#Feels like I blink and it's 2 am and I've drawn Nothing

[cartoonsbyandie]

A Black Org (Gin) Richard! And it's traditional art this time! Mostly. I did fill in the black areas and under-hat-shadow digitally.

[starsurfacemortalkombat]

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Regressor Lord Raiden w/ CG Liu Kang & Kung Lao

They spent the next little while mostly coloring and chatting, and of course cuddling. Raiden's picture was perfect!! Well, it was mostly just scribbles, coloring outside the lines too.

But it was the first time he had ever drawn outside the lines. And that itself was very important. Raiden usually fussy about his pictures needing to look nice. So he was probably very deep in his regression, an incident that has yet to ever happen.

Raiden seemed a bit sleepy. Not enough to get him to bed, but definitely somewhat tired. Most likely feeling almost exhausted after crying that hard. But Liu Kang and Kung lao knew toddlers. And while Raiden would go to bed if they asked, he'd probably get a bit fussy.

What was an activity that could tire him out? . . .

"What about a dance party?" Liu Kang suggested as Raiden finished.

Kung Lao pouted, "I am not done with my picture, mister."

"Dance?" Raiden asked, seeming interested.

"Yeah! We could turn on some funky music-"

"No one says funky anymore," Kung Lao butted it.

"And make a fun little dance!" Liu Kang continued, ignoring his friend.

Sometimes when Liu Kang was small, they'd have dance time!! So they had a small music player, mostly full of 80s-90s music. Raiden was incredibly good at dancing, so was Liu Kang. Little Raiden didn't dance much, but he enjoyed watching Liu kang dance.

"You wanna dance, kiddo?" Liu Kang asked.

"Blankie dance?" Raiden asked, he didn't wanna take off his blankie.

"I think blankie would love to dance!" Liu Kang agreed. Raiden let him go so Liu Kang could stand up, causing Kung Lao to fuss.

"You ruined my picture- I hope you're happy!" Kung Lao grumbled.

"Very much so," Liu Kang smirked, turning his music player on. "Okay, now we dance!"

Raiden was a very stiff dancer.

To try and help, Liu Kang danced his heart out. Some old 80s moves he liked doing sometimes that made others laugh. (It definitely got Kung Lao to laugh, mostly at him.)

But Raiden kind stood in place, his blankie wrapped around him. Smiling as he watched Liu Kang practically break it down. Kung Lao finished up his picture before joining Raiden's side.

"You know, your supposed to dance too," Kung Lao whispered to the God.

Raiden blinked at him before giving two small hops, looking at Kung Lao happily.

". . . I like that dance, that's a pretty nice dance," Kung Lao praised. "Better than Liu's over there."

"What?!" Liu Kang pouted, causing Raiden to giggle.

"Dance!" Raiden whispered, hopping again. It wasn't really a hop, he barely went onto his toes.

"Oh yeah, I like that dance way better!" Kung Lao nodded, bouncing himself. Although he actually bounced, compared to Raiden's tiny tippy-toe hops.

"You are being so mean tonight," Liu Kang crossed his arms, huffing, "So, so mean."

Raiden frowned, not liking Liu Kang's tone. Liu Kang had meant it in a teasing manner, but it made Raiden upset. He didn't want any conflict, he didn't want Liu to be angry, and he didn't want Lao to be mean.

"Lao, gotta say sorry," Raiden tugged on Kung Lao's shirt.

"What? I didn't do nothing!" Kung Lao pouted. Although he saw the tears that began to well in Raiden's eyes. "I mean . . I'm sorry for being mean tonight Liu."

Liu Kang smirked, sighing dramatically, "Well I guess I can accept this apology of yours, my friend."

". . . And I thought I've been spending too much time with Cage," Kung Lao nudged Raiden, earning a small giggle and a nod.

"Lao, getting sleepy," Raiden fussed, rubbing his puffy, tired eyes.

"You're getting sleepy?" Kung Lao asked, receiving a small nod. "Come on, we'll cuddle in my bed. It's much more comfy than Liu Kang's bed."

"Wha- I wanna join," Liu Kang frowned.

"Let Liu join, pease Lao?" Raiden asked quietly.

"Oh of course I will!" Kung Lao gently hushed him. "I'm not that mean. Of course Liu can come join our cuddle pile."

"I'll get my blanket!" Liu Kang smiled.

The bed was not at all big enough to fit all three of them, especially with Raiden's size. But, somehow, they made it work. Three blankets on top of them, limbs smushed together. Bad bad feelings gone away, and a tiny baby sound asleep in bed.

Fujin was thankful he found him like that. He had been there when Raiden first regressed, tucking him into bed afterward.

The baby must have gotten out to see his two friends. Fujin had been looking throughout the entire sky temple to find where on earth he was.

At least he was safe. A small lecture might be done tomorrow, but probably not.

. . . Especially if Raien was still small when he woke up.

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Pt 1

[cherienymphe]

I am begging you

I’m literally on my knees

Please tell me that the reader tells Steve about what Bucky did

I just want to see how Steve would react

Please

Did someone say begging?????

Nah but I'll stop playing and put y'all out of your misery 😭

Steve all but had to carry you out of the gala, and you hated yourself even more for embarrassing him like this. He'd never voice it, the sweetheart that he was, but you knew he had to be. However, when he deposited you into the passenger seat of the car, squatting before you, all you saw was concern. His brows were drawn together, lips downturned as he studied you.

