. Unfortunately, Clefford and Dominique decided they are going to blindside Ava instead. At that point, it would have seem that my game is coming to an end as I am the only person who have not voted Ava out. But I learned to adopt my game, told Clefford and Dominique, it was fine. I told them that their Ava move is brilliant, so they would not feel that I am indifferent with them. And to prove that I am still good with them, I took another calculated risk in this game. I gave Dominique 10 of my coins so we would be able to purchase the ink ribbon advantage which turns out to be an idol. And then I also gave Clefford 8 coins to purchase another advantage which is the Safety Without Power advantage. As I have said earlier, for me coins are the currency of trust in this game, so by giving them my coins I am saying, I trust you and you can trust me. So at Final 5, me, Clefford and Dominique have an idol and a Safety without Power advantage. Clefford have been working double agent at this point, thus this is how we know what Zukiswa and MJ have. So we were able to adjust our move. Another risk I took at this round, which I would say is the biggest risk that I did is throwing the hand on the idol immunity challenge, because I wanted MJ to win this challenge and be there at Final 4. Why? Because if MJ had not win that challenge, we would have voted out MJ at that round, and the final 4 would have been Zukiswa, Dominique, Clefford and I. I feel like, Clefford and Dominique might be more inclined on going with Zukiswa at FTC over me, specially becuase people are now starting to realize that I am actually playing this game. So when Clefford told me he only got around 4 hours, I drop my challenge as well at around 4 hours, in fact Clefford even suggested that I sabotage MJ's game by calling her. Which I did not do, because again, I wanted MJ to be at the final 4. And yes I do have a plan if in case MJ won the final immunity. I took the risk of having MJ at final four because I know the odds that the next challenge would be another endurance challenge is low, and me, Dominique and Clefford have 75% chance on winning the next immunity challenge specially because we have different skillset. I also make sure to let Dominique and Clefford knows that, we have different skillset to remind them that they would need me in case the final immunity challenge is another sort of puzzle, so they have to take me at final 4 to help them beat MJ. Which i confirmed later on, that there was a point where Dominique and Clefford were thinking of taking Zukiswa to final 4 instead of me. By throwing the final 5 challenge, I was able to maximize my chances on going to FTC. Mj won that round, Zukiswa got voted out, and at final 4, everyone's eyes are set on MJ. And then Clefford won the final immunity, and that's how I made it here on the Final Tribal Council.At the start of this game, I planted my social connections with Dominique, MJ, and Clefford. At merge I make sure I am on the right side of the votes and make sure to manage my threat level, at final 5 I make my move and here I am at the end. I made calculated risk, I was able to adopt with the twists, and I was able to outplay, outwit and outlast.Thank you so much for your time, Jury. And again it was an honor to have played this game with all of you.

~

Clefford: Hey, Jury! Let me introduce myself again to all of you. I’m Clefford Rimandiman Millos, 20, from the Philippines. I had no expectations coming into this game. Really. I only wanted to make this game more interesting. Some of you probably don’t know that MJ and Zuki are in a alliance. I, myself, created this alliance because I know that they’re the right people to align myself with. Why them? Because the 3 of us being the people with color would naturally have the instinct to protect and trust each others. We were a low-key alliance and work discreetly. Pre-merge, I will probably say that I was a reckless player. Keeping the Umbrella Tribe strong by strategizing on how we will do the challenges, and that’s one of the reason that in every tribal, my name was on the parchment. The moment I realized that people see me as a threat, coming to Merge, laying low was the key for me and started to work discreetly. Being in alliance with MJ, it actually scares me because you’re giving all the credits to her for the moves that we collaborative done. In the Merge, I keep threats in the game to used them as my meatshield. Specially Julia. In the F10, it’s only between Els and Julia. I know the LMAO alliance (Majority 7: Adeline, Ariel, Ava, Dominique, MJ, Zuki, and myself), wanted Julia because she’s a threat. Julia’s so committed in every challenges and her determination made her a threat in this game. So people wanted her out, specially Dom and MJ. But I don’t want that. I had to keep her around to keep MJ busy. So, I had to opportunity to saved her because we were the paired in Pairs Twist. I told the LMAO alliance that MJ and I had to do poorly in the immunity challenge since we were both paired in the people in the minority. I with Julia and MJ with DJ. But I know that I had to win that immunity to save Julia and keep her longer and also to separate DJ to MJ, because she wanted to keep DJ. I want her to stick in our alliance with Zuki and depend only to it. F8 was one of the hardest decision for me, because the focus now was to Els. I created a bond with her that even though we were on the different side of every votes, we still want to protect each other. But, I had to break Ava and Adeline to her, so even if it pained me, I still had to.At F7, MJ decided to vote for Ariel without my knowledge. We were supposed to do Julia now. I was shocked by the decision, because I already voted for Julia and I realized that she convinced Julia and Zuki to vote for Ariel. But thank god, I told Ava that we should do Julia. So the votes were 4-3. Sorry, MJ. But I have to keep Ariel, because BREAKING NEWS: We’re friends in real life. He’s actually the one who invited me to join this ORG. We never told anyone about this, just now. Surprise! Hahaha! Before we go to the most critical move that I made in this game, let me just brag the advantages that I brought in this game. Whenever I have enough coins to buy something in the shop, I purchase it. 1. With 5 coins only, I got a Extortion Advantage, where I can extort someone coins and they have to give them or they’ll lose a vote in FTC. When we got swapped, MJ and Zuki were in Tyrant. Ariel and I were in Golgotha. But I have to ears in Progenitor. So I used this advantage to Navi to know if she and Evan are really working together. Navi didn’t gave me coins, it means that she’s comfortable and that tells me that they’re really working together by voting Hunter out. So in the Merge, we had to eliminate them.2. When I collected 5 coins again, I immediately purchased an item and I got a 5% advantage for the next challenge. That was so amazing because that really helped me to win the Great Minds Think Alike immunity challenge in Pairs Twist round and abled to save Julia. 3. When I got 7 coins again, I brought another advantage which was Spade Key, a coin revealer which I used against Ava. They was the target at F5 and I just want to be wary if they has an advantage of not. But luckily, it revealed that they have 15 coins which means that they hasn’t buy anything yet on the shop. But honestly, voting Ava out was hard for me. I like they so much, but I got to stick with my alliance. With MJ keeps on being a larger threat, I resurfaced the alliance that I created with Dom in Golgotha Tribe. Zuki and MJ didn’t know that I’m secretly with Dom and Ariel. So at F5, the round where I made my biggest move. I stepped back and see the bigger picture. I had to figure out on who to bring in FTC with me, so that I can win. I decided that I can’t afford to sit with MJ and Zuki in FTC because we’ve been working together since Day 1 and it would be hard for me to separate my game from them . Specially that MJ is a big threat and she’s the only people that is visible to Jury’s eyes. It’s now the time to take out MJ, but shocking, we won immunity again. So we’re doing Zuki. Oh, god. I hate this. I love her so much. To execute this plan, I have to organized a lot of things. I asked Ariel that we should buy I believe the item #20 on the shop. We got an idol! Now, Dom’s safe. But you’re probably asking why don’t I just vote with Dom and Ariel, because that’s 3-2? No. I have to still vote with MJ and Zuki so that I can spate myself with the damage control on MJ if she knows that I’m with Dom and Ariel. And also, if she knows that she’s alone in F4, she’ll do everything she can to do the challenge. It’s 2x motivation. I had to make sure that the votes will go to Dom not Ariel because she has an idol. To eliminate Zuki, I must know first that she don’t have any advantage on her. And she had! But it’s a Advantage Revealer where she can use it against someone and know the number of advantages that someone have. At that point, I brought something on the shop for 15 coins, it’s a Safety Without Power Advantage (the 4th Advantage that I got). I had to give it to Ariel so that when Zuki used her advantage on Ariel, they’ll know that Ariel have something and that’s scary. So I managed to sway the votes to Dom and tell Dom to use her advantage because Zuki and MJ are voting for her. And it was successful. Zuki is out, and I’m still safe both in the both and in Zuki and MJ’s eyes. But here, I’m telling everyone. I just thought that I have to be honest and present everything I have. At F4, I know that I have to win the FIC not MJ to complete this masterpiece. And I did. MJ’s out and said that she’s voting for Ariel. I actually expect her to understand my move and realized that people don’t want her to sit in FTC because she’s winning. So I had to jump in the other alliance that I made. I’m so sorry. :’’(

~

Dom: Jury! Thank you for taking the time to listen. You all had such a huge impact on my game and I'm so thankful for all of you. Throughout this game, I played very much behind the scenes. Things I have planned since day one still stand today and it's because of my loyalty, alliance, and resilience that I sit in the final tribal council. Many play a very up front in your face type of game and I knew going into it, majority of the time that is what gets you voted out. I knew I had to make moves, as the time to do so is always in the moment and those were the moves I made. In the beginning, I had to feel my way in to know who I would pair with to make it to the end. Those tw were adeline and ariel. Through loyalty, I proved that to ariel who sits with me today from tribe to tribe. Right before the merge I solidified my trust with clefford to make it through the merge. I kept my loyalty in my votes with him and ariel and solidified a good final three even though it wasn't easy. But wait challenges are also a thing and you only won one? You are correct. I win when I have to. I kept myself out of threats way by nearly coming in the middle almost every time. I never planned to be at the top with the individual challenges because in the end, it's a license to vote you out. To make it further, I had to solidify my place by not being a threat in the moment, which might be a bigger threat as I sit here. Being labeled a stunt master, I did what I had to do in this round and my few words of choice worked as I played an idol to save myself. I also had enough trust with ariel that he would give me the coins needed to purchase this idol and keep it for myself. And this is where I sit today. I would love to be crowned sole survivor as I've played a great game, gained trust, won when I had to to further my game. 

[sampoststuff]

Sugar sugar sugar pills

Oh, give me something more for my wild imagination

Sugar sugar sugar pills

Tell me that you’re more than a sick fascination 

Also in case anyone's interested, I’m putting the original drawings I used to make the gif in the “Keep Reading” section.

[gladerwolfstarkimagines]

The Date: Azula x reader series part three

You and Azula are moving from strength to strength in your relationship and growing closer every day. Then Ozai get’s wind his daughter is dating a woman and he can’t have that. Will Azula let him take you from her or will she stand up to him and face the consequences?

Part one here

Part two here

_____

For your third date you weren’t as full of ideas. You felt like your first two dates had been very public and flashy so wanted to do something more intimate...something a bit more personal but you weren’t sure what. Then it came to you. You’d cook a meal for Azula!

You knew as Princess Azula had all her meals made for her but thought you doing it yourself in your home might make it more meaningful. So you made sure everyone was out of the house and would be away for a while and planned your date with Azula. When the day arrived you were very prepared and sprang into action. You knew your way around a kitchen and spent much of the morning prepping and cooking the menu you’d stressed tirelessly over. You laid the dining table with your best tablecloth and brought out your finest table ornaments. You cleaned the whole house and ended with lighting some candles around the room. 

When Azula arrived she smiled shyly with a bottle of wine in hand. "I hear it's polite to bring wine to dinner parties". You smiled kissing her cheek "it is, thank you very much. We will have it with the mains". You brought Azula into the house and she blinked "wow". Small tealights occupied the surfaces giving off a warm yellow glow. The table looked even better than the ones at the palace done by professionals. The food smelled wonderful and Azula could see the effort you’d gone to. "This all looks amazing and something smells amazing, what are we having?". You smiled "all will be revealed but how about some starters?".

As you were finishing eating you explained the evening plans you’d prepared.    "So I have a few ideas but i’m flexible. If you're full we could curl up by the fire or we could sit outside in our garden by the pond and watch the turtle ducks or perhaps even go for a walk in the park...". Azula shivered "the outside is very cold tonight...so perhaps not that?". You nodded "of course, is there anything you’d like to do?". Azula paused and she watched you clean away the plates. "I have no clue how you did all of this y/n. You're very skilled". "Flatterer" you teased and she shook her head "not at all, I'm deadly serious. I've never cooked in my life and although I’m sure I would master it quickly I admit it does look very difficult". You paused "wait wait...you've never cooked in your life? Ever?". Azula shook her head "well of course not. In case it’s escaped your notice y/n I'm the princess". "That could never escape my notice" you smiled at her "but that does tell me exactly what we’re going to do tonight". Azula paused utterly confused as to where this was going "what?". "Baking of course!" you grinned. Azula hesitated and you smiled "no objections. You'll love it, I know you will!". Azula frowned "but what will we make?". "How about some bread?" you asked "it's a pretty simple recipe, great for first-time bakers". Azula shrugged "fine..." and you grinned tossing her an apron.

Under your watchful eye the assembly of the bread was going very well. You were keen to make Azula do as much as possible, partly because you wanted her to learn but mainly because she was following all your orders without question and you’d never seen Azula take anyone’s commands before. It was endearing to know she trusted you so much and you didn’t want it to end. "Okay so next step before we leave it to prove, do you know how to knead?" you asked and Azula shot you a look. "Okay no problem just do as i do" you said showing Azula with a small piece of dough. Azula watched before trying to copy and you winced "not so much pinching, try using your palms not your fingers". "I am using my palms" Azula replied and you shot her a smile "yeah...not so much". Azula sighed "well i think i am". "Here" you said reaching around her and putting your hands over hers. You showed her the movements and Azula smirked "this was your plan all along wasn’t it?". You turned your head to find Azula face right in front of yours and paused momentarily stunned. "No but now I'm here...". You kissed Azula softly and she responded immediately kissing you back. The way Azula responded when you kissed her was your favourite thing. You could tell she was getting more experienced at the act and her confidence was growing with every single kiss.  Azula turned suddenly to get better access to you and reached out for your face...forgetting she’d just been baking. You pulled away, laughing, as flour-coated your face and Azula’s eyes widened "I didn’t mean to do that". The look of shock on Azula’s face made you smile and you assured her it was okay "it’s fine, I'll wash it, off. Carry, on kneading the dough and I'll be back". When you returned the dough was done and you praised Azula’s skill. You placed it in a bowl with clingfilm over it and set a timer. "So now we wait?" Azula asked and you nodded "yes for it to double in size". Azula looked at the dough over your shoulder "and what will we do in that time i wonder..." she asked toying with a piece of your hair. You smirked looking at her "promise you’ve got no flour on your hands this time?". "Nope" Azula said flashing you her clean ones and you smiled. "Good" and pulled her towards you. Azula wasted no time getting comfortable once more and she wrapped her arms around you to get a good angle. Kissing Azula felt really nice. She was much more confident than that day in the forest but you could also tell she was doing this solely because she wanted to unlike that day in the festival. Azula seemed to be enjoying it too and she suddenly leaned on you too much making you overbalance and fall over the back onto the sofa. You laughed as you landed on the sofa and Azula looked at you in shock. "You did that on purpose didn’t you?" you asked. Azula smirked "no I didn’t but that does look comfier". She leapt over the sofa landing beside you and seated herself right next to you "now where were we?".

The timer rang far too soon and you, with resistance, disentangled yourself from Azula and resumed baking. Once the bread was cooked you ate it while it was still warm from the oven, curled up together in front of the fire. It was a pretty wonderful date and you didn’t even have to leave your home once. Perfection.

That evening

Azula returned home later, leftovers of the bread you’d made together in her hands. You’d wrapped it all up for her insisting she take her first masterpiece home and Azula smiled at the memory of tonight. She felt happy. As if she was lighter and everything looked nicer. She couldn’t remember ever feeling like this. Not before Zuko was banished and certainly not when her mother was here and the family was “whole”. Not even as a child did she recall feeling this weightless and she liked the sensation. She finally felt at ease and content in her life...so of course something had to ruin it.  

