#(usually. when he's not doing it to make her purposely confused anyways)

[camellcat]

Ten twirls Rose around sometimes when he needs a quick escape.

It's a win-win for both of them, he thinks! Rose always seems to enjoy, even if it's usually sudden and out of nowhere, and Ten gets to make her smile and slip away before she can even figure out what's just happened.

[midnightorchids]

I am kinda curious

What would Jason be like if the coffee Cafe owner!reader built in a small library in her Cafe just for him,like she saw he liked reading and went like 'yup. I am building a small library for him'

This is such a fun idea, but omg please forgive me, I went a little overboard. Once I figured out what to write, I couldn’t stop. I apologize for how long it is. Also, this is completely gender neutral, so anyone can read!

But omg also, I was literally kicking my feet and giggling writing the end lol, Anyways enjoy!

Owning a cafe was a difficult job, there was always much to do— customers to attend to, drinks to make, and maintenance to do. You were always busy, but you loved your job.

You had spent a lot of time curating the perfect atmosphere for your beloved customers. The lighting was warm, with fairy lights and lanterns dangling from the ceiling. There was wooden furniture and two old couches that sat by the glass windows. The tiny space smelled of freshly brewed coffee and sweet bread. The cafe was always inviting. 

You had many regulars at the coffee shop, each one with their own story, a different purpose.

For the past six months, twice a week, every Thursday and Saturday morning, a tall man walked in. Jason, you recalled his name from the many times you prepared his drinks. He’d order the same thing every time, a small London fog and a walnut banana bread.

He’d sit at the table nearest to the entrance, his back never towards the door.

Every morning, he’d come in with a new book. You had seen him read Franz Kafka, Oscar Wilde and Jane Austen; he’d read a lot of Austen.

He was a mystery and you wanted to know more. 

You found Jason quite handsome. His skin was scattered with scars and you often found yourself staring at the permanent wound near his lips. You wanted to run your fingers along it, to trace it, to kiss it. 

His eyes were always kind, a deep shade of green, forest-like you’d think to yourself. 

He spoke with kindness. His voice velvety and rich, much like the espresso you’d brew everyday, except his voice was never bitter, almost always doused with honey. 

Sometimes you’d catch him looking over at the counter, at you, you’d hoped. 

Your coworkers were afraid of him, telling you to stay away, but you couldn’t help yourself. He was like an enticing book, waiting to be read. They’d warn you, “do not engage in too much conversation with the strange man.” But it was as if they were talking to a small child, their words would go in one ear and out the other.

“Strange,” you would never use that word to describe him.

From the small talk you had with him, to his choice in books, to even his taste in tea, you’d never describe him as strange.

Gentle was the word you’d choose.

He was huge, all height and muscle, terrifying to most, however to you, he was everything but that. You saw an angel and you didn’t even know him… yet, you’d tell yourself.

There were days, where you almost gained the courage to ask for his number, maybe ask for small detail, perhaps get a glimpse of his life. But each attempt was futile. Why was it so hard to speak to him for more than five minutes, you’d curse your inability to speak to attractive men.

-

You were beginning to give up on your dreams of getting to know the beautiful stranger, when he walked in through door.

The conversation began as per usual.

“Morning Jason, what can I grab you today,” you asked politely. He smiled softly in return and you stare at the scar by his lip as he begins to speak.

“Uhh surprise me,” you look at him confused, he’s never done that before and he finds himself smiling harder. “Just kidding, I’ll just the take the usual please,” he says as he places his copy of Jane Eyre on the counter to take out his wallet.

“Brontë, why am I not surprised,” you reply, gazing at the book. You take the cash from his hands and your heart drops. Shades of purple and crimson coat his skin. They’re bruised, again.

“What can I say, I’m a man of taste,” he smirks. You roll your eyes and giggle.

“Now who told you that,” and he shrugs. Then there’s a lull, you don’t know what to say now. It isn’t awkward, but you find yourself starting feeling a little uneasy. God, if you only you could come up with something else to say. You shake your head slightly and begin to warm up his banana bread.

You turn around and wait for him to leave, but he doesn’t walk away to his usual table this time, instead he takes a seat next to the counter. Odd, you thought.

Jason’s gaze doesn’t leave you for a second, he watches you in admiration, you don’t quite catch on.

If you thought Jason was handsome, then he thought you belonged in a museum. You were a work of art in his eyes. The kind of beauty they wrote poetry about. Absolutely stunning.

He wanted to get to know you, speak to you, but he was afraid. If you didn’t reciprocate his feelings, then he may never be able to see you again. The trips to the cafe would no longer be necessary and he wouldn’t know what to do with himself.

However today, Jason pushes his fears aside, he feels bold. He finds his confidence and he speaks.

“Do you read much,” he asks suddenly. You place his cup of tea and bread in front of him, and nod your head.

“I do, but not what you read,” you reply and he stares into your eyes, curious. “I mostly read magazines, you know Vogue and stuff,” his smile drops a little, he’s trying really hard to not look judgemental. Cute, you think. “Kidding, I read fantasy mostly,” and his face lights up again.

“So like J.K. Rowling,” he questions.

“No, Harry Potter’s good, but I’m not really a fan of her, you know as a person. I’ve been reading a lot Neil Gaiman recently though,” you say.

“Oh fuck, yeah, she’s said some pretty crazy stuff huh,” and you nod again. “Gaiman though, I don’t think I’ve ever read his stuff before, he any good,” he asks and your eyes go wide, you’re excited.

You spend the next hour of his visit speaking to him about books, about the things that you both like.

You only part from the conversation when there was a customer.

You’ve never felt this way before, all the assumptions you made about him were true. He was an angel, a kind and gentle one.

-

A month goes by and you notice your relationship with Jason change. Now, instead of sitting by the entrance of the cafe, he sits near you, back against the door. A sign of trust, you assumed. He smiled more, he showed his teeth and he laughed, hard. You loved the sound of his laugh. His eyes looked brighter, greener, emerald-like. He still walked in with a new book, but when the conversation began, it was long forgotten.

You watched his bruises heal and you watched new ones appear, you were always curious, but never had the courage to ask. He’d tell you when he was ready.

As time went by, you found yourself wanting to do something for him, you wanted him to know that you cared. You thought that if your words were going to fail you, then maybe your actions would prove otherwise.

-

Working a closing shift at the cafe on a gloomy Tuesday evening, you find yourself thinking of different gestures you could do.

Ideas came and left, nothing felt good enough. He deserved the best. Trying to busy your mind elsewhere, you begin to sweep the floors and that’s when inspiration hits you.

There, in the coffee shop, lies an empty corner. An odd spot, not necessarily small, but also not large enough either.

A perfect fit for a decently sized bookshelf. A library, for the community, but most importantly for Jason. You smile to yourself, proud at the thought. He’d love this, you knew he would.

The next morning you find yourself drilling holes into the pale walls of the cafe, trying attach the large shelf you lugged down to the shop.

Once everything was fixed into its rightful place, you begin adding the books, by genre and then by the authors’ last names. You add many of Jason’s favourites, multiple copies of Austen. You add children’s books, comics and something for yourself.

The shelf fits right into the ambiance of the cafe, elevating it honestly. The corner looked cosy and you found yourself wanting to sit by one of the couches with a book and a cup of hot chocolate.

You stare at the shelf once more, proud. Now, you just had to wait.

-

Jason walks into the cafe the next day, he’s late. He arrives near closing time. It’s just you and him in the cafe, most of your staff left for the day and not many people stayed this late. It’s quiet, the only sound coming from the machines on your side of the counter. He’s holding another book in his hand, but he has no intention of reading tonight.

His hair is slicked back, and there’s a small cut on his forehead. He’s dressed in a white dress shirt and black pants. He looks like he’s coming back from a big event or maybe he’s going to one later. Either way, he looks pretty like this, his arms look more defined and you can make out the muscles on his back when he walks around the room, waiting for his drink.

His eyes wander around the cafe before settling on the bookshelf nestled in the odd corner. His eyes soften, he’s never noticed that before, it must be new, he thinks.

“When’d you get this,” he asks, his fingers running along the spines of the books. He’s smiling, there’s so many books.

“Yesterday, it’s for you,” you say, holding your breath. This is it, the moment you’ve been preparing for.

“For me,” he looks over at you as you settle his tea on the counter. You begin walking over to his side, slowly, riddled with nerves.

“Yes, since you’re always here, I thought you’d like having a book shelf here. It’s like a library, you take a book and then you-“ he cuts you off suddenly.

“You made a library for me in your cafe, are you serious,” he’s trying to hold back a smile, you can tell. His scar gets more prominent when he does that. “Why,” he as asks, his voice is soft, it feels like warm milk with honey, comforting.

“You’re gonna make me say it,” you can’t see your face, but it feels hot, you can tell you’re blushing.

“Yeah, say it. Why is there a library in your cafe for me,” he says, enunciating the words “your” and “for me.” He’s smirking now. He knows the answer, he just wants to hear it from you.

The point of the library was to not have to say anything, for your actions to speak for you, but here you are. Ears burning and palms clammy.

“I…,” you trail off, you look around the room, anywhere but his face. He notices and walks closer, his hands gently make their way around your waist.

“Say it,” he exclaims, it’s not forceful, he’s smiling and shades of pink dust his cheeks.

You close your eyes shut, fuck, you’re going to have to say it.

“I really like you jas-,” and with that, his lips find their way to your own. You move in harmony, much like matcha and oat milk. His lips are sweet, he tastes like the banana bread, he decided to eat while pacing around the cafe. Your hands find their way to his shoulders, you pull back and smile. You peck his lips. Once where the scar is and once more on the centre. He grins.

“You don’t know how long I’ve waited to hear that from you,” he mumbles against your lips, waiting for you to kiss him again.

And you do, you kiss him again and again.

[hana-no-seiiki]

Good news. Did some decent progress on What’s Up Danger so you guys will finally get fed this Wednesday! Bad news, the quality might not be the best since I’m fasting while writing it oTL

Anyways, here are some Batfam w/ Cat Villain! Reader moments/snippets.

TW YANDERE AND MENTION OF NONCON/SOMNO

Both Jason and Reader’s first words to each other were, “What the fuck.”

Reader referring to Jason being a giant, and violent asf esp in comparison to Dick. While Jason was confused at his heart beating so fast and mildly crushing on you while you were fighting.

Bonus points: You guys did the spiderman point meme.

You have the biggest age gap with Dick. I headcannon the boys to be close in age so there wouldn’t be any not so good implications when it comes to relationships, but it’s almost unavoidable unless Batman switches sidekicks every year or so. (You are younger than Jason but older than Tim)

But that is also another reason why you two didn’t click as well as you did with Jason

You’d often make jokes or use slang and Dick would just be “???” He tried his best though.

On the reverse side of things, and like I mention before Tim and you got along too well as friends. He’s one of the few people you could gush to about literally any fandom and he somehow (through stalking your searches and literally every gadget/appliance you owned) knew everything about it already.

You two have written several theses on fellow vigilantes and villains (mostly ‘dumb’ ones like who has the best cake based on so and so criteria)

Damian is the best when it comes to bantering with you mid-fight. It’s the combined years of sass and assassin training. Went from plain insults to whole ass (not so) subtly being horny when you beat each other down.

He’s also the worst (best?) when it comes to your nicknames. He insists that you two use it on each other. Some exclusive while others he’s usually fine hearing from other mouths.

There was one point in time where you were called Kitten while the boys forced/bribed you to call them Daddy

Tim and Jason have tattoos of you/related to you.

For Jason it’s your name with a few paw prints, and for Tim it’s when he first fought you (and got his ass whooped)

After Jason came back and revealed himself to you, he tattooed the scratch marks you left him on his back after doing the deed.

Damian secretly practices doing henna so he can draw on you during your “wedding” since he doesn’t want anyone touching you. Sort of defeats the purpose, but go off king.

Being the thorough guy he is, he uses lab equipment to make his own blends.

Bruce? Bruce hates your ass. Sometimes it’s in a hatefuckey way but most of the time he blames you for corrupting his kids.

So he corrupted you in turn.

I feel like he gets off to cucking them honestly (blame that one comic) but if Reader is AFAB I wouldn’t be surprised if he impregnated them.

He’s a softie at heart when it comes to you though, courtesy of your similarities with Selina.

Speaking of, Talia adores you.

Like if there was anyone she would want with her son it was you.

She thinks the fact that you haven’t been put behind bars is a testament to your skill, and after getting over your similarity to her “rival in love” she would actively get you to be with her son.

Eventually she realizes she loves you more than Bruce and well, that’s a story for another fic.

You have at least a dozen trackers on you at all times.

Most of them you’ve ingested and pooped out.

It’s mostly Tim of course. But the duty of actually feeding you that stuff usually goes to Dick.

Dick has uh- somnophillia’ed you a fair bit after the break up.

He really, and I mean really likes to watch you sleep.

It reminds him of those ‘catnaps’ you’d take while watching over the Titans.

There would be times where he’d just be in a daze/in autopilot for hours reminiscing about your past together

His favorite memories to go back to were your first fight together, first kiss, and times under the sheets, and a date you guys had before in a festival/circus.

He never takes the antidote for Poison Ivy’s sex pollen and always comes to you for it, regardless of his or your relationship status.

Tim has at least a million typewritten chats with AI you, and around a few hundred hours of voice chats.

You did eventually take his virginity.

He came as soon as he was inside you/you were inside him.

You have been offered to be a part of the bat crew or a vigilante. But,

you massacred many after Jason’s supposed death and feel too guilty to call yourself anything other than a villain.

Chokers with bells. It’s a popular gift to give you. Especially ones that are custom made with expensive ass materials and engraving.

Sometimes Tim just gives you weapons.

Alfred is your best source of blackmail material.

You’ve actively tried cursing him (with immortality). You love the man.

He’s secretly the president of your official fanclub/fansite but you didn’t hear that from me.

You fight a lot with Damian’s pets. Like in a way that you turn into a literal cat and hiss at them.

And last but not least, you’re vv close with every member of the Teen Titans (besties with Rachel and Garfield)

NOT PROOFREAD!!!

@sophiethewitch1

[fanfic-writer-and-rambler]

Cassandra Cain unintentionally sneaking up on people and their reactions:

Cass: Hi Tim.

Tim Drake yelps, dropping his coffee cup.

Tim: God! Can you give a heads up?

Cass, confused: I said hi when I was close to you. I was asking if you wanted to go half on the pizza?

Tim: Sure, but next time give a warning.

Cass: Hm... Noted.

...

Cass: Hi Dick.

Dick Grayson jumps, jumping into Jason's arms again.

Jason: Why is this your automatic reaction?

Jason drops his brother.

Dick: Ow, she's really quiet and it catches me off guard!

Cass, confused and saddened: I'm sorry... I wasn't intending to do that.

Jason: It's fine.

Dick: Just give a warning next time!

Jason: Calm down, you're acting like you saw a mouse.

Dick: Whatever.

Cass, hiding her true feelings: Hm... Noted.

...

Cass attempts to make her footsteps more noticeably loud as she walks over to Damian.

Cass: Hi Damien.

Damian jolts lightly, dropping his sketch pencil.

Damian: Sorry, my reaction wasn't okay. I'm just trying to finish my art piece and got into the zone- What's wrong, you look sad?

Cass, sad: It's nothing, I'm the one sorry for startling you. Just wanted to tell you that Jason and Steph switched for who would be with who, so I'll be with Jason and you'll be with Steph tonight.

Damian: Great I had to get the blabber mouth, thank you for telling me. Um, but are you sure you're okay? I wasn't upset about you sneaking up on me I get really into my art and-

Cass, thrown off by the comment: I wasn't... Sneaking up on you.

Damian: Oh, you usually do it with everyone. My mistake.

Cass nods, hiding her true reaction and leaves silently. Damian shrugs and returns to his drawing.

...

Later that night, Cass in her Batgirl Orphan suit meets up with Jason as he's in his Red Hood suit.

Cass: Hi Jason.

Jason turns to face Cass and he smiles at her.

Jason: Hey, it's good to see you. You ready to patrol?

Cass: You're not... Upset I snuck up on you?