"Honey...what's wrong?" he softly asked, the same question he'd been asking for months.

You blinked at him with a shake of your head, and you didn't miss the way he pressed his lips together in frustration, his fingers fixing an errant hair.

"Nothing's-."

"You've never been a big drinker. In all the time I've known you, 2 glasses of wine puts you right to sleep..."

You looked down.

"...and now..."

He didn't need to say it. You were sure you weren't doing a good job of hiding the empty bottles, and you could only imagine what he'd say if he found your sleeping pills. You hadn't intended on downing drink after drink tonight, but now that the news of Nat and Bucky's impending divorce had gone public, the brunette felt no obligation to glue himself to her side anymore. He'd spent the whole evening with you and Steve, and every laugh had driven you to another drink.

It was so unfair. Keeping this from Steve was killing you, probably literally at this point, and you wondered if you were being a good wife or not. Because telling him would break his heart. Telling him would irrevocably alter him forever, but you knew that Steve would want to know the truth. You knew he'd want to know just what kind of person he was putting his trust in. You knew he'd get rid of anything that put you at risk without a second thought...but how could you even go about telling him this?

How could you tell him that his best friend, the man who was like a brother to him, was really a monster? How could you even begin to tell him that he'd raped you not once, but twice in your own home? The place that Steve had worked so hard to make your safe space? How did one even fix their mouth to say such a thing? Especially when you knew that Steve would only blame himself. You didn't want to see that look in his eyes when he came to the conclusion that he failed you.

"Is it Nat still? Has she said anything to you? Tried to approach you?"

His eyes hardened at the thought, and you shook your head, assuring him that that wasn't it. When the pictures had gone public of Nat and some other man at a restaurant, you were sure that no one had been more shocked than Steve. He'd been disappointed and angry that she could do that to Bucky, and he'd been confused when he'd noticed her distance from you afterwords, and that was when you had reluctantly told him the truth. That she'd never been your friend, only using you to make herself feel better. You didn't tell him how you knew, but her behavior only confirmed what you told him, and Steve hadn't wanted anything to do with her since.

He was under the impression that you were deeply hurt by her behavior, and it had stung when Bucky first told you, but it was no great loss. Besides, you quickly had bigger problems to cope with.

"I wasn't paying attention. I didn't realize just how much I had drank already," you told him with a shrug, words slurred.

It was a lame excuse, and you got the feeling that he didn't believe you, but he merely sighed. He pressed his lips to your forehead, lingering there for a moment before he strapped you in and closed the door. You leaned your head against the window as he slid in beside you, and you could feel his eyes on you.

"I know somethings wrong," he whispered in the quiet car, and you closed your eyes. "I know you like I know my own mind...and there's something you're not telling me."

"Steve..."

"I don't want to push. I really don't, but it's hard not to when I see you doing things you don't normally do. Things that worry me."

You didn't know what to say, and you heard Steve softly sigh. He started the car, and you felt him brush his thumb along your cheek as it warmed up.

"I just... I have to go on this mission in a few days, and I don't want to leave you alone. You're scaring me, sweetheart," he choked out.

You didn't intend to, but the drinks in your system had your eyes drooping, sleep desperately grasping at you. Again, you didn't know what to say, how to appease him or make him feel better.

"I might have to see if Bucky can check in on you while I'm gone..."

You snorted to yourself, a humorless chuckle leaving your lips. You hadn't meant to say what you said, the words escaping your lips so soft and jumbled that the average person wouldn't have understood them. Truthfully, you could've sworn that you thought it, but the alcohol and fatigue had made for loose motor skills and even looser control over bodily functions.

"Why, so he can rape me again?"

Perhaps if you were sober, you would've taken note of the silence that filled the car. It was the kind of silence you'd describe as still, the kind that was unnerving and uncomfortable and made you feel all tense even if you didn't know why. The way the silence stretched should've told you that something was wrong, but you were too busy contemplating succumbing to sleep or not.

"What did you say?"

It was Steve's tone that had your eyes peeling open. His normally comforting voice was hard, almost unfamiliar with the icy nature of it now. He didn't sound at all like himself, and that was when you realized something wasn't right.

You looked at him, and you took note of the way his brows were drawn together, jaw clenched as he waited for you to speak. He had turned the car off, one hand still on the wheel as he faced you, staring you down with a look in his eyes that you'd never seen in person before. His blue eyes held a storm, every negative emotion known to man taking root in them.

It was too late, but you realized what you'd said, and your lips parted. You sharply inhaled, lips trembling as you understood just what you'd done, what might happen now.

"S-Steve..."

If at all possible, his eyes grew even more crazed as he watched you blink back tears. You shook your head, trying and failing to say something, anything, to take it back because that look on his face was exactly what you'd been trying to prevent. The absolute brutality in which he'd slammed the car door shut after getting out is what you'd been trying to prevent.

"Steve! Steve," you called after him as you struggled to get out, tripping over your feet.

You'd barely taken four steps when Steve's hands were on your shoulders, forcing you back as he told you to get back in the car.

"Steve, no-."

"Get back in the car!"

Your eyes widened at both his tone, and the way he'd pushed you against the car. You'd never heard him speak like that. Ever. It wasn't his Captain voice that he occasionally used to show you how serious he was, but something different that terrified you. Your fear and shock must've been all over your face because Steve's face softened ever so slightly.

