#besides that I'll be playing catch up through the dash for a bit ^^;

[dragonsongmakhali]

crawls out of cyberpunk 2077 covered in blood

what fucking year is it

[waywardxrhea]

Seeing Other People - Matt Murdock

pairing: Matt Murdock x fem!reader (descriptor of hair being long enough to run hands through and comb)

Your insecurities from the past come back to haunt you as you grapple with the paranoia that creeps into your mind when Matt suddenly starts ducking out on dates.

word count: 7,247

content: hurt/comfort, angst, anxiety, insecurity, panic attacks, language, mention of guns.

dividers by: @firefly-graphics

now playing: Seeing Other People by Francis Karel and Maddie Zahm

"i've been seeing other people, all my ex's undertones / assuming i'll catch you in a lie, afraid to read what's on your phone / 'cause when i was seeing other people, i'm not the only one that they took home / now i don't trust so easily, even when i know you're not cheating / i'm the one who's seeing other people in you"

You had finished with your hair and makeup for your date with Matt half an hour ago and were patiently waiting for his call. He would always call to tell you he was on his way to whisk you away from your apartment for the evening, which was something you appreciated rather than being caught half ready. It had been a long week. You were looking forward to getting to relax into conversation with Matt and eventually into his strong arms by the end of the night. Matt had usually ended your dates either in his bedroom or on the couch cuddling, and those times were ones you cherished with your whole being. You would never take them for granted. The moments of intimacy were ones you looked forward to more than anything and were something you were desperately craving after the hellish week you’d had at work. 

Getting lost in your thoughts of cuddling Matt, you nearly didn’t hear your phone ringing quietly beside you on the couch. When it finally registered in your ears, you fumbled to pick it up before it hung itself up, answering with a quick, “Matt! Hey!”

“Hey sweetheart,” came Matt’s voice which you noted sounded a bit more gruff than usual. You heard a rustling in the background of the call as he continued with, “I, uh… I hate to tell you this but I have to cancel tonight’s date. I’m really sorry. Something came up with work that really needs my attention. Can we rain check?”

“Oh,” you said, feeling your body deflate into the couch cushion. Shaking away your suddenly spiking anxiety, you forced a chipperness into your voice as you told him, “That’s fine! I hope everything is okay. If I can help in any way just let me know, yeah?”

“Thank you, sweetheart,” he told you, a sense of relief evident in his tone. 

There was a heavy thud on the other side of the line and your eyebrows furrowed together as you asked, “Everything okay?”

“Yeah. Just dropped my briefcase, that’s all,” Matt told you. “Client seemed really anxious to speak with us as soon as possible, so I’m more clumsy than usual getting ready to head out.”

“Oh, I see. I’ll let you go then,” you said, in a quieter tone than you intended. “I love you. Talk later?”

“Talk later. I love you too,” he replied.

Matt hung up shortly after and tossed his phone onto his leather couch as he dashed up the stairs. He had suited up in his Daredevil suit in record time while he was on the phone with you. While he hated to cancel another date on you, there was a growing drug gang that he needed to stop before they took over the city. From the rumors he had heard, they were serious business and weren’t afraid to kill for territory. Having killers on his streets was the last thing he wanted. If the streets weren’t safe, then you weren't safe and your safety was not something he was willing to risk. 

The crisp air of the city hit Matt as he bolted out of the rooftop access door. He tried to shove down his feelings of guilt surrounding canceling the date as he focused on the sounds of the city around him, trying to find one voice in particular. The voice he had overheard on his way to pick up lunch for himself, Foggy, and Karen the day before. He found it after a few moments, but before he could take off toward where the meeting was taking place, he hesitated. The hesitation was caused by hearing the soft sound of your crying in your apartment a couple blocks down. The sound tugged on Matt’s heartstrings and by instinct his body began gravitating toward your place to provide you comfort, but the sound of a cocking gun tore his ears away from your cries. Within an instant, Matt was on the move, vaulting across rooftops and traversing metal fire escapes to get to the meeting spot. He was racing to get there before the shot rang and a life was taken. 

Back in your apartment, the mental turmoil you were experiencing was like a hurricane blowing through your mind with no end in sight. Your hands shook and your heart pounded in your ears as your breathing became shallow and tears blurred your vision. Old memories bombarded your mind, and you were sent back to a headspace that you never wanted to experience again. But, despite your best efforts, you have been… Over the last month or so your mind had slipped into old habits and you had begun to doubt your place in Matt’s life. Canceled plans led to harsh memories that you have tried to leave in your past. But, as you had started to feel more distance growing between yourself and Matt, you couldn’t help but have flashes of memories you thought you had shoved into the ‘forgotten’ box in your mind. 

Without your permission, your emotions began to take over and you couldn’t escape the flurry of old memories intruding into your previously peaceful headspace. It was a dizzying feeling as you were bombarded with the memories of harshly spoken words and insults thrown in your direction. No matter how hard you tried to push the memories back they kept coming and soon you felt like you were thrown into the midst of an emotional storm that was pelting you from all sides. Tears began to freefall and test the integrity of your makeup, and you did your best to simply stay afloat as you attempted to find the eye of the storm within your mind. It took longer than you would have liked to admit, but after a few minutes of being bumped around by your painful past, you finally were able to center yourself and take the deep, calming breaths that would slow your heart rate. 

As your body began to escape the unnecessary fight or flight mode the phone call with Matt had sent you into, you tried to rationalize his words now that your anxiety had had its turn at ravaging your body. You told yourself that the gruffness in his voice was likely from annoyance with the last minute client call. That the rustling in the background was simply him changing out of his jeans and henley and into a suit to meet with the client. That he truly had dropped his briefcase in his rush to make it to the meeting. There was no reason for you to think that he was with someone else when he called you. It was just fear and anxiety trying to make you self-sabotage. Again.

Taking one more deep breath, you stood up on shaking legs and made your way to the bathroom to remove your makeup. When you looked up at yourself you cringed when you saw how bloodshot your eyes had become from your crying. There were trails nearly barren of makeup that the tears left behind, but much to your surprise your eye makeup had held true to its promise of being waterproof. Your hair on the other hand was a different story. You had a bad habit of running your hands through it when you were stressed, so naturally after a breakdown like that it looked like a rat’s nest… Not wanting to look at yourself in that state any longer, you rid yourself of the makeup and combed through your hair so it wouldn’t be a tangled mess anymore.

As you did this though, you realized that the clothes you had put on for your date were suddenly obnoxious and irritating, causing your heart rate to spike with more anxiety with every move you made. So you quickly took them off and threw on a comfortable and ridiculously soft t-shirt and pajama pants in their wake. Your irritated senses were soothed once you were rid of all the nuisances and you made your way into the kitchen to make yourself a quick and comforting dish for dinner. 

With your food balanced carefully on the armrest of the couch while you settled in, you decided to binge British baking shows in order to keep your mind off of things. The soothing accents and descriptions of baked goods would be a welcome distraction. You avoided thinking about the steady ache in your heart caused by the growing number of canceled dates, the descriptions of recipes and the monotonous routines falling like a warm blanket over your mind. They would also help in your attempt to fend off the old memories threatening to take hold of your thoughts once more. While it wasn’t the perfect solution to your problems, it was the best one you had. And, for now, it would have to do. 

A week later you waited with bated breath, your heart pounding against your ribs, as the minutes ticked by before Matt would pick you up for your rain-check date. There was less effort put into your hair and makeup for the outing, your anxiety telling you the effort would be for naught, but you still deemed yourself presentable enough to feign confidence being next to someone as attractive as Matt. A sense of relief washed over you when you heard a gentle knock on your door. You let out a deep sigh, a smile painting your lips, as you made your way to the door. 

When you opened the door, your heart skipped a beat like it always did when you saw Matt’s charming smile. He stood patiently in the hallway, waiting to take you on your date. “Hey, sweetheart,” Matt said before pulling you in for a kiss. 

“Hey yourself,” you told him when he pulled away a few moments later. “How was work?”

“It was good. Got through the toughest part of the paperwork for the latest client,” he told you as you took your keys out of your purse to lock the door behind you. You wrapped your hand around his bicep and began leading him down the hall, the steady tapping of his cane a soothing and familiar rhythm as you walked. “We’re hoping that we could get the opposition to go in with a deal so it doesn’t have to go to court, but it’s looking like this is more complicated than we anticipated. The client is really worried about having to make an appearance, so it’s taking a lot of convincing from Karen to not just drop the case altogether.”

“Oh, that sounds tough, I’m sorry,” you told him as you hit the button to summon the elevator. Matt shrugged in response. It was simply something that came with the job and they were dealing.

“How was work for you?” Matt asked as the two of you stepped into the elevator. 

“It was fine. Nothing too crazy,” you replied. “I wish people in this city were a bit kinder, but…”

“Are you okay?” Matt asked quietly, the elevator coming to a stop at the bottom floor. 

“I’ll be fine. It’s nothing. Really. I just need to get tougher skin, that’s all,” you told him quickly, trying to brush away his concern. It really wasn’t that big of a deal. Some customers just felt entitled to scream at you and come up with…colorful insults to hurl your way in response to you just doing your job. Matt had bigger fish to fry than that. He was under a lot of stress with this case, it sounded like, and you didn’t want your problems to needlessly occupy his mind. 

“Where did you wanna go for dinner?” you asked as the two of you pushed through the front door. The usual sounds of the city bounced around you. Honking cars, scattered conversations, the usual hustle and bustle of good ‘ol New York. It was noisy, but it was home.

“I chose last time, did you have anything in mind?” Matt asked after a few moments of silence. He wondered why you were brushing off his attempts at conversation. He could tell that the question had caused a pang of anxiety to rise in you and he could smell the salt of tears building behind your eyes, but still you pushed the subject away. Why? You were usually fairly vocal about how work was, but lately you had started to close yourself off. It made Matt start to wonder what had set you off… Maybe your supervisor left or something like that. He would try and get to the bottom of that later.

His mind was dragged back into the conversation as you timidly said, “I don’t really have a preference, it’s whatever you wanna do.” You cleared your throat and asked, “What about that scratch made pizza place you mentioned wanting to try? I looked into it and they make their dough and sauce in house every day. They seem to get as many locally sourced meats as possible, too. I think they may actually get some of it from Foggy’s family.”

“That sounds great, lead the way,” Matt replied with a brief laugh. He felt the air shift around you as you nodded and pulled out your phone with your free hand, followed shortly by the quiet electronic voice of the GPS guiding you to your destination. 

Matt couldn’t help the small smile that made its way onto his lips as he followed you to the restaurant. The two of you had been together for a while now, his enhanced senses still not something you were aware of, yet you took everything that they affected into consideration. When Matt had mentioned off handedly that the cotton in your sheets felt scratchy on his skin, you had switched to silk and satin ones instead. When you noticed that your lotions and perfumes were too strong for him and gave him headaches, you took to using more toned down and natural scents. You started making meals with organic and fresh ingredients and going to restaurants that did the same because he mentioned one time that processed foods didn’t agree with him. During your time together you had done everything you could to make sure Matt was comfortable even without really knowing why. A warm smile tugged on his lips as he reminisced on how grateful he truly was to you.

Matt had attempted to do the same for you in any way that he could without revealing too much about his abilities. He would swing by a small florist stand and get you flowers when he knew you were having a bad day. He would surprise you with the lunch you had been telling your coworkers you had been craving. He would offer you massages when he could practically feel the tension in your muscles after work. The one thing he couldn’t do was ask why you had been crying so much lately in the safety of your own apartment, tucked away from him and everyone else in the world. He wanted to offer you solace and a place to be vulnerable, but you had never been open in that aspect of your emotions. Well, that and the fact that most of the time when he heard your cries he was in his Daredevil suit and couldn’t just waltz right into your apartment to offer you the comfort you needed. The love you deserved. 

When the pair of you neared the pizza place, Matt deeply inhaled the scent of all the fresh ingredients and he sent a smile your way as he told you, “Great choice, sweetheart.”

“Oh, thanks!” you stuttered out, a light blush dusting your cheeks in response to his praise. 

The pizza was as amazing as you had expected. The ingredients were all fresh and proved to be the winning combination they were advertised to be. Between bites of pizza, the two of you opted to play a game where you people watched and described passersby to Matt and asked what he thought their story was. As usual, you were floored when Matt would tell you what he thought with a small smirk teasing his lips. When they would walk by, he’d be right on the money. You couldn’t help the school-girl-like laugh that escaped your lips at his latest feat as you asked, “How do you do that?”

“Thanks, in part, to you,” Matt told you with a fond smile on his lips. While that was in fact a little white lie, Matt never missed an opportunity to compliment you and your people skills. “You’re very good at describing people and their mannerisms. It helps me decide if they’re a tourist, a local, a business person, or whatever else.”

“Okay, let’s go again, there’s this man-” you started to say but cut yourself off when you saw Matt’s eyebrows furrow behind his red lenses and he began fishing around in his coat pockets for something. “Everything all right?” you asked timidly, your hands dropping down into your lap to mess with the hem of your shirt. 

“Just getting a call,” he told you off handedly as he finally found the flip phone in a pocket and answered it with a quick, “Yeah?” Matt’s eyes closed and you saw the muscles in his jaw working as he ground his teeth together in response to whatever was being said to him on the other line. “Yeah. Give me twenty minutes-” A frustrated sigh heaved from his chest and Matt ran a hand over the stubble growing on his chin before he relented, saying, “Fine. Ten minutes, then I’ll be there,” before hanging up. 

You were thankful that he wasn’t able to see the disappointed look on your face. When he hung up the phone mere moments later, you probably looked like a wounded puppy. You forced down the steadily growing feeling of heartbreak as you attempted to casually ask, “You gotta get going?”

Matt sported a painful expression on his face, his unseeing gaze concentrated somewhere on your upper chest while he closed his eyes yet again as he nodded. He got up from his seat and fished his wallet out from his pocket, feeling around for the properly folded bills to pay for the meal and dessert if you wanted. Placing the bills on the table and a kiss on your temple, Matt apologized before unfolding his cane and practically sprinting out of the pizzeria. 

The call was from one of Mahoney’s men who was deep undercover in the drug gang he had been trying to take down, and if the intel was right, Matt would be able to take down the growing syndicate that night if he hurried. They were growing more and more brazen as time went on, and even with the threat of Daredevil, the man in charge was committed to getting what he wanted. If that meant killing, then so be it. So, he needed to be stopped. Matt’s senses became laser focused on monitoring where he knew their hideout was. He turned into an unoccupied alleyway before tossing his cane away and vaulting himself onto fire escapes. He needed to get to his suit before he could take down the head of the operation.

Once he was out of sight, a deep sigh left your chest along with a quiet sob that you couldn’t hold back. Not wanting more tears to break free, you closed your eyes and tried to focus on literally anything else besides the growing pain in your chest. You tried to breathe as normally as you could, but it was hard as you felt your throat getting tighter with emotion by the second. Your head snapped to attention as a woman to your left asked, “Can I interest you in some dessert, angiolo?” 

“Oh, I-” you started to say as you looked into the small Italian woman’s warm eyes, your voice trembling against your will in the process. 

“I’ll get you dessert,” she said with finality, giving you a pat on the back and heading off toward the kitchen. You were left slightly bewildered in her wake, the shock of the strange encounter pulling you out of your heartbreak for a few moments. 

The truth of the matter was that she had watched as Matt left in a haste and saw your reaction - how your shoulders hunched inward and you looked smaller as your leg began to anxiously bounce. She returned a few minutes later with a small to-go box filled with cannolis and you thanked her graciously as you handed her the money Matt had given you to pay for the meal. She gave you a warm smile, taking the money graciously, then you headed out of the restaurant.

As you walked back to your apartment, the weight of everything began to rest heavily on your shoulders again. You wanted nothing more than to curl up on your couch with a cup of soothing tea and ignore the world for a while. You buried your emotions as best you could as you headed to the nearest bodega that sold your favorite tea. While searching the aisles, your body went into auto-pilot mode as you made your selection. Your mind pestered you with something that had been bothering you since Matt got that phone call at the restaurant. The phone he answered wasn’t his usual cell phone. His normal phone was a touchscreen one that called out the name of whoever was calling him. This one was a flip phone that didn’t seem to have any of his accommodations. You had seen him put his other phone in his pocket before you left the apartment, so you knew he had that one on him, so why-

“Hey!” came Karen’s chipper voice after she called out your name in greeting. 

You tried to subtly wipe away the tears that had begun leaking out of your eyes before forcing a smile onto your face as you turned toward the blonde and said, “Hey! What are you doing here?”

A look you couldn’t quite gauge flitted across Karen’s features before she huffed out a quiet laugh and said, “Oh, you know me, just working late at the office. We ran out of coffee this morning, and I am in desperate need, so I just came here to grab some.” When she said this, you finally noticed the tub of ground coffee she had in her arms as she added, “I’ll have to grab some from the coffee shop for Matt in the morning, but for now this’ll do for me.”

“O-of course,” you said with a small nod. Matt couldn’t stand the taste of pre-ground coffee from the bodega, preferring the freshly ground stuff from the local coffee shops. It was something you had noted early on in your relationship and made sure to get for him weekly to bring to the office. He was always so busy between cases, so it was the least you could do to supply him with the much needed caffeine. But as you stared at the container in Karen’s hands, you felt a pang of guilt hit you as you remembered that you forgot to grab him any this week. 

Karen’s soft voice once again broke you out of your head as she asked, “Hey, I uh… I could use the company, do you want to head over to the office with me for a bit? We haven’t hung out in a while.” She motioned toward the box in your hand as she finished with, “We have plenty of hot water to make your tea with, and I think there’s still some honey from when we closed Mrs. Cabrera’s case.”

“Oh, sure,” you found yourself saying before you could fully process it. The people pleaser in you didn’t want to say no, so you paid for your goods and followed her to the offices of Nelson, Murdock, and Page while you tried not to drown in the sea of anxiety that was engulfing you. 

On the way there, you nodded at the right places and gave a few affirmatives as Karen talked to you about their latest cases, but you couldn’t help your mind from wandering back to worrying. When the two of you arrived in the office, you let your body take control to begin steeping the tea while Karen began preparing the pot for her coffee. Who had Matt been on the phone with? They were certainly pressuring him to be on time to whatever meeting they were having. Whoever it was obviously was important to him, or maybe you were vastly overestimating your value in his life. Maybe-

“Everything okay?” 

That was the first thing you heard Karen ask when your mind finally remembered that you weren’t alone. Pushing down the feeling of embarrassment at being caught lost in your own thoughts, you quickly nodded and forced a smile onto your lips as you said, “Yeah! Of course!” You placed the little box from the restaurant down on the counter and opened it as you asked, “How do you feel about cannolis? There are a lot more in here than I thought and I’ll never be able to eat all of them!”

“Oh, sure…” Karen said slowly, her eyebrows furrowing together as she pondered why you’d changed the subject so quickly. 

After savoring the taste of the dessert, you offered Karen another fake smile before asking, “So, these last few cases have been keeping the three of you pretty busy huh? Matt’s been exhausted lately. He told me he’s been getting home pretty late every night after meeting with clients.”

While Karen responded with something about a new client not wanting to go to court and that’s why she was there so late, your mind began wandering again. Was it a client who had called Matt at dinner? He left in such a hurry… You didn’t think that he would answer a client in the way he did though. And there was still the thing about the phone… Did Karen know about who he might be-

Your name being called out again cut through your racing thoughts and you jumped at the sudden intrusion, causing hot tea to spill onto the hand holding the cup. “Shit!” you whispered urgently as you began flicking your hand around to rid yourself of the burning liquid quickly before more of it scalded your skin. 

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you!” Karen said, her hand covering her mouth for a moment in shock before she began frantically looking around for something to help you with. 

“No, no, it’s not your fault. It’s mine. I’m sorry. I should really get going. I didn’t mean to interrupt your work. I’m sorry,” you told her quickly while holding back more tears. “Keep the cannolis. They should still be good in the morning.”

“Are you sure? I can see if there’s any aloe or something,” she told you as she dug through her purse. 

“Don’t worry about me,” you told her before quickly turning toward the office door and heading out, offering a courteous goodnight before your departure. You just needed to be alone. You could deal with the burn when you got to your apartment, but right now you didn’t need to be in Karen’s company. You were self aware enough to know that just one more thing would’ve set you off into a total mental breakdown…

The next morning after getting Matt some fresh coffee from a local shop near the firm, Karen made her way into the office. “Morning Karen!” Foggy greeted her as she started putting her things down on her desk. 

“Morning, Fog! Have a good night?” she asked. 

“I did! Marci and I had some pizza then zonked out in front of the TV for a while.. It was great!” he replied, the smile on his face cluing to Karen that what he recounted wasn’t all that had happened, but she kept her smirk to herself as she told him that she was happy he had a good night. 

She dropped the bag of coffee by the coffee maker before heading over to Matt’s office. She knocked on the doorframe to get his attention. “Hey. I got you some coffee from the shop down the street. You look like you need it.”

Matt rubbed his temples and nodded, telling her, “Long night. Worked with Mahoney’s guy to take down that drug gang I’ve been after. Didn’t get back to the apartment until around three…” As Matt followed Karen to the coffee station, a familiar floral scent hit his nose which prompted him to ask, “Was she here last night?”

Karen asked your name in a question and got the affirmative, so she told him, “Yeah. She seemed upset when I ran into her at the bodega getting coffee, so I invited her back here to talk. She seemed super distracted, though. When I called her name to get her attention, she spilled her tea and burned her hand. Then she bolted.”

Upon hearing this, Matt sighed and ran a hand over the lower half of his face which prompted Karen to ask, “What did you do?” Right as she did though, a memory hit her and she gasped quietly before saying, “You had a date planned last night… You two were on a date when you had to go take care of that drug gang, weren’t you?”

“Yeah,” Matt admitted quietly, guilt laced in his voice and seeping into his mind. 

