#but i am currently sobbing uncontrollably so that is not very practical

[littledollll]

All Mine

Lucifer Morningstar x reader

Warnings: this is straight up smut. Lil fluff at the end, deep subspace, mean Lucifer for about 2 seconds, punishment, overstim, bondage (barely), fingering, d/s, master kink?, vibrator, thigh riding, crying, mirror but it’s quickly forgotten about, probably ooc Lucifer, very sweet Lucifer for aftercare, R has like 2 lines, safeword exists it just isn’t used

A/n: this is my first full on smut and I am SCARED, also also English is my second language so don’t judge the writing too hard, anyways thanks to my bae fiancé, pebbles for reading before anyone else and being a blushing mess while I freaked out abt it.

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You were a fucking mess. Arms tied above your head, vibrator pressed securely on your clit held by the bindings around your thighs, mirror on the ceiling mocking you as you squirmed in bed, you can’t remember how many times you’ve already cummed or how long you’ve been there.

It was all your fault really, you were bored and Lucifer was busy doing whatever, so you plotted on finding ways to get their attention back on you, you decided on having a “chat” with a lust demon, big mistake, the demon quickly grew comfortable with you making an attempt to get you to lay with them, the demon was punished accordingly of course, everyone in hell was well aware of who you are and what you mean to Lucifer, so really it’s the demons fault no?

The demon lost his head but Lucifer wouldn’t do that to you of course not, they decided they decided they better entertain you if you were bored enough to whore yourself out to their subjects, but they still had work to finish so now here you were. Practically drowning on your own wetness- both tears and cum, throat hoarse from moaning and screaming, you gave up on trying to open your eyes the humiliation of seeing yourself in the mirror being simply too much, as another orgasm hit you a sob escaped your lips. You swore it was the last one, it had to be physically impossible to keep coming but oh you were so wrong.

You were reduced to sobs and whimpers by the time Lucifer finally came back and you wanted nothing more than for your master to cradle you in their arms, body weak as you tired (and failed) to squirm away from the toy, you never felt unsafe though and both you and them knew how much you could take, despite your current position you could stop this whenever you wanted to, you just had to say the word or give a signal, yet you didn’t.

They immediately untie your hands, sitting against the headboard and sitting you between their legs while you’re still thrashing against the toy coming undone once again and gripping onto them for stability, your head is so empty you can barely talk, your mind growing fuzzy. They noticed this, of course.

“Hi sweet one” they cooed, gently moving the hair covering your eyes to get a good look at you, you looked a perfect mess, so ready to please them, just how they wanted you. “hurt- it hurts ‘m so empty- please-!” You were ready to continue begging, not really sure if you were begging for them to make it stop or give you more but got quickly cut off when they finally untied your legs along with the vibrator turning it off, but quickly replacing it with their hand thrusting three fingers into you using their palm to continue to torture your clit.

“Look at yourself doll, oh how pretty you look.” They grabbed your jaw and forced you to look up. Your hips were uncontrollably grinding onto their hand and your head rolled back against their shoulder, all you could let out where sobs and whimpers. The ruler of hell and all sin looking at you with pure lust.

“You want to act like a whore you’re gonna get fucked like one, you understand don’t you pet?” Their tone was practically dripping in sweetness while degrading you. You only whined in response, your eyes were so unfocused and your breathing erratic, their other hand moved up to your neck squeezing just the right amount. “Oh you’re so lost in that little head of yours, listen to my voice little love, masters right here, give me one more”

At their command you came for what you thought would be the final time, mouth open in a silent scream as they helped you ride it out their hand came to a slow stop only pulling out when you tried to turn your body towards them.

They helped you turn, wrapping their arms around you, their wings hiding you both, something they knew always made you feel safe. You wordlessly curled into them wrapping your arms around their neck as your cries and aftershocks finally slowed down. After a while Lucifer said your name, so softly you almost missed it in your half conscious state, and you shook your head and sighed into their neck, you weren’t ready to leave headspace just yet.

They hummed in response. “Still my sweet little doll, I watched you the whole time, did you know that?” you shook your head again. “You looked divine, still do. Falling apart over and over at my will, I saw when your pretty little head went blank, how you craved me even more from that moment.” you pulled away from their neck, looking at them with an adorable pout they couldn’t help but chuckle, giving you a sweet kiss as their hands moved up to cup your face.

“What is it, pet?” you seated yourself on their thigh, flinching away for a second before you fully straddled them and looked at them with the best puppy eyes you could muster. “Oh haven’t you had enough for today, doll?” Again their hands wandered down, soothingly rubbing your sides and you shook your head. “Hurts really good doesn’t it pet? You like having your mind fuzzy and empty that much? Not being able to get a word out, you’re only here to please me isn’t that right?” Fuck, they knew how to drive you absolutely mad.

You wanted to answer, you really did! But your mind was really too far gone, so you gave them a wordless nod as you moved your hips to slowly grind against them, automatically making you fall against them with a whimper. “My sweet pet, you are much too sensitive to move on your own, let me help you hm?”

Lucifer didn’t need a reply, simply tightening their grip on your hips and helping you move much- much faster causing your to gasp and frantically grip their arms in an attempt to slow them down. “No no no, come on pet. You wanted this. I told you it was enough for today and you had the audacity to pout. Now take it.”

Your breathing was ragged and your eyes were tearing up again. A hand came up whipping away a tear and sweetly cupping your face, which you happily leaned into closing your eyes. “You’re all mine. You know that pet? I own you. Your perfect body, precious little mind, corrupted soul, and beautiful heart. All mine, be a good little doll and come for me.”

Only then did they allow you to move on your own, clenching your thighs around their own when you reached your high, you cried out slowly rutting against them through the aftershocks, the only sounds in the room were your whimpers and their soft voice bringing you down from your high.

“I need you to come back to me sweet one, can you breathe with me? Just slow down doll, you’ve been so good” you let out a pleased hum, nuzzling into your lovers neck and followed their breathing as their hand calmingly brushed through your hair. Lucifer tried lifting your head but you resisted, hiding into them further if that was even possible. “Let me look at you, doll” the thought of losing their warmth was killing you, but you complied.

Lucifer was sure they were back in heaven once your eyes met them, half lidded, a little watery and unfocused, perfect face covered in a soft blush. “Hello my love..” they smiled down at you, pressing a kiss to your temple.

“How about a bath, and you can go right back to hiding in my arms?” you nodded excitedly, giving them a quick kiss before hiding your face again and hugging them tighter as they stood up, their arms supporting your back and legs.

“Making me carry you and everything. Is this is how you treat the ruler of hell?” You giggled at that, the fuzziness in your head slowly clearing away. “My apologies your grace, shall I carry you?” You mused after clearing your throat, earning an unamused look from Lucifer before they responded.

“I should certainly like to see you try, pet.”

[blatantescapism]

Cw: teeth, dental malpractice, vent post, don’t worry I have a competent team now

I’ve been going in to the dental school almost every week for more than a year now, getting major work done on about two-thirds of my teeth.

Thanks to the fun combo of weird recessive genes and literal malpractice, my teeth are messed up in interesting and expensive ways.

On the outside, they look fairly normal.

My hobby is watching the students quietly freak out when they see the X-rays.

There’s a committee of professors arguing about the situation with my lateral incisors. Still no agreement, because all options are bad. I was given incredibly botched dental implants when I was too young, and now there’s no obvious way to salvage the upper jaw without a risk of breaching through to the nasal cavity.

While they argue that over, we’ve been slowly working across my lower jaw.

Today was a consultation regarding the botched molar root canal. Because I’ve had dental malpractice on four completely separate occasions.

The endodontist started the visit by being like “Best practice is usually to save the tooth rather than extraction. We will take images and make a plan.”

and I was like, okay, so, FYI, Lidocaine doesn’t work normally on me, when the Third Malpractice Dude originally did this root canal he hit the maximum safe dose only halfway through and then tried to get through the next forty minutes of literally shredding my nerve ends with zero painkiller, and then he gave up and had me come back for a second session, and the same thing happened again, so please don’t do that to me a third time?

She was like ooookay, noted.

I was like so the other thing that happened was a tool broke off inside one of the roots, and the guy couldn’t figure out how to remove it, so he left it in there as packing material? I guess he was getting frustrated with my uncontrollable sobbing and just wanted to be done with that root. That must be how the infection got pushed down to where it’s currently eating at the bone, haha. Anyway that bit of metal is still stuck in there, plus he used another metal rod in the packing?

She was like that’s a complication, but I am an esteemed specialist in repairing root canals, and in the standard xray it looks reasonable.

I was like okay and also I’ve been told that my roots are in a really weird shape, and very close to the major nerve?

She was like well, the 3D images have almost finished compiling, we shall assess all of these factors together and decide.

The 3D images loaded.

We looked at the coronal view.

I was like “Wow. Obviously, NO.”

She was like “Let me help you schedule with Extraction. I have GOT to show this to the attending physician. It was lovely meeting you!”

[multiplefandomsblog]

request; I am lusting for the emo boy 👉👈 Could I get something where the reader gives him a bj after he had a stressful day

warnings; bj, deep-throating, cussing, cum-eating, shuichi is receiving, reader is gender-neutral.

note; im trying to think of a song to go with this hold up- (yes thats all i have for my note, im running out of things to say-)

OH SHIT YES!!! SANGRIA?? BY EASY LIFE??? ARLO PARKS??? OR GET YOU BY DANIEL CAESER!!!!!

wc; 2k+

Slapping the screen of his work computer shut, the sudden and loud noise kept him awake for just a little longer. Shuichi brought both of his cold hands to his face, rubbing the eye bags that had formed as a result of his overworking and lack of sleep.

“God…” It took him everything he had to not yell into his slightly trembling hands. His fingers tangled themselves in his hair as he stood up from the chair that had made his backside ache, breathing out the pent-up stress he had cultivated throughout the… He checked his watch, drooping eyes barely able to read the hands of the miniature clock. 

—The twelve hours of sitting down, typing in and submitting in files, piled onto files regarding a tough case. He’d be lying if he wasn’t at least a little used to this shit work ethic. 

The first thought his mind allowed him to possess after draining his brain completely out of energy, had been, ‘S/o...-, I hope they didn’t forget to eat today.’ He hadn’t gotten the chance to monitor you, nor text or call you; his phone, to kick off the day, hadn’t charged properly the day before, leaving his phone with 3%. The moment he had tried to text you mid-way through his extended work period, his phone had given up on him, leaving him frustrated and worried. 

Sighing, he quickly packed up his things, ready to leave the suffocating, but honestly quite nicely designed office— to see you. He was so close to just falling asleep on the nice, cold surface of his computer, but the thought of you waking up to an empty bed had his heart, crumbling over something he hadn’t done yet. And hadn’t planned to do, either. 

Exiting the office, he called a taxi as he was too deprived of sleep to safely drive.

---------------------------------------------------------—

Hearing the door open, you immediately rushed to the front door, almost slipping on the waxy surface of the wood floor against your fuzzy socks. 

Pulling back, your eyes held a different emotion as you gazed into Shuichi’s tired but loving orbs; your eyes no longer contained the same soul-crushing worry for him. Instead, they had held a needy lust. Could you blame yourself? It had been twelve hours. Shuichi let out a quiet startled noise as you started dragging him to the couch, he did nothing but let you; too tired to ask what you were doing despite having the sneaking suspicion he already knew. No one can overlook a stare like that; you’d have to be blind to. 

Pushing him onto the couch with little effort, he watched with intrigued eyes as you got to your knees and sat in between his knees, your own gaze locking onto his as you lowered yourself to the point where you had to crane your neck to properly see his pretty, flushed face. 

Golden eyes flashed in need, small whines spilling from his trembling lips as he slightly parted his thighs for you to drag your fingers further up into. “You worked all day, Shuichi… C’mon, just a taste?” You looked up at him, doe eyes pleading and tongue swiping across your bottom lip entrancingly, as Shuichi’s golden eyes followed the glistening muscle. He could already imagine your tongue swirling around the tip of his— 

“A-a little… A little taste. Please.” Ten hours of neglect, and the craving for his musk only augmented with each agonizing second that passed by. His eyes widened at the sultry tone you equipped; had he really worked so long to the point you were on your knees for him? “I...”

Yes, yes he had. It had been twelve hours, and you were worried sick. Not only that, the poor boy looked so tense and stressed, it had given you the urge to just strap him to the bed and force him to sleep, and nothing else. Knowing him, he wouldn’t have allowed himself the proper amount of hours of sleep, and food he needed to stay alive.

A part of him didn’t want to take advantage of your state, but a part of him already knew you wouldn’t let up until you got what you wanted; it’s not like he detested the idea of getting sucked off. “O-okay.”

He let out a small gasp as he felt you suddenly play with the zipper of his pants, your fingers ‘accidentally’ brushing against the growing erection he hadn’t noticed he had. You watched him carefully, fighting the urge to laugh as he arched his back against the couch; you didn’t want to embarrass him, you simply wanted to help him de-stress. 

Deciding you’d focus more on him than your own sadistic desires, you quickly halted your teasing and zipped open his fly, wasting no time to reach down the waistband of his navy blue boxers and pin-striped pants, erupting a gasp from him as he hadn’t been expecting it to escalate so fast.

Gingerly, you pulled out the hardening cock that seemed to twitch in your hold, only causing you to smile at the cute reaction. Though Shuichi’s facial expression had been incomparable to his cock. You had barely down anything to him, and his whole entire face flushed red, a hand already clamped over his mouth that concealed the lip he had been chewing at so aggressively. 

Stroking your thumb over the pretty pink tip of his cock, you cooed at it, already finding yourself craning your neck down to kiss the tip of it, causing Shuichi to jolt up from the light but impactive pressure on the tip of his cock. He found himself getting more alert, differing from his previous state of mind where he had barely been able to register what had been happening at the door.

Tired, lolling eyes from earlier converted into wide, lustfully lidded golden eyes that bore into your own coloured irises. The only difference between the two pairs of eyes had been the soft domineering gaze you set upon the boy who seemed to be putty in your hands and mouth. 

Winking at him, you felt confidence grow in you as you heard him slightly whimper and wine through the futile coverage of his hand over his mouth, and so, with suave, you slid the eager cock into your mouth, tapping it over your lips and tongue before deciding to suck the entire thing in, in one go. The near-scream Shuichi emitted definitely helped you take the entirety of him inside your mouth. 

You let out a small hiccup as you felt him throbbing in your throat, eyes wide and nose deep in the base of his shaft as your lips had almost been able to kiss the base of his cock. Keyword; almost.

With tear-filled eyes, you moaned onto his cock that only seemed to fit in half of your mouth before you started gagging. The small choked gasps from your side seemed to be in earshot of Shuichi, as he reached down to check on you- his hand was caught mid-way as you took a deep breath through your nose and fit the rest of his length down your throat. At this point, tears had been falling down your face uncontrollably, and you had been too busy massaging the base of his cock and balls to try and wipe them off.

“S-S/o— Y-you shouldn’t- F-fuck, I’m already so close, please don’t stop…!” He whined in a broken voice, head spinning and eyes rolling to the back of his head as he practically heaved out pants against the couch behind him. You felt your own thighs tremble as you heard him lose character, cussing; something you didn’t know he’d ever do. It sounded foreign in his voice, but was it strange that you actually liked how it sounded?

Moans and pleas spilled out of his drooling mouth like a running faucet; he noticed it only seemed to egg you on, in which, he wasn’t sure he liked or feared. He was highly certain he wouldn’t be able to last long—the thought hit him like an 80-pound brick as you dragged your tongue on the sensitive underside of his cock. “Hhnn- Ah—!” He let out an embarrassingly high moan, though he didn’t seem to care enough to tend to the humiliation, as he had currently been occupying his mind with the fact you had been sucking him off and sucking him off good.

His neck and thighs twitched as he writhed, not able to hold back the urge to pull your hair as he felt like he was going to lose it if he didn’t. Reaching down quickly, he yanked your hair upwards, in a force that didn’t hurt as much as you thought it would. It seems, even during moments like these he was always gentle with you. 

Rewarding him for the action, you hummed muffled praises he couldn’t hear, but could definitely feel the effect of it against his cock. Vibrations shot up from between his legs to up the trail of his spine, sending shockwaves of pleasure through his entire body. 

You felt his clammy hand that had kept hold of your hair, push you down onto his length roughly, causing you to stifle a surprised choke as you felt his tip hit the very back of your throat. “S-Shui—” You couldn’t even say half his name properly. 

With tears streaming down your face, you shut yourself up and took it, bobbing your head up and down faster—to which he rewarded you with shaky, blissful sobs. God, did you wish you could see his expression right now. 

At the thought, your slightly red eyes darted up to his face, which seemed to be staring right back at you with his own tear-brimmed gaze. “S-S/o...!” He whined out, a few stray tears falling as he felt his climax approach him. Throwing his head back, you lost sight of his flushed, slobbering face as he rested the back of his neck against the couch. 

“Close..! Close! Hah- Hnngg! Please, I need to- to—!” Shuichi cut himself off, mouth contorting into an ‘O’ shape as he tensed his thighs underneath your clawed grip, feeling his well-deserved orgasm finally hit him. You suctioned your mouth around his length especially hard, eyes squeezing shut as you felt him pulsating against the walls of your sore throat.

You could feel the milky white, nearly translucent cum shoot down your throat and, as you usually do, you let it slip down your throat with no complaints—and it wasn’t as if you could try spitting it out; Shuichi’s cock had been so far down your throat, he had been practically been shooting it directly down your throat, giving you no chance to swallow. 

You felt his cock shudder, twitch and go flaccid in your mouth; so with a final drag of your lips, you trapped any leftover semen within the insides of your lips and licked whatever had escaped the bindings of your aching mouth. Shuichi remained heaving against the couch, his hand that had previously been holding onto your hair with a death-grip, weakened and dropped to the side of your face.

Bringing his head back down from the thrown back position on the couch, he stared down at you who had still been seated between his legs, your cheek resting against his thigh as you watched him with a soft and infatuated gaze. After such a feat, to look at him like that; he felt like he was on cloud 9. He truly wondered what he had done to deserve a blow job like that, and someone like you to give him such a thing after neglecting you for twelve hours, he felt terrible for you yet also fortunate to have you. His gaze, despite still fucked-out and slightly mind-blown, held worry for you. 

With his already red face going even more crimson, he brought his hand down to the side of your head to stroke your face tenderly. Still heaving out pants, he stuttered out quiet words of gratification, “... T-thank you. For that.” To which you only grinned cheekily at, head turning to gently nibble and kiss at the inside of his thigh, causing a small yelp to erupt from him. 

Your hand gripped onto his thigh, making sure to immobilize him and his squirming as you sucked a hickey onto his thigh. “Hh-!” Shuichi could only whimper at the pressure, his free hand going up to wipe away the tears that formed from earlier, and the ones that had been forming currently. 

[youngbeezer]

number 5 for the tiktok thing with jon toews?

Referenced Post

Prompt-- 5. Running into each other's arms after not seeing them for awhile (w Jonathan Toews)

A/N: Here's another blurb from the 14 oddly romantic things blurb set. I only have one more after this, so this series(?) is coming to an end. I have enjoyed writing all of these sm! Welcome back captain serious!!!

Thank you for requesting, hope you like it :)

Word Count: 1345 (these have been so long lately idk whats going on)

Warning(s): mentions of his illness(?), but other than that i dont think any!

join my taglist :)

The sound of my phone’s ringtone awakens me from my deep slumber. It takes me a few moments to come to my senses and to rub the sleep out of my eyes, and once I am able to recognize my surroundings, I realize that I am once again waking up to a cold and empty apartment. It’s been the same feeling for almost the past four months.

Like usual, after last year’s NHL season ended, Jonathan and I went back to Winnipeg to spend our summers there in his hometown with family and friends. But this time, when I went back to Chicago for work in mid September, Jon did not come back with me.

During December, he started to experience these symptoms that left him feeling drained and lethargic. So, after seeing multiple doctors, Jon thought it was best to stay back at home to try and better understand his condition and get his health back on track.

Unfortunately, my job as a teacher was still in Chicago and needed me back right away, thus preventing me from staying in Winnipeg with Jonathan during this difficult time for him. It was definitely hard on our relationship being so far from each other, especially since Jon was sick and I couldn’t be there for him. But, we talked everyday and we both are very comfortable in where we are in our relationship, so we made it work.

So far, Jon does not know much on when he will be back in Chicago, and right now it is starting to seem like the next time I’ll be able to see him is when the school year is over and I am able to go back to his hometown.

I am brought out of my jumbled thoughts when my ringtone goes off once more signaling I have a text notification. I reach over to my bedside table to retrieve my phone off of the charger.

‘Good morning, beautiful.’

‘Hope you have a great day, say hi to all your kids for me.’

‘Love and miss you.’

I let out a sigh and go to wipe off the few tears that I feel running down my cheeks. Coming up on that four month mark has been extra hard lately. I miss waking up to his lazy morning kisses along my back. I miss the way we move in perfect harmony when we are doing our morning routines in the bathroom. I miss his goodbye kiss he gives me every day before going to practice. I miss everything about him. I also feel like such a bad girlfriend not being able to be there in support and to take care of him when he has been dealing with such a scary and unknown illness.

I wipe off the few remaining tears lingering on my cheeks and go to text back my boyfriend.