He shakily exhaled, gently running his hands over your shoulders in what was meant to be a soothing manner. He was taking deep breaths, and your fear waned a bit when you took note of the tears in his eyes.

"I'm sorry," he softly breathed, running his hands over you. "I'm sorry."

Steve licked his lips, taking another deep breath.

"Please, get back in the car. Please," he said, tone begging.

You nodded, allowing him to do just that, and you watched his face as he strapped you in again.

"Steve, what are you going to do?"

He didn't answer you, merely cupping your cheek for a moment, running his eyes over you before forcing himself to pull away. You watched him go back into the building, dread pooling in your gut as what you'd tried so hard to prevent came at you head on. You desperately wanted to follow after him, but you could barely even walk, and besides. You didn't want to see that.

You didn't want to see a century's worth of friendship come crashing down no matter what had caused it. You didn't want to see Steve fueled by anger and hatred from Bucky's betrayal. You didn't want to see him treat his longest friend like the enemy. That wasn't something you'd take pleasure in.

You honestly didn't know how long you sat in the car. It could've only been minutes but it was the longest minutes of your life. When Steve finally returned to you, your relief was short lived. He was quiet, quieter than he'd ever been. You wanted to say something, but you opted for swallowing down your words as he started the car.

You didn't like this silence, and you were the one to break it when you saw the violent state of his knuckles and hands. Your eyes widened at the torn skin and blood you saw there, a sob leaving you, and Steve quickly reached out to pull your face into his chest, bloody hand resting on the back of your head as you wondered what parts of himself he destroyed tonight.

[animeomegas]

I am sorry. I really am... but

I need more things about Hadrian!!!!!!!

Really can be anything!!!

I'm really sorry but I don't think I have anything else about him to share 😭 I've used up all my notes and I'm no longer working on the project, it was only for fun anyway, I never intended to complete it :(

I feel really bad though, maybe I can write something now, just a tiny scene... hmmm.... maybe something from Book 2?

warnings: derogatory phrases, but not said directly to anyone.

...

You sorely wished you could just leave the door to your room closed, but despite how hospitable Hadrian's brother had been with you, you knew better than to try your luck antagonising a royal on their territory.

"Come in," you grumbled, not getting up from your bed.

The door opened and Hale walked in, being guided by a servant.

"Have you spoken to Hadrian?" he asked, cutting directly to the chase. He'd got better at that over the last few weeks when he realised how much the flowery talking around things nonsense had got on your nerves.

"Yes," you said simply, staring at the ceiling. "And believe me, we have nothing left to talk about."

"You are getting married in six days, you have plenty to discuss," Hale replied, voice harsh.

You immediately flared up at his tone, all the frustration from your earlier conversation with Hadrian flooding back.

"Don't you fucking dare talk to me like that, prince or not! I'm doing you all a favour even sticking around! What do I care if the kingdom topples because people think one prince is a cripple and the other is a whore? I'm a pirate, remember? You're lucky I don't just leave, you wouldn't be able to stop me."

"Then what is stopping you?" Hale asked, voice so firm that you sat up and looked at him for the first time. Your eyes were drawn first to the white knuckled grip he had on his cane; he was angry.

"What?" you asked, feeling the wind being taken from your sails.

"You heard me. If no person in this palace is capable of stopping you, then why are you here? You scoff at the fineries of palace living, you have no desire to rule, Hadrian's children are not actually yours, and you know your way back to your ship by heart. What is stopping you?"

You blinked at him, grateful that he couldn't see the look on your face.

"Because I will not have you continuing to act like a prisoner with no free will, angry at the world around you, for a situation you chose to be in."

"I didn't choose-"

"Then get out of my palace!" Hale shouted suddenly, rage lining every syllable. "Get out! Because all you have done since you got here is make my little brother cry, after everything that has already happened to him and I won't have it any longer!"

You were shocked into silence. You couldn't have predicted this from the mild mannered prince. He didn't wait for you to reply before continuing.

"You will talk to Hadrian tomorrow," he commanded. You felt yourself bristle at the tone; you hadn't taken orders from anyone in a long time. "You will sort out your feelings and your desires and then you will decide if you will stay or leave. And if you stay, you better recognise that you aren't the only victim here, because I will not tolerate anymore tantrums."

"Leave me alone," you said in a rather pathetic attempt to gain back some power over the conversation. "I'm tired."

You laid back down and though you couldn't see Hale's face anymore, you could feel his rage.

"Goodnight," he said curtly, signalling his servant to lead him out. "You would do well to consider what I have said."

When the door clicked shut, you felt more vulnerable and confused than you had in a long time.

[squishy0823]

•Made in Glory | Viktor x Fem!Reader

Part 6

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

Summary: Stepping back into your past was the last thing you ever wanted to do.

Warnings: Fighting, mention of blood

Pairing: Viktor x fem!reader

Word Count: 1611

A/N: Here we go!! We're getting to the good parts! I've also started a taglist! If you want to be added just let me know <3

-----

The golden gates of the city felt foreign to you. It felt bigger, or maybe you got smaller. The city was alive, more alive than the last time you were here. Tall buildings painted the sky as airships and people came from far-off places to see the city of progress. You dreamed one day of making a mark in Piltover, becoming something greater than yourself. But the mark you left was one you never intended to leave, so coming back to the city that turned on you, was filled with nothing but worry. As the sunset over the city, you passed people walking home their jobs, heading home to their families. Your eyes scanned the people as your hood covered your masked face. You didn’t know how well the enforcers were with keeping up with criminals who had escaped Piltover. When two enforcers walked past you, you lowered your head even more and tried to avoid them. You stopped once, a poster on one of the brick walls, it was of Jayce. It seemed as if time never got to the young man as he looked almost exactly the same.

