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erinkeifer · 1 year

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ℕ𝕠𝕥 𝕞𝕪 𝕔𝕠𝕕𝕖

[Anakin Skywalker x Padawan!Fem Reader]

Masterlist | Wattpad | AO3 Not My Code Masterlist

Summary: For several years, you've been Anakin Skywalker's Padawan. Even though you're afraid to admit it, you've burned out. You have no intention of adhering to the Jedi code any longer, and fighting for the Republic has ceased to be your sole purpose in life. However, your knighthood is approaching soon, but before that happens, you must undergo one final training session alongside your master. Why won't you complete it?

Author Note: I wouldn't technically call it pure 'smut' but due to nudity and sexual tension, I would classify my text as suitable for readers aged 18+. I apologize for any inconvenience!

Word Count: 4,2k

This isn't the first time something inside you has started to crack before entering the training room. The closer the knighting ceremony approached, the more your thoughts turned away from the Order. Obi-Wan's lectures no longer resonated with you – though you hold him in the highest regard, you no longer see value in the moralizing lessons about what Jedi can and cannot do.

For some time now, he no longer stops you in the corridor to share his guidance repeatedly, believing that since he handed you over to Anakin, you would become more disciplined and loyal to the Order.

Well... it's quite the opposite.

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Today's training was a torment - not because Anakin demanded too much, and not because you were resistant to the activities. This time, Anakin's mind was completely elsewhere, and there were moments when he wasn't even paying attention to what you were doing. The lack of instructions left you unsure of what to do, and the minutes of exercises stretched out like hours.

At this time, the contours of the training room were illuminated only by the view of the nighttime Coruscant and the blue glow of your lightsaber. You practiced old, familiar combat forms while Anakin stood with his back turned to you, gazing pensively at the view beyond the mighty glass window.

For you, it was supposed to be training as usual, and you stuck to that. You wanted to impress your Master as much as possible, and despite the lack of guidance, you operated at full throttle. However, even increasing your performance didn't allow you to focus when your thoughts drifted to Anakin.

There was a cloud of tension over him, so thick that you could hardly recognize him. And even though you knew that he had experienced some rough days since his divorce from Padme, today you sensed something entirely different.

"Focus," Anakin mumbled, standing with his arms crossed behind his back, his gaze fixed on the cityscape.

In moments like these, you always cursed your ability to read each other's emotions. You chose to remain silent in response to his words and continued your improvised training as if nothing had happened. At least for a while.

"Master?" You paused, trying to get his attention.

"Master, do you even know what I'm doing right now?" You added, deactivating your lightsaber.

Anakin didn't react to your words, which filled you with even greater concern. Was it your fault? Did you mess something up? Did you disappoint him? Negative thoughts swirled in your head so intensely that you didn't even notice when you first addressed him by his name.

"Anakin? What's going on?"

Hearing his name, he almost immediately turned towards you, remaining silent for the first few moments.

"Please, go back to your training," he uttered after a brief silence, causing even more doubts within you.

"No..." You replied after a while, gathering your thoughts to justify your actions.

"So we have nothing to talk about." Anakin interrupted, turning back towards the window.

"I can't even remember the last time we had a normal conversation... Master, I'm just worried," you said, gently grabbing Anakin's arm.

"Worried? About what?" he muttered, not even looking at your anxious face.

"About you. You're... different. Lately, we can't even work together... communicate..." you replied in an emotional tone, receiving only silence in return.

"I know the past few months haven't been kind to you... the divorce from Padme was tr..."

"Don't say that name," Anakin impulsively interrupted, turning towards you and removing your hand from his arm.

His tone abruptly turned rough and commanding, and the gesture he made instinctively made you take a step back.

"I'm sorry, Master, I didn't mean to..."

"So, tell me what you meant," Anakin cut you off once again, and you felt the boundary you were trying to establish in your communication with your Master shatter.

"Whatever is happening, good or not, I want to know... I want to know if I might be the problem here by any chance. Am I making a mistake? Am I getting on your nerves?" The longer you spoke, the more anxious your tone became.

"You shouldn't care about that. Our path is coming to an end soon, and ahead of you lies a new one that you'll traverse on your own... unless your conflict dictates otherwise," Anakin replied with a serious tone, this time not averting his gaze from you.

Hearing about the conflict sent shivers down your spine. Did Obi-Wan tell him about your doubts? Or, worse, does he know about your stance towards the Order?

"Conflict? W-what do you mean?" you stammered, feeling the stress engulfing you more and more.

"Let's be serious. I didn't need anyone to convey your doubts to me... I know that this training means little to you," Anakin explained in a calmer tone.

"It's not like that... I've always been committed..."

"Believe me, you have no reason to give up. Leaving the Order at this stage is not a good choice, especially for..."

"Master, please stop," you interrupted Anakin, feeling like you had nothing left to lose. He had seen through you completely. You no longer cared whether he found out on his own or through someone else.

"I have a reason for it," you replied with a trembling voice, trying to gradually focus all of Anakin's attention on yourself.

"What reason?" he asked with a voice full of doubt.

"It's about you, Master," you continued, not believing you had spoken those words.

"I'm sorry, but..." You felt yourself slowly falling apart. Anakin stood before you in complete confusion, and you seized the moment. You stood on tiptoe to reach his face, and your lips collided. The kiss you gave him was so intense that it would have sufficed if it were never to happen again. At least that was the intention, because the reality was entirely different - no longer, deeper, more intense kiss would satisfy you enough to leave this room fulfilled.

Anakin broke the kiss, not believing what had just happened. As soon as your gazes returned to each other – his, full of confusion, and yours, filled with guilt and shame – Anakin distanced himself and had no idea what to do with himself. He nervously glanced around the room.

"Go back to your quarters. Training is over," he replied in a cold, trembling tone, and you did as he commanded.

Tears welled up in your eyes even before leaving the training room. It felt like your end – the official end with the Jedi and the end of a certain chapter in your life, which, despite everything, had seemed to be the most beautiful.

The doors slammed shut behind you with a bang, and as soon as you found yourself in the corridor, you began to run. You sobbed, knowing that at this time, no one should be wandering down this path, even though you knew it was not a place where you could afford to release your emotions.

Without the strength to use the Force, you opened the door to your room with a code and impulsively slammed it shut behind you. As soon as you removed the belt with your lightsaber and tossed it aside, you threw yourself onto your bed, burying your head in the pillow, trying to scream and cry out all your emotions and the indescribable pain inside you.

It was a moment when you felt as if you were awaiting execution rather than preparing for sleep. The pain consumed you from within to the point that you might have understood for the first time why Jedi couldn't have attachments.

A dead silence filled the room, against which your sobbing became even more piercing. You wished you could escape from the temple – you just wanted to run away and leave Coruscant without a trace, but you knew it was impossible.

At that moment, you felt someone's presence. The door to your room slowly opened, even though you had made sure to lock it.

Anakin.

You felt as if your heart had stopped, and only the darkest thoughts filled your mind. You were certain he had come to reprimand you, perhaps take away your lightsaber, or even expel you from the temple. Drenched in tears, turned away from your master, you waited as if for a judgment.

"Master, I... I'm so sorry... I swear, I..." you stammered with a trembling voice, feeling Anakin's gaze on your back as he stood in the doorway.

"Never do this again," Anakin interrupted in a stern voice. As he spoke those words, you sat on the bed motionless, lacking the courage to turn and look at him.

Soon, you shuddered at the sound of the door closing. Although at first, you were certain your master had left the room, you realized that what you had heard was the sound of the lock being turned from the inside.

"Not where the surveillance can see us," he added after a moment, slowly making his way toward you.

It was a moment when you froze. Not knowing what to do, you nervously got off the bed, still avoiding eye contact with Anakin.

"Don't," Anakin said, noticing that you were about to turn toward him.

You stood there, trembling, your back still turned to your master, not knowing what he meant. You felt vulnerable, and though the fear still lingered within you, this time you sensed that the kind of tension that had built up around Anakin was entirely different from what you had experienced before.

He sensed you better than you sensed him. He felt every flicker of your fear, felt your sadness, and the tension you had laid out before him like a platter. His steps sent shivers down your spine, but you no longer heard them. He stood right behind you, mere millimeters from your back.

His right mechanical hand, clad in a black leather glove, landed on your waist. Your cutout white jumpsuit exposed your bare skin there, so you instantly felt the chill of his touch.

"Don't be afraid of me," he whispered into your ear after a moment, causing you to feel the warmth of his breath on your cheek.

Your body was completely paralyzed under his touch – you stood still, nervously swallowing saliva as you looked at your reflections in the glass tiles on the wall in front of where you both stood.

"I- I'm not." you whispered so softly that as soon as Anakin realized you were trying to speak, he leaned down lower to understand what you meant.

"I feel something else." Anakin replied, bringing his face close to yours to the point where you could feel the touch of his heated cheek. You had never been this close to him, and his scent, which reminded you of a combination of leather and saffron, was intoxicating.

You closed your eyes, and soon you felt his lips on your neck – it was a moment when you felt as if an electric current had passed through you, so intense that you didn't even notice when his left, uncovered hand landed on the other side of your waist.

This time, the touch of his hand felt much more passionate to you – and it was hardly surprising because at this moment, he felt your body with his own skin, not touch sensors.

You shivered slightly when you suddenly felt him bite the soft skin on your neck, and you instinctively entwined your fingers in his messy, wavy hair, gently massaging it at the roots. As he felt the touch of your hand, he sucked on your skin even harder than before, leaving purple bruises one after another.

You had the feeling that it was a dream. You couldn't believe what was happening, but second by second, it was sinking in that every movement was happening here and now. It wasn't a dream, and everything you felt was real and intense – you also knew that you wanted to give the same to Anakin.

You wanted to give him pleasure, and in some way... you had known it for a long time.

Gently, you raised his left hand to your face, which had been attached to your body until now, and started kissing it – the longer you did it, the more passion you put into it. Anakin lifted his lips from your neck to watch your movements through your arm.

You tried to satisfy his gaze to the point that you didn't even notice when his fingers traveled to your mouth. At this moment, the tension that buzzed within him was gradually approaching a very dangerous limit - you felt it as intensely as never before.

You finally wanted to look into his eyes and see something more than just the corner of his face, so you gently lowered his hand, moist from your kisses, to turn around and face your Master. Anakin realized your intention faster than you expected - without saying anything, he grabbed you by your waist with such force that you instinctively clenched your teeth - he didn't allow you to change your position.

"Master, I just..." you began nervously, but quickly stopped when you felt Anakin's hand on your face.

"Shhh... I know." he whispered, his face very close to yours, and expecting your obedience, he removed his hand from your face.

You stood still for a moment, only to suddenly feel Anakin tearing apart the upper part of your jumpsuit with both of his hands. The material was elastic and snug against your body, but thin enough that he ripped it into pieces with surprising ease.

At that moment, Anakin spun you around to have you face him. You felt like your legs were giving way beneath you at the sight of his heated expression. You could swear there was something wild in his demeanor—his eyes seemed darker than usual, and his pupils pulsed, scanning every detail of your face.

"Now, say what you wanted to say," Anakin whispered, gazing into your eyes, which were still swollen from your earlier tears.

You didn't intend to cry anymore, at least not out of despair... Only out of pleasure.

"Nothing. Just... continue," you murmured timidly, glancing with flushed cheeks at the torn neckline of your outfit as it hung down.

"Good girl," he whispered under his breath, slowly bringing his face closer to yours.

You closed your eyes as Anakin began to kiss the spots on your cheeks where the traces of your earlier tears had run. Although you could feel the tension simmering within him, he did it incredibly gently, tracing sweet kisses along a smooth path until he reached your lips.

You expected this to be the point where the gentleness would end – and you were absolutely right. You let him take the lead in this situation – your lips were practically motionless, and your mouth slightly parted as he passionately and slowly sucked on them. After a moment, you took action yourself, exploring his firm lips enough to taste them and never forget their flavor.

Your kisses became messy and aggressive, and through half-closed eyelids, you watched as his lips and cheeks reddened. Soon, you felt him grab your torn jumpsuit's jagged collar with his hands, and with a determined motion, he slid it down. You sensed his deep breath on your breasts when he realized you weren't wearing any underwear, and his pupils dilated, exploring your bare chest amidst the shreds of white fabric.

After a moment of scanning your body with his gaze, his exposed hand found its way to your chest. Immersing yourself in his passionate touch, you intertwined your fingers with his hand anchored to your body, feeling the smooth skin beneath your fingertips and your own exposed form.

"What do you feel?" Anakin whispered, but you didn't hear his words when he kept his lips at your collarbone.

"Hm?" you murmured, inquiringly, making eye contact with him.

"Tell me. What do you feel?" You had always loved his voice, but hearing it in this situation, when his tone was strong and hungry, made your heart race steadily.

"I don't know how to... Uh... It's just..." you mumbled, hesitating to confess how strong the desire you were feeling was. Instead, you pressed his hands against your bare chest and closed your eyes, allowing him to sense your emotions through the Force.

"No," Anakin said firmly, sliding his hands down to your waist.

"I can feel you perfectly. I feel everything, but I want to hear it," he added, gazing deeply into your eyes.

You were a transparent mirror of your emotions for him, and nothing could hide from him. He knew it, and you knew it, and you had never felt more exposed to anyone.

"I... I feel... Anakin... I want you," you forced out, feeling your cheeks burn with embarrassment.

After your words, the tension in him increased, and his hands tightened on your skin.

"Prove it," he whispered after a moment, releasing his hands from your body, as if giving you free rein.

Even though you were determined to prove it to him at all costs, you didn't know where to start.

Anakin stood before you in his black robes, which you were eager to start removing, but you had no idea how to proceed. Without further calculation, you entwined your hands in his hair and began kissing his neck – initially gently and sensually, but soon you did it greedily, in sync with his accelerating heartbeat.

You nibbled and sucked on his skin, and his accelerated breaths urged you to continue. Your tongue traced along the line of his jaw, and one of your hands clenched on his robed chest.

You felt shivers hearing the soft, intermittent moans he emitted as you caressed his skin, and your inhibition gradually faded, so you wondered what your next move would be.

"Enough," he uttered in a stern and gruff tone.

You were shocked by what he said, but he didn't allow you to dwell on it any longer. He grabbed you with both strong hands and pushed you back, causing you to land on your bed. You lay on your back and observed his movements as he took a few steps to stand over you, wearing the most arrogant of smirks.

You froze as you noticed Anakin beginning to unbuckle his belt, all the while not breaking eye contact with you. Biting your lip, you observed his every move, and as he discarded the first layer of his robes, you began to slide down the lower part of your jumpsuit.

"Let me..." Anakin interrupted your actions as he saw what you were getting at and raised his mechanical hand towards your waist.

With a single, confident motion, Anakin slid the lower part of your jumpsuit down and removed the tall boots fastened to them, leaving you in just your panties. You felt excitement coursing through him as he watched you in such a state, and as you suspected, he couldn't wait any longer.

He lunged towards you, eager to be on top, and you both immediately engaged in a fervent kiss, touching each other's bodies as if time were running out.

In the midst of your passionate touches, you felt your hips collide, and instinctively, you wrapped your legs around his waist, pulling him closer. Your mind raced as you felt Anakin's pulsating rhythm as he rubbed his hips against the most sensitive parts of your body, gradually picking up the pace, knowing he was pushing you to the edge of endurance.

"Anakin... Please." you whispered straight into his moist lips, after which his face lifted to look you directly in the eyes.

"Please what?" he replied with a hungry tone, expecting you to elaborate.

"I... I want..." you began to mumble.

"Words. I need your words." he whispered, maneuvering his hand around your lower abdomen.

"Fuck." you muttered under your breath, feeling how his touch electrified your entire body.

"Do you want this? Do you want me to fuck you?" he continued in a hoarse, desire-filled voice.

"Yes... Yes, please," you squeezed out, impulsively reaching for his belt, which, though unfastened, was still in place.

"Say it. Tell me what you want me to do to you." he commanded, holding your hand against his belt.

"I want you to fuck me," you responded with a breathless voice and, finally, a hint of self-assurance.

"That's what I meant," he whispered with a slight, teasing smirk, then quickly pushed the belt aside to pull his clothes down from the waist up.

With butterflies in your stomach, you admired his impressive, naturally sculpted chest as he knelt on the bed between your legs, which you soon spread a bit wider to make more room for him. Anakin knelt, scanning every inch of your body with his eyes, but he knew that one more element was missing to complete the picture.

His hand smoothly moved up your thigh and landed on your panties, where it lingered for a while. You moaned when his fingers began to massage you through the thin fabric, but for some reason, you held back from making louder sounds, which Anakin noticed.

"The walls are soundproofed. You can scream as loud as you need to... The louder, the better," he reassured you, seeing how nervously you glanced around the room, and you nodded.

After a moment of teasing you through your clothes, Anakin reached for his pants, but after some consideration, he postponed that task and took hold of your hands.

"Do it," he said, and you pulled yourself into a half-sitting position, allowing yourself to be carried away by your intrusive thoughts.

You started by kissing his chest, gradually moving down from his collarbones. Repaying him for the purple bruises on your neck, you left a few of your own on his body as you sucked on his skin, making your way down to his abdomen.

You paused when your hands began to unbutton his pants, during which Anakin helped you by pushing his pants down the sides.

Without waiting any longer, you slipped your hand beneath his underwear, and upon feeling him, you had to admit that you were a bit concerned about whether you could handle it. Well... It's more than impressive.

With your free hand, you pushed his clothing down a bit further and began to massage him with considerable force, so much so that Anakin immediately groaned and, overwhelmed by the feeling, tilted his head backward.

"Keep.... Uh... Keep it this way." Anakin murmured, propping himself up on his arms on the bed.

You nodded, biting your lip, and continued, carefully observing the pleasure on his face. Both of you knew, however, that you wouldn't finish this way, so you began to slide off the last piece of your clothing with your free hand. But you flinched when you heard an unfamiliar sound.

