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lemonlover1110 · 1 month

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𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

Toji Fushiguro & Satoru Gojo

[Chapter 1] The Ideal Woman

Story Masterlist

Pairing: Toji Fushiguro x f!Reader x Satoru Gojo

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*So excited to share with y'all, very Toji heavy first chapter but remember this is a love triangle

Toji has never been more miserable before. The man should be happy, he should be thrilled for his best friend, but he’s not. He’s never been the biggest fan of engagement parties, but this is just another level of discomfort. Spoiled brat Satoru Gojo always gets what he wants, and what irks Toji the most is that what Satoru gets is never something the average man can come close to achieve.

Satoru has the perfect job, great looks, charisma, talent, money, and the one that pisses off Toji the most, the perfect woman. Satoru’s girlfriend– Well, now fiancée, is the woman of every man’s dreams. At least the woman of Toji’s dreams.

Toji has never felt jealousy like this. Toji’s unlucky, he knows so, and he’s felt jealousy hundreds of times before, but never like this. He’s green with envy because he should be the one to hold your hand and parade you around as his fiancée, not Satoru. Satoru already has everything a man wishes for, couldn’t he have left you alone?

Satoru is just too greedy, he has to take everything for himself, and Toji slowly begins to resent him. Toji clenches his jaw, watching a very proud Satoru gloat about you and about the perfect proposal that he made last month. He makes sure to emphasize just how expensive it all was but without actually mentioning any prices.

“Toji.” You call out his name, breaking him from his thread of endless thoughts. He’s startled when he sees you, rightfully so. You sprung on him out of nowhere, not that he minds. You chuckle before asking, “Why are you here all by yourself?”

“Just needed a moment alone.” He answers, and you smile at him. He smiles back at you, trying to mask his unhappiness and frustration. He looks at you over again, looking as beautiful as ever tonight. He swears you can’t get more beautiful, but you prove him wrong each and every time. He’s mad that he can’t tell you that you’re the most beautiful woman that he’s ever seen; a simple ‘you look good’ or ‘that dress looks nice on you’ isn't cutting it, but it’s the most he can say without sounding weird.

“You know, I’m mad at you.” You proceed to tell him with a laugh, and he raises his brows. He knows you can’t be too serious since you’re laughing, so he chuckles as well.

“And why is that? What did I do this time?” He asks, and you hold up your left hand, one that is adorned by a beautiful diamond ring. Toji nearly rolls his eyes, and he knows immediately what you’re about to say.

“Why didn’t you congratulate me on my engagement?” You both say in unison, however, he puts on a mocking high pitched voice, attempting to mimic you. He’s amused by the frown that comes into your face. You cross your arms, dramatically turning to leave him, but his hand goes to your arm.

“I thought congratulating Satoru was enough.” He claims, but he knows that isn’t the right response because you roll your eyes. “Oh c’mon–”

“I thought we were friends.” You point out, and Toji chuckles. He hopes that you aren’t all that upset, you should know that he isn’t all that great with congratulating people– Especially about something that he isn’t all that excited about. “I thought of having you as a bridesmaids but it seems you don’t care about me all that much.”

“My bad. Congrats on your engagement.” He says, and you scoff. Toji can drag this on for the rest of the night so you’ll stay by his side. He sees the eyes that are searching for you, waiting to congratulate you and talk about your future plans. But your back is to them, your attention fully on him.

“Congrats? If you were anyone else I’d say you’re mad about this.” You claim, and Toji nods in response. He’s being serious, he’s never been more serious in his life before but he knows that you won’t take him seriously.

“Totally.” And he sounds sarcastic. There’s no reason for you to doubt him, Satoru and him are like brothers. Granted, Toji is a much older brother.

The conversation shifts, and you get carried away. You seem to forget it’s your own party, people are looking for you but you’re joking around with Toji, talking about the latest romcom you’ve watched. He’s never laughed so hard before, but he swears you bring something out of him.

“There’s a sequel coming out, we should watch it together.” You suggest, and he nods in response. He would be a fool to pass up on the opportunity to spend time with you. And he won’t lie and say that he hates the movie that you’re talking about, because he also watched it and he found himself entertained.

You’re so engrossed with him that you’re shocked when you feel a pair of arms wrap around your waist. Your hand goes over your heart, your heartbeat going what feels like a thousand miles a minute. You glance back at your fiancé, who has a smirk on his lips.

“I was looking for you.” Satoru says, and Toji tries not to roll his eyes. He feels as if Satoru does it to show off. The bastard knows just how lucky he is, and Toji hates it.

“Sorry, babe.” You apologize, and Toji wants to chime in and tell you that you don’t have to apologize for that. Why should you? You were just talking to him, no harm in that. “But you were busy too. Too busy showing off, that you forgot about me!”

“I’m sorry, babe.” Satoru kisses your cheek, making Toji’s jaw clench. His chin rests on your shoulder before he finally acknowledges Toji, “How are you doing, man?”

“Bored.” Toji doesn’t really bother thinking of another response. Satoru is taking you away for sure, and Toji has nothing else to do there. “I’m leaving.”

“Aw, no! Stay a little longer.” You protest, and a subtle smile comes onto his lips. It’s nice to know that he’s wanted around by you. It’s tempting to stay a little longer, but he knows he can’t stay by your side. Satoru hums in agreement, of course he does, why wouldn’t he want his best friend around? Toji thinks about it, but you tell him something that makes his decision. “I want to set you up with my friend.”

“I–” Toji is a bit taken back by your words. Right… Why wouldn’t you want to set him up with a friend? He clears his throat before telling you, “I have to pick up Megumi. I’ll see you two soon, congratulations.”

Before you can argue with him more, he brushes past you and makes his way out of the house. You’re left to gather your thoughts before looking back at your fiancé. It’s almost as if he can read your thoughts, and he laughs. “You know he isn’t a big people person.”

“He’s acting weird.” You claim, but you won’t tell him more. You grab his hand, and lead Satoru elsewhere, going to talk to other people that are dying for your attention. After all, you are the ones being celebrated tonight.

“My mom wants to talk to you.” Satoru brings up, and you let out a sigh. You adore the woman, but ever since the topic of marriage came up, she’s been trying to plan her ideal wedding and pushing the ideas on you. Lately that’s all she can talk about, so it’s fair to say you aren’t in a talkative mood.

“How about…” You begin, and Satoru furrows his brows. It’s clear that you’re avoiding his mother, and he knows why. But how rude would it be to just run away like that? Especially since you’re hosting the engagement party in her home.

“C’mon, we’ll keep it brief.” He takes the lead, dragging you to where he last saw his mother. She isn’t there though, and you take it as your gift from the universe. You’re fighting back a smile as you look at him.

“Where is she?” You ask him, and Satoru briefly searches for his mom, but doesn’t care enough to walk around and ask where she is. He shrugs and a smirk comes to your lips before you bring your lips up to his ear, “Do you want to sneak away?”

“You’ve read my mind.” Satoru doesn’t have another reason to stay, and being around so many people has him overwhelmed. Sneaking away is the best idea that you’ve had so far tonight. You’re giggling like children while you run out of the house and into the empty quiet backyard.

“Why did you invite so many people?” You ask Satoru as you run to the sofa that’s on the patio. You sit down next to each other, although Satoru would argue that you’re almost sitting on him with how close you are– Not that he minds. You’ve done worse.

“What do you mean? They’re all people that you want at the wedding, if anything blame yourself.” He points out, causing you to glare at him. He realizes his mistake, and hopes that a peck on the lips will make you forget. “But you’re right, there’s too many people here.”

You rest your head on his shoulder, your hand going to his chest. Your eyes glimmer as you stare at the diamond that you’ve been dying to get for the past few years. It feels surreal that you’re one step closer to your goal.

“It fit perfectly.” Satoru comments, grabbing your hand and staring at the ring. He chuckles before confessing, “I was worried it wouldn’t fit.”

“Good thing that you know me better than anyone.” You respond, as Satoru lets go of your hand. Your hand goes back to your side, as his arm wraps around you.

“You know, no matter how much I get to know you, I still feel like I don’t.” He shares, making you perk up your brows.

“Well, I don’t think there’s anyone here that knows me better.” You answer, and Satoru bites down his lip. He’s not going to argue with you even when he feels otherwise. You’ve spent the past five years with each other, and Satoru’s mind goes blank when he’s asked about your favorite color.

You look up at him, watching how he stares off into the distance. You kiss him, causing a smile to come to his lips. His lips meet yours again, but instead of pulling away quickly, they remain on yours. He kisses you multiple times, he does it until you put your fingers over his lips to stop him. You know it’s a matter of a couple more kisses before Satoru loses control.

“Do you think they’re looking for us?” You ask him, and he looks back at the house. They most definitely are. But it doesn’t matter. He’s out here with you, and that’s all he wants.

You’re all he needs.

“We should go back in soon.” Satoru says, and you hum in response. However, you don’t make a single move.

“Give me a minute. I like it better here with you and only you.”

“You’re back!” You exclaim when your eyes land on Toji again. Everyone is leaving, but Toji makes a sudden reappearance back in the party. His eyes light up when he knows that you cheer up as you see him.

“Your boyfriend called me to come back. It was, and I quote, an emergency.” Toji does air quotes with his fingers as he walks over to you. You tilt your head to the side, curious as to why Satoru called him back here.

Realization sets in, a smile coming to your face, which confuses Toji even more. You grab his hand, leading him to where Satoru is. You correct him on the way there, “Satoru is now my fiancé. Get it right, Toji.”

“My bad.” He can’t help but roll his eyes since you’re not looking at him. Right, your fiancé. That bastard sure is lucky. You can call him out a million times for it, but he’ll still refer to Satoru as your boyfriend.

“There he is!” Satoru points out, stopping his conversation with one of his friends to redirect his attention to the star of the night. That’s what Toji feels like at least, especially after getting a message just as he was getting home. “Sorry about texting you to come back again, I just had something to ask and it couldn’t be over text.”

“What is it?” Toji sounds irritated, which he is. What’s so important that he had to drop Megumi off with the neighbor? Toji would rather be anywhere but here. He’s never really cared about the fact that you’re together, even when he has clear feelings for you. Toji has always felt that you and him act more like a couple than you and Satoru– but tonight, he’s reminded that you’re not together.

You’re engaged to Satoru.

“I had a question for you… And I didn’t want it to be over text.” Satoru says, and Toji cocks his brow. How important can this question really be when Satoru completely forgot to bring it up earlier. Toji doesn’t care to ask what it is, he waits for Satoru to ask the important question. Satoru has a cocky expression on his face, at least that’s how Toji views it. “Aren’t you going to ask?”

“You’re the one that has a question, I’m listening.” Toji barely hides his annoyance, but Satoru thinks it’s because Toji was asked to come back, which is only part of it. Toji crosses his arms, waiting patiently for Satoru to speak.

“I was talking with Suguru back and forth about it. In the end, we both agreed that you were the perfect best man.” Satoru shares, and it takes Toji back. Satoru might be Toji’s best friend, but Suguru is Satoru’s best friend. He imagined he would be asked to be a groomsman, but not the best man. It makes Toji furrow his brows, and ask,

“The perfect best man? Why?” Which isn’t the answer nor reaction that Satoru was expecting. Satoru doesn’t know what he was expecting, truthfully. Toji is a very emotionless person, he obviously isn’t going to weep in joy at the proposal, but Satoru expects some sort of reaction that is not this.

“Huh?” Satoru can’t help but reply. You watch the interaction, wondering the same thing as Satoru. Satoru’s friend leaves, not wanting to be caught up in the middle of anything. He trusts Satoru won’t do anything rash, but not Toji. No one in the place really trusts Toji for whatever reason.

“You have other options, and I’m not even your closest friend.” Toji answers, and Satoru laughs. Toji isn’t wrong. Satoru just finds it amusing that Toji doesn’t immediately figure out why he’s asking though.

“Don’t you remember, Toji?” You tilt your head to the side as you look at the man… Well, he obviously doesn’t. Toji looks puzzled, should he know? You look at your fiancé and frantically shake your head, doing a cutthroat gesture at him. Satoru has a mischievous smirk on his face, and you watch him lick his lips. He’s going to let it slip.

“Well, the night that we met, you were the one that introduced us because–” Satoru begins, and you feel your face warm up. You can’t let Satoru finish the statement because you swear you’ll die of embarrassment. Toji clearly doesn’t remember, and he doesn’t need a reminder.

“Don’t you dare!” You cut him off, but it’s too late because a lightbulb turns on above Toji’s head and he remembers the details. He bites his tongue, and mentally curses himself out because he completely forgot that– He probably forgot about it because he regrets that decision so much.

“I remember.” Toji ends up saying which makes you want to crawl in a hole and die. Toji sheepishly smiles before saying, “I guess, I have no other option now.”

“You don’t.” Satoru takes it as a joke, at least that’s what it seems when he lets out a laugh.

“Okay, now hug!” You tell them as if they were dolls, and both men roll their eyes. It’s not the first time you say this, in fact, you tend to do it a lot. But they always listen, and they lean in for an awkward hug.

“I swear she always wants to see us touching.” Satoru murmurs as he pats Toji’s back.

“Just make her happy, man. Prepare for marriage.” Toji responds, patting Satoru’s back as well. They let go and you’re almost jumping in excitement. Toji directs his attention towards you and asks, “Now why are you so happy?”

“I can set you up with the maid of honor! Oh you two would make the perfect couple.” You exclaim, grabbing his hand and dragging him away. It’s what you’ve been doing all night.

“Oh c’mon, I don’t want to.” He says, but he still moves his feet. “I don’t trust your judgment when it comes to setting me up with someone.”

“I know that you two will get along.” You claim as you lead him to your friend. She must be somewhere, but you can’t spot her. You bicker back and forth as you keep dragging him along. You finally come to a stop after five minutes, your hand still holding on to his wrist. “I guess she left.”

“Good.” Toji answers, getting your gentle hand off his arm. He doesn’t want anyone to get the wrong idea. The place slowly becomes empty, and the few people there are just staring at the two of you. He didn’t care earlier but now it’s easier to spot you. Toji clears his throat, “Go back to Gojo.”

“I’m mad at him.” You respond, and he wonders why you say it.

“What did he do now?” Toji questions, saying so in a very amusing tone.

“He reminded you how we met, it’s so embarrassing to think about now.” You reply and Toji bites his tongue. You aren’t wrong, he’s thinking of how wrong he was.

“Without me, you wouldn’t have met the love of your life.” He comments, and he can’t believe the words are leaving his lips. He just doesn’t want you to feel self conscious about it.

“I guess you aren’t wrong.” You say, grabbing his arm again so you can drag him back to Satoru. He’s the one that you can’t find this time around though, and you look everywhere in the house but he isn’t there. You end up in the backyard again, and even though he isn’t there, you stay outside.

“Where the fuck did he go? Did he leave without me?” You ask as you take a seat on the same sofa from earlier. Toji chuckles, walking behind you to take a seat near you.

“He wouldn’t. He’s probably in the bathroom.” Toji replies, before you sit in silence. He’s watching you as you’re looking up at the night sky, and Toji wants to look in the same direction, but he finds you more interesting to look at. Satoru really is so fucking lucky.

He thinks of what to say. Conversation flowed so easily earlier, but right now his mind is filled with regret. He thinks of what to ask before looking up at the sky as well. It really isn’t all that interesting, he doesn’t know why you keep staring at it.

He points up at a celestial body in the sky, unsure of what it is, “Is that a planet or a star?”

“Um…” You’re looking, trying to see what he points at. You have to scoot closer to get his perspective. Your head is hovering over his shoulder until you finally see what he looks at. “I think a planet, I’m not sure.”

“What’s the difference between them?” Toji asks, and you look up at him. You’re so close, and you don’t seem to notice; anyone that could walk by would get the wrong idea.

“Like… What’s the difference between planets and stars in general? Or from our perspective?” You respond, and he gives you an unamused look.

“Do you think I’m a dumbass?” He can’t help but answer, and you burst into laughter. Your laugh is infectious, making him chuckle as well. A sudden sadness comes over him, realizing that he’ll never get the chance to have you by his side– Not in the way he wants at least. But it’s okay, he’s happy watching you from afar.

“I’m sorry.” You wipe away a tear that escapes your eye. When the laughter subsides, you end up saying, “Actually I don’t know. ‘Toru is the one that likes astronomy.”

“Then why did you look?” He ends up saying, and you shrug.

“Just wanted to see if I could figure it out on my own.” You say. You realize how close you are to him, making you move away. Your face gets warm again as a question pops into your mind. It’s extremely inappropriate to ask, so you won’t let it slip.

You’re zoning out, staring off into the distance, which is easy for Toji to notice since his eyes are on you. He asks, “Is everything okay? You seem thoughtful.”

“If you weren’t married at the time, would you have still rejected me?” The words slip out of your mouth, and they make Toji’s eyes widen. He didn’t expect that question from you. “It’s nothing like that! I’m just curious because I do get kind of awkward when I remember it.”

“I mean, does it matter now?” Is the best answer Toji can come up with because he won’t risk the friendship he has with Satoru by answering truthfully, but he doesn’t want to lie to you either. Toji adjusts his posture before saying, “Think about it this way. If I hadn’t rejected you, you wouldn’t have ended up with Satoru. Instead, we would’ve had a messy affair, our relationship would be a fucking mess, you would’ve been stepmom to a stinky kid, and we probably would be unhappy.”