At that moment you made it your mission to not get seen by anyone on the council, Jayce, or Viktor. You couldn’t risk anything.

Once safely away from the crowds, you found yourself drawn to the Academy. The power was coming from there, you could feel it crawling in your skin. Enforcers guarded the grounds like their lives depended on it, you took a wild guess because you knew the council was inside and so was Hextech. The wonderful creation of Jayce and Viktor, using Arcane magic.

“Hextech could kill, it’s magic. Why am I any different from that?”

“Those boys can control the technology for Hextech! You, however, cannot be controlled.”

You blinked as the memory of the last day came back to you. Swallowing your fears, you snuck into the back gate of the academy. You watched carefully at the movements of the guards and made a quick and smooth dash when you did. You always knew the guards at the academy were the worst, having your fair share of sneaking in and out in your younger years as a student. Once hidden in a bush, and the guards around the corner away from your line of sight, using magic, you started to scale the wall. You reached for the closest window, thankfully left open, and slipped right inside.

Upon your great stealthy entrance, you found yourself in a student's room, but the room was dark and empty. Slipping into the room, you quickly rushed to the door and slipped into the dark hallway. Light from a torch came brighter from around the corner, causing you to slip further down the hall, away from the footsteps coming your way. Although it had been many years since you stepped out on the grounds, you still knew it like the back of your hand. You quickly moved down the halls, watching and listening for the guards walking the halls. You drew yourself closer to the feeling of the darkness, or whatever it was. You were pulled to it like a magnet to metal.

You reached a part of the Academy that you didn’t recognize, a new lab, a new area. You stood in front of the door where you could feel the force the strongest. Glancing to the cracks below the door, the lights were off, the door locked. Lifting your hand, you let the soft hue of green spread across your hand as the locks on the door clicked open. Grabbing the handle, you softly opened the door and looked inside. With nothing but darkness, the soft light of purple caught your eye. The strange feeling pushed you inside as you stepped closer to the light. Hovering over the table, you looked to the pages of notes that littered the desk. But your eyes went straight back to the purple magic before you.

It was distorted, runes of darkness, nothing good would come from this form. You had to destroy it. It pulled you close as it sent chills down your spine, this went against everything you knew about safe arcane. This was pure evil to you, and how someone did this, was beyond your knowledge. You reached forward, but you were afraid to touch it.

A sudden snap and clink brought you back as you heard a soft gasp from someone behind you. You whirled around before someone could hit you with something. You jumped back and slid on the polished floor, your eyes landing on the tall dark figure. He pulled his arm down again and tried to hit you with what looked like a wrench. You quickly pulled back again as he took a few more swings, you taking a step back with each swing as he missed a few more times. You could see the dark eyes glare at you in the darkness as you sighed in frustration. When he brought his hand up again, you pumped both of your hands downward, your magic flowed down to your hands and formed a knife-like shield around your hands. Around you lit green as you took a quick swing at the figure, he too dodging your attacks like you did to him. His back hit the table as you brought your fist to his face, the sharp magic sword around your wrists, swirled as the green finally illuminated your attacker.

“Jayce?” You gasped under your mask. His eyes looked across your mask, unsure of who the voice belonged to. Before you could force the magic from your hands away, Jayce reached over the table and picked up another tool and smacked you across the face.

You stumbled back, the magic gone from your wrists. Your heavy mask fell to the ground with a soft clank as your hood fell from your head. You turned away from Jayce as you felt blood on your cheek. You spit the blood from your mouth as you bit into your cheek upon impact. You turned back to him before he could hit you again. Your eyes locked for a moment, his eyes wide in disbelief at who was standing in front of him.

“Y/n.” He gasped out as he dropped the tool. It echoed as it bounced to the ground.

Your eyes looked to him and quickly to the light seeping in from the hall behind Jayce. Standing in the doorway, leaning on his cane, was the man you thought you’d never see again. Viktor saw you, his eyes wide, mouth open just a little. You watched him, his eyes scanning you as you both took each other in.

“Y/n-“ he gasped out in a whisper. Your name felt foreign on his tongue, and you’d never thought you would hear him say your name ever again. “Wha-how…” Viktor stuttered after a moment. He limped closer, coming closer as the lab lit up as the two men stood next to each other, looking to you, as if you were a ghost.

“I hope my presence doesn’t make you uneasy.” You huffed as you tried to wipe the blood from your cheek with the back of your gloved hand.

“How did you get into the city?” Jayce asked quickly stepping forward. You stepped back, not wanting to get close to him.

“The same way anyone can.” You mumbled not looking at him.

“You’re here,” Viktor said, his eyes carefully watching you. You finally stopped and looked to him. Your hard eyes softened as you finally saw him in better lighting. He was so thin, eyes hollow like he was withering away before your eyes. He leaned much more on his cane, a heavier brace around his leg. You looked down, nodding to them.

“I’m here.” You said.