‘Love and miss you too! I’ll call you on my lunch break xx.’

I go to get ready for my day since I have to be at the school by 8:00 AM and it is already nearing 7:15. I take a quick shower and quickly blow dry my hair. I make a quick pitstop to check my phone and find another message from Jon.

‘Sorry baby, I think I have a doctor’s appointment during your lunch break.’

‘I’ll talk to you later, love you.’

I frown a little at his message. First, I worry that he has another doctor’s appointment-- since last time I heard, he was getting better; and I also frown at the idea of having to wait all day until I can hear his voice.

Today’s gonna be a long day…

(...)

Today was a long day.

First, I forgot to bring in the worksheets I printed out last night for my lesson plan so I had to switch everything around. Then, one of my students scraped their knee during recess so I had to take care of them and bring them to the nurse’s office, thus making me miss out on my lunch break (where I wouldn’t have been able to even talk to Jon anyway). And now, I am putting bandages on the back of my heels where my wedges gave me blisters. For some reason, I thought it would be a good idea to look cute today instead of being practical since I walk around and stand all day long.

My students were just dismissed, so I am currently just organizing everything that I’ll need to have ready for tomorrow. Once I finish up, I gather all my belongings and start making my way out of the classroom. I make sure to say good night to my favorite security guard before trekking to the parking lot.

When I make it out of the school building, I immediately go to take off my wedges. As I look back up in search of my car, I stop dead in my tracks.

Standing in front of my car, with my favorite flowers in his hand, is Jonathan.

Everything that was once in my hands has now clattered to the ground as my hands instinctively move to cover my mouth in both shock and excitement. Tears start to gather in my eyes as Jonathan gives me a huge smile.

Once the initial shock wears off and I realize it is actually my Jonathan standing right before me in person, I let out a little squeal and start jogging over to him. He sets the flowers on the hood of my car as I get closer and opens his arms to welcome my body.

He stumbles back a little when I jump into his arms, but he quickly recovers with a breathy laugh and by tightening his arms even more around my torso. As his arms wrapped around me, tears flowed freely.

“Oh my god. You’re really here.” I cried out, clinging onto him in fear that this was all a dream and he would soon disappear.

“I’m here baby. I’m right here.” He soothed into my ear, running his fingers through my hair.

At this point I felt like I was just uncontrollably sobbing. All the pain and loneliness of being apart, and the stress of not fully knowing how he was feeling and doing-- all of it is over now.

“Hey, y/n-- baby, please stop crying.” He shushed into my ear, trying to calm me down.

“I missed you so much.” I hiccup out. I pull away a little from his embrace to instead cup my hands around his neck to get a good look at him. “You look so good.”

Before I can ramble even more, Jonathan leans in and kisses me. Our bodies pressed together and our lips molded as though we were never apart. His lips were softer than I remember and tasted sweet against my own. I could feel his breath tickle beneath my nose as my left hand moved from his neck to his head to card my fingers through his hair.

It eventually started to grow sloppy as both of us could not contain our smiles any longer. I let out a little giggle when our teeth clack once more which prompts us to break apart from each other-- but not before Jonathan gives my nose one last peck.

“I love you so much.” I breathed out.

“I love you too.” He beamed back. “Let’s go pick up all your stuff in the middle of the road, eh.”

I look back at my belongings, totally forgetting that I dropped everything when I first saw Jonathan. We both make our way over there and gather all my stuff up before making our way back to my car.

Jonathan’s hands card through mine, giving it a little squeeze before mumbling out,

“It’s good to be back home.”

I smile but raise my eyebrows just a little up at him and ask, “I’m glad you are too, but isn’t Winnipeg technically you’re home?”

He gives me one last little peck before murmuring against my lips,

“Wherever you are is my home.”

Taglist; @heatherawoowoo @barzysandmarnersbitch @joelsfarabees @hockeyplayerstories @barzy-xoxo

tagging a few mutuals as well,,,,

@lovereadinghockeyy @carepriceisgoodathockey @prettyboyjackhughes @2manytabsopen @frederikanderson @bb-nhlqueen7 @cherrybarzy @jamiesdrysdales @luukasreichel @gigissports @cherrylita

[graceloveswolves]

Paul Lahote Oneshot

Requested by @youralternantpersonality​

*Paul x Reader: Y/n (who’s adopted to residents in Forks) is friends with Jacob, who abandons her at her worst time (adopted parents are giving her up) because he shifts. She doesn’t like confrontation, so she just goes to the Res to return his stuff and grab hers at Billy’s when he runs into her. The pack is behind her while she and jake are arguing. She goes to leave and Paul imprints on her, not know she may or may not come back to her home town*

______________________________________________________________   “Sorry, I’m busy right now. Leave a message”

      I wiped my tears from my face and dropped my phone on my bed, trying to hold in my cries. My bestest and closest friend- ex friend- has officially decimated our friendship, with no explanation. No reason for it, all I got was “Don’t talk to me again.” and “We aren’t friends anymore.” Pretty subtle, and brutal. Even for Jacob, his words had hit deep, and with no one around me to take it out on but myself. And to make things worse, my parents-adopted parents- have told me that they can’t take care of me anymore, and that they are giving me to someone in Southern Texas for awhile, if not forever. So in a way, I guess I was going to lose Jacob Black anyway. I guess our friendship was just bound to crash and burn, just like my other ones.

   I stared at my phone, debating if I should call him back or not. I then looked around at my empty, boxed up room. Today was my last day in Forks, I spent the last week packing my room up and loading it into a moving van. Preparing to say goodbye to Forks for awhile, or at least until my adopted family could financially support me again. Which I have my doubts on, so I spent every minute I could spare, soaking up Forks before I mostly likely say goodbye to this tiny town for good.

     Unlike some, I actually enjoyed this tiny area. I felt like I had a destiny here, like I was meant to be here. I felt it deep in my bones, like I haven’t fulfilled my destiny yet. Like my existence hasn’t served its purpose here yet. Maybe its the nostalgia, or broken heart. But I felt like my fate was telling me to stay, that I wasn’t done yet. I shake my head from my sadden thoughts and pick up the last box in my room. Looking down at the label in sharpie, I read JACOB BLACK.        I sighed, closing my eyes for a few minutes. If Jake won’t answer the phone, then I guess I’ll just have to drop his stuff off at his house myself, at least then I can go grab a few of my things I left in his house over time, since we practically lived in each others houses growing up, despite being in different areas. I walked out of my ex guardians house, refusing to look at them, I get into my car, throwing the box in the back seat, feeling glad he didn’t answer the phone, at least then I have a chance of getting in and out without facing him, because after the fight we had, I don’t think I want to run into him.      I drive away from the house I once lived in, knowing that I’ll probably never see those people ever again. The people who raised me, made me who I am today. Even though they were barely in the house, and I never really grew close with either one of them, it still hurt, knowing that the only relationship I had with someone that meant something to me, apparently never meant anything to him. I bit my lip, refusing to let another tear shed over someone who didn’t give a damn about me. 

    Once I made it to Jake’s house, I turn the car off, sitting there, bracing myself to say goodbye to everything that ever made me happy. I started to recall all of the memories I had made here. From me breaking my arm for the first time, to Jake losing his tooth for the first time, to me accidentally knocking him out playing tag To him making me pass out from being in a head lock for too long. I laughed quietly to myself from the funny memory, before the sound of little tapping on my car roof snapped me back to reality. 

   I frowned up at my windshield that was quickly starting to be overruled by raindrops. Typical. Of course, could this get any worse? I thought to myself as  I got out of the car quickly, grabbing Jake’s box and making my way to the tiny house that grew to be my second home growing up. I didn’t bother knocking, since I would only be a minute and I practically lived here all my life. I opened the door quietly and set the box down on the counter as I welcomed myself into Jake’s house.

    I looked around the house and started picking up a few things that were mine like my favorite shirts, or my hairbrush. Once I searched every room but one, I bit my lip, glancing at Billy’s room, he must still be sleeping, it was still kinda early in the morning, I didn’t  search it, not wanting to wake him, I don’t think much of mine is in his room anyway. I decided to skip his room and put all my items into my purse that I had brought with me, and gave the house one more last look, before I started walking out of the tiny red house and closing the door behind me.    I gasped, meeting face to face with the last person I wanted to see right now. He had grown at least a foot, and had cut his hair, which was now cropped and soaking wet from standing in the pouring rain. “What do you think you’re doing?” Jake had questioned, in a deep and serious tone. “I-I... I tried to call you, you didn’t answer.” I clutched to my purse, taken back from the size of his muscles, he had grown at least twice the size in like two weeks.

  “You didn’t answer my question Y/n.” Jake said a little louder, I was about to snap back at him, but something caught my eye over his gigantic shoulder, it was other people, it was Sam, and his stupid minions. Anger suddenly boiled over me, everything had now made sense. He had left me for drugs, drugs and other stupid arrogant boys. Then another though crossed my mind. He didn’t leave me, he replaced me.    I was over here, tearing myself apart wondering what I did wrong, crying myself to sleep for a week, while he was sleeping peacefully and having a wonderful time not having a care in the world, no doubt doing drugs with his new buddies and partying. Fine, if I really didn’t mean anything to him, then why should he mean something to me. I shook my head in pure anger.

  “You know what Jake? You are pathetic! You dodge my calls all week and leave me with no explanation only to find out I had been replace by a bunch of stupid boys that we both hated together?! Seriously, is testosterone and steroids worth more then our friendship? Do you feel cool now? Bad boy Jake is all grown up now?!” I yell at him, backing him up to the point where we both are standing in the freezing rain. However unlike me, he hadn’t been shivering at all.        “Why are you even here? I already told you we aren’t friends anymore and I don’t want you around anymore? What part of that don’t you get?” He answered with sass, throwing his hands up. His buddies stepped closer, obviously not minding their own business. “I’m sorry that I’m having trouble grasping the fact that the only true friend that I’ve grown up with for 15 years has suddenly left me like I never meant anything. You hurt me Jake. I’m hurt. And I don’t even know w-why.” I choked on the last word, feeling my throat tighten, and tears threatening to spill.        We stood in the rain in silence, my ex best friend was looking down at the ground, as if he was trying to find something to say. I crossed my arms, standing there, drenched in the rain, waiting for him to say something, anything.

  “Go home Y/n.” Jake replied, looking down at his feet. Not even being able to look me in the face like a man. That’s when the water works started to kick in. Once he heard my sniffling, he perked his head up. I gave up trying to keep my tears in, I have had a shitty week and he deserves to know how much he’s hurt me. However, I looked up back at him, so many hateful things to spit at him floating in my head, however I couldn’t find the courage to spit them out. Because deep down I still cared for him like my brother, and I don’t want my last moments with him to be worst then they already are.    “I-I-I don’t have a h-home anym-m-more.” Was all I said to him, brushing past him, wiping my eyes from both the tears and rain. I suddenly felt his extremely warm hand wrap around my wrist and turn me around, my back facing his new crew and my car. “What is that supposed to mean?” He looked down at me, his eyes scanning my tiny figure. As if he was suddenly panicking from my response.

   “I’m moving you stupid cow! My parents can’t afford to support me anymore! I go to Texas tonight, so don’t worry, you’ll never have to see me again.” I snapped, ripping myself out of his grip, turning around not letting him have the last word. As I went to take a step, I accidentally walking right into one of his new druggie friends. Who I hadn’t realize were right behind me and were so close. The rock hard frame had caught me, leaving me stunned from whiplash. “Watch it asshole!” I spat up at him, anger snapping out. Our eyes locked, and I had noticed which one I had ran into. 

I believed his name was Paul, very hotheaded if I remember right from Jake. I suddenly regretting snapping this particular member once noticing him staring dead back at me, not letting go of my hips which were in his grasp. However as I looked closer, his stare didn’t hold anger, it held surprise, and shock. And it was making me uncomfortable, just like my soggy wet clothes I was currently in, and would be driving in, all the way to Texas. “Get off me perv!” I exclaimed, pushing the star struck guy away from me, marching my way into my car. 

 Once I was in the safety of my car, I start to uncontrollably sob. Everything that had ever happened within the years I lived here meant nothing, friendships, memories, relationships, all of it, gone. And I had to pack up and start over, leaving everything behind forever. As I drove away I couldn’t help but feel as if I left a piece of me there, like I had not finished nor served my purpose here.  Maybe I’ll come back, maybe one day I will come back and find my purpose, if it’s still waiting for me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here’s to knowing you have to wake up at 5:30am tomorrow but still staying up to write this anyways because fuck sleep, its overrated... until I hear my alarm clock. - graceloveswolves :)   

[aki-simp]

Make me proud

This piece is for another collab! (That I am incredibly late for and I am very sorry. Work has been quite tumultuous and I am grateful for the extension! ❤️)

This piece contains sub! Goshiki, Goshiki being a perv with a foot fetish and fem! reader being his kryptonite by wearing thigh highs.

Minors go away

It wasn’t dark, but Tsutomu couldn’t see. It was winter, but Tsutomu was burning up. He felt exposed, but Tsutomu was in his home.

Which technically was your fault. The lack of sight was brought on by the blindfold you lovingly covered his eyes with. The insatiable heat was brought on by your hands caressing his chest. And the feeling of being exposed? That was your doing too, along with the ropes holding his arms behind his back and spreading his legs, leaving his cock to stand as if waiting for you to see.

This was something normal for the two of you, Tsutomu being the ever so flustered man you knew him to be even in high school. But despite not even thinking it could be, he’s somehow now he’s turned into something even better. His submissiveness knows no bounds with you, to him, your word is law. And neither of you would have it any other way.

He can’t help the choked gasp he makes as your hands graze his chest before tugging at his bindings, constricting his chest. You lovingly wrap a hand around his throat before shoving him back with little force. You didn’t need to use much force with him since he seemed far too eager to please you. So with his practiced and careful agility he softly lands on the floor with a quiet thud.

“You’re hard.” You muse at him as you gently slide a finger along one of the prominent veins on the underside of his cock. “We’ve hardly started and you’re trembling.”

Tsutomu twists in his bindings. Not to escape, but to silently beg for friction. He knew how you felt about his disobedience. And he was not keen on receiving punishment, especially in such a vulnerable state. “I-I’m sorry mistress. The way you touch me…. I can’t help it.” Tsutomu shivers at the laugh that bubbles from your chest.

“And it’s my fault that you can’t keep this in check?” You ask him in a pointed tone, grabbing his dick at its base and squeezing. You hear his head hit the floor as it falls backwards, the sudden and forceful grasp on his cock almost startling him into cumming.

“N-No mistress! Not at all! I’m simply…. J-just…” his sentence tapers off into a groan as your hand tightens around him before releasing him. His head shoots up, eyes looking for you despite being covered. “I’m just a bad boy!” You watch his chest heave, his bottom lip caught between his teeth as he waits on bated breath. He couldn’t read your expression, your touch was gone. So he waited.

You enjoy the way he shakes as he hears you stand, his head following the sounds of your soft footsteps around the room. But the tremble in his lip when you came back to stand before him brings a smile to your face. When making your trip around the room you grabbed a chair. So you place it in front of him, taking your seat.

As Tsutomu lays spread eagle on the floor before you, you gently brought one of your feet along the inside of his thigh, watching them quake in the very ropes holding him open. The softest ‘oh’ falls from his lips as you use your foot to lift his balls before watching them drop again. “You know,” you start, keeping your tone as stoic as possible. “I should keep you like this.” Your foot comes to rest along his dick, pushing it forward to rest along his abdomen.

And when you apply a slight pressure, his hips jolt against your foot, the head of his weeping cock peeking out from beneath your sock-covered foot. With a pitchy whine, he stills his hips as best he can, though the soft tremors in his thighs remain. “Please..” he whispers. You sigh through your nose as you release him from under your foot, only to remove both socks before throwing them onto Tsutomu face.

“Hush. You’ll get to cum this time, be glad I’m touching you at all.” You bring your feet up to caress the sides of his shaft, feeling it throb. He’s panting now, the gentle soles of your feet gliding along his member and the feeling of his precum lubricating your toes causes another hip noting shudder to make him thrust against your feet. “Don’t bother fighting it. We both know you’re enjoying this a bit too much.”

He sputters and nods. “Y-Yes mistress.” He slowly raises and drops his hips against your feet. You slowly decrease your movements and before long, hes fucking your feet and whining.The sweat on his brow, his mouth agape with a constant stream of curses and moans falling from it like a cacophany of wanton lust.

You bring one foot to rub against the head of his cock, the other to slide against his shaft. “O-Oh fffuck”. Tsutomu begins to thrust against your feet with fervor. It’s too bad he’s so far, otherwise you’d kiss his neck as he throws his head back to moan. One of your socks that was previously on his face fell to the floor in his writhing. And as you remove your feet to stand, his keening whine has your cunt clenching with want. You hush him as you kneel beside him, pushing his sweat slicked hair from his forehead before shoving some of the abandoned sock into his mouth before returning to your seat.

“Bad boys don’t get to complain, Tsutomu”. He nods as best he can, mumbling what you assume to be apologies into the obstruction in his mouth as he waits for you to continue. Without fail, once your feet are on him again, his muffled cries return with it. You watch his jaw clench and relax along with the muscles of his thighs. You watch his saliva soak the sock currently gagging him. Watching him alone could bring anyone to a near orgasmic state. He was too pretty for his own good. But there’s one thing you know that makes it all better.

The breathy pitch in his tone lets you know he’s close. The staggering thrusts of his hips, and although you can't see them, you know his eyes are rolling into the back of his head. And all at once you sit back, pulling your feet away from him.

Tsutomu is trying so hard to earn back your trust. So hard. So you aren’t surprised when he doesn’t scream about the loss of friction on his aching cock. But you do expect the tears. And they come, you’re glad he can’t see the wicked smile on your face.

It’s not dark, but he can’t see you. He’s not cold, but he’s shivering. He’s close to cumming, but you aren’t even touching him. Hes startled at the feeling of your hand near his face before you remove the sock from his mouth, watching him move his jaw to relax it from the death grip he held the sock in earlier. He knows what to do even without you having to ask. Because he’s a good boy. He’s trying so hard to be, anyway.

“I-I’m sorry mistress. May..May I please…”. He can feel your steely gaze watching him as he swallows. “Can I please cum?”. There’s a moment of silence before you hum, giving mock contemplation to his request. The longer he waits for a response, you see how tense his body grows. He fears you might say no, so he leaps at your silence as an opportunity to redeem himself. “I-I promise I’ll be good, I’ll be so good! Just please, please let me cum.”

You turn your head to see the red head of his cock drooling onto his lower stomach before sighing. You sit between his legs before rubbing one foot along the head of his cock once more. “Fine. Since you’ve been so obedient.” He moans his praises as his tears soak his blindfold. Babbling out ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ as he feels his orgasm approaching. His chanting of your title mistress falls from his lips like a prayer as his hips move in an uncontrolled rhythm.

He sobs at the feeling of your feet leaving him as he’s on the precipice of orgasm once again, but the groans he releases as you sink down onto his cock are enough to almost make you worry he might lose his voice later. He cums as you settle onto his hips. And with your new position, you can finally litter his exposed neck in kisses and love bites like you were dying to. And his shivers make it worth it. The warmth of your hole enveloping his cock as it milks him for all he’s worth makes his head fuzzy. His breathless ‘thank you’s as he shallowly humps his cock into you as if trying to make sure his cum has coated your walls growing to a halt as he borders on over sensitivity.

So you take great delight in his cries for mercy and the flex of his arms as he tugs at their bindings as you bounce on his cock. “Come on Tsutomu,” you pant. “You can give me one more, can’t you? Make mistress proud~”

[thero0ks]

In the Flesh <Shay Cormac>

Another work I forgot to transfer from AO3. Please enjoy <3

Autumn leaves floated on the surface of the river. Her elbows were pressed into her knees, and her nose was buried in a book. Songbirds called to each other, and the soft turning of the pages blended together into a peaceful melody. Her training schedule had been hectic, and preparation for winter at the homestead had taken up most of her free time. It was times like these that she coveted. Solitude, nature, and a good book seemed to always call out to her.

She could be the worst assassin at times. Completely oblivious to her surroundings, and completely engrossed in what she was doing. It was her Achilles' heel, and he knew it. His feet were silent as he crept up the path, taking extra care to avoid the crunchy orange leaves that littered the forest floor. He hesitated studying his target. Her posture was relaxed on the marble bench at the edge of the river. The cowl of her assassin robes were pulled down, and her (d/l) hair was unbound floating in the crisp breeze. As he crept closer he was engulfed in her scent, his eyes fluttered shut for a moment taking in her comforting scent. It reminded him of home, a place that he thought was lost forever. His dark eyes narrowed on his target, and he couldn’t help but grin as he launched himself at her. His hands were quick to find her sides, the tips of his fingers squeezing into soft flesh.

She let out a surprised squeak her body tensing, before letting out uncontrollable laughter. “Sh-Shay.” She managed to choke out between giggles. “Stop!” She shrieked. His attacks finally seized, and he wrapped his arms around her waist resting his chin on her shoulder, “What are you reading lass?”

“That is none of your business Mr. Cormac.” She said with a blush.

His eyes lit up reaching for the novel in her hands. He was quick to snatch it up before she could stop him. “Pamela?” He asked flipping through some of the pages. “A romance book?” He asked quirking an eyebrow as he took a seat on the bench next to her. “I didn’t know you were a hopeless romantic.” He said giving her shoulder a nudge.

