#(strained smile) yep...!! so true...! | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

measuredingold · 8 months ago

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everytime

authors note: okay everyone… i need you to stay with me, okay ? 😅 this took a lot longer than i wanted and ended up going in a completely different route than i initially started it as but… good news ! this just means part 4 is coming your way ! and it will officially be the last part in this little series that was never meant to be a series ? 😭 anyways, as always i hope you enjoy. title is everytime by ariana grande :)

pairing: noah sebastian x reader

divider: @saradika-graphics

word count: 4.2K

cross posted on ao3 / part one and two

cw/tw: swearing, complicated feelings, feelings realization ?, Noah Sebastian Is Still Bad At Feelings But He’s Trying, 18+ minors do not interact

Nicholas' eyes snap towards the door every time it opens, leg bouncing with nerves as he waits for your arrival. He doesn't understand why he's the one who's nervous. Maybe it's because he has no part in this? Going behind Noah's back and talking to you, trying to fix what was broken? His stomach twists at the thought.

Yep. Definitely that.

He doesn't want Noah to be upset with him but he couldn't just sit there while his best friend was obviously more affected than he let on. Nicholas knows how stubborn he can be, and knows he's notorious for not being the nicest to himself. Thinking he doesn't deserve good things, ultimately sabotaging each and every good thing that comes his way.

It's harsh, but it's true. Noah knows it. Nicholas knows it. He's watched it happen so many times he can't even count them anymore.

His eyes rise from the table the exact moment you push open the door and you find him instantly, lips stretching into a smile. That eases him and he gives you a tight lipped smile back, lifting a hand to wave.

His eyes drop to the drinks he's already gotten - an iced Americano for himself and an iced matcha latte for you. He hopes you still like that, it really has been a long time since the two of you have hung out together. He doesn't even remember the last time he was in this cafe.

"Hey," You say when you finally reach his table, eyes dropping to the drink. "Whoa. You remembered?"

He nods. "Iced matcha latte?"

"Yeah." Your smile softened as you slid into the chair across from him. "Thank you, you didn't have to."

Nicholas just shrugs in response. He brings his own drink up to his lips to try and hide the grin that forms at your nod in satisfaction.

"Almond milk?"

"Uh, I forgot which you liked so I just kind of guessed."

"I prefer oat milk, but this is still pretty damn good. Thank you."

He smiles. "You're welcome."

"So," You start, sitting your drink down. "How've you been?"

"Good, good." Nicholas nods, arms crossing over his chest as he leans back against the chair. "You?"

"I've been better." You give him a strained smile. "But I'm not what's important here. How was tour?"

He knew you'd avoid it, why you've been better, but he doesn't comment on it. At least, not yet. Instead he dives into a story about the first night of tour and how someone tried to sneak into the venue and backstage just to talk to Jolly, or how Folio played a whole set with food poisoning.

It was easy to get lost in conversation with you, he's never had a problem with it before. You've always been so easy to get along with that it wasn't shocking to Nicholas that Noah cared about you so much, even if he never voiced it. After one last story, both of your guys' laughter eventually dies down, and you watch him curiously across the table.

"What?" He questions, head tilting.

"You didn't want to meet today just to talk about tour, did you?”

Nicholas doesn't say anything at first, tracing random shapes in the condensation on this drink before shrugging.

"I mean, of course I did." He finally looks up at you. "But that's not all I wanted to talk about."

You tilt your head. "What else is there to talk about?"

"You." His eyes drop again to his drink. "Noah."

"What do you mean?"

He says your name gently, "I know."

Your eyes widen for a moment and then you clear your throat, dropping your head to stare at the table. "Oh."

"He told me a while ago." He leaves out that he's known from the beginning, to spare you and Noah, and watches you carefully. "You ended it last night."

"Do you blame me?" Your voice is tight, finally looking up at him with narrowed eyes.

"No. I don't."

Your gaze softens for a moment. "Then what is there to talk about?"

He sighs. "He's being really fucking stubborn but he does care about you. A lot."

"He has a weird way of showing it."

"He wasn't always like that." Nicholas starts, hands cupping his drink. "He's always been more reserved, but not like he is now. He's just," He contemplates his words, rolling his lips, "been through a lot."

Your arms cross over your chest, head tilting. "Elaborate."

Nicholas chews on his bottom lip nervously. He knows it's not his place. He knows he's teetering over the line of trying to help and also outing all of Noah's dirty laundry, but he feels like you need some kind of explanation on why his best friend is the way he is. You deserve that much, at least to Nicholas.

He clears his throat. "He... There used to be someone. She was fine at first, I guess. Noah thought that she was the greatest thing ever. Kissed the ground she walked on. He finally opened himself up to someone that wasn't already in his circle and it..." Nicholas sighs, finally meeting your eyes again. "It got bad. I watched him get hurt time and time again and he just seemed to keep... going back. Had this sort of warped perception of her? She was basically using him for some weird gain, I still don't know what for. He couldn't see it, though."

"Oh." Your face kind of falls, brows furrowing. "Rose-colored glasses type thing?"

"Yeah. Exactly that." Nicholas shrugs. "We all tried talking to him, but he just wouldn't listen. Until it was too late. I've never seen him so..." He sighs. "I've known him for a long time. Seen him at his worst before all of this and when I tell you it was bad, it was fucking bad. He didn't talk to me for a week. Locked himself in his room. By the time he came back around he was... he was still Noah, but different. More quiet. A lot more reserved. Stand-offish with anyone not in our immediate circle."

"What did she do?"

Nicholas left out a lot on purpose, but there was just things he couldn’t talk about. It wasn’t his place - Noah needed to tell you himself. "All I can tell is that it was bad. Fucked up."

"Hm." You hum in response, eyes dropping from Nicholas down to the table. "I guess that explains it then."

"It doesn't excuse his behavior. He knows what he's doing, but it's not really... malicious. It's just..." He shrugs again. "Protecting himself?"

"He'd rather do the hurting than be hurt himself?"

"I think that's it. He has it in his mind that this is better for you and for him. Instead of wasting each other's time," Nicholas gives you a sad smile before he shrugs his shoulders, reaching for his drink again. "But I call bullshit. I've known him since he was 13. He cares about you, more than he'd like to admit to anyone. Especially himself."

You don't say anything to that, you barely even look at him, focused on the drink in front of you. He takes a sip from his own drink watching you carefully.

"I'm not trying to say that what he did wasn't fucked, because it was. You're my friend, too." He sits his drink back down on the table, arms crossing over his chest. "But he's also my brother, and I needed you to know that he wasn't doing this because he's a heartless asshole. He's just scared. Has somewhat valid reasons to be scared, but doesn't... handle it right?"

"Definitely doesn't handle it right." You snort, but then your face falls when you look up at him before you speak again. "Why didn't he just tell me?"

All Nicholas does is raise a brow at you.

"Right. Protecting himself."

"Exactly." His words trail off before he mumbles out, "but if you'd reach out to him, maybe he'd tell you."

You sit up in your seat, resting your elbows on the table. "You want me to unblock him?"

"Listen," He says your name gently again, mimicking your movements and leaning his elbows against the table. "I know how you feel about him. And I know how he feels about you. I can't just sit here and watch this really good thing go down in flames because my friends are fucking stubborn." You open your mouth to argue with him but he points a finger at you. "You are fucking stubborn. Don't lie."

"Whatever." You grumble, arms crossing over your chest.

You look off to the side and Nicholas wonders what you're thinking, and if you're even considering his words. He knows what Noah did was wrong, he's not excusing that, but... maybe if you understand his point of view, it'd make it easier to understand the enigma that is Noah Sebastian.

And how can you do that without talking to him?

"Just think about it. Please?"

You don't say anything for a while, probably a whole minute before you're sighing out, "Fine. I'll talk to him."

Nicholas tries to keep his triumphant smile at bay, but he can already feel the corners of his lips curling.

First part of his plan is complete, and he hopes the rest can work itself out naturally.

Can we talk?

Noah's eyes nearly bulged out of his head when your text came through. Was he seeing that right? You unblocked him? Not only that, but you wanted to talk to him? His heart pounded against his chest as he continued to stare down at his phone, re-reading your name on his screen over and over again.

He can't even move, practically paralyzed in his spot. What is there to talk about? He thought you were done. He doesn't blame you. It's what he wanted, even if the sick feeling in the pit of his stomach seemed to disagree. What could have changed in the last few days? There's no way you could've had a change of heart that quick.

"Hey." His head snaps towards his door to find Nicholas peeking in, giving him a small smile. "We're heading out to get some food. Wanna come?"

For a second he thinks he'll just ignore your message, delete it, and pocket his phone to go eat with his friends. Then the tiny voice in the back of his mind starts, and he finds himself shaking his head.

"Um. Nah, I'm good." He clears his throat, eyes darting down to his phone back to Nicholas. "How long will you be gone?"

Nicholas shrugs, leaning his body against the door frame. "Few hours. Why?"

"Just wondering." There's an awkward pause before Noah clears his throat again. "Gonna work on some stuff, try to knock a few things out. Mind bringing me back some food?"

"Sure. I'll text you the menu whenever we decide where to go."

He thanks Nicholas and waits for his friend to leave, shutting the door behind him before he finally reaches for his phone.

Of course. Do you want to meet somewhere?

Your message comes much quicker than he expects.

Can I come over? I’m nearby.

Oh. His heart picks up beneath his chest and his eyes scan his room quickly, making sure it isn’t too messy. Which, it isn’t. Noah’s always been particular about his room. Having things in order, in the right places. Everything’s where it belongs.

Yeah. Let me know when you get here.

All you do is like his message in response. Noah’s phone falls from his hands and into his lap, eyes wide as he stares at the screen in front of him.

He'd thought about over and over again what he'd tell you exactly if he ever got the chance again. About how sorry he was, about how he knew how unfair it was to you and how wished he could take it back. And he does, but the thought of actually saying those things to your face puts a sour taste in his mouth, stomach turning in nerves.

How the fuck is he going to do this?

When he opens the door, he just stares at you. No words exchanged, just wide eyes and tight pressed lips. Seeing you here, in front of him like this had his head spinning, because he made himself believe he’d never see you again. He feels even dizzier than before.

"You gonna let me in?" Your words bring him back to reality and he has to physically shake his head to come back to himself.

"Uh. Yeah, yeah. Sorry."

He's blushing, he knows, and he dips his head when he gets out of your way to let you inside. You've already seen the pink twinge to his cheeks, though, that much he is aware, but you don't comment on it. Instead, you silently slip inside and he shuts the door behind you. For a second he just stands there, watching you carefully before clearing his throat, tipping his head towards the stairs.

"Do you wanna... go upstairs? Everyone's gone but I um, don't know when they'll be back, so..."

You don't exactly answer his question, just give him a stiff nod before making your way upstairs. You don't even bother waiting for him and Noah finds himself quickly following in line, keeping a steady pace behind you as you walk towards his room. He shuts the door behind him quietly, keeping it unlocked and then leans against it, trying to keep some distance between the two of you.

He doesn't know what to do. You've made yourself comfy for the most part, sitting on the edge of his bed with your legs crossed. You look around the room, probably trying to see if anything was different than before and Noah thinks he hasn't changed much.

He’s sure you’re aware of that.

You finally look at him, head tilting to the side. "You just gonna stare at me?"

"Uh," He swallows. "I guess? You're the one who asked if we could talk."

"Oh." This time it's you who's blushing and for some reason Noah can't help but smile to himself. He missed the sight of the pink tinge to your cheeks every time he got you flustered.

Fuck, did he miss it. He missed you. That confirmation alone had his own face heating up again, stomach swirling with unease as he shifted from foot to foot.

"Listen," You sigh out, arms crossing over your chest as you nod towards Noah's computer chair. "Sit?"

He does.

You take another moment before speaking again, "You really fucking suck at talking about your feelings."

"Uh." He blinks. "What?"

"I said you fucking suck at talking about your feelings, Noah."

He blinks again. What the fuck were you on about? Noah knew this. He's very much aware of how terrible he is at expressing himself, but why the hell were you bringing it up now? Shouldn't you be yelling at him? Telling him how much of an awful person he is?

"Okay."

You stare at him for a beat longer than necessary, expression leveled, and Noah can't help but squirm in his seat. You watching him like that, void of any emotion just... makes him feel weird? Uneasy. Like you can see right through him, see him for who he really is, and that's terrifying.

"God. You are making this harder than it needs to be." You finally say, groaning quietly to yourself as you tip your head back.

"...Sorry?" He watches as you stare at the ceiling for a moment before taking another breath.

"I talked to Nicholas." For some reason those words make his heart drop, eyes widening slightly. “He told me... He didn't tell me everything, okay? Left that up to you if you're willing to, but he told me enough for me to kind of understand?"

His mind races. What did Nicholas tell you exactly? His stomach turns, first out of anger, but then fear of what could have been told to you. He doesn't talk about it often, refuses to, and he doesn't expect himself to talk about it now. Except, you say you understand? He doesn't get that.

"You do?"

"Yeah," You shrug. "Again, he didn't tell me everything. He was really vague, but what I do know is that you..." You pause, trying to find the right words. "...went through something with someone who sounds like they weren't exactly nice to you."

He clears his throat. "You could say that."

You stare at him for a moment, eyes searching him for something and he knows what it is. You're trying to figure out what it is, what happened. He wishes he could tell you. Hell, he wishes he could talk about it at all, but the sour taste in the back of his throat lets him know that he's not ready for that yet.

"You don't have to tell me." You murmur, eyes softening, and Noah's grateful. "I didn't come here to try and pry it out of you. Whenever you're ready to talk about it, you can tell me. Or don't. I don't care."

Noah nods, but doesn't say anything.

"This isn't me defending your shitty behavior, because it is shitty regardless of your past experiences. However, I understand you better." You pause again, chewing on your bottom lip. "And I wish you expressed that without having to be a complete asshole."

Noah snorts. "I'm not too keen on communication. Thought you picked up on that already."

"I picked up on it. Don't worry." You deadpan, the corners of your lips are curling into a smile, and Noah thinks this is a good start. "You really need to work on that."

He nods. "I know."

The silence that follows isn't awkward, per say, but it's there. Lingering. Noah knows what he needs to do, what he needs to say to you, but it's still hard to even get it out. He takes a deep breath, leaning back against his chair, eyes trained to his lap.

"I'm sorry." He says it so quietly he doubts you even heard him, but he continues anyway. "You didn't deserve what I put you through. No one does, but especially you. I need you to know it wasn't like, malicious or whatever, it was just-"

"You were protecting yourself." You cut him off and his eyes snap up towards you, brows furrowed.

"Yeah... I was."

"Easier to be the one doing the hurting rather than being hurt?”

He swallows, your words settling into his chest. "I guess you could say that."

You stare at him again and this time he braves holding your gaze, and watches as your eyes soften. His throat tightens and Noah finds himself wanting to tell you everything, down to every last detail that he can remember. He opens his mouth but shuts it, clearing his throat.

"I.." He starts, and then clears his throat again, gaze dropping to his lap. "There's a lot that happened. With this person. They really fucking sucked, but I didn’t notice until it was too late. Uh. I'm still working through it, but one day I'd... I'd really like to tell you about it."

"Yeah?"

He nods and then continues, "I know it fucked with me and the way I percieve things. It's definitely fucked with the way I navigate relationships, and that's not fair to anyone. Especially you. I'm..." Noah pauses and takes a deep breath. "I'm just really fucking sorry I couldn’t say that sooner. I'm not asking for forgiveness, that's the last thing I'd ask of you. I just want to do better - be better. For you. For me. For everyone."

His eyes flick up towards you and watches as your entire expression softens, eyes widening at his confession. It felt weird saying it out loud but the heaviness against his chest felt lighter, like he was more at ease from finally admitting to something that's been eating at him for weeks. The walls were still very much up, enclosing him in, but he could feel himself slowly starting to chip away at the edges. It'll take awhile, he's one hundred percent sure, but... he thinks he could do it.

"You could, you know. Be better. If you tried."

"I want to try." He's quick with his response, eyes locking with yours. "If you'd let me."

"...Will you let yourself try?"

Noah thinks about it for a moment, because that is a valid question. He's usually all talk and never follows through, the same fears always winning in the end. This time, though, it feels... different. It feels like he actually wants to try. This is uncharted territory for him, but it's not bad.