“You have to stop calling Megumi stinky! He’s so cute.” You’re quick to defend the child, and Toji laughs. “You’re right. Sorry for asking, it just hurts my ego.”

Toji doesn’t want to keep talking about it in case he says something he’ll regret. He waits a moment before mentioning, “We flushed his fish down the toilet yesterday.”

“Oh you’re awful, why are you smiling about it?” You call him out, not wanting to laugh as well. “Isn’t this the second time this happens?”

“My bad, I’ll get better at reading labels and not feeding the fish powder cleaner.” Is his way to apologize, but he shouldn’t say it to you, but instead to Megumi. It’s not like he knows anyway. No harm, no foul.

“Why did you put those two together anyway?” You ask as you stand up, heading back inside. Toji does the same, not wanting to be left alone.

“My place is a mess.” Toji answers, which isn’t shocking.

“Tell me about it.” You respond, and Toji is about to make a snarky remark back, but you spot Satoru immediately when you’re back inside, and that’s where your direction goes. You yell out his name, and run to him with open arms.

There’s almost a pout on Toji’s face when you hug and kiss Satoru ever so lovingly. He shouldn’t feel upset, so he tries not to. He looks away, reminding himself that you’re engaged to his very own best friend.

In the end, he’s wishing the best for the two of you, hoping that nothing bad happens during your engagement. He wouldn’t want you two to split, as selfish as he is.

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pluvialpoet · 7 months

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how to disappear

Summary: a reunion ten years in the making serves as a reminder that absence doesn’t always make the heart grow fonder- especially when history has a tendency to repeat itself

Pairing: dick grayson x fem!vigilante!reader

Requested: no

Warning: nsfw!!! (18+ MDNI), porn with plot, lovers to enemies, unprotected sex, implied breeding kink, choking, angst, minor barbara gordon slander (for the plot, I swear)- do not read if you are not comfortable with the warnings listed above!!!

Word Count: 12,874

masterlist

Light reflects off the crystals that hang from the chandeliers above, and like a moth drawn to a shiny flame, you bask in the warmth of their glow. For as beautiful as the crystalline teardrops twenty-two feet overhead are, they dull in comparison to the- equal parts blinding and mesmerizing, simultaneously gorgeous, yet gaudy- diamonds that dangle from earlobes, rubies that rest against décolletages, and the pearls placed upon dainty fingers in an over the top display of money, power, and status. It’s the epitome of wealth, and though meant to allure, you find yourself disgusted by the flashy exhibitions of greed and corruption.

Every smile is artificial. Every laugh is humorless and diluted. Any feeling beyond complete and utter misery is a hoax. Yet, they play their parts. Each and every one of them continues to mingle, boast, and feign genuineness, but it’s obvious what they are, even beneath their disguises, you recognize the vultures circling the fresh carnage of the innocent- with blood on their talons and a hunger that’s never truly satiated. Do they even know what they’ve done? Do they even care? Given a chance to make amends, would any of them take it?

Revulsion counters amusement as you watch the elite interact with one another. It’s pathetic. In a room full of affluence, not a single person knows pleasure beyond material possessions, and that’s an injustice in itself. Amongst thieves, you’re the honesty that rivals them all- and that’s a scary revelation, all things considered.

Taking advantage of the large crowd, you continue to bump elbows with the rich- literally- as you weave your way through the opulent mass. A tight-lipped smile is granted when you pass an older woman, and an even wider flash of teeth catches your attention from a man around your age. Mimicking the gestures seal your fate, damning you- even if only temporarily- to this game of confusion, a game in which approval and disgust are indiscernible. Having had years to grow accustomed to the tricks of this elitist trade, it’s almost impossible to recall a simpler time. Back when you still thought there might be a modicum of authenticity behind the action, back before you were close enough to spot the invisible strings controlling the marionettes, you believed- and even hoped- that you had it all wrong. There was a time, long, long ago, when you were desperate to believe that there was still some good left in these people, but you grew out of your naivety. Now older, and wiser, you won’t make the same mistakes you once made. Under the influence of optimism, your purpose became convoluted. Not anymore.

Without anyone to dissuade you from reaching out- to challenge you from swiping a few bejeweled tennis bracelets, engagement rings, or even one or two watches and calling it a day- a thrum of urgency spreads through your fingertips. It’s an impulsive electricity you can’t deny. Besides, it’s not like social dynasties would crumble if a few diamonds went missing. If only it were that easy…

Wealth doesn’t doom these poor, unfortunate souls, but their greed- coupled with the blood on their hands- paints a distinguishable target on their backs. If you look closely, it’s impossible to miss that they’re all cut from the same cloth. A hundred different reflections of the same privileged archetype imitate the same gestures, mannerisms, and movements to a tee. An amateur would operate under the guise of distraction- causing a small scene and offering their apologies before making off with their prize- but you’re not an amateur. Not anymore. Not by a long shot.

A few women- four or five, at most- nurse flutes of bubbling booze a few feet away. The sound of their laughter is a little too joyous to be feigned and when one of them waves a manicured hand towards a waiter, signaling another round of drinks, you start to put the pieces together. Perhaps, the ladies in your sights are the most genuine in attendance- even if they’ve lost themselves to their cups. Matching their demeanor is child’s play. Once equipped with a half-empty glass from a server on their way back to the kitchens, you stumble towards the group, plastering on the same elated- intoxicated- grin, and hope that they’re inebriated enough to be welcoming towards a newcomer. Masking the bitter taste of insincerity with a sip of prosecco, a greeting rises from the mix, but it never has the chance to come to fruition because a large hand wraps around your wrist- effectively halting your heist before it even really had a chance to begin.

You should’ve known better.

As you turn to glare at the idiot who dared to put their hands on you, your breath catches.

Two birds die from the blow of one stone, and he takes advantage of your stupor- finding that you’re more pliant in your daze- leading you away from the women you intended to rob, and into the crowd. More witnesses make it less likely for you to cause a scene. At least, that’s his logic, anyway. While it’s not exactly flawed, it’s not all that accurate, either, but for old time's sake, you’ll play along. His hold on you remains firm, and he reaches for the flute in your hand with his other, placing it on a tray and discarding the prop. Your surprise begins to morph into anger- especially when he pulls you closer towards him as the orchestra starts to play a tune. Remembering the steps forced upon you as a child is muscle memory, and you glare daggers up at him- though, they don’t pierce nearly as deeply as the blue of his irises.

“Nice hair,” Dick revels in your obvious frustration of being thwarted, his lips curling into a smirk when your frown deepens, and he asks, “I thought you were blonde, last I saw you?”

“I was,” For the sake of maintaining appearances, you don a phony expression of your own and respond with as much benevolence as you can muster- even though you’re filled with animosity- as he leads you through the steps of the dance. “And you didn’t have a five o’clock shadow,” You note, allowing yourself a split second to take in everything that’s changed since the last time you saw him, before pressing your lips together tightly with a huff.

“Things change.”

As if he needed the reminder…

Chance has never meddled in your relationship. Coincidence doesn’t exist within the realm of precision both you and Dick operate from. Everything has always been on purpose, calculated and planned, never left blindly to fate or possibility- which is why this meeting isn’t an accident. As if he can feel you about to pull away, he flexes his fingers against you, tightening his grip and holding you in place. Ten years later- ten years too late- he’s found you. Not destiny, not a fluke, but with his own intention, and you wish that he would’ve just stayed away.

“What are you doing here, Dick?” As you abandon your costume, your smile falls away to reveal genuine loathing as you force the question from behind gritted teeth. Still, despite your obvious disdain, he doesn’t let you go. “Last I checked, you were in San Francisco- and more recently, Blüdhaven. You’re not supposed to be here.”

“You keeping tabs on me?” His amusement contradicts your revulsion, and a shallow breath purges the threat of an outburst. Dick has always had a way of getting under your skin, of pushing your buttons and doing everything he possibly could to make you tick, but the sudden onslaught of such juvenile taunting fills you with a fire not even he can extinguish- not anymore. Despite his charming exterior, the steady flow of his breath, and the easy grin of confidence that was once impossible not to mirror, dampness swells where your palms meet, and you feel the rough, raised reminders that he’s kept busy during your time apart- that he’s evolved into a stranger despite how familiar he still seems- and you wonder if he can feel it too, if he can tell just by touch, that you’re not the same girl he once knew.

“I keep tabs on everyone who might get in my way,” Your eyes narrow accusatorially, and the corner of his mouth twitches. “You’re not special.”

“That’s not what you said the last time we-“

“Yeah, well, the last time was when we were teenagers, and a lot has changed since then.” Any attempt to remain cordial flies out the window when he dares to mention the last time- like it hasn’t plagued you for a decade. Not even he possesses the antidote to the venom your words carry, and he winces slightly as your rebuttal shakes. He clears his throat softly, the sound filling the lull where an apology should sound, and he takes a look over your shoulder before meeting your eyes again.

“Any chance I can convince you not to go through with whatever it is you’re planning?” It brings little joy to watch his smile dissolve into something more serious. His face hardens, and you notice lines and creases that you aren’t well acquainted with- unable to distinguish battle scars from the divots of age- and you quickly shake the thought away. Instead, you stare at him blankly, not revealing an answer. Though, he takes your lack of conversation as a reply, and with a heavy sigh, he shakes his head, “Yeah, I figured.”

He dares to express melancholy. Stunned by his nerve, after everything, not even shame or regret could rattle his courage enough for him to reconsider such a crestfallen expression, and the discouraged twist of his lips and the downcast slant of his eyes are so pronounced and dramatic that you’re unable to discern whether or not this is part of a ruse, or his genuine reaction.

“Did you think that would work?” Your skepticism is muddled with ridicule, a mocking scoff filling the line meant for his counter. It’s almost laughable- the nerve he has to look dejected by your questioning. To be fair, it’s been a while since he’s danced this dance- a routine once familiar, consisting of bite and bark, push and shove, before simultaneous defeat and victory- but he’s smart enough to know that that’s not how this works. “I mean what did you think would happen, birdy? I’d take one look at you, all grown and handsome, and reconsider my plans?”

Even in heels, he’s taller than you remember. He’s always been pretty- all mesmerizing eyes, slightly crooked smile, and sunkissed skin- but not even he was immune to the awkwardness brought forth by puberty. There was a time when he thought his shoulders were too broad, his ears too big, and the angular structure of his face too sharp and strong for a boy. It didn’t look right. Features that were admirable on their own, looked out of place on his face- or so he feared. You always thought he was beautiful- especially when he didn’t know it.

Now, Boy Wonder is all grown up, exuding confidence and oozing charm. He knows he’s attractive, but he doesn’t parade his arrogance- not anymore. His early twenties were a never-ending roller coaster of trying to find himself, his purpose, and where he fit into the grand scheme of things. Conflicted by right and wrong, tempted by lust and surrender, divided by good and evil, he’s had a lot of time to awaken from the grogginess inflicted by nightmares of freedom and liberation. Still, his eyes are just as mesmerizing, his teeth are straight- but his smile is still crooked- and he’s truly grown into himself. The man before you is a boy evolved- still a bird, but with a different set of wings. Robin is an old friend, a fond recollection of a different time, and though the stranger before you mimics the familiarity you’ve longed for, he’s not Robin, anymore- he’s Nightwing.

“Look, they’re anticipating for you to strike,” His warning is low and hushed, but even in whispers you’re able to detect his plea. Call it concern, or at the very least interest in serving justice as quietly as possible, but his timbre urges you to reconsider- if not for his sake, then for the sake of those around you. He really doesn’t want to cause a scene. “Security has been tripled, and you’ve grown sloppy-“

“Did you ever consider that the trail I was leaving behind wasn’t for anyone else but the one person I wanted to find me?” There’s no affection behind the way your fingers thread through the dark tresses at the nape of his neck. Without any fondness, without passion, or care, the action is mindless, meaningless, and merely muscle memory. There’s no repressed feelings you wish to convey, no animosity you’re trying to diffuse. With no hidden agenda, the gesture serves no purpose- except to unintentionally torture you both. Old habits die hard, and something undefined urges you to reach for him. He flushes, and the sight is so droll that you can’t bring yourself to stop. His lips part once, twice, three times, trying to produce an answer, but he’s at a loss. When you cock your head to the side, he tenses. “Of course, you didn’t,” You purr, and he clears his throat softly.

Dick’s no stranger to berating. He knows what it feels like to be chastised, scolded, and reprimanded. This exchange feels similar. The only difference is that you don’t raise your voice, your eyes don’t darken and you don’t threaten him- not with words, at least. If anything, the remark feels like a gentle rebuke, but the sting left from the impact of your insult brands him with shame. You’ve always seen right through him. Easily able to discern real from fake- truth from falsity- under both his domino mask and the hardened mask of his stoic expressions, you’ve always had a knack for exposing his most vulnerable self- welcoming his flaws, humility, and weaknesses to light. Even though he’s not the same kid he was when you first crossed paths, he feels just as naive and guileless as the boy he once once.

“You and the bat were never really known for considering every angle,” Spoken so thoughtfully, he’s almost able to forgive the verbal assault. As intended, the blow lands- precise, heavy, and unforgiving in the center of his chest- and the muscles in his jaw tighten with thinly veiled frustration. It seems, that in the moment he needs his voice the most, it evades him. He swallows consonants and vowels, a jumbled mix of letters that sit heavy atop his palate, and focuses on maintaining his composure- though, his steps are a beat behind and his footing seems, suddenly, unsure. You’ve struck a nerve. Whether or not you intend to wound, the damage is already done. Picking at scabs that should’ve scarred a long time ago cause his insecurities to bleed- a punch more lethal than brute strength and weaponry combined.

Blindsided by the truth, he feels utterly defenseless.

“Can I ask you something, Dick?” Your brows barely pinch together, your voice calm and steady as something softens in your gaze. Dick should know better than to let his guard down- especially when you lean in, and your lips brush against his ear, “If you’re the hero, here to save the day, does that make me the villain?”

“No, you’re not-“

“How about this, which is the lesser of two evils- knowing that you’re protecting a corrupted establishment because it’s what you believe to be morally correct, or taking back what was wrongfully stolen and returning it to its rightful owners?” As you tilt your head to the side, he hates the way that you look up at him through your lashes. It’s not a demure move. You’re demanding an answer, and a look like that- a look meant to allure, tempt, and bait- would have a weaker man spilling his deepest darkest secrets. With a sharp inhale, he reminds himself that the tricks up your sleeve aren’t new. He knows all of the cards you’re going to play- albeit, he’s unaware of the order in which you’re going to play them- and he won’t allow history to repeat itself. Purposely, your thumb caresses the back of his hand- the touch feather-light, but far from hesitant or accidental- and his breath hitches. Dick doesn’t undermine the small, sinister smile that threatens to spread into a victorious grin when he fails to answer your question. Perhaps, he doesn’t know the answer. Or, perhaps, he’s just distracted. Either way, your voice fills the absence of his own. “We’re not on different sides of a playing field, Grayson. You and I aren’t on opposite ends of a spectrum, we’ve always been right in the middle- dancing on a thin line.”

Prompted by the soothing symphony of strings, Dick twirls you- delicately extending his arm and leading you into a spin before pulling you back in- and it’s fitting, the push and pull between you so familiar it almost feels as choreographed as the steps of the waltz you’re dancing.

History repeating itself, just one more time.

“We both know you’re not here to turn me in, because if you were going to, you would’ve done it by now.” Your arrogance causes something to snap within him. Clarity comes rushing back as he breaks free from your spell. Without meaning to, his grip on your hand tightens.

“Look, I understand why you’re doing this, but-“

“No, you don’t.” Like a switch being flipped, your façade shatters- revealing a face so unbridled with emotions that not even a mask could obscure. He’s defensive. Tired of grappling for control over the situation, he tastes power as he parts his lips with a clever retort, but you don’t allow him the space to get a word in. “Did you know that last year, the city council held a vote to refurbish a few run-down parks on the south side of Gotham with the hopes of restoring the communities destroyed by violence, or increasing the GCPD budget?” The heat behind your accusation pokes and prods at his curiosity, coloring him intrigued. Admittedly, he’s not the most up-to-date on Gotham’s politics, but something this large shouldn’t have slipped under his radar- or the watchful eyes of those who swore themselves to protect the beloved city.

It’s deeper than that, though.

Your frustrations, however warranted, seem to extend beyond such an injustice. Between the lines, amongst all the words you haven’t said, there’s a decipher hidden in every twitch, gesture, and glare. From the way your eyes narrow, to the sharp exhale and tightening grip of your fingertips. To sweaty palms and clenched teeth, all the way to flared nostrils- there’s something just beneath the surface that he can’t crack. Too much time has passed for him to unscramble tacitness when he no longer understands the codes in which you speak, and, unfortunately, he needs you to paint a clearer picture than the vague abstract before him.

“When it came down to it, do you think that the citizens of the south side had a say in the matter?” Dick’s smart. He’s not just a pretty face or a nice body- he’s actually got brains to match. You know- deep down- that sooner or later, shapeless pieces will fall into place to reveal the completed puzzle, but you need him to come to the conclusion all on his own. It would be easy to simply reveal your motive, and while a straightforward approach may have been less complicated than the mental gymnastics you’re forcing him to perform, it wouldn’t have been as impactful. Dick needs to understand, and to understand, he needs to feel- the same anger, outrage, and upset you felt. “Do you think the people on the other side of the tracks were given a chance to speak in front of the council?”

