#and she cooks it for anyone who is sat down long enough

[mooncrisisdepression]

The fandom collectively sort of agreed that Zelda was a bad cook without a lot of evidence

That was until Age of Calamity came along and actually proved the fandom right!

However, there is a side quest in Tears of the Kingdom that implies she can cook actually

And the only reasonable explanation to this is that Link taught her, obviously

[retroellie]

Daryl x reader but at first she gets on his nerves? Almost enemies to lovers

Summary: Daryl hated you, completely despised you. His hatred for you turned into something more after just one night with you.

A/N: This is probably the filthiest and longest thing I've ever written :). So enjoy asf!!! This was literally hell to write because i have writer's block right now so my mind is somewhere else right now

Warnings: NSFW, Degradation, Slapping/spanking, Daryl just being mean asf. Kind of a toxic relationship?!?

Word count: 8K

Daryl was at peace in this moment, complete and utter peace. The river slowly rushing against the earth, the soft wind blowing against his skin, the bright light of the sun bursting the stress from his face. Ever since he had gotten away from Alexandria he felt he was where he belonged, nature. Ever since he was a kid, rivers and forests were his safe haven. The only living thing to be seen was the animals and even then they were fearful of humans.

That's how Daryl felt in a way, fearful of humans and what they can do, that's why he resided with animals. They had their packs and stayed with them, never getting too close to other packs. It was just him and his home, of course with the dog too. But despite the healing of the river or the wind whispering into his ear, this wound could never be healed for Daryl. He was out here for a reason and this time it wasn't trying to run away from his dad.

It was for Rick, his friend, his family.... his brother. This was a deeper wound than any he'd ever had, mental or physical. He was angry, hurt, and guilty for what he had done, especially with the silence that came with nature. He looked for days on end, and those days turned to months, and months turned to years. He felt like he was going crazy, but he knew Rick was still alive and if he wasn't... he just needed to give the people that confirmation.

He took the knife and gutted it into the fish, cleaning it out until it was just the meat on its bones. It was a chilly day, enough to have the dog cuddled up on Daryl's leg as he gutted the fish. Daryl didn't mind the cold, he actually liked it better than the heat and it kept the dead away better. He continued his work, frying the fish on the fire as he poked at it softly, mesmerized by the crackles of the fire.

Suddenly a branch snapped behind Daryl, he didn't hesitate in pulling his crossbow from next to him and pointing it at the sound, ready to fire at any minute. He almost squeezed the trigger, almost letting the arrow go right into the head of his attacker. But suddenly his eyes made out who it was and realized it was you. His body feels relaxed but only to be filled with annoyance.

"It's just me!" You put your hands up in surrender, dropping what you had been holding in your hands.

Daryl watched as you shook, fearing that Daryl might actually shoot you at that moment. Daryl sighed, putting down his crossbow and rolling his eyes.

"Damn it, girl! I coulda killed you!" Daryl yelled. Of course, the first time he talks in days is to scold you for something.

Daryl sat back down in his spot, throwing down his crossbow in anger as he went back to cooking his fish. He suddenly wished he would've pulled the trigger, maybe then he could tell everyone it was an accident.... as if anyone could miss you. If Daryl said he hated you, it was an understatement. He despised you, he wondered how you survived this long without a bullet to your head.

"I know... I'm sorry.." You tried to defend yourself. "Carol asked me to drop some stuff off... I didn't mean to scare you.."

You bent down to gather what you had in your hands, the bag you had broken when you dropped it. You shoved everything in the bag and stood up, standing still as you watched Daryl cook his fish. You never knew why Daryl couldn't stand you, it made you a bit sad at first because you envied him. You thought he was the coolest person ever, with his crossbow and his motorcycle. Part of you thought it was because you genuinely thought he was a cool person but the other half knew it was because of what he did to your underwear.

"Carol told me to bring you more arrows and some extra clothes... I threw some food...." You went to finish but Daryl was annoyed by your voice already, wanting you to shut up and leave already.

"Why couldn't she do it?" He interrupted

You forgot how much of an asshole he was and at that moment, you were kind of glad he was staying out here instead of in Alexandria. The only reason you liked him staying at Alexandria is how his arms looked when he was working on his bike... but that's all it was to you, just a silly little crush or not even that, you'd be more than okay if he fucked you and dipped. You cleared your throat, collected your words, and shifted uncomfortably.

"Oh well... Henry is sick, he has some kind of stomach bug and well I was at the kingdom so she asked if I could bring it to you on the w..." Once again you can't even get your words out without Daryl being a complete dick to you.

"I didn't ask for a story." He said sternly, not even looking at you but you knew his face had that ugly, yet strangely arousing, annoyed look written all over it.

You sharply inhaled, slightly hurt at his words. You just stood there though, not sure what to do next. You could just throw his shit down or not and leave, but unfortunately, you were too tired to go on. You had been walking all day and here to Alexandria would be at least another 3 hours. You just thought maybe some rest would be nice, maybe a bit of that fish he was cooking but you knew Daryl.

Daryl hadn't liked you ever since you two had met, he was always such a dick to you and you had no idea why literally no idea. You were always respectful to him, saying please and thank you, sometimes shooting him a soft smile when you would catch each other in the same room. He always put you down so fast, sometimes just his facial expression when he would look at you was enough for you to go home crying.

"You can leave now, you did your job." He pulled you out of your thoughts.

His eyes still didn't reveal themselves to you, but you knew the stank eye he'd be giving you right now. The thought of it just made your stomach do turns, but the thing you were about to ask made it drop completely.

"That's the thing... you know it's getting late, by the time I get back on the main roads it'll be pitch black, and well I've been walking all..." You don't even know why you keep trying to explain anything to him at this point.

"Get to the point.." He said, annoyance dripping from his mouth. You sighed and rolled your eyes, standing up straight so you could at least look like you were not about to cry or throw a tantrum.

"I was wondering if I could stay here for the night... I'll be out of your hair by dawn tomorrow." You pleaded almost, which made you cringe a bit.

Daryl stayed silent for a minute, just poking at the fire softly as he rubbed the dog's head. Daryl almost gagged at the thought of you staying with him, even just for a night. It reminded him of when you guys were on the road together with everyone else, you always ended up sleeping next to him and he hated it. You would take up such a little room but Daryl felt like that was more than you needed, he would huff and puff. Not to mention how tight his pants would get when we saw you in only a tank top, how your breasts would push themselves together as you snored softly. How your pretty lips would part themselves, almost as if you were teasing him even in your sleep.

Daryl thought for a minute, he really didn't want you here. Your presence would just be so irritating to Daryl, he would know you were only 2 feet away from him at all times and that frustrated Daryl. You would be prancing around his safe space, breast sticking out, voice laced with sugar as you spoke, and presenting your ass to Daryl while you picked something up. The thought made Daryl go cold and he wanted to kick you out then and there. Call Daryl old-fashioned but he was against kicking out a young girl for safety just because of one's annoyance.

"Ya, you will be..." Daryl stated, standing up and making his way over to you, snatching the bag from your hand. "You can stay for the night... but you're gonna have to give me your weapons for the night and you owe me half of your food."

Fucking asshole... is all you could think of. You hated him, so fucking much it hurt. You have no idea what you had done to this man to make him hate you so much, it doesn't make sense to you but you needed some rest. You handed him your bag and watched him sit back down in the same spot, digging into the bag Carol had packed.

"Thank you, Daryl. I ap..." You decided at this moment to stop trying to speak.

"And no talking... I don't want to hear anything you gotta say, ya hear me?" He scolded, containing his digging into the bag.

"yes sir..." You bit back, trying your best not to start yelling at him about how childish he was being.

You brushed past Daryl to get some water from the river so you could get away from Daryl. Daryl's dick twitched at your use of "sir", he couldn't help the goosebumps that rose from his skin. He watched you walk your way down to the river, watching your tits bounce as you stormed off. He hated you with a burning passion but he couldn't deny that you had beautiful tits.

-

-

You couldn't sleep, you were so tired before you went to this shit show of a camp but now you couldn't sleep. You tossed and turned, the tent walls feeling like they were going to close on you. You could hear Daryl poking at the fire outside, trying to keep it burning as he kept an eye out. Daryl made you take the tent, he said he'd sleep outside with the dog, and that bothered you a bit.

Daryl was always so mean to you, literally telling you he wished you would fall off a cliff yet he gives you the tent? Maybe you were reading too deep into it, trying everything to believe your lie that he had an ounce of care for you in him. But that was odd behavior for someone like Daryl, especially towards you. That's why you think you can't sleep, not only did Daryl make you want to bawl your eyes out with how mean he was but also you were so confused about your own feelings.

You wanted to hate Daryl, you said you did but really you didn't. Every mean thing he said to you should've been enough for anyone to hate another person, but you simply couldn't. You wanted him to like you, you craved it. Every time you tried to be nice or help him with something, you felt like a teenage girl trying to get the attention of a boy. It was exhausting, but so frustrating. This behavior of his only created a fire in your belly, leaking out of your core.

The frustration of the day could only be dulled in one way, the warmth of your two fingers. It was a nightly ritual at this point, I mean at least Daryl's behavior is beneficial in one way right? But you couldn't do it in this tent that felt so suffocating, with Daryl's scent everywhere and his soft blanket against your bare thighs. No, you couldn't. It was gross, almost disgusting to do such a thing, especially for you.

You finally gave up on sleep, pulling your shorts back on and heading out of the tent. The wind hit you first, then the smoke of the fire, and then the eyes of Daryl. He looked already so annoyed, like just your presence was enough for him to be in a shitty mood. You smiled at him, pulling your jacket closer to your body as you sat down on the log in front of him.

"Couldn't sleep..." You whispered, sighing as you looked deep into other fires.

Daryl didn't make an expression towards that, only the same annoyed expression. Daryl couldn't help but watch your thighs out of the corner of his eye, watching them glow in the fire, making them look completely delicious. He tried to focus on keeping the fire alive but the hardening in his pants was almost impossible to ignore. He's never really had alone time with you, not one on one before, there was always another person so this was new to him. Honestly even more annoying like this because he could only imagine fucking you into the dirty ground, not able to escape these thoughts by annoying someone else.

"And why's that my problem?" He snapped back, his voice thick with tiredness and frustration.

You scoffed, looking at him with disbelief as your heart broke a little more. You were now at peak frustration and extremely exhausted, so you weren't going to just sit there and let it happen... not this time. You shook with anger, the wind doing nothing to cool you down. You just wanted to have a nice conversation with him, social interaction that you desperately needed from a day of being consumed by your own thoughts.

"You are such a dick you know that?" You spit out, your arms throwing themselves up as you let your anger out finally. "Jesus! I can't have one fucking conversation without you being such an asshole."

Daryl's blood goes cold, looking over at you as your eyes start tearing up due to your anger. He's never seen you so angry, he's never known that you cry when you get mad, he finds it... attractive. It makes his mind wander to what else makes you cry. Is there any emotion you feel too much? Do you cry? Or is this situation just that distressing to you? Daryl just stayed silent, finding it almost humorous how you actually cared what he thought and how worked up you were getting over it. You waited for a snarky reply or a cold comment about how annoying you were, but you were met with his cold blue eyes boring into your skin. That was it, that was enough to make you decide to pack up your stuff and get the hell out of there.

"Oh my fucking god... fuck you, Daryl, I mean seriously." You shot up from where you had been sitting and stood above him, the fire illuminating your furrowed brows and bloodshot eyes. "I mean are you fucking kidding me?!? why do you hate me? did I do something or are you just that fucking mean?"

Daryl stared up at you, watching you shiver as the wind hit your bare legs. Daryl asked himself that a lot too, why did he hate you? You really did do nothing to him, you were honestly extremely helpful and probably the kindest person he'd ever met. But that made him so upset. The innocence that radiated off of you, the pureness in your eyes, almost as if the world hadn't gotten to you yet. He found it unfair, how you were who you were in this world, it wasn't fair. The annoying sweetness that coated your voice was enough for him to go insane, he hated it.

That was only part of the hatred he felt for you, he wanted to completely defile you. He wanted to take that innocent little act of yours and fuck it out of you, he wanted to shut your silky soft voice up by fucking your voice box so hard it leave you speechless, wanted to crave scars into your skin as you begged him for more. He found these thoughts truly disgusting to even think, his own mind scolding him for letting the thoughts linger. He hated you for making him this crazy, making him so hard at night he couldn't be satisfied with his own hand he had to have you... so now he sat there looking up at you, watching as tears filled your eyes and your bare thighs were exposed.

Daryl grinned at your reaction, slowly standing up so he was towering over you. You looked scared, eyes filled with worry now as he made his way over to you. He was face to face with you now, you could feel his breath on his face and his eyes full of something... it wasn't anger, wasn't sadness, something in between yet not anywhere near.

"Ya' know, I do hate you Y/N" He says simply, making your bottom lip tremble as your tears finally escape your eyes. You knew it but it still hurt. "Ya' wanna know why or are you going to cry like the little bitch you are?"

His words took you back, this was a new all-time low for Daryl but for some reason, his words flew straight to your core and you had to press your legs together to ignore it. You stayed silent, not really knowing if you wanted to know or not but you had a feeling you had no choice. Daryl was going to tell you and all you could do was listen. You're breath hitched, wiping your tears with your sleeve as you watch him go to speak.

"I think yer stupid, and annoying, and a fucking worthless bitch who shouldn't have made it this far." His words shot bullet holes in your heart. "We shoulda left you where we found you. Ya bring no good into this group, you only hold us back."

You let out a sob, your heart quite literally being torn apart but you were still so needy all at once. You were used to mean, you were used to hurt but this felt nowhere close to what you've experienced before. You had gotten more frustrated simply because you still liked Daryl, you honestly would give anything for him to kiss you and it made your lips burn with need. It felt like your head was going to explode, being degraded and loving every second of it was something you never thought you would be thinking at this moment.

"Ya wanna know something else..." Daryl whispered, taking his hand and pushing your hair back out of your face as tears streamed down your face. He then lifted your chin to force you to look at him. "It's annoying how you act all innocent... prancing around in short shorts with your tits hanging out, acting like you aren't just trying to get fucked."

You look into his blue eyes, trembling as you feel his hand placed on your chin. You didn't realize how close you had gotten to him, how your body was almost pressed against his as he degraded you. You let a couple of soft whimpers out, feeling as Daryl wiped a tear away from your eye as he bites his lip.

"Ain't that right hm? All ya ever really wanted was to get fucked, just wanted to be used?" He spit out, you let out a soft moan as he continued to rest his hand on your chin, his heat filling your body. "want me to fuck ya?"

Your eyes widened, feeling like you were in a dream and you would wake up at any moment. You looked between his eyes and mouth as he spoke, his lips feeling like the only thing that could dull this heat inside of you. You nodded softly, biting your lip as you watched his mouth grow into a smirk. You expected him to place a soft kiss on your lips as he bent down to connect your lips, but you were met with a sharp pain in your left cheek. You gasped, not knowing what happened but then realized Daryl had smacked you. He didn't smack you too hard but it was enough to leave you in shock.

"wh..." You went to say but Daryl grabbed your throat roughly, it was a firm grip but not enough to hurt you.

"Use yer words... or are you too dumb for that?" He spits out, his words making your legs wobble slightly.

You felt lightheaded, you felt dizzy, you felt completely content in where you were right now. It was a crazy feeling, a feeling that was so intense it made you want to cry. You sniffled, clearing your throat so you could respond but the words were stuck in your throat. Daryl's eyes looked down on you with impatience, his teeth softly clenched as he waited for your words, the words he knew were hard for you to say.

"I...umm" You stuttered, lips quivering. "I want you.. to fuck me" You stated

Sex was new to you still, especially now since sex was the last thing on your mind half the time. This kind of sex, however, rough and mean sex was completely new to you. You weren't sure what to do or how to do it, do you mean back or do you just let it happen and enjoy the ride? You trusted Daryl though, no matter how mean he was to you, you still knew he wouldn't hurt you. Daryl smirked down at you, his rough hand still grasping onto your soft neck.

Daryl only knew hard sex, he'd never been in love or wanted to be in love so he was going to fuck you the only way he knew. He bent down to your lips, softly lingering above yours. You tried to reach up and touch his lips to yours but his hand on your neck kept you in place. Instead, he placed his lips on your nose, then your forehead then everywhere on your face but your lips. You were melting, just one kiss and you would be happy... you begged for just one kiss.

"How 'bout ya get in the tent hm?" He finally said after teasing you with his lips. "I'll be in, in a minute."

Daryl smirked down at you, letting go of your neck which was the only thing supporting your body right now. You looked surprised but also irritated as he teased you and not made you get into the tent. You huffed, rolling your eyes as you stomped into the tent. Daryl chuckled as you pouted, watching you stomp your feet to the tent. Daryl turned around and finished his fire poking, keeping it heated, making you wait.

You were pouting in the tent, arms crossed as you waited for him to come in. You couldn't sit still, you pressed your thighs together and tried to touch yourself through your jeans but nothing helped the ache. You were suddenly so hot, feeling like your skin was melting off in the small tent so you decided to take your shirt off and let the cool air consume it. You slowly started to tear each of your clothes off until you were only in your underwear and bra, you were about to take your bra off but Daryl had ripped through the tent and saw you. He was taken aback as he saw your bare body, not expecting it and it made him crazy.

You sat there like a deer in headlights as he stared down at you, hands suddenly laying at your thighs as you were just on your knees. Daryl's hand shook, wanting nothing more than to pounce on you already but he wanted to wait... he needed to wait. He got down on your level, the tent too small for him to stand in. He reached his hand out to your shoulder, placing his hand on it and slowly pulling down your bra strap. His touch made you shiver, goosebumps forming on your skin as he slowly undressed you or undressed what you had on still.

"You might be dumb..." He stated, bring his lips to your neck. "But you sure are fucking sexy..."

He then attacked your neck, giving you sloppy kisses on your skin as you softly moaned at his action. His other hand placed on your older shoulder and ripped your other bra strap down, attacking that side of your neck next. Your hands wandered his body, trying to pull him closer to you as you wanted him to touch you further. His soft lips sucked on your sensitive skin, making you squirm underneath his grasp.

"mm.. fuck.." You moaned out, causing Daryl to go crazy. He couldn't hold back himself anymore, he couldn't tease you or degrade you anymore. He needed you.

"Fuck it..." Daryl said, stopping his movements and lying down on his back.

You watched him wide as, watching as he pulled his pants down to his ankles and how his cock sprang out freely. Your mouth watered almost, wanting nothing more than to such him off and watch him unravel on your tongue. Daryl rubbed himself a bit, trying to have some friction while he waited for you. You forgot what you were doing at first, you're mind completely going blank as you watched him touch himself.

You were slightly worried, Daryl was big... a lot bigger than you thought he would be. You felt a bit nervous about how’d he fit, you were quite small, well at least a lot smaller than Daryl. Daryl continued rubbing himself up and down, watching you shiver at the thought of him being inside you. He could see how nervous you had gotten, how shy you had suddenly become as your thighs squeezed together.

"You okay?" He asked, pulling you out of your thoughts and back to his blue eyes. "We can stop, pretend this didn't happen." He reassures, placing a hand on your arm comfortably.

You gave him a small smile, moving your body on top of his. You replaced his hand with your own as you slowly jerked him off, watching his mouth part open in surprise as you did so. Your sudden confidence was a huge turn-on for Daryl, causing him to become unbelievably hard under your grasp. This is what Daryl wanted from you, he wanted you to stop acting innocent and take what you wanted. You were meek and shy, you simply doing this was so out of character.

"You want me to stop?" You ask, watching Daryl grow harder as you stroked his cock up and down.

Daryl shot you a soft smile, pulling you down to connect your lips to his. It was hard, rough, and filled with passion. The feeling of your hand on his cock, the taste of your lips, and the feeling of your weight on top of him. He needed you, needed to see you bouncing on top of him as he ripped you open. He wanted to see the pain and pleasure wash over you until you went as crazy as he is at this moment, he would give the world just to see it.

"Fuck no... god..." He moaned out, as your hand's pace picked up. "Ride my cock sweet girl... wanna see how dirty you can get." He teased me.

You giggled at his words, but they went all to your core at once. A wave of slick escaped your cunt, dripping over Daryl's thighs. You gave into his needs, but you did it ever so carefully. You moved your waist to hover over his throbbing cock, his tip ever so slightly rubbing between your slit. You teased him slightly, almost putting his tip inside you but slipping it out once again. You could tell he was growing frustrated, you can see him hold back his urge to push you down on his cock. You could get off on this, his head softly massaging your cunt and his thrust up when it had reached your clit. You continued this movement, teasing him softly but in reality, it felt too good for you.

"Gonna get yourself in trouble if you keep it up..." He moaned out, moving his hands to your hips. His hands helped you move your body back and forth, the head of his cock nuzzling between your slits.

"feels so good..." You whisper, biting your lip softly. "The least you can do for being an a..." You forgot who you were with, the person who never lets you finish your sentence.

You were cut off by Daryl taking your hips, pushing them down until his cock was damn near bottomed out inside you. You let out a gasp, hunching over so your nails were dug into his chest. It hurt, it felt like you were being ripped open... but it sent a strange pain throughout your body. Inside of rejecting his cock, your body welcomed it, almost as if it's what you needed this entire time. You shook slightly, the head of his cock already hitting your g spot as you stayed still. Your body was still getting used to it, but every bone of your body craved you to move your hips. Daryl chuckled softly as your eyes prickled with tears and your string of curses filled the tent.

"Told ya... dumb slut never listens" Daryl spit out, sitting up so your hands could balance on his shoulders.

He didn't give you time to say anything else, he took it upon himself to help you get used to him. He thrusted his hips up, creating more pain/pleasure that coursed through your body. It was a delicious stink, creating screams like moans that flowed off your tongue. His hips started off slow, obviously not that much of an asshole to completely overwhelm your senses. He placed one hand on our waist, going between hard thrusts and rolling his hips to try to ease the sting.

After a few thrusts though, you get used to his cock stuffing your cunt and you feel yourself getting eager. You start to move your hips a little with his, your hips going against his own hips because you were so cock hungry you couldn't help yourself. Your nails dug into his shoulders, leaving moon-shaped cuts along them. Your head threw itself back, letting Daryl fuck you harshly as you just enjoyed the ride. You would be surprised if your moans didn't attract walkers or raiders... they were almost screams at this point.

"Gonna fuck the dumb slut out of you... huh?" He started, moving his hand up to your hair and pulling it down to look at him. "Ain't that right... gonna fuck this pussy until that stupid little brain of yours start working.."

His hand in your hair forced you to look at him, his eyes blown out as he fucked your cunt so harshly, you couldn't help but drool. You shook slightly, something inside you snapped as you watched him huff and puff. Your hips suddenly had a mind of their own, they start rolling against his roughly, your eyes on his the entire time as you fuck yourself on his cock. You couldn't help it, your stomach burned and your cunt ached as you so badly wanted to get off. Your thrusts were rough, overpowering daryls at this point.

Daryl was taken back by this action, his hips starting to slow down as you created your own pace and your own way of fucking him. Daryl's hands rested on your hips though, helping you set a pace that felt good for the both of you but also let you take complete control. He never knew how pretty you could be, I mean of course he thought you were hot as fuck but he would never describe you as pretty... until now. The way you took him deep inside of you, the way your cunt clenched around him... maybe those were factors of why his view of you changed but maybe it went further than that.

Your thighs burned, your cunt ached, and your frustration grew. You so desperately wanted to get off, so your thrust was all over the place. You would start harder and deeper then your stamina would weaken, your thrusts turning slow and drawn out. It felt like it was happening on a loop, your frustration getting the best of you. Daryl's hands do a decent job setting your pace, but not enough to actually do anything. Daryl enjoyed this though, watching your frustration grow as you greedily tried to get off.

"Fuck... Daryl..." You groaned out, you couldn't even form words at this point. His cock hitting so deep inside you, it affects your speech. "please... I can't..."

Daryl grinned, hearing your pleas but basking in them. He brushed your hair from your face, loving the sight of your tears flowing down your face due to frustration and pleasure. He watched as you glistened in the moonlight, your skin beet red and your body soaked with sweat. Your hips slowed, still rocking back and forth but the pain in your hips felt unbearable now. You gave Daryl a pleading look, hoping he'd just be nice to you and give you what you wanted.

Daryl wasn't nice though, you knew this when you came into this. Daryl had disgusting things in mind for you, things that would leave you bruised and bloody. Daryl didn't know what nice was, especially when it came to fucking a "dumb slut". You fluttered your eyes at Daryl, your eyes telling him everything you wanted from him.

"What?" He asked, acting completely oblivious to what you wanted. "Can the dumb slut not get herself off? hmm..." He teased me.

You gulped down a comeback, afraid if you do he won't give you what you want. Daryl grinned, taking the hand in your hair and slowly moving it to your throat until it was wrapped around it. He gripped it hard, bringing your face down to meet him as he applied pressure to it.

"You are really that fucking stupid huh... Jesus christ." He spit out, watching you squirm above him, his cock still nestled deep inside you. "Fucking useless.."

You loved every second of his torment, of his degradation, of his anger. In one swift moment, Daryl threw you down onto the rough tent floor. You moaned softly, his cock being yanked out of your mouth and leaving you empty. Daryl wasn't done, he grabbed you roughly and set you on your hands and knees.

"I gotta do everything for you... too fucking stupid to do anything for yourself." He said, pushing your back down as he held your ass up. "Can't even ride a fucking cock right..."

