#and i feel like i undid so much of our progress in one night

[weepinglavenders]

Staying Put: I'm Still Here, With You (Part 6)

If someone had told Newt that getting the shit kicked out of you wasn’t the worst way to wake up, he probably would have laughed. Now though? He was sure getting thrown into a hot shower with his clothes still on was absolutely horrible.

Newt thrashed like a fish out of water, eyes opening as he gasped for air.

“You are so goddamn stupid!”

Someone was muttering angrily as they held him under the water. The water finally shut off and Newt blinked the water out of his eyes, seeing Minho glaring down at him.

“Do you understand how fucking stupid you are? Do you know how hard it is to find someone when it’s cold as shit and pitch black out?! Because let me tell you, it’s really fucking hard! You were practically an ice sculpture when we managed to find your dumb ass.”

He was ranting now, clearly very angry and a bit scared at Newt’s actions. The boy went to speak but Minho picked him up and threw him over his shoulder, ignoring how soaked the boy was. He walked out of the bathroom and Thomas perked up a little as he saw them. 

Seeing Newt, hair flat to his head and soaking wet, was almost funny if Thomas wasn’t about to have a heart attack because of his antics. Minho set the blonde down in front of him and Newt turned around to glare at his friend who now had his arms crossed over his chest.

“Apologize.”

“What?”

“Apologize for sneaking out and nearly dying.”

“I left because you guys were already worrying about me. I was trying to do you all a favor.”

“What, by getting yourself killed? Yeah that’s very helpful, Newt.”

Gally stepping, voice as harsh as ever almost made him step back. He looked at the boy, the two glaring at each other.

“It would've been. There’s no point in me staying with you guys anymore, it was selfish of me to stay when you went into Denver, I’m just slowing progress down.”

“That’s bullshit.”

Now it was Thomas’s turn to be angry and this time Newt did step back.

“Just because you have the Flare doesn’t mean you’re useless now and even if you were you’re our friend and we don’t want to leave you behind. You’re still sane for now and that’s all that matters.”

The hardness in Thomas’s eyes made no room for argument and Newt sighed in defeat.

“Fine. I’m sorry.”

He looked pointedly at Minho who hummed in appreciation and ruffled his hair.

“Now that that’s settled, let’s get you some dry clothes.”

~

He didn’t have any, having to borrow a pair of pants from Thomas and a shirt from Minho because all of his clothes were back at WCKD apparently. He sighed as he sat down on his bed, medical kit in his lap as he undid the soggy bandages that covered his arms and face. From what he could tell the small scratches had scabbed pretty quickly so he didn’t need to re-wrap them, his arms however, had started to scar.

The cuts from his cuffs were deep and bruised and there were smaller ones that were on his forearms, caused by his own fingernails. He took care of them and then laid on his back. He was so tired, the warm, slightly baggy clothes weren’t helping either. He was grateful that Thomas and him were close to the same size and he could deal with the shirt considering Minho stood a few inches taller than him. Gally was an inch shorter than Minho but he’d rather die than ask to use his clothes.

He stared at the ceiling, trying not to fall asleep as he did so. He let himself start to think of Alby, waking up in the homestead, warm and arms wrapped around each other. Newt would watch the softness that filled his lover’s face as he whispered to him, reserving those looks just for him and making him feel special. 

He thought of the mornings after a rare lazy day, his neck and legs sore, face burning with embarrassment as he thought of the night’s event’s. They’d laugh, get ready, and have breakfast before splitting in their own directions. 

Newt rolled over and sighed sadly. He missed him so much, wondered what he would do if he was still here, if he hadn’t been stung. He squeezed his eyes shut as he tried to think of his words and what he’d say to Newt right now but he stilled as he realized he couldn’t remember what he sounded like. Memories of him were all muted or too quiet for him to hear. He opened his eyes, taking in a deep breath as he tried to calm his speeding heart.

 The knock came from outside but Newt couldn’t bother to answer it. Minho carefully slipped in, frowning as he saw the state his friend was in. He sat on the bed beside him and Newt sat up, hugging him tightly.

“Alby?”

He nodded in response, squeezing his eyes shut and finally being able to calm down. The few days that they were stuck in the odd building before the Scorch Trials Minho and Newt had fallen into a familiar routine, often falling asleep on one of their beds, finding it was the only way they could actually sleep through the night. The long days of starvation allowed him to mourn Alby, often going to his best friend for comfort. It was an odd step in their friendship but the two felt more comfortable now, talking easily when they could spare a few moments of conversation. 

Minho rubbed his back gently and sighed.

“Promise you won’t do anymore of that crazy shit, no matter how Crank-like you get.”

“I can’t-”

“You have to.”

He pulled him away a little by Newt’s shoulders, staring at him with the most serious face he’d ever seen from Minho.

“I promise, and I’m sorry for almost dying.”

“Hell yeah you are slinthead. I took that shit personally.”

They laughed quietly, falling into comfortable silence.

“You wouldn’t believe how scared Thomas was though. Man almost gave me a run for my money.”

“You know he’d act the same if you did something like that. You truly are his best friend.”

“You two are pretty close as well.”

He nodded, humming quietly.

“We are, but not as much as you two. He really cares about your opinion on things.”

Minho yawned a little as he nodded, pulling Newt to him again.

“I know you didn’t sleep at all after your nightmare and I really don’t feel like leaving you alone for an extended period of time. We’re going to do this one more time.”

“It almost sounds like you don’t like cuddling with me Min.”

“Why would I, you always steal the blankets.”

The two laughed, Minho turning off the lights and the two falling into their spots, relaxing at the other’s presents. They drifted off to sleep and Newt’s Flare infected mind let him go through the night without any nightmares.

[m-jelly]

Love's thorny grip - Chapter 3

Incredible banner by @ladycheesington <3 I adore it so much. She's so incredibly talented. Go follow her! I wonder what he's thinking...

Pairing: Levi x Reader

Genre and tags: Royal AU, romance, falling in love, soft yandere Levi, plot development, fluff, rough Levi, masturbation, peeping, stealing of clothes, date.

Concept: You go over to Levi's for the afternoon tea. You enjoy tea and cakes with him and his workers before you both run off. Levi plays the piano for you before you dance together. Levi visits you in the middle of the night and watches you, without you knowing, touch yourself as you moan his name. Levi and you chat and he tells you a sweet story. Levi takes a pair of your bloomers without you knowing and proceeds to masturbate back at the palace using your bloomers.

TW: Levi is a peeping tom in this chapter. He watches the reader in the bath as she touches herself while moaning Levi's name. This chapter also contains Levi masturbating using one of the reader's bloomers, a pair he took from your home. If both of these make you feel uncomfortable, do not read the last section of this chapter.

AO3 Link

Part 1 Part 2 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 The end

You rode in the carriage with one of your best dresses and corsets on. You didn’t understand why you wanted to impress Levi, you just did. You wanted him to gaze at you and keep taking you in. You enjoyed Levi’s attention, but not in a Queen-B type of way. You wanted him to smile, talk and look at you and only you. You knew in your heart you cared deeply for him, so when his attention was on you, you felt he cared about you. When he wasn’t focused on you, you felt lonely and cold. You felt as if you became dependent and needy of Levi’s care, which unbeknown to you is exactly what Levi wanted.

You released a long sigh as your eyes remained locked on the outside world. You were confused about what to do with your life and how things were progressing. You wanted to make a difference and help people out while being loved by someone very passionately. You had so much love in your heart for someone and you wanted to give it to them, but you never had much luck in love. You liked Levi a lot, but you didn’t understand why he flirted with you so much and yet he had not given a marriage proposal to your father. You’d asked your father, but he said the crown prince didn’t offer anything and to leave the subject alone.

You perked up when the carriage stopped and the door opened. “Thank you.”

Levi stepped from behind the door. “You’re very welcome.”

You gasped in delight. “Your highness, I wasn’t expecting you to welcome me.”

He took your hand and helped you out of the carriage. “I invited you here, so I want you to be here.” He pulled you close. “How could I not greet you?” You didn’t know that Levi had been waiting for you since the carriage left his palace. “Shall we have our tea and snacks?”

You nodded. “Please.”

He led you inside his palace and into a grand room with flowers everywhere, a large fireplace, big window doors and comfy seats. The table between the seats was covered in tea and food. “For you.”

You were lost for words. Never before had you seen something so wonderful done for you. “Your highness.”

Levi undid your cloak. “Ah-ah, what do you call me when we are alone.”

“Levi.”

He locked eyes with you. “Good girl.” He removed your cloak and felt his heart stop at the dress you were wearing. “Fu…I mean…you…you look divine.”

You blushed a little as you fiddled with your dress. “Thank you.”

He smiled. “Truly, you are a goddess.”

You hummed and pressed the dress down. “You don’t think the dress is wearing me?”

“No, no, you are wearing the dress. You have made all of this truly stunning.”

“You’re too kind.”

He held your hand in his black leather gloved hand. “I am not. I rarely give our compliments.” He led you to the table. “Sit, please.”

You sat down and smiled at him. “You have gone above and beyond today. Did you make any of this?”

He sat next to you and poured two cups of tea. “I made some of it, but I get overly excited and my two chefs had to help me out. Don’t worry, I know we won’t be able to eat all of this. I have told my staff that after we leave they can have a tea party. They’ll have fresh tea as well. So, eat very little so they can have fun.”

You giggled. “You’re really nice.”

“I like treating my people, they’re good and they work hard.”

You smiled at him. “Hmmm.”

He watched you get up. “What are you planning, little kitten?”

“Why don’t we get everyone to join us?”

He pouted. “I wanted you alone.”

“We can talk while everyone eats. They won’t notice us.” You paused by the door. “Please?”

Levi walked over as he sighed. “All right.” He opened the door. “Jean, Luna? Anyone available is invited to the afternoon tea with me and kit…I mean my lady.”

Jean bowed. “I’ll gather the men.”

Luna gasped. “I’ll gather the ladies!”

You slipped back into the room and sat down. “I think it’ll be nice this way.” You patted the spot next to you. “Don’t pout, come sit.”

Levi strolled over and sat down next to you. “Fine.”

You rubbed his back. “Don’t be so sad.”

He put his arm around you and grabbed your hip. He yanked you close against him. “I’m not sad.”

“You are.”

He released a long sigh. “I just…I wanted it to be me and you.”

You gazed at Levi as the room was filled with his staff. “Oh, I’m sorry. I messed up, didn’t I?”

Levi panicked. “Oh, no, no. You could never mess up. You are perfect. I am just…I guess I’m like a spoiled child. I want you all to myself.” He played with your hair. “I can have that another time, correct?”

You nodded shyly. “You can.”

Levi reached over and squeezed your thigh. “I look forward to it.”

You hummed a laugh. “You can always kidnap me again.”

“That is true.”

Levi watched you as you ate and started chatting with his staff. He felt a little jealous that they had your attention, but at the same time, he was happy you were getting along with everyone. He was often conflicted with his feelings. He knew his obsession with you was dangerous, but at the same time, he couldn’t help himself. He just wanted you all to himself.

You turned to Levi and whispered. “Wanna sneak away?”

Levi nodded and grabbed your hand. He hurried with you out of the room and led you to another room with a piano. “Better.”

You giggled. “There’s only so much I can talk about with others.” You released a long sigh. “This is a nice room.” You walked up to the piano and lightly touched it. “Do you play?”

He strode over to the piano and sat. “I do.”

You leaned on the piano. “That’s wonderful.”

Levi smiled and started playing beautifully. His fingers moved gracefully over the keys as a gentle tune filled the room. You closed your eyes for a moment and just relaxed. Levi glanced up at you as and smiled at you having your eyes closed and relaxing to the music he was playing for you. He hummed along to the song and changed it into a music piece he wrote for you about you. He grinned when you pulled away from the piano and started dancing a little around the room.

Levi came to the end of the song and gazed at you. “Did you like that?”

You came to a stop and smiled at Levi. “It was beautiful. I’ve never heard anything like that before.”

He rose to his feet and walked over to you. “I wrote it for you, that’s why.”

You blushed as you gazed at Levi. “Really?”

He nodded and held your hands. “It was difficult though, capturing you in a song, but I think I did well. I need to fine-tune it.” He started dancing with you around the room. “I swear I will make it better for you.”

You stopped a moment. “That’s so much. I ah…”

He held your chin. “I wanted to make the song for you.” He leaned closer and kissed your forehead. “There are many things I want to do for you.”

You clenched your jaw and lowered your head. “I should head home.”

Levi held your hand and stopped you from leaving. “Wait.”

You looked back at him. “I’m sorry, it’s just…” You welled up. “You’re so kind to me.”

Levi wrapped his arms around you and held you close. “You deserve kindness, little kitten, you really do.”

You gazed at Levi and leaned closer. You held your breath as your lips tingled. You stopped when the doors opened. You turned and smiled at Luna. “Hello.”

Luna bowed to you. “Seems like your father is looking for you. I will rush you back home.”

You nodded and hurried to the door. You stopped a moment and turned to Levi. “Thank you, for today. I wish we could be together longer.”

Levi placed his hand on his heart. “Me too. I’ll see you soon.”

You lay in your bath and lifted your foot out of the water. You let out a long sigh and sighed as your body relaxed. You closed your eyes for a moment and relaxed. You were at peace with everything and your mind seemed to drift to Levi. Your heart fluttered as you thought about how he danced with you. You moaned a little as you thought about him kissing you, touching you, biting you and gripping you with his leather gloves.

Your eyes flew open as you felt a tingle in your body. You looked down at your pelvis and felt a flush of embarrassment. You put a hand over your eyes and groaned at the idea that you were thinking of touching yourself while you thought of Levi. You whined a bit and fought the temptation, but you couldn’t hold back anymore.

You dipped your hand under the water and massaged your pelvis as you thought about Levi. You hummed with need. You moved your hand down further and began playing with your slit. You sighed as your body relaxed. You leaned your head back as images of Levi came through your mind. You moaned as you imagined Levi whispered to you, telling you you are a good girl, asking you if you liked it when he touched you.

You massaged your left breast and pinched your nipple. You thrust your hips up and met your fingers. You pushed two fingers deep into your wet pussy and began massaging your walls as your thumb moved against your clit. You panted as you thought about Levi’s gloved hands touching you instead of your own. You turned your head to the side and panted against the side of the bath. You pinched your nipple harder and moaned in ecstasy.

You moaned in delight. “Levi. Mm. Levi, just like that.” You leaned your head back as you moved your fingers a little faster and massaged your breast. “Levi.”

Levi climbed in through your bedroom window and looked for you, but you were missing. He frowned a little when he heard muffled moans. He followed the enticing sound and moved to a closed door. He pressed his ear against it and heard you moan his name. He dropped to his knees as quietly as possible and looked through the keyhole to see you in the bath with your eyes closed as you moaned.

Levi held his breath as he watched you. He couldn’t see much, just your head. He smiled at how beautiful you looked with your lips parted, your cheeks flushed and such cute and delicate moans escaping your lips. His eyes widened when you moaned his name loudly as you came hard. He enjoyed your orgasmic glow.

Levi pulled back from the door and fixed his trousers so his erection was hidden from your view when you came out. He sat on your bed and released a long sigh. He thought of things that had nothing to do with you. He tried to calm his mind and body down. He felt his erection calm down. He looked up at the bathroom door to see you walk out with just a towel on. His heart raced as his cock twitched.

Levi smiled a little. “Hey.” Levi rushed over to you and covered your mouth to stop you from screaming. He pressed you against the wall and hushed you. “Don’t scream or your father will skin me.” He glanced down at your chest with water dripping down it. “You look ravishing.”

You whimpered at him and shifted between him and the wall. You mewled loudly when your towel slipped a little and showed your breasts and cleavage a little. You looked down and flushed red.

Levi stared at your breasts being pressed against his body and your towel had slipped a little. He flicked his gaze to lock eyes with you. “Your towel has slipped.” He removed his hand from your lips. “I am sorry.”

You gripped your towel. “I’ve got it. We’re safe.”

He moved back and saw the towel saved. “I’ll wait for you by the bed as you change.”

You smiled at him. “Sure.”

Levi watched you go behind the screen and began snooping. He opened your closet and looked inside. “Lovely dresses, kitten.”

“Thank you. I tend to go for simple things and what’s easy for me to move in, but I have one or two really nice ones.”

Levi played with your nicest dress and thought about gifting you some, seeing as he knew your size. He pulled back and walked to your drawers. “I think you should treat yourself more to nicer things.”

You sighed. “Maybe someday.”

Levi stopped when he saw a silken pair of bloomers in your drawer. He gulped hard as he touched them. He picked them up and inhaled a little. He held back a moan at your scent in the very fibres of the fabric. He heard you walking and shoved your bloomers into his inside blazer pocket and closed your drawer. He turned and gazed at the changing screen.

You walked out in a long white nightdress and smiled at Levi. “You find anything interesting while you were snooping?”

He shook his head. “Only that you’re a very tidy person.”

You hummed a laugh and walked over to your bed. “Sometimes I am.” You pulled back the covers. “Are you staying for a sleepover or something?”

He took his blazer off and placed it on your seat. He dragged his boots off and walked over to you. “Do you mind if I lie with you for a while?”

You blushed. “No, I wouldn’t mind at all.”

He pulled his cravat off and placed it on your bedside table. “Thank you.” He climbed into bed and lay back with a long sigh. “I don’t normally sleep.”

You lay back and pulled the covers up over you and Levi. “Why don’t you sleep?”

He stared up at your ceiling. “Nightmares. Before it was discovered I was the Prince, I used to do a lot of things to try and get money to keep my mother and me going. I didn’t want her to do jobs that would put her at risk. I wanted her to have a good life. This results in some dangerous work. I’ve seen a lot of people die. I’ve seen a lot of terrible things done by humans to others.”

You rolled onto your side and gazed at Levi. “I’m so sorry.”

He turned his head and smiled at you. “Don’t be sorry for something that happened that has nothing to do with you.”

You held his hand. “I know, but I feel like I need to say something.”

Levi lay on his side. “Just listening to me is enough.”

You smiled softly and played with Levi’s hand. “I want you to be happy.”

He hummed a laugh. “I am happy.”

You yawned a little. “I can’t believe you climbed in through my window. You kidnapping me?”

He moved the hair from your face and smiled at how cute you were when you were sleepy. “No, not today. Maybe next time.”

You smiled sleepily at him. “Oh, okay.”

Levi moved closer. “Go to sleep, kitten.”

You whined a bit. “But you’re here. I don’t want to be rude.”

Levi rubbed your cheek affectionately. “Rest.”

You shuffled a little. “Tell me a story about your childhood.”

Levi smiled. “All right. When I was around six or seven, I used to pretend I was this brave knight for my mother.”

You hummed. “I can see it.”

“I was very brave.”

You laughed at him. “I’m sure you were.”

He hummed as he thought back on his life as a kid. “I would try and fight a breeze that was too cold. I’d fight dust that would make my mother’s house dirty.”

You laughed hard. “Really?”

“I was King of the cleaning lands, just ask my mother.”

You snorted a laugh. “Sure. I will when I meet her.”

He smiled softly. “Anyway, one day a wasp was bothering my mother.” He sighed. “And, seeing how I was the knight of the house, protector of my mother I went to fight the wasp.”

You gasped. “Oh no, you didn’t…”

He nodded. “I did and as you can guess, it didn’t end well, it was my first defeat. I got stung by the wasp.”

You cupped Levi’s face as you tried not to laugh. “Oh, you poor thing.”

He huffed. “I held back cries because it hurt bad, but the biggest reason was I thought I had failed my mother. However, she did something wonderful. She pulled the wasp out of my arm and killed it. She cleaned my wound, cuddled me tightly and gave me kisses on my forehead. She told me that we can’t always win every battle and we can’t protect everyone we love, but what we can do is learn from our failures better than our victories.” He smiled a little. “I learned so much from her. I also got some nice sweets from her too because I was so brave.”

You hummed. “Very brave.”

Levi smiled. “Thank you.” He sighed. “Anyway, I have lived by her words for all my life. She was right. I haven’t been able to protect everyone, but I have learned from my failures and it’s made me the strong person I am today. I will do everything in my power to keep those I care about from harm. I will stop at nothing to care for others.” He looked over at you to see you had fallen asleep. “You most of all. I will make sure you are safe and loved for eternity.” Levi kissed your cheek. “Sleep well, kitten.”

Levi climbed out of bed and pulled on his boots and blazer. He looked over at his cravat and decided to leave it seeing as he was taking your bloomers. He climbed out of your window and collected his cloak from the floor. He tied his cloak on and hurried into the night until he reached the palace. He climbed up to his balcony and looked around his room to see if anyone had been inside.

He removed his blazer, boots, gloves and waistcoat. He stretched in his smart shirt and high-waisted trousers and felt his body relax. He picked up his pocket watch and gazed at the lavender inside. He smiled a little as he remembered how you lay in bed with him and giggled at his story. He felt his heart flutter in his chest. His need and desire to see you again built up.

Levi heard your moans echoing in his head. He blushed as he felt his cock twitch and his balls tighten. He grunted in response knowing very well he was about to sin badly. He hurried over to his bedroom door and locked it. He gulped hard as your moans grew louder in his head. He shook as excitement consumed him. He rushed to his blazer and retrieved your bloomers. He inhaled deeply and moaned as his cock grew hard.

He stumbled to his bed and flopped onto his back. He inhaled again before letting out a long moan. He knew he shouldn’t be doing this. He knew it was naughty for him to do this. He knew, but he could resist. Your moans were in his head. The image of you touching yourself in the bath as you moaned Levi’s name was digging its claws into his mind. He was beyond aroused.

Levi rested his shoulders against the headboard of his bed. He hastily unbuckled his trousers and pulled out his throbbing erection. He moaned in relief at freeing it. He stared at his long thick cock twitching with need. He hummed at the vein throbbing as it wrapped around his shaft. He panted as his tip was dark as blood rushed into it.

Levi wrapped your bloomers around his erection and hummed at feeling the cool soft fabric against his hot skin. He pushed his hand down into his trousers and boxers slowly before cupping his balls. He whined as he held his cock wrapped in your bloomers and began moving his hand up and down at a gentle pace.

He moaned as he thought about you lightly touching his cock and teasing him for being a naughty boy. He moved his fingers up and teased his tip. He whimpered as precum leaked from his tip creating a glistening shine to him. He ran his fingers down his cock slowly and felt a shiver run through his very soul.

He panted as he started moving his cock through your bloomers. He watched as his tip appeared and disappeared under the fabric. He gulped hard as you moaned his name in his mind. He closed his eyes and thought about how you touched yourself, how you moaned his name, how you pleaded with him to let you cum. He wanted it, he wanted it so badly to happen right now. He wanted to be making love to you against his royal bed.

He leaned his head back as he imagined you crawling up the bed to him and telling him how beautiful his cock was. He moaned your name as he imagined you tracing his cock with your fingers. He grunted and paused his hand as he saw you kneeling above him with your soaking pussy on display. He licked his lips as he imagined your juices running down your thighs as you were overly aroused for Levi.

He dragged his hand down his cock slowly as if you were sinking him into your pussy. He huffed in annoyance at not having the real thing, but your bloomers, the memory and his imagination would have to do for now.

He bucked up against his hand as thoughts of you riding him filled his vision. He moaned your name and opened his eyes. He looked around the room and realised where your clothing was. He reached under the bed and brought out your corset. He inhaled deeply and thought about your breasts bouncing in his face as you fucked yourself on him.

Levi growled and spread his legs wide before bucking up hard and fast into his hand and your bloomers. He fucked his hand as if he was pounding and ravaging your tight wet pussy. He was claiming you as his own. A moan caught in his throat as his balls tightened at the need to release his cum. He gritted his teeth and groaned as he tried to hold on longer, but your stunning orgasm face flooded into his head.

Levi threw his head back and curled his toes as he moaned your name over and over again. He pumped his big thick cock faster with your bloomers as he thought about filling your womb up with his seed.

“Nngh.” He shivered. “Ah! Ha! Ha! Ha! Mmm!” He shifted more and looked down at his cock. He bucked harder into his hand. “F-fuck!” He moaned your name. “Your p-pussy is s-so good. Ah! Mmm! Fuck, oh fuck!” He gasped. “I’m gonna cum inside you.” He gasped and moaned your name as hot ribbons of his cum shot out of his tip all over his hand and your bloomers. Levi moaned as he massaged his balls and pumped his cock. “Mmmm, fuck take all my cum.” He panted as slowed his hand down. He panted and sighed. “Ah…shit.” He relaxed and stared at the mess he’d made of himself and your bloomers. “Fuck!”

He banded the back of his head against the headboard and whimpered at the pain. He shook his head and got out of bed with his limp dick tapping against the outside of his trousers. He placed your boomers on the sink and started washing his hands as the shame washed over him. He groaned a little when he realised what he’d done.

He locked eyes with himself in the mirror. “Tch, you’re a fucking pervert.” He let out a long sigh. “But she did touch herself thinking of me…” He cleaned up his hands, then his penis. “Tch, I should shower or bath.”

He stared at his shower and decided it would be better than sitting in water. He pulled all his clothes off and grabbed your bloomers. He stumbled into the shower and started cleaning your bloomers in the shower until all his cum was off them. He hung them up to air dry before he started washing. He rubbed every inch of his wet naked body under the running hot water.

He lathered his hands up with soap and began scrubbing away as if he was trying to wash his shame off. He rubbed his plump pecs a little before descending to his abs. He cleaned his abs up before moving to his V. He lathered up his hips and washed off the soap. He sighed and started washing his pelvis area carefully and made sure every single inch of his was clean. When he knew his body was spotless, he moved onto his hair.

Levi pushed back his raven locks and sighed. He lifted his head with his eyes closed and let the water caress his muscular body. He moaned as the hot water felt like warm loving fingers pushing into every grove of his body. He lowered his head and felt a familiar feeling stir within him. He shook his head and pushed out his desire and massaged shampoo into his hair.