“They can’t segregate who speaks publicly-“ The gears are turning- some slower, some faster, and others completely out of control as he struggles to make sense of your elusiveness. When the current song fades out, a scattered round of applause takes its place before a new song begins. Hardly anyone else is dancing, save for a handful of couples who look just about as miserable as you and Dick- without the coordination or grace, the two of you share. It takes him too long to jump to the conclusion, and you tire of waiting for him to put the pieces together on his own. He always did work better with a helping hand- though, the quality of his work declined greatly whenever your hands were involved.

“You’re right,” Your agreement further confuses him, until an additional explanation provides the last bit of clarity he’d been seeking. “But they can change the date, time, and venue of the meeting without alerting the other parties involved, parties that spent weeks building the foundations of a strong claim, and vote on the matter without them being present- subsequently, granting them access to funnel more funds back into their pensions.”

“That’s not possible,” His argument is backed by disbelief instead of reason, denial influencing his refusal to accept such an absurdity, even in spite of proof, and every ugly, undesirable, nasty feeling you’re not supposed to have swirls together in the pit of your stomach at his incredulity.

How can he still be so blind? How, after all of the evil that he’s witnessed, how can he deny the truth in favor of possibility? He may be a man grown, but he still lives in a delusional state of boyhood- where he still clings to hope and the prospect of good intentions even when the jury has already delivered a conviction.

“Why not?” You seethe, simultaneously demanding an answer without allowing him the chance to speak. Unfortunately, whatever’s been brewing amongst your insides finally bubbles over and your own reluctance to accept an outcome where he doesn’t justify your point of view sharpens the words at the tip of your tongue until they’re as lethal as any weapon. “Because good old Commissioner Gordon wouldn’t let that happen?”

It’s resentment- the concoction without a name- but it’s also envy, pain, and perhaps a bit of fear. At the very least, it’s petty, to bring her into this and force him to pick a side, but it’s been corroding your logic- eroding a place in your chest that’s been dormant ever since he last filled it with life and meaning- and you watch his demeanor shift when his lips part to defend her. You can’t bear whatever praise he’s sure to dole out in her defense, especially when she’s just as guilty as the rest of them, as far as you’re concerned. Before he has a chance to tear you to shreds with his ire, you interrupt.

“Look, just because the commissioner has a heart, doesn’t mean that the animals working for the force do.” Without any conviction, you start to claw at the mire on either side of you, closing you in. “It’s always been bad, but it’s gotten a lot worse.” He can’t argue with that. Worse doesn’t even come close to how downright doomed Gotham is now that someone’s poisoned most of the police force. The one group of people who are supposed to remain impartial to power and abide by the laws they’re sworn to uphold, have turned their backs on the people who needed them most, and the people hurting- the ones without flashy jewels or the stomachs for caviar and champagne- don’t have anyone looking out for them.

Not the way they used to, anyway.

“You don’t get to come here and lecture me about what’s right and what’s wrong, just because she asked you to.” Bittersweet tips towards bitter and a sour taste settles in your mouth at the suggestion that she had even the slightest part to play in your reunion. “You’re a few years too late for that, birdy.” This time when the song ends, you take a step back- though, his thumb brushes against the back of your hand before you pull away, the phantom of a silent prospect lingering even when the warmth of him is gone. Once, it was what you sought. He was what you sought. Years of desolation turned your desire for that same heat- tender touches and gentle caresses against skin- into favor of bleakness. You don’t regret pulling away from him, not as much as you did back them. This time, it’s warranted- a choice you make unobstructed by what you’re feeling, now that you know the outcome of what was fated to happen between the two of you.

“I appreciate the dance,” You swallow, your throat tightening with words you won’t allow yourself to say. Instead, a retort finds you, though it feels foreign as you speak it into existence. “Maybe we’ll do it again in a couple of years,”

Without waiting for a reaction, you head off down the same way you came, and this time, without any intervention, he lets you go.

The bathroom door shuts behind you, and the sounds of lively chatter and the hum of instrumentals fade away until you’re consumed by a silence so stark that it buries you. It doesn’t feel real. The soft tapping of your heels against the glossy marble floors cuts through the nothingness- even the slightest echo in the void registering as an alarm, coaxing panic and fear from the rusted, forgotten cells you banished them to long ago- and when you finally take a look in the mirror, you don’t recognize the face that stares back at you.

Your reflection is plagued by guilt, and haunted by ghosts of the past. Well, one ghost, in particular.

Running into Dick Grayson was something you’d prepared for. Since the day you last parted, you always knew that there was a possibility your paths could, and inevitably would, cross again. It was destined to happen, and you were doomed from the start. He makes you reckless. He makes you sloppy and distracted and forgiving. He makes you weak. Back then, before everything that drove a wedge between the two of you, you had a bit of a soft spot for him. He was the only other person in the world who truly understood the life you lived because he was living a different version of the same life. Both protégés, both headstrong and zealous- attributes recognized as both strengths and faults- and both dancing a choreographed routine in the shadows cast by the bat and the cat. The two of you were fated. It was only a matter of time before you started pulling your punches, and he started letting you get away.

The chase was always the best part- second only to the capture.

Still, it’s been years since he left. You’re not the same girl he once knew, and he might as well have been a stranger. More than a decade apart will do that to two people. For everything that’s changed, one thing remains the same- the chase and the capture are unavoidable.

With a shaky exhale, your chest tightens. Resting your palms on either side of the expensive stone washbasin, you attempt to focus on regaining your composure- but another heavy intake of breath punches your lungs. You haven’t come this far just to let him swoop in and gain the upper hand. You’re done pulling your punches. Flipping the golden faucet on, you allow trickling water to interrupt the unbearable silence that surrounds you- a lull so loud it sounds like buzzing static without the interruption of something mundane. With a few more deep breaths, in and out, you begin to fumble with the clasp on your clutch, opening the small bag to retrieve a tube of lipstick. The color has started to fade from your lips, and you use the moment of stillness to touch up your makeup. If nothing else, maybe your reflection will look less distraught with a signature swipe of dark red. You long for a sense of familiarity that you can control.

Above the trickling from the luxurious spout, the door squeaks- or perhaps, it cries- as it’s pushed open, revealing a mirage basked in artificial light and a custom-tailored suit. As your fingertips graze the fixture responsible for the steady stream of distraction, a thud sounds, and seconds later, the unmistakable click of a lock latching into place seals your fate. A wave of emotion- a tsunami of feelings- brings forth a myriad of everything, all at once. Just as you suspected you always would, you’re drowning- caught in a riptide of your past and present, finally merging in a deadly current that threatens to pull you below the depths of your worst fears and direful imagination. You swallow thickly as you close your eyes. It fills your mouth with delusions of saltwater.

This isn’t supposed to happen- at least, not like this, it’s not- but the one thing you’ve been running from has finally caught back up to you. Now’s the time to set the record straight. No more ties. No more draws. Tonight, the victory is yours- regardless of his intervention. He’s taken too much from you to take this too, and you’re done letting him.

“I already told you that this is pointless,” You don’t even look at him. Refusing to give him the satisfaction of meeting his overbearing stare. A swirling sea of darkening blue attempts to sail back to shore- pleading to find refuge within familiar comforts and intimacy- but you cast your gaze back to your reflection, focusing on fixing the corners of your lipstick and leaving him afloat. “You’re not going to stop me.” The promise is backed by conviction- though, you’re not sure if you’re trying to convince him, or yourself.

The muscle in Dick’s jaw flexes as he grits his teeth- forcing ivories to clench and grind against each other, creating a perfect, white prison to cage the words he wishes to speak. Stifling his emotions is conventional. It’s a routine he’s perfected through years of reluctant practice. Though uncomfortable and daunting, the void in which he sentences all that’s repressed is secure. It’s safe- if only in the sense that it’s familiar.

You’re familiar- rather, you were once familiar- but he can’t cross a bridge that’s been burned, molten ash still ablaze amongst the rubble, and expect to be welcomed back with open arms. Not after everything that’s changed. Not after everything that’s happened.

Not after what he did.

“I need a list of names,” The determination in Dick’s voice contradicts everything he feels inside. His face hardens- a mask, a shield, protection- and he stands a little taller, fixated on resolving the one problem he could actually solve. “Names of the officers involved in whatever this is,” He clarifies with an uneasy edge to his voice- like he already knows he’s bit off more than he can chew, but he can’t stop himself from going back for seconds, thirds, and fourths.

For all that’s changed, Dick remains the same. A phantom- a spirit, a memory, a ghost- of the boy you once knew disappears just as quickly as your imagination teases familiar red, yellow, and green. He’s not the same. You know it to be true, and yet, you find yourself distracted by glimpses and figments from a different life entirely.

“Grab a pen,” A scoff, an eye roll, and the gentle shake of your head, disbelief and credence existing in tandem- contradicting each other when your eyes finally meet his. “It would be a shorter list if you started with the people who aren’t guilty of committing some type of fraudulent activity.”

You’re not a bad person. Despite varying beliefs, you’re not evil. Mayhem doesn’t bring you joy. Confrontation doesn’t get you off. There’s little pleasure to be found in being the itch that people can’t scratch. You’ve never sought out violence or peril, and you seldom plan on causing either. Just like Dick- just like Bruce- you operate under a different moral code, but a moral code, nevertheless. Even if the only thing it provides is an excuse to justify why you do what you do, you still hold yourself to a standard. Unlike the vile, chaos-thirsty cravens that would happily light the match and watch the world burn, you’re selfless- bound to your morals, if nothing else.

What you do, the sacrifices you make- everything that you’ve lost and everything you’ve fought for- is fueled by benevolence. You’re in a position to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves, to speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves. The power to defend those who have had their rights stripped from them- those who have had their power stolen by greed corruption and profit- is in your hands. You’ll be damned if you let anyone stand in your way and prevent you from doing what you know is right.

Through the reflection in the mirror, you recognize the face that stares back at you. Gone is the fear and doubt that mangled your features unrecognizable. With a heavy sigh, you unclip the earrings that dangle from your earlobes- and the buzzing sound of static fades away completely.

You know what you have to do.

The sound of your heels against the tile might as well have been deafening in contrast to the silence that follows your remark. As you cross the room, your resolve sharpens. Dick Grayson has taken so much from you, you won’t let him take this, too.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me-“ You feign saccharine, your tone phony and filled with counterfeit regret, as you reach for the locked door handle, but Dick blocks the latch, stepping in front of you before you have a chance to wrap your hand around the lever. He knows exactly what buttons to press and genuine annoyance, anger, and frustration fill the space where your poor imitation of remorse once occupied. Through gritted teeth, you command him, lowly, “Move, Dick.”

“You know I can’t do that, sweetheart,” He says it so easily, with a sorrowful sigh and undisputed repentance, that you almost buy the sincerity he’s trying to sell. Unfortunately, for him, you’re not in the market for his misery. He’s a few years too late. Dick can turn his charm up to ten thousand- he can say all the right things and plead with his perfect crystalline eyes- but you won’t risk everything you’ve fought for for a few crocodile tears. You know, now, that you’re better than that. One way or another, you’re getting out of this bathroom- and if you have to go through him to do so, then so be it.

“And you know I’m not above fighting you, right?” He’s entirely unprepared for your snark, the bite that fuels your reply nearly nipping his sense of control straight from the palm of his hand. It’s obvious that this isn’t the same game that it once was, but something much more dangerous. “The dance wasn’t enough?” With your arms across your chest, you challenge, and he hates the way you’re looking at him- like your eyes are piercing straight through him instead of actually looking at him. If you bothered to look closely enough, you’d be able to decipher all of the blatant emotions he’s never been the greatest at hiding. One look and you’d see him- and his heart beating proudly on his sleeve. It’s why you don’t spare him a glance. “You still feeling nostalgic for old times? Because this feels awfully familiar, doesn’t it?”

“What are you going to do with the money?” He asks, fighting to keep his voice stern. His poker face was never the best- or, maybe you could just read him better than most people could. Still, as he stands before you, he grapples with his devotion to whatever this competition is. This clash will never see a winner- only two losers- and he knows it. You do, too- but unlike him, you’re not willing to back down without a fight.

“Give it back to those who rightfully deserve it.” He doesn’t deserve your honesty. He has no right to the truth, but you don’t have it in you to scheme an elaborate lie. However gratifying it might’ve been to feed him false information and watch him fly in circles, you’re too exhausted for mental gymnastics. Like clockwork, you give, and he takes- his stare narrowing, almost accusatorially.

“And who are you to decide who rightfully deserves it?” There’s an edge to his question- like he can’t fathom justice without his divine intervention- and it’s grating, the way he can make you feel so small, and worthless with a single sentence. His arrogance is astounding. Who was he to seek vengeance against Slade Wilson? Who was he to target Heartless? Who was he to sentence Tony Zucco to his death- by placing him behind bars, and granting other enemies easy access to the crime lord, which ultimately led to his demise? The self-righteous guilt trip nearly gives you whiplash from how fast it makes your head spin. He’s no different than you are- no better or worse, since you operate on the same playing field. He doesn’t get to act like he is. Someone needs to knock him down a few pegs, and you’re happily up for the challenge.

“Who are you to try to stop me?”

“Someone who knows you,” He replies, instinctively. “Someone who’s a friend, not a foe.”

“Hmm,” With a bitter laugh, your stomach churns- twisting, clenching, and swirling with swells of irritation, regret, and sorrow- and although it’s a familiar discomfort, it’s been years since you’ve felt the threat of splintering cracks, chipping away at the stone-cold facade of your exterior. Come to think of it, the last time you felt this way was when Selina had told you that Dick left for San Francisco. The reminder fills you with a bitterness you’ve long tried to suppress, and as it bubbles to the surface, so do all of the repressed thoughts and emotions that’ve haunted you for years.

For a moment, you ache- chasing forgotten remembrance plagued by wistfulness. Then, you burn.

“Friends call every once in a while, and if they can’t make it to a phone, they send a postcard to let you know that they’re still alive and well.” Vexation forces your eyes to narrow, the color of your eyes morphing into something much more bleak. With a heavy exhale- filled with frustration and a semblance of humility- you remind him, “Friends don’t disappear into thin fucking air without letting you know why- especially, after those friends, were always a little more than just friends.” There’s a darkness behind your eyes that Dick’s not familiar with, and a weight settles in the hollow emptiness of his chest before sinking deeper and deeper into the pit of his stomach. His jaw clenches and he swallows thickly- the tastes of bile, rue, and shame all indiscernible from one another as he forces them back down.

He knows you’re right.

While his absence was abrupt, it had nothing to do with any ill will towards you. There was never a falling out- no crossing a line of no return or being pushed past a point that shattered a shared fantasy. Though the bullet posed no real threat of death by passing through his arm- beyond the phantom agony of lead tearing through flesh, and the hot, wet feeling of crimson pouring from the wound- a part of Dick Grayson did, in fact, die that night, at the hands of the Joker. The Clown Prince of Crime set off a domino effect when he fired at the young Boy Wonder, inevitably altering the course of his life forever. Acts of violent intent seldom harm a single soul, and as if it were fated, you became another casualty from an attack that was never meant for you.

When Bruce fired Dick, he was angry. Back then, thoughts of hanging up the cape never, ever, crossed his mind. Back then, he was content with fighting crime alongside his mentor, and never really considered what would happen next- or if there’d even be a next, or an after. He felt betrayed, abandoned, and filled with cynicism. As selfish as it was, you weren’t even really an afterthought in the downfall of his life caving in and swallowing him whole. He needed time to heal- time to rebuild- and prioritize who he was when he wasn’t hiding in the shadows left behind by a cape and cowl. Years passed, and with time to reflect, Dick’s bitter resentment morphed into a new kind of devotion to himself, and the few that started to look to him for guidance.

Before the Titans, he never really considered himself to be a leader. He spent most of his life abiding by rules and plans- roles and paths- that were set for him by another. Had he been hungry for control before, his first real taste solidified an insatiable appetite for the very thing he felt himself deprived of for too many years. Though, he’d come to learn that there was an ugly side to the power he wielded. Some days, the responsibility felt like a burden, and others, he felt like his guilt and uncertainty would swallow him whole. He bottled up all of his doubts, packed them somewhere deep inside the closed-off caverns in his heart where darker demons haunted, and forced them elsewhere- out of sight, and out of mind, but never truly gone.

It’s not fair that, somehow, you’ve come to possess the key that matches the lock on his Pandora’s box. Every emotion, every feeling, and every thought meant to be suppressed and banished to a place where they couldn’t torment or harm him, refuses to go gently when one simple, magnetic look threatens to release them from their cages of skin and bone. The most daunting realization of all, however, is that he’s the one to blame- for everything.

For all of it.

Selfishly, he’s hoped for an ember amongst the carnage he’s created. He’s held onto some convoluted idea of hope that whatever was once alight could be reignited again if he fully committed himself to an apology, but he failed to acknowledge the amount of ashes he’d have to sift through for a hint of a spark. There’s too much disappointment, too much duplicity, regret, and time passed between the two of you for things to ever revert back to even a semblance of what they once were.