“I’m not!” She said reaching for the book, which Shay seemed determined not to give back. “Hope said she liked it, so she lent it to me.”

Shay sprawled across the bench laying his head in her lap, book open to the page she was on. He cleared his throat and began to read out loud, leaving her red faced and embarrassed. After a couple of pages he stopped glancing up at her, “(Y/N) this is an awful book. Are you going to make me read this whole thing?”

She scoffed, “I never asked you to read it. You took that upon yourself, but I see what you mean. It’s even worse hearing it then it is reading it.”

Shay dropped the book, “what’s this sudden interest in romance novels?”

“You aren’t going to drop this are you?” She inquired with a roll of her eyes. He frowned, “humor me. I’m just curious.”

It occurred to her some time ago that he always managed to get her to inadvertently admit things that he didn’t want to be the first to say. He had a knack for convincing her to share her secrets with him, and he always seemed interested in what was going on in her mind. She was never the kind to open up, but if someone asked she would answer truthfully. Her heart was an open book for those willing to ask. “As you know I am a woman.” She began.

“Shocking.” Shay said dryly.

“Eventually, I would like to find someone…” She said rubbing the back of her neck. “Or maybe not, I don’t know. I guess I’m curious?” She continued to ramble.

“Wait, you mean to tell me you’ve never been with a man in any way?” He asked looking up at her, causing the woman to blush.

“I never said that!” She said folding her arms across his chest.

“You didn’t need to.” Shay said with a chuckle. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of.” He added.

“Regardless, my life isn’t exactly relationship material.” (Y/N) simply said, “but I can read about people who are in the position for such things.” She said simply.

“Maybe you just need someone who leads a similar life.” Shay said softly.

**

“He’s dead.” Liam’s voice echoed snapping her back to reality. “Shay is dead (Y/N).” He repeated trying to solidify the statement in her mind.

“Dead? How? When?” She asked. Her knees felt weak, and the world seemed to shake at it’s very core.

“He defected. He’s a traitor.” Liam said once more. He was being extremely blunt with her as if she should take his words as solid facts. “One of our fellow brothers, who shall remain nameless shot him.”

Her eyes widened turning on Liam instantly. For a moment her grief was transformed into rage. “Who the fuck shot him?” She asked shoving Liam against the wall.

“For his safety, and your sanity he shall remain anonymous. Now I would suggest you back down and return to your duties immediately.” Liam hissed.

With shaking hands she released him. Liam would not divulge any more information. He’d mentored her enough times for her to know how his mind worked. She spun around leaving the homestead behind her. Her mind was foggy, and emotions crashed about inside her like a sea during a storm. The marble bench by the river had a blanket of snow covering it. Bare fingered she managed to brush it off. Her whole body was numb, so she didn’t even feel the ice biting into her flesh. She collapsed onto the bench burying her face in her hands. Salty tears came quick, and sobs wracked her body. Her best friend was gone, and she’d never gotten to say goodbye.

* **

“Quicker on your feet!” Liam hollered to some novices across the yard. His eyes flickered back to the (p/c/l) figure in front of him. “Your stance is wrong. If someone twice your size swings at you they’ll break through your defense instantly.” He said placing his hands on her hips to adjuster her stance. His fingers lingered on her hip as his other hand adjusted the position of her sword. She knew what he was doing, but she hadn’t been able to conclude if he was ordered to do it as a distraction or if he was genuinely interested in her. Maybe his conscience was clear since his best friend was labeled a traitor, and was currently six feet under.

They ran through the drill until Liam felt the stance came naturally to her. She was placing a practice sword on the rack when Liam’s brogue startled her, “(Y/N). I wish to speak with ye.” She turned to face him giving him her full attention. “I know I’m your mentor, but I wanted to ask you something more personal.” He said softly looking down at the path as they walked. Her eyes widened, and her heart sped up. She knew where this conversation was going, and she’d been dreading it. “It seemed wrong at the time to say anything. You were a novice, and I was one of your mentors. Shay seemed pretty taken with ye, so I never pushed the matter.” He said stopping turning to face her. His hands quickly found hers gripping them for some sense of comfort, or support. “You’re beautiful.” He said earnestly leaning towards her. “I want you to join me in Virginia. I could be your only mentor from now on, and some time at sea together may do us both good.” He rambled on his eyes flickering up to her (e/c) gaze.

“Liam I-” but she was cut off by an Assassin.

“Sir! Kesegowaase is dead!” The rider declared handing him a sealed envelope. “There’s been reports that Shay Cormac has murdered him.”

Liam growled, “dammit! Dammit all to hell!” His thumb popped open the wax seal as his eyes scanned the letter. “That fucking traitor!”

“Shays alive?” Her voice seemed distant. The shock of the news was still seeping in.

“The Shay you knew is dead.” Liam said shaking his head. “Dammit, he’s overtaken one of the forts in New York. Achilles and Hope need to know. Come, you may be getting another promotion soon.” Liam said leading her towards the manor.

Achilles and Hope did not take the news well. (Y/N) found herself seated at a table watching the three debate the best course of action. “Perhaps we could draw him out?” Hope suggested her eyes flickering over to the (p/c/l) woman.

Liam frowned shaking his head, “he’ll be expecting that. Once he sees her he’ll be immediately on guard, or he’ll kill her.”

Hope tisked, “you boys still aren’t over that feud? Shay is obviously a traitor, you don’t have to worry about losing (Y/N) to him. Shay will know this, but I think we both know that he will try his damndest to win her over.” Hope said simply. “Men aren’t that complicated Liam.” She said flicking auburn locks over her shoulder.

(Y/N) sat up in her seat at the discussion. There were a lot of assumptions flying around the room about her, Shay, Liam, and her relationship with the two. She was about to interject, but stopped herself. It dawned on her that this may be the only opportunity she would get to learn the truth. If she could just speak to Shay she would know. Hope, Liam and Achilles hadn’t been entirely truthful regarding the events of Shay’s disappearance. Liam appeared to know that Shay was alive. How long had he known? Why didn’t he want her to know that Shay was still alive? She couldn’t escape the feeling that they were hiding something from her, and she was determined to get to the bottom of it.

“I think Hope’s right.” (Y/N) said making up her mind.

Liam raised his eyebrows at her statement. “I think I can draw him out. He’ll know if I bring others with me.” She added glancing around the room. “Liam’s right. He’d expect that, but Hope’s right too. Shay would expect me to try and find him. I’m sure he’s aware that news of him has spread to the brotherhood. I know he’d speak with me.” She said giving Liam’s hand a squeeze in an attempt to convince him her actions were innocent.

Liam squeezed her hand back, “so you’ll go…to Virginia with me?” Hope filled his eyes, and she was tempted to look away, ashamed of her lie.

“Yes, of course. After New York.” She said offering him a smile.

* **

New York was bustling with activity. Blending into crowds was an easy task for (Y/N). She made her way to the docks. The Morrigan had disappeared from the homestead, and (Y/N) assumed that this was the best place to look for Shay. The man wouldn’t wander too far away from his beloved ship. The docks seemed endless. She must have read the name of fifty different ships, but still no Morrigan.

Shay peaked around the corner of a ship. Her back was to him as her eyes scanned the docks. He’d managed to search the perimeter, and he was able to confirm that she was alone. She hadn’t changed much. Still completely oblivious to his predatory gaze. He was directly behind her when he finally spoke up, “looking for me lass?”

She jumped at his voice, but something inside her eased at the recognition of his voice. Her shoulders started to shake, and she knew there was no use in trying to stop the tears that pooled in her eyes. She slowly turned to face him, “you’re really alive. You’re not a ghost?” She stated gazing up at him. He could see the tears collecting on her long lashes and streaking down her face.

“Aye, it’s me. In the flesh.” He said with a simple nod of confirmation.

“You look...different.” She said eyeing his robes, and she noticed the blood red cross on his chest. Her eyes flickered up to his dark lidded eyes. “It suits you.” She said quietly.

He took a step towards her closing the distance between the two. His arms wrapped around her pulling her to him. He knew she’d spill whatever was on her mind when she felt safe, and he wasn’t wrong in his assumption.

“Shay everything is wrong. Liam told me you were a traitor, and that you were dead. I'm pretty sure Achilles, Hope and Liam aren't telling me the whole truth." Her voice was muffled in his coat. "And I think Liam's in love with me."

Shay froze at her last sentence, "Liam is in love with you?"

"I think; he wants to mentor me, and go to Virginia with him." She said, and her eyes widened at what she had just said. She quickly pulled away from Shay. "Shit! I shouldn't have told you that."

"Lass I think you need to sit down and calmly explain what's going on." He said observing her wide eyes and obsessive pacing. "Come on lass." He said putting his arm around her leading her across the docks. Fort Arsenal was close. He studied her out of the corner of his eye as he lead her to the fort. His heart still fluttered at the sight of her, and she still felt like home. He was worried she'd hate him, but he could see the internal conflict within her.

He lead her into the fort sitting her down in front of the fire. He shoved a glass of whiskey in her hand. "Drink this lass. It'll help." He said sitting next to her. He didn't try to speak until she finished the glass.

"Shay, what happened? I came home from my mission and Liam told me you were dead. He said that you were a traitor." Her eyes flickered down once more to the cross on his chest.

Shay sighed running his hand down his face, "I went to Lisbon, and found the precursor sight. When I touched it, it triggered an earthquake. It was a repeat of Haiti. Thousands of people died. All because of me." His gaze flickered to the fire. He couldn't bare to see her reaction. "I told Achilles what happened, and he refused to stop meddling with the precursor sights, so I attempted to steal the manuscript, and you know the rest."

He heard the thump of glass on the mahogany table and the shuffling of feet. "Shay, .Lisbon wasn't your fault. You didn't know." She said softly gripping his hands in hers. She was kneeling in front of him looking up at him.

"Do you love him?" Shay asked his gaze smoldering in the firelight.

"No, it's always been you." She said softly. Shay didn't hesitate to capture her lips in a kiss. He'd thought of this moment often, he'd imagined it in a hundred different ways, but nothing compared to this. His fingers tugging her closer, so that she was in his lap. Her fingers expertly pulling on his dark locks creating a pleasant sensation. He picked her up carrying her across the room letting her back hit the feather mattress. Her long lashes framed pupils blown with lust that gazed up at him with nothing but trust. He smoothed back her (h/c), "do you trust me?" He inquired searching her eyes for any doubt.

She nodded pulling him down by the lapels of his jacket and whispered, "always" against his lips.

* **

She awoke to the warm sun on her bare back. She gave a tentative stretch feeling a pleasurable soreness in her body. She rolled over to find the bed empty. She climbed out of the bed creeping across the floorboards hearing low voices echo through the fort. She turned to find a note on the bedside table.

Early morning meeting. I'll be back around ten. Yours, Shay

She grabbed a light blanket at the end of the bed wrapping it around her shoulders peeking out the window. It couldn't be past eight. Her robes were scattered across the mahogany floor, which she promptly ignored. She found a kettle and placed it over the fire taking a seat. She didn’t know if returning to the homestead was an option after last night. Hope had spies all over the city. She wasn’t a fool, and neither was Shay. Someone saw them enter Fort Arsenal, and she could guarantee that someone had been posted outside the stronghold all night to see if she left the fort. Which she hadn’t, so there were only two conclusions the brotherhood would come to: she was killed, or she defected. Hope would assume the latter, and Liam? Who knew. She could most likely convince him she was held prisoner from questioning, but the rest of the brotherhood wouldn’t trust her. The whistling of the kettle snapped her from her thoughts. She took the kettle off the fire busying herself with making a pot of tea.

* **

It was a little past ten when Shay got back. The pessimistic part of him worried she’d be gone, but his heart told him she stayed. He was eager to see her and possibly repeat the events from last night. He found her seated in front of the fire, deep in thought. “I was worried you’d left.” He said snapping her back to reality.

She quirked an eyebrow, “if I recall I’m the one who woke up alone.”

He chuckled giving her temple a kiss, “I left a note.” His hand giving her bare arm a rub. “I’m yours for the rest of the day.” He said pressing a kiss to her neck his stubble scratching the delicate skin.

“Shay..” She said softly, “we need to talk.”

Shay froze. He knew this conversation was coming, but he hadn’t been prepared for it to come so soon. He was hoping to enjoy her a little more before she left, but he understood the predicament she was in. The predicament he put her in. He rocked back on his heels using the momentum to stand. He took a seat in the chair opposite of her. Her bottom lip was glossy, and he knew she’d been anxiously biting it all morning. A habit she’d had since he met her.

“I realize the position I’m in.” She began her fingers playing with the ends of the blanket that was draped around her. “I am not a fool. I know Hope has spies in the city, I know we were followed, and I didn’t return to the bureau last night. To the brotherhood I’ve defected.” Her voice grew soft at the end. “I suppose in a way I have. I lied to Liam and Hope. They expected me to kill you, and I knew that I wouldn’t.” She hesitated, “a lot of people put their trust in me and I’ve betrayed them.” She groaned burying her head in her hands, “I’m going to fucking hell.”

He cursed, “Shite lass. This is my fault, I should have turned you away immediately. As soon as I saw you I had hope that someone didn’t completely turn on me. Then when you mentioned Liam I got angry, and jealous. I thought maybe he’d gotten to you too, and the thought of you loving him killed me, but when you told me you still cared for me I had to have you.” He confessed gripping her hands in his. “I’ve wanted you for so long, and it was selfish of me, but I’ll never regret last night. Even if you chose to leave.”

“After last night I have no desire to return to the homestead.”

A smile bloomed across Shay’s face, “you’re staying lass?”

“If you’ll have me.” She said kissing the tip of his nose.

He pulled her into a bone crushing hug, his thumb smoothing her hair. “I thought you were going to tell me I’d lost you forever.” He said nuzzling his face into the crook of her neck.

“I lost you once Shay. Never again.” She said kissing the top of his head.

“I love you lass.” Shay murmured against her neck.

Her heart eased at those four words. For once he’d been the first to confess. She’d heard him express it in a million different little ways, but his confession did not leave any room for doubt. Her fingers trailed his back as she uttered, “I love you too.

___

Tag List:

@jstar1992  @pink-polarfox

[peachyunjinnie]

❝glaring eyes❞ hyj ― m.

― summary:

you have been acting bratty all day by sending hyunjin multiple lingerie photos and he is not having any of your disrespect, so he has decided to help you remember that he is in charge.

harddom!hyunjin/bratty!reader | smut | 1.5k ↬ content warnings:  sir kink, spit kink, degradation, spanking, abusive and possessive behavior, humiliation, bsdm.

a/n: woah, that is something. this was requested by anon, i hope i could fulfill your dirty imagination ;) Enjoy!

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‘Bing‘ ‘Bing’ Bi-’ My Phone has been blowing up all day. The boredom and too much wine has been getting me to send my new lingerie to my boyfriend. It seemed like the practice wasn’t a very good place to get my nudes, ever since that ‘accident‘ has happened I avoided every single text and ignored every single call. This red wine really got me some lacking confidence, since I wanted to do that for weeks just to see his reaction. It was now the time where Hyunjin would usually come to my place to spend some time. I was lying in bed with the red lingerie still hugging my body in the most seductive way. 

The doorbell rang and I couldn’t be more anxious as I was in this exact moment. All of the self-esteem and confidence I have gained through the liquor was now vanished to absolutely and utterly nothing. I walked to the front door and saw the expression of Hyunjin that could already non verbally tell me what is going to happen tonight. 

“Look at you, being all dressed up.” His black hair was messily thrown back with the clothing of the practice still on. His eyes, a dull black taking over the usual warm brown he had. His lips having a smirk on them with his teeth peeking through.He slowly came closer and closer, pinning me against the wall next the door. I stopped breathing at his violent and hard hand boxing the wall next my ear. 

“You little slut, what do you think you are doing. Sending me those pictures and you expect me to not punish you? Pathetic.” He talked more to himself than directly to me. He hissed out low cusses as he took my hair in his fist and dragged me into my bedroom.

“Ah Hyunjin, that hurts!” I shrieked out.

“You whore, you will call me Sir. And if I hear you say one more word I will personally drag your bratty ass through the worst tonight. Got it?” He asked with my hair still in his hand and pulling at it, waiting for my reply. The tears already started to flow and my pussy was aching at the needy state. 

“Yes, Hyun- Ah Sir.” I corrected myself at his yank of my hair. He then continued to drag me into the bedroom and pushed my grievous body on the bed. I fell on the mattress, head down. My ass arching out needy for some kind of satisfaction. 

“You dirty little slut, you need my dick in you?” He asked pushing his hair back again. He snatched my hips upwards and had his big hands on my cheeks. I knew where this is going to go and I prepared myself for the first hit of the probably 50 that were going to come. 

HIT

“You know what to do.”

“One.” I squealed out. My body shaking with pleasure and excitement, I sobbed with a small tear finding its way out of my eye.

“At least you can obey on that.”

HIT

“Two..” The hits were painful but arousing. His huge hands with his long fingers on my body, hitting it. Showing me how to obey.

HIT

“Th-Three.” I started to feel a hard sting on my ass. His hand massaging my soreness. A little kiss on my cheek, making it less bad.

HIT

“Th-Th..” I couldn’t see anything at this point of desperation and neediness, let alone get out a proper sentence. My ass was beyond sore and hot, my eyes couldn’t function either and just rolled back to the back of my head. My mouth open against the mattress and spit drooling uncontrollably.

“Come on. Use your words.” He encouraged me to speak up the last number of the day. I was in a state in which I could not let out any other word without stuttering.

“Thrit-Thirty!” I screamed out with every energy I still had somehow, I breathed out and tried to stop the twitching I had since number 20.

“What a good girl you are. So obedient.” He groaned at the sight of my current state, legs widely opened, hair still in his grip and not even thinking of letting go, mouth messily open with drool escaping out of it, eyes being rolled back and not to forget the hickeys that hyunjin has made here and there all across my thighs and ass. 

“Si-Sir, please fu-Ah-” Without having to say a stuttered and choked out sentence he had flipped me over on my back. I saw him after these long and painfully arousing spanks. I saw that he has opened up the buttons of his shirt and rolled the sleeves up to his elbows. His hair being still slightly wet from the rain from outside and the practice sweat. 

I was faced with him and he was now hovering over me. The intensity of his stare was always breathtaking. He looked at the drool still hanging off my face, creating a mini thread, connecting me with the mattress. He took his free hand and put his index finger in my mouth. 

“Suck.” One word for me to do whatever he wanted to. One single word for me to behave and suck on his finger like the whore I am. Hyunjin took his finger out of my mouth and spread my spit over my face, painted my face with such ease. He smiled a little at my whines and moans begging him to do something with me, to touch me, to fuck me. 

“You needy cumslut want me to fuck you?” He asked chuckling out loud. My head started to nod on it’s own will, my teeth started to nibble on my lips on it’s own will. My whole body was needy for him and that now.

He shifted out of the bed and just stood there, his finger on his chin and admiring the work he has created on me. The colorplay of blue and purple on my thighs, the red swollen face, legs pressing together. 

“You don’t deserve my dick now.” He whispered but still audible for me to hear through the ringing in ears. He searched something in his bag, then took out chains he had in his own dorm but brought today. He took the handcuffs and held me to the bed. 

“N-No! Hyunjin, please don’t.” I knew where this is going and the special way of Hyunjins punishments were to leave me unbelievably horny and desperate. 

"I don’t want to hear one single sound from you.” With that said I had a gag in my mouth and a blindfold over my eyes. It seemed like sending those nudes were not the best idea I had. He then closed the door and what seemed like left. 

There it was, the longest and hardest time for this night. He usually did this with me for what felt like an hour or so. But the way he acted up, I could say that this will maybe continue for 2 maybe 3 hours? I tried to not let out any kind of sounds or to concentrate on the hot and tingling feeling of my core. I still shook a little from the spanking, still having the feeling of his hands hitting the same spot over and over again. 

I was this close to loose my mind over all this time of not having any kind of satisfaction. I couldn’t keep my mouth shut at this point and started to make various sounds, that were being a little muffled by the gag that was forcefully stuffed in my mouth. I cried out for Hyunjin loudly and not long after my sounds were out the door was opened and the creaking sounds of the motion giving me goosebumps.

“My girl. Don’t you understand my commands?” He asked, dangerously anger buried down in his voice. My voice did not want to listen to my command of speaking, a whined out ‘please’ came out. I could not say anything other than ‘please‘.He took off the gag and I felt a painful ache in my jaw. Losing the ability to close your own mouth is the most painful thing. The blindfold was still on and my mouth slowly finding it’s ability to close it again. I felt him climb over me and keep his hand stationed in between in head. 

After some seconds of silence, I felt his hand over my neck, pressing my throat together and adding more and more pressure. The fast motion gave me goosebumps once again, his head falling down to my ear and there he whispered lowly.

“Kitty Cat, I will show you how to behave.”

[seoulsides]

when i’m down on my knees, you’re how i pray

⇒ asmodeus x fem!mc/reader

⇒ 2.2k

⇒ tags: slight angst, hurt/comfort, established relationship, crying, asmo finally getting the love he deserves

⇒ warnings: implied sexual content, spoiler for chapter 8

⇒ summary: you and asmodeus were happy together. at least that’s what you thought until you started waking up in the middle of the night alone, your lover nowhere to be seen. after waking up to an empty bed for the umpteenth time, you decide enough is enough and seek him out. what you find is not what you expect.