“Oh, Matt…” she whispered sympathetically. She took a sip of her coffee before telling him, “You know…every time I asked her how she was or tried to offer help, she deflected pretty quickly. She was also super distracted and zoned out a lot. I know that look, Matt. There’s something that’s eating her alive and she’s suffering in silence. She’s not accepting help from her friends.” She placed her cup down on the counter and crossed her arms as she said pointedly, “I think you need to talk to her, Matt.”

“Karen, I-” Matt tried but was interrupted.

“Talk to her,” Karen said with a finality in her tone as a quiet knock sounded through the office, indicating that their first client of the day had arrived. 

By the time midday had rolled around, Matt had called you and got your voicemail since you were at work. He opted to go ahead and leave the voicemail, telling you, “Hey sweetheart. Karen told me what happened last night. I realized that there’s something we’ve been needing to talk about. I’ll be over at around seven tonight. See you then.”

By the time you had gotten the opportunity to check your voicemail, you were already back at your apartment after work. A quick glance at your clock told you it was nearly a quarter till seven. When you heard the words there’s something we’ve been needing to talk about from Matt, your heart dropped. Fear and panic began to fill your whole body, gripping your throat in a tight vice. 

This was it. This was surely the end of the most wonderful relationship you’d had in years. All because you were too afraid to talk about your feelings. You had overcorrected because of your insecurities from the past and that ran Matt off. Because you were too afraid to accept help from others and he got tired of it. Because he found someone else who was willing to be open and honest with him about everything. Because he found someone better than you. More secure in themself. Less anxious. Someone without a past that haunted them like yours did…

You barely made it to the couch in your living area before collapsing as you were consumed with your brutal thoughts of insecurity and anticipatory grief about the end of you and Matt. The room felt like it was spinning and closing in on you simultaneously. You were left clutching your knees to your chest as you tried to hold onto some semblance of self. You were failing miserably. Shallow gasps of air were all you could manage through your tightening throat. Your heart pounded in your ears. Tears flowed down your cheeks. All encompassing doom clouded the edges of your mind. This was it.

Matt was so exhausted after a long day at the firm, following his even longer night out as Daredevil, that he felt like his enhanced senses were drowning him. Everything was too overwhelming, too distracting, too much. So, he concentrated inward and focused on his own heartbeat to drown out everything else bombarding his senses. He also focused on the flowers in his hand that he had bought for you. The bouquet of roses reminded him of your shampoo, subtle and floral. It put a small smile on his lips as he made his way to your apartment. 

Getting lost in concentrating on the smell of the roses and the steady beat of his own heart, Matt didn’t even tune into your apartment until he was right outside of it about to raise his hand to knock. And that’s when he sensed it. Your rapid heart rate and breathing. Fear. Panic. And you were on the other side of a locked door. 

Knowing that there was a roof access door nearby and no one else in the hallway, Matt dropped his cane as well as the roses and bolted toward it, desperate to get to you. The chill of the night hit him as he navigated the familiar rooftop and then down to the fire escape outside of your window. Luckily you had left your window unlocked, so Matt threw it open and crawled through before making his way over to your shaking form on the couch. 

You were alone in the apartment and there weren't any unfamiliar smells in the space, so he knew there was no immediate danger that set you off. He wrapped you in his arms and rubbed your back as he mumbled, “It’s okay, sweetheart. I’ve got you. I’m right here.” 

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry,” you choked out as you burrowed into his chest. 

“Sorry for what?” Matt asked before kissing your temple. 

“For not being enough,” you replied, your voice breaking as a fresh batch of tears rolled down your flushed cheeks. Before Matt could even respond to that, you found yourself rambling, telling him, “I thought that if I didn’t bother you with all the shit in my head, then maybe I wouldn’t run you off… I thought that the more of me you saw, the less of me you’d like. But… I still managed to mess everything up… Like I always do…” You huffed out a humorless laugh before saying, “I get it if there’s someone else. I wouldn’t wanna be with me, either…”

Matt felt his heart shatter as the words fell out of you in a grief-filled torrent. Tears began to sting the backs of his eyes. He knew he couldn’t lose himself in his guilt for making you feel this way, though, so he focused back on you. “Hey, hey, just breathe. Breathe with me, sweetheart,” Matt mumbled as he pulled you closer. 

Matt ran his hand up and down your back and told you to breathe in and out with the soothing strokes. You tried, but with the amount of anxiety still filling your body and clutching at your throat, it felt like an impossible task. Matt didn’t give up though, and on top of the slow and soothing patterns he ran up and down your back, he began to mumble sweet nothings into your ear that reassured you that you were safe. That you were with him. That everything would be okay. These reassurances weren’t just for you though. They were for him as he too tried to calm down his own racing mind. 

After a few minutes, Matt finally got your heart rate and breathing back down to a normal enough pace. When he was sure you were calmed down enough to talk, he tentatively asked, “What makes you think there’s someone else? I promise there’s only you, sweetheart. I’ve never had a partner as kind and caring and accommodating as you. I would be a fool to mess that up.”

“It’s just…” you whispered, a quiet sob tumbling off your lips before you took a deep and shaky breath. “The canceled dates. The bolting in the middle of the one last night. The mysterious flip phone you used yesterday. The background noise on the call last week. Telling me you’ve been getting home in the ungodly hours of the night.” You swallowed hard before pushing through by confessing, “My last relationship… It ended because he was cheating. When I first got suspicious though he made me feel like the bad guy for bringing it up. The things he said were extremely harsh and I guess… I guess my mind never got past that. Now I stuff down all of my own emotions to make sure others are happy and not bothered by my feelings. And over the last month, I couldn’t help but notice that you’ve been doing some of the same things he did, and… Gosh, I should shut up. I'm really sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything. Just forget I said anything. I’m sorry…”

More tears began falling from your eyes and you attempted to get up from the couch. You desperately needed to put some separation between you and Matt. You felt like you were just digging a hole you couldn’t get out of. But instead of letting you hide away from him again, his strong arms pulled you impossibly closer and kept you right where you were. “Don’t apologize. Please,” he whispered, his voice breaking with emotion. “He sounds like a controlling prick and I’m sorry that such a caring person ever had to deal with that… You don’t deserve to feel like you can’t talk about your feelings. I’m sorry if I ever made you feel that way.”

“It’s not you, it’s just…trauma,” you told him as your exhausted body relaxed into his embrace. With your senses finally easing after being stretched so thin, you were able to make some sense of the current situation. Looking over at the door to the hallway, you furrowed your eyebrows together as you asked, “Matt?”

“Yeah?”

“How did you get into my apartment?” You hadn’t found the time to get a spare key made to give to him, and you knew that you had locked it on your way in, so how…? You felt Matt’s muscles tense and in response your heart sped up as your anxiety started to settle back in. 

In his rush to get to you to provide you with the comfort you needed, Matt didn’t even think about how he would explain how he got into the apartment. After his conversation with Karen that morning, he had thought long and hard about the possibility of telling you the truth about what he did at night, but he didn’t think the conversation would lead here. It seemed like there was no way to avoid it now…

There was a long moment of silence before Matt gave into the inevitable and asked, “Do you want to know the real reason why I stay out so late and have been so exhausted lately? Why I’ve had to cancel dates?” 

Confusion filled your mind when he asked the questions. Why was Matt asking that in response to your wondering how he got into your apartment? Surely your apartment manager had nothing to do with- You stopped your spiraling thoughts before they could get out of control and nodded, telling him, “I do.”

Another long pause filled the air before Matt said in a barely audible whisper, “I’m Daredevil…” Your breath hitched in your throat for a moment before you laughed quietly and threw your arms around him in a tight embrace. Matt froze for a second before returning your hug as he asked, “You’re not… I don’t know… Mad? Shocked? Upset? Wanting to run away?”

“I’m just happy you aren’t cheating on me,” you told him, a genuine laugh falling from your lips before you could stop it. You pulled away and kissed his cheek before you said, “No wonder Daredevil’s seemed to take an interest in me getting home safe when I’m out late.”

“Oh, so you noticed, huh?” Matt asked with a quiet chuckle leaving his lips. 

“Especially after that group of assholes tried to touch me when I was heading home after Laura’s birthday party,” you noted, a small smile pulling the corners of your lips up. 

“Yeah, I may have gone a bit overboard with that one,” he said sheepishly. He cleared his throat and told you, “There was this drug gang that was starting to gain ground over the last few weeks. That’s why I’ve been skipping out on dates here lately. I wanted to keep you and the rest of Hell’s Kitchen safe.”

“Did you deal with them?” you asked. 

“Last night, yeah,” he replied. “That was Mahoney’s UC calling me on my emergency burner that Foggy has aptly called my ‘Devil Signal,’” he said, ending his statement with a chuckle and shake of his head. 

“So, Foggy knows?”

“And Karen,” he said. “You took it a lot better than they did.”

“Well, that’s because it doesn’t change anything between us,” you told him. “Clearly, I’ve been dealing with your Daredevil schedule since we started dating. The only reason it was bothering me lately was because of my own insecurity. It hasn’t caused any problems, so why would it change anything now?”

“God, I love you,” Matt whispered before pulling you into a gentle kiss. 

“I love you too,” you told him as you rested your forehead on his. 

You were quiet for a few moments, letting the peace of the moment soothe your swirling mind, before you pulled away and said cautiously, “I do have a question though… Considering what you do as Daredevil, are you really…?”

“Blind? Yes,” he told you. “My other senses are enhanced, though, so I’m able to navigate the world easily. I’m able to hear what other people can’t. That’s how I get to stuff before the cops do.” He rubbed your back as he admitted quietly, “I could hear you having a panic attack in here, so I… I came in through the window.”

“You could…? How?” you asked, feeling your heart jump into your throat. 

“Your heart rate just sped up when I told you that,” he told you with a ghost of a smile on his lips. “I’m able to hear people’s heart and respiratory rate. I can also smell cortisol levels and adrenaline. All of that was off the charts when I got here so I broke in so I could comfort you,” he said, his smile evident in his voice as he finished the sentence. 

“Oh… This is going to be a learning curve,” you breathed, suddenly feeling very aware of everything your body was doing at the moment. 

“And I’ll be here for you every step of the way,” Matt told you before pulling you in for another tender kiss. “Promise me you’ll tell me about whatever’s on your mind from now on?”

“Promise,” you agreed, and Matt could tell by the steady beat of your heart that you were telling the truth. 

a/n: this was basically a way for me to process some personal shit (excuse the lore lmao) because writing is my way of dealing with things!

special thanks to @sunflowersandsapphires for helping me process my thoughts and make my ideas into a story as well as to @a-leg-without-fear @dorothleah and @shouldbestudying41 for beta reading and providing edits! i love you all!

[mortish-writes]

Hi! I'm just here real quick for a ..bug report? maybe? SO I'm playing a heretic, haven't really slept with the guys yet or anything and despite being very grateful to the Weaver and stuff, got a bit testy with her after the guys told me my body was probably originally someone elses... So she told me to listen. You click on the Listen. not really a choicce... and then you're the next morning without getting to know what she told you, but somehow... you do? get a new task in the sideline? I feel like maybe there's a scene missing there. Or do we get a flashback to what she told and what that sudden deadline is about? Sorry if that is intentional to not reveal some mystery yet! It just felt a bit disjointed compared to the other times we dreamed of/with our patron godess. Thanks for all your work, I love it so far!

That's odd, I did patch that bug at one point, maybe it slipped into a later version. Sorry to leave you confused! I'll post the full text for that below, and I'll fix it in-game when I publish the next update. Pardon the dashes, they're coding syntax. /* Heretic, Meyrrvik Route, Weaver Dream */

"I will give you as much truth as you are prepared for. Listen closely and save your questions for another night."

The Weaver draws her claw against the darkness, a silver strand appearing in its wake. "The woman in whose body you now reside was a devotee of mine." She draws more threads, some silver, some gold, some so faint as to hardly be visible, all of them interconnected like branches.

"And here you are," she says, pointing to a small, silver strand high up in the pattern. "You shared a father. A great disappointment, he was. The males always are."

She must hear the myriad questions brewing within you, because she holds up her hand. "I told you to listen. Our time is short and the truth is long." She points to the threads above yours, one silver, one pale. "We were //so// close with you. But your sire chose to elope with a girl who wasn't part of our design. He sent her away to lands where he thought I wouldn't find the child growing in her womb. He thought he was protecting you, but he was only delivering you to The Adversary."

You shrink back as your string catches fire, leaving only a husk in its place. Mournfully, The Weaver says, "It should have been you. Even with that wench of a mother sullying your bloodline, we could have managed. You were burned, crippled, and blinded, and //still// I did everything I could to bring you home. But I cannot control everything."

She looks to you, her moonlight eyes wide. "What happened in Kalat was not part of my plan. But I adjusted."

The Weaver flicks her fingers at the thread beside yours, watching it twitch and shimmer in response. "Your sire took to drinking once his wench departed. He left a son in Heza. Another willful brute, but malleable enough to be used." She descends to the next silver thread, and then another, each linked with pale strands. "Another son from him, and this one with far too much human blood. I'd nearly given up hope when, finally, his wife bore a daughter."

The next silver thread is intersected by a golden one. "Her bloodline was too diluted, but she was desperate enough to serve. She bore a daughter by the god who should have been your mate." She tugs on the final thread, one that glows with the same intensity as her eyes. "Their daughter was magnificent. Nearly perfect. But weak in one line we'd secured many centuries ago."

Hundreds of new threads appeared, their luminous glow cutting through the shadows. They scale upward like a tower of interlocking weaves, some golden, many silver. The Weaver waves her hand, and the tower shoots downward, your thread and those of your family seeming to vanish.

Near the top of the tower, the threads shine with such intensity you have to squint to regard them.

"In the beginning, it was easier. The gods were abundant in the mortal realm. Most were men, and easy enough to seduce. You see, your faith taught you that we were elemental beings. The land and sea. The wind and rain. That is a crafted lie to separate you from us. In truth, we were to mortals as they are to the creatures of the land. Wiser and more powerful, but at our core, still swayed by the passions and impulses of beasts."

She closes her hand, and the threads collapse in on themselves, a tangled mess of light and shadow. She drops the ball of light, watching as it falls and vanishes against the glass. Then, she gestures to the lights below your feet.

"When you first woke, you mistook the vast expanse beneath you for a sea of stars. But they're not stars. No, they're //souls.// Long ago, this realm was where souls came to be washed clean after death. There was no distinction between the prince and the thief, they were purified in the same waters. Then The Adversary came and he dried up our sea, turning it into a bog where the souls of my children, your family, are left to fester."

She takes a step to you and this time you don't back away. Eyes shining with approval, she places her hands on the sides of your arms.

"You are near to waking now. The next time we speak, I will tell you of our enemy. Of the atrocities he's inflicted. But you //must// obey me. The orders I give you, they're to keep you safe as much as to carry out my plans. The Adversary knows I am maneuvering against him. If he learns of you, he will stop at nothing to burn you //a third time.//"

You dissolve in her grasp, your body turning into misty threads. As you ascend, her final words rise with you.

"Let us not delay any further. You've done well in endearing yourself to Serax and Valdricht. Now, you have until the shadowed moon to conceive a child with one of them."

/* End */

[jennay]

Request: reader learns a song on the guitar to confess feelings for jolly.

You open the front door, sprinting past the three men lounging on the living room couch. You don't even bother to greet them properly, just shouting a quick hi over your shoulder as you dash up the stairs.

You head straight for Jolly's bedroom door, knocking on it with force and speed. You don't stop until he answers the door, hoping he's not too busy or annoyed. He flings the door open, his eyes wide and his face full of irritation. "What do you want Noa-" He looks like he's about to yell, but his expression softens when he sees it's you. He lets out a small laugh and shakes his head, "I was ready to throw hands." He says, his voice amused and relieved. He steps aside and invites you in, curious about what brought you here.

You follow him inside, your eyes darting around the room; you plop down on his bed while he sits at his computer desk. He continues scrolling while he asks, "What's up?"

You lean back on your hands, feeling a bit nervous. "I need your help. I want to learn this song to impress this really cool fucking guy, but I've only played the guitar a few times, and always with you watching over me." You say, chuckling softly. "Can you help me out?" You ask, hoping he'll say yes.

Jolly nods, pretending to ponder your question. He turns to look at you, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He flashes you a playful smile and says, "Depends, which song? If it's some cheesy pop song or a boring ballad, I'm out." He jokes, making you gasp.

You raise your eyebrow, feeling a bit offended. "Now I'm nervous to tell you." You say, wondering if he'll like your choice.

Jolly laughs, seeing your reaction. He stands up from his chair and walks across the room to get his guitar from its stand. He swings it over his shoulder and says, "I was kidding. I'll help you." He says, sounding more sincere. He walks back to you, sits beside you, and hands you the guitar. "So, what's the song?" He asks, curious and excited.

"Can't help but falling in love, by Elvis Presley." You say, handing him back the guitar. You don't feel confident enough to hold it, let alone play it. "I don't know what I'm doing, don't hand me this yet."

He grips the guitar firmly and looks up the song on his phone. He seems curious about your choice. "Sounds like you and this mystery man are getting serious. Why haven't we met him yet?" He asks, his eyes still fixed on the phone screen as he scrolls through the guitar chords.

You feel a blush on your cheeks and lower your voice. "You guys are overbearing, and I'm not ready for that. you know him so." You say, hoping he won't catch the last part.

He looks up from his phone, his eyes widening. "I know him?" He asks, sounding surprised and intrigued. "Who is it?" He presses, wanting to know more.

You shrug your shoulders and give him a sheepish smile. You're not ready to reveal your secret yet. "I'll tell you when I'm ready, but I'm not." You say, dodging the question. He rolls his eyes and laughs. "The suspense." He says, pretending to be dramatic. He puts his phone on the bed and puts his fingers on the guitar strings. He strums them gently and then stops, moving his fingers to different positions. "That's not it." He says, frowning. He starts humming the lyrics as he tries different combinations of strings and soon finds the right one. He sings the words softly, his voice matching the melody. "There it is!" He exclaims, smiling. He's so loud that you cringe.

You smile back at him, amazed by his skill. "How do you do that? I listened to the song, and I can barely sing the notes on key." You say, feeling a bit envious of his talent.

Jolly shrugs and hands the guitar back to you. "It takes practice. I've been playing for a long time." He says, his voice is modest. He watches as you hold the guitar in your lap, your fingers gripping the neck. He always finds it cute how small you look with the guitar. It was custom-made for him, so it didn't fit you well. He points to the strings and shows where to place your fingers for the first chord. "Just move your fingers along the chords I'll show you. Don't worry about the strumming pattern. I want you to get this part first. It will make everything easier later."

"You're not going to teach me the strum?" You ask, feeling curious. You wonder how you're supposed to play the song without strumming.

He laughs, his eyes crinkling. "It's not something you'll learn in a day; take it slow. If he's worth it, he'll wait for perfection." He says, teasing you. He moves your fingers to a different chord, helping you adjust your position. He sees your hands twitch and your face grimace as you struggle to keep up. He smiles encouragingly and says, "Don't give up, you'll get it."

"I feel like an idiot. I thought I'd just come over here and have you teach me and I'd master it in a day. I'm clearly living in delusion." You say, laughing. "My fingertips are killing me."

He nods, "Practice at home if you don't want to lose your progress cause if you don't you'll have to listen to me nag you with I told you so's." He says, wagging his finger at you.

You roll your eyes, "I just want it to be good enough." You say, handing him back the guitar. "Alright, I'll leave you alone and let you get back to whatever it is that you do." You stand up and grab your purse from the floor.

He watches you walk to the door, "You're leaving already? I feel so used." He says, pretending to be hurt. "You know how to make a guy feel special." He says, pouting.

You turn to face him, "Did you want me to stay? I just assumed you had better things to do." You say, challenging him.

He stands up and walks across the room, carrying the guitar. He puts it back in its place, next to his bed. He turns to you and says, "Nothing is better than hanging out with you." He gives you a charming smile that makes your heart skip a beat. "Except maybe sleeping. I do like that a lot." He adds, making you laugh.

"You do sleep a lot." You say, leaning against the wall and watching him. You see him grab his jacket and his keys from his dresser. "Are we going somewhere?" You ask, curious.

He shrugs. "Well, I also like food, and I'm hungry. Let's go get food." He says, rubbing his hands together. He looks at you with a playful glint in his eyes. "You can tell me all about this guy, and I'll give you my best advice." He says, sounding eager.

"I didn't ask for your advice, though. I think I know him well enough." You remind him, feeling a bit defensive.

He opens his bedroom door, holding it for you. "I'm your friend. You don't have to ask; I'll give you my opinion anyway." He says, following you out. He closes the door behind him and walks with you down the stairs.

"Jolly, as much as I love you. I'm not going to talk to you about the men I date with you. That's what my girlfriends are for." You say with a laugh that draws Noah's attention to you.

You see him sitting on the couch, watching TV with Folio and Ruffilo.

"You're dating?" He asks, turning his head away from the TV. He looks surprised and curious.

You let out a deep sigh, squeezing your eyes shut. "Here we go." You groan, knowing what's coming next.

"Who?" Folio asks, joining the conversation. He leans forward on the couch, looking at you with interest. "And why haven't we met him?"

"Don't worry your pretty little head about it." You say, trying to avoid the topic. "I'll let you know when I'm ready, just as I told Jolly." You whine, hoping they'll drop it.

"He probably doesn't exist," Ruffilo says, adding his two cents. He smirks at you, trying to get a reaction. "When have we ever seen y/n in a relationship?" He teases you, knowing you're sensitive about it.

"Suspicious," Noah says, nodding his head. He looks at you with a mock-serious expression. "What's his name?" He asks, playing detective. You walk towards the door, feeling annoyed. You put your hand on the handle and say, "I date. I just don't bring them around you guys because you are menaces to society." You open the door and walk out, feeling a fresh air breeze.