He looks to you now, and he sees it- your anger is a mask for your pain. It’s so faint he almost misses it, but your lip threatens to wobble. Beyond the wrath you try to convey with the narrowed glare of your eyes, he watches as thinly veiled yearning mingles with what’s left of the color of your irises- simultaneously faint, yet prominent to the only other person who knows what it’s like to push away the person you love. What Dick and you shared wasn’t love, but it could’ve been and that’s what you’re both mourning- what could’ve been.

“You and I aren’t friends, Dick.” He hates the finality behind your conviction. It’s so cold, and void of the warmth he associated with you once upon a time. A split second threatens to expose the façade, and you blink back tears instead of allowing them to fall- swallowing emotion and banishing it elsewhere. Feelings have no place here. Instead, you grit your teeth, clenching them together so tightly that your jaw begins to ache. He watches you struggle to commit to the act- because that’s what your rage is, an outlet for your passions- and as you take a step closer toward him, his breath hitches. “Now, get out of my way,”

Toe to toe, you meet his gaze, and no matter how hard you try to fight it, despite your best efforts to disguise what you truly feel, Dick sees right through you- recognizing the parts of you that you try to mold and shape into something else. After all, he’s your greatest weakness- and you’re his. You always have been, and he always will be.

He dares to move. This close, he resists the urge to reach out for you and never let you go again, but this isn’t about him. It’s about you. Hesitantly, he raises his hand, his eyes never leaving yours as the shaky tips of his fingers graze your chin with a tenderness you’ve sought since the last time you felt it. The air is tense, passed back and forth by sharp breaths and thundering pulses- intimate with warmth and affection that mimics that of a simpler time- and when his palm rests against your cheek, cradling it with such gentle endearment in the face of betrayal, you let him. Dick’s throat bobs, and he pours everything he can’t bring himself to say into such a delicate touch. Every apology he wishes he had the courage to speak aloud, every declaration of devotion he was too afraid to voice, and every inevitable truth he attempted to ignore lingers, and you can feel it- in every shy stroke of his thumb across your cheek.

“You’re not going to distract me,” A single tear merges with the pad of his thumb- a testament to your resilience, but no match for the broken, battered, beaten bond you share with the man before you- and your certainty begins to dwindle. There’s a string that ties you to him- an invisible thread strong enough to stitch the two of you back together when you should remain apart- but you’re destined for him, the same way he’s always been destined for you.

It was foolish to believe any differently.

“I’m not trying to distract you,” Barely above a whisper, he pleads, desperate to make you understand, “I’m trying to apologize.”

He hangs his head with defeat, his shoulder slumping forward as he peers down at you. He’s never known such cruel torture. Such sick and twisted suffering is self-inflicted. The past erodes his future, but he can’t stop himself from resurrecting his demons. Foolishly, he invites them to haunt him further- and you’re no exception. His tightrope is stretched taut, and it’s a long way down. How much longer can he balance between anemoia and actuality before tipping one way or the other? It’s insanity- repeating the same act and hoping for a different outcome- but Dick can’t bring himself to accept that this time won’t be different. If nothing else, the possibility that this never-ending game could crown two winners is enough for him to play the martyr, and suffer whatever repercussions might follow after barring himself whole. What more does he have to lose, if not everything he’s already lost, again?

It would be so easy to reach past him and turn the lock in your favor, granting your escape. Hell, with the way he’s looking at you now, you know that he wouldn’t even put up a fight. He’d let you waltz right past him, slipping through his fingers for the umpteenth time because he knows that this time won’t be the last. It never is. Visions blurred by uncertainty flash before your eyes- infinite possibilities, each with consequences and punishments, rewards and sacrifices- but the unknown doesn’t elicit the same adrenaline-filled excitement that it once did. Maybe because this time, Dick isn’t fighting back. Surrendering his shield, he abandons resistance- instead, entrusting you with the vulnerability that spills from his heart, blood crimson against his fingers as he squeezes it with each thump and thud- crumbling before you, and submitting everything he has to give to you. Even if he can’t bring himself to support your cause.

You lean in closer, drawn to him- the same way you always have been, and likely, always will be- and your palm hovers over his chest. For a second, it’s unclear whether or not you’re going to reach out for him or push him away, but when your hand meets the fabric that covers hard muscle, you know you’re done for- because in the same ways he’s willing to fall before you, you’re willing to fall before him, too. Over and over again. Repeatedly and infinitely.

“Well, you have impeccable timing,” Your reproach is close enough for him to taste. It wavers against his lips and slips past his tongue, allowing him to savor parts of you he hasn’t been allowed to indulge in for so long. There’s no mistaking the invitation of your reprover, and Dick’s palm rests against your lower back, coaxing you closer towards him as his nose brushes against yours. It’s dizzying, and your arms find their way around his neck to steady yourself when he rests his forehead against yours with a soft sigh. The irony of the situation isn’t lost upon you- even when the two of you have ceded to one another, you’re still fighting to see who will give in first. As if he’s come to the realization at the same time, a large hand- rough and callused, but soft and tender in the way that it trembles against your cheek with anticipation- encourages you to tilt your head back, and you follow his lead. You hold your breath as your lips part, and Dick surges forward, slotting his mouth against yours in a kiss that’s fueled by the release of years of pent-up longing, need, and want. The gesture is foreign, yet familiar. Reminiscent of the past, yet entirely new. Everything you remember and everything you’ve ever dreamed of merge together in this moment and bring life to what had only ever been fantasy before his lips found yours once more.

It’s exhilarating.

“I missed you,” The affirmation rumbles against your skin, warm with fervor and urgency, and it’s completely unnecessary- considering that each movement acts as a balm to soothe wounds of time, fear, and doubt- but he vows with each breath, relying on words to convey what his actions can not, and vice versa. Masks are off. Shields have been abandoned. Capes remain long forgotten at the door. This is no longer about duty or morality. No, this moment is about two people seeking confirmation for what they’ve always known to be true- that a love unspoken, but never absent has always existed between them. Two people- not vigilantes or heroes- two hearts, beating to guide the other back, are bare, open, honest, and raw without the theatrics of a chase or the pretense of a game. Surrender invites you to balance on the edge of a precipice, and you’re the first to lose your footing.

Desperation is an influence, and his lapels wrinkle with the severity of your hold. Through the haze of everything unknown, he’s the only thing that’s clear, and you reach for him- blindly, but intentionally- clawing at the fabric that keeps him from you. Clashing teeth and bruising grips don’t elicit pain, not when real suffering exists in the absence of the other, and you allow him to paint you violet, blue, green, and red with desire, becoming the embodiment of his want. Your only regret is that the evidence of this divine crime will eventually fade away to nothing more than a memory- another ache that will never dull, a moment so unique that it can never be replicated. As you rejoice, you mourn.

“Sure you did.” His blazer drops to the floor as you follow your script, hardly taking a moment to realize that the page you’re reading from is blank- without word or direction- as you venture into unknown territory. Even when you don’t mean to be, you’re combative. Even when you don’t want to be, you’re still on edge. This is different. This already feels different than before, and maybe it’s because there’s a lot more at stake now that both of you have already lost one another, but for as overdue as this homecoming is, something subconsciously prolongs it further.

“No, really, I-“ He begins, ready to mold rhetoric and force it to take on a form that would allow you to see just how much you mean to him, but that would make this real, and you’re not sure if you’re ready for this to be real yet- because if this is real, if this isn’t just a cruel imitation of memory like so many variations before or a concocted fantasy so vivid you can feel yourself shaking, then that means you can lose it all, again. Just like last time. Within your grip, one minute, slipping through your fingers the next.

“Don’t.” Fear sounds different when there’s a bite to it. It could almost pass as annoyance, if you’re able to keep your voice just steady enough, and he mistakes the command for irritation, rather than the timidity it actually is. Whatever you’ve intended and he’s interpreted gets lost along the way, and he takes a hesitant step back. It’s impossible not to lunge for him as he retreats, but you remain still- your breath hitching when he holds both hands out to you, surrendering his palms while he shows he meant no harm.

“Can I…”

“You don’t have to ask,” You silence his fears quickly, closing the space between you before you even realize that you’ve taken a step. This self-sacrificial eagerness to light yourself on fire just to keep him warm has always been one of your greatest downfalls, but a most ardent gesture, and with ash on your tongue and soot in your lungs, you strike a match the minute he begins to second guess himself. “Just pretend it’s like before.” The suggestion sounds just as unsure as you are, but with a heavy breath, you encourage, “Pretend that nothing’s changed…pretend that we’re still…” You can’t even bring yourself to say it, because the kids you were back then are gone. They’re never coming back. You can’t avenge them or try to seek vengeance for what they’ve lost. It’s over for them, but this is just the start of this new beginning for the two of you. “Just for tonight.”

He moves promptly, gathering the skirts of your dress in one hand, fisting the fabric- a blue so dark he mistook it for black, or perhaps it was, until his fingertips were close enough to paint the illusion with light, making it appear different than it was- without any regard for creases or lingering proof of your affair. Support rests at your back, his chest firm and protective as you lean into the rippling muscle, and Dick continues to illuminate shadows of the past with each touch- eager to help you forget all of the agonies suffered at his hands in favor of remembering glimpses of peace. He’s ready to give you more than just a taste. Now, he wants to gorge you with the pleasure he’s reserved.

His hands shake- not with hesitancy, but anticipation, and when you catch his eye in the mirror, you shiver. You’ve never seen a blue so dark it looks black- until now. Without warning, he mouths at your neck- kissing, sucking, biting, any part of you he can get his lips on- reacquainting himself with parts of you that were once so familiar, and you allow him to explore. Blindly, you reach for one of his hands, taking it in your own, and he begins to intertwine his fingers with yours, but you gently guide his hand where you want it most- and he lets you, following your lead just as impulsively. You jolt at the first brush of his fingertips between your legs, even though you were expecting it, and he lets out a few ragged breaths against the back of your neck. It’s paradoxical, the chills that contradict the flush of your skin, but this relationship has never really made sense before. Why should that change now?

Almost as if he’s in a trance, Dick is overwhelmed by the twists and turns of the evening, but the whiplash is starting to subside in favor of something much more exhilarating. He never thought he’d have this again. He believed moments like these to be lost to time, and he wasted years grieving memories he could never replicate, only to feel the weight of your body against his once more. It’s too much. It’s not enough. It’s everything he never knew he wanted or needed until it was stolen from him, swiped right out from under his nose by his own negligence. He won’t make the same mistakes this time. No, this time, he’s going to do it right. He’s going to-

“Fuck,” When you grow tired of his stalling, you force his hand, again. This time, when your fingers meet his wrist, you press your palm on top of his- coercing him to mimic the shape- and maybe you’re the one in control, or maybe he finally rises to the occasion, but with a newfound determination, he cups your cunt- a choked sound catching in his throat when he feels how wet you are. You briefly wonder how something so vulgar can sound so pretty, but you already know the answer- it’s him. It’s always been him. Had it been anyone else, the effect would cease to exist, but it’s Dick, and that desire- that pull that you can’t ever deny- will always bind you to him.

You can’t help yourself from rutting against his palm, and he presses himself further into your back, allowing you to feel the hard outline of his cock against your ass. The hand that isn’t between your legs rests on your arm, and when he tries to hold your hand, you don’t deny him. There’s just too much fabric for you to hold in just one hand and some of it drapes over his forearm, but you manage to keep most of it from obscuring his movements. It’s a strange angle, and both of you are fumbling to make it work, but you crane your neck in search of him, and he answers your call with an eager kiss. Your tongue caresses his, savoring the feeling and committing it to memory, just in case-

He swallows your surprised gasp when he nudges your panties aside and begins to circle your clit. With just a bit of pressure, a crease forms where your eyebrows pull together, and you untangle your hand from his hold to brace yourself against the counter. It’s been a while since someone else has touched you, and it’s been even longer since the last time Dick had, but it’s so much better than evocations of pleasure. You swear figments are tangible. Spurred on by the reaction his touch has coaxed from you, he’s torn between making the moment last as long as possible or picking up the pace. He settles on the latter, considering that if this is heading the way he hopes it’s heading, he’ll have all the time in the world to make it up to you, but right now, he’s on borrowed time. You both are. With the reminder looming overhead, he adjusts his hand so that he can continue to work your clit while lining up a finger with your pussy. You’re so wet, and warm when he curls his middle finger inside, and he can’t remember why he ever left in the first place. What persuaded him away from Gotham when you were always right here? Would you have waited for him? Would you have followed him if he asked you to? He supposes none of that matters now, but he can’t help but wonder…

He adds a second finger, and even though your body gives little resistance to the intrusion, you groan at the feeling. His fingers are so long, reaching that spot inside of you that your fingers are just too short to reach, and they’re thick enough for you to feel yourself stretching around him with each thrust- not enough to cause pain, but an ache that serves as a reminder that it’s been too long since the last time you’ve had him like this. You vow not to let another ten years pass before you let him have you, again.

He continues a steady pace, curling his fingers in such a way that sweat begins to glisten across your chest, and when a third finger threatens to join his others, you wrap your hand around his wrist- abruptly halting his movements.

“N-not enough time,” He doesn’t even get the chance to ask before you supply him with an answer, but he nods in understanding once you offer an explanation. He’s already reaching for his belt, unbuckling the clasp and roughly shoving his slacks down before you have a chance to catch your breath, and you’re grateful- if the speed in which he undresses is any indication of his own eagerness- that he’s just as desperate for you, as you are for him. Taking a moment to adjust your skirts so that you don’t have to hold them, you bunch them above your hips and lean forward, resting your forearms against the counter while Dick frees himself from his boxers, and when you look back in the mirror and catch sight of his cock behind you, you can’t help but swallow thickly.

He strokes himself a few times, smearing the pre-cum beading from his slit down his shaft as he prepares to take you. This doesn’t feel like last time. As he reaches for your waist and lines himself up with your cunt, this doesn’t feel like last time at all. This is new, and different and everything he’s wanted ever since the last time he had you in his grasp. This time, he won’t let you get away. With as much self-restraint as he can manage, you feel the tip of his cock against your opening, slowly splitting you open, and your back arches. Your own strangled cry prompts a groan from him he sinks into you, inch by inch until his hips are flush against you. You’re so full that you’re not sure if it’s too much or not enough.

“I’ve got you,” Dick assures, his grip on your hip tightening when he feels you struggling to accommodate him. He tries to be a gentleman. He tries to give you a few minutes to adjust- even though he wants nothing more than to take what’s right under his nose, what’s always been his- but his restraint snaps when he feels you begin to rock back against him.

“Move,” You command, and he doesn’t have to be told twice. With your permission, he’s happy to follow orders and obliges with a sharp thrust upwards. The sound you make is a mix between a sob and a moan, and his fingers flex against your hip as he repeats the action.

“I forgot…” Through clenched teeth, he confesses, and you don’t think anything of the admission, too lost within your own feelings to attempt to decipher his. Instead, he wraps an arm around your waist, offering thick muscle to serve as a buffer between your body and the stone he has you pressed up against- relying on intimate gestures to make up for words lost in translation. Even now, when you’re not on the same page, you still know. Somehow, you know, and he does, too. Every time. Without fail. Always. Your head rolls back to meet his shoulder, and your fingertips claw at the back of his neck awkwardly, with transparent desperation to pull him closer. Within reach isn’t close enough. Near is too far. With a muted gasp, you push back to meet his next thrust, and he hisses softly before elaborating, “I’m so sorry if I made you forget.”

“Dick-“ Realization begins to splinter the mirage of bliss, and you manage to say his name with enough caution to serve as a warning. You don’t want to think about the past. Not right now. Not when you can see your future so clearly in the foggy reflection of the vanity. He wraps his hand around your neck, encouraging you to bare your throat to him and he licks at the vein that calls out to him.

“I won’t let you forget, not this time.” He vows, bucking his hips faster and faster as you whine in his hold. In some sick twisted way, he loves that he’s the only one who has this power over you- that he’s the only one who could ever elicit such a reaction- and it’s a testament to how much the two of you care for one another; the influence both of you have over one another. “This time, I want to remember.”

It’s going to be impossible not to.

“I-“ He can barely get a word out with how good you feel around him, and he takes a breath before trying again. “I know you want to pretend, but fuck…I can’t.” Dick wraps his arm around you, guiding your back to rest against his chest, and one of his large hands splays across your stomach, where he can feel himself inside of you. “I really did miss you,” Somehow he manages to find his voice. “Not just like this, either,”

“I-I missed you, too.” You don’t seem certain, not with the way you stutter, but your reply is genuine. It only appears dubious because Dick’s palm begins to press against you, and you all but choke on your confession. He can’t help himself, but neither can you.

“I’m close,” He rasps, brokenly. “Shit,” His thrusts begin to falter, and his eyes meet yours in the mirror. “Are you-“

“Yes!” You yelp when his fingers start circling your clit, and he doesn’t relent, even when he feels you start to tremble beneath him. You’re overwhelmed by him, in the best way possible, and as eager as you are to chance your release, a part of you never wants this moment to end. “Dick, please d-don’t stop,” Your muscles grow taut, and when his thrusts lose their precision, you know that he’s almost there. “Just like before,” You encourage him, clenching hard when he bites your shoulder and your orgasm washes over you. “J-just like before.”