Daryl rubbed your ass gently, watching you grip the blanket that was laid down for a makeshift bed. He dragged his fingers down your slit, feeling your throbbing cunt but dragging them back up to your ass. He could get off right now, cumming all over your back and drenching you with cum, seeing you like this just did that to him. He laid his hand flat down on your ass, putting it back high and then slamming it down on your bare ass.

You gasped, being shot forward as he spanked you. You weren't expecting it, the pain of the smack shooting through your veins and suddenly you wanted him to do it again. Never in your sexual life have you ever been spanked or slapped or degraded, it was something you could get used to. Daryl placed his hand on the red print on your ass, rubbing it softly as he watched your reaction to it. He knew it was foreign to you and he wanted to make sure you didn't have any objections to what he was doing. He leaned down slowly, kissing behind your ear and whispering into your ear.

"Are ya' still okay? We can stop now..." He wanted to hurt you but in the most pleasant and consensual way.

You took a minute to get a response, not because you had any second thoughts about what was happening. No, the silence was because you knew this would change you forever. This wouldn't just be a crush anymore, it would be more real. Even if Daryl just wanted a quick fuck, you would look at him differently whether you wanted to or not. If he did just want a quick fuck, you would feel as though you have been led on... because you did like him, and if that's all he wanted then it would break your heart. You look up at Daryl, watching as he gives you soft kisses on your back and neck. Fuck it...

"Again...." You whispered out, his eyes surprised you even said anything. He thought he was being too much, that he was going too far. He had no idea you were enjoying this as much as he did...

You felt too good right now for him to stop now, your stomach completely tensed up and your cunt fluttered around nothing. You needed him in the most disgusting way possible Daryl didn't see a single twinkle of doubt in your eyes, you knew what you wanted and you wanted him to give it to you. Daryl smiled at you, not a shit-eating grin or that stupid smirk... an actual smile.

Daryl raised the hand on your ass again, bringing it down roughly on your ass. You shot forward again, feeling your cunt tighten around nothing once more. Daryl waited once again for you to come back to him before he did it once more. The smacks got faster and harder, each one sending more amounts of pleasure through your body and bringing you closer to the edge. Your moans only fueled the fire in the diary, wanting nothing more than to completely destroy you.

After a couple more smacks, Daryl lined himself up behind you. This time he would be a bit nicer, slowly inching himself in and letting your tight cunt adjust to him. He watched your mouth open slightly, eyes squeezed shut, hands gripping onto anything they could find. Daryl rubbed your back with his free hand, slowly pushing himself into you until he was completely inside of you. Each inch you took made your eyes roll into your eyes and your toes curl.

Daryl started his thrusts slowly, watched you come undone on his cock already and he was just getting started. He watched as the coil in your stomach snapped and felt it when your walls fluttered around him, your liquid coating his cock. He fucked you through your first orgasm, picking up his pace when you couldn't feel your cunt flutter around his cock anymore. Daryl was Edgar to cum but also to make you cum over and over until you couldn't say anything else but his name.

"Fuck... such a tight fucking pussy..." He moaned out, grabbing your hips and shoving them down on his cock. "Could fuck this thing all day.... use you like my own fucktoy."

You could feel another wave of pleasure hit you, the coil in your stomach tightening once again. Daryl was rough with his thrust now, shoving himself into you before pulling all the way back and then slamming back in. It felt so good, making your entire body feel like it was on fire in the most pleasant way. Suddenly, not even 2 minutes after your first orgasm... You felt the coil snap once again, soaking Daryl's cock for a second time.

Daryl didn't slow down, just went harder as you screamed out as you came... hard. He gripped your hips roughly, leaving bruises on them most likely. You went completely limp, allowing him to use you exactly in the way he wanted to. You were exhausted, after two orgasms only minutes away from each other and working on your third one...You were completely worn out and wanting nothing more than another orgasm. Daryl watched you go limp, your ass having to be held up by him now.

"Come on baby...." He moaned, grabbing your arms and pulling you flush against him. "Gonna make me cum... gonna cum all over that fucking pretty ass of yours..."

His words only make your cunt tighten around his cock. You were standing on your knees in front of him, your knees digging into the tent floor as your head leaned back on his shoulder. You looked up at him with tired eyes, face bright red and your eyes leaking tears. You watched his face contort every time he thrusted, his lip being brought between his teeth and his eyes fluttering closed. He was beautiful, every muscle of his stomach placed on your back, his cock deep inside you, and his face looked to be sculpted by gods themselves.

Daryl's moans got louder, his cock twitched slightly and you could feel he was close just by the way he gripped onto your arms. You tried your best to fuck yourself back onto him as his thrusts became sloppy, wanting to fuck him through his own orgasm. Daryl was so close, his bruising grip on your arms as he pulled you closer and closer to him. You were right there next to him, your third orgasm already coursing through your stomach as you so desperately tried to help get you both off.

"daryl..." was the only thing you could get out, the other dirty words you had in mind getting lost in your throat as a particularly harsh thrust caused the coil in your stomach to burst open.

You shook violently as you came once again on his cock but you could only enjoy it for only seconds before Daryl let go of your arms, causing you to fall harshly onto the tent floor. You groaned, your orgasm still coursing through your body as you felt the ache of being dropped on the floor. You looked back to see why Daryl had done what he did, seeing that he was stroking his cock roughly. You watched as he came on your ass and back, his O face looking like something from your dreams.

You couldn't be mad now, not that you were able to see him in his high. When he finished covering you in his cum, he collapsed next to you. He breathed heavily as if he had just run a marathon and all you could do was watch him in awe. You would touch yourself to the thought of him, but nothing could've prepared you for how pretty he looked while doing it. He was on another planet at this moment, not even in this world as he recovered from his orgasm.

"fuck..." He said, his voice raspy and thick with exhaustion. "You're gonna be a problem..."

Daryl knew he shouldn't have done this, he should've just let you leave.... he should've just told you to leave in the first place. He knew once he had you vulnerable, ass up and ready for him to fuck you... he wouldn't be able to resist. He knew you'd become like a drug to him, he wanted to continue to hate you and live both of your lives separately, away from each other. There was just something about you, something about you that not only made his cock twitch but his heart. He always had a soft spot for you, he hated it.

You were still on your knees, back covered in his cum and the top half of you smushed against the ground. You just watched him come down from his high, not responding to him as he slowly came to his senses. Daryl looks back over at you, seeing you in a very uncomfortable position and sticky...

"Here..." He said, sitting up and finding a discarded rag that was always in his tent.

You slowly sat up on your knees, taking the rag he had handed to you. You smiled, nodding softly as to thank him simply because your voice box was damn near broken from screaming. You reached behind you, taking the rag and wiping him off of you. Daryl started getting some blankets together to make a bed for the both of you, hoping that wasn't crossing a line for you... as if he didn't just fuck the shit out of you. You struggled to get the entirety of your back, Daryl noticed this as he was setting down blankets.

Without saying a word, Daryl took the rag from you and gently wiped your back off. You hummed softly as he did so, the warmth of his hands making you feel giddy once again. You wanted to say something, anything just to get him talking again. His voice always makes you feel right at home, even if most of the time he was a dickhead to you.

"You know.." You said, voice coming out as a whisper. "I've never done something like this before..."

You looked back at him, his eyes focused on your back as he tried to make sure you were cleaned all the way off. Daryl knew, he knew you were the innocent type, that's why he was so intrigued with you. He smirked softly up at you, seeing how messy your hair was and how your tears were now stained on your face created a deep lust inside of him.

"I know..." He responded, going back to cleaning your back.

"You know?" You asked, knowing you looked innocent but how could he tell you haven't been railed like this before?

Daryl chuckled softly, throwing the rag somewhere in the room when he was done and then smacking your thigh softly to tell you to move yourself. You did what he wanted, sitting on your butt as you watched what he wanted you to do next. Daryl bit his lip, tossing you one of his shirts that was going to be big on you. You assumed he wanted it for you.

"You never do what you're told... Lay down." He started, watching you lay down like he told you to do. He smirked softly before continuing. "and you have only been with skinny 20-year-olds who probably went to some college for rich assholes.."

Daryl pulls his own clothes on before lying down next to you. He wrapped a blanket around the two of you, letting you lay on his chest as he did so. What Daryl was saying was very true, you had never been with a man his age or really any man that acted like him. You weren't the adventurous type, you were okay with vanilla sex and scheduled quickies. It was easy that way, easier to explain the age gap, and easier to digest the PDA. You didn't know if you could go back to that now, after 3 mind-blowing orgasms and the delicious size of Daryl... you could see yourself chasing this for the rest of your life.

"Maybe... I'd like to... uh..." You started, sighing softly. "I'd like to do this again though... I think I want to do it with you many times."

Your words felt jumbled, not making any sense. Daryl knew though, he knew what you were saying even if your words felt confusing. Daryl rubbed your arm softly with his thumb, thinking about what a life with you would be like. Waking up every day to a naked young woman in his bed, soft skin, and doe eyes for the rest of his existence with you... Even if he could only have you in the bedroom, he would move the sun and stars just for it. He nodded softly, looking back down at you as you lulled yourself to sleep on his chest.

"Yeah... think I'd like that too," he whispered. 

[minisugakoobies]

It's You - Choi San | Menace

Pairing: San x Reader Genre: smut, crack, fluff, angst, roommates to lovers, BFF’s Lil Bro!AU Series Rating: M (18+) Drabble Warnings: sneaking around, slight exhibitionism, grinding, references to oral sex (f receiving), fingerfucking, San can't get enough of his Noona Word Count: 1.7k Disclaimers: NSFW, obviously I don’t own ATZ - they just inspire me

Summary: He was only supposed to be a temporary roommate. Your best friend’s little brother, crashing on your couch for a few weeks. That’s it. How did this happen?

A/N: Just a little early Valentine's Day gift from me to you 💝 Please note: there's a time jump here - it's not picking up where the last vignette ended, but later.

Taglist is open! Reblog, comment, or send me an ask to be added! You can also send me any ideas/thoughts you might have for a future scenario - who knows, it might end up in a drabble! 💕

It’s You Masterlist 🐈‍⬛ ATZ Masterlist 🐈‍⬛ Main Masterlist

San’s been getting bolder lately.

This thing between you, unnamed because you’d decided it didn’t need naming, nor did anyone else need to know - so far, it’s been easy to keep it a secret. San’s always been very affectionate, so no one blinks an eye at the arm draped over your shoulders when you’re hanging out on the couch, or the way he tugs you onto his lap at parties. 

No one sees the way he kisses you when everyone leaves the room. Or how you roll your hips into his, making him groan into your ear while the party roars around you. Little touches, light teasing, all make the secret even better. 

You’re all over each other any time you have the apartment to yourselves. Which isn’t often enough for your liking. Especially when Haneul’s back on the night shift. Then it’s the three of you together all day and you by yourself at night while San and his sister are both at work. 

So the stolen moments are fewer and further between these weeks. The longing drives you up a wall. At least you’re not alone in your suffering, since clearly San is feeling the same way. You know this from the looks he gives you. The texts he sends. He’s insatiable. 

And it’s making him a little reckless.

Like the other day, for example. You were standing at the stove, lost in thought about your latest writing assignment as you stirred a pot of kimchi jigae. It was your turn to make dinner and you have very limited cooking skills, but stew? Stew is easy. 

San was also in the kitchen, rummaging through the snacks crammed into the cabinets overhead. 

“If you can wait a few minutes, dinner’s almost ready,” you informed him. 

“But I’m hungry now,” he replied, and you just sighed, returning to your jigae. If you hadn’t been so preoccupied with your assignment or with the food on the stove, you would’ve clocked the gleam in his eye. 

San came up behind you, crowding his body against yours. You let out a tiny squeak as he reached for a bag of chips on an upper shelf.

“Excuse me, Noona,” he whispered against the back of your neck. “Just need to grab something.”

“San!” you hissed, careful not to be too loud. Your apartment is tiny, too tiny to have any walls  separating the kitchen from the living room. Haneul was watching tv just a few feet away, back to you as she sat on the couch. “Your sister is right there.”

“I know that. But I told you. I’m hungry.” He pressed forward, and you suppressed a moan, feeling him rubbing against your ass. You could picture how his cock looked at that moment, flushed and hard, straining to reach you through the layers of clothing between you. It’d be so easy to let him tug your joggers down a little, you thought, and your back arched slightly at the idea, before you got a hold of yourself, straightening up with a huff.

You shot him a quick dirty look over your shoulder. “Could you be more obvious?”

San laughed. “Oh, I could.” His free hand wrapped around your waist, holding you close while his lips brushed your ear. “Like if I popped you up on this counter right now and ate you out until you cried. Think she’d notice then?”

The image was so strong, you perched on the edge, toes digging into San’s back as he buried his face in your cunt, that your vision went as white as your knuckles did gripping the spatula, and you let out a tiny whimper.

San correctly interpreted this sound as confirmation that you’d gotten his point. “Maybe I’ll do that anyway, after she leaves for work.” 

“You’re a fucking menace,” you replied, voice trembling. 

He dropped a kiss to your shoulder before backing away. “Yeah, but you love it.”

Later, when he made good on his promise, hands firmly keeping your ass in place on the counter as his tongue made your hips buck, you realized you do. You love every minute of it. 

So tonight, when you notice him giving you the eye from the other end of the couch, even though his sister’s sitting in the armchair, mere inches from you, you don’t look away. You’re sitting with space between you and San, a rarity, but it’s intentional. You’re so keyed up right now, a single touch from San might make you come undone. So you’re holding it together until Haneul leaves.

But that doesn’t stop you from letting him know you’re wanting him too. You bite your lip as you gaze back, to be met by a rising smirk, which does nothing to cool you down.

Haneul’s shift is starting soon, a fact that all three of you are hyper aware of, though for entirely different reasons. She should be showering right now, but she’s dragging her feet to catch the end of some movie she and San have been watching. You’ve become intimately familiar with Haneul’s pre-work routine, finding yourself literally counting down the minutes lately before she leaves you and San alone on a rare night when he’s not working.

After what feels like ages, the movie blessedly ends, but Haneul doesn’t rise, stretching in her seat. 

You break. “Don’t you need to get going?” 

“Eh, I’ll just bring Yeosang some coffee and he’ll forgive me for being late,” she says. “He always says I’m his favorite coworker anyway.” 

“I thought he had better taste than that,” San pipes up, earning himself a middle finger from his sister. 

“Whatever. You love me too.” She glances at you. “You know, he’s not seeing that waitress anymore. I could tell him to text you, if you’re still interested?” 

If you looked over right now, you’re pretty sure you’d find San studying your reaction, which is why you try to keep your face as blank as possible. “Oh, I don’t - I don’t know… um, I’ll think about it.” 

She shrugs. “Suit yourself. But I wouldn’t give it too much thought. A sweet guy like him won’t be single for long.” She finally shuffles towards the bathroom, and you breathe a sigh of relief, turning to San, only to be met with a cheeky smile.

“Yeosang, hmm?” He wiggles his eyebrows. 

“Shut up.” You can feel flames of embarrassment licking at your cheeks. “Your sister asked what I thought about him once and I said he was cute, okay? That’s all.” You’re not sure why you feel so defensive, but San obviously notices. 

“I didn’t say anything,” he states, raising his hands. Yet that bright grin of his remains.

“Well good. Keep it that way,” you say, shaking your head when he laughs. “You really are an absolute menace, you know th- “

San suddenly raises his finger to his lips. Confused, you stop talking. He points to the hallway, where you can hear the squeak of the shower being turned on. Then he mimics zipping his lips, and inclines his head, silently asking if you understand. 

You nod, heart skipping in your chest. 

San grabs the blanket off the back of the couch and drapes it over your lap and his. Then his arm disappears beneath the soft fabric, and you feel his hand warm on your stomach before it’s diving under the waistband of your joggers.

“S-san,” you stutter. “Wait.” You can’t. You shouldn’t. Right? 

He doesn’t pull his hand away, but doesn’t move it any further. “Do you want me to stop?”

There’s something so dangerous in his eyes right now, in the way he looks at you. You’re afraid you might become addicted to him. 

Who are you kidding? You already know you are. 

“We have to be quick.” 

San grins at your response. He tilts his head, leaning towards you, and you accept his kiss with hungry lips. His fingers slip between your legs, tracing over your clothed slit, picking up more arousal with each pass. 

“Gonna make you forget all about anyone else,” he murmurs, tongue gliding against yours. As if you’re thinking about anyone else right now. As if there’s anyone who could make you feel like San does. Thankfully, his mouth muffles your whimper when he pushes your panties aside and slides his middle finger in, sinking right up to his knuckles in one smooth glide. 

“Nghh,” you groan, and San pushes his tongue into your mouth, trying to muffle your noises with the wet muscle like a gag. But despite the enthusiasm with which he’s trying, it’s not enough. It’s his fault, really, given that he’s the one with two fingers curling inside you now, stroking you just right. 

You start to pant, lungs shaky as need consumes you, and San pulls back, examining your face for a moment, before he shakes his head and clamps his hand over your mouth. “Always so loud, Noona. Do you want to get us caught?” 

You moan involuntarily, surprising yourself, and he drops his head onto your shoulder, fucking you faster with one hand while smothering your whining with the other. His hot, heavy exhalations on your neck are the only sign that he’s worked up too.

When your orgasm hits, you twitch and spasm, stomach and thighs quaking. He holds his hand firm over your mouth, letting you grind against his other hand while you ride it out, until you’re completely spent, making no more sound.

Your heart rattles in your chest when you lift your head. San catches your eye, a tiny smirk on his lips, and you impulsively press a kiss to it, transforming it into a full blown smile. You didn’t realize you were an alchemist. 

When Haneul emerges from the bathroom, she finds you curled in the corner of the couch under the blanket. San’s in the kitchen, rooting through the fridge. You hope you look calm and relaxed, that your best friend can’t hear the way your heart is still racing. 

“All right, kids. Try not to have too much fun while I’m gone.” 

Haneul’s footsteps have barely faded outside the door before you’re on your feet, tugging San towards your bedroom. After all that waiting, you’re not wasting a second more.

If you liked this fic, please consider reblogging! Likes do not help it get seen by other readers. 💕

Taglist: @sweetnspicy-noona @krystal-a @jennylychee

© 2023-24 by minisugakoobies. Crossposted to AO3. Please do not copy or repost. I do not allow translations of my work.

[call-me-maggie13]

My late 40s to early 50s boss just asked what’s wrong with 18-25 year olds these days

And as a 21 year old all I could think was

The world has been on fire since we were born and we’ve been told the adults are putting it out and now we’re old enough to realize they’ve been pouring kerosene on the flames instead of water.

Before my first birthday, 9/11 happened and the world wouldn’t let us forget it. When I was 6 years old, on September 11th, my teacher sat us down in front of a tv and showed us footage of 9/11 and then told us we weren’t allowed to cry. She said that it was real and those were real people jumping from the building because jumping was a faster death than burning.

When I was 7 years old, the economy collapsed and my family went from lower middle class to poverty, we went from healthy home cooked meals every night to mac and cheese and beans for weeks in a row. We started skipping holidays because mom and dad couldn’t keep the lights on and buy us new toys. We started wearing clothes and shoes until they fell apart.

When I was 11 years old, Sandy Hook was attacked by a grown man with a gun and 26 children and teachers were brutally murdered. My teachers never looked at us the same and I haven’t felt safe in a school since. After that, once a month we would have active shooter drills and we were taught to fight and cause as much damage as possible if an armed man entered our classroom because it gave other classes a few extra seconds to escape, it gave our siblings a few extra breaths of safety. We were taught to cover ourselves in other students blood and play dead if we weren’t hit, we were taught that we weren’t safe and we wouldn’t be safe as long as we were in school.

When I was 15 years old, my high school art teacher locked us in the classroom and told us if we heard gunshots we should line the desks up lengthwise so that they reached the other wall because that would be harder to break through than a barricade. She told us that she knew about the threats and she wouldn’t judge any of us that wanted to leave. She told us to get our siblings and stay in the buildings as long as possible, to duck in between the cars so we couldn’t be seen until we got to ours. She told us about the trail behind the auto shop that was lined with trees and led off campus. I got my brother and his friends and we left, we spent the day sitting on the floor in my living room waiting for a phone call that the people we left behind were dying.

Two weeks later, one of my friends dragged me out of a football game and forced me to go home with him. He grabbed my brothers and my best friend and forced the six of us into a two seater car before he would tell us anything. His mom worked for the school board and had told him the police found an active bomb under the bleachers in the student section, and they weren’t informing anyone because they didn’t want to incite panic.

When I was 16 years old, ISIS set off a bomb at a pop concert in Britain and killed 22 people, injuring at least 100 more. The next day at school, our teachers went over how to stay safe if we ever experienced something like that. They told us the most important thing to remember was to not remove any shrapnel because it could be keeping us from bleeding out, they said it was more important to get yourself out safely before you worried about anyone else.

When I was 18 years old, my teachers stopped teaching and put the news up on the projector and we watched as the Notre-Dame burned. The boy I had sat next to since second grade spent the entire day trying to call his sister who was studying abroad in Paris, I watched this kid I had never even seen frown fall apart in English because she wouldn’t pick up the phone. We didn’t know it at the time, but she was okay.

Six months later, my history teacher put the news on the projector again for another fire. This time, we watched as an entire continent burned for three months. We watched their sky turned orange from the smoke and their wildlife drowned in pools because they were trying to escape the heat.

When I was 19 years old, the whole world shut down because of a global pandemic. I didn’t meet a single new person for eight months, despite the fact that I had just moved across the country. I watched as people didn’t wear masks and spread it to everyone around them, I was so scared when I went back to my room every night because my roommate was immunocompromised and I was terrified I would give her Covid and kill her.

Just two months later, I watched a video of a black man being murdered by police officers. I watched the world around me explode after George Floyd’s death, people destroying businesses and police stations. I watched some of my friends realize police officers didn’t exist to keep them safe, they existed to keep the people in power in power. I learned that some of the people I had grown up with would rather watch a black man die than admit that maybe, maybe, the system was broken.

When I was 20 years old, I went to the mall with a friend to buy a birthday present and I was pulled to the ground by a twelve-year-old girl after gunshots went off in the mall. I held this child’s hands as she cried for two hours until we were evacuated by police, and then I waited with her outside and helped her look for her mom. I gave her my phone to call her mom and I watched as she called the number over and over and never got a reply. I waited with her until a police officer took her to the station to try to find out more information about the girl’s mom, I hugged this girl I had never seen before and I wished her the best. I never found out what happened to her or her mom, it keeps me up at night sometimes worrying that this little girl was orphaned.

When I was 21 years old, I started working at a daycare and exactly a week later, Uvalde happened and I found myself crying because my students are the same age those kids were. When they came in after school the next day, one of them had asked me if I had heard about Uvalde and I told her I had, I asked her if she was scared of going to school because of it. Her reply broke my heart. “We practice for it every week so that when it happens to us, we know what to do. I’m just worried that the shooter is going to start in my baby sister’s classroom and not mine.” I listened as other students with younger siblings agreed with her, one of them saying “I would take fifty bullets, if I had to to keep my little brother safe.”

Early this year, I watched Russia launched bombs into Ukraine, blowing up churches and schools and hospitals and apartment buildings. I watched as the estimated death count rose from the hundreds to the thousands to the tens of thousands. I watched men send their wives and children to bordering countries for refuge while they stayed behind to fight, knowing they would probably never see each other again.

Just four months ago, I watched as my right to medical privacy got taken away. I watched my old roommate fall apart because she was denied the right to have her dead fetus removed from her body for almost two days, I worried every time I looked away from her that the next time I saw her would be in a casket. I watched as the women around me realized the military-grade weapons that had torn children in classrooms apart were protected by the government but our bodies weren’t.

There is nothing “wrong” with my generation, we’ve experienced all these things as children and were expected to respond with patriotism for a country that continuously sacrificed their children for the “right” to military-grade weapons, that took away my freedom of choice. We are tired, we were told the world was a wonderful place then shown, at every step, how the world was a place of destruction and pain. And we are angry. We are angry because no one but us seems to be trying to fix anything. And we are scared. We are scared because our children, our nieces and nephews, our cousins and our friends children are growing up in a world that won’t protect them.

[wzrd-wheezes]

No Strings Attached - Remus Lupin x Reader

AN - I've been wanting to write this one for a while now but I've only just gotten around to it.

2k words.

Remus lay stretched out across the length of the sofa, his back propped against one plush arm and his legs near enough dangling over the other. Y/N was tucked in between his legs, her head leaning back against his chest. Remus had his arms wrapped around her, one hand holding his book, resting it on her stomach, the fingers on his spare hand were tracing lazy circles on the exposed skin of her midriff.  

This was the usual set up for the pair of them. To anyone looking in, it would be a safe bet to say that they were boyfriend and girlfriend. However, they were not. Their relationship had been like this for a while now, they had been best friends since school, and after leaving decided to move in together.  

They had always been quite touchy feely with each other, so snuggling up on the sofa was a common occurrence in their flat. For the two of them, the line between best friends and in a relationship was thin. It had all started after they had first slept together, when they had both come home from the pub one night, both slightly tipsy but extremely horny.  Their relationship had been a bit of a grey area since then. Friends with benefits didn’t seem to fit what they were. Did friends with benefits usually cuddle up for hours after? Make food together? Remus didn’t think so. 

“I think there should be a new word for what we are.” Remus whispered; his words were so soft that they could easily have been mistaken for a thought. His eyes were still focused on his book, but his free hand was now moving more intently, tracing shapes on Y/N’s skin. Y/N hummed in response, her eyes flickering open. She shifted slightly so she could look at him better, a light smile on her face. 

“I’m listening to you. What do you think we should call what we are?” She tilted her head slightly, her eyes glittering mischievously, “Can’t have the neighbours thinking we’re a couple.” 