"What's that? Did you hear that?" Anakin immediately turned his face toward you when he heard your words and waited for a moment to catch the presumed sound.

"General Skywalker, can you hear us?"

"Fuck," Anakin cursed, completely shocked, as he realized someone was trying to contact him through the communicator embedded in his belt.

Your disappointment was equally profound. The only thing you could do at this point was to grab your head and collapse on the bed right next to him.

"Will you answer?" you whispered, feeling Anakin's growing anger.

"I'm afraid I have no choice." he replied through gritted teeth, then rolled onto the bed enough to reach for the communicator.

"I hear you. What's the problem?" he relayed, masking his frustration as best as he could.

"General, it's better if you get here as soon as possible. We had an explosion near the temple, and there are injuries among our people. I'm sending the coordinates."

Anakin clenched his hand on the communicator and nervously swallowed, realizing that his plans for the night had just taken a 180-degree turn.

"You'd better check what's going on there," you whispered, gently stroking his shoulder.

Both of you knew it was inevitable. So, without saying anything more, Anakin left one last passionate kiss on your lips and began to put his clothes back on. Meanwhile, you pulled out some lighter nightwear from one of the drawers and threw it on temporarily, knowing that you would need to shower and change properly in the bathroom once Anakin left.

"I'm sorry about this," he said to you with a disappointed tone.

"No... You shouldn't be. I understand... Go and make sure everyone is safe."

Anakin just nodded and grabbed the doorknob, but he stopped for a moment as he was about to leave.

"Same time tomorrow?" he asked again, making eye contact with you.

"Tomorrow. Same time, Master." you replied, running your fingers through your hair. This time, both of you exchanged a mischievous smirk, but Anakin's gaze on you was like never before. He looked at you as if he had just discovered something, as if he had unearthed a treasure he desired and wanted to dig up even more.

"Get some rest." he managed to say before finally closing the door to your room.

That was the moment when you felt drained. You felt disappointment, but also an incredible, surreal ecstasy. You fell onto the bed and didn't know what to do next, other than to gaze up at the ceiling.

Well... whatever you do, one thing is for sure—you won't be sleeping tonight.

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yourlittlebunnyy · 28 days

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a court of shadows and darkness

masterlist - previous chapter

chapter five

summary: Selaene, Rhysand's sister, Azriel's mate runs away after the High Lord of Spring tries to kill her.

warnings: none

enjoy!!!

"Vane, do you realize that you never told me about Thomas?"

"And you realize you never told me about Azriel?"

The two friends laugh, Selaene speaks first, "You start."

Vanessa becomes more serious before beginning the story, "I miss him so much. We had accepted the bond just a few months ago, and one night we thought we would check to see if we could winnow into animal form, and well, that's how it ended. He was-no, he is the best person I know, Elle. If I ever come back, I won't be upset if he continued to live."

"You mean... You mean when you come back, not if. Right?"

Fae cannot see her friend but imagines the sad smile that would show on her face.

"Sure. Now tell me about Azriel."

Selaene chuckles, though a twinge in her chest makes her sad. Nevertheless, she cannot help but smile.

"He is... perfect. I would have accepted the bond that very night, probably. I would have cooked him his favorite food and then we would have gone to his cabin and started a family. I hope with all my heart that he's moved on, because I know him and I know that when he loves ... he loves with everything he's got, and sometimes he risks destroying himself."

Vanessa does not respond, but the darkness they have learned to live with envelops them like a blanket.

"We used to sing together. He is a Shadowsinger, and I simply like to sing, as you already know. That's how we fell in love; the bond snapped after that."

After a moment's pause, the tiger speaks.

"You know, Elle, I have seen you only a few times and briefly, but for me you're the Moon."

Selaene cannot be seen, but she smiles bitterly, "My mate used to tell me that too."

And that is how they end their talk, silence settles over them, and Selaene's eyes close involuntarily.

She is running across a meadow, the light of a summer day now almost at an end illuminating the field in which she prances, she feels the sun kissing her skin, such inviting warmth. Behind her she hears the laughter of a male, no. Her brother's. Rhysand. It is a memory, she realizes, from when she was a child. She was only a decade old at the time.

"Rhysand!"

"What's the matter? Do I have a bug on me?"

Her brother laughs, but when he sees his little sister's tears, he does not hesitate to run to her and ask her if everything is all right.

"Selae...what's going on? Are you hurt?"

When his sister does not answer him, he becomes seriously worried.

"Rhysand... are you," a sob interrupts her, "really you?"

"Selae, but are you okay? Do you want me to call mom?" Concern is evident in his tone.

The sister watches her hands, as if in disbelief at what she sees. "That's not possible..."

"Wait here, I'll go get her."

"No! Please don't go."

This is her chance, she thinks. If his brother knows she is alive, if he has even the slightest chance, he knows he will look everywhere to find her.

"Rhysand, you need to wake up."

"What are you talking about?"

"Rhysand. Please, you're dreaming."

"Did you hit your head?" Selaene denies with a wave of her head, and then begins to feel her body again. She is running out of time.

"Rhysand, you may not understand now, but when you wake up I want you to remember what I'm about to tell you now. I am not dead. I'm stuck in....."

But the fae cannot finish the sentence: he is already gone and the light is replaced by darkness once again.

Selaene wakes up startled and out of breath. She expects to be on a flowery meadow with the sun warming her muscles and her brother beside her, but she has to come to terms with reality. She had never dreamed before. No, it was not a dream.

It was a memory of an unforgettable day for her, she still remembered that late summer afternoon. Her father had finally given in to the child's pleas and taken her to the Velaris River along with her mother and brother, but he had not stayed with them. He had not allowed Rhys's friends to come, however.

But Selaene had been content and had played among the fields and water as never before. It is one of the best memories she has with her brother.

The dream leaves bitterness on her palate, and she has to swallow a knot in her throat before turning to Vanessa, hoping she is still asleep.

The two of them have this silent agreement: if one is awakened by the other crying, or having a nightmare, they are silent and pretend to be asleep, to leave some private space.

But this time Vanessa is awake, and although she cannot see her, she knows that he is staring at her.

"What is it?" The younger fae asks, her voice stymied.

"You haven't... you've never had a nightmare the almost five centuries. Do you want to talk about it?"

All Selaene is able to see is darkness, but nevertheless she still rolls her eyes. She doesn't want to talk about it. Neither of them has ever wanted to. Why now?

"I don't want to talk about it."

"It might help you..." Vanessa's tone is sweet, and it turns her stomach. She doesn't want her sympathy.

"I don't need someone to feel sorry for me."

The tiger snorts, a sound more animal than human, "I didn't say that. But when I have my nightmares, I'd like to have someone to talk to about them."

"What?"

The tension in the air between the two gets so thick it could be cut with scissors. Vanessa thinks hard about what to say before she speaks again, but nothing good comes to her mind.

"Vanessa. I thought we had a silent agreement."

"And we do. It's just that I've been here almost six fucking centuries. I just wish someone would tell me we're going to get out of this and it's going to be okay, but instead I'm always the one who has to comfort." The words entered from Fae's ears and went straight to her heart, breaking it even more than it already was. She wanted to get angry, to scream at them to get over it, to leave her alone. But somehow those words hurt her more than they should have, hit her right in the center.

She had never realized-she had never thought that her sister, while showing herself strong and hopeful, was suffering as much as she was, for even longer than her. She never said anything comforting to her, nothing sweet, never listened to her vent, or never consoled her. At this point she doesn't know if she can call herself her sister, her friend.

"Vane..." A sob comes out of the depths of her throat, sudden and violent, and tears away the one small healthy part of her, the only unbroken part of her.

"You leave me alone now. I don't want you to comfort me just because I told you to. I would have liked you to do it spontaneously. Sister to sister."

Selaene hesitates to respond, the crying still unabated, and the worst thing-the thing that keeps her from stopping-is that Vanessa does not approach her, does not give her warmth with her fur or try to comfort her. She ignores her. And somehow it is even worse. Somehow, these four and a half centuries she has been locked up in the UnderWorld are all being felt now, creating an excruciating pain in her chest, at the level of her heart. Her friend probably feels the same way, but in contrast to her, she has never had anyone to encourage her.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry Vanessa. I'm so sorry..."

And she would like to say more, she would have liked it so much. She wished she could have told her that if there was anyone in that place who deserved to go back to the top, then it was Vanessa. That she deserved it more than anyone. That if it wasn't for her, she would have gone crazy. That even if Selaene was not, the tiger for her was the best sister she could ever ask for. That if they had found a passage, Selaene would have sent her first, would have given her that opportunity because it was hers to take.

Instead, tearing those words from her throat, for the first time in nearly five hundred years,is a passerby passing so close to the violet-eyed fae that she loses her balance. And so, just as in only a moment she ended up down here, in only a moment she is also back up. Without Vanessa.

Rhysand wakes suddenly, his eyes wide open and out of breath. He does not want to wake Feyre, who lying beside him seems so peaceful now that she has finally managed to sleep a full night without being woken by Nyx.

He sits on the edge of the bed and sighs exhaustedly. With one hand he strokes his face as if to ascertain that he is real, that he is not dreaming.

He thinks back to the dream. Or what he thinks is a dream.

He never dreamed of his sister. He lets out a snort before getting up and heading to his study. When he gets there, he takes care to lock the room before throwing himself down in his chair with a thud, dead weight.

Why after all these years? Why did his mind have to play such tricks on him?

In the dream she ... was a child, but she spoke as if she were alive, not as in the memory of that beautiful afternoon at the river. As if the memory was just a way of communicating, a conduit.

Rhysand tries to calm his breaths. He has come a long way in accepting the death of his loved ones. In forgiving himself for not being there to protect them. His breaths become labored as he feels that wound in his heart slowly reopen as he replays the dream in his head.

It was so strange, so destabilizing. Selaene begged him to wake up, as if she was alive and knew he was dreaming the same thing. For a moment, a thought flashed through his mind, but he did not allow it to stay, or to think about it. Too many years have passed. She cannot be alive. Azriel himself has heard her die.

A soft knock distracts him from his thoughts. With a sigh he rises from his chair, and he does not like the heavy feeling invading his body.

He opens the door and finds himself facing his mate.

"Rhys... is everything all right, honey?"

Rhysand does not answer her, but throws himself into her arms, leaving her a little surprised.

"I miss her so much, Feyre." He finds himself saying through tears, his face buried in her hair.

Feyre does not respond, but stands there with him on the doorframe and supports him, holds him up and offers him a shoulder to cry on.

next chapter

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disastersareajoy · 1 year

Text

The Shower Incident

Stu x Billy x FEM!Reader

Tags: Sex toy, masturbation, voyeurism for a sec, dirty stuff happens in the shower obviously, dirty talk, degradation, praise, lots of kissing, marking, handjob, edging, begging, slight dacryphilia, mention of denial, mention of being tied up, mention of oral (fem receiving, and giving to a toy), mention of double penetration, mention of anal (fem and male receiving), open end, Sub!Reader, Dom!Billy, implied Switch!Stu but mostly Sub!Stu

Hiya babes!

I had this idea and it wouldn't leave me alone the entire day so I wrote it down and if I do say so myself: This shit is pretty hot.

I'm super glad my first public fic is with these two idiots because I love them to the moon and back and cannot get enough of them. I hope you enjoy this wild ride - I know I did. I wrote this in like an hour and then proofread it four times total, but English isn't my first language so if you see any mistakes feel free to (politely) let me know and I will fix it. Same as any tags I missed. Of course, non mistake related comments are also very welcomed. I hope you thouroughly enjoy this product of my brain rot! Let me know what ya think.

Stu and Billy had been away for a few days and you were needy. Wanting to be bent over and fucked hard and rough, four hands gripping at your body and manipulating you into whatever position they desire. They were supposed to come back in the evening so you wanted to take a shower before then.

That's when the idea struck.

You practically stumbled over your own feet to get to the closet and pull out the box of toys the three of you had accumulated over time.

You picked out your favorite dildo and quickly made your way to the bathroom. With the help of the suction cup the toy stuck to the shower wall. After cleaning yourself in record speed you bent over and pushed back onto the dildo. It filled you slowly and stretched you perfectly. Your wetness made the intrusion easy but the thickness of the toy still made you pause, and forced you to take a couple of deep breaths. Although it wasn't long before you were fucking yourself back onto it and completely loosing your mind in the process. Moaning their names and begging into the empty room.

At the same time Billy and Stu were on their way up to your shared apartment. The two of them decided to surprise you by coming home a couple hours early so you could eat dinner together and cuddle up in front of the TV.

When they came through the front door and weren't immediately met with your smiling face, kissing and hugging them in greeting, they were a bit perplexed.

That was until they heard the shower running.

And then they heard a litany of moans, accompanied by a loud slapping sound of skin against tile. They shared a look and ventured closer to the bathroom door which you had left open a crack in your hurry to fuck yourself.

The sight they find absolutely takes their breath away. The shower is on and water is hitting your back as you're bent over nothing, supporting yourself with your hands against the wall as you continuously slam your ass back onto the dildo stuck to the tile wall. They can see the toy glistening with your wetness and someone lets out a groan. You don't hear it and keep moving your hips with a clearly desperate and already fucked out sway to it.

They're both stuck in their spot, staring at the divine sight that is you. The way your body moves to get the perfect angle of the dildo, your thighs trembling with exertion and your hand aimlessly sliding against the wet wall, trying desperately to hold onto something. The way your pussy stretches to accommodate for the thickness of what they recognize as your favorite dildo. The one that you love sucking on when they both have you filled. Or that you love for them to fuck you with when they're getting your ass ready and you already need your pussy filled.

The dildo that's been in all of your holes to help pleasure, tease, edge and make you cum. They can't get enough of watching you throw yourself onto the dildo, making such loud and obscene noises.

What finally gets them to snap out of the trance your body has put them in is your next moan.

“Billy, please.” You interrupt yourself with another desperate whine. “Fuck, please fuck me harder. I need you so bad. Oh my god, Stu.” You elongate the end of Stu's name with a loud moan that's closer to a sob if anything. With the way your hips tilted, Billy suspects you found the perfect angle to hit that special spot inside you. Next to him, Stu breathes out a small moan and looks at Billy with a plea in his eyes.

“Go.”

With the okay given, Stu bursts through the door and is on you in no time. He grabs your face in both hands and barely sees your eyes open in surprise before he has his mouth pressed to yours. Desperately making out with you while making sure you're still fucking yourself onto the dildo. He mumbles out praises between kisses, not able to stop himself from telling you how good you look.

"You look delicious. Fucking yourself so desperately, moaning our names like we're here with you. You that pent up, baby? It's been three days and you're so needy you start fucking yourself how you want us to fuck you, huh?”

“But it's not the same, is it?”

Now Billy joins in as well. He already stripped out of his clothes, completely naked and palming at his erection while Stu kneels halfway under the spray of water, drenching his clothes. You mewl a negative, not trusting yourself with words. Afraid that if you pull away from Stu and open your mouth the only thing coming out would be pleas and their names.

“No. Even though our good little slut is filled to the brim by a toy and is fucking herself just as fast as we do, she still can't quite get it right. Can you, doll?”

You make a non-committal noise and place your hands on Stu's shoulders, thankful to have something to hold on to. Billy is unsatisfied with your wordless answer and grabs Stu by his hair, pulling his head back to expose his long neck, stopping you from hiding in his kisses. Stu whines long and loud before staring back at you, desperation clear in his eyes.

“Please baby, answer him.”

“Aww. Would you look at that? At least one whore here remembers his manners.”

Billy leans down to press hungry kisses onto Stu's mouth. Both of them moaning into each other's mouth, making you want even more. You mewl and whine at the display in front of you. Billy pulls away from Stu's mouth with a grin that he then turns on you.

“You better start using your words. Or he's gonna get all the attention and you can watch without touching yourself. And cumming will be completely off the table.” With that he attaches his mouth to Stu's neck, kissing up and down, sucking marks into the soft skin and biting. Which makes Stu let out the most beautiful array of whines and moans you've ever heard.

“Please,” you manage to breathe out.

“Please, what?” Billy still has his face in Stu's neck while answering, not letting his mouth detach for long. You whine and can't help yourself from slowing down your movements to gather your thoughts long enough to form a sentence.

“Please, Billy. Please fuck me. Both of you. I need you so bad, please ” Billy pulls away from Stu and grabs your jaw hard with his hand, turning your face in his direction. He gets close to you and smirks. “There she is. That's the good little whore we've been waiting to fuck for three days.” He doesn't let you answer before attaching his lips to yours and making you moan into his mouth. He lets go of your jaw and grabs your shoulders instead, shoving you back onto the dildo, hard. You moaned into his mouth as he forces you to start fucking yourself again. Distantly, you hear Stu whine as he kneels in front of you and waits for his turn to be kissed again.

Once you have a steady rhythm going again, Billy pulls away. He looks at you with a grin and you could tell he has something planned.

“Now, I asked you a question. And you didn't answer. Instead, you made out with this little attention whore next to me.” A moan from Stu. “But I want you to answer my question. I will not repeat it, and neither will Stu. You're gonna have to use your big girl brain and remember what I asked you. And you're not gonna stop fucking yourself on that dildo. If you slow down you don't get to cum. If you stop you get to watch, tied up and gagged as I fuck Stu into the mattress.” A whine from Stu. “But if you keep going and answer me correctly,” his grin widens and he leans back slightly. “Then you get exactly what you want.”

You moan, frustrated that you don't immediately remember what he asked you. While you're desperately trying to remember the question and not slow down your hips, Billy starts helping Stu get his wet clothes off. He also shuts off the water which leaves your skin cooling down rapidly, goosebumps appearing on your skin and sending shivers down your spine.