He knows what you’re asking for. He understands what you’re practically begging for, and in a fleeting moment of clarity, he catches a glimpse of the faded scar on your arm- his only regret being the fact that an implant still stands in the way of what he truly wants with you- but the thought disappears as quickly as it materializes.

A few seconds more and he grunts against your neck, pulling your hips to meet his and spilling himself inside of you. It’s even better than you remember and your body shakes with aftershocks of pleasure. Luckily, he’s there to keep you upright. Your vision starts to blur and the only sound you’re able to make out is both of you struggling to catch your breaths. With a heavy sigh, he pulls out, and you can feel his cum start to leak from you, but you’re too disoriented to clean it up. Instead, you lean forward, relying on the countertop for support as you hang your head and try to come back to your senses.

Dick leaves a trail of soft kisses down the back of your neck and his forehead is both warm and damp when it meets your shoulder, resting comfortably against your skin while he takes a minute to catch his breath, and these sensations- these tiny little reminders that he’s here, this moment is present and real- ground you. Where your mind is a mess, reeling with indecision, emotions, and thoughts you can’t yet process, your body is at ease.

As your eyes flutter shut, greedy gulps of air fail to satisfy your lungs, and you swallow thickly, allowing pressure to build up in your chest until you simply can’t take it anymore. Darkness saturates all that you can see, and you’re caught in a void- trapped, without any light to guide you back home. The gentle caress of his touch along your arm brands you, flush enough to make you burn with reminders of this fleeting moment- when embers of devotion inevitably fade into ashes- and you stiffen in his hold, not that he’s coherent enough to notice.

He seems to be in his little world as he tucks himself back into his pants and presses another gentle kiss to your shoulder before wrapping his arms around you. Violent delights really do have violent ends and it’s not fair that you let it get this far without thinking about the consequences of your actions. None of this would’ve happened if you just let yourself love him- without fear, without judgment, without regret- and if you had just been honest with yourself all those years ago, this mess would’ve never spiraled so far out of your control.

Whatever repercussion await you, you’ll brave. Regardless of what happens next, you know that you have to tell him the truth- even if it kills you. The thought is often more daunting than the action itself, but as you turn yourself around in his arms so that you’re facing him, you’re petrified.

“I’m sorry,” The magnitude of your apology isn’t supported by the handful of letters that arrange themselves as they slip past your tongue. There has to be a better way to express your remorse, but if one exists it evades you. Over and over again, the same words come to mind and it’s not fair that you know exactly what you want to say, but you just can’t find the right words to absolve your shame. At your inability to voice your regret, frustration overwhelms you. Your lips part, ready to divulge your sins, but only a pathetic, meek sigh comes out. Why is this so difficult? You know the answer, and yet, you play the part of the fool- leaning on ignorance as a crutch for what you can’t bring yourself to brave. He deserves it, doesn’t he? The truth- not something partial, but whole. Transparency is the only piece left of a nearly complete puzzle, the only thing keeping this tragic tale of two lovers who break each other’s hearts only to stitch them back together again from reaching its inevitably doomed end. When your lip begins to tremble, Dick reaches for you, pulling you into his chest and embracing you in a hold that’s absolutely suffocating. You don’t deserve his kindness. You don’t deserve his love or affection- his tenderness or his forgiveness.

You don’t deserve him.

“Me too,” He sighs into your hair, pressing a gentle kiss to the crown of your head before resting his head on top of yours. You can hear his heart- how steady it beats- and the sound rivals the racing of your own where it threatens to burst straight from your chest, and your eyes flutter shut, savoring the gentle lull of his own serenity before you poison his relief with your own disruption. No matter how much it hurts, no matter how difficult it may be, you know that you have to tell him. With a breath, you prepare for carnage.

“No, Dick, I-“

“Dick? Are you in here?” Barbara’s voice seeps through the wooden barrier that separates the two of you from the rest of the world- from reality- and as soon as she calls out to him, the illusion of tranquility is broken. Of course, it’s her. Of course, she’d be the one to interrupt you before you had the chance to speak, and of course, it would be her that drives a wedge further between the two of you with one simple revelation, “They’re getting away!”

It’s almost impossible to miss the sounds of commotion that follow her declaration. Faint screams and chaos replace the background of symphony strings and he turns to you then, a divot dividing the smooth skin of his forehead while his eyes narrow. Blue is black. Dark, and unmistakable. The muscle in his jaw looks like it’s about to burst with the severity of his clenching and his nostrils flare with a shallow exhale. It’s excruciating to watch him slip back into consciousness after being caught up in a dream, but a nightmare unfolds before you, twisting your stomach into knots so intricate they threaten to snap. You can’t breathe, and when you gather enough courage to finally take a step forward, he takes a step back. He’s never looked at you with so much hostility before, and you open your mouth to explain, to shower him with honesty and desperate pleas to make him understand that this wasn’t meant to happen like this, but no sound comes out. Not even a sigh. Not even a huff. Not even a pathetic, broken whimper. Nothing.

Unfortunately, Dick’s left to draw his own conclusions- to fill in the gaps in which your silence fails to atone for your crimes- and he paints a picture so drastically different from the truth, relying on his interpretation to establish a story so vivid he believes it to be real- even if it’s a figment of his own imagination, a product of his own devastation. Dispelled doubts come rushing back, and he allows them to influence the narrative- since you still can’t seem to find your voice- and everything left unsaid becomes louder in the silence. He mistakes your tears for guilt, instead of recognizing the regret and shame that mingle with saltwater. As gutted as he is, he looks to you for an explanation, but you can’t bring yourself to justify what you’ve done- even if it wasn’t your intention. Distracting him was part of the plan. Keeping him occupied was your mission, but confessing your true feelings and allowing yourself to fall back in love with him- not just the idea of what it would be like to love him- wasn’t part of your job description.

The second your paths crossed again, you were done for. It was never about seeking vengeance or getting even for the hurt that he caused you, because the minute that Dick waltzed back into your life, you knew you were doomed- because he makes you reckless. He makes you sloppy and distracted and forgiving. He makes you weak- and you let him. Every single time. Always and forever. Infinitely.

When he looks at you, he looks past you and towards your belongings on the counter. No. You shake your head, vehemently encouraging him to look away. If his eyes would just meet yours, if only for a second, you know you could save this. If not for the sake of putting broken pieces back together you could at least salvage fragments amongst the wreckage, but he doesn’t spare you a glance. No, no, no. His attention is solely on the expensive stone behind you, and when you reach out for him, your fingertips shaking as you grasp his bicep with all of the strength you can muster, he shakes you off of him.

Everything splinters.

When he reaches for your earring, you know that this is the end. It’s all over. A new moment will erase everything you thought you knew about pain, heartbreak, suffering, and betrayal. This moment, as it unfolds before you, will plague you until you meet your demise, because the second that he dares to bring the jewel up to his own ear, the exact moment that he hears Selina’s command through the gravely static of the earpiece you discarded earlier in the evening, you know that any hope for a future together vanishes- ripped straight from your fingers before you even had the chance to hold onto it and guard it with your life.

Even with his back towards you, you can see his face harden in the reflection of the mirror. Through the thin material of his crumbled dress shirt his shoulders tense and when he finally looks up to meet your stare through the glass, all traces of red, green, and yellow are gone. A piece of him- the piece of him that you’re most familiar with- dies, sprawled out and oozing across the marble. It’s too late to try to revive him. All that’s left in the wake of his slaughter is blue and black.

Blue and black, forevermore.

There’s nothing left for either of you here. Not anymore. Hope begins to decay, and the hollow hole in your chest that only he could ever fill begins to die from rot. Nothing will ever be the same. Not after this. Perhaps the final thought passed back and forth between a glare is the last thing you’ll ever share- beyond moments of destruction and beautiful chaos- but it’s clear to you both, that not all ghosts are meant to be resurrected.

Some ghosts should just stay ghosts.

a/n: hey, I’m raen and I’m down bad for this man lol…anyway, I’ve been working on this story for months. I literally poured bits and pieces of my soul into this (so if you wouldn’t mind interacting or providing feedback I’d be forever grateful) but I just wanted to write a tale of doomed lovers who care about each other in such a way that it leads to their downfall. I wanted this to hurt, and I hope it did- in the best way possible! I’m not above begging, so please, please, please feel free to send some feedback- as this is my first time writing for Dick and I would love to hear what people think! that being said, requests are also open! check out my request guidelines before submitting! and if you’ve made it this far, thank you so much for reading!

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writingoddess1125 · 4 months

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I just know Mihawk and Alucare would spoil the baby. I can see her being the princess of the family

Oh absolutely! Spoiled Rotten.

Princess of the House

As Mihawk is based off Dracula I've made him be Romanian 🇷🇴 and included more of the culture

• Dracule Mihaela

• The Jewel of the Dracule Family

• From the moment she was born, she had the whole family wrapped around her tiny finger.

• She couldn't even fuss without someone to come and wait on her hand and foot.

• It didn't help that she was also a cheerful and pretty baby, A perfect mixture of you and Mihawk.

• You getting so much time to rest and recover after giving birth to her since there where three people who took care of her in your wake.

• Mihawk only allowing you to be woken up or disturbed for feedings. Everything else was handled-

• It took you throwing a fit to be given your own baby back!

• "Damn it Mihawk! She came out of me- Let me hold my damn child!" You argued with your husband, the man glumly handing her over to you to bond with.

• Dark Hair but with your hair texture, your eye shape but with his color, even her complexion a perfect inbetween of you and Mihawk's.

• Perfect in Mihawk's eyes.

• Mihawk also having the habit of holding Mihaela everywhere he went.

• After you recovered and Mihaela started to grow she was spoiled with gifts.

• Stuffed toys from Perona, Jewlery and expensive fabrics from Mihawk and homemade toys from Alucare.

• Mihaela having more gifts them she knew what to do with-

• That paired with each major milestone in her life was met with a celebration of gifts.

• Holding head up? Silver Rattle

• Smiling? Gold Rings for each finger

• Rolling over? Silk onsies

• And so much more!

• You walking into his office, tired and already a bit irritated from waking up and finding your baby missing from what was suppose to be her naptime- Knowing that she was wide awake in Mihawk's arms while he went over paperwork.

• When Mihaela wasn't in Mihawks arms- Then she was with Alucare or Perona's.

• You having to scold both Dracule men (and Perona) for holding her too much-

• Knowing damn well both men would spoil her rotten-

• That was evident When her first birthday came around-

The castle was buzzing, having outsiders welcome for the first time in- Well forever.

"Happy First Birthday My Jewel" Mihawk said happily, watching you walk into the room with Mihaela in your arms. Her dresses in a beautiful white dress Mihaek had made for her, she smiled brightly when she saw him. Waving her arms around happily.

Mihawk pulling our a box from his pocket, a pre-present separate from the mountain of gifts waiting for her. Pulling a dark blue diamond bracelet and slipping it on her little chubby wrist as he kissed her forehead making her laugh.

"This looks expensive Mihawk-" You muttered, raising a brow at the studded bracelet as Mihaela brought it to her mouth immediately making Mihawk smile.

"That's cause it is"

After that the party started, different games and gifts being brought out. Several other pirates who had young children of their own attending as well so it was a play date for Mihaela to meet and be around others her age. As well as lavish gifts for the toddler being gifted from other powerful pirates-

Crocodile sending a solid gold rocking horse that was shaped like a Giraffe.

Shanks sending a Silver Pacifier.

Even Buggy sending a velvet lined diamond studded box filled with different toys and baby clothes.

With plenty more which made your pockets burn with how much all this could have cost.

Finally it was cake time, a soft cake being brought out for Mihaela to have for herself as a separate one was for the party.

Happy birthday was sung of course as the cake was set infronf of Mihaela after it was done- Which she Dove her face into immediately much to everyone's amusement.

Mihawk sitting next to her with a slice of normal cake for himself as he let his daughter 'speak' with him.

"Shes been babbling all day to you" You mused, watching her smudge cake all over as she babbled at Mihawk excitedly.

"Trying to share with Tată? (Dada)" Mihawk mused as he smiled down at her-

"Tată!" She said cheerfully, holding her arms out to Mihawk with some of the frosting on her hands. The man freezing in place, staring at Miha as he continued to repeat herself as he scooped her up fast, her now grabbing at his necklace to bring into her mouth.

"Her first words!" You cheer excitedly- Clapping your hands in pride as you smile brightly as your little girl. Kissing her chubby cheeks as she giggled loudly and excitedly at the attention she was getting.

"No fair-" Alucare muttered, having been trying to get her to have her first words be his name for months.

"Tată Tată!" She continued as she giggled out.

Mihawk still silent as he stared at her with wide eyes, you looking to him surprised by his lack of reaction. That was till he tightened his hold on her and began to walk outside with her-

"Where is he going?-" Alucare started, a bit miffed by his father's reaction but you held a hand up to your son with a gentle look.

You saw it- For a brief moment as Mihawk turned away from you all to carried Mihaela outside with him..

Tears rolling down his cheek.

He got her a full blown ship afterwards-

#x reader #one piece #one peice x reader #one peice live action #mihawk x reader #hawkeye mihawk #one piece mihawk #mihawk one piece #mihawk #dracule mihawk #dracule alucare #dracule mihawk x reader #daddy mihawk

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i-love-ptv · 3 months

Text

He Loves My Heart-Shaped Sunglasses

Felix Catton x Fem! Reader

You and Felix spend Valentine’s Day together. <3

Smut (lowk filthy) + Fluff

Wc: 2,550

An: Wanted to post this before v day, but i got sidetracked, thankfully pushed it out before the day ended :3

February 14th.

The day of love.

The day to show your special someone how much you care for them.

The day that’ll bring out the joy and excitement out of most, but will also bring out the bitter feelings of some.

Felix has never really favored Valentine’s day. He may be a soft romantic now; a year into your relationship, but before, he was used to hookups that led to his lonesome morning after. Hence why it was so hard for him to ask you out last year on this very day.

He spent hours in different shops; trying to find the perfect gifts for you. Obviously, this process would’ve gone by quicker if Venetia didn’t get distracted by the hundreds of soft stuffed animals every few minutes, and if Farleigh had even went.

“Please Farleigh! Surely you can help me! You know more about these things than I do!”

“No can do lover boy, besides, you have Vee going with you.” Farleigh had said with an amused smirk.

After a little more of groveling and begging on Felix’s end, Farleigh still didn’t budge. The fact that Felix had said that he wanted to “woo” you, hadn’t helped his case either.

The beaming lights of the shops reflecting off of the bright pinks and reds had Felix’s head starting to ache.

He had settled on getting you a bouquet of red roses, a basket of your favorite snacks, and some other little goodies.

That day when you saw one singular rose on your desk in your english class, the last person you expected to be nervously glancing in your direction was Felix.

After a long, panic-filled conversation with the blubbering boy, you two had finally become official, and Felix swears to this day, that it was the best day of his entire life.

Now, Felix has gotten a bit better at buying gifts for you. He knows you like the back of his tattooed hand. But he can’t help but feel nervous to see you this morning. After all, you only have one, one year anniversary with your love.

Felix observed as the other students of Oxford were handing out gifts to their significant others. Felix couldn’t help but think about how his presents for you were far more superior to everyone else’s.

He had been so distracted, that he hadn’t noticed you walking up.

You tapped on his shoulder and he had nearly leaped out of his skin.

He quickly realizes who is in front of him, and grips you up like you were light as a feather.

“Angel! Oh my goodness you startled me! Happy anniversary sweet girl!” Felix says grinning, like he was looking at the brightest star in the galaxy.

“Happy anniversary my love,” you return through your giggles.

“Here! Here! Open the gifts I bought for you honey!” Felix rushes out as he’s pushing the bags into your hands.

You jokingly chide him for nearly knocking your things out of your hands, but quickly start digging through one of the bags.

He had given you one of his sweaters, a pair of heels you had been eyeing in town, a few other items, and most importantly, a beautiful ring covered in diamonds.

“S’not an engagement ring, not yet anyways, but a promise ring, because I promise to love you always and forever. Tha’s a bit too cheesy, isn’t it? Sorry, I had this whole thing I was going to say but-“

You cut his rambling off with a deep kiss to his rosy lips.

“Thank you Felix, I love it with my whole heart, baby.”You say while pulling away breathlessly.

Felix’s face started to hurt from the constant smiling, but the thought of that flew out the window as he remembered that you had gotten him something.

Felix had practically ripped through the big box you gave him; feeling like he was about to burst at the seems. You smile softly, imagining him with a wagging tail and perked up puppy ears.

You had bought a few articles of clothing, more cologne, a new book that he said he had been interested in reading, and of course, a stunning bracelet, that matched the exact same on dangling on your wrist.

After many more kisses, hugs, and sugary sweet words exchanged between the two of you, you both head to class.

Felix was counting down the minutes until he could see your dazzling face in front of him again. His class felt as if it had been going on for hours, and the fact that he couldn’t focus on his lesson for even a few minutes while thinking about you, wasn’t helping. His mind was drifting to what he had planned for the two of you later tonight.

You, on the other hand, were on the same boat as Felix.

All that consumed your mind was Felix; you’re sweet, dashing Felix.

You’re suddenly snapped out of your thoughts by your professor, who had agitatedly started lecturing you on the importance of focusing on class.

And finally, after multiple grueling hours, and a heated make-out session in a storage closet, classes for today were over.