⇒ recommended soundtrack: religion - lana del rey

⇒ a/n: this is my contribution to Asmo’s Week. i’ve been working on this for days aka my brain is dead and i cannot do anything else and this is the result! thank you so much to @milas-imaginarium​ for creating this event. asmodeus is my favourite character in the entire game and i’m sick of how poorly he’s been treated. i hope that you guys like it !

When your bleary eyes blink open, you are met with the unwelcome sight of an empty bed. You reach out and pat the vacant space next to you, stomach sinking when the coolness of the silk sheets seeps into your palm; the warm body you sought had left long before you awoke. Swallowing the unsettling feeling in your throat, you take in a deep inhale, the faint aroma of roses that hung in the room engulfing your senses before you sit up. You see your D.D.D lying on the side-table and one tap by your finger illuminates the screen, the bright ‘2:57 am’ on display confirming your suspicion about how late it was. With a heavy heart, you sigh. This was the third time this week you had woken up alone in the middle of the night. 

Heaving another sigh in an attempt to alleviate the tightness that had formed in your chest, you look around the room, searching for any sign of the demon you were looking for. Immediately, your gaze falls onto the balcony door which was left slightly ajar, allowing the moonlight to pour into the room. Almost as if on cue, a chilly gust of wind pushes the door further open, the cool air bestowing a frosty kiss upon your warm skin. You shiver, skin breaking into gooseflesh as you stand to your feet, legs wobbling due to the activities that occurred earlier in the night. You lean down to scoop a discarded hoodie from the carpeted floor, tugging it on along with the pair of panties you had worn earlier, before you head for the gaping door which all but beckons you with the promise of finding the demon who had been plaguing your mind.  

One step out onto the cold tiles of the balcony causes you to shudder once more, momentarily distracting you from the million thoughts that were running through your head. The bite of the cold causes you to curse lightly under your breath, burrowing your chin deeper into the collar of the hoodie for warmth. You are instantly met with the strong scent of your lover’s cologne and you cannot help but sigh forlornly when you recall his distant behaviour over the past couple weeks. Just how did it come to this? For months you both were inseparable, practically attached to the hip, and now here you are, waking up alone in a cold bed, feeling more alone than ever. 

You had never heeded any attention to the barrage of warnings that bombarded you after your relationship with the aforementioned demon became public knowledge. Everyone knew that it had been a while since he had been in a committed relationship, so long in fact that it became the punchline of many jokes made in response to the rumours regarding your affair. You knew better than to listen to the words of others. However, it had just been over two weeks since you both had exchanged ‘I love you’s, and given his current behaviour you could not help but feel insecure about what this meant for your relationship. Completely consumed by your gloomy train of thought, you almost miss the figure tucked away in the corner of the balcony. 

“Ah, my sweet little petal”, a familiar deep voice cooes, the warmth behind the words washing over your frozen flesh, “what are you doing up at this hour?”

There he was in the flesh, the demon who had your heart in the palm of his delicate manicured hands. Bathed in the moonlight, he looked ethereal in just a pair of black silk boxers, lounging comfortably on a velvet chaise with a glass of what you were sure was one of the Devildom’s most expensive liquors nursed in his hand. His amber orbs bore into you, practically staring through your soul. There was an unidentifiable emotion clouding his eyes and combined with the small glum smile dancing on his lips, he looked sombre. He was a vision, and you could not help but think he was sculpted by the hands of Michelangelo himself; at that very moment, you were reminded of just how fitting his title as the ‘Jewel of the Heavens’ was.

“I could ask you the same thing,” you murmur softly as you take a couple of tentative steps towards him, “the Asmodeus staying up late and risking damage to his beautiful skin?” You tease him weakly, but the underlying concern is evident in the undertone of your voice, while your sleep-laced eyes worriedly scrutinise him. At your words, you swear you see a pained expression flicker across his face before he composes himself. He offers you no words in response and his uncharacteristic silence only serves to unsettle you further.

“Asmo,” the affectionate nickname rolls off your tongue, molasses sweet, gently but silently urging him to say anything at all.

Instead of replying to you, he looks off into the distance, avoiding your gaze entirely. He sits up, only to down the remnants of liquor as though it was a shot of Demonus, and then perches the empty crystal glass on the table beside the chaise. He grips the edge of the table tightly, knuckles white as you hear him take in a desperate intake of breath, and you can actually see how his form shakes with the intensity of it. 

“Asmodeus,” you plead, taking the remaining steps to the chaise, placing a hand on his bare shoulder, “baby, what’s wrong?” He shudders at your touch, almost flinching away from you. You call his name once more, desperately, and when he looks at you, you feel your heart shatter all over again. He looked so small and vulnerable, unshed tears flooding his watery eyes, shoulders hunched over. You let out a small gasp, “Oh, Asmo.” You sit beside him, wrapping an arm around his slightly trembling shoulders, a sorrowful cry ripping from his throat as he collapses into your embrace. 

“How could you love me?” he lets out a haggard sob into the crook of your neck, voice broken and raw as tears uncontrollably pour down his flushed cheeks.  

The abruptness of the question hits you like a blow to the face and temporarily renders you speechless. Your concerned expression morphs into one of uncertainty as you delicately question him, “What do you mean?” 

“I mean,” his voice hardens, hiccuping slightly, “All I have is my beauty and power.” Burrowing his nose in the crevice between your throat and clavicle, he takes in another shaky breath as more of his tears fall onto your flesh. 

“Everyone loves me,” he grounds out almost bitterly, scoffing against your skin, “but, they don’t. Not really.” His voice becomes unsteady and disturbingly despondent as you card your fingers through his mussed chocolate tresses in an effort to soothe him, “They only think they love me because of my power.” 

“I used to be magnificent, you know?” he murmurs quietly, sounding almost ashamed, “ ‘Jewel of the Heavens’, they used to call me.” Asmodeus pulls away to look you into your eyes mournfully, choking on another sob “I was revered,” his voice hitches before he whispers brokenly, a stray tear tumbling down his cheek, “I was loved.”

“And now?” he laughs sardonically, “Now, here I am.” He spits out disgustedly, sneering to himself,  “A disgrace.”

Asmodeus’ face crumples as more tears flood from his bloodshot eyes, “Someone so far beyond deserving of love that I need the power to forcibly elicit it from others.” He heaves through a sob, “So, just how could you, the one who sees me for just what I am,” he all but whimpers out, “How could you possibly harbour any love for the faded jewel no longer worthy of the heavens?” His voice cracks as he raises a trembling hand to cup your cheek and it is only then that you realise you are crying as well. 

“Oh, Asmodeus,” you cradle his face with both your hands, tenderly, thumbs gently brushing away the tears tumbling down his cheeks. “How could I not love you?”, you shift from beside him, throwing your legs astride his thighs. You lean your forehead against his, gently shushing his cries as your own tears cling to your lashes. 

You litter his face with soft chaste kisses, each more tender than the last. A kiss to the forehead, “How could I not love the one who made me want to love myself?” A kiss on one cheek, “How could I not love the one who taught me what love is?” A kiss on the other, “How could I not love the one who makes my every single day in the world better?”

“My sweet Asmodeus,” you finally press a kiss to his supple lips, “you are the sun, shining brighter than any jewel ever could.” You gaze into his eyes ardently, “I love you. Not for any other reason than for who you are.”

At your words, it’s like something inside him completely shatters, “I don’t deserve you,” he bawls. “I don’t deserve to be loved by you,” hiccuping, his lithe frame shakes with each sob as he latches his arms tightly around you. 

“You deserve all the love in the world, Asmodeus,” you tut at him, kissing his brow, “And if you ever think you don’t, I’ll remind you.”

You feel him stiffen beneath you before he shoots up, cupping your face, pressing a harsh searing kiss against your lips. “I love you,” he gasps, pressing his lips insistently against yours, “I love you, I love you, I love you.” 

He pulls away to kiss your forehead, “I don’t know what I did to deserve your love,” he presses a kiss to your cold-bitten nose, “but I will spend every day of my life loving you to prove to you that I am worthy of it.”

You cannot help but cry more at his words, relief flooding through your veins. Unable to stop yourself, you throw your arms around his shoulders, slumping against him. “Is this why you’ve been away in the night?” you ask in a small voice. Surprised, he looks down at you with furrowed brows,“You noticed?”

You tuck your face into the crook of his neck and inhale deeply through your nose, working up the nerve to utter the words that had been sitting in your throat for weeks. “I...I’ve woken up a few nights and you weren’t there,” you admit, hesitantly. “I thought you had some regrets about all this,” you suck in a quivering sigh, “About us.” Unwilling to look at him, you keep your face firmly tucked away, “I’m sorry. I should have asked you earlier, but,” your voice grows quieter, “I was scared.” 

Asmodeus is deathly silent, and you feel your heart plummet to the floor. You open your mouth to say literally anything to change the subject, your insecurities practically suffocating you, but before you can, he growls out, “That won’t do.”

Before you can utter another word, he grips your chin and lifts your face up so his lips can devour yours in a hungry kiss, his free hand digging into the flesh of your hip. You let out a surprised gasp, allowing him to sneak his tongue in your parted mouth. It takes you a moment to gather your wits before you kiss him back with the same frevor, whimpering when his hands slide down to roughly grab the pert globes of your ass, giving them a harsh teasing squeeze. 

Asmodeus kisses you silly, not stopping for a second until your mind was numb from all the pleasure coursing through your veins, and you were only able to focus on his scalding touch against your skin. Parting with a pant for air, he lets out a deep throaty chuckle when you whine at the loss of contact. 

“Clearly, I need to be punished for making my master feel like I was anything but hers,” he coyly hums, a sultry smirk dancing on his lips, all traces of his earlier sorrow erased. There is a familiar lustful gleam in his eyes and you feel your face flush under his heated stare. His honeyed voice burns deep with the promise of more to come, “But, first I think I should just show her how much I belong to her. Just as she belongs to me.”

He barely gives you a second to register his words, arms snaking over your thighs for a firm grip, hoisting you up against his hips and standing to his feet. You yelp, clinging desperately to his bare torso, unable to stop the giggle that tears from your throat. At the melodic chime, he joins you with his own mellifluous laugh as he carefully carries you inside to the bed, where he fully intends on making good on his promise for the rest of the night. 

As Asmodeus plops you on the bed, playfully collapsing on top of you while you both giggle uncontrollably between tender kisses, you cannot help but think how lucky you were to have him in your life. Perhaps you didn’t have the best relationship, but you knew as long as you had each other, you both would be okay.

[theoriginalladya]

Ooh, That Scene for Seeing Reds and Young & Proud?

Why does it not surprise me you would ask about these two???  Thank you so much for asking about them!  <3

Okay, let me see.  For Seeing Reds, the first scene I came up with, the one that convinced me to write the fic in the first place, was one of the last scenes in the actual story.  It’s a scene where Caleb is basically seeking sanctuary with Athair and they are hiding out on the island.  I’ve always known that Athair would be a big influence in Caleb’s life, even from afar, and it all starts back during Caleb’s years as a young child and in the Reds.  I wanted to have that almost father-like person in his life, sort of guiding him, almost like a ‘conscience on his shoulder’ type of an influence, one that will help him get to a point where he can go on and become the Commander Shepard that we know from the games, but I don’t think I realized just HOW much of an impact he would end up having for him.

Skeptical, Caleb asks, “Have you brought any other Reds here?”

The priest shakes his head.  “No, son,” he replies in a more solemn tone, “you are the first.”

Caleb’s shoulders slump slightly.  The food has no taste and his mouth is dry as he stares down at his hands.  “And the last.”

“Perhaps.”  The priest rises and walks back over to Caleb where he crouches down and pats his shoulder.  “You cannot worry about them now.  There is nothing you can do for –.”

Caleb jumps to his feet, anger surging uncontrollably as he knocks the priest backwards.  It only takes a few of his long-legged strides to reach the opposite wall where he slams his fist against the stone wall, knuckles first and heedless of slicing pain that shoots up his arm while at the same time, an unending roar of anguish that has nothing to do with his hand is ripped from the center of his chest.

For half a breath, as his cry rolls and reverberates throughout the room, as the skies outside seemingly echo his pain with a sudden explosion of light followed practically immediately by rolling thunder, the world comes to a halt and everything is still.  Save for his heaving lungs, searching for more air to fuel another such outburst, all is quiet …

He turns on his heels, facing the priest, his eyes wild and seething.  “The only way there is nothing I can do is if I am dead!” he bellows defiantly.

Athair stands and folds his arms across his chest as if waiting patiently for a storm to blow itself out.  It is maddening, but not unexpected.  And yet, Caleb knows from experience, this priest is a man of complexities; this is not the reaction he expects.  Not this time.  Not this situation.  Eyes narrowed, Athair asks flatly, “Are you quite finished?”

Like kindling meeting flame, Caleb erupts again.  Before he knows it, and without conscious thought, his arm swings in the direction of Athair, and there is nothing he can do to stop himself.  There is a half second where, in the back of Caleb’s mind, he considers the repercussions of this action, the cost of attacking the one man in all the world who might be able to help him, but it is fleeting.  In the next moment, the older man throws himself away from the fist while reaching to grasp Caleb’s arm, and somehow manages to twist in such a way that he pulls it up behind the teen, pressing it against his spine as he wraps his arms around and holds him close, immobile.  “Let it go, son, now,” he breathes near Caleb’s ear, his voice a mixture of authority and pleading, “let it go before it eats you alive!”

Caleb chokes for air, horrified and stunned by the turn of events in the last few seconds.  What have I done?  Beneath him, his legs weaken and he crumples to the floor, sobs wracking his thin frame.  Athair follows, his arms loosening but he does not release Caleb completely until the younger man’s body goes completely limp, all the while murmuring half formed prayers and words of comfort.

As for Young & Proud, it’s actually two scenes that blend into one another.  Surprise, surprise, it’s a pub brawl! lol  (I know you’re going to enjoy this one!)

“So, the Alliance allows any old Paddy into the service now, is it?  Damned blighters can’t even aim properly!”

Images of the first brawl with Coats pass before Caleb’s eyes.  Before he can respond, however, Coats slides between them.  “C’mon, mate, it was your buddy over there who caused the ruckus,” he points at the other man now at the bar, “not him.”

The civilian places his beefy hands on Coats’ shoulders, pushing him aside to bring Caleb directly into view once more.  “Wasn’t asking you, friend.  Was asking –”

Coats’ hand wraps around one of the man’s wrists, removing it as he slips back between them.  “You misunderstand, friend.  If you’re talking to him, you’re talking to me.  First.  Or are you too thick to get that much?”

Caleb sighs, eyes rolling.  He already knows how this is going to end, Coats’ stubbornness gives it away.  A quick look over at the barman assures him he can see it too as he’s already making a call.  “Hammersmith, let it go.”

But Coats shakes his head.  “No, not this time.”  He leans in nose to nose with the civilian.  Caleb shifts to his right, attempting to get back a line of sight when the civilian’s hand flies up and solidly hits Coats’ left jaw.  His friend grunts heavily in pain and surprise, but holds his ground.

“If I end up back in hospital, you’re explaining to Ceila again about how intellectual we are,” Caleb mutters just before throwing a punch with his left arm into the civilian’s solar plexus.  

The fight that ensues is weirdly satisfying on several levels, not the least of which is that Caleb manages to avoid being hit. Whether that is due to Coats and the way he constantly jockeys around to protect him, or the rest of their sniper class who also get involved, Caleb doesn’t know, but by the end of the fight, as he and the others are being escorted out of the pub and back to base by the police, and the only pain in his shoulder is the residual ache left over from his surgery as his medication starts to wear off.  

They are escorted to the Administrative section where he and Coats are directed straight into Major Walker’s office only to find that it isn’t their CO standing there, but none other than Commander David Anderson.  

Startled, Caleb stands at attention, unable to salute due to the bandages on his shoulder.  Coats is less than a second behind him.  The older man eyes them both critically, his face a neutral mask.  Caleb swallows and curses softly to himself in silence, hoping he hasn’t just ruined his one shot at a decent life outside of Ireland in front of the very man who gave it to him.  

“Well, now,” the booming voice of the commander begins as he steps out from around the desk, “would one of you like to tell me what the hell is going on?”  One dark brow arches sharply upward, but there is a hint of a twitch at the left corner of his lips that leaves Caleb wondering.  

Neither Caleb nor Coats moves, but both try to find an extra inch of spine in their apprehension at the scrutiny, eyes straight ahead.  Anderson crosses the room and shuts the door behind them.  “At ease,” he finally tells them.

Caleb pauses, breath catching in his lungs. Beside him, he senses Coats’ trepidation as well.  “Sir…?” he dares when Anderson returns to his previous position.  

The commander’s face pinches slightly around the eyes, his lips pressed thin.  This isn’t the face of a man about to dress them down, Caleb decides after a moment of study.  He darts a quick look over at Coats, but his friend shrugs almost imperceptibly.

“Sit down,” Anderson says, a huff of laughter escaping with the words.  “Go on, sit down.”  A slow smile curves across his face, reaching his dark eyes.  Both Caleb and Coats do as Anderson instructs, dropping into the uncomfortable seats.  As the man leans forward, arms resting on the desk, he says, “Now, I think it is about time we three have a little chat.”

Coats is the first to respond.  “A chat?  Sir?”

Anderson nods.  “I understand you two have had a bit of a…struggle with one another since your arrival.”

Caleb sits very still in his chair, opting to stay silent.  The little he knows of this man, the few conversations they’ve had and the short time they’ve spent together, all which happened over a couple of years before just prior to his being sent to basic training, now tickles at the back of his mind. Anderson has a wicked sense of humor – that much he recalls.  Add in his friendship with Athair, and it only makes the pieces that much more puzzling to put together, but he has an idea.  The gleam in Anderson’s eyes is a hint at confirmation.  

“Struggle?” Coats exclaims, darting a quick look over at Caleb as he huffs.  “That’s putting it mildly.”

Caleb ponders a way to approach it without sounding like an accusation.  The man had done him, and by extension Athair, a huge favor, but there were still limits to how far he could presume upon their friendship.  Still, something about this current situation suggests he has a bit of leeway.  “Sir, was this…a set up?”

Anderson’s gaze zeros in on him with the question, and for the first time, Caleb knows what it means to be targeted ‘in someone’s sights.’  It isn’t a comfortable feeling as such, but he’s sticking to his decision come hell or high water.  “’Set up’ might be putting too fine a point on it.”

“So, you’re the one behind this?”  Coats, apparently, isn’t afraid to sound accusatory.

“Behind you two being roommates?  I am.”  

There is a history here between the two, he thinks. Caleb knows from first-hand experience that Anderson is a man who masks his reactions well.  Coats is good, but not quite that level of good.  He recognizes a knowing glint in Coats’ steely eyes, the twitch of the corner of his lips as they curl upward just enough to form a smug, half-grin.  Curious.  Caleb sits back to watch.  

Basically, I KNEW I wanted Coats and Caleb to be at odds with each other, to be English vs. Irish most of the way through sniper school, but by the end of it, they were going to be best friends.  I ALSO knew that Anderson was responsible for it - setting them up as roommates.  There’s a history there, between Coats and Anderson, one Caleb really wants to find out (and we likely will find out further details down the road...).

Thanks so much for asking!

[frostclawdragoon]

Prompt #10: "A New Beginning”

Nalin stood quietly outside of the small clinic nestled tightly in a packed Kugane street, his hands tucked away in his pockets as he stared at the building with a mixed look of uncertain determination. He knew what needed to be done, his heart would not let him rest until he sought an end to this chapter. Unfortunately, his mind was overwhelmed with fear of the unknown, and that was what kept him stationary and unmoving.

He wondered if this was how Master Jun felt all those years ago.

When Windsong had originally come to Kugane, it was in pursuit of the Warrior of Light. Rayana had been driven to return home to help liberate Doma from the Garlean Empire, so much so she nearly left without consulting the rest of the company first. Naturally, they followed after her, wanting to help her as much as she had helped them, and they hadn’t even been in Kugane for more than a day when Nalin caught the scent of corruption. Which he, of course, followed to the source.

Children of all ages had been disappearing from their families seemingly at random, sending mothers into fits of despair and tears. With a helpful push from his manifested darkness, Freedom, Nalin began investigating the disappearances and uncovered a small Garlean smuggling ring that had been taking children away for future soldiers. Needless to say, by the time the Sekiseigumi had arrived to the noises of combat, the smuggling ring and the Garleans involved were no more, and the children were all returned safely to their families.

All save for one: An auri boy named Haku.

He had been worse off than most of the other children. Covered in ash, burns, wounds and his voice damaged beyond repair, Nalin had taken Haku to the nearest clinic he could find and left him in the care of a middle aged woman. He had planned to leave it at that, but after spotting the woman in the market the following day struggling to carry her groceries, he found himself back at her doorstep, her baskets in hand. She offered him tea as thanks, and as they talked, the auri boy appeared, recognizing Nalin immediately as the shadow that had saved his life that night.