You hear Jolly tell them to stop as he follows you outside. He catches up with you and puts his arm around you as you walk to his car. "Should we go to that food truck you like downtown?" He asks while starting the vehicle. "It's Taco Tuesday." He smiles, knowing it will put you in a better mood.

You nod, "You know me so well." You say, feeling grateful for his friendship. "Let's definitely do that."

"He's not here," Noah says from the couch, his voice flat and emotionless. You feel disappointed as you stop and divert from running upstairs. "Ok," you quietly say, trying to sound casual. You set your guitar against the wall, not wanting to bring it with you as you walk into the living room.

Ruffilo and Folio are wasting time on their phones, showing each other memes and laughing. Noah is playing a video game but doesn't seem to enjoy it. He glances up at you, giving you a quick smile that doesn't reach his eyes, and then yells, "Fuck!" He tosses his controller next to him, frustrated by his defeat. "I hate this game."

You snicker at him, amused by his childish reaction.

He playfully glares at you, pretending to be offended. "Don't laugh at me."

"I can't help it. You make it easy." You tease, sitting next to him on the couch.

He just sighs, turning to face you, giving you his full attention. "You've been here a lot lately. What's going on?" He says, smiling like he knows something you don't.

You shake your head, not wanting to give yourself away. "Jolly's been helping me learn a song. Is that ok with you?" You say, acting innocent.

"Your new guy won't get mad?" He teases. "I'd feel a little intimidated if my girlfriend was hanging out with some hot Swedish guy."

"Noah." You groan, rolling your eyes.

He kicks his feet up on the coffee table and leans back, putting his arms behind his head and watching you with a playful smile. "Is he even real?" He asks, challenging you to admit the truth.

You shake your head, stubbornly sticking to your story. "The guy is real. Situations a little wonky." You quietly say the last part.

Nicholas looks up from his phone, his eyes falling on you. He's got a playful glint in his eye, and you already feel exhausted by what he will do. "Give us a hint. What's he look like?" He asks, joining the conversation.

You decide to go with something vague and generic. "He's tall, a brunette, and super attractive." You say, hoping to sound convincing.

Noah laughs; he can't contain his smile. "You just described all of our friends." He laughs.

"Talented, modest, hilarious...compassionate, kind."

"That's not helpful." Noah scolds. "Need more description."

You twirl your finger in your hair playfully, biting your lip and trying to act coy. "Tattoos, nose piercing, pretty jolly." You add, dropping a hint that only Noah seemed to catch.

Noah's mouth drops as you say the last part, his eyes widening in shock. He leans forward and points his finger at you accusingly. "I fucking knew it." He says, his voice low and serious. He's been suspecting you have a crush on Jolly for a while. He's seen the way you look at him, the way you laugh at his jokes, the way you blush when he compliments you. "Alright, I say go for it!"

You shake your head, watching the Nicks' clueless faces. They exchange confused looks as if they were asked a question to which they didn't know the answer. They're always slow to catch on.

Noah rolls his eyes at their ignorance. "Come on, guys. It's not that hard… He's pretty jolly…JOLLY…” He says, stressing the last word, hoping it will click for them.

They both turn to you, their eyes widening in surprise. They gasp, their mouths forming perfect O's. "Wait, you mean Jolly is your boyfriend?" Ruffilo asks, sounding shocked and curious.

You shake your head no. "There was never a boyfriend. I just wanted Jolly to help me with a song, but I didn't want him to know it was for him yet, and then you guys made a big deal out of it, and somehow I ended up with a boyfriend." You say, rambling nervously.

Noah smiles, a wicked grin spreading across his face. He knows you're shy and likes to make you squirm. "Do you want me to be your wingman?" He asks, grinning. "I can help."

"Nope," You say, popping the P, "What I need is for you to not say a fucking word and let me do this on my own. I'm a big girl; I got this." You pull out your phone, glancing at the time, and see a text from Jolly asking if you can reschedule. You text back, saying no worries.

You stand up, stretching your arms, feeling restless and anxious. "I'm gonna go. Please, for the love of god, don't say anything to him; I'm serious." You say, pointing back and forth at them. "I wanna do this on my own." You say, hoping they will respect your wishes.

Noah shrugs, pretending to be indifferent. "I won't. I have better things to do with my time." He says, but you can tell he's lying. He loves to meddle. He watches you nod in agreement and leave the room, excited to see what happens next. "See ya!" He shouts as you go, waving his hand.

"We're gonna tell him, right?" Folio asks eagerly as the door closes. "Cause I want to tell him." He says, grinning.

Noah laughs as the door opens again, revealing Jolly, who looks semi-distressed. "Is y/n here?" He asks, scanning the room for any sign of you. He looks to the side and sees your guitar sitting by the door, a reminder of the song you were working on together.

"Just missed her," Nick says, pulling his eyes away from his phone.

Noah smiles, turning around and leaning his weight against the couch. He props his arms up and rests his head on his hands, acting casually. He sees an opportunity to tease Jolly. He's not going to let that chance pass by. "Nope, well, she and that guy were here." He says, making up a story. "Pretty cool, dude." He says, lying.

"They were here?" Jolly says, stepping into the living room. "You met him?" He asks, hoping to get some information.

Ruffilo says, "Yep. Nice guy. Seems to treat her good, he fits in." He says, joining Noah's prank.

He decides to describe Jolly in a way that makes him sound like someone else.

"He's tall, has long dark hair, and is covered in tattoos. Handsome as fuck." He says, laughing. He knows Jolly has all those features, but he also knows Jolly doesn't see himself as attractive.

"Oh," Jolly says as he sits down. He pulls out his phone, acting unbothered: If you're free tonight, I can drop off the guitar you left here and run through some stuff.

"You're not curious what his name is or anything?" Noah asks.

Jolly shakes his head, "Not really."

Yeah, I'm free. I must've just missed you.

Jolly's eyes sparkled like stars as he watched you play the guitar gracefully and skillfully. He felt admiration and pride as he saw how much you had improved with every practice session you shared. He bobbed his head to the rhythm, showing off some silly dance moves while you played, and he even sang along with the lyrics in his deep voice while you tried to focus on your chords and not the handsome man in front of you. He wore his favorite sweater and jeans. His hair was messy from running his fingers through it. You felt your heart skip a beat every time he smiled at you. "You're so distracting." You complained, stopping in the middle of the song. "You really need to work on your dancing, Jolly. That was cringeworthy even for me." You teased him with a smirk, hoping he would catch the playful tone in your voice.

He laughed, a sound that made you feel warm and fuzzy inside. "I was just trying to make you laugh, you've been too tense today." He said softly, his eyes full of concern. He reached out and touched your cheek gently, making you blush.

You sighed, leaning forward on your couch and resting your guitar on your lap. You loved the way it felt in your hands, the way it sounded when you played it. "I just want this to be perfect because if it's not, everything will fall apart." You said in a dramatic tone, exaggerating your worries.

"What are you afraid of?" He asked, raising his eyebrow curiously. He moved closer to you, his arm around your shoulder. He smelled mints and cologne, a scent that made you feel safe and comfortable. "It sounds amazing." He said sincerely, his voice low and soothing.

You looked at him and then back at the guitar, placing your fingers on the strings again. "I need help with this part but you distracted me." You strummed the guitar and started to sing the song softly.

You hoped he would understand the meaning behind the words and the feelings behind the melody. You felt your finger slip from the string and strummed the wrong pattern. You cursed under your breath, feeling frustrated. "My brain won't let me do this." You groaned loudly, feeling like giving up.

Jolly nodded, "Let me try something." He said, turning toward you and sliding behind you. You felt his chest press against your back as he leaned forward. His arms wrapped around you, holding your hands. He was warm and solid, and you felt your body relax against his. "Put your fingers back where you had them." He instructed, his voice in your ear. He took your other hand, "Relax your hand, I'm going to do the strumming for you. Just follow along. I want you to see the pattern." He said gently, his breath on your neck. He moved your hand to the pace it needed to be at, matching the song's rhythm. You felt his heartbeat quickening the closer he was to you. You wondered if you made him nervous or if he felt the same way you did. He gently moved your hand to the pace it needed to be at. You couldn't focus, though, not with how close his face was to yours. You turned your head to look at him, and he looked down at you with a warm smile. His eyes were dark and intense, and his lips were slightly parted. Your lips were so close you could almost feel them on his, and god, did you want to.

You feel your body tighten at the thoughts, feeling nervous about what your own mind was thinking. "Anyway," You clear your throat, standing up and walking to the guitar stand. "I think that's all I've got in me tonight."

Jolly leans forward, a smile on his lips. He gently nods as he stands up. You see something different in his eyes this time, was he flustered? You smile at the idea; maybe this wouldn't be too hard after all.

"I'll see you tomorrow." He reaches out to hug you, and you gently fall against him, thankful for giving you something you needed. Reassurance.

You'd been practicing with Jolly for two weeks now. He was supportive and patient, guiding you through the final step of adding lyrics to the tune.

He sat beside you on his bed, beaming pridefully as you played the guitar flawlessly. But when the time came to sing, you felt nervous. You knew you were not a great vocalist but determined to do your best. You wanted to impress and make him feel the song was dedicated to him.

"I can't help but fall in love...with you." You sang the last part. You lifted your eyes to see his reaction.

He smiled and placed his hand on your shoulder. "That's the most beautiful thing I've ever heard." He praised. "Your mystery guy is a lucky man. You'll have to tell me how he reacts."

You bit your lip with anticipation, your eyes roaming over his face as you decided to tell him. You took a deep breath and set the guitar aside; you turned to face him, clasping your hands in your lap. "He said it was the most beautiful thing he ever heard and that the guy is lucky..." You trailed off as you watched Jolly's head tilt with confusion.

"No, that's what I said."

You looked at him nervously, nodding your head, "Surprise?" You whispered, losing your confidence a little.

"Me?" His eyes widened as he pointed to himself. "I'm the guy?"

You nodded, biting your lip again. "Yeah." He stared at you in disbelief, his mouth slightly open. "You...you like me?" He asked, his voice barely audible. "You sang this for me?"

You felt your cheeks heat up as you nodded again. "Yes, Jolly. A lot. I've liked you since the day we met. I was hoping you would feel the same way." He blinked a few times as if processing your words. Then, he broke into a wide grin, his eyes sparkling joyfully. "I do, Y/N. I do feel the same way. I've liked you for so long. You're everything I ever dreamed of in a girl. And I love this song. It's perfect. Just like you." He leaned in closer, his hand moving from your shoulder to your cheek. He gently cupped your face, his thumb stroking your skin. He looked into your eyes, his gaze full of love and admiration. "Can I kiss you?" He whispered, his breath warm on your lips. You smiled and closed the gap, pressing your lips to his. He kissed you back eagerly, his other hand wrapping around your waist. He pulled you closer, deepening the kiss. You wrapped your arms around his neck, tangling your fingers in his hair.

You felt happiness and relief, knowing that he felt the same way.

You kissed him with all your passion and emotion, pouring your heart into the kiss. He responded in kind, kissing you with all the tenderness and affection he had, making you feel loved and cherished.

You broke the kiss after a few moments, both breathless and smiling. You rested your forehead against his, your eyes locked.

"How did I miss this?" He chuckled as he hugged you tightly, "I can't believe how clueless I was."

You giggled against his chest, "I mean, I did try to throw you off by saying it was someone else."

He laughed, kissing the top of your head. "I saw some signs. I just ignored them, because you said it was someone else." He admitted. "I thought I was imagining things."

You laughed as you pulled away from his embrace, looking into his dark eyes with amusement. "Are you happy?" You asked.

He nodded, "I'm happiest when I'm with you."

[tu-naranja]

THE TEACHER NEXT DOOR - A Miss Circle x Miss Bloomie Fanfic

Chapter 1 - Last First Day

"What do you want to be when you grow up?"

"Hmm... A science teacher, what about you, what do you want to be?"

"Heh... I'll be whatever you want to be!"

.

. b l o o m i e...

. Bloomie?..

"BLOOMIE!" Thavel yelled slamming her fists down on my desk.

"AHH!" I jumped back in my chair startled by her. Angrily, I slammed my fists back on my desk at her, "Don't fucking scare me like that!"

"You weren't listening to a word I said!" Thavel exclaimed dramatically throwing her hands up.

"I was listening, I was just... thinking," I replied rolling my eyes.

"Oh yeah, thinking about what?!" She snapped.

Suddenly, the chair from the desk beside mind screeched disrupting our quarreling and I couldn't help but turn to face the teacher of that oh so annoying chair that got on my nerves... Miss Circle.

"Oh... I see~" Thavel whispered nudging my shoulder. I growled at her as she give me that stupid cheeky grin she does when Circle's around.

We watched as the math teacher quietly gathered her stuff and left the staff room. As soon as the door closed behind her a sighed escaped my mouth and I sadly bowed my head.

"I still don't know why you two stopped talking," Thavel said.

I sigh once again and stood up from my desk, gathering my things for my first class of the first day. Miss Thavel followed, gathering her things then exiting the staff room with me.

"Ya know, you still haven't answered my question from earlier," Thavel brought up.

"What was it?" I asked.

"Do you know when the faculty is starting prep for the college entrance exams?" she asked, "I dropped my phone in the toilet so I didn't get the see the group chat."

"I think they said something about starting as soon as possible, somewhere between late September to early October," I answered.

"Damn, they aren't playing around this year," Thavel said as we both came to a hault at her classroom door, "Thanks for letting me know, we'll chat at lunch." She said then entered her classroom.

I continued my walk down the hallway and up to the third floor. By the time I reached the last step I was gasping for air. Why did they place all the science classes at the top floor?! They don't give a damn about us science teachers while all the business subjects got the ground floor. After catching my breath, I made my way to my classroom.

"Morning class," I said resting my textbooks and markers down on my desk. I was given the seniors this year which meant I had to do college EE prep for Bio. Flights of stairs and now loads of work on my tiny back, great!

"Okay class, this is your last year, which means double the work, usually, I would've done introductions for the first day but prep is really early this year so I'm doing a dive straight into the work, I want to us finish the syllabus by January so we can focus on past papers for the rest of the semester," I explained, "Today we'll be learning about the digestive system so turn to page 118."

As everyone flickered through their text books, I took the chance to scribble the date and topic on the board and wait. My eyes wondered from the board to the room next door. Miss Circle's classroom. New Semester, new attitude huh. Surprisingly her door was wide open. I was a bit intrigued since she usually keeps it close and locked while mine stayed open. Curious, I peeked over into her class.

"Listen up class!" She yelled at the students. It looks like she has a senior class too since I over heard her explaining the CEE prep to them. "Hey! What did I say about eating in my class Oliver!" She yelled at a student, "Is that a pack of oreos I see,give me that!" She dashed off to somewhere in the classroom when she came back up front she was ravaging the snack. As she downed the last cookie she looked up at her doorway and we locked eyes. She then walked over and slammed the door shut then locked it.

I sighed and continued on with my class. I guess she just forgot to close it.

.

.

Lunch rolled around and I made my way through the busy hallways where I bumped into Sasha and we chatted all the way to the staff room where we met up with Thavel.

"We should go drinking tonight!" Thavel suggests.

"I don't think that's a good idea..." I added.

"Oh come on Bloomie," Sasha whined, "All the teachers always go out to drink on the first school night, it's a tradition and you're the only one that don't show up, even Grace shows up and she's like... the principal."

" Well that's her, 1. I have a low alcohol tolerance and 2. I'm not showing up the work hung-over and Sasha don't you teacher the kindergarteners?!" I stated, "This is dumb, why can't we do this on a Friday or something?"

"It's to boring, everyone drinks and party on a Friday, that's why where doing this on a Monday, to spice things up," Sasha adds.

"I swear for adults you guys are irresponsible," I mumbled.

"Come on girl, we're nearly in our 40's we're not getting any younger, plus when was the last time you brought anyone home," Sasha said pulling at my nerves.

Thavel chuckled not making me feel any better. "Come on Bloomie, you need to have some fun and stop being so serious all the time, we'll monitor how much you drink."

As much as I felt offended, they were kinda right. I was a bit too serious and strict and I haven't been in a relationship for a long while. I did need to take a break. "But we literally just came back from vacation."

[yanderes-galore]

A1 vampire Albert Wesker or Sergei Vladimir?

I feel like Wesker works. We're doing vampires again ^^;

Prompt Found Here

Yandere! Vampire! Albert Wesker Prompt A-1

(Halloween Event - Hunt)

Pairing: Romantic

A-1: "I want to know how you'll taste between my teeth."

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Stalking, Hunting, Vampires, Blood, Blood drinking, Descriptions of eating people, Threats of breaking bones/threats in general, Sadism, Implied kidnapping/death, Deception, Violence, Choking in one part.

"You must be aware I'm stronger than you, yes?"

A voice taunts you, the mouth who uttered it licks their fangs hungrily. Ghoulish eyes track their prey through tinted sunglasses as you run. Many of his prey ran like this, it was a hunt like all the rest.

Every movement he made towards you was calculated. Taunting you while he stalked you in the night. He plays the act of human well, yet his movements while hunting were far from human.

"I could break each of your bones like a twig. What's stopping me from squeezing your ribcage until your organs give out?"

The sound of your ragged breath gave away your position. Just when you thought you were safe, that familiar trenchcoat would come into view. Then you're right back to square one again.

"Oh to drain your blood into a bucket to savour the taste sounds delightful."

He laughs in the darkness, continuing his brisk pace.

"Your fear will only make my dinner taste better."

He turns a corner just in time to see you run another one. He grins, crossing his arms while walking. He didn't have to try too hard for this.

"Maybe I'll even play around with you for a bit. Get you all worked up to sweeten the taste of you... the choice can be yours."

He's fast, toying with you. He keeps a certain distance away from you to give you the illusion of escape. When in reality, he could catch you right then and there.

"Will you really make me wait like this? You're so cute... although you should know you're teasing a hungry beast."

He's drooling at the mouth, desperate for his next meal. He loves playing with you, yet it only makes him hungrier.

"I want to know how you'll taste between my teeth."

The vampire sighs, closing the distance ever so slightly. He was getting impatient. He's been watching you for a long time now. His mouth prepares itself to catch you and sink into your neck, fantasizing about how you'd taste.

It would be so wonderful if he littered your weaker body in bites, your blood flowing into his mouth and blessing him with a new taste. A bitter taste of fear... but a sweet taste of pleasure. Such a concoction is addictive to vampires.

He may keep you around if you're good enough to his tastes. If you manage to entertain him on a game of chase... and charm his taste buds, you've won a place beside him. Many pets have come before you...

He wants you to prove you deserve to join their ranks.

"If you come to me now, dear... I promise I'll give you luxury."

His words are coated in a sugary trap. Come too close to taste it... and you'll be either hooked or dead. Wesker, the name he went by, was a monster that cloaks himself in the night. Would he really be merciful to prey like you?

He didn't want to let you go after he drank from you. He may not even give you luxury. However, because you have something he craves, he's willing to do every lie in the book to coax you.

He treats you like a frightened animal once he catches you, dashing towards you with inhuman speed before picking you up by your neck. You choke on his grip and squeal when he pushes you against the wall. Those orange eyes are those of a predator.

A predator who's rather pleased he caught his prey.

"Enough games. Look at me as I do this..."

He grins, opening his mouth just enough to reveal his fangs. Sharp and ready to sink into your flesh like candy....

"It'll be over soon. As I find myself growing fond of you, I'll make it quick."

Yet another lie tumbles from the vampire's lips. He plans to draw out this session with you. Wesker wishes to savour your taste like fine wine...

You stand no chance against him.

[caz66]

Hi Caz,

Wolfstar Prompt: Sirius not knowing how to react to Remus and getting all flustered when ever he his around him?

I had fun writing this one:

@greyeyedmonster-18 I took a little bit of inspiration from you! X

Flustered

It had been a long week thought Sirius as he laid out on the sofa with a bag of peas on top of his head. 

It all started on Monday when Remus came home with a new undercut haircut that somehow flaunted his already handsome face. When he first walked in through the door, Sirius had tripped over his own shoes, resulting in a twisted ankle (and feeling rather dazed, but he suspected it had nothing to do with the injury)

Tuesday

Sirius was running late, he had overslept slightly and was rushing around so that he was not late for work. But then Moony had walked out of the bathroom with only a towel (a very short towel) wrapped around his waist, water still dripping down his now very sculpted abs. Sirius felt himself swallowing hard, trying to stare too long. 

‘Think those gym sessions with Fab are starting to pay off eh?’ Sirius’ eyes shot up to look at a smirking Remus, before he winked at him and walked off to his bedroom. Sirius was left standing there like a floundering fish trying not to get caught staring at his roommate's ass while being completely and utterly flustered. 

Wednesday

‘Don’t wait up’ the text message from Moony had read, ‘Lily is dragging me out shopping’. Sirius was using the free time to listen to his new record, while dancing around the kitchen microfiber cloth in one hand, cleaner in the other. 

‘Well this is quite entertaining,’ a deep voice suddenly came from behind him. 

‘Fucking shit!’ Cried Sirius, jumping out of his skin, bagging his hip on the corner of the table.  Remus gave a full belly laugh from the doorway. ‘That's not…not fun-ny.’ Sirius tripped over his words as he caught sight of his roommates new, and very tight fitting, outfit. 

‘What do you think? I'll still shove a good old jumper over the top, but I quite like it.’

‘Yup, yeah, looks great, good, yup.’ Sirius quickly turned away to re-wipe the already clean work top, feeling his face go bright red. He was pretty sure he heard Remus chuckle as he padded away. 

Thursday

The table had left a deep purple bruise on his hip, and he was walking with a slight limp. Thankfully Remus was at work all day today, so there could be no sneak acts of captivating handsomeness to derail him today. 

Or so he thought. 

As Sirius was using his best culinary skills to make himself beans on toast for lunch, he got a text message from Moony. 

Moony: Good job I have a spare set of clothes in the locker. (Inserted picture of his new tight trousers with a big white stain beside the crotch) 

Sirius choked on his mouthful of beans, eyes watering. He quickly got a glass of water to ease his spluttering.