The minute Azula stepped into the palace a guard stepped forwards. "Princess your father has asked to speak with you". Azula paused "now?". It was very late but the guard just nodded and offered no further detail. "Very well" Azula agreed and followed him to her father’s study. Azula was shown inside and Ozai commanded the guard to leave. Her father’s face gave away nothing but then again it never did. "Azula" Ozai said in greeting "come" and he walked to the far side of the room away from the door. So he didn’t want to be overheard Azula worked out. Whatever he wanted to say it wanted it to remain private. Ozai stopped and looked at her "I hear you've been misbehaving". Azula paused, she was what? Never in her life had she been the child Ozai had to discipline, what was he talking about? "Well perhaps acting foolishly would be more accurate?" he admitted. Azula paused "I'm sorry Sir but I don't know what you mean". Ozai rolled his eyes "don’t lie to me I know you were with her tonight". Azula froze as it sunk in "y/n?". Ozai nodded "I know you've been dating her and I can’t believe how idiotic you’re being. It’s bad enough you’re one of them but for you to indulge your indecency, do you not care about your country at all?". Azula was utterly perplexed. She struggled for words but Ozai carried on "obviously not considering you would debase us all by dating a woman". Azula frowned "but you kept same-sex partnerships legal". Ozai rolled his eyes "yes to placate the gay community. It was a tolerance I was required to give not one I did willingly. So to find out my own daughter is one of them...I am very disappointed". Azula blinked. She was always aware the Firenation’s treatment of LGBTQIA+ people starting from her grandfather’s reign was more of a tolerance than anything but she had no idea it would affect her. She’d always been proud of her identity and figured nobody would ever try and stop her from expressing it. Apparently not. "You are lucky I heard of this before others did" Ozai snapped "I can do damage control. I will fire all of y/n’s staff and any of your guards from your field trip. You will of course not see her again and when the time comes, accept the suitable man I choose for you. Then you will do your wifely duties and provide an heir should anything happen to your brother". Azula blinked taking this all in. Finally she found her voice "but I don’t want to". 

Those five words were the most rebellious thing Azula had ever done and the effect was vivid. 

Ozai jumped as if she’d burned him. "Don’t want to?" he asked in disbelief. Azula swallowed "I don’t like men and the only person I'm happy with is y/n. I don’t want to lose her". Ozai laughed cruelly "you think your partnering will be for love? I thought you were smarter than that, what have your tutors been teaching you? Nobody marries for love Azula. Even peasants make matches for a cow, farm or some other worthless bargain. Every marriage, every courtship, every relationship is done because there is something to gain. Perhaps some fools believe themselves to be in love but there is always an advantage which is the real reason for the match. In your case the advantage will be the main event. You will marry whoever I say whenever I say to because you are my daughter and it is my right. I see i’ve been too frivolous in that aspect now but I mean to correct it. Now get out of my sight and hide away from me for a while if you know what's good for you". Azula rushed from the room and didn’t let herself stop until she was in her room and the door locked. Then she looked down at her hands and realised she’d been shaking so much she’d destroyed the bread you’d made together. It was fitting really all things considered.  The next week Azula did as her father said and hid away from him. She knew his schedule off by heart since she was 5 so it was surprisingly easy. Apparently it was Zuko’s she hadn’t paid much attention to. Azula walked into the living room hoping to grab some supplies before returning to her room to find you sitting there talking to Mai and Zuko. She knew through Mai you saw Zuko quite frequently and classed him as a friend which surprisingly never bothered her. Perhaps it was the fact you were gay assured her you’d never be compromised in terms of loyalty or the fact all you seemed to do was tease Zuko endlessly.

As was the case today. You had your back to her and were poking fun at Zuko who protested profoundly. Mai was smiling slightly enjoying the show and she noticed Azula first. Mai looked up and nodded "hey". You and Zuko turned too and a smile broke onto your face. "Azula! Just the girl I wanted to see". Azula smiled softly but didn’t reply. She hadn’t brought herself to break up with you yet but she knew she had to. She’d figured she’d tell you face to face but the moment she looked at you she knew that wouldn't be possible. She wouldn’t be able to look you in the eyes while she lied and said she just didn’t like you anymore.  

She moved to the far side of the room and heard you follow. "So how’s your day been?" you asked. Azula glanced at you "fine". You paused "that's good...when you stopped showing up for training I got worried". Azula hadn’t left her room all week and obviously going to her regular training sessions with you was out of the question. "I'm fine I’ve just been busy this week that’s all". You nodded "ah the burdens of being an intelligent princess! What’s the work about?". "Nothing" Azula said sharply and you hesitated. "I'm sorry I'm just rather tired and talked out right now" Azula sighed "i’m just going to go to my room and sleep". You nodded "of course! Go, you need rest and I'll never get in the way of that. Have a good sleep" you smiled and pecked Azula’s cheek before disappearing back to Zuko and Mai. Azula made it to her room before letting her mask fall. She set the plate of food she’d gathered down knowing there’s no way she’d be able to eat it now. She had to break up with you. So she grabbed a piece of paper and some ink and decided to get it over with. She knew she’d have no appetite once she’d managed it. 

Your POV "Serves me right I guess" you shrugged "I've been a serial dater and dumped my fair share of girls. Now I know how it feels" you sighed. You’d gotten Azula’s note while you were still in the palace. Ty lee had joined the four of you and they’d all seen the way your expression dropped when you read the note. 

It was still pretty raw so you were just thinking out loud but your friends weren’t just going to agree with everything you said. Mai frowned in thought "but see that's the thing, it doesn't make any sense! Azula was into you...so much so I couldn’t believe it when I first saw her around you. So for her to change her mind so rapidly...I'd guess she got cold feet but even that doesn't seem right". Ty lee nodded and Zuko hummed. "What?" Mai asked turning to him and Zuko sighed "nothing I don’t want to stir the pot". "No what is it?" you asked. Zuko frowned "well it might be nothing but after the date at yours last week my father asked to see Azula. I was surprised because it was so late, I only knew about it because I saw Azula come out of his office at such a late hour. I have no idea what he said to her but she did look shaken when she left...perhaps it was about you?". Your eyes widened "is your father homophobic?". Zuko chuckled bitterly "I've personally heard him use offensive slurs and look down on same-sex couples so that’s a definite yes". "Wow...so has he ever mistreated Azula before for being gay?" Ty lee asked. Zuko paused "not that I'm aware of but I don’t think that’s been a choice, more he just didn’t know her orientation. He hardly notices us or thinks of us as people worth connecting with. He didn’t know I was dating Mai until it had been...what 3 years?" Zuko asked and Mai nodded in confirmation. "So I think he heard Azula was dating you, got mad and forbid her from dating you. Atleast that's my guess". You frowned "it's a nice scenario that protects my ego but what's the odds of it being true? Azula just probably didn’t like me or thought I wasn’t high ranking enough". Zuko frowned "I don’t think so". Ty lee nodded "yeah Azula is very susceptible to other people’s opinions so I think she was definitely influenced and who influences her the most? Ozai". Mai nodded "it's true, it has to be him! It explains all the abnormalities too well not to be". You sighed "okay but say it is true then what can I do? Her father’s the Firelord. He could have her punished or have me killed...it’s too dangerous to expect Azula to risk herself like that. We all know what Ozai can be like". Everyone glanced at Zuko without meaning to but he nodded "I agree...as sad as it is, other than letting Azula know you're still here for her and care about her until the heat dies down and my father forgets...you may have to keep some distance". You bit your lip unhappily but nodded.

2 Months Later

You’d never been so grateful for your friends as you felt in those passing months. You gave Azula the space she needed but that didn’t make it any easier, you spent most of your time dreaming up ways of assassinating the Firelord so Azula would be free to be who she was. Mai and Ty lee helped distract you or just stayed with you on your down days and you made sure they were all doing the same for Azula. You even managed to convince Zuko to take Azula sparring when you’d heard she hadn’t left her room for a while. Your friends were amazing and you loved them so much but every time you saw the palace or heard someone mention the Firelord your anger and sadness came back. You’d do anything to fix the situation but had no idea what you could do.

Azula’s POV

Azula stormed out of her father’s study furiously. He was absent yet again and had conveniently forgotten to tell her the meeting had fallen through. He’d been doing this a lot, not telling her meeting her cancelled just to prove how beneath him she was. It was a petty ploy to punish her and show she’d fallen from favour with him.

As if that wasn’t bad enough who had he been pushing her to interact with? Naojun. The general nearly double her age who her father had told her about. Apparently he was to be her husband, if he liked her that was. So her father had been commanding her places all so Naojun could eye her and decide if he wanted a rich, beautiful, powerful princess well out of his league for a wife. Apparently his one doubt was her personality and Azula was honestly just surprised the man knew women had them, apparently the misogyny hadn’t spread that far yet. Either way Azula despised the match but she couldn’t outright reject it. So she just showed Naojun enough contempt to keep him questioning but not enough that her father might punish her. It was a dangerous game and Azula was soon losing the strength to care. 

These past two months had been awful. Before she knew what it was to be happy she just got through life not contemplating if she was enjoying it. However now, she was acutely aware of what being cared for felt like and she missed it. She missed you deeply and your face was always the last one in her mind before she went to sleep. She’d become a ghost haunting the palace. None of her past vigour had survived her break up with you, she wasn’t even sure what she was doing anymore. What was the point in anything? Her mind would spiral like this endlessly leaving her feeling worse and worse every time. 

Azula’s mind had gotten so conflicted she’d lost her usual impeccable standards, so much so she almost walked right into a person in the corridor. They were carrying several large boxes and appeared to be struggling. Azula wasn’t going to help but then a door opened and crashed into the person sending them flying. The nobel didn’t even bother to look back and nodded to Azula before striding away. Azula watched the figure on the floor and approached. Despite her usual instincts she called out “are you hurt?” and then froze. It was you. Your face looked up at her from the floor. 

Your POV

You didn’t spend much time at the palace for obvious reasons anymore but Zuko promised you Azula would be in meetings all day so there was no chance you’d run into her. Of course that wasn’t the case.

You’d stepped out of Zuko’s room for two seconds to help him move some boxes from storage (yes Ozai had moved all of Zuko’s things into storage once he’d been banished and made Zuko move them back himself). Zuko got sidetracked and not wanting to make two trips you carried all the boxes in one go. It had been going well, you’d lost all feeling in your arms but you hadn’t dropped a single box, then a dick crashed into you and didn’t even stop to help. You were lying on the floor when you heard a voice. You blinked and there Azula was. 

She physically jumped when she saw it was you and your reaction was similar. You shot to your feet, heart beating rapidly as you backed away from one another nervously. “Y/n...I had no idea that was you” Azula babbled. You nodded “yeah I had no idea it was you either...”. You couldn’t help but look around anxiously and Azula followed your gaze stepping back slightly. “Do you need help?” she asked gesturing to your situation and you shook your head “i’ll be fine, I just won’t tell Zuko I dropped his stuff on the floor”. Azula nodded “that...sounds best”. She made no move to run off so you decided to try reaching out to her “so how are you? You look well”. That was a lie. The first thing you’d noticed was Azula had lost a lot of weight and there were bags under her eyes. It pained you to see her like this but you also knew she was very proud so you didn’t let her know you recognised she was slipping. Azula nodded “I’m well. Just busy working for my father...you know how it is”. You nodded “of course”. Azula nodded “how are you?”. “I’m good thanks, kind of miss you kicking my ass every day in training but I get you need space so it’s fine”. Azula’s eyes widened as you mentioned the elephant in the room but by the end of your sentence she’d relaxed. “Thank you” she said and then coughed to stop her voice from breaking. “No problem” you smiled and Azula met your gaze and held it. You didn’t break away and Azula looked down first “so I should be going...”. You nodded “I get it. It was good seeing you. I know you want distance and that’s fine but I want you to know I’m here for you Azula. If you need anything, i’ll always be here for you”. Azula paused and just stared at you as if trying to sense the truth of your words. You weren’t sure what she found but she suddenly looked away as if scolded. “Thank you but I won’t be needing that” she replied and walked away. You watched her go and sighed. There was nothing you could do but have faith she’d be okay. Somehow. 

Azula’s POV

Azula rounded the corner from you and collapsed against the wall, breathing heavily. That encounter had been very difficult and the fact it was so unexpected made it worse. If she knew she’d be seeing you today she could’ve built up her walls and been ready but that hadn’t happened. She’d stumbled across you, been meters away from you and stared into those beautiful eyes without any of her armour. Azula thought her pain had been bad before but it was so much worse now. The painful pang had been renewed and all of her emotions threatened to overwhelm her again. Azula took in a breath and tried to stop them but she couldn’t. Her sadness, her anger, her loneliness, her rage, they all rose up and she buried her face in her hands. Why did she have to see you again? Would every time she saw you be this painful? Azula had endured abusive teachers, severe burns, words as sharp as knives, a loveless childhood and countless bruises, dislocations and bone breaks but seeing you, the pain she felt right now, that was the worst feeling Azula had ever experienced. 

Then everything got worse as Zuko rounded the corner. “Azula?” he asked, genuine shock in her voice at having caught her crying. “Go away” Azula snapped turning away. She went to retreat down the corridor but remembered you were that way so she just stayed with her back to Zuko. “Are you okay”? Zuko tried again and Azula glared “I don’t want you of all people here so go away! Know when you’re not wanted”. “Is this about y/n? You saw her didn’t you”. “Of course I did because you brought her here!” Azula cried “was this your plan all along? A plot to imbalance me and suck up to father?”. “Of course not!” Zuko snapped “I thought you had meetings all day with father”. “Well he cancelled” Azula spat and Zuko nodded. “I didn’t know that... I like you and y/n I wouldn’t want to hurt either of you in that way. She’s struggling just as much as you”. “I am not struggling I’m fine! She means nothing to me!” Azula cried out. Zuko chuckled dryly “well that is obviously not true. I know you care about her more than you’ve cared for anyone and I know father is the reason you broke it off with her”. Azula was never one to give things away but the four-second delay before she replied told Zuko he was correct, no matter how hard she tried to deny it. “You can’t obey him on this Azula, it’s making you miserable and nothing good can come from it! I’ve heard about Naojun Azula, even if you scared him off there will always be another man father has lined up. You can’t just ignore those feelings for y/n Azula, trust me I’ve tried suppressing feelings. It never works in the long run”. “How would you know?” Azula snapped “you have no idea what it’s like to be in my situation. To have your own father tell you to your face he’s disgusted by you and hates your people. You have no clue what i’m going through or what I’m capable of”. Zuko raised his hands “you’re right. I have no idea how painful homophobia is and I know you’re capable of almost anything my point is just because you can force yourself to do something doesn’t mean you should. You deserve to be happy Azula, father can’t force you to do something like this. It’s wrong and will just hurt everyone involved”. “So what do I do then?” Azula cried “I’ve thought of everything Zuko and I’m stuck. I can’t fight father on my own”. Zuko nodded “well what if you weren’t alone?”. 

1 day later

“You ready to do this?” Zuko asked looking at Azula who nodded, determination in her eyes. “Let’s do it”. 