He couldn’t speak his gratitude of course, his voice had been taken from him alongside what used to be his normal life. Nalin couldn’t help but recall his own past experiences, losing his mother and his old life at such a young age wasn’t easy, being an orphan in a strange city that didn’t want him was even worse. He grew up a miserable life with a man too young and inexperienced to be a father, surrounded by people who thought of him as an outsider and not part of their society. The very thought that Haku would likely face the same fate crushed his heart.

Nalin hoped Haku’s family was still alive, that they’d come back for him. He had even taken the time to ask around about him during their adventures through Othard, to see if anyone knew of any lead to a family that was missing their son. His search eventually led him to stumbling upon a partially burned village in Yanxia, where he had learned that an auri family had perished there after resisting the Garleans.

It wasn’t difficult to put the pieces together.

The war kept him busy for the most part after that, but his mind continuously wondered about the boy and what would happen to him: Would he be adopted? Would anyone care? If the family that did adopt him, would they be kind to him? Would he grow up on the streets with nowhere to call home? Would he lose his love for life and humanity like Nalin had? Would he just give up? The very idea of someone else following the same dark and lonely path Nalin had walked was a painful one. He had barely survived it, he couldn’t imagine another person taking on such a weight, let alone a boy of ten summers.

Windsong eventually had to rush back to Gyr Abania to save a company member from the clutches of someone who Nalin deemed unworthy of life. Once Khamri’a had been saved and the battle for Ala Mhigo concluded, Nalin returned home with the rest of his company, though his mind had been stuck still in Kugane. Caoimhe had certainly noticed his consistent troubled expression, and when she had asked about it, he had only managed to say one thing:

“I’m going to bring Haku home.”

Caoimhe knew about Haku. Nalin never kept him or his regular visits to the clinic a secret. She had probably seen throughout all his investigations where Nalin’s thoughts where headed, because she hadn’t been entirely surprised by his sudden statement. She was nervous though, and rightfully so. Parenthood was not something either of them really knew how to do. But despite his fears, Nalin knew what it was like to be left behind and unwanted, and he wasn’t about to do exactly the same thing people had done to him his whole life.

So here he stood. Outside the clinic. He took in a deep breath before sliding the door open and ducking inside.

“Welcome--” The middle aged woman, Nana, looked up from the plants she had been watering. “Oh! Mr. Chevalier, welcome back.” She smiled warmly at him.

“Good afternoon.” Nalin stated as he slid the door closed behind him.

“What can I help you with today?”

Nalin stood idly for a moment as he slowly scanned the small entrance way. “... I came to check up on Haku.”

Nana tried to hide her knowing smile, but was unsuccessful. “He is doing well, he has made a full recovery from his wounds and has been a great help around the clinic.”

“Any word on his extended family?”

Nana shook her head. “Afraid not.”

Nalin wiggled his jaw slightly in thought. “Hm.” He glanced at her. “May I talk with him...?”

Her knowing smile only grew wider and she nodded as she set the small watering can aside. She led Nalin further into the clinic, to a small living space where Haku currently sat, painting away on a tiny canvas laid on the floor in front of him. Light, raen colored scales and a head of black hair, Haku glanced up as the door to the room slid open, and his look of curiosity turned into a bright, warm smile at the sight of Nalin ducking into the room.

“Haku, look who has come to visit you.” Nana said, smiling wide at him.

Haku stood to his feet quickly and bowed quickly as Nalin carefully approached him.

“How are you doing?” Nalin asked as he knelt down to be at eye level with him.

Haku spun around to pick up the painting on the floor and held it up for him to see. It was a mess of colors. Blue and oranges splashed together with strange black or white shapes dotted throughout. Nalin couldn’t help but smile faintly with a soft laugh of amusement.

“You’ve started painting the Kugane harbor?” He asked.

Haku nodded proudly.

“Looks good.” Nalin reached a hand over to the top of his head, rustling his hair. “You keep practicing, yeah?”

Haku winced down with a giant, beaming grin as his hair was rustled into a nest of fluff. He followed up with another nod as he turned to set the painting back down onto the floor. Nalin watched him a moment.

“Haku?” He asked, catching his attention. “Can I talk to you seriously for a moment?”

Haku turned to face him fully with a questioning look on his face.

Nalin was quiet for a second, thinking over his words and shoving away those looming fears of the unknown. “... Do you want a home?”

Haku tilted his head, his eyes filled with curiosity.

“A place to live that isn’t at a hospital, I mean.” Nalin continued. “Though I suppose if you wanted to stay here, that is your choice, but… I figured that, maybe, you’d want a home with… A family.” Haku didn’t move, and Nalin smiled with uncertainty. “Windsong has plenty of room, and… Well… I’m not exactly the best candidate for a father, but I am certainly willing to try--”

Nalin was cut off by the sudden flash of unexpected movement, causing him to seize up. Haku had leapt forward, clinging to Nalin tightly while trembling uncontrollably. Nalin remained perfectly still, his head tilting back to look at Nana with wide eyes of surprise. She only ducked her head, stifling back what he could only assume where joyous giggles.

“... So, yes then?” Nalin asked as he looked back to the trembling, silently sobbing mess in his arms. “You want to come home?”

Haku pulled back from his hug to wipe at the tears smeared on his face, his lowered head nodding repeatedly as he sniffled. Nalin laughed softly, and placed a hand on the top of his head again.

“Then pack your things.”

Haku gave Nalin another tight hug before frantically packing up his paints and running off to his room elsewhere in the clinic. Nana watched him flee off down the hall, then turned and bowed deeply to Nalin, her deep-set smile ever present on her face.

“Thank you, Mr. Chevalier.” She said before she shuffled out of the room to assist Haku.

Not long after that, Nalin and Haku bid their farewells to Nana and boarded the next ship out to Limsa Lominsa and, ultimately, toward a brand new chapter of their lives as a family.

[bekaroth-reads]

SCP 50015

[Author’s note. This is not an actual SCP. It was also just written for practice with a different style than what I’m used to. Anyways I hope you enjoy.]

SCP #: 50015

Object Class: Euclid

Containment Procedures: SCP 50015 is to be kept in a humanoid containment unit similar in style to that of Class D personal. However,  two armed security personnel will be posted outside of the door at all time. The shift for the security personnel posted is to be no longer than two hours, and guards are not permitted to have more than one shift per day as to avoid threat of becoming an instance of SCP 50015-2. If a person has become or has been suspected to have become an instance of SCP 50015-2 they are to be sent to site [expunged] for the administration of a Class B amnestics and then relocated to a different site for employment.

Description: SCP 50015 is a creature of unknown origin that takes the form of a woman approximately the age of 25-30 years old. It was found  and apprehended in the Redwood forest of California, United States of America on the date of [expunged]. Because it is one of the Foundations most recent acquisitions studies are still underway to determine its exact behavior. SCP 50015 does have a the ability to manipulate and possible even hypnotize people into doing anything that it tells them to do after a time of prolonged exposure that varies between subjects who are then known as SCP 50015-2. The means of how it does this are currently unknown. investigations are underway. For an example see incident report 1.

Incident report: On the date of [expunged], there was an attempted breach of SCP 50015 by  Sargent Jamison whom had been the sole guard at the cell's door for the first three months of containment, as well as two of the junior researchers who were studying the subject at the time. All were apprehended shortly after releasing the subject and were subsequently taken for questioning. It was upon interviewing those responsible for the attempted breach that the conditions of SCP 50015-2 were discovered. All personal involved were deemed to not be in control of their actions and therefore not liable for what happened. They were then given Class B amnestics and relocated to site [expunged].

Interview log: The following is the recorded audio log of the interview between Doctor ____ and a case of SCP 50015-2

(Begin Log)

Doctor ____:Hello, how are you feeling today?

SCP 50015-2: Honestly, I feel like shit!

Doctor ____: Be mindful of expletives, please.

SCP 50015-2: Sorry, I just- this is all a lot to take in.

Doctor ____: I understand. For documentation's sake; will you state your name and rank?

SCP 50015-2: Yes, sir. Sargent Robert Jamison.

Doctor ____: And, how many years have you been employed here?

SCP 50015-2: Ten years. Five at site 15, and five here at site [expunged].

Doctor ____: The what could have possibly convinced you to try to participate in the attempted containment breach if SCP 50015?

SCP 50015-2: Listen, I don't know if there was a mistake or something, but what you have here isn't a monster like the other ones.

Doctor ____: I can assure you that SCP 50015 is indeed anomalous. We simply haven't been able to find out precisely what is happening with it.

SCP 50015-2: No- Just no! You know why you and your researchers haven't found anything is because there's nothing to find! She is not an, "it," she is not supernatural, she is just a girl! Same as my daughter at home or any woman you could find walking around the streets!

Doctor___: Sargent Jamison, I'll have to ask you to calm down.

SCP 50015-2: You know what? No! I will not! There's an innocent woman here for no other reason than you're all paranoid and seeing dangers that aren't real! Or more likely, you and your researchers made this whole thing up, kidnapped this girl, and pinned fake powers on her just so you could all play hero and save the world from the next big threat!

Doctor____: I've heard enough. Sargent Robert Jamison, you have been deemed unfit to perform your tasks at this site due to the anomalous influence of SCP 50015-

SCP 50015-2: It's not mind control! It's sympathy!

Doctor: If I may continue. You are to be take to site [expunged] for the administration of a class b amnesic and will be relocated from there.

SCP 50015-2: That's bull-shit!

Doctor____: Be thankful that you are not being held accountable for your part in the attempted containment breach. Get him out of here.

(End log)

Addendum 1: The majority of the article above is to be considered outdated and disregarded, other than containment protocol. Recently, the 05 has launched an investigation of the situation regarding SCP 50015 because of the sudden increase of the personnel that were scheduled for the administration of amnestics and relocation. Along with these scheduling were the increasing amount of rumors that SCP 50015 in not actually anomalous in nature, although all members of the team responsible for initial retrieval claim that there was anomalous activity relating to the subject. Even with these claims, they have not been able or willing to divulge the nature of the anomaly. The doctor as well as every junior reached on the team researching SCP 50015 is under going intense psychological evaluation. Until this is resolved the doctor and researchers names have been temporarily removed from all documents involving SCP 50015 as to minimize involvement from unaffiliated personnel.

Addendum 2: After intensive research it is still undetermined whether or not SCP 50015 is truly anomalous or not, though it appears that it most likely is. There is not much solid evidence for this, so we cannot affirm this at the present. One of the most suspicious things about the subject is that opinion on the validity of containment are almost entirely and unrealistically split evenly; even with personnel changing views often. The same can be said of the views of the 05 council. It has been determined to keep SCP 50015 in containment at this time, though its cell is to be made closer to that of a typical bed room with most recreational items being provided when requested. SCP 50015 is also now permitted to walk around designated areas of the facility with a singular armed security personnel between the hours of 8:00- 20:00 if desired. However, any personnel that appear to be getting too infatuated with SCP 50015 will still be subject to administration of amnestics and relocation. It is almost as though the subject is simultaneously anomalous and non-anomalous at the same time as impossible as it seems. And, either state of being is triggered by whether or not it is free or in containment.

Audio Log 2: The following is a recording of the interview from Dr. Windsor and SCP 50015

(Begin log)

Dr. Windsor: Hello, I am Dr. Windsor. Thank you for coming to this interview today.

SCP 50015: Another doctor?

Dr. Windsor: I know this all must be very stressful for you. But, I promise that we will do all we can to help you adjust.

SCP 50015: Adjust? I don't want to adjust! I just want to go home!

Dr. Windsor: You have to understand that this is for your own good. We can't tell you why yet, but it is for your own protection, SCP 50015.

SCP 50015: Why do you keep calling me that? SCP 50015... Like I'm- I'm some sort of alien, or test subject, or something?

Dr. Windsor: We just use the number code to help keep track of everything we are in charge of. Think of it sort of like your employee ID at work. Though, we could call you your actual name if you would tell it to us.

SCP 50015: Just forget it! If you people with all your fancy whatever it is you have here can't find anything about me then I'm not giving it to you willingly!

Dr. Windsor: Very well. Are you able to tell me when the first time you found out about your abilities were?

SCP 50015- I don't understand.

Dr. Windsor: Have you ever seen a super hero movie?

SCP 50015: How could I not have. They're everywhere these days.

Dr. Windsor: Well, what I'm trying to understand the nature of your, shall we say, super powers. When you got them; how they work.

SCP 50015: My super powers? I've never had anything like that! Those sorts of things aren't even real!

Dr. Windsor: But, you did something to get our attention back in California. What was that?

SCP 50015: I didn't do anything! I was on vacation and went for a walk! You kidnaped me! And, now after being held her for months, being thrown into a prison cell, and treated like I had a life threatening disease or something you're asking me if I have super powers? You're all insane!

Dr. Windsor: You're becoming stressed. Perhaps you should take a walk and try to calm down?

*SCP 50015 does not answer as it appears to be sobbing uncontrollably*

Dr. Windsor: Please, escort SCP 50015 back to their room. And, make sure to keep her there until she has fully calmed down.

SCP 50015: I just want to see my family again.

(End Log)

[sachigram]

Blood and Coffee Chapter 18

((click here to read on ao3!!!!))

You're Dave Strider, but you honestly wish you weren't right now. You're still trying to make sense of what just happened, but you think you might be in shock. Caliborn is gone, you know that much. You don't know how, but you know Jake saved you all. And you know Jake is dead.

John is wailing beside you. He's on his knees, covering his face and wiping at his eyes with angry swipes of his hands. He glares at Dirk periodically, and then at you for not letting him attack Dirk.

Dirk is in the same spot, arms limp at his sides.

Nothing is left of Jake. You can't even smell him anymore.

You take a few deep breaths and then force yourself to calm. You can't stay here. It's early in the morning, and the sun is bearing down on you all.

“We need to get out of here,” you say, but no one even acknowledges you. “Guys, c'mon, we need to get out of the sun.”

Dirk's head tilts slightly towards you, and then he lifts his gloved hands and removes his hood, letting the sun burn him.

“Fuck!” You tackle him, forcing his hands down and covering his stupid head with the hood again. “You idiot! What are you—!”

“Jake...” Dirk says so softly you almost miss it.

“Jake wouldn't want you to off yourself, and you know it.”

“I'm supposed to...supposed to be with him.”

You sigh and slowly stand up, pulling Dirk up by his arm and supporting his useless weight. Dirk has a point. Mated vampires usually die if their mate dies. They usually reunite in Derse.

“Jake wasn't a vampire yet,” you say. John's head whips up to glare at you through his tears.

“Yes, he was! He wasn't human! He could come back! He could!”

“He was in the sunlight without a hood. He wasn't a vampire.” You feel like it's cruel of you to say these things, but you don't want either of them clinging to false hope. Somehow, that seems even crueler.

“He was burning...” Dirk says softly. You jostle him.

“What?”

“The sun was burning him slowly. He asked... Baby asked me to not let the sun kill him. Or that holy.”

You've never heard Dirk sound so defeated, but it's to be expected, honestly. Dirk was never happier than when he met Jake. Dirk would've done anything for him, has been killing himself every day trying to care for him. You'd do the same for John, and thinking about John having the same fate...

No. You can't think about this now. You have to grab John and then get all of you out of here.

“His body turned to dust,” John says, scrambling to his feet so he can look Dirk in the eye. “If he was human, his body would still be here! Does that mean he can come back?”

Dirk doesn't respond. John huffs and tries again to reach for Dirk, but you stop him.

“Babe, leave Dirk alone. You aren't getting' answers from him right now.”

“Jake is alive. I know he is. And fuck both of you for saying he isn't!” John is quickly devolving into hysterics. “He saved us! He saved us and took care of me all our lives, and now you're saying he's dead?! He wouldn't dissolve like a fucking lozenge if he was just some stupid human! He wouldn't!” John covers his face again. “What am I supposed to do without him? What do I tell Dad and Gramma?”

You think of Jake and his bright presence. You didn't like Jake's interactions with John, not one bit, but for the most part, you liked Jake a lot. He was always nice to you when he was in his right mind. You know he would've done anything for all of you, just to make you happy. It's just the kind of guy he was. He had a presence that attracted people like moths to a light-bulb, and demons were just as helpless to that light. The Midnight Crew loving him was proof of that.

You have to practically drag Dirk, who refuses to walk for himself. Thankfully, John trails after you, because you don't think you could carry both of them very comfortably. You notice Dirk's feet dragging limply on the ground, making a small trail in the dirt behind you, and you sigh softly.

“You can't quit on me here, Dirk,” you say. Jake might be gone, but you're still here. You don't know if you can live alone here without Dirk. You don't really want to try.

Dirk doesn't respond, but you didn't really expect him to anyway.

***

Days pass.

Nothing changes.

John is still a complete wreck. He's been working a lot, insisting that if he doesn't take all these shifts, he and Jake will both be out of a job. You tried to tell him even if Jake comes back as a vampire, he won't be able to work in the harsh sunlight of the store, surrounded by humans, but John refuses to listen to you.

Dirk is curled onto his side in the floor of your basement bedroom. He hasn't moved or spoken. He refuses to feed from you, though you've offered more than once. You've been trying to divide your time between Dirk and John, who are grieving in very different ways, but honestly you're scared to leave Dirk alone for too long. You don't trust him not to follow Jake, and while it's true he would reappear in Derse, neither of you have ever died before, and you've only heard awful things about Derse. There's a reason you and Dirk live among the humans. Dirk wanted you to have a better life.

Jade is still in the hospital, healing nicely. She says she should be released soon. John has visited her alone every day, though he hasn't mentioned Jake. John only keeps telling her Jake is too sick to visit.

You're currently on your couch, barely paying attention to the TV in the background. John is working, barely answering your texts. He's been pushing you away, and you know it's because he's focusing on being in denial instead of letting himself process what happened, but you miss him. Still, you'll wait for him to come to you, because you don't think you could handle him telling you to fuck off in actual words.

A pinging noise draws your attention.

It's Dirk's shades, flashing red.

You stand and move to Dirk's corner, picking up the discarded sunglasses off the floor with careful fingers. Dirk is motionless as he has been, but you can see his face is wet again. You wish there was something you could do for him, but you're at a loss. Dirk lost his mate.

You wonder if begging Dirk to stay alive for your sake is cruel.

Instead of focusing on that, you put the glasses on and talk to Hal, who you haven't spoken to in years. When Hal was alive, he was insatiable and had ways of getting what he wanted. Sadly, you've slept with him before, too. In your defense, you didn't know Hal was involved with Dirk at the time.

Dirk barely even cared when he found out.

“Hey, Hal,” you say softly, moving back to your couch.

He can't really be dead. Immediately the red text accosts you.

“Jesus. Don't tell me you love him, too,” you say. It takes a few moments for the response.

It's impossible not to love him.

You can't help it. You laugh. Even Hal. Fucking Christ, even Hal loved Jake.

You hear the door open upstairs, and then hear John's quick footsteps coming towards you. Carefully, you set Hal on the table, and you barely have time to react before John is launching himself into your arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

“John? Babe, wha—“

“I think... I t-think he might really be dead...” John's voice is muffled. You hold him tighter.

“Yeah,” you say softly. John cries harder.

Somehow, you never knew how important Jake was to all of you, but the reality of the situation is beginning to dawn on you. Jake is dead. He's dead, and he's not coming back.

In the end, you and Dirk were helpless to save Jake from Caliborn.

You feel a wetness on your cheeks.

***

All you've known is darkness for a long time, maybe forever even. And then shades of purple made themselves known to you, though you don't have enough sense of self to call them purple. Finally, you're on your feet, confused as hell, nothing in your mind except for fog.

You don't know your name. You don't know where you are. But instinct carries you forward, so you walk, and you spend a long time walking.

You pass others, but no one speaks to you, and you don't speak to them. In the back of your forming mind, you know you don't belong here, and you don't feel safe. You also don't know how to remedy this, or even how to leave to go back to where you do belong.

There are buildings in the purple haze, and you move towards them, wondering if anyone might know you here. This seems like a large city. Surely someone can help you.

Some of the others here are so big. Or are you just small? There are smaller things than you, so at least you aren't at the bottom of the barrel. You watch with interest as some small, fuzzy black creatures fly past you in a group. Some part of you wants to keep them. Maybe feed them fruit.

A group of four approaches you, and one of them is huge. You feel yourself gawking openly and then you decide maybe it wouldn't be wise to draw their attention. There are more of them than you, and you don't think you know how to fight very well.

Despite your attempts to make yourself smaller, all four of them watch you closely, and then one of them, the big one, catches you around the middle, lifting you. The others lean in and smell you.

“Hey, kid,” one of them says. He has an eye-patch. “What're ya doin' in Derse?”

“Derse?” you ask. Your voice sounds strange to yourself.

“He doesn't smell human at all anymore,” another of them says. He regards you with cool eyes.

“How'd ya become a vampire anyway?” Eye-patch asks you.

“I...don't know?”

“Where's Strider?”

“Who?”

“Oh!” The little one puts a hand on Eye-patch's suit and pulls. “I bet they broke up! He's pretending Strider doesn't exist.”

Eye-patch nods. “I see, I see. Dat's how it is, eh? Good lookin' out, Deuce.”

You're terribly confused, but it seems they know you, and they don't seem to want to hurt you.

“Wanna stay with us?” Deuce asks you.

“Course he does,” Eye-patch says. “He's part of da crew.”