He nods. "I think I will."

"Okay." You nod to yourself, clearing your throat as you look around his room one more time before your eyes land back on him. "Okay. Then I'm willing to try, too."

His heart pounds against his chest, ears ringing. He wasn't expecting you to agree so fast, to even want to try again. Noah still isn't sure what trying will actually entail, but if it ends with having you back in his arms one day, he thinks he's willing to do whatever. He coughs to try and cover up the shock written all over his face, nodding along with you.

"Okay. Cool."

"And thank you for trusting me with that. I know it was hard to even tell me that much."

"...It was, but I told you I'm trying."

You smile, something small and almost barely there. "You are. Thank you."

Silence fills the air after that, an uncertainty lingering around the two of you. He supposes you're not sure what the trying will entail either and expects that the two of you will be navigating whatever the fuck that is soon enough. For right now, he's just happy that you're here, and that you agreed. It wasn't a confirmation on forgiving him, but it was something, and he's not going to take that for granted.

"This went a lot better than I expected." You say honestly, and laughter soon follows your words. "You better thank Nicholas whenever you see him again, he's the whole reason I even agreed to talk to you."

Noah's head tilts. "Really?"

"Mhm." You rest your hands behind you, leaning back on the bed. "When we talked yesterday, he asked if I’d consider talking to you. Really cares about you, implied you sabotage every relationship you encounter. I could tell he was sick of you being mean to yourself."

"Huh." He thinks he should be upset with Nicholas, practically weaseling his way into a situation that didn't include him whatsoever, but he can't find himself to be anything but relieved. If it wasn't for his best friend, he isn't sure you'd be sitting in front of him right now. He isn't sure he would've ever seen you again. "I'll have to thank him whenever he gets back, I guess."

"You should."

You smile at him, a smile Noah hasn't seen in what feels like a thousand fucking years, and it nearly knocks the air out of him. He's always loved your smile, even though he was terrified at the way it made him feel like butterflies were erupting inside of his stomach. Right now, though, he welcomes the feeling, and smiles back.

"Well, I uh. Should probably go."

Noah ignores the way his heart drops and nods silently, knowing that you were right. This was more than enough, and you didn't have to give him any more of your time than you wanted to.

"Let me walk you out."

It's silent as the two of you step out of his room and he follows behind you as you make your way back downstairs and by the door. He feels selfish, not wanting you to leave after he just... got you back? He isn't sure what to call it right now, but the overwhelming urge to pull you into his arms was practically eating at him.

"I'll uh... text you, when I get home?" You sound uncertain when you say it, slowly starting to slip on your shoes. Noah stuffs his hands in the pockets of his sweats.

"I'd like that." He mumbles, giving you a timid grin. "And uh... maybe later this week I could. Um. We could like, I don't know? Hang out. Get something to eat. Whatever you want."

You pause your movements, head turning to stare up at Noah with wide eyes before the shock turns into a teasing grin, eyes glinting.

"Are you asking me on a date, Noah?"

It's his turn to stare at you with wide eyes. "Um. I. Well. I don't know? Maybe? I'm not really sure what you're exactly wanting out of this so if you want it to be a date, then I'm so fucking down but if not. I'm still down. Friends get lunch. That's normal. Right?"

"Right." His face feels warm at the look you're giving him, obviously amused by his sudden embarrassment. "It can be a date, if you want. Or just friends. I'm cool with whatever."

"Oh." Noah stares at you for a moment before taking a deep breath, head nodding. "Then yes, it's a date. If you're okay with that."

The amusement on your face turns into something much softer and your smile grows, and Noah's stomach is doing that butterfly thing again. He smiles.

"I'm definitely okay with that."

#bad omens fanfiction #bad omens fanfic #bad omens fic #noah sebastian fanfiction #noah sebastian fic #noah sebastian fanfic #mine

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rosekasa · 1 year ago

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(slumber) partycrasher

He’s finishing up on Rue de la République when he sees Ladybug on Alya’s balcony. His footsteps slow to a halt on the roof tile. It’s Sunday today, isn't it? Ladybug doesn't patrol on Sundays. Did something happen at Alya’s? He stops, reroutes, and heads over.

He gets closer, the lights bringing them further into focus. The two girls stand close together, huddled over Alya’s phone, murmuring quietly.

“Good evening, ladies,” he says as he lands.

The shriek that exits Ladybug echoes through the street.

He stands there, rigid, all the punny greetings he had planned effectively smacked out of his mouth. He has never heard Ladybug make that sound before. He didn't even know Ladybug was capable of making that sound. Even Alya seems taken aback, staring at her wide-eyed.

After five heavy seconds of silence, Ladybug comes back to life. “Um—!” she says. “Wow! Chat Noir! Hi! I wasn't expecting you to crash our slumber party!”

He blinks, still reeling from the scream. “...Slumber party?”

This time, it's Alya’s stupor that lifts. “Um— yep! Ladybug comes over every Sunday and we have a sleepover. Y’know, Ladyblogger-Ladybug bonding time.”

Huh. So that’s why she doesn't patrol on Sundays? He thought it was a civilian thing.

…She could've told him.

“Oh. Well.” He hopes his voice doesn't sound strained. “Don’t let me intrude.” He gives them both a smile, then leaps back onto the rooftops.

Neither of them say goodbye.

══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══

He doesn't want to be petty, but why would Ladybug not tell him about the sleepovers? They’d agreed to keep superhero things completely transparent between each other. So is this not a superhero thing, then? Is Ladybug hanging out in costume with Alya Césaire more personal than hanging out with Chat Noir?

He huffs, eyes snapping over to the light on Alya’s balcony. He has a right to bring this up, surely. He's her partner.

Ladybug is alone, this time, but the glass door is open. She has a blanket over her shoulders, a fox-printed mug in her hand, the light of Alya’s phone illuminating her face, eyes glued to the screen.

Remembering her reaction from the last time, he steps onto the balcony a little gentler from behind her. “Hey—”

“They're making out on a fire escape.”

He chokes on his spit, grappling for purchase at the balcony door. “I— I’m sorry?”

Ladybug whips around, the blanket flying onto the floor. At least she doesn't scream again. But the look in her eye is somehow even more concerning.

Behind him, a toilet flushes, and padded footsteps draw near. “Did you get to the part where he books a hotel—” She cuts herself off with a gasp. “...Chat Noir. Hi.”

The three of them stand together silently, in their awkward vertical line, for what feels like a full minute.

This was such a stupid idea. What’s wrong with him, accosting his partner on her days off? It’s not his business how she spends that, nor who she spends it with. Unlike him, she’s not wasting all her time thinking about their partnership. Maybe he just needs to get a life.

“Sorry for crashing— again,” he quickly says. He takes a couple of steps back to the railing, turning to face both of them. “I— uh, thought there was an akuma down the road and wanted to tell you but, uh, looks like it's just a tree.” He laughs nervously, grabbing around for his baton. “I’ll be off, then.”

“Wait— are you sure—” Ladybug starts.

There’s sympathy in her eyes. His breath hitches.

“Yes!” he says. As he steps away from her again, his baton slips from his hand. “Sorry, I’ll just text next time.”

Alya pipes up from behind him. “Chat, you’re always welcome to stay—”

“No, seriously, I, like, am allergic to sleepovers. I break out into hives.”

Ladybug furrows her brow. “I don't think that's true.”

“My medical history is very complicated.” Finally retrieving his baton, he opens it and turns to the skyline. “Well, bye!”

Ladybug makes a small, aborted sound of protest. But then as she reaches to stop him, her grip on Alya’s phone slips.

She screams. Alya screams. Chat Noir wonders whether this is what they're practicing together every Sunday.

Still balanced on his baton, he grabs the phone midair, holding it up over the safety of the balcony.

Automatically, his eyes fall on the screen.

Ladybug moans as Chat Noir kisses down her neck. He lifts her onto the fire escape, pulling her legs around him, lifting his head to press a hot, wet, kiss to her—

Alya snatches the phone from his hand. “Thanks.”

Ladybug’s face is crimson, hands tight around her mug.

Chat Noir looks from Ladybug, to Alya, to the phone. Her screen is still on. He looks away before he catches any more words.

He clears his throat. “W-Well, I should, uh, get off, then. I mean—!” He holds up his hands. “Be off! This balcony! And back home! Um— you should read— I mean, um, use your phone indoors just in case. Bye!”

He never does get around to asking about their slumber parties.

#im sorry #miraculous ladybug #ladynoir #ml fic #♡alizeh writes♡

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brain-of-rain · 9 months ago

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Chapter 2

Opps this is turning into an actual thing I guess. CW/ first blurb has descriptions of bodily distress and implied death.

This is all he's ever wanted. An opportunity to save people, the chance to truly make a difference. This is all he's ever wanted, it’s all going to be worth it, he's going to save people. The man’s face pulls itself into a familiar, strained, smile. Sweat pools on his pale skin, some dripping to the cement floor. Muscles twitch and grapple with his shaking frame, a fast, disorganized heartbeat drowning interrupting the room’s silence. Fire tears through his joints, a deep throbbing burn, synced the angry rhythm of his chest. His body demands too much from overburdened lungs, breaths heavy, long, and almost insufficient. Air moving in and out, slow like stagnant water, dry like desert sand.

A modified truck rumbles down the passage, cloth sweeps the ground behind it, concealing a misshapen figure resting in its extended bed. Silence drapes over the man, his body suddenly quiet, focused entirely on the passing form. Copper and the taste of stale bread follow as the truck turns a bend and disappears.

This will not kill him. He is going to survive. There is so much left for him to do. Surrender is a luxury he cannot afford.

The work truck sputters out, its rattle silenced by the turn of a key. Kafka and Reno disembark, occupying one of the many empty spots near the entrance of the Defence Force parking lot. It’s been 10 days since they passed the written exam and were invited to attend today’s practical, and a month ago Reno was introduced to Godaigo.

Ichikawa exclaims at the sight of the Tatchikawa base. Its size is far greater than the bases he's seen previously. “This place shares a building with the Japanese self-defense Force’s camp.” Kafka explains, “In emergencies, they work together to dispatch officers all over Nishi-Tokyo” The explanation immediately proves itself true as Ichikawa looks around. “There's a lot of officers here. If you transform here, you’d be done for.”

Rather than worry, Kafka redoubles his determination. “Can’t chicken out now! I'm in it to win it! Playing it straight! No corners are cut when Kafka’s here! Alright, Ichikawa, let's move on, I don’t want to be late.” “Hey, old man!” A sharp voice overlaps Kafka’s hype sesh. Reno pokes his mentor, “Sir?” “YOOOOO! Old man! Listen up”

“Sir I think she's talking to you.” “Yes, obviously I’m talking to him. Old man, you must move that rusty truck so I can park. Don’t be so dense” A blonde girl snarks nearby. The arrogant tone was only amplified by the gleaming limo behind her. Veins throb with Kafka’s rising blood pressure “Old man? OLD MAN!? I'll have you know I’m only 32! Thhhirty twooooo years young!” “Yep,” she speaks, popping the p “Just as I said, Old man. Now enough sniveling, move your car or I'll move it for you.”A blonde strand from her pigtail twisted around her gloved index finger in an unbothered motion. The following silence reverberates throughout the empty parking spots nearby. Highlighting the vast sea of free space she could choose instead. “Why my spot blondie?! Look around are you blind or something?” “Sure, but I want to park there. Today my lucky number is 5” She scoffs as though it were the most basic knowledge, pointing below the truck at the stenciled 55. “Luuckyy NuMbErrrrr!?” Kafka grinds out, blood pressure reaching critical heights. “What's the deal with this snobby brat? Come on over here this youngster is going to teach you a lesson in manners you little-” “Shut up I'll move it myself” In an instant her top was unbuttoned, Kafka and Ichikawa racing to cover their eyes. But rather than skin, a familiar suit was underneath, a smaller version of Godaigo’s, a Defense Force suit. In an instant, the van was hoisted up, one-handed, and tossed like a plastic cup across the empty stalls. Sliding 5, 10, 15 feet away on its side before skittering to a halt. “Not the company car! What did you do!?” Kafka cries, both his and Reno’s face contorted in horror.

“Who- Who in the world are -” “Examinee no. 2016. Kikoru Shinomia. My hobby is slaying kaiju and don’t you forget it.” She boasts, flicking one ponytail in a cocky manner. “All that aside, old dude, you reek of kaiju.” “W-we work in kaiju disposal.” Ichikawa saves. “What are disposal workers doing in a place like-” THHRUuump- an echoing creek then bang interrupt “What the-” “Up you go” Kafka hefts the truck upright, a feat near impossible for the unenhanced. “He must have a private suit as well! How did he-” Shinomiya sputters indignantly. A disappointed Ichikawa pinched the bridge of his nose behind her. ‘’Examinee no. 2023” He contorts his face into a cocky sneer “Kafka Hibino. And don't you forget it, little missy.” “GAHHHH NO please forget my name forget it! forget it this instant!” Kafka cries, face flush with embarrassment as Kikiro Shinomia mocks his placement. 219th out of 245 in the physical tests. Her ranking is an impressive 5th. Unfortunately for Kafka, not only are the other recruits observing his humiliation, but an officer as well. Godaigo glances at the scene below him, a concerned expression thankfully concealed along with the rest of his towering figure, crouched behind a building around 100 meters away. The scene is shocking but not entirely unexpected. Kafka has been training hard, likely harder than he has for any of his previous attempts. This is his last try after all.

The kids this year are a different breed. Any other year Kafka’s performance would have landed him in the middle of the pack. It's inspiring to witness such a driven batch of young hopefuls. And Kikoru is here this year as well. Godaigo can’t believe how much she has changed since he last saw her. After her time abroad, she has become, taller, faster, stronger, and this boastful side is new. Godaigo is snapped out of his musings by a Kafka-like scream. Peeking over the building he sees the man’s prone form after getting beaten down by Kikoru’s guards. Ichikawa ran over to support his mentor as the blonde strode away. “Oh, why does it have to be those two fighting out of all the recruits.” Godaigo fusses, a hand uneasily running through his thinning head of hair. “Officer, you aren't supposed to be here.” The stern voice sounds from the roof above, emotionless and commanding as always. “Captain Ashiro!” Godaigo scrambles, mimicking a position of attention as best he can while remaining concealed. “It’s good to see you, ma’am. How is your day going? Lovely weather isn't it? Perfect day for a walk-” “Officer Godaigo, you’re observing the recruits.” She says, no room for debate. “Yes ma’am.” The big man looked suddenly much smaller in her presence. A beat of silence passes before he speaks again, “Kafka is trying again this year, I think he might make it this time.”

Captain Ashiro sighs. “Vice-Captain Hoshina just informed me.”

She never cared that Godaigo was out here, she knew who he would bring up and what he would want to talk about, yet, she spoke to him anyway.

“It's rare to find someone so driven. Trying again and again no matter how many times he fails. When Kafka told me he was giving it another go… I saw a spark return to him. I hadn't seen him like that in a long time. He’s himself again, for the first time in a long time.” Godaigo pauses briefly, checking the captain's near-emotionless expression. “That man is driven by something powerful you know? Even with all my years on this Earth, I have yet to cross paths with anyone so furiously determined.” “If that were true, why does he continue falling short? That furious determination doesn't matter if he never shows results.” “Maybe so, I think it depends on how you look at it. No matter what you do to that man, knock him down a hundred times, take away everything he owns, whatever horrible thing you can think of. Anything short of killing him will only make him work harder. That tenacity, his spark, is brighter than ever because of this exam. And you know what…” He looks again at the captain, eyes meeting the back of her head. “I think he can make it this time, truly I do.” A silence falls over the two, Mina Ashiro staring down at the field as if inspecting a street mutt for fleas, trying to decide if she can afford to take it home. The captain has always been more of a cat person. “Don’t let them see you out here” Her controlled expression snapped back to Godaigo. “I would appreciate you not distracting the recruits.” “Yes ma’am!” Godaigo straightens a final time at the captain’s retreating form. As she disappears, a memory strikes, coming and going fast as a snake. The absence of copper and stale bread pulls his face into its favorite form: a smile.