Once he has all of Stu's clothes off, he kneels behind him and starts palming his dick. Slowly but firmly taking it in hand and stroking him up and down. Stu lets his head fall back onto Billy's shoulder and moans unabashedly at how good he feels. How good Billy is making him feel. The sight makes your concentration waver. Your mind is completely empty, safe for the two beautiful men in front of you. The way their hair sticks to their foreheads, Billy looking at you with hunger in his eyes and that feral edge. Stu squeezes his eyes shut as he softly starts thrusting into Billy's hand. Usually that would have earned him a slap to the thighs and a warning, but right now all Billy wanted was to tease you.

He takes pity on you as Stu grows closer and closer, holding onto Billy and you with one hand each.

“I'll give you a little hint, darling. How does the dildo feel?” Suddenly his words sprang back into your mind.

“Even though our good little slut is filled to the brim by a toy and is fucking herself just as fast as we do, she still can't quite get it right. Can you, doll?”

You immediately scramble for an answer.

“Fuck, Billy.”

“Good start.”

You whine once more as your hips desperately try to keep up the pace Billy had set for you.

“I can't get it right,” you sob in frustration as your wetness drips down your legs. With the shower turned off you can be sure it was the juices of your pussy that are making such obscene noises and dripping slowly down your thighs.

Billy gives Stu's sensitive tip extra attention, making the tall man writhe in his place on Billy's lap. He moans as a blush spreads down his chest. “That's right doll, you can't. But why? And you better hurry because if Stu cums before you answer, you're watching.” He chuckles at your frustrated groan and speeds up his hand on Stu's cock.

“I- oh my fuckin God. I can't get it right because-” Stu moans loud and desperate, getting closer each second. “Because it's not hard enough.” Billy hums long, considering your answer. “Yes. But why?” You groan again, this time louder and with more annoyance behind it. “Careful,” Billy spoke low and with warning.

With one last whine you focus all your concentration on your words and close your eyes. “I can't get it right because you fuck me so much harder and I can't fake that. I need your hands on my hips as you pull me into every thrust and I need you to speak to me, to call me names and to tell me I'm doing good. I need you to pound into me like I'm your personal toy and I can't fake that with a dildo, please. Please fuck me like I need you to. I'm begging you Billy, please.”

You prepare yourself to hear Billy ask you for another, better answer, but it didn't come. Instead you hear Stu's sob and whine as he is denied his orgasm. No doubt having been right on the edge. When you open your eyes again, Stu looks back at you with tired, teary eyes and his mouth hanging open. Billy on the other hand looks absolutely feral. His eyes have a certain glint in it that tells you that you are in for a ride.

He reaches out to touch your cheek and strokes his thumb over your skin. “That's a good girl. And just in time too.” He softly pushes Stu to sit on the shower floor and keeps a leg behind his back to help him stay upright while he pulls on your shoulders to stop you from continuing to fuck yourself on your dildo. “Now, you have 5 minutes to help Stu get up and get both of your asses to the bedroom. I want you on the bed, legs spread and ready with Stu right between them. He gets to make you extra worked up with his mouth as a bit of revenge for his edge.” At that, Stu hums satisfied and lets out a chuckle.

“I'm gonna watch him edge you however often he sees fit, and then we're both going to fuck you. Nice and hard.” Billy grabs your jaw and pulls you in for a quick kiss before staring at you an inch away from your face. “Because I know that's what our little whore craves. Isn't it?” You nod eagerly and correct yourself with a quick “Yes sir,” before Billy can say anything.

As soon as Billy lets go of your jaw and nods his head towards the bathroom door, you're scrambling to help Stu on his feet, your own knees still wobbly.

Billy watches as the two of you slowly make your way to the bedroom with shaky legs, sees how wet your thighs are and how there's still more dripping out of your glistening pussy. He watches Stu grab your ass, squeezing the flesh beneath his finger in a way that is sure to be a promise of all the teasing that's to come. He truly can't wait to see Stu ruin you with his mouth before they fuck you until you can't remember your own name.

God, he loves the both of you so much.

---

Please don't repost or reupload this fic anywhere else. It's mine and I'd love to keep it that way.

#this was supposed to be a quick ramble #and then it got horribly away from me #so you're welcome i guess?#anyways these two have me in a chokehold today and this idea just wouldn't leave me alone #Stu Macher x Reader #Billy Loomis x Reader #Stu Macher x Billy Loomis #Stu Macher x Billy Loomis x Reader #Fem!Reader #Slasher smut #Stu Macher smut #Billy Loomis smut #brain rot #someone take my phone away pls #if this is well received i'll make a second part with Stu more in focus #because he was a little more passive in this one #i just realized no one cums in this #oops???

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withacapitalp · 2 years

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Root Beer

Happy birthday @stevesbipanic !!! I had an idea for this so long ago, but then your birthday gave me the perfect excuse to write it. I'm so honored we are friends, I am still so shocked about it (Flashback to my OG post about Tumblr royalty liking one of my posts) and I cannot wait to get to spend even more time with you <333

“Remind me again why you always pay for Erica’s ice cream?” Eddie wondered as Steve dug into his wallet and forked over the dollar eighty five required for Erica’s scoop of cotton candy with rainbow sprinkles.

“It’s reparations for child endangerment,” Erica replied immediately, sticking her tongue out briefly as Steve rolled his eyes.

Eddie automatically stuck his tongue out right back at her, making her laugh as she skipped off to the other side of the counter and waited for her treat. The kids had asked for a ride to the ice cream shop, but in a rare display of discipline, Steve had refused to pay for any of them except Erica, and, shockingly, no one had complained. They had all pooled their money, ordered three sundaes to split, and were now sitting in the corner digging into their treats.

“I’ll tell you about it some other time,” Steve promised, keeping his wallet open as he turned towards his boyfriend, “Are you gonna get anything?”

“Still deciding,” Eddie said, bouncing on his heels.

The shop was no Scoops Ahoy, but it did have a wide array of different options, all with wonderful punny names. He was currently between getting a ‘Bloody Sundae’, which was a vanilla scoop with cherry syrup and chocolate sprinkles, or a ‘Mint to be’, which was mint chocolate chip with whipped cream and bright green sprinkles.

Maybe he could get both if he gave Steve the right amount of puppy eyes. That usually worked for other things. Dates, getting to pick the movie they watched at night…..other….things.

Eddie was still thinking through his strategy as Steve stepped up to order.

“Can I get a large root beer float with soft serve twist and a cone on the side?” Steve asked, using his customer service voice with a charming smile, making the girl behind the counter twitter and twirl her hair as she rang him up and walked off to make his float.

Eddie blinked a few times trying to register what Steve had just said, before groaning loudly and pulling a disgusted face.

“What?” Steve wondered, bewildered by Eddie’s vehement reaction.

“Root beer,” Eddie said with a grimace, waggling his tongue.

“What’s wrong with root beer?”

“It’s so…sweet,” Eddie finally got out, trying and failing to find the exact words to explain his complete disdain for root beer. He had given root beer a real try, multiple attempts and everything, but every time he had spat it out, unable to enjoy the taste.

“Eddie, I have seen you eat a frosting sandwich,” Steve said in a complete deadpan, giving Eddie a raised brow look, “Just frosting and white bread,”

“Don’t judge my trailer park cuisine, rich boy!” Eddie cried in an overdramatic tone, clutching his chest and shaking his head with his eyes shut tight, “I’m not the one having nasty icky sarsaparilla nonsense, making future kisses completely impossible until you have purged yourself of the disgusting concoction.”

Steve burst into bright loud laughter, lighting up the entire store like he was the goddamn sun. Eddie paused in his diatribe, watching Steve with lovesick eyes as he giggled uncontrollably.

“Sarsaparilla concoction,” Steve huffed out, continuing to chuckle, “God, I love you, you big dork.”

Oh.

Both of them paused, staring at each other with wide eyes as they took in what Steve had just let slip out.

It wasn’t like they didn’t both know. They had been dating for three months, crushing on each other for two before that, and every minute had been pure bliss. There was no doubt that Steve was the love of his life, and Eddie had been pretty sure Steve felt the same.

Now he knew for a fact, and that was a lot to take in standing in the middle of a subpar ice cream shop.

“I- um- I,” Steve stopped trying to stutter, giving Eddie a nervous little look, letting his eyes drop to his shoes as he shuffled in place. Eddie’s surprise faded into unbearably warm affection. He reached over and quickly squeezed Steve’s hand, knowing he wasn’t able to do more in public, but wishing he could kiss Steve until they were both drunk and delirious on their love.

“I’ll have a black raspberry shake with chocolate sprinkles, whipped cream, and hot fudge,” Eddie called out as the cashier walked back over with Steve’s float, delivering it with a flirty little smile. Steve didn't even look at her as he took his ice cream, and she rang them up lightning fast, clearly jilted by his non-response. Eddie couldn't care less, dragging Steve over to their tables and waiting for his order to be called.

“I love you too, sweetheart,” Eddie said softly as they sat down, the words being overshadowed by the sound of their kids happily screaming at each other. He looked around and risked a quick kiss on the cheek, getting Steve buttered up and happy before he finished his sentence.

“Even if your taste is trash,”

#Steve harrington #Eddie munson #steddie #steddie drabble #steddie ficlet #st #st 4 #stranger things 4 #erica sinclair #Steve and erica #steve harrington #stranger things #eddie munson #st drabble #st4 #Happy birthday B

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scuttlingcrab · 7 months

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Late Night Intruders

This was inspired by @mslanna and all the amazing Raphael prompts they shared with me. I'm being cheeky and combining 2 of the prompts, as they were quite similar.

Summary: Tav thwarts an assassination attempt against Raphael during the wee hours of the morning. And from Raphael's perspective, everything is going according to plan.

(Image via certifieddilfenjoyer)

Raphael smelled the intruder skulking behind him. Naturally he enjoyed the profuse aromas humans exuded when pushed to their breaking points but this one was vile; their fear was acrid and abhorrent, soiling the otherwise immaculate ambience of his private room in Sharess’ Caress.

Despite the distraction, he continued labouring over his current contract, taking care to add the final words to a clause he was amending for yet another poverty-stricken beggar. So hasty to exchange their souls for gold. And no wonder, the tremors in Baldur’s Gate were getting worse, sometimes occurring by the hour, the more the Elder Brain gained power. Swim tadpoles, swim; for no matter how far you sprint, you will not escape the wrath of the Illithid when judgement day arrives.

The smell grew stronger as the stranger crept closer but then another odour broke through: a mixture of sage and damp wood. Sparks lit up in Raphael’s mind with the sudden familiarity.

“What a pity, you’ve given yourself away, Dain…”

Without warning, the air around Raphael turned cold. Shards of ice shattered around him, ripping through his sleeves and leaving his desk riddled with frozen fragments. He paused his writing, tightly grasping the infernal quill between his fingers. The ice around Raphael melted rapidly, creating a pool of water by his feet that began to sizzle.

“My dear, sweet Dain… did your mother never teach you any manners?”

Raphael slowly rose from his chair, balls of hellfire growing in his clenched fists as he prepared to incinerate Dain where he stood.

When Raphael turned around, he instead found Tav standing in between him and Dain. A broken ice knife stuck out of her left shoulder, the arm shredded to pieces and lying limp at her side. Gashes tore through her left cheek where the weapon had ruptured, leaving her delicate facial features nearly unrecognisable.

“You?” Raphael locked eyes with Tav, quieting the flames in his hands.

Dain gasped, his beady eyes bulging. He nearly choked on his own spit before turning to flee. Raphael snapped his fingers and the halfling froze on the spot; his fat, greedy fingers inches away from the doorknob. The fool will never see another sunrise.

“Coming by to pay me a visit, and at such a sinful hour? Why, what will your companions think?” Raphael beamed.

“Listen here, you should be grateful, otherw–” Tav stumbled, falling to her knees in discomfort. “Otherwise, there’d be a big bloody piece of ice sticking out the back of your neck.”

“You do know devils cannot die on this plane, yes? Or have you not been heedful of a single word I’ve articulated since we first met?”

Tav looked up at Raphael with wide eyes, her pointy ears turning bright red. She immediately raised her uninjured arm, tugging at an earlobe.

While traversing the mortal realm, Raphael had grown accustomed to the odd attempted murder or two. Righteous mortals seeking redemption or the amateur killers for hire accepting contracts without proper scrutiny. His least favourite, however, and the type of vermin he encountered more as of late, were the clients who tried to grovel out of their deals.

He always had a keen eye for which types of slimy creatures would try to deceive him, always the ones so quick to make a deal, any deal. He could have denied them everything, but where was the fun in that? He quite enjoyed the hunt, being kept on his toes; the thrill of the chase, exhilarating, no matter how brief, and in spite of knowing he’d always end up the victor.

“Oh hells... Guess I forgot that specific detail." Tav responded through a sheepish smile.

“And yet, you risked your life? When you could have remained hidden… were you going to stay quiet all night? You know, my door is always open.”

“That, I, uh, I can explain…”

Tav diverted her eyes. She tried to hide her obvious embarrassment as she pretended to examine her wound, shifting on her knees.

Muffled moans came from Dain’s clamped mouth at the other end of the room, but Raphael’s eyes remained drawn to Tav. A pang in his chest rose like bubbling magma, on the verge of rapture, as he observed her.

“Patience Dain, I haven’t forgotten about you.” Raphael sneered as he took a step towards Tav. She winced, clutching her arm as the ice knife began to melt.

“I suppose thanks are in order. Perhaps a reward? I will consider this an investment to our current agreement.”

“No rewards. I just had to make sure I could trust you.”

“What’s not to trust about a devil, hmm? And one as charitable as I?”

Raphael was standing over Tav now, so close he could get a whiff of her perfume over the scent of lingering blood; cloves and roses enveloped his senses, a harmonious aura. Tav cried out in pain as she fell to her side, rolling onto her back to avoid the damaged limb.

“Your deal seemed too good to be true.”

“Mhmm, but the question of why you shielded the attack still stands, little mouse.”

“I–I was worried…”

Raphael edged a little closer, hanging on her every word, his hunger growing.

“You’re… we’re allies.”

“Indeed.” Raphael whispered, leaning back. His eyes savoured Tav’s vulnerability, cataloguing every moment for a later use.

Yes, the contracts were all signed and tucked away in his archive, but Raphael knew more had to be done to fulfil his prophecy. There would be no loopholes. No hidden surprises that would get in the way of his destined glory. He would not lose the Crown a second time. He needed devout supporters, creatures willing to do anything to help him conquer the Hells. And he had Tav exactly where he wanted her.

Tav writhed in a growing blood stained puddle; the ice knife had fully dissolved, allowing the gaping wound to pour freely from her shoulder.

“As much as I enjoy watching mortals bleed to death, you are ruining the carpet.”

Raphael snapped his fingers, revealing a large health potion. It floated in the air, dangling above Tav. She struggled to rise, grabbing the bottle and flopping around the floor like a fish. He merely crossed his arms and watched, his eyebrow cocked.

After a few failed attempts, Tav finally removed the cap. She drained the potion and gasped, as if taking her very first breath. Her wounds closed in an instant, restoring her face to a more pleasing sight.

Raphael snapped his fingers again and the blood disappeared, the red velvet carpets of his suite restored. He extended a hand down to Tav and she accepted without hesitation. He let his hand linger only for a second when Tav was back on her feet, lightly caressing his thumb over the back of her palm before he released his grip.

He proceeded to turn his back to Tav, smiling to himself, as he focused his attention on Dain. He was supremely satisfied.

“What will you do with him?” Tav asked curiously.

“No concern of yours. Now, please leave us… unless you’d like to wait around, perhaps there will be another attempt at my life this evening.”

Tav stiffened and nodded, rubbing her earlobe again. She swiftly made her exit, but not without looking back at Raphael, before shutting the door. See you soon, little mouse.

“I hope you can forgive me for keeping you waiting, Dain. As you saw, I had a far more important guest to entertain.”

Raphael excitedly rubbed his hands together, circling Dain’s paralysed body like a ravenous shark.

“Soon you will be asking yourself why? Why was I so feebleminded? Why was I so impatient? Why didn’t I just listen? You're only as good as your word, Dain, and mine is exquisite. Now... shall we perhaps review your contract before the fun begins?”

Raphael snapped his fingers, removing Dain from his hold. Dain fell on his backside, shrieking as Raphael shed his mortal skin in a fiery rage.

#bg3 raphael #raphael the cambion #baldurs gate 3 raphael #bg3 #fanfic #baldur's gate 3 #bg3 fanfiction #raphael baldur's gate 3 #raphael bg3 #raphael x tav #raphael bg3 x tav #bg3 tav #tav #raphael

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horseshoegirl · 1 year

Text

Damn Those Dog Tags: Part 12 - Blue Healer

📜... so... about Sadie... 🫣👀

I just want to thank you again for all the support on this story. It's so strange to believe we are halfway to the end! Thank you to each and everyone one of you who take the time to read, comment and reblog!

Also, It's my b-day tomorrow! 🥳So this one is a little longer!

❗+18, strong language, godmother reader/original female character, original child, shitty family dynamics, hospital settings, hurt child, Angst, conversations about grief, this is a sad one!

#7k Words

Part 11 | Masterlist | Part 13

Jake had been standing in his kitchen, counting down the minutes before he could pick you up for your second date, when he had the sudden urge to call Janet.

She answered on the fourth ring.

"What's wrong? You never call me."

"Well, hello to you too, Janet.

He could hardly blame his sister for the greeting. Whenever he called, it was usually only to tell her he was still alive or if he was being stationed. The last time they spoke, Janet had called to chew him out for not letting her know he had returned home.

"Who did you murder, or where are they sending you off next?"

Jake smirked into the phone. "Can't I ask my pregnant sister how she is doing?"

"Fine," she replied shortly. "Pregnant. Putting up with our shitty family."

She sighed loudly, continuing, "What's happening in your world, Little Brother? Still kicking ass up there?"

"Damn straight," he remarked. "How's the Bean?"