***

A couple more days pass. Nothing has gotten better. You're Dave Strider, and things are worse than they were before, somehow.

Now you're dealing with two people completely in despair. John's launched himself straight out of denial and into a depression so deep you don't know who to be more worried about. Dirk still hasn't moved, and still hasn't fed. He seems determined to waste away.

John has called in the past two days. He's been in your bed, refusing to move.

“Babe, c'mon,” you try, sitting on the bed beside him. “This isn't healthy. Jake wouldn't want you to do this to yourself.”

“Jake's gone,” John says. Then he rolls over to face you. “I feel like garbage, anyway.”

He does look a little sick. You've chalked it up to the lack of caring for himself.

“You probably need food. Want me to order somethin'?”

John shrugs. “Nothing really sounds good.”

You pet through his hair soothingly. He closes his eyes and sniffles a bit.

“Try to eat anyway. For me.”

John agrees, and you end up ordering a pizza. John only nibbles at it, but it's progress anyway.

You look over at Dirk and huff, marching towards him. You bite into your wrist and put it up to Dirk's lips.

“Drink, you asshole,” you demand. Dirk doesn't drink. You know he's ravenous, but he only pushes your wrist away and curls further into himself.

“Want me to shove some pizza in his face?” John asks when you reluctantly lick your bite closed. You swear you hear Dirk growl a little at him.

“Don't think it would do much,” you say, moving to sit beside John again. He leans into you.

“Jake died for us. I know we shouldn't waste it. But how the hell are we supposed to just accept it and move on? He didn't have to die. Caliborn could've just kept going to Derse, and we could've kept killing him.”

You put your arm around him.

“Jake was dyin' anyway, babe. You know that. He knew it, and he decided to protect us. It was noble, what he did.”

“He didn't deserve to die,” John says. He looks over at Dirk, his eyes narrowing a bit.

“He didn't,” you agree. You make John look at you, not wanting him to launch into your brother again. Dirk isn't in any condition to take it. “But he did. And we're still here because of what he did.”

“I thought I was going to die, too,” John says. “Caliborn came into the store, and Jake was...already dying. He asked me for Dirk. And then Caliborn came in. All I could think was all the things I didn't get to do.” John looks at you shyly. “I love you, Dave. And I want to be with you. But...what happened to Jake. That would happen to me too, if we bonded. Wouldn't it?”

You feel cold inside. But you nod anyway. The truth is, a human can't possibly host a vampire's soul. Unfortunately, Jake has proven that once and for all.

John sighs. “Is it weird to still want to try?”

Your arm tightens around him.

“I can't do that to you.”

“It's starting to feel like less of a choice, don't you think?” John asks.

Your jaw sets determinedly. You won't give into these instincts. You love John, and you want him alive. You won't bond with him, even if it's what you crave more than anything in the world.

You'd rather be incomplete than all alone.

***

You still have no idea who you are, but the men in your group call you “Jake”, so you suppose that's who you are, or who you will be, when you remember. You've got a suit to match theirs, and you've been following them around, conducting “business”, which mainly consists of dropping things off, picking up money, and looking threateningly at anyone who opposes you or your boss.

The Midnight Crew is formidable, but they've been good to you. You feel right at home! Well, almost. You still feel like you're not at all where you need to be.

“Ya hungry yet, kid?” Slick asks. It takes you a moment to realize he's talking to you.

“Hungry?”

“Yer a vampire. Surely ya gotta feed soon.”

“Slim pickings around here, I'm afraid,” Droog says. “Vampires mostly feed from other vampires. It's more sustainable.”

“Like hell we're goin' around more of 'em!” Slick says. “Garbage, all of 'em! Except for you, kid. Ya showed yer mettle.”

“Then we should take him back to the human world,” Droog says calmly.

“We've only been here a little while!” Deuce protests. “I don't want to take him back yet!”

“Don't be dense, Deuce. Time moves slower in Derse. It's been days, where Jake is from. Pretty soon he'll start biting us.”

You make a face. Biting anyone sounds a little strange, but the more you think about it, the better it sounds. You feel an emptiness inside that's been growing the more you walk around. Is that what they're talking about?

“Wouldn't he need mate's blood, then?” Boxcars asks. He's the most quiet of the crew. Between Deuce and Slick, you don't know who is the loudest.

Slick growls. “Yeah. Yeah, dammit, he probably needs Strider, don't he?”

“Excuse me,” you say. They all look at you. “You keep saying that name. Do I know that person?”

Slick waves you off. “Know ya's got yer lover's tiff, but he's yer mate. Unless ya wanna go on a feedin' rampage, you'll go see him.”

“I think,” Droog says softly, “that it's less of a lover's tiff, and more of Jake actually not knowing who that is.”

A long silence follows. Slick leans closer to you.

“Ya gots amnesia, kid?”

“It would explain a few things.” Droog crosses his arms. “We heard word a human exorcised the leader of The Felt to Prospit. Then Jake popped up here.”

“So?” Slick asks. Droog sighs loudly.

“So his grandmother is a witch, you dense fool. Very few humans could open a portal to Prospit. And he was clearly changing into a vampire before. He died, and now he doesn't know anything about himself.”

Slick narrows his good eye at Droog. “How da hell do ya know all dat?”

“You let a human in our crew. I researched him, obviously.”

“Huh,” Slick says. Then he nods. “Well, alright. Kid's in our crew. We gotta take him to Strider.”

Deuce whines and tugs at you. “Jake wants to stay with us! We're doing way better with him around!”

“Ya want him to starve to death, Deuce? Shut yer trap!”

“It would be good to talk to the Striders about The Felt anyway,” Droog says. “They're getting bold. Surely they'll be seeking revenge for what happened to their leader. Jake will be targeted.”

It's an odd feeling, being talked about when you have no idea who you are. It all seems personal, but not, because clearly they're talking about someone else. Who you used to be.

You want to remember.

Parts of your mind seem like they're trying so hard to come back, but everything was scrambled up and it still hasn't been enough time.

You follow after your crew, because you don't know what else you're supposed to do. And they're looking out for you anyway.

***

Dirk is so hungry you can see him trembling. Again, you try to feed him, but he growls at you and pushes you away. Dirk is obviously ready to die. You don't think you can change his mind anymore.

John emerges from your bathroom after his shower, fully dressed and looking nervous. Jade has returned home from the hospital, and John plans on talking to her tonight about Jake.

“I'm comin' with you,” you tell him, and he nods while biting at his lip.

“But what about Dirk?” he asks. You look at your brother and growl, very fed up with all this.

“Dirk's comin' with us. The least he can do is tell your poor grandmother what happened to her grandson.” You move to Dirk's side and tug him up, ignoring his growling protests. He's too weak to really fight you.

“Hey, Dirk...” John says softly. He puts a hand on Dirk's arm. “I miss him too, okay? But you can't just give up like this. Jake wouldn't want—“

Dirk growls so loudly it cuts off the rest of John's sentence. He looks at your mate with hatred in his eyes, and then he goes back to flopping against your side. You sigh, and jostle him as John mimes punching Dirk behind you.

“Don't be mean to John because you're miserable. I get it, okay? I do. But you're talkin' to Jade. She should hear it from you. Don't leave this up to John.”

“Why do I have to?” Dirk asks. His voice is scratchy. You can hear how thirsty he is.

“Because your bond was what killed him, wasn't it?” You hate having to say it, but it's true. Jake was dying before he sacrificed himself. Jake died a slow, painful death, and he begged Dirk to end it for him. Dirk makes a heartbroken noise, and your chest clenches, but you don't take it back.

Some part of you is hoping when you're out, Dirk will snap and finally feed himself. You can't bear the thought of him wasting away. He's your brother, dammit, and you love him. You won't let him die.

“Let's go,” you say, dragging Dirk along. John follows behind.

***

The scents accost you as soon as you step out of the portal and into the human world. Slick showed you a secret path between the worlds that he and the crew use often. Your head whips around to frantically smell everything around you. You're desperate to feed yourself, but you don't really know how. All you want to do is bite.

“Boxcars, grab da kid,” Slick says. Strong arms wrap around you, holding you tightly. You growl and squirm in the hold, and Slick narrows his eye at you.

“We can't have ya bitin' someone and killin' em, alright? We don't need dat kinda trouble. We gotta fly under da radar.”

“He's practically feral,” Droog says, observing you. “I've never seen a vampire this hungry.”

“We're lucky he didn't bite us. Never been bitten by a vamp before,” Slick muses. He punches you lightly on the shoulder playfully. You hiss at him, and he grins, finding this amusing. “Yer still full of moxie. Don't worry, we'll get ya fixed up.”

“Doesn't drinking anything help?” Deuce asks. He's bounding alongside all of you cheerfully. “The Striders are always drinking stuff!”

You think of coffee, though you didn't even know what coffee was seconds before. You can taste it in your mouth, and something about it is so comforting to you.

“Coffee,” you say. Your crew pauses around you.

“You heard him,” Slick says, pushing Deuce forward with his foot. “Go buy da kid a coffee.”

“Well, how does he take it?” Deuce asks.

“Don't be an idiot! Da kid doesn't even know who he is, and ya want him to write ya a list of what he wants in his coffee?”

Deuce points at Slick and glares. “Don't you snap at me, Boss! We're all under a lot of pressure, here!”

“Pressure! I'll show ya pressure!”

“Enough! This isn't helping!” Droog grabs Slick's elbow and waves Deuce along. “Just get a black coffee and come back here.”

“You got it!” Deuce says, jogging down the street. Slick huffs.

“Sometimes I get da feelin' ya think yer the one in charge here,” he says to Droog, who shrugs.

“You're too hotheaded.”

“My head's da perfect amount of hot!”

Droog ignores him and looks up at the sky. “Moon's almost full.”

Slick grumbles at him but otherwise doesn't comment. You go back to squirming against Boxcars, who clearly has no intention of loosening his hold.

Deuce comes jogging back to you, a large paper cup in his hands. He holds it out to you with a smile. The label looks familiar.

“I got a peppermint flavor!” Deuce announces.

“Goddammit, Deuce,” Slick growls.

You down the contents of the cup in seconds. You barely taste the coffee itself, but it does soothe the burning in your throat. You look back at your crew with a more level head than before, but you're still not better, and it must show.

“Don't let him go, Boxcars.”

You growl, but relent.

“Now then,” Slick says. “Where are we headed?”

***

You're Dave again, and you're drawing a lot of looks from passersby. Probably because you're dragging Dirk along, who is a dead weight at your side, but also probably because Jake's imp has somehow found you, and is committed to causing a ruckus by squeaking loudly and annoying your brother, who only rouses from his brain-dead stupor to swipe at the imp every now and then.

“Dirk, dammit, use your legs!” You growl at him. He doesn't comply. You look back at John. “Tell me again why you didn't bring your car?”

“It's not my car, it's my dad's car,” John says. “Besides. Dirk has a car.”

“His car is it at his house.”

“Charlie, calm down,” John says to the imp. It helps a little, but you cringe as John pets the horrible little creature.

“How the hell did this thing find us anyway?” you grumble.

“Scent?” John offers. The imp is sitting on John's head, barely visible aside from bright red eyes. Dirk is glaring at it. It's the most lively you've seen him in days.

You pass the coffee shop and you all look at it longingly. It still smells like Jake a little. He really did spend so much time there. Dirk is the first to look away, his face twisted in anguish.

“Almost there,” you tell him, though it's probably not much of a comfort to him.

Jake's scent doesn't dissipate as you keep going. If anything it gets stronger. John can't smell it, and doesn't understand why you, Dirk, and Charlie are so on edge. All of you are putting your noses up, sniffing at the air.

“You guys okay?” John asks.

“I... Yeah. We're fine,” you say, but he doesn't look convinced. Probably because you aren't convinced either.

Suddenly Charlie fluffs up to twice his size, and the ball of fuzz launches off John's head, and forward, towards a group of men standing in front of you. You growl as soon as you catch their scents. You know these men, and there's a reason you hate them.

“Long time, no see,” Spades Slick says. “We got somethin' that belongs to yas.”

***

You're Jake, or so you've been told. You're still imprisoned in the arms of the biggest member of your crew, but your thirst is getting stronger, almost unbearable at this point. The coffee was a bandage that wore off almost as soon as you drank it, and you're starting to lose what little mind you have left.

The scents in the air are accosting you, almost bullying you into a corner. You feel like you're about to slit Boxcars's throat and flee from your crew to go on a feeding frenzy. You're running out of other options.

“No fuckin' way...” Someone says. You know that voice, don't you? You lift your head in time to be hit with a ball of squeaking fuzz.

“Is dat an imp?” Slick asks. “Squish it.”

“No!” You find yourself saying. You cradle it to yourself, feeling like you have to protect this creature. “No squishing him!”

“Fine, suit yerself, kid,” Slick says with a shrug.

“Jake?”

You look at three men standing close to you. All of them look shocked. All of them seem to know you.

And you...you know them. Don't you?

“Jake!”

The dark haired one launches himself at you. You blink in surprise, and hold him as he cries on you. He smells delicious. Better than anyone else you've smelled. You can't hold yourself back, and you bite into him.

“Oh... Oh, fuck,” the human says, melting against you, and you drink greedily.

“Okay, enough!” One of the blond men says. He comes to pry you away from the human, and you growl at him until he's cutting into his own wrist, holding it to your mouth. “Can fuckin' smell the hunger on you. You're starvin' to death.” He looks at the other man, who is standing very still, looking at you with tears in his eyes. “You just gonna stand there, asshole? Go feed! He needs your blood.”

“This should probably be done out of the public eye,” Droog says, gesturing to an alleyway. “Unless the vampire way is to alert the entire world of their agenda?”

“Go fuck yourself, buddy,” says the one feeding you. “You've got no idea what kinda week I've had. Could care less about erasin' some human memories tonight.”

“Even so,” says Droog, “move this out of the way. We don't need to be seen.”

You feel yourself being dragged, but you don't let go of the wrist in your mouth. You drink, and drink, and drink. It's helping. You're starting to feel like you might know a thing or two about yourself.

“Shit. Okay, Jake, you gotta stop, or I'm gonna pass out.”

You growl, not caring about something so trivial. Your claws go into his arm, keeping his wrist where it is. He squawks and pries himself away from you, not seeming to care that you're scratching his skin.

“Hurry the fuck up, Dirk!”

Dirk.

That name. It means something to you. It carries a weight to it.

“Your mate.” A voice inside your head says. “Dirk will fix this.”

“Dirk...” You say. You need him. You need to be fixed. You need to drink.

You need your mate!

You feel hands on your shoulders, and you're turning to face the other man who seems so familiar. His eyes are sad, and he's yanking you against him faster than you can even comprehend. Your nose fills with his scent.

“Dirk...” You murmur. You bite him before you can say anything else.

“Baby,” he says, cradling you to him. “Waited so long for you...”

Everything comes back at once.

You're Jake English. You fought so hard to survive, and you lost the battle anyway.

But then, you did the impossible.

You came back for Dirk.

Tears fill your eyes, and you pull away from his neck to look at his face. You're suddenly sobbing, overcome with emotion as you look upon your mate, who has undoubtedly gone through hell in your absence.

“Jake,” he breathes, cupping your cheeks. You launch yourself forward and kiss him as hard as you can. You can feel the imp in your hair, tugging happily. John and Dave are laughing, holding each other and crying as they laugh in disbelief.

“Job well done, boys,” Slick says to the crew.

You're back. You're finally where you belong.

“I'm home,” you say softly.

“Yeah,” Dirk says, burying his face in your hair. You hear him growl once at Charlie, but he doesn't press it. “You're home.”

[screamingatanemptyroom]

Erin/Gerald Arc 2 Part 13

Next part to the series! So I’ve been thinking, what about a title like “Restricted Magic”? Open to other suggestions, If I think of any other ones I’ll post them too. 

Link to Masterpost here.

Erin came to visit the practice field early the next day. She was expecting to find a quiet scene Gerald and Frederick diligently training. That was most definitely not the case.

Gerald stood tall, his face impassive, his arms crossed. Isabelle was close next to him, clutching some sort of box, sobbing uncontrollably. Richard, his brother was shouting while pointing a finger in the other boy’s face. All of this was being spectated by Frederick, who stood off to the side with a malicious grin while eating snacks. Erin approached him first; taking a handful of the salted treats and watched alongside him.

“What happened?” She asked quietly, staring at the dramatic scene before them.

 “You missed the best part!”  Frederick laughed. “Let me catch you up to speed: We were minding our own business, when the little psychotic princess comes over and offers Gerald some homemade food or whatever.” He raised an eyebrow as he glanced over at Erin. “Did you know she was trying to move in on your territory? Anyways, Gerald says ‘No, you stupid cow, screw off!’ like any respectable boyfriend would, although he was disappointingly much more polite about it.”

Erin was starting to get a headache. “And Richard?”

“I’m getting to it! Shush! So psycho starts sobbing about how Gerald doesn’t love her anymore and who would show up but her current fiancé!” He chuckled, his eyes flashing with delight. “Just too delightful. Now he’s shouting and here we are. Let’s listen.” He offered the bag over to Erin and she grabbed another handful, chewing quietly as they continued to watch the drama.

“Stay away from my fiancé!” Richard was spitting with rage.

Gerald sighed. “I don’t want your fiancé. You may or may not have noticed, but I have zero interest in that girl. I’m currently courting someone else!”

Isabelle sobbed louder. Richard turned to her irritably. “What are you crying about? You aren’t even engaged to Gerald anymore! Why were you trying to make him food in the first place?” Isabelle ignored him, continuing to look miserable.

“And Gerald! You may think that just because you found a girl that our parents approve of that you have a chance at the throne, but I have made my own plans, my own deals. I will be king, Gerald, NO MATTER WHAT!” With that, he grabbed his fiancé’s hand and stomped away.

“…” Gerald stared silently after them, frowning uncomfortably.

“Aww… just when it was starting to get interesting.” Frederick complained to Erin.

“Erin!” The frown melted away when Gerald saw her, his whole face lighting up with happiness. “You came by!”

“Thought I would drop in and check on how your practice was going.” She smiled. “Sorry, didn’t bring any homemade food to woo you with.”

Gerald shuddered. “Don’t know what that girl is thinking. She made it very clear she had no interest when she left me for my brother.”

“Maybe she has regrets?”

“Too bad, I don’t.” He reached out and hugged her, the embrace stretching out, as both were reluctant to let go.

“…” Frederick coughed uncomfortably. “Guys, do you want me to leave?”

They broke apart, laughing, both faces turning red. “Well, um… yeah… I’ll let you two get back to practice.” Erin looked back at Gerald one last time, grinning. “Promise me you’ll be careful.”

Gerald spread his hands wide and shrugged. “Of course, I will be just fine, I promise.”

Frederick groaned. “Idiot, now you’re definitely going to die.”

“Shut up!”

The boys went back to fighting each other, and Erin walked away, the lighthearted conversation doing nothing to dispel the heavy feeling in her chest. Part of her wished that morning wouldn’t come.

Despite her wishes, the next day came and the tournament started. After introduction of the candidates, the fights for the first round were started. Erin stood on the sidelines, watching the arena before her, twisting her hands together. No matter how many fights she faced back when she was “worthless” even when she knew she was going to get hurt, it never scared her, never worried her. This feeling, this uncertainty as she watched Gerald prepare for his fights was new, foreign. It ate at her insides, making her wish she could do something, anything. Even screaming with frustration would be better than this silent stillness. As she was thinking this, however, a small hand reached out, grabbing her own. Startled, she looked down, smiling back at the cheerful face looking up at her.

“Maddie, are you here to watch your brother fight?”

The younger girl nodded. “Yep! At first he didn’t want me to watch, he was worried I’d be scared, but when I told him I would stay with you he said it was okay.”

“Aww, that’s sweet.”

“He also said to try to keep roping you in with being cute so that you want to be my sister and agree to marry him.”

“…” Erin stared blankly at Maddie’s guileless expression, before shaking her head slowly. “Why am I not surprised?”

“Frederick’s fight is starting!” Olivia pointed down at the arena. “Looks like he got one of the Royal academy guys, I don’t recognize him.”

Frederick and a similarly sized boy were circling each other, their hands out in a defensive posture. Frederick was uncharacteristically serious, as his eyes studied his opponent for a weak point.

“Ooh, I hope he gets pounded into the ground!” Olivia clapped her hands.

Erin felt she had to point out the flaw in that goal. “Olivia, he’s on our team. If he loses we lose too.”

“Not really.” Olivia shrugged. “We still have Gerald. Points are given to the top three spots. Right now after the first round, we’re in first with 3 points, Royal academy is second with 2, Merion is in third with 1, and the Sionelle Military Academy is last with 0 points.”

“Well, magical theory is not exactly the military student’s strong category.”

“Sure, they tend to dominate the combat oriented competitions, so they’ll make a comeback. We just have to stay in the top and consistently win points and we’ll keep up.“

Cheers directed their attention back down to the fight. Frederick had seized the other boy’s arm after a poorly attempted attack and threw him over his shoulder. As he landed with loud thump, the Royal Academy contestant found himself in a strangle hold and tapped out, leaving Frederick the winner.

He stood up and pumped his fist victoriously, wiping the sweat from his face as he returned to the bench where Gerald sat. Erin cheered loudly and gave him a thumbs up when the boy glanced in her direction. He grinned and returned the gesture.