Jason: Nah, you're good at it and I like how you greet everyone. I can't be upset at you anyway, I tolerate you the most.

Jason pats Cass (in her orphan suit) on the shoulder.

Cass sniffles, wringing her hands together.

Jason: What's wrong?

Cass: I don't mean to scare people when I'm behind them or unnoticed... My dad always taught me to be silent so that when you kill your target they'll never notice you... But I don't want to do that. I'm not doing what I do on purpose or as a trick... I-

Jason: Cass, it's fine. Come here.

Jason hugs Cass. Cass hugs him back, happy he wasn't against hugging her like he is with everyone else.

Jason pulls away.

Jason: I know you're not an evil ninja or whatever your dipshit birth father wanted you to be. You're... Cassandra. You're sweet and awesome. My brothers are the type to fall out of a chair when someone's phone rings too loudly so pay no attention to what they say and again your "sneaking" up on people is fine. I do the same thing too. We're the type of people who can make an entrance and escape easily when we don't want to be around people.

Cass laughs.

Cass: That's true. Um, thank you, Jason. I appreciate you being so nice to me about this. I needed that because while I can be a tough bad ass crime fighter... I don't want my family to fear me.

Jason, sympathetically: I get that, but we all love you and I could never imagine you hurting any of us.

Cass smirks.

Cass: I thought you tolerated me the most?

Jason: Eh, I love you too. Now you ready for a night of beating the shit out of bad guys?

Cass, taking a power pose: I am!

Jason and Cass run together, ready to fight. Meanwhile Barbara Gordon was evasdropping with a smile. She pushes up her glasses.

Barbara: My heart can't take the feels with them. Sucks that their communication devices 'glitched' out and I could only hear it... I love their dynamic.

[henneseyhoe]

Just One More| 4

Lewis Hamilton x BLACK!FEM!Reader

WARNINGS: fluff, mentions of pregnancy, smutty descriptions(nun too serious), Lewis being absolutely in love with you and your body, mentions of weight, mentions of insecurity (reader isn’t necessarily insecure though), Dad!Lewis, Curvy!Reader (usually i write for curvy girls anyway sooo), takes place back when you first had your second twins.

SUMMARY: Lewis loves your baby weight.<33

1|2|3|4|

✮✮✮✮

Your body changed after pregnancy, that was undeniable. It changed with your first and it changed with your second. But this time around Lewis really noticed it. It wasn’t a bad thing, but you would rather your body how it was two years ago.

Your belly poked just a little more, your breast were heavier, your thighs were thicker, hips wider, and your pants seemed to have sized up twice. Though it had been ten months since giving birth and you were the same ole Y/N, you couldn’t help but want back what you had just a little.

But you still felt pretty, your husband made sure you did. There were moments you caught him staring a little too hard at your cleavage, earning him a slap on the arm and scolding about the children still being around.

But could you blame him? Who wouldn’t look if their wife was casually carrying around a brand new wagon on her lower back? It was practically just begging him to make passes. He tried hard not to stare too hard, he really did for the simple fact that he wasn’t sure if you were insecure like you were the first time around, but the more he resisted, the more he wanted to look.

You were just soooo fine. He couldn’t believe he had you to himself.

Sneakily, while in the phase of trying not to stare so hard, he’d pass by you in the kitchen, purposely but subtly brushing his front against your ass. Though the kitchen was big enough to do a damn cartwheel in even with a newly added peninsula, he still clung close to you.

He did it often but not enough to where you’d peep it too much, lingering touches on your hips and back along with longing eye contact until you’d break away and he’d take the opportunity to stare at your titties. He got away with it for some time until he brushed up on you one too many times in the kitchen and you caught him by the back of his collar and pulled him back towards you like a naughty dog.

“What are you doing?” You ask, already suspicious. He looks around in faked confusion, gently removing your hand away from his shirt and straightening the wrinkles you created.

“What’d you mean?”

Your head tilts at him with ‘Seriously?..’ written all over your face.

“Is there some kind of force field in the kitchen you can’t get by? Because you have been all up behind me all morning, sir” You pressed, taking a sip of your tea as you watch him attempt to come up with an excuse.

From that point on he knew he had been caught and stopped caring to hide it. It went from little touches and hidden glances to smacking your ass as you walked by him, leaving you a flustered mess, and shameless stares that made you wanna scream into a pillow to gather yourself.

Once you popped out socially and revealed your body to the world, there were mixed comments like always but nothing changed the views you had of yourself as you continued to move forward, and your husband just made it better for you.

It wasn’t always lust in his eyes, he just genuinely loved how he was here to watch nearly every stage of you. From young adult to a grown woman with a grown woman’s body (that he daydreamed about ravishing), constantly changing in beautiful ways not even he could fathom from a males perspective.

You were sexy two years ago and even sexier now, though he’d support you if you wanted to change. But until then, he would enjoy every single curve.

If you thought he was feral before, then how he was now needed a new word. He was on you like white on rice, peppered kisses on the wake up with a side of head from the back if you allowed it, which was hard not to give in to.

When he wasn’t with you or working he was with the children, masterfully getting the older twins to settle down in the living room before he’d immediately go find you in your office and make it his mission to pester you with his flirting. It was hard to be mad at him distracting you from work when he made every little word that fell from his lips sound so pretty.

“Lewis” You call, looking up from your designs to meet his gaze.

“Yes, my love?” He answers with a knowing smile.

“Stop flirting with your wife and go check on your busy bodied children”

He’d groan playfully at you, the word ‘wife’ still bringing him butterflies.

“Fine! You don’t like me today, it’s cool, I’ll change that tonight” He teased as you bashfully scold him once again, him stealing a quick kiss from your lips then making his way back out of the room to do exactly what he was told.

When night would fall he’d offer you a massage to soothe your body from the days work. Not entirely to just be a hornball but genuinely because he just liked to help. He also loved to be near you, to touch you. It was his love language and he got to express it thoroughly in these moments.

Sitting on the back of your bare thighs, he rubs warm oil into your recently washed skin, watching as his fingers dragged along your shoulders and sides, pressing into your back with his thumbs and massaging out whatever felt tense. You moaned happily and he smiles, leaning down and placing a kiss on your neck.

It was times like this that really made you admire the man you chose to be yours.

✮✮✮✮

💌~ i wanted to make this into an actual smut but i got sleepy so fuck it 😭

[xxkatxgracexx]

Niko Omilana ~ £10 Date VS £10,000 Date ~ Beta Squad video.

Niko Omilana but references a date with both Niko and Chunkz orchestrated for entertainment purposes.

Summary: As the only female member of the Beta Squad, you are the chosen date for the £10 Date VS £10,000 Date video on the Beta Squad channel. Obviously the aim of the video is to see whether money or personality matters more on a date, so Chunkz's is being a good date, person and overall caring, but having the low budget of £10, while Niko had a high budget of £10,000 but had to be arrogant and rude. Nobody knows you would die for a real rate with Niko.

Warnings: Planned and Orchestrated Relationships for entertainment, Language, Kissing, Smut/Sexual Themes, Descriptive Smut, Unsafe Sex.

This takes place a few years ago on original Beta Squad. Go watch the video it's mad funny.

It takes ages to get to the smut but it does get there - I wouldn't lie to you bae xx.

Niko is so fine bro

2nd Person - past tense

"Hi Guys, Welcome to the Beta Squad channel, and today we are going to do a £10 VS £10,000 date challenge, in which two people go on a date with one girl. The aim is to see whether money or personality matter more."

Everyone has been introduced and is going out to find a girl. Once they have discovered this is a no-go, they go back to the Beta House to think.

Aj sat on a bean bag, everyone else on the couch. Out of no-where, (definitely scripted), Chunkz said:

"Guys, the 6th Beta Squad member is upstairs and we didn't even think about her. Why can't she be the date?"

Niko insisted against the idea, "Nah, nah. Wouldn't that be weird?"

Aj looked straight into the camera:

"Well, we're gonna do it anyway, we have a tight budget," He said and laughed.

--------------------------------------------------

A knock on your door was heard and Niko, Chunkz and Aj came in. Kenny and Sharky waited outside. Chunkz looked at you, you were sitting in your chair editing when you heard them and turned around:

"Uhm, hello?" You said, acting confused for the sake of the video.

Niko spoke: "We would like you to help us film a Beta video."

"Okay... what do I have to do?"

Aj said: "You have to go on a date..."

You got up, "Yes, well needed."

He continued, "With two of us..."

"What... why?" You said, feigning confusion.

"Content?" Aj said into the camera with a smile on his face.

"Whatever let's go," you laughed.

--------------------------------------------------

"After careful consideration, Chunkz has been chosen for the £10 date, and Niko was elected for the £10,000 date," Sharky said into the camera.

"Oh, this is gonna be horror," Chunkz said, half-laughing, half-despairing.

The camera panned towards Niko, his face seemed filled with glee for the £ 10,000 budget but somehow worried.

You internally freaked out in the corner of the room, staring at Niko before burying your face into your phone, acting unbothered.

--------------------------------------------------

The next scene showed you entering the Beta House as if for the first time. You knocked on the door and waited for what felt like hours before a smiling Aj appeared before you.

"Welcome! Sorry for the wait beautiful," he winked. "Come in, come in."

He took you through the house and into the backyard, where a piece of cardboard and Chunkz awaited on the floor.

"Oh." The camera panned towards your concerned face.

Chunkz noticed you, "Hey darling, take a seat, my apologies for the current... situation."

He smiled sweetly.

Immediately you thought about how it's weird to be on a date with Chunkz, not only because he was your friend, but because he wasn't really your type and you usually wouldn't go for him.

Despite this, you could see that he was trying his best to make the date a little more enjoyable for you.

Sat on the other side of the cardboard (uncomfortably, due to the grass being a little damp), you watched Aj walk over and offer the both of you some drinks.

You piped up, "Do you have any champagne?"

"No," Aj replied.

Chunkz looked like he wanted to die.

It cut to his interview:

"We have a 10-pound budget... and this gyal thinks we got champagne? Mad ting."

"What do you have?" You asked.

Aj hesitated, "Water... I think?"

You smiled awkwardly and accepted anything you could get. The date continued to be an absolute shambles. It was awkward, the budget was not ideal and you walked away with wet legs. However, Chunkz was really trying for you and ended up being really nice, showing you that he too wanted to have a more ideal situation and a better date.

Cameras went off before you left for your dreaded second location.

Chunkz hugged and thanked you, saying, "Don't have too much fun on your date."

He winked and you said your final goodbyes.

Niko's POV - past tense

At this point, we had gathered all of our supplies and were waiting in the restaurant for Y/n to arrive. Tired of waiting in the uncomfortable booth, I sighed and decided to go outside.

As I opened the front door, I was taken by surprise - Y/n appearing right in front of me. I jumped.

She laughed, "Such a gentleman and the date hasn't even started yet?"

She smiled and walked over to George, getting orders on what to do. She went back outside for a walk-in shot and sat down opposite me. As she sat down, she noticed flowers splayed out on the table, spelling her name so incorrectly it made her laugh. You genuinely would've thought a child spelt it.

"That's sweet but it's spelt wrong."

I laughed and then dropped my face dramatically, "No that's right."

She smiled awkwardly for a second before I randomly leaned forward, to "kiss" her as the boys had "advised". I could've sworn for a second her face went red before creasing her eyebrows and looking around.

"Did you just dodge my kiss?" I asked, mock-offended.

"Yes... why would you kiss me thirty seconds into a date?" She laughed awkwardly.

"Are you a lesbian or something?" I said, 'seriously'.

She bursted out laughing before profusely apologising. We got told we were going to have to re-take the whole scene. She spent another ten minutes apologising again and again, which I was grateful for as it stalled the almost-kiss for a little longer.

When it came, our faces were inches apart for a few seconds, and my face was heated, wishing I could've stayed like that for just a second longer. I've never wanted to lean forward and let go as much as I did then.

I pushed through the rest of the date acting arrogant and entitled before we finally finished recording and the camera went off.

Y/n burst out laughing, she looked at me and I swear a blush formed on her cheeks but I figured it was heated from filming so long on this hot set and ignored it.

"Nikolas Omilana," she laughed. I smiled - hearing her say my full name always gave me butterflies, "I never thought you could be such an obnoxious prick."

I joked around, saying: "Could I get that kiss now though?"

I laughed, obviously kidding but wishing she really would do it.

She giggled and reached up onto her toes, grabbing the back of my neck with one hand and my jaw with the other, kissing me softly.

She pulled away laughing, Sharky and Kenny as shocked as I was.

In all honesty, I didn't think she actually would do it, it was just a stupid fantasy. In reality, I had no clue what to say or do if it would happen and still had no clue what to say or do when it did happen.

"I...," I stuttered, utterly speechless, "You know I was joking right?". I lie through my teeth, knowing I wanted that so badly.

"I know," She giggled.

I looked down at her and my heart warmed up. I leaned down and kissed her again more passionately, my hands in her hair and her arms around my neck.

Sharky and Kenny jokingly cheered in the background, laughing and applauding me on my "good work".

I pulled away and smiled at her lovingly.

"I think the date went brilliantly," I laughed.

She smiled, "I can't believe I just kissed someone after a date like that."

"How about I take you on a better one to make up for it?" I prayed she didn't think I was cringe, or maybe she didn't even like me at all like that.

Sharky and Kenny whispered their 'smooth's and 'cold's and she smiled and stuck her tongue out from between her teeth slightly. She hugged me, her head immediately cuddled into my chest.

'God, I could bend her over right now." I randomly thought, immediately feeling creepy and grossed out in my head.

Her breasts were pushed into my chest, my heartbeat got faster and I slowly felt an erection forming until I pushed her away "calmly", I smiled innocently as if I couldn't and hadn't been imagining her in every position under me I could physically think of.

--------------------------------------------------

Kenny drove and Sharky took the front seat before I could, forcing me awkwardly in the back with Y/n.

The whole journey I rested my hand on her thigh, hoping she felt the same internal screaming as I did then.

Y/n's POV - past tense

I had zoned out for the rest of the car journey and 45 minutes went by faster than I could imagine. The endless kisses I wanted from him and Niko's hand on my thigh were the only things running through my head.

The car stopped suddenly and I awoke to Niko picking me up out of the seat and closing the door.

I rubbed my eyes slowly, really feeling Niko's hands around me.

I must have fallen asleep again because I woke up in Niko's bed, half-lay half-sat uncomfortably. My neck ached and I was thirsty.

The only sounds I could hear were Chunkz editing something - presumably the video we have just filmed, and Niko's electric toothbrush vibrating from his bathroom.

Niko walked in wearing an NDL hoodie and plain grey joggers.

"Oh, you're awake!" he exclaimed.

I hummed softly and sat up, stretching.

I swung my legs over and got out of his bed. I was about to walk out when I heard Niko say my name.

I turned around, eyebrow raised.

"Would you wanna watch a movie?" he smiled sweetly.

I nodded, yawning.

"I'm gonna get dressed first," I said, still wearing my dress (thankfully my heels had been taken off).

"You can just wear my clothes," he hesitated, then added, "If you want."

I nodded and he gave me his t-shirt and a pair of his boxers. I go into his bathroom to change.

I started being nosy in his bathroom, looking at his shower and in his cupboards. I held his shirt to my nose, inhaling and closing my eyes. I slipped out of my dress and my bra, feeling grateful to have free breasts for a while after having a push-up on all day.

Putting his clothes on, I saw his cologne and sprayed some, basking in his scent.

When I walked into the room Niko was searching for a movie to play, looking half-asleep cuddled up in his bed. I got in beside him, resting my head on his shoulder, not getting too close cuddly just in case he didn't want that.

Clearly I was mistaken because I felt a much larger hand wrap around my waist, pulling me closer before moving it down my lower back and holding me tightly to him.

He played the movie but seemed to be much more interested in looking at me than watching it.

I looked up at him and he smiled sleepily. He almost looked drunk from there and for some reason that made me want to kiss him, so I did.

My heart pounded, butterflies erupted in my stomach and my breath flutters as he pulled me infinitely closer to him.

He deepened the kiss, slipping his tongue into my mouth and pulling me onto his lap, so I was straddling him. I moaned softly into the kiss, immediately embarrassed. He smiled, wrapping his large hands around my waist and moving them, holding my hips.