“Hmm...” he paused for a moment, pretending to think, “What about, friends with benefits who also live together and cook together and cuddle and flirt sometimes? How’s that for a label?” he responded, his tone playful. He moved his hand to cup her cheek, his thumb moving to caress her jaw. 

“Way too long.” Y/N said with a dismissive wave of her hand. 

“Okay fine. We’ll go with ‘Friends with Benefits’ and then if I ever need to introduce you to anyone, I can just mention all the other activities that we do.” He cocked to the side, giving her a grin. It was hard to discern if he was teasing her or if he genuinely wanted to keep their ‘situation’ a secret. Remus wasn’t even sure if he knew that himself.  

“In all honesty, I’m content with the way things are.” Y/N hummed, “No strings attached. It’s nice, y’know?” 

“No strings.” he repeated, his voice thoughtful. She could feel the strings between them though, couldn’t she? The strings that would be difficult to unravel even if they wanted to. “I like it too.” he added softly. 

A few days had passed since their conversation and Remus was trying his best not to think about it. Every time he did, he got this strange sinking feeling in his stomach. He told himself over and over again that he was fine with just keeping it casual with Y/N, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t convince himself. 

“Oh, I forgot to mention this morning, I’m out tonight so I won’t be in for dinner.” Y/N said one afternoon. They were in their usual spot on the sofa, sat at either end with their legs intertwined in the middle. Remus’s hand was resting on Y/N’s shin, his fingers running up and down it absent mindedly as he read. He glanced up from his book when she spoke.  

“Ah okay, no problem. You off anywhere fun?”  

“Y’know Max that I used to work with? He’s in town so asked if I wanted to go out for a drink with him.” 

Remus’s fingers stilled, his arm going completely limp. After a beat, he cleared his throat and spoke, his voice careful. 

“Is that... a date, or?” 

“I dunno. Why’d you asked?” Y/N shrugged. 

His eyes locked on hers, his lips parted slightly as he tried to think of a reply.  

“Oh, nothing. Just wondered is all.” he said. His voice was even, calm, but she could hear the strain in it. Remus shifted in his seat, looking back down at his book, trying to hide his face from her. 

“You’re not getting all weird on me, are you?” Y/N said, sitting up straight, “We said no strings attached...” 

“No,” he said, his tone a touch sharp, “I’m not being weird!”  

He was. He knew that, and he knew for certain that she did too. He was jealous and the thought of her going out for a drink with someone else was killing him. His thoughts went back to the other men that he knew Y/N had been with. The ones that she’d openly talked to him about before they had got involved with each other. Back when they were best friends and nothing more.  

“Good! You had me worried for a second.” Y/N laughed nervously, pulling Remus from his thoughts. 

His jaw was clenched, the words that were left unsaid hung on his tongue, but he swallowed them down. He forced his body to relax and took a deep breath.  

“Nah of course not.” he said, trying to keep his tone light, “Have fun, yeah? Call me if you need anything.” 

After she had left, Remus moped around their flat for a while. He cooked himself dinner and then settled down back on the sofa with his book. Try as he might, he couldn’t seem to focus. His thoughts just kept jumping back to Y/N. His heart was racing, his body heating up at the thought of Max touching her. Putting his arms around her, his hand resting on her thigh like Remus’s did.  

Remus decided that, if he was awake when she got back, he wanted to kiss her. He wanted to take her by the hand and lead her to the bedroom, pulling her close until there was nothing between them. He wanted to whisper his feelings for her, tell her that he didn’t want to keep it casual. He was scared. He was absolutely terrified of coming on too strong, he didn’t want to ruin what they had now, but he couldn’t bear the thought of Y/N being with anybody else. 

The minutes stretched and stretched and stretched, all he was doing was waiting for her to get back. Hoping that his thoughts were completely wrong. His heart raced at every noise, anxiously waiting for the jingle of her keys as she unlocked the door. 

He must have fallen asleep because his eyes shot open when he heard the door creak. His eyes followed Y/N’s movements as she made her way into the flat. She dropped her keys down on the coffee table with a clatter and then plonked herself down on the sofa next to him.  

“Oh, hey.” Remus said, as if he hadn’t been desperately waiting for her to return home for the past several house. 

“Hey. Wasn’t sure if you’d have gone to bed or not.” Y/N said, curling her legs up, getting comfortable. 

“Couldn’t sleep,” Remus shrugged, “How was your evening? Have a good time?” he tried his best to sound careless, but there was something in his tone that hinted at just the opposite 

“Yeah, it was fine, thank you.” Y/N said. She eyed Remus, looking for any indication on his face that something was wrong with him. Remus looked at her, trying to seem casual, but his gaze was anything but. He cleared his throat once more, his hand rubbing over his chin. 

“Are you... are you upset with me?” she asked, her voice coming out barely above a whisper. She felt her gut twist as she looked at him. He looked annoyed, as if he was trying his hardest not to say something to her.  

Her question hit him like a ton of bricks. Remus thought about his response for a moment. What was he supposed to say? The truth? That he was jealous beyond logic and reason? That he loved her and didn’t want her to be with anyone else but him? 

“Of course I’m not upset.” he found himself saying, “I could never be upset with you.” 

Y/N nodded, her eyes fixed on a patch of the carpet. Neither of them said anything for a while. They just sat there in silence. It wasn’t the kind of quiet that they were used to when they were sat together, the comfortable kind where they didn't feel like they had to say anything to each other, where they could just sit in each other's company and just be. The silence was the horrible kind, the kind that lingered in the air and was so uncomfortable that Remus swore he could hear his own heart beating.  

“I’m jealous.” Remus’s voice came out strained. He jerked a little in his seat, as if he couldn’t believe the words that had just come out of his mouth. 

“Yeah, I figured that much.” she replied quietly. A silence descended upon them once more, but after a moment or two she spoke again, “You said no strings attached. So... you can’t get jealous. You can’t care.” Her words came out frantically.  

“No, you said no strings attached.” Remus said. 

“Yeah, but – we agreed to that.” Y/N’s tone had heightened, his words touching a nerve within her, I thought – I thought that meant that you were okay with this! I thought you didn’t care. That we were just screwing around and then when you got bored you would just call it quits and move on.” Tears started to well up in the corners of her eyes, her voice soft and quivering. 

Remus let out a noise of frustration and stood up from the sofa. He started to pace the living room, his hand anxiously lifting to rub the back of his head.  

“How could you think that I don’t care?” he asked, “I- I care about you. I have for a while now! And I’m - I don’t know what I am to you, but I know for sure that I don’t want us to be friends with benefits or whatever bullshit label we call ourselves.”  

Y/N let out a deep breath, taking a moment to process what he had just said to her. She felt like her head was spinning. Her eyes followed Remus as he paced back and forth, clearly trying to make sense of the situation just like he was.  

“You like me...” Y/N whispered. Remus stopped dead in his tracks, turning to look at her.  

“Of course I like you!” his voice slightly louder than before, “I can read you like a book. I know exactly what you’re thinking, what you’re feeling. I know the sound of your heartbeat and the taste of your breath, and I know for sure how your lips feel on mine.” 

Remus had crossed to the room and had crumpled to his knees in front of where she was sat. It was as if getting those words out, finally getting it off his chest how he felt about her, had taken all of the energy from his body. He took Y/N’s face in his hands, his eyes searching hers for a reaction. 

Her eyes widened slightly, her whole body seeming to react to his words. She felt her cheeks heat up, her lips parting slightly as if she wanted to say something, but she couldn’t. She knew that she liked him. The fact that she had had a few flings here and there didn’t change that.  

Y/N crashed her lips into his. She couldn’t think of any other way to show him how she felt. Instinctively, his arms wrapped around her and he pulled himself onto the sofa. He all but dragged her so that she was on top of him, as close as could be, eyes peering into each other’s.  

“Fuck it.” Y/N said, breathless from the kiss, “Fuck ‘No strings attached’.” 

[ed-wwarren]

Ed Warren and Lorraine Moran had been best friends since they were three years old. From the moment Ed and his mother Sarah moved into the neighborhood across the street from the Moran’s after Sarah had finally gathered the courage to leave her abusive husband.

Ed and Lorraine had become inseparable, spending all day together in preschool and then coming home and playing with each other in one of their backyards. That inseparable bond continued well throughout their middle and high school years and even as their friend group grew, they still stayed best friends.

Ed was forever Lorraine’s protector, too. Even after rumors started that she was a ‘ghost girl’ when they were thirteen. He had absolutely no problem kicking anyone’s ass for her.

Everyone who knew them believed they were going to be married one day and everyone who didn’t know them but saw them interacting thought they already were dating and were sweet together…

But they weren’t.

Ed had admittedly developed a bit of a crush on Lorraine the older they got but she never showed any signs she was interested in him. In fact, they would both often joke about her becoming a nun and he would join her by becoming a priest. If that didn’t give off, ‘I only want to be your friend’ then he didn’t know what did. So, he never asked her to school dances or out on a date like he wanted to.

Before they knew it, senior year had come around and for the first dance of their last school year in September, a girl in their grade who looked a lot like Lorraine named Natalie asked Ed to the dance and he said yes…and when she kissed him that night, he didn’t stop her…and by the next week they were dating. It all happened so fast but what did he have to gain by fighting it? Natalie was sweet and smart and funny and looked…so much like Lorraine. If he couldn’t have Lorraine, he would have to always settle if he didn’t want to live alone forever anyway. This was as close to Lorraine as he would get.

Ed had always believed that Lorraine would never date anyone, that she just wasn’t interested in that, so in October when they all went to a Halloween party and Lorraine went with Nick, one of their friends, Ed felt a bit heartbroken.

It wasn’t that Lorraine didn’t want to date, it was that she just didn’t want to date Ed…

No matter what though, Ed refused to lose Lorraine. If he couldn’t have her as his girl, he would take her as his best friend and he would simply have to be okay with that. As long as she was happy, he was too.

One night while Sarah was working a late shift at her job to have enough money for some good Christmas presents for Ed, he was invited over to have dinner with Lorraine and her parents so he didn’t have to try and cook for himself and burn the house down. He let himself in as he had for the past fourteen years and walked over to where Lorraine was sitting on the couch reading. He lifted her feet off the couch and sat next to her, putting her feet back down on his lap. “New book?” He asked with a smile, gently squeezing her toes. When she got a new book, she never knew what was going on around her.

@giftedclairvoyance

[pskmonika]

Sanji x fem reader

I apologize for any grammar mistakes, English isn't my first language

You were a new member of the straw hats, you were strong and kind, which caught the attention of the captain that made you join

You got along with basically everyone, you seemed tough and cold at first, but in reality u were mostly just shy and awkward

But ofc with time that fade away, you got comfy, and they realized how fun and easy going u were, you were gentle and cared for everyone,

But there was one thing that others didn't know, it was how much you secretly liked the blond cook,

You saw a side of him not a lot of people saw, he was very kind, very gentle, the way he softly hums while cooking alone in the kitchen,

The way he was kind and gentle with kids and animals

The way he gave food to anyone in need

And many many other things, you couldn't control your feelings you were in love with sanji

Tho, even with how deeply you loved him, you could never tell him, cause, well it's sanji, he liked way too many women, he kept flirting and complementing women that were... Well, in your opinion far more beautiful then you, why would he even like you for? You didn't want to embarrass him, so you just decided to hide all your feelings away

Yet that didn't stop you from spending a lot of time with him, helping him with dishes, cooking with him, shopping together, and enjoying lots of long talks together, he told you about his past, you told him about yours, you both got really close, the friendship got really strong, yet, that was all...

You didn't mind it tho, you enjoyed every second you spent with him, and you'll always love him, even if he didn't love you,

Little did you know...

♡₊˚ 🦢・₊✧⋆⭒˚｡⋆

Sanji has always liked women, in his eyes they were beautiful and angelic, he was flattered with the smallest attention they gave him, he wanted to be a gentleman and serve all the beautiful women on the world

Yet deep down he know he doesn't truly love them, he liked them but, he would never be serious with any one of them, and we can see that by the way he stop being all flirty with the women that he thinks may be catching feelings for him, and he doesn't wanna play with their emotions,

Well that was the classic sanji, until he met you, and god only knows the things you've done to him

You were very, different, and the more he got to know you the harder he fell for you

You were the only one who saw him for who he is, you were the only one he can talk to about everything, you comforted him, helped him, listened to him, you were beautiful, you were kind, you were brave,

You were unlike anyone he have ever met

You reminded him so much of his own mother, and the comfort she once made him feel...

Yet, he never gathered enough courage to confess, he didn't want to ruin his friendship with you, you became the closest person to him and he didn't wanna lose that, he was afraid

Afraid of you leaving him after knowing that his feelings goes beyond friendship, 'what if she thinks I just wanna play with her?' He thought, 'what if she thinks I am a weirdo?'

Those thoughts wouldn't leave him mind, no morning no night...

And those feelings bottling up inside him made him incredibly anxious, he didn't just love you, he was crazy in love with you,

And that reflected in many actions you tend to ignore, like his overprotectiveness, or how extremely jealous he got for the smallest things, he would start a fight out of no where just cause a guy sat next to you on the dinner table, let alone when another dared to touch you, he made sure he will regret the second he decided to even look at you,

Yet you always thought it was just, sanji being sanji, he would probably do the same for nami or robin, right?

You were honestly too blind to even realize how different he was with you, in a good way ofc

Even some of your nakama started to notice, the girls, franky, and even brook, it was so obvious how different the cook acted in your presence, how much he was focusing on you, like you were all that is important on this earth at that moment,

♡₊˚ 🦢・₊✧⋆⭒˚｡⋆

Nothing ever changed between you too, you were both burning inside yet acting like it was all okay when you are with each other, well until that day,

There was a huge party going on in a certain island that you landed on, a lot of well known pirates were there, it was in a huge disco, everyone was having fun, dancing, drinking, laughing and so were you, Everything was okay until u went to the bathroom quickly and when you came back you saw that

3 girls from the party were sitting around sanji, he was having the biggest nose bleed as expected, their hands were all over him, his chest his thigh...

And they were really pretty, so so pretty, wearing such a revealing sexy clothes, who would blame him for being in such stat?

You have made your self get used to this long time ago, yet, today, for some reason, you couldn't, you've never felt such a pain in your entire life, it was like someone just stabbed you with a burning knife, it hurt, it was suffocating, you couldn't breath

So you just walked out as fast as you can, you made your way to the quite back of the disco, it was facing the ocean, you tried to breath but u just couldn't, you felt as if it was all choking you, all at once, everything,

You were out of breath, shaking, and trying to hold in the tears that kept falling off like a river, 'just how embarrassing will it be if someone found you in such state?' You thought, but no matter how much you tried it just got worst, it felt like everything you were holding in, came crushing you all at once,

"(Y/n)?" You didn't notice brook who was also out there for some reason, you could barely recognize him with your teary eyes, you quickly ran to him and hugged him while sobbing, you needed warmth, you needed someone

Brook was beyond worried, he never saw you in such a state, a million question was running through his head "(y/n)! W-what happened?" He said while holding you even closed then you was

You just continued crying, it felt too much, way too much, "s-sanji" you told him with a weak voice, too weak from all that crying "what did he do?"

"B-brook!! Brook I love him, I love him so much" you just couldn't stop crying, you hated how pathetic you probably looked right now, but it was beyond your control,

Brook just continued hugging you, rubbing your back, trying to help you with any form of comfort "then tell him" he said "I actually think he like you too"

"Him? Liking me?" You said laughing sarcasticlly "look at me! I am basic and awkward and and I am not as pretty as he want, I am not sexy I am not-" you just continued crying as you confessed all the thoughts you hid for too long "I am nothing like them"

Little did you know that there was another one listening to the whole conversation

Sanji's heart was experiencing some kind of pain he never felt, he felt as if his heart was gonna burst, he saw you when you went out of the bathroom, he pushed the girls away and was gonna come to you when he noticed you walking away really fast, so he just followed you out, and he was so confused and scared when he saw you in a such a state, and just when he was about to walk out the door and ask you what's wrong he heard you talking to brook, and then, you said his name,

And in a few minutes, everything was clear,

Women tears always made sanji feel so much rage, but, now hearing the woman he love the most cry, because of him, was unbearable, if it was in another situation he would be far too happy to know that you love him, but seeing you like this, it made him feel so much pain, too much pain

"(Y/n)" you looked up once again, this time, it was him "sanji"

"I'll be inside" brook said giving you a small pat on the head before he left

You looked away while wiping out your tears, your heart was beating fast, all you thought about was 'did he hear anything?' "What are you doing here sanji, just go back in ill be right back-"

suddenly, you felt sanji warm embrace before you could even finish your sentence, his hands were shaking so hard and you felt his heart beating so fast,

"I am sorry (y/n), I am sorry I am so sorry" it was all surprising to you, you couldn't even think well at this moment, you felt his tears falling over your back as he hugged you even closer, hugged you as if you were going to slip away at any moment, "I love you (y/n)! I love you! I am in love with you"

"You love me?" You whispered to him with your weak voice and shaky breath, he pulled away and looked at you straight in the eyes "yes yes (y/n) yes, since the day I know you, you are not like any other girl (y/n)! You are everything I want, I am sorry I was so stupid, I thought- I thought- you won't ever love me, I thought-"

And before he could finish his sentence, you pulled him closer by the collar of his suit that was too messy right now, and kissed him, it was intense, full of love, full of happiness and excitement

"I love you too, sanji"

[cobaltperun]

Lost (12) - You had me from hello

Tara Carpenter x female Reader

Summary: To anyone on the outside, and to Tara’s friends, you were Tara’s fierce protector, the MMA fighter who’d take anyone on for Tara. The Guard Dog, as Amber called you. You had no idea you’d have to protect her from people who claimed they loved her. It didn’t matter. As long as you and Tara had one another there was nothing you wouldn’t be able to survive.

Story warnings: Scream violence, family issues, trauma, angst, certain sensitive topics

Word count: 3.7k

Story masterlist / First part / Previous part / Next part

-If I never told you I just want you to know you had me from hello-

Proving that yesterday was a fluke, Tara woke up to the sight of you already up and rolling the dough, which, knowing you, probably meant you were making crescent rolls. Tara stretched a bit and just watched you work for a couple of minutes. The years working as a cook really paid off, as you moved in the kitchen with practiced ease and Tara found herself swooning at the thoughts of eating your cooking for the rest of her life. She didn’t even feel like she was rushing with that thought. The two of you went through enough to know for sure that nothing, absolutely nothing, could separate you. And that thought made her smile. She let out a content sigh, humming as she got up and approached you. She hugged you from behind, the same way she did yesterday, only without putting her arms underneath your shirt this time.

"Good morning, Y/N," she said a bit sleepily, she lazily leaned down a bit and kissed you just beneath your shoulder blade, loving the way you went still just for a moment.

"Good morning, birthday girl," she didn't even need to look at you to know there was a grin on your face. She heard you moving a bit, and wiping something before she felt your hands on top of hers. "Great timing actually. What filling would you like?"

Tara hummed at that, it was tempting to go for something sweet, but she'd have her cake later. "How about pizza?" just some tomato sauce, cheese, and ham would be perfect.

You nodded, fake coughing and tapping her hand lightly. Right, she'd need to let you go. "Thank you," you teased, turning around to kiss her cheek before heading to the fridge.

Tara leaned against the counter, careful to avoid dough and flour. "You're making a lot. Are Sam, Chad and Mindy coming?"

"Yeah, apparently we owe them for leaving us alone yesterday. Although, should the three of you be this relaxed about school?" you asked causing Tara to freeze for a moment and look away. You approached, a bowl, ham, cheese and a bottle of tomato sauce in your hands, and you were carefully observing her. When you stood in front of Tara you set aside the bowl and ingredients down, took your apron off, and then tucked a few strands of hair behind Tara's ear. "What's wrong?"

You noticed. Not that she was surprised about that. No one knew her as well as you did. "It's been difficult lately," Tara sighed, if she wanted you to always be open with her, she'd have to be the same way with you.

You frowned and she swore she could see gears turning in your head. "Because of what happened?" you figured it out.

"Yeah," she leaned into you, seeking the comfort of having your arms around her gave her. And you gave her just that, pulling her in. "Promise me you won't go crazy when I tell you," if anyone knew you, she knew you. Even if she failed to recognize you weren't fine for years. She knew how you were when it came to her. She knew you'd get pissed off the moment you heard how things were at school.

Tara heard a reluctant sigh and smiled when she felt you picking her up and taking her to the sofa. You sat down, with her safely sitting on your lap. "I don't like it, but I promise."

"It's either pity or blame. You know, some say they are sorry for me because of what Amber did to me, some say I should have noticed Amber was... the way she was," some went on to say Tara wasn't any different, that she killed Amber, so she was just as dangerous and sick in the head as her now deceased ex. She couldn't tell you that. You'd want the names of those people regardless of what you promised.

She felt you clenching your fists, she felt the tension in your muscles as you held her, she heard the deep breaths you took.

"Y/N," she nuzzled into your neck, hoping she could calm you down with touch, with assurance that she was right there and fine, and that you didn’t need to get into trouble over this.

"I know, I know. I trust you to tell me if you need me to do anything," that was what she wanted to hear as she caressed your cheek, slowly kissing from your neck all the way to your lips. It was a soft, brief kiss, but it was enough to calm your down.

Tara pulled back first, smiling. "I love how protective you are. I love knowing you are always there when I need you. I still need to handle things myself, you know? I need you to get back to the way you were before I was attacked," back then you were protective, but not to the point of handling any problem she had yourself. You didn't get to that point now, either, but Tara worried you might if she didn't point it out to you right away.

Before you left two months ago Tara absolutely needed you. She needed help moving, she couldn't take care of herself properly and at first needed help with even some of the more basic tasks. That was embarrassing, but you were patient and made sure she never felt like she was an inconvenience. She couldn't do anything too difficult and with the damage to her hand, she'd still need help with certain tasks in the future. That was the physical side of things. Carrying her, carrying things she couldn't, all the things like that, all of that was fine. She knew her limits and she was fine with your help with what she couldn't do. That's how things were before she got attacked as well, only back then they were less intimate.

As for handling issues like the one she currently had at school, well, that was where she drew the line. She couldn't have you solving everything, or getting involved with everything. She needed you to go back to the way you were before. Where you'd only get involved if she asked you to and would otherwise just offer her the support.

"I can still get angry, right?" you asked, relaxing a bit at her words.

"There's not much I can do about that," Tara laughed and leaned down once again to kiss your cheek. "I have you," she kissed your cheek again. "And Sam, and Mindy, and Chad," with every name she kissed another part of your face, purposefully avoiding your lips. "I can handle anything this stupid town throws at me."

How she wished she could erase what happened, go to a place where no one knew who she was and what she went through so that she could live a normal life. Hopefully, she could do exactly that once she leaves Woodsboro with you, Chad, and Mindy, and, she hoped, Sam as well.

You got tired of her insistent avoidance of your lips and gently cupped her cheek to properly kiss her. "I know you can. You will. And then we'll leave this damn place and never come back," Tara liked that idea. She liked the slow and gentle way you were kissing even more, the soft caress of your thumb across the side of her face. You separated too quickly for her liking. "Breakfast, Tara" you reminded her.

"Breakfast, Tara" she repeated, dejectedly getting off your lap, and you just laughed. "What?" she asked, surprised by your reaction.

"Pancakes, Y/N," you reminded her, and Tara blinked a few times, realizing she did exactly what you did yesterday.

And so, she laughed as well, jokingly pushing you to get up quicker. You got together yesterday, no one could blame her for being a bit more eager for everything than it was necessary. Besides, you weren't any different. Give it a bit of time and you'll both get used to the relationship, which should, in turn, make you a bit less excited about being in a relationship than you currently were. Twice a day was definitely not a pace either of you needed.

You didn't head right back to the dough, instead, you dug for something in your bag and walked back to her with a small bag. "I saw them and figured your hand might be sensitive to cold," you handed her the package. "Happy birthday, Love," you said, quickly bending down to peck her lips one more time.

Tara, pulled you into a hug, the package still in her hand. "Thank you," she whispered in your ear. The gift turned out to be a pair of rechargeable hand warmers. "I love it," could she tell you? Was it too early? She kinda figured you weren't the most usual couple, between near-death experience and being in love for years. Shouldn't there be a build-up to those words? "Y/N."

"Yeah?" you looked taken aback when you looked her in the eyes.

"It's just, I-" she was sure of what she felt, she just feared you might think it was too soon.

You smiled. "I love you too, Tara," her jaw dropped.

"Wha- How?" she jumped to her feet as you laughed and went back to making crescent rolls. "Y/N!" she scolded you with a pout on her face.

"Eyes are the window to the soul, right? Well, no one has eyes quite as expressive as yours, Tara. Besides, we've been through so much together. Saying 'I love you' feels more like stating the obvious, rather than a huge declaration," you shrugged while you began grating the cheese

Tara wanted to be annoyed, but, frankly, she couldn't be. You just had to be right, didn’t you? Tara did have to admit most people didn’t go through what the two of you did. There certainly wasn’t a book about when to say ‘I love you’ if you and your partner survived a couple of crazy killers trying to kill you. "You're right. Let's redo it. I love you, Y/N," she said and your smile morphed into a wide grin.

"I love you too, Tara."

~X~

About an hour later Tara got a text from Sam that her, Chad, and Mindy were almost there, and just in time as you were just done setting the table. The crescent rolls smelled absolutely divine and if they weren’t fresh out of the oven Tara would have tried them already.

The two of you heard a knocking on the doors and Tara jumped to unlock them.