“Why?” Jayce asked. You looked up. His question didn’t make you feel welcome, and he saw that when you glared at him, your eyes narrowed. “Not that��� we’re not happy to see you. It’s just that, you were-”

“Forced out? Sentenced to death? Ran away?” You spoke with a harsh tone. Jayce and Viktor glanced to each other for a moment and said nothing. “I’m not back to shake hands and forgive.” Anger bubbled within as your face grew red. You sighed trying to calm yourself, “I’m here for that.” You pointed to the purple hex-looking thing on the table.

“The Hexcore?” Viktor asked looking to it on the table.

“Is that what you called it?” You questioned. “That thing is nothing but trouble,” you told them, “you have no idea what it can do.”

“And what can it do?” Jayce asked crossing his arms across his chest.

You shook your head, looking to the Hexcore. “I’m not sure.” You admitted in a whisper, shoulders slumped. “But I can’t let you poke and pry it.” You turned back to the two with a hard gaze.

“You can’t just destroy it!” Viktor protested, stepping closer to it. “We have yet to fully study it.”

You frowned. “You never seem to heed my warnings, do you?” Viktor looked at you in shock for a moment. You had warned him once before about studying Arcane magic, and it pushed you away from Piltover. “If you still have any bit of a brain, you will listen to my warnings and let me destroy it.” You warned again, stepping closer to the Hexcore.

Jayce put his hand out, placing it on your chest. You looked at his hand in disgust as you pushed him off. “If you destroy it,” his voice grew, “we might not be able to cure Viktor.”

[theethighpriestess]

VII: WAITING

Suggested Listenings/Songs Mentioned: Overstimulated x Jhené Aiko; Loaded Gun x 6LACK; New Apartment x Ari Lennox

A/N: Instead of writing a separate chapter, the prompt that you picked is in this one @heybriheyyy!

The sound of heels clicking against the black and gold marble floors of the hallway alerted Erik of Skylar’s arrival. The pair had agreed to meet in his office for lunch to discuss his date with O’Shea and other methods of therapy he could implement going forward. For this to be merely a meeting among friends, she was dressed to kill sporting an ivory turtleneck sweater and black pinstripe pencil skirt that hugged her physique in all the right places. On her feet were a pair of black Priyadora Louboutin open-toe sandals and her signature gold wire-rimmed glasses held their usual place atop her head.

She walked in and shut the door behind her, a silent cue for Harper to cancel his appointments for at least the next hour.

“First of all, you’re an ass for leaving her the way you did. I understand that you were upset at her for laughing, but you could’ve handled that so much better.” Erik dropped his head. Though he rectified the situation, he knew that there was no way he would be able to escape Sky’s wrath about how he reacted to his phallus getting caught in Shea’s braces.

“I fixed it!” he declared, throwing his hands up in the air in defeat.

“Oh I know. Disney, huh?” Her lips were twisted into a knowing smirk, much to Erik’s disdain.

“It’s not what you think,” he lied unsuccessfully.

“Oh it’s exactly what I think, Stevens. You’re falling for her.”

“I am not.”

“Then what do you call it?” He paused for a moment, avoiding her face at all cost. He was reluctant to speak because it was a question he had been asking himself ever since he dropped O’Shea off at home the previous Friday. Sky must’ve sensed his dilemma because her demeanor softened as she took a seat in the chair across from him.

“Ok, let’s try this approach: why are you so drawn to her? Is it personal or purely experimental?”

“Is it selfish to say both?”

“Not entirely. Elaborate.”

“I can say that I like her, but it’s the way that I like her and the reasons why that is a mystery at the moment. On a personal level, she’s incredibly smart and beautiful. She challenges me much like you do and I genuinely like being in her company. On a professional level, I’m curious to how each of her personalities react in a true relationship setting. I could use that information to possibly determine why her past relationships failed and ensure that it doesn’t happen again.”

Skylar listened intently as Erik explained before giving her insight to the situation.

“That may be well and good but the fact still remains that she is a patient and a colleague of mine. Are you prepared to completely cross that line or do you want to solely as a means of furthering your research?” She didn’t give him a chance to answer as she continued her lecture. “Furthermore, if you choose the latter, are you prepared to handle the possible blowback? As free as you are with your methods there is still the review board to report to and they will ensure that every step you take is well documented down to the flavor of lube.. and ETHICAL. Tread very softly. I don't wanna see you lose your license over some emotional bullshit that could easily be straightened out.”

“That’s actually the part that scares me the most. I need to figure something out and fast.” Skylar agreed before grabbing her bag.

“Well let me know what you come up with,” she replied as she began making her way out of the office, leaving Erik with his wayward thoughts. He pulled out his phone and scrolled through the text thread between he and O’Shea, chuckling to himself at their playful banter.

“What are you doing to me, Ms. Powell?” he spoke aloud with a sly smile, completely oblivious to the woman that now occupied his office.

“Dr. Stevens?” the young woman spoke, her soft voice causing him to lift his head. She sported a black biker jacket with blue jeans and timberland boots, her hair a curly mess atop her head.

“Yes, how may I help you?” he asked as he sat back in his chair.

“My name is Oya Ramirez. We spoke on the phone briefly the other day.”

“Oh yes, Ms. Ramirez, please have a seat.” Though her smile was bright, her eyes held pain. He could tell that life hadn’t exactly been good to her, but she was trying to make the best out of a bad situation.

“What brings you by, Ms. Ramirez?” he inquired as he sat up straight and grabbed a pen.