“Oh well, I guess it’s good to win.” Olivia sighed loudly.

“Did I miss it?!” Catherine rushed to the sidelines next to them, bending over to catch her breath.

“Not yet!” Maddie let out a squeal of delight and threw herself at her older sister. “There’s still one more fight before Gerald comes on.”

In the arena below, two young men were already locked in combat. With a small shock, Erin recognized the representative from the military academy. It was Walter, the lackey of her father’s who she had lost to before leaving for the tournament. He was smiling viciously, obviously toying with his opponent, letting the other boy tire himself out before reaching out and casually breaking his arm.

The contestant from Merion Academy paled, and reached out with his good arm to tap out, but before he could, a foot stomped down on his hand, crushing it. Walter laughed at his opponent’s cry of pain, and began kicking the boy repeatedly, until the referee stepped in, indicating the Merion representative was too injured to continue. 

Erin’s heart hurt. Growing up at her father’s side, she was used to such violent scenes, but now she imagined Gerald in the ring with this man… She gripped Maddie’s hand tightly, and the younger girl patted her arm to comfort her.

“Don’t worry Erin, he’ll be okay. I made sure of it!”

Erin smiled despite her worries. “How did you do that.”

“A good luck charm!” She winked, causing group to chuckle. The staff drug the unconscious boy off the arena grounds for healing, and quickly cleaned for the next round.

“It’s Gerald’s fight next!” Maddie jumped up and down with excitement.

Erin watched silently, clenching her free hand into a fist at her side. Gerald was waiting with a patient grin, watching his opponent draw closer. Seeing the black sash, Erin frowned with worry.

“It’s the other Military Academy representative.”

The boy was about the same height as Gerald, but seemed to outweigh him quite a bit, all of it muscle. It didn’t seem to bother the prince though, as he reached out and shook his opponent’s hand with a casual gesture. At the movement, Erin caught sight of a silver bracelet around Gerald’s wrist and was distracted.

“What is that he’s wearing?”

Maddie hugged Erin, staring down at the fight with an expectant expression. “It’s the good luck charm I gave him!”

“Oh.” Feeling slightly reassured, she continued to watch as the two young men circled each other. The military academy student made several attacks, but Gerald was obviously the faster of the two, slipping just beyond his reach with each attempt.

“Does he look okay?” Erin muttered, wondering if she was just being paranoid. Gerald’s face seemed paler than normal, his eyes darting around the arena as if distracted by something else. He mistimed a dodge, having his arm grabbed by the military academy representative. The larger boy grinned, trying to throw him to the ground, but Gerald moved with the momentum of the throw, putting him off balance. He slipped behind his opponent, the large arm now within his grasp instead of the other way around, and kicked out his legs, knocking him to the ground. Gerald sat on him, trying to hold him down with his weight. Struggling to escape, the military student didn’t stop moving until Gerald adjusted his grip and threatened to break his arm. Slowly, angrily, the boy reached over and tapped out, ending the fight.

Erin cheered loudly, joined by his two sisters and Olivia as Gerald returned to the St. Julienne’s bench. Her cheers quieted, then slowed and stopped as she took in Gerald’s shaking hands, his pale features. He rubbed his eyes repeatedly, blinking as if to clear something from his vision. Looking slightly dazed, he finally looked up and met Erin’s gaze, and gave her a brilliant smile.

Are you okay? She mouthed, exaggeratedly, hoping he would understand.

He nodded, and mouthed back Marry me?

She laughed, hoping that meant he was doing better than he looked.

“I saw that.” Catherine sounded amused. “He’s nothing if not determined.”

“I don’t mind.” Erin answered without thinking.

“…” Catherine, Olivia and even Maddie turned and stared open mouthed at her. Erin finally realized that it sounded as if she wanted him to propose and tried to explain awkwardly.

“I- I mean..um… no”

Catherine laughed, and hugged Erin tightly. “It’s okay. Take your time. There’s no rush.”

Maddie joined in. “Just make sure to marry him, okay?”

Everyone laughed, and continued talking, almost missing the fourth fight. Finally Olivia commented. “Isn’t Richard you two’s brother too?”

They both looked down, as if just realizing that their blood relation was currently in a physical struggle below.

“He hates me. Says I’m worthless because I don’t have powers.” Maddie frowned.

Catherine rested a comforting hand on the little girl’s head. “He lead the calls to have the position of crown princess stripped from me when I became engaged to my darling. He cares about nothing but being strong and political power.”

“Not that we want anything bad to happen to him.” Maddie added quickly, her face upset. “I just don’t want him to win.”

Olivia shrugged. “Fair enough.”

Erin didn’t comment watching as Richard quickly dispatched the second representative from Merion Magical Academy. She remembered the anger on his face as he assured Gerald he would never be king. She didn’t trust him.

Richard won his fight, starting the second round of the tournament. Frederick looked pale as he stepped up, staring at his next opponent from the military academy: Walter.

“Try not to die!” Olivia called out as he reached out and shook the other boy’s hand, wincing at the tight grip.

“Thanks for the tip.” Frederick muttered the answer, but it was clearly audible throughout the arena, making the audience chuckle.

The two circled around the arena, but it wasn’t long before Walter charged forward, his arms out. Frederick ducked and rolled, but the other boy was faster. Like a striking snake, his arm flashed forward, grasping Frederick’s ankle. His other fist came down towards Frederick’s chest, and Erin winced, remembering how badly Walter’s first opponent had been hurt before the referee stepped in.

“I concede!” Frederick shouted at the top of his lungs, surprising everyone.

Walter’s fist halted, millimeters from Frederick’s body. The young man’s face was twisted in rage, caught in a thwarted act of violence that he could no longer follow through on. Obviously struggling, he stepped backwards, his hands clenched in tight fists beside him.

Standing up, Frederick waved cheerfully at his opponent and the judges before returning to his seat. Several of the audience members booed him as a coward, but most saw the intelligence of his quick decision. He was obviously outmatched by the larger boy, and Walter was not the type to stop until he had fully incapacitated his opponent.

Again Erin gave Fredrick a thumbs up and he struck a victorious pose, causing her to laugh.

“He looks awful happy for someone who just lost.” Olivia muttered.

“He’s relieved he’s still alive.” Erin answered calmly, her heart starting to beat faster once she realized Gerald’s second fight was next.

Richard and Gerald stepped onto the arena, eying each other carefully. They did not reach out and shake hands, ignoring the referee’s instructions to do so. Erin leaned forward, her hands grabbing the railing that separated her from the arena so tightly that it was painful. Gerald… he didn’t look right. His eyes were unfocused, he was jumping slightly as if reacting to things that were in the periphery of his vision, despite it being only him and Richard in the arena. The two circled around, but he already was swaying on his feet as if dizzy.

Erin felt as if her chest was being stabbed. A slowly dawning horror was coming over her as she stared at him.

“Maddie.” She asked slowly and calmly, not wanting to scare the younger girl. “Where did you get that ‘good luck charm’ from?” Maddie was watching the fight cheerfully, and absentmindedly replied. “I found it outside my room this morning.”

The other three turned towards her and stared. She looked up, her smile fading slightly. “It had a note that said it was a lucky charm. I wanted Gerald to win so I gave it to him this morning.” Her brows furrowed, and worried, she asked. “Did I do something bad?”

Catherine hugged the girl tightly, her face grim. “It’s not your fault, sweetie. We’ll take care of this.”

“It must be some kind of artifact, maybe mental reinforcement or illusion type.” Olivia muttered staring over at Erin with concern.

Erin’s mind was blank with horror, she heard cheering and turned back towards the fighting grounds just in time to see Richard’s elbow striking Gerald in the face, breaking his nose and spraying blood.  Gerald fell to his knees, but jumped back to his feet, his eyes unfocused and nearly closed. His opponent didn’t let the chance go by, blows rained down on the injured prince’s head and face, knocking him to the ground. Gerald raised a weak hand, trying to tap out, only to be kicked in the head and have it fall uselessly next to him.

It all happened in the space of a few seconds.

A coldness took over Erin, as she saw Gerald’s eyes close, his hands fall. Someone was holding onto her arm, talking in her ear, but she ignored them. Grabbing Olivia, she jumped to the ground with the assistance of wind magic, landing at his side lightly. Olivia knelt next to Gerald’s fallen form but Erin continued standing, studying him from a far. His familiar features, crushed and broken and stained with blood. Swelling around his eyes, forcing them closed. His hands were angled wrong, he had broken them trying to protect his head. Cracked ribs, lacerations, bruises, obvious fractures, her brain categorized them all with a detachment, filing them away in the back of her mind. Someone was screaming and idly she wondered if it was her.

She looked around, Richard had already run back to his side, hidden behind his fellow students and staff. One Royal Academy student, however, stuck out like a sore thumb:

Isabelle.

Her face pale she stared at Gerald with a terrible expression. Not the exultant look of a victor, not the concern of someone who cared… it was the terror of the guilty.

Erin smiled, the expression feeling unnatural on her face. Isabelle, catching sight of her, abandoned all pretenses of innocence and started running away.

“Heal him.” Erin started walking calmly in the direction that the girl had fled.

“What are you…?” Olivia started to ask, but paused at the sight of her face.

“Save him.” Erin kept walking, her eyes never leaving her prey. “Save me.”

She didn’t hear Olivia’s reply. She called the wind, enhanced her muscles, and was gone before her words had faded from the air.

Isabelle ran into the forest, the only sounds around her were the stomping of her feet against the ground, her ragged breaths escaping from her as her lungs burned for more air. She wanted to glance behind her to see if there was anyone there, but instead she kept running. She didn’t want to know if that girl was behind her.

She hadn’t expected things to end like this, they had tricked her! As she cursed the circumstances that led her into this predicament, tears ran down her face, her heart beating rapidly in her chest.

When she had seen Gerald fall, she thought she was afraid. She was scared of getting caught, of losing her reputation, of getting punished. But these were small, childish feelings next to the pure unadulterated terror that filled her when she met eyes with the girl who stood with Gerald.

Isabelle had never seen eyes like that before, but even so, she knew what that look meant.

That was the look of death.

Something snagged her ankle, tripping her to the ground. Falling on her face, wiping the dirt from her eyes, she turned only to see her foot sunken into the earth. Had she stepped into a hole? Confused, she stood up and started pulling on it, trying to free it. As she knelt down to examine it closer, she felt a cold chill run down her spine.

Looking around frantically she saw nothing, but couldn’t shake the unwavering feeling that she wasn’t alone.

“Hello?” She called out softly, her voice trembling with fear.

A voice whispered back, right in her ear.

“Found you.”

[simwoman2002]

Perfection

A/N: I normally do not place warnings at the beginnings of my stories, but this is a special case. If you like Doug and/or Doug and Evie’s relationship, I advise that you avoid reading this story altogether. If you are anti-Doug x Evie or just anti-Doug, then congratulations- you have found the Descendants fanfic of your dreams. Last chance… Turn back now or forever hold your peace. You have been officially warned.

     Mal relaxed on her bed in her and Evie’s dorm room, completely and utterly at ease. She was engrossed in a book, her eyes trained upon the words as she lost herself.

  Everything was magnificent. Until Evie came barging in with such a storm surrounding her. Mal jerked with surprise, but whatever smarmy comment she was going to throw at Evie had disappeared from her mind.

  “Evie?! Are you okay?!” Mal asked, shooting up from her position on the bed. Evie stopped in her fast approach of her own bed, her head down and her blue locks covering her face in a mystical veil. Mal hurried in front of the other girl, taking her shoulders in her hands gently.

  She tried to see through the impenetrable wall of hair to the face underneath. Mal was growing increasingly worried as she didn’t receive a response.

  But then she felt it. One small, nearly imperceptible quake of Evie’s shoulders. Mal immediately knew something was terribly amiss and she gently parted the hair covering Evie’s bowed head.

  What she saw upon separating the curtain was just as concerning as what she had gathered from its existence. Evie’s face was covered in smeared mascara, pure blue trails streaking down her face as tear after tear rolled down her cheeks.

  “Evie-” Mal started to speak, but Evie shook her head, suddenly clinging onto the shorter girl with such a force that Mal was completely pressed against her.

  Mal blinked and returned the hug hesitantly, her heart wrenching with a deep ache when Evie sobbed brokenly.

  The green-eyed girl guided them backward the best that she could so that they were sitting on Evie’s bed. Mal then simply held the other girl in her embrace the best she could considering she was the smaller of the two.

  Evie was curled up against her as closely as she could get without being practically on top of her, her body shaking with the tears that were currently drenching Mal’s thin tee.

  Mal couldn’t help but feel herself growing increasingly more worried about Evie. What happened to her? Or who happened to her? Mal couldn’t help but immediately feel an uncontrollable flame of pure rage at whoever could’ve caused this. She would skin them alive, hang the trophy on her wall, and then throw whatever remained of them in the ocean between the Isle of the Lost and the United States of Auradon.

  Nobody messed with her sister.

  Evie clung to her desperately as if Mal was her lifeline, her entire body dependent upon Mal’s sturdy frame. Mal just let the girl lean against her heavily with Evie’s chin on Mal’s shoulder and her head tightly pressed against Mal’s own.

  Mal tried to control her breathing as well as possible, slowly exhaling and inhaling in hopes that Evie would catch on and do the same.

  After what felt like an eternity, Evie let out a long, shaky breath as her grip slackened incrementally. Mal hummed in appreciation, vocalizing her approval of Evie’s attempts to calm down. Evie breathed in and out as Mal stroked her hair absently.

  When Evie finally calmed down enough to perhaps relate to Mal what had happened, Mal tried to work up the courage to ask.

  “Evie?” Mal spoke quietly so she wouldn’t startle the other girl. Evie made a nearly silent noise of questioning. Mal wet her lips, trying to figure out the best way to approach the subject.

  “What happened?” Mal mentally slapped herself. That was way too blunt. She should’ve said something about Evie telling her when she was ready. It would’ve been what Evie said to her if Mal was in Evie’s position.

  Evie stiffened, and tightened her grip around Mal to an almost suffocating grasp. Mal sucked in a breath, trying to regain the air lost.

  “Doug… He-he-” Evie then burst into tears all over again. Mal’s mind immediately jumped to the worst conclusions.

  Had he harmed her physically? Mal hadn’t seen any bruises or marks, but then Evie came into their dorm in quite a hurry.

  Did he force her into… that? Mal couldn’t help the low growl that escaped from her. If Doug had done that, he’d endure vast, unimaginable worlds of pain, suffering, and anguish before she finally killed him.

  He’d never know what hit him. She’d come into his and Ben’s dorm like a shadow in the night and take him away to somewhere that no one would ever find him before she tortured him brutally by candlelight. And then she’d finally finish him off by taking her own powers and strangling him.

  “He broke up with me,” Evie choked out, her sobs growing tenfold. Mal’s racing mind was suddenly brought to an abrupt halt as she realized it wasn’t what she had thought at all.

  But she still might kill him.

  That idiot had left a wonderfully good thing. Evie was perfect. Mal knew it. The bluenette was truly a magnificent girlfriend to Doug. She was almost always patient with him, she did so many little things for him, and she never ever yelled at him. Mal always wished that she could have the incredible tolerance that Evie had.

  It made Mal sick to see Evie so utterly affected by that disgusting, horrid boy.

  “Mal, what did I do wrong? I tried so hard,” Evie bawled, and Mal felt a sharp, stabbing pain in her stomach. Evie never was this much of a mess. Even when she cried, she was always more composed than this.

  Evie didn’t deserve this. Doug deserved the pain.

  “I’m not pretty enough, am I?” Evie questioned, sobering from her hysterics immediately as she loosened her hold on Mal. “My nose… it’s too sharp. My skin’s not fair enough, my eyes aren’t the right color, my hair doesn’t have enough volume,” Evie launched into a hypercritical assessment of herself. Mal shook herself from her stupor and pulled away from Evie so that she could press her forehead against the bluenette’s and look into her eyes.

  “No, Evie, you’re not pretty,” Evie’s face fell, and her entire face reflected a hurt, resigned disappointment. “You’re absolutely gorgeous,” Mal told her heartfeltly.

  “That piece of,” Mal paused, collecting herself since she knew Evie hated for her to swear, “work…. doesn’t deserve you,” Mal reassured firmly.

  “I love him, Mal. I thought he loved me, too,” Evie averted her gaze as several tears rolled down her cheeks. Mal hesitantly moved her hand up toward the slightly older girl’s face. After a moment of thinking it over, she wiped her left cheek gently, the moisture remaining on Mal’s hand.

  “Hey,” Mal spoke, trying to regain Evie’s attention. “Talk to me about it. I know it hurts, but it’ll help you if you let it out,” Mal advised. She then grinned lopsidedly.

  “At least… That’s what my sister told me,” the green-eyes girl spoke, hoping for Evie’s usual response whenever Mal called her that.

  Mal wasn’t disappointed. Evie returned Mal’s gaze immediately when Mal said the magic word. Her eyes lit up with that almost pitifully excited look of hope and affection. It was slightly dulled, but it was still very much there.

  The corners of Mal’s lips quirked with a slight smile. Evie returned the grin, albeit significantly less happy, but pleased all the same.

  Mal pulled back from the bluenette and Evie leaned so that her head was on Mal’s shoulder.

  The purple-haired girl sat in complete silence with the other girl as they simply relaxed together. Mal was willing to wait on Evie to talk about it. She knew it was going to be painful for the other girl.

  “It all started when I went to where we were supposed to meet today,” Evie slowly, deliberately began, attempting to push through the agony that was about to come flooding in.

  Mal offered her palm, her fingers extended. Evie’s hand shot up like a flash, grabbing her own in a tight hold.

  The story wasn’t going to be pretty.

   ………………………………………………………………………………………………………

      Evie skipped across the schoolyard with an enormous grin, her entre face bright with her excitement to meet Doug at their spot at the picnic tables. She had everything: the picnic basket was swinging lazily from her hand’s grasp, her homework tucked under her arm, and whatever else she thought they could need on their study date.

  Her heart skipped a beat as she spotted his lanky form positioned at the table. Evie quickened her pace, thrilled to see him again.

  She carefully snuck up behind him, her eyes aglow with mischief as she suddenly dove in and covered his eyes with her hands, holding her papers underneath her arm the best she could.

  “Guess who?” Evie playfully questioned. She heard him sigh, and her smile faded just a little. That was strange. Generally, she got a laugh from him when she did that.

  “Evie, stop… We need to talk,” he told her, an oddly serious tone lacing his words. Evie took her hands away hesitantly, her fingers lightly scraping against his scalp as she removed them.

  Evie moved onto the seat, situating herself on the bench as she sat her things on the table gingerly, taking special care in placing everything in a perfect order.

  She then turned her upper body toward him so that she could physically devote her entire attention to him and what he was about to say.

  Evie nervously tried to read his profile, but whatever mask he had put up had effectively done its job. She couldn’t see any sign of what sort of news she was about to hear.

  Doug finally looked at her, and Evie quickly perceived that it wasn’t going to be the good type of news.

  “Evie… I think we should start seeing other people,” he told her, averting his eyes to his hands that were resting on the table.

  Evie felt as if she had been punched in the gut. It was as if the words had an actual physical effect on her. Evie sat blubbering for a few moments, trying desperately to think of something useful and good to say.

   “Why?” she finally asked, unashamedly gaping at him as she tried to fully comprehend what had been said to her. Doug shook his head and he looked at her somewhat sadly.

  “I just don’t think that we’re that well-suited for each other. You deserve better than me, and I’m tired of holding you back,” Evie opened her mouth, about to object, but Doug held up a hand, effectively stopping whatever words were going to come.

  “Also, I, um… Found someone else. Her name is Chaca, daughter of Pacha, you know, the guy that was such great friends with Emperor Kuzco,” he paused for a moment, seeming to recollect his thoughts.

  “And… Considering that, I just don’t think it’d be fair to either of us if we were to keep dating,” Doug explained with a slightly guilty twinge to his voice. Evie’s jaw slackened, her eyes growing glassy as the words fully began to sink in her skin.

  “Evie, you deserve a guy who can make all of your dreams come true. You deserve a guy who can give you all of his heart, a heart that doesn’t already belong to someone else. And that guy’s not me,” Doug told her.

  Evie sharply inhaled, trying to get a hold of her swirling emotions. Hurt, jealousy, inferiority, anger, there was an endless compendium composing a fiery vortex of betrayal and ultimately lostness.

  She looked down at her lap, feeling her heart fall apart into a million, seemingly unrepairable amount of pieces.

  “I love you, Evie, but not like a boyfriend should. You’re a great friend and I hope we can still be friends. I don’t want this to come between us,” Doug told her with a small smile, offering his hand to her. Evie looked down at it.

  It was so alien, yet so familiar. She wanted to take it, but at the same time, she wanted to turn it away. Evie brought her mocha gaze back to meet his own orbs. She suddenly felt like she was out of air.

  Evie stood up so quickly that she almost fell, tripping over the bench. Evie turned away from Doug, taking off as quickly as she could in the other direction.

  She heard him calling behind her, but she couldn’t deal with him right now. Evie had to go to the one place where she knew she could remain largely unbothered. After all, there was a door and she could lock it.

  It was also the only place that had a hot shower, extra cookies, and maybe even a shoulder to cry on if she got there at the right time.