Felix suggested that you two go into town, and go on a date to the cafe you both loved. At this point, it was your guys’ cafe; your designated spot, where you both can run away from the world and just enjoy one another.

After spending hours, which seemed like minutes, in the cafe, and throughout town, the two of you settle on going back to your dorm.

Normally, the two of you just go to Felix’s dorm, but his was still somewhat airing out from the smoke session you two had the night prior.

Although, the idea of you two walking through town sounded romantic at the time, you hadn’t thought into how long you two would be walking.

“‘Lex?” You call out softly. Felix immediately turns to you.

“Can you carry me? M’feet hurt honey.” You say with a slight pout, to get your point across.

Felix, of course, being the amazing boyfriend he is, quickly picks you up, bridal-style and carries you back.

You ask him multiple times if he was alright carrying you for so long, but after his reassurance and light nip to your nose, your worries are put to rest.

The two of you eventually settle on your bed, and you curl against Felix’s warm body.

“Wait, darling, I forgot a few things at my dorm,” Felix rushes out.

“Mmm, no ‘Lex, stay with me”

“It’ll only be a minute angel, I promise.”

Felix nearly doesn’t have the heart to pull you off of him, but he can’t afford to keep you from your final gift for much longer.

He leaves with a quick kiss to your forehead and nose, and goes to retrieve the items from his dorm.

He comes back and spots you sitting up on the bed with what he thinks is nothing, but his shirt on, and strawberries. You had also opted for a can of whipped cream, instead of melted chocolate, because after last time, you didn’t want to endure the process of the chocolate staining your white sheets, and hardening as you two tried to use it.

“Wha’s this baby?” Felix says with a smirk as he inches towards you.

You feel his warm, hand on your calf as he reaches you.

“What? Did you really think we were going to go without some fun on our anniversary baby?” You say while looking up at him with longing.

“Unwrap your gift, Felix.”

The brunette boy wastes no time in stripping you from his your shirt.

There, he sees, the lacy brown lingerie covering your body; the brown being almost, if not fully, identical to the color of his dark brown irises.

Felix kisses your neck, leaving no area of skin unmarked with purple bruises.

“Mm, wait” He says as he leaves behind a slight strain on saliva on your flesh.

“Oh my god Felix, seriously?” You say with slight annoyance.

“Relax. I have something for you.” Felix chides.

Felix pulls out a box, containing a necklace; with his initials on it.

“D’you like it baby? I think it’ll be perfect, tha’way none of those other boys could even think they could have a chance with you.”

“Why boys, Felix?” You ask slyly, trying to push his buttons a bit.

“I say boys because, my angel..They could never fuck you like I do…Like a man.” He says lowly, showcasing the bass in his silky smooth voice.

You let out a whine at this; loving when he gets possessive over you, “put it on me Felix, claim me.” You purr.

He moves your hair out of his way, and puts the necklace around your neck, subtly grinding his hard, pulsing cock against the little fabric you had covering your cunt.

You let out a sigh, as Felix moans lowly in your love-bitten ear.

He then grabs a strawberry and stuffs it gently between your lips, making you bite down on it.

The juices trickle down your chin as he moves the fruit around inside of your mouth. He licks a stripe up from your throat to right below your lips.

He goes back and leaves a bite on your throat, making you tilt you head back with a sharp moan, giving him more access.

Felix kisses you roughly as he grabs the whipped cream. He squirts a line of the sweet cream onto your navel; watching it slowly glide down to your soaked core.

“God…’Lex don’t tease me,” you whimper meekly.

“But y’taste s’sweet, lovie.” Felix says, letting out a giggle that makes your pussy clench.

“Oh look at you, m’dirty little thing. Clenchin’ around nothin’,” Felix says smugly as he kisses down your warm body.

Abruptly, Felix dips down and licks a stripe up your achy cunt.

“Fuck ‘Lex!”

Felix grins at your shriek, as he presses sloppy kisses to your clit.

“…I thought I told you to stop teasing me baby,” you say, pushing his head down onto your cunt, prompting him to start licking and sucking where you want him to.

Your back arches off the bed as you squeal in ecstasy. You grab Felix’s hair with both hands roughly; he moans at this, which sends shockwaves through your body.

Felix fucks you with his tongue for what feels like hours, sticking his tongue in and out of your pulsing hole.

Felix feels your thighs trembling, making it clear that you’re close to reaching your climax.

Felix removes his mouth with a slick pop and a charming smile, making you cry out.

“Wait! Wait no. ‘Lex, why’d you stop? Baby. Baby please I need it. Put it back please-“

“Shhh, angel. M’gonna give you somethin’ better. Gonna give you this cock. Tha’s what you wanted, right?” Felix says pressing his lips to yours, again, and again.

Felix continues kissing you as he pulls down his pants and boxers, pulling out his stiff dick.

He rubs the tip against your folds, watching his precum drip against your wetness.

“Mmm, y’ready f’me sweetheart?”

“Please, please, please ‘Lex. I’ll be so good! So so good, I promise! Please give it to me! I need it!” You shout eagerly.

“God, you make me feel whole,” Felix says as he slowly pushes his cock into your heat.

“Thank you ‘Lex! Thank you! Oh fuck!”

Felix almost immediately starts thrusting in and out of you roughly, opening your legs wider as he plants his feet.

“Fuck babe! I swear y’made f’me. I thank any ‘n every god tha’ led us to each other, honey.” Felix says with a delicious groan.

“Shit! God that’s it baby. Don’t stop!” You say, reaching down to start toying with your clit.

Felix nips at your fingers; having noticed your dainty fingers rubbing circles. Silently ordering you to quit it.

You wrap your legs around his meaty torso tightly as he flicks at your puffy pussy.

“Oh! O’fuck! Right there! Mhm!” Felix feels as if he’s consuming your moans, picking up his already brutal pace to absolutely abuse your cunt. His main goal being to make you squirm in ways only he can.

“Uh huh? Yeah y’like that angel? Feels- oh f-fuck. Feels good doesn’it?”

Felix lets out more deep groans, with the occasional whine.

“‘Lex. ‘Lex, baby. M’cumming.” You rush out breathlessly.

“M’right there with y’baby, m’right here. Just, fuck, wait a second..Wanna come together, beautiful.” Felix says panting.

The only noises to be heard in the somewhat small dorm are the moans and gasps of two passionate lovers, and the squeaks and banging from the plush bed.

In any other scenario, you’d be pressing your hand around your mouth, stressing to Felix about the importance of staying quiet; not wanting to get more noise complaints. But right now, you could barely even think about where you are; focusing only on the circles being rubbed on your glistening cunt, and the feeling of Felix’s warm, almost candle-lit hot limbs touching yours.

Felix’s pace begins to falter, growing sloppier and sloppier with every thrust, showing signs of Felix nearing his blissful end.

“Yes! Fuck yes! Come f’me angel, please! Give it t’me! C’mon, y’know y’can, here hold m’hand.” Felix says, reaching his clammy hand to your already sweaty one.

“F-fuck! ‘Lex!”

In the span of seconds, the two of you are coming undone together, gripping each other’s hand so tightly.

You feel your climax shake through your entire body, making you jerk against Felix’s hold, as he tries to keep himself together.

Felix collapses softly next to you with a soft “holy shit,” making sure not to startle you in your hazy state.

He brushes the hair from your moist skin and peppers feather-like kisses onto your face, collarbone, and scalp; helping you calm down from your high.

You look at him bleary eyed, taking account of his wobbly smiles as he tries to catch his breath.

‘Does he ever stop smiling?’ You think to yourself.

“Hi honey,” Felix whispers.

“Hi baby,” you whisper back with a giggle.

“Y’so gorgeous, y’know that, angel?” He says, after softly pulling out and snuggling closer to you with a blanket.

“So i’ve been told,” you say, blinking sleepily.

“Wait, sweetheart. Y’can’t sleep yet! I gotta clean you up!” Felix says in a hurry, jumping out from underneath the blanket. He quickly walks over to his desk, which has a pack of wipes on it, and he finds a towel on his dresser.

You fight sleep, as Felix softly wipes you, making sure not to put too much pressure on your already sore cunt.

He sits you up a bit, putting on of his cozy sweatshirts on your frame and gently lays you back down.

He quickly puts a pair of boxers on once he hears your soft whines, begging for him to cuddle you.

He lays down and drapes your body on top of his.

The last thing you feel before drifting off is a sweet kiss being pressed onto your forehead.

“Happy Valentine’s Day lovie..and most importantly, happy one year anniversary.”

feedback always appreciated bb <3

#lee’s ted talks #felix catton #jacob elordi #saltburn #felix catton x reader #jacob elordi x reader #felix catton x you #felix catton imagine #oliver quick x reader #oliver quick #farleigh start x reader #farleigh start #venetia catton #valentines day #felix catton smut

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soulofapatrick · 3 months

Text

Nothing Changes - Aaron Hotchner x female reader

Summary: You wake the next morning to an empty bed and panic

Words: 1.3K

Warnings: None; fluffy

Notes: I'm really sorry for writing so much Hotch, I'm rewatching criminal minds and all these story ideas for him have been on my mind

Waking up to an empty bed, I feel my heart sink as the realization hits me: Hotch isn’t lying beside me anymore. Panic flutters in my chest as my mind races through a flurry of thoughts. Of course, he left. He couldn’t stay, not without risking our jobs, our reputations, and maybe even our friendship. What if one of the team found out? What would they think of me? They’d probably assume I’m taking advantage of Hotch, especially considering it’s only been two years since Haley’s passing. The man seems to still be grieving, and here I am, complicating things even more.

The distant sound of the shower running breaks through my panic, and relief floods through me, mingling with a tinge of nervousness. Maybe he hadn’t left entirely. Maybe there’s still a chance, a hope that last night wasn’t just a fleeting moment of weakness, but something more. Last night was the first time we gave in to the building sexual tension between us.

His clothes are still strewn across my room, a tangible reminder of the intimacy we shared. I can’t help but replay the events of last night in my mind—the way his touch ignited a fire within me, the way his eyes held mine with an intensity I couldn’t ignore. The way he was so gentle yet so dominant, knowing how to work my body right.

As I slowly come to wakefulness, the sound of the shower grows louder, filling the empty space with its steady rhythm. Part of me longs to join him, to lose myself in the warmth of his embrace once more. But another part of me hesitates, afraid of what this newfound connection might mean for us both.

Before I can decide both of our phones are ringing, the shrill sound makes my head hurt and I’m groaning, burying my face in the pillow Hotch had previously slept on. The phones ring till they stop and I count to four before both start ringing again, ruining the peace this almost domestic moment.

I’m smacking the bed in faint protest before wriggling over to the nearest phone and answering, “Yeah?”

No one speaks for a second before I recognise JJ clearing her throat, “We need you in, we’ve got a case.” There’s amusement in her tone that has me frowning before my heart drops for the second time this morning.

“JJ…” I pause, swallowing thickly, “This is Hotch’s phone, isn’t it?” I groan, turning my head to look at the bedside table to see my phone sitting there, “Oh god!”

“I won’t say a word,” She pauses and I hear her stifle a small laugh, I won’t tell if you tell me all about it on girls night.”

“Deal.” I reluctantly agree before hanging up and throwing Hotch’s phone somewhere on the bed.

I climb out of bed, feeling the cool air against my skin as I pad to the bathroom, wearing nothing but Hotch’s button up I throw on haphazardly, not bothering to do it up.

Hotch stands under the shower, his silhouette obscured by the mist, like a figure emerging from a dream. The gentle stream of water traces the contours of his body, sculpting shadows and highlights that accentuate every line and sinew. Droplets cling to his skin, glistening like diamonds in the soft light filtering through the steam.

His shoulders, broad and powerful, bear the weight of countless burdens, yet in this moment, they seem almost weightless, as if the water washes away the weight of the world. The water cascades over his chest, tracing the ripple of muscle, each movement a testament to strength and resilience.

His jawline is sharp, chiseled, a portrait of determination and resolve. The water courses over it, tracing the curve of his lips, the faintest hint of a smile playing at the corners. There’s a vulnerability in that smile, a glimpse of the man behind the stoic facade, and it steals my breath away.

His eyes, closed in peaceful repose, are hidden from view, yet I can imagine them so clearly—deep pools of darkness, windows to a soul that has weathered storms and emerged unbroken. They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and in that moment, I feel as though I can see straight into his.

Every inch of him is a study in contrasts—the strength and vulnerability, the resilience and tenderness—all wrapped up in one beautiful, complex package. And as I watch him, bathed in the gentle embrace of the water, I feel something stir within me, something deep and unspoken.

It’s as if with each droplet that falls, my heart beats a little faster, my breath catches a little tighter. In that moment, I realize just how deeply I’ve fallen for him, how every part of me longs to reach out and touch him, to pull him close and never let go.

I give in to that want, stepping towards the shower, the warm water enveloping me like a comforting embrace. With a quick motion, I shrug off his shirt, feeling the fabric slip from my skin, and I step under the water next to him. Droplets cascade over us, mingling with the steam, as I close the distance between us.

My fingers tremble as I reach out, brushing lightly up his toned bicep, tracing the contours of muscle beneath his skin. A small sound escapes him, a mixture of surprise and pleasure, as he looks down to meet my gaze. His cognac eyes soften as they meet mine, warmth and affection swirling within their depths.

His hands find my hips, fingers tracing patterns against my skin, as if mapping out the curves and contours of my body. There’s a tenderness in his touch, a gentleness that belies the strength of the man before me. With each caress, he stirs something deep within me, igniting a fire that burns brighter with each passing moment.

I feel a surge of longing, an ache that resonates deep within my soul, as his touch sends shivers coursing through me. It’s as if every nerve in my body is alight with electricity, every sense heightened by the intensity of his presence.

And then, without hesitation, he pulls me flush against him, his lips finding mine in a searing kiss. It’s a collision of desire and longing, a meeting of souls bound together by the undeniable pull of attraction. His lips are soft against mine, a gentle exploration that sets my heart ablaze.

“Can we just stay here?” I mumble, pulling away from the kiss to rest my head on his chest, feeling his heartbeat beneath my cheek. I don’t care if we’re late, if I have to dry my hair before we leave, if we miss the plane. I don’t care for anything except the safety of Hotch’s strong arms wrapped around me.

“I don’t suppose the only reason you came in was to shower with me, was it?” He hooks a finger under my chin and makes me look up at him, an eyebrow raise and an amused look on his face.

“No,” I can’t help but pout, drawing a chuckle from him and he ducks down to press a kiss to my forehead, “we have a case.”

“Well,” he brushes my now wet hair from my face, “We have about an hour.”

“It takes me 45 on a good day Hotch.” I grumble and his eyes widen a little in disbelief as I’ve never told anyone where I live let alone how long it takes me to get to work until now. Until the very man I’ve been dreaming of for months is standing, very, very naked in my shower.

“Alright sweetheart, we’ll pick up some coffee on the way in.” My heart flutters at the pet name, my cheeks heating up and I’m burying my face in his muscular chest, “Sweetheart?”

“What happens when we enter the office?” I mumble against his chest.

“Nothing has to change.”

“Nothing has to change?”

“I promise”

Criminal Minds Masterlist TAG LIST - updated 21st Dec 2023

@guacam011y @rosaliedepp @kajjaka

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nueangel · 4 months

Text

ੈ✩‧₊˚ gojo satoru.

possessive + suggestive. i hope you enjoy!

gojo satoru is a man who’s passionate — no, obsessive about many things.

“who was that?”

and that definitely included you.

you feel an arm curl around your waist as gojo’s voice raises all the hairs on your body with how close he was to your ear. he pulled you closer to himself as he waited for your answer — arms tightening around your waist as you held off your answer with a sly smile curling in your lips.

“just someone asking for directions.”

gojo hums against your skin, his nose skimming over the curve of your neck where it meets you shoulder.

“really..? just someone asking for directions?”

gojo slowly moves towards his car with you in his arms, caging you against it with your back tightly pressed against him. he couldn’t help wanting to hide you right this second — looking so ethereal and divine with the sun shining down on you — your body dripped in gold and diamonds with the way he loved to spoil you.

“i leave you alone for one moment — five minutes and already there’s a man undressing you with his eyes.”

his hands settle on your stomach — though god does he want to move them more north and squeeze what’s his, what no one else but him could touch.

“you’d think that the ring on that beautiful hand would do the job of keeping men away from you.”

you giggle — and gojo just feels his heart skip a beat. there’s just not a single part of you that doesn’t make him weak. “babe.. you need to stop,” you tell him with amusement laced in your voice.

though he pays it no mind.

“i know you’re beautiful — god i know — but sweetheart..”

that’s when you realize his patience was running thin, and it all started after his meeting with the elders.

you freeze against the door of the passenger seat of his car, your breathing starting to pick up as he pushes himself flush against your back — the sweet little sundress you’re wearing on this perfectly sunny day riding up slightly.

gojo satoru just can’t help it — he can’t help but feel the need to rip out every man’s eyeballs that linger just a second too long. he can’t help wanting to keep you all to himself and he feels like god has forsaken him —

he can’t help the thoughts that evade his mind to take you right then and there — against his car.

“i might just go insane because of you,” he continues his sentence, his heart stammering against his chest.

you let out a breathy chuckle, covering his hand with yours as you start to feel your body react to his body and actions.

“how ‘bout we go home, huh?”

you feel his lips on your skin curl into a smile, nodding softly, “good idea, sweetheart.”

reblogs are highly appreciated!