Moony : Too much mayo in my wrap. 

Friday

Then there was today. They were meeting the gang for their normal Friday evening drinks at the pub down the road. Lily and Remus were upstairs getting ready. James and Sirius were playing Fifa on the Xbox in the living room. 

Lily had come bounding into the room announcing that they were ready to leave.

‘You go ahead, I’ll lock up,’ Sirius said, grabbing his leather jacket. Lily, James and Remus waited just outside the front door for him, it was then he lost all of his dignity. 

Upon seeing Remus, with his new undercut, new tight fitting clothing and now with what appeared to be a simple dash of eye liner around his golden orbs, Sirius lost all sense of direction, walking smack bang into the door frame hitting his bruised hip, hissing in pain he turned at full force, catching his temple on the edge of the door itself.

‘Sirius?’ Remus’ bewitching face appeared above him. How did he end up on the floor?

‘Dam Pads. That's going to need some ice pronto.’ James’ voice floated somewhere above them. ‘Re you get the peas, I’ll get this eejit to the sofa.’ 

And that is how he found himself here, with frozen peas for a hat. James and Lily had just left , again, for the pub. They were going to join them in a bit once the swelling was under control. 

‘How are you feeling?’ asked Remus coming to perch on the side of the sofa by Sirius’, placing a not un-welcomed hand on his stomach. 

‘Like an idiot.’  Remus chuckled, scrunching up his face in the most adorable way.

‘Humm, you have had quite the week Pads.’ Sirius looked up at Remus to find him biting his lip, while staring at Sirius’s own. Without further hesitation Sirius launched himself, and the peas, towards Moony, with the intention of kissing him. The surprise attack however, was slightly misjudged, resulting in Sirius headbutting Remus’s forehead. 

‘Shit Pads!’ Remus laughed, 

‘Fuck, Sorry Re, I wasn’t intending to do that’ Sirius gently placed the peas on Remus’s forehead. 

‘Let me,’ Sirius thought Remus meant he was taking the peas from his hands, but then felt a warm hand cup his face and gentle lips on his.

[viacursecasting]

Playing With Hearts.

{ High School AU w/ @chippzter }

It was after school hours. The ebony hedgehog glanced at his phone as he waited outside the arcade. He himself was on time, so where—?

A blue blur suddenly skidded to a halt before him. "Sorry I'm—late, Shads—!" Sonic panted, resting his hands on his knees.

It was only by two minutes. Still, Shadow chided with a smirk, "Do you ever find it ironic that you're often late despite your speed?" Then he contemplated, "Perhaps it's because of it?"

Sonic chuckled. "Calm down, Socrates."

Then he looked up to see the neon sign of the building. "Wait, you brought me to an arcade? Don't you want lunch?"

"They have a dining area as well," Shadow explained. "But I thought it would be best if we worked up an appetite."

Curious, Sonic followed Shadow through the double doors and up to the counter. He chatted with the employee for a bit before exchanging some rings for what looked like two credit cards. He thanked them before the hedgehogs made their way toward the games.

Shadow handed Sonic one of the cards, which the latter viewed curiously. "What's this?"

"A game pass," Shadow responded. "Tokens are digital now, so you simply swipe to play."

"Cool," Sonic said twirling the card on the tip of his finger. "How much is on it?"

"100."

Sonic fumbled, clumsily catching the card with both hands. "100 tokens!?" Sonic exclaimed. "I'm supposed to be treating you!"

Shadow shrugged. "It's nothing." After all, his father had a pretty good business...

"No, really," Sonic said, touching him on the shoulder while flashing him that stunning smile, "thank you."

Shadow's brain seemed to malfunction for a second before he replied, "Ah... welcome..."

Sonic then confidently placed his fists on his hips. "Alright! What should we play first?" Before the lifeform could say anything, Sonic excitedly burst, "Ooh, ooh! Racing!"

He dashed into one of the car seats and swiped his card, gesturing for Shadow to sit in the console beside him.

Shadow did so, adjusting the seat forward so his legs could reach the pedals. "I hope you're ready to lose," he taunted.

Sonic put both hands on the wheel, selecting a character and a track. "Bring it on!"

They were neck and neck for three laps straight, Shadow overtaking Sonic after performing an impeccable drift. But right before the lifeform crossed the finish line, Sonic aimed a rocket Wisp straight at him, making him spin out as the speedster nabbed first place.

"WOO!" Sonic punched the air. "Expect no less from the fastest thing alive!" He puffed his chest out victoriously.

Shadow gave a slow clap. "Well played. But let's try something a little more my speed."

Shadow led the hero to a console with a giant screen that displayed the words Mansion of the Dead in a distressed font.

Sonic picked up one of the two brightly colored pistols, turning it over cautiously in his hand. "I'm not sure I'll be any good at this..."

"Allow me." Shadow then proceeded to wrap his arms around the hero from behind, guiding his hands into the correct position.

It was a good thing the arcade was dark; Sonic was sure he was as red as a tomato.

The hero could feel Shadow's warm breath on his cheek. "Keep your elbows up, like this." He tilted Sonic's wrists just a touch. "Use the sights to aim. Got it?"

When the lifeform stepped away, Sonic realized just how madly his heart pumped in his ears. "Mhm," he squeaked. "Yeah, sure."

Shadow swiped his card before gripping his handgun, giving it a twirl. "Good luck."

Almost immediately, zombies filled the screen, making Sonic shriek and fire at anything that moved.

Sonic's panic was more entertaining than the game. After waves of zombies, Shadow couldn't help but snicker before he burst out laughing, losing his focus and getting overrun by enemies.

Sonic's ear twitched delightedly at the sound of Shadow's voice. He had never heard him laugh like that before. Soon, the screen bled the words Game Over.

But Sonic already felt like he won.

After a few seconds, Shadow wiped some tears from the corners of his eyes. "You realize some of those targets were innocents, right?"

Sonic chuckled nervously. "Th-They walked like zombies?"

Shadow let out one last hum. "Your aim was surprisingly good."

Sonic grinned. "I had a pretty good teacher."

Shadow returned the sentiment with a small smile before gesturing for Sonic to follow him. "Come. We'll try out something I think you might like."

They walked up to a stage where arrows scrolled rapidly across the screen and jumbo speakers emitted lively music.

Sonic gasped, hearts in his eyes. "I—love—Step Step Revolution!"

He swiped his card. Then he gestured at the empty spot beside him, raising an eyebrow at the lifeform. "Aren't you gonna play?"

Shadow leaned against the wall, waving dismissively. "Dancing's not really my thing."

"Ah," Sonic understood before giving him a wink. "Then enjoy the show."

Shadow gave an amused huff, looking away. But from the corner of his eye, he watched him pick a track—this particular song used two dance pads—and then set it to expert. This cocky bastard really wants to show off, huh...

Sonic found his groove in no time, stepping on every scrolling arrow perfectly as a high-tempo beat played. His legs were a blur as he jammed side to side, back and forth. Light as a feather, quick as a whip. He made it look effortless.

Shadow had to admit he was impressed. It reminded him of how the hero evaded the hawk's punches like a breeze to save his brother.

Soon, Sonic garnered a small crowd, who watched in awe at his quick, accurate moves as he stepped to the rhythm flawlessly.

When he finished the song, the screen flashed PERFECT, but he was surprised to hear a round of applause behind him. He then noticed the crowd, so he bowed in that overly dramatic way of his.

Shadow watched as a girl excitedly came up to the blue hedgehog, exchanging a few words. Sonic nodded a few times. Then he laughed out loud.

Shadow grimaced. He wasn't surprised that Sonic was capable of attracting fans wherever he went. I should be happy for him, right? He then clutched his chest.

Then what is this gnawing feeling...?

Sonic returned to the ebony hedgehog, noticing his sullen expression. "You okay?"

Shadow felt guilty for making him worry. The gnawing moved to his stomach, so he clutched it. "I..."

Sonic noticed the gesture. "Ah! You must be hungry. Here, we'll finally get that lunch I owe ya!" He grabbed the lifeform's hand, eagerly dragging him along.

~

They made their way to the diner's barstools. Sonic ordered for them, surprised that Shadow had never tried a chili dog before.

The hero twirled in his seat as they waited, As he did so, something fluttered out of his pocket. Shadow reached down to grab it. "What's—?"

"Nothing!" Sonic said as he yanked the flyer from his grip and stuffed it back in his pocket.

Shadow managed to catch one word. "Audition?" He watched Sonic flush. "What are you auditioning for?"

Sonic swallowed, twiddling his thumbs. "The... school play."

Being in the spotlight seems right up his alley, Shadow thought. "When are tryouts?"

"It doesn't matter," Sonic said with slumped shoulders. "I'm not doing it."

Shadow was incredulous. "What? Why?"

Sonic's ears folded back sheepishly. "I'm kinda... shy."

Shadow scoffed. "You? Shy? We are talking about the same hedgehog, correct?"

"Stuff like that"—Sonic gestured vaguely toward the arcade—"just sorta happens. I don't really choose to have all that attention."

Shadow seemed to understand. "You revel in the spontaneity. But when it's rehearsed, you feel pressure?"

Sonic nodded. "That's exactly it." He batted his eyelashes at him. "You already know me so well."

God, stop looking so—! Shadow turned away. "Right..."

Their meals finally came. Shadow had to admit that the scent of spices, chili, and fresh bread smelled divine. The hot dog had all sorts of toppings—green onions, tomatoes, shredded cheese—that added pops of color, inviting his eyes as well as his tongue.

Sonic leaned forward in anticipation as Shadow took his first, tentative bite.

"Hm," Shadow finally said. "Not bad."

"I knew you'd like it," Sonic said before he practically inhaled his own chili dog.

The fact that Shadow was trying out new things—and enjoyed it—gave him newfound courage. "What if I went to tryouts with you?"

Sonic blinked as we wiped a bit of chili from the corner of his mouth. "You would audition with me?"

"Not audition," Shadow clarified. "I would just support you from the sidelines."

Sonic bounced excitedly. "Oh, Shads, that would mean the world to me! I think I could do anything with you by my side."

The way his eyes lit up like stars made Shadow's heart flutter. He averted his gaze. "Don't mention it..."

~

"Would you like a ride home?" Shadow offered as the hedgehogs walked into the parking lot.

"I didn't know you could drrr..." Sonic trailed when the lifeform stood beside a motorcycle. "Wait, that's yours!?"

Shadow handed him his helmet. "Yes. Did I not tell you?"

"I think I would've remembered," Sonic replied as he scrutinized the headgear with caution.

Shadow eyed him all-knowingly. "You've never been on one before, have you?" He threw a slender leg over the bike, gesturing to the seat behind him.

Sonic froze. He could handle being on a bike. But could he handle being so... close?

Shadow saw him hesitate. "I'll keep you safe." He offered his palm. "I promise."

That seemed to do the trick, for Sonic gave him a soft smile. "I know." He put on the helmet and took Shadow's hand, hopping onto the seat behind him.

At first Sonic kept his grip on the underside of his seat, but as the bike revved to life and lurched forward, he shrieked and wrapped his arms around the lifeform's torso.

Shadow tried to ignore his racing heartbeat as they took off into the streets. They made good time as he weaved between cars like a needle and thread.

With the wind in his azure quills and asphalt two inches from his face during tight turns, Sonic clutched him tighter. "Are you always this reckless?" he called over the sound of the engine.

Shadow chuckled. "Is the fastest thing alive afraid of a little speed?"

"This is way different than running!"

So different, he thought as thrill and fear performed a tango in his mind. What brought him comfort, though, was the scent of Shadow's leather jacket, was the warmth of his body pressed against his chest.

Maybe... he could get used to this...

Just then, Sonic saw where they were headed. "Wait, we're taking the bridge?" The one with the big body of water under it!?

It was too late to turn around. Shadow felt the hero bury his head into his back. "Are you afraid of water?"

"N-No!"

Oh, shit.

Shadow had to stop due to traffic. While he didn't want to prolong Sonic's anxiety, he also didn't want Sonic to miss—

"Remember how you said you could do anything with me by your side?" Shadow said over his shoulder as the engine idled.

"Yes..." Sonic replied in acquiescence.

"Then open your eyes."

He tightened his hold around Shadow, clutching for dear life. "I... I can't!"

"Trust me."

Sonic took a deep breath, tilting his head just a touch.

Suddenly he caught the view of a sun-kissed sky, one that bled hues of rose and marigold. Rays reflected divinely across the water, resembling dazzling stars.

Sonic breathed in awe. Shadow felt him relax his grip. Traffic finally started to move, and he cursed under his breath.

If only there was a way to stop time.

~

It didn't take long for Shadow to pull into Sonic's driveway, parking next to some of Tails' inventions.

Shadow got off the bike, turning to help the hero. "What did you think?"

Sonic took his hand as he hopped off, returning the helmet. "That was..."

He looked up to see Shadow's windswept quills. No matter what angle or time of day, he always looked—

"Beautiful," Sonic breathed.

"I'm glad you liked it," Shadow admitted as he walked Sonic up to the front door.

It was time to address the elephant in the room. Sonic rubbed his arm nervously. "Hey, Shads?"

"Hm?"

He pretended to find something interesting on his shoe. "When that girl at the arcade talked to me, she offered me her number."

Shadow's heart sank. "Oh."

"But I told her I couldn't take it."

Shadow tried to not let his relief show. Still, he was curious. "Why?"

Sonic blushed profusely. "I told her you and I were on... a date."

It was Shadow's turn to tint.

"But that doesn't mean it's true!" Sonic clarified. Then he rubbed his neck. "I-I mean, not unless you want it to be—"

Shadow then leaned forward to press his lips against the hero's cheek, deepening his redness. As he broke away with a soft click, Sonic practically forgot how to breathe. His heart pounded so madly he almost didn't hear the lifeform's next words.

"I had fun." Shadow then added with a smirk, "On our date."

Sonic beamed brightly, tossing his arms around the lifeform's neck.

Shadow was taken aback—hugs were a very rare occurrence for him—but he returned the embrace.

They bid each other goodbye before Shadow retreated to his motorcycle. As he took off, Sonic sighed dreamily, the purr of the engine fading as he watched the lifeform drive into the sunset.

When Sonic stepped inside his abode, Tails was on the couch, pretending to be reading his textbook as if he didn't just peek through the curtains. "Sooo? How'd it go?" he asked with an innocent grin.

Sonic ruffled the kit's bangs. "Sorry bro," he said with a wink. "I don't kiss and tell."

[mypoisonedvine]

artificial scarcity || (soft)dark!Jake Jensen x reader

summary: you'll realize how good he can treat you, how badly you need him, one way or another. you just need a little encouragement, that's all.

word count: 4k, somehow...

warnings: smut! (dubcon; she is fully consenting but under dubious circumstances), drugging (technically), kidnapping, imprisonment, starvation, touch-starved reader, bed sharing, grinding/thigh fucking, size kink, spanking, implied stalking/voyeurism, implied noncon (kinda?), jake being possessive and manipulative and creepy

a/n: this was supposed to be a drabble which is why the pacing might feel a little rushed in the beginning but I hope you guys don’t mind!

Jake was normally a relatively patient guy, especially with you since he had an obvious soft spot for the newest member of the team.  But after months of trying to get your attention, of his abysmal flirting not getting him anywhere, of you becoming more and more comfortable with the idea of him as a friend and nothing else, his patience was running thin.

He was tired of waiting for the perfect opportunity to rescue you and show you that he was the perfect guy for you.  He was tired of waiting for you to figure out that he could be everything you needed if you just let him.  So, he figured he needed to manufacture a chance to save you; he needed to take away some things just to bring them back, show you what it was like to let him take care of you.

Getting close to you was easy, you were teammates and friends so you trusted him.  The tricky thing was he didn't want you to know it was him, so he used your trust to lure you right into his trap.

Movie night tonight? There’s some cheesy slasher playing at the drive in at 1930, he texted you as soon as he could to the showtime to decrease the odds of you having any time to tell anyone about your plans to meet up with him; he’d rather not have the heat of being the last person to see you before your disappearance.

yeah sure!  are you driving? you replied almost instantly.

Yep, I’ll pick you up at S Lamar and Hanover in 10, he informed you, knowing it was close to your apartment but far away from any security cameras or likely witnesses.

He parked a block away and walked around the corner to see you standing there under the flickering streetlight looking at your phone.  You were waiting for him, and as he hid behind cover to come closer, you were clearly looking around for where he might be.  Thankfully, you didn't see him or his tranq gun, and he got your neck on the first shot.

He ran to catch you before you fell, relishing the weight of your body limp and pliant in his arms.  Somehow, he resisted the urge to play with you now, knowing it would be worth the wait to let his whole plan come to fruition.

//

The room he locked you in was dark and damp, barely any light but enough to see the half-full water bottle he left for you; your chain was short but you could reach everything you needed.  It broke his heart to hear your cries but he had to ignore them, if he came in now it wouldn't make sense.  He needed to be patient.

When the video feed from his camera inside showed that you'd fallen asleep for the night, he snuck in to bring you a new water bottle and a little granola bar since you'd screamed all day about being hungry.  You seem surprised when you woke up and saw it, quickly grabbing the bar but taking a long time to examine and smell it first before eating, like you were afraid it was poisoned.  But you ate, and drank your water, and waited for rescue.

Day 3 was the hardest to watch.  You tugged at your chain so much that he worried you'd hurt yourself.  He decided tomorrow was the last day because he couldn't take any more of this.

On the fourth day, he waited until you started to cry yourself to sleep before shutting down his equipment and finally coming to the door; he took a deep breath, preparing himself, before dramatically kicking it down and gasping when he saw you.  He called your name into the dark and you barely had the energy to open your eyes, poor thing.

"Oh my god, are you okay?" he yelped, dashing over to where you were chained and picking at the lock.  "I'm gonna get you out, don't worry, you're safe now."

"Jensen...?" you mumbled sleepily, making him smile and stroke your face a little.  

"Yeah, I'm right here."

//

He carried you to his car and drove you home-- not your old home, your new one which also happened to be his apartment.

"I think it's time to wake up, I'm guessing you wanna take a shower," he cooed at your sleeping form, watching you stir in his arms before finally blinking your eyes open and looking up at him.

"Oh," you whispered.  "Did I fall asleep?"

"Yes," he laughed, "you've been out the whole ride here."

"Oh…” you repeated, “and where are we?"

"My apartment.  I didn't want to leave you alone right now."

You nodded, seemingly in agreement.  "You can put me down now."

He reluctantly did as you'd asked, watching you carefully put weight back on your legs.

"Woah!" he chuckled when you wobbled a bit, reaching out to catch you, but you recovered.

"Thank you," you whispered, and he smiled at you.

"Just wish I'd found you sooner.”

"Um, you said I can take a shower?"

"Yeah, down that hall, first door on the right.  I'll bring you some clothes,” he explained, and you smiled weakly before navigating your way to the bathroom.

//

You looked so good in his clothes that his heart skipped a beat when he saw you step out into the living room.  The t-shirt that was almost too tight on him was baggy on you, reminding him of how delicate you were in so many ways, how much bigger he was than you.

It reminded him that if he really wanted to, he could force himself on you and you'd be helpless to stop him.  But that wasn't what he wanted.  It was going to be so much better this way.

"Wanna go to bed now?  I'll take the couch," he offered.

"N-no," you stammered, and he gave you a quizzical look.  "I don't… I don't want you that far away."

"Okay, I could sleep on the floor," he bargained instead, "in my room, with you."

"No," you sighed again, "then I won't be able to see you."

"I'll be right there," he reminded you.

"It's a king, right?  You can share with me."

"Are you sure?" he pressed.  "I wouldn't want to make you uncomfortable."

"No, please, this is the only way I'll be comfortable."

"Okay," he smiled, guiding you to the bedroom.  He let you watch him take off his shirt and smirked a little when he saw you ogling.

"I usually just sleep in boxers," he admitted nervously.  "I'll put on some pajama pants at least."

"It's fine, really," you smiled.  "I don't wanna be any more of a burden than I already am."

"You're not a burden."

"And I'm not gonna wear pants to bed anyways," you shrugged.

"O-oh."

But he hadn't given you a new pair of panties to wear because he didn't have any to give you.  Which meant that if you took off the sweats he'd given you, that'd leave you in his shirt and nothing else.

He tried not to let that thought go straight to his cock as he unbuttoned and pushed down his pants, seeing you conflicted on where to look, before getting in bed.  You did the same, taking the sweats off once you were under the covers and tossing them out from under the blanket.

"Goodnight," he smiled as he turned off the lamp, hearing you whisper it back before starting to shift around and get comfortable.

He didn't have to wait nearly as long as he had expected to hear you meekly whisper, "Jensen?"

"Yeah, is everything alright?" he asked, voice full of concern.

"I… I don't want to ask you for anything else…" you sighed.

"No, hey, it's okay," he assured, "ask for anything."

"Would you, um, would you hold me?" 

He cleared his throat a little.  "If you need me to."

"Please, it's the only way I'll be able to sleep."

He sighed a little but relented, coming over to your side of the bed and spooning you, gingerly laying one arm over you and trying to avoid touching you anywhere too personal.

"Thank you," you sighed sleepily.

"Whatever you need,” he assured.

"Jake, why are you doing all this for me?" you asked quietly, turning back a little to look at him.

"You're my teammate, nobody gets left behind,” he explained.  “Besides, this is all my fault anyways.  You were waiting for me when they got you."

"No, Jake, don't say that.  It's not your fault."

"Alright, but it's not yours either.  You didn't deserve that."

“You’re right, but I don’t deserve this either,” you mumbled.

“Yes, you do.”

You shifted slightly against him, humming contentedly, and he groaned.

"I think maybe we should stop," he hissed, pulling away— but you stopped him by grabbing his arm.

"No, wait," you whimpered.  "Why?  What’s wrong?"