“Well, as of late, I've been having trouble achieving orgasms. I know what I like and I know all of the things necessary to get me to that point, but nothing seems to be working. I’ve scared off all of my usual partners because they say that my sex drive is too high and it’s unattractive, which I find absolutely ridiculous.” He looked up with one eyebrow raised, staring at her as though he’d seen a ghost. Everything she said was exactly what O’Shea had told him on their first meeting and he was starting to wonder if he were being Punk’d.

“I read this article in a psychology magazine about how you help women with that sort of thing and I was wondering if you could help me.” Erik couldn’t tell if it was fate or if God had a twisted sense of humor, but this was exactly the sort of thing he needed. He could use the treatment methods he used on O’Shea as a placebo to see if they would truly be practical enough to incorporate into his usual routine. Maybe leveling the playing field would also help him gain clarity of the O’Shea situation.

“Alright Ms. Ramirez, what are your kinks?” As she rattled off the list, he learned that she was a bratty lesbian looking for a dom to tame her.

“Well Ms. Ramirez, my schedule is pretty full at the moment, however, here’s my business partner’s card. She’ll be more than happy to assist you with your needs.”

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

“A business trip? For how long?” O’Shea pouted from her seat across from his desk.

“It’s only going to be a week, but in that week I want us to not contact one another. Instead, I want you to try and implement other methods to destress.”

“Did I do something? Was it something I said?” Buttercup begged in a tone so pitiful it almost made Erik cancel the whole trip and cradle her in his arms like the baby she was. He could see Sky in the back of his mind shaking her head and he could hear her saying, "Unhealthy attachment. Transference." And this is exactly why I need to go. We both need clarity.

“I’m not abandoning you, Princess. Trust me, this time next week we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled program and I’ll even have new things for us to try.”

O'Shea blinked at the thought of something new and interesting brought in specifically for her, curiosity softening the blow of temporary abandonment. Afterall, it was only a week and she'd gone longer without attention. She could probably do it again.

The thought crossed her mind to call up Cameron or Michael, past contacts she'd usually turn to in moments when she needed something quick. Neither Bennie, Buttercup, or Bianca would be satisfied, but at least O'Shea would be getting something. However, just as soon as the thought came, it left again. They just weren't worth it, besides there was something sexy and a little charming about waiting. Maybe distance would make their hearts grow fonder.

“Okay, I guess I can deal with that. Just don’t be tryna replace me while you’re gone,” she fake pouted.

“Someone sounds possessive,” he teased as he lead her out of his office, his hands by his side as to not complicate things further. She merely smiled, and continued out to her car, trying hard not to let the bratty beast within her loose before their little experiment had even began.

“Not possessive, just confident. There’s only one O’Shea Powell, Dr. Stevens. Have a safe trip.”

With that, she slid into the driver’s seat of her Benz and drove off into the sunset, leaving Erik yearning to be in her presence once again.

Crushing the line // cutting the line // crossing the line// Bumps in the night // Got me over here overstimulated // Crushing the line // cutting the line // crossing the line // Bumps in the night // Got me, got me over here, over

The first day without Erik was quiet. O’Shea went to work and back home and curled up with a book to ease her mind, her Something Chill playlist playing softly in the background. Though she didn’t want to believe that it was her fault that Erik had left, that’s where her mind kept drifting. She tried to convince herself that their interactions were nothing more than patient/client, she couldn’t ignore the obvious. Regardless of what was going on, no one would willingly purchase a Pandora bracelet or any other token of affection if there weren’t some feelings involved. Could it be that he too felt what she was feeling and was distancing himself to put those feelings into clarity? If so, then why wouldn’t they just talk things out like adults? Separation only gives way to doubt and doubt ruins everything. O’Shea sighed and closed her book. This week was about to be a long one.

“Ade due Damballa, give me the power I beg of you! Leveau mercier du bois chaloitte. Seciose entinne mais pois de morte. Morteisma--”

“Girl, what the hell are you doing?” O’Shea stopped mid-chant and opened one eye to find Skylar standing over her, one eyebrow raised in suspicion.

“I was tryna bring my nigga back, damn,” O’Shea pouted, placing the Pandora bracelet back on her wrist. Skylar doubled over in laughter at the meek woman before her. Erik had only been gone 2 days and she was already acting crazy.

“First of all, stop it, you look stupid. That only works for the transference of spirits and you need the actual Heart of Damballa in order for it to work.”

“I keep forgetting you a wholeass Creole voodoo priestess in your spare time,” O’Shea remarked, pulling out her sketchbook to draw more prototypes.

“And you’re acting like a lovesick puppy.”

“I don’t know what it is, Sky. Like aside from the bomb ass head, I actually miss our conversations. He listened to me, made me laugh. Hell he was the first man in a while that actually cared about how my day was going and how I was feeling throughout the day. I know that’s his job as a therapist and all, but something about it seemed different.”

“Do you think you’re possibly starting to grow feelings for him?”

“Absolutely not!” Shea lied. In actuality, it was a thought she’d mulled over several times since their Disney adventure.

“Why do y’all insist on lying to me? Tell me what’s going on with you,” Sky said, pulling up a chair beside her. O’Shea sighed heavily, not really wanting to expose her true feelings, but Skylar wasn’t just anyone. She was a confidant and also a neutral source. If anyone could help Shea sort through her emotions, it would be her.