He guided me so that I was grinding on him slowly and I felt him twitch underneath me.

He soon got hard, pushing his hips up into mine. He sat up, breaking the kiss only to slip his hoodie and t-shirt over his head.

"Can I take off yours too?" he asked, lust in his eyes.

I nodded and he pulls it up over my head, groaning and the sight. I giggle and go in for another kiss, pushing my bare chest against his and wrapping my hands in his hair.

I slipped my tongue into his mouth, making him groan into the kiss.

"Get up," he said, gently but still showing his dominance over me. I did and he stripped down to his underwear.

I couldn't help but stare at his erection through his boxers. Larger than I had expected, and I had expected it to be large.

He smirked. I lay down on the bed on my back and he leant over me, biting his lip before re-connecting our lips. He held my face in his hands, which seemed overly romantic. I appreciated the intimate gesture.

He kissed down my neck and moved his way up to my jaw, nipping and sucking, creating love-bites all over my skin.

My breathing sped up and he chuckled against my skin.

I slipped out of my underwear and he groaned from above me. He kissed down my chest and stomach. He completely skipped the area I most wanted him, kissing down my inner thighs. He smiled up at me from between my legs before licking up my thigh.

I moaned out his name softly, pleading for him to touch me.

Niko smirked up at me, gazing into my eyes as if they were the stars and he was merely an admirer of my beauty.

"Can I?" he whispered.

"Please," I nodded. He bit his lip and suddenly I felt his middle finger on my clit, rubbing gently and slowly.

I called out, moaning his name. He smiled hearing me whimper, entering a finger inside of me and moving it slowly.

He added another finger, moving faster inside of me but still incredibly gentle, taking care of me.

Just when I told him I was close he pulled him fingers from me, licks them off and leans back over me, kissing me once again in a swift motion.

He pulled away, staring into my eyes.

"You're so beautiful," he smiled, and I felt a warming in my heart.

I leant up and kissed him. I felt emotionally attached to him, a connection so much deeper than sexual chemistry.

I pulled away slowly and we smiled at each other almost politely, so we both started laughing at the irony of smiling at each other so friendly.

Niko cut both of us off, kissing me passionately, leaning down onto me.

The skin-to-skin contact of our bare chests together was intense.

He asked for permission and lined himself up with my entrance, eyes focused on mine at all costs. he slowly entered me, asking every two seconds if everything was okay and if he was doing anything wrong, if I was in pain.

I gave him my approval and he stared to move gently, groaning a little.

"Niko," I moaned out, hearing his own whines made everything ten times more pleasurable.

He moved faster, but still gently, not wanting to hurt me. All you could hear in the room was our moans in harmony like a sensual melody only to be heard by us.

The room smelt of sex and Niko's cologne. I like to imagine he could smell my perfume as intoxicatingly as his fragrance was for me.

He uttered words of praise, constantly reminding me that:

"You're doing so well.", and:

"You feel so good."

I moaned out his name, signaling I was close and he sped up, pressing his finger back to my clit and rubbing me softly.

"I'm coming," he called out.

He groaned and released inside of me before panicking a little.

"I'm so sorry... are you on the pill?"

I nodded and he looked relieved. We hadn't even thought of that beforehand.

I closed my eyes, not minding much but a little annoyed I didn't get to finish, before I felt Niko's breath on my thigh, making me jump a little.

He licked up my inner thigh, cleaning up his own mess and wrapping his hands around each thigh before connecting his tongue with my clit, pulling on it a little with his teeth softly.

He entered his tongue inside me, making me gasp, and he laughed, vibrations circling around my body. He entered two long fingers inside me once again, sucking on my clit slightly.

"I'm gonna come," I warned, and he sped up a little.

I felt myself go over the edge and shake slightly, feeling an orgasm wash over me completely and rest in my core. He helped me ride out my high and stopped once I had completely finished, licking up the remains.

He looked so unbelievably hot doing so that I didn't even mind the overstimulation he was creating.

Once he was happy he came up behind me, holding me in his arms and kissing my head.

I sighed, "I need a shower."

I got up, stumbling a little when I tried to walk.

I turned around hearing him laugh, "Shush."

"I didn't say anything!" He held his hands up in defence.

I rolled my eyes, "You coming?" He nodded and stood up, towering over me.

Niko's POV - past tense

I followed her into the bathroom and turned on the shower for her. I noticed that she turned the heat up substantially.

I got in after her, hugging her waist from behind, and placed chaste kisses on her neck, proud of the bruises I had previously left on the skin. I opened my body wash, squeezed some into my hand and rubbed it into her neck and back. I liked the idea that she would smell like me the next day.

I did her shampoo and she did mine, we giggled together as she stood on her tip-toes, leaning up into my hair in an attempt to wash it. I ended up helping her and she did her conditioner, and we finished up and dressed into clean clothes. I put on boxers and joggers, still far too hot for a t-shirt.

She wore an NDL T-shirt of mine and my boxers. We got back into bed, I lay on my back and she lay on her front with her face cuddled into my chest, her arms around my neck.

15 minutes later, I saw she had drifted off and felt I could finally rest.

I felt myself doze off not much later.

--------------------------------------------------

I woke up with a weight on my chest and arms wrapped lazily around my neck. I opened my eyes to see Y/n sleeping peacefully in my arms. I smiled, feeling unmatched love and appreciation for the girl in my arms.

I slid out from underneath her, placing her gently onto my pillow and throwing on a T-shirt and socks.

Heading downstairs, I saw everyone in the kitchen eating breakfast. The clock read 12:32 AM, which was unsurprising, as everyone in the house had just woken up.

I sat down, and everyone muttered their 'mornings' before Aj, the only person in the world with 100% energy all the time turned around to me and said:

"Your gyal was mad loud moaning last night, I swear to god I could not sleep."

Sharky let out a laugh, Chunkz and Kenny looking like they wanted to die. I was utterly speechless just staring at Aj, not really knowing how to reply. He looked at me puzzled.

"Shut her up next time?" he raised an eyebrow.

Chunkz started laughing then, muttering 'How's he gonna do that?' before I started laughing a little too.

A second later Y/n came into the room wearing my clothes. She smelled like she had used my deodorant too.

"Something funny?" She smiled, making her way to the toaster before putting two slices of bread into it. I gave Aj a glare and he ignored my warning look, saying in a high-pitched voice:

"Ohh Niko, please, I'm gonna cum." He laughed.

She leaned, holding her head in her hands as everyone was giggling around her.

Kenny decided to join in, "Yes Niko, right there," he said mockingly before making the most graphic moaning noise possible.

I groaned and walked over to her, holding her waist from behind and leaning down to kiss her head. Aj wooed behind us and I gave him a strange look.

Y/n put together cheese on toast and set it in front of me before grabbing one of her monster cans and walking out. I followed her, plate in hand, furrowing my brow.

I walked in, and she was sitting on the sofa drinking her can.

"Hello?" I said, confused.

"What?" she looked completely innocent, an image of beauty.

"Is this for me... or?"

She nodded as if to say 'obviously'.

"You didn't have to do that," I smiled, seeing how giving she could be, but she passed it off as everyday behaviour. King treatment.

"I know," she said, almost matter-of-factly. It was no big deal for her, but meant everything to me.

I smiled, thanked her and sat down next to her, eating. I wasn't hungry, but ate to show my appreciation for the gift.

Y/n's POV - past tense

30 minutes later me and Niko were watching some random movie he found and cuddling in his bed. All I could think about was what our relationship even was at this point. I really wanted to be with him, call him mine, be loved by him, but I had no clue what he wanted or how he was feeling. if he would just talk to me so I could get the slightest inclination to how he felt.

I was still overthinking when I felt his hand shift on my thigh, startling me - so I jumped.

He chuckled, "Sorry."

I giggled for a second before we sat in silence, aware of each other's presence and skin-to-skin contact driving us crazy. I felt his hand on my jaw, lifting my face to the side. He gazed into my eyes as if he was drawn to them. He kissed me softly and I kissed him back, feeling genuine love for him from the bottom of my heart.

He pulled away slowly and I felt his heart rate fast on my back.

"I love you," he blurts out suddenly, I just looked at him, shocked. My mouth was open slightly and I didn't know what to say or do.

He looked worried, biting his lip, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to put pressure on you or anything. You don't have to say it back of course... I'm sorry-"

I cut him off by kissing him. He smiled into the kiss and I pulled away slowly, scared but overjoyed.

"I love you too," I muttered, but I knew he could hear.

I rested my head back on his chest and smiled to myself. I felt a surge of love for him all at once, washing over me like a wave of affection. I breathed in his scent, never feeling happier than I did then.

--------------------------------------------------

Okay it's finally done after like 3 weeks - I hope it's worth it.

Loved making this but it was hard work.

Let me know if you enjoyed it <3.

Don't know how many words.

[shanastoryteller]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA MY ONE TRUE LOVE!!! CAN I HAVE SOME PERCY AND TONKS CONTENT TO MAKE MY SOUL CONTENT PLEASE ✨✨✨

There are several titles that fall under the auror. When the ministry was first established, it was just inferior and superior, meant in the Latin way, but that fell out of favor rather quickly for obvious reasons. There was some talk of adopting the ranks of a legion used by the Romans, but since such ranks are still in practice in magical Italy, it didn’t the smartest idea. Tonks thinks that it was probably a Zabini who suggested it. Now their ranks are just numbered, from fifth to first, and junior, standard, and senior.

Everyone starts the same – fifth ranked junior auror – and works their way up one by one. Training is a year and if they make it through that, they’re a junior agent who better make it up to the first rank by the end of their third year, otherwise they’re likely getting cut.

There’s a track to speed through the junior phase and get to the land of securely employed standard auror, but that’s for people that have combat or specialized experience, usually for people who aren’t entering auror training straight of school like she is. Or for when they’d needed to replenish their ranks during the war and those applying had been fighting anyway.

Which is why she’s looking in confusion at the thick roll of parchment that Shackbolt has shoved under her nose. She’s only a couple months into training and while she thinks she’s doing pretty good, she’d also tripped over her literal two left feet during the first week of boot camp. Sometimes she changes in her sleep and doesn’t notice for a while, okay? It’s not like she did it on purpose. She’s pretty good at dueling, her mother made sure of that, but they haven’t even gotten to that part yet. “I’m confused.”

“Fill this out and give it back to me by the end of the week,” he says, already turning away from her.

She makes her arm extra long so she can grab his elbow before he gets too far away. “But I don’t have anything that qualifies me! There’s no way Bones will approve this.”

He raises an eyebrow and looks down at her arm. “Are you sure about that, Trainee?”

Oh. But she hasn’t really gotten a chance to show those skills off either, and being a metamorphmagus is impressive, but not that impressive. But she does as she’s told, leaving it on his desk and trying not to think too much about it.

Bones approves it.

Being on the advanced track has it advantages – blessed job security – but it also means she just gets a jump on desk duty, really. Apparently they don’t just send newly minted aurors out to battle dark wizards to the death, for some reason.

She sighs. She’s never been very good at paperwork.

How very not good she is at is proved when during her very first week when Percy Weasley shows up at her desk, looking even more sleep deprived than he had as a runty fourteen year old, which is impressive. He’s a lot taller now. Late growth spurt, perhaps. Or maybe she just wasn’t paying that much attention. He drops a stack of paper on her desk and she recognizes her own messy scrawl. “These are filled out incorrectly. I can’t process them like this.”

Her shoulders slump. She’d tried to pull other reports and fill them out the same way, but it was all so confusing. How she’s supposed to know how to categorize these things? Why are there thirteen different codes for a house robbery, anyway? And there are so many different sections, and she wasn’t even there, she just has other people’s notes to go off of, and they take notes like she did in History of Magic.

She’s going to be here all night redoing them and they’ll probably still be wrong and Kinglsey will regret ever pushing her through the advanced track and her mother will have been right, which is really the worst of all –

“Hey,” Percy says, and she blinks several times before looking up at him so she doesn’t embarrass herself. “I can – if you’re busy, I can just,” he reaches for the papers he’s dropped on her desk.

She slaps her hand over them to stop him, but instead his hand ends up trapped beneath hers. “No! No, it’s okay, I have to learn how to do this. It’s important.”

He stares at her with a look she can’t explain. “It’s just paperwork.”

“It’s my job,” she says stubbornly, “it’s all important. I’m going to be a great auror – the best auror. And that includes my paperwork.”

He smiles at her, which is suitably distracting from her own ruined night. She doesn’t know if he’s ever smiled at her before. He’d always seemed so stoic, nothing like his brothers. “All right. If you’re sure.”

“Yes,” she says, freshly determined, finally lifting her hand off his. Everyone else has figured out how to do this. She can too. She will. “But thanks.”

“No problem,” he says, then, “My dad has a muggle coffee pot in his department lounge. If you want. The password is rubber duck.”

She does prefer coffee made the muggle way. That’s how it’s made in her house, of course, with her muggle father, and there’s something to the taste that she thinks coffee loses after it’s third hour of being charmed hot or squeezed through by magic instead of just hot water and a little patience.

How does Percy know that?

Before she can ask, he’s already turned and walking away from her, and she barely has the chance to shout, “Thanks!” before he turns the corner.

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

The Arcana HCs: MC gets temporary amnesia

~ Requested by @selfcarecollective and an anon! For headcanon purposes, MC slipped on a cobblestone and hit their head. The amnesia only lasts a week at most and MC remains basically functional until their memories return as their injury heals ~

Julian

The only reason he's staying as calm as he is is because he has years of practice slipping into "doctor mode" for his patients

When he's with you, he's wholly focused on caring for you. His voice stays steady and grounding, he's quick to notice any confusion and explain, he cracks jokes to lift your spirits

And when he's not with you - well - he doesn't know what to do

You don't remember him. You don't know who he is beyond who he appears to be to you now, the extraordinary circumstances of your romance have been wiped from your mind, and -

And how does he know? How does he know that you'll choose him again? How does he know that any affection you show him isn't out of your new dependence on him as your caretaker?

How does he know that you can still love him for who he truly is, when you don't know him well enough to rebuke his self-doubt?

Every lone moment is the agony of grieving someone who's still alive, spiraling until you have need of him again and he has a purpose, a clear-cut path that gives him some way to serve you

Lowkey surprised when you recover that you still love him

Asra

At least this time you're not dead!

Truthfully though, it's twice as hard because it's happened before, and twice as hopeful because they've seen you recover

The grief he feels every time you look at him with empty eyes runs a well-worn track, so familiar that it makes his heart wonder if this is supposed to be his default state and happiness was borrowed

They also have years of practice setting their own feelings aside to care for you, and care for you they will. You won't experience a single moment of need with them staying nearby

He's so, so careful not to push or rush you. Even though he knows this time around that you're committed to a relationship with him, he still wants you to have all the emotional space you need

Terrified of telling you what's happened despite knowing the circumstances are different. They do it anyways when you ask, and seeing you not crumple into agony from their words is so healing

Keeps all the pain of it hidden out of sight and ignored until you recover your memories. After twenty four hours of cautious relief, he breaks down in shuddering sobs as the years start to process

Nadia

She's ... she's unsure of herself, and she hates feeling unsure

No matter what, she wants to treat you with love and respect and dignity, but suddenly your boundaries have been reset and the person she loves as her partner doesn't see her the same way

It's easier for her to focus on getting you back to normal than it is to sit in the dissonance of your current condition

Makes sure you are completely cared for while she summons physician after physician after physician to provide you with round-the-clock care and her with as many cures as possible

She feels genuinely remorseful for how emotionally distant she is from you when she knows you're going through a moment of vulnerable need - but what she provides wouldn't be right

To try to make up for it, she writes you letters every day like a journal, to be given to you when you regain your memories and can take the role of her consort once again

Which she does give to you within a couple hours of your recovery

So, so, so very proud of you for making it through yet another trial - and more than ready for several days off to make up for lost time

Muriel

Usually the type of person to sleep off his sadness, he just wants space to himself to handle his grief where it can't affect you

At the same time, he has a level of loyalty to you that the Patrons themselves couldn't cross. He's not going to leave you alone for this. Nobody deserves to suffer in isolation

That said, trying to be there for you when you don't know who he is is a source of constant anxiety. How does he know this isn't his blessing-turned-curse making a poorly timed comeback?