"I, uh, I guess I'm just experiencing some of the consequences of laying in bed with a beautiful woman…"

"Huh?"

"The, um, the biological consequences."

"I— oh,” you whispered.

"Yeahhh...” he trailed off awkwardly.

"No, hey, it's okay.  I don't mind, I mean, you can't help it,” you shrugged.

"Sorry, I'm not normally this easily amused but it's been a while, so…"

"I understand," you assured, "really, it's okay… just don't go."

He just barely heard your gasp as he pressed himself against you, his shaft cradled perfectly between each soft globe of your ass.  "Is this okay?" he asked quietly.

"Y-yeah," you answered, making him suppress a laugh since it was obvious you were noticing his size.  He would bet a grand at least that you were getting wet right now, if he had anyone to bet against.

Your back arched a little, pushing your ass into him with more force, and you actually started to rock your hips ever so slightly.

"Stop moving," he hissed through his teeth.  

"I'm not…" you denied weakly.

"Yes you are, you're… rubbing yourself on me."

"I'm sorry, it just feels good,” you admitted sleepily, surprising him with your forwardness.  “You like it too, right?"

"Yes, but I feel like I'm taking advantage of you,” he admitted worriedly.

"You're not,” you promised, “you did so much for me— you saved me— and I want to help you, too.  You said it's been a while since you were with anybody, I could help you out… you know, you could rub up against me until you…"

He groaned a little but leaned in closer until his lips were right against your ear.  "Are you sure?  Don't do me any favors, you don't owe me anything."

"I want you to," you assured, making him smile and nod a bit, taking a moment to enjoy a deep breath as he prepared himself.

Carefully, he began to rock his hips forward, rubbing his cock on you through his boxers.  Even with a layer of cotton in the way he could feel your warmth, he could imagine how smooth your skin was.  If you hadn't been able to make out the shape of him before, you certainly could now— the ridge of his head was probably digging into you, and on particularly long thrusts he could feel your ass against his balls (which, inversely, meant you could feel his balls against your ass).

He held your hips as he picked up his pace a bit, grinding into you and breathing heavily in your ear.  You gasped and tried to hide a moan by biting your lip but he heard it.  It was even more obvious when he whispered your name to you, heavy with desire, and rubbed your spine with his finger.  Your back arched even further, inviting him to push harder against you until he felt the slightest wet patch forming on his boxers— not from him, from you.  It made his cock throb and his breath catch in his throat.

Overcome with need, he pushed his boxers down quickly before getting back to it, both of you moaning at the feeling of his skin on yours.  He was so close to your pussy he could hardly stand it, and he knew you must be dripping right now, desperate to be filled.  He could probably slip right in and you wouldn't even stop him, but that wasn't what he needed from you right now.  You needed to ask him for it.  He knew you wanted it, but he needed you to know you wanted it.

A drop of precum formed at his slit, smearing onto your skin and easing his way further.  

"I want you to feel good, too," he whispered.  "I don't just want to use you."

He pushed his cock down and slipped it between your thighs instead, sliding right against your wet, silky folds.  You whined beautifully as he thrusted forward, your thighs clenching (and therefore gripping him even tighter) when his cock slid right over your clit.

Your wetness was plentiful enough to drench him just from this, so he already knew the answer but he still asked, "does it feel good?"

"Yes," you sighed.  "Yes, it's good…"

He knew he could make you come like this, and he knew exactly how to, but that wouldn't get him what he wanted.  Instead he only gave you enough to keep you on the edge, moving too slow to really let you finish.  You even tried to move faster but his grip on your hips was too tight, keeping you still so he could savor his own pace and keep you desperate.

"Fuck me," you moaned.  

"I don't have a condom," he whispered nervously.

"I don't care, just please…"

That was all the encouragement he needed, pulling back enough to guide his head to your entrance before sliding right in.  Your wet, hot walls stretched open to accept him, struggling against his girth but eventually giving way.

Your hand shot back to grab onto his thigh, trying to keep him from going too deep, but he had no intentions of holding back now that he was inside you; he delicately grabbed your wrist and guided your hand back to your chest where he wrapped his arms around you and held you tightly.

"Baby," he moaned into your ear as his hips met yours.  "This is my pussy now."

You gasped and shivered in his arms, eyes falling shut as he pulled back and pushed in again, incredibly slow but as deep as he could push himself.

Your moans were perfect, even better than the ones he'd heard when he hacked into your webcam because it wasn't just your fingers or toy anymore, it was him— exactly what you'd always needed, whether you knew it or not.  He'd dreamed of this for so long and now that he had you he couldn't imagine ever letting you go.  Every inch of your channel was like heaven, every moan was somehow more beautiful than the last.

"That's it, baby, take all of me," he purred when he pressed deep into your cunt, holding your hips so the tip of his cock hit the deepest parts of you.  You made the cutest little choking noise and he kissed your neck while trying his best to make you do it again, moving faster and slapping his hips against yours more firmly.

"Jake," you managed to whimper, and he groaned through his teeth.

"Yeah, I'm right here," he promised.  "That's me inside you, sweetheart, that's my cock filling you up."

He leaned back slightly and pulled your ass apart so he could see his cock stretching you out, disappearing into your body.  It made his head fall back for a moment before he pulled you close again and started thrusting faster.  He reached around and brought two fingers to your clit, rubbing it fiercely as he kept thrusting.

"Oh fuck," you moaned, "Jake, right there… I'm gonna come…"

He laughed a little, kissing your ear as a show of approval.  "Baby, you're so sensitive," he praised, giving your clit a little spank.  You cried out and shuddered, bouncing yourself back on his cock, meeting his thrusts.  Amused by your neediness, he stopped moving and watched you go.

"There you go, sweetheart, fuck yourself with my cock.  Make yourself come."

You whined and kept going, your ass slapping against his hips loudly.  He kept rubbing your clit as you worked his cock, your walls starting to clench down on him rhythmically and your body beginning to shake.

The absolute second he heard you cry out with pleasure as you reached the peak, he grabbed you and rolled both of you over until you were on your stomach and he was brutally fucking you into the mattress.  He could still feel you pulsing around his length, gripping him tight and pulling him deeper.

"That's it, keep fuckin' coming for me," he groaned.  "Gimme one more and then I'm gonna fill you up."

"Jake!" you yelped, grabbing onto the pillow and even biting it as he slammed into you.  

"You're so good, baby, your pussy feels so good," he growled, pinning you down by your shoulders as he sped up even more.  He laughed when he felt your walls weakly fluttering, his balls hitting your swollen clit with each thrust.  "Gonna come again already, baby?  Just from my cock?"

"Yes," you sobbed hoarsely, "yes, Jake, I'm gonna come again— oh my god, please don't stop…"

"Oh, I won't stop," he assured.  "You take it so fuckin' good, sweetheart, like you were made for it.  Like you were made for me."

You moaned loudly and he took the opportunity to spank you— not incredibly hard but enough to make you whine a bit… and get even wetter.

"Oh fuck, you like that huh?" he purred with a grin.  "You like it rough."

"Yes, fuck, I love it," you agreed with a moan.  "I'm— I'm coming, Jake, don't stop."

"Yeah, I know," he chuckled, "I can feel it.  Feels so good when you come on my cock, baby…"

You went suddenly from arching your back and gripping the pillow to falling limp and relaxing, your body his toy now as he fucked you to the point of overstimulation.  Your moans were exhausted and muffled now, your walls clinging to him desperately as he continued stroking every sensitive place he could reach (which was all of them).

He could so easily pull out and paint your back, or jerk himself off over your ass, but if he was going to claim your body then he was going to do it right.  

He didn't warn you in advance, just in case you suddenly decided to tell him to pull out, but he did make sure you knew what he was doing.  "Fuck, I'm coming!" he moaned as his cock flexed and his seed filled you, still thrusting in time with each pump of his release.  It was nearly overwhelming, physically and psychologically.  He was finally filling you like he'd fantasized about basically every time he got off since he met you, finally making you his the way you should've been from the beginning.

He sighed and laid down on top of you, smiling as he kissed all over your face, neck, shoulders, and back.

You giggled sleepily, but whined when he tried to pull out, bringing your legs up to hold him inside.  "Don't go yet," you pleaded.

"Okay, baby, I'll stay right here until you fall asleep," he promised.  "Goodnight, beautiful…"

//

Not only could he not think of a night he'd slept better in his life, but he was pretty sure this was the best any man had slept in the history of sleep.  But even then, he wasn't at all disappointed when you woke him up.

"Good morning," you whispered in his ear with a giggle, making him blink his eyes open and look down at where you were resting your face on his chest.

"Good morning," he returned with a grin, wrapping his arms around you and holding you close.

"Last night was… pretty amazing," you smiled coyly, and he stroked your cheek as he felt it warm even more.

"Yeah, you have no idea," he chuckled, lifting your head so he could give you a kiss.  It was supposed to be quick and wholesome but you deepened it instantly, wrapping your arms around his neck.  

Just as you started to climb up to straddle him, he heard your stomach loudly growl and he pulled back to laugh.

"Sorry, sweetheart, but it sounds like you've got some other needs to take care of first," he smirked.

"Ugh, you're right," you sighed, "I'm going raid your kitchen."

"No, let me do that, I'll make you something— whatever you want," he offered, starting to sit up, but you pushed him back down.

"Jake, you've done enough for me already.  I don't even know what I want, that's why I wanna go look at what you have."

"If you insist," he relented, watching you hop out of bed and playfully smacking your ass when it was within reach.  You giggled and scampered away, leaving him to lay back and put his hands up behind his head, taking a deep breath of satisfaction.  His plan had not only worked but gone beyond his expectations— clearly you had wanted this, on some level, from the beginning, you were too eager for him to believe otherwise.  But that didn't matter now, because you were finally his and it was exactly as he'd dreamed it would feel: right, undeniably and overwhelmingly right.

He decided to take a break from basking in his own glory for a while to get up and find some food for himself as well.  After all, he planned on fucking you at least one more time today so he'd need lots of energy to keep him going.

He slipped back on his boxers and walked to the kitchen, finding you there standing oddly still.  "What are you doing?" he asked with a bemused scoff.

"Jake…" you mumbled, staring into the cabinet blankly.

"What's wrong?" he asked, stepping closer but stopping in his tracks when he saw what you were looking at: a six-pack box of granola bars.  He sighed a little as he internally chided himself for such a rookie mistake.  "Baby, seriously, what's wrong?"

"I… these… this is the same kind they gave me… it was the only thing I ate for almost four days."

"Oh my god," he whispered, stepping up behind you and wrapping his arms around you to try to soothe you.  "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring back any bad memories.  You only ate granola bars for four days?  Honey, you must be starving, please just let me cook you something—"

"No, not only granola bars: only a granola bar.  Just one…"

You reached up to grab the box but he held you tighter, trying to stop you.  Instead what happened was you accidentally knocked the box over, exactly five bars sliding out and landing on the floor with a crinkly thud.

You gasped with realization and tried to squirm away but his comforting hug turned into restraint instantly.  "Jake, let me go…"

"I'm sorry, baby, but I don't think I can do that."

"Jake, please," you begged with a sob.  "Why did you— how could you?"

"I know you had feelings for me, you just needed a little encouragement."

"Feelings for you?  I hate you!"

"Huh, that's odd, because I distinctly remember you begging me to fuck you last night,” he taunted.  “I remember you coming for me, twice.  Is that what you normally do when you hate somebody?"

"You're a monster," you sneered.

"And you're stuck with me, whether you like it or not," he chuckled, spinning you around to bend you over the counter, pressing his hips against yours as you whined and failed to squirm away.  "So you might as well let yourself like it."

[magicmalcolm]

Fun With Palindromes: A Welcome To Devitt's Minific

"Hey Ferg, you gotta sec?"

Fergal Devitt looked up from his phone to see Sami looking perplexed at whatever was happening on the screen of his Switch. Sami was even tilting his head at a quizzical angle, which was utterly adorable.

"What's up, Sambo?"

Sami waited for Fergal to walk up beside him before showing him the screen, "So I was just playing around with the Radar thingie when this happened. What do these sparkles mean?"

Fergal's jaw dropped at the image before him, "Oh my God, Sami tell me you have Repels."

"Uh yeah..." Sami went into the menu to double-check, finding he did indeed have a couple of them, "Should I use one?"

"Yes! Immediately! If not sooner!"

Sami crinkled his nose at Fergal's sudden excited outburst, "Okay...so it's safe to walk into those? I'm not gonna get attacked by, like, Giratina or something?"

"Absolutely!" Fergal paused, "I mean that it's safe, not that yer gonna get jumped."

"The only jumpy thing here is you," Sami looked over at Fergal, who was visibly vibrating beside him, "Right, Repelled up and...here we go..."

Fergal's eyes widened, "A Shiny Girafarig?!"

"Is that good?" Sami looked a little closer at the giraffe Pokémon, "Does it have a cold or something? Why's it's nose blue?"

"Just catch it!"

"Okay, okay...sheesh," Sami sighed as Fergal gripped tightly onto his shoulder, "Uh...I'll just toss a Quick Ball, I guess?"

Both men watched as the Quick Ball flew through the air, the Shiny Pokémon disappearing inside in a flash of light. Sami felt Fergal's grip tighten on his shoulder as the Ball shook once...

Twice...

Thrice...

Click.

"Whoo! Sami!" Fergal cheered as the confirmation of capture message flashed on screen, "Your first Shiny! And it's a Girafarig, of all things!"

"Huh...it does look a bit different..." Sami mused, "Wait, is it just a Girafarig that's been dipped in blue paint?"

"I mean...basically yes..." Fergal grinned, "But it's still pretty cool, right? Save the game, by the way."

"It's cute, I guess?" Sami shrugged as he clicked to save the game as instructed, "I'm guessing this a bigger deal than I think it is?"

"You found a Shiny Patch of grass in one Radar use, Sami. You have no idea how lucky that is! And it's the giraffe based Pokémon too! The best animal!"

"Well I'm excited that you're excited, if nothing else," Sami smiled fondly at the look of pure joy on Fergal's face, "I think you should have this."

"Really?!" Fergal wrapped his arms around Sami's neck, "You mean it?"

"Ferg, this is apparently a special version of this Pokémon," Sami grinned as he felt Fergal nuzzle against him, "Who else needs this more than my favourite giraffe enthusiast?"

"I love you so much, Sami Zayn," Fergal unwrapped himself from Sami, before cupping his face in his hands and kissing him quickly, "I'm going to get my Switch then I'm coming back for more kisses!"

"Can't wait..." Sami laughed to himself as Fergal dashed inelegantly away, looking back down at the Shiny Girafarig on the screen, "A lucky find huh...? Nothing's luckier than finding you, Ferg."

[alecxaheart]

Falls At 4419 | Bang Chan Oneshot

✎ Genre : Strangers to Lovers AU, Fluff

✎ Pairings : Bang Chan X Reader

✎ Word Count : 2.1k words

✎ Synopsis : Who could've thought that your ride to love life starts at a bus stop.

✎ Requested.

You had the usual tiring daily routine for the rest of your life. Your weekday mornings start with your alarm clock greeting you "good morning" in the most annoying beeping way as possible. What a gentle reminder, too, to tell you that it's almost time for work.

" Work again? " you groaned at the thought, hands reaching out to the bedside table to turn off the alarm.  Once you did, you forced yourself out of the bed and start preparing for today.

You were completely exhausted due to the stack of work your boss gives you.

It's to the point that it made you sleep deprived, haggard or just messy in general. You don't even know if you ever managed to cover all of that, physically, with make-up. However, when it came to your words and actions, it's noticeable when one paid attention. It's a good thing that Ms. Han was blind to that, or else you'll be told that you're lacking and higher chances of you getting fired.

But aside from every negative thing about your occupation, so far your performances were praised by your co-workers. Salary has never been a problem, in fact, you've been paid higher than expected. Maybe it's from the plus being Ms. Han's pet-sitter — for the love of all things, it had to be a cat.

You're almost done preparing for work. With your feet taking a quick slip into your black heels, you're on your way out of the house. Clacking noises could be heard each time your heels meet the pavement.

As you were headed towards the bus stop, you felt something vibrating from your purse. Opening it, you found your phone ringing. The caller ID displays the name of your boss, Ms. Han. What could be the kind of good morning greeting I'll receive from her today?

You answered it and placed it to your right ear, immediately hearing your name. " Assistant (L/N) (Y/N)! " Ms. Han called out through the other line.

" Good morning to you too, Ms. Han. You have matters to discuss with me at this time? " You replied, stopping at your tracks as you've reached the bus stop. All you need to do now is wait for the bus and keep yourself together with whatever Ms. Han may throw at you.

" I'm assuming you've already done the project for today, " You hummed in response. There was sound of a slight slip from the other line, you assumed that Ms. Han was drinking tea. " Make sure to deliver that presentation well. After that, I want you to attend the board meeting this afternoon on my behalf. Send them my sincere apologies for I have other more important business matters. "

So much for being trustworthy..

" Noted, Ms. Han. " Your ride finally came. Once it opened it's doors, you hopped in and tapped your card at a machine.

" Also, fix this week's schedule. Cancel everything on Friday, " Ms. Han added. You ended up seating at the very end of the bus, beside the window. It just happened to be the only row of seats that's vacant.

" Got it, Ms. Han. Anything else? "

" Ah, right. After the board meeting, take care of Eliza, " Her cat – you should've seen that coming. " Don't worry about the ride to my house, my driver will be picking you up. " She continued, taking one more sip at her tea. The ride was never a problem, but her cat is. Nevertheless, you accepted it since you both needed the job and money.

It didn't took that long until the conversation finally ended. When she hung up, you deeply sighed and looked out of the window. Spring was almost over, the atmosphere started to get colder. The cherry blossom trees began to slowly wither, every petal that has fallen decorated the road and sidewalk. It was both exquisite yet melancholic. Could you ever compare yourself as a cherry blossom? To bloom all over again yet someday, you'll wither once again. Possibly.

As you were gazing outside, your eyes widened as you saw someone else's reflection who sat beside you. His airpods plugged in his ears as he bobbed his head to the beat. You never knew or felt that his presence is already there, not until right now.

He's the same guy you meet each day whenever you took this bus. To be honest, he's eye-catching ever since the first time you saw him. He had the usual black outfit. Curly brunette headed, tall nose, dazzling dark brown orbs, lips — Okay, let's stop fawning over him. In conclusion, he has very well defined facial features. It was obvious that he's one of God's masterpiece, many should've envied him with that.

Despite of him always being your seatmate when the seat next to yours is vacant, you both never conversed with one another. Even with him having an eye for you from the start, no one even dared to start one.

Although, maybe today's a bit different.

The bus abruptly stopped in its tracks as the stop light just switched to red. The driver groaned and scratched the back of his neck.

At the back of the bus, there's you who is silently staring at the window. Awfully close to the window. However, when the bus hit the brakes, your forehead bumped onto the glass. " Ouch! " You groaned in pain as you held your forehead, checking if it bled and to ease the pain. The curly brunette noticed this and paused the music he's playing on the phone. He shifted in his seat to face you, " Are you okay? ". Your eyes met his worrisome ones and it made your heart skip a beat. He's more dashing when he's this close to you. It also made you more timid towards him that you began to stutter, " I- I guess I'm okay.. ".

" Let me see, " He reached out to your hand that's covering your forehead. His hand accidentally touched the sore part in the process, causing you to wince in pain. He whispered an apology before carefully taking your hand off and scan your forehead. He sighed in relief, " Thankfully, it wasn't such a big impact but it did turn red. You can place ice or put an ointment on it as soon as you get off, ok? " You responded with small nod and smile, your heart melting at his kindness.

He carefully placed his hand on your head and light pushed it back, gesturing you to rest. You gladly complied and he smiled, showing his dimples. It was cute, you thought.

" Does it still hurt? " He asked.

" A bit but bearable, " You replied, closing your eyes.

" How about a small talk to distract you from the pain? "

" Sounds good to me. "

" My name's Chan, you? "

" The name's (Y/N). It's nice to finally know you, Chan. "

And that's how everything started to blossom, at the end of Spring.

After that day, you started to anticipate what's going to happen on the next days that you never complained about the annoying beeping clock at dawn ever again. Especially and specifically, on the bus. Your mornings now start with you enthusiastically getting up and preparing for work. Chan happened to bring more interest into your life.

You don't know what kind of sorcery Chan does to always know how to remove your stress or just to make your days better in general. However, you don't mind it. Instead, you're really thankful for it.

You blossomed more in Fall, like a cosmos flower. You bloomed while the rest withered.

You excelled so much at work. The company was at its rough times, yet you handled everything outstandingly that you were praised by the whole company. Even Chan was happy for you, which mattered to you most.

" I knew you were exceptional ever since the beginning, " He murmured while hugging you securely, smiling. You, too, smiled brightly and blushed at that.

It's not only you who blossomed this fall. Your love, too, bloomed in Fall.

You never knew that the potential crush you had for Chan back when he was just a seatmate at the bus would grow. You fell head over heels for his giggles, smiles, kindness, goofiness, just for him. It keeps getting stronger as more time passes that you couldn't control it anymore. This was a first ever since you started working. You never really paid attention to your love life since work was always in the way. You're foreign to this feeling, you're clueless on how to handle it.

This love is the most amazing feeling, you'd be honest. Yet you fear that you'll be rejected or wouldn't be loved back. Then love would be the worst feeling.

Although, your faith and hope will never be taken away from you until the day hasn't came yet, until there's a possibility. You'll keep hoping on his small gestures you'd like to think are hints. You'll put your love for him in the hands of faith. And with that, you became patient with him. Waiting for the time that the true feelings will start to unveil.

______________________________

찬의

Channie

Hey (Y/N)

Are you done with work?

Almost

Why do you ask?

I'll pick you up, ok?

I'm on my way there.

'That's first, yet weird.

But I don't mind.'