#godaigo daigo #kaiju no. 8 #crossover #kafka hibino #kaijuu 8 gou #reno ichikawa #kikoru shinomiya #mina ashiro

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mostly-marvel-musings · 1 year ago

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Found my way back to you

A/N: Something for our CACW broken and sad boi Tony? Written for @fandom-free-bingo Here ya go. Special mention to @nicoline1998enilocin for proofreading, love you girl 💛 Leave a heart, comment or reblog if you enjoyed the story.

Pairing: Tony Stark x Avenger! F! Reader (our reader has Falcon-like abilities and Red Wing as well)

Warnings: Angst, hurt comfort.

Word count: 4.3k ish

Square filled: “Please don’t go.”

Fandom Free Bingo Masterlist

“Please don’t go.”

You weren’t sure you heard it at first as the voice seemed fainter than a whisper. Collecting your forgotten phone from the conference table, you were almost out the door when you heard him speak. Tony Stark sat at the far end of the table, nursing a glass of whiskey, his eyes downcast and shoulders drooped. There was a pleading in his voice that you couldn’t turn down.

Ever since Pepper left him for good, Tony had been heading towards a steady downfall of self-destruction. He was never one to talk but the team knew it, you knew it. You silently prayed that he would seek help and not be so stubborn for once. But you knew better than to push your teammate.

“What happened today, Tony?” Grabbing the nearest chair, you slid into it and waited for Tony to speak. You frowned as he took in a deep breath, as if preparing himself to relive whatever he was about to say.

“I met a lady named Miriam Sharpe today at MIT. She had a son, Charles Spencer. Great kid. Computer engineering degree, 3.6 GPA. He decided to spend his summer building sustainable housing for the poor. Guess where, Sokovia. He wanted to make a difference, I suppose. I mean, we won't know because we dropped a building on him while we were kicking ass.” he raised his eyes to meet yours finally, guilt and regret swimming in them, almost drowning his soul with it. Pressing your lips in a thin line, you remained silent. How does one process this kind of information anyway?

“He would have been working at Intel come fall. And now…She blames me, Y/N. And she’s right. I blame myself. I created Ultron. It’s my fault.” his voice was so low, you had to strain to hear. You could see his guilty conscience eating him alive, and your heart broke for the man.

“It’s not all your fault, Tony. We all share responsibility for what happened in Sokovia. Could we have done without the blood-thirsty artificial intelligence that threatened an extinction-level genocide? Sure. But you have to stop blaming yourself for Ultron. We got him, he’s gone. The world is safe again, the Avengers made sure of that. You made sure of that, remember?” you reached out to place your hand over his, he didn’t resist, instead he gave you a small nod indicating he understood your point before offering you a small but grateful smile. Your words provided him comfort, temporary though, yet he was battling a world of obsessive thoughts on the inside.

Excusing yourself, you headed out the room once more, only for Tony to grab your attention once again.

“The world is only safe until the next big threat, Y/N. And then what? Another conference where I meet another parent of yet another child that didn’t deserve to die? We need to be kept in check.” he muttered assertively, downing the rest of his glass before heading out the door himself. Leaving you to ponder over his words that somehow rang true the more you gave it a thought.

“So you’re really going to leave huh?” Clint Barton knocked on your door softly before he made his way to your room, followed closely by Natasha Romanov.

“Yep. I’m really leaving.”

You were packing the last of your suitcases, cramming one of the many photo frames that held a picture of you with the team. A Midgardian suit-clad Thor stood tallest brandishing his humongous glass of beer, right next to Steve, Nat and Clint; Tony had decided to go for dramatics as he laid down in front of all of you, his suit jacket discarded as he laughed pointing at Bruce who had just spilled his drink down his shirt - all thanks to Red Wing - your trusted device that you secretly used for a jump scare. It was worth it. Taken at one of Stark’s parties, everybody looked happy, less frown lines, less stress. Good old days, you thought.

“That was a good night.” Clint chuckled, pointing at the picture and making you nod in agreement.

“I’m gonna miss you.” Natasha pulled you in for a hug, making you tear up in the process. She didn’t try and convince you to stay, she was probably the only one who truly understood why you chose to step away, even if she didn’t agree with the decision.

“I’ll miss you too, Nat. More than you know. You too Legolas. Don’t die on us.” you chuckled after hugging Clint. The nickname Tony gave just sort of stuck around, and it irritated Clint the most which is why you always chose to call him that. Both of them were the closest thing to family around here for you.

“I feel like I’m probably gonna be the only one who miraculously survives, Y/L,N.”

“Seriously though, be careful you guys. I have a feeling this is not going to end well.” you added, zipping up the last of your bags. Saying their final goodbyes, they left you alone.

Your room was now empty, all packed up into boxes, the space looked smaller somehow, even though it wasn’t. It was time for you to start a new chapter of your life and close this one. It came with unfinished business but you chose to move on. Whatever moving on from a superhero life meant.

“Please don’t go.”

Those three words rang in your ears months after they were uttered. As much as your heart wrenched, you had to leave, it was time.

The Sokovia Accords lay on the polished oak table, bringing dreadful silence across the room. It was hard to believe what your world had come to, and yet here it was. A choice. A choice that nobody benefitted from, except maybe the government. The accords meant that the Avengers would no longer function as an independent association, instead, the government would control and track their moves and influence their decisions. Not signing them would be considered as retirement, so there was no easy way out of it.

Did you agree with them? Absolutely not. Was it necessary? Probably. What shocked you most was that Tony Stark had agreed to comply, in fact he was coaxing each and every one to sign the papers. You knew what was about to happen. And you knew where you stood.

It didn’t make sense for you to stay anymore.

So you left. Retired as the government had you call it. And Tony tried to stop you, once. He assumed you would fight by his side no matter what. And for a brief moment, so did you. You wanted to be by his side, however, what Thaddeus Ross had asked of you was simply unacceptable. You could never live with your freedom taken away from you like that. It wasn’t regulation, it was manipulation and you couldn’t believe Tony for siding with it. It broke your heart.

And so with that broken heart, you fled town. Bought yourself a country home and a small farm with animals, you made a good life for yourself. A life so distinctly different from the one you previously had. No fights, no aliens dropping from the skies, no threats, but no Avengers either. And more importantly, no Tony.

It came as a huge shock the day King T’Chaka was killed in Vienna, and the terrorist later identified as The Winter Soldier only was going to make matters worse, you knew that.

A part of you felt guilty for leaving, while another part was relieved to be away from it all. The constant tug of war gave you several sleepless nights. The main cause for those was the fact that you left without saying goodbye to Tony. You wondered if he hated you for it. He probably did. The two of you were…complicated to say the least. The nature of your relationship was never clear, it came with baggage, one you were more than willing to carry before you were presented with the Accords. There wasn’t much left to say when Tony Stark became spokesperson for regulating and controlling the Avengers under the government’s shadow. Arguments seemed futile when the man was determined on what needed to be done to keep the team in check.

An empire toppled by its enemies can rise again. But one which crumbles from within? That's dead. Forever. - Helmut Zemo

Tony Stark was a man left wounded by many battles, some he drew upon himself, others he didn’t. The Sokovia Accords had caused a schism in the Avengers, a public feud with Steve Rogers and those he trusted at an airport in Germany. He had now the burden of involving a child in the fight, and the fact that he almost lost his best friend. Rhodey was built an exoskeleton to aid him in walking after he recovered, that was the least Tony could do. Although James never blamed him for anything, deep down it cut him that he was responsible for most of mayhem caused.

And then there was you.

You had left the team, left him without a goodbye. Disappeared one night without a trace. Tony felt abandoned by the one person he had hoped would never leave, and yet you had. He had had many sleepless nights thinking about you, hoping that one day maybe out of the blue you would come back and explain yourself.

And now you were gone.

Tony,

I’m glad you’re back at the compound. I don’t like the idea of you rattling around a mansion all by yourself. We all need family.

The Avengers are yours, maybe even more so than mine. I’ve been on my own since I was eighteen. I never really fit in anywhere, even in the army. My faith is in people, I guess. Individuals. And, I’m happy to say that for the most part, they haven’t let me down. Which is why I can’t let them down either. Locks can be replaced, but maybe they shouldn’t.

I know I hurt you, Tony. I guess I thought by not telling you about your parents I was sparing you, but I can see now that I was really sparing myself, and I’m sorry. Hopefully one day you can understand.

I wish we agreed on the accords, I really do. I know you’re doing what you believe in, and that’s all any of us can do. That’s all any of us should do.

So no matter what, I promise you, if you need us—if you need me—I’ll be there. The team may be scattered for now but I believe if and when the time comes, we will assemble as one. And it’s probably not my place to say this but, Y/N stepping down certainly does not mean she’s no longer with the team. She is out doing what she always dreamt of, living a normal life. Something all of us wish for every now and then. I hope you guys work it out someday. Take care, Tony.

Tony stared at the letter after reading it for the fourth time, the flip phone that came with it still in his hands. His mind invariably wandered to the last bit of Steve’s message. You.

Over the past few years, Tony had come to realize how integral you were, not just to the team and your contribution but to his life too. He had on many occasions found himself seeking you out for a chat, it always made his heavy heart just a little lighter. From the moment you joined the Avengers, you had intrigued Tony Stark. He admired you for your abilities, you were more capable than you were given credit for, you were compassionate, kind and a team player. You never said much but whenever you did, you always knew the right things to say, especially to Tony.

He recalled many occasions where you had leant a listening ear when he had wanted to rant, provided a logical solution when things seemed to get out of hand. He would never forget the comfort you provided when Pepper left him. You were there, holding his hand, hugging him tight when he asked to be left alone, knowing how much he needed a human touch. He didn’t fight it, instead he had let himself be held by you, by arms that provided safety, touches that soothed him and words that rendered all the uncertainties silent.

And yet you had left the compound without a word, or maybe without a conversation with him. It angered and worried him in equal parts.

The more he thought about it, the clearer the picture became of your possible whereabouts. One particular conversation stood out indicating where he might find you, memories of that evening brought a smile to his face as he recalled.

“Farm animals, definitely. I will get myself an alpaca, call her Ms Brain.”

“Are you serious?” you giggled, looking at Tony incredulously. The man was always full of surprises. You were lying on your backs on the compound lawn, it had been a particularly eventful day. Tony found you out here all by yourself, staring up at the gray sky. Getting him to lie down with you wasn’t easy but you managed, bribing him with his favorite whiskey later.

“What about you, Y/L/N?”

“Hmm..Let’s see. I want a huge backyard where I will grow my veggie garden, make the most delicious foods, and have a cat since I’ve always wanted one. Somewhere peaceful and quiet, away from the city, of course. Some place that’ll show me actual stars instead of these twinkling airplane lights, you know?” you murmured, chuckling as a plane flew right above, its red lights mixing with the gray smoke and clouds before it disappeared, effectively making its point.

Tony remained silent, turning his head towards you so he could see your face, your eyes still focused on the sky, he gazed at you fondly. Admiring you for having the courage to dream of a different life so freely, something he used to be able to do but now it all seemed too far off.

“What’s going on in that mind of yours, Y/N?” Tony murmured, reaching his pinky finger out to entwine with yours.

“I’m just picturing you on a farm with Ms. Brain on a leash.” You smiled looking down at your hands.

“Do you think about running away from it all?”

“All the time.” Tony replied promptly, turning his body to face you as you did the same.

“What stops you from doing it then?”

As if on cue, his phone rang, disturbing the quiet of the moment. He murmured a ‘that’ under his breath before sitting up to answer it, thereby ending your little heart-to-heart.

It was a lovely spring morning when you awoke. Your usual wake up call was meowing his way up your bed, demanding to be fed. Once the cat had his fill, you made yourself a cup of coffee and breakfast and went about your day.

Your life out here was simple, just the way you wanted it to be. Your savings had bought you a decent sized house with a large enough backyard garden for you to grow your veggies - something you always dreamt of having. The difference was so stark, it took you a while to adjust to this new life. But eventually you did. The peace and quiet it brought you was indescribable. But that didn’t mean you didn’t miss your Avenger life. To be more specific you missed the team, mostly Tony Stark.

You felt horrible for leaving without notice, especially after finding out about the fight that took place in Germany. You often found yourself wondering how he was dealing with everything. Did he have anybody by his side? You knew the answer to that. Did he get back with Pepper Potts? You didn’t want to find out the answer to that.

As evening rolled by, you poured yourself a glass of wine and got started on dinner, hearing a sharp knocking sound on your door right after. Frowning, you wiped your hands on a napkin and went to open it. You weren’t expecting anyone.

On the other side of the door stood the man you least expected to find, and yet the same man you were hoping to find all this time.

Tony Stark.

He wasn’t the Tony Stark you recognized. No. He seemed different, and not in a good way. His face was still the same, handsome, striking and yet it lacked the usual charisma. There were several bruises decorated all over his face, some healed, others on their way but definitely promised to leave a permanent mark. Words had escaped your vocabulary as you stood there dumbfounded, until he cleared his throat.

“Tony.”

“Y/N.”

“You’re um, you’re here.”

He gave you a nod, grateful that you stepped out of the way to let him in, still trying to process. Red Wing flew in after him, having scanned him for being a potential threat. It was a habit you couldn’t shake off, even in retirement, you were prepared for the unexpected.

“You turned Red Wing into a bellboy? You should’ve left with Dum-E, he would’ve been the perfect lawn mower.”

He made you chuckle, immediately reminding you of the Tony you had missed all these months. A part of you was relieved to see him, your heart beating with excitement now that there seemed a possibility that he was here to see you.

“Would you like a glass of wine?”

He shook his head in a no, explaining he had had too much coffee before, his trembling fingers spoke for themselves. Wordlessly, you made your way towards the kitchen, putting on a kettle of water to make him a cup of chamomile tea instead.

“Will you stay for dinner? I was only just getting started.” you offered, taking his noncommittal shrug as a yes.

He seemed to be busy digesting your new home, the surroundings that now glowed under the light of the setting sun. Your cat jumped out from his hiding spot, greeting Tony by walking between his legs, rubbing his scent over him, already claiming the man as his.

“He’s never that friendly with anyone.” you pointed out, smiling a little when Tony bent down to scratch him behind his ears, causing a cat to purr in appreciation. You brought him a cup of piping hot tea which he accepted wordlessly, taking a seat on your couch where you joined him. Several moments of silence passed where you watched him blow on the hot liquid before taking a small sip.

“You left without saying goodbye to me.”

Tony’s words fell on your ears but cut right through your heart. You should’ve been prepared for this to come up.

“Would you have stopped me from going, Tony?”

“No. Probably. I–I would’ve wanted you to stay and fight back, Y/N.”

You laughed humorlessly, shaking your head at the thought.

“Fight you, you mean? You know I was never going to sign those Accords. I was not going to fight by your side, Tony. You knew that.” your voice shook as you spoke, getting up from your seat and heading back to your kitchen, you put some distance between the two of you.

“Then you should’ve fought me! Anything was better than leaving unannounced, Y/N.”

His words made you turn around, his eyes shone under the candlelight, burning with embers of unanswered questions. You stood quiet, your breathing shallow now.

“Clearly I didn’t mean anything to you.”

“Is that what you think? You’re wrong, Tony. It’s because you meant the most to me, Tony. I couldn’t say goodbye to you because if I had, I wouldn’t have survived. And I couldn’t stay. So forgive me for running away, alright? I took the easiest choice at hand because the alternative was just too damn difficult.” you had a few tears strayed down your cheek by the time you finished, your heart now pounding wildly against your ears as you stood gripping the dining chair so tight your knuckles had turned white.

Tony sat still for a while, his brain comprehending your words before a hint of a smile made its way on his face, a sense of temporary relief - something he hadn’t felt in a long time. Something inside of him had led him here, the longing to see your face, questions that needed answers, the loneliness he felt that only grew more and more once everything that could go wrong went wrong. And yet, as he sat here after finding you, his heart felt lighter. Like he had made the right choice in what felt like forever.

“You haven’t asked why I am here.” he murmured, turning his attention back to the cup of tea in his hands.

“Wasn’t it to donate Dum-E to be my trusted lawn mower?” you jested, taking a seat on the chair you were previously clutching.

“I found out it wasn’t a car accident that killed my parents. They were murdered. By James Buchanan Barnes.” Tony stared ahead, gripping the cup tightly in his hands as he spoke.

“Oh my God, Tony…”

“And Rogers knew. He knew, Y/N.” he whispered, the anguish and hurt in his voice evident. You couldn’t believe what you were hearing. The Avengers having a difference of opinion was one thing, but this piece of information was enough to cause a definitive crack, you knew that.