Levi washed off and looked down to see his penis was hard. He groaned a little as he felt embarrassed that he desired you so much. He pressed his arm against the shower wall as he pulled the skin down on his cock. He shivered at his own touch and thought about having you pressed against the shower wall.

He clenched his fist tightly and closed his eyes as his hand started pumping hard and fast on his cock. He bucked against his hand and moaned your name. He blushed at the sound of his pleasure bouncing off the walls and echoing back to him. He grunted as he moved hard and fast on his cock. He pressed his mouth against his hand as he moaned.

Levi bent over and panted as he thought about being balls deep inside you. The hot water was your pussy juices wrapping lovingly around his cock and milking him dry of his seed. He whimpered as he felt his balls tighten up at the thought of breeding you and loving you until you were both spent. He wanted to make love to you for days on end.

Levi panted heavily, his body heating up. “Ha, ha, ha, ha, nnngh, ah, mm.” He shivered. “Oh fuck.” He grunted as he bucked a little. “Sh-shit!” He moaned as he watched his sperm shoot out of his tip and onto the cold tiled wall. He kept stroking his cock until he produced no more cum. He panted and sighed. “Shit.”

Levi released a long sigh before cleaning up his mess in the shower. He huffed a little and left the shower. He grabbed a towel and slowly ran it all over his body. He made sure to press and rub into the dips, bumps and curves of his defined body. He rubbed down his thick thighs and legs before drying his plump bum. He hung up the towel before grabbing another towel and rubbing his hair dry.

He stared at your bloomers and made a mental note to not let the maids and butlers into his bathroom while they were drying. He stumbled into his bedroom before yanking on his bedroom bottoms and crawling into his bed.

Levi lay back and gazed up at his ceiling and felt cold. The room wasn’t cold, it was just he was missing you. He might have just jerked off twice thinking of you, but the other side of him longed to have you in his arms. He wanted to hold you and make you laugh. He wanted to tell you more stories as you lay next to each other.

Levi rolled onto his side and dragged a pillow close. He nuzzled the pillow and closed his eyes as he thought about it being you. He smiled against the pillow and just held it as he slowly drifted off into a light sleep with a simple dream of you and him talking and cuddling.

[mitsungo]

　∧＿∧

（｡･ω･｡)つ━☆・*。

⊂　　 ノ 　　　・゜+.

しーＪ　　　°。+ *´¨)

　　.· ´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)

(¸.·´ (¸.·’* ✫⌒*･ﾟ

　　

　　I didn’t expect the second part to become more popular! It honestly shocked me! I kinda have an idea of where I’ll be going with the ending—kinda don’t. Idk. We’ll just wait and see how this progresses! Also just go with the flow on this please 😵‍💫

　　✧༺🔥༻∞　🌸　∞༺❄️༻✧

Kyojuro had never wished for nothing more than to live a peaceful life with Y/n after retiring from the demon slayer corps. She was a wonderful person, ever since he had met her, he had known that she would be the girl he would one day call his wife, and she would call him her husband. He and his fellow hashira, named Uzui, would talk about marriage and occasionally talk about children and retiring. Though Uzui would get carried away when it came to the children part, adding more to the conversation about making the children and not imagining how the children would be like. When Uzui talked about that topic, Kyojuro would get startled and start sweating, before he would change the topic as fast as he could. But heaven knows that Uzui would pick up the idea that Kyojuro was still, pure, as Uzui would put it. So what if he was? He and his fiancée agreed that they would consummate their marriage duties once they got married. But then again, Uzui would tell him about how wonderful it felt to, be intimate with a partner.

“Y/n, may I ask you something?” Kyojuro asked, his eyebrows furrowing a bit, to show off that he was going to be serious in the conversation. “Of course Kyo, what is it that you wish to know?” Y/n replied gently, her eyes now fixated on his own. “Have you ever thought of, being intimate…on another level?” Kyojuro felt his cheeks heat up in embarrassment at the question he had just asked his fiancée. Y/n abruptly stopped sewing, she didn’t move for a good minute, before she put the needle and kimono down on her lap. “Well, if I am completely honest. I don’t really know what you mean by that dear. What do you mean, ‘on another level’? Are you trying to say…” she paused, her cheeks turning bright red as she realized what he meant. “I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable by asking you that. But I just, wanted to know. You know? I mean, the farthest we’ve gone to is kissing and occasionally leaving small marks on one another.” Kyojuro said, he really hoped he hadn’t made y/n’s opinion change on him. What if she thought he was a pervert now. How embarrassing. As he was lost in thought, y/n burst into laughter, starling Kyojuro in the process. “You could have just asked me if you wanted to make love Kyo. No need to be shy with me! We’ve known each other since we were children darling!” She let another fit of giggles escape her mouth as she desperately tried to cover it with a hand over her mouth. How cute. “Guess you’re right! I’ll try to be more straightforward next time!” He shot her a bright smile, causing y/n to stop giggling and stare at him in awe. Kyojuro made his way over to y/n, kneeling down in front of her and taking out a small picture of her and him together in kimonos she had made for them. “Always and forever, my beautiful wife.” He felt y/n gently put the picture back into his pocket, her fingers entangling with his own. “Always and forever, my handsome husband.” Kyojuro looked into his future wife’s eyes, those beautiful shining orbs of life and color. She leaned in closer to his face, her lips touching his. “Let’s get married here now then. And we can consummate the marriage before you depart tomorrow for that mission of yours.” Kyojuro closed his eyes, placing his forehead onto her own, smiling gently at her, “Very well. I will marry you here. And you will marry me here. Together, we will bring our two families and more importantly our souls together.” She nodded, smiling back at him with a warm smile like the sun. They both leaned in, closing the gap between them. Just how lucky was he to have such an amazing woman in his life? He would never know.

Now looking at the situation he was in, with upper rank 3’s arm piercing through his stomach, he wished he had married y/n sooner. They had only spent two months secretly married together, he was hoping to be spending his entire lifetime with her. He couldn’t give up now, not without a fight, not until he cut this demon’s head off. Kyojuro knew y/n would want him to fulfill his mission, just as his mother would too. He had to do it now. “I WON’T LET YOU ESCAPE! NOT UNTIL I CUT THAT HEAD OF YOURS!” He yelled at the demon, who had began to panic due to the sun rising. “LET GO! I SAID LET GO!” Akaza screamed, but to no avail. Kyojuro could feel his body start to succumb to his wound, no, he had to continue fighting. His mind started to get a bit fuzzy his vision on his right eye following right behind. Kyojuro felt Akaza rip himself away from his grasp, so this was it. The fight was over. He could finally rest. He had also lost the picture he always kept near his heart of him and y/n, how much he wanted to cry from not being able to see her face one more time.

“You will, live on without me. I will see you again.”

The day after Kyojuro’s funeral, she locked herself up in her room, ignoring her aunt and uncle’s plea for her to come out and eat or be in the garden. How could she eat or do anything when the man she loved had just died? Y/n undid her hair, throwing the pin away in a corner of her room. The sound of it hitting the wall harshly, she didn’t pay no attention to it, nothing mattered anymore. Nor she, or anyone. Her eyes started to tear up again, she looked up and saw one of the unfinished kimono’s in her room. Y/n grit her teeth in anger, yanking the kimono from the rack, grabbing a pair of scissors and tearing it apart. The one beautiful piece of fabric was now a torn up piece of cloth. She fell to her knees, her head starting to hurt from the anger and grief.

“Kyojuro! Why did you leave me all alone? Now who will be my other half if not you? Gods, what have I done to anger you enough to take away my husband from me? Please, take care of him for me until I go with him and my parents. Who am I to judge you for your decisions? Even then, I can not live without Kyojuro!” She proclaimed to no one, her hands gripping tightly on the kimono she had just shred into pieces. Why was this world so cruel to her? To everybody? She knew others had gone through much worse, and only now did she understand those who have lost their entire families, friends, and even themselves. How tragic. Her uncle and aunt were shocked when she had come down later in the night to the garden. Y/n looked up at them, her hair a mess, eyes red and a shredded kimono in hand.

“I renounce my title as a seamstress.”

A whole month has passed since Akaza had met Y/n. The two have gotten closer to one another, almost as if they were best friends. He had just arrived for the night at her home, the scent of her perfume in the room.

“Oh, Akaza. You’re here. Please. Take a seat.” Y/n said, gesturing for him to sit down in his designated spot. As he walked over to the small tea table, his eyes caught a certain picture frame that was placed in between a small shrine. Akaza picked up the frame, glancing behind his back to make sure y/n was not there, he studied the picture, it was Y/n and Kyojuro. Both of them smiling softly with their hands intertwined. It made him a bit jealous seeing kyojuro there with her, he didn’t deserve a woman like y/n. “So, are you going to teach me how to sew details into a kimono today or are you just—.” He stopped mid sentence, his mouth covered by y/n’s hands. She leaned into his ear and said, “I know you were the one that murdered Kyojuro.” He felt his eyes widen. “But don’t worry, I do not hate you. Humans and demons are sworn enemies. One may say that you are evil, doing unspeakable things to mankind, but even so, you are still a living creature, as I know you do not age, and you can be killed. Any living thing can be killed, though your morals are different than ours, I understand. What you think you do is righteous , and what the demon slayers think they do is righteous, it will in the end be the same. Killing one another because of different perspectives.” Y/n pulled her hands off his mouth, and backing away slowly. Akaza turned to face her, his face written with confusion and thoughtfulness. “You truly are an odd woman.” Was all he said in response. “They say the best people are a bit odd.” She giggled, taking his hand into her own. “Come now, let me show you how I do these details.”

The wind had began to pick up more now. With the petals of fallen wisteria flowers being taken away by the air and into the unknown. Akaza had just had a hard night, first he was summoned to an upper moon meeting, it seemed that an upper moon had died and their master was not happy at all, then that idiot with the blood stained hair had to go and bother him. How irritating, if only he could beat that parasite. But at least he would be going to go visit y/n today, since he didn’t have much do to. Akaza arrived in a matter of time, he poked his head into her room, his eyebrows furrowed when he noticed y/n’s scent was different today, sickly almost. He began to panic.

“Y/n? Where are you?” He took another look around the room and ran towards the end of the hall. “I’m downstairs, in the study room.” Akaza heard her say, he quickly made his way down to the room she said she was in. He slid open the door and saw y/n sitting down with her hand over her stomach. “Akaza, I found out, today, that I am pregnant.” His jaw dropped at the news, what the actual fuck? “How are you pregnant? I mean, is that even possible? Who’s baby is it? Have you been seeing men behind my back?” He started asking her, though he knew that couldn’t be the answer, as he would have smelt the scent of another man sooner. “I’ve only ever slept with you and kyojuro. This is very hard for me to even understand.” Akaza frowned when he realized that the baby growing inside had to be Kyojuro’s, it irritated him, now this day has truly become the worst one. As he was lost in thought, he snapped back to reality when he felt y/n’s soft hand tightly grip his. “I do not know why, but I have a feeling that there are two babies in me. And you are the father of one of them. You don’t need to stay by my side anymore. I understand. I wouldn’t stay either.” She happily said. Akaza’s eyes widened at her words, could that be a possibility, and would he actually want to keep staying here with her? Perhaps it was, or not. Only time will tell. As for staying with her, he didn’t know how to feel anymore. Y/n looked at him, her gaze slowly breaking away from his own, as if she was getting the aura that he wasn’t so sure anymore about anything. Y/n felt a smile creep up on her face, she pulled her hand away from his and slowly got up. But Akaza quickly yanked her back and embraced her, not too tightly, as he was worried he would hurt her and the babies. Akaza closed his eyes as he felt her arms wrap around him. This was a familiar feeling. He opened his mouth to finally give a response,

“I will stay with you no matter what.”

[legaciezzz]

All Best Friends Have Seen Each Other Naked

Lizzie x Male Reader

Genre: Smut

Request: Could you do Lizzie x reader where everyone thinks they’re dating but they’re just friends. He calms her down when she’s about to have a breakdown and helps her with anything. One day they get really drunk and hook up but they don’t want to ruin their friendship so they don’t tell anyone. The reader accidentally lets it out in front of all their friends and hope gets a little jealous even though she’s dating Landon.

A/N: I don't know if you wanted this to be that start of a triangle but let me know if you would like a part 2.

You and Lizzie were bestfriends. You hung out all the time, you were always there to calm her down when she has an episode, you studied together, you basically did everything together. But of course, a boy and a girl can never just be friends. Asides from the squad, the whole school thought you guys were an item even though you guys were just really close.

For the most part, you and Lizzie would laugh at the comments people made about you too, but you had to admit it did hinder you in the dating pool, not that you cared about dating that much.

"You know, it's sort of how girls just stopped after I became friends with Lizzie." You said as you sat with your friends for lunch.

"Maybe because they think you're dating." MG reminded you.

"It's nice to know that's the one line they won't cross." Hope chimed in.

"Thanks for the cynical input as always, Hope." you teased.

One night while partying at the mill as you and Lizzie usually did, you guys had a lot to drink-- especially that night. By the end you were stumbling through the halls of the school giggling with your arms around each other to support yourselves.

"My dad's gonna kill me if he sees me like this." Lizzie said.

"Let's go to my room, it's closer." you suggested.

You guys made it to your dorm and both fell back on your bed. After you took a moment to collect yourselves, you turned to look at each other. You smiled and the longer your eyes lingered Lizzie's kept falling to your lips, and so did you.

You kissed her as she leaned in. She then climbed on top of your lap after the kiss deepened. You sat up to take her top off, her returning the favour. Your hand slid up her body, groping her breast.

As things continued to get more heated, you felt your jeans begin to tighten underneath her. Lizzie undid your pants, taking out your cock, and started to stroke. You moaned into the kiss.

You felt yourself hard in her hand  as she continued to touch you. Things were now progressing at a fast pace, with her quickly pulling your pants all the way off then lowering herself onto you.

She was moving her hips fast and nothing but moans and profanities could be heard from you two. Her hands were running through your hair, while your lips kissed all over her chest.

"God.."

You could hear her moan when you put both of your hands under her ass and lifted her up a bit, then lowering again.

Lizzie's breathing was now becoming heavy and raspy.

"Oh fuck!" she cried out as you started thrusting into her faster and harder.

You matched her pace, holding her tightly as you gave her your all.

"I'm-- I'm commi--" she stuttered as she grip onto you tightly.

You could feel the pressure building up within you. "Fuck, I'm commi---"

You could feel yourself release inside of her, and you continued to thrust into her until just a few more pumps were given before you were done and then collapsed onto the bed together.

. . .

“What the hell did we just do?” Lizzie said as she stared up at the ceiling as you guys lied in bed, the hungover and the regret washing over her.

“Proved everyone right, I guess.”

She sat up, clutching onto the sheets. “Oh god. What are we gonna do?”

“What do you mean?” you asked, sitting up with her.

Without answering you, she got out of bed and started looking for her clothes.

“Y/N. you’re my best friend and I love you, but we can’t tell anyone about this.”

“Okay.” you chuckled, confused by her behaviour.

“I’m serious, Y/N. Nothing can change about our friendship. You’re the only guy in my life I haven’t screwed thing up with and--”

“Hey, don’t worry,” you said, grabbing her hand in attempt to relax her. “I still see you like I always did before last night. Besides, all best friends have seen each other naked at some point, right?" you joked, lighting up the mood a bit.

A couple days later in the afternoon, you and the squad were having yet another discussion about the questionable image of your friendship with Lizzie.

"C'mon, you two already act like a couple." Kaleb said.

"Yeah, the only thing you guys haven't done is sleep together." Rafael joked which caused you and Lizzie to go awkwardly silent

Everyone looked at you, waiting for a response. "Right?" Josie asked.

You felt the pressure as they all stared at you.

"We were drunk." you confessed.

"Y/N!" Lizzie yelled as the others reacted in shock. Josie clearly regretted learning that information and the guys were surprised and amused.

"Sorry!"

"Wait, you and Y/N seriously had sex?" Landon asked.

"They were drunk, it's not like it meant anything." Hope said, glancing over to you, arms crossed as she sat back on the arm of the chair that Landon was in.

"Exactly," Lizzie said, ignoring her tone. "So if we could please keep this to ourselves. God knows what Penelope would do if this got out."

Tags: @eliotsbambimargo​, @stewie-castle​

[dracomalfoyfanfics]

Info: Snape is training Draco to be able to keep people out of his head but when he misses an training appointment Snape hold it against him and sees things he wishes he hadn't.

Warnings: Smut, Language and dirty talk.

~♡~

Draco's P.O.V.

"Where were you yesterday?" Snape's monotone voice asked as I slid into my seet across from him. I had been hauled down into the potions room for monthes now as Snape tried to build up my ability in block people out. With the dark lord back it was my best chance at keeping at least some of my secrets.

"I was studying and I fell asleep." I lied easily shrugging my shoulders. Snape clearly didn't buy it as he squinted at me causing me to swallow.

"If it means that much to you keep me from finding out." I felt him throw his consciousness against my mental barrier. I grimaced but managed to keep him from invading my memories.

"Good." That had been the first time he had ever said something positive about my progress. I flinched as he tried again, I could feel my hold slipping as I fought hard to keep him out of that particular memory. In an attempt to throw him off I opened my memory to a memory from third year. I had been going to Hogsmead with Crabbe and Goyle when Y/N had slid down the icy sidewalk running into me. We both fell to the ground and when I looked up to shout at the perpetrator she had only laughed.

"How cute." His tone was a bored drawl as he easily pushed my diversion aside and continued his assault on my mind. I could feel a thin layer of sweat coat my forehead as he drew closer. I began to panic as he got closer and closer to the last memory I would ever want my Professor / Mentor to see.

"Stop. Pick a different memory." I tried to reason with him before he got through my defenses.

"There are no secrets from the Dark Lord and if you intend to keep any you'll need to do better." With that I felt him slip past and suddenly the memory took over my surroundings.

~♡~

"Draco..." Her voice was questioning as she raised a brow at me. I felt the smirk slide across my face as I leaned down to press my lips to hers. I had her pinned between me and the bed as I felt her tangle her fingers into my hair. I let out a low groan as her fingers massaged my scalp. Her skin smelled sweet like the perfume I know she kept in her trunk while I kissed down her exposed neck leaving dark marks to insure everyone knew who she belonged to. I felt a tightening feeling in my chest as she moaned pulling me closer and wrapping her legs around my hips.

"That's it. Say my name." I growled in her ear and watched as goose bumps appeared on her soft skin. I was glad I had that silencing charm up and the drapes around my bed drawn closed. I knew I had to be in the potions room in 20 minutes but nothing seemed worth leaving her tight embrace.

"Draco!"  She moaned grinding up against me as I felt another groan slip from my lips. I slipped my hand under the green quidick jersey she wore. I smirked again as I pulled it over her head and caught sight of the name stitched into the back. Malfoy. It had been my last years jersey that she had stole over Christmas break. I felt a swell of pride knowing everyone had seen her wear today.

"Mine." I licked the dark purple mark on her neck before letting my lips travel down between her breasts while my left hand unclasped her black bra.

"Merlin, Draco!" Her chest was heaving as I rolled her nipple between my teeth, I loved watching her squirm beneath me. My hands were everywhere as I tried to commit her curves to memory.

"That's it baby." I cooed as I slid the small shorts she had warn to tease me down her legs. I watched her shiver while fumbling with the white button down shirt I was wearing. Before she could finish I pulled it over my head, tossing it aside.

"Please." I raised my eyebrows at her, it wasn't like her to beg. I kissed the corner of her mouth before returning my lips to hers. She kissed me hard and I could feel the sexual tension in her body begging to be released. Her voice broke as I slide a finger up her slit collecting her juices. Her eyes were lidded as she watched me raise my finger to my mouth. The taste was sweet as I licked my digit clean enjoying the erotica of the moment. She grew impatient and bucked her hips against me.

"Tell me what you want." I drew soft patterns on her thigh.

"I want you... I need you to..." She trailed off as I slid my fingers between her folds. She was dripping and I felt a burst of pride knowing I could get her this hot and bothered. I moved my fingers slowly pumping them and drawing a sting of moans and curses from her pink lips.

"Finish your sentence." I ordered as she threw her head back into my pillows.

"I need you to make me feel good." Her eyes were rolling as I added another finger and twisted them to brush up against that sweet spot I knew drove her crazy.

"Nobody else can make me feel the way you do." She moaned as I nipped at her shoulder, twisting her hardened nipple in my fingers.

"That's right. Only I can touch you like this." I felt her pull my hair before she slammed her lips over mine catching me by surprise. I used my thumb to rub her clit eliciting a loud moan that I greedily swallowed up.

"Fuck! So close!" She squealed holding onto my with all her might.

"Say it." I smirked as she fell apart in my arms.

"Only you!" She screamed as she spasmed beneath me. Her back arched against me as she buried her face in my neck.

"Fuck." She cursed as she dropped back onto the bed panting. Her hair was spred wildly across the pillow while she caught her breath. I brushed a stray strand from her eyes as she ran a hand over my jaw. I was taken aback by her speedy recovery as she undid my belt pulling it from my belt loops. There was a lustfilled look in her eyes while I looked down at her from my hovering position above her.

"Someone's in a hurry." I teased while she pushed my trousers down, I kicked them away before slamming my lips back to hers. Her mouth opened wide allowing me to slide my tongue between her lips. She tasted of butter beer and cinnamon as I invaded her mouth.

"Draco." She used her legs to pull my flush against her. I aligned my shaft with her dripping core before thrusting into her. Another moan was torn from her throat as I felt her stretch to accommodate my size. She was tight around me and gripped me like a vice.

"Y/N." I groaned as she dragged her nails up my back. I thrust my hips pulling almost all the way out before rocking forward and burying myself back inside her. She tilted her head back allowing me to leave another angry mark on her throat. She met me thrust for thrust as I rolled my hips keeping a rough pattern as I sped up.

"Harder!" I chuckled before snapping my hips with twise the momentum. She was warm around me as I felt her muscles begin to tighten.

"Draco!" Her voice was hoarse as I attached my mouth her her nipple and used one hand to rub rough circles over her clit. I could tell she was overwhelmed as she continued to scream, falling over the edge. Her core clenched hard as I struggled to continue thrusting. Quickly my thrusts drew erratic as I buried myself deep inside her as she came around me. I groaned as I released, her clinging to me like her life depended on it. There was a layer of sweat covering us as I rolled off her. Her breathing was fast while I pulled her against my chest. I felt a need to protect her in the venerable state she was in.

~♡~

I threw us out of the memory but I didn't see the point, he had already witnessed the events of last night that had kept me from our daily session. My cheeks flaired and even Snape looked uncomfortable with what he had witnessed.

"You are improving. Go get some rest. We will resume tomorrow." With that the Professor left the room. I got to my feet wiping the sweat from my brow before making my way back to the dorms. When I reached the common room I was still sporting quite the hard and took the staircase to the right climbing down passed the first, secound, third, forth and fifth door before slipping into the sixth. The sound of soft breathing filled the room as I approached the bed in the corner. I could see a lump in the sheets and when I approached I saw it shift lifting its head to look at me.

"I was wondering when you'd show up." Y/N's voice was quite as she threw the covers back for me to join her.

End

[karasuno-chaos]

Making the Bed (Bokuto x Reader)

How can someone be so dumb and so sincerely loveable at the same time?  Bokuto is an absolute treasure.-Giz

Word Count:  1,512

Fluffvember masterlist

“I still can’t believe you’ve never properly made a bed.”

Your boyfriend shrugs, dumping the sheets in a pile on the bare mattress.

“It never seemed that important.”

“But weren’t you confused when you moved out and had to make your own bed?  Or you went to a hotel or slept over at someone’s place and those beds were all neatly put together?”

He shrugs again and gives you that bright, easy grin that you love.  You’re always amazed at how unbothered he is by the details of normal life.  Things like stoves and raincoats and fitted sheets are unnecessary complications.  Bokuto’s simplicity is genius even in its childishness, and you admire it even when it frustrates you.

“I know your mother must have shown you how to make your bed at some point,” you insist as you attempt to detangle the bundle of fabric.

“She probably did and I just forgot.”

“Or you didn’t pay attention in the first place,” you tease, tossing an empty pillowcase at him.  He hits it out of the air with a chuckle.

“Probably.”

“Alright then, today you’re going to learn properly.  I want your full attention.”

“Oho?”  He lifts an eyebrow, golden eyes sparkling with mischief.  “Like I could ever look away from you.”

“I need you to focus on the bedding, not me.  If I’m going to be too much of a distraction, I’ll convince Akaashi to come teach you instead.”

“You want to invite Akaashi over?  Let’s do it.  We can have a movie night!”

“No, that’s not what I’m saying.”  You sigh exasperatedly, but you should’ve known name-dropping one of his best friends would be a distraction.  Your boyfriend adores his friends, and he’s easygoing enough to be friends with almost everyone.  You love that about him, but you aren’t going to invite anyone over until the bed is made.

You’ve been living with your boyfriend for a few weeks now, and it has definitely required adjustments from both of you.  You’d known about many of his unconventional habits beforehand, but you’re still discovering quirks in his lifestyle that really made you question how he’s survived since moving out of his parents’ house.

When you’d hauled your suitcase into the bedroom a few weeks ago, you’d taken the jumble of sheets on the bed as a sign that Bokuto had intended to wash them before your first night officially living together.  A few days later, after he’d innocently asked where that wonderful scrunchy blanket had gone--it had taken you several minutes to figure out he was talking about the fitted sheet--you’d had to reconcile with the fact that Bokuto doesn’t know how to properly make his bed.  You are determined to change that.

“Koutarou, I’m serious,” you say, reaching across the mattress to grab his chin and hold his gaze. “I need you to focus and learn this, or else I’ll be sleeping on the couch until you figure it out yourself.”