“Sam learnt her lesson,” you teased as Tara walked past you and she just grinned at you, blushing slightly at the reminder of what nearly happened yesterday.

The moment she opened the doors Sam burst in, hugging her tightly. “Easy Sam, I was with Y/N,” Tara laughed, hugging her sister back.

“In more ways than one,” Mindy quipped shamelessly.

“Mindy!” Chad, luckily, chastised her before Tara could.

But Mindy just smirked, patting Tara on the back. “Early birthday present? Seeing stars without getting punched?”

Tara blushed furiously, of course Mindy would keep teasing her even now that she got together with you. “That’s… It’s not,” damn it, why was she so embarrassed.

“Damn it, Mindy, we’re supposed to have breakfast,” Sam complained as she let go of Tara.

“Exactly, and leave Tara be,” Chad jumped in to defend her as well.

Mindy just smirked, and while she stopped talking she wiggled her eyebrows suggestively causing Tara to groan. “Well, I had my fun, happy birthday, T,” Mindy finally went and hugged her. “Also, seriously, about time you two!” she exclaimed loud enough for you to hear her as well, but considering the way you were looking at them, with your jaw dropped, you definitely heard everything that came before as well.

“What the dingus said, I mean the about time thing,” Chad grinned and pulled Tara in for a hug. “Happy birthday!”

“Thanks, all of you,” Tara smiled, and just for a moment, for a fleeting second, she expected to see three more faces there. As if what happened was a horrible nightmare, as if Wes and Liv were still alive and Amber was alive and not a crazy murderer. But they weren’t there, they were all dead.

She tried to keep the smile on her face as she the three of them inside. All five of you sat down and Tara snuggled as close to you as she could, seeking your warmth and trying to push those thoughts away.

You always had a sixth sense for her distress, and you wrapped your arm around her and kissed the top of her head.

“So, world champion?” Chad awkwardly patted you on the shoulder.

Ever since Tara told the three of them of your retirement, they weren’t sure how to approach the subject, and that was with Tara. Now you were right there, and that awkwardness came back like a boomerang, and it was only slightly eased by the fact that you won. Well, depending on how you looked at it. Chad, personally, thought that you winning made it even worse, since you wouldn’t get the chance to defend your title and dominate the women MMA.

“Until the next title match, yeah. Anya will probably take it right back by beating up whoever her unlucky opponent ends up being,” you weren’t bothered though, not even a bit and Tara trusted you were honest.

“I bet, that woman hits hard,” Sam agreed, wincing slightly when she remembered how much Tara was panicking while they were all watching your fight.

You chuckled. “Tell me about it,” and just like that the tension was gone. Tara eased her worried mind by leaning into your touch, and you eased the worries of all your friends by being fairly chill about the retirement. For a brief moment Tara even chastised herself for ever doubting you in the first place.

~X~

Later that day you were washing the dishes while Tara and the twins choose how to pass the time. That was when Sam approached you.

She leaned back against the fridge, not quite looking at you, instead she crossed her arms and looked at Tara. "So, you and Tara," Sam began a bit awkwardly.

"Yes?" you couldn't help bit smirk a bit, but when you noticed Sam’s nervousness and the fact that she chose to keep her tone low, your smirk dropped, and you dried your hands. You were done anyway.

"You're official?" there was the question, honestly, you expected it a bit sooner, but you guessed there just wasn’t a chance for Sam to ask. And you guessed she was a bit conflicted.

You should have been annoyed by her demeanor. And maybe you were a bit annoyed. She was gone for five years, came back only when she had to, and while you were thankful, she came back, you didn’t exactly appreciate the fact that she was tethering on the edge of protecting Tara from you of all people. But, you did understand. Tara went through a traumatic experience, and she jumped into a relationship with you the moment you came back. Not to mention the circumstances surrounding you leaving weren’t the best either. Sam couldn’t know that you and Tara completely talked it out, before you got together, and then during the rest of the day, you just talked it all over. Or at least the most important topics.

So, between understanding where Sam was coming from and the excitement you felt over being with Tara you couldn't wipe that stupid grin off your face as you glanced at Tara debating with Mindy on which movie to watch was enough of an answer on its own. "Yeah, it kinda just happened," you then quickly raised your hand. "Before you give me protective older sister speech, I know. I get it. If I ever hurt her you're free to do whatever you want," of course, after you chose your own fitting punishment.

Sam nodded, smiling at your reassurance. "Honestly, if it had to be anyone, I'm glad it's you," she looked at Tara, at the grin on her face that mirrored your own when she glanced toward you. "She's happy with you."

"Sam, Y/N, come on!" Tara said, interrupting the conversation you had with Sam, still, you doubted there was anything else left to say. Sam approved, even if she was justifiably concerned for her sister.

~X~

As the celebration began coming to a close the five of you were left sitting, just chilling in your and Tara’s apartment. Mindy and Chad were on the couch and Chad was eating his second slice of cake. Sam and Mindy refused the seconds, but you and Tara were sharing a piece, since Tara was already full, but craved something sweet and you weren't about to turn down extra cake. Sam was sitting at the bottom of your and Tara’s bed, while you sat cross-legged on your bed with Tara sitting on your lap. You had one arm around her waist while holding the plate in the other. Tara was the one with the duty to feed either of you.

"Hey, what should we do when we leave Woodsboro?" Chad suddenly asked as he took another bite of his cake.

"Go to university, get our degrees, you know how it goes," Mindy didn't seem too interested in the topic.

"Well yeah, but I'd like us to stick together. You know, after what we went through," he said and you couldn't help but feel relief at his words.

You glanced at Tara, seeing the hopeful look in her eyes. This clearly wasn't something they talked about before.

"I don't think I can trust other people easily, after what Amber did," Mindy admitted. "And I really care about you two," she said to Chad and Tara. "No offense, Y/N, Sam."

"None taken, I get it," Sam immediately assured her and you just grinned.

You and Mindy were friends, you were on good terms, you could see she was happy for you and Tara. You also fully understood it was a friendship that relied on your mutual connection to Tara.

"Well, I care about all of you," Chad was, for the lack of a better description, much more open to caring about people than Mindy. Granted, you had more in common with Chad than Mindy, so that may have had something to do with the closer friendship the two of you had.

"How about we pick the same university and rent an apartment together?" Tara went for the best-case scenario in her head.

Mindy immediately crossed her arms in an X shape. "No way, university yes, but living with you two? No, I can't handle how stuck together you two are," she immediately shut it down.

Tara laughed, jokingly smacking her shoulder. "We're not that bad!"

Mindy just looked at Tara blankly and shook her head. "T. We know what you did yesterday, a day into your relationship, by the way," Tara and you blushed at that. "Also, kind of hard to believe you when you haven't left Y/N's lap for longer than a minute the whole night."

"She got you there Snuggle Bear," you snickered, pulling the embarrassed girl closer to you.

Tara pouted and untangled herself from you, so she could go to Sam who happily accepted the role of hugging her sister.

"There, there, don't worry about it," Sam smoothed Tara's hair and pulled Tara to her right side. Tara eagerly leaned into Sam's embrace.

"See! This is what I'm talking about! As if being sweet with Y/N wasn't enough, there's Sam as well!" Mindy laughed and honestly, given the situation, you and Chad couldn't help but join in. "It never ends, and I worry it might be contagious."

Tara just turned around and stuck her tongue out.

'We're all just touch-starved, aren't we?' you couldn't help but think as you shook your head slightly.

"No, look at it from the brighter side, at least she's going from one to the other," and Chad had to say it.

Tara immediately perked up and looked at you. "Y/N," she said sweetly and made a 'come here' motion with her hand.

"No!" Mindy and Chad jumped to grabbed onto you.

"Duty calls," you smirked, getting up to shake the two off and get closer to Tara and Sam despite the two trying to pull you back.

"Stay with us Y/N! She has you wrapped around her little finger!" Mindy laughed.

"How does Tara hold you back and pull you around all the time?" Chad complained as he relented and gave up on trying to hold you back.

Looking over your shoulder you saw Mindy looking at Chad with an 'Are-you-serious' look on her face.

"I let her," you shrugged and dropped down next to Tara. "Yes, Tara?"

Tara glanced down at her left hand, resting on her thigh. Then she glanced at your own hand. Okay, you could figure that one out. You leaned back and slid your arm around Tara's lower back so you could reach her left hand from behind. "Like this?"

"Just like that," going by the smile on Tara's face she really enjoyed the moment. Sam having her arm around Tara's shoulders and you hugging her at the same time.

"See, it's like she has two guard dogs now," Mindy's laughter suddenly stopped. The reminder of Amber's nickname for you hanging in the air like an uncomfortable weight on everyone's shoulders. "Shit, sorry, Tara," she apologized.

"No, don't worry about it," Tara got up, but before you or Sam could go after her Mindy got up and pulled her into a hug.

"I'm really sorry. For teasing as well, hug them all you want," Mindy dropped the tough act just for a few moments.

Tara returned the hug and you saw her shoulders relaxing before the two girls separated.

"Uh, I'd like a hug too," Chad grinned sheepishly, prompting Tara to hug him as well.

If there really was a group of life-long friends forming between the five of you there was no doubt in your mind the heart and soul of that group was Tara.

A/N: The gift is an idea from Anon's headcanon, I didn't even know those were a thing until Anon mentioned them. Thank you, Anon!

[chiffxna]

A Love Too Dark (01)

The Marquis Vincent de Gramont x Reader

Chapter 01 - A Deal With The Devil

WARNING: THIS IS A DARK FIC.

This story will contain 18+ mature themes, dark romance, toxic behaviour, blood, violence, stalking, manipulation, a lot of smut, dubious consent, non-consensual content, yandere Marquis de Gramont, power play, and power imbalance, obsession, dark Marquis de Gramont, and abuse of power. The list will be added more as the story progresses. Minors, don't read.

Story Masterlist

NEXT : Chapter 02

"I have to go now, mom," Yn Ln announced to her mother.

Upon hearing her say that, anyone would envision her saying that as she prepared to leave the house and informed that to her mother who was probably cooking in the dining room or handling house chores. Her father was probably napping or watching the television. The usual situation to a healthy family with a normal life, I bet one would say.

But no. It was the complete opposite.

Yn got up from the chair and put it back under the table where she had taken it previously. She glanced at her mother in the hospital bed. The older woman was quietly watching her with a pair of tired eyes, but upon realizing her daughter was looking at her, she put on a weak smile and said, "Be careful on your way home, dear."

Yn stepped closer to her bedside and grasped her hand. She regarded her mother with a sympathetic smile, "It'd be nice if you could come back home too."

Her mother tightened her hold on her oldest daughter's hand and replied, "Soon enough, honey. Soon enough. I just need to stay in the hospital for a long while. The doctors will do their best for me, you know. Then we can go home together."

Her mother was always an optimistic person and very patient. Her kindness knows no bounds and it's what kept her going through all the pain and suffering she had to endure. It hurt Yn so much to see her lying in that hospital bed, weak and frail. Her illness had taken a toll on her body and Yn wished there was some easy, quick way to make her better, but she knew the only path was through the expensive medical treatments needed for her recovery.

As Yn let go of her hand, she gave her a small peck on the forehead and whispered, "I'll visit you again tomorrow. Take care, mom."

Yn stepped outside the hospital and called for a CarRyte. She glanced at her wristwatch, realizing it was already seven in the evening. Her worry started to grow; she had an eight o'clock shift at the casino and she needed to be punctual, knowing her employer was particular with timeliness.

Soon enough, her ride arrived fast enough for Yn. She got into the CarRyte, breathed a sigh of relief, leaning back in the seat. She closed her eyes and tried to relax but her mind was racing. She was worried about her mother and the mounting medical bills. Since her father had long deserted them, Yn was the one who had to take care of the family and was responsible for collecting enough money for her mother’s treatment.

Upon arriving at the casino, she went straight to a door on the side of the building. A notice with "No Entry" was glued to the door, though she did not heed it since she knew it was actually a door for the casino's staffs only. She then entered an empty corridor and headed straight for the staff's changing area. She was welcomed by her female co-workers who were all wearing a seductive black bunny outfit with bunny ears atop their heads. Each one had applied makeup differently - some went for a lighter look and others had gone for heavier makeup styles.

As she sat down at her table, a woman in her late twenties - already dressed up in their uniform which was the seductive black bunny outfit - approached Yn and said with an urgent tone, "Oh, Yn! Thanks God, you're finally here!"

Yn glanced at her with surprise and inquired, "Emily! What's the matter? Something happened?"

Emily suddenly placed a set of the bunny outfit on its hanger and hung it beside Yn's makeup table. Her actions were hasty and hurried which caused Yn to watch her with puzzlement. Emily paused as she gazed back at her best pal, then proceeded to shake her head in confusion before uttering, "Well? Get ready, girl! Mr. Malone told us all to finish up as soon as possible!"

That got Yn to immediately start her skincare routine while asking with urgent tone, "Oh, he did?! Why?!"

“Oh dear, you didn’t check your phone again, did you?” Emily shrugged as she hurriedly dragged a chair to sit beside her friend. She replied, "I don't know why but he did say there's something he's going to tell us. He wants us to be ready thirty minutes earlier than usual."

"Don't tell me he's going to scold all of us again," Sophia, one of their coworkers, who was sitting at her makeup table which was located next to Yn's, spoke up, apparently overhearing Emily.

"What did we do, though?" Emily said, rolling her eyes, as she began helping Yn in her makeup. She continued, "He praised us for our excellent work last night."

Emma, another coworker, stated, "Maybe he had checked the CCTV and saw Sophia sneaking a drink from behind the casino."

Sophia scoffed in response, "I wasn't sneaking! I was just taking a break and having a sip of... water."

The rest of the girls laughed in unison, knowing that Sophia just blatantly lied since there was a delay in her answer, a crystal clear sign that she was lying. Plus, she was notoriously famous among them - even Mr. Malone knew - for taking sips of alcohol behind the casino during her breaks. Yn hurriedly put on her light makeup with Emily’s help, still worried about what Mr. Malone wanted to tell them. She knew he was a strict employer but she didn't want to disappoint him, not when this was the highest paying job she'd ever gotten. Not when her mother's life depended on it.

Once Yn had done her makeup and slipped into her bunny costume, she stepped out of the staff's changing area with the other girls. They all then assembled in the casino, still devoid of customers since they hadn't opened yet.

There they saw Mr. Malone talking on the phone, seemingly anxious over something. Once he saw them, he hung up the phone abruptly without saying goodbye to whoever on the other side of the call. It was his habit to hang up curtly.

"Took y'all long enough," Mr. Malone began, "Right. I'm gathering you all here to tell you that tonight we will have a very important customer. A VVIP. A very, very important VVIP. He's rich, important, and very influential."

Some of the girls behind Yn tried to restrain their grin after hearing what their employer said. They were very much interested in this VVIP in an instant upon knowing it's a male and that he's rich. The latter added, "I want you all to cater to his needs and whatever he wants. Give your two hundred percent of excellent service for him!"

Then his voice dropped to a dangerous tone. The others knew this as a warning tone for them. He said darkly, "If I hear even one word of complaint from him about one of you, whoever it is will be fired on the spot."

Every girl instantly tensed up. Yn felt a lump form in her throat. She knew how high the stakes were. This job meant everything to her, and if she were to lose it, she wouldn't have anything to fall back on. She clenched her hands together, determined to give her best performance. She glanced around at her coworkers, who all seemed to share her anxiety. They all knew how strict Mr. Malone was, but this felt different. This felt like their livelihoods were on the line.

Mr. Malone stated, "I believe having one bunny-girl to accompany him tonight is crucial to ensure perfect service, so... Yn, would you be up for it?"

Yn was stupefied. She sensed all eyes were locked on her as she remained speechless. Mr. Malone noticed the startled look on her face and commented, "What? You accompanied a VIP last night and received nothing but praises from him. You could do the same for this VVIP tonight again, ain't cha?"

He made it sound so simple. But Yn was uneasy this time, aware that a mistake or unlucky accident might lead to her dismissal from the job she had done so well for months. Yn hesitated, unsure if she could handle the pressure of catering to a VVIP. She thought about the high possibility of losing her job and the fear of not being able to provide for her mother if she gets fired.

Suddenly, Amelia, another coworker of hers, put up her hand and spoke up, "Mr. Malone, I volunteer to accompany him, please."

All eyes, including Yn's, were thrown to Amelia. All of them were astounded and in disbelief. Mr. Malone looked at her skeptically, "Are you sure, Amelia? You've only been working here for a month. I'm not sure if you're ready for this level of service yet."

Amelia replied with confidence, "I'm sure, Mr. Malone. I'd love to take this opportunity."

Mr. Malone thought for a moment before nodding his head. "Alright then, Amelia. You'll be accompanying the VVIP as his bunny-girl tonight. The rest of you, all the other customers also deserve the best service from you. Got it?"

The girls all nodded their heads in agreement, relieved that the decision had been made and that they were not holding a huge risk of being fired above their head, though they were still under the risk if the VVIP even muttered a word of complaint about any of them.

Mr. Malone said, "That's all. Remember. Two hundred percent of excellent service. No complaint from him. Oh, and don't forget your mask, ladies."

All of them dispersed to prepare for the opening. Yn headed to the table behind the main casino and opened the first drawer. There she saw a bunch of new, plain black masks and grabbed one. Once she put it on, Amelia came up to her and said with a smile, "Hey, Yn. Could you get another one for me?"

"Sure," replied Yn as she picked one and gave it to her.

Amelia thanked her and put it on. She looked back at Yn and heaved out a sigh, saying, "Gosh, I'm nervous. I'm starting to regret volunteering."

"Hey, don't be nervous," consoled Yn, "You were confident to take on the job. Get that confidence back. You can do it, Amy."

Amelia smiled, though she could not hide the anxiety gleaming in her eyes. She then turned her body fully to face Yn and, with a soft and low tone, she said, "Umm, sorry if it seemed abrupt... like I'm taking that opportunity away from you. I just want to..."

Yn raised both of her eyebrows, awaiting Amelia to finish her sentence. The latter appeared at a loss for words, pondering on what to say next, that it gave a short delay in her sentence and made her feel awkward.

"I just want to prove that I could handle VVIPs," disclosed Amelia to Yn, "I know that Mr. Malone thinks less of me because I'm new. So I want to show him that I can do this."

Yn put her hand on Amelia's shoulder as a gesture of comfort and the former said with a soft smile, "Amy, don't overthink like that. As strict as Mr. Malone is, he is patient and he wants you to take all the time you need to improve. That's how he treated me before. He let me handle the easy tasks, then one day he suddenly said I'm ready and he told me to be a VIP's bunny-girl that night. You need to trust him and the process."

Amelia smiled at Yn, feeling a bit self-assured, though she ended up asking her, "Is it too late to back out now?"

Yn squeezed her shoulder comfortingly and responded, "Perhaps not too late, but hey. Try this opportunity first. Maybe the VVIP tonight is a good customer. You may never know."

Amelia took a deep breath, clearly attempting to soothe herself down, before she put on the mask. Yn also did the same, properly donning the mask, covering her nose and mouth with it, before she looked back at Amelia.

"You're wearing it tonight?" inquired Yn.

Amelia sent her a sly smile and said, "Yeah. Mr. Malone didn't exactly tell us who the VVIP is, so I'm wearing it just to be safe. Wouldn't want an elderly man groping me even though he's a billionaire."

Yn chuckled, "That's true. Anyway, I have to go and set the mask signs near the entrance. Good luck, Amy!"

Amelia replied back with a chirp, "You too!"

Yn went to grab a few stainless steel signage stand which depicted the mask system in this bunny casino. The signage plainly showed that there was such system here in the casino to protect the staffs and bunny-girls.

Yn brought the stands to the entrance and placed them on either side of the entrance door. She sent a smile to the casino bouncer before she looked back at the stand and read it:

Bunny-girls with mask, do not harass them in any way.

Bunny-girls without mask, may be propositioned for private rooms and physical contact with consent and tipping.

Yn took a deep breath and adjusted her bunny ears and the mask on her face, ensuring it concealed her nose and mouth properly. She then walked into the casino and helped her coworkers in preparing for the opening. Eventually, Mr. Malone opened the main door of the casino and announced its opening to everyone. Almost instantly, customers began streaming in as the music blared and the bunny-girls started attending to guests' needs.

As the night wore on, Amelia found herself concentrating deeply in her duty. She had become so preoccupied that any thought about the upcoming mysterious VVIP eventually faded from her mind. As she glanced around and checked on her fellow colleagues, it appeared that they were also busy serving and tending to the customers as well. The sense of responsibility was shared by everyone present.

Just then, Mr. Malone's voice echoed through the casino, "Attention all bunny-girls! The VVIP has arrived. I repeat, the VVIP has arrived. Please prepare to greet him at the entrance."

Yn's heart raced as she made her way to the entrance, joining the other bunny-girls as they all left the patrons they were tending to and lined up on both sides of the red carpet. She could feel the nervous energy in the air as they all waited for the arrival of the VVIP.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps growing louder against the marble floor caught Yn's attention. She glanced towards the entrance, and her breath caught in her throat as she saw a man with his bodyguards entering through the entrance.

He was tall with broad shoulders and a commanding presence. Adorned in a dashing all-white three-piece suit which was impeccably tailored to his muscular frame, accentuating every inch of his chiseled physique, he exuded an air of confidence and power that commanded attention from everyone in the casino. His piercing cold eyes looked straight ahead, briefly scanning the line of bunny-girls, including Yn.

For Yn, she was visibly transfixed and speechless at how gorgeous he was. Her mouth opened slightly as she gaped at the tall man in white. Her eyes widened and her gaze lingered on him for several seconds, unable to look away. His chiseled features and commanding presence had a captivating effect on her. The way he moved with confidence filled her with admiration and awe.

And she could tell that she was not the only one feeling the same.

Some of the bunny-girls in both queues visibly inhaled in complete awe of his stunning irresistibility. Very few even exchanged knowing glances and smiled in elation at the fact that they got a very charming customer.

"Goddamn, he's hot as fuck," whispered Emily.

Sophia joined in the hushed conversation, "Amelia is one lucky bitch."

"I know right," replied Emily, "If I knew he would be this sexy, I would have volunteered as tribute right away."

Emma chimed in a whisper with a dreamy gaze towards the VVIP, "I want to make out with him."

Emily added, "Bitch, I wouldn't just make out with him. If I have nothing to lose, I would've have knelt down in front of him by now, you know what I mean."

Those who heard her tried their hardest to refrain from chuckling. That's when Yn realized something. Most of the bunny-girls started to sneakily remove their mask. When some of them caught each other doing the same thing, they merely grinned mischievously and hid away their cloth. They were obviously hoping that they would catch the interest of the captivating VVIP.

Yn then cast her eyes onto Amelia who was supposed to be the attractive VVIP's personally bunny-girl. Her eyebrows raised at the sight of Amelia's fully revealed and blushing face. She had already removed the mask as soon as she laid her eyes on her customer. Yn chuckled inwardly in amusement.

As the VVIP strode closer to the end of the red carpet where stood Mr. Malone and Amelia, the former bowed respectfully to him and said, "The Marquis de Gramont, welcome to the Bunny Club Casino! I'm Adrian Malone, the owner of this establishment. Allow me to personally welcome you on behalf of the entire staff. If there is anything my humble establishment can provide for you, please don't hesitate to ask. This way, please."

The Marquis did not utter a word. Instead, he merely nodded his head in acknowledgment and let Mr. Malone lead him towards the luxurious VIP room. Amelia followed suit with the VVIP's bodyguards which was all clad in dark suits.

"Good luck, Amy!" Emma shouted in a whisper to Amelia, "You'll definitely need it!"

Amelia turned her head around to look back at her colleagues and sent them a thumbs-up and an excited grin, evidently feeling enthusiastic at having such dashing customer as her first personal client. She then entered the VIP room with the rest of them, disappearing from the others' view.

Yn smiled warmly, hoping that the new girl would have a great experience. She needed something to help her grow, and maybe the fact that the VVIP was quite attractive could give Amelia's self-esteem a much-needed boost.

"But oh my God!" Emily chirped to the rest of the bunny-girls, "He is the Marquis! Oh my God! The Marquis!"

"What's a 'markis'?" Emma asked innocently.

Emily sent her a silly deadpan stare and corrected her, "It's Marquis, you innocent goof. Marquis."

"That's how I said it, right?" said Emma, "Markis."

"It's Marquis," Emily then proceeded to spell it slowly for Emma. Once the latter got it, Emily added, "Anyway, a Marquis is a nobleman. And not just any nobleman, he's one of the most influential and powerful figure in all of France. It's like he's practically royalty. That means he's got the wealth, power and connections! And he's here, in our casino!"

"Yeah, no wonder Mr. Malone warned us to do our best service. It's because the VVIP is a Marquis," Sophia interjected, suddenly sounding grim out of the blue, "But hey. Now that we know who he is, I heard he's a powerful French aristocrat but he also seems to be involved with the underworld, you know. He is dangerous."

Yn was taken aback by Sophia's sudden dark comment. She had never heard anything about the Marquis. This was her first time learning and meeting him and she'd already heard of unsavory rumors about him. Sure, it's just rumors. But Sophia was known to be well-informed about the latest gossip in the casino. She couldn't help but wonder if there was any truth to her words.

"Woah, that's crazy. Is that true?" Emma asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

Sophia shrugged nonchalantly, "I don't know. Just rumors, I guess. But he's not someone to be messed with, that's for sure. Just be careful, girls."

Emily rolled her eyes, "Oh, please. Don't start with the scary stories, Sophia. It's probably made by some geezer who is jealous of him. Sure, he's rich but that doesn't necessarily mean he's dangerous and is involved with crime. And we all know that not everything that people talk here is true."