#jjk #jujutsu kaisen #jjk imagines #jujutsu kaisen imagines #jjk x reader #jujutsu kaisen gojo #jjk gojo #gojou satoru #jjk gojo x reader #jjk gojo smut #gojo smut

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maybankswhore · 1 year

Text

rafe giving you a promise ring:

the noise of your birthday party could be heard down the stairs of your room where you sat patiently. you were specifically instructed by your boyfriend to be upstairs waiting for him to show you your present , which he pressed you to be alone for.

you didn’t mind though , bouncing excitedly. rafe had always given you the best gifts. one year was a necklace with his name on it , that you had wore everyday since then. the next was a build a bear with his voice inside of it saying: “i love you , baby.”

his gifts were always important to you because you appreciated him taking the time to get gifts that meant something. if it was up to rafe , you wouldn’t even be able to close the door of your room closed because of the stacks and stacks of presents he’d always beg you to leave him shower you with.

you smiled big as he opened the door , immediately going soft at the sight of him. his eyes fell onto you as soon as he did , grinning. “hey , birthday baby.”

“hey rafey.” you responded , opening your arms , wanting to be as close as possible to him already— even though you had been wrapped up in his arms all night , you never had enough.

“how’s the party?” he hummed , kneeling down in front of where you sat on the edge of your bed , boyishly grinning as you cupped his cheek , rubbing the supple skin with the pads of your finger.

you shrugged. “it’s nice seeing everyone. i’ve missed you , though.”

rafe chuckled. “you’ve been with me all night.”

“you know what i mean.” you sent him a mischievous smile , wiggling your eyebrows suggestively.

the sound of rafe’s laughter made your heart swell. “just you wait until tonight , you little minx.” he said before placing a kiss to your knee gently. “well– are you ready for your present.”

teasingly you laid back , looking up at the ceiling and spreading your legs. “ready.”

rafe rolled his eyes amused , tapping your leg. “greedy little girl. that present’s for later.”

you giggled and sat back up , resting your arms on both of his shoulders and kissed him gently. “i’m just playing— i’m ready for my present , baby.”

swallowing , rafe dug around in his pocket. “i hate just about everyone except for you. i hate everything that isn’t you. my life has been. . . meaningful with you. you’ve given me all that i wanted in every way possible and i don’t think i’d ever be able to say how much i appreciate and love you.” rafe breathed , grabbing your hand as his throat choked up.

your own eyes swelling at his sweet sentiment , wanting nothing more than to tackle him to the ground and cover him with kisses top to bottom.

“there will never be a day where i don’t love you , i’m sure of it.” rafe nodded , picturing the future of his life , your face burning into the memories. “and i promise you , i’m gonna fuckin’ marry you one day.”

he reached out of his pocket and opened a small square box , a dainty gold ring with a small heart diamond in the middle– the band just big enough to be engraved with his and yours initial. “i promise to love you every day for the rest of my life. and i swear to everything good in this world that you’ll always be my girl. always.”

tears shamelessly ran down your face as he took the ring out and slid it on your finger , kissing the tip of it softly. “i love you , baby. happy birthday.”

you stared at it for a moment and soaked in rafe’s sweet words , before tackling him to the ground just like you had imagined doing earlier , grabbing his face with both hands and pressing a sweet kiss to his lips. his laugh was contagious , catching you with open arms and holding your waist firmly– a warning to behave whilst being on top of him.

“i love you rafe , with all of my soul.”

“i’d say i love you with all of mine–” he paused and took a moment to look at you , his eyes sparkling.

“but you’ve stolen it the moment i’ve met you.”

#rafe cameron x reader #rafe cameron #rafe cameron blurb #rafe cameron imagines #rafe cameron one shot #rafe cameron fluff #rafe cameron imagine #outer banks blurb #rafe outer banks #outer banks imagines #rafe cameron x you #rafe cameron headcanons

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missmielyhoran · 1 month

Text

Milk Carton

in which Harry opens milk cartons....

Boyfriend!Harry × Girlfrien!Y/N

[Warning- Extreme fluff, little bit of crying, shorty one this is, lots of milk carton, pregnancy]

Masterlist

*****

The first time Harry did it, it was a small, light-hearted joke. Harry opened the milk carton in the morning, you were near the stove making pancakes, you flipped the last one into the plate and put it on the breakfast nook.

"Breakfast's ready!" You yelled even though it was just two of you. Harry chuckled and opened the carton of milk when he had an idea.

He took the ring of the lid and knelt down in front of you with a huge smile on his face. He brought the ring of lid up and asked, "Will you marry me, love?"

Your puzzled face changed to the one of amusement as you dramatically brought your hand forward and said, "Yes baby".

He put the ring on your finger and kissed it and got up and pulled you in a deep kiss.

It was just a hearty laughter moment shared between you two, and from there on, it became a tradition.

Every time he would open the milk carton, he would jokingly propose to you, and you would say yes the same way.

It was no different day, months have went on and the tradition of Harry has became a used to you so, you didn't put much of a thought when he started opening the gift and had the same glint in his eyes he had the first time he did it more than a year ago.

You rubbed your growing bump and flipped the pancake onto the plate and put it on the breakfast nook and yelled, "Breakfast's ready!"

Harry laughed like he always does. He came forward this time a little nervous than he is every day, making you worried yourself, but when he gave you his cheeky smile, all of that vanished.

You rolled your eyes in dramatics as he got on his knee. You already had your hand forward ready to say yes.

"Will you marry me, my love?" Harry asked, and you gave him the same dramatic sigh looking up at the ceiling.

"Yes, baby," you said, laughing. He put on the ring like he always does, but this time it felt heavy, and as you looked down, you saw it.

The heavy diamond ring white like milk sitting on your finger. Your eyes wide in shock stayed on your hands, and then you squealed so loud you might has well have launched into the space.

You jumped into Harry's arm and laughed as he twirled you around in the kitchen and then pulled you in a deep kiss.

And they lived happily ever after.

*****

Taglist- @tenaciousperfectionunknown @that-daydream-look @harryspirate @tiaamberxx @lomlhstyles @vmpellie @sunshinemoonsposts @jayde515 @yeehawbrothers @sleutherclaw @ikea2-0 @thechaoticjoy @astridcommings @grapejuicebluesrry @gxbiqs

I didn't know how to end it. It's also kind of shitty but I wanted to write it.

Love you

#harry styles #harry styles x reader #harry styles fluff #harry styles smut #harry styles angst #harry styles writing #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles fanfic #harry styles one shot #harry styles x y/n #harry x y/n #harry styles y/n #x y/n #x reader #harry one direction #fluff imagine #harry fluff #proposal fluff #hs au

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eclipixels · 5 months

Text

Partition

Summary: Car sex

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Diamond glittered in the pale moonlight as you stepped out the Gala. It was around 2 a.m., and you were extremely exhausted, ready to take off your heels and corset that imprisoned your aching flesh. Not too far behind followed you a blonde haired man, a glistening matching ring adorned both your left hands.

Guards encircled you as you made your way towards the sleek black SUV, the distinct sound of stiletto heels resonating against the pavement with each step. Your hips moved with a captivating natural rhythm, creating an allure that seemed to affect Coriolanus who was walking behind you, his esteemed First Lady.

Coriolanus held open the door for you, his gaze subtly tracing the elegant contours of your form as you gracefully crouched to enter. A momentary glimpse of the delicate lace of your panties captured his attention as you swung in each leg with deliberate poise. He arched a questioning brow, wondering whether your seemingly intentional display was a purposeful act.

Maintaining a facade of indifference, you skillfully feigned obliviousness to the subtle scrutiny, but Coryo knew better than to fall for your tricks. Nonetheless, he let's it go, choosing not to press the matter. He seamlessly joined you, sliding into the seat beside yours before securing the door. The tinted glasses provided a discreet vantage point, affording you an unobstructed view of everything around, while cloaking your presence from prying external eyes. The inherent convenience of such privacy did not escape notice.

You failed to observe how Coryo sat impossibly close, with one warm hand on your knees and the other snaked around your waist. Seemingly innocent, it appears as a loving gesture between spouses, but you're aware of a different reality.

Coriolanus's hhand maintained its place on your waist, his fingers subtly tracing patterns as if claiming territory. The allure of the night seemed to heighten the tension within the confined space of the vehicle. His rosy cologne, a gentle scent, filled your nose as you leaned into his touch.

"What perfume is this?" He asks.

"Peach Blossom," You breathe, wondering if he's taken a keen to it.

"Never wear it again unless we're in public." He commands and you furrow your brows. What? "It covers your natural scent, I don't like that."

You stop yourself for laughing, not wanting to abash him. Never to wear any other artificial fragrance again unless it's for public purposes? All because he can't smell your natural scent? You truly had him whipped. You just give him a slight nod in response.

Your muscles ease against his broad chest, sensing the rhythm of his breath. The hand on your knees subtly glides upward, its movement almost imperceptible, and his nails gently trace across your skin.

He angles his head, gently placing a tender, chaste kiss on the area below your ears along your jawline. They press a little longer than they should, and you sense the possessiveness behind the act.

"What'd you drink?" You whisper, smelling the liquor on his breath.

"Bowmore 1957" he responds, his eyelashes brushing against your skin from the proximity of his face.

"How was it?" you inquired, your question lacking genuine curiosity. You sought a diversion from the thoughts racing through your mind about where his hands could go, the things he could do to you right now.

"Not as divine as you taste," he responded, offering no assistance to your wandering thoughts. At that very moment, the car made a sharp turn, and his hand slid higher up your thigh while his other arm tightened it's grip around your waist.

"Coriolanus." Your eyes widened and your hand fell on his wrist. Gazing into his eyes brimming with desire, you saw his lips form an amused, teasing grin.

"Hm?" He hummed, moving defiantly against your weak grip. You shot him a glare, a sort of warning. He dismisses your silent caution by placing the hand that was on your torso to rest elegantly on your breast.

"What are you doing?" You whisper through your teeth. You were mad at yourself for how hot your skin was getting from the barest of his touch, he always had that effect on you.

"Such a low cut dress with easy access, tell me, was this on purpose, love?" He ignores your question, you knew exactly what he was doing and knew that his actions would just continue further, so there was no reason to argue against it. You knew he'd win in the end, he always does.

Snow lands on top

"Not here," your voice trembles as you sense the squeeze on your inner thigh.

"Yes, here," he murmurs, planting a wet kiss on your neck.

Feeling tense, you contemplate. You're aware of Snow's eagerness, but you do trust that he wouldn't push boundaries if you said no. Moreover, with the partition up, the driver would remain oblivious and this is where those tinted windows came in convenience.

Gripping one of Coriolanus's shoulders, you pulled yourself up onto his lap, your dress riding up as you straddled him. You could see you surprised him with the way his eyes widened till they filled with glittering mischief, something you've grown familiar to since you were both children. Coriolanus Snow had always been a rebel.

With a smile, he attacked your neck with sloppy wet kisses, hands frantically exploring every inch of your skin. His fingers slid from beneath your dress, tracing the contours of your skin. You melted in his touch like wax sensing the warmth from each other.

You can feel his hard cock underneath the fabric of your panties and his pants. You begin to subtly move against the hardness, gradually building up a sensation

He unexpectedly raised you slightly, you sometimes forget how easily he can lift you up. Swiftly, he shifts aside your panties and clumsily pulls down a portion of his pants and boxers, unveiling his hard and senstive cock leaking with precum.

You feel the tip press against your wetfolds as you sink down onto his cock, hissing at the stretch. It's important to mention that while yes you were in the mood to fuck, you were also exhausted after hours of walking in heels and draining your social battery. Coriolanus noticed, of course he did, he knows you like the back of his hand.

"You tired, darling?" He whispered, sensing the way your body went completely lax as soon as you sinked down on him.

"Mhm," you nodded shyly. You knew he wouldn't be upset with you or anything but you couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.

"S'okay baby, I got you. You wanna stop?" He cooed, petting your hair and holding you you tightly to his chest.

"No, wanna keep going." You lazily answered, feeling the way the satin strap on your shoulder naturally fell with the pull of gravity.

"Okay, I need you to relax for me, dove." His chest resonates with the vibrations of his voice, and you sense it as you plant gentle, tickling kisses on his neck where your head lay. His face carries a subtle smile, evident from them.

Slowly, he pushes forward, claiming the tight heat that has been tormenting him. Once he sees you're comfortable, he continues rutting in and out of you. The symphony of your sounds delight. He revels in your vocality during sex, it feeds his ego to know how good he's making you feel.

You throw your head back when he hits that sweet spot inside of you. You can't help but whimper at the repeated brushing against the spot, and Coryo takes this as an opportunity to capture your lips between his. You moaned into the kiss, feeling drunk on his touch. He leisurely moved his tongue from the edge of your lips, tracing a path down to your neck.

Coryo passionately fucks you, as if he's your devoted worshipper, imprinting your pleasure on his being. The rhythm he creates is almost sinful, with one hand gripping the soft flesh of your ass and the other exploring every reachable piece of your body. The intensity of the experience overwhelms you, prompting you to tightly embrace him, pulling him in as close as you can.

He presses his open mouth to your shoulder, too concentrated on chasing his high to nip or leave love bites.

You feel that finials knot in your stomach and know you're about to come undone. Your hands search desperately for something to grab on to, and you find your palms pressed against the foggy windows leaving sweaty handprints.

"C-coryo..." You choke on your words, trying to signal that you're close. You get some sort of noise acknowledging your whine, and you hope he knows why because you can't seem to formulate anything else coherent.

"I know, baby. Come for me whenever you want." He reassures and tears brim your eyes. Your mascaras running, red lipstick smudged.

Coryo skillfully adjusts, allowing his hand to slide down your stomach. Utilizing his thumb, he deftly flicks and rubs at your clit, taking advantage of the openness facilitated by the positioning of his cock. As sensations intensify, spots start to form in your vision. Each stroke pushes you closer to the edge until you cream on his cock and whimper uncontrollably.

The pleasure of clenching around his thick cock sends Coriolanus into a spiral as he can no longer control himself. Warm thick liquid gushes inside of you as Coryo grunts into your neck, trying to muffle his sounds. Your name falls out his lips like a prayer.

Too focused on his own high, Coryo doesn't notice how he's let go of you until you sloppily fall off his lap onto the seat. You looked absolutely fucked out, and the apology on the tip of his tongue died once he saw the way you looked. Hair messy, panties scrunched, dress half on, very visible hickeys, bruises forming on your hips from his hands gripping, and thick dribbles of his cum spilling out from your pussy onto your gown.

You're beyond speech, and all you can do is watch as Coryo pulls out his phone and snaps a quick picture.

He retrieves a handkerchief and delicately starts wiping you down, encouraging you to unwind and even to take a nap if you wish. You laugh softly in response. Aftercare makes him so gentle. Bending down, he hovers over you and plants sweet, affectionate kisses all over your body.

#coriolanus snow #coriolanus snow x reader #coriolanus snow x you #coriolanus x reader #coriolanus x you #coriolanus snow x y/n #coriolanus #the hunger games #hunger games #tbosbas #the ballad of songbirds and snakes #Spotify

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lunarsturniolo · 5 months

Text

Happy New Year

“Hey babe,” he says.

“Hi, baby,” I respond with a smile.

His hand snakes around my waist and gently tugs me down to sit on his lap, “I missed you,” he tells me.

“I was in the kitchen,” I tease.

Matt and Y/N host a New Years Party

masterlist

“Oh my God!! Show me again,” my friend Kim asks, holding her hand out to see my wrist.

“God, that’s so pretty,” Julian mentioned, turning my wrist slightly to get a proper view of the bracelet Matt got me for Christmas.

The bracelet was dainty and gold, with a small chain snaking around my wrist. There was a small, circular charm that looked almost like a ring attached to the chain. Matt had gotten his favorite phrase to tell me engraved on the inside of the circle: “Let’s grow old together.” I hadn’t told the girls about that engraving and planned to keep it a secret.

Kim lets out an adoring gasp, “And your anniversary is engraved on there?” she asks, motioning to the outside of the ring. Our anniversary date is there with two diamonds on either side of it.

I nod, “Yeah, he really outdid himself.”

A few minutes of nonsensical chatter pass and midnight slowly approaches. The drink in my hand has been empty for about 10 minutes now, but my mind is wandering too far even to consider refilling it.

Madi roams into the kitchen, frantically sifting through the fridge next to me, “Y/N, babe, do you guys have my grapes?”

My eyebrows furrow, “We should, why?”

“It's this thing, apparently,” Madi says, “You’re supposed to eat 12 grapes at midnight for 12 months of good luck or something,” she finishes.

I nod, “Did you ask any of the guys?”

She nods, “Nick said the should be ‘where all the fruit is’” She lets out a dramatic sigh, “I don't think he knows where that is.”

With a laugh, I nudge her hip, “I know where that is,” I rummage through the fruit drawer, pulling out a bag of grapes, “Here you go.”

“You’re the best,” She says. I smile and give her a short hug before glancing at my phone.

It’s approaching midnight, and I am yet to find Matt in the slew of people who are constantly moving in and out of the house. I say a quick goodbye to my friends before wandering into the living room to find Matt, Nick, and Chris on one of the couches, surrounded by a bunch of their friends and their partners.