How does he know that he won't scare you? How does he know that you'll be able to see past his intimidating frame and permanent scowl? How does he know he won't make it worse?

Ends up relegating himself to being something along the lines of your bodyguard. He won't pressure you to interact with him at all, he'll just be nearby to make sure you're okay and not alone

And that's how the days pass, slowly recovering in the peace and beauty of the woods, with your guardian in the background

He doesn't begin to process how scared and hurt and alone he felt until you're yourself again, and able to help him find words

Portia

She knows, logically, that it's not her fault, but in her heart of hearts she feels like this must be personal somehow

Is she that easy to forget? That easy to brush aside? The vulnerability she showed you, the countless ways she's propped you up, the beautiful relationship you've built - gone, that easily?

She'd never leave you to go through this alone and she's fully committed to seeing this through. Your days are filled with sunlight and tea and scones and cat snuggles and garden naps

But Portia just can't find it within herself to embody joy. She's a shadow, fixing you with tired smiles over eyes pooling with sorrow, the usual bubbly rants cut down to gentle, quiet observations

And somehow ... somehow, you still seem to care about her

Somehow she's still the first person you look at. Somehow you still listen to her fewer, quieter words like they're worth hearing. Somehow you see her "boring" face and still want to stick around

Even with you losing your proof of her worthiness, it's still her

Goes from depressed to all the feelings at once when you regain your memories. You'll be kissed, tackled, scolded, and hugged

Lucio

He's so close to hating himself for thinking this, but ... maybe ... what if ... this is a good thing?

He's glad he met you. He's, ultimately, grateful for the chance you gave him and the love and labor you put into giving him a second chance and helping him make the most of it

He's proud of the work he's done and the ways he's changed

And, in contrast, he carries plenty of shame for who he used to be

It could be so easy. When you look at him, you just see the golden haired journeyman who was holding you when you woke up and who's been there for you every moment since

You don't see the plague, or the painful source of his golden arm, or the demonic deals, or city state run to ruins, or the battles ...

You just see him. Now. As the person he wants to be

And yet he finds more and more that he misses being known

He misses your pride when he makes a hard but right choice, when he chooses honesty over luxury and accountability over escape

And when you come back to who you really are and see him for who he fully is, he gets the full brunt of it all over again

[rantaroamamifuturegf]

Crushing headcanons!!

A/N: Been playing Dr2 again and Fuyuhiko<3, Fuyuhiko’s one is a bit longer than the others so bc I got too into it and yes spelling do exist in this

Plot: Fuyuhiko & Rantaro & Shuichi crushing on GN!Reader

Characters being used: Fuyuhiko Kuzuryu, Rantaro Amami, Shuichi Saihara

Fuyuhiko

He noticed immediately and started to purposely avoid you for his sake of not making a fool of himself in front of you and If he wasn’t able to avoid you he’ll just act like he doesn’t give a shit about you and would purposely be rude to you

Peko would notice this right away but at the first she just assumed that he didn’t like you in general but once she noticed that he would ignore you and avoid you, she knew something was up

She would question him about it and bro would completely shut her down about the thought and tell her you were just so annoying he wanted to not be near you and he thought she brought the excuse

She didn’t buy it for shit

He finally given up and told her about you and his feelings, she would just tell him to confess but he would tell her it more easier when you say it than do it

He obviously shuts her down about the idea of confessing to you and just says he’ll continue to treat you the same way he usually does until the feelings goes away

It never did, if anything the feelings grew more and more

Peko finally convinced him to at least try talking to you normally and he did but he couldn’t help be still be rude to even if he was just trying to start a simple conversation and you replied with a dry answer or was thinking of what to say did too long

It’s just that feels like he’s making a fool of himself seeing you act so calmly while he’s the one freaking out the inside

It did kind of annoy him how calm you were being like why did it had to be him flipping out on the inside and not you

He complained to Peko about it and she told him to practice talking to you like look in the mirror and pretend talking to you or see her as you and try talking to you

He did try it but got to embarrassed and just straight up stopped but right after that he somehow was able to have a normal conversation with you without getting mad or being rude to you

Peko told him to confess to you since he was now finally able to talk to you but he had to remind her he just befriended you and it would be too fast

plus he didn’t know how to but we ain’t gonna talk abt that

He didn’t really bring you gifts or anything that much of the matter but if you both had different classes, he would def sometimes wait for the bell to ring and pick you up from your class and walk you to your next one

If Kaz said anything about the way how he treated you he’ll quickly shut him up before he can even finish his sentence

Might tell you how he’s unsure if he really wanted to take the yakuza life or not since he trusts you and wants your opinion on his thoughts

Doesn’t try to be too vulnerable around you but also doesn’t try to be too vauge with you either

DEFINITELY FOR SURE keeps Teruteru away from you, last thing he want to hear is bro making the unexpected unnecessary perverted theory about you and doesn’t want to see him flirting with you anyways so if you ever question him about it he’ll just say Teruteru is being more perverted today than he usually is

Once he feels ready and once Peko gives him some confidence and says she believes you feel the same way. he’ll confess to you.

Rantaro

Bro didn’t even noticed that he had feeling for you, like he just thought the feeling were just a feeling of being near someone you really care about as a friend but no it more

He wasn’t really used to feeling that way about someone since he usually treated everyone like their his little siblings or just friends or close friends but when he first started feeling this way about you it just didn’t feel like a friendship or family kind of love

Was really confused about it and didn’t want to immediately just to conclusions and believe he has feelings for you so he just kept believing he saw you as just a closer friend than he does to others

That act went on for a bit til you started being physically affectionate in a platonic way, such as placing a hand on his shoulder and sitting a bit more closer to him than usual he kept his cool on the outside but the inside of him was a mess

After mentally shutting out the thought with all his might, he finally came to the conclusion that he had feelings for you and didn’t know exactly what to do with it

He didn’t want to confess right away and just gave the thought some time so instead he’ll start being you small gifts from his travels

Would definitely ask you if you would like to come along and travel with him, and say he’ll bring you to amazing places across the world or just bring to where you pacifically want to go

He would get awkwardly embarrassed if someone called him or said he looked like a womanizer in front of you since he didn’t want to look bad in front of you

Definitely tells you about his sisters and asks if you would like to help him look for them, he would be really happy if you did say yes to it

He would do lightly teasing and say how his sisters would love you and how his family would love you but in the end would call it light jokes or just teasing

He doesn’t know when or how to confess to you so for right now he’ll just hope you’ll eventually feel the same way and once he’s 100% sure you feel the same he’ll confess to you.

Shuichi

He didn’t notice it right away

Like he just assumed you being so nice and caring towards him just made him feel embarrassed and what not so he just ignored the feelings

But they kept coming back and every time when he’s near you and when you complimented him, he can’t but feel a heart warning feeling in his chest and feel flustered around you

Not for long he came to the conclusion that he liked you in a romantic way but he felt really bad for it, he was insecure about himself and how others viewed him while you were someone that everyone enjoys being around and he felt like him having feelings for you would ruin your friendship

So he kept it to himself as pry that nobody will ever catch on

Kaede and Kaito catch on real fast

Kaede was so excited when she founded out he had feelings for you and would telling him to confess right away and would say that both of you look cute together

He was flustered by the idea of him and you being together but the idea of you two being a cute couple just made him feel even more happy of them though

Unlike Kaede, Kaito didn’t tell him to confess right away but instead would try to give Shuichi some confidence about asking you out and would tell him he shouldn’t feel bad for a having crush on you and would tell him to ask you

Obviously he appreciated both of them trying to help him but he told them he wasn’t mentally ready to ask you out yet

If you and him aren’t that close of friends he’ll definitely admire you from afar, will absolutely hate it if Miu or Kokichi caught him and called him out on it

He would sometimes write little love poems about you but would never give them to you and kept it in a small notebook, Kaede would definitely tell him to give it to you or let her give to you. He obviously shut down the idea

If he gets too into a poem and seems really long, he’ll end up reading it later and cringe at his own love notes for you

Kaito would help him out by trying to get you two to become closer friends and would invite you to workouts with him and Maki and Shuichi

Would convince Maki and then purposely leave you and him alone together, bro was not ready to be alone with you and he felt nervous and excited about it at the same time

After Kaito done that over a couple of times more, both you and him got closer and he was actually starting to feel a bit more comfortable and confident when talking and asking you to hang out

He would die happily if you just started physically touching him in a platonic way, just simple gestures like putting a hand over his or sitting closer would lowkey just make his day lol

He wouldn’t confess to you even if he feels mentally right and has the right confidence and feels that you feel the same way because he’ll still have his doubts and think you deserve better so in the end it’s either you confess or he’ll have it wait til some of his friends actually make him do it

[cyupie]

✦ unsaid, unheard

neito monoma x gn!reader

angst to sort of comfort

word count: 2k

second person pov + purposeful all lowercase + not proof read and written late at night

✦ summary

neito monoma lets himself live in denial about his feelings towards you; it's only until you two actually drift apart that he realizes what he's lost.

you & neito had been friends for longer than you can remember; always aspiring to make it to u.a. together and become the top heroes. you remember the face he made when you both made it in, how he spun you around and treated both of you to some macarons right after. it was the best day of both of your lives.

he was always thoughtful, even if he never really confided in you — you were best friends, though, you always knew how he felt even if he didn’t say it out loud. neito knew you better than you knew yourself and vice versa. his favorite boba place & order, how he scrunches his nose up when he’s focused, and the way his eyes crinkle when he’s really really happy are forever ingrained in your memory.

you don’t know how to tell him you think you’ve fallen in love with him. you don’t think you ever will once you see how he starts to look at itsuka kendo during your second year. it’s a gradual thing — ditching your usual meetups to go see her, taking her to the new mini store that he refused to check out with you last week, the way he smiles at her — it makes your heart ache when you can’t remember the last time he smiled like that with you.

you love neito monoma.

neito monoma loves itsuka kendo.

so, you don’t tell him. you swear that you aren’t going to ruin it for neito and itsuka because they look so happy when they’re together. people grow apart all the time; this is no different from any other friendship. you barely think about him (he’s the only thing on your mind at night) and maybe you’re even doing better off without him (your heart hurts when you see him with her).

it’s been two months since you last spoke when he finally confronts you. you were walking out of class when he drags you to the side with a stern look on his face; neito looks conflicted. he’s not worried, he reassures (you’re the only thing on his mind when everything is quiet and he doesn’t know how to feel about the fact that he still thinks of you instead of itsuka when something good happens).

“i just want to know why you’re avoiding me.” he lies.

“i’m not avoiding you.” you lie back.

both of you see right through each other. neither of you comment on it.

neito thinks he wants to cry, or scream, or shake you — he doesn’t do any of that. he just sighs. “fine,” the blonde huffs as he turns away from you. “i don’t care anyways.” neito hopes you’ll say something about his blatant lie. you stay quiet.

he doesn’t see you for the next few days, he knows you’re avoiding him. neito knows you better than he’ll ever admit. the way you looked at him when he first said he thinks he has a crush on itsuka drove him insane; he tries not to think about it anymore. there’s no point.

when he’s with her, he thinks it’s love — he wants her near him all the time and he likes when she pays attention to him and he wants to do all the things he did with you but with her now. neito ignores the pit in his chest when he realizes how long it’s been since you two have hung out.

neito monoma loves itsuka kendo.

neito monoma doesn’t care about you.

it’s fine. him and itsuka have even gotten together now, this is the happiest he’s ever been. neito swears it on his life that she makes him happier than anyone else can. he sees itsuka’s confusion when he accidentally orders your usual at the boba shop instead of hers; your tastes are so different that it’s hard to believe he could mix them up.

when he offers itsuka his own drink and takes the one you usually get instead, he thinks of you the whole time he’s drinking it. have you been to this place since you two stopped talking? neito stomps the thought away as quickly as it comes.

you seem ok, he thinks (he sees the bags under your eyes). you have new friends who’ll probably treat you better than he ever did growing up (why does it hurt to think that?). neito stops and realizes how much he misses you when he hears your favorite song come on the radio — he remembers listening to you scream along to it anytime you heard it.

he finds you after school, talking to some kid from class 1a (why them? why not him? was he not enough for you anymore?) and he thinks he’s going to cry. neito smirks, instead, and leans against the wall before laughing, “so this is where you’ve been? going behind our class’ back to hang out with these hero wannabes?”

he doesn’t know why he says that.

“oh,” is all you say at first and he wants to apologize over and over again until you stop looking at him like that. why do you look at him like you don’t care anymore? why can’t you look at him like you did before you both came to u.a. — before itsuka? “did you need something?”

neito pauses. no, he didn’t; why was he here?

“just wondering where our little y/n went; haven’t seen them in a hot minute.” he remarked, trying to look as nonchalant as he could. neito internally grimaced at his choice of words.

“you see me in class everyday.” you point out.

“and then you disappear to who knows where.”

“i don’t see a problem.”

“i do.”

“why?”

i don’t know, his thoughts answer. why does he have an issue with it? you two have been drifting apart for a while. it was inevitable, friendships don’t last forever (neito’s heart aches when he thinks of never talking to you again).

“because you’re hanging out with those 1a losers instead of us,” he settles with, ignoring the way his subconscious corrects it to instead of me.

“they’re my friends.” you argue, seemingly defensive over them.

“and i’m not?”

“are you?” your question makes you both share a look. your friend has long gone, unsure of how to deal with this seemingly personal argument between you two. you find the words repeating in your own head. it doesn’t feel like you’re still friends.

so why do you still feel that pit in your chest when you look at him and remember how much you love how pretty his eyes are, or how that one strand of hair never stays where neito wants it to and he has to fix it constantly throughout the day.

you find yourself hoping he says yes.

he walks away, instead.

it hurts more than you’d ever admit; neito doesn’t want you to see how much it hurts that he can’t even call you his friend anymore. neito doesn’t want to admit that it’s his fault, either.

he goes to itsuka for comfort — she’s always been good at that. she strokes his hair softly and is so much softer with him than she’s ever been; why does it make the ache in his heart feel worse? why does he look up at her and expect — hope — to see your face instead?

neito can’t shake the thoughts away this time.

whenever he walks into class, he looks for you first; whenever he’s practicing, he wonders who you’ve been partnered with; whenever he gets a sliver of free time, he thinks what’s y/n doing? it drives him insane. it isn’t until he breaks down to itsuka about it that her response makes him realize anything.

“i think we should break up, neito.” she says calmly. neito thinks his whole world is ending around him.

“what? why?” he finds himself asking. he thought they were doing good, he wanted to talk and communicate; she’s always told him how important it is to communicate. why is this her reaction?

she gives him a pitying look — suddenly, he’s not so upset. irritated would be a better word.

“don’t tell me you don’t see it.”

“see what? why are you being so cryptic?”

“neito, you poor, poor soul.” itsuka sighs and neito finds himself wishing you were there more than he ever has before. you wouldn’t have been so vague with him about whatever this is, you’d have been straight to the point.

and then it clicks.

it clicks how badly he messed up. suddenly, itsuka’s unclear words and her (well-meaning) laughter at his wide eyes makes so much sense. suddenly, he wishes he could take this whole year back. it feels like all the walls he worked so hard to build up are crumbling around him as his feelings jumble and he doesn’t know how to feel anymore.

neito monoma doesn’t know who he loves.

it’s a few weeks later, and the school year has flown by. valentine’s day is coming around the corner and you find yourself wondering how neito is. he loved cheesy things, the stereotypical and the type of things that only happened in stories or tv shows — you wondered how he was going to cope with itsuka having broken up with him so close to valentine’s.

and then there’s a knock on your door at 1am on valentine’s day morning. you shuffle around, not knowing who it is. you don’t really care; your hair is a mess and you’re in your pajamas and just about ready to scold the hell out of whoever’s—

neito.

he has a giant bouquet of your favorite flowers (or at least, the ones that remind him of you the most) and a bag filled with gifts. he’s looking at you expectantly and his face is flushed and you’re not sure what to say or how to feel or why he’s even here in the first place. you two just stare at each other for a minute.