Alright, be careful

Seen 7:02PM

______________________________

A month has passed, you two grew closer than ever. Yet occassionally, there would be a hint of awkwardness between the two of you. One would act weirdly, stutter or get nervous around one another. You hoped that it wouldn't ruin your friendship. You valued this friendship more than anything else.

Heading towards the front doors of this company, you could see Chan's figure on the other side. Waiting for you to come out. Once you did, he turned to face you and greet you with a sweet smile. You smiled back. " Let's go? " He said as he offered you his hand. You nodded and timidly took it into yours. That's another first.

Both of you exchanged the usual conversation. Asking about each other's day, telling short stories, joking once in a while, then some comfortable silence here and there, it felt just right. It's already dark out, the city light and streetlights being the only source of light, while the moon is having the pitch black sky to itself. The streets aren't as busy as it was in the daylight. You could hear the rustling and crunching of autumn leaves as it was carried by the wind or getting stepped on.

The two of you eventually reached the bus stop, taking a seat as you wait for a bus. " Do you know the number that bus has? " Chan asked out of the blue, eyes boring on the street. You hummed in confusion, he chuckled. " The bus we always took, especially in the mornings. "

" Ohh.. To be honest, I'm completely unaware of that. " You answered, scratching the back of your neck. Once more, he chuckled then gazed at you while your attention was somewhere else. A bus was coming in your peripheral vision. Once it was in front of you, you scanned for it's number. At the very end, it's written..

" 4419, " You turned to Chan, only to find him staring at you with adoration. You two stayed like that for a few minutes. His eyes were so soft, looking ever so luminous and sparkling underneath the light. He took out a flower he plucked from earlier, placing it behind your ear. Not even tearing his eyes away from yours. " Beautiful, like a cosmos flower, " He whispered, but it was enough for you to hear it clearly. You've felt like you're continously falling, yet Chan still has his grip on you. The same grip when he first held your hand back when you've bumped your forehead on the bus. Loving, gentle yet firm. Telling that he's willing to fall with you. " I love you, (Y/N). "

With just those 4 words, you were filled with so much joy and shock. You froze on your seat. For a second you panicked on what's the right word to say, asking if an I love you too was enough or is it already too redundant.

Although you knew that Chan's anticipating an answer as the clock continues to tick, and waiting is dreadful. Chan will love and cherish anything you say to him. Just the thought of you being truly his will bring him genuine happiness, and that's enough. No need for further more explanations. Then you've came to the conclusion, that there's no other words that best describes your true feelings for him. Simple yet genuine, " I love you too, Chan. "

Now, a love fully blossomed at the end of Falls.

End.

[old-hyper-super-clover]

Squeeze that bunny tail!

Part 5 (final part)

Description: The RAD student council as well as the exchange students help out at a bar where, oops, the staff´s dress codes are those sweet bunny outfits that we all know and thirst for. The MCs, Violet and Clover, play a game of who can touch the most bunny tails over the evening without getting caught. Prepare for fluff, funny innuendos as well as my thirst over hot boys in bunny outfits.

This is the finale of this way too long "one shot". Find the prior parts here!

Story continues under the cut. You´re almost finished!!

Continuing to work at the bar for a while, Violet found a surprising guest on the other side of the counter.

“Clover! What are you doing here?"

Clover sank down on one of the chairs.

"A double shot, please" Clover joked, but probably wouldn't say no to a little refresher either.

"Tired?" Violet laughed, handing her a glass of water instead.

"Mhm..." Clover rubbed her face. "I´m slowly running out of energy... Well, how are your squeeze-points doing?"

They exchanged their data. While Violet was doing pretty well with a total of 17 points, Clover had (still) only gathered five points so far.

"Meh... I knew I'd loose" Clover mumbled.

"It's still not too late" Violet tried cheering her up. There's still plenty of time to touch Solom-"

"DONT." Clover shot her giggling friend a glare. "Look, it's not even anything personal, I just... Feel very weird inside when I imagine me walking up to Solomon like this."

Violet's smirk widened.

"You mean like... The fluttery feeling of butterflies in your stomach? Clover, could it be...?! That you lov-"

"I will eliminate you if you end this sentence."

She couldn't hide a smile at the joke, but soon Clover had to realise that her persistence to not squeeze Solomon's tail would have drastic consequences.

"You know...” Violet thought out loud at some point. "We never thought of a price for the winner of our challenge, did we?"

"... Nope."

The ideas kept processing in Violet's head. Then it hit her.

"Or maybe... Rather than thinking of a price, let's do a penalty for the loser."

Clover's eyes wandered up to meet hers, her face curling into a "I don't like where this is going" expression.

"How abooouut... The loser..." Violet began.

"Don't."

"... Has toooo..."

"Please don't."

"...Touch..."

"Why do you hate me."

"... Solomon's tail?" Violet grinned proudly.

"... You really hate me, don't you?"

"Come on, Clover" Violet cheered. "There's still time for you to score some points~!"

Clover wanted to reply something when a weird round of girly giggles caught their attention.

Around the dining tables, a group of female succubi where currently being served by Beel.

But they didn't seem to be interested in the drinks in his hand, but much rather in the man holding them. Even from the bar, the human girls could hear their excited squeals as they kept batting their eyes at the demon.

Clover's head landed on the bar counter in a depressed sigh.

"Whatever... I don't really care about the game anyway..."

In an instant, Violet's whole tone had changed.

"Clover..." She mumbled, voice soft as the patted her friend's head.

"It's been like this the whole evening" Clover grumbled, eyes pointing to the group of succubi. "I can't blame them, but... When I hear them thirsting over Beel, I…"

"Just go up to him" Violet said. "You know Beel, it's not like he'd be interested in some random demons."

The frown on Clover's face deepened. "... And in no random human, either..."

"Stop saying that. You know he likes your company. Likes you."

Clover shook her head.

"Just... Leave me, okay. Thank you, but... I'm just a little angry at myself. I also had so many chances to squeeze his tail but... Yeah..."

Violet clearly remained bothered, but Clover was quick to change the topic.

"Did you get that Luci-butt already?"

"... No" Violet cried. "He dashed away to grab Mammon, and they vanished in the staff room."

"... That's why Mammon was tied to the ceiling fan!" Clover called out. "Explains a lot."

Violet gave a nod, however continuing with her trail of thought.

"It's been quite a while, though... He should have been around the casino area, but wasn't there... And now he's on break, but, again, I have no idea where he is."

"Go search for him" Clover said. "I'll back you up here. I need something to do anyway, so... Go get your man. There's still his tail in need to be squished, right?"

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

They argued a little, but in the end, Violet accepted Clover's offer and excused herself into an early break. Violet was searching through the whole club. Asking some of the brothers, too, but none could give her a clue. She wasn't able to find him anywhere, so in her desperation, she went up to Simeon.

"Hey, Simeon? Have you seen Lucifer anywhere?"

The angel turned to greet her as well.

"Hello", he smiled. "Does he have a shift right now? If not, maybe he is using the restroom."

"Hm... I've been looking for him for a while now, though..."

Simeon mustered her for a moment.

"He might also be outside to catch some fresh air" he continued his trail of thought. "But I fear he might get a cold if he stays out for too long. Would you mind taking care of him?"

"Huh?" Violet's eyes widened in surprise.

"Lucy always had a bad habit of taking too little care of himself. So, could you check on him? I am sure he would be delighted to see you."

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

When Violet pulled open the heavy doors of the bar's back entrance, a head turned towards her immediately.

"Lucifer...!" she called out, looking down on the demon sitting on the stairs.

"Violet... Did something happen?"

He was already in the movement of standing up, worry spreading in his face.

"No no, everything's fine!" Violet quickly assured him. "I just came looking for you."

He stopped mid-motion, but in the end sat down again.

"Why?"

Violet bit her lip. She decided to plonk down beside him.

"I'm also on break now. I thought we could spend it together and relax a little."

She felt his gaze on her, but as soon as she turned to face him, he was looking off into the distance.

"I am pleased to hear you decided to grand me your free time" he smiled. Then, he gave a sigh.

"However... I should probably head back in soon. Someone might need my help-"

"S-stay!"

Violet impulsively grabbed Lucifer's arm before he could escape.

They stared at each other. Until Lucifer let out a breathy laugh.

"Well, if you demand my presence that much... I fear I cannot turn down a request from you."

A little silence came over them. From the side glances Violet threw him, the demon looked kind of... Odd.

"Ah... Is there something you need from me, perhaps?" Lucifer asked. "Or why is it that you want me to stay so badly?"

And from how he looked at her, his perfect attire not shattered, but shreds of exhaustion glistening in his eyes, Violet knew that he wasn't okay.

"I'm good", she replied. "I simply... Wanted to check if you're doing good, too."

Surprise crossed Lucifer's face.

"Of course" he replied. "I am used to working until late."

However, Violet kept inspecting him.

"... Are you worried about me?" he asked. She did not really answer with more than a guilty glance off to the side. "Your worry is misplaced. I am nothing out of the usual."

Violet almost gave a grumbly noise. So he wasn't going to break through his perfect face so easily, huh?

"Okay", she said, tone almost as if she didn't really care. "You know, because I feel kind of exhausted."

Lucifer was hesitating. "... Explain."

"We've been running around for hours" Violet began to list. "The music inside is rather loud, especially near the dance hall. Mammon keeps causing trouble... Well, not only him. It's always tricky dealing with an angry Satan, too, or Beel when he's hungry, or with Asmo when he's... horny..."

The demon interrupted her by giving a huff. He had seen through her plan.

"... So you've come to pity me? Do I seem that weak to you?"

"What? No!" she exclaimed. "I would never think of you as weak!"

She made a little pause. A little nervous, she stretched out her hand to link her pinky finger with his.

"But I... Also don't think it's a sign of weakness to share your exhaustion with others... Let alone to be exhausted in the first place."

His crimson eyes met hers.

"... Why would I be exhausted?" he mumbled. "Dealing with this scumbag of a brother, keeping Beel from illegally eating food supplies without paying for them... Asmo groping strangers, Satan mocking me on purpose... Levi clinging to my side, whining that he wants to go home like some toddler... Oh, did you know Belphie locked himself in one of the toilet stalls to sleep? For two whole hours?" he was waiting for her to laugh, but had to endure her worried expression. "And then there's Lord Diavolo... Mixing his own sparks of crazy into this chaos..."

Mumbling the last part, he looked down on his clothing... Or rather the places where he normally would wear some.

Then his head perked up again.

"Why should I be exhausted?" he asked again. "All that is... Nothing out of the usual..."

Violet's lips curled into a sad smile.

Now she placed his whole hand into her palms.

"You work really hard, Lucifer."

He tried a cheeky smirk. "Words of flattery won't be enough to convince..."

But Lucifer's voice trailed off.

One could even debate that his mouth fell open just a slight bit, seeing the look Violet gave him.

So warm that it truly caught him off guard...

As if admitting his defeat, Lucifer went silent.

He enjoyed how her thumb gently brushed over his hand for a while as he was taking breaths of the fresh midnight air.

Violet was patiently waiting for him until eventually, he would speak up again.

"Aren't you cold?" Lucifer asked. "Your human body surely isn't used to the temperatures of Devildom nights..."

"Huh? No, I'm fine, don't worry about me."

"Oh, surely you are..." The teasing tone in his voice was back. "And I'm sure your outfit is only helping, isn't it~?"

He shot Violet some obvious glances, leading her to instinctively cover her body in a blush.

"Like you're one to talk...!" she mumbled.

"You got me there..." he chuckled. "I would lend you a jacket if I had one, but..."

Lucifer silently gestured at the arm sleeves, shrugging in a manner of "nothin doin".

He got a laugh out of her, and his relief immediately showed on his face.

"Your smiling face will have to keep me warm, then" he said.

Violet's smile turned into a blush immediately.

"Oh~?", he smirked. "A blush is fine as well, thank you~"

Struggling, Violet turned away slightly, trying not to embarrass herself even more.

Then, she felt arms being wrapped around her.

"However, I fear I have to take responsibility for keeping you warm as well..." he murmured close to her ear. "After all, it is my fault you have to sit here..."

The girl turned, and wrapping her arms around him as well, nuzzled her face into his warm skin.

"It's not your fault", she replied softly. "I chose to come and find you."

"... I still don't understand why."

"I told you" Violet smiled. "There's nothing wrong with taking a break from time to time. And if I, in any way, can help you with that, I'd love to do so."

She heard him breathe softly as he was searching for a response.

"... Thank you", he decided to say.

She squeezed him tightly. "You're welcome."

"...Stay like this for a little longer" Lucifer asked of her when it felt as if Violet was trying to pull away.

Of course, she agreed, and so they relaxed into each other’s embrace for a little longer.

Without meaning to, over time Violet's arms were sliding down his body a little, just enough to accidentally brush over something fluffy with her fingertip.

But, oh well, who would even mind gathering points for some silly game when there was something -- or rather, someone else to focus on...

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

They only parted after Lucifer's phone pulled them back into reality.

Sighing, he announced the end of their break.

"I'm glad we are closing soon..." he mumbled and helped Violet stand up. "Although, cleaning the place will probably leave us with another hour of work until we finally get to head home..."

"It will be exhausting… But we'll power through it" Violet assured, squishing his hand in encouragement.

"Yes..." Lucifer nodded.

Then, he pulled her closer one last time, wrapping one arm around her waist while looking down into her eyes.

"However... I would much appreciate it if we could keep our break a secret."

"Uhm..." the girl blinked, confused. "Sure, but may I ask why?"

"No reason in particular... I would simply ask that as a personal favour."

Then, he leaned in closer. Resting his chin on her shoulder, his hand reached to her lower back.

And Violet gave a gasp as she felt how he provocatively played with her bunny tail.

"In return, I will keep your secrets safe, too."

He pulled back, responding to her dazzled expression with a sly smirk, before passing her to open the door.

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

Being the gentleman he was, Lucifer held the door open, smiling at the lady as he gestured her to step inside.

"Thank y..." Violet was about to say,

Then both of them looked inside the kitchen.

Beel stood there, together with Clover, both giggling as they snacked on some sweets.

Violet wanted to smile at the sight… But the "shit, we got caught" expression on both of their faces, paired with Lucifer's tangible anger, made her frown instead.

"... Oops" Clover and Beel pressed out, simultaneously letting go of the meringues they had in their hands.

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

To understand how that situation came to existence, we should go back in time to take a look at Clover's side of the story.

She was cleaning the tables when yet another giggle pulled her out of her thoughts.

The girl felt tired, and had started to count down the minutes left until she could finally go home.

She was really done with life. And those certain giggles made it only worse. She would admit that she wasn't good with things like jealousy.

She just couldn't deal with it.

Not in a way like Mammon, for example, was expressing his tsundere feelings.

No, her way of coping was more... Self hating (like Levi I guess),

And hearing for yet another time how some hot demon girls called a certain waiter over to them drove her insane.

"Do you want to try my cake, Beel~?"

Clover flinched.

She peeked up to see how a demon caressed Beel's arm as she waited for his answer to her question.

Clover couldn't see his face, but, judging from his tone, he was wearing his usual frown.

"... I'm not allowed to eat the food we serve..."

"Oh, don't be like that..." The demon responded, loading some cake onto her fork. "It's my cake now, so I decide who gets to eat it. And I really want yooouuuu..."

She stopped, then one of her friends giggled.

"Are you going to finish that sentence?"

"It's already finished", she purred, seductively winking at Beel before leading the fork up to his face.

Beel was hesitating, for two whole seconds, before chomping down on both, cake and fork.

"Oh... Not again..." He mumbled.

The girls gave a giggle.

"Beel, you're such a beast!" The main (bitch) demon hummed. "That's no good, though... I wanted to feed you another bite, but how, without fork...?"

"Guess you´ll have to do mouth to mouth feeding...", Another chick chuckled.

And as the demon girl stood up to do exactly that, Clover stomped away impulsively.

In her fury, she didn't notice how someone was calling for her. She targeted the table in the most opposite corner possible as someone pulled her arm.

Belphie was staring at her, holding her by her wrist.

"... You're pathetic" he said.

"Thank you, tell me something I don't know yet." Clover pulled her arm out of his grip. "And, what, you've got nothing better to do then watch me be pathetic?"

Belphie blinked in surprise. “I would usually agree that it´s pretty funny to watch you get angry, but I´ve seen you be like this all night. What´s getting you this agitated?”

A deep frown spread on her face, but Clover didn´t answer. So Belphie looked back to Beel.

“Is it because of the succubi? Because of Beel?”

“… Please, leave me alone…”

She didn’t see his worried expression as Belphie was trying to figure the answer to his question.

“… Are you really this insecure?” He finally decided to ask.

As her only response was a short side glare with wet eyes, Belphie understood she wouldn´t talk about it.

“Really… Both of you can be such a pain to deal with…” Belphie breathed before leaving Clover alone.

And Clover felt even worse now.

Not only being so horrible inside, but Belphie tried to help her and she rejected it.

She fought tears as she furiously wiped the already clean table.

Pathetic. Yes, she was so pathetic. Honestly, Beel was probably in better company with those succubi than with an idiotic, childish human like her-

Clover got lifted off of the ground.

Squealing, she noticed too late how arms had wrapped around her thighs, leading her to now flail in the air in panic.

"Wh-what?!" Clover panicked.

"It's time for a break" She felt the culprit cheering into her back.

"... Beel?"

Beelzebub began to head through the local, the girl still in his arms.

"Let's go to the kitchen" he said. "Belphie just told you need a break, and I need your help with something..."

Clover gave some more confused noises, but it was impossible to move in the demon's grip anyway.

"O-okay, but... You don't have to carry me, I'm probably heavy..."

She felt him chuckle. "Heavy? I can carry you with one arm. Look!"

He stretched out his right arm to demonstrate. Beel led them into the kitchen.

The local wasn't serving any food at this late hour, so they appeared to be alone here.

"U-uhm... Beel, are you going to put me down somewhen soon, or...?"

"Yeah, soon..." he mumbled, then walked up to one of the shelves hanging on the wall. "Do you perhaps see anything on top of the shelf?"

Clover tilted her head.

"Yeah, there's a box of... What's that...? Meringues?"

Absolutely delicious meringues!"

Clover gave a little chuckle at the excitement in his voice, but her expression did a full turn when she saw the note attached to the box:

'BEEL. DO NOT EAT.'

"Could you get them for me?" Beel smiled innocently.

The girl hesitated, so Beel asked again. "Please, I can't reach them alone. The shelf is up too high."

"Well... I'm guessing someone hid them there on purpose..."

"Please, Clover... I'm so hungry..."

But as he realised she wasn't going to hand him the box that easily, he let her down to rest on the counter they had been standing in front of.

"Beel, I know you're hungry, but..." she began, however halted as she noticed how terribly tired he looked.“... Are you okay?"

The demon gave a little sigh. "No... I'm exhausted... Not like after training, but just... drained." He leaned against the counter next to her. "What about you? Aren't you tired? Have the customers been nice to you?"

"Huh? Yeah, they have."

"Good" he nodded. "We were afraid that some of the guests might harass you or Violet, but I guess Lucifer's official warning was enough to scare them off..."

Clover fiddled with her fingers.

"There was no need to worry, though. I don't think anyone would have approached us… or me, at least" she said, laughing awkwardly. "I don't have a fair share of people crushing on me like you, hahaha..."

Beel looked at her. "Good. You don't need any demons trying to seduce you. I wouldn't want you to go through a hassle like this..."

"... You don't like the attention?"

He shrugged. "Not really... But I have to be nice to them, so I tend to just ignore what they say. I won't say no to free food or extra money, but... I don't really see why they behave like this."

Clover chuckled, feeling relief at his words.

"Diavolo already said it... Good-looking staff makes more profit."

Beel blinked at her, processing her words. "... Thank you."

"Nothing to thank me for" Clover smiled shyly.

He went silent.

"No... No, there is", Beel then suddenly said, pushing himself off the counter to stand in front of her again. "I've been hit on the whole evening, but... somehow, it feels nice if you're the one to compliment me... You always make me feel nice inside. And for that, I should thank you."

He blessed her with a smile that, obviously, was directly followed by the girls' heart exploding in the love she felt for this man.

However, he still gave off odd vibes.

"...Beel?" Clover called out, seeing how he was deeply contemplating something.

"I was thinking of thanking you with some... Meringues" his smile widened.

"... Beel."

"They're supposed to be delicious! I could feed them to you... If I manage to contain myself. But I'd try really hard, because it´s for you.”

"Beel..." Clover sighed, watching as his puppy grin spread on his face more and more.

"Wouldn't that be nice to feed each other a nice treat...?" he changed into begging puppy eyes.

They stared at each other.

"Beel."

"Clover?"

"We both know you have wings, or could have simply climbed onto the counter if you wanted to get those sweets."

"... But I wanted to share them with you...?"

"We also both know how Lucifer tends to cast spells on the things that you are absolutely not allowed to eat. But those tend to apply to demons only most of the time."

Beelzebub went silent.

"What was that earlier?” Clover continued. “About you not wanting me to be lured by demons? And now, I find myself sweet-talked like this?"

His face had ultimately changed into sulking puppy mode.

"... But I... I'm... I really mean what I said…"

Clover crossed her arms.

"You're a sly demon, mister" she scolded. "And to think you'd take advantage of me like this...!" She fake cried in disbelief.

"I'm sorry..." he pouted.

Silence came over them, in which Clover fully knew that he was thinking of both, how to make it up to her AND how to achieve his goal anyway.

His idea surprised her, though.

"... Want to touch my bunny tail?"

"... Huh?"

"I've seen you and Violet do this to the others" Beel said. "I don't why, but you seemed to have fun, so..." He turned around to expose his tail. "AND I'll treat you with some of the meringues, of course", he added as he noticed Clover was seriously considering his offer.

Clover was grunting something. "Lucifer will kill us", she said.

"He doesn't have to find out."

"... You're evil..."

"Well, I AM a demon, after all" Beel laughed.