“It wasn’t Barnes, Tony. It was the Winter Soldier, he was being controlled.”

“They’re still dead.”

That made you understand he wasn’t looking for a logical explanation, at least not now. What he needed was comfort. Without another word, you made your way back over to the couch, placing your hand on Tony’s back to let him know you were there for him.

“I almost lost Rhodey. I saw him fall to his death from the sky, Y/N. I couldn’t make it to him in time. And now our team is scattered. Gone. All because I–”

“Because of the Accords, and a difference of opinion, Tony.” you shifted closer, placing the cup away to grab his hands in yours.

“But I signed them. I failed.” his words broke your heart, unshed tears now made their way into his eyes as he tried his best not to break down in front of you.

“Hey, it’s okay, Tony. We’ll figure it out, like we always do, right? It’s okay, come here.”

Wrapping him in a hug, you held him close to you as he broke down, finally allowing himself to be vulnerable. He held onto the light sweater you wore like you would disappear in his grasp, shoulders burdened heavy now shaking in silent tears as months, maybe years of pent up and unaddressed feelings resurfaced.

“Shh. You’re okay, Tony. Let it out, I’ve got you.” You carded your fingers through his hair softly, blinking your own tears away.

“I’m so sorry I wasn’t there, Tony. I should have been there for the team, for you. I’m sorry.”

He shook his head slightly, the movement a little difficult with his head safely tucked against your chest. After his tears subsided, you clasped his hand and led him upstairs to draw him a bath.

Tony Stark hadn’t known what it felt to have someone else care for him in a long time. He didn’t allow himself to be vulnerable the way he had now, because for the first time in forever, he knew felt safe. Safe enough to show his scars, his wounds. As you wordlessly undressed him, your eyes scanned the bruises littered across his skin, old scars and new. Your fingers traced them delicately before you nudged him to step inside the tub while you sat out. He needed this more than you at that moment.

The warm water healed his sore muscles, the ache that had settled deep within them slowly slipped out as your hands massaged the knots away. There was no way he could express how thankful he was for you in words. He chose to express it all with a kiss instead.

Right after you were done washing his hair, he held your hand to pull you closer to the edge of the tub, his gaze lowered as his face inched closer to yours.

As your lips met, you felt yourself melt against him. There was still a lot to work through but for now, you let yourself be lost in Tony Stark. All of him. You let him consume your senses. He was all that mattered.

“When was the last time you slept?”

“Hmm?”

Your question seemed irrelevant, you probably guessed it had been a while since the man got a good night’s rest. Now that you were out in your backyard, lying on a soft blanket you’d brought out to watch the night sky. Tony held on to your hand, placing it right over his chest where his arc reactor once was.

Several stars twinkled in the inky black sky, a visual you had missed in the city life. You remembered the nights you laid out here alone, rethinking past choices. You were content then, but you only understood peace now. There was no one else you would rather be here with than Tony.

His heart was beating steadily against your hand, his breath calm, features relaxed. This was the Tony you knew and loved.

“Y/N?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m glad I found my way back to you.”

#tony stark x reader #tony stark fanfiction #fandom free bingo #tony stark angst #tony stark fluff #tony stark imagine #tony stark one shot #tony stark x y/n #tony stark fic #tony stark x you #marvel fanfiction #tony stark #iron man x reader #iron man fanfiction #iron man #the stark squad #mostly marvel musings

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hotreadingwitch · 2 years ago

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Regulus x Reader - Hide & Seek

Content Warnings/Kinks: teasing, praise, degradation, hair pulling, light choking, light spanking, mirror kink, cum swallowing/play, fingering, oral sex (female receiving), unprotected vaginal sex

Hide & Seek

Y/n Potter was hiding in the basement bathroom, swearing to herself because even though she’d initially thought the cramped spot was a good one for their game of hide and seek that the boys had insisted on playing now that it was the holidays, she knew they were too clever to not find her soon than later. About to step out of the space, she was almost hit in the face by the door opening.

“Shit, sorry” Regulus’s clear voice apologized quickly, with a small laugh, “…I was going hide in here too”

“I guess great minds think alike” she responded easily.

Their gazes met and a fiery warmth fused low in her stomach as she regarded the piercing quality of his green eyes. Y/n had been crushing on Regulus since he had started living with her family last summer and though it was winter now, the feelings still remained.

“You can hide with me if you’d like” she offered then without thinking, internally cursing herself as she looked around at the small space.

“Really?” He questioned.

“Yep”

She could practically hear her own gulp. Regulus stepped into the space, the closeness of his thin frame instantly making her feel overwhelmed

“If I thought living with Sirius and James would be this annoying I wouldn’t have left Mother’s house”

Y/n let out a small huff at his dark humour, a sound that only made Regulus smile brighter, and what a blinding, rare smile it was. Regulus didn’t seem like he was particularly joyful, in fact, his cold demeanour made most people think he was incredibly withdrawn, even mean at times. But Y/n saw him, saw the sparkle in his eyes when he was about to beat Lupin at a game of chess or when he reluctantly helped Sirius with a prank. She’d seen it all with her own two eyes and, of course, it only made her like him more.

“Bit tight…” Regulus strained, his voice full of something Y/n couldn’t quite place.

Her eyes snapped to his, blushing when she realized he was referring to the close quarters they were hiding in. It was true, the bathroom was tight, to say the least, and the fact that two bodies were attempting to fit inside it didn’t help. Y/n attempted to back up just as Regulus tried to move as well, letting out a small gasp as her back hit the cool porcelain of the sink and he pressed against her.

“Sorry,” she stuttered out, placing a hand on his chest to steady herself, shocked when she felt his heartbeat thundering beneath her fingers.

She started to move her hand away, flushing with embarrassment, but Regulus caught her fingers between his, moulding them back to his chest.

“You feel that baby?” His voice was dripping with darkness and need, “Feel my heart beating nice and fast for you?”

“You—you” she started, practically shocked to silence, “you like me?”

“And you like me” he confirmed without her even confessing.

“How did you know?”

“Call it a lucky guess” he smirked, “and if I didn’t know then well I certainly do now”

Her face heated at his words, realizing she’d just accidentally confirmed her crush.

“Don’t make fun of me”

Something changed in his expression then as if he didn’t realize he was embarrassing her at all.

“I mean it Y/n” he tipped her chin up with his finger, “I really do like you, I’ve wanted you since the day I met you”

Her eyes widened and her gaze dragged up from his chest to his beautiful face, admitting quietly, “I want you too”

His hesitant lips lowered to hers, groaning into her mouth as she immediately deepened the kiss. His nimble fingers caressed her neck, his touch lighter than a feather. When she thrust her neck forward, tangling her tongue with his, he grunted, squeezing his veiny hand around it, making her moan at the sensation.

“Not so innocent after all…” Regulus chuckled darkly, “Tell me Y/n, do you like being a bad girl? Being a good little slut?” She squirmed as he lowered his lips to her ear, “I bet you think about me when you touch yourself…”

A small whimper escaped her lips unbidden, the sound only making Regulus smirk.

“I can give you what you want baby” he pressed closer, whispering, “I’ll make you feel so good, I promise”

“Rather cocky aren’t we?” She tried to joke but her voice came out breathy and wrong.

“I know my strengths” he smirked as he sunk to his knees before her.

“Reg” her voice cracked at the sight of him below her, his hands caressing gently up and down her thighs.

“We don’t have to if you don’t want to” he offered.

“No—I want to Regulus, I want you…”

“You want me to what, exactly?”

“Reg…”

“C’mon baby, you can use your words for me”

“I want your tongue on me” her chest heated, “Merlin, I want your fingers in me”

She gasped as the cool basement air swirled around her bare legs, a chill running all the way up to her cunt which was embarrassingly wet, as Regulus lifted her skirt. His mouth pressed kiss after kiss up her thigh until he reached the place she needed him most.

“You’re sure?” He asked again.

“Yes,” she breathed, nodding her head with certainty.

Y/n cried out as Regulus removed her panties, pocketing them, before beginning his attack on her clit. He lapped at it so slowly, so sensually that she felt that she was being worshipped. Simply put, Regulus’s tongue made her feel like a goddess. She melted at his touch, crying out at the pleasure that she’d never felt before.

“I hate to tell you to be quiet baby but I don’t think you want your brother finding you while you’re making a pretty mess all over my face”

Y/n whimpered quietly, before promising, “I’ll be quiet”

“Good girl”

The words sent a shot of warmth right to her clit. Regulus teased at the spot with a knowing smirk. She moaned as quietly as she could as he continued to please her. His head rocked against her cunt as she gripped him by his chestnut curls, pulling at the strands so hard that he groaned onto her, the sensation making her shiver. After a while, Regulus slipped a teasing finger into Y/n, using his long middle one to curl up into her and hit that perfect, needy spot.

“Fuck”

Regulus chuckled darkly, teasing, “So my pretty girl’s got a dirty mouth huh?”

She smiled as he reconnected to her then, tasting and probing all at once.

“Reg, yes Regulus” she cried out, biting her lip to keep her moans in.

When he slipped a second finger in her, stretching her tight hole as much as he could, that was it for her. Her release was rising within her like a tidal wave, making her body tense around his fingers.

“I’m close” she groaned, preparing for release when Regulus slipped his fingers out of her, removing his tongue as well, making her beg without shame, “Don’t stop! What are you doing?”

Regulus flipped her over so that she was facing the mirror above the cool sink, making her ass jiggle with a light spank. She groaned at the loss of sensation but also at the feeling of the sharp pain.

“Bend over for me baby” he ordered then, his voice tickling the shell of her ear, “When you cum for me, it’s gonna be on my cock…now open your mouth”

She parted her lips, allowing Regulus to reach around and force her to taste her own cum which coated his fingers.

“That’s it, good girls clean up their messes right baby?”

She nodded quickly, his fingers still wetting her lips. SMACK. Another spank landed on her ass cheek, making her wince.

“And good girls use their words” he added, his tone menacing, “Can I fuck you now baby?”

“It’s—It’s my first time” she admitted, fear that he wouldn’t want her anymore instantly clouding her mind.

His hands gently caressed her ass, rubbing over the red marks with unnerving gentleness.

“I can go easy on you” his eyes flicked to hers in the reflection.

“I don’t want you to” she bravely met his gaze with her own, “…I want it rough”

Regulus sprung to action then, bending her over the edge of the sink, making her toes curl against the tile floor. He pressed his hard cock against her entrance, spreading her lips with the tip. He rocked against her, coating his cock in her wetness as he slipped back and forth between her legs, his tip poking at her clit each time. When he finally entered her, it was an instant mix of both pain and pleasure.

“Reg” she moaned, not caring if the boys heard her, if anyone did, completely overwhelmed by the feeling of his cock inside her.

He clamped a hand over her mouth, silencing her.

“You gotta keep quiet baby, no matter how much I want to hear your pretty little moans. Can you be good for me?”

Her eyebrows furrowed but she whimpered a small “yes” into his palm, nodding as well.

Regulus slid into surprisingly easy, her wetness making her hole completely soaked. He continued thrusting into her, the initial feeling making her back arch and her cunt become even slicker by the second. She groaned into his palm as he rutted into her.

“That’s right, you like the way I’m stretching you, baby? Merlin I’ve wanted you for so long. Driving me fucking crazy every day, walking braless around this house in those thin tops of yours”

“Reg” she moaned breathily.

He gripped at her chest then, holding tightly to her breasts as his words sunk in and he pounded in and out of her. As he fucked her, one of his hands slid down from her chest, flicking at her clit. The sound that came out of her mouth then was raw and needy all at once, though it was silenced by his other hand over her mouth.

She bucked her hips backward so that they slapped against Regulus’s powerful thrusts, creating even more pleasure for them both.

“Look at yourself baby” he ordered softly.

Her y/e/c eyes flitted up, widening as she took in her flushed face, messy hair, and dilated pupils reflected back at her. Her tits shook from the force of his pounding, her nipples two hard peaks. Her eyebrows scrunched as the waves of pleasure threatened to overwhelm her.

“Flawless…” he mused, meeting her gaze through the mirror, “Cum for me”

Her release washed through her body then as if by his command. The feeling centred both inside her and on her clit, the sensations combining to provide her with the perfect release. Regulus thrust and thrust, pushing her through her orgasm as well as his.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck” she practically chanted as she came, her flushed face reflecting just how absolutely destroyed she actually was.

He collapsed forward after, his arms caging her in from behind, placing hot kisses on her neck.

“You did so good baby” he breathed.

“Thank you, so did you” she blushed.

Regulus grabbed her clothes, helping her back into her skirt and pulling up his pants. It was then that they heard Sirius practically screech,

“James!! Let’s check the basement.

With a chuckle, Regulus rushed Y/n behind the shower curtain, staying in the front part of the bathroom himself.

“Hide” he whispered to her with a small wink that made her sigh.

She climbed into the bathtub and hid behind the curtain just as Sirius whipped open the door.

“Caught you!” He grinned toothily.

“Yep, you got me” Regulus sounded resigned yet cheeky.

#fanfiction #fanfic #oneshot #smut #marauders x reader #marauders smut #regulus x reader smut #regulus x reader #regulus black

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rainbowmoonstonestories · 10 months ago

Text

Why The Caged Bird Sings | Chapter 6

Chapters: 6/? Fandom: One Piece (Liveaction) Rating: Explicit Relationships Vinsmoke Sanji x F!Reader Characters: Vinsmoke Sanji, Patty, Red Leg Zeff, Original Characters, Strawhat crew. Warnings: 18+ content (minors DNI), explicit sexual content, minor POV switching. Summary: One night, you were brought to the luxurious Baratie Restaurant Ship, renowned for its exceptional cuisine that your family had been intrigued to sample. A particular blond and comely waiter captured your attention with his charming smile and gentle eyes, but while your beauty and sophistication intrigued him, Sanji also observed the profound nervousness that caused your jaw and body muscles to tense whenever your fiancé made contact with your hand or your parents delivered a humiliating criticism towards you. One dinner at the Baratie soon turned into a recurring event, and then more. As your friendship with Sanji slowly evolved into something that burned from within, you strove to make your longstanding dream come true; freeing yourself from a constricting existence. ------------------------- As Sanji looked at you curiously, the gentle smile never leaving his face, you asked him, "Do you know why the caged bird sings?" He thought about it for a moment before answering, "Because it has a song to give?" You chuckled at his response and shook your head. "You're not entirely wrong, but no."

Divider by firefly-graphics

Feel free to read this on AO3 if it is more comfortable for you due to its length. I only ask to support me with a like and reblog if you enjoy my work. ☺️

Tagging: @nerium21

Author's note: Yep, you guessed it; another super long chapter. This one also includes some very detailed smut, which I had to split because otherwise the chapter would become gigantic. You can totally expect the continuation in the next update.

Being with Sanji was everything you could wish for, even though you had to make do with secret moments to steal kisses away from Zeff and the rest of the crew. However, when your deepest desires began to emerge, you discovered that Sanji was even more hesitant than you.

You went to bed with Sanji's taste lingering on your lips, his warmth making your entire body tremble and tingle, to the point that falling asleep felt like an impossible endeavor.

That kiss was the most remarkable and satisfying one you had ever shared with a man. It lasted so long that the muscles around your mouth began to ache, and even your jaw felt strained and exhausted. Neither of you could find the will to pull away. Whenever you tried to step back, your feet remained firmly planted. His lips were irresistible, and the way he held you—strong yet gentle—made your heart swell with emotion the entire time.

Ultimately, it was Sanji who managed to regain his composure. You needed to rest, and both of you understood that if you had continued, you might have crossed a forbidden line—one that you secretly desired but weren't ready to face with him at the time.

Your mind swirled with thoughts as you grappled with anxieties about the day ahead. How could you possibly conceal it from everyone, particularly Zeff, who always had his watchful eyes on you? You were lucky he didn’t catch you in the act; otherwise, you might have dealt with the repercussions, ears pulled in reprimand.

In reality, Sanji appeared just as excited as you were. The last peck he gave you before you left the kitchen was the most reassuring sign you could have hoped for. You contemplated whether this indicated a significant change in your relationship, pondering if labeling him as your boyfriend was too forward or merely acknowledged the truth of the current situation. You were cautious not to appear overly clingy or presumptuous, uncertain if he even harbored enough affection to envision you as a life partner. Would he even be able to resist flirting with any other attractive girl who walked into the Baratie? The mere thought of him offering that same attention to someone else made your stomach churn.