“hi.” neito greets. he looks like he immediately wanted to say anything else and shrink back into a corner never to be seen again after he realizes how awkward this whole thing is.

“hi.” you say back. you’re no better than he is.

he holds out the bouquet of flowers and neito’s holding back a million words in his head as you take them. “i got you stuff,” he blurts out as he gestures to the bag in his hand.

“i can see,” and he looks like he’s just about ready to give up on this whole endeavor. you pause. you’re staring again. neito stares back.

you sigh, opening the door further and gesturing for the other to come in. he doesn’t hesitate as he steps in and moves to the side for you to awkwardly shuffle around him and shut the door. neito sets the bag on the ground and you put the bouquet on its side on your desk.

all you can do is wonder what you’re going to do with them as he starts taking out the gifts.

it’s your favorite snacks and a plushie of your favorite animal — he’s sure it hasn’t changed — and a gift card to that damn boba place. he’s looking at you and waiting for a response and you just stare. neito thinks he’s done something horribly, horribly wrong when you start crying.

“hey, wait- i’m sorry. why are you..” his voice trails off as he looks at you. he never knew how to comfort people, no matter how eloquent he was with his insults and endless rants about 1a. and you’re staring up at him with tear-filled eyes and he feels his heart break for the thousandth time.

all you can manage is, “i thought you hated me.”

and he pauses. he looks at you and you look at him and more gently than you think he’s ever done anything before he brings you into a hug and you’re safe. neito doesn’t say a word; he doesn’t need to. he doesn’t like to be vulnerable, he’s never liked being vulnerable.

but you’re here in his arms and he knows you understand that better than anyone. you’ve always understood. he’s so stupid for having never noticed it — you — before.

neito monoma loves you.

© cyupie   do not plagiarize, translate, feed to ai, or repost my works to any other websites

[lionheartedmusings]

i will never not be endlessly fascinated with pomme and q!bad's dynamic, especially now after the egg disappearance, purgatory, and returning to the island.

because pomme's adoption wasn't this huge emotional moment or him stepping in for someone who wasn't there, their bond was built out of time and care and love, to the point that it was just the next natural step in their relationship. even after that, it took a while for pomme to call q!bad dad because she was nervous and wanted it to be at the right time -- q!bad was aware of it too, because when she did call him dad for the first time he melted, took a photo of the sign, and made it not a big deal per se but acknowledged that it was a meaningful moment between them. then they moved on and kept going as usual.

their time together is cherished and not an afterthought -- yes, when her french parents are on pomme will always do the rounds with them! of course, she wants to spend time with them! q!bad's time with her is after, and they both know that in an inherently healthy and comforting way. it's their schedule, and even if she's with q!bad and one of her other parents log on off stream she'll go to hang out and q!bad only *once* interrupted that time, and it was to ask for her opinion on footage when he thought someone was in his house.

pomme is also both a mini-bad in a lot of ways inherently, and his absolute antithesis. they both share vicious anger when those they love are endangered, are fiercely protective and paranoid, are planners and worries to a fault... i don't think pomme would be surprised to hear what her dad did in purgatory at all, even if it would make her sad. that's where they're not similar at all: pomme is vengeful too, don't get me wrong, she's an eye for an eye girlie *but* she has a level of restraint that q!bad doesn't, and a moral compass that actually sees right and wrong vs. something i care about and something i don't. q!bad has been anchored by pomme before, brought to heel so to speak, in a way that needed no convincing because there's a level of trust there that's inherent.

and yet pomme knows and q!bad has acknowledged that dapper is his priority -- not in terms of love, never that, but still a priority. and that's just okay. pomme knows she's loved, she knows her dad adores her and she also knows that she has other parents that love her whereas ultimately dapper doesn't. she knows her mom q!baghera would prioritise her, and so would q!antoine, and q!aypierre, and q!etoiles -- it's okay that q!bad doesn't because he's looking out for her brother and she loves her brother more than anything.

the one thing that's interesting to me about their dynamic is the fact that pomme is loud and proud about being q!bad's daughter and has expressed frustration that people don't know / acknowledge her as his kid, but q!bad is almost reluctant to say she's his more often than not.

i can count on one hand the times he's corrected someone when they mention only dapper, or added that pomme is his too... and yet in private to him it's always dapper and pomme. he grieved them both in their time away, left pomme a message, checked her room too. he sang her happy birthday and got her the flowers she likes. he lost it when the eggs went missing not at seeing dapper's empty bed, but pomme's. he, in the throes of his memory loss and confusion, proudly said "this has got to be pomme's, this is exactly how my daughter would organise things" about the egg rooms.

there's a duality there that is fascinating and confusing and seems... purposeful on q!bad's behalf in a way i truly can't figure out entirely.

maybe he's trying to protect her, to distance himself from her in the rest of the island's minds so if something goes wrong she can be safe in a way he knows dapper could never be -- after all, elquackity didn't take pomme, he had no idea she was his.

i guess it's all about love, anyway.

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

AITA for purposely using the wrong pronouns for my “friend”?

I (24f) am a bit of a gamer, I’ve been gaming online since I was 15 and I’m in a discord server with the people I play with. The server is decently sized, there’s about 25 people in it, it’s mostly a chill place, we’re all nice to each other and nobody really cared about anyone’s sexuality. We’ve a few trans people in the server and everyone uses their correct pronouns.

A few months ago one of the guys (24m) stopped taking drugs. At first we were delighted because honestly we thought he was gonna OD one of these days and we were all kinda worried about him. However he got really into like andy tate and the manosphere. It makes everyone kinda uncomfortable when he says stuff like “real men aren’t emotional” (and then proceeds to have a hissy fit when he loses a game) but nobody really calls him out because we’ve known him for ten years and nobody wants to start shit.

Anyway he and I were close for a long time and about two weeks ago we were the only ones in the server, when he starts this absolutely insane and unhinged rant about how much he hates pronouns. I asked him why he cares so much when they’re just words and everyone has them, including him. He told me he doesn’t care at all actually and thinks people who do care are pussies. So I asked if he’d care if I used she/her for him instead of he/him. He said he wouldn’t.

I’ve been exclusively using she/her to refer to him for the past two weeks (other than this post as I think it would get confusing) and he gets so annoyed when I do it. Last night he asked me to stop and when I asked if he finally understood how hurtful and uncomfortable it is to be misgendered he said “no I don’t care at all, you’re just being a stubborn bitch and im sick of your attitude so just stop”

I just left the call and since then he’s been blowing up my dms calling me all sorts of names. I asked some of our friends about it, most of them agree he’s just turned from our chill friend to a total dickbag, but some of them think I should just stop since it’s still misgendering and he did ask me to stop doing it.

I’m a bit torn, usually I’ve no issue with using someone’s pronouns, but his idgaf attitude paired with the fact that he clearly does care and just won’t admit to being wrong is really pissing me off, and I feel like he deserved a taste of his own medicine. (He also regularly misgenderes our trans friends but only when they aren’t on the server)

So AITA?

What are these acronyms?

[oreoov]

HIHII POOKIE!! IM INLOVE W YOUR WRITING SO I RLLY WANNA REQ!

Imagine like you were shipping bestfriend!kazuha/xiao (pick whichever!) with someone else, but he likes you and gets abit frustrated when he keeps giving you hints but their so subtle you don't notice em?

FEEL FREE TO PICK HOW YOU WANNA END IT, MWAH!!

☆ ─ 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐒𝐄𝐄? 𝐈 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔, 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐇𝐄𝐑 .. .ᐟ

bestfriend!xiao x gn!reader / angst (?) & fluff / modern au <3

note ; bye i screamed when i saw this BUT OFFCCCC, i was gonna do kazuha because likes hes just so hdidjdisidi but i haven't done xiao in a while so YEAHHH, BTW ILYY TYSM FOR REQUESTING <33

synopsis ; xiao kept giving you subtle hints that he likes you ... but you never seemed to noticed them, and even started shipping him with someone else ..?

the bell finally rang after what felt like hours on end ... you and xiao were making your way to the cafeteria together, right before some girl bumped into xiao as she was in a hurry.

the sudden crash had caused her to drop all her books, and like what any person would do, xiao helped pick them up and returned it to who it belonged to. he even gave her a subtle smile as she thanked him before leaving.

"oooohh!! was that a smile i saw? hmm?" you teased him as you both resumed your walk to the cafeteria.

xiao gave you a confused look as he didn't understand why it was a big deal to you. "you're the one who told me to smile more ..?"

"okay well─ umm─ thats different!! you dont usually smile at people ... or .. YOU LIKE HER? is that it?!" you were literally onto nothing ...

from a confused look, he turned into a 'wtf?' look ... "what? i smile a lot more with you anyways ..." xiao mumbled the last part as he thought it was quite embarassing to say, he just hoped you would catch on already.

but you completely ignored what he said and started feeding your delusions to him again!

"its okay to admit that you were kinda into her xiao, you guys made eye contact for like 0.2 seconds ... like, dude she literally wants you so bad .."

"???"

"it's okay xiao we know you're new to all this."

"no i dont like her─"

"shhh ... i dont wanna hear it!"

but he likes you, not some random girl he crashed into, and might've thought that you would already notice .. maybe he needs to make it more obvious?

the next day as you were both passing the lockers in the hallway, you couldn't help but notice the girl that crashed into xiao yesterday.

"omg, thats the girl from yesterday!! you should totally talk to her right now, this is literally your chance!" you said as you nudge xiaos elbow.

but he didn't want to. he wasn't interested at her at all, especially when there's someone way better right beside him after all.

"how many times do i have to tell you? im not interested in her whatsoever." xiao groaned as you kept insisting to.

"but why notttt? you guys would look cute together .. plus shes super pretty too ..."

"no, even you look better than that?" xiao looked at you, just for him to turn away again as his gaze meets yours. you're the prettiest one in his eyes and no one else! was it that hard for you to understand?

xiao was laced with frustration as you kept babbling nonsense about xiao and that oh, so, pretty girl and how cute they would be together.

you probably didn't even seem to notice that he basically just called you pretty ...

he was on the verge of confessing to you right then and there. but at the same time, he couldn't. what if you didn't feel the same way? what if you were just purposely ignoring the hints he gave you as a sign of rejection? he would never know.

meanwhile, you noticed that xiao has gone quite. has he grown upset? "heyy .. alright im sorry! i didn't know you'd get that upset ... ill stop now i promise!" you mumbled with a pile full of guilt.

"if i were really to be with her, how would you feel?" xiao unexpectedly blurted out, he was even surprised at his own words. but still, he wanted to know.

"uhh .. wha- what do you mean?" you were bewildered by the sudden question. it was unsual for xiao to ask such things, especially with his cold demeanor.

"if i were to be with her, wouldn't that mean most of my time with you would be taken away?"

the thought of that had never came across your head. it actually doesn't feel right anymore. in simple words, the thought of another girl taking xiao away from you? hell no ...

there was an awkward silence between the two of you before you finally spoke up. "i dont know ..."

xiao sighed as he set his eyes on you. "good, cause i don't know what I'll do if you were with someone else either." xiao mumbled out quitely, barely even audible.

but you heard it. you heard all of it, is he trying to say that he ...

"huh?"

xiao huffed as he still needed to explain it to your slow brain. "archons, how oblivious are you? i like you. was that not clear from the start?"

you didn't know why, but you felt like you had to chuckled a bit at his frustration. "okayy, okay im sorry!! okay but i swear i noticed a bit but i wasn't sure alright??"

"and yet you were so sure that i liked that other girl when i don't even know her name .."

"IM SORRY!!! but i guess i like you too by the way ... hehe .."

even that was enough to leave xiao completely flustered.

extra notes : HELP THE ENDING WAS KINDA SCUFFED IM SO BAD AT WRITING CONFESSION STUFF SORRY LMAOO also this was not meant to be that sad 😭

─ masterlist.

[dark-frosted-heart]

Roger Barel Main Route - Blind Love Chapter 24

As usual, can’t guarantee 100% accuracy on this. I’m doing this for archiving purposes and you can probably find a better translation out there.

slight nsfw, minors dni

And so this case came to a close—

Time continued to pass until my month as Fairytale Keeper was up…

Ale: Woof.

Kate: Huh, Ale?! Didn’t you go back home?

While I blinked at Ale, who jumped into my arms, Ellis came running after.

Ellis: Roger’s father just came by. He asked us to look after him for a while again.

Roger: He’s doing his own thing again. But it’s more fun when it’s lively around here, isn’t it Kate?

Kate: Yes. Come here, Ale!

Ale: Arf arf.

It looked like Ale would be spending more time in Crown Castle.

--

Roger: …There’s a typo here. Also, the case would be easier to follow if you wrote it in chronological order.

Kate: Ugh…Can you please go easy on me?

Roger was proofreading my report…

--

Roger: Now then…

Ellis: What are we toasting?

Jude: Just say somethin’ that works.

Kate: Eh, me? Then, um… To another uneventful day. Cheers!

We went out to drink with Jude and the others…

The time left flew by.

But it was enough time to make some memories—At last, my month was up.

Yes, today was the last day…

And the day to reveal to Roger what I had been planning.

--

All members of Crown, minus Roger, and I gathered in the audience chamber.

(Roger still hasn’t mentioned what his final trial is)

(I’m almost certain he’s going to make me do the impossible and then let me go…)

And say something like “don’t do something stupid like putting up with someone with a shortened lifespan like myself.”

(That’s why I—)

While I reaffirmed the thoughts hidden in my heart, Roger entered the audience chamber.

Roger: What’s with suddenly summoning everyone here?

Victor: We’re all here now. Then let's hold a ceremony for Kate’s continuation as Fairytale Keeper.

Roger: …O_O

(This is what I decided on, Roger)

I cracked a smile at his surprised expression.

Victor: Kate, not only did you keep Crown’s secret for a whole month as promised, you have also become an essential part of us. I’d like to express my most sincere gratitude. Thank you. The other day, she had come to me to discuss her continuation as Fairytale Keeper. If there are no mistakes in the proposal, then sign this letter of agreement to continue as Fairytale Keeper.

I stepped forward and signed the letter of agreement, set the pen down, and walked up to Roger who looked at me in surprise.

Kate: I intend to continue being a Fairytale Keeper and record Crown’s evil. More importantly, I want to continue helping you fulfill your ambitions. You probably thought we’d be parting ways today. I can’t be leave you anymore!

Roger: …O_O

Roger’s eyes widened even more…

Roger: Leave? What’re you talking about?

Kate: Huh?

Roger: You sure you’re not misunderstanding something here?

(Misunderstanding?? Eh, but!)

Kate: But you!

I heard someone clear his throat and turned to see William wearing his usual refined smile.

William: Roger, Kate. Do keep in mind that we’re in the presence of Her Majesty. Save your lover’s quarrel for another place.

As I bowed my head in a hurry, Ellis and Liam clapped…

Ellis: Anyway, congrats on your continuation as Fairytale Keeper, Kate.

Liam: I don’t know what’s going on, but if it means I can keep being with Kate, then I’m happy with it.

Harrison: I’m still curious about what Kate’s misunderstanding with Roger is. I’m confused.

Jude: I actually agree for once. Ya took up our time and now there’s a misunderstandin’. Are ya stupid?

Alfons: We’ll find out soon enough. In any case, we’ll have to deal with them making out in the castle. Ahh, so troublesome!

Elbert: Kate…I look forward to working with you more.

Victor: It seems everyone’s welcoming Kate’s continued role as Fairytale Keeper. I’m counting on you. Watch the light and darkness with your clear eyes together with Crown.

Kate: Victor, and everyone else…Thank you. 

William: Now then, let’s have a moment of peace before our next condemnation. We should hold a dinner party for Kate. Come. Our beautiful robin who’s chosen to live in the dark—

William slowly reached out toward me, and as his fingertips were about to touch mine…

Roger: I know you lot like her, but we need to have a talk first.

Roger took my hand, fixed his gaze on me, and then threw me over his shoulder—

Kate: Hey, Roger?!

Roger: Sorry, but I’m taking this one.

And so the two disappeared behind the door.