"Due any day now, Thank god. My bladder has shrunk to the size of a pea.

Jake shook his head fondly. "You still don't want to know?"

"Nope, absolutely not," her voice was firm. "Ma keeps coming up with baby names, and the hell-bringer thinks we are naming it after him because he brought me into this world," she made a gagging sound. "This way, they can't convince the hospital of whatever name they want."

"I wouldn't put it past them," Jake said aloud, leaning against the wall beside his fridge.

It was an unspoken rule between himself and Janet that they wouldn't refer to their father as anything other than 'the Hell-Bringer." Janet had started calling him that one day out of the blue, and it had stuck ever since.

"When is Bean going to have an aunt to go with their new uncle?" she whined. "Janet," he sighed.

"What?" she cried out. "You're my last hope. George can't even hold a relationship, and Melaine will have no interest once this thing is born."

Jake grimaced. "He and Stacy didn't make it past the three-month mark?"

There was a pause on the other end of the line. "Stacey? He was with Sarah."

"Oh," Jake replied, sensing he knew precisely what happened in that regard, Janet catching on with a disappointing sigh. "Dammit, George."

There was silence on the other end, and Jake decided it was time to admit the reason behind his call. "Actually, I might be seeing someone."

Janet drew in a sharp breath. "Seeing someone? As properly dating seeing someone? Not the bed them and ditch them the type of dating?"

"Janet."

"Oh my god, you know I joke about it, but I cannot believe someone actually decided to date and put up your annoying ass," she remarked.

"I could say the same about you and Ian. He practically had to force the ring on your finger."

"We aren't talking about my love life here, Jacob," she challenged. "Now, tell me. Who is she? Is it Elizabeth?"

Jake remained silent, his hand coming up to stroke the back of his neck. "Shit," she gasped. "You finally made your move. God help her."

"Janet."

"I can't believe you did it."

"What makes you say it's Liz?"

She scoffed. Jake could picture her standing in the farmhouse kitchen, leaning against the door frame with her arms crossed. "I'm not an idiot. I know my brother. You've never spoken about anyone the way you do about Elizabeth. And her niece."

He would be lying to himself if he didn't admit it each time Janet called. He almost always spoke about you and Sadie. And Janet would press and ask her questions. Looking back on it now, she probably knew something long before he did.

"It's early days, Janet."

"I'm happy for you, Jake," he could hear her smile through the phone. "I really am."

"Can you not.." he started to say before Janet interrupted him, calling out, " Do I want to see you killed? Absolutely not. Who do you think I am?"

Before Jake could reply, another voice on Janet's end startled him."What's this I hear about little Jakey getting himself a girlfriend?"

Jake thumped his head against the wall. "Fuck, is that George?"

"When I leave the front porch to take a phone call, it clearly means I want to be alone, George."

George's voice was muffled through his phone speaker as Jake caught his reply, "How long do you think it will be before she dumps him? I give it a week."

"Not your circus, not your monkey, asshole!" Janet called out.

"Come on, Janet. The black sheep of the family doesn't date. I might have to fly out to California and see this mystery woman with my own eyes. Or has Jakey's imaginary little friend from middle school come back?"

There was a scuffle on the other end of the line, and Jake thought he heard George yell out pain before he suddenly shouted, "Fuck Janet, let me go!"

Jake knew what she was doing to him. He had been on the receiving end of it countless times enough to know George would be bent over, Janet with a tight grip on his ear and tugging down hard. He couldn't help the grin on his face.

"You say anything about this to Ma or the hell bringer or even think about flying down to California, I will personally make sure you'll get a pitchfork up your ass," he heard her seethe at him. "You ruin this for him, pregnant or not, I will do it."

There was no way in hell Jake would ever entertain the idea of George visiting him here, let alone meet you or Sadie. It wasn't that he didn't trust you, you clearly could handle yourself, and Sadie was no different.

But George had a way of tainting everything good in his life. He had been compared to his brother for things he should have done better for most of his life.

Despite his words, Jake couldn't help but tease his brother, knowing he could hear him. "I'd listen to her, Georgie. Janet and pregnancy hormones ... not a good mix."

"I'm just teasing him, Janet."

"I dare you to say that one more time."

"You know as well as I, Ma and Dad won't be thrilled about him dating some girl they've never met."

"So shut your trap, never speak about this, and get your ass to the barn. Ian needs help with the haybales," she fumed.

There was a scuffle, and then Jake thought he heard the ranch back door close shut before Janet sighed into the phone. "Some days, I wonder if he really is our brother."

"Jan, if he tells them..."

"Forget about what's happening back home. I'll take care of it," she said, trying to calm Jake down. "When are you seeing her again?"

"Tonight. I've got something planned, but I don't know how Liz will take it." If he timed everything perfectly, as he had discussed with Maverick, the two of you should make it just before sunset.

"Don't tell me my fearsome navy pilot brother is nervous?" she teased him. When Jake didn't reply, Janet took pity on him. "It's cause you like her, you idiot. It's a good thing."

Jake let out a soft chuckle.

"Let me know how it goes, okay?"

After saying their goodbyes, Jake picked up the keys Maverick loaned him and decided he might as well arrive early and wait with you.

Little did he know it then, it was a good thing he did.

---

This small hospital waiting room had clearly never seen the likes of an entire squad from Top Gun gracing its mismatched seats. They were used to this, sitting in uncomfortable chairs, the long-standing hours of hearing no news, the apprehension of slight dread hanging over their heads.

This was different from those situations, though. Not the 'No New, is Good News' kind of thing. Some of the Squad's faces were etched in worry, others stoic as they tapped nervously on the armrests of their chairs.

Jake didn't pay them much mind, wanting to punch something or pace the room. You hadn't said a word to him when he placed Sadie into your arms, kneeling next to you, still mindful of putting pressure on her head. Or when the paramedics arrived, and you forced yourself to hand her over, when he pulled you back into his arms as they worked. Or when you climbed into the back of the ambulance.

"Please tell me you at least got one punch in," Rooster asked, head in his hands as he sat across from Jake.

Jake didn't bother looking up, hunched over in his chair, knowing Bradley was referring to the state of his face. The bruises had set in, the cut on his lip still undressed, and even the nurses at the front desk were urging him to be admitted.

"One," he admitted after a second before sighing. "But not with Sadie watching."

Bradley nodded absentmindedly. While he was pleased with the answer, deep down he wished he hadn't let Tyler go. Jake sat back in his chair, his mind pondering what you told him.

"Tyler ran her sister off the road during that storm."

Sitting next to Jake, Nat sharply turned her head at the mention of Ridley. "What?! He killed her?!"

Jake nodded. "Liz wasn't specific, but putting the pieces together, Tyler's father is running for some electoral bid."

Bob pipped up from his seat beside Nat, filling in the gaps. "So the attempt to kidnap Sadie was some PR save?"

Nobody replied to him. It was obvious his question was rhetorical. And nobody wanted to say out loud what had transpired. Knowing Sadie was somewhere in this hospital fighting for her life was enough.

Mav came and sat next to Bradley, sitting in the empty chair next to him. "I called Cyclone. He's calling in a few favours."

"Favours?" Bradley asked. Pete nodded, pocketing his phone. Penny placed a hand on his shoulder from her spot next to him. "He knows an admiral where Tyler's father is running for office."

"God. Cyclone is getting involved," Fanboy remarked from behind Pete. Coyote leaned forward, inquiring, "Why?

Maverick shook his head, not bothering to offer an explanation other than, "When I asked, he said it's Sadie."

Everyone agreed. It was Sadie. And if anyone could have won Cyclone over, Sadie would have been the one to do it. But Jake didn't join in on the conversation, too caught up in the realization even as he fought hard on that beach, he had failed the second Sadie fell.

Unknown to Jake, he was currently the focal point for Rooster's stare, watching every move he made, every facial expression as each thought and emotion crossed his face. Bradley opened his mouth, ready to ask the question that had been burning in the back of his mind since they had arrived until a voice interrupted him.

"I'm assuming you're all here for Ms. Beck?"

Everyone in the room turned to face an older nurse holding a clipboard. Penny was the first to launch herself out of her chair and step forward to ask, "Is she okay?"

The nurse looked at everyone in the room before glancing back at Penny, "Are all of you family?"

There was no hesitation in the way everyone in the room nodded. The nurse paused before announcing, "Sadie's still asleep but stable."

Everyone collectively sighed at the nurse's words. Then she added, "Elizabeth asked for Sadie's uncle to join her."

Nobody protested when Rooster started to stand. But then the nurse asked, "If I could have Mr. Seresin follow me, she's just back here."

Jake's headshot to the nurse, eyes wide. There was no way you'd want him there, not after she got hurt.

He had been too late.

"Are you sure you got the right person, mam?" he said, looking pointedly at Bradley, who had sat back down in shock and anger. She peered down at Jake from over the top rim of her glasses, a slight smirk on her face. "She said the blonde one."

Jake didn't bother looking back at the group when he stood. He could hear Rooster sputtering when he walked through the back doors and under flickering fluorescent lights. She led him through countless archways and winding halls till she stopped at the door, a police officer stationed just outside in a chair. He gave a tense nod to Jake before returning to his paperwork.

"Stay as long as you'd like," the nurse told him softly. "Your niece is one lucky girl."

He didn't hear her, too focused on your back through the crack in the door. He pushed it open, forcing himself to face you finally.

There was a sombre stillness in the room, Jake hesitating as he stood behind you. Sadie's small figure was engulfed in stark white sheets, multiple different wires snaking around her body. She was pale, and her head had been wrapped in a thick white bandage.

And you, not even turning your head as he came into the room, too focused on counting her breaths and watching the steady beep of her heart rate monitor. Jake couldn't see your face but could tell you were trying to hold in your tears.

He slowly gripped the back of a nearby chair to pull it closer to you, sitting down and placing his hand on top of yours that was squeezing Sadie's hand lightly.

"She has a concussion," you said, still not looking up. "And she lost a lot of blood."

He didn't say anything, deciding to stroke the back of your hand with his thumb.

"They say it could have been worse," you sniffed, wiping at your nose. "Had you not gotten there in time, it probably would have."

You tilted your head back, eyes closed, finally allowing yourself to take your eyes off Sadie for a moment before turning your chair towards Jake without looking up. The thread hanging from a rip in his jeans seemed more interesting than facing him.

But Jake carefully reached up to gently press lightly at the bruise on your cheek. You tilted your head into his touch, the action releasing the pent-up anxiety and emotions you had kept at bay for Sadie since you saw her in Jake's arms. He reached for your waist, pulling you close to the edge of your seat as the first sob crawled up your throat.

"He hasn't been around since Ridley found out she was pregnant. We made sure he couldn't get to Sadie," you sobbed, burying your face in the fabric of his shirt. Jake held you tightly as you cried, "Did I fail her? Did I fail them both?!"

"Don't go there, Liz. You couldn't have stopped him. This is all his doing, not yours."

You opened your eyes to a stain of dried blood near his shoulder, Jake standing on the beach in your peripheral vision coming to mind.

Sitting up sharply, you took in his face, small gasps escaping your lips as you trailed your fingers lightly over his lip, then the darkening bruises. He caught your hand, bringing your fingers to his mouth, "I've had worse."

Lowering your hand, he kissed your swollen wrist delicately. You sniffed, stroking the buzz-cut strains of hair behind his ear. "That doesn't mean you should."

With one glance back at Sadie, you urged him to stay as you stood, quickly going to the bathroom. Her nurse had tried to convince you to let them look at your face. You had vehemently refused, not for one second leaving Sadie alone if you could help it.

Despite your stand-offish attitude, she was kind enough to leave a makeshift first-aid kit, not really knowing the extent of your injuries, in some blind hope, you would take care of yourself. Damping a cloth, you picked up the plastic bag and returning to Jake.

He protested when you reached up with the cloth to dab at his lip. You shot him a look that instantly shut him up. Pressing it lightly against his skin, you urged, "If I don't do something, I will lose it, Jake. Let me take care of you."

Whether it had been bar fights or something else, Jake wasn't used to somebody else taking care of him, flitching as you tried to wipe at his lip, shushing him each time gently. He let you clean up the cut in silence, knowing his eyes were fixed on you as you worked.

And it bothered you, thinking his stare was pity or judgement. But the thing about Jake was you never felt like you had to hide around him. That you never had to put the mask up. But with everything that had happened, with Sadie lying hurt on the bed next to the two of you, with learning Ridley was murdered and Tyler was still out there, you were on the verge of caving hard.

"Thank you will never be enough, Jake."

His shoulders sagged. "Don't. Not yet," he spoke, turning his head towards Sadie. Your fingers trembled as you worked to peel back the wrapper of a Steri-Strip.

"I thought you would hate me. Me leaving you like that and Sadie..."

Biting your lip, you carefully placed the strip over his lip before flexing your fingers to take his face into your hands. "How could I hate you, Jake?" you whispered concerningly. "You put her first."

"She still got hurt, trying to stop him."

It didn't surprise you; Sadie was more courageous than anyone you had ever met.

"It's not your fault, Jake. It's mine," you stated, nodding your head. "I should have done more. I should have realized sooner it was Tyler. I should have gone to the police and fought harder. Realized that white fucking car was more than paranoia."

Jake shushed you, placing his forehead onto yours. "You couldn't have prepared for any of this, Liz. Tyler, Ridley... Sadie here and now. You couldn't have known."

You let out a sob as Jake said, "It's nobody's fault but that asshole's."

Then you heard it.

"Uncle Jake?"

The both of you shot up from your seats, coming to sit on either side of her bed as she tried to force her eyes open. You shushed her, cupping her cheek as you said, "Sadie? Sweetheart?"

And just like that, she opened her eyes.

You wanted to sob.

"Where am I?" She said to the ceiling before looking at you and closing them again. You tried to hide the tears from your voice as you told her, "You're in the hospital, Bug. You hit your head."

She wiggled on the bed, a groan escaping her lips as she weakly reached up to touch the bandage on her head. "I did?"

Sadie pinched her brow as everything came back to her. The glass breaking, her running, and then the panic she felt at seeing her uncle pinned to the sand.

She cried out in a panic, her eyes opening and shooting towards you, "Uncle Jake! Where is Uncle Jake?!"

"I'm right here, Bug."

She turned to glance at him, her mouth dropping open in shock as she saw the patches of blue and purple covering his face. Then she looked back at you, taking in the darkness of the skin around your eye, making her bottom lip quiver.

"I'm sorry," she whimpered, her body starting to shake as she began to cry. "I'm so sorry!"

"Sadie, what are you sorry for? It's not your fault."

But she shook her head, her face riddled in pain as she exclaimed, "He hurt you. The both of you. Because of me."

"No bug, please don't think that," you whined. "It's mine. I should have protected you better. It's never, never your fault. "

You felt Jake place a hand on your back. "Don't play the blame game, Liz. It's not your fault either."

Sadie's face softened as she absorbed Jake's words. She gasped, trying to control her breathing. "Then it's his fault then. The one who hurt all of us."

She said it so simply, so child-like, you were scared you couldn't own up to the answer- to an unspoken promise. Yet, you swallowed, nodding with a tense smile.

"Are we going to be okay?"

"Yes," Jake answered Sadie's question for you. "I'm going to make sure of it."

"I'll go get the nurse," you said softly, stroking her cheek one last time before getting up to walk out the door. Jake watched you leave before sliding himself forward to hold Sadie's hand. She smiled at him, squeezing his hand before weakly murmuring, "I heard you."

"What?"

"When you picked me up, I heard you."

"Sadie..."

" I don't care what you're going to say," she croaked. "I'd do it again."

"I can take care of myself, Bug. I'm the adult who needs to look out for you. You don't need to look out for me."

"This is why you have trouble making friends," she pointed out. Jake smiled softly at her before saying, "You're my friend."

"I'm your wingman. We made a promise."

"I don't think we were facing Ursula this time, Bug."

Sadie yawned, turning her head into her pillow as she faintly murmured, "This time, it was the loch ness monster."

"Really?" Jake chuckled lowly, still holding her hand. "Another Sea Monster?"

"You're the one that flies over the ocean. I'm just sticking with the theme."

---

Once Sadie had been given the all-clear, Jake asked if he could bring her anything from home. You handed him your key, too worn out to protest, asking if he could grab the Navy Teddy bear from the fair off Sadie's bed and her overnight bag from Penny.

Each Dagger made the trek to her room, one by one, seeing for themselves that she was alright. Sadie tried to stay awake for each one, fighting off the threat of sleep, till Bradley decided to stay with you in Jake's absence.

Like you, he couldn't stop staring at her as she breathed, only occasionally glancing at the door. Even with the police officer stationed outside, Bradley was acting like a guard dog, always standing between you and the door at all times.

She passed out the minute she was able to, and you couldn't help but worry about what tomorrow would look like when you'd get to bring her home.

"Why was Jake there?" Bradley asked suddenly, breaking the silence.

You regarded him momentarily, wanting to tell him the real reason. But you weren't prepared nor ready for the emotional blowout. And it wasn't the right time or right the place. So you shrugged. "It's the Hard Deck, Bradley. Why do people go to a bar on a Friday afternoon?"

He didn't say anything, his face hard like he was lost in concentration, watching the rise and fall of Sadie's chest. And why you had the urge to suddenly ask him the following question, especially now, of all moments, you had no idea.

Maybe you knew Bradley would be honest with you here and now and wouldn't try to pass you off or find a way to escape it. Or perhaps it was your way of forgetting the weight of all the information you learned today. So in a moment of bravery, you asked, "Why do you hate him so much, Bradley?"

He went to say something, lurching forward with effort, but you interrupted him, "And don't tell me it has to do with some Navy rivalry about who is the better pilot. I know that's not true."

"I am the better pilot," he mumbled under his breath, falling back into his seat.

"You are both equally as good as each other. You just have different means of doing it. But that's beside the point."