The situation was complex and demanded some introspection. Still, no matter what the future had in store, you were resolved not to let your insecurities hinder you again. At last, you had decided to let go and wholeheartedly embrace the growing affection you felt for the cook. You had no intention of retreating into your shell and pretending it never occurred.

You longed for more. You craved more.

And so, you drifted off to sleep with a smile spreading across your face, Sanji's image etched into your mind.

As dawn broke, your eyes opened instinctively, adjusting to the soft light filtering through the cabin window. You yawned, stretched your arms and legs, and slipped off the mattress, still groggy from sleep.

Your heart pounded as memories of the previous night flooded back like a cold shower. On one hand, you were thrilled at the prospect of seeing Sanji again, while another part tempted you to feign illness to skip work altogether.

Fortunately, you were wise enough to see that such an excuse would have been both childish and absurd. Regardless of how things would turn out from that point on, you were confident in your ability to move forward with your head held high, without retreating or running away. After all, a lifetime of being assertive and vulnerable had taught you important lessons.

You quickly freshened up, applied some flattering makeup, and ensured you looked your absolute best. Aware of Sanji's admiration for beauty, you wanted to give him every reason to notice you (and only you) above the other women vying for his attention. Those ladies better be prepared, because you weren't going to let them win.

As you stepped out of your cabin, the clinking of cups, glasses, and dishes from the kitchen reached your ears. The atmosphere was serene, marking one of the most relaxing moments of the day. You descended the stairs, straightened the buttons on your uniform, and tucked a few loose strands of hair away. Just as you were about to enter the dining room to set the tables and tidy up, someone gently grasped your hand and led you into a secluded area.

Sanji looked at you with a captivating glint in his eyes. A joyful smile formed on his lips as his arms wrapped around your back the moment you leaned into his chest. Surprise and joy surged through you, causing your shoulders to relax as you melted into his embrace.

"Good morning, love," he murmured, gently grazing his nose against yours.

"Hey, good morning," You responded with a beaming expression. "What are you doing?”

"Taking every chance to have you all to myself."

You chuckled, wrapping your arms around his neck. "Then we should probably hurry, we don’t have much time.”

“It will be enough.”

There was no hesitation, shyness, or playful teasing. His lips met yours with a tender, slow, and innocent touch, something that was barely there but electrifying nonetheless. His familiar scent enveloped you, and the hair falling over his left eye tickled your cheek delightfully.

His hands tenderly cradled your face, his thumbs gently stroking your skin. Your fingers threaded through his silky hair as his lips pressed firmly against yours. His tongue traced the seam of your lips, seeking entry, which you eagerly granted. The experience was extraordinary—a perfect way to kickstart your day as you savored his taste and the warmth of his kiss.

When he finally pulled back, a wet sound signaled your separation, and Sanji let out a satisfied sigh. "I could kiss you all day.”

"Wouldn’t that get tiring though?”

He lifted your hand to his lips and placed a gentle peck on your knuckles. "It would be so worth it, my lovely. I can't bear the thought of waiting until tonight.”

His ardor to be with you was invigorating. Regrettably, you were not permitted to indulge in it.

"We need to behave. You don't want to be kicked back to waiting tables, and who knows what Zeff would do to punish me.”

"You're a woman; he wouldn't do anything to you.”

"So the blame would fall solely on you? That's all the more reason to avoid it."

Despite your best efforts, Sanji's arms found their way around your waist once more, pressing you against the wooden wall as your back collided with it. His mouth found yours again, grazing your bottom lip, as your breaths mingled in a sweet, intimate dance.

"I'd be a waiter for a month straigh

t if it meant I could have another kiss from you.”

How could his smooth words and leg-shaking voice resonate from his chest all the way to the depths of your core?

"You can have all the kisses you want," you whispered. "As long as you don't seek them somewhere else.”

You threw out the bait almost impulsively and immediately regretted your boldness. However, Sanji didn't seem offended in the slightest; his smile only broadened at your remark.

"How could I ever do that when I have the most beautiful and perfect woman right here in front of me?”

Your cheeks flushed, and his words sent a jolt straight to your heart. "Right. Why should you?”

"I mean it," Sanji continued, his eyes locking onto yours with such passion that it made your breath catch.

As you stood there, emotions churning within, a mix of excitement and vulnerability cascaded over you. He gave you another kiss before you could respond, making your entire world tumble over and collapse. His tongue ventured into your mouth with a restrained hunger, sending shivers down your spine through deliberate, sensual movements. His free hand traced along your hips, drawing you closer until there was no space left between your bodies.

His lips descended, leaving a path of soft, open-mouthed kisses from your jawline to your neck. It felt unbelievably amazing and intensely hot, exactly the type of contact you had been waiting for. The euphoria, the taste of his saliva, the heat surrounding you. It had been so long since you experienced anything like that, and none of your past encounters could compare to what he embodied.

He was unlike anyone or anything you could ever imagine. It felt utterly perilous.

As spectacular as it was, you couldn't allow yourself to get lost in it. Every passing second heightened the risk of being discovered by your team, and that was neither the time nor the place to explain why you were making out just steps away from the kitchen.

Moreover, you questioned whether your self-control would hold if things progressed any further. Truthfully, you were skeptical.

"Sanji, we... we need to get to work.”

He hummed against your skin, lingering a bit longer before returning to your lips. Finally, albeit reluctantly, he released you.

"Ah, I think we have a problem," he said, amusement in his voice. "Your cheeks are a little red.”

“Wait, what??”

You instinctively lifted your hands to your face, feeling the warmth radiating from it. You muttered a curse under your breath, pressing yourself against the partition, as if you wished to disappear into it.

In contrast, Sanji seemed unbothered by your predicament. He chuckled and rubbed your back as you buried your face in his chest, clearly entertained by your attempts to conceal your spontaneous responses.

"It's not funny," you retorted like an offended child.

"I'm sorry, love. I got carried away for a moment there.”

"…I never said I didn't like it.”

Moved by your heartfelt and courageous words, Sanji pulled you into another strong hold. "What am I going to do with you? You're so adorable I could eat you up.”

"Just great. Now you're making it worse.”

He seemed to be having the time of his life, completely at ease and treating you like the most cherished person in the world. He paused, gently stroking your cheeks, giving you a moment to unwind and steady your racing heart.

Finally, as your heartbeat steadied and your skin cooled, you emerged from your hiding place with Sanji’s fingers still lightly touching yours. While he made his way to the kitchen, you took a different route to the dining hall. The tables were only partially returned to their original positions, still looking barren and unready, requiring your meticulous care and attention.

Parting from him with a knowing glance was even more difficult than you had expected. As it turned out, you simply couldn't get enough of him anymore.

Even though he was close by during the entire shift, those few inches felt like an insurmountable distance. Minutes stretched into hours, and the hours dragged on, feeling as heavy and excruciatingly long as an entire week.

Fortunately, your first day as Sanji’s lover went off without a hitch. The well-known connection the two of you had formed played to your advantage; his customary caring and flirtatious demeanor towards you raised no eyebrows among your colleagues or Zeff. Nevertheless, restraining your desires throughout your work was sheer torture. Every time you were near him, the temptation to cast aside your uniform, kiss him, and whisk him away was practically irresistible.

That night, the times you nearly lost control with each other were innumerable. His fingers played with the hem of your shirt, lifting it slightly to feel you against him. Your hands roamed up and down his chest, drifting dangerously close to the edge of his trousers. No words were exchanged, only smiles, joyful grins, and swallowed breaths to contain the agonizing actions you both longed to savor, waiting for a moment that didn’t feel so rushed.

Mari’s hand slapped her forehead in a defeated facepalm, the sound echoing through the Snail Phone. The reproach that followed was entirely expected, leaving you with no choice but to nod silently as she spoke.

“I swear, I'd give anything to spend just one day inside your head,” she said. “What were you thinking? He was right there in your bed, completely at your mercy. He wouldn't have refused if you had made a move.”

“I know, it’s just….”

"Let me guess, you prefer to take things slowly."

“Yeah.”

“I mean, don’t get me wrong. I’m thrilled you finally initiated that kiss. I just don’t see why sleeping together at this point would be a bad idea. You’ve been working alongside him for weeks.”

You exhaled deeply and pulled your knees up to your chest. “Honestly? Because I really think he might be the right one.”

“...Oh.”

“Do you think I’m delusional?”

She laughed softly. “No, Y/N, I’m just surprised. I thought you were worried that he might not be serious.”

“Right. My statements are pretty contradictory, I know.”

"To be fair, you also feared that he wouldn't reciprocate your advances to that degree, and that his flirting was actually just a form of kindness, a game he wasn't interested in taking further."

“True.”

“But now, you know that wasn’t the case. To me, it seemed like he really had a difficult time pulling away from you.”

"It was probably the opposite, but... you get the idea."

After a brief pause, she kept the conversation going. "Like I've said before, this is your life. Only you can determine what's best. If you need more time before taking such a big step, then take it."

You smiled. “Thank you Mari.”

“Just let me ask you one thing.”

Uh oh.

"Considering how heated things became in bed, how did he manage to leave under those circumstances?"

“Well, he just… did?”

“Yes, but how?”

“What do you mean by ‘how’? He got up and walked away.”

She cleared her throat ominously. “So, he didn’t have…. you know…”

"Mari, what exactly are you implying?"

Somehow, you foresaw the direction the dialogue was taking, and in retrospect, you should have let it go.

“Jeez, how can you be so oblivious? I’m asking if he got hard, duh!”

As a result, you almost choked on your own breath. “Mari!!! What the hell?!”

"What? Are you saying he managed to avoid it? That would require an incredible amount of self-control. Honestly, I'd find it quite offensive."

“No! I mean, I don’t know.”

“You mean you didn’t even look?”

“Of course not!”

“Ugh, seriously. You’re so hopeless.”

You placed a hand over your mouth and spoke in a barely audible whisper. “Do we seriously have to talk about it?”

"Why not? Men talk about this stuff all the time. And as your best friend, I'm genuinely curious."

You scowled. "As if I'd tell you either way."

“Rude.”

“I’m not being rude. I just don’t think it’s fair. How would you feel if the man you were interested in went around talking about your womanhood?”

"I’d be quite flattered. After all, the way to my heart is through my vagin-"

“Mari!!!”

She erupted in boisterous laughter, wheezing and struggling to catch her breath. You heard something topple over, and her voice straining from the effort. "S-Sorry! You know I love teasing you."

You looked upward, rolling your eyes. “Yes. Could you not?”

“Okay, okay. My bad.”

You let out a sigh, shaking your head. “Thanks for keeping me company. You should all come visit me on my day off.”

"That would be wonderful. The guys can't stop talking about you."

“Really?”

“They miss you, Y/N. And so do I.”

"Aww, I miss you all too. Honestly, you’re my only regret."

You had adapted to your new routine at the Baratie, but the loneliness during your free moments was a persistent downside. As the saying goes, you cannot have it all.

“Well. Don’t you even think about coming back just for us.”

“I love you, but I have no intention of returning anytime soon.”

"Good. The old you wouldn't have even found the courage to leave, so this is a significant step forward."

And she was right. You had spent so much time trying to please your family and everyone they brought into your life that you lost sight of your own dreams. But from the moment you first walked into that restaurant, it felt like you had been reborn. You had an epiphany, quite literally, emerging from a state of comatose subservience.

It was Sanji who sparked your awakening. He instilled in you a newfound belief in yourself and gave you the courage to break free from your chains.

And just like that, the caged bird that loved to sing found its freedom.

Unfortunately, securing a private moment with him away from the kitchen was more troublesome than you had planned. On some nights, Sanji prolonged his stay under the guise of taste-testing, only to end up with you pressed against the counter, his tongue entwined with yours. You reveled in the excitement, but the ever-present risk of being caught loomed, with others potentially noticing a change between the two of you. There was always a nagging worry that Patty or the head chef might walk in at the most inconvenient moment.

For days, you artfully avoided them, finding refuge in the hidden corners of the Baratie or sipping a drink on the starlit balconies. Every instant in his company was extraordinary, and you savored each second, your shoulders occasionally touching as you exchanged heartfelt anecdotes. Sanji often recounted tales from his childhood, emphasizing the humorous incidents he experienced under Zeff’s care. Having lived most of your life under the control of others, with decisions made on your behalf, you found yourself with few stories of your own to tell. Nevertheless, Sanji was always understanding and loving, showing sincere interest in your friends and anything that wouldn't remind you of your family.

When his fingers met yours, enveloping your hand in the most comforting grasp, you realized you needed nothing more. It was so simple—just the touch of his skin or a smile from him, and your entire world instantly lit up.

You secretly longed to explore the ocean with him one day, perhaps even in search of the All Blue together. You hadn't yet discovered a new dream to pursue, because all you wanted was right there beside you.

Your secret rendezvous continued for quite some time, evolving into an essential ritual for both of you. It was a thrilling adventure, a mission to remain unnoticed. Every kiss felt enchanting, and your cuddling grew more assured and daring with every passing day. As long as you remained dedicated to your work and kept your emotions in check, no one had any grounds for criticism. In fact, Sanji's presence seemed to enhance your efficiency, leaving you thoroughly pleased with your job.

He became your confidant and anchor. His cheerful spirit, playful smiles, and secret touches meant solely for you rejuvenated your energy and further bolstered your confidence.

Saying goodbye to him every night was the hardest part of your day. Sanji never imposed on you, never asked for more than what you freely offered, and never crossed boundaries, though he often came close enough to make you consider breaking them.

However, you should have known there was only so much you could do to hold back your physical desires, and that eventually, all that you had would no longer suffice to fulfill them.

One day, you and Sanji were assigned the task of managing the storage inventory. Although it was one of the most tedious duties, it provided a rare opportunity to be alone together at work without needing an excuse. Resisting your natural impulses was a true test of endurance, but despite a few occasional kisses and the usual banter, you both completed your lists diligently and without any improper distractions.

It was only after setting the notebooks aside and leaning against the wall together that things started to escalate.

Again, it began innocently enough—a gentle touch of your hand as he rested his head on your shoulder. You allowed it, softly swirling your thumb over his knuckles and tracing the contours of his silver ring. You kissed his forehead, your free hand gliding along his forearm, where his rolled-up sleeves exposed his skin up to the elbow—his muscles, his tendons.

Your jackets lay draped over a nearby chair, giving you more freedom to move around the room. Inevitably, that brought you closer, leading to more intimate contact between your bodies.

Sanji looked deeply into your eyes, straightening his posture and tightening his hold. His gaze was magnetic, his pupils dilated, but his smile never wavered. He left you breathless, brushing his nose against yours in an affectionate gesture before claiming your lips in another kiss.

"I don't know what to do with myself," he confessed, caressing your cheek and tucking your hair behind your ear. "You're so beautiful I could shout it from the rooftops."

Your eyes dropped as a shy smile tugged at your lips. "You're exaggerating."

“I’m not, my lovely. Every night, the moon envies your beauty.”

His words, delivered with the sweetest tone, were the most sincere you could ever hope to hear.

His eyes shimmered with admiration and tenderness. "I’m the luckiest man in all the seas to have you by my side. You’re the most incredible woman I have ever met in my entire life.”

Your family insisted that you were unworthy of love, and over time, you came to believe it, thinking it was something you could never attain or truly deserve. He had twisted everything you once held as true, exposing it all as one enormous lie.

Driven by urgency, you pressed your lips to his once more, clutching the lapels of his shirt and squeezing your eyes shut. The cook responded immediately, cupping your face—a motion you couldn't get enough of—with one hand slowly trailing down to the sensitive skin of your neck.

The kiss deepened, becoming more passionate and all-encompassing, leaving you both breathless and hungering for more. Enveloped in the sensation of his mouth and the familiar, delicious taste of tobacco, spices and vanilla, you scarcely noticed his hand slipping lower, pausing slightly before coming to rest on your covered breast.

For a moment, you remained still, enjoying the contact and secretly hoping it would last longer. But as soon as it continued, delicately spreading around your mound with a tentative squeeze, familiar alarm bells went off in your head.