“Then I’ll just sleep on the couch with you.”

“Not allowed.  It’s not big enough for all of your beef as well as me.”

“But babe,��� he whines, a pout beginning to form on his face.  You know if he sinks into emo mode, you’ll never get the bed made.  It’s a good thing you have an instant remedy for his mood swings.

“I know you can do this.”  You lean in to give him a kiss, and when you pull away, his full attention is on you.  You’ve always loved the cheeky grin he gets when anticipating victory after a challenge.

“Ready to get started?” you ask, releasing his chin to grab the fitted sheet.

“Hang on.”  He reaches out for you and draws you back to him with a hand at the back of your neck.  He smiles into the kiss, and you can’t stop the giggle that escapes your throat.  Your boyfriend is a big goof, but you wouldn’t have it any other way.  The kiss is just earnest enough that you’re tempted to brush off the laundry lesson, but then Bokuto pulls away.

“Okay, let’s do this.”

“Right,” you chuckle.  “Grab the other end of this sheet.”

“The wonderful scrunchy blanket,” he grins, and you roll your eyes but don’t bother correcting him.

“Let’s start at the top.”  You push aside the bare pillows and other sheets.  “First we tackle these corners.”

It takes you a bit to find the right side of the fitted sheet.  Once you convince Bokuto to stop pretending the sheet is a parachute, you tuck in the top corners.

“Make sure you get it pulled tight,” you advise, “or it’ll pull right off and we’ll have to redo everything.”

“I always wondered how everyone got the bottom cover so flat,” he hums, easily lifting his side of the mattress to snap the corner into place.  The ease with which he exerts his strength sparks fondness in you.  “I just thought they had fancy fabric shrinkwrap or something.”

You burst into laughter.  Bokuto maintains a straight face as he watches you, but amusement glints in his eyes.

“Fabric shrinkwrap,” you repeat.  “It’s not a bad idea.  Maybe you can make it the next big invention and save millions of people the pain of making the bed.”

“Maybe I should.  This already seems like too much work as it is.”

“Well we’re almost done with the hardest part.  The third corner is always trickiest because it pulls the whole sheet tight, so it can be hard to get into place.  Want to give it a try?”

Once again, he lifts the mattress with ease, and you swear the movement must have shifted the corner you’d covered, because as Bokuto pulls the sheet towards him, it flies off the top corner, undoing half of your work.  He drops the mattress and blinks before a cheeky grin spreads across his face.

“What were you saying about making sure it’s pulled tight?”

Your responding sigh turns into a shriek as you’re pulled onto the mattress.  Your boyfriend bundles both of you into the fitted sheet with the ease of someone with ample experience doing so.

“You just undid all of our hard work,” you scold as he hugs you to his chest.

“Why bother with all of that when we can just snuggle like this instead?”

You have to admit that there is an appealing coziness in the cocoon he’s made with the fitted sheet.  It’s less thick than a sleeping bag, but you’re plenty warm when sharing the little space with your boyfriend.  You wouldn’t mind napping like this once in a while, but it feels too confined for a full night’s sleep.  Still, it might be worth taking a break and resting for a bit.  Bokuto is already settling into his hold around you.  You can feel the comforting warmth of his breath against your scalp as he presses his lips to the crown of your head.  Absentmindedly, you trace patterns across his back and sigh happily while you listen to his heartbeat.

This is why you didn’t make plans this afternoon.  Bokuto almost always gets distracted during the most basic of chores, and half the time, you let yourself get distracted, too.

“Koutarou?”

“Hm?”  You feel the warm rumble of his reply in his chest.

“I’d like to get this done before dinner.”

He chuckles and leans back to look at you.  The way the sheet is compressing his hair reminds you of his messy bedhead and how much you’ve enjoyed waking up with him every morning over the past few weeks.

“Okay.”  He kisses the tip of your nose fondly.  “I’ll be good.”

“You always are,” you promise, and you mean it.  Even when he’s distracted, he’s the best.

After untangling from each other and the sheet, you get back to work.  Bokuto is much more focused, and you tackle the fitted sheet with ease.  Progress slows when you get to tucking in the corners of the top sheet at the bottom of the mattress.  You have to explain the method and demonstrate a few times, but you’re satisfied that he’s figured it out in the end.  You narrowly manage to avoid a pillow fight when the pillowcases come into play, but once you step back to observe the final product, you can’t help but smile.

“Good job,” you hum, wrapping an arm around his waist and patting his chest.

“I had a good teacher.”  He kisses your temple.

“Well then, what do you want for dinner?”

Rather than replying, he flops onto the bed, and once again you’re shrieking as he pulls you down with him.

“What are you doing?” you laugh.

“Taking a nap.  I’m tired after all of that work.”

“Was it really that bad?” you ask, though you’re snuggling against him.  There are still a few hours before dinner, and you figure he’s earned some cuddles for his efforts.

“It was worse than practicing receives for an hour.”

Knowing your boyfriend, he’d love to practice receives all afternoon.  You chuckle, relaxing in his embrace.

“Whatever you say, babe.”

[amelialincoln]

So Close

(I know this timeline doesn't made sense but oh well)

Amelia sat in the stiff, plastic chair in the waiting room of the OB/GYN floor, her fingertips gracing the underside of the small bump that had formed over the last couple weeks as her second trimester progressed. Link was late, as always. Probably jogging through the corridors of some random floor of the hospital. His ability to get lost in a hospital he’d been working at for the last three years was almost admirable. Sometimes she’d find him wandering through vacant stairwells and poking his head into random offices, completely disoriented and probably holding a string of patients up. She did enjoy when he’d get lost on the neuro floor because it meant that she’d probably get a short visit if he managed to find her under the pile of paperwork that had formed since Edwards had left. Her fellow had always taken care of that type of stuff. Amelia had completely forgotten how to function without her. She glanced at the clock again.

“Hey!” Link’s voice snapped her out of her daze and she glanced up to find him leaning on the doorframe of the waiting room.

“Hi,” she breathed, giving him a nervous smile before focusing behind him on the cheesy poster that outlined some medical miracle about a set of triplets that were supposed to not have made it out of utero. She found herself shuddering at the thought.

“You okay?” Links brows were knit together in concern and he quickly closed the space between them. “You look worried.”

“I just have this pit in my stomach,” she responded, staring at the ground and trying to physically shake off the feeling that she’d woken up with that morning. “I feel like something is wrong.”

“Like nauseous?” Link was trying to understand, he’d noticed the change in behavior as they’d woken up that morning but had been late for work and wasn’t able to check in on her. She shook her head in response, interlocking her fingers together at the curve of her stomach. Link was about to question further when he was interrupted by the sound of their names being called into Carina’s examination room

“She’ll be in shortly." The nurse smiled softly, as she closed the door gently behind her. Link held out his hands to his girlfriend as she awkwardly hoisted herself up onto the reclined chair.

“Moving much today?” He asked, trying to distract her from whatever she was in deep thought about. Amelia shook her head, surprising him.

“They’ve been pretty still.” Link had finally been able to feel a kick a couple of days ago and was still completely mesmerized by the idea. The flutters had started a little while before, shocking her at first because it was something that she never actually experienced with Christopher, despite the tricks her mind had played on her.

“Ciao,” Carina greeted them as she entered the chilly examination room and slid into the swivel chair beside the ultrasound machine. “Good to see you guys again. How are we feeling? Eighteen weeks now, yes?” Amelia nodded, Link could tell she was nervous as she swallowed uncomfortably.

“What’s wrong, Mia?” He said aloud, receiving a look of confusion from Carina. He wrapped his warm hands around her cold ones and could tell that she was on the verge of tears.

“Everything’s probably fine,” she shook her head uneasily as Carina and Link hesitated in silence. Finally she picked up the light blue bottle of ultrasound gel and spread it over her stomach carefully. “Can we get this over with? I have surgery and I still need to get lunch or Link will attack me for not eating enough.” She tried to smile at him but he could tell that she was internally freaking out. When he didn’t return her enthusiasm she looked away, fixating on the ultrasound which had just whirled to life. Carina expertly guided the wand around Amelia’s abdomen before glancing at the couple worriedly. Amelia felt as though time stood still when the obstetrician bit her lower lip and turned the monitor slowly out of their view. Link’s grip on her hand loosened and he muttered something incoherent in confusion. He didn’t understand what that meant or what was going on like she did. He didn’t know that the way Carina was staring at that screen meant that something was undoubtedly wrong. She wouldn’t either if she hadn’t experienced that same look before, worn on her best friend as she delivered Amelia the news that resulted in one of the worst days of her life.

“What’s wrong with them?” She finally broke the silence. “What’s wrong with our babies?”

“I should get a second opinion,” Carina finally responded, tearing her eyes away from the screen and looking at the anxious couple. “I’m so sorry.”

“I don’t understand.” Link felt like he was a million miles away and that everyone in the room knew something he didn’t.

“What do you think it is?” Amelia found the words slipping out of her mouth before she decided if she even wanted to know the answer.

“TTTS,” Carina replied, hoping to god that she didn’t have to spell it out for them. The way Amelia recoiled made it obvious that she didn’t have to. “We don’t have a lot of time.”

“Which one is weaker?” Amelia asked so fast that Link had barely processed Carina’s response.

“The girl,” the OB replied, glancing at the heart beat once again to confirm before nodding.

“Have you done the procedure?” Her pregnant co-worker’s voice was as fragile as a china doll.

“Dr. Robbins is the only one who has successfully completed multiple solos in North America,” Carina forced herself to continue. “She’s overseas at a conference. Wouldn’t be able to make it to Seattle until tomorrow night if she got on a plane immediately.” She could tell that her male co-worker was in a daze, trying to understand what the pair were even talking about while also stealing nervous glances at girlfriend.

“I need to call Addison, can you just give us a second?” The neurosurgeon begged. Carina nodded, stepping out of the room and thanking god she could finally breathe again. Amelia picked up her phone with shaky hands and found Addison’s name almost immediately, willing for her ex sister-in-law to pick up.

“Amelia, what?” Link’s voice made it evident that he had finally made the connection that something was wrong.

“We don’t have a lot of time,” she willed her voice to stay level. “Addie?”

“Hey, Amy!” Addison’s voice was light and cheerful as were most of her friends who lived in L.A.

“Have you done a twin endoscopic laser ablation?” She found herself blurting out, not knowing if she had the mental ability to engage in small talk. Link had gone so white she thought he might pass out beside her.

“I’ve watched a couple and assisted on a couple when I was working under Kypros in the U.K.” Addison’s voice was suddenly solemn. “Why, do you have a friend?” The phone’s static crackled as Amelia tried to find a way to put everything into words. “Amy...no.”

“Yeah,” her voice cracked into a million pieces and Link regained enough composure to tug her into what he hoped was a comforting embrace.

“I’m getting on a plane,” Addison’s voice rang clear, loud enough for Link to understand. “We’re going to fix this. I’ll read every article there is to read on my flight and we’ll fix this, okay?”

“Okay.”

[][][]

Link wasn’t known to get aggressive but it took everything he had not to punch a hole in the wall of the room that the couple was frozen in after finally learning the seriousness of the position they were in.

“Even if the surgery is successful, it’s rare that the donor twin will survive,” Amelia added numbly, as Link led her into an on-call room.

“Addison’s going to come,” Link didn’t know what else to say, “and she’s going to figure this out.” He guided her onto the bed and allowed her to burrow her head into the crook of his neck. He undid the clasp to the bra that she’d been complaining was getting too small for weeks now and placed it beside them gently. It was the fact that she was silent that worried him the most. There were hardly any secrets or hidden passive aggression in their relationship. Everything on Amelia’s mind was almost immediately blurted out and he was barely ever kept in the dark about how she was feeling. “Do you want to talk?” He asked, not knowing what else to say. Amelia shook her head, closing her eyes and letting out a long shaky exhale. Link sighed, dropping his hand into her hair and massaging her scalp gently.

“Feels good,” she mumbled, her hands travelling over her stomach. She wanted to pray to god that they were both okay but she was trying to push every thought that entered her mind away. She knew about the syndrome enough to know that if one had died the other one would follow quickly, their little blood supply completely interconnected. She glanced up to find Link’s eyes teary, so deep in thought that it seemed like he was a million miles away. “Do you understand what’s going on now?” She found herself asking but in no way wanted to explain it to him.

“My mom was pregnant with twins,” Link’s voice was soft, “After me. Something went wrong.” His brow was furrowed, as if he was trying to remember the event that had happened years ago.

“Oh,” Amelia replied. “I’m sorry.”

“I was too young to really remember.” Link shook his head. “Is this genetic? Is this my fault?” He looked at her in a way that made it evident that he had begun to blame the entire situation on himself.

“No,” she forced out quickly. “It’s not genetic.” She waited until he relaxed. “It’s not your fault. It's not either of our faults.” That thought had been running through her head since they’d found out the news and she was still trying to convince herself it was true. Link relaxed beside her and pressed his palms into his face. He didn’t like when she saw him cry, she knew that well enough. They stayed that way for what felt like hours, both trying to hold back tears by holding each other instead. Every flutter inside her gave her hope that they were doing okay and every so often she’d press Link’s hand to her abdomen, hoping that he could feel them too.

[][][]

Addison, still buzzing from the three iced coffees and adrenaline of practically rolling out of bed on her day off and catching a plane to Seattle, entered the examination room breathlessly. Link was cradling Amelia’s small frame in his arms, whispering something inaudible to her into her hair. It was the type of exchange that physically hurt to watch and she felt frozen in time for a millisecond.

“Hi,” she found herself saying from the doorway. Amelia lifted her head in response and wiped her red, irritated eyes on Link’s scrub top. “I’m so sorry.” Amelia shrugged, Addison could tell she wanted to make some inappropriate and emotionless joke but couldn’t piece anything together.

“Here we go again.” Was all she could manage to say, in a tone that made Addison want to cry herself. Link allowed her enough space to pull Amelia into a hug.

“We should do an ultrasound now. Carina hasn’t filled me in yet. Can you--”

“Last time we checked they were still doing okay,” Amelia interrupted. “Or were still alive, I guess I should say. The donor twin, she’s the girl, her heartbeat was slowing down. The boy's was still beating strong last we checked.”

“Okay,” Addison muttered, picking up the familiar instrument and spreading gel over Amelia’s stomach. “So I don’t have to give you the speech on how the procedure, if done right, should be successful for the recipient twin? We can hope that the girl will survive but the odds are less.” Amelia nodded.

“I remember from when you assisted on the one at St. Ambrose. I think I was living with you at the time. You talked about it at dinner. It was a miracle they both survived.”

“You and your insane memory.” Addison smiled, cupping her shoulder and giving it a light squeeze for support. Amelia held her breath as the machine whirled to life. Addison found their boy’s heartbeat easily before focusing on their baby girl. Amelia glanced up at Link with teary eyes, not wanting to watch as Addison moved the instrument around expertly. Finally the sound of a slow thunder echoed through the room and the pairs entire bodies relaxed a little. “We need to get in there now,” Addison sighed. “No need to book an O.R. and waste time, it’s very minimally invasive. The first one I watched was performed in a practice.” She motioned to one of the nurses, who was waiting outside, to enter the room. “Let’s sterilize the room as best we can. Get Carina in here, she should observe and I need all the equipment now.” The nurse nodded quickly before going to complete Addison’s orders. “I’m going to inject the aesthetic, you’ll feel a little pinch.”

“Relax, babe,” Link said softly, placing a hand on Amelia’s tensed shoulders as Addison snapped a pair of gloves on and picked up the needle.

“Alright, one, two, three,” she muttered quickly as she swiftly inserted the needle and placed a small piece of gauze over the injection site. Amelia winced as the long needle entered her stomach and looked away. Carina appeared in the doorway with the nurse and handed Addison three long instruments. “Alright, Amelia, just look up at the screen for me okay? We’re going to see your babies in just a second.”

“Can you count down again?” The neurosurgeon asked, knowing that Addison was trying to distract her from the large rod she was about to stab into her abdomen.

“You should barely feel it with the anesthetic...but of course,” Addison responded. “Just look at the screen, okay?” She glanced at Link who was looking queasy despite his speciality being one of the goriest. “One, two, three,” she stabbed the sharp end of the rod into the side of Amelia’s baby bump before pushing it in gently and sliding the scope inside. “You see his hand?” Amelia nodded, mesmerized by the image of the screen.

“This is always my favourite part,” Carina interjected. “Seeing the little ones in utero. So peaceful.” Link nodded with his eyes, alike Amelia’s, focused intensely on the screen.

“So now we just have to decipher which blood vessels belong to which baby,” Addison announced, guiding the scope down below their son.

“Can we see her?” Amelia asked.

“Of course,” Addison glanced up at her sister and could tell she was trying to catch a glimpse of the second baby. “You can get a look at her before we pull it out.” Addison and Carina’s voices were hushed as they turned the screen towards each other, deciding which blood vessel belonged to which and not wanting any input from the worried parents. Addison took a deep breath and allowed time to slow. She tried to block out the fact that this wasn’t just any worried mother but it was the person she’d already delivered awful news to once before. After nodding a final time to Carina, she started the laser.

[imaginesandinserts]

Irreverent Pt. 40 - New York

Title: Irreverent Pt. 40 - New York Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x Reader Rating: M Words: 7070

Irreverent Series Masterlist

You'd spent four weeks on and off in a cramped apartment in Paris with only Clyde for company when you swapped shifts. The two of you were becoming very comfortable with one another, and to his credit he had yet to try and make any sort of move.

The surveillance you were running was a long term operation, so you found yourself with an excess of time with nothing to do. You had mounted a punching bag to the ceiling so you could stay in shape. Derek would kill you if you spent four weeks eating nothing but croissants and undid all of your (his) hardwork.

In your time off, you lived out of a  hotel room. You'd debated simply buying a property in Paris to replace the one you'd handed off to your mother, and had even spent two long afternoons with a realtor. However, you found yourself really wishing Aaron was around to help you pick the one - any place you got now would really be meant for the two of you. Maybe Christmas in Paris with Jack so that the three of us can find a place we all like. Something away from the tourist traps - in the Trocadéro perhaps, something with a balcony.

You video called Aaron and Jack any spare moment you had, in between your visits back home every ten days or so. You swore Jack looked bigger between each visit. If Aaron was anything to go by, you were convinced Jack would be taller than you any day now. Aaron had pointed out that you were just exceptionally short, before lifting you with ease and throwing you onto the bed.

Clyde was prepping another round of surveillance but could tell you were as close to burnt out as possible, so had recruited another agent at Interpol under him, to take the next couple of weeks. He'd seen you off to the airport with strict instructions to recuperate and come back with your head in the game.

You arrived back home to an empty house. Jess and Andrew had taken the kids to the lake house to catch the last bit of summer, which you'd only remembered once you were already halfway across the Atlantic. Had you remembered earlier you would've swapped with Clyde and taken off a week when Jack would be home as well. As it was, you spent your first couple of hours doing laundry and repacking a new go bag. Aaron was flying back from a case in North Carolina and would be arriving later that night.

After showering and changing into loungewear, you slipped on Aaron's old law school hoodie (which pretty permanently lived in your side of the closet) before going back downstairs to put something together for dinner. With all three of you gone for the past few days, the groceries were meager. You debated running out to the store but if Jack was gone and you and Aaron got called in on a case the next day, that would be a waste. Settling for defrosting one of the lasagnas you'd made the last time you'd been back, you ended up snacking on Jack's fruit gummies in the meantime.

When Aaron got home, you were asleep on the couch with a blanket covering you. He carefully walked past the foyer and went upstairs to shower and change. You'd finished the laundry it would appear so at least he had fresh clothes to choose from and pack his own go bag. When he got back downstairs, you stirred slightly, catching sight of him dressed in pajamas with his hair still wet from the shower.

"Hey." Your voice was soft and sleepy and you made no effort to get up from the couch. Instead, you opened your arms, raising the blanket with you. Aaron smiles just slightly, before quickly joining you on the couch, his head on your chest, arms wrapped around your waist. He mumbles a hello against your breasts, gently nuzzling while your legs entangle with his and you bring the blanket around to cover him as well.

"Are you hungry?" you ask. You'd been waiting on him to come home before you would actually put the food in the oven. You'd eaten two packs of the fruit gummies and a handful of almonds before exhaustion from the time difference had caught up with you and you hadn't been able to resist laying down on the couch with the late afternoon sun warming you up.

He shakes his head at your question. The team had grabbed food before boarding the plane and eating felt like too much effort. You're soft and warm against him and he finds himself drifting away to the feel of your fingers running through his damp hair, your other arm wrapped around the top of his shoulders.

"Was it a bad case?" Your question is hesitant, as if you're not certain if he'd want to talk about it yet if it was.

He tilts his head up to look at you, meeting your warm regard. "Aren't they all?" he manages with a grimace. He hadn't wanted to complain to you right then, but you also knew. If the team was there at all, nothing good was happening. No case was ever really good.

"I'm sorry. Do you want to talk about it?"

He shakes his head. Talking wouldn't do much.

You lean down, your lips just barely reaching his forehead before grazing against him.

He takes in a small breath before turning back. You feel the press of his lips against your chest and his hands drawing circles along your waist and stomach. He takes a deeper breath, letting himself be held by you.

*------------*

You had a morning meeting with McKinney to update him on the progress being made on the case with Interpol. He'd been please with everything you reported and brought up a few things he wanted you to consider.

"Agent Hotchner has been many things in your life - a boss, a mentor, and now the two of you are in a relationship. There will come a time where you have to make some concrete choices about the future and choose which roles you'd like for him to keep."

"Are you and your ex-wife still friends?" you ask.

McKinney seems surprised by your question, but he nods nonetheless. "We are, yes. For our daughter's sake."

"Same for me and Aaron. He doesn't need to be my boss or my boyfriend. But he'll always have to be my friend because of Jack." Not that you could even fathom a future without Aaron in it, but were it to ever happen you knew that you and Aaron would forever be in each other's lives. For Jack.

He nods understandingly. The two of you had formed enough of a relationship for him to understand that you were as ready as you ever would be to make the move more permanent.

"I'll sign off on some paperwork and have you designated as a temporary consult for the BAU then. I'm assuming you'll still want to participate in cases when you can."

"Yes, thank you sir."

When you got to the bullpen, it was to find it nearly empty with only Spencer, and even he appeared to be leaving.

"Hey, where is everyone?"

"Got a case. Need to ask Garcia to run something. Emily, JJ, and Morgan left already because she forgot her go bag," Spencer explained as he hurriedly grabbed his own stuff and made his way to the elevators. "Hotch should be in his office, still," he throws over his shoulder as he walks off.

"Thanks Spence."

You quickly make your way upstairs and knock on Aaron's office door before entering. He's seated in his chair, making a phone call, but gestures you in as you close the door behind you. You walk to his side of the desk and make yourself at home on his lap, your arm wrapped around his shoulders. He's obviously not very happy with whoever is on the other end but still smiles at you, wrapping an arm around your waist to hold you steady.

If everyone was going on a case, you didn't want to sit at home and do nothing. Surveillance in Paris had been boring and you needed something mentally stimulating. "Can I come on the case?" you whisper, your other hand resting on his chest.

He quirks an eyebrow at you. He had thought you'd use the week off to properly rest. However he ends up simply nodding. He knew you wouldn't do well at home with neither him nor Jack around. You'd probably end up finding some sort of project that would exhaust you. He'd just have you take it easy during the case.

Aaron hangs up with a frustrated sigh. He puts his phone down on his desk, bringing both arms to wrap around you.

"What's wrong?" you ask, shifting to face him better

"There is not a single hotel in the city with more than two rooms available," he explains.  He'd been on the phone since the briefing ended and he'd had absolutely no luck.

You realized you had no actual information on the case at all. "Where are you looking?"

"New York."

"Like, New York, New York? We finally have a case in Manhattan?" Your face lights up. In all your time with the team, you'd never had a case in the city. Since your life had pretty much revolved around work for the past few years, you hadn't been back since your first holidays at the Bureau.

"Yes," Aaron smiles at your obvious excitement. He knew you had a special connection to New York. "And absolutely nowhere to stay, so we'll all really get to enjoy the Big Apple at night from the streets."

You laugh at his dramatics. "We can just stay at my place."

"Your place? You still have it?" he questions, his head tilting in confusion. You hadn't lived there in years, he couldn't imagine why you'd maintained a residence there.

"Yeah, I never bothered selling, and its big enough," you reply, shrugging your shoulders.

Of course you had a place big enough in Manhattan to comfortably host seven people. Aaron had to resist an eyeroll. He was really starting to do that a lot more and Prentiss had called him out on it, saying it looked unnatural on his face.

"You're sure?"

"Yeah, of course. I'll make some calls," you reply, placing a quick kiss to his cheek before standing to head to the airport. "You can brief me on the case on the way. I have no idea what I'm walking into."

The two of you grab Rossi and Reid (with a quick hello for Penelope along with a delivery of croissants) and make your way to the airport. The three of them together fill you in on the details of the case. New York had had a rash of arson cases across the city and each time they'd uncovered bodies - male and female - tied up ang gagged. By the time firefighters arrived and put out the fires, the bodies were half burnt, however the Medical Examiner's report revealed that the victims had been alive at the time of the fire. Most of them had died from asphyxiation and smoke in their lungs before the fire ever got to them.

Apparently Emily had been a total disaster magnet, as her go bag hadn't been at her house either. She'd had to pack an entirely new bag while Derek and JJ waited for her, so the rest of you had managed to make it onto the plane before them. When they finally arrive - with Emily throwing apologies all around and grabbing a croissant from the box you'd left in the middle for everyone - the plane finally takes off.

"How many pastries did you eat every day?" Derek asks disapprovingly, poking at your stomach as he settles in across from you.