Yn nodded in agreement. She didn't even want to think of any possible risk of danger tonight. Not when Amelia was with the man in question.

"Well, if Mr. Malone allows such man walk into his casino, I'm sure everything will be fine," Yn said, trying to change the subject, "In the meantime, let's focus on our duties. We don't want to keep any of our clients waiting."

The others nodded in agreement, and the bunny-girls dispersed around the casino floor, tending to the needs of their customers who were enjoying with everything the casino had to offer.

Approximately thirty minutes had passed and every staff was fully focused on their task, living up to their boss' expectation and ensuring that the customers had nothing but the best experience at the Bunny Club Casino. Yn was in the middle of serving a round of drinks when Emily appeared next to her and whispered, "Hey, you notice that Mr. Malone hasn't come out of the VIP room yet?"

Yn threw a quick glance at the door of the VIP room before she looked back at her close friend and replied, "Maybe he's discussing about something with the Marquis? He is not going to let someone as important as that getting away."

Emily snorted, "Maybe he wants to make another casino in Paris? Well, that does sound like him. But aren't you curious why the Marquis came to our casino in the first place?"

"Maybe he wants to enjoy it while he's staying in our country," Yn guessed as she picked up the glasses and used plates from a table which a bunch of patrons had just left.

"But fishy, you know," commented Emily, "But Amy is one lucky girl. Even if the Marquis is shady, he's practically sex on legs."

Yn couldn't argue on that. The Marquis was undeniably attractive. But she didn't want to think too much about someone who was way too good for her or someone who’s going to stay a stranger to her. That was how she evaded being attached to any man whom she saw no future with.

Suddenly, Emma rushed towards them, looking panicked, "Guys!"

Yn and Emily's eyes widened in surprise at her unforeseen appearance. Emma gasped out in panic before she told them, "Amy's crying! She's in the staff's changing room!"

Yn's heart sank at the news. She knew in an instant that something terrible had happened in the VIP room and unfortunately the victim of the situation was Amelia. Yn and Emily exchanged wide-eyed glances before the three of them rushed towards the changing room.

As they got closer, they could hear the sounds of Amelia's sobs getting louder. Yn's heart raced as she pushed open the door to the changing room and found Amelia sitting on a couch with tears streaming down her face. Her makeup was smudged and her hair was a mess. Sophia was already by her side, consoling her to no avail apparently. Upon hearing the door opening, Amelia looked up and noticed the three girls, her eyes puffy and red.

"What happened, Amy?" Emily asked, her voice laced with concern.

Amelia sniffled and wiped at her eyes before finally speaking up, "It's the Marquis..."

She delayed as she took a shaky breath, somehow not breathing properly due to her crying fit. Sophia started rubbing her back up and down as Yn, Emily and Emma stayed standing before them.

Amelia's voice was scratchy and strained, broken up by her gasps and sobs, as she tried to explain, "I was standing by the sofa while he was talking with Mr. Malone. Then... he saw that huge wall painting in that VIP room. You guys know what I'm talking about, right?"

"Yeah, yeah," said Emma, "There is a huge abstract art in that room. Yn actually brought that."

Yn nodded her head, recognizing which painting that was and wordlessly admitting that it was that same painting she had given Mr. Malone one month ago.

Amelia spoke up, "Yes, that. The Marquis stared at it and he didn't even listen to Mr. Malone's offer to collab together. Then he spoke about how that abstract painting is full of meaning and whatever it is. And I laughed. Suddenly, he looked at me but he seemed angry. It's like I offended him but I didn't! I just snorted!"

She continued, "Then, while he's glaring at me as if I'm a cockroach, he said to Mr. Malone that a collab with this casino would be stupid since he's hired someone uneducated like me to work here!"

Amelia's face crumpled in fresh tears as she buried her face in her hands. Her sobs intensified as she recounted the Marquis' words, causing Sophia to rub her back even harder. The rest of the bunny-girls in the room were speechless.

Yn felt a lump form in her throat as she thought about the Marquis' arrogance and his ability to make Amelia feel so small. She knew that the Marquis was a powerful man who had a reputation for being difficult to deal with, but she never thought that he would be so cruel to someone who could not control herself from laughing.

Emily moved to sit next to Amelia on the couch and put her arm around her, "Don't listen to him, Amy. He's just a snob. You're talented and smart. You don't need his approval."

"But... but..." Amelia stammered while sniveling, "What about Mr. Malone? The Marquis ridiculed me. He complained about me. Mr. Malone would fire me! I don't want to lose this job! Even if I have to dress in this sexy bunny costume, it pays well! We get tips every day! I can't lose this!"

Yn's heart sank as she watched Amelia break down further. She knew how desperate Amelia was for this job and how much it meant to her. Like Yn, she also came from a family with financial problem. Yn couldn't let the Marquis' rude behavior ruin everything for Amelia.

"We won't let that happen, Amy," Yn said, her voice firm and full of conviction. "We'll talk to Mr. Malone. We'll make sure he knows that the Marquis was the one out of line and that you don't deserve to be treated that way."

Amelia looked at Yn with tear-filled eyes, hope shining in her gaze. Sophia nodded her head in agreement and Emily joined in saying, "Yeah, forget about him. He's a fuckwad! And we'll convince Mr. Malone for you!"

Yn, Sophia, and Emily exchanged determined glances, all agreeing to help Amelia in any way they can. Without even discussing it properly, they knew with a glance that they would altogether rush into Mr. Malone's office and persuade him forcefully. Seeing the overwhelming support from her friends, Amelia wiped away her tears and smiled warmly at them, the first one in a while.

"Thank you..." Amelia said, her voice filled with sincere gratitude, as she looked down and wiped the dried tears on her cheeks.

Yn smiled back at her, "We are here for you, Amy. You may not get to see Anita. She recently quitted as a bunny-girl but she kept telling us that bunny-girls stick together and help each other out. That's exactly what we're going to do."

Amelia's smile widened as she stared at Yn. The dense, oppressive atmosphere in the room suddenly dispersed, replaced with an uplifting sense of camaraderie and support as they all shared a moment of unity and solidarity. They all knew that no matter what, they would always have each other's backs.

Suddenly, the door to the changing room was pushed open. They looked to see it was Rachel, another bunny-girl who was not close with them. Rachel observed them for a moment, sensing that some drama had transpired. She then noticed the puffy and red eyes of Amelia and her smudged makeup. Understanding dawned in her head, knowing that something bad had happened while Amelia was serving the VVIP.

She didn’t ask for any detail. Instead, she turned to someone else and informed, "Yn, Mr. Malone called for you at the VIP room."

With that, she spun around and left the dressing room. Everyone was quiet after her statement, taking some time to process what they had heard. A nervous energy filled the air.

Suddenly, the door was pushed open again and Rachel came in halfway, looking at them. She then added, "Now."

That seemed to snap everyone out of their trance and Yn glanced at her friends, noticing the uneasiness on their face. Amelia seemed particularly worried for her. Knowing there was no escape from the predicament, Yn took a deep breath. She then excused herself before heading out with Rachel away from the changing room.

Once they arrived at the door of the VIP room where bodyguards were stationed, Rachel left, leaving Yn to prepare herself for what's about to come. The latter took a moment to compose herself, even checking if the mask on her face was properly put on, before pushing open the door and letting herself in quietly.

Black and gold furniture dominated the room with velvet sofas and chairs; a grand chandelier hanging in the center. Gleaming golden accents adorn the walls and luxurious rugs ran across the floor. The whole ambiance was regal, hinting at sophistication and power; the lighting was dimmed, creating an intimate atmosphere.

There she saw the Marquis de Gramont, standing in front of the huge abstract painting. Even the way he stood screamed power and confidence. His eyes were fixated on the gigantic wall art as if it was an entity he wanted to understand. It was that moment Yn figured that the Marquis was a person who truly appreciated and cherished art which explained why he spoke lowly of Amelia for laughing at a painting.

"Psst!"

She threw a glance at the source of the sound and realized it was Mr. Malone. He gestured for her to come closer to him. Once she did, he whispered at her with a reprimanding tone, "Yn, take over Amelia's place! She couldn't keep her mouth shut and the Marquis is pissed! Now do your job and get his desserts from the kitchen!"

In an instant, Yn rushed off to the kitchen to get the desserts which the Marquis had requested. The delicacies were ready to serve by the time she arrived so she wasted no time, snatching them up from the counter before scurrying back to the VIP room.

As she opened the door, she heard multiple voices in the VIP room. It was the Marquis and Mr. Malone conversing and the subject was apparently about more paintings in the establishment.

"Yes, I agree!" Mr. Malone sounded enthusiastic of the idea, but for those who knew him well like Yn, she knew it was just a facade to make the Marquis happy. Mr. Malone continued, "That's an amazing idea! Aesthetic paintings all over the casino would surely liven up the space! If you want, you could recommend suitable paintings for my humble establishment!"

The Marquis turned around after staring at the abstract painting for so long. He strode back to sit down on the black and gold sofa. Yn took another deep breath before she approached him with a tray of desserts in her hand.

The Marquis didn't even look at her when she approached him. He was too engrossed staring at the abstract painting again while absentmindedly listening to Mr. Malone who was trying his best to flatter the Marquis and keep him happy. Yn surmised that he was a man of refined taste and didn't like to be disturbed when he was deep in thought so she took extra care not to make any noise as she set the tray of desserts down on the coffee table in front of him.

"Art evokes emotions and enhances the atmosphere," the Marquis spoke up, rendering Yn speechless as this was the first time she heard him speak. His French accent was clear and distinct. It actually made him sound intelligent and intimidating. He added while Yn was carefully placing his desserts on the table, "It's crucial to display more paintings in a casino. It creates a captivating and immersive environment for patrons to enjoy."

"Such beautiful words, sir!" crowed Mr. Malone, "I see that you really appreciate art and beauty, and I couldn't agree more. I am honored to have you see my establishment!"

The Marquis didn't respond. Instead, while Yn was arranging the placement of the desserts on the table, he reached out to grab one of them without glancing at her. He took a small scoop, savoring the flavor.

Yn got up to her full height and walked away to stand by the side of the sofa the Marquis was sitting on. That's when he gestured to the abstract painting which he had been staring non-stop and inquired Mr. Malone, "I like this. Where did you buy this?"

Yn tensed up and Mr. Malone stuttered, a bit taken aback by the sudden question. He sneaked a glance at Yn and responded, "Umm... I did not buy it, sir. My staff here, Yn, actually handed this to me for my birthday."

He even gestured to Yn as he disclosed how he had gotten the painting. Suddenly, the Marquis lifted his head and looked at Yn properly for the first time. She stood frozen, her heart pounding in her chest. She stayed mute, choosing to stare at the floor to not make eye contact with the Marquis so as not to offend him. She could feel his piercing gaze on her as he looked her up and down, taking in every detail about her.

For a moment, the Marquis said nothing. He continued to stare intently at Yn, making her feel uneasy. She could feel the intensity of his gaze and it made her skin crawl.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the Marquis spoke up, "Yn. And your last name?"

Yn's heart skipped a beat as the Marquis addressed her. She took a deep breath before responding in a low voice, "Ln, sir."

The Marquis nodded slowly in response, his eyes still glued on her figure. The deep resonance of his voice seemed to linger in the air as he enunciated her full name as if savoring the taste of it on his tongue, "Yn Ln."

Yn subconsciously looked at him as her whole name was mentioned. She then made eye contact with him. His eyes were deep pools of darkness that seemed to drink in her very soul. It was an intimidating yet mesmerizing sight and she felt as if time had stopped and all was silent around her.

Then, as if feeling shocked and in disbelief at what she did, she swiftly looked away, staring hard at the floor as she prayed inwardly that she did not screw anything up.

The Marquis smirked to himself, amused by Yn's reaction. He then took another bite of the dessert on the tray and leaned back on the sofa, his eyes still fixed on her.

His voice was smooth and velvety as he said, "That painting is impressive. Who is the painter?"

Yn could not help but feel like he was testing her and what she knew of the painting. She cleared her throat before responding softly, "It is Wassily Kandinsky."

The Marquis nodded thoughtfully, still staring at Yn intently, "Ah, Kandinsky. I figured. I've always found his work to be intriguing. The use of color and shape to evoke emotion is quite remarkable."

He finally tore his gaze away from Yn, shifting them to Mr. Malone who was standing anxiously next to the sofa the Marquis was occupying. The latter told him with an air of authority and power, "I want more paintings like this in the casino. Find me more of Kandinsky's works or any other abstract art that you think would fit the atmosphere here."

"Certainly, sir," Mr. Malone responded, "Does that mean you agree to have my business under your wing? Twenty percent cut for you?"

Yn's eyes widened as she silently observed. Hearing that, she then had an inkling of the true purpose the Marquis came to the casino.

The Marquis suddenly stated with a small smirk, "Forty for me."

Mr. Malone's face fell in disbelief at the Marquis' counteroffer. "Forty? But sir, please reconsider. This casino-"

The Marquis leaned forward on the sofa with his hands still holding the desserts, his eyes turning sharp and cold as he spoke in a low, menacing tone, "Do not question my terms, Adrian Malone. If you want my protection, forty it is."

Mr. Malone was nonplussed. The VVIP stared at him with a smug look before he added, "Unless you want to increase my cut to fifty."

Mr. Malone swallowed hard, knowing that he had no choice but to agree. "Of course, sir. Forty it is."

The Marquis leaned back on the sofa, grinning smugly, feeling satisfied with Mr. Malone's compliance, "Then we have a deal, Malone."

He turned his attention back to his delicacies and scooped a spoonful of ice cream. He closed his eyes and savored the sweetness, relishing the taste as if it was the only thing in the world that mattered. Yn watched him silently. There was a certain air of mystery surrounding him that screamed danger. She couldn't help but feel intimidated and scared of him, even though he was tasting the desserts like a child.

Suddenly, the Marquis opened his eyes and looked at her. She felt a shiver run down her spine as he caught her staring. He raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a sly smile as he said, "Would you like some?"

Yn averted her gaze meekly, feeling her cheeks flush, as she shook her head, "No, thank you, sir."

"Are you certain?" the Marquis asked, his French accent thick and his voice holding an amused tone.

Yn swallowed hard, looking at him through her eyelashes shyly. She could feel his piercing gaze on her and it made her feel uneasy.

"Yes," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

The Marquis chuckled softly as he stared at her unwaveringly. All of a sudden, he rose to his feet with his desserts still in his hand. Then he began to make his way towards Yn, causing the bunny-girl to be alarmed and anxious. His gaze was deep and sharp as he strode towards her slowly, taking his time while exuding an air of power.

Yn stared at the floor, feeling a huge sense of unease wash over her, as she heard his footsteps growing louder towards her. Soon enough, he stood in front of her. The height difference between them was huge since he was a very, very tall man.

She was no longer staring at the floor. Instead, it was his chest and his dashing three-piece suit. The fabric hugged his figure perfectly, making him look even more imposing. She kept her gaze on his chest, not wanting to meet his gaze and make eye contact.

The Marquis then bent down, leaning his head downward that his face ended up entering Yn's view. Her eyes widened in shock and terror as she couldn't help but look up to meet his gaze. He was bending his head down to have her look at him directly. His tall, powerful figure loomed over her as his head dipped down, head-level with hers. His face was stern, unflinching and demanding her attention. His expression conveyed a sense of power and dominance over her as if he was expecting her to obey his commands.

With his face close to her, he smirked and said, "Finally, you look at me."

Yn was transfixed by his gaze, her wide eyes unmoving as she observed his face. His expression was firm and fierce, yet at the same time there was a hint of smugness and confidence in his smirk as he studied her. His deep eyes seemed to bore into her and she could feel the power emanating from him. His close proximity to her made her feel vulnerable. She was speechless under his gaze, unsure how to respond but it seemed that he was fine with her making eye contact with him.

While he fixed his deep gaze on her, he addressed to someone else, "Malone, explain to me about the mask system here."

That caused Yn to register that she was still donning the black mask, concealing her nose and mouth effectively. Mr. Malone was taken aback by the sudden question directed at him and he explained, "Umm... To protect the bunny-girls, I establish the system that the girls with mask are off-limits. Customers are not allowed to harass them or touch them in any way without explicit consent. However, the bunny-girls without masks can be asked for a private room and physical contact is allowed within limits."

The Marquis nodded slowly, his gaze never leaving Yn's face, "Interesting."

Mr. Malone breathed a sigh of relief, glad that the Marquis seemed to approve it. However, the Marquis wasn't finished with Yn as he asked her with a smirk, "So, Yn, remove your mask for me."

Yn's heart thudded in her chest as she stared at the Marquis, her body frozen in place. She knew she couldn't take off her mask, not now, not ever. Taking the mask off would reveal her true identity to some stranger and would bring danger to herself.

"I-I can't, sir," she stuttered out, her voice barely audible.

The Marquis raised an eyebrow, his smirk remained as if her denial was a joke to him, "And why not?"

Yn bit her lip, her mind racing. She had to come up with a plausible excuse, and fast. "It's uh... I feel much safer wearing a mask."

The Marquis gave a smirk, his eyes glinting with amusement. His lips then parted to let out a deep and throaty chuckle. But then, in the blink of an eye, the smirk fell and his features hardened. His voice deepened as he spoke with an undeniable authority, "Take off your mask."

Yn's eyes widened with fright as she stared at the Marquis, her gaze only broken as she shifted it towards Mr. Malone in hope for help. However, instead of support, she found only his hard frown and stern gaze, conveying his lack of help. Yn's heart plummeted and she knew there was no escape from the situation.

Trembling with fear, Yn slowly lifted her hand to remove the elastic strap that held the mask in place. Her fingers fumbled as she struggled to undo the clasp. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she managed to remove the mask and reveal her face to the Marquis.

For a moment, he stared at her intently, his gaze scanning her features with an intensity that made Yn feel exposed and vulnerable as if she was standing naked in front of him. She lowered her gaze, unable to meet his intense stare.

"Hmm," he harrumphed thoughtfully, his voice low and husky that way.

Yn felt her cheeks flush, feeling somewhat embarrassed at how he judged her. She didn't know how to respond, so she simply stayed mute, keeping her gaze on his chest.

That's when she saw him scoop a spoonful of ice cream and neared it towards her mouth. He dipped his head down again, letting his face enter her vision, before he said with a smirk, "Open your mouth."

Yn hesitated for a moment but the Marquis stared at her expectantly, the spoon still held up to her lips. Reluctantly, she opened her mouth, allowing the Marquis to feed her the ice cream. The cold sweetness of the ice cream flooded her senses as it melted within her mouth.

The Marquis watched her carefully as she savored the treat, his eyes glinting with amusement. He seemed to be enjoying her reaction, relishing in the power he held over her. Yn felt the intensity of his gaze and it made her feel both intimidated

He slowly withdrew the spoon from her mouth and looked her in the eye with an intensity that made her feel exposed. His eyes glittered with amusement as he then licked the spoon, savoring the melted ice cream on its surface. The whole sight caught her off guard and she quickly looked away in embarrassment. The act seemed almost dirty and sinful and she couldn't help but feel intimidated by the power the Marquis held over her.

A smirk curved his lips before he suddenly turned and walked away from her. He put away the cup of dessert and strode towards the door of the VIP room while saying, "I'm delighted to have come to an arrangement with you, Malone. As a result of our meeting, it is established that I am the new owner of this casino. And you shall remain in charge as the managing director."

As he arrived at the door, he spun around and gave a pointed look at Mr. Malone and asked firmly, "Am I right?"

"Yes, sir!" replied Mr. Malone, seemingly hesitant to say it, "I will tell every staff about this."

The Marquis tilted his head with a smug smile, "Good. And as for you, Yn..."

Yn became alarmed once again. He turned his gaze back towards her and wore a smirk on his face as he said with his voice low and velvety, "Merci et à la prochaine fois, ma dame."

Yn felt a shiver run down her spine at his words, not understanding what those words meant. The Marquis then stepped out of the VIP room and he was quick to be joined by his bodyguards who were waiting for him outside the door. Yn was then left alone with Mr. Malone.

As soon as the Marquis left, Yn quickly put on her mask and let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Mr. Malone looked at her and gave out a huge sigh and said, "Well, at least that went well. A deal is secured."

Yn nodded, still feeling a bit shaken from the encounter. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she said, "Yeah, but he's… intense."

Mr. Malone chuckled, a twinkle in his eye, "That's the Marquis for you. He's not one to be trifled with."

Yn looked at him, confused, and she inquired, "But that man, the Marquis... I've never heard of him before."

Mr. Malone's expression turned serious, "The Marquis is not someone you want to cross, Yn. He's a powerful man with connections in all the wrong places. Even if he's from France, he could find you and ruin your life if he wants to. You should be careful around him. But, now that he has agreed to have us under his wing, this business would be well-protected in finance and safety."

Yn slowly nodded, feeling a wave of uncertainty wash over her. She couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that settled in her stomach but she knew that there was no turning back now. The deal was done and they were now under the Marquis' protection.

But, working with the Marquis would be dangerous, she mused. And she did not want to see him anymore for the rest of her life but it seemed like she didn't have a choice. As Mr. Malone stood up to leave, Yn couldn't help but feel a pang of consternation as she watched him go. She was alone now and the Marquis's words were still ringing in her ears.

"Merci et à la prochaine fois, ma dame."

She didn't know what those words meant but they sounded sinister. Yn shook her head, trying to push away the fear that was gripping her. She stood up and started cleaning up the room and leftover desserts.

NEXT : Chapter 02

Story Masterlist

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[queen-of-reptiles]

𝚅𝙴𝙻𝚅𝙴𝚃

description: In which lisa evans and her girlfriend have been together way to long without an announcement

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lisa evans x female reader

disclaimer: remember it is all just fiction!

warnings: a few rough words, suggestive! and fluff!

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"Lisa!" y/n laughed, smacking her girlfriend's hand away from the icing bowl again, the Scott whining as she did so, glaring teasingly at her lover.

"It's baby to you!" Lisa scolds and y/n chuckles as she presses a quick kiss to the woman's lips.

Lisa smiles a little at that, sat happily on the counter as she watched her lover bake cupcakes, y/n hummed lightly along to the music from the radio.

She was swaying lightly and Lisa couldn't help but slide from the counter and wrap her arms around her lover's waist, folding into her as she rested her forehead against her shoulder.

The two swayed like that for a moment, y/n finally finishing the icing on her first batch of cupcakes, the second and third in the oven currently.

Lisa was far too used to her lover baking, she knew she found it relaxing after training and the staff never complained about the sweet treats they got the next day.

y/n turned in Lisa's light hold, their faces coming level, considering they were the same height, and Lisa smiled softly as y/n raised a cut bit of the cupcake.

"Open." She tells Lisa who does and she feeds her the sweet treat, Lisa groaning at how good it tasted.

"When we retire, you should open a bakery, because jesus." Lisa says, pecking her girlfriend's lips.

"It tastes okay then?" y/n asks and Lisa nods.

"Fantastic, though I prefer something else sweet." Lisa says, the suggestive tone seeping through her voice as she presses her lips back against her lover.

y/n lets out a chuckle but grips her girlfriend's shoulders with a gasp when a cold hand spreads over her lower back, sneaking under her shirt to press her body into Lisa's.

"You're insatiable Evans." y/n mutters to her girlfriend, who hums and begins to move her lips down her girlfriend's neck, pausing when her lover lets out a small whimper of pleasure.

Just as Lisa goes to nip at the skin, the oven timer begins to beep, and y/n snaps into action and pushes her girlfriend lightly from her as she gets the cupcakes out the over.

Lisa groans in annoyance and y/n laughs at her as she makes sure the cupcakes are ready, she places them on the cooling rack and turns to her pouting girlfriend.

"Let me finish these, and then we can continue that." y/n winks and Lisa grins.

"We can have sex?" She asks excitedly.

"You're saying it like you haven't had it in years." y/n laughs and Lisa pouts.

"Feels like it." Lisa huffs and y/n rolls her eyes.

"Lisa it's been four hours!"

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lisaevans_17 just posted

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lisaevans_17 red velvet anyone??

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username1: YES ME YES YES 😛😛

username2: are they even allowed to eat cake ??? 🤨

username3: YUMMMMMMM 😍

mackenziearnold: now please 💳

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y/n: on the way skipper! 🫡🫡

kirstysmith.11: um? Please bring now!!! 😩

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lisaevans_17: I forgot how much everyone loves my girls cooking...

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westhamwomen: There better be enough for the admin staff!!!

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y/n: ofc there is!!!

username4: SO SWEET! 🥺

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y/n just posted on their story

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lisaevans_17 just posted on her story

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y/n was exhausted by the time the game came to it's end, it was a good result, the win would keep them in the top four of the table, which no one had expected from West Ham at the beginning in this season.

Shaking a few hands, y/n laughed when a body landed on her back, her girlfriend pecking her cheek multiple times. The crowd of Chigwell cheered, seeing one of the couples of West Ham.

While Mackenzie and Kirsty were cute, they were a lot less touchy during game time, Lisa and y/n were the opposite, both very touchy people, and therefore would always share some sort of contact after the game.

People loved them, the Scottish forward and English CAM, the two worked so well, and today was just proof, two goals for y/n, plus to assists, one to Lisa's goal and one to Riko's.

"There she is, our golden girl!" Lisa hums in her ear, y/n's hands gripping her thighs as she keeps her safe on her back.

"Hmm, had to do something, hadn't scored in three games babe." y/n chuckled as they moved to the crowd, Lisa hopping off her back as they began to sign some shirts and take some photos.

Eventually the girls moved back into the changing rooms, 'Strawberry Kisses' blasting from a happy Mackenzie as the group quickly showered and changed.