Azula knocked on the door before yanking it open and striding inside. Ozai looked up from his throne and frowned. He loved putting his children at each other’s throats so seeing them together was not pleasing. “Father I need to speak with you” Azula called. Ozai raised an eyebrow but sat up straighter “think carefully about whatever it is you are going to say, I am not in a joking mood”. “Nor am I” Azula agreed “i’m here to tell you I will not let you decide my life for me. If I choose to marry at all it will be a woman of my choice and I will date whoever I like. I won’t let you rule me in this way. It’s not right or fair and I won’t allow it”. Ozai chuckled “you think you have a choice? You are mine you stupid girl. A daughter belongs to her father and must obey him on all matters”. “Maybe 200 years ago but not anymore” Azula glared “your sexist ways are over. I won’t obey you on something like this. I am gay and I am proud of that. There is nothing wrong with who I am or how I feel about y/n and I will continue seeing her and I won’t be quiet about it”. “You seem to be forgetting who wears the crown. I could have you whipped and that girl killed just for the way you have spoken to be now”. Azula shrugged “you could but you don’t want to”. “Why?”. “Because if you do then you’ll lose us both” Zuko spoke up. Ozai narrowed his eyes on him “what do you mean by that boy. If either of you tried to run I’d have you dragged how and beaten into obedience”. “Maybe if we were alone but we’re not” Azula took over “we’re together and we have allies. We won’t be treated this way and together we’re stronger than you. You need me and you need Zuko more than we need you” Azula said strongly. “Is that so?” Ozai smiled but it was becoming more strained. “We’re your heirs, if you don’t have us then your future becomes uncertain” Zuko explained. Azula nodded “with no clear and unquestionable heir the closer you get to old age the more people will close in around you. It will be so easy to take the throne from your hands without a legitimate heir to support you. How long before someone thinks the throne will be easy to take for themselves? You’ve set a great precedent disobeying the ancient laws when you took the throne from uncle, how much more are you willing to test them?” “You insolent freak!” Ozai yelled “I will not allow a daughter of mine to partake in disturbing and morally disgusting acts! I would rather die”. “Then you’d better get on with it because we’re not moving on this!” Zuko cried. Azula nodded “I will continue dating y/n and while I won’t hide it I also won’t flaunt it. Trust me I won’t be asking to invite her to family dinners, not that we have them. I don’t expect you to embrace my lifestyle but you will respect it, you will do nothing to harm it. You will not touch y/n or her family or else Zuko and I will renounce our claim to the throne leaving you without any heirs and all alone”. “If you do I will punish you relentlessly, you won’t be safe from me anywhere”. “And you’ll have ruined yourself in the process” Zuko replied “we’re not moving on this and we’re not asking. This is how it will be”. Azula nodded “I’m not asking you for permission father, simply informing you on how matters will progress. I hope we understand one another” and with that she and Zuko turned and exited the room.

They left Ozai literally stewing in his throne and once they’d got a safe distance away from him Azula felt her legs turn to jelly. “What did we just do?” she cried “we’re going to be flayed alive”. Zuko shook his head “father won’t touch us, he knows we're stronger than him. We’ve got this so now go get your girl”. A smile graced Azula’s face but then she frowned lost in thought. “I never realised how much father needed us or how much he pitted us against one another...”. Zuko nodded “I never realised it either or how much pressure he put on you. I’m sorry for not intervening sooner, you are my younger sister I should have done something”. Azula shrugged “I’ve never needed you fighting my battles for me Zuzu...but thanks for today. I...will remember this”. Zuko smiled “I’ll let you know how you can pay your debt back to me in due time”. “You volunteered, I owe you nothing” Azula declared storming away and Zuko laughed watching her go. 

Your POV

You received a note from Mai asking you to meet her at the pier. You made your way there confused, Mai hated the beach because of the smell of the sea and sand, but her note had been very clear and specific. You were to meet her there at 6 and come alone. So you arrived and looked around for Mai. She was nowhere to be seen and you frowned, it also wasn’t like Mai to be late. You looked around but couldn’t find her anywhere, so you headed towards your trusty gondola workerYeemeh. He waved as you approached and you waved back “Hi Yeemeh”. “Good evening miss l/n, your gondola awaits as the end of the walkway”. You shook your head “thanks Yeemah but i’m not here for a boat ride, I’m supposed to be meeting my friend Mai. She’s always in black, deathly pale and wears her hair in two bunches on her head. Have you seen her?”. Yeemah frowned “well one of your friends is waiting in the gondola for you but she didn’t look like that”. You paused “what? There’s a girl waiting for me?”. Yeemah nodded “you didn’t know? She told me you knew, did I do something wrong letting her use your boat?”. You shook your head “no it’s fine, i’ll take care of it you just stay here” you said not wanting a civilian to get caught up in whatever this was. You moved your sleeves back, giving your hands full firebending movement and stepped down the pier. You saw your boat at the end and sure enough there was a figure on it. They appeared to have their back to you so you snook up on them and pounced. “Who are you and what do you want?” you yelled a hand to their throat. “To apologise but apparently you’re in a violent mood so should I come back later?” Azula choked. Your eyes widened. “Azula? What are you doing here? Are you okay?” you cried moving off her and helping her up. “I’m fine or I was until you karate chopped my throat”. You frowned “I heard there was someone on my boat and thought...wait you said you’re here to apologise?”. Azula smirked “knew that would catch your ear” before her smile vanished “y/n i’m so sorry for everything. I broke up with you without any explanation and acted like I didn’t care about you but that was all a lie. Can you give me five minutes to tell you what happened?”. “I think I know” you said cautiously “your father found out about us didn’t he”. Azula nodded “yes and he forced me to break up with you...I was a coward so I did it. I hurt you just to appease him and y/n I’m so sorry”. You shrugged “I get why you did it, I wasn’t mad at you more...upset at the whole situation. I liked you a lot Azula and I thought we were going somewhere good so it was a pretty shit turn of events”. Azula nodded “I agree, I liked you too” she said a slight blush on her cheeks “so much so that I told my father to shove his homophobia”. Your eyes widened “what?”. Azula nodded “I told him I won’t act straight and marry a man just for him. I told him I’m proud to be who I am and won’t let him censor me. I put an end to it y/n”. You gaped and began searching Azula for scorch marks “but how are you still standing? You’ve never stood up to your father before”. Azula nodded “it was difficult but Zuzu assisted me. We realised if we supported one another and rejected his tyranny together then he can’t really do anything. The heirs against the king is a pretty good match. He either lets this slide or he loses the future of the Fire Nation forever”. You stared “wow you actually teamed up with Zuko?”. Azula smiled “yes, it was torture but I managed it!” she joked “it was actually Zuzu’s idea, he said he wanted to help me...I guess he’s not the biggest piece of shit there is”. You smiled “I’d have to agree” and Azula grinned to see that beautiful expression on your face once again. You realised she was staring and looked away “so why did you come out here to tell me all this? Did you get Mai to send me that note?”. Azula nodded “I did, I wanted to do something special and was planning something but I don’t know how you do it! I brought lanterns to light but the wind blew them out, the birds were eyeing the food so I hid it and I may or may not have broken the wine glasses I brought”. You paused “Azula what exactly were you planning”. “A date” she replied bashfully staring at her feet “or well that’s the optimistic version. I was trying to show you I cared and I was sorry. So I came here because I know you love the beach. I bought a bottle of Rose Cider because I know it’s your favourite and hired the gondola for a few hours. I want you back y/n and this is my big stupid gesture that I didn’t quite get to finish” she said gesturing to the bits and pieces in the gondola. “But I guess none of that stuff really matters. Y/n I just want to tell you i’m so sorry and that I’d like to be your girlfriend again, if you’ll have me. These past few months made me realise how happy you made me and I can’t honestly remember a time I was as blissfully, stupidly happy as when I was with you. You made me feel safe and calm and whole and...loved” she said blushing “I know I was awful and treated you so poorly but I wanted to ask, if I promise to do better, would you consider giving me another chance?”. 

You were planning on making Azula sweat a bit. You’d never seen her apologise to anyone before but here she was flinging them around like firebending blasts and asking for your forgiveness. You crumbled as soon% as she said you made her feel loved and took her hand the second she stopped talking. “I forgive you and I’d love to be your girlfriend Princess Azula”. “Really?” Azula gaped before composing herself “just like that?”. You smirked “yes Azula just like that. I think you’re really sorry for what you did and you’ve taken some pretty major steps, like confronting your father, to make sure it won’t happen again. I missed you too, you might’ve been the first girl I’ve ever properly fallen for so I guess you could say I’m weak when it comes to you. Always have been”. Azula grinned “then I guess we’re each other’s Achilles’ heel, we make quite a duo”. You nodded “we do” and took a step closer to her. Azula looked up at you and her blush was back but she seemed to have lost her nerves around you now. She closed the distance between you and looked up at you “so, girlfriend, how about a celebration kiss?”. You smiled “thought you’d never ask” and let Azula sweep you into a kiss. She held you against her and you smiled letting her strong arms keep you up. When you separated neither of you moved away. Azula wrapped her arm around your waist and you seized the wine bottle. “How about a toast?” you asked popping it. Azula paused “but the glasses?”. You pressed a button on the boat and a compartment opened showing two wine glasses hidden away. Azula laughed “you really are perfect”. “Well I do try” you grinned and filled the glasses. You passed one back to Azula and clinked your own against it. “To new beginnings” Azula said before you could think of a toast and you grinned .” To new beginnings” and the two of you toasted to your new chapter together.  

The end.

____

So I know Ozai made same-sex couples illegal rather than just tolerating them but that didn’t work for my plotline so I changed it!

Does it make anyone else so sad how Ozai and Ursa (90% the former) turned Azula and Zuko against one another? They should’ve been each other’s greatest allies and it makes me so sad they were enemies instead. So i fixed that! 

Thanks for all your support! Tumblr is the best :) 

[alloftheimaginesblog]

Life Without Colour (PART FIVE)

Soulmate AU: Your vision is in black and white until you meet your soulmate. You and your boyfriend, Steve Rogers, aren’t each others soulmates but you love each other. He introduces you to his friends, the Avengers, and a very odd thing happens.

Characters: Steve Rogers x Plus Size Female Reader, Bucky Barnes x Plus Size Female Reader

Note: ignore that i don’t even question bucky being able to get through security at the airport, i couldn’t think of how he would be able to get through the airport security bc of his metal arm so i’ve skipped that detail completely. i hope it doesn’t detract from the story! 

this is nearly 6000 words!

Taglist:  @domainoflostsouls​  forgetthisbull  handon-h-art  yourspecialcrush  giulsgotmusic  mrsbarnes-rogers  luosymekawa  linzeyzarcone  forgetthisbull   calamityreads  talgra   marina-darling  btsforlif  lamoursansfin  classic1985  lovesicksofi  fandomsfallnomore  thebivirgin  classygladiatorcupcake

PART ONE

PART TWO

PART THREE

PART FOUR

PART FIVE

PART SIX

Seconds turned to minutes and minutes turned to hours. You had long since stopped trying to figure out what state you were in and where you were headed. Bucky had been driving non-stop aside from two bathroom breaks at a small gas station in the middle of nowhere. You had stopped crying a long time ago, too drained and too tired to continue. You felt horrendous. You hated this, you absolutely hated this but you had no choice in the matter. The car had been silent for the whole way aside from the quiet chatter on the radio. Bucky hadn’t wanted to speak in fear of upsetting you further. He had been driving you out of state to go to an airport that would be a little harder to find. It had been Fury’s idea, to go to an airport that Hydra wouldn’t look for straight away. It gave you a little more time to get away without being watched.

You took a break from watching the blur of trees and roads to glance at the clock on the dashboard; 13:42. You hadn’t eaten yet, barely had anything to drink either and you knew that you weren’t far away from a dehydration migraine. As if on cue, your stomach rumbled loudly. Bucky, without speaking, reached behind his car seat and produced a rucksack and dumped it on your lap with a, “Here. There’s water and some snacks in there. We’ll get a proper meal when we’re at the airport.”

You dug through the bag, producing two bottles of water. You opened one and offered it to Bucky, he accepted with a nod, draining half before handing it back to you. You offered him a muffin but he shook his head. You dropped the bag to between your feet and began to have your water and muffin. It helped curb the hunger, at least for a while, and you felt a lot better once you had something in your stomach. After a while, you sank back into your seat with a yawn.

Bucky glanced over at you, “We’ve still got a few hours to drive, you can sleep if you want.” You looked at him and he gave you a small smile, “It’s okay. I’ll wake you up when we’re there.”

You thanked him quietly before closing your eyes. It didn’t take long before you fell asleep and your soft snores filled the car. Bucky looked at you for a couple of seconds, smiling to himself. Man, it’s gonna be a long few weeks.

It only felt like you’d closed your eyes for a few minutes when Bucky was saying your name, gently shaking your shoulder. Groggily, you opened your eyes to meet his blue eyes and it almost gave you a fright seeing them. Sometimes it still surprised you to see colour and especially when Bucky was around... colour seemed to be brighter and those deeper blue eyes seemed so bright in person.

“We’re here,” he said, pulling back quickly, not wanting to upset you by being too close. Bucky was very careful of boundaries, he always had been but especially after the Winter Soldier incidents. He knew what it felt like to not want to be touched or have your personal space invaded so he was always careful to not overstep.

“You’ve got the fake passports and stuff, don’t you?” You asked him, yawning and stretching in your seat.

He nodded and told you that they’re in his bag. In order to help the process of becoming anonymous, Fury had fake IDs and fake passports made for the two of you. They’d even gone so far as to create two new backstories for the pair of you just in case anyone ever questioned the pair of you. You and Bucky got out of the car, your legs ached from having sat in the car for hours upon hours. It was dark outside now, you didn’t know the time. Bucky grabbed the bags out of the car and handed you the two passports to hold. As you walked into the airport, you flicked to it. Miss Jane Smith and Mr John Smith. Two very common and obvious fake names but you hoped that it wouldn’t be picked up.

The check in process was much easier than you anticipated, the passports passed the ID checks and soon, the two of you were through security and heading for the food outlet. Bucky had told you to keep your head down for most of the time and to avoid direct eye contact with cameras. The airport was relatively quiet which was good in the sense you didn’t have to worry about people around you noticing Bucky. Bucky led you to a small café which was quiet and the two of you sat at the back. Everything was kind of passing in a blur and it only seemed like a few seconds until Bucky was back with your food.

You began to eat in silence and it was then you realised where you were going, “Estonia?” You asked quietly, making sure to not be overhead.

Bucky nodded as he took a bite of his burger, “Managed to find a secluded house, already furnished. The owner agreed to let us stay for a discounted price as well.”

“I’ve never been,” you shrugged, taking a bite of your food, “Where are we right now?”

“Pittsburg,” he said, glancing around the café to make sure no one was taking notice of the pair of you, “Steve thought it would be a good idea to leave from an airport a few hours away from New York. Hydra and Rumlow would check New York airports first once they realise you’re out of town.”

You smiled sadly as you looked down to your food. Leave it to Steve to think of everything. Bucky told you that the flight would be leaving in an hour and it would be a long ass flight but it was okay because you were exhausted and you could absolutely sleep for a good portion of the flight anyway.  

You sighed, “When can I take this stupid disguise off? I’m so uncomfortable!”

Bucky studied you carefully, “When we’re in the safe house.”

“Do I look stupid? I feel stupid.”

“You look... different. Not bad just different,” he paused before speaking again, “I prefer you as you are though, without the wig, contacts and flashy clothes. I think you look much better when you’re being yourself.”

You didn’t know how to respond to that with anything other than a nod. It felt foreign and wrong to receive a compliment from him, even though it was a genuine, friendly compliment, it felt wrong. The two of you didn’t say much after that.

After eating, you and Bucky went to get some plane snacks. You grabbed some water and some treats, you also wandered to the book section and picked up a book. As you were walking to the books, you saw a little boy and girl pass wearing matching Captain America t-shirts. Your breath caught in your throat as you watched them pass. It seemed to hit you in that moment that this was real and this was truly happening.

“(y/n)?” Bucky asked appearing behind you.

You turned to him, “Sorry... I just can’t believe this is happening.” 

Bucky nodded before gesturing to the check out, “Let’s get this all checked out and then hopefully we’ll be able to go to our departure gate.” He didn’t really know how to help you without overstepping or potentially upsetting you. He didn’t want you to get upset in public so he thought that he could keep you distracted and that would help ease your worries. It helped, having him there to guide you and distract you from possible sad thoughts helped a lot actually.