Damn it. You'd hope he wouldn't notice. "I told you," you muttered to Aaron, who only shakes his head. You'd lamented the fact that your six pack was turning into a four pack that morning while the two of you had gotten ready for work. He'd tried reassuring you that you were still in good shape and a few pastries weren't going to kill you. But what did he know? He managed to go on a run once in a blue moon and still look great.

For his part, Aaron had noticed of course that you were the teensiest bit softer from a whole month in Paris, but he didn't mind at all. A little more to hold and most of the weight had gone right to your ass so he really wasn't complaining at all. Plus, Aaron Hotchner was a smart man. He wasn't about to be the one to tell his girlfriend that she'd gained maybe five pounds from a month in Paris, surrounded by her favorite food and stuck in an apartment with very little to do.

"Probably a few too many," you admit guiltily. "Wanna work out again once we're back?" You figured you might as well put that out there so he'll be nicer to you.

"Yeah, but we aren't waiting till we get back. You and I are going on a run. Early tomorrow morning." His voice is full of threat of bad things to come if you complain, so you nod meekly, knowing you're in for a heck of a workout if he has anything to say about it.

"I can't believe you let him say that to you," Emily remarks, stuffing a second croissant into her mouth, looking every bit the picture of perfection.

You laugh. Derek wasn't being intentionally mean. "I told him he has to be mean to me," you explain. "Otherwise I'll just let it slide and do the bare minimum to pass the physical exam. Honestly I didn't even eat that many pastries and if I had been doing cases like normal here I would've been fine. Sitting in an apartment all day long is killer."

They all agree with you - no one enjoyed surveillance cases. The team chats a bit more about Paris, the case, and what everyone had been up to while you were away.

"Wait, Derek, I almost forgot, when're you going to ask Savannah?" You turn to Derek, eager to know what he'd decided for his proposal to Savannah. Him and Penelope had gone to pick out the ring a few weeks back, video calling you during, and he'd managed to pick out a gorgeous ring for her.

"Our anniversary is coming up, so probably the day right before if we're free. That way we can celebrate the actual anniversary properly," he says, waggling his eyebrows.

You laugh. "Well, just make sure it's the kind of proposal she'll like. Nothing big and public."

"Yeah, probably just the two of us actually. I'm planning on picking her up from work and taking her to that new property I've been working on to show her properly," he says. Derek had shown you all photos of the place that he was remodeling and you knew it was his vision of his forever home. The fact that he was choosing to propose to Savannah there spoke volumes.

"That's actually cute," Emily remarks, impressed that he'd managed to put together something that wasn't entirely cringe inducing.

"Hey don't sound too surprised." The two of them rib at each for a bit as you watch fondly. You'd missed this.

"What was your first proposal like?" Emily asks, turning away from Derek and glancing quickly at Hotch beside you, bent over a stack of paperwork as usual. However by now, you all know that that means nothing - he hears everything.

Aaron listens in as you tell Emily about how Matthew had proposed at Thanksgiving your last year of college, in front of everyone. He cringes internally, knowing that definitely was not your style. You'd want it to be private - something special that only you could have. He has a hard time not looking up at the baggage stowaway where a small box has sat, hidden in a pair of socks he never wears, just waiting for the right moment.

"You should've dumped him in public - revenge for the public proposal," Emily says, a dark smile marring her face.

"I pretty much had to," you reply. "I broke up with him earlier in private, returned the ring and everything. But he found me, out at a bar later and went totally ballistic, accusing me of all sorts of things. My friend Ricky ended up punching him in the face."

Aaron chuckles, looking up finally and revealing that he had, of course, been listening the whole time. "I think I'd like this Ricky kid." Anyone punching Matthew in the face was good in his book.

You share a look with Derek and there's a smirk dancing at his lips. He knew exactly who Ricky was.

Smiling, you lean into Aaron ever so slightly. "I think you would too."

You'd felt him tense earlier as you told Emily about Matthew's proposal - you weren't sure if it was because of Matthew or the proposal. You'd had to resist peaking over at him while you spoke with Emily, knowing he'd notice that for sure. You didn't want to send the wrong impression. Not that you were expecting a proposal anytime soon. It hadn't even been a whole year since the two of you were together, and with Aaron, you weren't sure if a proposal was coming at all.

You knew if you voiced this to Emily or anyone, they'd tell you were crazy. That of course Hotch wanted to marry you - how could you think he wouldn't. But Aaron had already done the marriage thing and it hadn't gone so well. After Haley, you were surprised he wanted to risk his heart again at all. Your relationship was already more than you could have ever imagined or hoped for. You didn't need to be married to him if that wasn't something he could give to you. He'd already given enough.

You looked across the aisle and saw that JJ looked a little pale. She hadn't grabbed a croissant like everyone else, which was fine of course. However she also had an unopened bag of Cheetos in front of her and that was definitely not normal. The plane gets some turbulence and her hands fly to her mouth. The next second she's up and rushing to the bathroom.

You share a look with Emily. That definitely wasn't normal. The two of you get up and walk towards the back of the plane to wait for her.

As JJ exits, you hand her a bottle of water which she accepts gratefully.

"Are you okay?" Emily asks, reaching out to smooth her hair in place.

JJ looks apprehensively between the two of you before nodding. "Yeah," her voice is soft as if she's trying not to be overheard. However something passes over her face and you can see her steel herself. Raising her voice, she draws the attention of everyone on the plane. "Actually I have some news to share. I'm pregnant," she announces, smiling slightly.

"Oh my goodness, congratulations." Emily quickly wraps her into a hug.

You hug her next as the three of you walk back to your seats and everyone else also congratulates her. Rossi kisses both her cheeks and tells her he's excited for a new bambino in the family.

You settle back down into your seat next to Aaron as everyone pulls JJ into baby talk. Aaron's hand finds its way to yours, intertwining your fingers together and giving you a light squeeze.

You look over at him and he's giving you a look. The look that asks, Are you alright?

You glance towards JJ and smile, before looking back at him. I'm not going to fall apart because JJ is pregnant and I'm not. I'm alright. He can read your looks well enough by now.

He nods hesitantly but doesn't push the matter. The two of you weren't even trying for a baby but Aaron felt a dull ache in his chest at the subject on your behalf. He worried that it affected you more than you let on, despite how you engaged with JJ and asked her when she was due and started discussing throwing her a baby shower with Emily.

He keeps his hand intertwined with yours the rest of the plane ride.

*------------*

Hotch assigns out roles to everyone - sending Prentiss and Morgan to the latest crime site and Reid starts working on a geographic profile while Rossi and JJ go to speak with the victims' families. He keeps you with him at the precinct to go meet with the lead detective on the case.

You'd made a phone call on the car ride over, speaking in accented Russian with a woman named Tatiana, and he realized he hadn't actually known you spoke Russian. French, Spanish, and Urdu he'd known about. He briefly wonders what else he doesn't know about you.

When he was still moving into the house, he'd come across some photos of you in a sleek white dress looking ethereally beautiful, dancing with a boy who looked barely old enough to drive. The white gloves and other kids dancing in the background suggested it was your cotillion. There were a few more photos - photos of you dancing with your father and brothers and then another of you dancing with a blonde man who towered over you. Finally there were the polaroids of what was obviously an after party to the same event. Your dress was the slightest bit wrinkled in those and you were mostly photographed with Julian and the blonde man, your young, age-appropriate date nowhere to be seen. The photo that had really caught his eye was one of you draped across both men, leaning against Julian with your legs on the blonde man's lap, your white dress splayed around you. You'd seen what Aaron was looking at and told him how you'd exchanged your original white dress for one that was more adult and had an open back and how you'd been the scandal of the season. He'd laughed, looking back at the photo in his hand. Julian was looking at the camera while you drank straight from a bottle of champagne. That blonde man however, his eyes were trained on you and you alone.

The two of you arrive at the precinct and are directed to the conference room where, through the windows, he could see a black man in a suit speaking with a uniformed officer. Aaron walks to the conference room with you at his heels and knocks on the open door to announce your arrival.

The black man looks up at the knock. "Agent Hotchner," he greets, walking over to the two of you, his eyes trained on Hotch before he catches sight of you and his eyes get wide. "Y/N! What're you doing here?" he exclaims, leaning down to give you a slight hug.

You smile wide, returning the gesture. "I'm with the BAU," you explain.

"You're a Fed?" He seems very surprised at that and Aaron watches as you chuckle.

"Hey, you aren't Officer Lewis anymore, you're a detective. So looks like we both moved on up in life," you tease, giving him a friendly shove.

Detective Lewis laughs at that though he still appears surprised.

Hotch looks between the two of you, eyebrow quirked up in question. "You two know one another, I presume."

You nod. "Yeah, back when I lived in New York, the then Officer Lewis helped me out with a little stalker issue I was having. He was the only one that believed me," you explain with a slight smile on your face.

You had had a stalker? Aaron starts to ask for more information on the matter, however he's interrupted by the uniformed officer telling you that the evidence you'd asked to see on your way in was available. You quickly excuse yourself with another smile at Detective Lewis and himself.

As if sensing his need to know more, Detective Lewis turns to Hotch, to explain how you'd had a stalker who had been following you around for the better part of two months and when you'd reported it, no one had taken it too seriously until the guy had cornered you with a knife one day and cut some of your hair to take with him. "Nasty piece of work. Her lawyer got the judge to issue a warrant and they ended up finding child porn on his computer so they got him for that. The whole place was like a shrine to her though. There were photos of her everywhere, even inside her apartment. Completely nuts dude who was probably on the path to do something much worse than cutting some hair."

Aaron nods grimly as he watches you speaking with the officer across the room. Even in heels you stood a head shorter than most people. Sure, you were strong and could fight now, but he knew that hadn't always been the case. He could just imagine some terrifyingly large man cornering you at night and shoving you against a wall before knifing hair off of your head. The thought alone made bile rise in his throat.

"Anyways," Detective Lewis continued, "there was a prison riot a month after his arrest and he died during that. Good riddance I say."

So much for the small blessings.

*------------*

Later that evening once the team had made some headway in the case but it was far too late to do much more, everyone headed out to drive to your place. Aaron pulled up to the address on the GPS - an older building just across from Central Park and close to the Midtown precinct the team was based out of.

Everyone exits the vehicle, Morgan and the rest in the car that had pulled up right behind him. An older man dressed in a plain yet well-fitted suit had exited to meet you.

"Petyr!," you greeted, meeting him halfway and kissing both cheeks.

The man - who appeared to be Eastern European - respectfully returned a smile. "Hello Miss. It is lovely to see you again."

You hand over both of the car keys to Petyr and ask that they be fueled and ready by eight in the morning, before leading everyone inside. Aaron can sense the collective mixed energy of the team - excitement and apprehension and exhaustion from the day they'd all had. It was rare for the Bureau to put them up in a nice hotel and as they entered the lobby of the building, it was clear that this was nicer than any place they'd ever stayed in prior.

They all follow you, past a desk of similarly suited men - all of whom are carrying firearms, Aaron notes - seated in front of screens monitoring the location. You wave at them and Aaron sees one of the screens populate with the entire team's names and faces as the security personnel glance over the group.

He expects you to lead them to the elevators behind the desk, however you open a door to the right just past the security desk, revealing a second set of lifts. You enter last, pressing the only button available and the elevator begins to rise. And rise. And rise.

The team spills out of the elevator, directly into a large living room with floor to ceiling windows, of what is quite obviously the penthouse. The gasps from Prentiss and JJ as they walk towards the windows to get a view of the city and park below are telling. Even Dave seems impressed.

Aaron looks around and he can tell it is your place - the deep navy blues and forest greens of the throw pillows on the large couch, the grand piano sitting in a corner (You'd recently began teaching Jack on the smaller one that sat in the living room at home.), the large marble kitchen island with a bowl of lemons sitting at the center. It was the wall art which truly stood out however - a lot more Warhol and Basquiat rather than the watercolors he was used to with you. It was a dialed up version of your home now. Your place in Georgetown was a muted version of this - a more grown up and less ostentatious version which spoke to how you'd tried to fit in early on with the team and underplay exactly how wealthy you were.

The team mills about remarking at the place as you point them all to rooms down the hallway to the left. From down the hallway he hears Morgan's voice. "There's a mint on my pillow!"

JJ walks to the kitchen and opens the fridge to reveal that it is fully stocked - drinks of every sort. The cabinets were stocked with snacks and Aaron notices that there were Cheetos for JJ and the pretzel sticks that Reid munches on mindlessly when he's deep in thought. The wet bar to the side of the kitchen has Rossi's brand of scotch. You point to an intercom machine and tell them they can order food using it.

"We can't have restaurants deliver here directly," you explain. "There's some people in the building who are sensitive about revealing their address, so the guys downstairs will handle it. Just ask for whatever you want from any restaurant in a reasonable distance. They'll take care of the check and everything."

"At some point, we're going to have to have a talk about how much money you have exactly," he mutters to you as you come to stand by his side at the edge of the kitchen.

You laugh, that laugh that causes his heart to skip ever so slightly every time. "Oh honey, we're gonna need lawyers for that conversation," you respond, your eyes twinkling with amusement.

He had a feeling you weren't joking.

He moves to head down the hallway towards the bedrooms but you stop him, indicating a different hallway to the side of the kitchen instead. The two of you say good night to the rest of the team, leaving Prentiss and Rossi sitting on the couch with identical glasses of scotch poured, JJ munching on whatever snacks she could carry with her, and Reid browsing through the bookshelves lining the corner behind the piano. Morgan had already retired for the night.

*------------*

You led Aaron down the hallway and to your old room. It was weird having everyone here, especially since you hadn't been back here yourself since you'd started with the BAU. The one time you'd come back to New York after joining the Bureau officially had been that first holiday season, and you hadn't stayed here then.

You couldn't deny that you were a little apprehensive about Aaron's reaction to the place. It was definitely a more vibrant and rebellious version of you - the version that had just found out about Julian and just broken it off with Matthew and had sought only to escape. Your entire apartment was a testament to that idea - a stark contrast to the Connecticut old money roots that you'd grown up in.

You watched as he looked around the bedroom. This was perhaps the room which would feel the most familiar to him. Your shared room back home was a near mirror copy, down to the mirror in the corner. You'd never really compromised on how you wanted your bedroom to be, though you couldn't deny that it fit in a lot better with the Georgetown house. Here it felt washed out compared to the rest of the apartment.

You see a smile appear on his face as he sees the mirror in the corner. "Never took you to be such a creature of habit," he remarks, undoing his tie.

"Only when it comes to the bedroom. I don't play around with where I sleep."

You find yourself watching as he removes the tie with a soft pull and the jacket comes off right after, followed by the belt.

"I'm going to take a bath," you tell him, heading towards the door to the bathroom. You hope he'll decide to join you but don't bother asking.

After turning the water on and finding the bath bomb you like, stocked to the side, you drop it into the large tub. Quickly taking your clothes off, you climb into the tub and let the hot water envelop you. It had been a long time since you'd really enjoyed a bath, and the warmth from the water seeped into your bones as you relaxed against the back of the tub, the smell of gardenias wafting around you. Tatiana was about to get a wonderful tip for her work today. The bath bomb had been an unasked for extra.

You're so far blissed out that you barely hear the sound of the bathroom door opening as Aaron enters. He sees you with your head leaned back and eyes closed, the bubbles in the tub grazing the top of your chest and hiding the rest of you beneath.

"Hey." His voice is soft so as to not startle you.

You open your eyes to see him taking off the rest of his clothes, before he dims the bathroom light so that the two of you are bathed in a warm yellow glow. You shift forward and give him a hand to help him climb into the tub and slot himself behind you. His long legs nearly touch the other end as they stretch out on either side of you. Aaron pulls you back to lean against his chest. The water is too warm for his taste but he knows you run colder than he does. There's a view from the tub of the entire city and he can see the Empire State Building entirely lit up.

"Are there any other homes I should know about? You're not hiding a chalet in the Swiss Alps, are you?"

You chuckle, tilting your head back to look at his face. "There's a few more properties that I kept. I handed off most everything in Europe to my mother, besides my first place in Florence."

"Your first place?"

"I helped my father with a business deal when I was fifteen," you answer, tilting your head up to look straight out into the city. "He told me to pick a city and he'd buy me a place there if the deal went well. I always loved Florence."

Aaron takes note of the slight conflict in your tone. Your father is very much a touchy subject and he knows you find it difficult to enjoy the things in your past that are still linked to him. He doubted you'd been back there since.

"We should go to Florence then," he whispers, placing a kiss to the side of your neck and resting his head on your shoulder.

You smile, bringing your hand up to touch his cheek. He kisses the edge of your palm, the only part his lips could reach. "Maybe you can grow out the beard again then," you joke. There was a small part of you that was curious and regretted having been on the outs with him for those two weeks when he'd been back and had a full beard. It had never happened again. Jack hadn't been a fan apparently.

Aaron breathes out a laugh, the sensation causing goosebumps on your skin. "You liked the beard?" He sounds amused and a little bit…cautiously curious.

"Mm I think I just regret having missed out on that experience. We should've just had hate sex or something when you got back from Pakistan."

This time his laugh is deeper and he pulls you back against him tighter, drawing a squeal from your mouth. He cups your face towards him, capturing your lips in a sweetly insistent kiss, causing a moan to escape from you. His touch is gentle. It always is with you. A reminder that hate sex isn't really a concept between you. Even in the moments when you're rougher with one another, a touch more aggressive, pushing boundaries and testing limits, it's never hate. Frustration, sure. Anger, maybe. But hate? No. Never.

You lean back against him, allowing his body to hold you up entirely. His hands roam. Past your arms, brushing the underside of your breasts, moving lower. He peppers the top of you shoulders with soft kisses and you allow your eyes to flutter shut and simply enjoy his touch.

You dance your fingers against his thighs, feeling the thick muscles there flex and unflex as your touch moves back and forth.

His hand cups you under the water, one finger grazing against your opening, then two. With his other hand he cups your breast, his thumb brushing back and forth over the nipple, each graze sending the barest of sensation rushing through you, as he gently coaxes it into a peak. You know you're growing wetter and its not just the bathwater.

His light touch is dizzying in its barely thereness. He enters you with two fingers, softly exploring. He crooks his fingers just barely, finding the rough patch inside and grazing over it as his thumb finds your clit, rubbing it in languid circles. He continues the light touches until he's drawn far too many soft and wanton moans from you. The water is warm and your head is heady from the perfume that sits over the entire room and Aaron is solid behind you, taking his time working you up to the edge. When he finally lets you come, it is almost as an afterthought. His lips have never once left you in their devotion.

Hate never really was an option.

*------------*

Derek had been an absolute drill sergeant, knocking on your door at five thirty in the morning. You'd forced yourself to get up so he wouldn't wake Aaron, grabbing the workout clothes from your bag and taking them outside with you. Derek had turned around as you quickly got dressed and the two of you had run five miles, after which he made you do burpees and push ups in the park. You had gotten back to your room completely exhausted, promising yourself you wouldn't even look at a croissant again. Yeah, right.

Aaron was already up by the time you had returned. He'd managed to figure out the coffee machine in the kitchen after realizing it was a slightly older version of the one you had at home and had made you a latte just how you liked it. He handed it to you as you exited the bedroom dressed in a suit he hadn't seen before. It looked like you'd gone shopping in Paris, the dark green suit fitting you like a glove. You'd paired it with black stilettos as you were going to be spending most of the day at the precinct anyways.

"Good morning," he says, smiling appreciatively at the new outfit.

You hopped up onto the kitchen island as you usually did on mornings when it was just the two of you. He leaned against the counter across from you, drinking what was sure to be his second cup. You took a sip of the latte he'd made and it was perfect. Sometimes you wondered how Haley had dealt with him, because while Aaron was certainly capable there was a lot of stuff which he did automatically now that you'd had to teach him - making the perfect cup of coffee being the most important one. Though it hadn't all happened over the course of just your relationship. The coffee thing, he'd learned for you much earlier.

It appeared you two were the first ones ready, though you could hear sounds coming from down the hallway, indicating that the rest of the team was at least awake. The early morning sunlight was streaming in through the large windows, reminding you why you'd chosen this place. It hit Aaron just perfectly, creating a halo around him.

You reach out drawing him closer to you by his tie, intent on saying good morning properly. He looks back towards the hallway, before allowing you to pull him down to meet your lips. He's slow and methodical, kissing you just so, before his tongue darts out to lick your lips, prompting you to open your mouth to him. Your hands are still clutched onto his tie and his hands run up your legs, your thighs, and your waist. He can feel your legs instinctively start to wrap around him, the heel of your stiletto digging into the back of his thighs. You let go of his tie to wrap your arms around his neck, drawing him in even closer as he releases you with a gasp. You barely have a second to draw a breath before he returns, the two of you lost in your own world.

Only the insistent clearing of a throat accompanied by Emily's claps are enough to break you apart. You turn to see Rossi, Derek, and Emily standing at the edge of the kitchen. Rossi appears unbothered, Derek seems embarrassed, and Emily is exuberantly thrilled as she congratulates you for getting a morning makeout session in, before stealing your coffee. You and Aaron quickly adjust yourselves, however you're glad to note that he appears mostly unaffected as well. Life was far too short to be embarrassed by having your coworkers (who were staying in your home) catch you kissing your boyfriend.

To be honest, it was probably good for Emily to see this on occasion. She'd been convinced that Aaron was, in her words, the human equivalent of vanilla pudding. She figured that between both of your lack of a wide range of sexual partners, that the two of you only fucked in missionary. She couldn't be further from the truth, however you didn't really care to clear up her misconceptions. Not everyone needed to be bound up and choked to the brink of death in order to feel something.

[professormembranexreader]

Sub! Membrane x Fem! Dom! Reader (smut duh)

Includes:

•brief sad boi hours

•headcanon middle-name for Mem that I did research for

•a praise kink (me too)

•pussy eating (yEs plEasE)

•overstimulation (yESSSSSSSS)

•bondage (tie me up science daddy I mean what?)

Membrane's POV

'This is what I get for always setting the bar,' I thought to myself. I was currently sitting in my office, burying my head under mountains of failed designs. I'm such a failure. I don't understand why anyone likes me. I bet my kids hate me too. I'd had to make my wife take care of them for the past few weeks as I tried to work through this burnout. She'd always come into my office late at night and hug me from behind, telling me about what happened that day.

"Dib finally decided to try and make friends with that one kid down the street, and Gaz beat the Wither in Minecraft—she's been prepping for a while," she had said. She'd paused, rubbing my shoulders, "Any progress so far?" I shook my head and laid it down on my cluttered desk.

"Don't worry, baby. I'm sure you'll find a breakthrough soon enough." She patted my back and reminded me to take my medicine before she went to bed. I couldn't get into bed with her. I didn't deserve to. She was doing so much while I just... Why does she like me? I'm not half the man she married.

Going into the kitchen, I saw she left out a plate of food for me. 'I'll eat it later,' I thought. I made some coffee, took my medicine, and went back to work.

|—— time skip ƪ(˘⌣˘)ʃ ——|

Y/N POV

He was overworking himself. This was so easy to see, even his son could see it without his glasses. (And you don't even wanna know how bad his vision is.) If he continued like this, this burnout wouldn't be temporary.

But how to make him take a break? I sighed to myself as I made the kids their breakfast. I know Gaz has some friends she was going to hang out with over the weekend... if I could convince Dib to stay at a friend's house I could definitely...relieve some tension.

Speaking of, Dib looked up at me after he finished his pancakes. "Mom, do you think I could investigate Zim at his house?" I choked on air before composing myself. "Yeah, sure! That sounds great!" He immediately set out to grab his science stuff and ran next door. One down, one to go.

A few minutes after she finished eating, I went over to my daughter. "Gaz, sweetie, you ready for me to drive you over?" She nodded and went up to her room to grab her suitcase and a bag. I drove her down to her mysterious friend's house and returned to get my tired husband (bitch me too).

"Cariño~ ¿Dónde estás~? Desayuno está listo. " He trudged into the room, goggles off, mumbling a tired "buenos días". He grabbed a cup of black coffee and sat down with a plate of the now cold pancakes. His eyes were open. I couldn't help but stare into them. It was rare to see them after all.

His eyes are why I fell in love with him. It should be a crime to constantly hide away such a beautiful thing—they were milk chocolate with hazel flecks spattered near the pupil. However, the dark circles that almost constantly accented them? Not so much. He needs to take care of himself.

"You should show your eyes more."

"What?" Oh fuck I said that out loud. I turned slightly red as he chuckled. "Well, I'll try for you, mi amor." A smile tugged gently at my lips. He lifted up the surgical mask he wore and sipped his coffee. I couldn't help but smile sadly at him.

"Well... if you'll try doing that, do you think you could do something else?" I asked cautiously. He raised a brow. "Do you think you could, now hear me out, do you think you could take a break for me?" He visibly tensed. Eyes looking anywhere but mine, it was clear that he was nervous.

"Um... about that-" I put a finger up to his lips behind the mask.

"I already know. That's why I'm asking. If you don't stop overworking-"

"But what have I done to deserve a break?" he said, voice breaking, "I haven't come up with any plans or inventions, no innovative ideas whatsoever—I haven't even been there for the kids! I don't deserve a break."

"Oh, baby~" I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him down to my level. "You're trying too hard. Nothing will come if you try and force it. Clear your mind. Take a break. (Let me fuck you)." I muttered the last part under my breath, but he seemed to hear it.

"¿Q-qué?" He flushed a contagiously violent shade of red, as mine was soon crimson too.

"I-I mean... if you want to?" Oh fuck I made a mistake. "I just I thought it might make you feel better or relieve some tension or-" He gave me a quick, passionate kiss on the lips.

"I'd love to." Gears turned in his head, "But what about-" "I already took care of it." He gaped, but quickly shut his mouth and nodded.

Both red, I led him upstairs to the bedroom.