As they all came down from their win, y/n was talking to Kirsty not noticing Lisa nodding at Mackenzie who paused the music as Lisa stood up on a bench.

"Oi!" Lisa called shutting everyone up.

"Lovely as always babe." y/n chuckled and Lisa rolled her eyes at her lover.

"As you all know, me and the missus will be celebrating 7 years next weekend." Lisa begins.

The two had decided to have a party the day after their game, as they were playing a Saturday game for once, and of course their team was invited, as well as their national team-mates who could make it.

"So, Sunday afternoon, we will be having a barbecue that you are all welcome to join." Lisa explains as people cheer.

"So, it's an anniversary party?" Mackenzie asks, a small smirk on her lips.

"Well that and I'm hoping, an engagement party." Lisa admits as she jumps down and onto one knee, a velvet box in her hands as the team all gasp.

"Oh my god." y/n says in shock, hand covering her mouth as she watches her girlfriend.

"Baby, marry me?" Lisa asks, she had never been fond of speeches.

"Yes, yes, a hundred times yes." y/n nods, trying not to burst into tears. "Is this a joke?" She then asks in shock.

"Yes babe, I got on one knee and bought a ring for a laugh." Lisa scoffs sarcastically as she leans up and grabs her lover's face, bringing her in for a long kiss.

The team begin to cheer loudly, Kirsty winking at her girlfriend as they were the only two who were aware of Lisa's plan, and as the two pull away it was clear to see the excitement.

"You sure?" Lisa asks her girlfriend.

"Of course, no one else I'd rather." y/n smiles softly and Lisa sighs in relief as she slides the ring on her finger.

"God I love ya." Lisa sighs, kissing her forehead.

"I love you too." y/n chuckles, before they are flattened by a very excited group of girls.

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y/n just posted

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y/n next week it is seven years, and the team shall be coming to our party, our engagement party of course!

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username1: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH AHUDSTEYGJSAGHIL 😭😭😭

username2: imgonnacry imgonnacry imgonnacry imgonnacry omg omg omg omg 🥺🥺🥺🥺

username3: FINALLYYYYYYYY 🔥❤️

leahwilliamsonn: So happy for you b!

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y/n: thank you sm Lee!! xx

lucybronze: cannot wait for this wedding!!!! Congrats you two nutters!

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y/n: cheers Luce! <3

stanwaygeorgia: AHHHHHHHHHHHH

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ellatoone: AHHHHHHHHHHHHH

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alessiarusso99: AHHHHHHHHHHH

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y/n: ily all but you are all idiots 😂🥹

mackenziearnold: cutest and shortest proposal ever...

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kirsty.smith11: y/n after being proposed to - 'Is this a joke?'

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mbrighty04: she didn't???? 😶

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lisaevans_17: she did 😂

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racheldaly3: hahaha priceless!! 😂

westhamwomen: AGHH ! ❤️❤️⚒️⚒️⚒️

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username4: Love the west ham admin for this 😍

username5: So excited!!! They are just so cute!!!

lj10: So happy for ya!

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y/n: Thanks kiddo! 🥹

lionesses: Congratulations Lisa and y/n! ❤️

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lisaevans_17: ❤️❤️

keirawalsh: 🥹🥹🥹🥹

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y/n: 😘😘

1maryearps: true question is how nervous was Lisa??

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lisaevans_17: honestly shitting a brick 😗

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username6: HAHAHAHAHAHAH😂😂😂

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username7: IDK y cause y/n adores her sm 🥹🥹

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lisaevans_17: HOLY FUCK SHE SAID YES

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y/n just posted on her close friends story

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END

Had this one in mind for ages ! Didn't completely turn our the way I wanted, but it will do!

I LOVE LISA SO MUCH

also to the annons threatening me from my LJ arsenal post - have a great evening my lovelies xo

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Queenie! xx

[princesschimchim1325]

The Best Way to a Person's Heart is through their Stomach

The Captain of the Silvermane guards is a loyal, dedicated and hardworking man. Gepard barely takes any breaks, always on the look out for anything amiss. Serval knew her little brother often missed meals in the name of keeping Belobog safe, but she can't help but notice a bit of change from him.

Warnings : fem reader, written in 3rd POV, Gepard being a huge SIMP, Serval being the greatest wingwoman, fluff, tooth rotting sweetness, reader is a good cook. I projected a bit into reader-chan :3

Reblogs, likes & comments are welcome! Repost or copying is not! Ai is also not allowed!

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Gepard can often only drink his morning coffee before he went to work, ready to command his guards for any attacks. Lunch usually passed by without him eating a lot, only eating once his shift was over. The amount of times he'd been scolded by Serval cannot be counted on both hands.

He knew that it wasn't healthy to skip any meals but he couldn't help it, he needed to ensure the safety of Belobog, as he'd sworn to do. He couldn't afford to make any mistakes, so sacrifices needed to be made.

At least, that was what he told himself.

°•°•°•°•°

"Woah, have you gotten even beefier, Geppie?" Serval couldn't help but notice the difference in Gepard's appearance as he entered the shop for lunch. Even sitting down, she noticed.

His cheeks were fuller and healthier, he didn't look like he was skipping meals anymore. Because of his work out regime, he usually burned off what he ate. Somehow, he looked healthier and more... buff, essentially.

"Have you been working out like crazy or something, Geppie?" Even so, she'll tease him for just about anything.

Gepard flushed, tugging at his collar as a habit whenever he was flustered. "I-it's not like that! It's just that I haven't been skipping meals. And because lady Bronya assigned me to personally train the new recruits."

Serval raised an eyebrow in suspicion, the story made sense but felt incomplete.

"Is that all?"

"Yes, that's all." Gepard nodded but Serval was still unconvinced. She'll have to resort to using her older sister rights then.

"I feel incredibly sad that you can't even trust me, Geppie. But I get it, you're not little anymore, you're the big and strong captain while I'm just lil' old me." Serval sighed dramatically, she felt a little guilty manipulating her brother like this but, he'll never talk if she didn't.

Gepard, always weak to his sisters' whims, relented with a heavy sigh. There's no point in hiding it, Serval knew him better than anyone.

"Alright, alright, I'll tell you."

Serval leaned forward, resting her arms on the table. Her little Geppie's cheeks were pink and if she looked hard enough, his ears were too.

"It was about a month and a half ago..."

○•○•○•○•○

Another long day, another day with an empty stomach. He knew that this couldn't go on for forever but he needed to get the job done, because who could if he didn't?

Gepard was a big eater and he knew it. For him to not eat the usual amount was pretty taxing but his workload and schedule didn't allow him to make a big lunch in the morning despite waking up at the crack of dawn. He settled on what he could get from the shops when he's on his short break.

He sat down on a bench, burying his face in his hands. Hunger and fatigue were not a good combination and it was starting to manifest in the form of a headache, which will most likely turn into a migraine.

He sighed heavily, not noticing the person sitting next to him on the bench. He suddenly sat up straight when the person next to him tapped his shoulder. His head snapped to the person and he immediately flushed when he realized that he wasn't the only person on the bench.

The person next to him was a young woman, a very pretty young woman, looking at him with concern.

"You don't look too well, captain." She tilted her head as she observed him. He realized he hadn't said a thing at all and stammered a response.

"Ah! Don't mind me please! I-I'll take my leave now, I wouldn't want to bother you." As he stood up to leave, his stomach decided to betray him and growled in hunger. Was it possible to get any redder?

The two of them stared at each other for a moment before the young woman took out a lunch box from her bag and handed it to him. He looked at her and then at the lunch box then back again at her, absolutely dumfounded. She giggled at his expression and opened the lunch box and took his hand and gave it to him.

"It seems Belobog's captain has been neglecting himself as of late, hmm? Well, I wouldn't want anything bad happeing to him just because he forgot to eat lunch." She mused, chuckling at the redness that has spread from Gepard's cheeks to his ears.

He cleared his throat before answering, "I-ahem, I've had worse. To protect Belobog, a few sacrifices are needed." She raised an eyebrow at him, amused but serious at the same time.

"Captain, I understand that what you are doing and know that I and the rest of Belobog appreciate your hardwork. However, if you continue neglecting yourself, how would you be able to protect us if you're about to collapse from hunger and fatigue?" He wanted to argue that it was for Belobog but he knew he was fighting a losing battle. He sighed and sat down again.

"Besides, it's rather counterproductive if you are trying to protect our city on an empty stomach, don't you think?" She smiled, knowing full well that he was starting to see his errors. She gave him a spoon and fork, gently nudging him to start eating.

Gepard shook his head, knowing full well she was right and did as he was told and ate. Her smile grew seeing him eat and enjoy the food as well and prompted her to eat her meal as well. They had small talk, her telling him her name and him telling stories from work. They both learned a few things from eachother. Turns out, she was a medic and would often patch up Silvermane guards, him being the only person that hadn't gone to her clinic.

His blush hadn't dissipated even when he finished his meal and gave the empty lunch box back to her as she finished her own. When she was finally done, he stood up turned to her.

"Thank you for the meal and company, i-it was delicious and I'll keep in mind not to skip any more meals." He bowed and turn to leave. He hadn't gone far when he heard her call out to him, "Come here again tomorrow! I have to make sure you'll actually eat, Captain!" He turned around to see her waving at him and before he can stop himself, waved back at her.

°•°•°•°•°

"And it became a routine from then on." He concluded, the blush from earlier still there on his cheeks and ears. Ah, so that's what it is...

Her little Geppie has a crush.

Gepard thought that was the end of it but suddenly Serval started sniffling and bursted out crying.

"Wha– nee-san?! Why are you crying?!" Gepard stood up, snatched a box of tissues and gave it to his sobbing older sister, patting her back to confort her.

"My little Geppie is all grown up now!" Serval exclaimed, still crying and on her fifth tissue, "I never thought the day would come, but look at you now! Next thing I know, it's your wedding!" Serval sobbed.

Gepard spluttered, "Nee-san! We're not even dating! What are you sayin–" he was cut when Serval suddenly yanked him by the collar, her eyes wide.

"What? Why not!? Wait, you should cook for her! If all ends well, then you guys end up together! If not, then just say it's to thank her!"

Gepard remained silent, weighing his options and how doing what Serval wanted (he wanted it too) will affect his friendship with the object of his affections.

Serval saw the conflict in her little brother's eyes. She smiled softly, reaching to pat his head.

"If you're not ready, then I won't force you. But, wouldn't being honest with your feeling be better? It wouldn't hurt to try. If she feels the same then great, but if not then it's not her fault, your feelings will pass."

"You two started as strangers then friends, and if she's as great as you say she is, then this wouldn't change anything." She pinched his cheek, making him wince but it lightened the mood at least.

"You're right. We're meeting at the same spot tomorrow, so it wouldn't be too strange if I return the favor and give her lunch as well." He smiled.

"Atta boy!"

He'll be sure to text her to not bring any meal.

○•○•○•○

It was a good thing it was his day off, so he was able to prepare a nice lunch. He tried not letting his intrusive thoughts get to him.

Lunch time arrived much faster than he expected and before he knew it, he walking to the bench where they often meet up to have their meals.

From afar, he can see her sillouette, waiting for him. When he was close enough, he saw her wave at him, a smile on her pretty face. He waved back and walked a little faster to get to her.

"I was surprised when you texted me to not bring lunch– you seem to be in a good mood, captain." She teased him when he sat down, he playfully rolled his eyes in response. She laughed before she noticed him holding a paper bag.

"What's in the bag?"she pointed at it, Gepard suddenly looked shy. He took out its contents and laid it down the space between them.

"It's lunch. I-I cooked it, as thanks for all you have done for me." He looked away, flustered but disapointed in himself that he couldn't say what he really wanted to say. When he finally looked back at her, he almost needed to shield his eyes.

She lit up at the sight of his homecooked meal, her smile so bright and happy.

"Wow, these look so good! Can I–?" She asked he nodded at her, pushing the lunch boxes towards her and handing her utensils. She tried an omelette and squealed in joy, a hand on her cheek, making her looked like a chipmunk. He smiled at her happy squeals and moans as she tried more of the dishes he prepared.

"It'sh sho yummy! Why are you a better cook than I am?" her eyes closed in euphoria, as he ate alongside her.

"Don't say that, you're a pretty good cook as well." He chuckled.

"Mmmh, but I can't believe you have so many talents, I wish I had a great husband like you.." she trailed off, not even realizing what she said.

Gepard froze, which led to her freezing as well. They both just looked at each other for a few moments before she became an embarassed bumbling mess, trying to and failing to explain what she said. If anything, she dug herself a deeper hole.

"I-I didn't mean to say that! It's just you're so cool and mature and handsome–the perfect husband material and you're so cute singing Serval's songs..." realizing she was just confessing her inner thoughts, she covered her face with both of her hands, only peeking in between them to see Gepard.

Gepard's face was so red, he almost looked sick.

"...you think so?" He softly asked. She meekly nodded.

He sighed.

"Do you want to make it a reality?" He asked cryptically. She lowered her hands to properly look at him.

"Huh?" She was confused, what did he mean?

He cleared his throat, looking at her with a determined yet shy expression on his handsome face, blue eyes shining.

"Do you want to make it a reality of me being your husband by going on a date with me?"

She mumbled a little yes, but he heard it all the same. He flashed her a shy yet blindingly bright smile as he took her hand and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles, "Then consider this our first date then, my lady."

Her heart couldn't handle this gorgeous man...

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@teafairyartandmore

[rippersz]

The meat is cold.

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(DEAD DOVE DO NOT EAT) (Mentions of cannibalism, murder, slight glorification of both, etc.) (Larissa Weems x Reader oneshot)

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“She eats the hearts first, before they go bad— as all hearts will.” ~ Jessica D. Thompson

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“Are you going to eat me?”

You’ve asked her before but you repeat yourself anyway.

Larissa blinks. Long and slow. Sizing you up. Running her blue eyes over the length of your arms and stretch of your legs. Something flickers there. You briefly wonder if she’s questioning how fast you can run. You briefly wonder if she’s salivating over the thought of catching you.

“I didn’t plan on it, but now that I look at you closely, I think you want me to.”

You swallow.

She’s wrong, of course. She’s wrong. It’s just her own delusions. She thinks and perceives what she wants to think and perceive. Truth does not matter to a liar. The sweat on your palms says it all.

“I don’t.” Your voice is firm, but somehow it doesn’t feel like enough. Somehow it feels like-

“I don’t believe you.”

-like she won’t believe you.

“Why not?”

A weird heated pleasure fills you at the sight of her smirk. Red, curling, slight, full of undeniable mirth. She really does find you funny. She really does enjoy your time together; you’ve never doubted that.

But you should. You really should. You don’t want to be one of the sheep. You don’t want to play with the facade and finally accept her for what she is on the surface. You don’t want to know her as the school principal. You don’t want to die.

“Because you’re still here. And the door is unlocked.”

Yes. You knew that. She rarely locked it. Mainly because that wouldn’t be very professional, but also because she wanted to give others the option of leaving. Anxious or angry students, tired staff members, pleased parents… they could leave whenever they wished. You could leave whenever you wished. You could leave right now.

Then why aren’t you moving?

“Who is this?” You sniff, looking down at the plate in front of you, desperately trying to grasp for some control.

You agreed on dinner at some point. She took you up on it by surprise earlier that morning. The food, she said, was on her. The meal, cooked to perfection thanks to her skills, was supposed to be delicious. To anyone else, it would be. They’d have been nearly finished by now, praising her to the heavens and letting out little noises of appreciation. But you know what she is. And you know that you’ve never really been interested in eating people before.

“I don’t see why that matters,” is the smooth response you get - quickly followed by the clink of silverware and the cut of meat and the gentle hum of a woman satisfied. You can’t bring yourself to look up.

“…Did they deserve it?” You’re not sure of what else to ask - you just know that you don’t want to leave. You would never admit that out loud, never willingly, but it’s the truth. You are the killer’s favorite. You are safe. You are better than them.

“Doesn’t everyone deserve it at some point or another?” Her voice is light and airy- twinkling with a complete lack of care.

“No,” is your immediate sharp response. It sort of slips off of your tongue by accident, but when you look up to gauge her reaction, you’re surprised to see not even a hint of shock or anger. Instead, all that paints her eyes is intense recognition. Like she knew you’d say that. Like she knew you were a morally correct hero hiding a dark heart.

“No?” Her fork spears a piece of meat. ‘Sirloin,’ she’d said when you first sat down. Yeah, right. “Why do you say that?”

You fix her with a look. A very obvious look. A look with a tilt of your head. One that says ‘You and I aren’t the same Larissa, but you know exactly what I mean.’ One that says ‘Don’t ask questions you already know the answers to.’ One that says, secretly, ‘I don’t know. I just know that I’ve been told no good soul deserves death.’

Your mouth, on the other hand, says “Just because we all end up dying doesn’t mean we all deserve it. There are some amazing people out there that would have made the world better if they were still around.”

She seems to think over your serious response, rolling it around within her vast mind. While she formulates a suitable reply, her lips move with each chew of her steak - you try hard not to focus on that. When it comes to killers, good ones at least, there’s always that thing said about them: they’re charming; handsome or pretty; they’re alluring in a way that no “normal human” could be. Larissa Weems has never been the exception. She is no different. It can be disturbingly easy to get lost in the other things she has to offer. Like her beauty. Or her intelligence. Or the way her eye contact makes you feel like the most important, most recognizable, most wonderful thing in the entire world. You’d compare her to a drug but she is something worse than that. She is an aura. A feeling. She is something entirely different. You think it’s partly due to her outcast status. She’s not a ‘fur’ or a ‘fang’ or a ‘scale’ or a ‘stoner’. She’s not just regularly odd or eccentric. She’s not even mythical.

And yet?

And yet.

The very atoms in her body, the skin across her bones and veins and muscles, the makeup of her organs, can shift shape. Can adjust. The image is crafted in her mind and suddenly is mirrored onto her body. You’d never seen it in person, up close, but you know it’s true. You know it’s a wondrous thing to see. You know some sick desperate hungry part of you twists with the desire to watch her body become something entirely different. You know you want to see her in her element.

Whether it’s bloody or not.

“You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain… I think that sums it up perfectly. The longer a person stays in good health, the more bitter they become. No one truly wants to live forever, Y/n. You know this…,” Larissa pauses, taking a moment to slip her long fingers under and around the belly of her wine glass so she can take a sip. You watch as her throat moves with a swallow. “…And those who go against nature and insist that they do want to live forever, that they’ll somehow find the world to be better as the years go on, well…,” blue eyes suddenly move to you, slicing into your gaze. “They’re liars, of course.”

Of course.

Liars. Of course.

You know it’s the truth.

You hate when she’s right.

You hate when she knows she’s right. There’s that playful little sign in her eyes, glowing with satisfaction, glowing like the cat who captured the mouse.

“I hate you.” It’s a small whisper. A little defeat. Another start to the same cycle. You indulge her, you meet with her, you keep her secret, you dip into your own psyche and pull out your weird fascination with her mind. You go at it until you find yourself becoming tired of thinking so much. Then you tell her you hate her. Or you yell at her. Or you storm out or slam the door or just fall silent and allow for the excitement to pitter out into nothing. But eventually, every time, at some point, you let it die.

Only to revive it again. Only to get lost, once more, in her beauty and allure. Her stupidly literal killer charm. Her strange instinctive ability to easily slip out of trouble and cover her tracks. Not that there were many tracks to cover in the first place. She’s very very good. Worryingly good. No one suspects a thing.

You could fix that, though.

You could put an end to her reign of terror.

You could say one word, provide one sample of one of her dinners, drop a hint or two, and she’d be placed behind bars faster than you could blink.

You could save so many people.

You can save so many people.

You can snatch up a piece of the cold meat on your plate, walk right out of her office, and race down to the Nevermore van. You can do it. You’re not terribly fast but adrenaline pushes the human limit. And though you’re not human- seeing as you can control fire- you’re not too keen on burning her alive. Such an act would probably result in Nevermore’s demise as well - and that would break your heart.

Would Larissa’s death break your heart?

You look up from your hands and study her face. There’s a sudden tiredness there. It’s small, minuscule, but the lines in her skin look deeper and the weariness in her gaze looks shinier and the mask, you realize, has slipped. She’s frowning- not a lot but just enough. And she’s not looking at you. Well, she is, but not into your eyes like she usually does. No, no, she’s staring at… at your chest. At your heart. You’re sure she doesn’t have X-ray vision but some part of you wonders if that’s what she’s trying so hard to see. Your pumping life. Your beating force. If it expands and contracts for her and her only… or if it breathes to destroy her. If any of her interest, her fascination, even matters in the first place. She’s never told you why you’re so special; so important; so cherished, but that doesn’t deter her from her advances. From her fluttered lashes or easy smiles or husky laughs or occasional indulging conversation. It’s not seduction at its finest, but stalking at its lowest. Like she’s watching you through the underbrush and you know she’s there and she knows that you know she’s there and you both stand still because maybe, by some miracle, if you don’t move, you can enjoy the silent attention of each other for just a little longer. Because you can’t help but think that maybe if she were more normal and more caring and didn’t enjoy the taste of long pork over the taste of regular pork, you’d be able to somehow fall in love with her. Start a life with her. And not have to worry about her waking up one day and deciding that she wants to prepare and plate your kidneys for supper.

Would Larissa’s death break your heart?

You hear her clear her throat. You watch as she takes another sip of wine. You see her hand shake. You see the appetite she once had perish on her tongue.

“I hate you,” you’d said.

Did you mean it?

Will you ever mean it?

Why are you doing this to yourself?

Why do you love her?

Why does she not see it?

“I know,” is Larissa’s final response. Something dies behind her eyes. “I know.”

And the cycle continues.

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A swift dive into some stranger fic topics. I figure if Larissa were to be a ‘baddie’, she’d be a cannibal. I may make this part of a little series of scenarios. Hope you’re all doing well. - Rip x

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[bwabys-scenarios]

Fixer Upper

Part 3

Perv!Kurapika x Fem!Reader

part 2

part 4

taglist: @fabitheraven @tsukilover11 @ashdownunderscorebeloved @lemonslut @homeinmydreams @superweeniehutjrsblog @bugmomwrites @heartsforseo @lixiawinter

if you’d like to be ADDED to the taglist, please comment a red heart ❤️, make sure you’re able to be tagged/mentioned, and have your age in your bio(IF YOU ARE ALREADY ON THE TAGLIST, YOU DON’T NEED TO ASK TO BE ADDED AGAIN!!)

warnings: mentions of vomit, slightly suggestive

Kurapika woke up the sound of someone knocking on his door.

“It’s me.”

(Name)’s head peeked through the crack, the smell of dinner wafting through.

“I assume you woke me up to say dinner is ready?”

“How did you know?”

He couldn’t help but smile. “Lucky guess.”

The other three were already sat at the table. Tonight, they were having a baked hen, (Name) placing a few side dishes onto the table as Kurapika sat down.

“Go ahead and start eating, I’m going to grab drinks.”

Gon jumped up. “I’ll help!”

The two walked into the kitchen.

“Did you sleep well? (Name) wouldn’t let us wake you up.”

Leorio offered him a smile as the tall man filled his plate with food. He didn’t get to eat good, home cooked meals often, relying on fast food and TV dinners in between classes.

Kurapika nodded. “Yes, I did. I feel much better now.”

“Good. Does that mean you’ll be joining our sleepover tomorrow?”

He blonde sighed. “Do I have a choice?”

“Not really.” Killua replied through a mouthful of mashed potatoes.

‘Sleepover… I don’t think I’ve ever attended one.’

Kurapika stared at his empty plate before beginning to fill it.

“Is lemonade alright with everyone?”

Gon and (Name) we’re back at the dinner table, carrying a pitcher of lemonade and cups.

“Yeah, I don’t think anyone’s going to complain about (Name)’s homemade lemonade.”

Killua grabbed a cup from Gon and held it out to (Name), who filled it.

She filled everyone’s cups before sitting down and making her plate.

“It’s been so long since we’ve all been together. We should go do something tomorrow, before our sleepover.”

Gon nodded, his face covered in food. “Oh yeah, maybe we can go to the carnival! It’s in town for the next few days.”

“That’s a great idea! Guys, what do you think?”

Leorio shrugged. “I don’t mind.”

Killua was just as excited as Gon, and Kurapika…

“I guess that would be fine.”

(Name) giggled, clapping her hands together. “It’s settled then. Tomorrow, we’ll go grocery shopping in the morning, and go to the carnival after lunch.”

———————

The five loaded into the car to go grocery shopping. Unfortunately for (Name), she hadn’t gotten up fast enough to avoid taking everyone with her.

“Killua, Gon, repeat it one more time.”

“No touching anything but the shopping cart.”

She sighed. “Good. And?”

“No fighting the employees.”

“Finish it.”

“… even if they’re rude to you.”

“Alright. Let’s get going then.”

The drive to the grocery store was short, the two boys playing I-spy to pass the time.

“(Name), did you get the text I sent?”

“Yes. I’m not buying wine, nice try though Leorio.”

“Damn. Foiled again.”

The five exited the mom van, Kurapika going around the back to open (Name)’s door for her, but he paused.

The bumper was covered in stickers, ranging from Sanrio themed stickers to cursed images. It was easy to see who had placed which stickers.

“Kurapika? Oh, the stickers.”

(Name) had appeared by his side while he’d been looking over the back of her car. Kurapika’s eyes paused on a family if stick man that decorated her back window.

“What’s that?”

“Oh, that’s a representation of us. The girl is me, the little ones are Killua and Gon, and the big kid is Leorio. Though he’s more of the weird uncle, we just couldn’t find one that looked like him.”