You found your airplane seats quick, the two of you were bang smack in the middle and you were both in a two seater section. Bucky let you go in first, saying that he preferred not to look out of the window when taking a flight. You sunk into it, keeping your head down and wrapping your arms around yourself to get warmer. As Bucky sat beside you, tapping his foot and his hand on the armrest impatiently, you looked at him curiously, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” Bucky said, “Just... not a big fan of flying.”

You pulled out the magazines which were in the pocket of the chair in front of you and handed him them, “I find that reading the safety procedures always helps. Also reading the magazine where you can just check out the meal deals and the perfume deals help a bit.”

Bucky took them off of you and began to flick through them. In the meantime, you closed your eyes. As the plane began to move, Bucky tensed beside you and you opened your eyes to look at him, his hands were clenched around the arms of the chair, jaw clenched too.

“Hey, show me that,” you said, sitting up straighter and pointing to the magazine. He looked at you and then handed it to you. Bucky had been helping you out by distracting you from being sad, the least you could do is distract him from being anxious. You leaned over, probably a little closer than you would’ve felt comfortable with in normal circumstances. Bucky stiffened as he smelled your perfume when you came closer. You took no notice of the closeness.

“Look at that!” You said, pointing to the menu that they were offering that night on the flight, “What would you have?” Bucky shrugged and you rolled your eyes, “C’mon. I’d have the chicken curry and the cheese and ham panini and then I would absolutely have the tiramisu afterwards. What about you?” You held it closer to him for him to study.

“Uh... I mean, I suppose the lasagne sounds nice. The breaded mushrooms too, I like those. Never had tiramisu but it sounds nice enough so I’d give that a go too.”

“No way,” you said shaking your head, “I would order the tiramisu and you would order the chocolate and raspberry mousse and we’d share them both.”

Bucky snorted slightly, “Sure thing, whatever you want.”

You flicked through more of the pages, “Ooooh,” you said noticing the deals on the perfumes, “I love airplane and airport deals. I only ever buy my perfume from duty free, honestly. No point in buying it full price anywhere else.”

“I still find it crazy that there’s a shop on an airplane.”

You nodded, “I mean, it’s pretty weird but I’m not complaining about the deals. Some of the stuff you can buy is so bizarre though. I was on this flight once, going on holiday with my family when I was younger, and they were selling t-shirts with a picture of the airplane we were in on them saying ‘I rode in this plane and all I got was this lousy t-shirt’.”

“That sounds like it’s a total dad shirt,” Bucky laughed slightly. He looked a lot younger when he smiled. He was always so stony and serious but when he smiled or laughed, it knocked years off him. He was already a handsome man but when he smiled, he was just... wow.

You burst out laughing as he said it, “My dad did buy it and he wore it so proudly!”

Bucky laughed with you, finding his nerves easing up as he spoke to you. He hadn’t had a chance to talk to you about anything other than the fact you were soulmates so it felt rather nice to talk to you on another level. It was still prettty strange but it was nice. Steve always told him that you were easy to get along with so he wasn’t too surprised. As you continued to chat, you gasped audibly when you came to the ‘collectibles and merchandise’ page, “There it is!” 

“No way!” Bucky grinned as he looked down at the picture of the t-shirt exactly like the one you described, “Oh, god, it’s hideous.” The two of you lapsed into laughter again, talking and looking at it before Bucky happened to glance out of the window, “We’re in the air?”

You looked out, “Yeah, we took off about fifteen minutes ago actually.” Bucky breathed out an impressed laughter, “My distraction technique always works. Keep the mind occupied on something else like the ugliest t-shirts in the world.”

Bucky smiled, “Thank you and thanks to the ugliest t-shirt ever-” it was then that a man wearing the exact t-shirt you had been slating got up from the seat in front of you and shot you a dirty look as he walked past, “Oh, shit.” It was hard to keep your laughter in but somehow you both managed it.

As you calmed down, Bucky sighed, “No, really, thank you for that.”

You smiled as you handed him the magazines back and sunk back into your seat, “And now, I sleep.”

When you woke up a few hours later, you found yourself to be sitting alone with no Bucky Barnes in sight. You looked up to see a flight attendant coming down the aisle, “Excuse me,” you said with a smile, “do you know where the man sitting next to me went?”

She smiled, the same warm smile that every flight attendant has, “Yes, your husband is in the queue for the toilet, he should be back in a few minutes.”

You nodded, she went to leave when you caught her again, “Sorry, can you do me a favour?”

When Bucky came back, he was pleasantly surprised to see you sitting awake, smiling at him, “Good sleep?” You nodded,  “Don’t worry, you didn’t snore... too loud.” 

Your cheeks burned as he teased you, “Shove it, Barnes,” you scoffed, “I bought us a present.”

He frowned, “A present?”

You grinned as you held up two t-shirts, the exact same one that you both said was the ugliest shirt in the world, “No way!” He laughed, clapping his gloved hands together, “Oh my god, they’re worse in person.”

You laughed as you handed him his, “You’re so welcome. I will make us wear these at some point by the way, don’t think you’re getting out of it.” You’d never seen Bucky smile so wide with pure joy radiating from him. It was nice to see; it made you feel a lot better about the situation that was happening. You and Bucky hadn’t broached the subject of being the other’s soulmates, you actually really didn’t want to have that conversation anytime soon, but it was nice to know that at least you got on a little bit.

The fact that the pair of you were laughing so soon felt wrong. It felt like you were betraying Steve for merely getting along but it was nice. You were scared of what was going to happen and Bucky had been anxious about flying so the pair of you had nothing to do but talk to each other. Sure, it wasn’t a particularly interesting conversation but it was something. It was still a little awkward and a little weird at times but you could look past that for a few minutes to just appreciate the fact that Bucky was doing this.

Soon, you were curled back into your plane seat, your own jacket draped across you, “Thanks,” you said quietly as sleep began to take over,  “for doing this for Steve. I know that it’s not ideal and I know you probably don’t want to be stuck with me for weeks. I appreciate it, Bucky.”

Bucky nodded and didn’t say anything. I’m not doing it for only Steve, I’m doing it for you too. He watched you for a moment longer before closing his own eyes and resting into his own seat.

The rest of the flight went by in a blur, you slept some more, read your book and ate some food. It wasn’t long before it was time to land and Bucky could not have been more happy than in the moment the wheels of the plane landed on the runway. The airport was a relatively quiet which meant that security and getting your bags was a lot faster than anticipated.

Soon, you were waiting with Bucky in line to get a rental car. To your surprise, when it was your turn to speak to the receptionist, Bucky slid a wad of cash over the counter, “I want a car to keep and I want it off book.”

The receptionist, who was a middle aged man with salt and pepper hair, eyed Bucky with narrow eyes and Bucky stared right back at him. You glanced between the two men wondering who would give up the staring contest first. After a pregnant pause, the receptionist shrugged and dug around in the drawer next to him before pulling out a car key, “Grey sedan in Lot C, registration plate ends with RUS. It’s old and a little worse for wear but for this price, best I can do.” He glanced from left to right before sliding the keys across the table. Apparently he seemed to accept the bribe. You raised your eyebrows, looking between the man and Bucky.

Bucky thanked him with a nod before taking the keys and picked up his and one of your bags before walking away with you in tow, “Wait,” you said quietly, rushing to keep up with him, “You just bought a car?!”

Bucky nodded, “We needed a car. This one will do for a while, keeps us off of the radar for a while.”

Finding the car was easy, the hard part was trying to keep up with Bucky. He took long, quick strides that were hard to keep up with. The car was parked alone in Lot C. It was a little old, with some dents and scratches in the doors from previous bumps and accidents and some of the paint had chipped but aside from that, it seemed to be fine. Bucky loaded the bags in the trunk before getting into the driver’s seat. You settled into your seat and Bucky said that it would be a forty minute drive but could do it in half the time if the road’s were quiet. Then, you both set off.

You couldn’t stop staring out of the window, looking at every single detail of Estonia. It seemed like a dream that you’d be waking up from any second now. Your hands fidgeted with your jacket sleeves as you stared out to the vast unknown. What would become of you and your relationship, you had no idea. You didn’t know what was going to happen and you had absolutely no clue where you would be going. A wave of uneasiness crashed over you as you tried to swallow down the nausea. 

The drive seemed to simultaneously be the longest and shortest drive ever. Seconds felt like years and minutes felt like nanoseconds. You just wanted things to go back to how they were two months ago when things were easy and simple and life was without colour. You glanced over at Bucky, wishing that it had been anyone besides him that was your soulmate. Bucky was a decent enough guy from the short time you’d been with him, I mean, he was willing to take you to a safe house for god knows how long after meeting each other less than three times so obviously he was a good guy but... even if you and Bucky ended up friends, ended up falling in love... nothing could ever happen. You just couldn’t do that to Steve. 

Oh, Steve. 

You wondered what he would be doing just now. He would probably be in the gym with Sam, boxing his feelings and emotions about the whole situation out. That’s what he usually did when things were tense or when he was stressed, he would go to the gym and work out for hours. Sam would usually go with him, being his comic relief to make things less stressful for him. You had never been so thankful for Sam Wilson than in that moment of realisation. You had been so focused on what this meant for you and how this would affect you that you’d practically overlooked your boyfriend’s feelings.

Steve would be blaming your kidnapping on himself, even though it wasn’t his fault that Hydra were dickheads. He would be devastated that he’d had to send you off with your soulmate, knowing fine well that you could easily come back home in love with Bucky. It had been so hard for Steve to make that decision but it had to be done. He wished that he could’ve came with you but it was his mess to clean up and he couldn’t just let his friends do it. He wasn’t that selfish even though he wished he could have been. Steve would rely on Sam pretty heavily over the coming weeks. Sam had been such a good friend to Steve in the few years they’d known each other. Sam understood Steve, they shared the same values and same morals and that was something you liked about Sam. Sam wasn’t afraid to stand up and fight for what was right. You knew that Steve would be in good hands with Sam at his side.

Little did you know, Bucky was thinking of Steve Rogers too as he drove. It was surreal that he was driving with you, through Estonia, to a safe house where you’d be for weeks, potentially months. It scared Bucky, honestly. He liked you, not in a romantic way (yet), but he had heard all about you from Steve. All of those months that Bucky was in Wakanda, Steve called every week to check on him. Every week, Steve would talk about you. He remembered the things he would say about you. ‘She’s great, Buck. She’s got this smile, this really wide smile that I’ve only seen a handful of people have in my life. You know the one I mean. That genuinely happy, makes you smile when you see it smile.’, ‘You gotta meet her, Bucky. She’s everything I’ve been looking for and even though we’re not soulmates, we are.’, ‘It’s crazy. After Peggy, I never thought I’d fall in love again but (y/n) came into my life when I needed her most. Every day, I wake up thankful for her. My god, you have to meet her. You two will get on so well. She keeps my on my toes and is hilarious.’

Bucky glanced at you, a familiar pang of guilt shooting through him. You were his best friend’s girl and he could never do anything to pursue you because he cared about Steve too much. Steve was the one person who had given him a chance and had stuck by him through everything. Steve deserved you, Bucky didn’t.

It wasn’t long before Bucky pulled into a driveway. You looked around, realising that you were deep in the woods. It was an off road cabin that seemed to be pretty far from civilisation, “This is it.” Bucky cut the engine before getting out of the car. You stayed put, staring at the cabin in front of you. From the outside, it looked a little run down but very liveable. It was made with a dark oak wood which blended in well with the trees. Passers by would have to do a double take at first because of how well it blended in.

You got out of the car, grabbing the rucksack that had been by your feet. Bucky appeared beside you, carrying all of his and your bags, “Ready?”

You didn’t look at him, eyes stuck on the cabin in front of you. This was it. This was your future. You were unusually terrified as you stared at it. As soon as you stepped into that cabin, your future would change forever. Everything would change. Life as you knew it with Steve would completely change as soon as you walked into that cabin. With your heart beating fast, you took a breath and nodded, following him up the stony path and to the front door. He unlocked it and swung the door open before disappearing inside. You hesitated at the front door, staring at the line on the floor to mark the cabin’s entrance.

“I love you, Steve,” you whispered before stepping into the cabin and closing the door behind you.

The cabin had an old musty smell to it, the smell of emptiness. Clearly, no one had lived here for a long time. The décor was simple and pretty outdated but it was nice. Bucky had flicked the lights on throughout the cabin and was checking each room just to double check. You wandered through each room. The living room was simple with a couple of recliners and a small couch with a small TV on an old coffee table. You’d be surprised if the TV still worked with a thick layer of dust coating it. There was a large fireplace in the middle of the side wall which would be nice on a cold night. The kitchen was nice with everything that the pair of you would need to get started in the wooden cupboards and on shelves. It had a small table in the corner of the room, looking out of the window. Bucky told you that tomorrow, he would go get some shopping and food supplies until then you had the water and a few more snacks.

Next, you ventured into the bedrooms. Yours and Bucky’s separate bedrooms were adjacent to each other. Bucky had dropped his bags in the slightly smaller room. You went to object but the look on his face told you not to even bother. Bucky’s room was smaller yet still spacious enough for a double bed and a wardrobe. Your room was pretty much the same though as well as a wardrobe you had the chest of drawers as well. The shared bathroom was beside your room and it was... well, it was just an outdated bathroom. And that was it.

The cabin wasn’t particularly big or luxurious but it was much than you had expected. You seriously were expecting to sleep on the floor on a bug infested hotel but Bucky had done pretty good. You’d long since abandoned your disguise, feeling much better when looking like yourself. As you wandered around again, checking cupboards, finding extra duvets and pillows in the wardrobe in your room, you remembered something important. You dug around in your bags until you found it; a picture frame. Bucky knocked on your bedroom door. You turned to him, “You don’t need to knock,” you said.

“Come so I can show you something.”

You followed him into the living room as you held the picture frame in your hands. He stopped in front of a painting on the wall moving the painting to reveal a safe, “Oh, wow,” you said surprised.

“I got this safe installed and I’m putting this gun inside it, okay?” He told you, taking a gun from his back pocket. You jumped slightly, not expecting him to wield a weapon in front of you, “This is for emergencies, got it? I’ll teach you how to use it but for now, I’m locking it up in here, okay?”

“I don’t want to use a gun-”

“Neither do I,” Bucky said, cutting over you, “but I have to at least show you how to use it just in case, okay? The code is 0407-”

“Steve’s birthday.”

Bucky faltered before nodding and continuing, “Yeah, Steve’s birthday. Type that in,” he typed it in, “and it’ll unlock.” He dropped the gun inside of it before closing it over, “Re-type the code and it locks. Got it?”

You nodded.

“I always have at least one weapon on me at all times, okay? I have my gun and I have my knife. I’m only putting this here and showing you just in case, okay? We’ll probably never have to use it but it’s just in case something happens, just so I know that if I can’t get to you, you can have some way to protect yourself.”

Again, you nodded. Bucky eyed you carefully, making sure that you were okay with this. You didn’t really know how to feel about it. You weren’t surprised that he had weapons but it scared you the thought of you having to use them. Hopefully it would never come to that though. He could see the toll this was taking on you and you’d barely been gone a day. He was about to ask what you had in your hands when you wandered over to the fireplace and put the photo atop. It was a photo that you had once upon a time hated. It was you and Steve laughing as you posed for a picture in front of your Christmas tree. Nat had taken it on Christmas Eve. You wore a dress that hugged your curves a little too tightly for your liking but Steve had loved to see you in that dress. He always said the colour complimented your complexion so well and now that you could actually see colour, you could see where he was coming from. You loved that picture now, you remembered the night fondly where he twirled you around, telling you how beautiful you were every other minute. So yeah, you could see your protruding stomach and your bigger arms but you loved it. You smiled as you looked at Steve’s smile, heart soaring as you looked at him. Steve could make you feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. With him, you truly believed it. Your weight never defined your worth, you defined it.

Almost instantly, Bucky lunged for it, grabbing it and almost tumbling into you,  “What the fuck?!” You hissed, leaping backwards. You hadn’t expected the dark haired super soldier to lunge from across the room, almost knocking you off of your feet to grab the picture frame down.