"Take off your clothes, Miguel. " His eyes widened. I raised my eyebrow, "Did I stutter? Strip." He flushed crimson and began to comply. I took off my blouse and shorts and threw them onto the floor. I looked over my shoulder as I went over to lock the door—he only had his boxers on, but a noticeable tent around his groin was preventing him from taking them off as well. I chuckled, and walked over to him.

"Tsk tsk tsk. Tell me, what did I tell you to do?"

"Desvisto."

"And what have you not done~?"

"...Desvisto."

Smiling coyly, I whispered, "Would you like any help with that~?" He nodded, not wanting to make eye contact. I grabbed his jaw and forced his head towards me. "Look at me and say it."

"Y-yes please~" I hummed in approval. I took my fingers and teased around the area his bulge was most present. "Ngh~ Y-Y/N~ pLEASE-" I quickly unbuttoned his boxers and his erect cock sprung up. He groaned in pleasure.

"Sounds like someone is a bit pent up~ hm?" I ran my fingers down his shaft, going at an uneven pace to mess with him. He leaned up against the bed frame, chest heaving up and down from my touch. "You really ARE pent up~!" I chuckled, "Man, am I gonna have fun with you~". I pulled my hand away and slowly took off my bra and panties, flinging both at him. I chuckled as he was still frozen in place yet red as ever. I pulled him onto the bed, placing his head at the foot of the bed.

"A-amor, ¿qué haces?" He stuttered. I smirked as I grabbed two pairs of handcuffs from my bedside table.

"Don't worry, darling~" I purred. "Just focus on me~" I handcuffed his hands to each side of the bed frame. I sat myself down on his abdomen, placing my hands on his broad chest.

I leaned down to his neck and whispered, "I want to break you. If it's ever too much just say our safe word, (s/w), got it?" He nodded. "Good boy~ now..." I lifted myself up onto his face, "Eat me out." I looked down to make sure he was okay with it. His mouth opened ever so slightly as I held open my pussy over his lips. "Come on, what are you waiting for~? You can start whenever you want to~" I settled myself down onto his face and felt his tongue push into me. I gasped and pulled his hair on instinct. I looked down to him, eyes full of lust. I bit my lip and smiled.

"I knew you were good at kissing but THIS is a pleasant surprise~" I nodded to him to go at his own pace. I bucked my hips against him, pressing him further in. His tongue pushed inside me reaching tight crevices that would otherwise be missed. "Gah~ Mi-Miguel~" My grip on his hair tightened as he began to probe around inside me. "Y-yeah~ Just like that~ Keep goING AH~" My thighs squished the sides of his face as I involuntarily tensed at the sudden ecstasy. I leaned back onto my arm, pushing his head closer to my heat.

"Just keep going~" I moaned, "You're doing so good~! Ngh yeah right there~ right tHERE YES~!" I bucked my hips as he worked on me with his tongue. "F-Fuck Miguel~ You're so good~ Just a bit longer~" I panted out between moans. The knot in my stomach was about to snap and I couldn't hold it back any longer. My back arched as I screamed his name and came all over his face. Waves of ecstasy crashed through me as I fell forward, only holding myself up with my arms.

Panting, I pulled myself off of his face and closer to his stomach.

"We aren't done?" He asked, out of breath. I raised an eyebrow and looked behind me. It seems that I wasn't the only one currently riding out an orgasm.

I smiled coyly, "Not yet, but you've done really good so far!" I looked him dead in the eyes—they were closed but it's the thought that counts. "Remember, if it's ever too much, just say (s/w). Okay?" He nodded.

I slowly put myself on top of his dick, groaning as it twitched inside me. I moaned out as I got closer to the base of his shaft. I bit my lip and looked up, tears threatening to spill from my eyes.

"Are you alright, dear?" I nodded hastily and started to slam myself onto him. Slower at first, but it soon got up to speed. My hands were planted on his sides as I rode him. "F-Fuck you're so gOOD~!" He moaned my name out loud and twisted against his restraints. Fuck he looks so hot... I picked up the pace and kept slamming down onto him. Tears began to stream down the sides of my face as I groaned out his name.

"¡(Y-Y/N)~ Voy a-!" "Just a bit longer, baby! You think you can do it?" He nodded and panted as he tried to delay the inevitable. He bit his lip and opened his eyes, rolled up to the top of his head.

"Almost~" I felt the knot burst yet again as he released inside me. I panted and quickly undid the handcuffs, pulling him overtop of me right-side-up in the bed.

"Te amo, amor, so please take care of yourself. Can you do that for me, please?" He simply nodded and pulled me closer.

"I'll do anything for you, mamacita~"

Middle name for Membrane came from Miguel Alcubierre (a Mexican theoretical physicist)

[hains-mae]

Flowers - Pt. 5 (The End)

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 (The End)

(Damian x Reader) Soulmate AU

The Flowers: @call-me-prodigy @annoylinglyaries @zphilophobiaz @comic-brew @biglilwing @awkwardspontaneity @lozzybowe @mariiecapo @distressedearie @diyosku @dracoaereum @thesuitelifeofafangirl @chims-kookies @blade-xingston @danicalifxrnia

Rating: T

Ages: Damian and you are 16, everyone’s ages follow after.

Summary: Soulmate AU where the wounds on your soulmate turns into a flower tattoo on your skin, if it heals with no scars the tattoo goes away, if it heals with a scar then the tattoo stays.

Notes: Wow that was a fun ride. But every story comes to an end, I hope you guys enjoy the final chapter! And thank you everyone who has taken their time to like, comment, and reblog. I appreciate it a lot <3

Disclaimer: I do not own DC. If I did, I wouldn’t make it as confusing as it is now.

Robin visited every other night after that. It was surreal to have a hero that you’ve so long admired become your frequent visitor. Then again, nothing seemed normal anymore.

“It’s past the convention week. How do you keep coming here?” I asked curiously one night.

Robin gave me a lopsided grin and tapped the side of his nose. “I have my ways.”

After Mom’s week long leave was up she begrudgingly had to go back to work. The hospital assured her that I was healing fairly well, and that I would be transferred to Gotham Hospital the following weekend.

I was never really lonely though. Besides the friendly staff, my midnight visitor always came right on time. I wondered why he would take the time. Maybe it was to get to know me better? Perhaps my speech that night managed to get through to him. I had hoped it was both.

If I was being honest though, I was a little more than glad he did. I had meant it when I told the boy that I found him intriguing. He was a tough nut to crack though. I couldn’t blame him.

During the day when I would shower, I’d trace the flowers across my frame and wonder just how much he had gone through.

Soul marks start to appear at 10 years of age. You could imagine the shock (and worry) my parents had gone through when they found me one day absolutely covered in flowers.

From a young age I would hide them. Always wearing my sleeves till my palms, my neck constantly covered with either my jacket, scarf or high placed collars. It wasn’t that I was ashamed, but Gotham liked to talk – and when you’re the subject of attention, then you’re an easy target for criminals.

As I got older, the marks around my neck forearms slowly faded. I had worried about my soul mate and their well-being. Now that I understood everything, it was a different type of worry all together. The kind that would sit at the pit of your stomach and tie knots, heavy enough to keep you on edge.

My T.V in the hospital room was always on the same channel, Gotham News. Every battle would have my heart clenching as the camera’s desperately tried to follow the fight. Most of the time’s they wouldn’t be able to capture the end, and I’d be left holding my breath.

That’s one other reason I looked forward to our nightly visits. I could relax knowing he was alright.

I still wasn’t sure what I felt for this enigma of a person. But I knew that I wanted to get closer.

“I have an idea.” Robin said one evening. There was a glint his eye, the mask was off since my mom wasn’t around anymore. “And it’s got something to do with your invention.”

I arched a brow. “The bullets are complete but I still have yet to finalize the counter measures.”

He nodded understandingly. “Counter affect can wait. We don’t want to encase anyone in rock at the moment, but I’m putting it out there since you wanted to help.”

Intrigued, I urged him to continue.

Damian was quite brilliant in his own way. After much thought and planning, we had about 3 more types of chemically enhanced concoctions laid out. All of which were to go through Batman before beginning the experimentation process. He has assured me that I would be leading the research team for that under Wayne Ent.

I couldn’t wait to get out of the hospital.

“Do you like sweets?” He asked randomly.

Arching a brow I studied him. He was slouched on the couch with his leg dangling on one side and a book in his hands.

Charles Dickens.

“Yes.” I said, noting his obvious attempt to look natural. “Do you?”

“On occasion.” The boy shifted a shoulder to mimic a shrug.

The very next visit he had a black bag slung across his shoulder. His face gave nothing away but from the times I’ve spent with him, I realised it was his eyes that did most of the talking.

“Whatcha got over there?” I asked curiously, scooting closer to him at the edge of the bed.

“Patience.” He said and pulled up the make shift table that was attached to the side of my bed. Placing a medium sized box on top, he carefully undid the lid and opened it. “I present to you, baklavas.”

In the dim light I saw that they were flaky, almost like a croissant. There were some with a mix of nuts, from pistachios to almonds. Others were plain but still looked heavenly. They gleamed with a moistness, as if coated with a syrupy substance. I picked one up and popped it into my mouth.

It burst with flavour and dissolved much too fast. I squeaked at the exotic taste.

“Oh my gosh these are so good.” I said, licking my thumb.

Robin looked pleased.

“You should have one.” I pushed the box towards him but he shook his head.

“They’re yours.” He said.

“Nonsense. Food always taste better when shared.” I picked another one up intending to eat it.

“If you insist.”

I had barely managed to register the wicked glint in his eye before he took hold of my wrist and brought my hand that was holding the sweet close to his mouth. He took it carefully from me in one easy motion and lightly licked my finger.

“You’re right. It does taste better when shared.”

I felt the burn on my cheeks and ears before I heard the warning blare of the heart monitor. Immediately, Robin slipped behind the couch just as the nurses for the nightshift burst into my room in a panic. They fussed over me as I repeatedly tried to tell them I was alright. My heart finally calmed and once they left, Robin got up covering his mouth. He was trying to keep himself from laughing.

-x-x-x-

The weekend came much faster than I had anticipated. When the doctors checked on my progress, they gave the thumbs up for me to be transferred to Gotham’s hospital.  Mom was relieved, and wouldn’t stop fussing over me when we got there. I let it be though, thinking it was more for her own peace of mind than mine.

After that it was a short two weeks before I was fully discharged.

Robins visits never wavered though. If anything, he had stayed for longer periods of time. I got to know the boy under the mask more than I had hoped for and opened up in return more than I had intended.

I found out his brothers were vigilantes too. He pointed them all out one evening with a family picture he’d secretly stashed in his wallet. They were a “thorn” to his side — as he had so eloquently described, but I could see just how much he loved them. That was another thing I learnt about him, his speech patterns were very posh. He liked to use formal names and slang was not completely in his vocabulary. I asked him about that one time, to which he only replied “another time”. It was probably a touchy subject, where he exactly grew up.

His favourite colour was green, and his adoration for animals was as deep as black hole. It was crazy how perfect my mind painted him to be, and the more I knew, the harder it was to ignore the feelings growing inside me.

He enjoys reading, but would gladly spend the day locked in his room with his tablet and pen drawing the day away. He is good both in traditional and digital art, and sometimes dabbles in graphic design when he feels like it. He prefers his tea without any additives, but would not hesitate to pour bucket loads of milk and sugar in his coffee during the rare moments he drinks it.

I could list everything down but it would just solidify my attraction to him, and honestly I doubt this was he needed right now. Juggling a double life sounded a lot more stressful than he showed it to be. He hardly ever talked about it but from the amount of flowers blooming on me, it was difficult to see it any other way but exhausting. He’d kick butt at night, get hurt, then go to school the very next day like nothing happened.

He arrived one evening like he normally did and I had rushed up to pull off his glove. I felt a sting earlier and found a Sakura branch littered with pink flowers. I was right, his arm was soaked in red, and the gash looked bad.

“It’s just a scratch.” He promised me.

I didn’t reply. Taking him straight to the bathroom, I rinsed out the remaining blood and addressed the wound. After bandaging him up I finally looked into his eyes and showed him just how worried I was.

That evening we sat next to each other, with our fingers intertwined and his thumb randomly brushing against my knuckles.

-x-x-x-

Finally I was able to return home. Being able to lie down on my own bed, inside my own house, I could let loose and properly relax. I threw myself onto the soft comforters that smelled like fabric softener and smiled to myself.

Home sweet home.

But not for long, I reminded myself that this evening I would be dining with the Wayne’s. Swallowing hard, I hurried my face onto the pillows. I can’t mess this up, not after everything they’ve done for me.

Damian’s smirking face suddenly came to mind, and all his welcomed visits. It made my stomach grow warm. Remembering us sharing the sweets he gifted – soft lips against my fingers.

I groaned into the pillow, the room was getting a little hot. Getting up gingerly, as to not aggravate the newly healed stitches, I manoeuvred my way to the window and pushed it open. The cold evening air felt good against my heated skin. I sighed in content.

If I were being honest, I didn’t know what exactly was happening between us. I didn’t know if I wanted anything to happen between us. Wouldn’t it be weird, considering that I’d be interning for his dad in just a couple of months. Possibly work there if my luck doesn’t run out first. Not to mention WHO he was.

You’re just a normal girl, I chided myself. Not someone important enough to stand beside such a prestigious boy and his ridiculously wealthy family.

But even then – I found myself wondering. Seeking. Imagining… What if we were to become something more? What if it works? What if we fall in –

“Y/n!” Mom’s voice broke through my reverie, waking me up from the needless train of thought.

Closing my window, I poked my head out the door and found her putting on a bracelet.

“Are you ready? The cab is nearly here.” She asked.

I nodded and took a step closer to her. Looking quickly at the vanity mirror in the hallway, I gave myself a once over to make sure everything was in place. I had on a slightly fitting turtle neck sweater, paired with a high waisted pleated skirt and dark stockings. On my feet I sported on my boots. It was safe to assume no one would be able to see my soul marks.

My mom grabbed her purse and headed downstairs. I followed close behind her, handing her her coat before locking up the front door.

The cab driver arrived a few minutes in, and we drove off straight to Wayne Manor.

“This is exciting isn’t it?” She said to me with a lift in her voice, as she exited the cab to get the gates opened.

Once we could enter, we were greeted with a very large land that was pristinely kept. The grass was cut evenly, and the trees lining the estate were trimmed to perfection. Bushes were perfectly shaped into different animals, and flowers systematically grown to create swirls and shapes beside the road. A big fountain was situated just in front of the mansion while a man in a black suit waited beside the opened doors.

We exited the cab after paying and did our best to take it all in without looking like fishes out of water.

“Ah, Mrs. & Ms. Y/l/n.” It was the man who I saw pick up Damian that one night in Metropolis appeared. I also remembered him in the family photograph. His accent was thickly laced with British poise. “My name is Alfred Pennyworth, I shall be you’re attendant for the evening.”

“Thank you.” Mom was quick to compose herself.

As soon as I entered the house I felt my breath stolen away. It was huge. Everything looked so new and polished.

I barely registered my mom and Alfred chatting away as he led her to the dining hall.

“I know what you’re thinking.”

I nearly jumped at the voice that startled me. Whipping my head around, I found Jason standing with his hands in his pockets.

“I remember my first time coming in here. Completely floored.” He chucked.

I waved a small greeting. “Everything looks so –“

“Expensive? Exorbitant? Grand?” He tried to guess.

“Beautiful.” I breathed out.

He laughed. “Not what I expected. But you’re full of surprises aren’t you.”

I blushed. “Ah, I’m not sure about that. I’m just me.”

“Hey, no stealing our guest before dinner.” Dick walked down the stair case with Tim beside him.

“Feeling better Y/n?” Tim asked as we grouped just below the stairs.

“Yeah, thank you.” I answered, suddenly feeling flustered as they surrounded me.

Stay calm.

“Don’t be nervous.” Dick said with an air of comfort.

I wanted to ask what made him think so, but he answered before I even began to articulate the words.

“You’re fidgeting like a college student during a thesis debate.” He said simply.

“You’re… very good at reading people.” I arched a brow at him.

“One of my many amazing abilities” He winked.

Jason let out an air of playful frustration and pulled Dick aside. “And now you’re stealing her. Can’t hold a normal conversation can you Dickie, always a flirt.”

“First of all – do I need to remind you who mostly does all the talking during dad’s parties. And second of all – I am not a flirt. I can’t help it if I’m charming.” Dick mocked a suave look and shot it as his brother.

Jason looked like he was about to gag and Tim was less than pleased. I laughed at their antics.

“What’s funny?” Damian appeared beside me. I jumped and held a hand to my racing heart.

“Jeez, do all of you have a talent for sneaking up on people?” I wheezed out, trying to gather my bearings.

They all grinned at me without answering.

Robins, my inner muse whispered. I brushed off the thought as quick as it had come.

We had made it to the dining area just in time for Alfred to begin serving the meals. My mother was already chatting up a storm with Mr. Wayne. A wine glass in hand and a slight tint to her cheeks. She looked happy.

I began walking towards the seat beside my mother when Damian pulled out the chair like a gentleman. I bit the inside of my cheek and mumbled a thank you.

He took the space beside me and the rest of his brothers seated themselves opposite us.

As we opened our plates for dinner, I was amazed to see how well it was presented. Mr. Pennyworth continued to serves other dishes, and once he was done he left the room.

The food tasted just as good as it looked.

Easy conversation wafted around us, the usual topics of school, and future plans. Mr. Wayne brought up the internship which I nearly gushed over due to my excitement. Damian held back a laugh with a cough when he noticed my little slip up before I composed myself again. I bumped his knee under the table and playfully glared at him. He smirked and bumped me back.

“My compliments to the chef Mr. Wayne.” Mom said.

“I’ll be sure to tell him.” He smiled through a glass of wine. How many glasses in were they at this point? Damian and I were the only ones who weren’t allowed so both our glasses were filled with water and juice.

“And, please,” Mr. Wayne continued. “Call me Bruce.”

“Hey, we should give the women a tour.” Dick suggested. “I’m sure you’ll both love it.”

Jason and Tim had excused themselves, and I had an inkling as to what they were up to. Patrols were a common thing, as Damian told me.

And so with Dick and Bruce leading, my mother and I followed as they showed off the grandness of the manor.

I couldn’t help but be awestruck all over again. The library was huge. Their shelves towered from ceiling to floor, and filled with all kinds of books. From novels to more informative documents. I recognised a couple of titles from the times Damian spent the night reading.

The sunroom was next. The glass was near invisible. I took in the sight of the gorgeous garden just beyond the panels, being able to outline a gazebo at the far end with flowers twisting around its pillars. I unconsciously touched my stomach where the stitches were, randomly pondering what kind of flower had bloomed from such a brutal wound.

“Are you okay?” Damian was beside me immediately and his hand supported my elbow. His voice was laced with concern.

“Oh.” I realised what he was talking about and pulled my hand down. “I’m okay, just a little tired.”

“Honey?” My mom’s face pinched in concern. “Is it hurting again?”

“I just need to rest Mom, I’m fine.” I assured her. “You should continue, I’ll just sit here for a bit.”

Mom was hesitant but there wasn’t much she could do, and she knew it. So they moved on, but not without Mr. Wayne asking for some painkillers to be brought to me.

After taking the medicine, I thanked ‘Alfred’ (as he had asked me to call him) before he left.

Damian was sitting on the arm rest of the couch. My hand was in his and he rubbed random circles around my knuckles. His brows were furrowed, and his features were set in a deep scowl. I could practically feel the guilt and worry radiating off of him.

“I have to be honest, I thought I’d see more animals around.” I said, trying to lighten up the mood.

“Father asked me to keep Titus in my room for the time-being, he didn’t know how you two would react to a Great Dane, or vice-versa.” The boy said simply.

“Great Dane?” I asked flabbergasted.

The corner of Damian’s lips turned upwards. “When you feel better I’ll introduce you.”

“It’s a date.” I answered before thinking. All at once I realised what I said and felt my cheeks burn. “Ah – I mean, not date. If you aren’t comfortable with that, people just use the word date as a meeting time or –“

“It’s a date.” He brought my fingers up and ghosted his lips over them. I had to hold my breath fearing that my heart would stop.

I was momentarily stunned by his forwardness and calm. Looking away I managed to slow down my heart rate to a regular beat.

“I still need to guess the rest right?” I asked coyly.

He gestured for me to continue.

“Let’s see.” I rested my head on the couch and closed my eyes to recall our conversation back in the ball room. “We’ve got a dog, a cat.”

“Mhm.” Damian nodded, moving from the arm rest to the empty space next to me.

My brain brought up an old song from the Princess and the Frog, when they had to ‘Dig a Little Deeper’.

A dog, a pig, a cow, a goat – the lyrics were sung in my subconscious before I could stop it.

“A cow.” I guessed.

Damian’s eyes grew a little wide, before a grin made its way to his lips. “Yes.”

“What seriously?” I giggled. “You actually have a cow?”

“Bat-Cow.” He chuckled. “I was a child, and that was the first name to come up.”

I was full on laughing now. “I cannot wait to meet them. But that was seriously a random guess, now I feel like my confidence is dwindling.”

“Then how about you wait till you see them?” He suggested.

I bit my lip and shifted in my seat, our knees brushed and I felt that warmth spread across my chest. We’re close. A little too close.

When I looked at him I found he was staring at the garden outside. I didn’t mean to be rude, but I couldn’t take my eyes off him. There was something about this boy that just drew me closer, making me want more. I traced the little moles across his cheek and wondered when I had let this magnetic pull take over me.

“Take a picture. It’ll last longer.” Damian commented. His intense green eyes bore into mine as he threw a deviously charming smirk my way.

I blushed and looked away, suddenly finding my shoes a lot more interesting than it was. “Sorry, I was just thinking.”

He turned towards me. And I made the mistake of facing him again, because now our faces were just mere inches apart.

I found myself gazing at his beautiful green eyes that contrasted so well with his tanned olive skin. There were so many different shades of green looping and mixing with one another, it felt like a maze – one that I would willingly get lost in.

My fingers rested in the spaces between his, and I marvelled at how everything in that moment felt right.

I tilted towards him, and he did the same towards me.

“What are we doing?” I whispered, stealing a glance at his lips.

Heart pounding.

Blood racing.

It left me dizzy.

“I’m… not sure.” Damian replied, his tone low. “But if you asked me to kiss you, I would.”

His thumb grazed the inside of my wrist with a feather-light touch and I burst into flames.

“Kiss me.”

And he did.

-THE END-

[thehouseoflamentation]

Wanting What Isn’t Yours (Mammon x MC x Levi) Part 2 - NSFW

For Leviathan, waking up the next morning was just as awful as trying to fall asleep. He was certain he passed out somewhere along the line last night but it still wasn’t enough to quell the restless feeling that clung to the back of his mind. He knew he’d get an earful from Lucifer if he missed breakfast so he mustered up all his energy and dragged himself off towards the dining room. As soon as he took a seat however he felt his heart sink once again. The rest of his brothers had yet to make it to the table so instead he got to sit alone and enjoy the sight of you and Mammon flirting and feeding each other breakfast. He wasn’t hungry to begin with but now he had completely lost his appetite. That should be him sitting next to you! Laughing and flirting and eating together. Why did it have to be him? Why did Mammon always get to be the center of your attention? It just wasn’t fair.

Levi could feel his grip tighten on the fork in his hand before letting the utensil fall back onto the table. He wanted you to feel the same way he felt about you but then again he didn’t exactly have much to bring to the table. If he really wanted you he would have made his intentions known that fateful night and yet here he was forced to witness everything he’ll never get to experience. Having to bottle up his emotions all while pretending everything was alright was just too much to bear. As soon as he cleared what was left on his plate he got up and trudged back to his room locking the door behind him.

He didn’t have any classes that day so he planned to binge on games and anime until his frustrations subsided. Unfortunately for him he couldn’t enjoy ten minutes of peace before he heard a knock on his door. Letting out a deep sigh he got up and opened the door only to find you standing on the other side. Knowing what went down last night he couldn’t look you in the eye. His lips trembled as he stuttered and asked you why you were here.

“Levi did you forget our chat a couple days ago? You said you were free today and wanted to try a new game with me. Are you still free right now or...”

He had completely forgotten about your arrangement but at this point he couldn’t just turn you away. Muttering a soft “Sure, come in” under his breath he let you in and shut the door. Maybe this was his chance. The two of you were finally alone in his room with no Mammon in sight. He might as well make the best of the situation and take his shot. Handing you a controller, Levi turned on the game and took a seat beside you. Soon the minutes that passed turned into hours as the two of you progressed through the game. Levi was less tense than before but he knew that would all change once he made his move.

As the game faded into a cutscene he stared at your hand just inches away from his. He could have sworn he heard his heart beating in his chest but there was no way he could turn back now. With one last deep breath he paused the game and took your hand in his before turning to face you.

“MC I know this is sudden but...I haven’t been honest with you or myself lately and I need you to know that I-I...I like you! I want more than just this pact MC, I want you... ”

As his words trailed off Levi moved closer, his forehead pressed against yours while his lips hovered just centimeters away. When he finally closed the gap he couldn’t help but take advantage of the kiss by pulling you close and wrapping his arms around you. He couldn’t imagine what it would feel like to finally kiss you but here he was living out his fantasy and it was so much better than anything he could have asked for.

Unfortunately, wanting what isn’t yours rarely ends without consequences and Levi was soon going to learn that. Just as he pulled away from the kiss, the irritated sound of someone clearing their throat caught your attention. Mammon stood at the doorway, clearly pissed at seeing his brother locking lips with his human. He took a step forward and slammed the door shut, his eyes shifting between you and Levi as he drew closer. With one quick movement he gripped Levi by the collar and dragged him away from you, forcing him onto his feet.

“Levi you bastard!!! The one day I’m out for class and you think you can just TAKE WHAT’S MINE?!??”

It was rare to see Mammon this mad but it made no difference to Levi who simply wrenched himself out of his brother’s grip before shouting back in response.