And as he teasingly wiggled his tail at her, Clover gave in to the temptation...

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

"Beel... Clover... Would you care to explain what I have to look at right now...?"

Lucifer crossed his arms as he spoke.

Yeah, they were SO screwed.

"... Uhm..." Beel started to mumble while Clover felt her stomach turn in guilt.

"Beel" Lucifer called out again. "Could those be the meringues that I have personally bought and reserved for me to enjoy after work?"

"... There was no name written on it" the avatar of Gluttony said.

Lucifer pierced him with an angry stare. Then he turned towards Clover.

"And you" his tone had the girl shiver visibly. "Demons were unable to touch that box. Hence, I assume it was you who got them? AND ate them, as well?"

"I forced her to do it" Beel immediately chimed in.

"Huh?” Clover blinked in surprise. "Beel, no... I got them! And asked Beel to try them with me. It's my f-fault" she lied.

Now Beel was the one to look confused, and the two kind of drowned in a spiral of trying to protect the other one. But the ruckus only fueled Lucifer's displease.

Already stressed out, he felt like he was about to explode.

If not for Violet who kept him steady.

"Lucifer" she mumbled in a mellow voice, stroking over his arm in a calming gesture. "Don't stress yourself. They will buy you a new package."

Lucifer shot her about the same angered glare as he had done with the others, but softened as he mustered her comforting smile.

With a sigh, Lucifer stepped closer to Beel and Clover.

"... You are lucky to have Violet standing up for you..." he mumbled. "As compensation, I order three boxes of those meringues. Oh, and when we close the bar, do not expect to leave until everything is as tidy as can be."

"Y-yes, sir...!"

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

Slowly (very slowly I know) but steadily, the evening came to an end...

A lot has happened, way too much to fit into this... One shot... Story... * glances at the total approximate reading time of one hour*

...Well. Let's not talk about that...

A little after 4 AM, every last customer had left the bar/ had been carried out of the dancing hall (like, a few of the most drunk ones literally had to be yeeted out of the local.)

Now everything that was left was cleaning up the local.

Lucifer took it upon himself to punish all of his brothers - and Clover - for annoying him at some point during this event. So those appeared to have an extra load of work, while he pulled Violet aside with him for some more leisure cleaning.

Around five in the morning, it seemed like the bunny crew was finally finished.

"Alright..." Barbatos mumbled, stepping out of the last hall he needed to check. "It seems we are done. All that is left is to take out the trash as we go."

"... How are we supposed to take out the trash? Mammon is still tied to the ceiling" Belphie mumbled casually.

"WHO DID YOU JUST CALL TRASH?!" Some Mammon screamed from the staff's room.

Clover mustered them in amusement, when Violet walked up to her.

"Ooooh, Clooveerrrr...." the girl hummed in a rather... Scary tone.

"... I don't like the look on your face" Clover stated in growing fear.

"You know... We still need to see who's won the challenge" Violet grinned.

Clover crossed her arms. "... Do we really need to compare?"

"Yes."

"Uggghhh..." Clover frowned. She pulled out her phone:

-------

Clover: Lord Diavolo? May we ask how many points you have?

Diavolo: I managed to gather 12 points, fair and square. How many do you two have?

Violet: I have 20 points in total... Although I'm not 100% sure if Lucifer noticed me earlier...

Clover: ...

* Clover has left the chatroom *

------

"Violet, I don't want to do this."

Clover's friend mustered her with a smirk.

"Well..." Violet hummed. "I'm not forcing you, but... You did loose, after all..."

"Violeeet..."

"And look" she pointed at the hall in front of the dressing rooms. "He's standing there, alone, for some reason... It's fate, Clover."

Clover gave the ugliest growl.

But in the end she walked up to Solomon.

She didn't even know how to approach this. Should she try to make it sneaky, or just awkwardly ask?

Legs wobbly, Clover came to a stop behind the sorcerer, reaching out her hand in the same moment that he turned around to face her.

"Oh, hello", Solomon cheered. "Can I help you?"

She flinched backwards.

"Uuhhhh..."

Solomon gave her a confused look, but didn't get to say anything.

Coincidentally, Levi happened to walk up to them as well, wanting something from Solomon.

The human turned around as the two talked.

And finally…

Solomon's bunny tail got touched.

...

Clover escaped immediately. Avoiding any kind of interaction, at all costs.

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

The last thing to do before everyone could return home was getting dressed normally again.

And everyone felt so tired that they really just wanted to hit the hay, when...

A panicked scream rang out of the stall Clover was changing in.

"... Clover?" Violet called out, already dressed normally again.

The girl gave continuous panicked noises, pressed out random “What is happening-?!”´s.

Then, all of a sudden, silence came over them.

“Cl… Clover…?” Visibly concerned, Violet was standing in front of the stall´s door, unsure what to do. As she didn´t get an answer, she was trying to open the door, but it was locked.

She had to hurry to get someone to help, and as her face screamed “we have trouble”, most of her friends came to look what was going on.

Barbatos had to help open the stalls door, and when Violet carefully pushed it open…

They saw a small, brown bunny sitting on the floor.

Its green eyes were staring up into the countless pairs of puzzled eyes as they tried to understand the situation.

Violet was the first one to move again. She slowly lowered herself, reaching out to the animal.

“Is that you… Clover?”

“HUH?!”

Half of the people there stared at the girl in disbelief.

“You´re telling me THIS is CLOVER??” Mammon asked with big eyes. Violet had picked the bunny up and stepped out of the stall to get a better look at Clover.

“What happened to her?” Beel asked, worry spread over his face.

Bunny Clover seemed to understand their words. Or at least, she suddenly turned her fluffy head, staring directly at Solomon.

And, well, the sorcerer stared back, an amused smile on his face.

"Ah... So Clover DID touch my tail, after all!"

"... What."

The whole group was now demanding answers.

Solomon chuckled, placing his gaze on Violet now. "I was waiting until one of you would finally approach me and touch my tail... But oddly, none of you seemed to have interest in touching it... I thought I had made myself an easy target, but I must have made it too obvious..."

Violet´s mouth fell open a tad bit.

"... So you really knew of our challenge?" She dared to ask.

But Solomon would only continue to laugh.

"I honestly thought my efforts would go to waste..." He mustered the bunny in her arms. "Don't worry though, the spell will wear off eventually."

"Eventually??" Levi repeated.

"Yes, in a few days or so."

"WHAT?!"

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

The whole way back to the house of Lamentation, Violet had to deal with this grumpy, pissed, simply angwy bunny in her arms. Clover couldn´t speak, but the little facial expression she could give said it all.

“Hey, Cloverrr…” Violet attempted to cheer her up. “Don´t look at me like that… It was fun, wasn´t it?”

Bunny Clover snuffled grumpily.

Yeah, yeah, she thought. It´s all fun and games until it´s about Solomon.

Meanwhile, Bunny Clover had to endure how the brothers kept poking her fluffy fur or took pictures of her.

If she could, Clover would have given a big sigh.

THIS is exactly why I don't trust Solomon... Never did, never will...

[seungmongie]

[ 15 : 20 pm ]

- Music Project -

You currently sitting accros the great Han Jisung, the ace of music class, and fortunately, the partner of yours for this big project. You scribbling some words that comes to your mind, but it makes you frustated because you still can't ellaborate it to make a lyrics. On the contrary, Jisung just sit there eating chocopie and scrolling through his phone quietly.

You want to ask him for help, but immediately feels self concious because you don't know how will his response be. who knows he might mock you because he finish his lyrics only in 10 minutes, or he might be annoyed because he already waiting for you for a good 1 hour yet you're still struggling.

To be honest, you admire him a lot. Like he always catch your eyes everytime he answer for a question, performing a song, or simply taking notes in the class. You both talks like a normal classmate, but something in him makes you feel comfortable (?) although you never really have a proper conversation other than class-related stuffs.

But as the music big projects put you both together in a team, you meet up often to discuss and work on it. It give you chance to know each other more, and grow closer to each other.

After some minutes passing by, you decided to just ask Jisung for his opinions or maybe he can help with your work as well. Little did you know that he actually steal some glances when you focus on your paper and thinks that the way you scrunch your face when you think looks cute.

"Do you need help with anything, [Y/N]?" Jisung calmly ask.

"U-ugh.. I'm struggling a lot. If you don't mind, maybe can you help me?" you shyly ask him.

"Sure, or maybe we can switch? I'll try to help you with the lyrics and you can work on the arrangement of the raw sample?" he suggest you. You nods and goes beside him to work on the computer just near him.

He started to smile and assure you to be experimental and just go with your style on the arrangement. It's obvious to any people that you both make a great teamwork and have trust on whatever each other's work.

In the process of switching jobdesc, you both feel comfortable more. You can work with ease and joke around. You observe his face when he is busy finishing the lyrics, he also, to your suprise, looking at you occasionaly while working on it. After sometimes, your song finally done. Jisung is in charge of matching the lyrics with your arrangement.

"Are you ready to hear our masterpiece, [Y/N]?" He smile sweetly at you.

You clap your hands and jump excitedly in your seat next to Jisung, makes him giggle just by looking at your childish response. He finally play the song and you both listening carefully.

You both haven't put some finishing stuff to it, but it just perfect for you in some of a way. Your arrangement strangely fits perfectly to his lyrics. Not to mention, his lyrics which is about sweet young love makes you wonder what he has in mind when he make it.

"That'll be a great masterpiece after some finishing stuffs. And to be honest Jisung, how could you be so talented?" you fangirling over the boy next to you and he clearly has the tip of his ears change to a shade of red. "What do you have in mind when you writing it?"

"Ugh.. Just thinking of beautiful things." he shyly look at you.

"Really? Like what?" you curiously ask him while saving your song to the computer.

"Like.. just looking at you?" He answer bluntly but quickly cover his mouth. "We're done right? I should get going by now, see you tomorrow [Y/N]!" He started to panicked and hurriedly gather up his stuff.

It caught you off-guard and cause the butterflies errupt brutally in your stomach. You regain your thought before Jisung can escape.

"Jisung?" you stop his arm from whatever he's grabbing. "Care to explain, please?" you smile at him to make him relaxed a bit.

"I.. ugh.. I actually.. think of you when writing it." he scratch his temple. "You look cute when you focus on whatever you are doing. How your eyebrow knits together, and how you scrunch your face it's just.. Beautiful.."

He stops and realize that he blabbering too much. "I shouldn't blabbering more like some creepy boy, I should be really going now." He stands up abruptly and ready to dash his ass out of the studio.

"Actually Jisung.." you quickly answer, "You're cute when you do that.." you pinch his cheeks which make him squeal.

"And thankyou for the lyrics, it's trully beautiful.. I like it" you smile widely.

Later, he really going out of the studio, but hand-in-hand with you. Smiling widely like an idiot, silently thanking the teacher for make you his partner in this music project.

————————————————————————————

Ps. I don't own the picture, credit to the owner.

[jinxthequeergirl]

Match maker

Steve Harrington x hopper! Reader

Summary: you take Steve with you to see a friend of your dads and get some information he's asked for, while there things take a turn.