Victor: William, you provoked Roger on purpose, didn’t you? You naughty boy.

William: We have robin with us. I’m allowed this much of a blessing.

--

He set me down on his bed and was in front of me before I even had a chance to sit up.

Roger: —So, what’s your aim? Since it looks like you’re conspiring with Victor.

(It doesn’t sound like Roger’s happy with my decision to stay as Fairytale Keeper…)

Kate: …I was eavesdropping earlier. Jude said that you’ve been shortening your lifespan by testing on yourself.

Roger: I see. I thought it was weird how you didn’t come back right away.

Roger let out a deep sigh.

Roger: I’m not always listening out for things, so I didn’t notice.

Kate: …I’m sorry for eavesdropping and then pretending I didn’t know anything. I thought you were going to use your final trial as a chance to keep me away.

(If that happened, then I’d be at a loss)

That’s why I thought I had to find a way to stay by Roger’s side before it happened.

Roger: It’d suck to be with a man who’s lifespan’s been cut short. So you thought it’d be a farewell?

I nodded slowly.

Kate: …Is it not?

Roger sighed again.

Roger: Everything you heard was true. But what I had planned for your final trial was the exact opposite of whatever you deluded yourself into thinking.

(Huh?)

Roger: Since I’m the eldest son of the Barel family, this is the account where the property and assets are saved, and this is the deed to the Barel family’s land. And this—

I started panicking as he pulled one unexpected thing out of his pocket after another.

Kate: Eh, uh, wait. What are you…

Roger went to get something out of his desk drawer, leaving me on the bed, confused.

Roger: Here, this is the most important thing.

He draped a lab coat over my shoulders.

(The embroidery on the lab coat…it’s my name)

As I traced the embroidery, a large hand rested on my head.

Roger: I definitely can’t say that I’ll live long. Because of that, I’m giving you everything that’s mine. More importantly, you’ll never be bored when we’re together. I’ll love you thoroughly. Kate. Be my lover, or don’t. If you choose to, then kiss me.

Kate: Roger, is this…?

When I looked into his eyes for confirmation, he nodded.

Roger: This is the final trial I had in mind.

Kate: …

The moment he said that, I almost stopped breathing.

(He couldn’t have prepared the deed and other stuff in a day)

(Meaning Roger never intended on letting me go…)

Realizing that I had misunderstood everything, my cheeks heated up.

Kate: …Wha

Roger: …Wha?

Kate: W-what is this…You should’ve said something sooner…

Roger: Pfft, hahaha. You’re the one that came up with some wild delusion. You’re still too naive. Do I look like the nice sort of guy that’d pull back for another?

You don’t.

You’re nice, but not. +4 +4

I forgot you were like this.

Kate: You’re nice, but not. You’re an egoist that can be either.

Roger: You like that, don’t you?

This man that was like poison, was the greatest egoist. He was a villain who made whatever he wanted his.

(In the end, I was so stupid for forgetting that)

Roger: I’ve thought about it like most people would. If there was a way to let you go. But when you came to save me in jail and gave me that pep talk, I was convinced. …Yeah, can’t let this one go. I wanted to make her own life mine. Besides, I’ve already told you. “I will never betray you without a reason. Never.”

(Ah…)

~~ Flashback ~~

Roger: Kate, I’ve taken a liking to you so I’ll promise you this. I will never betray you without a reason. Never.

~~ End flashback ~~

The hand that was on my head slowly pulled me in.

Roger: I won’t betray your love. Let’s be together, Kate. I can’t promise that I won’t make you sad. However—You can’t be satisfied by anyone else but me, can you?

Roger gently touched his forehead to mine and gave me a wicked smile.

(T-t-this…)

(This man~~!)

(But, the moment I fell for a selfish man like him, I lost!)

I squeezed my eyes shut and kissed Roger on the lips.

Kate: Roger, please make me your lover.

Roger: Likewise.

Roger kissed me back, but it didn’t end there. His kisses went lower, down my neck and chest.

Kate: Roger…?

Roger: I’ve been waiting a long time for this. Let’s do something that feels good that we haven’t done in a while.

Now that we were lovers, I didn’t have a reason to reject him.

(I wonder if Roger and I will finally do that tonight…)

As I listened to my heart pound, my body suddenly relaxed.

Roger: I’d be a waste if we went straight to the main course. Let’s savor this thoroughly.

I felt my heart beat faster as my breath hitched. But then—

Roger: Whoops, I got an appointment with Jude. See ya, Kate.

Before I could chase after the warmth, the door shut…

Kate: ……What?

I was left all alone in the room, confused.

…However, there was a meaning to this baffling neglect.

It was to make me commit this pleasure to memory—in other words, training me.

--

Kate: Nn..haa…so deep, I can’t.

Roger: If you don’t like it, we’ll stop here.

Kate: …Eh?

Despite tormenting my core so much, he slipped his fingers out too soon…

--

Kate: Mnn, Roger, there…feels so good…more…haaaa.

Roger: Nope, that’s enough for today.

Kate: What do you mean that’s enough…?

Roger: We’re in the middle of a serious lesson on anatomy. We’ll study here later.

Roger was the one that touched me first, but he came up with an excuse to stop, leaving me aching…

Roger kept denying me every time.

--

…And tonight was no exception.

Roger: Haha, you get so wet, so fast.

Of course I did, because Roger kept denying me release. My body became sensitive to even the slightest bit of stimulation.

Roger: …What do you wanna do, Kate? Wanna go all the way tonight?

[youvebeenlivingfictional]

LOVING ‘THE OTHER HALF’! You literally write Bruce so perfectly… lowkey curious to see what would happen if the reader finds out he’s The Batman… 🫣

Previous Part | Masterlist | Next Part

Pairing: Bruce Wayne x Reader

Length: 3.9K

Warnings: Some angst; Bruce Wayne’s Top Notch Communication Skills and secret keeping; canon-typical violence

You’d thought—well, you’d hoped—that as time went on, the questions would go away. You’d hoped that his behavior would make me even more sense. 

It hasn’t. 

If anything, your perception of Bruce has become incredibly confusing. You enjoy your time with him, no matter what the two of you get up to—dinner, parties with his friends or your friends, a night in. More often than not, it’s a night in. After the incident at work, your boss started sticking you with opening shifts. The commute’s way less cantankerous from Bruce’s place, and you’re happy to spend the nights with him, anyway. You sleep better when he’s there. 

The problem is, he’s usually not there.

You always fall asleep with him, but you have awoken on more than one occasion to an empty bed, and an empty penthouse. You’ve texted Bruce on those nights, but his phone has always rung in the apartment. He leaves it sitting on the coffee table. Where the hell does he go without it? Does he have a burner phone? What kind of weird-rich-guy-eyes-wide-shut bullshit is he getting up to that he’s leaving his phone in the apartment for…Hours? You love him, but whatever it is that he’s keeping a secret is beginning to tear your apart.

You want to ask. You have been dying to ask, but it just never feels like the right time. 

-- 

“You and Brucie have been alright?” 

“Oh,” You flounder as Liz nudges your hip with hers, waiting expectantly for your answer. Your hands still over the nibbles that you were putting out on a tray before you resume mechanically loading the spinach puffs that you made. “It’s—Yeah, we’re good.” 

“When are you going to move in?” 

“What?” You splutter a laugh, unable to help it. “Why would I—Did he say something to you?” 

“Oh,” Liz raises her hands in defense. “Sorry. He said you were staying over a lot, you know.” 

“I mean, I have. He’s stayed at mine, too. He’s not moving in with me—definitely not moving in with me, Mish would never stand for it,” You taper off in a mumble. 

“Mish?” 

“My roommate, Michelle.” 

“I didn’t know you had a roommate.” 

“Mhm!” 

“Does she work in a store, too?” 

It feels like a loaded question, and it’s one that you would’ve taken as a jab when you first met Liz. But sometimes you realize that Bruce and his friends live so far above the average Gothamite that they don’t know what it's like to have to live from paycheck to paycheck, in narrow, badly lit apartments that most of your paycheck from your cruddy job goes to. You’re determined not to take offense when they make stupid, probably accidental demeaning comments. 

“Nope!” You chirp. “She’s an administrative assistant at a marketing agency.” 

“Oh! Could you do something like that?” 

You smile a touch tightly, your irritation welling. You’re certain that one was on purpose. 

“You know what, Liz, I think if I really wanted to, I could do just about anything.” 

“Are you two still gabbing in here?” 

You glance back at the sound of Bruce’s question, smiling sincerely at the sight of him. 

“We’re just catching up, having girl chat. Don’t be such a lurker, Wayne,” Liz scolds. She takes the tray that you’ve organized, shooting you a wink before heading for the living room. You lean back against the counter, crossing your arms over your chest. Bruce reaches out, snagging one of the spinach puffs from Liz as she passes him. You smile as he takes a bite of the morsel, then grunts and shoves the rest of the bite into his mouth, sucking some melted feta off of his thumb. 

“Tasty?” You tease. 

“Very. Where’d you get the recipe?” He asks through the mouthful before he swallows.

“My mom.” 

“Mm. Thank her for me.” 

“Sure,” You chuckle. 

“What were you two talking about?” Bruce asks, bracing his hands on the counter behind you. 

“Nothing. Just…Like Liz said, girl stuff.” 

Bruce’s eyes narrow a touch as they wander your face. Then, “She said something about your job again, didn’t she.” 

“She kinda did.” 

“I’m sorry. I’ll talk to her.” 

“It’s alright. If it really starts to bother me, I’ll talk to her about it myself.” 

“You sure?” 

“I’m positive. But thank you.” You reach up, straightening Bruce’s collar. You go still as you spot the blooming of an angry purple bruise on his skin. You know that it isn’t anything you’ve seen before, that it certainly wasn’t anything you could’ve inflicted. It turns your stomach. What the hell has he been getting up to? 

The question sits on your lips, but before you can say a thing, a thud comes from the other room. The sound makes your heart jolt, but you calm when it's chased by raucous laughter. You and Bruce turn your heads toward the sound, and you lower your hand from his shirt, folding your arms against your chest. 

“What do you think that was?” Bruce asks. 

“I don’t know, but they don’t don't strike me as the type to break out the Twister mat.” 

Bruce chuckles before he turns back toward you, his hands resting on your hips. When you don't reach for him in kind, he crowds closer, his smile faltering.

“What is it?” He plies, tipping his head. 

“Hm?” 

“What’s wrong?” 

“Nothing’s wrong.” You answer too quickly. You know it by the way Bruce’s frown deepens. 

“What’s wrong?” His question has more of a concerned edge to it now. 

“Nothing is wrong,” You insist, speaking with a pointed slowness. “I’m just…” You search Bruce’s face, taking in the genuine, concerned expression on his face. 

Your questions are all crowding on your lips, threatening to spring forward. Where the hell does Bruce go at night? And how does he know the intimate details of things he oughtn’t? You’ve checked the recording of your interview from the store’s attempted burglary. There was no mention of the route that you and the burglar took to the back office—not from you, and not from the reporter, or your manager. There was no way for Bruce to know where the office was, unless he’d asked your manager—but if he had, she would’ve gushed to you about his speaking with her. 

What lie will he use this time? Spelunking, again? Base-jumping, maybe? You search for the words, drawing in a deep breath. You care so deeply for this man, but you can’t trust him.

“I—” You start, then go quiet, raising a hand and scrubbing it over your face, breathing, “Fuck, I can’t do this anymore.” 

"Can't do what?" Bruce reaches up, cupping your jaw and tipping your head toward him as worry twists his face. “Hey, look at me. What’s going on?” 

“Bruce, I—” 

You freeze, stunned as you hear another loud pop in the hall, chased by the thudding of boots, and a yell of, “Get on the ground!” 

Before you can even think to react, Bruce draws you close, tugging you toward the island and pulling the two of you down to hide behind the counter, his head resting protectively on your head. Your heart drops into your churning stomach, fingers grasping nervously at him. The two of you listen as the boots thunder past you, down the hall, to where Liz and the others are screaming and panicking. Bruce peers over the counter slowly, looking around before he draws you up. You half-stumble after him with nervous feet, watching as he yanks a kitchen knife out of the holder and opening the pantry. He practically shoves you in, pressing the handle of the knife into your hand and warning, “Keep quiet, stay here.” 

“What?” You breathe, “No, nonono, Bruce, don’t—” You wince as he shoves the pantry door shut. You can just see through the slats that he’s running out of the kitchen. You stand trembling in the pantry, both hands wrapped around the knife's handle. You can hear footsteps, and a few more yelled orders before—

You yelp as the kitchen is plunged into darkness before you slap your hand over your mouth, as if you can snatch the sound from the air and shove it back inside. Your hand shakes, palms and fingers sweating around the knife. Your body is wracked with the same panic that you felt at work. You hear a yelp, a shout, a gunshot, and a few more screams. It’s another moment before you hear someone run into the kitchen. Your heart stills in your chest, your breath catching in your throat. You flinch as you hear and see the flash of a gunshot. It’s closely followed by the grunting and groans of someone being beaten. They’re shoved into the counter next, and you hear the rattle of things being swept off of the counter. 

“Who are you?”

The question is gruff and sharp—the vigilante's tone is low, growling. You frown. You know it. You know that sound. You know that voice. You’ve heard it in rare occasions, in far more exciting moments—amorous moments in rooms that are often just as dark. You find yourself stepping closer, straining your ear to catch on the gruff voice again, over the babbling, panicked incoherence of the begging burglar. 

You close your eyes despite the dark of the room, taking in the sound of the voice. You know it—Oh, god you know it— 

“We just picked this random spot, man, we didn’t know who was in here!” The burglar swore. 

“And it just so happened that you weren’t otherwise occupied?” 

Occupied.

Your jaw drops open as your mind flashes to one of Liz’s bathrooms—to your hand smoothing a condom over Bruce’s length as he yells over his shoulder that the bathroom is occupied. There’s a pause, the clang of metal hitting bone, and the dull thud of a body falling to the floor. Before you can stop yourself, you yank the door open and hiss, “Bruce?” 

The kitchen is silent and still. The loudest sound is the thudding of your heart. 

“Get back inside.” 

Your knees go weak. It’s Bruce’s voice. But there’s no way he would’ve had time for someone else to leave, for Bruce to come in. 

“Get back inside,” He urges again. You take a few panicked steps back into the pantry, yanking the door shut again. Your hand holds tightly to the knife, your mind whirling with your revelation. 

When the cops find you, you’re still crouching in the pantry, a knife in your hand and tears in your eyes. Liz is a mess, insisting that Bruce has been kidnapped. You cover and reassure her—tell her that he couldn’t have been, that he left the kitchen right after he ate the spinach puff, that he’s probably back at the penthouse. 

Frankly, you’re not sure wherever the hell he might be, but hey. That’s nothing new. 

--  

He gets back to the penthouse at three in the morning. 

You’re probably not as startled as you should be, but you’re still wired and awake. You've spent the last few hours talking yourself in and out of the revelation. You didn't see who it was—you couldn't. The voice is familiar, sure, but you've heard audio recordings of Batman on the news, and it's wholly possible that someone just sounds like Bruce. You have grappled for every justification, every possibility, but in your heart, and in your gut, you know the truth.

You haven’t gotten a single call or a text from Bruce since the incident, and you look up to find Batman standing in the entryway of the apartment. You hesitate before you push yourself off of the couch. You take a few slow steps toward him, hands flexing nervously at your sides. He keeps quiet and still, as if he’s still hidden within the shadows. You take another step closer, closing the gap between the two of you. You raise your shaking hands carefully, resting your hands on his helmet. You gently lift it away, watching as it ruffles his hair. Your eyes sweep him—his tensed jaw, the darkness around his eyes. 

It’s surreal. You’ve known—you’ve suspected for the last few hours, but to see it now—to see Bruce in armor, to find the man you love behind the mask—

“Okay,” You manage, turning away from him and drawing in a deep breath to try and steady your wildly pounding heart. “Okay.” 

Your hands flex in the material of the mask, and you look down at it, tipping it to and fro. 

"Did you just have this stashed somewhere near Liz's?"

"No. I left by the fire stairs."

"And went where?"

"I had to go rattle a few cages."