“Yeah well you KNEW I HAD FEELINGS FOR THEM TOO!! WHY DO YOU GET TO HAVE MC ALL TO YOURSELF!?!?? IT'S NOT FAIR!!!!!!”

Each of them had shifted into their demon forms by now but before things could escalate any further you jumped in between the two of them.

“STOP!!!!!!! I’m not letting you fight over something like this!! I trust both of you, I made pacts with both of you, and I LOVE both of you but if you’re just going to fight then I might as well be with neither of you!!!”

Your words shut them up in an instant. The last thing they wanted was for you to hate them so they took a few seconds to regain their composure before they did anything they might regret. They were still far from being calm but that didn’t stop you from throwing your hands around both of them, pulling them into a hug before planting a few chaste kisses on their cheeks.

“Now if you’re done making a scene maybe...we can have a little fun instead?”

Their eyes widened in shock once you said that. Mammon knew exactly what you wanted while Levi blushed at the thought of it all. Your hands slipped out of their embrace as you got on your knees in front of Levi eagerly undoing his belt while Mammon undid his own. Once they pulled their pants down you began palming them through their boxers savoring their moans as precum started to stain the fabric. Seeing you kneel in front of them got them hard in no time and soon they found themselves wanting more. After getting rid of the last piece of fabric separating them from you they each took one of your hands, prompting you to keep stroking their cocks.

“Hehe...see? Sharing isn’t so bad now is it?”

As if to prove your point you give Levi’s head a few kitten licks before doing the same to Mammon drawing out another set of moans from the boys. You could feel them getting close so you decide to ramp things up a bit. Pulling away from Levi you turn your attention to Mammon, your hands on both his hips as you suck him off. As expected it didn’t take even a minute for Levi to start whining again. Despite your effort to keep both of them happy you had to admit it was cute seeing him so needy.

“MC come on that’s not faaaaaaiiiirrrrr!!!!! Y-You said-”

Without taking your mouth off Mammon’s dick you slid your pants down along with your underwear. You were now on all fours, your slick entrance plain to see. You gave your ass a wiggle signaling Levi to get behind you.

“I’m sorry Levi, what was that about being unfair?”

You stopped servicing Mammon just long enough to tease Levi one last time before he mounted you. His hands gripped your hips before moving to squeeze your ass as he started pounding into you. You weren’t sure if it was his lack of experience or his desperation that made his thrusts so erratic but neither you or Mammon were complaining. Everytime he rammed his hips into yours you took Mammon deeper and deeper down your throat. It didn’t take long before they started reaching their limit along with you so you decided to finish them at the same time. You could feel your core tightening and when you had just barely reached your breaking point you backed your ass up against Levi’s dick taking him as deep as you could while he released inside you. You didn’t let Mammon go either as you deepthroated him and swirled your tongue against the sensitive spot just under the head of his cock. Both of them wouldn’t let you go until every last drop of their load was in you. When they finally pulled out the three of you collapsed on the floor as the smell of sweat and sex permeated the room.

Now sandwiched between the two of them you giggled to yourself before kissing each of them again, this time on the lips. They were certainly a handful but all three of you were happy and honestly what more could you ask for?

Epilogue

When you went back to your room that night you heard a knock on the door just as you were about to hit the hay. A familiar silver haired demon let himself in just as he did every other night.

“Soooo....how was my acting back there? Looked like I woulda ripped him limb from limb huh? Hehe, seeing him with you like that I just might’ve ya know!!” Mammon chuckled to himself and sighed as he took a seat on your bed.

“Well I’m glad you didn’t but in all honesty thanks again for agreeing to let him join. He seems a lot happier now or at least more than he usually does.”

“Hmp I woulda said no but I can’t really resist spoiling ya now can I? Well whatever as long as you remember who your first was then I guess I can’t exactly complain too much.”

You scooted to the side of your bed giving Mammon some space to lie down beside you and drape an arm around your shoulder. The avatar of greed could only share so much of you before he wanted you to himself again.

“So MC?”

“Hm?”

“Since he was only mad at me… I take it Levi doesn’t know about Beel joining us in the kitchen that night?”

“.........”

“I’M GONNA TELL HIM”

“DON’T YOU DARE!!!!!”

[imamotherfuckingstar-lord]

False God

Keigo Takami/Hawks x Reader

Warning: 18&over. Cursing, longing, some smut possibly. 

A/N: Several parts, each around 1k. Slow burn. Reader works with LOV. 

Summary: After breaking Hawk’s heart, you’ve come back to the commission for one more important mission. 

The aching was real, his eyes on yours as the commission gave their report. His gaze was bearing onto your skin and you inhaled, avoiding any eye contact. Your fingers stared at the report in your hands, the words blurry and incoherent. It has been nearly two years since you last saw Keigo Takami in person. Sure, you saw his face on hero news outlets; social media, newspapers, online blogs that kept you updated on his latest whereabouts. You saw his face everyday but had not been in the same room since you broke his heart. 

“You don’t mean it, kid. I’m not going to let you go.”

“Keigo, you were my mission. I had to make sure you were keeping’ to the right path.”

His face drew in the pain but he kept hold of your wrist; he asked for you to look at him but you just couldn’t. “Don’t leave me.”

Trying to pull from him, you held back tears. “I made a deal for my freedom, I’m sorry, Keigo. I can’t be the commission’s pet anymore.”

His hand fell to his side and he asked if any of it was real. “Was this all just bullshit? I won’t believe it, not from you. Not from you. It felt too real, don’t - don’t bullshit me, kid.”

Gathering your duffel bag from the floor, you started toward the door of his apartment, stopping at the door. Unable to face the consequences on his face, you stared at the door knob before grabbing it. 

“I never meant for it to be real, but it was.”

That was two years ago and here you were, reeled back into the commission’s load of shit. The government knew what to put on the table to bring you back or more like who. Hawks’ freedom for one last mission; you were going to infiltrate the League of Villains, get them to trust you. You would do whatever it took and in the end, no matter what happens to you - he would finally be free. 

He wouldn’t have to do the government’s dirty work anymore, not ever again. All you had to do was complete the mission and Keigo get’s to walk away. 

“Y/N, you know what needs to be done, now do it.”

“Yes, sir,” you answered, thankful to be dismissed. Gathering your things, you quickly left the room without even a glance in his direction. The hallway was cool as you rushed out, clinging to your messenger bag. It felt sickening to be back in these white walls, you felt like a child again. Growing up in such a cold place, it had turned you bitter. Trained as soldiers from a young age, the government held a hand to your throat. No fun, no loving embraces - just children who only had each other.

Hawks and you grew up together in the same facility, went through the same shit but you saw through the facade. Sure, he was one of the top Pro Heroes; charismatic with the looks to match - a perfect recipe for a successful hero. Yet you knew the real Keigo, sure he was cocky and charming, but he had a side to him that was just as bitter as you. Sometimes you looked at him and saw a child; the child that was so kind to you and was always there for you, even at such a young age. 

Surviving was your true nature, his too. 

You walked down the hall, bee-lining it for the elevators. Pressing the button for going down, you tightened the grip on your bag and relaxed when the doors opened. Getting in you pressed the ground floor and just as the doors began to close, they opened. 

“For someone with super speed, you’re sure taking your time trying to get away from me. Makes me think you’re being slow on purpose.”

Your heart pounded as Hawks walked in, his red wings relaxed against his shoulder blades. He was slightly taller than you, shuffling in and respectfully keeping his distance. You watched as he pressed the ground floor button and yawned.

“I need coffee.”

Remaining quiet, you stared straight ahead but you could feel him staring even through those ridiculous sunglasses of his. The elevator moved down a floor and you wished you had taken the stairs; he was right, you could have gotten the hell out of the building within seconds. 

“So, what the hell are you doing back here, kid? I thought you escaped.”

Just hearing him call you kid was enough to kill you, making you unable to even open your mouth to answer. He didn’t mind, just crossed his arms against his chest and continued to stare at you. 

“I heard you went full vigilante, you were always kind of a badass.”

The lump in your throat worsened as he kept talking, going off about his new partnership with Endeavor, which made you feel a pang of delight. He had always admired the man and to know he was working with him now, it made you happy for him.

“That must be exciting,” you managed.

“So you do talk.”

He was still a jackass, you thought as your cell phone went off. Fetching it from your bag, you recognized the unmarked number and took a deep breath before answering. It was Dabi, he wanted to meet up.

“Your place or mine?”

“Ours. Have you thought about our proposition?”

You finally glanced over at Hawks, his mouth smiling as you looked away. “Yeah, I think I might have found another recruit. An old friend.”

He said he’d tell Shigaraki. “He’ll like that, come by tonight. Toga’s asking for you.”

“Tell that little psycho I’ll bring her favorite cupcakes,”  you mused, closing your eyes. 

“Don’t spoil her,” he warned.

“She’s a kid, listen, I have to go. I’ll see you tonight.”

Hanging up, you took a deep breath; cursing under your breath as the elevator came to the ground floor. 

“An old friend, huh.” Hawks mused, pushing off the wall. “I’m wounded.”

You said nothing and walked out, desperate to get away because being in such a small space with him had undid two years worth of progress. You had to convince yourself that you were a survivor and that you needed to be selfish - he was just a mission, that was it. 

But you knew the truth, felt it every night as you laid alone in bed - Hawks had started off as a mission, that much was true but the day you left his apartment was the day you left the love of your life.

...

Comment for tags!

[colemacgrathtkz]

Ah, memories

Disclaimer: I went past the character limit. This one might be hard to read due to formatting.

Previous. Next

[Human realm, three weeks BBI]

Luz crouched close to her task. Eda's lesson really came in handy. Picking a door lock, she never thought she'd be so grateful for an unmodern store. Standing by her side, only perceivable to her, the empress stood watching her progress.

Empress Luz: "I know you want to say it, just say it. What do you want?"

Since they came back, Luz's glyphs hadn't worked once. At first, she thought magic didn't exist here. But if that's the case, why was her angry counterpart still stuck to her.

Luz: "How come you're still here? I mean, my dream of being a witch is dead on this side, right?"

Empress Luz: "Ok, let me put this in terms you can understand. Congratulations, chica, you're an astronaut. Let's think of the Boiling Isles as earth and magic is the air we breathe. This side is the moon. On the Boiling Isles, magic is everywhere. Here, looks like we're S.O.L."

Luz: "So, you're what?"

Empress: "Holding my breath for you... to finish the job."

The tumblers finally obeyed the thief working on the outside. Luz didn't have much aside from some old clothes from home and the Empress' outerwear. The store inside should have some cash and new stuff to try on. She needed to avoid being recognized. Also, she kept getting glares when she entered stores during the day.

Luz: "Does that mean, if I wait long enough, you'll die?"

An note of optimism was detected.

Empress Luz: " You should be so lucky. No, I don't think so. I'm the only magic you brought over. So, WE'RE holding our breath."

The cash register was the first task they needed done. Emptying the register, they now browsed their options.

The place didn't look like anything exceptional. But one jacket caught Luz's eye. She put it on and felt... something.

Luz: "What do you think?"

Empress: "A little big, don't you think? And do you really like the color green that much?"

They both realized what this jacket was to her. For whatever reason, this jacket made Luz miss the others less. Almost like a sort of comfort cloth.

Man: "Who's there?!"

A flashlight broke through the dark and nearly blinded Luz. She dove for any cover that would keep her out of sight, bumping into something.

Empress Luz: " What are doing?! Let me tak..."

Almost like hitting the mute button, something landed on Luz's head. In that instant, she noticed her partner disappeared. She raced out the door and as far away as she could get. Once she was clear, she examined the hat on her head.

Empress Luz: "Stop ignoring me!"

The instant she took off the beanie, her partner reappeared in front of her.

Now there was some magic.

It would be another three weeks before she'd make it back to Bonesborough. But they were clearly on the right track.

[Present day, Blight manor]

Amity stirred awake in her old bed. She felt like she'd dreamed about something important.

The first thing she noticed was her old room, not remembering how she got there.

Luz: "No, wait, you can't!"

Her girlfriend's voice echoed from somewhere in the manor. She bolted out of bed and ran out to find the source.

Willow: "It's only fair. After all you put us through, this is the least you can do."

Gus: "I wouldn't call myself a 'vengeful guy'. But I do want to see this."

Amity practically jumped the stairway to see what was going on. Luz sat, tied up by vines, while her friends stood around her. Willow had a pair of memory tweezers while Gus held a memory print.

Amity: "What're you doing?"

Willow: "Luz wants to make amends. This is it."

Gus: "But you should be here, too. Take a look at this."

Snickering, he handed Amity the prize in his hand.

Luz: "No, come on, give me a break."

Willow: "If we wanted to settle things, once and for all, we could go fishing in her memories. That's what she said."

Gus: "We didn't find anything nefarious. But we did snag these nice beauties."

Scratch that, he handed her the prizes in his hand.

A few memories of Nevareth Bladestrife, teen Prince of Angstmore. Amity didn't say a word as she examined the recollections in her hand.

Luz: "Ames? You ok, linda?"

Amity: "So, who's this?"

Luz( visibly nervous): "No one, really. He's not even real."

Amity: "You sure? It looks like you think about him a lot. You had an imaginary boyfriend?"

Luz: "He's just... not even worth mentioning. I mean, he's got nothing on you, Ami."

Unfortunately, Amity flipped the print to reveal a small note written in ( what looked like) Luz's handwriting.

Goodbye, flawless pecs

Amity stared Luz down with one of the most menacing glares she'd ever seen.

Amity: " Well, if you say so, then it's fine. If he's not worth mentioning, he's not worth remembering, right?"

She lit a small fire in her other hand and dangled the pictures over it.

Luz: "Wait! You don't want to do that."

Amity: "Why not? You want to make amends, right?"

Luz: "Right! Let me out of this chair and I'll tell you all the truth."

Willow and Gus stopped snickering amongst themselves. Luz's proposal seemed like something worth seeing. Her friend undid the vines and let Noceda take a step forward.

Luz: "The truth is..."

In a swift moment, she surprised Amity with a kiss. Stunning her girlfriend, she swiped the memories back and placed one arm around her.

Luz: " We're official! Amity and I are dating. There's no reason to bother with these. So, I'll just take them back and we don't have to talk about him ever again. Agreed?"

Luz would later understand the wrath of a Blight, later. For now, she pocketed the memories.

Gus: "Wait, when did you figure it out?"

Luz: "Well, last night...wait, what do you mean by that?"

Her two best friends looked at each other, awkwardly.

Willow: "It just seems like... you were the last to know."

Luz: "...."

Gus: "You kind of already acted like a couple. I mean, when did you find out she liked you?"

Luz: "Right after..."

Her pause might have made anime fans proud.

Luz: "Point is, we're both where we want to be. Right, Ami?"

Amity: "When did you start calling me that?"

Luz: "Last niiiiiiiiiight."

Last night? Last night was a blur. She remembered grudgby and dancing but that was it. She didn't even recall how she got back last night.

Gus: "Um, speaking of last night, are you just getting out of bed? It's past noon."

Looking down at herself, she was wearing an orange and white striped pajama top with purple pants.

Amity shot a death glare at the last person she remembered being with.

Luz: "I swear, I didn't do anything weird! You were really tuckered out. I carried you home and that's it, I swear!"

She redirected her wrath to the others.

Amity: "Don't you all have somewhere to be?"

Gus: "Not really."

Luz: "You told me to quit my job."

Willow: "My boss didn't come in this morning."

Amity: "Get out!"

Just as they were leaving, Luz sheepishly tried to be cute.

Luz: "So.....stripes?"

And with that, Willow had to pry her boss off while Gus pulled Luz to safety.

[Last night, Hexside's gymnasium]

Luz: "I think I want to tell you where the staff is."

Taking a step back, Amity knew she was being sincere.

Amity: "Where is it?"

Luz: "With you, carino."

Not realizing what she meant, Luz poked her forehead.

Luz: "In here, with the witch I trust the most."

Amity had mixed feelings about this.

Amity: "No, you need someone to cast that spell on you. Who pulled you out? When did you even do that?"

Luz: "I'm kind of two for one package deal now. Not to mention, a quick study. Remember when you caught me in your room and I sent you a snoozing? It was after that."

Amity: "You knocked me out and went into my head?!"

Luz: " I'm getting the impression you're angry."

After taking one deep breath, she grabbed Luz by her face and pulled her close.

Amity: "Just, please, give it to me and we can go from there."

She was being pretty bold tonight.

Luz: "I can't say 'no' to that face. Especially like this, keeper of the staff."

Knowing full well that was a bad joke, she proceeded with Amity's request.

Amity(thinking to herself): "Please don't do anything weird. Please don't do anything weird. Please don't do anything weird. Please don't do anything weird."

Luz(echoing in Amity's head): "You know, I can hear you, in here. It's really a lot like what I've been living with on a day to day.."

Amity: "LUZ!"

Luz: "Right, right, we can talk about that later."

Popping out, Luz stood in front handing out the staff.

Luz: "One sure fire proof of my trust of you.. for you."

Her most trusted companion took the gift in her hand.

Amity: "It's the real thing. You actually meant it."

There was no mistaking the smug look on the latina's face as she placed her hands behind her head.

Luz: "Yep, we can be honest with each other."

Amity cut her off by raising her arm up. Now, the room had a serious tone shift.

Luz: "What're you doing?"

Amity: "You'd never lie to me, right? With or without this thing?"

Luz: "Bebe, this isn't funny."

Fear, once again, gripped a member of the Blight family.

Amity: "I order you to tell me the truth, what are you doing here?"

Luz: "I'm on a date with you."

Luz couldn't stop herself from answering, but she tried tweaking her answers.

Amity: "Why did you come back to Bonesborough?"

Luz: "I wanted to be with you all again."

Amity: "Are you planning something behind my back?"

Things were getting worse as it became apparent that Noceda didn't want to answer.

Luz: "Our second date, maybe. Now, can you give me that back, please?"

Amity: "One last thing, the empress is still in you, right? Neither of you are going to hurt anyone, right?"

This time, Luz covered her mouth, muffling her response.

Amity: "Take your hands off and tell me the truth!"

This feeling of once again not being in control of her own body; brought tears to her eyes.

Luz: "I don't want to hurt anyone. But I can't say the same for her."

Empress Luz: "GET THE STAFF!"

Amity found herself gripped from behind by a giant abomination hand. She looked back to see the Otabin mutant was still there.

Amity: "Wait, how are you doing that?"

The empress simply took back her staff and looked disgusted at what just happened.

Empress Luz: "I think I'm done answering questions."

Luz: "I pulled out all the stops for you, carino. It's my own 'little' mix of abomination, plant, illusion, and potion. Something that can keep on going, even if my finger stops spinning."

She just gazed at the object in her hands.

Luz: "I gave this to you because I trusted you."

The goo around Amity hardened; preventing her from moving a finger.

Luz(sadly): "You just couldn't help yourself, could you?"

She reached into the almost solid goo and searched Amity's pocket. Pulling out the tweezers just before the muck became rock hard.

Luz: "Thanks for the date, bonita. I'll be sure to remember it."

She held Amity's head still as she pulled out her memories of the date. Contrary to her pleas, Luz burned the ones that held the night's closing events. Her girlfriend felt the effects and passed out.

Empress Luz: "We'll have to clean this up."

Luz: "Hold on, I don't want to leave her like this. This could seriously damage her mind."

Luz used the tweezers on herself and pulled a couple memories. She done this before, unbeknownst to anyone else. When Willow's memories were burnt, her personality changed. Luz discovered that she could sort of keep that from happening by putting place holders.

After she had done the deed, she picked up the sleeping green haired witch in her arms, princess style.

Empress Luz: "Even after all that?!"

Luz: " You feel the same way, right?"

The two had gotten unbelievably good at switching control between them.

Empress: "What about the staff?"

Luz: "It can wait. I want to take her home and just forget this ever happened."

To her dismay, she knew her partner wouldn't simply "forgive and forget".

Empress: "Before we go, I think we should check her memories. I mean, it's only fair after what she just pulled."

Complying with her internal partner, they discovered the two other conspirators. She took the staff and hid it. She also took Amity home, but not before she made sure the coast was clear.

Willow and Gus would have no memory of their findings. They would be left to believe their investigations had come to a dead end. Reporting to Amity only that Luz Noceda had nothing to hide.

Author's note:

I just want to make two things clear.

1.) In "Understanding Willow", Willow's brain appeared to be faulty after her memories were burnt. I figured Amity might unknowingly experience something similar AFTER Luz left her in her room. No funny business. Amity was half asleep and disoriented when she changed into her new attire.

2.) I've wondered, how Amity might react to Nevareth or Luz's other crushes? I just wanted to throw that idea into the hat.

[parf-fan]

One year ago, Rob Condas posted in celebration of Shakespeare’s birthday.  A year later, I finally finished writing the fic that post (and comments thereupon) inspired.  This is the first Faire fic I’ve ever finished, and would reeeealllly like some feedback on it, please.  In addition to the ao3 link, the text of the fic is below the read-more.

Title: The More, the Marrier Words: 6,705 Chapters: 1/1 Pairings: Horace Tanningrove & William Shakespeare, Horace Tanningrove / John Hopfield Warnings: drunkenness, drunken shenanigans, canon-typical implied/referenced dubious consent (very mild though, if you were okay with the bender subsubsubplot of Myths and Legends 2019, you should be okay here)

Summary: "Happy Birthday Shakespeare ❤️ I hope you and Horace are painting the town tonight"  –Rob "Oh, if you thought Horace and Shakespeare went hard in the summer and fall of 1558, just WAIT till you see what they'll do for Will's birthday"  –Michael Having relocated the previous autumn when the R and J play was picked up by a producer in London, Will now celebrates his natal day by returning to visit his hometown of Mount Hope.  Much of the first day of this visit is, of course, spent in the company of Horace Tanningrove.   As the two become progressively drunker, they engage in shenanigans of sundry disaster variations.  In the morning, both are hellaciously hungover, and the night is a blur, at best.

Opening notes: This fic is dedicated in equal measure to Rob Condas and Michael Stahler, with thanks to the same for inspiring it through a Facebook post and comments on said post, respectively.  And, obviously, for partially creating and fully rendering such lovable and memorable characters, with such an exquisite dynamic and rapport.  The admiration I hold for you defies description.

Thanks to kaythehawk for the title, for proofreading and feedback, and for lowkey holding my hand through the posting process; and to my mom for assistance in devising phrases and combating lethologica.

To anybody unfamiliar with the 2019 season of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire: First, what series of events in you life led you to this fic?  Second, you are quite welcome to read it, but you will undoubtedly be quite confused on many points.

This is a fanwork created out of love and admiration for the source material and those who brought it about.  Characters and setting belong to Zeno Creative Group PRF Productions.

The More, the Marrier

April 24th , mid-morning:

Will cracked an eyelid and his skull promptly split. Though he hastily undid the first, the second diminished but slightly. He cast about for words to describe it. “Uuhhhurrgh,” he eventually settled upon.

His eloquent critique was answered in kind from nearby, and Will decided that his desire for information would lend him the fortitude to bear the suffering. He opened his eyes – both this time, and all the way – albeit slowly. Only one of them appeared to work, but he filed that away as a problem for later. Instead, he took in his surroundings. Locks and bars and but the tiniest of windows. Wooden benches, pallets of straw. On some of the straw —

“Horace?” Will's voice rasped like a file, and it occurred to him that he was very thirsty.

Horace opened his eyes, promptly shut them, and said. “Prithee, extinguish the sun. Temporarily.”

“Would that I could, friend.”

Horace gave eyesight another try, amid much blurring and face-rubbing. At length, he got enough of a handle on it to look over to Will. “That garland is most becoming on thee,” he said. “Quite a jaunty angle.”

Will put a hand to his head and, feeling rapidly-wilting blossoms, found the cause of his partial blindness in the form of a flower-crown that had slipped over one eye. He gingerly adjusted it. “Thou lookst not o'er shabby in thine,” he observed.

Horace reached up and likewise discovered a ring of flowers encircling his brow, though his had not slipped. He considered it, then left it as it was.

Having solved the mystery of the halved eyesight, Will turned his intellect toward discerning their surroundings. In a moment, he'd concocted an ingenious scheme to that end. “Where thinkst thou we are?” he asked.

Horace, who'd been looking around despite the excruciating pain in his head and how damn bright the world was, answered, “I should fain think we be in the jailhouse.”

“The jailhouse? Nay!”

“Aye, there's bars and everything.”

A voice blared from out of eyeshot at a volume surely far higher necessary. “Well reasoned, master Tanningrove. I should consider thee for the position of deputy with detective brilliance like that.”

Horace, who'd pressed his hands to his ears and yet could hear every decibel with painful clarity, said, “Oh, well, that's very kind of thee, Sheriff Perry, but I fear I should find such work dreadfully boring.”

“It was a jest. I was makin' fun of thee.”

“Oh.”

By now, Will and Horace had both gotten themselves turned so as to see the sheriff standing near what was, upon slight inspection, the door to their cell.

“Good morrow, Sheriff!” said Will in as perky a voice as he could muster, for surely manners were paramount in such a situation as they found themselves.

“It is a good morrow, indeed,” agreed the sheriff. “It is not so good a morrow as it might have been if thou hadst not managed to lock the deputy in a cell and toss the key down a well, but it is a good morrow nonetheless.”

Will paled. “We erm, we stole the keys?”

“Aye, but Douglas had the spare set, so all was well. Of course, he insisted I release him a day or so early in exchange, but that is no great matter.”

“Oh.”

A silence followed, perhaps awkward for those who kept track of such things. At length, Will asked, “So, erm, are we locked in here for stealing from law enforcement?”

“Nay, nay, nah, thou are in 'ere for public drunkenness, possible debauchery, and general annoyance.”

“Ah.”

“But I be letting thee out now.”

“Oh! 'Tis generous of thee.”