He stared at the floor, his eyes wide, as he thought about his answer. Not that you were feeling any better, but Sadie waking up had eased the burden and allowed you to ask somewhat playfully, "Please tell me you don't have a crush on me?"

Bradley's eyes shot up to yours before he made a gagging sound. "Oh, good lord, no. You're like my little sister." His shoulders shook as if a chill had shot down his spine. "Please don't ever put that image in my head again."

You stuck your tongue out at him before looking down at Sadie, a small smile gracing your lips. He shared your smile, not that you noticed, before admitting quietly, "It's Sadie."

You raised your eyebrows at him. "Sadie?"

"Remember the mission we keep talking about? The one that brought us all together?"

You nodded.

"He said something about my dad."

"He told me he did," you admitted, taking in Bradley's pensive stare. "He regrets it, not that it means much after the fact."

His father had always been a sore subject. Sure, he talked about him from what he could remember. Their shared love of music, playing the piano, and the same taste in vacation dad t-shirts. But he always clammed up regarding the accident, his reason for joining the Navy and wanting to fly.

"Jake does not regret anything he's done," Bradley snorted. "You don't know him like we do, Liz. Sooner or later, he's going to do what he does best and leave the two of you out to dry, and I don't want to see you or Bug hurt."

"Roo," you said softly. He's just proven he won't do that to Sadie." Or me, you wanted to add.

"You have so much faith in him."

You paused, sliding your hand over the blanket on Sadie's bed before replying, "I have faith in all of you. But Hangman, it's different with him."

"How?"

You didn't want to bring it up, especially now. But something in your gut was telling you it was the only thing that would get Bradley to ease up.

"Did I ever tell you why Ridley wanted to become a nurse?"

Rooster shook his head, resting his elbows on the edge of Sadie's bed.

"She believed everyone deserved a chance. That people cared," you said quietly. "Who would I be? What type of guardian would I be for Sadie if I didn't continue that? If I didn't give Jake the same curiosity?"

"I'm just worried you're going to put your faith in someone who will let you down."

"I don't know Jake as you know him. I don't have that history. But Bradley, he just went to bat for Sadie. His face is a walking mosaic. Don't tell me he will leave her, or me, out to dry after that?"

You reached out across her bed, fingers stretching out. Bradley lifted his hand from his lap to hold yours.

"Can you live with the idea that if that happens, it's my mistake to make?" you squeezed his hand once, trying to hide the quiver from your voice as you added, "The world is not perfect, Bradley."

He gave you a sad smile. "Do you want to talk about it? About Ridley?"

You swallowed hard, recoiling your hand back from his touch. "I can't. Not now."

"Liz, you need..." But he was interrupted by a knock at the door. Jake appeared, Sadie's bag in hand and her Teddy bear in the other.

"How is she?" he asked, coming around to your side of the bed and dropping the bag next to your chair.

"Sleeping," you replied softly, watching as he placed the teddy bear in her arms, Sadie curling around the stuffed animal.

A furrow formed between Bradley's brow as he watched the look on Jake's face as he glanced at you. Everyone loved Sadie, there was nothing wrong with the way he had approached her. But you, there was something in Jake's eyes that told him there was something else.

Jake's eyes met Roosters, a flicker of apprehension flashing across his face, fearing his suspicions had been laid bare. But Jake didn't notice, instead nodding at him, a drawl of "Bradshaw" escaping his lips.

Bradley stood, ignoring Jake, his eyes lingering on you as he asked, "Can I have your key? I'll run a few errands to make sure your set when you bring her home."

Jake dropped your key into the palm of your hand as you replied, "Bradley, you don't have to do that."

"Liz, just let us help you."

You placed your house key into Bradley's hand, a reserved look on your face. He looked at you briefly before nodding, walking to the door, pausing, and turning to Jake.

"Hangman."

Jake's eyes followed Bradley out the door before looking back at you.

"Jake, you don't have to.." You started to say before you caught the stern look on his face, instantly shutting you up. Honestly, the last thing you wanted was to be alone in his hospital room.

"I'm not going anywhere. Not when he can still get to you both."

Every hour a nurse would come by to wake Sadie up. For the first two, you didn't want to do anything but stare at her, unmoving from your chair. Jake was beginning to worry, watching you fight off sleep, swaying forward occasionally only to catch yourself.

The nurse had kindly brought a 'father' bed from the nearby maternity ward and placed it in the corner of the room with a pillow. You hadn't looked in its direction once or even thought about sleeping.

"Liz," he said softly, trying to arouse your attention. When you said nothing, Jake stood, touching your shoulder. You jolted awake, slightly shocked, until you realized it was him. "You need to get some rest."

"She's perfectly safe, and nothing will happen to her." You shook your head, barely managing to gather the energy to speak. But Jake persisted, trailing his hand down your arm to grasp at your hand. You let him pull you up.

"I can't..."

"You can. She's not going anywhere. Don't worry. I have my eye on her." Jake led you to the corner of the room, making you stand in front of the pullout. He let your hand go to sit down.

"Come here," He laid back against the backrest, holding out his arm as an invitation for you to join him. You might have fought him more, but you needed comfort with everything that had happened.

But once you settled into his arms, Jake asked you softly, "You want to talk about it?"

You shook your head against his chest, hiding your face. Jake had read you like a book. "Elizabeth, you can't keep burying your grief."

Your reply was muffled against his chest, "It's not that easy."

"I never said it was easy, but dwelling in your sorrows won't change anything."

Something in the way he said that hit you in your chest, sitting down with no intent to move. The smell of antiseptic making your stomach turn. The longer he sat there with you, the shock of everything reached its boiling point.

It was too much.

"What's wrong with me?!" you wailed. "She's been gone almost a year, and I can't even..."

You drew in a shuttering breath at the end of your unfinished sentence. You didn't need to continue, Jake had seen it repeatedly - in the way you would shelter yourself from any conversation to do with her to gripping your arm. Or to how Sadie remarked you hadn't been happy since her mom had passed away.

"I made a promise," you sniffed through your tears. "That the both of us would be strong for each other while we dealt with everything. That we wouldn't cave. But she struggled when I brought her home, and I had to be strong for her. She needed me to be strong for her. She wanted to be strong, and I needed to do the same."

"Sadie isn't going to love you any less because you can't be strong around her. None of us will."

You whimpered at his word. Suddenly, the dam burst open. "I tried. I tried to read the book, I tried talking about her with everyone, with you. Believing I'm fine when I'm not. Saturday nights with everyone, only to run into the kitchen the first chance I get because she's not there."

You sobbed into his chest. "It's so hard, Jake. Knowing she's not here. That he took her away from us."

"I know," he spoke into your hair, gripping the back of it. "Healing isn't linear, Darlin'. It's messy, and it takes time."

Something was validating in hearing his words. Something that no longer made you feel like a self-pity dealer. That it was okay for you to feel like this. That there was no mask needed in any given situation.

Jake, whether he knew it or not, was giving you the permission you so desperately needed to know it was okay to be sad.

And he let you. He let you cry it out, rocking you back and forth in this hold until you sniff, wiping at your eyes. "When did you get so wise, Jake Seresin?"

“Wise?” He scoffed. “No, darlin', I'm experienced. There's a difference."

Even with your tears, you rolled your eyes. "Why did that sound more sexualized than it should have been?"

"You're the one that went there. I'm just stating facts," Jake grinned. You huffed, pulling yourself closer to his side as a yawn coincided with your quiet laughter.

"Enough with the heavy. You need to sleep." He adjusted his hold on you, fingers threading themselves through the hair at the back of your neck, pulling you deeper into his chest. "I'm watching her."

You snuggled into his side, your hand making a fist gripping his shirt and the ball chain of his dog tags through the fabric. But you were still tense despite your exhaustion, causing Jake to shake you a little in encouragement.

"Relax, I'm not going to bite," He said before softly pressing a kiss to the top of your head. "Not unless you ask me to."

You groaned sleepily into his chest, "Jake."

You fell asleep listening to him chuckle.

---

Jake had driven you both home once the doctor had given Sadie the all-clear later in the evening the next day. Sadie made a beeline to the couch, a long-standing ritual with her whenever she felt poorly, the second she walked through the door.

This left you and Jake standing in your kitchen, the moment making you think back to that first Saturday night when Jake had followed you inside with the dishes. The night before the Daggers were deployed.

You could never have thought this would be your future, holding yourself tight, leaning up against your counter, Jake filling your kettle with water, rummaging around in your tea cupboard. You pressed your forehead to his shoulder as he placed it back on its stand, turning to hold you and pressing a kiss to your forehead, not saying anything. He let you take what you needed from him.

The both of you eventually joined Sadie on the couch, watching as she held the remote to the TV, staring at the black screen. For a second, you were scared she would ask to watch Pride and Prejudice. Instead, she asked, "Can we put on The Princess Bride? I know I can't watch, but I'd like to listen."

To any onlooker, the group of you would have been a sight - Sadie with her stitches across the back of her head. Jake with his bruised face, split lip and marked-up knuckles. And you, with your black eye.

Yet, you couldn't have felt safer than huddled on your couch here with them.

Halfway through the movie, you found yourself with your head lying against Jake's leg. Sadie had migrated from the other end of the couch to in front of you, head buried in your shoulder as she used your arm as a pillow. Even with the knowledge Tyler was still out there, waiting for the next chance to strike again, you passed out knowing there wasn't anywhere else you wanted to be.

It was around 3 in the morning when Jake woke you up, silently urging you to go to bed. You tried to figure out the best way to move without disturbing Sadie until he stood, kneeling next to the two of you and carefully hooked his arms under her body. In her sleep, Sadie snuggled into Jake's chest once he stood.

"Go get ready," he murmured softly. "I'll get her to bed."

You stayed on the couch for a second, watching as he carried her off to her room before sighing and getting up. You forced yourself not to look out your window as you passed it by.

The bruise around your eye was an unwelcome sight in your mirror as you washed your face and got ready. You found yourself sitting on the edge of your bed, staring at the book on your nightstand, wondering if Jake was going to seek you out.

And then he appeared in your doorway, watching you dangle your legs back and forth.

"Jake," you said quietly, shame in your tone. "I don't want to be alone."

He pushed himself off your doorframe, kneeling in front of you, between your legs and hands resting on either side. He slid his whole hand up the outside of your thigh, stroking back and forth, attempting to comfort you.

"What do you need, darlin'?" he hushed. "What can I do?"

"Don't leave me?" it was a quiet plea.

Jake reached for your hips, sitting up to press his forehead to yours. You took it one step further, sliding off the edge of your bed and down to the ground in front of him, arms wrapping tightly around his neck. He hugged you tight, head pressing into your collarbone before grabbing the back of your thighs to stand. You clung to him, legs tightly clinging around his waist.

He was next to your bed in two steps, one arm still clutching you while the other swept your covers down. You weren't sure how he could sit down with you hanging on to him, how he turned while holding the covers up and siding underneath them. You never let go as he settled you on top of him, hand stroking up and down your back.

Then you found yourself seeking out his lips, lightly grazing yours against his. There was nothing overly sexual in how you lightly pressed into him and grazed your nose along his, how you sought him out, lazily kissing him.

You were mindful of his injured lip each time, content to simply be here and now with Jake in your bedroom, his warmth and smell willing you to calm down. There was no objective, no end goal in your actions - after everything that had happened, you needed the assurance, the comfort, him.

From Tyler. From you feeling like a failure as Sadie's guardian because you couldn't prevent outside forces from coming after her. From the burdening grief of losing Ridley, the one you kept shoving aside only for Jake to crack wide open.

And yet, all you could think about was that it might be time to take that first step - even if it is just turning that one page on Pride and Prejudice on your nightstand.

---

Jake woke in the early morning to a rattle from your bedside table. He had let you sleep, doing Sadie's two-hour checks, used to the lack of sleep.

The both of you had moved, your back pressed tightly against his front. His arm was wrapped securely around your waist, and his nose was buried in your hair. Rolling over, he reached for his phone and spied the unknown caller ID, bringing it up to his ear as he answered.

"Seresin."

"It's about time you answered the phone."

Jake quickly shot you a look over his shoulder before getting up and walking into your hallway, shutting the door gently behind him.

"Wouldn't have answered had I known you were on the other end," he spat, continuing to your kitchen so you wouldn't hear his conversation.

"I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Always taking the easy way out, just like when you joined the Navy. Flying around, pretending to be important while accomplishing nothing of substance."

"I'm assuming you didn't call to put down my choice in career, though that would have been preferable for someone like you." Jake said sarcastically.

"No, it's not," Jake's father replied snarkily. "I've heard you've been playing house with some girl."

Jake's grip tightened on his phone, anger bubbling beneath the surface. "And how would you know, seeing as you've never taken the time of day to call before now."

"Melaine."

Of course, Melaine would be the one to spill, Jake thought. Always telling other people's secrets and stories so she could watch the chaos afterwards.

"Didn't know my love life was the only source of entertainment down there," he remarked, leaning up against your island.

"Spare me the sentimental crap. A man like you shouldn't be saddled with someone else's burden."

Jaked laughed lowly. "Don't expect me to apologize for my life not fitting into your narrow-minded definition of what a man should be."

There was a monetary pause on the line. Jake's father let out a bitter chuckle. "Oh, so you're a saint now, huh?" he replied mockingly. "Trying to play the hero? Just like your grandfather, right?"

Jake didn't say anything, staring down at your floor.

"You think you can be that kid's uncle? You're wasting your time on a woman who can't give you anything real."

Jake saw his opportunity, smirking into the end of his phone, as he answered, "I'd rather be a fool for choosing a noble idea than be somebody who settled for mediocrity. Tell me, Dad, how's the ranch life working for you?"

"Don't test me, boy!" he seethed. "I'm not the one showboating in some plane over the fucking ocean."

"Better than shovelling shit every day."

His father growled, clearly agitated. "You've always been a rebellious one. Thinking you can defy me, defy tradition. No man wants to be raising her sister's kid, son. She's nothing but trouble and damaged goods. I won't have her ruining the Seresin name."

Rather than react to the dig towards you, Jake scoffed. "Yeah, sure, Keep talking like your opinion matters that much anyway."

"End it. Or I'm sending George up to California to end it for you. At least he knows how to take orders like a good son."

And then the line went dead.

Jake gripped his phone, tossing it harshly to your kitchen island. The conversation stung, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. Even in California, miles between him and his home state, his father still tried to influence his life.

Needing to seek you out for comfort he returned to your room, pausing after he opened the door. You had turned in your sleep without him there, a hand stretched out to where he once was. The morning sunlight casting a beam through your drapes to the spot next to your head on your pillow. Sliding back beside you, Jake carefully lifted your arm as he placed it on his chest. You pulled yourself to him, head content to lay on his shoulder as a sigh escaped your lips.

"Jake," you murmured sleepily. "Is everything okay?"

"Go back to sleep," he replied, kissing your forehead hard. "It was just a wrong number."

Sadie's fine!!! 🥰 I'm not THAT heartless...

Tags:

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@mayhemmanaged @ereardon @dempy @shanimallina87 @teacupsandtopgun @daggerspare-standingby

@phantomxoxo @formulapierre @eli2447 @fulla02 @blckgrl-sunflower @mizzzpink @ohgodnotagainn

@bubblegumbeautyqueen @sarahsmi13s @desert-fern @lynnestra44 @memoriesat30 @penwieldingdreamer @mxlanciia

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@keyrani

Part 13 - Sons and Daughters coming soon

Wickett ;)

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earth616variant · 2 years

Text

the send-off | s.r; 3

summary | Being his best friend and assistant, Howard Stark asked you to be the first one to be tested on his time machine project. After some unexpected errors, you ended up stuck in the modern times of the 21st century. Where you meet the man you thought died years ago: Steve Rogers.

pairing/s | steve rogers x reader, avengers x reader

word count | 5.5k+

genres | angst, fluff, crack, time travel au, unrequited love au

warnings | nightmare, idiots, little childish superheroes...

note | i'm sorry it took me long to update! but here is it. I'll be posting more drabble about them soon. this is less angsty than the first two. i hope you enjoy reading it! thank you so much for your patience :)) reblogs and comments are always appreciated! <3

series masterlist

This is like heaven.

As you two were walking, you cannot stop yourself from looking left and right at what the place looked like. Every piece of equipment, furniture, and gadget seemed really modernized. The predictions of the future in your time are nothing based on what you are just seeing now in this compound. You knew you must restrain yourself from getting your hands on the small, pocket-sized screen Steve kept tapping on when you two agreed to step out of the clinic. Your brain, although stressed, was burning with curiosity. Especially with that invisible voice that he talked to while you two walked out.

“Friday, where’s everyone?” Steve suddenly asked out of nowhere.

Your eyebrows scrunched together as you confusedly turned your head to Steve. You don’t have any idea who he was talking with since you two were the only people around when he spoke.

“Who’s Friday– Jeepers!”

You jumped, clinging immediately to the man beside you when a stiff, feminine voice spoke.

“Mr. Stark and Ms. Potts are nearby the lakes. Dr. Banner is in his laboratory. The others are currently resting in their respective rooms.”

Steve, who was also surprised at your reaction for a second, chuckled and whispered, “It’s fine.”

Embarrassed, you remove your hands that were clinging to his arm and cleared your throat. You ran your hands down to your clothes to at least look decent again.

“I’m sorry for my reaction.”

You wanted to ask a question about it. But Steve must have been tired from hearing you asking questions like a kid. It’s been hours now and you kept on asking from one question to another. So you sealed your lips shut. Yet, Steve seemed to read your mind since he explained it to you as you continue walking.

“That’s Friday. She’s an A.I. that Tony created. She helps a lot here so if you need–”

“What’s an… A.I.?” you interjected.

The last two letters rolled off your tongue like you were unsure about it. An A.I.You thought of any possible meaning of it that you could have learned before but you cannot think of any.

“It stands for Artificial Intelligence. I was surprised too when I encountered it for the first time too. It was crazy to see the advancements of technology from this time.” he shared, to assure you about your reaction earlier.