Bucky released a sharp breath, “The window,” he said gruffly. He pulled the curtains shut quickly, “We can’t put any photos up.”

“Why the fuck not?!”

He rolled his eyes, Steve had warned him that you could be stubborn, “In case we’re being watched. If someone’s tailing us, they might look through the window and have our identities confirmed if we put photos up.”

You rolled your eyes, “If someone’s tailing us then I’m pretty sure that they know our identities already. Give me it back.”

“Fine but you’re not putting it there,” Bucky said.

You glared at him as a bubble of anger boiled in your stomach, “My god, how am I meant to stay here with you for weeks if you’re such an arse over a photo?!”

“Yeah?” Bucky scoffed, “I didn’t have to come here, (y/n). I came because Steve asked. I came for you.”

You were breathing heavy as you glared at each other, “Yeah well maybe I don’t want you here.”

“Maybe I don’t want to be here!”

“Keep the stupid picture.” You turned on your heel and stormed into your bedroom, slamming the door shut behind you. You knew that you weren’t angry at Bucky, you knew that the two of you were tired and hungry. You knew that you were a flurry of emotions from having your life flipped upside down. You knew that Bucky was looking out for your safety but you were pissed and he was the only person near you so he would have to deal with it. 

Bucky sighed heavily as he fell onto the couch, pursing his lips and pinching the bridge of his nose. Yeah, Steve, she’s fucking brilliant. 

It was hours later when you rolled over with a huff. Sleep wasn’t coming easily. You were still too pissed off and because you were still so pissed off, you were only getting more annoyed. You knew that if the anger faded, you’d probably end up crying and you didn’t know which was worse so you just stayed angry. You wished that Bucky would’ve just been able to talk to you normally instead of treating you like a child. You would’ve absolutely understood the picture fiasco had he not leapt over the table and yanked it like a dog stealing someone’s dinner from the table. 

You sat up in bed. Usually, if you couldn’t sleep you’d watch TV or go on your phone but you didn’t feel up for watching the tiny TV in the living room and you obviously didn’t have a phone so you couldn’t do much than think. You’d need to see if there was a cheap CD player and CDs in town so that you could at least have some background noise. The cabin was eerily quiet at night. It was a different surrounding in a different country and everything just felt a little uneasy. You were used to New York where the hustle and bustle was part of every day life but the woods was so quiet aside from the rustling trees... it would take some getting used to.

With a huff, you grabbed your dressing gown from the bag on the floor and made your way into the kitchen. You grabbed a glass and filled it with water before taking a long drink. You didn’t know why you wandered into the living room but you found yourself venturing in and it was then you noticed, in the dim light from the moon, you saw a note and the picture of you and Steve that sat on the coffee table in front of the TV. You picked up the note.

I’m sorry about freaking out over the picture, it’s been a long day. Steve warned me you were stubborn but I wasn’t prepared, I guess. Let’s not put it on the fire place until we’re absolutely sure that no one’s tracking us. Until then, it can go here where it’s not facing a window. Hope that’s okay. It is a lovely picture of you and Steve... Again, sorry. - Bucky

You smiled slightly as you read it before slipping the note into your dressing gown pocket and going back to bed. So Bucky Barnes was decent after all.

[helloalycia]

The Wrong Lifetime – Two // Wanda Maximoff

chapter one | story masterlist | main masterlist | wattpad | chapter three

author’s note: thank you so much for the feedback on chapter one, everyone! i really appreciate and I’m glad you’re excited for more. hope you enjoy :)

"What do you think of this one?"

I pulled a face, shaking my head. My brother sighed dramatically before moving along the display cabinet, searching for the perfect ring.

Just as he'd said at dinner the other night, we were browsing engagement rings for Wanda, and I was (obviously) hating every second of it. My parents thought it would be good to help Y/B/N whilst also getting me more involved in the whole wedding thing; and I couldn't exactly say no to them, so here I was, half interested in what we were doing.

"What if I can't find anything?" Y/B/N asked, chewing the inside of his cheek as he continued to look. "This is the third jewellers we've been to, Y/N."

Figuring it was time to actually make an effort and be a supportive sister, I rested a hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "You'll find something," I told him confidently. "It just needs to come to you, y'know? She'll love anything you pick."

He smiled at me. "Thanks. I just don't want to disappoint her. The last thing I want to worry about is her hating the ring."

I chuckled, rounding the cabinet to get a look at a different display. "I doubt she'll hate any of this. Girls love jewellery. This is pretty good jewellery."

"Y/N, you hate jewellery," he pointed out with amusement, and I rolled my eyes playfully.

"I don't hate it," I defended. "I'm just not a fan of shopping for it."

He snickered as he continued to peruse the cabinets. "Well, Wanda seems to love it. D'you see how many rings she was wearing that night?"

I breathed out through my nose, definitely remembering. It was hard to forget when her ring-adorned fingers were brushing the top of my hand every few minutes. But obviously I wasn't going to say that to Y/B/N, so I hummed in response.

It went quiet as I tried to find a ring that would suffice. Rings weren't my taste, personally. I was more of a necklace person, so this was just as difficult for me as it was for Y/B/N. They all looked similar to me though, upon closer inspection, had different engravings and patterns in the gold and silver bands.

"So, what did you think of Wanda's brother?" Y/B/N asked, earning my attention.

He was smiling cheekily as he awaited a response.

"Pietro?" I asked with creased brows. He nodded and I continued, "He was nice, I guess. Has a sense of humour."

My brother gave me a knowing look as he looked at the glass display once again. "He's unmarried you know."

"No, thank you," I answered instantly, not particularly fond of discussing my potential marital future with my brother.

"Oh, don't be like that, Y/N," he said with a laugh. "I'm just looking out for you!"

I drummed my fingers on the cabinet top. "Well, I didn't ask you to. I'm perfectly content as I am."

Y/B/N cocked his head to the side as he glanced at me. "You know you can't stay unmarried forever." I opened my mouth to say something, but he was quick to continue. "And no, not because a woman should marry no matter what. But rather because you will most definitely give mum a heart attack."

I closed my mouth, trying to come up with a response, but my shoulders sank at the truth to his words. He half-smiled when he knew I knew he was right.

"I don't want to think about this now," I decided, waving my hand. "Ring. Look. Now."

He laughed again but nodded and stayed quiet. We both continued to have a look around until I was surprisingly certain that I'd found the perfect ring. There was a case filled with rings holding precious gemstones and a particular one stood out to me.

"Hey, Y/B/N, come here," I called him over, eyes never leaving the ring as I moved closer to inspect it. "What about this one?"

Pointing to the glass case, I chose an elegant silver band with a small, non-dominating emerald gemstone sat on top. It wasn't too flashy nor too plain and something told me that it might just be Wanda's taste.

"It'll match her eyes," I said, watching him as he leaned forward to get a better look. "She'll love it."

My brother seemed confused as he straightened up. "I thought her eyes were brown."

I rolled my eyes, taking a step back. "Fine, get a brown ring."

He tried not to laugh as he raised his hands with defeat. "Okay, okay, I believe you, no need for the sarcasm!" He proceeded to call the shopkeeper over to get the ring and glanced at me once more. "You're one hundred percent sure she's got green eyes?"

"Well, they're hazel, but this will definitely compliment them," I assured him, making him shrug as he looked back to the shopkeeper.

To my own dismay, I was certain her eyes were hazel. They were very inviting and the dinner the other night was evidence of that, as I found myself unable to look away whenever she found my gaze. Hopefully she'd like the ring, I guess.

—

The bothersome thing about my brother's engagement was just how many celebrations that followed. A week after the dinner came the engagement party, a celebratory evening with all of our family and friends and my brother's many admirers. The Maximoffs invited their friends, too, sadly not having any extended family to invite as it was only them here in England.

It was an expensive affair, but so was everything when it came to my brother. There was food, drinks, dancing, gifts and much more for the newly-engaged couple, and I once again found myself dressed in an uncomfortable dress of my mother's choice.

If that wasn't enough of a punishment, I was also reunited with my extended family whom only showed their faces on glamorous occasions such as this one. It's not that I didn't like them, but I felt like I rarely knew them, especially when they shared stories from when they used to see me as a baby and expected me to remember the memory like it was yesterday.

I found myself victim to yet another relative at the start of the evening. This time, it was one of my aunties from my father's side whom I vaguely recognised from my childhood. She'd found me by the snacks table where I was recovering from a previous encounter with a cousin of mine, and immediately began pulling my cheeks and reminiscing on how chubby and cute they were when I was – you guessed it – a baby.

"Auntie, I think that–"

"So grown up, but still so cute!" she gushed, cutting me off and proceeding to yank my cheeks so hard that they began to hurt.

I winced, trying to back away, but she dragged me closer by the face, making me groan with displeasure. 

"Y/N, there you are!"

The only reason I knew it was Wanda who called for me was because of her Russian accent, otherwise I was still unable to turn and check because my auntie had me trapped. When Wanda came into sight, stopping by the two of us, my auntie finally let go, now distracted by the brunette. I exhaled gratefully, hands rubbing my cheeks to relieve the ache. I had no doubts they were red from the pinching. God, I hated family reunions.

"I'm very sorry to interrupt," Wanda apologised with an endearing smile as she looked to my auntie, "but please may I steal Y/N away from you for a moment?"

My auntie nodded enthusiastically. "Of course, dear! You're family now! Do whatever you like."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes as she said that. Wanda flashed her a final smile before tugging me away, near some deserted high table.

"What did you need?" I asked, quirking a brow.

She was looking around the room when I asked her, before her eyes focused on me. Unlike me, she seemed very comfortable in this environment, and the dress she wore was perfect for her. A scarlet-coloured gown that put anybody else's clothes here to shame. Did she just look good in everything or something?

"I didn't actually need anything," she answered, licking her lips. "I just saw your auntie harassing you and figured you'd like the escape."

Surprised at her observant nature, I cleared my throat and relaxed my shoulders. "Oh, well thanks."

She smiled widely, teeth shining and eyes sparkling and I was now beginning to think she truly had no flaws.

"You look beautiful tonight by the way," she said, and there was nobody around to hear it which made me think she wasn't trying to kiss up like I'd assumed initially.

"Thanks," I returned with a small smile. "I– er– so do you. Is that your favourite colour?"

She was wearing a similar colour the first night we met, so I could only assume it was. Which was a good choice, since she looked good in it.

She glanced down at her dress and nodded. "Something like that."

I leaned on the table as I watched her curiously. "Shouldn't you be with Y/B/N?"

Looking back up, she grinned mischievously. "You trying to get rid of me already?"

Shaking my head, I tried to find the words to say that I wasn't and she'd misinterpreted, but she was doing that thing again where she wouldn't look away first, her eyes glowing with amusement. If I wasn't certain before today that her eyes were a bright hazel colour, I definitely was now.

"I'm kidding," she finally said, laughter spilling from her lips. It was a sweet sound and I suddenly envied my brother for being able to hear it whenever he pleased.

"I just thought that you would be together since it's your engagement party," I explained, a little more flustered than I'd wanted to be.

Her lips pressed together in a suppressed smile as she nodded behind me. I spun around, following her gaze, and spotted my brother across the room charming some guests with, no doubt, another epic tale of his career.

"He seems to be doing fine on his own, milaya," Wanda whispered into my ear, making me freeze at the warmth of her breath tickling my skin.

Shivers ran down my spine as she was close enough for her perfume to infiltrate my nose. Swallowing hard, trying not to be very much attracted to her accent when she spoke English but also Russian, I took a moment to breathe out and clear my head of thoughts containing the Maximoff woman. When I was sure I was okay, I craned my neck to speak to her, only to feel my mouth go dry.

She was stood very close to me still, a teasing smirk on her lips. Up close, her eyes were intoxicating, drawing me in and making me forget where we were and what we were talking about.

"Do I make you nervous, Y/N?" she asked quietly, feigning innocence, her accent thicker than usual.

My lips parted as I tried to say something, but her eyes were distracting and her lips were curved upwards perfectly and I suddenly forgot how to speak English.

She chuckled, stepping back slightly, and I wiped my sweaty palms on my dress as Wanda watched me with amusement.

"Your mother is calling you," she said, nodding behind me. And then I heard my mother indeed calling my name. "I'll leave you to it. Try not to fall victim to another family member."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, eyes falling to her mouth as she bit her lower lip to contain a smile. What was she getting out of this? Did she find joy in making me flustered or was she actually flirting right now? The latter couldn't be possible... she was going to marry my brother. This was her engagement party for crying out loud! She was definitely enjoying making me stumble over myself.

"Right," I spoke, finally finding my words.

With a quick nod, I looked away and followed the sound of my mother's voice. I was unsure why I felt the need to look over my shoulder, but when I did, I saw Wanda watching me still, eyes gleaming even with the distance. I looked away instantly, hoping this weird, flirtatious behaviour of hers would cease soon. I wasn't sure I could take anymore of it.

—

The evening was going well following Wanda's (what I was now calling) tormenting. I stuck to myself when my mother wasn't dragging me around, forcing me to mingle with family friends.

Tucked in the corner with a book I'd managed to sneak along was a good pastime, until halfway through the evening, everybody was brought to the front of the room for an announcement. I almost missed it if it weren't for Pietro finding me and trying not to laugh at my complete disconnect from the event around me.

"They're exchanging the rings," he told me, pulling me from my table and to the front. "Family's got to be there. Including you, Y/N."

I rushed to put my bookmark between my pages as he tugged me along, finally stopping by the front of the crowd alongside our mothers. Standing before everyone were our fathers and the engaged couple themselves, all smiling and putting on the perfect show.

"We are privileged to announce the engagement and union of my beloved daughter, Wanda Maximoff, and everybody's favourite author, Y/B/N Y/L/N," Oleg announced proudly, glass of champagne in his hand.

Both Y/B/N and Wanda exchanged smiles before looking out to everyone. When my brother's eyes met mine, I smiled encouragingly, and when Wanda's eyes met mine, my smile faded as she grinned my way, eyes saying a thousand things, none of which I could decipher.

"They will now present each other with the rings," my dad said, making the crowd chatter excitedly amongst themselves.

All eyes were on the couple as they presented their rings. Wanda had gotten Y/B/N a plain silver band, perfect for the guy who wasn't a fan of jewellery, and he wore it with pride. Then Y/B/N offered up the ring we'd picked in the store and Wanda's smile was as wide as ever when she saw it.

He placed it on her ring finger and she studied it once more, the emerald sparkling under the light and making all the women in the crowd jealous. She pulled him in for a grateful hug, pressing a kiss to his cheek, and I found myself looking away, not particularly a fan of them getting cosy.

"Gross, right?" Pietro asked, nudging me in the arm slightly. He was trying not to laugh as he avoided looking at the couple up front. "Like, we get it, you're engaged."

A smile appeared on my lips as I glanced at the silver-haired publisher, appreciating his attempt to make me laugh.

"Gross indeed," I agreed.

He rolled his eyes playfully before looking forward again, watching as my father continued to make a speech about how great it was to unify our families.

I listened in, though I'd heard the same spiel several times at home when they'd initiated the idea in the first place. Judging from the look on Pietro's face, he'd heard the same, and I was glad it wasn't just me who felt icky about this whole thing.

This evening couldn't end any sooner.

—

"I just don't understand why I need to go," I complained to my mother.

She was sat before her mirror, finishing applying her makeup and looking presentable for the girl's trip she'd planned for Iryna, Wanda, herself and I.

"Because you're going to become Wanda's sister-in-law and we are all going to become a family," she said like it was obvious, not bothering to look my way. "It'll be fun, Y/N."

I groaned quietly, leaning against the doorframe. A servant fussed around my mother's room, tidying up the mess of clothes she'd left in her wake from picking an outfit. I watched her with boredom, knowing I'd take that job over today's plans any day.