Horace chimed in. “Be there a– a fine, or aught?”

The sheriff mucked about with his keys in an overly-loud manner. “Well,” he said, “if there were a fine, then it could be considered paid had young Will here had several pieces of jewelry upon his person last e'entide which have since vanished for reasons indiscernible.

Both men were interrupted in parsing that statement by the cell door swinging open with a din surely worthy of Typhon stirring beneath Mount Aetna. Horace clamped his eyes shut, his hands over his ears once more, grinding his teeth in spite of himself. At length, he managed to comprehend the words “...and thank thee so much for that glorious surprise thou didst leave stuffed in my seat cushion. There is nothing I like better when sitting down after locking up troublemakers at dawn than to find that I have crushed a mess of grapes of questionable freshness, and that the sour-yet-unfermented juice of said grapes is rapidly soaking my trousers. Truly appreciated that.”

“Ah. Yes. Well.” said Horace, glancing at Will. “That would likely have been, I am sure, mine idea.”

“It was mine.” interjected Will abruptly and vehemently – far too vehement for a muddled and hungover mind to be sure of.

Sheriff Perry gestured them out of the cell. As they struggled to their feet, he said, “I shall perceive it as Horace's idea nonetheless, for if it were, then I would consider it pardoned on account of him later turning himself in.”

Horace stared.

Will, whose headache was exacerbated somewhat less by the light and noise that Horace's, took his friend by the elbow and guided him from the cell. The touch on his arm caused Horace to look down, whereupon he realized he was in his shirtsleeves.

“Sheriff, I shudder to ask, but did I come here thus? or is my doublet somewhere hereabout?”

“Oh, aye!” answered the sheriff, clearly remembering. “I put it in the chimney, at thy request.”

Horace stared, this time with his mouth slightly agape, before finding words. “Where on Earth for would I ask such a thing of thee?”

The sheriff was messing about in the chimney. “You grinned and said 'This will confuse me so much on the morrow'.” He removed his arm from the chimney. “It would seem that drunk Horace doth enjoy playing pranks upon sober Horace.”

Horace caught the rather dusty doublet the sheriff tossed him. “That....explaineth so very much.” He gave the doublet a shake, instantly regretted the jolt to his headache, and shrugged into it regardless.

They had just made it outside the jailhouse and were dealing with the assault of the sunlight upon their very beings when Sheriff Perry stuck his head out the door and called after them. “Oh, Miles stopped by earlier. He asked me to tell thee that he'd done a little research and learned that the thing you hired him for is, in fact, entirely legal, and will thus cost double if thou art still interested.”

* * *

April 23 rd :

Memory was delicate and uncooperative, skittering out of reach like Tantalus's fruit if approached directly. A blur of celebration, an echo of good company, a haze of extensive alcohol. Quite likely they had begun sometime after midday, celebrating Will's visit home from London. Day had turned to evening, and as evening wore on, their revelry had perhaps bordered on debauchery, and they were presumably cast from whichever alehouse they'd been ensconced in. Now past wisdom, they had undoubtedly raided the Tanningrove winecellar. As evening faded into night, they had roamed the streets with no real goal besides pleasant existence and mutual company.

This was the state in which they found themselves investigating little sounds from the secondary structure of the forge.

Will gave a small gasp. “Is this true love? I finally found it after all these years.” A dusty grey kitten rubbed its face into his hand. “I would die for thee!” He picked the cat up and scratched its cheek. It gave a disconcerted squeal as it left the ground, but began purring once Will cradled it. “Horace, look!”

Horace's eyes widened and he reached out to pet the kitten, who seemed quite pleased with the additional attention. “Hath it a name?”

Will thought for a moment before saying, “Honeybee, for 'tis buzzing.”

“Mayhap Honey for short?”

“Aye.”

More meowing rose from near their feet. “There yet are more!” cried Will, as he passed Honey to Horace and knelt back down. This time, he reached toward a vaguely striped brown cat, who regarded him with ambivalence before allowing itself to be petted. “By Christ's calluses, I would bloody die for thee.”

Horace, whose shoulder was being kneaded by Honey, said, “That one doth look like a Priscilla.”

Will nodded, then winced as Priscilla lightly bit him. “Priscilla the Scylla,” he amended.

Horace frowned, thinking. “That, that's the whirlpool? The one Odsendus – Osdysa – the Odd guy went near?”

Will struggled with thought and word. “Mayhap? There were six heads.”

“But Priscilla hath one head only.”

“Aye, but she bites. Scylla did to chomp sailors.” He deposited the indifferent cat in Horace's arms with the first, and knelt again, holding his hand out to the final kitten. The final kitten – curled into a shape reminiscent of a turkey leg, and Will instantly named it accordingly – reacted not at all, so he tentatively placed his hand on the fluff's head. It let out a small squeak. Will's eyes were large and shining, his face aglow. “Thou art my muse,” he proclaimed. “I– I would live for thee.”

Horace repositioned Honey to allow for Priscilla climbing his shoulder. “Thou should write that down,” he muttered. “Such a declaration of love I ne'er have heard.”

Will did not seem to hear him. A look of pain was passing over his face. He looked up suddenly at Horace and said in a choked tone, “We cannot leave them here! This place be dustful and lonesome and– and there be sharplisome things about! What if one were to stab itself?”

Horace nodded gravely. “'Twould make the tragedy of Indigo's Investigations seem as unto a children's pageant by comparison.”

“We must save them!” Will stood swiftly, garnering a startled yowl from Legg. Horace was adjusting Honey and Priscilla. “As soon as I open the door, we run and we do not stop until we reach your home.”

“Aye.” Horace steeled himself. Will unlatched the little gate, or tried to. Either he could not open it one-handed, or it was twisting and writhing so as to sabotage his problem-solving. Or because he was drunk, he was vaguely aware of that as a possibility.

At length, he turned to Horace in defeat. “'Tis no use,” he declared. “We shall have to climb over the counter. Prithee, hold Legg.” He deposited the jet fluff in Horace's arms with the others before setting himself on the counter and swinging his legs over. Horace passed him the kittens, then hopped over in kind.

“Where are we running?” asked Will, as he handed Honey and Priscilla back to Horace.

“My house, I thought thou did say.”

“I said that?” asked Will. “I be quite clever, I suppose.”

“Thou hast thy moments.”

Yet scarce had they gone a dozen steps when they felt themselves joined by an unmistakable Presence. Almost without intending to, they slowed their steps to a standstill, and were at length able to make out the form of a cat darker than the blackened steel of an anvil. This cat that was not a cat looked upon them and spoke in human tongue.

“Inebriated mortals. Seek thou not to abduct these young ones. They yet are but kittens – babes, to thee – and are not yet ready to leave the care of my familiars at the forge.”

Will's voice was tremblesome and broken, yet he spoke. “But.... But there are sharp things there.”

If a cat could facepalm – and indeed, who is to say that a cat sìth cannot? – this one would've. “The humans of the forge make it their business to foster my mundane brethren until they may be taken in by ordinary humans as any other cat. Rest assured that their area is safe for them.”

The Being stepped closer. “Return the younglings to the forge, and I give you assurance that when the time comes, my familiars shall consider thee for their adoption. Otherwise,” and now the Being began to grow, “risk my wrath upon thee. Know that I can restore the dead to life; what thinkst thou, then, I can do to the living?”

Will stood mute in fear and anguish, but Horace had wit or sense slightly more. Holding all three kittens, he bowed respectfully to the cat sìth, then hastily retraced his steps to the forge, where the gate sprang open before him. He deposited the small fluffs as near their initial positions as he could gauge, then hastened back to his friend. The felinesque Presence dissipated as he returned, as did the force of terror holding Will.

* * *

April 24th , mid-morning:

The assault of the sun troubled Horace greatly, and he kept his eyes as closed as possible. The surrounding din was likewise torment. He stumbled somewhat over a chicken he couldn't see.

Will absently steadied him, but his focus was on the chicken. “That chicken hath a five upon its back,” he observed.

“How wondrous for it,” said Horace glumly, his eyes still mostly shut. Will's attention returned to his friend, and he realized that Horace was suffering from the light and noise even more than himself. On sudden inspiration, he reached up and adjusted Horace's flower-crown so it partially obscured his eyes.

Both men took one look at the Hellhill and decided that a longer walk would not be amiss. The streets were shadier and quieter along the Grove and Glen in any case.

After a while, Horace broke the silence. “What, precisely, was all that about, then?”

“Well, it would appear that we both got incredibly drunken last e'entide.”

“Clearly, but I was thinking more of that convoluted speech the sheriff gave about vanishing jewelry.”

A voice rang from somewhat off the street. “I'd be less worried about the sheriff and more worried about Bernadette Albright. She be on the warpath.”

Will and Horace turned to see Eskarina Nutter lounging against a tree. Will frowned slightly. “Wherefore?”

“Oh, something about getting married several times over without consulting her even once.”

“Will and I got married?” Horace asked.

Eskarina stopped propping up the tree and began ambling over to them. “Not to each other, at least by my witness. You may well have done, but I didn't officiate it. Here.”

Horace and Will looked blankly at the small proffered bottles.

“Meadowsweet, woundwort, elfin thyme, and roseroot, boiled in nettle tea. Unless thou would prefer to retain the sensation of thy skulls splitting.”

Will took both bottles with thanks and handed one to Horace.

Eskarina continued. “I also recommend hefty quantities of boiled water. I'd eat something as well, were I thee.” The wise woman started off.

“Hold a mome', who did we wed, then?”

Eskarina called back, “Oh, thou wilt run into them soon enough,” and was gone.

They stood a moment, then Horace spoke. “Will?”

“Aye?”

“Wherefore do we still do this on thy natal day?”

“In truth, friend, I know not.”

* * *

April 23rd , nighttime:

Will sobbed into Horace's shoulder as Horace patted his back.

“I shall never see Honey and Priscilla and Legg again. My only loves, and they are gone.”

Horace cast about for comfort words. What were those? He thought there there was supposed to be good for something, but he passed it by. It's alright to cry? He was fairly sure Will already knew that. I know not what thou art going through, yet I am here for thee? But he did know, though to a lesser extent, it seemed, and it was obvious that he was there for Will.

Giving comfort words up as a bad job, he sought instead for cheering words. “Will,” he said, “I promise to spend the rest of the night, if need be, in finding thee a pet.”

Will sniffed. “Really?”

“Aye, verily!”

Will considered for a moment, then his face crumpled anew. “'Twill be of no use, we cannot replace Honey and Priscilla and Legg.”

“Nay, we shall not be replacing them,” Horace insisted, talking with his hands despite being in the midst of a hug. “We shall be seeking thee an additional companion, one to keep thee company until Honey and Priscilla and Legg might join thee.”

Will gave this some thought, eventually straightening up and looking Horace in the face. “Thou meanst it?”

“Aye, of course!”

Will's face split into a grin. “Oh, Horace, thou art the truest of friends!” he cried out as he hugged him again. After drawing away, he said, “Now, where are we to search for such a companion?”

Horace reflected, then his face lit up. “I believe I've an idea.”

* * *

April 24th , mid-morning:

They had hoped to make it quietly back to the Tanningrove homestead to at least recover, if not piece together what they might of the night before, but they hadn't gone more than a few paces before Douglas Johnson trotted up.

“Morrow to thee,” he called. “Much obliged for springing me a few days early like that. Shan't have to miss the next guild meeting now.”

Horace, still making faces over the less-than-savory taste of Eskarina's hangover antidote, said in a degree off from sarcasm, “Oh, aye, glad we could help.”

Douglas peered at Will for a moment. “You, er, I'm guessing that you don't remember. To be expected, I suppose. Well, you were clearly drunk at the time, so I don't think it would count anyway, I, er, I bid thee good day.” He hurried off.

“What on Earth?” began Will.

“I do believe you may have married Douglas last night,” said Horace.

Will was silent for a moment. “Ah.” he said at last. “Well, that is to say, I mean, I'm sure he's right, it likely counts not. I'm going to.... ” He gestured vaguely to continue walking.

* * *

April 23rd , nighttime:

Within an enclosure lay many small white hillocks. As they climbed the wall, Will took in the sight and murmured, “Who hath been unhooking the clouds without my permission to put them in the pasture in the guise of snow?”

Horace laughed. “Nay, good Will, these be not snow, but the fluffiest earthbound of God's creatures: Sheep!”

Will gazed upon the critters, then strode over to one and tentatively petted it. His face lit up. “'Tis the softest thing I e'er have touched!”

Horace grinned. “Unhooked clouds indeed.”

Will buried his face in the sheep, which gave a small bleat. “'Tis so fluffsome I believe I shall perish!” He tore himself away and darted to another sheep. “But thou art also so fluffsome as to beget my death!” Then another. “And thee! They're all.... How am I to decide?”

“Which one hath the best name?”

Will deliberated, then shook his head, blinked at the unexpected dizziness, and stopped. “I cannot discern their names here. We must take them to better lighting that I may see them more clearly.”

Horace thought for a moment. “The village lantern, perhaps?”

“Aye, that's it! We shall take them to the lantern.”

Horace nudged a sheep experimentally. It gave a bit of a bleat, and eventually began moving. Between the two of them, they managed to direct the three sheep to the gate, which they had completely missed on their way in and were, after some fumbling, able to open. Once all were through and the gate closed, they set about clumsily herding the sheep to the village proper.

After some time, Horace remarked, “Ought we have some means of telling them apart until we get there?”

Will thought a moment, then said, “We shall number them.” He drew from his pouch a bottle of ink. Using his fingers, for quills are hardly suited to write on wool unwoven, he rather unsteadily traced a '1' on the back of the first sheep he'd seen. He stood for a moment, apparently lost in thought. Horace eventually nudged him, and Will started and returned to his task, daubing a '3' and a '4' on the backs of the other sheep. Wiping his hand on the side of sheep number four, he resealed the bottle with some difficulty and replaced it in his pouch.

They successfully guided the sheep some distance more, within the village itself, before the animals spotted a flowerbed laden with green things fit for grazing. There they stopped and there they chomped, and neither Will nor Horace had the heart to move them on.

Will sighed and announced that he clearly was not meant to have so fluffsome a companion.

Horace was not deterred. “We shall take a few moments to collect ourselves,” he said, opening a bottle and passing it to Will, “then we shall set out once more. I've a notion near as fluffy and perhaps more interesting than sheep.”

***************

“Young Will, thou didst tell me there was a fire in the square.”

“Aye, mistress O'Bales, 'tis just there!”

“William, that be a lantern.”

“I– what?”

Emily pinched the bridge of her nose. “A lantern, Will. One of the village lanterns, what be lit all night? that folk might find their way despite the darkness?”

“....Oh. But there's burning.”

“I be goin' back to bed now.” She turned to leave.

A call sounded from across the square. “Will, I got them! It'll be sour grapes for th— good Lord, the square's aflame!”

Emily blinked, then dashed the contents of her bucket upon the miscreants before her. “I bid thee good night, good masters.”

***************

Horace wasn't overly sure that stopping in the stables was wise, not with Will pining after an animal companion as he was. Even in his state of dubious clarity, Horace had the wit to know that stealing a horse was foolish, with dangerous consequences, even for them, even drunk. But Will had insisted, and did not thus far appear in imminent peril of emotional distress. He was petting a dappled grey belonging to goodness knows whom, telling it that it was such a good horse, such a beautiful horsey, so smooth and wonderful, yes you are.

The beast Horace had sought to pet unequivocally wanted nothing to do with him, so he cast about for something with which to occupy himself. A saddle and assorted tack hung on the door to the stall before him, and he began idly examining it. He accidentally unhooked it after a moment, spent several minutes investigating how he'd done such a thing, and sought to hang it back up. But it refused to hang, or perhaps he lacked the necessary dexterity. Needing somewhere else to leave it, he unhooked a different set of tack, and placed the first where the second had been. Then he stared in confusion at this new mess of leather and buckles unexpectedly in his hands. What was to be done but shift a third to make room for this one? Yet even then, he was still left with a rogue saddle.

By the time Will had finished cooing over the grey, every set of tack in the stable had changed position, and Horace still stared at a set stubbornly in his hands. Fortunately, Will was better able to convince it to settle onto the remaining hook, and they left the stable in perfect order, so far as they could tell.

* * *

April 24th , mid-late morning:

Amy Cooper was looking with mild curiosity at a pig with the number '3' on its back rooting around a flowerbed when she caught sight of the bearers of the flower-crowns. Instantly, she marched up to them, and, pausing only for breath, launched into speech.

“In O'Malley's last e'entide, the both of thee did sort of say vaguely marriage-type vows at me. That is, I think they were marriage-ish. They were somewhat difficult to understand. The words were intelligible enough, but they had not much substance in the strung-togetherness of them. Thou,” and here she gestured to Horace, “did proclaim me the most creative practical-thinker, least ineloquent non-wordsmith, and most enthusiastic non-changeling thou e'er did meet; and Will here did declare of me that he could not wish for a better verbal-sparring partner with whom to maintain an unmalicious bitter rivalry, which at any rate I can agree with. I am here to clarify that unsolicited vows do not a wedding make, and that I be willing to pretend none of it happened.”

“Oh. We, erm—”

“Most well, never happened. I shall be on my way, I've some new square prototypes to build.” She turned and sped off steadily, leaving Will and Horace both some lesser version of gobsmacked.

“Well,” said Horace after a time. “At least we paid her sincere compliments.”

* * *

April 23rd , nighttime:

“Where are we bound?”

“Wherefore ought I know? I be following thee?”

“Thou art?”

“Aye, thou did speak of a new idea since the sheep and chickens and rats did not work out.”

“I.... I was following thee. I must have forgot.”

There was a silence as they pondered the implications of this, then—

“Then I believe we are lost.”

Will thought on that, and said, “Then we shall have to use our wits and become unlost. We are both intelligent enough folk, are we not?”

“Decidedly,” replied Horace.

Will began to pace. “There be no buildings, nor firelight; thus we must be outside the village proper a good bit.”

“Indeed.”

“There be trees all about us. Mayhap we strayed into the forest?”

Horace considered this, then shook his head, frowned, and quickly stopped. “Nay, for look, the sky be too visible. The trees be not near enough one another.”

“Ohhhhhh.”

“What, what's the thing where there's trees and they're tame and orderly and they grow things and someone looks after them?” Horace spoke with his hands, waggling his fingers as though he could grasp the truant term from the air.

Will mulled it over for some time, then said, “Orchid.”

“Aye, that's it! We must be in an orchid.”

Will thought some more, then moved toward one of the trees, and promptly slipped and fell.

Horace did not immediately see where he had gone. “Will? Will! Where art thou?”

“Merely fallen, but I have the answer. The ground be covered in apples. We be in an apple orchid.”

Horace considered that, then remarked, “Agnes's land be not far from some of mine own. I could more easily get my bearings there.” He held out a hand, and Will hoisted himself up.

“Let us skirt the fence until we find a path.”

They walked for several minutes, working their way toward what they hoped was a fence. The wind rattled the budding branches above their heads and close by their faces. At length, Horace said, “Will, it be thy natal day, aye?”

“Aye.”

“And thy natal day be in April.”

“Last that I did to make note.”

“Most well. But the last I did to note, apples grow not in these early months. Nor should they remain on the ground unrotted through all the winter.”

“Yet what I slipped upon was certes an apple, and as fresh and finely-formed as any e'er I saw.”

They slowly turned and looked back into the shadows of the orchard. The full moon cast twisted echoes of the branches, warping the ground into an unknowable writhing latticework. Suddenly, a sharp giggling cry pierced the air, and a glint as though of fangs caught their eyes from the foot of the tree under which Will had fallen. Both men started, calling out in alarm, then turned and fled as swift as their staggering steps might take them.

***************

“I hardly realized cows were so morose.”

“Moo.”

“See what I mean? Didst thou hear what she said, Will? She believes life is pointless.”

Will was across the field a way, in a different pasture entirely. “This one over here is despondent, but only because she cannot be with the love of her life. It's so sad, Horace, it's like R and J but worse.”

“Moo.”

“That is what I say, friend, 'tis not fair.”

By this time, Horace had joined Will, which included tripping over a fence. “What be her name?”

Will thought a moment. “This one be Ariadne. Her love, to whom you were just speaking,” he gestured, “is Meredith.”

Horace considered the prospect. “Were we to unite them, Meredith would stop being so morose.”

“We shall! 'Tis what they deserve.”

The two stumbled to the fence, where they puzzled over the ingeniously-constructed beams. It took at least ten minutes to divine how the beams connected and how to remove a few. These they tossed to the side, along the rest of the fence.

“Go, Ariadne!” Will called triumphantly. “Go meet thy love!”

Ariadne considered him, then turned around and continued sleeping.

Will nodded understandingly. “She wants her beauty sleep first, of course.”

“But once she's slept, she will join Meredith?”

“Of course. And A and M shall be united, and 'twill be most beauteous.”

“Moo,” said Meredith.

“Thou hast the right of it.”

* * *

April 24th , mid-late morning:

They did not cross paths with Theresa Ratchet until they'd passed by most of the shops and into the more residential area. She sat outside her little hut, the spic-and-spanness of which juxtaposed almost harshly with her appearance, repairing a trap. When she caught sight of the bedraggled duo, she smiled broadly and waved, calling out, “Good morrow to thee, good masters! And twice o'er to thee, Will!”

Will returned the wave. “God save, Theresa. I don't suppose I married thee last night, by any chance?”

Theresa's smile, if possible, widened. Several more gaps showed. “Aye, that thou did, good sir!”

“Ah,” he said, barely fazed at this point. “Sorry about that.”

Theresa waved it off. “Nay, 'tis most well. 'Tweren't more than vows, for thou wert clearly – what be that modern phrase? – drunk off thine arse.”

Will made to respond, but Horace hustled him along. “Best not hang about long enough for her to notice that we sprang some of her traps,” he muttered.

“Oh! Aye, not that I recall doing such a thing, nor indeed see how thou could recall it; but aye.” In a loud voice, he added, “Well, if there's no harm done, we shall be on our way. Eskarina suggested something called 'hydration'? We be on our way to try it out. Anon!”

The ratcatcher gave another wave and returned her attention to her traps.

* * *

April 23rd , nighttime:

After much struggle, Horace succeeded in undoing the shutters of his storeroom window, and he and Will climbed in. Climbed is a generous term, of course, for it was more akin to stumbling and staggering and even falling; but the point is, they made it through the window.

After some more fumbling, Horace declared, “The lamp hath vanished.”

Will, who was admittedly less familiar with the room, but had spent enough time there to have at least a working knowledge of it, added, “I believe the door hath moved, as well.”

“First my keys and now this.” Horace felt the walls. “Why is there so much dust? And what are these, chisels?”

Will snapped his fingers. “I have it! We be in the wrong building.”

Horace pondered this for a long moment. At last, he replied. “That....would rather explain wherefore none of my keys fit the door.”

Will's eyes had by now adjusted somewhat, and by the light of the moon shining through the casement, he managed to find a lamp. Several attempts with flint and steel later, they had it burning. Its light revealed shelves covered in tools, dust, rock fragments, and half-formed figures. Horace stared long an hard at a mallet before finally declaring, “I fancy we be in Millicent Goodenstone's workshop.”

Will did not seem to hear him. His eyes, wide and shining once more, rested on an unshaped stone somewhat smaller than his fist, which the lamplight had caught. He drew near it almost unconsciously.

“... had best leave a note and withdraw the way we arrived,” Horace was saying. “What're you....”

Will slowly touched the rock, then picked it up. “This.... This is it,” he whispered reverently. “My new companion, to tend mine heart until Honey and Priscilla and Legg may join me.” He gently caressed the stone. “What thinkst thou of Petra? Obvious, I know, yet it suits them.”

Horace had by this time joined him. “Petra the pet rock,” he said experimentally. “Know you, I believe that suits them delightfully.”

Will broke into a delighted grin. “We've done it! You did it! You found me the perfect pet!” And threw his arms once more around Horace, who gasped in pain when Petra whacked him in the side.

***************

“What in God's name dost thou think thou art doing!??!!!” The bellow awoke Horace with a start. In the pale light of barely-dawn, he could make out the form of Rosalind Anne Uxbridge towering over him, clutching a rake and quivering with rage.

“Knowst thou how long I have spent caring for these blossoms? The ones thou seemst to have mistaken for a mattress?”

Horace looked about and began to piece things together. He'd clearly passed out in a flowerbed, one of Rosalind's many prized patches. He cast about for Will but saw him not. “Where, what hast thou done with Will?” he asked.

“Change not the subject!”

The gravity of the situation downed on Horace. He was without ally in the midst of a garden he'd ruined, with naught betwixt him and the gardener's fury save his own wit. And just that moment, he felt he hadn't an ounce of wit to his name.

He struggled to his feet, desperately playing for time. “Now, erm, see here Rosalind, er, this is clearly a– a mistake of some sort, and if thou will but give me a mome', or several, I can explain myself and the context of this whole affair most succinctly. Or somewhat succinctly. I do not feel overly succinct at this particular moment. What must be understood...” He was standing, he'd more or less gotten his bearings, and he'd pieced together a plan. Without warning, he shot off, ducking the blow of the rake, and ran as fast as his shaking legs would carry him to the jailhouse, where he pounded the door, yelling, “Sheriff! I must report an incident of public drunkenness, accidental trespassing, and general bad behavior!”

* * *

April 24th , late morning:

At long last, Horace and Will made it to the Tanningrove homestead. Jack was out front, ostensibly weeding the small vegetable garden, but more probably waiting for them to put in an appearance. Sure enough, when he saw them approaching, he looked at his father and simply said “Why.” before turning and leaving, weeding abandoned.

Well, it was a reasonable enough reaction to their understanding of how the boy's father had spent his night. They made no move to stay his departure, instead continuing into the blessed dimness of the indoors.