Your desire for him was undeniable. Yet, no matter how strong your growing need, a storage room was far from the ideal setting you had envisioned for your first time together.

Reluctantly, you slowed your pace and gently moved his hand away, signaling him to pull back. Panting and at a loss for words, Sanji stared at you with eyes full of unfulfilled craving.

His eyes averted, a sudden wave of embarrassment overcame him. He jolted to his feet, touching the back of his head as he turned his body away from you.

"I'm really sorry, love. I shouldn’t have done that."

If only he had known that stopping was the one thing you didn't want.

“It’s fine,” you reassured him, standing up and placing a comforting hand on his back. “I just don’t feel safe here. We should return.”

Sanji swept his hair aside, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. “You’re right, we should.”

Seeing him so guilt-ridden and defeated hit you hard. You knew it was necessary to avoid future regret, but being so close, so ready for it to become more, now left you feeling completely downhearted. You picked up the notebook filled with inventory notes, reached for your jacket, and put it on as if it weighed a ton of bricks.

Sanji looked away the instant your eyes met his. Shame flooded him as he struggled with the realization that he had lost control and betrayed the principles that had been ingrained in him since childhood. The notion that he might have initiated something you didn't want was a severe blow to his pride.

Yet, he couldn't have been more mistaken.

"Sanji," you whispered, moving nearer to him. "You have nothing to apologize for, I promise.”

You sensed him tense under your touch, but when you wrapped your fingers around his in an encouraging hold from behind, he relaxed with relief.

“I’ll join you in a moment. There's something I need to look into.”

After thoroughly searching the storage room, you assumed he needed some time alone to gather himself from the built-up tension. And so, without questioning him, you kissed the back of his shoulder and left with a heavy heart, silently promising to continue where you left off another time.

Because you needed him. You wanted to be explored, tantalizingly stimulated, and lifted to the highest star you could ever reach.

You simply couldn't bear to wait any longer. That much was clear.

The storage room was oppressively hot, challenging Sanji's physical stamina. He loosened his tie and unbuttoned the top of his shirt, desperate for air, as his heart raced wildly and pounded against his chest.

What truly kept him unmoved was the unmistakable anticipation straining against his pants, which he successfully maintained hidden from you. He was already ashamed of his behavior and couldn't endure the idea of adding more to his mortification.

How could this have happened? He was taught to view women as the most delicate flowers, deserving of utmost respect regardless of their character or background. Despite your kindness and understanding, the mere fact that he touched you so intimately without your consent was enough for him to harshly condemn himself.

And there he was now, staring in disbelief at his intense, throbbing arousal.

Sanji desperately tried to steady his heartbeat, resting against the storage shelves in a futile attempt to regain his composure. Every second felt like an eternity as his mind spun with conflicting desires and responsibilities.

He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths, making an effort to divert his mind from the stifling heat and his persistent erection. Thoughts of you, with your wonderful smile and angelic touch, only intensified his growing excitement. Memories of your lips on his and the sensation of your body pressed against him caused an exhilarating rush through his veins, kindling a deep warmth in his belly.

"Get it together, man," he murmured, raking a hand through his hair.

The process was excruciatingly slow. His arousal continued, pulsing and demanding a release he refused to grant. The temptation was overpowering, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. He resisted the urge, staying firm and resolute, not daring to grasp it for even a moment of gratification.

It required considerable effort, self-reproach, and mental affirmations for him to finally quell it.

To Sanji, you were a precious jewel—one he wanted to protect and never part from. No matter how his body reacted, he wouldn't let his primal instincts override his judgment again. Not without your explicit permission.

Eventually, with a final exhalation, Sanji straightened himself, smoothing down his shirt and adjusting his tie. The composed, professional stance he was expected to maintain began to reassert itself, though it was a thin veneer over a tumultuous sea of emotions.

When Sanji returned, his usual confident demeanor was intact, but you could still detect a subtle hint of nervousness that only you seemed to notice around the kitchen.

He wasn't avoiding you—still joking and smiling—but he was moving away a bit too quickly, as if the fear of having offended you was keeping him from staying close.

You went to great lengths to include him and engage in normal conversation, as there was no reason for any resentment on your part. It pained you to see him so troubled, especially since, in your eyes, Sanji's actions were entirely natural and not inappropriate.

If only you were in a more private setting, your mind would wander to all the things he could do with his hands and tongue. That gentle squeeze on your breasts was enough to imagine more—him moving further, undressing you, and caressing your bare skin directly.

No, you couldn't let him blame himself for something that affected you so profoundly.

As you drew closer, organizing his cooking station and providing the needed ingredients, Sanji's tension slowly melted away. A soft touch on his hand, a tender brush of fingers along his back or arms as you walked by, the sound of your joyous laughter, the lightness in your voice—all these gestures brought him a sense of calm and silently affirmed your complete comfort.

Or so you thought.

As the kitchen cleared out and your colleagues departed one by one, you eagerly anticipated the moment you would finally be alone together again. His steady gaze followed your every move, and you couldn't help but smile at the attention, wishing it would never cease.

The moment you recognized that things wouldn't go as planned, you felt completely devastated.

Inevitably, Sanji’s creative freedom had backfired, prompting Zeff to demand an explanation for the new, unapproved dessert he had felt inspired to create again without his supervision. Feelings were already running high, and the discussion quickly turned into a heated debate filled with insults and criticisms. It didn't take long for you to understand the seriousness of the situation, and Zeff kindly suggested that you retire for the night.

In other words, your opportunity to speak with Sanji alone had entirely slipped away.

You had little say in the matter. All you could do was wish them both a good night (as much as it could be, given the circumstances) and shuffle off to your room. Your feet moved heavily along the wooden boards, and a headache pulsed from the tension in your nerves.

With a long, pained sigh, you slumped against the door before collapsing onto the bed, as though you were swimming against the current. You buried your face in the mattress, groaning as your legs shifted restlessly.

It exasperated you to no end. Although you admired and respected Zeff, his harshness toward Sanji often felt a tad excessive. On that particular day, his intervention was especially ill-timed, as Sanji's simmering frustration indicated his emotional turmoil was far from properly resolved.

The prospect of enduring another day without a private conversation with the cook felt unbearable. For a moment, you questioned whether stopping him had been the right choice or if you should have seized the opportunity when it presented itself. The storage room was dim and damp, far from the ideal spot for intimacy. Making love with Sanji was something you had envisioned very differently, and there was too much activity outside for the two of you to act impulsively.

Getting caught with your pants down and his arousal buried inside you was definitely not the way you wanted to lose your job (not that you wanted to lose it in any way). You acted on instinct, fully aware it wasn't the right moment for such a significant step. So why did it feel like you'd made a huge mistake, treating Sanji like a casual fling when he meant so much more to you?

Ever since he touched it, your breast had been pulsing with need, and you found yourself hugging your torso as you curled up in a ball on the bed. He applied only the faintest pressure, just barely cupping it in his hand through your clothes. Yet, for reasons beyond understanding, it felt as though he had done a lot more, causing your nipples to harden against your bra just from the memory.

You shook your head, dispelling the mental images your brain was conjuring. If you closed your eyes and concentrated on the background sounds, you could make out the distant voices of Sanji and Zeff, still engaged in their heated argument with remarkable persistence.

It only lasted a few minutes, with your body teetering between reality and dreams, before you drifted away on a sea of restless thoughts.

You remained like that, fully dressed and lying on your back, your hands resting by your sides for an indeterminate amount of time.

You woke up to the sound of knocking at your door. As your eyes adjusted and the ceiling came into focus, you listened intently. By the time the third, fourth, and fifth knocks reverberated through the room, you realized someone was truly there and not just a figment of your dreams.

You sprang to your feet, strode to the door, and opened it while combing your bed hair. Sanji stood in front of you, his face etched with concern and hesitation. It seemed like he was on the verge of turning away, but the moment he saw you step out of your cabin, his expression melted into a broad, relieved smile.

“I’m sorry love, did I wake you up?”

"It's alright. Would you like to come in?"

"I should probably let you rest."

You laughed softly. "I’m awake now. I wouldn't have asked if I didn't mean it."

You grabbed him by the elbow and promptly pulled him inside, closing the door behind him and locking it to ensure your conversation wouldn’t get disturbed. You were done with any potential or direct interruptions.

Sanji remained silent, hands on his hips, with fatigue written across his features.

“Are you okay?” you inquired, stepping closer.

In response to your question, Sanji shook his head resignedly. "I really made a mess of things today."

"You're not referring to the dessert, are you?"

“Not exactly.”

With a sigh, you sat on the bed and patted the spot beside you, inviting him to join. Sanji obliged, settling beside you, his knee softly touching yours.

"I've said this before, but it looks like it needs repeating: you did nothing wrong today."

“Y/N, you are a sweetheart for trying to cheer me up, but you can be honest with me.”

"I am."

His gaze stayed on you as you spoke, but your words failed to achieve the desired effect. He averted his eyes, looking apprehensive, as he struggled to find the right response.

"You were never treated the way you deserved before. The last thing I want is for you to feel any pressure from me."

"Pressure?"

He swallowed. "I don’t want you to do anything with me that you might not truly want."

Did he honestly believe you didn't find any pleasure in what occurred in the storage room?

"Who said I don’t want that? Because as far as I can recall, I never did."

“Y/N….”

“Sanji, I’m serious. You don’t need to worry about it.”

There was nothing you wanted more than to be with him, and only him, in ways that your mind could barely fathom due to the impropriety of your imagination.

It was ironic that he, of all people, felt so uncertain and afraid. You had always taken his charm and flirtatious nature for granted, assuming it had built up his confidence for moments like these. His fear of destroying what you both had created, and of losing you along with your consideration, reflected your own anxieties before it all started.

If nothing else, it validated what you had been wondering all along: to him, you were undeniably the only one.

You clasped his hand with both of yours, tightening your grip. "There's nothing you could do that would ever push me away."

He remained unsure, his mouth slightly open, but no sound came out.

"What do I need to do to make you believe me? I love everything you do, Sanji. And I genuinely mean everything."

This time, he finally accepted your admission. With a relieved sigh, he exhaled deeply, his fingers gliding over your knuckles. "You're beautiful, intelligent, and have a heart of gold."

Ah, there it was, the exuberant and gallant side of him that you had grown to treasure.

You brought his hand to your lips, kissed his fingers softly, and then rested your chin on them. “Well, we have these things in common too.”

Sanji's face brightened as he pressed his lips together, looking at you with the most genuine, sparly eyes you had ever seen.

He was irresistibly and strikingly handsome. Even though you weren't as vocal about it, you wished he knew that no other man could ever measure up.

You moved forward, meeting him halfway for a sealing kiss. His lips were warm, moist, and delicate, carrying a hint of the fruity dessert he had made when Zeff wasn’t looking. It felt so good that you couldn't bring yourself to break away, the sound of your kisses filling the cabin like a song with a steady rhythm and harmonious melody.

Sanji paused, allowing you both a moment to catch your breath. You giggled, a bit winded, your hands still intertwined.

"Do you have any idea how incredible you are?" he asked.

"You've mentioned that before," you said sincerely. "I don't see myself in such a lofty light, though."

"Oh, my lovely, the old man practically adores you. You outwork all of us put together, and I have to keep an eye on Patty because I'm sure he has a crush on you.”

You arched an eyebrow. "Patty? Interested in me?"

"It's either that, or he enjoys getting under my skin."

“You can’t seriously be jealous of Patty. Or anyone else, for that matter.”

“Men are powerless in the presence of an extraordinary woman like you.”

You shrugged. “Maybe. But I’ve already found my man.”

Damn. That didn't come out the way you intended. Or did it?

Sanji's focus lingered on your face, lost in contemplation, until a sudden spark of realization illuminated his expression. "Have you?"

At that point, with everything taken into account, denying it was no longer an option.

"Honestly, if it weren't for you, I would have never found the courage to leave my old life behind. To step away from my family and all the expectations they placed on me. I did it all because I wanted to know you, to be with you."

His eyes glowed with adoration.

"You made me feel important and special, more than anyone else ever has—even more than my friends."

“Because you are, Y/N,” he whispered with conviction. “You are far better than all those wretched people who made you think otherwise.”

You nodded. “This is exactly why I like you. Without even knowing me, you already understood.”

He played with your fingers, twirling and caressing them in his grasp. “You looked so sad. I couldn't stand to see you like that.”

In truth, he couldn't bear to see any woman in such pain. But now you knew that what began as mere compassion had evolved into something more significant.

“And now that you’re by my side,” he continued, “even my worst days have become the best moments of my life.”

Your heart was racing so intensely that you feared it might burst from your chest and fall right into his lap.

"What will I do when the day comes that you decide to leave?"

Your breath trembled as you blinked rapidly, fighting to hold back the burning tears welling up in your eyes. Your family constantly made you feel worthless and expendable, never able to live up to anyone's expectations. Though your friends loved you and sustained you with their unflinching support through years of emotional turmoil, they often seemed distant and out of reach. Their lives unfolded effortlessly as intended, while you found yourself stuck, aimless, and lagging far behind.

You felt an emptiness, a sense that something important was missing and never meant for you. Unexpectedly, that one casual night at the Baratie restaurant altered the course of your life forever.

“I haven’t been here long,” you replied. “And I have no intention of leaving.”

"Do you really enjoy being here?"

"I do. More than I ever imagined I would."

Sanji's smile widened as his hand slid upward to encircle your wrist.

"And just so you're aware, Patty is a good friend and great company. But he's not you."

His countenance radiated pride and satisfaction. “’Course he isn’t.”

"Right,” you smiled. “So there's no need for you to be jealous of him."

“Nah, I’m not jealous.”

“You’re not?”

“I’m just looking out for my girl.”

‘My girl’…

Your heart skipped a beat as his declaration sank in. No matter how you tried to view it, there was only one way to interpret his words. It was heartening to witness how deeply he cared about your happiness and well-being. He was a refreshing breeze, a guiding light in your darkest moments.

Heavens above, you were truly in love with him. It was a daunting realization, one you hadn’t anticipated arriving so soon. Deep down, however, you had always known.

From the instant you noticed his smile, his eyes, his polite mannerisms, his protective nature, and his physical strength, you struggled against your emotions like a ship caught in a tempest. Finally, your arduous journey had brought you to the safe harbor that Sanji represented for you.

Being with him felt like finding your true home.

"Well, your girl can never get enough of that."

He grinned contentedly, kissed your forehead, and then the tip of your nose. “All you have to do is ask.”

All you needed to do was ask, and he would fulfill your wish immediately.

Yes. You only needed to ask.

Could you find the courage to venture into unknown territory, uncertain of what awaited? Could you even dare to hope for more, after all the dedication you put in to reach that point?

Sanji was always there for you, with his kindness and affectionate gestures, ready to catch you whenever you were about to fall. He was nurtured by exceptional teachings, with Zeff playing a significant role in his upbringing, molding him into the admirable man he had become. But just like you, there was always a part of him that longed for more, for things that seemed so distant and impossible to reach.

You were two solitary souls adrift in a vast ocean, kindred spirits who found each other through challenging times.

Your eyes welled up with tears you could no longer control, one slipping down your cheek and landing on his wrist. Sanji’s smile vanished instantly, replaced by a furrowed brow as he brushed his thumb along your jaw.

“What’s going on, my lovely? Why are you crying?”

How could you possibly explain to him that his mere presence, his voice, and his smile were all you needed to feel whole and satisfied?

“Sanji…” Your voice was low, as thin and strained as a pulled thread.

“Yes, beautiful. What is it?”

“Stay.”

Sanji's gaze immediatly softened. You knew he required no further explanation; your intentions were unmistakable.

“Do you want me to spend the night with you…?”

“I do,” you confirmed. “Please, I need you. Stay with me.”

He swallowed again, more audibly this time, and withdrew his hand from yours. Then, he tenderly cradled your face in his familiar comforting manner, his breath warm against your skin. “Are you sure about this? Because once we start, I won’t be able to hold back.”

“I don’t want you to hold back.”

“Y/N—”

“Sanji, I only stopped you today because I want this to be special, not something that happens in a storage room where anyone from our crew could walk in on us.”

You reached for his tie, your nails delicately tracing the knot. “I actually wished you had never stopped.”

The air around you grew increasingly magnetic, and your body temperature soared to an impossible level.