   ………………………………………………………………………………………………………

      “And I got back here,” Evie choked out, shutting her eyes tightly. Mal squeezed the hand that was in her own.

  Mal didn’t really know what to say that could even begin to make Evie feel any better. She released a deep breath, resting her head on Evie’s.

  “That’s… one heck of a story,” Mal murmured, trying to fight the overwhelming urge to choke Doug. She was glad he had told Evie the truth before she got hurt even worse than she was now, but at the same time, she felt like killing him because he made the stupid decision to choose someone else over Evie.

  Evie simply nodded her head in response, nuzzling further into the velvety softness of Mal’s shirt. Mal shifted a bit uncomfortably. Evie was resting her full weight against Mal, and, although Evie didn’t have very much weight to rest on her, it was still hard for Mal’s small frame to hold her up easily.

  When she felt a crick developing in the small of her back, Mal began to lower herself to the bed carefully, indicating gently to Evie that she was going to lie down. Evie moved back with her and before long, the pressure of Evie’s body was significantly less than before as Mal rested on her back.

  “Mal, I don’t understand why he broke up with me… I did everything I could to be a great girlfriend, but I wasn’t good enough,” Evie spoke, her normally melodious voice cracking mid-sentence. Mal shook her head, turning it to look at Evie.

  “You are so perfect, Evie. Everything about you is perfect. The way you walk, the way you talk, the way you look away when you know your best friend’s telling the truth and you’re being stubborn,” Mal lifted their interlocked hands and extended her pointer finger, poking Evie’s cheek gently with a playful grin. Evie rejoined her gaze with Mal’s hesitantly, a small exasperated smile crossing her face.

  “You’re smart, you’re beautiful, you’re sweet, you’re funny…. You’re so many things, E. I actually wish I could be like you sometimes,” Mal shrugged, looking up at the canopy covering the top of the bed.

  Evie immediately trained her attention more fully on Mal.

  “Wh- really? Why would you want to be like me?” the bluenette asked. Mal stared at her incredulously.

  “Yes, really. Why would I not? I… I look up to you,” Mal quietly mumbled the last part, turning her head in the opposite direction as the embarrassment tingled through her body. She hadn’t exactly meant to tell Evie that.

  It was true, though. After all, she viewed Evie as her big sister. Her awesome, incredible, one-of-a-kind big sister.

  She eventually returned her head to its original position so that she could look at Evie. However, Mal certainly didn’t expect to see a sweet smile on Evie’s face and tears trailing down her cheeks.

  Just as Mal began to worry that she finally broke her or that she said something wrong, Evie sat up on the bed, pulling up Mal, and yanked her into a bone-crushing hug. Mal returned it quickly, still a little concerned for whatever remained of Evie’s sanity.

  “Are you okay?” Mal questioned tentatively. Evie nodded her head, sniffling.

  “Yes. It’s just… It means so much to me that you’d say that. That I actually mean that much to you,” Mal felt a stab to her chest at the horribly sad statement. Well… Take her heart, she didn’t need it anymore, anyway.

  “I’m absolutely honored that you look up to me,” Evie paused to pull away from Mal and place her hands on Mal’s shoulders, “and I promise you that I will do everything in my power not to disappoint you,” Evie promised, and Mal felt the familiar sting of tears in her own eyes. Mal blinked hard and forced a chuckle.

  Darn Evie. Always ditching her own feelings for the thought of someone else’s. Mal was supposed to be comforting her, not the other way around.

  “Well, gee, E, I thought you were the one down, not me,” Mal plastered a smile on her face. Evie shook her head.

  “You matter, too,” Evie told her with an oddly serious expression as she sighed sadly.

  “I know, but be a little selfish right now, ‘kay? Besides I know you’re trying to distract yourself. That’s good, but it’s also healthy to do a little wallowing,” Mal told her, subtly wiping her eyes as she tried to muster a more cheerful look.

  Evie nodded, and Mal could see her mind desperately fighting the thought of Doug.

  “You know what I think this calls for?” Mal questioned suddenly, the perfect idea popping into her head. Evie looked at her with a questioning glance.

  “No…?”

  “Well, I don’t know if you’re up for it, but I’ve got some Oreos with our names on them and some weird movies I’ve never seen before that Lonnie came up with.” As soon as Mal nonchalantly mentioned the cookies, Evie’s focus was trained directly upon her singularly.

  “Are they traditional?” Evie asked, and Mal could see her eyes lighting up with that familiar chocolate craze.

  “Yep.”

  “What’re waiting for?! Let’s wallow!” Evie yelled, hopping off the bed in her haste.

  Mal shook her head with a grin. Evie’s heart could be healed in time. However, her smile faded slowly into an angrier expression as she began to consider what she was going to do as soon as she could manage.

  Yes, she certainly has some unfinished business to attend to.

   ………………………………………………………………………………………………………

      It was undeniable. Mal had the look of a woman on a mission. Her eyes were aglow with her trademark green, every sense heightened in her hunt for a certain dork.

  Her gaze trailed across the open space. She easily spotted Audrey with her ridiculous new hairstyle that she actually thought was pretty. Mal rolled her eyes in disgust. Audrey was so ridiculous.

  Mal continued her scan and she quickly saw Chad Charming with his latest girl that he had picked up and was cheating on Audrey with. She disgustedly averted her eyes from his way too public and certainly way too grabby show of affection. Honestly, was he trying to eat her face off?

  There were various other people out and about. It was a sunny day, and Mal didn’t blame them for seizing the moment of beauty. However, she herself was a little worried about getting a sunburn and consequentially receiving a long lecture from Evie about how she should take care of her skin.

  She refocused her concentration on the task at hand, and quickly spotted the awkward boy seated at the exact picnic table that Evie had recounted.

  Mal soundlessly strode over, and she kept her eye on him, making sure he didn’t spot her before she was ready to be seen.

  Mal then moved nearby a tree that happened to be close by Doug’s sitting spot, her eyes gleaming as she surveyed her prey. She silently glared at him for a moment, if she could, she’d melt him in place. Then she wouldn’t have to endure this painfully awkward conversation.

  But she had to get it over with. It was for Evie’s wellbeing and happiness and there was no price she wouldn’t gladly pay for her best friend.

  “Yo, loser-face,” Mal finally spoke, her back against the tree as she stared at the shaggy mop of hair on top of the guy’s head. He turned his head quickly as if startled and gaped at Mal.

  “C’mon,” Mal beckoned him with her finger, “we need to talk.” She didn’t wait to see if he’d follow and simply began strolling through the grass. After a moment or two, she heard his awkward gait as he hurried over beside her.

  They walked together for a moment, neither saying a word. Mal finally looked over at him and saw that he was a nervous wreck. She lightly exhaled, knowing that she had better tell him what was on her mind before he fainted or did something totally sissy like that.

  “Look, Doug, I appreciate you telling Evie the truth,” Mal expressed, and Doug jumped at the sound of her voice. She offered a small smile, but it quickly disappeared.

  “Well, I only figured it was right,” he mumbled, seemingly shy around her. She sighed, hating that she was about to have to burst his bubble.

   “And I also want to tell you that I’d really appreciate it if you didn’t speak to Evie again for a long time,” Mal told him, stopping in her tracks. He quickly mimicked the action, pausing immediately. He looked at her with a shocked expression.

  “The reason being is that she’s really upset right now. She’s been desperately trying to distract herself, and I don’t think seeing you would help the situation any right now,” Mal tried to break it to him as gently as possible.

  “B-but I want to still see her. I told her I still wanted to be her friend. A good friend wouldn’t just leave her to suffer.” Mal’s eyes flashed with that familiar warning green flame and he stepped back in fear.

  “She’s not been suffering by herself. I’ve been there for every single solitary tear my sister has cried over you. Don’t you think she deserves a break from you and the pain you cause?” Mal viciously poked him in the chest, allowing her anger to overrule her best judgement.

  Doug looked down at his shoes and crossed his arms over his chest, and Mal could easily see the intense guilt lacing his expression. Mal’s frustration with him faded away somewhat and she placed her hand on his shoulder, patting him gently.

  “I’m not mad, Doug,” he looked at her hopefully. She bit her bottom lip. “I’m sure there’s a part of me, somewhere deep inside my heart where I’m not mad.” At that point, he looked somewhere between horrified and relieved.

  “I understand that you had to tell her the truth and I admire you for that. I just don’t want her to have to go through any more hurt than she already has,” Mal told him, removing her hand and drawing it back to her side.

  After a moment of awkward silence, Mal cleared her throat.

  “Well, consider that my letting you off easy for breaking her heart. Can’t promise the guys are going to be so gentle, but I’ll try to persuade them,” Mal punched his shoulder firmly and Doug offered a small grin as they resumed their walk together. She watched him out of the corner of her eye as he tried to subtly rub his very much sore arm. Hey, she didn’t punch anyone easy. Unless it was one of the three most important people in her life. Mal was gentle with them.

  “Thanks, I’d appreciate that,” he chuckled. Mal grinned at him, her characteristic mischief shining through.

  “Or I could introduce you to persuasion and reason myself. Y’know, let you get acquainted with them personally,” Mal told him, bumping into his arm with her shoulder.

  As they walked, she held up her right fist. “Here’s persuasion,” Mal held up her left fist, “and here’s reason.” Doug stared at her hands for a moment before smiling slightly.

  “Not sure if you’re kidding or not, but I’m going to take that as a joke.” They both shared a hearty laugh.

  “I was…. Mostly,” Mal told him, and he stopped, watching her leave as she continued along her merry way.

  Mal shrugged to herself once she was out of eyeshot.

  “I tally that as being a good talk,” Mal told herself, a smirk making its way onto her face as she left to find Evie.

  Nobody messed with Evie. Ever. Or any of her family. They’d get to have an exclusive heart to heart with her fists of fury.

   Well, if you made it this far, Imma go ahead and assume you’re either a Doug hater or you just wanted some sisterly fluff. I hope you enjoyed!

[flashbackharry]

Holding On: Part One.

Requested!-“ Hello, I adore your writing. I was wondering if you could write a prompt about y/n being in an abusive relationship and harry helping her get out of it. thank you!”

TW: Abuse, Domestic Violence, Alcoholsim and swearing.

Domestic Violence helpline: 1-800-700-7233

***

All you did was ask how his night was. You didn't mean anything rude by it, but he saw it as something different entirely. You weren't sure what was happening until your head was being smashed against the bathroom mirror. You  felt blood bloom from your scalp, your eyes scanned the floor and you came in contact with sharp pieces of glass. You felt the blood drip down from your head and onto your face. You felt your eye lids start to close and you couldn't fight the unconsciousness sweeping over your entire body.

"C'mon get up. Get up! You're fine." You heard your fiancé say but you couldn't focus on his words. You tried zeroing In on the pain you felt in your head instead. You felt rough hands pick you up from the ground and drag your body up against the bathroom wall. You made eye contact with those lifeless eyes you knew all too well. You felt a cold paper towel on your head as he very quickly cleaned up your cut. You didn't look him in the eyes, instead you choked back tears. You couldn't show him you were afraid let alone cry in front of him, so you learned to keep your emotions in check. You cried whenever he wasn't home or sometimes when he was sleeping you would go to the bathroom and turn the shower on to drown out your sobs. When he was done he threw the paper towel in the trash and practically spat at you, "Clean this mess up." He said, and walked away, leaving you a bloody mess on the floor.

You contemplated staying there and crying but you couldn't, you had to get up and fight, if not for anyone else, then for yourself. You dragged your aching limbs off the floor and stood up. You had to catch yourself before you almost fell over from how dizzy you were. You stripped your clothes off one by one and faced yourself in the mirror. You almost cried purely from looking at your reflection alone. You were naked but there were bruises all over your body, some were old, but some were new and bright red, as recent as the night before. The top part of your hair was covered in blood, what was once brown now almost black from the blood. You pulled your eyes from your own body and slowly stepped into the shower, turning the knob so the water was scalding hot. You washed your hair, the hot water got into your cut and it made you wince. You looked down and the tub ran pink as you washed the remnants of tonight off. 

Once you were done and you wrapped your shivering body in a towel you walked out of the bathroom. Your bed room of course, was empty. It was rare Kevin ever came home at night. You pulled out underwear from your dresser and a oversized long sleeve shirt that stopped at your knees and climbed into bed.  Your head throbbed dully and muscles ached, but nonetheless you tried to fall asleep. Your mind wondered to all the brand new excuses you would make for him now. Why did you even ask him? You knew when he came home drunk that it never ended well. You should have locked yourself in your bedroom until he fell asleep on the couch but it was too late. All you wanted was for him to talk to you.

You weren't stupid, you didn't fall for guys who enjoyed beating you to a pulp. Kevin was not the same guy you met a year ago. He was charismatic and funny and he certainly never laid his hands on you. But then one day he got the call from the hospital that his mum had died from liver failure. Yeah, it was ironic, the same thing that killed his mother was the same thing he turned to for comfort. He no longer turned to you for help, he no longer told you things, instead he pushed you away. Then the distance slowly morphed into anger. The first time he raised his hands to hit you he was drunk. He immediately regretted it, you watched his face turn from anger to instant remorse.  You let him hug you as he said over and over again that it wouldn't happen again and you believed him. Like the fool you were you believed him. You held onto the hope that one day he would change and become the man you fell in love with. You could leave him but you were scared. Scared he would find you and your family, scared you couldn't be the person he needed you to be for him. Scared you let him down. So you stayed. You always stayed.

You didn't cry as you laid there in bed, you didn't have the energy to cry at the moment. But you couldn't deny the inexplicable emptiness you felt in your heart and in your bones. With Kevin you felt lonely but without him you were alone.

You woke up the next day in the after noon, you glanced at your clock and saw it was 4pm. Christ, your exhaustion mixed with your piercing headache caused you to sleep incredibly late. You reached for your phone on your nightside table and checked all the text messages you missed.  The other side of your bed was empty and you weren't surprised.

"Hey Y/n, reminder my party is tonight at 6pm, I really hope you can make it." 

It was a text message from your best friend Evie. You hadn't  seen her in nearly 4 months, considering your current situation. Kevin rarely let you out but you haven't seen him since last night so you threw caution to the wind and decided to go. You got ready but it wasn't easy finding something that looked good and covered all your bruises. You had a bruise on your neck from the time Kevin wrapped his arms around them and strangled you until you promised to never ignore him again. That was over a month ago but it was now black and purple and it looked so bad tears sprang into your eyes. You shook your head and willed yourself to stop.  you decided to wear a brown turtle neck and some black pants with white stripes. You let your hair down to cover any additional bruises and threw on a tweed coat. You didn't bother with makeup, if Kevin saw you wearing it he would flip so you gave up trying a long time ago.  You walked down the stairs and prayed Kevin wasn't home yet, you made it all the way down the stairs but you didn't find him on the couch so you checked the kitchen and he wasn't there either. You let out a breath you didn't realize you were holding in and walked out the door.

***

You arrived at Evie's house and there were a lot more people than you were expecting. You walked in and someone took your coat and bag and offered you a drink, you politely shook your head no. You knew what alcohol did to your loved ones so you vowed to never drink for as long as you were breathing.  You spotted Evie amongst the crowd and made your way over to her. Its been awhile since you were among this many people and your heart started to beat uncontrollably. What if they saw your bruises?  what if Kevin told people? Most of these people were your friends at one point, surely they would notice a difference in your demeanor?

Once Evie saw you, she excused her self from the crowd that was around her, and met you half way. She wrapped her arms around you and hugged you tightly.

"I am so glad to see you Y/n, I've missed you so much" She said, letting you go to get a good look at you.

"My God have you gotten skinnier" She said patting your stomach. You mustered up an uncomfortable smile. You hadn't realized you lost weight but It wasn't a surprising concept. You spent all your free time sleeping, the sight of food made you sick at this point. Evie's comment about your weight hadn't helped either, you felt even more self conscious. Without makeup, the bags under your eyes were  immensely noticeable. Your cheek bones were also more defined and you were pale as ever. You debated going home right now, you wanted to disappear so badly.

'Where's Kevin?" Evie asked and the sound of his name sent chills down your spine.  You looked around as if he was here and when you realized what Evie asked you, you looked back at her and told him he couldn't make it.

"Oh that's too bad, I don't want you to be alone tonight, its mostly couples here." She said gesturing towards the crowd. You looked and she was right.

"Well, almost everyone, Harrys over there, I forced him to help me set up and all." She said pointing at him, he was leaned against the wall, his eyes never leaving yours. You felt chills down your back again for an entirely different reason. 

"I know you guys have history and all but I'm sure you guys can still be around each other, right?" You didn't answer her right away, you were too busy staring back at him. He looked... good. Like he gets an adequate amount of sleep and doesn't live his life in fear. He was wearing jeans and a black button up with the top buttons left undone, exposing his chest and tattoos.  Harry and you were lovers during a time before you met Kevin. In fact you started dating Kevin to help you get over Harry. Looking at Harry now you weren't sure if those feelings ever left in the first place. 

"Of course not." you said looking back at Evie and she nodded. She told you the food was on platters being held by waiters and to help yourself.

"We're gonna catch up very soon, okay love?" She said, squeezing your arm and you nodded. With that she left back to the group of people awaiting her. You stayed standing in the middle of the crowd before you walked over to Harry who was standing against the wall, drink in hand. His eyes trailed over your body, taking you in. You leaned your back against the wall too. looking straight at the party. Everyone dancing and laughing and drinking. Having the time of their lives, not a care in the world. It made you green with envy. How people could carry on with their lives and be completely oblivious to what others are going through. To no fault of their own of course.

"How are you?" Harry spoke, still not looking at you.

"Good, and you?" You said slowly. You felt Harry push off the wall and he was in front of you in seconds. His face inches away from your face. You felt his breath on your skin as he intensely gazed into your eyes. You couldn't put into words how he made you feel so you settled for not saying anything at all.

"You look like you haven't eaten or slept in months, no ones bloody fucking seen you since you started dating that prick and I know you, I know you're not happy, I can practically hear your heart beating out of your chest." His breath was shaky and his nose flared from how angry he was and you couldn't help but feel the same way Kevin does when hes angry at you. Small. You pushed Harry away and started to walk outside, you felt Harry follow you and suddenly you were in the crisp November air.  You started to walk, you didn't know where you were going, but you just wanted to get away, from everything. You heard Harry call out from behind you.

"Do you remember what you promised me when we broke up?" He yelled. You did remember but that was all back then, before all this crap happened to you.

"Huh Y/n!" He said. 

"Let me jog your memory then, you said we would always have each other, that nothing would change between us. What happened to that Y/n? You start dating someone new and forget about your best friend? I needed you so badly lately but I had no fucking way to reach you!" Harry exclaimed and now anger was pulsing through your veins, he had no fucking idea, no one did. You turned around quick and walked over to him, angry as ever.

"You do not get to fucking say that!" You screamed, tears streaming down your face.

"You have no idea the hell I've been through, you do not get to say that." You barely choked out the last bit, overly consumed by all the tears you've been keeping in lately. Harry put an arm on you and you winced, pulling back.

"Y/n, please fucking talk to me, I'm right here." He said, hands digging into his pockets. You stayed quiet as you gathered your thoughts, looking at the leaves on the ground.

"I have a friend, who found a guy whom she thought would help her get over her ex lover, but instead of just having a one night stand with this guy, she fell for him. Months passed and their relationship was absolute bliss, she was happy and just beginning to get over her ex, but then this new guy starting acting different. He was cold and distance and used alcohol to cope with everything. The first time her fiancé hit her she was told it was the last time, then he did it again and again, until this friend realized she was trapped. She couldn't leave the house and all she did was sleep to keep her mind off things. She stopped eating and reaching out to people. She was depressed and most of all, she was tired. Of everything, everyone. Of life."

Harry looked at you, his eyes were watery and he slowly walked over to you.

"And how's this friend doing now?" He said, inches away from your face.

"She's holding on" you said softly.

"You're not going back there." Harry said sternly.  

Absolute horror came over you. You stepped back and looked at harry with an exasperated expression.  

"Harry, I cant do that, no. He already doesn't know I'm here, imagine what he'll do if he finds out I've left, no. No."

"No, do you fucking hear yourself? He's beating the crap out of you, not letting you leave the house and you want to stay? You're coming home with me, I don't care."Harry said.

"Harry please, You don't understand." You said, begging through tears. You grabbed his hands as if to pull him back and he let you. You put your hands on his cheeks and forced him to look at you.

"I am fine, if I get home now he wont find out, please harry, please try and understand." You said pleading. Harrys head snapped up at you, his eyes unreadable.

"You're fine until the next time. I'm sorry but I'd be fucking insane to let you go back to that piece of shit. You're coming home with me. I don't care if I have to fucking drag you there myself." Harry finished, pulling away  from your grasp and taking your hand as he half dragged you back to the house. You couldn't convince him out here but maybe you could in front of everyone else. 

The walk back was quick, Harry walking so fast with his hand wrapped tightly around yours. You saw Evie waiting out side looking frantic, her phone pressed against her ear.

"There you guys are, I've been calling you guys for nearly an hour. You're fiancé Kevin is here Y/n, he's waiting for you inside "She said turning towards you. 

Your heart dropped to your stomach, you let go of Harrys hand, taking a slow step back.

***

Part Two is coming very soon. All feed back is welcome. Reminder I am taking requests as well. xx