At a table in the parlor sat John Hopfield, a cup of something in front of him. Upon hearing their entry, he looked up, and then beamed.

Horace stopped in his tracks. The color drained from his face.

“Oh.” he said.

Will looked from Horace to John several times, his mouth slightly agape, his sodden-but-drying mind working furiously. Finally, it clicked. “Oh my God,” he said quietly.

“Hello, Horace!” Had he not been sitting, John would've been bouncing on the balls of his feet.

Horace swallowed nervously and suddenly wished he had a hat to twist about in his hands. “Did– that is– erm, good morrow John. I.... ” And now his face was flushed as red as any of his wines.

John's face fell almost imperceptibly, but in a manner more resigned than disappointed. “You don't remember.”

“Erm, quite frankly no, I do not; but I can see it plain enough now, for all my fogged mind.” His hands, desperate to fidget, found their way to his flower-crown and began idly shredding a bloom.

John nodded. “Well, I know not that Eskarina's officiation be technically binding, so.... ” He trailed off.

“That's, erm.” Horace fiddled with the petals he'd pulled from his crown, seven in all. “That's probably for the best, I suppose.”

“Aye.”

There was a long silence. Will looked from John to Horace to the door, torn between fascination and social discomfort at the scene unfolding before him.

Horace shifted his weight. “I mean, it isn't that I'm strictly opposed to the notion, per se,” he semi burst out at length. “I'm not. But, I mean, I wasn't planning on it. At least not yet.”

Now even John was fidgeting, tracing the edge of the cup in front of him. “We– there wasn't, erm, that is — it weren't binding in the eyes of anyone, if thou takest my meaning,” he said awkwardly, blushing. “Thou wert clearly drunk, of course there wouldn't be....”

Horace took some time to process that. “I don't think I would have thought there was, had I known of this before now and thus had time to consider the possibility,” he said at length, now idly crumpling the petals in his hands, “yet I thank thee for, er, for clarifying it.”

Another silence, possibly even more awkward than the first, hovered between them. Making up his mind, Will carefully asked, “Horace, doest thou want me here just now?”

Horace started, reminded of his friend's presence. “Quite possibly not.”

“Most well.” Will nodded despite his splitting skull and turned immediately for the door. “I shall meet back up with thee perhaps around suppertime, then? To piece together, erm,” he glanced at John, “what remains to piece together.”

Horace waved vaguely in confirmation as Will hastened out the door, then looked back at John, still crumpling petals.

After a beat, John said, “As far as piecing together thine evening goeth, there be one or two other things thou likely ought to hear. In fact, I think mayhap thou had best sit for this.”

Several expressions crossed Horace's face, most notably steely resignation and dread. He slowly pulled a stool over and lowered himself onto it. “Yes?”

“When we, erm.... When thou didst marry me, thou also did to marry Stella.”

Horace relaxed. “I was honestly expecting far worse.”

“And then Sherry was jealous, so Stella and I married her after you left.”

Horace's face remained unchanged but for the widening of his eyes and his color draining once more. “Oh God.”

John spoke again, this time more hastily. “And, well, thou knowst well what Sherry be like, and while I suppose I technically know not for certain, I think she mayhap be taking it seriously.”

“Oh God.”

“Indeed.”

Horace passed his hands over his eyes and remained thus a long silent moment, cobbling together words that would suffice. At last, a long, deliberate breath. “John, 'tis clear that we must needs discuss some things. I am like to be obliged to put my part through writing so as to hone my meaning.”

John gave a brief tender smile at that.

Horace removed his head from his hands and stood, slowly and carefully. “I swear I am not avoiding thee, and shall face this anon; but now I am going to find something to eat, and I am going to drink some cleaned water, and I am going to bed, for I be in no fit state just now to cope with much of anything, least of all our, erm, situation.”

***************

Will had so often trod the path from the Tanningrove homestead back to his own house – more accurately simply his parents house, now that he'd moved to London – that his feet steered him thus without conscious thought. When he did finally notice, he pressed on, for he truly needed sustenance 'ere he did aught else. Still, he reflected, he had best make his meal quick, for he had another matter to attend to as soon as he might; though he was yet uncertain whether he looked to it in apprehension, or in anticipation.

He glanced down at his wrist and the initials freshly written thereon. He hadn't even known the noble was in the area. He would've expected him to still be in Hunsdon this time of year.

End notes: (.....The More the Marrier geddit like 'marry'?)

Thanks so friggin' much for reading!  This, the first PARF fic I ever finished, was incredibly difficult to write.  Not only was it a different style and tone to anything I've ever written before, but I began it after not writing anything (beyond journaling and approximately five textposts) for six months.  Thus, my first draft was the shittiest shitty first draft I e'er have made, the writing clunky and ill-fitting and excruciatingly slow.  There's a reason it took me a year.

Please, please, please leave a comment!  A line you really liked, a weak phrase, a character voice I absolutely nailed, typos and other corrections, something you found funny.  Reactions, impressions.  I cannot become a better writer without feedback.  At least leave kudos if you enjoyed it.

I'll be recording a podfic of this work over the next who-knows-how-many days, and will link it here when it's done.  Please note that I have zero notion of a timeline for that project.

In the meantime, notes on the content of this fic.

Much of the style and tone of this piece was inspired by the Storytime: Voltron is (Basically) a Disaster series by CaffeinatedFlumadiddle.  The scene with the forge kittens was based line-for-line on Basically Under Arrest (Part 1).

I have never been drunk or hungover, nor witnessed the same firsthand for any extended time.  This is based on other media representations of drunkenness.

The astute reader will notice that I mingle more modern methods of speech with the more Elizabethan dialogue.  This was intended to mimic the manner in which the actors do exactly that, particularly in interactions.

The notion of Sheriff Perry taking valuables from an arrested Will was derived from streetwork in week one, in which a rumor went around that the sheriff was taking money from his prisoners.  The wording of the rumor was ambiguous, and could've meant either stealing or accepting bribes.

Will abruptly and ardently claiming credit for pranking the sheriff  was inspired by Trial and Dunke closing weekend, when Will flung himself enthusiastically at punishment in Horace's stead.  I like the idea of Will recklessly throwing himself in potential harm's way for people he cares about, particularly for things of low consequence that everybody treats as though they are serious.

The idea of someone's drunk self pranking their sober self came from a Text From Last Night I have saved somewhere on my external hard-drive and cannot currently be bothered to find.

Streetwork on closing day indicated that the R and J play had been picked up by a producer in London, and that Will would be relocating there shortly.

To be clear, yes, I know the difference between Scylla (six heads, monch monch) and Charybdis (whoosh whoosh, motherfucker).  Horace and Will are drunk.

For folk not present at PARF 2017, the cat sìth is explained in this Myths and Legends Finale.

I am neither herbalist nor doctor.  I decided on Eskarina's hangover antidote by googling “herbal hangover remedy” or something like that, and selected some plants that I think would've been available in England at the time.  I know not if they can be safely mixed, nor even if they would taste foul if they were.  I also cannot vouch for their effectiveness.

You will note that I spelled the fire brigade's name as “Emily O'Bales” although it is spelled as “Emily O. Bales” in the program.  I altered the spelling thus because I frequently heard her referred to as “mistress O'Bales”, but cannot recall ever hearing he called “mistress Bales”.  If the cast made a mistake, I fear it was made to such an extent as to eclipse the technically-correct version.

Are village lanterns a thing?  I've heard the term and it makes sense as a thing, so I went with it.

The notion of our Amy Cooper building square barrels came from an episode of QuaranTeatime in which it was mentioned that Amy was expanding her trade into crate-making.  She would totally call them square barrels, though.

Speaking of QuaranTeatime.  Numbered animals with one creature less than the highest number were brought up in a QuaranTeatime episode as something that was happening in Mount Hope.  However, I had planned it into the story before they brought it up.

To be clear, yes, I know the difference between 'orchard' and 'orchid', as you will gather if you note that I spelled it correctly the one time it was in narration and not speech.  Will and Horace are drunk.

If you never heard the tale of the wereapple, I'm sorry, idk how to help you.

Horace and Will are in no danger of being mistaken for burglars or anything when they break into Millicent Goodenstone's studio.  Streetwork on closing day revealed that Millie was going to travel to Bath to further train and become a real master stonecarver, so this particular home would have been unoccupied at the time.

I am confident that I captured the voices of almost all the characters herein.  The exception is  Rosalind Anne Uxbridge, whose voice I had great trouble summoning to my mind.  I hope I did her justice, and apologize profusely if I did not.

“...it weren't binding in the eyes of anyone, if thou takest my meaning”.  The meaning here, of course, is, “It wasn't binding in the eyes of the law because we didn't go through the proper channels, and it wasn't binding in the eyes of God because we didn't fuck.”  (The notion that marriage must involve genital muckery in order to be recognized by the Divine is, of course, rubbish, but the idea was prevalent at the time.)

A note on Tanninghop.  I both do and do not ship it.  If I may be allowed to quote one of my posts: “Whether deliberately or incidentally, the actors subtly play the dynamic [between Horace and John] just a little bit differently every day.  Some days, they are as they appear in the plot’s basic premise: two individuals caught in baseless inherited hatred. But sometimes, it seems they were childhood friends before becoming caught in that inherited hatred.  Some days, they are exes, the animosity between them potentially beginning with their breakup.  A few times, it has seemed that the feud began with the two of them over some petty squabble in like third grade, and merely expanded from there.  Once or twice, they inherited the hatred, but each harbors a repressed attraction to the other.  Occasionally, they’ve even been secret lovers in the midst of the feud.  Watching their interaction has become my favorite part of Queen’s Court, and I always look forward to divining what their exact relationship is on any given day.”  Historically, I have always been trash for a unified canon, a specific continuity (or as much of one as is possible in repeated improvised interactive theatre).  But in 2019, I fell deeply in love with the kaleidoscope of  subtle differences in day-to-day dynamics.  Not just in love with each individual dynamic, but in love with the kaleidoscope as a whole, and with the very notion of that kaleidoscope.  I thus have no set headcanon about their relationship through which I interpret their story: I have a dozen.   That being said, John and Horace are totally in romantic-love in this fic.  However, this fic is not canon to my interpretation.

[rockthingsbymeg]

here me out,,,breeding kink with slash.. ☠️

You guys can really make my kinks skyrocket don’t you?

This got kinda long by the way…

Today had been a little weird. Slash had been avoiding Y/N as much as he could out of embarrassment after what he’d said the previous night.

He and Y/N had been in the middle of some very intense sex when the thought of getting her knocked up consumed his mind. Maybe it had been because he’d seen her taking care of her baby cousin, or maybe he was just thinking about filling her up more than usual. It didn’t really matter, because it didn’t change what he said.

“Want to fill you up baby. Get you stuffed with my cum and keep it inside you… Get you knocked up, looking all beautiful for me…” He moaned as his thrusts became animalistic, a primal need inside him controlling his body.

In retrospect, that hadn’t been their dirtiest talk, but it had been about a kink that Slash had never really wanted to speak about. He got satisfied enough whenever she let him cum inside without protection, so he never felt that he needed more.

Apparently, his subconscious disagreed.

So far the get away from Y/N mission had been pretty successful. She had an early shift that day and left before he woke up, and rehearsal had been chaotic, little to no progress being made, which meant they would be staying later than usual. Hopefully, late enough that Y/N got home tired and forgot about his words.

He wouldn’t have that luck, of course. Because someone up there hated him.

Axl’s mood had started to sour and Duff decided it would be better to go home and return tomorrow, freshly rested and calm, and hopefully in a better mood to work.

On the drive home, Slash felt his palms getting moist. He had never been this nervous in his life without a good motive behind it.

Because, thinking more rationally, there was no reason to be this way. Okay, he had let a hidden kink come out. So what? No one was going to shame him. Y/N wasn’t going to leave him. The worst thing that could happen would be having her tell him she wasn’t really into it, which would make him more embarrassed.

With that thought in mind, he parked his car into their garage and made his way inside the house. His nose was met by the smell of Y/N’s delicious pancakes and he almost forgot about the whole thing.

Keyword, almost.

He removed his shoes and his jacket, leaving them by the doorway, and made his way to the kitchen, finding Y/N with her book in hand, eating freshly made pancakes.

“Hey love.” Y/N smiled at him as he made his way to her.

“Hey.” He smiled back, kissing her lips briefly and putting the rest of the pancakes on a plate. He picked up some syrup and dropped a few drops on top, joining her at the table.

The silence felt good for as long as it lasted, which wasn’t much because Y/N was soon setting her book down and looking at him with a soft smile on her lips. A bit identical to the one his mother had when she knew he had done something wrong and was ashamed to admit.

Thinking about Y/N as a mother was not what he needed now…

“Are we gonna talk about last night or are you expecting me to just ignore it?” She asked, drinking a few sips from her orange juice.

Slash looked down shyly, letting his curls create a wall around his face. “We don’t need to talk about it.”

Y/N chuckled and got up, going to his seat, which was in front of her, and looking down at him, pushing the hair away. “I think we do.” She stated softly. “I think it’s important to talk about things like this and you know that.”

“And you know I don’t like to talk.” He answered, trying to get her to drop the subject.

“But it’s healthy for our relationship and all that counseling shit we hear on bad TV. And more importantly, I think it’s important because, at least now, it can lead either to some very hot or very uncomfortable sex.”

Slash rolled his eyes but set his fork down and allowed her to sit down on his lap anyway.

“Why didn’t you tell me you had a breeding kink?”

He cringed at her words, shrugging his shoulders. “I didn’t have to. It’s not a big deal.”

“Slash…” She trailed off in a slightly warning tone.

“You didn’t tell me all of your kinks either. Why is this any different?” He asked, a bit frustrated.

“I told you about the ones that were a bit riskier somehow. I told you about the choking, the knife, and some others because there were a bit more serious things involved, so we’d both be okay.” She explained. “You know I wouldn’t bring this up just to make you uncomfortable.”

“I don’t think this is risky, so there’s no reason-” He began to argue back.

“I think that you feel that way about breeding because you’re a bit dominant. Feels good to mark me that way doesn’t it?” She spoke, wrapping her arms around his neck and stroking his skin.

Slash thought for a bit. “Yeah.”

“Were you really trying to get me pregnant? Or was it because, in the heat of the moment, it made you feel like you fully owned me?” She continued and it amazed him how she seemed to know what turned him on.

“Because it felt like you were mine. I don’t want to get you pregnant. At least not right now.” He answered, smiling a little as she did too upon hearing his words.

“Okay then. I’ll go on birth control pills. That way you can fill me up and we can still be baby-less.”

Something inside him twisted as she talked about being filled up.

He leaned forward and softly kissed her lips, moving his hands from the small of her back to her hips.

“I love you so much.” He mumbled, feeling her lips turn into a grin against his.

“I love you too curly.”

They continued kissing, Y/N’s hips subtly starting a pace. They both got carried away as time went by, and soon they were both dry humping in the middle of the kitchen.

“Want to play with your newfound kink already?” Y/N smirked as his hand cupped her breast while his mouth slid down to her collarbone.

Slash looked up at her. “You’re not on birth control yet.”

“We’ll get some morning-after pills.” She suggested, squeaking as he immediately picked her up and laid her down on the table.

His hands pulled her sweatpants down and caressed her thighs while wrapping them around his waist. “You’re wet for me?”

Y/N bit her lower lip and nodded. His right hand rubbed softly over her underwear and he groaned as he felt it warm and moist. He undid his pants and pulled his hard cock out, giving it a few pumps and slowly sliding himself inside her after pushing her underwear aside.

With the whole humping they did before, they weren’t going to last as much as they usually did, but none of them cared. They focused purely on the pleasure they were feeling now, and Slash was even more focused on the thoughts that filled his head.

Y/N, ruined, filled up with his cum, ready to take more.

“Fucking shit. Can’t wait to get to fill you up all the time.” He moaned, wrapping a hand around her throat and picking up his pace.

“Yes baby…” She moaned, doing her best to keep her eyes open and hold his lustful gaze.

“Going to make you mine… All fucking mine.” He groaned, thrusting harder and harder.

“I want you to make me yours…” She breathed out, feeling the air slowly leave her body, being replaced by an indescribable pleasure.

“Rub yourself baby.” He asked, taking his pace to the fastest level he could.

Y/N obeyed and little by little, she felt her orgasm built up, like a dam being filled. Slash looked closer and closer to his orgasm as well, which pushed her own even more.

“Please Saul… Fill me up…” She begged.

Slash let his head drop forward and watched his cock slip in and out of her. He imagined his cum dripping out of it too, her fucked out eyes staring at him pleading as he rode his high…

“You’re gonna cum baby girl?” He moaned, tightening his grip on her neck. Y/N nodded, legs beginning to tremble around him. “Go on, cover my dick in your sweet cum baby.”

Y/N’s back arched at his command, electric waves making every nerve on her body wake and shake inside her. She could feel herself squirt as he too began to cum.

“Fucking perfect pussy… All filled up… Can’t wait to get you all fucking full and knocked up for me…” He moaned, stilling his hips with himself buried inside to the brim, rope after rope of cum landing inside her.

They relaxed for a moment, enjoying each other’s body, and then Y/N spoke again.

“You’re sure you really not trying to get me pregnant?” She asked, knowing he would tell her the raw truth in his blissed-out state.

“No. Just can’t help it…” He explained, pulling out of her.

“It’s okay. Just want to make sure you tell me the truth.” She smiled as he looked down at the cum dripping out from inside her.

He smiled at her and gave her a soft kiss on the lips.

——

Frisky Friday is on!

[izcana]

i’ve walked with you (once upon a dream)

Thominho Week Day 5: Pre-Maze/The Fever Code Era

I took this prompt a bit differently, because in my opinion, when the scene in The Fever Code took place, both Thomas and Minho were too young to date, which is why I'm moving the timeline. Don't worry, though, it's still pre-Maze stuff.

Title from Once Upon A Dream (Sleeping Beauty): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCCxnuLlS18&ab_channel=Disney

***

"Here, Sweetheart, tuck in the blanket," Minho cooed, wrapping the fluffy floral blanket around Thomas' shoulders. "You're still the ugliest shucky girl I've ever met." Dating Minho was great, really. Something Thomas didn't expect from the older boy was the pet names. Minho babied Thomas ("Everybody knows I'm way older than you, Thomas! Gotta take care of my younger boyfriend, right?") constantly, and he often called him by adoring pet names.

One thing that remained the same was the constant teasing. Thomas liked that about Minho; he could be casual and even when they were insulting each other with the most unflattering words they knew, it was clear that neither meant it. The sense of closeness and understanding Thomas liked.

"Thanks, Min," Thomas said, making grabby hands at his boyfriend. "Lie down with me."

"Sappy shank," Minho said, rolling his eyes with a soft, fond look in his eyes. Nonetheless, Thomas knew that Minho could never escape Thomas' puppy eyes, and sure enough, Minho plopped down on the bed obediently and rolled over. "I guess you win this time..."

"I always win!" Thomas agued proudly, holding up an imaginary trophy.

"Whatever, Slinthead," Minho muttered, shaking his head. "Don't need to rub it in."

–––––––––––––––––––––––

It was the middle of the night when the men came to fetch him. "Get up, A2!" The shortest shouted, slamming the door open.

The younger Thomas blinked blearily, rubbing his eyes. Thomas didn't know the man, but the younger version of him definitely did, and judging by the fear in his eyes, he had some bad memories with the man. "What's going on, Randall?" Younger Thomas asked groggily, his voice squeakier than Thomas was used to.

"You know very well what's going on," Randall, it seemed, reprimanded sharply, and the younger version of himself flinched violently. "That's why you need to come with us right now. We need your help with something."

"Get up, you're coming with us," The man next to Randall said, pulling out a launcher. A launcher? Thomas thought. What did younger-me do to have a launcher pulled on him?

"What?" Younger-Thomas questioned, but standing up pliantly, following the man.

"Just come!" Randall yelled, clearly losing all patience with the inquisitive boy. Dreaming Thomas snickered. Apparently younger him was just as annoying as current him, and judging by "Randall's" reactions, he drove WICKED up the wall. He smirked. Good. "If you come you won't get into trouble."

The last man sighed. "Just come with us, Thomas, you need to see this."

Thomas's feet drove him to follow the younger Thomas and Randall. It felt like something was dragging him reluctantly to his end goal.

The younger version of Thomas obeyed wordlessly in a monotonous manner, his eyes glancing to the floor in guilt and fear. Something was up, perhaps something happened before this memory. They walked down a maze of hallways, and ironically, Thomas thought, the WICKED compound was like a maze in itself.

After a rough few twists and turns, they winded up in a control room with lots of large grey screens and a couple more people waiting for them.

"Seriously, what's going on?" The dreaming Thomas asked rhetorically, cocking his head to the right.

No one heard him. After all, it was a memory. "Looks like your friend didn't learn from his last attempt to go outside," the man named Randall murmured, looking at one of the screens in the corner. Both Thomases followed his gaze, and both let out gasps at what they saw.

What's your point? Thomas wanted to scream, but he knew that no one would hear him.

"We're going to teach him a lesson, see," the bald one said casually. "The lesson has to stick, this time."

There, on the screen, was a younger version of Minho bound to a chair, his head down. There were beads of sweat dripping from his temples, and his eyes were focused, widened with fear, on a pod in the corner of the dully coloured room. The younger Thomas looked confused, but the dreaming Thomas' heart lept to his throat and his stomach sunk with dread.

That was a Griever's pod, and judging by the expressions of the scientists around them, it was heading straight for Minho.

The next minute or so was a mess of grey blurs. The dream Thomas was screaming, begging. "Don't hurt him, Randall! Please!" When that didn't work, he went to threatening. "If you kill him, I won't work with you. I don't care what they do to me."

While the younger Thomas was desperately trying to convince Randall, the dreaming Thomas was screaming, horrible wretched screams forcing their way out of his throat. He needed to wake up. Why wasn't he waking up?

"Pause," Randall said hurriedly after he heard the last one. Thomas' heart was at his throat; the Griever was practically draped on top of Minho's frame, the tanned boy sweating furiously in the corner. At the command, the monster melted to the floor and slithered back to its pod.

Thomas' heart was practically leaping in his chest, and he felt faint, at least in the dream. Everything became shades of grey...fainter, fainter...gone...

–––––––––––––––––––––––

Minho woke up to the agonised shrieks of his angelic boyfriend.

"Let him go!" Thomas screamed, thrashing against the sheets. Minho winced when the heel of Thomas' foot caught his shin, but now was not the time to complain. The sheets got tangled up between then in the furious struggle, leaving Minho to thrash wildly, too, trying to escape the confining vines creeping around them.

"Thomas!" Minho shouted as he undid the knots that tied him to the bed. "You have to wake up!"

Thomas' flailing slowed, but it was evident that he wasn't awake yet, trapped in a space between dreaming and reality. "THOMAS, WAKE UP!" Minho screamed, bracing himself for what was inevitable; Thomas was going to panic.

Thomas bolted awake quickly, his forehead smacking into Minho's painfully. "Oow!" Both cried, rubbing their foreheads.

Minho was the first to regain his senses, the impact leaving a dull ring in his ears. "Are you okay, Tom?" He asked gently, shaking Thomas by the shoulder.

Thomas shook his head; Minho could feel the trembling tenseness in his shoulders.

"Do you want to talk about it, Thomas?"

"They set a Griever on you," Thomas blurted out, sniffling. Minho, upon hearing about the dreaded beast, was frozen.

"It wasn't real," He whispered. "It was just a dream.

"It was real!" Thomas screamed, making Minho recoil slightly. "It was a memory. We were kids, and they made me watch. Something about you not trying to escape again."

"I'm sorry" was the only thing Minho could conjure up, trying to wrap his head around this new development. Thomas's shook his head slightly – it tousled his dark locks which brush against Minho's chin comfortingly. "It's okay, now. It happened in the past."

"I'm just...scared..." Thomas confessed, snuggling closer to Minho. Not that Minho minded. He didn't mind. Like, at all. Snuggling with his boyfriend was always a good thing; nothing beats it, not even the campfires in Paradise, the snow that turned Thomas' cheeks a dusty pink, or the presents on Christmas day.

"I'll cuddle with you," Minho volunteered, leaning back against the headboard.

Thomas took him on his offer. "Sap," he teased.

"You love it," Minho retorted, watching the beautiful boy's eyelashes drift down to his cheekbones, fluttering slightly. "I love you."

"Love you too, Min."

–––––––––––––––––––––––

WICKED Memorandum, Date 227.4.12, Time 9:03

TO: My Associates

FROM: Kevin Anderson, Chancellor

RE: Elites, The Creation of Grievers

I would say that the trial with Subject A7 was a success. We all know of A2's connection with him (after all, all of you have read the results). The reactions from A1, B1, and B2 weren't as interesting as that of A2, but that was to be expected; A2 had the closest relationship to A7, as our Physcs had noted the other day.

The creation of our perfect maze monster seemed to throw all 4 elites off balance, as was expected. A2's reaction was, again, the most drastic, and it is safe to say that the trials are heading the way we had planned them to go. With A7's relationship with A2 being so close, sending A7 to the maze with the Griever would definitely mean the loss of some of A2's trust, but that is inevitable. We can only hope to move forward and hope that this decision was the right one to make.

I have a feeling that A2's involvement with Group A would prove to be most useful to the patterns we are rapidly discovering within the Subjects' killzones.

The reactions of B1 and B2 were as expected: they were shaken but did not hold the same compassion or anger that A1 and A2 had, notably A2. Physcs observe that B1's attitude towards A7 was indifferent at best, cold at worst. It seems that some of the elites didn't care as much as we thought they would.

This is wonderful news; we're making progress from all directions. Whether that be the perfect maze monster or the study of both the Elites and A7's killzone movement, we can safely claim a victory, another step towards the blueprint.

I congratulate you all for another success, my associates, and till next time.

Regards,

Kevin Anderson