"You might make a new friend with Wanda," my mum continued delightfully. "Wouldn't that be nice?"

I tensed my jaw, eyes narrowing into the window ahead. "Yeah, really nice, mum."

"Good, now go and w–" she began, but was cut off when the doorbell rang from downstairs. Waving her hand, she said, "Go greet the Maximoffs whilst I finish up here, dear."

I sighed, straightening up. "Do I have a choice?"

"Don't forget to smile!" she called after me.

Making my way downstairs, I saw one of our servants opening the door and greeting the Maximoffs politely before letting them inside. Upon spotting me descending the staircase, Iryna smiled brightly.

"Y/N, dear, how lovely to see you!" she exclaimed, and when I got to the bottom, she pulled me in for a surprise hug. "How are you doing this morning, my dear?"

After recovering from the surprise hug, ignoring the way Wanda stifled laughter from behind her mother, I stepped back and gave the older woman a genuine smile.

"I'm doing good, Miss Maximoff," I said, and when she gave me a stern look, I backtracked, remembering her words from the engagement party a few nights ago. "Iryna– right, sorry. I'm doing good. And yourself?"

"Very good now that we're here," she said cheerfully, before nodding for Wanda to join her side. "Wan, what are you doing there? Come and give your sister-in-law a hug the right way!"

I gulped as Wanda did as her mother said, stepping forward without hesitation and pulling me in for a quick hug. Not wanting to look like an idiot, I wrapped my arms around her torso, hoping I wasn't as stiff as I felt. Once again, she smelt really good and I forgot how to breathe.

"Good morning, milaya," she muttered in my ear before pulling away with a harmless smile.

"Morning," I got out, being sure to avoid her gaze as I looked back to her mother. "Can I offer either of you a cup of tea? Or a drink? My mother is just finishing getting ready."

"No need, Y/N!" my mum called as she walked down the stairs behind me. Wearing an apologetic smile, she looked to Iryna and Wanda. "Sorry about that, ladies. I'm all ready to go if you are."

After sharing a greeting with them, my mum led us all outside to the carriage that was waiting to take us into town. We got in and were soon on our way to have the time of our life! (Cue the sarcasm).

"So, Y/N," Iryna said, and I looked up to see her sat beside Wanda who was sat opposite me. "What are your thoughts on this whole engagement? It was quite the affair the other night!"

I forced a smile as I nodded respectfully. "It was a great evening, Iryna. A great start to a successful marriage, I'm sure."

That seemed to start Iryna on a tangent about the engagement and how lovely the evening was and all of the new family members she met on our side. A sigh escaped my lips as I practically relived it with her retelling, making my mum nudge me in the arm gently but scoldingly.

"...and the ring!" Iryna enthused, not noticing my disinterest. "Don't get me started on the ring. Is there anything Y/B/N isn't good at?"

I could name a few things, yes.

With difficulty, I pressed my lips together to stop myself from cracking a knowing smile. Iryna told Wanda to hold out her hand so she could take another look, and as she did, it was the first time I'd seen the ring up close since she'd been given it. I glanced between the ring and her eyes and knew I'd made the right decision.

My mother began to shower Wanda in compliments – "Oh, it matches your eyes, dear! It's like it's meant to be!" – as I sat back and wished we'd arrive at the shops already.

"Between us ladies," my mum said playfully to Wanda, "is it good enough or did you expect something better?"

Wanda chuckled, shaking her head. "I didn't have any expectations, Y/M/N. I would have been happy with whatever Y/B/N picked. But this... this is absolutely stunning. He clearly put a lot of thought into it."

Yes, of course he did. So thoughtful, isn't he? Especially his attention to detail, like when he remembered the colour of your eyes.

Oh, wait.

After what felt like forever, we finally reached the shops and could escape that shrinking carriage for a few minutes before heading into a dress shop to suffocate yet again.

As usual, I followed my mother around like a lost puppy, letting her take the lead with picking some clothes. She was deep into conversation with Iryna, the two of them bonding instantly as they talked about their interests and marriage and their children's engagement.

At one point, I left them to it, resorting to browsing through a rack that had some pretty pastel dresses hanging from it. I didn't have plans to buy anything since I didn't need anything, but it didn't hurt to look.

"Hey," Wanda's voice echoed from behind me, and I glanced over my shoulder to see her joining my side.

"Hey," I replied, continuing to look through the dresses.

She browsed through the rack also, going through each dress slowly as she smiled to herself. "So, you don't like shopping I take it."

I hummed in agreement. "Not really."

She nodded, continuing her browsing. "You don't like parties either. Or dinners." I hummed again and she continued, "And you don't like it when your brother gets all the attention."

I hummed subconsciously, before realising what she said. Stopping my browsing, I looked to her with furrowed brows. "I never said that."

Mischief dancing in her eyes, she glanced me way and winked playfully. "You didn't need to."

Clenching my jaw slightly, I busied myself with going through the hangers, hoping the heat creeping up my neck would disperse. I wasn't going to let Wanda get to me yet again. It was like she had some kind of magic spell on me, making me unable to think straight whenever she was in my vicinity.

"I know you picked my ring by the way," she said after a moment of silence.

I licked my lips and played dumb, not looking her way. "What do you mean? Y/B/N chose it."

She snickered. "I know it was you, Y/N. No man in the world is that thoughtful."

I stayed quiet, figuring it was my best option. She seemed to find this entertaining as she turned to face me, leaning against the rack and watching me curiously.

"I must ask though. Why emerald?"

Fingers playing with the fabric of the dress before me, I shrugged nonchalantly. "Why not?"

She laughed, and it was the second time she'd done so so freely, making the pit of my stomach flip uncontrollably at the sound.

"You don't seem like the type to just do things," she observed. "There had to be a reason. Please enlighten me."

Once again, I shrugged as I made sure not to look her way. I wasn't planning to get sucked in by her killer eyes yet again.

"I'm not blind," I told her casually. "I saw it and remembered that you have hazel eyes that sometimes look green. I thought it would suit you. A mere artistic observation."

"Ah, I see," she said with a nod, playing along. "Well, you have good taste. Thank you. I adore it."

"It was nothing," I assured her, hoping she couldn't hear my heart beating ever-so-quickly in my chest. The longer she watched me, the more flustered I got.

Suddenly, she stepped forward, her hand resting on the small of my back. The simplest of touches had me paralysed, at a loss for words, frozen in place. Mentally I knew that it wasn't right that she made me react like this. But my body wouldn't listen to my brain and Wanda seemed to realise that, clearly revelling in my misery.

"So, you remembered my eye colour after just two meetings, huh?" she asked lightheartedly, leaning in, her hand still pressed to my back gently.

Finally finding the ability to stand my ground, I said, "I'm very observant," and I turned to look at her to show her that whatever game she was playing wasn't going to work anymore. Of course, that was a huge mistake, because as soon as my eyes locked with hers, I lost all resolve.

"That you are," she noted with a smirk, before her hand dropped to her side and she nodded to the long-forgotten dress in my hand. "You should get it. It suits you."

And with that comment, she left me alone to join our mothers yet again. I breathed out shakily, realising that Wanda Maximoff was becoming a bigger issue than I thought. 

After purchasing some new dresses from several stores (no, I didn't buy the dress Wanda wanted me to), the four of us stopped by a café for a spot of lunch. Despite the flustered mess I became whenever Wanda gave me more attention than we both know she should have, I was having an okay time.

Iryna was very sweet, wanting to get to know me since we would be family soon, and made me feel at ease whenever she could. My mother was too distracted by her and Wanda's presence to tell me off for complaining, and it was just genuinely kind of nice to get out.

I was drinking a cup of tea as we waited for our food order when my mum tried to get the details on Wanda's newly-planned date with my brother in a few days.

"You're going to the theatre, right?" she asked Wanda eagerly, as if she didn't already know everything anyway.

Y/B/N had talked about this literally last night at dinner. It was to be Wanda's and his first official date, and the first real opportunity away from family and prying eyes to get to know each other better.

"Yes, he got tickets to see a new play I've never heard of," she admitted with a chuckle. "It'll be a chance to get to know him better. The only things I know of him are what my family have told me and what I've learnt from everyone around us."

Iryna smiled as she watched her daughter, whilst my mother waved her hand optimistically.

"Oh, I'm sure the date will go splendidly," she assured Wanda. "It's no secret that you're both very attractive, young adults. If there are no sparks between you, then we're all done for."

At this comment, Iryna and my mother both erupted into laughter, like it was some kind of joke that only middle-aged women seemed to get. I raised my eyebrows and dropped them behind a cup of tea, figuring it was best to stay quiet.

"I'm sure it will," Wanda said in agreement, though her voice was quieter, unable to be heard behind their laughter.

Surprisingly, I found myself intrigued by this rarely seen version of Wanda. It was a similar version to the one I'd seen the night of the dinner, when I showed her around upstairs and the conversation of my brother crept in. It wasn't hard to forget her ability to dance around the question to whether she liked him or not.

And now, she seemed to wear a false smile as she mulled over their date. I guess it was strange to see since I naturally figured she'd want to marry him – pretty much any woman in the city did – but maybe that wasn't the case.

"...tell her what he's like," my mother insisted, pulling me away from my observation. "You're his sister. Who better than you to give her an idea?"

Realising what she was saying, I tried not to choke on my tea. I lowered the cup and shook my head calmly, though the intent was very much urgent.

"She should just see," I said uncertainly. "I mean, what better way to know than to just speak to him?"

One deathly glance from my mother and I straightened up, looking to the Maximoffs before me.

"But if I was to say something," I continued smoothly, making my mother relax at my words, "I'd say that my brother has always been a very respectful man. He's kind-hearted and he's caring."

Iryna was hanging onto my every word whilst Wanda stared at me but seemed elsewhere.

"And he's really excited to get to know you better, Wanda," I said truthfully, looking to the oddly-quiet brunette with a small reassuring smile. "He really likes you."

Iryna mentioned something about Y/B/N being just the man her Wanda deserves, but I was barely paying attention as I looked to the girl in question. She returned my smile, void of teasing or mischief like usual, and nodded quickly before looking down to her own cup of tea.

She was certainly a strange one.

[zackcollins]

speechless || bo bichette

masterlist

Author’s Note: Hello! Everyone gets a treat of a second fic today because I was in a mood to write. Hope that’s okay. Idk man. When you’re in the mood to write, you write. And sometimes, you just wanna post right away because you’re too impatient to wait. Ya know? Anyways. GIF credit to glasnow!

Warnings: An anxiety attack. That’s probably it??? I don’t think there’s anything else. Feel free to let me know otherwise and I’ll fix this warnings section for you.

Word Count: 1.9k+

Title: Speechless by Dan + Shay

Additional: The reader should be gender neutral again! I don’t think I used any identifying language or pronouns or anything. If I did, it was accidental because I was hella distracted watching my dog while my grandparents went grocery shopping. As always, let me know how I did because constructive criticism is always welcomed!

Tagging: @whimsical-daydreams​ @donttelltheelf-x​

You had suffered from severe anxiety; it had been a part of your life for as long as you could remember. At this point, it had totally consumed you. You could hardly do anything anymore without your anxiety trying to take over in some form or another. It was the worst feeling in the world.

That's why it was like all your prayers had been answered when Bo waltzed into your life. For the first time in your life, you were able to open up about your anxiety with someone. There was just something about Bo that made you feel safe, secure, and like nothing would ever hurt you again.

You had been dating for about two and a half years before your relationship changed. It changed on what had otherwise been a quiet day in the middle of February. Snow was falling outside of your house, blowing around peacefully in the evening breeze. You were sitting on the window seat of the living room window, staring out onto the street while idly sipping on a mug of hot chocolate.

Somewhere outside, you heard a dog distantly barking. You found it odd because to the best of your knowledge, nobody in the housing community you and Bo lived in had a dog. Most of them had cats because they were easier for their housekeepers to look after when they were away on business trips or vacation. You quickly shook it out of your mind, though, thinking it only to be a dog that had wandered in from somewhere nearby. It wasn't entirely unlikely for that to happen because some of the people in the housing communities on either side had been known to let their dogs roam freely from time to time.

A couple of minutes later, you heard the front door to the house open. That snapped you out of thinking about the barking dog because you needed to know who walked in. Turning around, you heaved a relieved sign when you saw Bo standing in the entryway. You felt a little anxious, however, when you saw that he had placed a rather large box at his feet. Placing your hot chocolate on the windowsill, you walked over to Bo.

"What's this, sweetie?" You asked, walking all the way around the box. You wanted to see if it had some sort of label or marking on it that would hint at what was inside; it did not. All it had was a pink ribbon embossed with white hearts tied around it.

Bo smiled as he was undressing from his winter apparel. He tossed his hat into the closet. He unzipped his coat and carefully placed it on one of the coat hooks beside the door. Lastly came his boots. He slipped out of those and tossed them haphazardly onto the plastic boot mat you had bought specifically for the winter so snow wouldn’t be tracked all over your house. He ended up bowling over your boots and a spare pair of boots you kept in case of emergencies. You glared at him, crossing your arms over your chest. Bo raised his arms in surrender as he stepped forward and gave you a quick kiss. You relaxed, kissing him back as you wrapped your arms around his back. When you pulled apart, Bo stepped aside and motioned to the box.

 "If you wanna know what’s inside,” Bo produced a pocket knife seemingly out of nowhere because you didn’t know him to carry one. He handed it to you and motioned to the box a second time. “All you have to do is open it.” 

You walked forward and leaned over, carefully cutting the ribbon a couple of times so that it was easier to untangle from the box. Once you had all of the ribbon untangled and balled up, you placed it along with the knife on the console table next to you. When you looked back at Bo, he gave you an encouraging nod and a soft smile. You bit your lip nervously as you carefully lifted the lid off of the box. What was inside made you blink in surprise. Staring back at you was a beagle puppy. You had to blink a couple of more times, just to make sure that truly weren't imagining this. When you surmised that this was, in fact, a real dog sitting in the box, you lifted them out, cradling them in your arms. They even kissed you on the chin a couple of times. That was also all it took for you to be absolutely smitten with this puppy.

Just as you went to put the puppy down, the light from the chandelier made something on their collar glisten. At first, you thought it was name tags or the city registration tags. But, when you examined it, you discovered that it was an engagement ring. You turned to ask Bo about it. Much to your surprise, he was down on one knee, holding his hands out. You handed him the dog (who you could now see was a boy), thinking that was what he wanted. Bo chuckled as he scritched the dog behind the ears. The dog sighed, jackrabbitting his back foot in satisfaction. You huffed an amused breath, rolling your eyes and chuckling.

Bo carefully put the dog down and took the ring off of his collar. He gave him a few more ear scritches which made the dog flop on the floor and curl in a ball. Bo rolled his eyes before he looked up at you, holding the ring in your direction.

"Since I know I'm the best thing to happen to you and you're the best thing to happen to me," Bo paused, wiping tears out of the corners of his eyes, "I was wondering if you'd marry me?"

You clammed up. You felt your anxiety wash over you like a giant wave crashing into the surf. You fell to the floor, chanting a bunch of incoherent nonsense as you curled into a ball and clutched your knees tightly to your chest. You rocked back and forth, tears streaming down your face as you continued to death-grip your knees. It was then that you felt Bo wrap you in his arms. He cradled you, rocking you in time with how you were rocking yourself. Only, he was doing it softer, gentler. He was also mumbling some of his stats from last season, the stats from the hockey game you watched yesterday. Hell, he even started mumbling what you needed to buy when you went grocery shopping the next time. Anything mundane and boring because he knew that was what generally helped you out of anxiety episodes. The more boring the better. It gave a sense of normalcy and order that helped your brain to focus on the everyday parts of life as opposed to the falsehoods of meaningless compliments that people only said to you when you were in the middle of an anxiety episode.