“...It's been you the whole time?” You ask. 

“Yes.” 

“So what happened at the shop—” 

“I knew.” 

“And you came to mine and just acted like you had no idea?” 

“I had to make sure you were alright.” 

You stare down at the helmet, fingers sweeping over it. It’s so heavy. 

“...Who else knows?” You ask. 

“Alfred.” 

“Of course.” 

“And someone at Wayne Enterprises. Lucius Fox.” 

“Anyone else?” 

“...I told you about Rachel.” 

You nod, muttering, “Right.” Your fingers flex around the helmet. “How the hell did this—How did it start?” 

“...Can we talk after I take this off?” 

You glance back and find him gesturing to his body. You nod, holding the helmet out to him. Bruce hesitates before he takes it. He doesn’t go. He just looks over you. You shake your head a touch. 

“What?” You ask. 

“Are you alright?” 

For all of your muddled feelings, a little bit of your anger and confusion melts. “Yes. Are you?” 

Bruce nods a little before he turns away fully, eyeing the mask in his hands as he heads down the hall. You can only resist the urge to follow for a few moments. You stand in the doorway of his bedroom, watching the shades come down. He glances back at the sound of you before he begins to remove his armor. You tip your head to the side, watching him shove a row of suits in his closet aside and open a panel on the wall, jabbing a few buttons before you hear a hiss. You watch him step inside and out of sight. 

This could still be fake, right? This could still be fake. He could’ve just used his, like, millions of dollars to get an exact replica of the suit…But it wouldn’t explain why he knew exactly what had happened at the shop. It would explain his weird bruises, his nighttime disappearances. 

You straighten up as you hear Bruce come back, watch him tugging his sweatpants up and over his hips. He’s facing away from you, opening a dresser drawer. You pass the closet as you approach him, just catching sight of the suit descending before the back panel slides closed, obscuring the compartment from view. 

You can see Bruce's body clearly now, for the first time—and it’s beyond bruising. There are scratches and marks riddling his back and sides. Most of them seem old, and faded. You can see the span of the bruise—the radiating bloom of it spreading from his neck, stretching to the slope of his shoulder. You reach out hesitantly, resting your hands on his hips. He goes still—in tension, confusion, you’re not sure. You crowd up close, brushing a gentle kiss to the tender skin. His shoulders relax under the carress, his body leaning back into yours just a little. You smooth your hands gently over the ridges of his abs, nuzzling into his neck. 

You watch Bruce raise his hand, reaching for the light switch. 

“Don’t,” You mumble. When he goes still, you tip your chin up, lips brushing the shell of his ear:

“I wanna see you.” 

Bruce glances guardedly at you over his shoulder before he dips his head. He lowers hand to rest on yours, gently prying it from him. Your stomach flips nervously, then settles as Bruce slowly turns to face you. You can’t help the way your eyes skate and wander his torso, catching on each additional bruise, each fading scar. You raise your hands, gently running them down over his shoulders. You shiver as Bruce raises his in turn, smoothing them up your back.

You crowd closer, pressing your face into Bruce’s neck. He curls his arms around you, nuzzling your temple. You press another careful kiss to the bruise, squeezing your eyes shut as your emotions swell sharply. It’s almost too much to take, knowing that this man who spends his days among Gotham’s elite, grinning at paps, feigning ignorance and carelessness, spends his nights trying to make the city a safer place. You lean back from him, raising your hands to hide your face, and the prickling of tears in your eyes. Bruce doesn’t immediately tug you back in—he gives you some space. You draw in a shaky breath, clearing your face and scrubbing at your face to try to stave the tears off. 

“Okay,” You mumble. “Okay. I need a drink, and you—” You wave in his direction, “You need to talk.” 

--  

It takes him time—time that clearly pains him, that he doesn’t seem to want to take. The two of you sit on opposite ends of his couch. He’s sprawled out across the cushions; you’re scrunched up on the other side, leg bouncing anxiously. When he comes to a stop, he’s staring down at his hands. It’s only a moment before he tacks on, 

“I’m sorry.” 

You frown, shaking your head. It’s confusing. What the hell is he sorry for? Lying? 

“I shouldn’t have let you find out. I think it may be best if we…Part ways.” 

Your gaze lifts to his, brows knitted. 

“...Are you kidding me?” You ask after a moment. 

“No, I’m not—” 

“Oh—” You laugh, stunned, unable to help yourself, springing off of the couch with all of your nervous, pent-up energy. “Oh, that is bullshit, Bruce.” 

“It is not bullshit!” He barks back. “It’s for your safety!” 

“If you wanted me to be safe, you wouldn’t have said a word in the kitchen. You would’ve just gone on your way—or kept using that—that stupid gruff sex voice you use—” 

“Sex voice?” 

“You know, that,” You scrunch your face up, “That, you know, when you—” You clear your throat and lower your voice, letting out a garbled, growling noise. 

“I do not sound like that.” 

“You have before. Like, more than once.” 

“It is not a sex voice.” 

“And it is bullshit, for the record,” You add again, planting your hands on your hips. “If you really, really wanted to cover it, you would’ve stayed in the apartment for when the cops got there, faked that you were as freaked out as everyone else. Or you would’ve come back to the apartment in your regular clothes and told me you’d just stepped out for some air and the cops had kept you from coming back inside. You’re as tired of hiding this from me as I am of you hiding it.” 

Bruce’s face falls, and he shifts in his seat to brace his elbows on his thighs, looking down at his empty hands. 

“I didn’t know that you knew something was…Off,” Bruce admits softly. 

“Not a clue?” 

“A few hints, but I didn’t think it was about the suit.” 

“...Okay, two things,” You close your eyes, holding up two fingers as you gather your thoughts. “It’s not just about the suit, it is about what you do in the suit. I get why now, but—You know.” 

“What’s the other thing?” 

“What the heck did you think I was off about?” 

“I know you’re not stupid. I know you’ve seen some of the blood, some of the bruises. Guess I thought I’d covered it well enough.” 

You can’t help but scoff. 

“With what?” You ask incredulously. “The polo, the base-jumping, the spelunking, or the invisible shaving cuts?” 

“Alright,” Bruce groans, running his hand through his hair. You’re quiet for a moment, looking him over before you turn away from him. 

You can’t tell him not to do it. You can’t pretend that Batman hasn’t done good for this city, or that you haven’t been at the receiving end of it, seen it firsthand. If it had been different—if Bruce had come to you with the idea of an undertaking of the sort, rather than having already established himself as a vigilante—you would’ve told him that it was a ghastly idea, that he’d have himself killed in a day. Still, knowing what Bruce gets up to, night after night, is making your stomach squirm. 

You hear the creak of him rising off of the couch, then feel him coming up behind you. 

“Look,” He sighs, “Batman doesn’t exactly have friends in this city. If you’re linked to him, you could get hurt.” 

You’re quiet for a moment, biting your lip. 

“I doubt I could ever be linked to Batman when I’m not even linked to Bruce Wayne,” You counter.

Bruce reaches out, resting his hands on your hips, tugging you back. You wobble, then sway back into him a little reluctantly. You stare down at the floor, considering. 

You could still cut ties. Your acquaintance is early enough that it wouldn’t raise eyebrows among his friends, or your parents—and, all things considered, maybe Alfred.

“If you want me out of here, tell me,” You finally say, just managing to hide your dismay. 

“It’s—” Bruce starts before he sighs heavily, grip tightening on you. “I want you safe.” 

“I’m safe with you.” 

Bruce curls his arms around your middle, pressing his face into your shoulder. “But what if, one day, you’re not?” 

You glance down at Bruce. You find his eyes squeezed shut, his face twisted in upset and fear. You go quiet for a moment, then rest your head against his, closing your eyes. You can’t blame him for the assumption. He lost his parents to the city. He doesn’t want to lose you, too. 

You turn in his arms, curling your arms around his shoulders and drawing him in. Bruce burrows close, fingers grasping desperately at your shirt. You press a kiss to his head, combing your fingers through his hair. Bruce takes his time straightening before he cups your cheeks, smoothing his thumbs over your cheekbones. He takes in your face slowly, as if it’ll be the last time. You draw a deep breath in through your nose, steadying yourself. Oh, no. 

“Can we go to bed?” You plead before he can say anything else. “Talk about this more in the morning?” 

Bruce hesitates, then nods, mumbles, “Alright.” 

--  

Bruce takes his time joining you under the covers. You let yourself watch him, and think. You’re almost afraid to go to sleep. You’re almost afraid for the sun to come up. You can’t fathom what he’ll say then.

But tonight, when he shuts the lights off, he leaves the blinds up. You can make him out in the dim light of the room as he lays down beside you, as the two of you settle down on your sides and watch one another. You reach out, resting your hand on his cheek as he takes your other hand in his. He nuzzles into your touch, his eyes slipping closed. You see him take in a deep breath, then push it out slowly.

For the first time since you’ve known him, Bruce looks completely relaxed. He’s not shrouded or hidden from you. Your stomach flutters with butterflies as he turns his head, brushing his lips against your palm. 

Next Part

[booboodaddysblog]

If you want something… you will have it…

Warnings: smut, violence, unprotected sex, Julian's character portrayed based on my guesses

Words: 5145

Amanda ate breakfast and scrolling Instagram. She chewed her oatmeal with a sigh every time she touched phone screen. Last night was in her thoughts all the time. Julian Dillinger... yes... messed with her head.

- No, I can't think of him - she said to herself while shaking her head negatively - it was a mistake. Yes, it was a mistake.

She got up from the table to put the dirty dish in the dishwasher. She started the coffee maker and sighed again. She reached into the cabinet and pulled out a cup. The day promised to be boring... as usual, anyway.

Suddenly her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. She froze listening.

With a slow step, she approached the door and pressed her ear to the cool wood. Again someone knocked, this time harder and more impatiently.

- Open up! - he knocked - I know you're there! - slammed his fist on the door.

Amanda looked fearfully at the door frame and saw that the plaster had cracked slightly from the insistent attempts of the stranger to get inside.

Knocking, or rather banging on her door, however, was not enough for him. He started ringing the doorbell. This, too, was not part of a gentle attempt to get inside.

He held the doorbell button uninterrupted. Amanda plugged her ears with her hands and finally looked through the peephole. She saw a hooded figure. She could not see his face. She was terrified and confused. She had no idea who could be tormenting her at such an early hour. It was bloody 6am!

As the persistent knocking and ringing continued unabated, Amanda's heart beat fast from a mixture of fear and anticipation. Suddenly she guessed who it might be. She expected that Julian Dillinger might be looking for her, but the speed with which he got her address and arrived at her door surprised her.

Taking a deep breath, Amanda slowly unlocked the door and opened it, preparing for the coming confrontation.

- What do you want and how did you get my address? - she said with a serious face.

Julian pushed open the door and stepped inside. Amanda almost fell over.

Amanda's eyes widened in shock when she saw Julian Dillinger standing before her, his imposing figure filling her doorway. The audacity with which he invaded her sanctuary sent a shiver down her spine, making her shake off the sudden invasion of her privacy. Squeezing the edge of the door for support, she muttered again a question tinged with fear and anger.

- What do you want and how did you get my address?

Her voice trembled with every word, reflecting the turbulent emotions swirling inside her. Unfazed by Amanda's hostility, Julian walked past her, his gaze never wavering.

When he entered her home without invitation, he offered her a self-satisfied smile that froze her to the bone.

- Well... - he replied nonchalantly, gesturing vaguely behind him, as if the means by which he had obtained this information were insignificant compared to his present purpose - that is irrelevant now - he shrugged his shoulders.

She stepped back and asked again.

- What do you want from me, Julian?

Amanda's voice trembled as she repeated her question, and her words were interrupted by the quiet clatter of her heels against the wooden floor. Despite her fear, she stood firm, unwilling to give way to the intruder.

He raised an eyebrow at her stubbornness, his expression unreadable under the shadow of hooded eyes. He walked further into the room, seemingly unconcerned with her agitation.

- I just came to claim what is mine - he replied coolly, with a hint of threat in his words.

His gaze stopped on her figure, assessing her with an intensity that made goosebumps appear on her skin. She felt a shudder and trembled.

- You belong to me, Amanda.

- I belong to anyone, Julian!

Amanda's defiant retort echoed around the room, bouncing off the walls and resounding in Julian's ears. His lips twisted in a mocking smile as he dismissed her protests with a dismissive wave of his hand.

- Your protests are pointless - he said, approaching her with a slow step - you are mine, whether you want to accept it or not.

As he approached her, she began to pull away from him.

- You can't have me! - she refused, meeting his stern gaze - I will never be yours! Leave me alone! Go away!

Amanda grabbed his arm, trying to get rid of the unwanted visitor. To her horror, his muscles tensed under her grasp, repelling her efforts as easily as if she were a mosquito buzzing against glass. She collapsed. In an instant, Julian hovered over her, crushing her to the floor with the weight of his gaze.

His smile turned into a predatory grimace. As he leaned over her, she felt his hot breath right next to her ear.

- You will soon learn that resistance is futile - he whispered, and in every syllable lurked the promise of pain.

Amanda felt defenseless against his superior strength.

Tears streamed into her eyes. The vulnerability evident on her face was a sharp contrast to the iron determination she had displayed only moments earlier. Julian's smile did not even twitch for a moment. He raised his eyebrow in a silent question, silently daring her to finally say something.

- Why me? - she choked out, her heart pounding in her chest slapping against her ribs.

She tried to remain calm, desperately searching for answers, which he seemed reluctant to give.

- Why did you choose me? - she repeated the question. Her trembling hands clenched into fists.

Julian’s smirk became even more pronounced as he processed Amanda's question in his head. He knew it was better not to say too much, as his words often served as a weapon in the hands of those who tried to manipulate him. Instead, he decided to wield his silence like a blade, cutting through her pleas for understanding with icy precision. He took a step back, allowing himself a moment to observe her trembling form.

The sight of her suffering filled him with a perverse sense of satisfaction, a hunger for control that could never be satisfied.

- You'll find out soon enough - he muttered reluctantly, and his eyes shone with a sinister light.

With this assurance hanging heavy in the air, Julian turned on his heel and headed for the door, leaving Amanda alone with her fears and unanswered questions.

She watched his silhouette slowly disappear into the dimly lit corridor. The tension in the air was palpable, thick with unspoken threats and secrets.

The anticipation of his next move made her heart pound in her chest. Each beat was a painful reminder of the precarious situation she was in.

Although fear gnawed at her heart, she refused to give in to her instincts, knowing that submissiveness would only fuel his dominance. Instead, she decided to gather all the information she could about the man. She hoped to find a way to free herself from his grasp before it was too late. With newfound determination, Amanda prepared for the coming battle.

Only time would tell if she possessed the cunning and fortitude required to outwit such a powerful opponent.

——

With a quick step, she crossed the corridor and reached the elevator and impatiently pressed the call button. She continued to look around terrified. Julian really gave her a fright.

- Fuck - she whispered to herself.

She entered the elevator and descended to the first floor. She left the building and started looking around again. She had the feeling that someone was watching her all the time. Suddenly she heard the phone ringing in her purse. She quickly took it out and picked it up.

- Hello? - she whispered. She cleared her throat and started again - hello?

- Miss McKenzie, please report to the director's office as soon as possible - she was greeted by the familiar voice of the receptionist.

- Oh, something happened? - she had no idea what was going on. It never occurred to her that the director wanted to talk to her.

Amanda was overwhelmed by a wave of confusion, and her mind began to work at a higher speed. She began to suspect that it might be about the consequences of Julian Dillinger's sudden appearance in her life.

- I will not answer your question. See you later - she hung up.

- What a... ugh... - Amanda tucked the phone into her purse and headed toward the office building where she worked.

——

As soon as the elevator doors opened on the right floor, she headed toward the director's office. The chill that had been squeezing her heart since her meeting with Julian refused to subside, intensifying as she approached her employer's office. Summoning up every ounce of courage she could muster, Amanda raised her hand and lightly knocked on the polished wooden door.

She did not immediately hear an answer. Only after a while did she hear a quiet voice.

- Please come in.

- Miss McKenzie, it has come to my attention that you have spoken to our number one enemy - the director spoke up. He had no intention of playing "good morning" or "nice to see you."