You chuckled lightly with that, “Yeah, it’s strange to see everything here. Just hours ago, I am back in my own lab with… Howard… but now, I’m looking at these new things…”

You paused with the thought of your best friend. Steve quickly noticed your heavy sigh and lonely gaze on the ground while your shoulder slumped. You were just distracted by your chat with Steve a couple of hours ago in the clinic and now, it’s beginning to sink in. He can see that based on your expression.

He calls your name softly, “Y/N?”

You slowly looked up your eyes glistening. You spoke, “Is this really it? Am I staying here forever?”

“I… I don’t know, Y/N. I’m sorry. I really am.” he apologized, disappointed himself too.

Steve could say that Tony and Bruce can probably try and build another time machine. But he doesn’t want to give you false hope. And he won't know if Stark would want to attempt on making a time machine after this– you coming back– happened.

Am I staying here forever?

He remembered asking the same question himself years ago when he got back. Fury once told him that time machines are impossible when Steve was still unaware of Howard’s attempt. Fury said that no one ever succeeded in operating one. He did not even mention what happened to you. Steve only knew about your disappearance when it slipped Peggy’s tongue when he was visiting her in the retirement home. He tried to ask her again about it, but due to her condition, Peggy had a hard time recalling everything.

Both shocked and frustrated, Steve immediately confronted SHIELD’s former director about it. He learned that you are basically an open secret to everyone working with the organization. Natasha later presented him with the last photo of yours taken before the time travel attempt. It was said to be photographed by a certain Robert Smith.

“I know, I know. I’m sorry for pressing all my questions to you.” you breathed out. And before he can say anything to console you, you continued, “I should probably rest. Everything has been a lot…”

Steve silently nods. You two continued to walk. You were just following him since you don’t really have any idea about this whole compound’s navigation. So when Steve stopped in a hallway of doors, you stopped too.

“Here is our extra room. This can be your room for the meantime.” he introduced as he opened the patterned grey door.

Your eyes instantly traveled around, curious about what bedrooms might look like in this future era. The room was simple but more spacious than your bedroom in your own apartment. This one has a kingsized bed, a bedside table and lamp, a wooden desk at the nearby window, and two doors. It was pretty plain, confirming that it was really just an extra room. Steve walked you through it.

“You have your own bathroom here.” he opened one of the doors and you took a quick glance inside it. Steve opened the other one, “This is your closet.”

“But I don’t have any more clothes, Steve.” you awkwardly mentioned the obvious. “I don’t even think I’ll be able to sleep with this.”

Howard reminded you days after you said yes to being his test subject that you should dress properly on the day of the event. He said that it will make a great impression if someone sees you in the future. It was probably a joke from him. But you did wear the most pristine and presentable blouse and slacks you have. It even reminded you of Katherine Hepburn’s outfits.

And now, here you are. Although these are your best work clothes, you would have to sleep in them. You find it uncomfortable. Back in your apartment, you have long, cozy, silk nightgowns and pajamas that you wear after a long day in the laboratory. The material was soft and helps you to fall asleep quickly after laying down on your bed.

“Uhm… maybe…” Steve avoided your gaze as he tried not to stutter with sharing his idea. He honestly looked like a kid as his lips twitched timidly, “You… You can borrow some of my clothes for tonight.”

“Oh, uhm…” you stammered, eyes slightly widening. The idea of wearing his clothes unexpectedly bought flutters in your stomach. Doing that seems too intimate.

Not wanting to make you feel any discomfort, he thought of another suggestion, “Or maybe I can ask the others if they can lend–”

“No, no. That would be more troublesome. I would rather borrow yours.” You fiddled with your fingers as you looked into his eyes, “Is that fine with you?”

“Yeah, it’s fine.” Steve nods. “Let’s go to my room.”

“Huh?” your eyebrows furrowed with your mouth slightly agape.

Steve immediately realized what his last sentence sounded like, making his eyebrows raise. He explains, “I mean so that you can pick out the clothes yourself.”

“Oh, okay…” your voice trailed off before pursing your lips together.

There was this obvious silence as you two walked side by side. You were fiddling with your fingers while he looked around the compound as if he didn’t live here. The air felt like when you put two awkward teens in one room. His door wasn’t too far from yours, only four doors away.

“Come in.”

And when he opened the door, a fresh scent of rosemary and mint welcomed you. It brought instant more comfort to you than the last room. Maybe because this one is more personalized to Steve’s own character. Your eyes traveled to the desk in the corner, where you spotted a familiar framed sketch.

“Oh, I know that one.” you pointed out, seemingly proud as you turn your head to Steve. He chuckled. You continued, “You were drawing that monkey when you were doing one of your USO tours.”

“Yes. It was during that time. You and Howard came to watch for the first time.” Steve recalled and you nodded.

As much as he hates it, Steve remembered that time of his long life crystal clearly. He just got the serum, Erskine died, and he wants to immediately serve in the army. But he ended up doing performances all over the nation in a patriotic overall spandex and red boots.

Sure, he had a few good memories from that chapter of his life. But it mainly felt awkward. Especially that time he performed in front of real soldiers, who were very opposite of his usual young fans, in deafening silence. Or when you and Howard would come and watch a couple of his shows if you have the time. He remembered feeling more self-aware on stage in his fitting costume and weird helmet punching a fake Hitler, knowing that you are somewhere in the crowd.

“Here is my closet by the way.” Steve changed the subject and you followed behind him.

His clothes were well-organized and followed a color palette. Of course, the shade of blue stands out. Steve did let you pick out, telling you that anything would be fine.

“You have a lot of these so I’m just— Oh.”

You stopped when you unfolded one of the white shirts. When folded, it looked plain. But as you spread it out, there was a word written on its front.

“Capsicle?” you read it out with one of your eyebrows raised.

“It was a gift from Tony. He used to call me that.” Steve explained and you only stared at him as if you don’t understand it. He exhaled, “You know… because I, Captain America, was frozen in ice for decades.”

“Oh!” you tried not to giggle but failed. “I’m sorry for laughing. It just sounded like something his father would do or say.”

“Yes, they are very much alike.” Steve just agreed.

Not long after, you two walked out of his closet with his clothes in your hands. You chose that shirt (even though Steve tried to convince you that there are other choices) and plaid blue pajama pants. He walked you back to your room, asking if you still need anything.

“Just knock on my door if you need anything. Okay?”

You smiled, “I will. Thank you so much for everything, Steve. I really appreciate it.”

Not wasting any second, you hugged him. You thought that you’ll just do it quick as you don’t want to cause any discomfort to him. But when you felt his hands on your back, you found yourself relaxing your chin on his shoulder. Whatever heaviness you felt in your chest was slightly lessened with his simple action. When you slowly moved away, Steve’s electric blue eyes looked directly at yours with a certain— you don’t really want to assume but— tenderness.

“I’ll introduce everyone to you tomorrow. But for now, you should rest,” he spoke.

You nodded and opened the door to your room, stepping inside. “Good night, Steve.”

“Good night, Y/N.”

You gently closed the door while Steve watched you. Leaning your back on the door, you huffed like you held out your breath for a long time. You looked up like question marks were flying around your head. All of this… everything… feels unreal.

You were blanked out as you changed into Steve’s clothes. His shirt was oversized on you but cozy like your nightgowns. The hem of his pajama pants reached the carpeted floor. You don’t mind though. You’re too exhausted.

You almost climbed to your probably new bed. It smelled nothing like yours. But it was nice and soft enough to make your eyes shut close within just a few seconds.

“Just take a shot. But don’t interact with anyone.”

You see your best friend, standing near the controls. You looked down at your hands and you see that you were holding a camera. Turning your chin up, you see Donny’s little hand waving against the glass. Susan smiled. You looked to another person in the room, Robert. He gave you a thumbs-up as he positioned himself behind his large camera. You looked back to Howard.

“Even to one person?”

“Even to one person,” he repeated.

Then suddenly, all you can hear is the heavy beats of your heart. It was like a countdown. You closed your eyes. The sound of your heartbeat trailed off and now you can just hear your own breathing. You slowly opened your eyes. Nothing.

You look around and it’s nothing. Just a pitch-black void. You didn’t dare to move as you don’t know where to go. Alone, you wrapped your arms to yourself. That’s when you notice the camera’s gone too. It’s not even cold but you feel like trembling. Then, you heard Howard’s voice. It echoes in this empty dark space you’re in.

“This one will be a big success, Y/N.”

But he is nowhere to be seen. Your pulse is back beating at the loudest volume, it was much faster than ever. You tried to scream– call for your dear friend. But was stopped when you heard his voice again.

“This one will be a big success, Y/N.”

And again.

“This one will be a big success, Y/N.”

And again.

“This one will be a big success–”

“STOP!”

Eyes wide open, you found yourself on the same bed you slept on. You were sweating bullets on your forehead as your chest heaved up and down, slowly calming down. There were already rays of sunshine that transcended to the window and you can clearly see that you are still where you were last night.

“Oh my…”

All you can do is let out a shaky sigh as you bury your face in your palms. You wanted to scream. Maybe cry. Or just run your fingertips through your hair and pull it out of your scalp. This whole situation makes your toes curl.

You got up from bed and make your way to the bathroom. Standing in front of the mirror, you looked at yourself. Your eyes were slightly puffed from all the tears you let out last night. Your forehead is glistening from sweat while your hair is disheveled. You looked worse than the nights you worked overtime in the laboratory. You shook your head at the sight before opening the tap, splashing a refreshing amount of water on your face.

You were dabbing the available white, fluffy towel on your face when you hear knocks on your door. You turned to the mirror again. You wished you could do something with your hair. But you don’t have any hairspray or elastic to at least fix it. Instead, you just ran a comb through your hair. The comb seemed clean as you found it on the small bathroom shelf. It didn’t took look before you open the door.

“Good morning.” Steve greeted you. “Did I woke you up?”

“Oh, no,” you replied, shaking your head.

“Great… Uh, breakfast is ready. I figured I’ll introduce you to everyone out there.”

“Okay…S-Should I change my clothes?” you wondered as based on Steve’s stories last night, these people are the world’s mightiest heroes.

You wondered if they are formal-type of people. Maybe pompous or superior? Well, you already met two of them last night: Tony and Banner. And in all honesty, you don’t remember much about the latter. Only Tony since you learned he is your best friend’s son and if you were here by the time he was born, you knew Howard would pick you as that man’s godparent. Plus, you remember Tony because you can already feel how he’s so much of his dad.

“That’s fine. We’re just having breakfast together before our training. But you do you. You can change if you want.” Steve replied.

“Well, how do I look? Do I at least look presentable?” you just asked since you still want to look decent even though they saw you in distress before.

He nods, “You look great, Dr. Y/N.”

You don’t know if he was teasing or reassuring you. But your heart skipped when he said that. You hid a faint smile forming on your lips as you closed the door behind you. You just followed him. It took you seconds to realize that you were in an elevator. It’s obviously much different and updated than the one from your time. But you cannot help but notice something specifically,

“They used to play music…” you muttered as you leaned against the cold wall.

Steve, who was leaning on the other wall, chuckled, “Yeah, I know. I tried telling Tony to bring it back.”

The elevator door slides and you immediately hear various noises from different people. As you got closer to the noise, you move closer to Steve. He offered you a smile, and you reciprocated it. You step inside what seems like a kitchen and it goes quiet.

If eyes can shoot bullets, you’re probably dead by now. Everyone looks at you and you put on a small smile. Your eyes traveled around until you locked with a friendly pair. Sergeant Barnes. You cannot stop your gaze from shifting from his face down to his arm, which looked very much different. Your eyes moved back to his face and his lips formed a tight smile. Steve was the one who broke the silence, clearing his throat.

“Everyone, I would like you to meet someone…”

He looked at you with encouragement and you nodded.

“Hi… Uhm… I’m Dr. Y/N from Stark Industries.” you used your usual introduction before adding something else. “I… I came from the 40s.”

It was dead silent for a few seconds before someone stepped up first.

“Hi! I’m Wanda Maximoff.” the woman with long, red hair introduced herself. She wore a friendly smile as she offers her hand. You shook it, smiling at her. “Nice meeting you, doctor.”

“Just my name will be fine,” you told her.

Another woman followed, “Natasha Romanoff.”

She sounded stern but she offered a kind, small smile. She also has red hair but is shorter than Wanda’s.

“Good morning, Dr. Y/N. My name is Vision.”

This time, a literal red person approached you. He seemed like a robot but more human. It was confusing. Another guy stood up from his chair near the kitchen counter.

“My name’s Sam Wilson. I fly around too like that Android.”

“Yeah, except he still needs to put on his little wings before he can do anything.”

You heard Barnes behind him. Sam immediately countered an answer, “I can throw punches too!”

“Sam served in the Air Force.” Steve, who’s beside you, added.

Both your eyebrows raised, “Oh, really? That’s amazing.”

In your time, the US Air Force was just founded. You never really met anyone from the Air Force and to have one in front of you right now, you feel amazed.

“Enough of that. Let me introduce myself to Dr, Y/N.” Bucky walked to you as Sam stepped back, rolling his eyes.

“Oh Sergeant Barnes, You don’t have to introduce yourself. We’re way past that,” you told him and he chuckled.

You didn’t stop yourself from hugging him. You were just so happy to see both Steve and Bucky alive as you lost them both in the same year. Back in the 40s, Bucky knows a lot of places to hang out and would invite you to go with them. Howard would tag along sometimes too. But you and Bucky get to talk a lot since Peggy would usually pull Steve with her.

“How are you, doll?”

You were too focused on the changes in him that you can’t answer his question. Instead, you touched his left arm, feeling its cold metal surface. The texture felt familiar.

“Your arm…”

It was obvious that you have a ton of questions in your head. But Bucky just looked at you that says: I’ll tell you later. Then, your eyes landed on a boy sitting beside Sam on the kitchen counter. He instantly looks away when you locked eyes with him. You figured he is still a student as his dark blue long-sleeved shirt has the logo of Midtown School of Science and Technology. You’ve never heard of that school before so it was probably established after the 40s. Your eyes traveled back to his face. He seemed flushed as you stare at him longer.

“Hi…” you greeted him in front of everyone.

You tried to be friendly as the kid seemed very scared of you. His eyes widened. Sam had to nudge him to make him move. He put down his bowl of cereal and timidly walked up to you.

“H-Hello, ma’am… My name’s Peter Parker.” he stutters as he gently shakes your hand. “I really like– love your research journals. Especially the one about the possibility of a multiverse.”

Peter almost jumped when your other hand unexpectedly caged his hand. You looked at him with delight, “Really? You knew about that?”

Joy filled your heart when you heard that. It was like your mood was instantly lifted again. Your research journals are your children. You were always proud of them but often overlooked by your other colleagues since a woman wrote them. Only Howard shows enthusiasm for it and would bring it up in conversation.

“Yeah, I came across your journal in the school library before. Then, Mr. Stark let me read your other journals.” he chattered.

“Mr. Stark?” you repeated.

“Yeah, someone’s calling for me?”

As if on cue, Tony walks in with an auburn-haired woman that looked familiar. The woman smiled at you, “Hi. I’m Pepper Potts. It’s nice to meet you.”

You don’t want to assume things but she seemed close to Tony. Like a partner– not a work kind– but a romantic type. It made you think about who your best friend ended up with. Howard didn’t seem like someone to settle down with. He never talked about wanting to get married or even having a family of his own. He only has flings, rarely a relationship. He’s bad at ending things with these women and would often let Jarvis dismiss them. The first time you learned that about him, you slapped him on the back of his head, saying how awful that is. Later on, Jarvis told you that Howard would give out a special bracelet to his flings as a parting gift.

“Let’s have breakfast?” she offered and you nodded.

Plates were already on the table, along with pancakes, bacon, and eggs. You sat between Steve and Bucky, who were both considerate. They offered you syrup and orange juice while the others talked about their plans for the day. You listened quietly, chewing on the fluffy pancakes you heard Wanda prepared. You were really not used to having your meal with anyone as you live alone. But hearing conversations and banters made you more comfortable in this modern time you’re thrown into. Peter left early since he said he was stopping by his aunt before going to school.

“Where are they going?” you whispered to Steve as Tony and Pepper say goodbye.

“Tony has a conference somewhere in Europe, I think… Pepper going to work.”

“What’s her job?” you asked before reaching for the orange juice.

“Pepper leads Stark Industries.”

Hearing that, you choke on your drink. Natasha, who was eating in front of you, handed you a napkin while Bucky gently pats your back. Steve took your glass from you.

“I’m sorry.” your voice muffled as you cleaned up your lips. Then, you turned to Steve, “How?”

“Tony appointed her as CEO of the company eight years ago.”

That was his answer. Like it was something Tony usually does.

“By the way, we’re going out later.” Steve changed the subject as he stood up, taking your finished plate with his to the sink.

“We are?”

“Yeah, let’s buy your clothes and other things you need. Wanda’s coming with us,” he replied, opening the tap.

“I… I didn’t take my money with me,”

Bucky stifled a giggle beside you, making you turn around to him with a glare. He always found it marvelous how you are both naive and genius. You were one of the most intelligent people he knows. But you also seemed innocent with anything out of your expertise. He noticed it when you would hang out in diners or jazz clubs where a lot of men would try to make a move with you. But you would unintentionally reject their subtle invitation.

“Don’t worry about that.” Steve turned around, hands all soapy. “Just go prepare. We’re leaving after.”

You sighed, “Okay.”

“I thought you were off to Italy today for that mission.”

Natasha was the first one to speak when you walked out of the room. Wanda and Vision left too. Sam is still finishing his mug of warm coffee. Same with Bucky. Steve can feel his friends’ eyes daggering on his back as he rinsed off the soap bubbles from the utensils and plates. He didn’t answer until he was done with it.

“I asked Clint and Bruce to cover for me.” he simply revealed.