He nodded. “I see.”

He felt a bit if disappointment that his own image wasn’t there.

‘But why would it be? I’ve barely been around.’

He diverted his attention to another sticker, raising an eyebrow.

“Baby on board? What baby?”

“Killua of course.”

“I put it on myself.”

The white haired boy looked strangely proud, patting it. Gon pointed to a sticker of an alligator. “I picked this one.”

“We know Gon.”

“It’s my favorite.”

“It’s a great sticker.”

Kurapika couldn’t help but laugh.

They all followed behind (Name) as she entered the store.

‘They look like little ducklings.’ Kurapika thought, unaware that he looked like one too.

“You can grab a buggy, Killua. Gon…”

The two made eye contact, not a single word exchanged.

The two boys followed behind quietly.

‘Telepathic communication? Is that what just happened?’

Kurapika watched the boys with a carful eye. With the way (Name) had talked in the car, he knew they had to have done something in order to earn her distrust.

“Alright, let’s start with snacks. Leorio, Kurapika, grab whatever you usually snack on and watch the boys. I’m going to grab Killua and Gon’s juice boxes.”

She waved as she walked off.

“So…”

The boys turned to look at Kurapika.

“What the hell did you do to not be allowed to touch anything?”

The two shared a look.

“They’ve gotten (Name) and themselves banned from every other grocery store in town.”

“Leorio!”

Kurapika snickered. “Seriously? What did you do to get banned so many times?”

Gon kicked the ground, looking embarrassed. “… made all the shelves fall like dominoes.”

“I bit an employee hitting on (Name).”

‘I’ll have to buy him some chocolate robots for that later.’ Kurapika thought. ‘Wait, why do I care if someone hits on her?’

“They were also caught trying to break into an employees only room.”

“We just wanted to see what it looked like!”

“Maybe you did, Gon, but I wanted to steal their uniforms and see how long it took them to realize I didn’t work here.”

Leorio shook his head. “This is why they aren’t allowed to touch anything. Honestly the fact that she allowed you two to come at all is shocking.”

——————

(Name) returned with a few packs of juice, dropping them into the grocery cart.

“Is it the-“

“Yes it’s the orange juice kind.”

The two grinned, following behind her.

“Kurapika?”

“Hmm?”

“What would you like for dinner? Gon got to pick what we had last night, it’s your turn.”

The blonde took a while to answer. ‘If I tell her anything is okay, she won’t take that as an answer. What is something I would prefer?’

Kurapika didn’t usually have the privilege to be picky. He ate what he could.

“If I’m being honest, I would prefer a traditional Kurtan dish, but as that is impossible for you to make…”

He thought for a moment more, (Name) typing something into her phone as he did.

“Something… suitable for a slumber party should be fine.”

Leorio snickered. “She asked what you specifically wanted, Kurapika.”

The man shot him a look. “I’ve never been to a slumber party. I don’t know what foods you eat during one.”

(Name) nodded, patting the blonde on the back. “It’s alright, I’ll let it slide this time. Just focus on picking out some snacks you like, okay?”

She left the snack aisle then, Gon and Killua in tow.

“You heard the lady, pick out some snacks.”

Kurapika frowned. Again, he wasn’t picky. There were few things that he cared about when it came to food, but…

He managed to pick out a few items.

The first was a box of cinnamon covered pecans. Pecans were one of his favorite nuts, and he quite enjoyed cinnamon.

His second pick was bag of trail mix, and his last was a box of crackers and cheese.

“No offense but those are some pretty lame snacks.”

Kurapika rolled his eyes. “She said to pick what I like. This is what I like.”

“Any particular reason you like them?”

The blonde nodded. “Nuts are high in protein, crackers and cheese are filling. Travel mix is convenient.”

Leorio sighed. “This isn’t a mission Kurapika, it’s a slumber party. Is there any food you get purely because you enjoy it?”

Again, the blonde had to think for a minute. Staring down the snack aisle, he began walking towards the sweets section.

In front of him was a specific type of candy. They looked like normal peppermints, but instead tasted of strawberries and cream.

Kurapika took a bag, looking down at it with a half hearted smile.

It was the first candy he could remember eating, a favorite among the Kurtan children.

“Got what you all wanted?”

(Name) strolled towards the two, the shopping cart the boys were pushing a lot fuller now.

Leorio turned to her with his arms full of snacks, (Name) stopping.

“Leorio, you can have three of those.”

Kurapika blinked and looked down at his own snacks, reaching to put one back.

“Oh, you can have as many as you want, Kurapika!”

She grabbed the snacks from his arms and dropped them into the shopping cart.

“Hey, no fair! Why does Kurapika get special treatment?”

(Name) gave him a smile. “Because Kurapika is just too pretty to deny.”

It took a moment for Kurapika to process the compliment, but when he did his cheeks turned pink. She’d called him pretty before, but the suddenness of her words left him flustered.

“That’s discrimination! Are you saying I’m not pretty?”

Leorio leaned forward, fluttering his eyelashes. (Name) groaned and pushed him away. “You’re not pretty, Leorio, you’re handsome.”

The man paused, his own cheeks turning a shade of pink.

Leorio cleared his throat and stood. “Ehem. Thank you.”

‘She thinks Leorio is handsome?’

Kurapika glanced between the two. In the past two years he’d been gone, how much closer had they gotten?

Was it closer than him and (Name) had been?

Kurapika only became more suspicious when (Name) looped her arm in Leorio’s.

“Let’s go check out, then.”

She walked away, Gon and Killua laughing.

“She always knows how to distract Leorio.” Killua said, snickering. Gon nodded.

“Yeah, one compliment and he’s like that.”

Leorio stumbled over both his words and his own feet as (Name) dragged him away.

The blonde watched with mild irritation.

———————

“Everyone, what are the rules for the carnival?”

They all sighed.

“1. Don’t fight the carnies, even if their games are rigged.” Killua said, his arms folded over his chest.

“2. There is a buddy system. At least have on other person with you at all times.” Gon answered, grabbing Killua’s arm.

“3. No gambling.”

“Wait why is that a rule?” Killua asked after Leorio stated the 3rd rule.

“You can blame Leorio for that.”

The other three boys turned to him with a raised eyebrow.

‘What an idiot.’

“4. No leaving the carnival without informing everyone first.” Kurapika said, opening his car door.

“That goes for everyone, adults included. I won’t hesitate to report any of you missing.”

She gave them all a look before smiling.

“Okay, everyone grab your buddy and let’s go!”

The group left the parking lot and entered the carnival.

“We’ll walk around then split up. Killua, Gon.”

She grabbed both of the boys by their shoulders when she noticed them starting to drift away

“You’ll be joining us.”

Killua groaned, Gon just nodding as he was dragged away.

They made a lap around the carnival, (Name) pointing out each attraction she’d want to visit.

“Oh, there’s a haunted house.”

Leorio perked up. “Haunted house? It’s not even close to Halloween.”

Kurapika glanced at the cheaply designed haunted house before continuing to follow (Name).

“Okay, you two can go. We’ll be meeting back up before 3 pm at the food court.”

The two boys were gone as soon as she finished talking.

“Are they going to follow the rules?”

“No, but they’ll be secretive about it so hopefully it can’t be traced back to me.”

“Hopefully they don’t attack anyone this time.”

Kurapika stared at the two with an incredulous expression.

‘What the hell do they get up to when they’re unsupervised?’

The first attraction the group of three were drawn to was a game where you threw darts at balloons to win a prize.

“Hmm… Leorio, I’m going to try.”

The man nodded. “Go ahead. I’m going to be at the next booth.”

Kurapika and (Name) turned, only to be instantly disappointed.

“A kissing booth? Seriously Leorio?”

(Name) walked up to the game of her choice. “Kurapika, you can go to another booth nearby while I play if you want.”

“I think I’ll try this one after you.”

(Name) nodded then handed the man behind the counter a few dollars.

“Alright Miss, all you have to do is hit three balloons with these darts, and you’ll win a prize!”

He handed her five darts, meaning she had five chances.

She handed Kurapika two of the darts. “Hold these for me, sweetheart.”

He did so, holding back a smile.

(Name) threw her first dart.

“You’ve hit your first balloon! Only three more to go!”

She jumped up and down in excitement. “Ahh, okay!”

She threw her second one, almost grazing a nearby balloon. It hit the board, missing it by a millimeter.

The next dart also missed, (Name) raising an eyebrow.

‘Weird, those should have hit.’

“Do you want me to try?”

Kurapika twirled a dart between his nimble fingers. His eyes were on the balloons, a frown on his lips.

“Uh, sure. Go ahead.”

Kurapika stepped forward, throwing the dart with more strength than necessary.

POP!

The carny’s eyes went wide. “How did you…”

“You’ve been using nen to make the balloons harder to penetrate but…”

He threw his last dart, popping the last balloon.

“It wasn’t strong enough to resist my nen coated darts.”

(Name) used Gyo to see Kurapika was right. The balloons had a thin nen barrier around them, making them indestructible to non men users.

The carny scoffed. “Didn’t think any nen users would be coming to my booth. Go ahead and pick out your prize, little lady.”

(Name) glanced at Kurapika, giving him a sweet smile.

“You pick. You’re the one that figured out what was going on, it’s only fair.”

Kurapika browsed the various plushies and small toys. Nothing he saw caught his eye.

‘I’m not really interested in such things. But…’

He turned away to think, and spotted a couple at another booth.

A man won a game, the girl at his side cheering for him. Once the prize was won, he handed it to the girl.

Kurapika’s eyes widened when the girl gasped and pulled the man into a kiss.

‘Is this what you’re supposed to do?’

He looked over the prizes again, this time with (Name) in mind. Kurapika remembered when he’d been in a small store in York New with Leorio

“She likes cute things. Like Sanrio products.”

“Sanrio? What is that?”

Leorio stared at the man. “Are you being serious? Hello Kitty, My Melody, Keroppi?”

Kurapika gave him a confused look.

“Oh my god. Just get her this.”

Leorio shoved a keychain into his hands. It was small and pink, with a cartoon cat holding a strawberry at the end.

Kurapika pointed to a Hello Kitty plush. “I’ll take that one.”

The carny handed it over and shooed them away. “Now get out of here. You’re bad for business.”

(Name) shrugged and walked over to Leorio, who was still in line for the kissing booth.

Now Kurapika was left carrying a small Hello Kitty plush.

‘Do I… give it to her now? Or later?’

(Name) had to physically drag Leorio away from his place in line. “It’s flu season, Leorio.”

“I don’t care! I’ll happily get sick if I get to kiss a pretty lady!”

Kurapika followed behind them, staring down at the small plush.

‘It’s… kind of cute.’

——————

After playing a few games, the group met up at the food court. Gon and Killua had been waiting for them with corndogs in hand.

“Finally. We’ve been waiting for like…”

“Five minutes.”

(Name) rolled her eyes and sat down next to them. “You two having fun?”

“Gon threw up.”

“Twice!”

(Name) smacked a hand over her forehead. “And you didn’t call me, why?”

“… it was really gross.”

“Trust me, you didn’t want to see it.”

Kurapika shivered. “Gross. Why are you eating if you just threw up?”

“It’s BECAUSE I just threw up. Gotta refuel before our next ride.”

“Wait, pause.”

(Name) held up her hand, causing the two boys to go quiet.

“Have you been eating and getting on rides right after throwing up?”

They looked at each other before answering.

“… yeah?”

She took a deep breath.

“I love you two. So much.”

She stood up and took Gon’s backpack.

“Hey, my tickets are in there!”

“Yeah, that’s why I took it. No riding anything for at least 20 minutes.”

“But-“

“But nothing! It’s like you’re shaking up a soda can, opening it, then refilling it and doing it all over again! You’re the soda can, Gon!”

Gon sighed, laying his head on the table.

“I told you not to eat four bags of popcorn before going on the carousel, but noo, you wouldn’t listen!”

Killua huffed. “Now we both have to sit out. I can’t rude anything because you’re my buddy.”

(Name) patted Gon’s back. “I’ll get you some water, okay? Just try and relax.”

She left to order her food and get some water.

(Name) returned a few minutes later with a platter of food in one hand and a cup of water in the other.

“Sip on this, I’ll be right back with the other drinks.”

Gon gulped the drink in one go.

“She said sip.”

“Please don’t tell her.”

Killua slapped a hand over his face. “I won’t, but only because if I do she’ll make us stay seated longer.”

Kurapika took a bite of the chicken strips he’d ordered, wincing at the greasy food.

“Ahh, carnival food. I’m going to be sick later.”

Leorio took another bite of his turkey leg.

(Name) returned with the drinks, sitting one in front of each person before taking her seat.

“Alright, dig in.”

She didn’t bother to look up to see they had begun eating without her, seemingly replying to someone on her phone.

After their meal of chicken strips and corn dogs, the group split up again.

“What should we ride next?”

Leorio began to speak but (Name) interrupted.

“I said ride. We’re not going back to the kissing booth.”

“Foiled again.”

Kurapika pointed to a nearby attraction. “How about that one?”

It was one of those turning teacups rides.

‘It’s cute, (Name) would probably like it.’

She hummed, pulling the two behind her to get in line.

“Yeah, let’s try this one. It’s only a dollar per person.”

(Name) stood on her tippy toes to peek over the person in front of her. “The line doesn’t seem that long, we’ll only have to w-“

She was interrupted when someone shoved her back and took her place in line.

“Hey, what the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Leorio stepped out of line to help (Name) up and brush the dirt off her dress.

The man who had cut the line didn’t answer.

Kurapika glanced between (Name) and the man, his jaw tensing.

‘She said not to attack anyone. Keep calm.’

Leorio and (Name) joined the line again, Kurapika creating a space for them to get in front of him.

(Name) politely tapped on the man’s shoulder.

“You need to go to the end of the line.”

The man turned around.

“And just what are you gonna do about it if I don’t?”

Her companions stared back at him from behind her, their expressions darkened.

“I… I’ll go.”

The man scurried away before (Name) could say another word.

“Wow. Was he scared of me?”

She pointed a finger at herself, looking back at her friends in surprise.

“You do have a scary mom look. Must of been a mommas boy.” Leorio replied with a shrug.

Kurapika followed the man with his eyes, making sure he could feel the blondes bloodlust with each step.

“Kurapika?”

He blinked before turning his attention back to (Name).

“Your eyes.”

The blonde paused, staring into the reflective metal off the teacup ride.

His usual soft brown eyes were a rich shade of scarlet. (Name) grabbed Kurapika’s hand and moved into a crowd of people.

“Close your eyes until I say to open them.”

He did so, trusting her to lead him to safety.

The two stopped somewhere, (Name) thrusting something onto his face.

“Okay, you can open them now.”

His vision was darker now.

“Sunglasses?”

“Yeah, will that work?”

He nodded. “Yes. They’ll work for now.”

Kurapika took in a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.

‘Why are my eyes scarlet? Am I that angry a man pushed her?’

(Name) placed a hand on his arm. “I don’t think anyone saw, but we should probably leave to be safe.”

Although she was putting up a brave face so he wouldn’t feel bad, he could tell she was disappointed they would have to leave.

“No, it’s fine. I closed my eyes seconds after they became scarlet, no one would have seen them.”

He took her hand, walking away from the booth she’d led them to.

“Let’s get back to Leorio. He probably has no idea what’s going on.”

“Actually, he’s the one that realized your eyes were red. I just reacted first.”

Kurapika laughed. “Of course. He’s so slow to act. Very indecisive.”

———————

The two joined Leorio, who had kept their spot in line while they were away.

“You two are just in time. It’s our turn next.”

(Name) jumped up in excitement. “Really? Oh good, I hate waiting.”

The three soon discovered that the ride was two per teacup.

And Leorio was way too tall to be stuffed into a teacup with another person.

“Sir, we’ll need you to step out of line. You’re too tall to ride this attraction.”

“Too tall?! There aren’t any rules about being too tall!”

(Name) gave him a look, causing him to back down and grumpily step away.

“Alright, you two ladies can go ahead and enter the teacups.”

Kurapika frowns. ‘Why do people keep assuming I’m a woman?’

(Name) took her seat in a pink teacup. “Get in and close the door behind you.”

He listened, a pout on his lips. Did he really look that much like a woman? What was it that made people immediately assume he wasn’t a man?

‘I should cut my hair…’

(Name) tapped his leg with her foot. “Hey, it’s time to start spinning!”

“Spinning? What-“

(Name) turned the wheel in the center with a giggle, the teacup spinning around so fast Kurapika had to hold on to keep himself from flying out.

“Ahh, this is so much fun! K- wait are you okay?”

Kurapika was beginning to turn a sickly shade of green as the rude continued. He gave her a thumbs up before moving his hands to hold his stomach.

“Oh shit.”

———————

“(Name), I am so sorry.”

The two sat on a bench, both covered in vomit.

“Don’t be. I should have known you would have a sensitive stomach after eating that greasy food.”

Leorio returned, carrying (Name)’s backpack. “Hey, I got your text. Is-“

He stopped a few feet away, holding a hand over his mouth.

“Yikes.”

(Name) let out a tired sigh, standing up so Kurapika could lie down fully.

“Watch over him, I’ll be right back.”

“What about the buddy system?”

(Name) shrugged. “That only applies to you four trouble makers.”

Kurapika slapped a hand over his head, letting out a miserable groan.

She was back soon after, carrying a handful of wet paper towels and a novelty tshirt that says “I love YN”.

“What is a York New tshirt doing here? We aren’t even close.”

(Name) shrugged. “I don’t know, it was the cheapest shirt available. Here, let me help you.”

She helped Kurapika sit off and pulled off his tabard, folding it carefully and throwing it in a plastic bag to wash later.

“I’m sorry, I’ve ruined your fun.”

(Name) pulled the shirt over his head and gave him a soft smile. “To be fair, Gon has been throwing up too.”

“But I threw up ON you.”

She grimaced. “Yeah, that does suck. But everyone gets sick. Trust me, I’ve gone through worse.”

He frowned, looking down at his new clean shirt.

“I’m going to go change too. Just rest up, the boys will be here in a minute.”

“You mean Gon and Killua? Wait I-“

She was already gone.

“Fuck, if Killua sees me like this-“

The sound of raucous laughter could be heard to his left.

‘God damn it.’

“Oh my- oh my god no way. There’s no way this is happening right now, hahaha!”

Killua was rolling on the ground, tears in his eyes from how hard he was laughing.

“Oh, you threw up too? And you got a new shirt, wow!”

Killua pulled himself together, picking himself off the ground.

“I don’t see why this is so funny. It’s just a novelty tshirt.”

Killua paused.

“No way.”

He took his phone out of Gon’s backpack and snapped a picture, turning the screen towards Kurapika.

The glasses (Name) had unceremoniously shoved into his face weren’t just normal sunglasses.

They were the most obnoxiously over the to hello kitty sunglasses on planet earth.

Killua bursted into laughter again. “Jesus Christ man, who told you those were a good choice?”

“(Name) did.”

His cheeks were a dark shade of red now. He wished (Name) would have picked something a little… manlier.

‘This must be the reason that person thought I was a woman. Of course.’

“Oh.”

Killua quieted down. He wouldn’t insult something (Name) picked out.

“I think they look good on you.”

Killua jumped at the sound of (Name)’s voice behind him.

“(Name)?”

Kurapika raised his head weakly to look at her.

“Where did you get those clothes from?”

(Name) was now wearing a tank top and a white pleated skirt. “Oh, I keep a change of clothes in my bag at all times. It became a habit after the Hunter Exam.”

He glanced from her small backpack, to her new clothes, to her face.

“How… never mind.”

(Name) crouched down next to him and placed a hand on his forehead.

“You’re warm. I’m going to take the boys to a few more rides, and then we’ll go home. Leorio, stay with him until then.”

“Roger that.”

(Name) leaned down to whisper in his ear. “Just consider us even for me drooling on you during the Hunter Exam, alright?”

She gave him a sweet smile before turning to leave, Killua and Gon following behind her.

——————

For the most part, Leorio listened and stayed by Kurapika’s side.

That was until he had to use the bathroom.

“Hey, you think you’ll be okay for like… five minutes? I need to take a leak.”

“I’m a grown man, I can handle myself.”

Leorio would have shot back saying even grown men need help sometimes, but he didn’t have enough time to, sprinting off to the restrooms.

For the first minute or so, Kurapika stayed still, letting the cool breeze calm him down.

That was until people started to gather around him.

“There’s a drunk lady just… laying on that bench. Is that legal?”

“She smells awful.”

Kurapika cracked one of his eyes open. On his right were a handful of people, peeking over the bench to look at him.

“I’m not drunk, just sick”

“That’s what they all say, lady. There’s kids here, drink at home.”

Kurapika sighed softly. He didn’t give a shit what other people thought about him, but they were disturbing his rest.

“Listen, I’m this close to projectile vomiting on anyone in 30 foot vicinity. You might want to vacate the premises.”

They scoffed at him. “Oh really?”

Kurapika rolled his eyes and pretended to dry heave, sending the crowd of people running.

“Oh god he’s going to throw up again. (Name)!”

“Where is Leorio? I leave for 10 minutes and-“

Kurapika held up a hand. “I’m fine, I was just pretending.”

(Name) helped him sit up. “Okay, we’ll pretend to not be a total mess right now because people are staring. Where’s Leorio?”

He leaned against her shoulder for support, cursing his weak body. “Bathroom. He’s only been gone for a minute.”

She halfheartedly patted his back. “Alright. Gon, Killua, go get him and head towards the car. I’ll meet you there.”

She pulled him into a standing position. “Can you walk?”

He stepped forward without her help, pushing her hand away. “Yes, I’m not helpless.”

Killua raised an eyebrow. “Uh huh. You look like a newborn giraffe. Don’t blame (Name) if you fall and eat shit.”

Kurapika flipped him the bird before stumbling towards the car.

‘Why are men like this?’ (Name) followed behind him, ready to catch him if he fell.

———————

The car ride home was quiet, the only sound heard being Killua singing along to whatever was on the radio.

“Killua, could you please quiet down? I’ve gotta headache.” Kurapika asked as a hand rubbed away at his temple.

Killua looked like he was considering his question, opening his mouth before (Name) sent him a glare through the rear view mirror.

“Yeah, whatever.”

Kurapika sighed in relief. “Thank you.”

If he knew that Killua had been seconds away from screaming at the top of his longs before (Name) intervened, he wouldn’t have thanked him.

(Name) pulled into the driveway of her home. The boys piled out of her mom van, running inside and tossing off their shoes.

“I’m going to shower…” Kurapika stated before stumbling towards the bathroom.

“Wait, don’t forget-“

He closed the door behind him.

“Your clothes…”

She groaned. Now, either she would have to bring him clothes while he showered or he would have to walk to his room in a towel.

‘Wait…’

“Hey, I’m going to take a shower. Can you bring Kurapika some clothes in a minute?”

She’d asked Leorio, but KIllua butted in. “Yeah, I can.”

“No. Sorry but I don’t trust you.”

“But…”

“No buts. Leorio, don’t let him get his little paws on Kurapika’s clothes. Killua has a cute face, but don’t be fooled.”

Leorio scoffed. “Oh please, I’ve known him longer than you. I watched him take a man’s heart out with just his bare hands.”

“Killua thats unsanitary.”

“He didn’t even wash his hands after.”

“GROSS!”

(Name) pulled away from the boy, a look of disgust on her face. “Go wash your hands, now!”

“It was two years ago!”

“I don’t care! Go!”

He walked up the stairs to (Name)’s bathroom while grumbling about her being unreasonable.

“I’ll take his clothes now…” Leorio slipped away into Kurapika’s room to avoid (Name)’s irritated state.

“Okay, let’s get you some medicine for your nausea earlier.”

Gon and (Name) sat at the dinner table, drinking juice boxes as she waited for Killua to come back down the stairs.

“I’m done. Go take your shower or whatever.”

(Name) leaped out of her seat and races up the stairs. She’d been putting on brave face for Kurapika, but she’d been on the verge of a meltdown for the past two hours.

‘God I smell so gross. Gonna throw that dress away later…’

She threw her clothing into the hamper and stepped into the warm water.

‘Ahh… that’s better. Gonna- where the fuck is my shampoo?’

(Name) blinked, did she use the rest of her shampoo last time? Good thing she kept extra under her sink…

(Name) finished her shower quickly. She’d need to start dinner soon if they would be eating before 8 pm.

Since they were having a sleepover, (Name) threw on a pair of pajama pants and a sweater. Comfortable, and cute.

‘There’s no one to look cute for, though.’

She sighed. It had been a while since she’d thought about purposefully dressing up. She’d have to call up some of her friends for a night on the town.

“Hey, did you-“

(Name) paused on the last stair. For a moment, she contemplated just going back upstairs and going back to bed. That would be much easier than dealing with the current situation.

Fake money was strewn across the floor, Leorio sitting in a corner muttering something about losing everything.

Killua and Kurapika were having a stand off, Monopoly money clutched against Killua’s chest.

And Gon was sitting with his shoes on the couch.

‘Where to start?’

She made her presence known by clearing her throat. Several pairs of eyes shot up to see her staring down at them, her eyes narrowed.

“You have 1 minute to fix this. I’ve got to grab my backpack from upstairs.”

With that, she turned around and walked back up.

———————

When (Name) returned, the floor was clean and the boys were all sitting patiently at the dinner table.

“Okay, good. Now that that’s settled, what should we do for dinner?”

“Something simple. I don’t think Gon can handle anything complex right now.”

Killua patted his friends back, who was currently sitting with his face planted on the table.

“Anything you make will be good, so I don’t care.”

(Name) groaned. “God you guys are no help at all.”

She stormed to the kitchen and threw the fridge open.