Warning:swearing

~~~~~~~

"You could've changed before this." you said pushing yourself off the car. "You didn't exactly give me time now did you?" you rolled your eyes and tossed the car keys to him as he pulled his sailor hat off.

"Let's go Harrington it's a long way from here to Illinoise." you slid across the hood of the car and hopped into the passenger side.

"So what are we driving three hours to Illinoisie for?" he started the car and pulled right out of the star court parking lot and headed to your destination.

"Dad said he needs something from this guy...Murray something."

He glanced over to you confused quickly catching a glimps of you with your stupid pair of red heart shaped sunglasses, he had won for you at the homecoming festival, that was the first time he was without Nancy and the first time you decided to actually try and become friends with him. That day went well considering you where now best friends.

Your hand out the window riding the breeze, your head leaned back against the seat and legs kicked up on the dash. "What?" you questioned him pushing your sunglasses down a bit. "What?" he reapeted. "You keep glancing over."

"Nothing...nothing I'm just suprised your dad actually has friends." You laughed hitting his arm lightly and sitting up.

"Your and idiot harrington."

"Ah but only a dumbass you have an idiot drive them three fucking hours to meet some guy."

"Ooh you got me!" You said sarcastically finally shoving a cassett tape, you had johnathan make for you a while back, into the speakers and turning it up up In hearing the first song. "C'mon seriously?"

You grinned and did a little dance in your seat only stopping to sing along loudly. "I WANT TO BREAK FREE! I WANT TO BREAK FREEEE!"

He rolled his eyes and did his best to ignore what was happening beside him.

"I WANT TO BREAK FREE FROM YOUR LIES YOUR SO SELF SATISFIED!"

You poked his arm with each word you sang earning a grin from him as he swatted you away and turned it down.

"Oh come on you love this song!"

"YOU love this song!" he corrected.

"We love this song." you said turning it up. He only smiled and allowed you to sing along. As the first hour went by he noticed a lot of the songs that played where song you both loved and off ten bonded over, and after the first hour you stopped to grab food sitting on the hood of the car outside the kfc talking and watching the Sun slowly set before hopping back into the car.

In hour two you had played a series of road trip games before taking a nap currled up in the seat and in his jacket. By hour three you where wide awake shinning a flashlight down at the map in you lap, reading out loud the directions your father had scribbled across the it.

You finally pulled up through a rusty old fence and looked at the building ahead. "This the place?" you checked the paper with the adress and information you needed to get on it. "Yea...this is it." you clicked the flash light of the same time Steve stoped the car and the headlights blinked out. You both leaned forward looking out the window.

You looked at each other before looking back out. "Any chance this was a set up and your dad is trying to kill us?"

You snorted. "Possable." You looked at him. "Ready?"

He shrugged and followed you out of the car to the front door. You ringed the buzzer and waited, shoving your hands in the pockets of Steve's jacket you had thrown on after your nap.

"How are you? What do you want?" you both jumped at the voice but quickly responded. "Uhh...my...my Dad Jim hopper sent me?...He needs you help with some stuff on this list..."

"Who's with you?"

"Uh my friend Steve."

"Look at the camera." Steve looked at what he assumed was the cameta and you looked up at the actual camera. "The camera duffus!" you poked Steve with your elbow and he quickly followed your gaze.

Everything went scilent for a moment.

"What happened? Should we go or?..." just as Steve said that the door swung open starttaling you causing you to instinctively grab Steve's arm.

You both came face to face with your fathers friend. Steve leaned down to you, still wrapped around his arm. "See now it makes sense!" you giggled lightly letting go. "Uh murray Bauman?"

"Yes! Now come inside! Don't just stand there!" you stepped inside first followed by Steve. "Wow..." you muttered once you where inside. The place was a mess But a lot bigger than what you thought.

Murray stopped in front of both of you getting a good look. "You look a lot like your father I must say, what does he need?"

"Oh right everything...everything on this list..." you pulled the paper from Steve's coat pocket and handed it to him.

He scanned it while both you and steve stood there anxiously. "Mhm alright I'll have everything by morning!"

"What?...mor...morning?"

"Yes! It'll give me time to get everything plus I highly doubt your father would want you driving so late, sit both of you!"

You both did so and he sat across from you. "The hell with that!"

Murray smiled. "You have his temper to. You made a series of noises in disbelief before scowling and shutting up. Steve chuckled lightly beside you and slapped his arm.

"Can I offer you two anything to drink? Something to lighten the mood? Relax yourselfs after a long afternoon on the road. "Just whatever." you shrugged.

He got up and headed to the kitchen. "So tell me what's the deal with you two? How long have you been together- No don't tell me let me guess." you and steve shared a wide eyes look before turning around on the sofa to face him.

"We...we aren't...she's not my...she's Just..."

"Friends!" you blurted out finishing Steve's thought. "Thanks."

"No problem."

Murray rolled his eyes. "This again? Ugh what is it with teenagers denying there felling for eachother. He came back handing you both a glass.

"I'm sorry hang on, a lot to unpack right here. One we do not have felling for each other so jot that down. He's my best friend what would make you think that?, two How often are teenagers visiting you to the point you can even say "this again?"

Murray leaned in and stared at the both of you. "Let me see...What would make me think that....Well for starters that jacket isn't your's far to big but to small to be your dads so obviously it belongs to the only other person with you, second off all you jump to him for safety-"

You open your mouth to protest but he stops you. "Yea I saw that...the little hits and playfull pushing you two share anything just to be able to touch eachother, c'mon..." Murray stopped and snapped his fingers at steve waiting for a name.

"Steve...it's Steve." he said.

"Right Steve, you like her, she's funny, cool, likes what you like has been there for you. Y/n you like steve...of course you do! Look at him!" you looked at him and quickly turned away feeling your face go hot instantly.

"See Now you can't even look at each other." you took a large gulp of your drink instantly wincing after swallowing. "Vodka?" Murray shrugged and did the same.

"Too answer your other question. Two kids where here a year or so ago Nancy and johnathan..."

"Nancy wheeler?...and johnathan byers?" Steve asked glancing over to you catching sight of you quickly taking his jacket off and leaving it in a heap on the couch.

"Yea something like that, Why?"

"Nancy used to date Steve...and...and johnathan is a friend." Murray looked shocked. "So your STEVE Steve...well now it makes even more sense..."

"What does?" you scoffed still refusing to look at Steve. So instead you looked at your shoes, or your hands. Anything was more intresting than the boy next to you. Steve frowned noticing it.

"Well, y/n before Nancy and steve broke up who was your best friend?"

"Johnathan byers." you responded quickly. "And how did you fell about Steve then?"

You though for a moment really thought. Not that you knew why it was so hard for you to say it, he knew how you felt. Still you felt like you where hurting him or something.

"I...I hated him..." you said slowly and softly."

"Right excellent! Steve go! How did you feel about y/n?"

"I mean..." he stopped looking at you, unlike you he had never explained how he felt about you before breaking up. And just as he thought about it you sat up realising this.

You looked at him now intruged. "Yea Harrington...how DID you feel about me?"

Steve's eyes darted between you and Murray nervously. "I...well...I didn't really know you exsisted?...and then I...I did...and..." he trailed off looking at the slight sadness in your face.

"Don't know what I expected from the hair himself." You sneered turning back to Murray. "What's your point in all this?"

"My point my blind fellows is that I've figured out your stories!" he said leaning back. "Now correct me if I'm wrong but, You hate Steve for many obvious reasons maybe he did something to you or johnathan...I Don't know nor do I care...anyways at some point johnathan stops hanging out with you and leaves you for Nancy same with Steve. Neither of you understand why and in some act to get answers you two end up stuck together, while together y/n here sees why perhaps Steve Harrington isn't such a bad guy, and your heart swells a little at just the thought of giving him a chance. Finllay in an act of pitty and sorrow you give him that chance and Steve's heart jumps! Because "wow this girl! How could I have been so blind!" and the more time you spend with each other, you start picking up on little thing each one does and slowly start falling in love but keep telling yourselves "no this is just what good real friendship feels like!" now did I miss any thing?"

You and steve both sat back staring at him with a blank expression. You brought your glass up to your mouth and downed whatever was left in it.

"That's what I thought. There is a bed in that room, along with some extra clothes, at the end of the hall and this couch pulls out. Its up to you how you sleep, good night!"

You both sat there in uncomfortable scilents as he left the room. "I..." Steve cleared this throat and turned to you. "I can..can take the couch. You've had a long day..."

You nodded. "Sure...sure...I Just need..to call my dad..." you quickly got up and shuffled down the hall to the phone. Steve let out a frustrated groan and threw his head back.

"Hey dad...no, yea we made it fine...listen he said he won't have everything till morning...so me and steve will...what?...dad no! Steve has the pull out sofa!...yea ok love you.." you hung up with a sigh and turned to see Steve at the end of the hall.

"Listen we aren't gonna let this guy get to us right? I mean who knows us better than us!" you smiled. "Right."

"And we know we Don't have feelings for eachother!"

"Yea!"

"So why are we freaked out by this?"

"I Don't know." you chuckled leaning against the wall. "Good...ok So we forget about this whole thing, sleep and go home!"

"Ok...sounds Good...night Harrington." You turned to open the door but stopped.

"We don't have feeling for each other right?" you asked seeing him still standing there. "I...uh...no?..." he said more as a question. "I mean he was right when he said I think your Pratt,smart and funny....cool..." you smiled and stepped towards him.

"Shit, why are we pretending?God why an I pretending? The only reason I hated you was because, yea you where an ass and after we became friend's I really did think thoese feeling where gone but obvi- "

"Yea, sure, whatever." he said inturuping you and then kissing you. You kissed back with just as much passion, wrapping your arms around his neck. "Maybe I Don't have to sleep on that sofa..." you laughed leaning up to kiss him again. "No funny bussnies Harrington." You said finally pushing the door open. "No I promise." he said grinning and scooping you up in his arms. You yelped as he did so but laughed eminently after.

"Rise and shine love birds!" you winced at the light murray and turned on and burried yourself into Steve's chest. "Five more minutes, dad..." You mumbled as Steve sighed and moved his arm to wrap around you.

"Mhm nope get up I was kind enough to make breakfast, now hurry it's getting cold!" you groaned throwing his arm of of you and climbing out of bed.

After breakfast murray presnted you with a large stack of everything you dad had asked for. "Thank you so much!" you said after climbing into the car. "Not a problem tell jim I say hello!"

You smiled and waved as Steve drove off heading home for Hawkins. "Maybe when we get home I can take you to a movie tonight?"

You smiled. "Well we already kissed so I think it's safe to skip the formality of a first date."

"C'mon I'm just trying to be a gentlemen!"

You laughed. "I'll be outside of scoops at seven OK?"

[sebs-anxiety-and-insanity]

Drake & Cal

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

Drake smiled looking over himself in the mirror. Baby blue shirt and black pants, his glasses had a small tint of black around the edges, complimenting his silver eyes. His green hair pushed to the side. He rocked on his feet a moment before picking up his bag, quickly heading down stairs. "Now, Dray, sit down and eat. And do take out the jewelry before your father gets here." Drake rolls his eyes grabbing a piece of toast. "Can't mom, I'll be late, and today I start my job so.... bye!" And with that Drake raced out the door. He sat at the bench and waited for the bus that would take him to his destination. He sighs pulling out his phone to scroll through tumblr.

A few minutes later the bus arrives, and Drake eagerly rushes in, scanning the seats before picking one beside his best friend. Their name was Bea, they had been best friends since they were kids, And knew everything about each other, so of course, they were the best choice. Bea still had their black hair, and dashing personality. "You ready?" Drake asked, Bea just now noticing his presence. "Whoa- Jesus- Don't do that!" Drake chuckles sliding his bag underneath his seat. "'Glowsticks- need I say more'?" Drake gestures to Bea's shirt. Bea looks up from their phone again. "Need I say more?" They slid their phone into their pocket. "So, what job do you think we'll get?" Drake smiles slightly bringing his right leg up to his chest. "I don't know, probably some fast food joint, it's what most teenagers get." They nod their head turning so that their back is against the window. "Yeah, probably.... but what if we get an exciting job? It's not unheard of!!" Drake rolls his eyes. "Your idea of exciting is the possibility of dying, but not dying. And while that's all good and all, I'd never hear the end of getting stuck with that kinda job." Bea punches his arm lightly. "It's not getting 'stuck' it's getting picked! You know the job picks you!!" Drake sighs. "You always did believe in that didn't you?" Bea leans forward, pointing in his general direction. "So did you," they leaned back laying their legs over Drake's. "And still do if I recall correctly." Drake drops his arms over Bea's legs, scoffing. "Yeah, don't remind me." A loud ding was heard throughout the bus, followed by the driver. "Its your driver, here, I advise you to get ready to exit the bus, uh, we are nearing our destination." Drake swatted at Bea's legs reaching down for his bag after they moved to get their own bag. "Well, I'm excited." Drake stands up setting his leg on the seat. "Yeah, well, I'm not." Bea rolls their eyes. "Alright grumpy pants, calm down." Drake scoffs as the bus comes to a halt. The doors slowly opened. "Alrighty, ladies, gents, and all you lovely people, we have reached our destination, please exit the bus, and watch your step!" Drake pushes off the chair and exits the bus, slowing his pace so Bea can catch up. In front of him was 'The Workplace Chooser', they couldn't choose a better name? It was huge. The glass windows reached the ceiling in the center of the building, the sides went on for a while, before they stopped and buses filled the next spots, getting ready to take the people to their new job. Bea nudged his shoulder, pulling their hair into a loose ponytail. "C'mon, slow poke." Drake picked up his pace, watching the fountains as they displayed the show of water. Bea ran up and held open the door, bowing when Drake got close enough. Drake walked into the building, taking in his surroundings. When you walk in there is a grand staircase, at either sides of the stairs there are purple plants. Many people were rushing by looking for their bus. Bea rolled their eyes dragging Drake up the stairs.

Drake groaned, not that anyone could hear his frustration, as the room was full to the brim with other teenagers. But he still let Bea drag him around. The room was divided into three sections, no apparent categories, and they all faced a big stage. Bea dragged him to the back row in the middle section. They both sat down watching the other teens closely. Soon enough the lights dimmed and the noise settled. A man in a suit walked up to the podium in the center of the stage. "Hello, future workers of good!!!! I know you are so excited for your jobs, correct?" Assorted cheers erupted through the crowds, and Drake slid further back into his chair. The man smiled, looking down seemingly at a peice of paper. "Alright, so this year we are going in groups of four, and we will start with the important jobs first." Drakes phone buzzed, sighing he sat up pulling out his phone. There was a new text. 'Has your brother been called yet?' Drake typed a quick 'no' before going back to listening to the speaker. "-t, and next is the helpers!!! We have just four of those in this year. Are you ready to see who these brave men, women, and people are?" More cheers erupted through the room, Bea being the loudest. Drake flinched, elbowing Bea lightly. "Alrighty! First up is, Seth Banks, Catlin Bea, Tiffany Grace," Bea nudged Drake grinning wickedly. "And Drake Brins! A round of applause for these great teens who have been chosen! Please find the bus outside your exit!"

Drake was shocked. So shocked he didn't notice being pulled out of the room. He snapped out of it shortly after being slapped a few times. A blonde girl was standing before him smiling sweetly, wearing a grey sweater, with shorts. "Hey there! You alright?" Drake looked around spotting Bea walking towards the group with their bags. Drake nodded and started to get up. The girl helped him to his feet. "I'm Tiffany, she/her pronouns!" Drake smiled. "Uh, Drake, he/him pronouns." Bea handed Drake his stuff before turning to the other person in the group, wearing a long sleeve shirt with jeans. Their hair was blood red. Bea looked at me before stepping closer to the individual. "That's Seth, he/him pronouns." Bea nodded, and Seth turned to us. "I'm fine, let's just go." It looked like Seth wiped his face before picking up his bags. "Okay, let's go!" Tiffany picked up her bag and walked with us. "So.... we are gonna be roommates?" Bea nodded excitedly. "Yeah! I know all about this job! Except you know the confidential things." Tiffany nodded, holding open the glass doors for us. I nodded, "Yeah, they were really hoping for this job." Bea nodded. "Ever since I knew it existed!!" We entered the bus and chose seats in the back. I pushed my bag under the seat as Seth sat down next to me, Bea and Tiffany a few rows up, on the other side of the bus. "Hey, Seth, how are you?" Seth chuckled a bit. "Like I said I'm fine, were you even listening?" I shrugged. "Yeah, but just making sure." Seth turned to me, scanning over my face before he gets closer to me. "You okay?" He asks laying his head on my shoulder. "Yeah, I guess." He scoffed dropping his bag on the floor. "Yeah, and I'm the queen of England!" "I just wasn't expecting this job, now, I've told you my problem, how about you?" He tensed as the bus started pulling out, and heading to their new work place. "Only if you want to of course," he nodded. "Yeah, thanks." He pulls out a pair of headphones and starts some music. "You wanna hear?" "Hm? Oh- yeah, sure." He hands out a ear bud, which I take and put in my ear, looking out the window as music played. "You have great taste in music." Seth nods crossing his arms. I lean on the window, watching the scenery. This is gonna be a long ride isn't it?

"Alrighty!! We have arrived at our destination!!! Congratulations, helpers!" Rolling my eyes I hand Seth back his earbud reaching for my bag. We all filed out of the bus as other buses did the same, the grand building standing in front of us, mainly secluded by miles and miles of  trees, and what seemed to be a beautiful mansion, a bit older for most peoples taste, but I loved it. The fountain in front of it was overgrown, and the fences looked like they had been placed way after the house was built. We walked up to the doors and waited. A different group stood beside me, there was a boy, angry looking, like he didnt wanna be here. I snapped my head back to the doors so he wouldnt know I was staring. All of the sudden he punched my shoulder lightly. "I'm Markus, what about you?" Clearing my throat I nervously turn towards Markus. "Uh Drake, I really hope no problems arise, it is our first day." The boy rolled his eyes, dropping his arm around my shoulders. "yeah, yeah, hey listen, we should stick together, I got your back you got mine. You look like the type to deal some damage when needed." I pushed him off me. "No, I dont know if I can trust you. And even so, you dont look like the type to keep to yourself for even a second." He scoffed. "Yeah, okay buddy. I bet." I rolled my eyes. "Whatever, I am the fifth precinct's leaders son. I'm no smart guy, but those clothes look like their fifth precinct. So watch yourself buddy." I scoff turning back to the doors as someone in a powdered suit walks out with a clipboard. "Hello helpers! Your ranks are posted in your quarters; Be wise my dear helpers, you have been chosen. Do not let us, or your precinct down. This is a great day for all of you." The lady looked at the clipboard for a moment before looking up. "Welcome to MCOU."

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Hope you liked the first chapter/part!

Tag list (you can ask to be added or removed):

@irei-art

[boneandfur]

Marry in Haste [6, pt2]

Notes: historical notes are at the end. // Words: 2806 // Catch up: Ch 6 (contains links to other chapters)

CHAPTER SIX, pt 2 :: Song: Scarborough Fair, Amy Nuttall.

The housekeeper unlocked the door with a flourish. I prayed to God it was not too late. "My lady, take James and Alf in with ye," she said with a respectful gleam in her eye.

With James, Alf, and Sinclaire at my side, I dashed into the room just as MacDougal laid his saw to Ned's flesh. 

Edmund was pale as a sheet, hand on the bottle of whiskey, agog. "Dita?!" 

"Stop!" I screamed, and MacDougal reared back, his face like thunder.

"Get out!" he roared like a bull, and then he turned on me. For such a big man, he moved fast. I darted towards him, grabbing the handle of the saw from his hand, and in my madness, wrested it from his grip. The teeth were brown and rusty with old blood, and I shuddered in disgust. I flung it from me, it went skittering across the floor. “Sairpent!” He grabbed me by the wrist, throwing me to the floor, but I was back on my feet and in his face with an anger I had not known I possessed. 

"Get out of my house!" I said in a voice of deadly quiet. "You'll not harm a hair on his head, do you hear me, you wicked old butcher?!" 

"I'll no' be ordered about by a woman!" MacDougal bared his teeth, shaking with anger. 

"Get out!" I roared, pointing a shaking finger at the door. I whirled on one of our footmen. "James, run and get a boy to fetch the bonesetter, as fast as you can!" 

"Yes, my lady!" James dashed from the room. 

"My lady!" MacDougal lunged for me, and Sinclaire stepped forward as though to stop him. "I told ye tae stay out o' it! I'll not be told ma business by some slanty-eyed, foreign bitch!" 

Edmund was on his feet before Sinclaire could move, and his fist hit the doctor square in the mouth. "You forget your place!" he roared, breathing in sharp, jerky pants. "You'll not lay hands on a peeress of the realm, sir! Now get out before we call Bow Street!" 

"Mr Greaves!" I shouted, and the butler came into the room at once, he had likely been waiting in the hallway for my summons. He was a big African man, balding, with a kindly smile, but today he had none, his mouth was set as hard as stone as he looked at the surgeon.

"My lady," Greaves said respectfully. "Mr Marlcaster." 

"Escort this charlatan from the property!" I ordered in a voice like steel, praying none of them could sense how I shook inside. Ye may murder yer husband here an' now... As if ye'd stabbed a knife intae his heart.

"Unhand me at once! I'll show m'self out!" MacDougal cried. "Jamie, ye wee idiot! Bring ma bag!" 

"But sir!" Jamie cried, finding his voice at last. And it squeaked. 

"We are no' welcome in this house. I wish good day to you, Madam!" MacDougal thundered at me. As he turned to go, he whispered, in a voice like ice, "Let all who hear me bear witness! I say ye do murder -- an' I'll testify against ye and yer lover at the trial!" Slamming his hat on his head and shoving his bag under his arm, he stormed out, tripping over the person coming up the steps as he shouted for Jamie to call a cab. 

When he had gone, I turned to Edmund, and as though he knew how I trembled inside, he took me into his arms and held me for a long, sweet moment. Then he sat back down on the bed, he was sweating and pale. "What have we done, Dita?" he whispered. 

"She's saved your life, most likely, Marlcaster," Sinclaire said from the doorway, and I jumped back, feeling guilty for comforting my own husband in front of my lover, though why I should feel such a confusing emotion, I knew not. "I'm not a man for medicine, but that blade would have poisoned your blood and condemned you to a long and lingering death." 

Edmund scoffed, but I saw how ill he looked, and my heart squeezed hard. "Always the bearer of good news, aren't you, Sinclaire? I think you would love comforting my widow overmuch, if I should perish."

Sinclaire ground his teeth audibly. “Is that not why you chose me as your second, sir?”

“Oh, you call yourself an honorable man, Sinclaire, but I've seen how you make eyes at my wife as though I were not right in front of you!” Edmund jeered. I placed a hand on his arm, and he pulled me roughly to him, as though he would kiss me, but at the last moment I turned my face away. I saw hurt flash in his eyes, he let go of me, and I put my hand to my lips. I did not want to be a pawn in that game, and yet suddenly I felt bereft, and ached for the kiss I had denied him. “You hope to wear the fair lady's favor and win the race, I suppose. But do you really think it shall be so easy?” he sneered.

“Enough, Ned!” I snapped, hearing the bell ring for the door. “The bonesetter will be here any moment! Do you want her to see you brawling like a common peasant, or acting like the gentleman I know you to be?”

“Send for the bishop, wife, we may as well give last rites. I will be half a man without my leg, I...” his voice dropped and he turned back to me, stroking the back of his hand across my cheek. He was shaking, his teeth chattering, and his voice had begun to slur from the drink. "But why are you crying? Will you mind so overmuch when I am dead?”

"You're not going to die!" My voice quaked a little on the last word. 

"Who in't going t' die?" It was a little old lady, ugly and wizened, with a wide mouth like a toad and shoulders wide as a dockworker's. She had a thick accent, and leaned upon a walking stick. "I be Mrs Mapp, the bonesetter. Ye must be that high-faultin' foreign miss what married this foolish man who's t' race that wicked Duke. Aye, all o' London is talkin' about it." She eyed Edmund's leg with a gimlet gaze. 

"The race!" I gasped, swallowing hard. If I gambled nothing, I would lose everything. "But how do you know, madam?" 

The bonesetter barked back a sharp laugh. "'Tis the Talk of the Town, girl!" 

When she moved toward the bed, her clothes letting off a not unappealing cloud of herbal smells, Edmund set down the bottle. "What witchcraft is this?" He stared at the old woman, throughly appalled. "Who is this hag?" 

"You respect your ma, boy?" Mrs Mapp bent her ear to his leg and then began massaging it roughly, and he howled. "That's what I thought. Feels like it ain't shattered."

"That is what the surgeon said, madam. He wanted to amputate." At Sinclaire's words, Edmund clenched his jaw and went quite pale.

"An' it was you that kicked him out, eh?" She poked a knobbly finger at me. "I like yer brass, girl. Want ter make yerself useful? Fetch me some hot water, as hot as ye can make it, and fresh, clean towels. Well? Are ye waitin' for infection tae set in, ye wee mort?" She fixed me with a gimlet eye, throwing a pitcher off the washstand to me, and then drew herself up to her full height. "Now, boy," she said, turning her attention back to my husband, "you're goin' ter want t' get very drunk." 

When I returned, my husband had drunk nearly the entire second bottle of whiskey, and when he saw me, his eyes lit up. "Look, Shinclaire, it's Dita," he slurred. "My angel." 

"Aye, she's yer angel all right, boy." The bonesetter cackled, handing Sinclaire a strap of leather, and he put it in Edmund's teeth. "Now we'll set the bone. You, lads --" and she jabbed a finger at Sinclaire and Alf, who I had quite forgotten. "Hold 'is lordship down. An' you, Angel, since ye insist on makin' use o' yerself, cant a tune fer yer man t' keep 'im calmed." She chewed on her spit. "Ye can sing, can't ye?" 

"Dita caterwauls like a cat in heat!" Edmund winked at the bonesetter. "Her mama was a celebrated opera soprano, but m' wife can't carry a tune in a bucket!" 

"Ned!" I scowled, crossing my arms. "You told me I had a beautiful voice!" 

Sinclaire coughed, looking ashamed. "He's right, y'know. Your singing voice sounds like a cat yowling. Madam, you'll want to cover your ears." 

The old woman cackled loudly, and set to her work. I opened my mouth, and began to sing a song from when I was a child, Edmund's eyes never leaving my face. 

Tell him to buy me an acre of land,

Between the salt water and the sea sand. 

Tell him to plough it with a ram's horn,

And sow it all over with one peppercorn. 

Tell him to sheer't with a sickle of leather,

And bind it up with a peacock's feather. 

Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme...

When at last the grisly task was finished, Edmund had passed out from the pain, and the men were sweating from the exertion it had taken to hold him down. I escorted the bonesetter to the back gate and paid her a golden crown, she bit down on it, satisfied, and then looked at me with eyes that saw beyond mortal knowing, and I shivered all over at the sorrow in her eyes. 

"When he wakes, Angel, he'll be cursin' both god an' the devil. Don't ye let him go t' that race tomorrow." 

I gasped, I had quite forgotten it. "But his second will race the Duke, madam. Mr Sinclaire." 

"Oh, aye? Your lover they say, and they also say this." And she bent her lips to my ear, dry and cracked like leather. "When men and women make plans, the Devil laughs." She slipped something into my hand.

"What?" I gasped. But when I turned around, she was gone, and the breeze brought the smell of ash and bone from the charnel houses beyond the lichgate, though perhaps I only imagined it.

And inside my palm lay a knucklebone.

•••

"I'm afraid, Ernest," I whispered. We were in the back garden, sitting on the bench together in perfect propriety, as Susanna played ball with her puppy, a little white eared runt Edmund's favorite bitch, Cleopatra, had thrown. He doted on his daughter whenever he could, and I wondered how he could ever think her the child of the man beside me, who twirled his finger through one of my red curls, bringing it to his lips. 

"I do not intend to lose the race, if that is what you fear." He tugged whimsically on one ringlet. "Perhaps I need a lady's token, for luck." 

I kissed him chastely near the mouth, mindful of my husband lying inside. "Very well." He handed me his knife, and I wrapped the ringlet in my handkerchief, slipping it into his front pocket. He caught my chin in his hand, brushing his lips against mine as he stared into my eyes. We both took a sharp breath, and moved back -- and not a moment too soon. 

My Lady Grandmother walked into the garden and came up short upon seeing us, her brows shooting up in surprise. We jumped guiltily apart.  "Granddaughter, your husband is awake and asking for you." 

•••

Edmund was sitting up in bed, his face contorted in a grimace of pain. His leg was bound in boiled linen bandages and kept immobile in a splint. When he saw me, his whole aspect lightened, and he patted the space beside him. 

I sat down next to him with my knees drawn up to my chest, and when he put his arm around me, I pressed my face to his broad chest, unable to hold back my tears. "Ned, Ned." 

He tilted up my chin. "Don't cry, I am still living." He brushed his lips across my cheeks, tasting my tears. Of course, this only made me cry all the more, and I nuzzled my face into the crook of his neck, lying back against the pillows with him, my body curled up against his. When he spoke, it was husky, ragged. "I don't know how I should have made it back without the thought of you in my head. When the horse threw me... I remembered that race with the Duke, years ago, before we eloped, and I thought, At last my luck has run out. And then I knew I could not live a single moment more unless I..." he turned his face, his eyes softening, and he swallowed, hard. "Unless I had but one more kiss from you, Lady wife." 

His lips on mine were gentle, but demanding: his tongue teased the seam of my lips apart, and I opened them to him, moaning a little as a ripple of heat lit up every nerve ending along my skin. He tasted of whiskey and clear, green water. "You do not know how badly I want to be buried deep inside of you, Dita." Edmund's husky admittance kindled such a longing inside of me that I was staggered by it. He took a small sip of his tea, and his eyes held the glazed look of one whose head is filled with opium Dreams. "Do you not ever think that Susanna might like a little brother to play with?" 

"She has brothers." I was referring, of course, to Briar's children, Harry and Joss, who we saw little to none of, though that was more her doing than mine. If she had not been so ridiculously jealous of me, I would have had the boys to play with Susanna, and often. Besides, it would do Edmund good to see his boys more frequently, for I knew he missed them sore.

In Edmund's voice was a bone-deep ache that made my heart fair turn over with pain for him. "I did not know my father, Dita. And I barely see the boys, for she has sent them to be raised by her mother, back in Grovershire." His lips twisted. "She says it is so she can give all her attention to me, but I... Oh, Dita, it kills me not to see my sons." 

This was the drink loosening his tongue, I was sure of it. Edmund had never expressed such a desire heretofore. In this state, I would be able to get him to admit to anything. But I was not that cruel, not yet. "Tell me again how you want to make another babe with me." I twined my fingers through his, and his brow crinkled before he burst out laughing, half sitting up. 

"Why, in the usual way, Dita. Where I take you every which way possible until you conceive, and then you do not touch me again, but go back to your lover." His voice was void of mirth as he leaned back again. "Do I have that aright?" 

"Ned..." my voice was stricken. "You know that is not... I mean..."

"It is what we do, Perdita." He sounded weary suddenly, and a shadow moved across his face. "It is the game we play. By God, I am sick to heart of it."

"Edmund, would you -- oh!" My mother in law clapped a hand over her heart, shocked to see me curled up beside her son in the bed. "You need your rest, my son." She kissed his brow, smoothing the lines away, and looked steadily at me. For once, we were at an accord. 

Very gently, I sat up, attempting to disentangle our fingers, but he gripped my hand hard, pulling me back to his chest.

"No, stay with me. I shan't be able to sleep unless you are here." His lips brushed against my ear. "I need you, Dita." 

"Well, you need your sleep more, husband." I laid my head back down upon his chest, pressing a soft kiss to the place where his heart beat so steadily beneath my cheek. "But I will stay." 

"Stay forever, Dita," he whispered. 

"I will." My false promise fell on deaf ears, he was asleep. 

•••

I could not sleep before the morning of the race, I tossed and turned in bed all night, the knucklebones upon the wash stand, mocking me. The Duke... This was under his saddle... You are a clever girl, Perdita...

I bolted up in the darkness. 

Sinclaire. 

•••

Historical notes: 

(1) Burial in consecrated ground was only permitted after 1823 without ritual, and with ritual only after the 1880 Burial Act. Usually suicides and unchristened babies were not buried in the family plot, but outside the churchyard, or to the north. I wasn't able to find much. 

Source: http://www.sacred-texts.com/etc/fcod/fcod11.htm

https://genealogy.stackexchange.com/questions/10193/burial-of-a-person-who-committed-suicide-in-18th-century-england

(2) the lyrics that Perdita sings are from a traditional ballad, a version of Scarborough Fair which can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarborough_Fair_(ballad)

••• 

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