He sees Natasha biting her lip, attempting to hide a forming smile. So is Sam, who grinned as he takes a sip in his cup. Meanwhile, Bucky stayed shameless, smirking as soon as Steve looked at him. Steve raised an eyebrow.

“What’s going on?”

“Nothing,” Sam replied, but his tone screams something else. “But is she wearing your clothes–”

“So this is about that.” Steve lets out an exasperated sigh.

“No! No! We think it’s cute on her.” Bucky protested. Natasha even added, “Yeah, she’s cute.”

“Just tell me what is this all about. What’s with the eyes and smiles? You look like you heard some gossip somewhere.”

“Well… if you put it like that…”

Bucky looked away, crossing his arms over his chest. Both Natasha and Sam snicker. It was a childish scene. Steve rolled his eyes as his shoulder slumped. He never thought he would be in this situation with his superhero friends, who are all acting like giddy high school kids right now. Now wanting to deal with them anymore, Steve was about to leave. Not until Sam confessed,

“Bucky told us you had a crush on her back in the 40s.”

He froze in his tracks, processing what he just heard. The three waited for his reaction, only watching him as he turned around.

“What? I… I never said that.”

Bucky then looked to their other friends, “See? He didn’t deny it.”

Steve shakes his head as they laughed. Without saying anything more, he chose to just walk out.

“I can’t find anything there, Wanda.”

Steve and Wanda drove you to this indoor shopping place. They said it is called a mall. There were a lot of people when you arrived. You thought a mall was just a big place where you buy clothes. But it turns out to have more of that. Instead of clothes, you asked Steve if you can buy books when you passed by a bookstore. Steve also let you have some stationery. You ended up buying three books: one sci-fi book that was really popular in your time, another sci-fi that just came out, and The Little Prince.

Now, you, Steve, and Wanda are eating in this cute diner Steve knows. He said he goes here at least once a month in his free time. The place is almost close to the diners from your time. The colors, the patterns, the booths, and even the staff’s uniforms were almost resemblance. But when you look at the customers, you’ll realize that this is not the 1940s.

“I mean, I have nothing for the fashion you have today. They are all divine. And I don’t mean to be a fuddy-duddy but I would want to wear something that I usually wear.” you explained before sipping your milkshake

“I understand, Y/N. I thought we could find something you will like there.” Wanda’s shoulder slumped.

“We did find some things there!” you exclaimed, referencing the shopping bags next to you.

You shopped for books and a couple of nice sleepwear. You also have a pair of shoes, sandals, and a slip-on that you and Wanda chose. You were happy to have someone commenting on your choices. Wanda and you almost agree on the same thing and would laugh about your thoughts about something.

“How about you, Steve? Where did you get your clothes when you got here?” you asked the man in front of you. He has been pretty quiet since you got in the mall. He will just pay for things and compliment the shoes you bought.

Steve chewed his burger first before replying, “SHIELD just provided it to me.”

“Wait! I think I know a place.” Wanda exclaimed.

“Holy mackerel!”

You squealed as you saw the exterior of the antique store Wanda said. Your eyes sparkled as you see the furniture and clothes. Steve opened the car door for you and you swore you almost ran straight to the door. A bill clings when you opened the door.

“Steve! Look at this!”

Steve turned in your direction and sees you pointing to a record player. You carefully reached for one of the records displayed. It was Frank Sinatra’s record. You looked at it with delight. Steve knew he had to say it,

“We can buy it if you want. I have a record player. We can put it in your room since I don’t use it much.”

The glimmer of happiness in your eyes shined more, “Really?”

“Yeah, consider it as a welcome gift.” he quipped and you instantly wrapped your arms around him.

“Oh, thank you so much, Steve.”

The day went on with you jumping around the same shop. Wanda was happy to pick out clothes with you. There were limited choices but they were all eye-pleasing and suited your style. You got dresses, blouses, and trousers that were all much cheaper than the dizzying prices in the mall. The old woman who owns the shop was amazed at your enthusiasm for what she called “vintage” fashion.

“How old are you, honey?” she asked as you place a large number of clothes for checkout.

“I’m 29, ma’am,” you replied with a smile.

“Oh, you’re almost the same age as my granddaughter. But I don’t think she would wear this same type of clothes.” she shared. “You know, these clothes came from the old, old times. Most of these clothes are my mother’s”

You wanted to say that you came from that old, old times. But you knew how complicated and insane would that sound.

“Your boyfriend must be so–”

“Boyfriend?”

The lady fixed her glasses as she looked at you, “That guy. Isn’t he your boyfriend?”

She nods her chin in Steve’s direction who was also strolling around the place. You hoped he didn’t hear what the lady said as he seemed focused on the furniture displayed. Wanda was looking around too.

“Oh, no. We’re just friends, ma’am.” you giggle timidly.

“You can call me Nancy, honey.” she introduced herself. “And you have great friends. That girl has said nothing but praises when you were trying out these clothes and that man…”

She signaled you to come closer to her, which you did. She whispered, “Take him out on a date. He’s a dreamboat”

“Nancy!”

You felt warmth all over your face. It was like blood rushes up to your cheeks and ears. You thought of doing it before but you never had the courage to do it to anyone. You knew Steve already had his attention on someone else. Nancy just laughed at your flushed reaction.

“Oh, honey. I’m just saying that I think he’s a catch.” she winked. “Anyway, who am I to meddle with your life?” you laughed at that. “What’s your name, honey?”

“Y/N, ma’am.”

You didn’t realize that she had already finished putting the things you bought in a bag when she pulled something under her counter.

“Y/N, honey, this is a gift since you are one of my largest spenders this month in the shop. It was from someone important to me and I can’t really wear or sell it here. But I would love to see it on you.”

“Nancy, you don’t have to– Oh, wow. This is so pretty.”

She hands you a simple, white pearl necklace. It was kept in a boxy, that’s why it looks shiny and good.

“I know, honey. I’ve been keeping it in a box for a long time now. I don’t really wear that kind of necklace anymore and was just waiting for the right customer to give it to. Since I liked how excited you are when you entered my shop, I’m giving it to you.” she told you.

“Oh, Nancy, I’m going to be a regular in here.” you quipped as you tried it on. “How is it?”

“It’s lovely.” she compliments. “And yes, I would love to see you coming here again anytime soon. I love talking to you. You somehow remind me of my old friends.”

THE SEND-OFF TAGLIST (edited)

@supraveng @sunflower-golden-vol6 @curi0usc4t @caitlyn-who @bitchy-bi-trash @stilltoomuchafangirl @matisse556 @gitasor @ladybug05 @sunwoahkim @meanttobea @j69confessional2 @thenyxsky @maximoffmaxipad @swthxrry @justab-eautifulmess @7minutes-tomidnight @curlycarley @thefalconandthewinterwidowshield @wisepenguin @shatfairy @coffeeshub @stillthatbetch @cosmicgirls-things @sabrinaselina55 @mediocre-m @learning-howto-be-myselfx3 @mrsjaderogers @themerc-with-a-mouth @slutdreams @mrbutterbunz @royalwritersoftheuniverses @yunloyal @avengersinitiative2012 @mariaelizabeth21-blog1 @noodle81937 @madnessinwrighting @lilizia @saintmagx @evanswife1918 @saranghaey @elmphoenix17 @animegirlgeeky @t-stark35

PERMANENT TAGLIST

@rosedpetal

#steve rogers #steve rogers fic #steve rogers angst #steve rogers fluff #steve rogers au #steve rogers series #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers fanfic #steve rogers fanfiction #steve rogers time travel au #avengers x reader #avengers fanfiction #chris evans #chris evans x reader #chris evans fic #chris evans angst #chris evans fluff #the send off steve rogers

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queenofcats17 · 2 months

Text

The Ink Demonth 6

Today's theme is Drop.

================================================

A drop in the ocean is seldom seen again. That was what Allison had said to him, wasn't it?

A part of him couldn't help but envy those who could disappear into the ink like that. He knew how devastating it could be to have no memories and no identity, but he yearned for a moment when he would no longer be burdened by the knowledge of the situation he was in. The other ink creatures received some brief respite from the horrors of the studio when they entered the puddles. Some period of time when they weren't fighting for their lives at all times.

Henry received no such rest.

Even during the peaceful times with Boris in the safe house or confined in the cell in Allison and Tom's hideout, he was painfully aware of when it would all end. Those moments were never true breaks, only brief lulls between the moments of terror that had defined his existence for so long. Maybe that was why he hadn't tried to escape from the cell those strange creatures had put him in. There was no story for him to follow here. No expectations looming over him. He could finally rest for once.

The irony of the situation wasn't lost on him. He was stuck in captivity while being freer than he'd been in ages.

"Little sheep..." Sammy's voice jolted him from his thoughts.

"Yes?" He turned toward the glass, despite knowing that Sammy couldn't see him from his cell.

"...Why is it that you haven't tried to escape, little sheep?" Sammy's voice sounded small, unsure. Henry had never heard him sound that way before.

"I could ask you the same, Sammy." Henry scooted his stool closer to the glass of the cell window.

Sammy was silent for a moment or two before responding. "I... Cannot use my powers to escape through the puddles. And I lack the... mechanical knowledge that the false angel utilized to free herself."

"Well." Henry leaned his head against the glass. "I don't have powers or mechanical knowledge. How do you think I'm supposed to get free?"

Sammy made a frustrated noise. "Because you're different. You've always been different. I don't know how you would do it but I know you could escape if you truly wanted to."

"Maybe I don't want to escape, then."

Sammy was silent again. When he spoke once more, his voice was once again small. "Why would you want to stay here?"

Henry let out a long exhale. "Because I'm tired, Sammy."

"Tired?" Sammy echoed.

"Yes, tired."

"I suppose the constant fight for survival in this place can be... exhausting," Sammy conceded.

"Something like that." Henry didn't have the energy to explain the whole story at the moment. Not to mention, Sammy wasn't one of the ones who remembered the Cycle. Explaining the fact that there was a Cycle would be tiring enough, let alone explaining Henry's role in it.

Some nervously plucked notes made their way to Henry's ears. So Sammy was playing again. He'd been playing off and on since he'd been put in his cell. Henry rather enjoyed listening to it. While he could remember Sammy's playing, he knew those memories weren't really his. He'd never heard Sammy play before.

"I... am sorry," Sammy suddenly said.

"Huh?" Henry frowned and sat up. "Why are you sorry?"

"I... know there is much about our world I do not understand," Sammy said slowly. "And while I do not entirely know what your role is, I know that whatever weighs on your mind is heavy indeed."

Henry gave a weak laugh, letting his head rest against the glass again. "You have no idea."

"Therefore," Sammy continued. "I offer you my sincerest apologies for whatever it is you are burdened with."

"Thanks, Sammy. I appreciate it." Henry allowed himself a small smile.

"You are most welcome," Sammy said before pausing and quietly adding, "Henry."

Henry's breath caught in his throat. When was the last time he'd heard Sammy call him by his name?

"Thanks," he repeated quietly.

Neither of them spoke after that, the only sound filling their lonely cells being the sound of Sammy's banjo playing. Henry closed his eyes, letting himself be carried away by the music. When he finally fell asleep, he dreamed of being faceless and anonymous.

Just another drop in the ocean.

#bendy and the ink machine #bendy and the dark revival #fanfiction #the ink demonth #henry stein #sammy lawrence

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galionne-vibin · 1 month

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MGS Crack/Rarepairs #1: Otacon/Psycho Mantis (Castlevania)

Requested by @robot-autistic, I hope you like it!

Very short and sweet but I had a lot of fun with this one!

((I'm still taking Crackship/Rarepair suggestions, although I cannot promise I will write something for every prompt))

Otacon / Psycho Mantis (Castlevania)

“Oh! This is where I kept getting stuck when I was a kid because of the wargs… I remember sometimes I'd get so scared of them I'd turn off my Dad's NES and run out of the room crying…”

Hal laughed quietly to himself and shifted his legs slightly. He felt the weight of Mantis’ head press into him and heard the gentle hiss of air from his mask. As he continued playing he seemed to think for a few moments, before pausing the game and setting down his controller.

“... Hey Mantis, tell me… Are you sure I'm not boring you…?” Hal asked softly.

The psychic turned his head to look up at him, light reflecting off of his orange lenses.

Earlier that evening the pair had settled down in Hal's room after dinner, with the conversation quickly shifting to his rather impressive collection of games and consoles. As it turned out, Mantis wasn't nearly as unacquainted with the video gaming world as his partner had expected ; leading to an old NES being dusted off so Hal could show him a few games. The two were currently nestled together on his bed, Mantis taking up most of the space as he lay on his side with his head resting in the engineer's lap.

“-I mean I know I talk a lot when it's about things I like, and I don't want to annoy you with this when-

-You like to talk, I like to listen.”

The words rang out in Hal's mind, skipping his ears entirely.

“-But what if you-

-I am enjoying myself if that is what's worrying you.”

Mantis rolled over so he was on his back, looking up at Hal.

“-I don't like talking. Especially when it's not necessary. But listening to you… It's nice. It's soothing…

-Soothing…?”

A small nod.

“I'm used to soldiers and military personnel, people whose entire lives revolve around war. People like Eli- Liquid Snake, who live to fight. So listening to you talk about the small things that bring you joy and how much you enjoy them… It's new. And very pleasant…”

Hal looked down at him, with big round eyes behind his glasses. It seemed like he didn't know how to respond so Mantis kept talking.

“Besides, I like Castlevania. I didn't get to play games very often when I was young, but the first Castlevania was one of them…”

Mantis shifted back to his side again to look at the TV screen.

“I can help you if you're still scared of the wargs…” He teased.

This finally seemed to snap Hal out of his thoughts and the engineer's cheeks flushed a few shades darker.

“Oh come on now…” He muttered, although he couldn't help but smile when he heard the elusive whistling hiss from Mantis' mask that signified a small laugh.

He reached down and picked up the controller again.

#metal gear solid #mgs #psycho mantis #otacon #hal emmerich #otamantis? psychotacon?#i like otamantis actually #mgs fanfic #mgs drabble #mgs rarepair palooza

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bittersweet-lies-au · 5 months

Text

The Beginning (Pt.1)

Choco Waffle led Pure Vanilla out from the tents after healing another one of their injured villager, guiding his blind mother before looking up and noticing the sounds and ruckus going about the village

Taking in the sight, the young knight could see Black Raisin chasing after five cookies. She shouted at them, her crows and other villagers overwhelmed the group.

"Surround them! Don't let them get away!" Black Raisin ordered as more of the raisin crows surrounded the five cookies. Pure Vanilla grabbed his staff and immediately followed the source of the noise with Choco Waffle following behind

"Enough! My patients needs quiet. Please do not disturb their rest." Pure Vanilla spoke gently with authority as he walked over to Black Raisin and the group that had been surrounded by the raisin crows "But, Healer Cookie! They have breached our village!"

Black Raisin said angrily, pointing an accusing finger to the five she had been chasing. Pure Vanilla couldn't see, so understandably he panicked "Wafflebots? Here?! Where?!" He asked urgently

Choco Waffle immediately calmed him down, tracing soothing circles on his mother's arms "Ma, it's okay. It's just a group of cookies" Pure Vanilla breathed a sigh of relief until a child's voice was heard

"Ahem! Greetings! Hi, my newly met cookies! I'm here to become your new king!" Pure Vanilla doesn't recognise the voice but I definitely belonged to a child. Choco Waffle bent down to his level, head tilted curiously "And what's your name?"

"Custard Cookie the third!" The child said proudly, puffing out his chest as he stuck out his staff. Black Raisin scowled, arms on her hips "See? These outlanders would dare to hurt-- OW- Healer Cookie?! That hurts!" She exclaimed as Pure Vanilla grabbed her and used his healing magic

Choco Waffle whispered into Pure Vanilla's ear with the latter nodding in understanding. He then gently placed a hand on Black Raisin's shoulder in reassurance "Take a good look at these travellers, Black Raisin Cookie. They're certainly not our foes!" Pure Vanilla spoke gently before continuing "Don't close your soul for strangers' help"

"Such wise words! I, Custard Cookie the III, also wishes for peach between us!" the little boy said with such pride he practically huffed his chest. Black Raisin however isn't pleased by this. "But outlanders cannot be trusted!" She pointed an accusing finger at the group of five.

Pure Vanilla let out a small chuckle, shaking his head "Oh just let them come inside, Black Raisin. I'm sure everyone can't wait to see our new guests." Pure Vanilla paused for a moment, turning back to the group. "Even my staff wants to say hi!"

"Your staff can't even talk.."

#bittersweet lies au #cookie run kingdom au #pure vanilla cookie #choco waffle cookie #black raisin cookie #purecacao au

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nayeonie99 · 8 months

Text

Momo x Nayeon / So, what are we?

"Look, you and I need to talk". Momo said to her roommate and best friend Nayeon, before she sat down next to her on the couch.

Nayeon was watching one of her K-Dramas, but she instantly paused it to look at Momo, probably because she could tell by the sound of Momo's voice, that she was being serious about this.

"About what?". Nayeon asked and looked at Momo with her adorable brown eyes. Momo let out a sigh and licked her lips, a nervous habit of hers.

"About us". She said and Nayeon tilted her head slightly, a thing she does when she is confused about something.

"Have you not even-". Momo let out an annoyed sigh and rubbed her temple.

"Just shut up and let me speak alright?".

"I didn't even say an-". Nayeon was about to say, but when Momo glared at her she instantly shut up.

"Surely, I'm not the only one who noticed the tension between the two of us. Not bad tension, it's just...tension, and you could cut it with a knife. All of those times we're watching shit together or us cooking up dinner together. You can't detect even the lightest from that?". Momo asked and bit her lip.

Nayeon didn't say anything, so Momo continued.