Amanda swallowed her saliva loudly and looked shocked at her employer. She was completely clobbered.

- Ms. McKenzie, please respond. We don't have all day to do this.

- Emm... I don't understand... where did you... - she started slightly chaotically.

The director slid his glasses down to the tip of his nose and pointed a finger at her.

- You spoke last night with the owner of Dillinger Technologies. How do I know that? It doesn't matter now. Please answer why and what you are talking to Julian Dillinger about? If I do not get an answer to this question, you will be fired immediately. The choice is yours, Ms. McKenzie - the director reached for the coffee mug that stood next to him and sipped without taking his eyes off her - I'm waiting, believe me. I don't have all day.

- I... I... so honestly... he started talking to me. He approached me... invited me to join him... and what we talked about... hmm... he wasn't even interested in what my name was. Mr. Director, it was just... emm... sex - she looked at the ceiling. She was unable to look him in the eye.

- I understand. I mean, I don't understand. What I have learned now... for this moment is enough for me. I hope you will not see Mr. Dillinger again.

- It didn't even cross my mind - she whispered.

- Well, please go back to your business and duties. Ah and one more thing. Does Mr. Dillinger know where you work? This is very important.

- No, Mr. Director. As I said. He wasn't even interested in what my name was.

- Good. Please go back to work.

Amanda left the office, closed the door and loudly let the air out of her lungs. The whole time she was talking to the director she was unable to breathe.

She was given a strict ultimatum, break off any relationship with Julian Dillinger forever or face immediate dismissal from her position at the company.

Despite the obvious consequences, she could not deny the magnetic attraction exerted by his personality, a force that promised both pleasure and danger in equal measure. For the moment, she decided to wait to see what the coming days would bring. But she would certainly have to be very careful lest, once again, someone report her to her employer about her actions in violation of company policy. In a word, it was a nice shot of adrenaline. Finally, her life was a little more interesting.

- Fuck! Fucking wonderful - she cursed under her breath again and moved toward her workstation.

As soon as she sat down at her desk, she got a notification of a new message. She reached into her purse and looked at the screen.

"I hope you like the flowers and chocolates - Julian".

Her eyes got as big as buttons. Her jaw almost dropped to the floor. She looked around to the circle terrified, looking for someone... she didn't know herself who. She looked at the desk and saw a bouquet of red roses and a box of chocolates from the most expensive candy store in town. She opened the chocolates and shoved one fully into her mouth to control the fear that gripped her. She looked at the phone screen again and re-read the message from Julian.

- So he knows where I work - she whispered with her mouth full - damn it - she shoved another chocolate into her mouth.

She started tapping out a message to her stalker.

"You damn stalker, I don't know how you got my phone number, address and information about my workplace. This is not normal. But thank you for the gift. It's a nice gesture - Amanda."

For a moment she waited for an answer, which did not come. But despite her growing impatience, she shrugged her shoulders, put the phone down on the desk beside her and shoved another small calorie bomb into her mouth. She set to work, trying to distract herself from the gnawing sense of anticipation that plagued her.

She answered emails, reviewed documents, and even managed to steal a few moments for a much-needed respite in the form of a cup of coffee. But as the clock ticked, her thoughts invariably returned to the enigma that was Julian Dillinger and the web of intrigue that was now beginning to entwine her life. However, even as she waited for his next move, she did not allow herself to be consumed by fear or anxiety.

Julian's reply finally arrived, but as an e-mail... it was some kind of a joke. Dillinger was making fun of her by even having her private email address. She hesitated for a brief moment before clicking on the new email notification on her computer screen.

"Darling, thank you, for your kind words and calling me a stalker. It's really lovely. You hit the spot. I am a master at this. I assure you that I will surprise you more than once. Let's keep our little secret a secret, shall we? Perhaps we can arrange a more private meeting, just the two of us. What do you think? I would be happy to discuss further ways to... increase your career prospects - Julian Dillinger (your favorite stalker)"

His words were laced with undertones that made her shiver. The reference to increasing her career prospects made her feel both concerned and intrigued. Amanda's hands shook slightly as she composed a balanced response, careful to tread lightly in the precarious dance they now shared.

"Your bossy nature certainly has its charms, Julian. However, I must insist that our conversations remain professional. My work is important to me and I would not want anything to jeopardize it. Perhaps we can explore other possibilities for cooperation that do not involve such.... delicate situations. Besides, the director already knows that we have had contact with each other. He insists that I must stop contact with you. If I do not comply with his request, I will lose my job - Amanda McKenzie (not a fan of stalking)"

She clicked "send." She went back to work, deciding not to write him back right away when he wrote something to her again.

This time she got a notification on her phone. She rolled her eyes and waited a moment to read it.

"Of course, dear Amanda. I apologize if I have caused any discomfort. As you wish, our future communication will be in a more... professional tone. However, I will have to insist on a face-to-face meeting. A simple coffee or lunch will suffice, nothing more. After all, business often grows through personal contacts - Julian."

- After all, business often grows through personal contacts?! What the… - she said to herself, accepting that further contact with him was inevitable. She prepared a carefully worded response to satisfy his desires while maintaining her own tenuous grip on reality.

"I appreciate your willingness to take my concerns into account, Julian. However, I think our conversations and meetings should be kept to a minimum. That is, don't count on us meeting whenever you want us to."

Julian Dillinger's answer came faster than she expected. The message said:

"Ah, Amanda, your restraint is admirable. However, I think there has been a misunderstanding. When I mentioned a personal meeting, I didn't mean business as usual. No, I meant something much more ... intimate."

A shiver ran down her spine as she processed his revelations, but she couldn't deny the illicit thrill that accompanied it. She took a deep breath and responded cautiously, trying to navigate this treacherous terrain with skill and subtlety.

"Your intentions are crystal clear and obvious, Julian."

His response was immediate.

"So you understand me, darling. Our relationship goes beyond the superficial trappings of business and pleasure. In fact, I think it's time for us to explore this bond again. How about dinner tomorrow night? Somewhere private where we can satisfy our hunger cravings unhindered."

His suggestion hung in the air and was inevitable. Amanda thought for a moment before responding.

"I think you promised yourself too much when it comes to our "relationship". Also, I think I was clear about our relationship. I should not contact you. I might lose my job."

She knew she had pushed Dillinger away, but the thought of losing her job seemed uncomfortable.

His answer was unexpected, leaving Amanda stunned by its content.

"Understood, Amanda. For now, focus on your work. But know one thing, our paths will cross again soon. Mark my words."

As much as she wanted to delve into his mysterious declaration, she knew it was better not to push. Instead, she decided to follow his lead, opting to withdraw gracefully. With a heavy heart and a distrustful look, she waited for the next chapter of their twisted tale.

———

Amanda finished her work late in the evening. She packed up her belongings and documents. She rushed to the elevator to ride it down to the lowest floor and leave the office building. She dreamed of going to her favorite restaurant and ordering a delicious dinner to go. She was tired and all she dreamed of now was a warm shower, food and some good movie.

She walked out of the building and stood as if she had been struck. In the parking lot in front of her workplace stood a shiny black Mercedes, and leaning against it was, none other than Julian Dillinger himself. He was smiling mockingly, like a villain planning something truly despicable. And so it probably was.

- You shouldn't be here - Amanda hissed through her teeth - go away, I might lose my job.

Julian pushed himself away from the car and walked closer to her. This time his smile was gentle, one might say eye-catching. And his eyes, stared at her with delight.

- Amanda, I would like to take you out to dinner. I have already reserved a table for us at this famous restaurant with a nice view of the city.

- No - she replied with calmness.

- No? - he raised one eyebrow, as if disbelieving her words.

- No.

- I don't understand.

- What don't you understand, Julian? You don't understand what the word "no" means, and maybe you don't understand that because of you I might lose the trust of my employer, and worse... - she looked him in the eye - I might lose my job.

He remained silent staring at her.

- Julian, I can't hang out with you. Last night was the first and last night we spent with each other. That's all I have to tell you - Amanda turned away from him and headed toward her apartment.

Julian stood motionless staring at Amanda's distant silhouette. Suddenly he moved after her trying to catch up with her.

- Wait! Amanda! I'm not done with you yet! This is not the end of this conversation! - He followed her with a quick step.

- That's the end of the topic! Let it get to you! - she replied without turning toward him. She quickened her step.

- And so I know where you live! You won't get away from me! - caught up with her and grabbed her wrist firmly, thus making her stop.

- Let me go! - she wanted to free herself from his grasp - it hurts! Let me go!

- You shouldn't defy me! - still holding her hand tightly, he pulled her towards the building where she lived.

- Let me go! - she tried unsuccessfully to free herself from him - are you crazy?! Let me go for fuck's sake!

Paying no attention to her protests, he entered the building and pressed the elevator call button.

- I do not agree to you entering my apartment. Let me go!

They entered the elevator, and when the doors closed and Julian pressed the floor number button, he let go of her wrist. Amanda no longer had anywhere to run. She stared at him with rage, rubbing her sore wrist.

- I'm going to get bruises because of you, stupid!

- Stupid? - he let out the air loudly and drew it in again.

The elevator stopped. He grabbed her hand again and pulled her down the corridor toward her apartment.

- Open the door - he said when they were already there.

- No.

- Yes.

- No.

- Yes, fuck! - he grabbed her purse and started looking in it for the keys. He found them - which one is it? Which one opens the fucking door?!

Amanda moved away from him terrified. She could see the madness in his eyes.

Julian looked at the lock on the door and the name that was on it. He started looking through the keys he had in his hand. He found the right one and opened the door.

- Go inside - he said in a calm tone this time - please...

Without taking her eyes off him, Amanda walked inside with a quick step. The door to her apartment slammed shut, echoing in the dimly lit hallway. The two stared at each other as Julian suddenly moved toward her.

His expression was tense with irritation and desire, and his eyes stared at her with an intensity that made her knees bend slightly. Without introduction, he threw himself forward, grabbing her around the waist and pressing her against the cold concrete wall. His mouth crushed her lips in a savage kiss that made her struggle to catch air, but she welcomed the attack, craving the raw passion that burned within him.

Their tongues fought a furious duel, intertwining like snakes in a struggle for dominance.

Julian's hands roamed freely over Amanda's body, tearing at her clothes. The buttons popped off her blouse, and the seams ripped under the pressure of his powerful grasp. Their frantic kisses continued, punctuated by murmurs of desire that echoed through the empty apartment. Each of his touches sent shockwaves surging through her veins, fueling her insatiable hunger. With a low growl, Julian lifted her legs high, positioning himself at her entrance.

His cock pulsed impatiently against her moist folds, impatiently begging to enter the heated cave that awaited him. Moaning, Amanda bit her lip and closed her eyes, preparing for the approaching tornado. Suddenly, he thrust forward with all his strength, plunging into her up to his testicles.

A scream broke from her throat, muffled by their lingering kiss, as waves of pleasure hit them like a tsunami.

Julian slowly backed away. The feeling of their slippery bodies separating sent shivers down Amanda's spine. His eyes focused on hers, filled with a mixture of rage and desire that made her run out of breath. With a growl, he slammed into her again, releasing another loud scream from her mouth, but this time she responded to his thrusts with equal fervor, matching his ferocity with thrust after thrust. Their bodies collided with each other. Each thrust sent electric shocks surging through her nerves, pushing her closer and closer to the edge of oblivion. Even so, Julian showed no mercy, pushing her harder, faster, until she felt the pain, as if he was trying to get through her. Suddenly something inside him snapped, his movements became erratic, unpredictable, chaotic as he rushed mercilessly toward fulfillment.

With a roar of primal rage, he lifted Amanda, higher against the wall, her legs wrapped around his waist as he continued to mercilessly fuck her. His eyes were sinking into hers, filled with a fire so intense that it seemed to burn the air between them. Each thrust sent tremors vibrating through her core, intensifying the waves of pleasure and pain that engulfed her closer and closer. At that moment, time ceased to exist, replaced by nothingness and endless ecstasy.

As if possessed by some sinister force, Julian's hips moved furiously, driving his cock deeper into her trembling, petite body.

Suddenly Amanda's world exploded in a burst of light and sensation as her orgasm swept over her like a tidal wave. Her screams echoed off the walls, mixing with Julian's throaty moans as he found his own release. His semen spilled inside her, hot and pulsing, marking her as his in the most primitive way possible.

For a brief moment, their eyes met, reflecting the raw emotion of their shared experience. In that one moment, they stood over the precipice, staring into the abyss of truth that lay hidden beneath layers of deception and lust.

But as quickly as it appeared, the connection dissipated, replaced by the familiar chill of distance. With a final glance, Julian withdrew from Amanda, leaving her panting and leaning against the wall.

He smoothed his clothes, smiling at the corners of his mouth as he watched Amanda recover. He felt the satisfaction of satisfying his desires. Amanda was an interesting mystery to him. However, he knew that it was better not to dwell on such things. It was unnecessary. He had other plans for her. He gave her a hand to help her balance on her feet.

She looked at his hand wondering if what had just happened was just to satisfy physical needs, or if it was something much deeper. Amanda hesitated for a moment before accepting his help. Their fingers briefly brushed against each other as she once again found support against the hard wall.

- Well - he muttered - that was quite a presentation of the apartment. I am delighted.

He led Amanda toward the living room, his gaze fixed ahead as he moved with ease through the space. Though his demeanor remained calm and composed, the energy between them crackled from the tension left over from their recent passionate encounter. As they entered the brightly lit room, he pointed to a plush sofa whose soft cushions beckoned them to sit down.

- We have a lot to discuss - he said quietly, his voice lacking any note of lightness - and I think it's time for us to delve into matters beyond mere physical satisfaction.

Julian Dillinger plopped down on the sofa, his eyes piercing Amanda's as he leaned forward.

- You're right - he admitted roughly - our previous meeting was... superficial, at best. Hmm... as if it lacked substance.

Amanda merely stared at him, silent. His thumb chalked circles on the armrest, and each turn reflected the whirlpool of emotions swirling inside him. But now, he continued, looking at her with calm eyes, everything had changed.

- Our relationship, that something that connects us, that goes beyond mere desire, has an element of complexity that needs to be explored.

Amanda swallowed her saliva hard, her heart pounding in her chest as she considered his words. She could not deny the sense of kinship that blossomed between them. Nor could she ignore the magnetic attraction that drew them closer and closer together. As if pulled by invisible strings, she sat next to him on the couch, their thighs lightly touching.

- Julian... I...

- Yes? - he leaned slightly in her direction.

- You know we shouldn't...

- Amanda, tell me what is in your head - he closed his eyes and lightly inhaled her scent. Suddenly he pulled away - all in all, yes, you are right - he admitted roughly - yes, we are doing something wrong... after all, we are enemies - he shrugged his shoulders, as if he did not care at all.

He reached out, gently caressing Amanda's cheek with the warmth of his hand.

- There is something about you - he whispered, and his voice was low and sensual, despite the seriousness of their discussion. His thumb drew lazy circles on her skin, sending chills down her spine as she leaned into his touch - I don't fully understand it - he confessed.

His gaze focused on her with an intensity that left her breathless and silent.

- But I know that our destiny is more than fleeting pleasures and stolen moments. We stand over a precipice that one of us can fall into or we can save each other - he continued, his fingers tightening around hers.

He leaned close, his lips brushing the lobe of her ear as he spoke softly.

- We will start tonight - he promised.

- What will we start? - she whispered.

- I want you to be more than just a lover to me, Amanda - he grabbed a strand of her hair and wrapped it around his fingers.

- Yes?

- Sweetest, I want you to be my spy in the company where you currently work. Well… - he laughed - I hope that soon you will work only for me - he nodded to himself - yes... I want to take over your entire corporation.

Amanda's eyes got big. She stared at Julian in disbelief. She couldn't say a single word, not even thinking of a whole sentence.

- You can't - she said in a barely audible whisper.

- I can, my dearest, I can do everything - he leaned over her and kissed her gently but deeply.

It was then that Julian Dillinger revealed his true intentions toward her and the company where she worked. Revealing all the worst. He wanted them to embark together on a journey full of danger and uncertainty.

———

@ladyjpm