“I honestly don’t know how to explain it. Like on one hand, he’s strictly my therapist. Someone more than qualified to help me address my current issues and find and adequate solution. On the other hand, he’s Erik. An incredibly smart and equally handsome man that has put me in my place more times in the last few months than I can remember. I haven’t even laid eyes on the dick yet and I’m already acting like a prized poodle in the Westminster Kennel Club. When he says jump, I want to ask how high and that scares me. Instead of being turned off or annoyed by my little personalities, he embraces and nurtures them in a healthy way and I’m having a hard time distinguishing whether he’s this way because he genuinely wants to be or because, as a doctor, he has to be.” Skylar nodded, absorbing everything that O’Shea had to say before adding her two cents.

“So, I’ll ask again, are you growing feelings him? Before you answer, think about this: if you are growing feelings, are you capable of continuing a professional relationship with him if those feelings aren’t reciprocated?” O’Shea hadn’t thought about the fact that Erik may not feel the same and hearing it now had her stomach in knots. Skylar sensed her dilemma and continued her speech.

“Now I’m not asking this to scare you or to send you off the deep end with your emotions, but I’m being realistic. I honestly think you two need time apart so you both can get clarity of the situation as well as come to terms with whatever y’all are both feeling towards one another.

“He’s going to Wakanda for a week. He suggested that we not call or text one another the entire trip, something about finding other methods to destress.” Leave it to Erik to already be three steps ahead.

“Good. While he’s gone, I have a yoga class I think you’ll be interested in and we can go together.”

“Eww, I hate yoga,” Shea complained.

“You’ll enjoy this, trust me.”

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

The sunset in Wakanda was always the most beautiful part of visiting his aunt and cousins. It had been a few years since he’d visited the advanced nation and each time, something new caught his attention. This time, it was the customizations she had made to T’Challa’s Black Panther suit that caught his eye. She had added a stealth mode, meaning he could go invisible if needed be when he was in battle. His younger cousin never ceased to amaze him with her genius nature. One he’d gotten his belongings put away, he set out to find his aunt Ramonda. She was his second mother and if anyone could help him gain clarity of his current predicament, it was her. He found her seated in the floating tea room that overlooked the lush garden at the center of the palace. It was her one of her favorite places in the palace. She always came here when she wanted to get away and clear her head. She was adorned in a white Wakandan lace robe with a matching headdress.

“Auntie, can I talk to you about something?” She beamed, giving him a knowing smile before beckoning him to sit down beside her. She took his hand into her own and squeezed it gently, letting him know that he could speak freely.

“Tell me about her,” was all she said, noting the troubled look in his eyes.

“Who said a girl was involved?” She stared up at him incredulously before chuckling.

“You ask that as though I do not know you, N’Jadaka. You’ve checked your phone every 10 minutes since you got here and I can always read the trouble behind your eyes. Now, tell me about her.” He sighed, hating that he could never hide anything from his aunt.

“It’s one of my clients, I think I’m falling for her.” Ramonda chuckled softly to herself as she studied Erik. She could tell that the topic was a difficult one for him, noting the way he tugged nervously at a lone dreadlock that hung loosely in his face.

“Didn’t you say that you’d never get involved with one of your patients because it’s messy and unprofessional? What changed your mind?”

“I don't know Auntie. There’s something different about this girl. She intrigues me on a level that no other woman has before. She’s witty, and the culmination of her different personalities create a very interesting and sharp young lady," he smiled recounting the times her mouth had been quicker than he could anticipate.

"The man is asked to explain his attraction and he talks about multiple personalities," Shuri tsks making her presence known.

“Obviously I am needed! N'Jadaka!" Her hand clapped hard onto his back as she stood between him and the queen gazing out into the garden ahead.

"Figure out if she is an experiment, a patient, or a lover, but don’t use her to fill your emotional gaps. You’re a jerk if you do,” Shuri scolded before heading back towards her laboratory. "Thank me later," she called as she disappeared from sight. Erik stared after her for a beat before turning back to his aunt to squeezed his hand once more.

“She may be young, but she is wise beyond her years and she knows what she’s talking about. I can give you all of the advice in the world, but at the end of the day, it’s your decision to make. Lord knows we don’t want another Lynda situation,” the Queen concluded as she stood.

She stepped to the side and followed Shuri's path to the exit leaving Erik to gaze solemnly out over the garden and into the grand horizon. He thought back to his relationship with Lynda and how it ended, concluding with himself that O’Shea definitely wasn’t a Lynda. She was an enigma, but a goddess in her own right. She deserved someone that could give her his whole heart and love her as hard as he knew she loved. She deserved to be catered to and spoiled, but also disciplined whenever she stepped out of line; she was a submissive after all. She deserved a lover and a provider and he wasn’t sure that he could be all of those things for her, but he was more than willing to try.

“Dammit. I think I’m in love.” He whipped out his phone and called Skylar, remembering some things he forgot to tell her before he left.

“Wassup lover boy? Miss me already?”

“I always miss you, Nola,” he smirked, hearing her soft gasp at the nickname he hadn’t used since college.

“Real funny, Stevens. To what pleasure do I owe this phone call?”

“I know you don’t really do therapy, but I referred you to someone, Oya Ramirez. She suffers from the same symptoms as our bipolar beauty minus the other personalities and I figured she’d be a good experiment for you. She should be stopping by some time this week.”

“Oya Ramirez,” Skylar repeated, jotting the name down in her notebook for reference. “Got it. Anything else?”

“Nah, that’s it. I’ll be back in a few days. How my girl?”

“Oh, now she’s your girl?”