“Then you’ll have me,” he vowed. “If this is what you want, I’ll be yours until dawn.”

“That won’t be enough.”

“How about for as long as you want me?”

"That's better. But I don't think I'll ever stop wanting you."

His lips barely touched yours, a gentle caress brimming with promise. “Then I’ll keep giving you reasons to want me.”

All your self-control had dissipated, leaving you with an overwhelming desire for his body. With desperate fingers, you untangled the knot and yanked, letting his tie fall to the floor. Sanji happily let you take control, lovingly brushing your hair aside to kiss your cheek, chin, neck, and collarbones.

It felt suffocating, your head spinning like a tornado, but you quenched your thirst by straddling his waist, positioning your knees on either side. Sanji consumed you, relishing the flavor of your lips and tongue, as his hands traced gentle circles on your lower back.

With a sense of urgency, you began unbuttoning his shirt, opening the top and revealing his chest. You fought the impulse to tear his shirt off and reveal him all at once, his delicate touch contrasting sharply with your impatience. His fingertips slipped under your shirt to gently caress your back dimples, causing your upper body to jolt slightly, a moan escaping your lips.

Your breath quickened. As you continued unbuttoning his shirt, you intentionally let your fingers glide over the warmth and smoothness of his skin. Sanji's hands tightened around you as you instinctively moved your hips against his.

Through the gap in his shirt, his chiseled physique was on full display, with sculpted muscles that made your mouth water. Sanji grinned at your evident appreciation, swept his hair back with that characteristic flick, then returned to your lips and began lifting the hem of your shirt. You raised your arms, letting him slip off the garment to reveal the lace of your bra.

Sanji delicately set the shirt on the floor beside his tie. His careful handling of even your clothes was genuinely endearing. Your hair had fallen into disarray, partially obscuring your face. He smiled tenderly, tucking the stray strands behind your ears, his blue eyes locking onto yours.

His ability to remain romantic even in the heat of the moment was something you weren't accustomed to during lovemaking. He valued you, treating you like the most delicate piece of glass, holding back his own desires even as you felt his hardness pressing against your core.

His eyes paused briefly on your breasts, snug within your bra. He cast a fleeting glance, just long enough to admire their shape and the outline of your nipples through the fabric.

"So beautiful," he breathed, pulling you into another passionate kiss.

“Look who’s talking,” you said with enthusiasm, easing his shirt off his shoulders and down his arms.

Sanji quickly discarded the rest of the garment, tossing it onto the growing pile of clothes at his feet. It was amusing to see the stark difference in how he treated his own belongings compared to the care he took with yours.

"Let's get you more comfortable, my lovely."

You bit your lower lip, pressing your hips into him with more insistence. “I’m comfortable right here.”

He took a deep breath, stifling a laugh that came out as a muffled gasp. “Then let me ensure you're even more satisfied.”

With his warm hands gripping your sides, he adjusted his position and gently lowered you onto your back against the mattress. Your legs, already spread with him nestled between them, wrapped fully around his waist. Sanji’s arousal was palpable through his pants, pressing insistently against your trousers. Your inner walls clenched involuntarily and your clit throbbed from the friction of his bulge. The intensity was all-consuming, yet you wished for it to never end.

He kissed you repeatedly, his fingers skillfully unbuttoning your lower clothing. With gentle precision, he slid them down your thighs, prompting you to arch your hips to assist.

Something had clearly snapped inside him. As soon as your pants came off, he quickly kicked off his shoes. He unbuttoned and took off his black trousers with such frenzy that you feared they might rip, but he was too careful for that to happen. You hungrily took in the sight of his hard thigh muscles, sculpted knees, and strong calves, like a woman starved for a long time.

It had been years since your last sexual encounter, and you couldn't remember ever feeling so intensely aroused. This time, there were no fears of disappointing your partner or insecurities about your body not matching his expectations. No, his sweetness and protectiveness left no room for doubt in your heart.

Sanji's hands moved up your hips, teasing the elastic band of your underwear before gliding over your belly. It took all your willpower to avoid staring at the prominent erection straining beneath the tight fabric of his dark briefs, pushing forward so forcefully that you wondered how he could endure such discomfort without flinching.

His fingertips hovered just below your breasts, barely grazing their curves as he sought your permission with his eyes. He remained still, not daring to repeat his earlier move from the storage room. He needed your reassurance, and you had no reason or desire to stop him from doing what you wanted most in the world.

With a confident smile, you placed his hands on your mounds, letting him savor their softness as you let out a delightful sigh. He breathed in deeply, gently wrapping his fingers around your flesh and squeezing as if it were the most precious silk.

"Y/N," he murmured. "Is this all right with you?"

You furrowed your brow. “Why wouldn’t it be?”

“Because my only wish is to make you the happiest woman alive. If anything I do feels inappropriate or makes you uncomfortable—”

“Sanji. I swear.”

How could he be so remarkable? Even as his desire intensified, he held himself against you with a restraint that would drive any other man to madness. Yet, he curbed his impulses and waited for your explicit consent, making your heart race like never before and your eyes well with emotion.

His respect for you was boundless and limitless.

“Do I look uncomfortable to you in any way?”

“No, but I—”

"Believe me when I say you can do anything you want to me."

He wet his lips, his jaw clenched as the tension coursed through his veins. “Anything?”

To prove your point, you kissed him gently, slipping the tip of your tongue inside to caress his. “Anything.”

And that, at last, seemed to evoke the right reaction in him. His pupils dilated, and the corners of his lips curled into the most prideful smile he had ever shown.

"Just relax and let me pamper you, beautiful."

Well, if that didn’t send a shiver of pleasure straight to your core, you couldn't imagine what the rest of the night had in store for you.

You nodded fervently just before his lips crashed against yours again. The kisses were hot, sensual, and ravenous, with your tongues taking center stage in the passionate exchange. His hands squeezed, massaged, and lifted your breasts with the same expertise he used in the kitchen, his culinary skills translating seamlessly into the bedroom. And then, as his forefinger daringly slipped beneath the edge of your bra's cup, your mind went blank.

With a gentle tug, he effortlessly exposed your nipple, pink and stiff, for his eyes to finally behold. You felt a sudden pang of self-consciousness, but before you could fully grasp it, Sanji’s lips were already tantalizingly close to the sensitive bud. Your mind was in turmoil, and your stomach clenched with pleasure as his mouth barely parted, gently grazing your nipple and eliciting an uncontrollable moan.

His tongue darted forward, swirling around it as if relishing a cherry on top of a cake. A sigh escaped your lips, and you squirmed as he uncovered your other breast, his thumb instantly beginning to stimulate it. The sensation was utterly intoxicating, sending shivers straight to your clit and inner walls.

Sanji kept going, adjusting himself between your legs, his eyes locked with yours as he sucked on your hardened nipple. The sight was incredibly arousing, and despite your best efforts, you threw your head back as the pleasure became uncontainable.

Your chest arched, giving him the perfect chance to amplify your pleasure. With one breast in his mouth, his other hand journeyed downward, bypassing your mound to explore further. He traced gentle circles over your stomach, abdomen, and hip bone.

Your fingers wove through the back of his hair. Though you didn't pull, the simple gesture anchored you as your world seemed on the brink of unraveling. You shivered, whispering his name like a prayer, waves of pleasure crashing over you relentlessly.

His fingers slid over the waistband of your underwear, tracing your pubic bone and sensing your warmth through the cotton. Everything he did was meticulously orchestrated and seamlessly executed, setting your nerves on fire and making them sing.

Sanji knew precisely what he was doing, and he carried it out with mastery.

"Are you okay, my lovely?" He asked, his lips just barely parting from your breast.

You spoke with such resolute speed that even you were taken aback by your own zeal. “Yes. Keep going.”

Sanji conveyed his contentment with another kiss on your lips before turning his attention back to your breasts, alternating sides as his fingers continued their exploration. You yielded to his touch, your hips lifting as his tongue circled your neglected nipple, while his fingertips teased just above your covered clit.

He paused, tracing his thumb along your clothed entrance without making direct contact with the pulsing nub.

“Sanji—”

"See how wet you are," he noted casually, with the excitement of a child discovering their new favorite toy.

"Oof. And who do you think is responsible for that?"

“Definitely not Patty.”

“Are you serious? Patty again?”

Sanji laughed heartily, his white teeth gleaming in the dim light of the cabin. His blond hair, though partly uncombed, remained spectacularly beautiful. He appeared both ruggedly sexy and astonishingly sweet, consistently attentive and considerate, no matter the situation.

Even in the throes of passion, he never appeared weathered or out of place.

“I’m sorry, love. Maybe I am a little jealous.”

"But why? I'm practically naked in front of you. There's no other man I'd rather be with or think about. Ever."

Could your friendship with Patty have truly unsettled him, while your biggest worry was never being enough to make him fall for you?

Sanji's smile grew even wider as he propped himself up on his elbows, bringing his lips to your face once more. “Yeah?”

“Yes. Honestly, if you don’t do something soon, I feel like I might burst.”

Oh, he was reveling in every second, covering you in kisses and looking completely ecstatic.

“I would never leave you like this. I like tasting good food before eating it, and right now, you are more delicious than a Clafoutis.”

You chuckled. “A what now?”

"Clafoutis. It's a tart made with whole black cherries, enveloped in a sweet, custard-like batter."

“Great. How am I supposed to compete with that?”

Sanji shook his head, amused. “No dessert on earth could ever rival your flavor.”

‘Except that you haven’t fully tasted me yet,” you said to yourself.

His fingers pressed more firmly against your labia, feeling your wetness seep into your underwear. You nibbled your lower lip and inhaled sharply, another moan escaping as he established a consistent rhythm.

The straps of your bra slid off your shoulders, revealing more of your breasts. Under different circumstances, this might have embarrassed you, but he made everything feel natural and free of shame. Your nipples, erect and slightly flushed, tingled with sensitivity, which only fueled Sanji's arousal. His fingers traced upward, barely brushing your clit and flicking it through the garment with the most delicate touch.

You shivered and gasped, anticipating his next move, only to find him gazing at you, spellbound.

“What…?”

His eyes turned red, and his lower lip trembled faintly, but his feelings were undeniable. "You really are extraordinarily enchanting."

How many times had he complimented you in a single day? His affection was so genuine that you found yourself starting to believe every word.

“Being with you like this makes me question what I ever did to deserve you.”

His reassurance began to dismantle the walls you had built around your self-doubt. It was clear how much he meant it—how deeply he trusted in you.

How often had you yearned for someone who could recognize your true worth without pressuring you to meet their standards? Years of reshaping yourself to fit others' preferences had left you like a clay doll—constantly broken, scratched, and never quite measuring up to what they wanted.

Then Sanji entered your life, lifting you from the mental slums you were trapped in and mending every crack with the purest gold.

You sat up abruptly, wrapped your arms around his neck, and kissed him deeply, channeling all your love and desperation into it.

"Where have you been all my life?" you asked, breaking the kiss with a loud, wet pop.

“I’ve been right here, waiting for a woman like you to walk through the restaurant’s door,” he replied, his voice husky.

“There are plenty of pretty ones, you know.”

"Mm," he whispered against your lips. "But as you said, my lovely, they aren't you."

It felt as if an arrow had pierced the center of your chest, leaving you breathless in an instant.

"Please, I need you to touch me," you begged. "I want to feel you right now."

He cherished your honesty, the richness of your voice, and the comforting warmth of your bare body beneath his.

Gently laying you back, he deftly unhooked your bra, capturing both straps between his thumbs and forefingers. His eyes darkened with desire as the tip of his hardness pressed more insistently along your inner thigh through his underwear.

“Can I take this off?”

He was just too charming to resist.

“Absolutely.”

You felt his strong hands on your upper back, tracing over your shoulder blades and down your arms. With care, he lowered the straps, removing your final piece of clothing and letting it fall to the floor.

Unable to resist any longer, his lips pressed against yours for what felt like the hundredth time, his hands kneading your breasts as he hummed against your tongue. He trailed kisses along your jawline, found the sensitive spot on your neck, then returned to your nipples, sucking one and then the other like a chef savoring the most delectable creation.

But he didn’t stop there, oh no. While keeping one of your buds engaged, his hand returned to your clit without hesitation. Through the delicate fabric of your panties, he located your sensitive spot, swollen and craving more attention. This time, he stroked your clit up and down, faster and faster, making your legs spread wider instinctively.

With his fervent massage and the prior attentions, it didn’t take long for that familiar knot to form in your belly. Your hips moved in harmony with his hand as he caressed your clit in the most exquisite way, at the perfect pace.

"Sanji, I’m almost there," you announced, your voice quivering.

“You’re close?”

“Mhm.”

“Then let me make this feel even better for you.”

Intrigued by his next move, you watched as he eased away from your chest and moved down the bed. He slipped his fingers beneath the elastic, lacy band of your lingerie and began to slide it off. You let him, feeling your panties roll down your legs until you were completely bare and exposed for him to see.

Sanji shifted his position, drawing his face closer to your core and gently spreading your thighs wider. His eyes absorbed every intimate detail of your womanhood. With anyone else, you would have felt extremely uneasy, considering such scrutiny offensive and remendously mortifying. With Sanji, it was different. He sincerely admired every part of you in every way you offered, devoid of any vulgarity or hidden agendas.

“Every inch of you is a work of art,” he expressed, his thumb lightly caressing your clit again. “You’re divine, like a beautiful flower deserving of the utmost reverence and adoration. I’m mesmerized by you."

Hit and sunk. Quite literally. Should he ever, for some absurd reason, abandon his cooking career, you could easily envision him as the most talented poet in the entire East Blue, if not the world.

“Sanji—”

“Shh, I’ll take care of you.”

And so he did, expertly stimulating your clit with precise movements, while two of his fingers effortlessly found their way inside you. You were completely soaked, making his access to your inner walls smooth and easy. He entered you slowly, his fingers advancing and searching for that sensitive spot he knew would make you lose control. Your hands gripped the sheets, your chest heaving as your breath became more rapid.

The moment he found it, your G-spot reacted instantly, making your eyes roll back and your voice falter. You were on the verge of release, holding on the brink but not quite able to soar.

And just when you thought you couldn't handle any more, his thumb was replaced by his tongue, which danced over your clitoris in rapid circles, causing a series of sounds that made your skin flush and burn.

It was unexpected but welcomed nonetheless.

Sanji groaned against your core. The interplay of his mouth and fingers became intoxicating, the sensation in your abdomen intensifying and drawing you closer to an agonizing climax. He pleasured you with insatiable hunger, savoring every moment as if you were his most prized delicacy.

You gathered a handful of his hair, sweeping it aside to get a clear view of his eyes. They were full of pleasure and reverence, connecting with yours in a way that made you want to cry anew.

"I need you," you repeated, your hips trembling.

He smiled knowingly, his fingers skillfully beckoning you closer to completion. "I'm here, my lovely. I'm not going anywhere."

With each touch and stroke, he elevated you to heights of pleasure you had never dreamed of. Your body responded exquisitely, moving in perfect unison with him, as if guided by instinct. He played you like a finely tuned instrument, akin to a bard crafting the most wonderful love song in existence.

And finally, with just the right lick and press deep inside you, your orgasm arrived like a powerful sea wave, sweeping you away from the shore. You covered your mouth to contain your moans, otherwise too loud for anyone else on the ship to ignore. Your legs trembled and your hips bucked, but Sanji's arms kept your thighs secure. Though his fingers had withdrawn, his mouth stayed fixed on your clit, drawing out the pleasure until your orgasm subsided.

You were panting, your body weak and trembling, as Sanji brought his wet fingers to his mouth. His nostrils flared, and his eyes closed as he indulged in your taste with the same rapture he reserved for his finest ingredients.

Your walls were still shaking, pulsing and clenching around nothing, already feeling empty and requiring something else. As soon as he returned to you, his kiss infused with your essence, the evident rigidity of his arousal made it clear that your night had only just begun.

And you were more than enthusiastic to explore every aspect of Sanji’s devotion.

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 (currently reading) Go to Chapter 7 ->

#one piece liveaction #opla sanji #sanji x reader #opla sanji x reader #sanji vinsmoke x reader #opla fanfic #one piece liveaction fanfic

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sunsetmountainlion · 1 year ago

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Eve’s Garden AU:

Angel, Husk, Niffty, and Alastor are all in the lobby when there’s a knock at the door.