Hearing about baseball and hockey stats as well as what groceries you needed to buy helped remarkably well. You calmed down relatively quickly given how badly this attack had started. You tilted your head, looking Bo in the eyes. Your eyes were full of a question that didn’t need to be asked but probably should be anyways. Bo, knowing how to read you by now, simply nodded. He met you halfway as you connected your lips. You shared a brief, albeit meaningful kiss. 

When you broke your lips apart, you held your hand out. "Of course I'll marry you."

You smiled, though it was a little awkward because you were still recovering from your anxiety attack, as Bo placed the ring on your finger. You moved your hand around, looking at the ring from every angle. It was a gorgeous ring. It was also simple and not very flashy. Which is something you had told Bo you wanted when the time came for him to finally propose. You weren’t a flashy or extravagant person so there was no need to have a flashy or extravagant ring. The thought of having an expensive or flashy ring made you really anxious. You were afraid that somebody would break in and steal it from you. And you didn’t want to live the entire rest of your life in fear that someone was going to break into your house to steal something from you. You had told Bo that that was no way to live. That’s why you were content with a small, simple ring. You didn’t have to live in a constant state of anxiety that some schmuck off the street was going to get the wise idea to break in one night and rob you of it. And the ring Bo had picked was exactly the ring you had been eyeing the last time you were in a jewellery store. So, it worked out even better.

Bo snapped you out of your thought by grabbing you by the chin with his thumb and forefinger. He tilted your face up so that you were looking at each other directly. Bo’s eyes flitted down to your lips and then quickly back up to look at you. You nodded as best you could with Bo holding onto your chin, a soft smile breaking out across your lips. Bo smiled back, dropping his hand away from your chin. He, instead, grabbed your hand and interlaced your fingers. You huffed softly before you leaned forward and connected your lips with Bo’s. Bo smirked into the kiss, bringing his other hand up and resting it against your shoulder. The kiss was far more passionate than the first and you swore it could’ve gone on forever and ever. The only reason you stopped was because the puppy weaseled his way in between you and licked both of your noses. Bo laughed and booped the puppy on his nose. You made an amused noise and scritched the puppy's chest.

Bo turned back to you after you both spent a few moments playing with the puppy. "Sorry for surprising you. I know how you hate surprises."

"It's alright, Bo. It would've defeated the whole purpose if you told me," you responded, moving in closer to Bo.

At that moment, the puppy plopped himself down in between the two of you. You both scratched him behind either ear. He made a soft groan of appreciation, before falling fast asleep. He was snoring softly after a few moments which made both you and Bo chuckle bemusedly.

"What do we name him?" Bo asked, picking him up and placing him in your lap.

"Biscuit!" You replied with excitement. The dog responded to that, briefly opening his eyes and snuffling before he went back to sleep. "See! He likes that name." 

Your smile grew wider as your leaned down and gave Biscuit a kiss on the head. He snuffled again, his tail wagging against your knee. You lit up significantly, almost forgetting that you had had an anxiety attack a few minutes ago.

“Scratch that,” you said, a smile beaming on your face. “He loves that name.”

Bo just shook his head, chuckled, and waved a dismissive hand at you. "You're such a huge dork. You know that, right?"

"But I’m your huge dork," you replied, pointing to the ring on your finger as proof of that claim.

"Yes, yes you are."

[unrequitedloveletter]

Stay. I Want You to Stay- Jesper Fahey

Fic type- angsty fluff

Warnings- mentions of a bullet wound, alcohol drinking, and mentions of medical suppies.

Jesper wanted to hate you; he’d tried with all his might since the moment you two had met, since the day he looked at you, hate was all he wanted to feel, knowing that any other emotion would probably get him nowhere. 

But he couldn’t hate you, not then, not seeing you with a hand clutching aimlessly at your stomach, your white shirt stained blood with what he knew belonged to you, despite his hopes that it were someone elses. He found himself completely and utterly incapable of hating you when you leaned against the frame of his door, grimacing with every inhale and slight movement. 

“I’m sorry to bug,” you rasped. “I just--Jesper--I just didn’t know where the bloody hell else I was meant to go.” He forced himself to chuckle as he let you into his room, quickly and quietly ushering you over to his bed so that you could lay down on it. 

As you got comfortable, he rushed about the room, grabbing tweezers off the wash basin, whiskey from a small table near a window, and a first aid kid from a shelf in his closet. 

“You came to the right place,” he grabbed the needle, thread, and gauze from their respective places in a sewing kit given to him by Inej, praying that your screams wouldn’t wake up the entirety of the Slat and then some afterward. “I’ve dealt with my fair share of bullet wounds. Where’d you get this one?”

“Never, ever, should I have agreed to try to teach Wylan anything about using a gun,” he chuckled at that, gently tearing the fabric of your shirt to get to the wound better. “I love him, I do! Best demo guy we’ve had in ages and he’s whip smart to go with it, but dear lord, he cannot aim with a gun to save his own skin!” 

“Yeah,” You sat up a little, just enough to be able to properly drink the whiskey he’d placed on the bed without getting it all over the sheets. “He’s great with bombs, but with bullets? I’m not so sure.” He passed you the whiskey and you brought the mouth of the bottle to your lips, taking a swig of it as he poured rubbing alcohol over the wound.

“Shit,” you grumbled. “That feels worse than I remember it!” You took another sip of the whiskey as Jesper laughed, gently cleaning the wound with a shirt he’d left lying on his bed. 

“Tweezers next,” he picked them up, holding them to your eye level and clicking them together a few times. “This’ll hurt like a bitch, by the way.”

“Worse than the rubbing alcohol?”

He snorted, “a lot worse than the rubbing alcohol.” You brought the bottle of whiskey to your lips again, tilting your head back and downing a third of the bottle as he rummaged around for the bullet.

When he got it, the whiskey was gone and the only other alcohol around was the rubbing alcohol, but you weren’t ready for another near death experience, so you settled for gripping Jespers shoulder as he tossed the bullet with the piece of your shirt that he’d ripped. 

He glanced at you as he dropped the tweezers, and, unable to think of anything besides how your lips looked in the moonlight, pressed a gentle kiss to them and let a finger glide along your chin. 

“Just gotta stitch you up now,” he whispered. “After that, we’re done.” You nodded, a little in shock.

Not because of Jesper kissing you--that was something you’d been dreaming about since shortly after you’d met him-- but because of how right it felt. It was almost as though your lips were made for his, like your souls were two that were meant to meet. 

He stitched the wound closed and pressed a kiss to your forehead before taping gauze over it. “It’s just in case a stitch rips,” he murmured, trying to keep his voice down. “If it does, you come to me or go to Inej if I’m not around.” You nodded with a laugh, carefully standing as Jesper cleaned up his room.

“I tried to hate you, you know,” in the short while it took you to get to the door, Jesper had successfully cleaned up the mess and rinsed the bullet used to shoot you. “But I can’t. I can’t do it.”

“I hated you at first, too,” you confessed. “You were too flashy, too hyper, too energetic.”

“And now?” You turned to look at him, watching as he grabbed a clip and put a single bullet into one of his revolvers. 

“I like it,” you admitted. “It’s nice to have a bright light in a place so dim. It’s pretty great to have someone that constantly combats my exhaustion.” He smiled at you, resting his revolvers on the table and climbing into his bed. The sheets were stained with a little bit of your blood, but that didn’t matter to him. They could, and would, be washed in the morning, after he’d woken up. 

“Well, I’m not really in the mood to be combative right now,” your cheeks redden at the implication of the statement, and your hand secures on the rusted door handle. 

“I-I should be going now,” you whispered. “I didn’t mean to wake you, Jesper.” He sighed, exasperated, and you heard him flopping onto his bed. 

“Saints sake, Y/N,” he grumbled. The tone forced you to turn around again, meet his gaze. “Stay. I want you to stay.” He made grabby hands, and that about made you laugh as you stumbled through the room, over to his bed and into his arms.

“Wylan should accidentally shoot you more often,” Jesper whispered, pulling you into his arms and tangling your legs together in the process.

You released something between a laugh and a scoff, “I’ll make sure to tell him that, Jes.” 

[hiraethhh-h]

zhongli ideal s/o and relationship hc’s

note: reader is gender neutral- this is also my contribution for zhongli to come home pls 😃💔i hit my pity but i pulled mona- and i keep getting constellations for razor/chongyun bc i have all 4*’s and probably i bc i also pulled childe while he was out- time to save up for venti when he comes back in march ig (UID 608839674 ar 44) also there’ll probably be more hc’s in the future coughcoughxiaocoughcough

Ideal s/o

Someone who listens to him. As we all know, he’s very knowledgeable about Liyue and the past. He has tons of stories he could drone on about for hours, and he wants you to be there to listen. Be it you listening as a bedtime story or during afternoon tea.

Someone who’s patient with him. Being alive for thousands of years causes him to bear lots of emotional weight, and as stated in his past, he sometimes has trouble expressing himself or coming to terms with his feelings. In public he’s seen as a stoic and calm figure, but behind closed doors is when he lowers his guard, especially if you’re around.

Someone loyal, reliable, and truthful. Being someone who values contracts, if you can keep your word to someone and follow through, he’ll respect you for that.

Someone who’s humble. Zhongli himself is a humble person, he isn’t flashy with his money and prefers things to be kept on the down low, regardless of price or quality.

Someone he can spoil. As the God of Mora, he has unlimited money. Although he may not flaunt it, he can and will buy you things that remind you of him, or things that remind him of you.

Someone who can hold conversations. As much as Zhongli loves sharing his own stories, he too would love to hear from you. He wouldn’t mind listening to you either if you want to get something off of your chest.

Relationship hc’s

Please, please keep a good amount a lot of money in hand just in case he forgets his wallet. If you do end up paying for him, he’ll find a way to repay you back of course.

As stated before, this man can and will go on and on for hours about stories. Please be patient with him, especially when it comes to his emotions. I have a feeling that after losing Guizhong, he still has issues addressing his feelings and a great fear of losing you.

Exploring with him is a big thing. On his days off or late at night if you’re not tired, he will take you to his favorite spots in Liyue just to get some alone time with you. As the Geo Archon, he knows spots that have beautiful views.

Expect lots of trinkets from him, we know he doesn’t look at price tags for anything or he forgets his wallet yet somehow pays it off. A jewel that brings out your complexion? Sold. A hairpin that compliments your hair? It's yours.

Lots of fine dining but he’s open to any requests you may have. Want street food? Be sure to share some with him. Although he’s the oldest archon, I suspect there are many modern things he has yet to try.

Zhongli isn’t big on PDA, but once you two discuss it I’m sure he wouldn’t mind opening up to the idea. Of course, it’ll start as simple as hand holding in public, but behind closed doors he’ll give you as many cuddles and forehead kisses as you want.

He looks to be or is 6ft (182cm) tall, so I suspect that he’ll end up being the big spoon most of the time big spoons need cuddles too sometimes. When you’re cuddling together, expect him to be super warm.

After a stressful day, sometimes he’ll come to you and let his hair down so you can comb your hands through it.

When he gets extra busy, sometimes Zhongli will send you something in the form of a greeting when he isn’t able to see you in person.

[yutahoes]

Roses and Blood

pairing: private detective! Yuta Nakamoto x journalist! Y/N 

word count: 4.4k words

genre: angst, a bit of smut, NOIR

summary : A high-profile cheating case just become a murder case. And the center of it all is the detective himself. 

warnings : death, murder, blood, cigarettes, alcohol, sexual themes (masturbation) but not detailed, abuse, mentions of cheating, mentions of torture

This is my attempt to write a Noir AU, I’m not a fan of detective movies or this genre so this is the best that I can make up. This is heavily inspired by Secret’s Poison MV. 😁  

taglist: @dimplehyunn @nominsgirl @jaesqueso @ahsshilee-me @readers-posts @justpeachygirl 

written for Neo-City Noir Collab Call by @suh-insane​

An extra cube of sugar in my cup of coffee. The only thing that changed in my everyday routine. The everyday bustling and hustling of the street outside didn’t change a bit. A typical day. 

The calmness of the office was disturbed when the door opened. A strong scent of woman’s perfume hitting my nose. Roses. She smelled like roses. 

The woman removed her coat, revealing a red button-down blouse hugging her figure. Blood. She reminds me of blood. A woman who might bring trouble. 

Her heels click-clacking against the hardwood of my office and she slumped on the chair before I could remove my eyes from her. “I need your help.” She started, crossing her legs. “Detective Nakamoto.” 

I leaned in on the table to assess her. An unreadable expression. She might be used to this. She took an envelope from her white handbag, sliding it on the table in front of me. "This is the file for Senator Hall." I opened the envelope which revealed a detailed copy of the said senator's information. "There had been threats to his life and I wanted to ask your help in finding who the mystery sender is." 

There are different sized papers inside the envelope, letters cut from magazines that contain messages of threats. “Are you and the senator…?” Her lips curled up even before I could finish my sentence. 

She handed a card, slipping it on the table. “I’m Y/N, Senator Hall’s publicist.” True enough, the card says that she is a journalist. “There are talks about how good you are, considering you found the mistress of Otto Holding’s chairman.” My jaw clenched. It’s not my best work but why did I get famous because of that? “Can I assure your help, Detective?” 

I nodded with a smirk. She knew the business. Interesting. The woman placed the briefcase on the table, “This is just the first payment.” A briefcase full of money? This is serious business. She placed a gold-colored card above the briefcase with the letters ‘Fantasia’ written on it. “The senator usually comes to this club. He often gets the letters in this place.” 

Fantasia? It’s a new high-end club that just opened for VIPs. This just narrowed down the list of potential suspects. They can either be VIPs or someone working in that club. 

“I trust that you do your job discreetly,” She leaned on the table and I found myself staring at the low cut of her red blouse. “Mr. Yuta Nakamoto.” The way my name rolled on her tongue sent shivers down my spine. And as she left the office, her heels clicking on the floor, I was left with the scent of roses and an unhealthy amount of attraction for the senator’s publicist. 

My fingers fiddled with the business card she handed. 

Miss Y/N. 

Trouble. 

Will I get to see her again? 

Fantasia is so posh, so high class, that security is so tight. It runs in an invite-only policy, the golden card that Miss Y/N handed. But even if you had the said invite, you needed to give them your personal information. Nothing bad will surely happen here. 

The inside was not anything I imagined. The smell of alcohol and the blinding lights are the first thing noticeable inside, followed by jazz music playing. Girls in promiscuous clothes were serving drinks as another girl with flashy red clothes was singing on the stage. The color of rose and blood. And I was reminded of Ms. Y/N once again. 

Senator. I’m here for a task. 

After getting my drink from the bartender, I searched for a place where I could sit and surveyed the place. Before I approached a corner seat, I spotted the man I should be eyeing, seated on a velvet couch and staring at the girl on the stage. Based on the files, he has a wife and she’s very wealthy. Is this another case of a cheating husband? Then this case will be solved immediately. 

The girl in the red dress singing earlier made her way to the crowd, stopping in front of the senator before giving him a smile and a wink. A smirk escaped my lips, case closed. I've been in this work for so long to know that his wife is giving him threats for having a girlfriend. A cliché love story. 

The task was done even before I could begin so I drank a little to celebrate my small victory. Although the drink is expensive, I deserved this. 

I'm busy minding my drink when the seat beside me gets occupied. "Hi." The same girl in the red dress singing on stage earlier. The senator's lover. "You're new here, aren't you?" 

Does she keep track of the people here? "Want me to show you a good time?" What? But before I could say anything, she lightly pushed up her skirt to show me her thigh. What the hell is this club? 

I turned around from her, facing the female bartender who was wiping the counter, and drank the contents of my glass in one gulp. I have to get out of here. The girl held my chest and I hastily stood up, feeling my head throbbed. What is happening to me? I felt my legs lose their strength as my stomach grumbled, sour liquid creeping up in my throat. 