‘Something easy and simple… that won’t take long to cook…’

She settled on her grandmas recipe for homemade chicken noodle soup. She’d made it countless times, and even though it wasn’t cold outside yet, she knew it was the best option she had.

It was easy to make and would be good for her two sick friends.

“We’re eating chicken noodle soup. That okay with everyone?”

They all nodded, the two boys moving from the table to the couch to watch TV.

Kurapika’s hair was wet. Again. (Name) stared at him, hoping he’d be able to feel her thoughts and dry his hair, but he didn’t react at all.

“Kurapika… your hair.”

He looked at her, raising an eyebrow. “What?”

“Didn’t I tell you if you don’t dry it, you’ll catch a cold?”

He pushed his wet locks out of his face. “You worry too much. I’ve been leaving my hair wet for years.”

(Name) left the room and grabbed a towel. “Either you dry it, or I do. I’m not going to let you get sick.”

Kurapika stared at the towel.

‘Well… she did a good job last time…’

“… you can dry it. If you don’t mind.”

“I don’t. Leorio, watch the chicken. It’s cooking on the stove.”

“Roger that.”

(Name) dried his hair again, Kurapika relaxing ever so slightly under her touch.

‘I shouldn’t get used to this…’

But even as he thought that, his eyes closed and he leaned into her touch, a content look on his face.

He didn’t know how much he loved the feeling of fingers running through his hair. Kurapika even enjoyed the conditioner she added in.

“All done. Try to remember next time, okay?”

‘I’ll remember to forget.’

As (Name) cooked, Kurapika watched her from the table. It was hard not to.

He could still feel the lingering sensation of her fingers in his hair. It felt comforting, soothing almost.

Was it wrong to let himself enjoy the comfort of his friend? Maybe. In his world, that was a luxury he didn’t have the time to enjoy.

But he wasn’t on a mission right now. He could relax.

Just a little.

——————

After dinner, the group gathered in the living room. (Name) and Gon carried in multiple large comforters, placing them on the group to make a pallet.

“Are we… all sleeping here? Together?”

Kurapika watched as the other four plopped down onto the floor, Gon and Killua rolling around the soft surface.

“Yeah? That’s what you do during a sleepover. You… sleep over.”

He stared down at Leorio, who looked a bit too comfortable lying next to (Name).

“I see.”

He sat between Leorio and (Name), pushing the man away with his foot.

“Hey, rude! Who says you get to sleep next to (Name)?”

“I just don’t know how I feel letting my female friend sleep next to a known pervert. I wouldn’t be able to rest knowing she might be leered at.”

Leorio began to protest, but Killua spoke up.

“I actually agree with Kurapika. We haven’t forgotten what happened during the Hunter Exam.”

“Wait what happened?”

(Name) tilted her head in Leorio’s direction.

“On second thought I think I’m perfectly fine sleeping over here.”

Leorio cuddled up under a blanket, hiding away from (Name)’s judging gaze.

“Uh huh… anyways, what should we do next? Okay some games? Watch a movie?”

“Aren’t we… aren’t we supposed to sleep?”

Kurapika was already under his blanket, looking up at her with sleepy eyes.

“Oh, I mean you can, but I won’t promise you’ll be unscathed when you wake up.”

He was suddenly very awake.

“Unscathed?”

“First one to fall asleep gets their face drawn on.”

“Except for (Name). Last time we did that…”

KIllua shuddered. “It was a permanent marker too.”

“Killua. You didn’t.”

(Name) sighed. “He did. I had to go on a mission with a faded marker mustache and scribbles on my face. It was awful.”

“I don’t envy you. Not one bit.”

Killua and Gon crawled over. “We said we were sorry! Gon even picked you flowers.”

“Yeah, from our neighbors garden.”

“Technically-“

“Technically nothing! Now they won’t talk to me anymore!”

(Name) crossed her arms, pouting. “They were pretty though… and it was sweet of you…”

She pulled the two into her arms. “Aww, I can’t stay mad at my boys. Come on, let’s get some snacks and play some games.”

The two followed behind her like the puppies they were, Kurapika watching.

“How should I know you’re not going to perv on her?”

Kurapika glanced down at Leorio, who was wrapped up in a blanket. He’s inched towards the blonde like a worm.

“Unlike you I don’t have the history of being a sexual deviant.”

Leorio scoffed. “Yeah, sure. That’s only because you haven’t had your sexual awakening.”

Kurapika frowned. “My what?”

The dark haired man stared up at him. “You’re joking. Have you ever had any kind of sexual education?”

“… no?”

Leorio face planted. Now he really looked like a worm.

“Jesus. Okay, when a mom and a dad love each other very much-“

“I know what sex is, Leorio. Also, shut up.”

The blonde man’s face had gone red. Even if he hadn’t had his sexual awakening or whatever the hell Leorio had said, talking about sex was awkward.

Especially when his friend knew a lot more than he did.

“Whatever. Just… if you need to know something about it… just call me. I don’t want you doing something stupid and embarrassing yourself in front of (Name).”

Kurapika’s face turned a brighter shade of red. “In front of (Name)? What do you mean by-“

“Guys, should we play Candy Land or Uno?”

Their conversation was thankfully cut short by the group returning, games in hand.

Kurapika thanked the fact that he’d been sick today, because his red face was easily excused.

———————

They played for an hour or so before Leorio gave in and fell asleep.

“Boys, he has classes this weekend. Use the washable markers.”

Kurapika and (Name) sat on the couch watching some random anime the two boys had picked out as they doodled away on Leorio’s face.

“Are you feeling tired?”

(Name) had only asked because Kurapika’s head was dangerously close to leaning on her shoulder.

“Mm… a little.”

“You’re safe to sleep now. They have their victim.”

Kurapika nodded, but didn’t move. His eyes were getting heavy and he didn’t have enough brain capacity to listen.

“Mhm… yeah I’ll do that in just… just a…”

His head fully leaned onto her shoulder, the man falling asleep.

(Name) peeked at him from the corner of his eyes.

‘Ugh, why does he have to be so cute. It’s hard to keep my distance when he’s so freaking cute!’

She moved, moving his head from her shoulder to her lap.

‘If he stayed like that, he’ll hurt his neck…’

Once Killua and Gok finished their dastardly deed, they joined (Name) on the couch.

“I can kick him off of you if you want.”

(Name) shooed Killua away. “Killua, that’s not nice. Let him rest.”

The white haired boy rolled his eyes. “Alright, but don’t come complaining to me if he drools on you.”

She pursed her lips. “I won’t.”

Another hour passed, with (Name) passing the time by gently running her fingers through his hair.

It wasn’t as soft as it had been when he’d fallen asleep on her before. She knew he hadn’t been taking care of himself, and this only solidified the thought in her head.

‘I need to help him. Before he ends up getting himself killed.’

Gon and Killua fell asleep soon after. Killua had finally run out of steam after him and Gon chased each other down the street for a good 30 minutes.

‘The neighbors are going to complain again. At least they think the thing disturbing their sleep is a cryptid and not Killua.’

She glanced down at Kurapika.

He was crying.

She didn’t know why, but in his sleep tears had pooled into the corners of his eyes, falling onto her lap.

(Name) wiped them away and pulled the blanket they were sharing up to his chin.

‘It’s been a long day. I should sleep too…”

She moved so her legs were underneath him and lied down, her head resting against the armrest of the couch.

[cobaltperun]

Lost (2) - Into the nothing

Tara Carpenter x female Reader

Summary: To anyone on the outside, and to Tara’s friends, you were Tara’s fierce protector, the MMA fighter who’d take anyone on for Tara. The Guard Dog, as Amber called you. You had no idea you’d have to protect her from people who claimed they loved her. It didn’t matter. As long as you and Tara had one another there was nothing you wouldn’t be able to survive.

Story warnings: Scream violence, family issues, trauma, angst, certain sensitive topics

Word count: 4k

Story Masterlist / Previous part / Next part

-Heaven hear me, I know we can make it out alive-

You woke up around half past seven, the fatigue from battle still weighing you down, but more than that you couldn’t shake off that uneasy feeling from the last night. You tried and you tried, but you just felt like something was wrong. You sighed, the sound of birds chirping by your window did little to take your mind off the bad feeling. So, you sat up, turned the TV on and got up while the documentary about whales droned on. You lived in an efficiency apartment, and as cramped as it was, you made it a home thanks to Tara. She got you the few trinkets that were lying around. The cheesy ‘Home is where the heart is’ hung from the doors above the coat hangers. The small porcelain cat napped on the fridge, and a slightly bigger stuffed dog she bought you for your twelfth birthday sat on the nightstand drawer next to your bed. There were only two framed photos in your apartment, both of them were just you and Tara, one from her eighteenth birthday, and one back when you were kids and Tara and Mindy won an award for a short video.

Everything else was pretty much minimalistic, you hardly had space for anything else, given the living area wasn’t even 250 square feet. Bed at the corner, with nightstand drawer to its’ right, the TV hanging on the opposite wall, a coffee table you modified to be taller that doubled as table in general between the two with a couch just beneath the window. The kitchen area was small as well, just bare necessities, which sometimes made cooking a bit of a struggle for space. What little space was left was used up by the wardrobe closet and your bag and basic training gear, both by the wall where the TV was, standing between the doors and the TV.

You were comfortable in your home, comfortable in your own small space, separated from the rest of the town, in a building that was meant to be a part of some bigger project that got canceled, but the building remained, and the couple you worked for owned this apartment and a few other in the building and they rented it to you for a ridiculously cheap price. Right now, however, you couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling off, you needed to go train, or go to work, or do anything to keep your mind off whatever was causing that damn feeling.

So, you broke your rules and ran down the stairs all the way from the third floor, and then, the moment you stepped through the main building entrance, you began running. You had a set of rules you lived by, eat healthy, train hard, rest enough, and resting enough involved having a day off after a fight, meaning no work, no training, just recovering. Yet here you were, running on an empty stomach while the town woke from the slumber. Cars drove past you, as did the school bus, and for a moment you thought you caught glimpse of Tara sitting by the window, probably with Amber next to her. Running cleared your head a bit and you made up your mind. Next weekend you’d take Tara away from Woodsboro, you’d take her wherever she wants to go, Amber’s whining be damned.

You were tired of the distance, and you could feel Tara was tired of it as well, and it was about time you did something to change that.

With that sense of clarity and the decision you finished your run and, despite still having a day off, took a shower and went to work.

~X~

It was always the same old story when he and Mindy were alone. Always the struggle for the rights to control what they’d watch.

“There’s a basketball game on right now and I want to watch it,” Chad raised the remote above his head, not willing to budge. Could he have gone to his room to watch it. Absolutely, and Mindy could have gone to her room to watch whatever movie she wanted to watch tonight. Still, over the years it turned into a bit of a game between them, to see who would cave in first and he wasn’t going to be the one to give in this time.

“Pft, there’s a brand new horror movie airing and the remote has my name on it,” she pulled his forearm down so she could reach the remote, but he just tossed it to his other hand.

“No way, watch it later,” he took a few steps back and went around the sofa to put some distance between him and Mindy, only because he knew Mindy would stay put, choosing to wisely use her energy.

Mindy snorted at that. “No way, dude,” but she was grinning, clearly not annoyed by their usual argument.

Chad was about to say he was the one with the remote, hence he held the power, but his phone rang and he looked over the sofa to see who was calling him. Mindy already grabbed it and handed it to him.

“It’s Wes,” she said and while he was picking up took the chance and stole the remote from him.

“Hey, give that back!” Chad complained.

“Chad,” Wes’ sounded like he was on the verge of tears and the remote was almost instantly forgotten.

“Hey, pal, what’s wrong?” Chad asked, worried, he rarely heard Wes this distraught, and Mindy noticed his tone as well, as her victorious grin dropped.

“It’s Tara. She- she was attacked, Chad, she was stabbed seven times in her own home. Doctors are fighting for her life as we speak,” Wes wasn’t making any sense, Tara was stabbed? Doctors were fighting for her life? He must have gotten high or drunk or something.

No. This was Wes. He rarely drank any alcohol and he most certainly never got high.

“Does,” he swallowed the lump in his dry throat. “Does anyone else know?”

“No, I’ll call Amber, you, you handle Y/N, please,” Wes told him and Chad felt dread fill him up.

There was a reason why he’d choose to tell Amber and not you. Amber was Tara’s girlfriend, sure, and she’d take it hard, she’d be worried, she’d rush to the hospital and stay by Tara’s side. You on the other hand, you’d be a tempest of rage and grief and fear. Sure, you and Tara weren’t close these past few months, but it was just a small, temporary break, you were still Tara’s Guard Dog, and you didn’t protect her.

Chad had no doubt in his mind that you’d be a hound, hunting down whoever hurt Tara and making them regret going after Tara.

“I’ll call her,” Chad still promised, and he’d call you.

Wes thanked him and hung up, his voice cracking near the end.

“Chad?” Mindy walked over to him and wiped his cheeks, and only then did Chad realize he was crying as well.

“Tara was stabbed, Wes doesn’t know if she’ll live,” he whispered, breaking down and hugging Mindy. He cried against her shoulder while she tried to stay strong for them both. The remote, the TV argument, it all remained forgotten.

~X~

At half past eleven p.m. you were back in your apartment, ready to sleep, even though it evaded you. You were just lying on your bed and staring at the ceiling. That bad feeling, that worry, it came back while you were wrapping up your shift at the restaurant you worked in.

You abruptly sat up when your phone rang, and you just stared at Chad’s name for a few moments. The bad feeling intensified in an instant. Chad rarely called, especially this late.

“Hey,” you pushed the feeling back, you were just paranoid for no reason. After all, what could possibly go wrong?

“Hey, Y/N,” the shakiness of his voice nearly made you drop your phone.

Just stay calm, that’s what you kept repeating to yourself as your heart drummed against your chest. “What’s wrong?”

“Wes just called. Tara, she-“ the pause he made when he took a deep breath to collect himself was deafening. “she was attacked. Stabbed seven times. She’s at the hospital.”

He was wrong.

He wasn’t.

It couldn’t have happened to Tara.

It did.

The world and time itself stopped, everything stopped. You wanted to scream, but you couldn’t, you just went through the motions as you grabbed your jacket and car keys. “Thanks,” before you understood what was happening you were already outside your apartment. “I’m heading there now.”

Move. Just get there. Just get to her. Just get to her. Just get to her. Those four words were on repeat in your mind like a chant. You couldn’t stop, not for a red light or anything else, you just kept going until you reached the hospital. Wes’ mom stopped you before you could enter the hospital.

“Easy, Y/N, breathe,” how distraught did you look if those were the first words she said to you.

“Tara, how is she?” nothing else mattered at the moment, not the worry in her eyes, not the weight pushing your body down, nothing but getting to Tara. The police would handle the attacker, so you only cared about how Tara was right now.

“She’ll live,” if you were capable of thinking clearly you’d find it ironic how such a short sentence shook you to your core for the second time in your life. And it was, ironically, the exact opposite of the first time, of the ‘he’s dead’ that broke you all those years ago. At the moment, though, you felt like you were being torn apart and pulled back together at the same time. She’ll live, Judy had told you, the reassurance brought some semblance of clarity to your mind, yet at the same time the simple fact that she needed to clarify that made you feel like you were drowning.

“Y/N, where were you between nine and ten p.m.?” the question barely registered in your mind as you leaned back against the wall and took several deep breaths.

“Work. Woodsbo-Restaurant,” when did your voice become so hoarse? The need to just get inside and find Tara was almost overwhelming but a part of you, the last rational bit of you, managed to keep you rooted to the spot just until Judy told you to get going. Trying to force your way inside would only delay you reaching Tara.

Judy sighed and pulled you into the hospital. “Come on, I’ll take you to her room.”

She guided you through the dark, cold halls, going past the reception and up the stairs to where Tara hopefully was. You were barely aware of the few nurses stopping to look at you, as if surprised by what they were seeing. You didn’t care. None of that mattered at the moment.

You promised you’d do something nice for her and Wes when Tara recovered. Not before that though, you needed to prioritize. And prioritize you did as you walked through the doors to Tara’s room. Your vision became blurry as you looked at her. Still. Pale from blood loss. Attached to medical equipment. You didn’t even realize it when your legs gave out and you crumbled to your knees. All the fighting, all the hits you took, all the times you were struggling to get up, it all paled in comparison to this feeling. The sight in front of you weighed you down so hard you couldn't even struggle to get back up. For the second time in your entire life, you felt like you couldn't move, like nothing could make you move. Tara's steady breathing was the only reason you managed to keep your own breathing steady.

“Tara?” you breathed out, trying to will her to open her eyes and look at you, to show you she’d be fine, but she didn’t. She just laid there, completely still.

“Y/N!” Judy’s shout felt distant, but you felt her touch on your shoulder.

Your slightly parted mouth closed, jaw clenching so hard you would later wonder how you didn’t crack any of your teeth. In the whirlpool of emotions, you clung to the one that was just arising, anger. “Did you catch whatever did this to her?” the anger burned through your veins. You wanted to hurt whoever did this to her.

“No, whoever did this to her fled. Tara told us it was someone dressed like a Ghostface,” anger turned to wrath. Whatever attacked Tara, that something wearing a damn Ghostface costume, was still out there, free. Oh, you knew violence, and fighting was how you made a living and that was all the difference. You fought in a controlled environment, against a willing and often just as capable opponent, the purpose was to win. Something that attacked Tara was different, the exact opposite, so as tears fell down your face and you clenched your fists a single thought ran through your mind. Ghostface better hope the police catches it.

An irrational part of you thought you should've been there with her. A more rational side argued you haven't spent a night with Tara since four months ago. Another rational argument was that you were at work when the attack happened, so you wouldn't be able to do anything even if you made plans to spend the night at her place. The irrational part argued back that it was supposed to be your day off, so in a perfect world, you would be there to keep her safe.

The world wasn't perfect, but the irrational part of you still kept winning as you got stuck in the loop of what-ifs, regrets, and guilt.

Judy squeezed your shoulder and you looked at her, and she was startled, pulling her hand away from you and taking a step back. The pure, unrestrained wrath you felt must have been clear in your eyes. “We’ll catch the one responsible,” Judy promised you as she regained her composure.

You just nodded, getting up from the cold hospital floor and sitting down on the bed next to Tara’s, clearly not willing to leave her side. And Judy understood that, as you vaguely heard her tell some nurses to not even try to separate you from Tara.

For the next twelve hours, the only sound you properly and consistently registered was the heart rate monitor beeping to the rhythm of Tara’s heartbeat. You didn’t speak, you didn’t even look at Tara, you just sat there, hands dangling between your knees and head hung low. The sound calmed you down, it assured you Tara would be fine. It also made you a bit more accepting of doctors and nurses, so when they entered you just observed their every move like a hawk instead of, well, whatever the less appropriate alternative was. Frankly, you weren’t sure what that alternative was, but you knew careful observation was a better option.

A groan shattered the silence and you jumped to your feet only to kind of freeze, not sure of what, if anything, you should do. Tara’s eyes opened slowly and the tension in your body just began fading as her eyes met yours. She blinked a few times, likely confused and still under the effects of the pain killers.

“Y/N,” the sound of her voice, or rather how hoarse it was finally got you to move as you filled a glass of water and helped her take a couple of sips.

“Easy, I got you,” you dropped down to one knee, opting to as gently as you possibly could brush your fingers against the back of her right hand.

Tara looked around, taking in the hospital room she was in, and then her eyes widened, her heart rate sped up, as did her breathing as she frantically looked around for any signs of danger.

“Tara! Tara you’re safe!” you jumped to your feet and cradled her cheek, getting her to look at you. “Okay? You’re safe,” you whispered as her eyes locked with your own, searching for something, anything to cling on to, to anchor herself to and calm down, and she did find it. Her heartbeat gradually normalized as the two of you just remained like that, frozen, with your hand on her cheek, and your left hand gently holding her right hand.

A sob tore through Tara’s throat as she tried to take your hand. “Please, don’t leave me,” she cried out, her eyes filled with fear and yet to be shed tears.

“I won’t. I swear I won’t,” and you’d be damned if you broke that oath. You moved your hand and wiped the tears off her face and Tara, still sobbing, leaned into your touch. You wanted to hug her, to hold her, to never let her go, but you were afraid you’d hurt her. “You’re stuck with me until you tell me to leave,” that brought a small smile to Tara’s face and you found yourself smiling back, caressing her cheek.

“Could you help me sit up?” she whispered, still weak, fearful, but reassured that you wouldn’t leave her.

You nodded and carefully moved her. You weren’t absolutely certain about your approach, but you still wrapped your left arm around Tara’s shoulders and gently helped her sit up. Tara leaned back before you could move and rested the back of her head on your left shoulder. You were about to speak but Tara turning her head and looking at you, mere inches away from your face kept your mouth shut. “Let me stay like this for a bit? Please?”

Was it uncomfortable? Definitely. You were sort of leaning back and you could feel your muscles, still somewhat sore from the fight and lack of proper rest, ached a bit as you committed to staying still. Could you make it even more physically uncomfortable? Yes. Would you do it? If Tara let you, you most certainly would. So you moved your left arm to hug Tara from behind, sort of, it was more like letting your left arm rest beneath her neck to avoid her injuries. “Is this okay?”

“Yeah,” she closed her eyes, relaxing and just for a moment it felt like everything was fine, like everything was the way it was a few months ago when you would spend countless hours watching movies or shows and Tara would unavoidably end up in your arms. The bubble the two of you created, the illusion of everything being as it should burst the moment Tara accidentally moved her broken leg and winced. “Did they catch him?” she asked, fear and panic once again overtaking her. The heart rate monitor’s beeping getting faster just offered you concrete proof of how much the idea of her attacker not being caught yet affected her.

“Not as far as I know,” and you knew. Despite not leaving the room you did your best to stay informed and as of half an hour ago, there were no news of Ghostface, or anyone really, being caught.

Tara buried her face in the crook of your neck. “I’m so scared Y/N,” she whispered, exhausted to the point of not even having the strength to cry anymore.

“I’m here. I won’t let it hurt you again,” if Tara noticed your refusal to refer to Ghostface as a human being she didn’t comment on it, she just leaned further into your touch. The beeping of the heart rate monitor slowed down and you felt and heard Tara’s breathing getting even. As exhausted as she was you weren’t surprised she fell asleep once again.

Tara didn’t tell you to move, or even to let her go, so you didn’t. Aching muscles be damned. That being said, your own exhaustion made it difficult to keep your eyes open and despite the position you were in you still fell asleep for the first time in roughly thirty hours.

~X~

Tara woke up to the smell she came to associate with you, a soft scent that didn’t trigger her asthma, a scent that was quintessentially you, and it felt so right. The feel of your arms around her, keeping her safe, the sound of your breathing near her ear, keeping her calm. Your warmth, your strength, you. For a moment Tara even forgot what happened, but then she raised her left hand and saw the bandages and it all came back.

The knife piercing her flesh, the boot breaking her leg, the pain… The fear. The helplessness! She was all alone and all she could see was that mask, that figure, that knife through her palm. All she could hear was that voice, the security system repeating that her systems were disarmed, the knife going inside her stomach and back. All she could smell was blood, her blood.

She frantically looked around, her eyes wildly looking for any signs of danger, and then, as if you instinctively knew something was wrong you tightened your grip on Tara. Tara’s eyes widened as she turned her head toward you, as she watched your closed eyes and melted into your touch. The sound of your breathing overtook the sound of Ghostface attacking her. Your warm touch replaced the cold knife. Your scent pushed the scent of blood to the back of Tara’s head. Right then and there you were all Tara could feel.

Tara got her breathing under control, she felt her heartbeat calming down, she relaxed. You were with her. You wouldn’t leave her. You wouldn’t let anyone harm her. You didn’t abandon her, Amber was wrong. Tara now knew that without a doubt. You were here with her, you spent who knows how long watching over her, you did what Amber didn’t. You came when Tara needed you. Despite everything that happened to her, Tara felt safe, you made her feel safe. And she smiled, letting sleep take over once again, at least until a doctor or a nurse came.

~X~

The sleep didn’t last nearly enough to get you back to a hundred percent as not even two hours after you fell asleep you felt fingers brushing against your cheek.

Your entire body felt stiff as a board, and you had to bite back a groan at how uncomfortable you felt right now.

“Y/N, you’ll get stiff like that,” there was a tiny hint of amusement in Tara’s voice, and like the hopelessly in love sucker you were you thought it was completely worth it.

“You think?” you smirked a bit and finally managed to open your eyes and look at her, she was no longer as pale as she was last night, but she still looked tired.

“I sent a text to Amber,” Tara said, making it clear she was awake for some time. Her phone was in her lap, and you definitely didn’t give it to her so someone else was here while you were sleeping.

“Damn, how come I didn’t wake up?” you groaned. So much for keeping her safe, you were so tired you didn’t even wake up until she touched your cheek.

“I do have that effect on you,” and the playful teasing was back. Good. She was messing with you and for once you would let her do it. Also, well, you couldn’t really deny it, you did have a heavier sleep when Tara was with you.

“Yeah, let me get up before Amber sees those effects you speak of,” alright, maybe you couldn’t completely let her off the hook for teasing you. The beeping sped up again, not by much, but seeing as you were listening to that beeping for half a day you could tell the difference.

“Amber isn’t here,” there wasn’t any anger or any other negative emotion in Tara’s voice, but between her words, the additional acceleration of her heartbeat, and the way she was looking at you, you could understand the unspoken half of that sentence. You were here.

A/N: And the reader can cook, because why not. Tara shall get spoiled with good food! Anyway, this is moving a bit slowly, so I’m hoping to make the next chapter longer.