“You know what I mean. She doing ok?”

“She’s pretty good. We’ve got a yoga date tomorrow.”

“Yoga? She hates yoga.”

“There’s weed involved.”

“Ah,” he states with a nod. “I knew there had to be a catch, but yoga’s good. Good way to get her mind off things.”

“I’m well aware, Dr. Stevens. I’ll keep you posted on her progress.”

“Thanks, Nola. I owe you one.”

“You’re eternally indebted to me, Stevens. I thought we had this discussion already.”

“You right. I’ll make sure I bring you back something dope. Peace.” Erik ended the call and returned to his suite in the palace. It was a room he’d tried and failed to duplicate in his condo back in LA. The color scheme was black, white, and gold with a huge Alaskan king bed trimmed in black and gold in the center of the room. The walls were decorated with paintings of African and Egyptian royalty, including Queen Nefertiti and Anubis from Egyptian mythology. A large floor length mirror hung on the back of his bedroom door and his closet was its own ensuite. The floor was black and gold heated marble, the inspiration to the floor in his office and the ceiling changed to mimic the sky outside, no matter the time of day. He undressed and slipped under the covers, trying and failing to keep his mind from drifting to the current object of his affection as 6LACK‘s mellow voice filled the room.

I got women callin’ my phone like I owe them some’ // It’s kinda my fault // I guess I showed them some’ // No shit, I treat my dick just like a loaded gun // Point that shit away // These hoes gon’ blow what comes

He shook his head, smiling softly at the image of her little pout and the way her eyes lit up when he surprised her with the Pandora bracelet. He would give anything to see her smile the way she smiled that night again. The slight dip of the bed caused Erik to raise his head, only to drop it back against the pillow one he realized who the intruder was.

“I missed you too, Massika,” he murmured as the jaguar made her way up the bed and to her usual spot beside him. She purred softly, rubbing her nose against his face before settling down beside him. She had been his baby ever since he’d rescued her from poachers the last time he visited. Everywhere he went, Massika followed and he made a mental note to introduce her to O’Shea once they were official.

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

Today felt different. The sunlight crept through the large bow window, casting an ethereal glow throughout the bedroom. O’Shea woke roughly 20 minutes before her alarm, something that typically only happened when she was stressed. She stretched and said her morning affirmations before finally slipping out of bed, a small smile creeping across her face.

“Hey Alexa, play Something Chill.” As the device came to life, O’Shea retired to her bathroom and allowed Ari Lennox’s smooth voice to help her get ready for the day.

Pop my woo-hah in the sky // ‘Cause nobody here to judge my life // Leave the dishes in the sink // Do some cartwheels // “Cause my furniture ain’t came // Standard shipping thing // I just got a new apartment // I’m gon’ leave the floor wet // Walk around this bitch naked // And nobody can tell me shit

Since she was awake early, she decided to indulge in a relaxing bath with her newest bath bomb from Lush, called Royalty. The floral scent of the bomb permeated the bathroom before being replaced by a hint of vanilla and sandalwood. She watched as the water turned from a warm golden to soft red and green before slipping into the water. She loved how soft the soy milk powder left her skin, smoother than a baby’s ass fresh from its mother’s womb. After a 30-minute soak, she retired from her bath to get dressed, choosing to slick her curls up into a high puff while sporting a white, floral mini dress and a jean jacket. She felt good, a genuine smile crossed her face as she glanced down at the Pandora bracelet that rested in the center of her jewelry box for the past 3 days. She’d chosen not to wear it, fearing that she would be plagued with thoughts of Erik and be tempted to call or text him. Thanks to Skylar, the week had gone by a lot faster than she’d expected and he was due back home within the next few hours. A quick swipe of her Fenty gloss bomb and she was out the door, a newfound pep in her step.

The jingle of the shop’s bell pulled Shea from her sketchbook. She looked up to find a short, light-skinned woman coming over to the counter. Her hair was braided into cornrows and she wore a white cropped hoodie, blue jean shorts, and white Fila tennis shoes.

“Hello. My name is Oya Ramirez. I was sent here by Dr. Erik Stevens. He told me to ask for Skylar.” O’Shea regarded the young woman for a bit before walking to the back to get Sky.

“Oh Ms. Ramirez, Dr. Stevens told me you’d be stopping by. Follow me this way.” Oya complied, walking with Sky to the back of the store. O’Shea smirked, watching the way Skylar’s eyes followed every move Oya made until they had disappeared somewhere among the tall shelves. Once they were gone, O’Shea turned her attention back to her sketchbook. Since the dildo generator had been approved, Sky had tasked O’Shea with designing preset models that could be customized for potential clients that didn’t want to design their own tool from scratch. Just as she was getting back into her groove, the bell jingled again.

“Hello, welcome to —”

The cocoa skinned woman held up her hand to silence Shea.

“I’m Monica, where’s Skylar?” Almost on cue, Sky emerged from the back of the store with Oya, both giggling like schoolgirls. Once Sky’s eyes met Monica’s however, her smile faded.

“Baby!” Monica tried, attempting to throw her arms around Sky’s neck, but stopping once she saw the death glare Sky was giving.

“Oya, call me tomorrow with updates. O’Shea, take your break.”

“But I just got here,” O’Shea complained.

“I said take a break!” Sky repeated, raising her voice slightly to emphasize her point. Shea seemed to take the hint, leaving Sky and Monica alone in the shop.

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