Immediately, I ran to the men's toilet to vomit everything in my stomach. The sour and bitter taste coming out of my mouth. Where did this come from? Is it the expensive drink? Am I not allowed to drink expensive scotch? Luxury life isn't really for me. 

The moment I went out, wiping my mouth with my handkerchief, a surprise overtook me. A body was lying on the floor, a pool of blood by my feet. Turning it, I stumbled on my feet to see the senator as pale as a ghost. What the hell? I kneeled on the bloody floor, pumping his chest to at least save him but it's too late. He already lost a lot of blood. Shit, this is bad. 

A stray bullet can be seen on the side of his body next to something glistening. An earring. Gold flower earring. The lingering smell of cigarettes, mint cigarettes. Before I could stand, the door opened followed by a scream of terror. This is really bad. 

The door closed. I had to save myself. Even if it is the most questionable thing, I jumped out of the window and ran for my life. My hands were still bloody as well as my coat, the earring in my coat pocket. This is a first. What will happen to me now? There's only one person who saw me. They can't actually remember me, right? 

It must be the distress, the lightheaded feeling of panic. A blinding car light made me stop in my tracks. This might be my death. I should have bought the fanciest drink there is. 

"Detective Nakamoto?" Then the voice of an angel. I might be dead. "Are you alright?" The angel appears to wear a red shirt. The color of blood. Death. "What happened to you?" Her flesh feels warm, she's alive. 

It is the distress, the panic, that I cling to her arm. The police sirens could be heard and I begged for her to take me out of the place. 

The evening lights were blinding as she drove. Destination, unknown. Her phone rang and she accepted the call, Mrs. Hall. "My husband is dead." She stepped on the brakes immediately, putting her phone on handset before glancing at me. 

I didn't hear what they were talking about but her stare at me got me ideas. She might have found out that I'm in the same club as him. When she put down the call, she only stared at me. "You killed him?" 

"What? Of course not." 

She raised an eyebrow, eyeing my bloody coat. "I swear I didn't. I saw him lying in his own blood when I left the restroom stall." 

"Someone saw you." She opened the radio of her car, "And now, they're looking for you." The voice from the radio was talking about how the senator was found dead in the jazz club and that they're looking for a man in a coat. I hastily removed my coat, throwing it on the backseat of the car. 

She laughed at that. "You think that's all, detective?" She showed her phone, a picture of me taken earlier in the club with a wanted sign on top. Shit! "I asked you to find who tried to kill him, not kill him." 

"I swear I didn't," I shouted, putting my hands up. "I don't even own a gun and he was shot." I tried to think of other things I noticed at the scene of the crime. Come on Yuta, think. "It smells like cigarettes and I don't smoke." 

She raised an eyebrow at that. "But why are you there?" 

"You asked me to come there."

"I mean the restroom." She rolled her eyes. "If he was shot, why didn't you hear the gunfire? Why didn't you ask for help?" 

I closed my eyes in frustration. Journalists really are inquisitive. "I was vomiting my drink and I don't know, I panicked. I thought I could save him." She started the car without a word and I just sat there, looking outside to see where we were going. 

What will happen to me now? A wanted man. I can't return to my original life. Why am I in this mess? "I'm sorry. I believe you. I asked you for help and you were just trying to do your job." I nodded. At least she understands. "But for now, everyone knows you so I'll help you hide then maybe we can clear your name." 

I have nothing to do but trust her. I need to clear my name. Why is my brain so blank now? 

We stopped at a gas station to get some food. I’m pretty famished after vomiting everything but the moment I stepped inside the store, the news of the senator can be heard followed by a description of the person who killed him. The attendant stared at me before Y/N took his attention. This is bad. 

Hastily, I made a beeline outside after cleaning my hands off the blood. Y/N is already outside with a lollipop in her mouth, leaning by her car. “I borrowed some clothes.” She should have said that when I was inside but where did she get those clothes? “You can change inside the car.” 

Here? In the open? But she was already opening the door for me. The clothes were on the backseat of her car, a black shirt and jogger pants. And it’s better than having my bloody clothes so even if the shirt is a little tight, pants shorter, I have to wear this. 

She eyed me from head to toe and for the first time, I felt exposed. A raise of an eyebrow followed by the lollipop removed from her mouth with a popping sound. "Do you have any place you can go?" Is there? They're probably at my apartment address by now. The police might be in my office. I shook my head and she smirked, gesturing to the car. 

The city buildings are now gone, replaced by endless empty landscapes. It was a long drive. The news from the radio was replaced by jazz music, her phone kept ringing but she didn't mind it all. A blinding light changed the overall aura of the surroundings as she made a sharp turn heading to what seems like a motel. Why here of all places? It looks like a rundown. Is someone still living here? 

I followed her to what seems like an endless hallway, the smell of cigarettes and weed in the air as the sounds of grunting and bed squeaking can be heard. She inserted a key on the last door to the right, opening it and switching the lights on. “Stay here for a while.” She whispered before casually entering the room. It smelled like roses. Her scent. 

“Do you live here?” She shook her head, handing me a bottle of beer. Then why does she look so comfortable here? She removed her coat and casually throwing it to the couch in the middle of the room. Her arms filled with bruises and scars. “What happened?” 

She shrugged, disappearing to another door and I took time to look around. A large window covered with dark curtains, bottles of beer on the floor under the table. I even saw underwear which made me immediately turn around. There was a sound of murmuring from inside the room, she might be on a call with someone. 

I took my phone out of my coat pocket which revealed countless calls and even messages asking where I was. In annoyance, I just closed my phone and return it to the pocket where my fingers grazed at something sharp. The earring. The gold flower earring. It’s a woman. 

“A woman killed him.” I immediately told Y/N when she went out of the room. “I’m certain of that.” She glanced at me in question. “Maybe his wife.” 

“Mrs. Hall? She’s so kind.” She claimed. “Why would she do that?” 

“Because he’s seeing someone else.” The statement obviously came as a surprise to her. Doesn’t she know? “Senator Hall is seeing another girl in that jazz club.” Her eyebrows were scrunched to focus on my words. Then it came. That girl. She was beside me before I took a shot of my drink. She might have put something in my drink. She listened as I narrate everything to her, no one can help me with this shithole but her. I need to clear my name and find who really killed the senator. 

She bit her lip. “Do you really think she did it? The jazz singer?” I nodded. It’s only her or his wife. “I’m meeting Mrs. Hall tomorrow. I’ll try and look at this.” She rolled her eyes. “This is supposed to be your job.” I apologized. It really is. But my hands are tied now. I can’t do anything. 

The death was all over the news. My face plastered on every newspaper and wanted poster. How quick are they to assume that I killed the senator? Should I just come clean and tell them that I don’t have a gun? That I don’t smoke? 

With nothing to do, I laundry my bloody clothes and some of Y/N’s things. Lightly tidying up her motel room. Why would a girl like her live in a place like this? 

And as I reached out from under the couch, I found out exactly why. 

It’s almost midnight yet she isn’t back. Maybe she isn’t coming here tonight. So I settled to bed, removing the dirty shirt I have been wearing the whole day. The incessant pounding of the bed on the wall from the other room only made me annoyed and, well, disturbed. I can’t fucking sleep. The moans got louder, mattress squeaking that made it unable for me to focus on just sleeping. Fuck! I’m very well disturbed. 

My hand slipped inside my pants, finger tracing the outline of my member while thinking of a certain girl in red lace underwear. Hand wrapped around the hard rod, I started stroking while creating soft moans along with the sound of sex next door. “Y/N,” I whispered and a gasp can be heard that made me open my eyes. She’s in the doorway, looking at me in surprise. Fuck! Immediately, I removed my hand from my pants then stood up from the bed that made me light-headed. “It’s not what it looked like. I…” 

“Yuta,” she called. A sound that rang like a melody in my ears. There were tears in her eyes, a bruised lip, and a cut on her cheek. The reason why she’s staying in this motel room. Why that ring is under the couch. “I don’t want to come back to him anymore.” She choked on her tears. 

Y/N’s cries got louder as I wrap my arms around her. “Then don’t come back to him,” I whispered. How long was this? Why isn’t she speaking up about this? Why is she hiding here? “I’ll protect you, Y/N.” 

She stared right into my eyes. And I knew that very moment I shouldn't have let myself be taken by her good looks and smell. I realized that she was the kind of trouble I was looking for. The kind that would give my life a sense of purpose. 

My hunches might be right seeing how there are bruises and scars all over her skin. How can a confident girl be this fucked up? Now, I have more reasons to clear my name. "When everything clears up, stay with me." I whispered then kissed her bare shoulder. My lips went to hers, gently kissing the bruises and cuts in her skin as if I could erase them. My arms trying to give her the warmth she needed. 

When I woke up, she was nowhere in sight. Her car wasn’t outside as well, she must be off to work. The news is different now, something about the stocks dropping and the murder of another man in town. Maybe I can come outside now. But where should I go? There isn’t any diner or restaurant near the motel, even a store where I can buy food. I’ll have to wait for her to come home and wish that she brought food. 

Luckily, Y/N did. Sushi. Along with the take-out foods is an envelope that contains papers inside. A picture is inside the brown file, the girl from the jazz club. “Is she the one you’re talking about?” I nodded. Although her clothes are different and with a lesser make-up on, she’s obviously that girl. There were details about her, her name and her address. “Do you think she killed the senator?” 

“Why would she drug me if not?” 

“That’s not enough evidence, Yuta.” She’s right. It really isn’t enough evidence to name her the suspect. Shit! Is there anything I can do to clear my name? “I’ll try and watch her, maybe I can get some answers.” 

I moved closer to her, holding her in my arms. If we’re going to clear my name, she wouldn’t be doing this alone. She’s been through a lot. “I’ll come with you.” When she kissed my lips, I already knew her answer. 

She was exactly that girl in the bar. My eyes can’t fool me. It’s a high possibility that she is the killer now that we’re watching her smoke a cigarette. All we need to do is get her alibi and see if she has a gun. But I'm positive that she is the killer. Why would she put poison in my drink? Why me? 

Is it to frame me? She doesn't know me. Is it obvious that I'm a detective at first glance? Which came to my first question, why me? 

That question still lingered in my mind. It's been a week since we saw the girl. Y/N would always leave in the morning and come back each night with new information about the Senator's case. She had been working closely with the lawyers and the police about the case, updating me of recent findings. "Can I come out now? Tell the police everything I know about the case?" I asked while brushing her hair, her head laying on my arm. "I have enough evidence." 

"Evidence?" 

"An earring," I whispered and she jolted to sit, looking at me surprised. "I saw an earring at the scene of the crime." 

"Why didn't you tell me about this?" She picked up her discarded clothes in a hurry. Why? What’s wrong? But before I could ask anything, she had already left. 

The news of the senator’s death was once again on the headlines but this time, my face isn’t the one flashing but the jazz singer’s as the suspect. She admitted to the crime, saying that she had been threatening the senator since he promised that he’ll buy her out of the club. Fantasia club is now under a lot of criticism for prostitution and the unethical labor of the workers. A gun with a silencer was found in her possession, the weapon used for the crime. 

My picture flashed on the screen, not as a suspect, but as the detective who solved all of this. 

There’s only one thing to do now. Go back to my normal life. 

Journalists all came to the office and asked me a lot of questions. The newspaper was filled with pictures of me, claiming that I’m the best detective in town and the phone kept ringing endlessly in the office. I smiled, it hadn’t been a typical day even if I didn’t put an extra cube of sugar in my coffee. 

I was on a call with a journalist from the local newspaper when two uniformed personnel came inside my office. “Detective Nakamoto, we need your help.” And I knew, this is something serious. 

Maybe it already happened two times. I have been to this place before. Thrice. I have been here thrice. The mansion of the Chairman of Otto Holdings. It was his wife who asked me to come here before. Now, the reason was him. 

The officials informed me about the corpse, stabbed in the stomach then shot in the head. The killer wants him dead, I’m sure of that. I saw him a couple of times before and he is a tall man. If someone were to kill him by stabbing his stomach, that person might be close to him. Who would do this? His wife? But she’s already living abroad. His lover perhaps? Someone working for him? 

“Reports said that he’s here with his daughter. We’re trying to locate her.” He had a daughter? They showed a plastic bag with the pieces of evidence found at the crime scene: strands of long hair, cigarette butt, a bullet. Familiar shreds of evidence. 

They let me look around his office, the place polished in cleanliness except for little splotches of blood on the carpet. Old marks of blood. On one side of the wall were torture devices: floggers, leather whips, handcuffs, and wooden cane. Either he’s into serious sexual acts or he’s just a demon who loves torture.

A picture hanging on the wall took my attention. A happy family. The young-looking chairman was standing behind his estranged wife who looked really happy and youthful. On her lap is a young girl with such angelic features. Bright shining eyes. Then a familiar thing caught my attention.  

The gold flower earring was shining on my hand. The same earring the little girl is wearing in the picture. Why do I feel like I’ve been chasing the wrong suspect all along? I drank some beer, seated by the edge of my desk when the door opened. Before I could tell that the office was closed for the day, a strong scent of a woman’s perfume hit my nose. Roses. The familiar smell of roses. Y/N. 

She removed the black coat she had on, revealing a red wrap-around dress that shows some skin below her neckline and stops midthigh. Her hair has gotten shorter since the last time I saw her. Lips deep red. Her heels click-clacking against the hardwood of my office. A sheer lace thigh-high stocking completed her look. 

Her hand slipped on my neck, leaning close to whisper in my ear “Long time no see, hotshot.” My heart beating wildly against my chest. Her smell. That addicting smell. Her lips went to mine. Her taste. A deadly combination of alcohol, cigarette, and mint. “I missed you, Yuta.” She whispered in that erotic voice, fingers heading south my shirt. 

I took the glass of alcohol to relieve the parching of my throat, finishing the contents before holding her by the waist. “It’s you, isn’t it?” A smirk escaped her lips. “You killed the chairman.” I should have been aware the moment it smelled like roses in the chairman’s house. “You’re his daughter.” The same eyes as the girl in the picture. “Why…?” 

My chest suddenly felt tight. Like someone just punched my heart. I gasped for air. Mouth burning as if on fire. She just sat on the chair, crossing her legs while watching me. “Because he promised mom that he’ll take care of me.” She flexed her fingers, checking her nails. “I hate people who don’t fulfill their promises.” 

Promises. The same thing the jazz singer said about the senator. “You…” I coughed blood. “You also killed the senator.” It makes sense now. She came to me. She wanted me there. She pretended to help me. The earring. Her reaction. The taste of mint and cigarettes. “Why? Why me?” My legs feel numb that I fell on the floor. 

“Isn’t it your fault why mom left my dad? Why I’m in hell because of him?” It wasn’t a husband. It was her dad. He really is a monster. “Think of this as a little gift. You’ve became famous. Everyone will know that you died.” Her fingers glide on the edge of the desk, placing a small white pill beside the glass. “They just wouldn’t know how.”  

I called for her name but she just stared at me with an evil look in her eyes. “I sincerely liked you, Yuta. I even believed that we could be together.” 

“We can.” But every word felt like a thorn in my chest. “I love you.” 

The corner of her lips curled up, kneeling beside me. “But you’re also like them. Promising things and not actually doing it.” I grasp her arm, words not coming out of my mouth. She took her phone. “Mrs. Hall, the work is done.” She stared right into me with cold eyes. “Detective Nakamoto is gone.” 

Her lips were as red as rose as she smirked at me. Her dress, red. The color of blood. 

The memory of when I first saw her came to me. The same smell of roses. The gold flower earrings on her ears. The same color as blood telling me that she’s bad news. 

I should have listened. 

But it’s too late. 

She is indeed trouble. 

The kind of trouble that will be the death of me. 

Like a sweet poison. She’s a poison. Addicting. Deadly. 

And then everything went black.