Chris catches my eye and nods for me to sit with them. With a smile of acknowledgment, I look at Matt, who is empty-handed, and step back into the kitchen to get him a Root Beer. Along with Matt’s drink, I grab myself a seltzer to sip on until midnight.

Stepping back into the living room, I notice their circle has gained a few people, making it impossible for me to find a seat. The arm of the couch next to Matt is free, and I beeline in his direction.

Matt barks out a laugh, “There’s no way,” he says, a look of amusement growing on his lips.

“Yeah, I spit it out immediately. It was horrible,” Nate responds with a small laugh.

Perching myself on the arm of the couch, I hand Matt his drink. “Are you talking about that nasty chamoy pickle?”

Nate gives me a look, “Yeah. Biggest regret of the year.”

I shoot him a smile before looking down at Matt.

“Hey babe,” he says.

“Hi, baby,” I respond with a smile.

His hand snakes around my waist and gently tugs me down to sit on his lap, “I missed you,” he tells me.

“I was in the kitchen,” I tease.

He lets out a dramatic sigh, “Yeah, that was cringe.”

I laugh, “Yeah, horribly cringe. Get out of my sight.”

His arm tightens around my waist, and his lips make their way to my neck for a soft kiss, “Never.”

I turn my head to him before properly kissing him. We knew we wanted to host a New Year’s party, but we struggled to realize that our two separate groups of friends would be there, too. I had spent most of my time with my friends, who I rarely get a chance to see, as did Matt.

“Having fun?” He asked me.

I hum in response, “Yeah, I’m happy to see everyone.”

Matt nods in understanding, turning to look at Chris. Chris had his arm around his girlfriend, whispering in her ear with a devious smile on his face, “I’m so glad Chris has someone this year.”

I turn to look at Chris, “Yeah. They’re so cute together.”

Matt nods before pausing. He looks back at me before turning and tapping Chris on the shoulder, “You do have a bedroom here, buddy.”

Chris’s eyes widen in amusement as his girlfriend shoves her face into his chest, “Could you hear that?” He asks.

“No,” I reply, pretending to gag, “But I didn’t have to, you freaks.”

He barks a laugh before caressing his girlfriend's face, attempting to comfort her.

Matt pats my ass, asking me to get up. I do, and he follows suit, standing up and readjusting his pants. He grabs my hand and tugs me into a corner that has been left unoccupied.

His hand reaches up and brushes a stand of hair behind my ear, “I wanted you alone.”

I feel my cheeks warm and I look down with an acute understanding. It is almost midnight and Matt wants to kiss me properly.

“I’m glad you got me alone,” I replied with a smile.

He hums quietly, admiring my face. I take the time to do the same, drinking in his look. Donned in a Cherry LA sweater and white pants, he looked domestic.

Around us, we hear everyone start chanting down for 10, ready to ring in the new year.

Matt takes both of his hands and caresses my face, his thumb rubbing rhythmic circles upon my jaw as I wait to lean in.

5 seconds.

Matt runs his thumb over my bottom lip, flattening it out before leaning in and meeting me in the middle.

Midnight.

With a soft peck to begin, Matt exited 2023. His tongue darts out shyly, prying at my lips and gaining an entrance. He moves a hand to run through my hair as both of my hands make their way to his hair as well.

I’m consumed in his kiss, and I have nothing but a smile on my face when he lets go so we can breathe.

“Happy New Year, beautiful.”

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mitsies · 1 year

Text

proposal ; satoru gojo

gojo satoru proposes quite often. each time, it all goes terribly wrong.

satoru gojo x gn reader, proposal, established relationship, parenthood (later!!), dad!gojo, 5+1 trope, so much fluff!!!

the first time gojo satoru asks you to marry him, he ends up nearly choking to death. he recalls it with a faux bitterness, and you with indignance and a tinge of amusement.

it was a fancy dinner restaurant, with low-hanging chandeliers and the aroma of obnoxious perfumes. people clothed in dressy designer gowns and suits flocked the bar and tables. you watched them as you sipped your drink, wondering what they were doing here tonight.

"that man with the red spotted tie? i bet the younger lady he's with is his mistress."

gojo's words made you choke back a laugh. his voice was low, to avoid anyone overhearing. he smiled at how your lips pursed to hide your smile.

this was your favorite game- you would find a person to observe, eyeing them, and gojo would follow your gaze. he'd then create a backstory for them- a game of fill-in-the-blank based on their actions and appearance.

the both of you would often go on fancy dinner dates (with gojo being vain and rich and enjoying dressing up, and with you benefitting from him being happy,) but today was a more momentous occasion. it was the two of you's 6th anniversary of dating.

you weren't expecting much, nor did you want a lot. just the regular flowers, sub-par wine, and overpriced food would do. you were content with his presence and no greater plans.

gojo, however, had other ideas for today. without your knowledge, he'd coordinated with the kitchen staff to create a secret proposal scheme- and he did a damn good job if he said so himself.

a large, gaudy, and expensive ring was stowed away inside a cupcake of your favorite flavor. there'd be two to share, and when you bit into it, you'd discover his proposal and say yes. that was gojo's plan, anyways.

when the plate of sweet treats were brought out, they just looked too good. gojo couldn't help but have his right away too- after all, it was best to avoid suspicion, right? so he popped the whole thing into his mouth like a pill.

and gagged. loudly.

a piece of fine silver, an immaculately cut and expensive diamond, and the tiny lapis lazuli studs in the form of a gaudy engagement ring was lodged in his throat.

at this point in the story, gojo typically pretends to forget what happened afterward. you would laugh and explain to the audience that he did, in fact, have to get heimlich-maneuvered by an elderly man. he ended up spitting out the ring and you never even knew it was there, assuming he was choking on his overly-chewy steak.

that date ended with an unpaid bill, apologetic staff, and an embarrassed couple. 'an ultimate success', gojo would chime into your story, since he 'got you in the end'.

you'd snort a laugh and push his shoulder playfully. 'more like an ultimate fuck-up', you'd smile. he would grin right back at you, brighter than a diamond.

the second time gojo satoru proposes, you get hit by a car.

it's a warm, sleepy day in thailand. gojo opted to take you with him as his plus one to some stuffy clan event being held there. instead of attending the event fully, though, the two of you decide to leave 10 minutes in to roam the unfamiliar streets.

the sun is about to set and it's held in the sky by the clouds, cradling it like a child. the world is alight with oranges and the streets are quiet. it's an abandoned little town, the one you end up in.

the buildings are dilapidated and birds nest in the rafters of old structures. graffiti decorates the walls and empty boxes line the streets. vines and flowers and grasses bloom and blossom through the cracks and creases of the decaying village, like nature was reaching back into the world to take what was hers.

your formal wear was itchy on your skin but you really didn't mind, as you laughed like a fool as satoru made stupid joke after stupid joke. his smile was enough to rival the setting sun as he beamed at you as if he'd never seen anything more beautiful.

gojo, who'd been a few paces ahead of you, falls into step next to you before grabbing your hand to get you to stop walking.

he says your name and it's more gently than usual. "look at the sky," he whispers, like it's a secret.

you look up to the expanse of tumbling clouds and the streaks of dusk and you're left breathless by the unusual serenity of it.

"it's not half as pretty as you." gojo is so quiet you almost can't hear him, but you smile a little. you turn, about to make fun of him for being cheesy and cliche, and then it's all a blur- you see satoru, on the floor for some reason? and you hear jingling and satoru shouts something and- 'bam!' gojo would pantomime, gesturing an explosion with his hands.

you'd roll your eyes before continuing the story. an elderly driver with a done-up and ancient, creaky, rickshaw had slammed you into the pavement and kept on driving.

you lay, dazed, back on the ground. gojo appeared in your vision, blurry and doubled. panic is prominent on his face, and you feel his hands on you.

for a few minutes, as gojo tries to manage both his own anger at the old driver and the fact that his partner just got hit by a rickshaw going at 100 miles per hour.

he helps you sit up, and you do so slowly. you're still seeing doubles of everything and the word is spinning and your head hurts like hell, but you don't think your bleeding, and gojo is slowly coming back into focus so you're probably, maybe okay.

'it was traumatizing,' gojo would narrate, 'blood everywhere, guts on the floor, everything.'

you'd smack gojo's shoulder and he'd cackle like a fool.

'it wasn't bad,' you would state, 'he's making it seem like i was on the verge of death. i was not.'

'i was not,' gojo mimicked. you'd shove your shoulder into him and he laughed, wrapping an arm around your waist.

this story ends with you in the hospital with a minor concussion and gojo stashing the engagement ring in his suit pocket and tucking it into the depths of his overly-stuffed suitcase.

'god, you getting hit by a car-'

'rickshaw,' you corrected, 'not a car.'

gojo side-eyed you. 'like i said, a car, was so inconvenient.'

you glare at him, and you hear your audience laugh. 'next time, the car is going to be hitting you. and it won't be just a concussion.'

attempt number 3 is less painful for you, but incredibly embarrassing for gojo.

it's snowing on the school campus. you and satoru observed as maki beat the shit out of yuta, as per usual. you wince as a particularly brutal blow strikes him.

"jesus, she's not holding back."

gojo smiles. "i wouldn't want her to. how else is he meant to learn?"

you raise an eyebrow. "i'm surprised you're allowed to be a teacher."

"me too!"

the silence pursuing your words is comfortable, the only thing breaking being the loud smacks coming from the field until gojo says:

"i'm sure they'll be fine. want to go for a walk?"

you tsk as he stands from the bench you are both sitting on. "now, what kind of teacher would that make you, satoru?"

"one with priorities."

you smile and take his extended hand. "damn right."

your walk is quiet. neither of you speaks much, and you're both happy that way. sometimes, silence is lovely.

gojo is not quiet around many. he is, by nature, loud, and that is something he hadn't grown out of. you feel a little blessed that he can find it in himself to be peaceful when you're around, though.

he's holding your gloved hand but you can still feel the cold emanating from his palm as he leads you through a grove of leafless trees, just behind the school campus.

"i love the snow," he says at some point.

you hum in agreement and steal a glance at him. satoru looks angelic in this scene, under a snow-filled tree, like a heavenly deity that you had the honor of encountering.

you turn your face so he doesn't see you staring. you've been together for years at this point, but you don't feel like embarrassing yourself at this moment.

when satoru lets go of your hand, though, you turn back around from your faux-examination of the winter scenery- just in time to see a big cloud of snow from the tree drop onto gojo's head.

he collapses from his place on the ground (why was he on the ground?), and he looks like a surprised deer. only his head peeks through the pile of white around him.

you stare for a beat before breaking out into laughter, so hard it makes your ribs hurt- and in the distance, you hear even more people laughing. you glance around to see the current 1st-years, yuta, maki, inumaki, and panda doubled over in laughter. panda had a phone out, presumably recording the whole scene.

'i should've killed him,' gojo grumbled, and you snort.

'too bad. he'd already sent the video to everyone, so that wouldn't really help your case.'

'maybe it's not too late.'

'i think it is. it's all okay though, right? because it all worked out in the end?'

you batted your lashes and gojo huffed at your blatant mockery of his previous words.

'well, i suppose you were worth it all. just barely, though.'

the final failed proposal was gojo's last ditch attempt at making it romantic.

it's your average day, about 6 months after the last mishap. spring flowers blossom all around your little picnic blanket as you smooth it over the grass. satoru places the basket over in the corner and began to unpack it.

it was one of the rare days when you both had a little time off, so in honor of the good weather, you and satoru opted to spend a while outside.

what you don't know is that satoru has a skywriter scheduled to come out in 5 minutes, to pull across a banner asking you to marry him.

and what satoru doesn't know is that the company he'd booked had a 2-star yelp rating.

so, when the skywriter dances across the blue canvas with a grey trail of letters following it, your name is spelled wrong. very wrong. to the point where it's unrecognizable.

"gertrude, will you marry me?"

you read out the words the skywriter spelled out, and smile dumbly. gojo wants to gouge his eyes out. "good for gertrude. strange name, though."

and then it starts raining. like, really raining. torrents of water rush down from the sky out of nowhere, soaking the both of you in a matter of moments.

"okay, well," gojo tries to conceal his disappointment, "i guess this was kind of a bust."

but you smile at him and he's not too upset anymore, because how could he be?

"there's always next time, satoru. could you help me with the stuff?"

the both of you rush to clean up your picnic. and then, you hear a rumble of thunder in the distance.

the hairs on the back of your neck rise and you think satoru feels it too because he grabs your hand and tugs you away. "i think we should go-"

a loud, crackling noise followed by an astonishingly bright light strikes the place where your picnic blanket used to lay. a small stream of smoke billows, before its vanquished by the water.

gojo looks at you. you look at him. and wordlessly, the both of you leave the park as quickly as you can.

(what neither of you realizes is that a little box with an over-the-top engagement ring was left abandoned at the park that day, never to be seen again.)

without the engagement ring, gojo isn't quite sure what he's meant to do.

he could try again. he could buy another one. but honestly, the demotivation he's feeling wouldn't do anything for his proposal skills. he is feeling very much slumped.

it's a week after the picnic fiasco, and life has been as normal for you. but for gojo, he's been stressing over everything for what feels like an eternity.

it's the last friday of springtime when he comes home from teaching to you laying on the couch. you're reading a book with a red cover in your flannel pajama pants and his oversized t-shirt. you look so good, and gojo doesn't know what to do with himself so he just stares at you from the doorway like some creep before entering your shared apartment.

he calls out a greeting to you and you reply in kind, asking how his day was. he keeps the conversation going as he showers, calling out his replies. he returns in his own overpriced loungewear and slides next to you on the couch.

he lays his head on your lap, looking up at you. you diligently and wordlessly rearrange to make this more comfortable for both of you.

the last rains of spring are pounding against the windows of your home, and the sky outside is dark blue. the yellow lighting of the lamp casts a warm glow on the two of you, and gojo thinks it brings out your eyes, and he doesn't know what he's saying when he says it but it's spoken nonetheless:

"i want to marry you."

you don't react in the slightest, flipping the page of the book you're reading and working your free hand through gojo's hair. but he doesn't miss how your movements falter for a moment, just a second.

"haha. funny."

gojo sits up. you're looking at him now, and he sees a flicker of confusion flit across your face.

"i'm serious. i mean it."

you blink. "you want to marry me."

he nods.

"oh."

"so..." gojo scoots back from you on the couch, so he's not in your face. "this is me proposing."

and then he waits. he waits for the burglar to come in and shoot both of you in the face. he waits for the microwave oven to explode in the kitchen and set the apartment on fire. he waits for the ceiling to collapse and bury you both in the rubble. he waits for you to say no.

"then i guess this is me saying yes."

but he is waiting for nothing. he smiles at you, so brightly that he could illuminate the stormy nighttime sky. and you kiss him, this boy made of diamond, as if he's going to disappear.

'i was so smooth, you can't lie,' gojo said with a stupid smirk.

'you're right, i can't lie. and you weren't smooth. at all.'

two little voices giggle and your heart was infinitely warmed.

you and satoru were sat telling your story to your young kids, aged 6 and 7. it was late on a wednesday, and you'd run out of stories to tell, so you resorted to the undoubtedly entertaining tale behind your engagement.

'you're so silly, dad!' said your 6-year-old daughter shigure. she had recently learned what the word 'silly' meant, so obviously it had to be used in every sentence ever. 'so so silly!

satoru ruffled her hair and you were taken for a moment at how similar the two were.

your 7-year-old son, fuyuki, interjected. 'i'm too old for bedtime stories now but i like this one i guess.'

you raised an eyebrow. 'oh, really? i guess we won't read you them anymore. y'know, since you're too old and cool for them-'

'no! i was just kidding!'

you snort. 'okay. i see.'

satoru stood and you followed suit, wishing the children goodnight before shutting off the lights in their room.

your husband sighed before stretching and cracking his back. he winced at the sound.

'you really are getting old,' you said lightly. he glared at you playfully.

'says the one whose hearing is giving out already.'

you waved a finger at him. 'that is a direct result of getting hit by a car-'

'rickshaw,' satoru corrected.

'a car,' you repeated, 'which, by the way, is technically all your fault.'

satoru groaned as you both made your way to your own bedroom. 'that was forever ago.'

'still feels like yesterday.'

'sure it does, grandpa.'

you were, at this point, by your bedside. so you threw a pillow at him.

he (almost) caught it and threw it back onto your bed. 'get in, spouse #1.'

you exhaled a breath of laughter. 'you first, #2.'

the night was cold as you slid in after satoru, and in all honesty, he was even colder, but you couldn't find it in yourself to care.

your head laid close to his chest and you could feel the rising and falling of his breathing. you tried to match it.

'i'm glad i asked you.'

his voice was out of nowhere. you raised your head to look at him inquisitively.

'i mean,' he amended, 'i'm glad this is how things ended up. really glad.'

you thought about your life. you thought about how you met, about the restaurant anniversary, about the crazed rickshaw driver, about the video of gojo losing to the snow, about the lightning and your failed picnic, about the rain against the windows and the color of the book you were reading, about everything from then til now.

there were so many words you could have said to tell him about how much you agreed. but you opt to return your head to his chest and listen to his heartbeat.

'i'm glad too,' is all you said. he already knew.

the name shigure means rainshower in late summer, winter, or autumn.

the name fuyuki means wintery tree.

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