Angel: Who do you reckon that is?

Husk: The girls probably forgot their keys and locked themselves out or something.

Angel: I thought we didn’t lock the front door.

Alastor goes to answer, swinging the door open with a grin that immediately becomes strained.

Cain, the moment the door is open: Hello! Ah, Alastor, I heard you decided to come back from your little vacation.

Alastor, unhappy: Greetings, I was not expecting to see you.

Cain, walking past Alastor and looking around the lobby: Mom saw the interview the Princess did and sent me to look around. You know, see if this place is actually legit or a joke.

Alastor: And why would your mother have an interest in a place like this? I imagine she’s already busy enough with her territory.

Cain: If this place is legit there’s quite a few souls she’d be interested in sending over.

Husk: Now why would an overlord as powerful as her want to risk losing any of her souls?

Cain: Losing a few wouldn’t be all that serious of a blow to her, and redeeming souls is right up her alley. So, where’s the Princess?

Alastor: She’s out right now.

Cain: I’ll wait then, get to know the rest of you. Hey Husk, pour me some whiskey, would you?

Husk: *grunts and does so*

Angel: So who are you anyway? I’ve never heard of you.

Cain: My name is Cain, I’m one of the overlords of The Garden. You’re Angel Dust, aren’t you?

Angel: That I am. I havta say, the wolfy look suits you. I might be willing to offer a discount to an overlord~

Cain: No thank you, I’m on a purely business venture. Plus I’m not sure your boss would take kindly to it.

Angel: Eh, worth a shot. So whys an overlord interested in redeeming souls? Seems a bit out of character.

Cain, taking a sip of his whiskey: My mother is unique. She only wants enough power to keep her people safe so she does own their souls, but if someone asks she’ll give theirs back no questions asked. Getting her people into paradise is something she didn’t think possible, but if it is she wants to do it.

Angel: Huh. Sounds too good to be true.

Cain: Yeah, we hear that a lot. Thinking of, Husk, how’s Alastor been treating you? Nothing that would warrant me bringing it to my brother’s attention, right?

Husk: No.

Cain: Lovely. I’m sure our resident stag would hate to lose another antler.

Alastor: *his static grows louder, hissing.*

Cain: *snarls right back.* Don’t forget your place, deer boy. *drinks the rest of his whiskey in one go.*

Niffty: Ooo, you’re a bad boy! Hehehe!

Cain: I suppose you could say that. So, when’s the Princess due to get back?

Husk: She and her girlfriend should be back any minute.

Charlie, right on cue as she struts in the door: We’re back! And we brought doughnuts! *spots Cain and gasps* Oh my goodness hi! I’m Charlie, welcome to the Hazbin Hotel! Are you interested in becoming a guest here?

Cain: *smiles at her enthusiasm.* I’m not, I don’t think redemption is possible for me.

Charlie: I believe anyone can be redeemed if they really want it!

Cain: *his easy grin falters for a moment.* I’m here on business. My mother sent me to look around this place and see if it’s legit. If it is, she has a few sinners to send your way.

Charlie: *practically has stars in her eyes.* Really?! Well then I should give you the grand tour! Come on! *grabs Cain’s hand and pulls him away talking a mile a minute.*

Alastor: *disappears into his shadows.*

Vaggie: *narrows her eye, watching Cain as Charlie shows him around the main room.* Who is he?

Angel: He said his name is Cain. Kind of ballsy to name yourself that, huh?

Husk: From what I know of him he’s earned the right to those balls. He’s old as fuck and touch as steel cause of it.

Vaggie: Is he trustworthy?

Husk: Fuck if I know. Next to no one knows anything about that family. I only know they’re old and powerful enough they can afford to be unknown.

Vaggie: So this is probably a trick.

Husk: Yep.

Niffty: *giggling before she scampers off.*

Angel: Well Niffty may chase him off, then we don’t have to worry.

Vaggie: Hm. *leaves to go follow the sound of Charlie’s enthusiastic tour of the kitchen.*

#Eve’s Garden AU #hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel au #hazbin hotel cain #hazbin hotel alastor #hazbin hotel husk #hazbin hotel niffty #hazbin hotel angel dust #hazbin hotel charlie #hazbin hotel vaggie

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bigasswritingmagnet · 1 year ago

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Helpful, in a Heterodyne Kind of Way Ch. 2

Summary: Gil wakes up chained to a chair in Castle Heterodyne.

That's bad.

But he's been brought there to have dinner with the Lady Heterodyne, who is smart and pretty and interesting.

That's good.

He's been brought there by Saturnus Heterodyne, because he's under the impression that Gil is the biological son of Petrus Teuful, and thus an excellent potential suitor for his beloved granddaughter.

That's bad.

But Agatha is wonderful, and Saturnus promises to keep Gil's "true parentage" a secret. If Gil is lucky, he might get out of this with a girlfriend, and without getting fed to one of the castle's deathtraps.

Klaus would just like people to not kidnap his son, thank you very much.

AO3 Link

Gil woke slowly, but not painfully. There was no aching body or throbbing temples, just a slow ascent from darkness. He was vaguely aware of the smell of cooking meat, the warmth of a nearby fire, the sound of soft music.

And shouting.

“—kidnap the son of Baron Wulfenbach, emperor of Europa!”

Well, that wasn’t a good start.

Gil forced his eyelids to open and found himself staring at…a table. It was covered in a gilt-embroidered tablecloth and set with the most over-the top table settings, every conceivable variety of forks, spoons and knives.

His hands were chained to the chair with manacles just long enough to allow him to reach the silverware (which was gold, he realized). He also noticed what, exactly, the tablecloth’s embroidery depicted. It was not something most people would like to look at during a meal.

A sneaking suspicion began to develop.

“I don’t care how great-great-great-grandmother Thorazia would have done it!”

And that was when Gil noticed the guards, and suspicion became certainty.

There were two of them, standing side by side at the door on the far end of the room. One had horns that curled up over his head almost in a circle; the other had a snout and long, floppy ears. Both were grinning at him—grins filled with sharp, pointed teeth.

Jӓgers.

Gil tried to keep his expression one of mild interest, which the guards clearly found very funny. He drummed his fingers on the arms of the chair, humming softly and very carefully not checking to see how sturdy the restraints were.

They were very sturdy.

As casually as he could, Gil glanced over his shoulder.

Yep, two Jӓgermonster guards on that door, too.

One of them waved at him. Gil gave him a slightly strained smile, and turned back in his seat again.

Okay. Kidnapped, tied to a chair, in Castle Heterodyne. The important thing to do was to remain calm, at all costs.

“Grandfather, I don’t need your help! I am perfectly capable of finding a boyfriend on my own!”

The door flew open and in swept the most beautiful girl Gil had ever seen. She was dressed in filthy mechanic’s coveralls. Her face was smeared with grease. Her hair was beginning to fall free from the messy ponytail she’d put it in, framing her face with fine golden strands. Her eyes were bright green, illuminated behind her large glasses.

“I,” she began, “am so sorry—”

“Hi,” Gil blurted out. “I’m Gil. Uh. Gilgamesh Wulfenbach. Who are you?”

She pulled up short, startled by the interuption.

“Oh. I…I’m Agatha. Agatha Heterodyne.” She shook herself. “Wait, wait, I’m apologizing. My grandfather had you kidnapped, he’s…” She blushed even harder. “He uh. He’s been trying to…”

“Find you a boyfriend, I heard.”

Agatha groaned and rubbed her face, pushing her glasses up.

“I’m so sorry.”

“That’s alright,” Gil said. “You know, it smells like dinner’s been made already, and since I’m already here…”

Agatha stared at him.

“You—really?”

He smiled at her and shrugged.

“I’d hate for it to go to waste.”

Agatha opened and closed her mouth a few times, pink rising to her cheeks.

“Oh. That’s. Very kind of you. I. Um. Should probably go get changed. I’m not exactly dressed for dinner.”

“If you’d like,” Gil said, amicably. “I think you look great.”

Agatha went scarlet and ducked her head, not quite managing to hide her smile. She began to back up out the door she’d entered through, babbling a little.

“I’ll uh. Aheh. It’s not really hygenic, I’m all covered in…I’ll just…um…Nestor, if you could serve Gil some wine or, or something while I, um…”

She slammed the door shut. Gil heard frantic footsteps tearing up the hallway, a call of I told you! and shutupshutupshutup!

A servant approached on silent feet and filled a goblet with wine, then scooched it a little closer to Gil so he could reach it without dragging the chains across the table cloth. Gil didn’t bother to ask if he could be released.

The door opened again and Gil looked up, but it wasn’t Agatha who entered.

At first, the only thing Gil could notice was the chair. From the seat up, it was, well. A chair. But instead of four sturdy legs, the seat rested on what had to be dozens of of spindly, shining, insectile legs. They were constantly moving, extending and retracting and shifting position to keep the occupant perfectly balanced as he crossed the room.

It took some effort to drag his gaze up and meet the sharp green eyes of a man who had Agatha’s nose and a wicked grin that pinned Gil in place.

“Saturnus Heterodyne!” he said, by way of greeting. “And you must be Gilgamesh Wulfenbach!” His smile twisted slyly. “Or should I say…Gilgamesh Teuful?”

Gil stared blankly.

“Uh…should you?”

“No need to play dumb,” Saturnus said, drawing up to the table beside Gil. With a casual air, he picked up one of the decanters of wine and filled a spare glass. Taking the glass in hand, he settled back in his seat and gave Gil a sharp smile. “I heard all about your paternity from that Sturmvoraus fellow.”

“Sturmv—Tarvek?” Gil sat bolt up in the chair, sloshing his wine and yanking hard on the manacles. “Tarvek Sturmvoraus told you I was Petrus Teuful’s son?”

That weasel, that snake! Everyone knew the Lady Heterodyne was more like the Heterodyne boys than like her grandfather. If she thought he was the son of one of the deadliest Sparks in the world—

“No, no,” Saturnus said. “He told his sister. But there are no secrets in Castle Heterodyne, are there?” This last was directed to the ceiling.

‘No indeed,’ said a disembodied voice, sounding quite smug. ‘But I do know when to be…discreet.’

Saturnus chuckled and waved for Gil to relax.

“Calm down, don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me. I don’t blame Klaus for keeping it a secret—a man can only put up with so many assassination attempts before they begin to get tiresome.” He laughed the convivial laugh of two people bonding over a shared nuisence.

“Um. I…appreciate that, but—”

“And I certainly won’t be the one to tell Agatha! Don’t want to sway her opinion of you just yet. She’s a little too much like her uncle to believe in the whole ‘change them with the power of love’ nonsense her father did…”

His voice trailed off, his expression suddenly sobering. Gil waited, but when the man stayed silent, he cleared his throat.

“Actually, I think there’s been—”

“Wait, wait, I’m not done.” Saturnus frowned disapprovingly. “Youth these days, no patience at all. What was I saying? Oh! I remember when Klaus finally brought Teuful down. Ha, and Teuful certainly made him work for it! But when he finally fell, what did his men do? Fought harder. Fought to the death. Every man jack was there of his own free will, because he believed in Teuful. That is loyalty.”

Saturnus grinned and tilted his head back, indicating the Jӓger guards.

“And the Heterodynes know loyalty. We appreciate loyalty—and appreciate those Sparks who understand it as we do.”

“Well, of course,” Gil said. “Half of the armies we fight surrender outright because they know they’ll get a better deal with the Empire. But—”

“But indeed! A man who can inspire a soldier to fight for peace and stability, yes, all well and good, hoo-ray. But a man who can take a perfectly ordinary citizen of the world and inspire him to wanton chaos and destruction? Ah, that’s the kind of man I want for my granddaughter.”

He sat back in his chair and sighed heavily.

“I’m relieved to have found you, you know. The number of would-be suitors who have shown up here—why, the grinding machines can hardly keep up!”

“The grinding machines,” Gil repeated.

“Hmm? Oh, yes, unworthy men can be persistant, and I’ll not be having some moon-eyed, would-be-hero fluttering around her and wasting her time. So, on their way out I simply have the castle…” He made a sweeping motion with his hand. “Clean up.”

Gil felt a bead of sweat trickle down his forehead.

“Castle Heterodyne had boyfriend grinding machines?”

“No, of course not! I had to build them. But don’t you worry,” Saturnus said, patting Gil genially on the shoulder. “I’d never snuff out a Spark like Teuful’s so easily.”

‘But perhaps mind where you put your hands.’

Saturnus burst out laughing; the Jӓger guards joined in. Gil forced his own laugh, clutching white knuckled at the arms of his chair. As subtly as he could, he glanced down, and saw that the way the floorboards were laid out, it was not impossible that the chair was positioned over a trap door.

The door opened and Gil’s heart leapt for entirely different reasons than terror.

Agatha stood in the doorway, slightly breathless, still damp from her frantic bath, and dressed in a white and gold dress trimmed with trilobite designs that Gil would say was extremely becoming. She’d missed a spot of engine grease on her cheek, and Gil had no intention of telling her.

“Well, I’ll leave you two at it,” Saturnus said, steering his chair away from the table and towards the door. His granddaughter squinted at him suspiciously.

“Yes, you will. And so will you four,” she said, sternly, to the Jӓgers. “I already have an all-seeing chaperone, who will be silent,” she added, very pointedly. “For the duration of the evening.” Her eyes landed on the glass of wine Saturnus was not quite managing to keep out of sight. “And the doctor said no alcohol!”

“The doctor said less alcohol!” Saturnus shot back, the door slamming shut behind him.

Agatha threw her hands up in the air in exasperation, and thumped down in her seat. Then she hurriedly stood up and swept her dress out so it wasn’t crumpled. Servants closed in, laying out the first course: a bright orange soup that, upon very careful tasting, turned out to be pumpkin.

“I hope he didn’t say anything too awful,” Agatha said.

“No!” Gil said, hurriedly, very aware that Castle Heterodyne could hear every word. “He was just telling me that he was a…fan of my father’s work.”

“Yes,” Agatha said. “I’m not entirely sure he actually understands what your father does.”

“I did get that impression,” Gil said, straight faced. The chain around his wrist clanked against the soup bowl, and Agatha’s eyes went wide.

“Castle! He’s still chained?”

Gil thought he heard something like a distant, mechanical sigh of disappointment, and the manacles popped open.

“I’m so sorry about that. Again.”

Gil smiled.

“Honestly, of all the times I’ve been kidnapped and chained to a chair, this is not the worst.”

Agatha paused, spoon halfway to her mouth.

“Has that happened to you…often?”

“Once or twice!” Gil said. “But I don’t usually get wine.”

“—and even though he recognized that it wasn’t on purpose, or entirely my fault, the Master decided I’d just be a trouble magnet, and that was the end of Paris. I finished my degrees in Beetleburg, instead.” Agatha waved her fork vaguely. “But it worked out in the end. It was much easier to rule Mechanicsburg from there.”

Gil started.

“You were ruling Mechanicsburg long distance?”

Agatha gave him a wry smile.

“I couldn’t exactly leave Grandfather in charge unattended,” she said, dryly. “I had regular reports sent to me once a week, and I’d send my orders back same day.”

“That’s impressive,” Gil said. “Balancing your schoolwork, running Mechanicsburg, and still managing to have a social life? Most people can barely manage two of those.”

“Oh, it wasn’t that much more work,” Agatha demured, though she was blushing. “My seneschal took care of the day to day, and my generals managed the defences.”

“Well, I think it’s amazing.”

“What about you?” Agatha returned. “You’ve got two doctorates and Collette said you get into adventures every other week.”

‘My lady—’

“I asked for silence,” Agatha said. “And I specified for the duration—”

‘Yes, my lady, and no one wishes to interrupt your evening. That is why your grandfather asked me to inform you that he will handle the matter.’

“What mat—you know what, nevermind. I don’t want to know.” She rolled her eyes at Gil. “He’s probably gone to argue with the Monster’s Guild about whether the giant rats qualify for membership. I keep telling them, if they’re not sentient enough to pay union dues and attend the meetings, they belong with the Rodent Society.”

The room they were in faced west, giving them a lovely view of the mountain sunset, and no view at all of Castle Wulfenbach descending on Mechanicsburg.

#girl genius #Gilgamesh Wulfenbach #saturnus heterodyne #agatha heterodyne #gilgatha #gil/agatha #doting grandfather saturnus AU

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