"What about those times either of us need to go to work or fucking go to bed and there's some big dramatic act whenever that happens. As well as those hour-long conversations into the night when we both have to go to sleep early, the fucking cheesy nicknames, one of us can barely go out to casually shop without the other wanting to join". Momo said and realised she was raising her voice slightly.

She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly to calm herself down.

"What are we ?". She asked desperately and Nayeon just stared at her with opened mouth.

"We are roommates".

"Yeah no shit we are roommates".

"And friends". Nayeon said.

"And frie- look, we don't need to state the obvious, there's something obviously going on between the two of us. We are constantly playing chicken with each other's boundaries and it's gotten to the point where I can't help but just constantly overthink it and it's basically occupying my thoughts all the time now, so I gotta just fucking swallow my fears and get us to talk and ask you just what the fuck are we?". Momo asked and Nayeon still kept quiet.

"Not even you can answer huh? Look, you know I sure ain't fucking straight. You don't think I'm not going to overanalyse things after a certain point ? There's things that girl friends do and there's things that girlfriends do and I honestly cannot tell where we fucking fall within the limbo and just I want to- need to know, so I could just get the shit sorted in my head".

"Are you mad at me?". Nayeon asked.

"No I'm not mad at you at all". Momo let out a frustrated sigh and combed her fingers through her hair.

"If anything, I'm mad at myself for getting stuck in this constant mental cycle I can't fucking break out of and if this is a way to either hard push the stop button on it or just sort shit out to roll with it and not find myself panicking for numerous hours of the day". Momo said and rubbed her temple.

"We are roommates and we're pretty much besties. I don't want this shit ruined by our or by my paranoia". She said and looked at Nayeon to see her staring at her.

With her big, brown beautiful eyes.

"Look, I'm gonna admit, I kind of love that little bit flirty dynamic between the two of us, it was some fun, friendly shit but over time it's just got confusing to me".

"Like what?". Nayeon asked.

"Like it's gotten to the point where I can't fucking tell the difference between whether this is friendly banter or actually legitimate flirting. Thinking about it, I know I've always been willing to play ball and I've definitely may pushed the whole dynamic forward in my own ways, but this all started with you, didn't it?". Momo huffed out and felt the frustration growing inside of her even more.

"It's always been me hasn't it ? I sure haven't seen you been this way around any of our friends, this has just been an us thing. I can't help but think there's a certain intention from you if it's just us right ?". Momo asked and Nayeon was completely quiet.

"That silence speaks volumes you know? Even a simple denial could have thrown me off the trail, but at this point there's just not denying it, is there ? There's a reason you started this shit isn't it ?". Momo rasped out and got closer to Nayeon.

"And I know that at any point you just gotta say the word and I back off. Just as much as you know that, but there's a part that likes me this close, isn't there ?". She breathed out and came even closer.

"Like all the times we've been cuddling and ended up snoozing off while binging some show together. If there wasn't a part of that which didn't enjoy this in that kind of way, then I wouldn't be here, doing this and having this kind of conversation with you. That's because both you and I know there's something between the two of us and if it takes me making this kind of move to figure that out then so be it". Momo said and leaned her head back against the couch to look at Nayeon.

She was just staring at Momo, her eyes were hazed and her lips slightly parted.

"What do you want from me? Between the cuddles, between the pet names, between all the innuendos between the two of us, between all the you never want to spin away from me, just what is it you want ? Because I sure fucking know what I want there to be between the two of us". Momo said and noticed the shutter and how erratic Nayeon's breathing was getting.

"I can notice your shutter and erratic breathing, what is that for ? Panic? Fear? Confusion?". She asked and got closer with every word.

"Or excitement? Anticipation? Arousal? Tell me baby". Momo breathed out and Nayeon gulped.

"Do you want me to stop this? It doesn't have to go further than your comfort levels".

"No". Nayeon rasped out.

"No? I thought not, and conveniently, I don't want to either. This is exactly how I was hoping it would go". Momo said and Nayeon avoided her gaze.

"No no no no no, don't avert your eyes, I need to watch that pretty face of yours". Momo said and grabbed Nayeon's chin to make her look at her again.

"You always seem so forward, so self-assured, a cocky bitch who didn't seem to care what others think and always seemed open about what she wanted, where'd that all go? Tell me, what do you want me to do to you right now?".

"I want you to kiss me". Nayeon said and Momo had to smirk.

"Kiss you huh? And just how long have you wanted me to do that?". She asked and Nayeon kept quiet again.

"I'm waiting for an answer".

"2 years". Nayeon mumbled.

"That long huh?". Momo asked and Nayeon just nodded her head.

"Well, you made me wait even longer than that didn't you? Just how long it felt, you teasing me, playing with my head and all I've ever wanted is to wipe that smug look off your face and get you to open about how you feel. Deep inside that cocky attitude, deep inside the exterior of confidence and arrogance you've developed, you're nothing more than a meek little submissive, waiting for that one girl who comes in and leaves you a horny, begging mess beneath her fingertips aren't you?". Momo asked and Nayeon blushed crimson red.

"Yes". Nayeon breathed out.

"Good girl". Momo said and stroked Nayeon's cheek with her thumb.

"Then I think we both know just where we want this to go, don't we ?". Momo asked and Nayeon nodded her head.

"Then say it for me then will you?".

"I want you to fuck me and make me yours". Nayeon said and Momo smirked at her.

"Good girl". Momo husked out and pulled her on top of her lap, so Nayeon was straddling her. Momo pulled Nayeon into a kiss, which they both sighed into.

To feel the other's lips pressed against their own was a dream both of them had for so long. Nayeon wrapped her fingers in Momo's dark, long hair to pull her impossibly closer.

"Momo". Nayeon gasped out when Momo palmed her ass. Momo just smirked into the kiss and bit Nayeon's bottom lip with her teeth to tug it forward a little.

"I love the way you say my name". Momo husked out and started sliding her hands up Nayeon's thighs. She grabbed Nayeon's shirt to take it completely off.

When she saw Nayeon's naked chest, she could feel her cock twitching in her pants.

"Fuck, baby". Momo bit her lip and let her hands roam all over Nayeon's body. She kissed her collarbones and shoulders, while she let her nails run up and down Nayeon's naked back.

Nayeon was whining and panting already which made Momo smirk again. She felt proud knowing she could make Nayeon feel this desperate without really touching her yet.

"Kneel between my legs princess". Nayeon felt a wave of wetness coating her panties at the nickname. She slid down Momo's legs to kneel between them.

"Such a good girl". Momo hummed and stroked Nayeon's cheek with her thumb.

Without loosing eye contact, Momo started taking off her clothes. First her shirt, then her black bra. When Nayeon saw Momo's abs she had to press her thighs together. After Momo took off her pants and boxers Nayeon nearly let out a moan at the sight of Momo's large cock.

"You like what you see?". Momo asked and sat back down on the couch. Nayeon quickly nodded her head, she wanted to touch Momo so bad right now.

"Show me". Momo rasped out and spread her legs a little bit. Nayeon's eyes instantly fell between her legs, Momo was big, really big. She was veiny and pre cum was already leaking out of her tip.

She grabbed Momo's cock in her hand, she has pretty large hands but she could barely wrap her hand around Momo. She started pumping up and down slowly, she felt Momo pulsing in her hand, when she looked up, she saw Momo staring at her with hazed eyes and slightly opened mouth.

Without looking away she leaned down to suck Momo completely in her mouth.

"Mmm yes". Momo moaned and combed Nayeon's hair back, so she could see her face. Nayeon started bumping her head up and down, she grabbed Momo's thighs for support while Momo started thrusting her hips up and down to fuck Nayeon's face.

"Yeah baby just like that". Momo gasped out and pushed Nayeon's head deeper down her length, which made her gag. The room was filled with wet slurping noises and quiet moans.

Nayeon's grip tightened against Momo's thighs, so Momo pulled her head back by her hair, drool was hanging down Nayeon's chin, the sight alone made Momo nearly cum.

"Why did you stop?". Nayeon asked, but Momo just lifted her up to walk into her room, where she threw Nayeon onto the bed.

Nayeon was so turned on, and so was Momo. Momo crawled onto the bed slowly, the sight made Nayeon drip even more. Momo quickly pulled Nayeon's shorts and panties down her long legs, before she threw the clothes on the floor.

Nayeon felt her heart beating faster and faster, she clenched her hands into the bedsheets when Momo laid down between her legs and spread them apart with her hands.

"Fuck, you're soaking wet". Momo breathed out and rubbed her thumb against Nayeon's clit.

"Mmm". Nayeon hummed and bit her lip at the sight of Momo laying between her legs.

"Please". Nayeon whined out.

"Please what? What do you want baby?". Momo asked and slid her fingers up and down her pussy.

"F-Fuck, please taste me". Nayeon cried out and grabbed Momo's hair to push her towards the place where she wanted her the most right now.

Momo wrapped her muscular arms around Nayeon's thighs, she kissed the inside of them slowly, teasing Nayeon.

When Momo finally sucked Nayeon's clit in her mouth, she let out a shaky breath and let her head fall back against the pillows.

"Mmm Momo". She moaned out and this made Momo moan as well. Momo pushed her tongue into her pussy, the taste of Nayeon flooded her tongue and she started tongue fucking her.

"H-Holy shit". Nayeon shakily moaned out and started thrusting her hips back and forth. Her grip on Momo's hair got tighter and tighter, and so was Nayeon's pussy.

"Are you gonna cum for me baby?". Momo asked after she pulled her tongue out of Nayeon to replace it with her fingers.

"Fuuuck yes". Nayeon moaned out and started fucking herself on Momo's fingers.

"Yeah just like that baby, you look so good right now". Momo said and Nayeon cried out in pleasure at the way the Japanese was talking to her.

"I'm gonna cum".

"Yeah cum for me love". After this was said Momo felt Nayeon clenching around her fingers. Her legs were shaking while Momo kept fucking into her pussy to let her ride out her orgasm.

"Shit". Momo said and grinned down at Nayeon who just blushed and then smirked.

Momo slowly pulled her fingers out of her and licked them clean. Nayeon was watching in pleasure.

"Let me feel you clench around my cock like that". Momo rasped out and knelt between Nayeon's legs. She grabbed her cock to slide it up and down Nayeon's slit.

"Mmm so wet". Momo hummed and then pushed into Nayeon. She watched Nayeon's pussy sucking her completely in.

"Shit, so tight". Momo groaned and leaned down to kiss Nayeon.

Nayeon wrapped her arms around the back of Momo's neck and Momo grabbed her legs to wrap them around her hips as well.

"Fuck me". Nayeon breathed out against Momo's lips.

That was all Momo needed to hear, so she started thrusting in and out of her in a steady pace. The bed was rocking with their movements and the headboard kept hitting the wall here and then.

"Oh fuck". Nayeon cried out when Momo started pounding her, she scratched down her back but Momo quickly grabbed her wrists to push them down against the mattress.

Nayeon threw her head back because Momo kept hitting her sweet spot with every thrust she did. Momo kissed down Nayeon's neck and Nayeon started to meet Momo's thrusts halfway.

The room was filled with Nayeon's wet pussy coating Momo's cock, their heavy moans and ragged breathing.

"Ride me". Momo huffed out after she pulled out of Nayeon. Nayeon quickly straddled Momo's lap to sink back down on her large cock.

"Mhm yeah baby, that's it". Momo hummed and Nayeon let out a cry at the feeling of Momo stretching her out so good. She placed her hands on Momo's abs and started bouncing up and down on Momo's dick.

"Fuck yes". Nayeon breathed out and threw her head back. Momo was watching in pure bliss, Nayeon looked like an angel, her flushed cheeks, her hazed eyes and opened mouth drove Momo crazy.

Momo slid her hands up Nayeon's thighs to grab her hips. She started fucking up into Nayeon, she could barely hold herself up on Momo anymore, so Momo wrapped her arms around Nayeon's petite waist to start jackhammering inside of her.

Nayeon let out a squeal and pressed her face in the crook of Momo's face. She clenched her hands into the pillow next to Momo's face.

"Yesyesyesyesyes". She panted out and Momo let out a groan at how tight she was getting. She spanked Nayeon's ass and palmed it with her hands afterwards to pound even harder into her. Their skin was slapping together harshly and Momo felt her abs burning.

"I'm so close". Nayeon cried out and Momo's eyes rolled back.

"Cum all over my cock baby". Momo whispered in her ear and after that Nayeon couldn't hold back any longer and squirted all over Momo's cock.

"Mmm fuck baby". Momo moaned out and then pulled out to cum all over Nayeon's ass.

They were both completely out of breath and sweating. Momo brushed some hair that was sticking onto Nayeon's forehead back and smiled at her afterwards.

Nayeon blushed but smiled back as well. Momo grabbed her chin to pull her down into a slow kiss. They both sighed into it and smiled afterwards.

"How about we take a shower?". Momo suggested. Nayeon just nodded her head and climbed off Momo slowly.

#twice smut #twice momo #twice nayeon #twice #kpop #g!p #g!p momo

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uniquevoidflowers · 10 months

Note

Present!

Tears gathered at Legend's eyes. The sound of a soft and sad melody sung by a girl with a hibiscus in her hair--

Stay in the present, he reminded himself. His brothers were depending on him.

(Or, )

"A present? For me?" Wind gasped, eyes shining with excitement and wonder.

"Yeah, bud." Warriors smiled and handed a gift with blue wrapping paper to the sailor.

Wind gingerly tore off the wrapping paper and then saw a...telescope? It looked exactly like the telescope that Aryll had let him borrow before. "How...?"

"I was able to get someone to replicate it for you." Warriors explained.

The captain was knocked over by a hug. "Thank you Wars!" Wind cried.

Warriors returned the hug and ruffled the kid's hair.

----

Warriors spotted the sailor using the telescope one day, muttering to himself as he looked around. The captain smiled. "Ho, there! What are you looking at!" He called.

Wind startled and then looked over at the captain. Then he grinned again. "Nothiiing~"

"If it's nothing, I guess I'll just have to leave! Oh the woe you shall face when I leave!" Warriors said dramatically, putting a hand in the air in fake solemnness.

Wind giggled. "I think I'd prefer that actually."

Warriors gasped. "The audacity!"

The kid stuck his tongue out and started running away, telescope clutched in his hands. "Get back here you!" Warriors shouted, fondness in his tone.

Wind laughed and continued to sprint away until he climbed up a tree. Warriors paused. "Where did he go?" He said, loudly.

Suddenly a blue fabric fell on his head and covered his vision. What? Oh right, he had given his scarf to the sailor earlier. "I cannot see!" He proclaimed, pretending to not know what was happening.

"Cuz you're old!" Wind yelled, snickering after.

"The absolute slander! I am not old!" Warriors yelped.

"Nobody uses the word slander anymore! Old! Old! Old!" Wind chanted in a singsong voice.

"I am wounded. You have wounded me sailor. I give you the power to see faraway lands with that telescope and you decide to betray me!" Warriors put his hands to his heart theatrically.

"It's your fault for giving me the power."

"...That is true."

_____

Wind gasped for air as sobs racked his body. He held the replica telescope close to his chest. "I'm so sorry, Wars."

Warriors wasn't there anymore. And it was all Wind's fault.

#i know it was suppose to be a three sentence prompt #but you get a very small fic instead #hope thats okay #unique answers #asks #ladye!!!#lu legend #lu wind #lu warriors #linked universe

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askhakukusanagi · 25 days

Note

Haku

I think I'm in love with you :(

Any suggestions?

"You should've said sooner, I would've planned a date."

"We could go explore the cathedral some more, or, I could help fix it up a little. I'm sure you have plenty of ghosts there to keep you company that could use a visit or two. Or, we could maybe take a walk through the gardens? Whatever you'd like, your highness. I'll make it happen."

As Haku goes on and on listing ideas, reaching for Anon's hand with a charming smile, a force that cannot be named paused him, like a movie. A voice echoes in the back of your head, as if it were your own thoughts, but the voice is distinctly not your own.

《Haku is...complicated. He will latch on to any connection you give him, see if it works out, and flee when he realizes he feels something more. His confidence on the outside seems unshakable, but deep down, Haku doesn't know if he's worthy of a partner at all. He thinks he's just going to hurt you in the end, betray you, run away in a moment of fear (in which he has done many times before), and disappoint you like he has both to his parents and to those in Frostheim. You would be something absolutely precious to him, untouchable fine china that his clumsy hands should never hold. But he will try, regardless, to cling to you for the normalcy he craves, even if only briefly.》

《But, putting aside his biggest faults, if you can understand his fear and insecurities and work him through it, Haku is resoundingly loyal. He will happily crumble at your feet without a second thought and show you the devotion of a priest to his diety. You will be teased, but you will be comfortable. He'll see to it himself that you never have to do a thing you're not comfortable with, whether for him or someone else.》

《He'll even face Jin and Tohma for you, should you ask. When it's for you, he doesn't even question it.》

The voice settles a moment, before continuing.

《If you want the best advice for loving Haku, I'd start by talking to Rui. He's seen him at both his best and his worst, and has stuck around regardless of how bad Haku's worst can be. I don't recommend asking Haku directly. He'll either jump straight to thinking you're joking and then flirt back or outright tell you to find someone who would treat you better.》

《My advice, though, is to be gentle with him, and show him that there's someone here to listen to him too. You'll need to be patient with him for being flighty, and reassure him due to his reputation as a lady killer, because he will fully believe he's hurting you even if you don't tell him anything like that. And be sincere. Rui was right when he said that words spoken from the heart will open Haku's heart to you.》

《He just really needs someone there to say, "It's okay. I've got you. I won't leave you behind. You aren't manupulating me, I choose to stay."》

《I'm not sure he'd be capable of articulating just how much that means to him.》

And like that, the voice is gone, the scene unpausing before you. Haku holds your hands in his, with a smile that now seems slightly more unsure of himself. "Let me treat you. You deserve it."

And something tells you, he may not have grown out of his servitude to Frostheim after all.

《Hi anon! Sorry for hijacking your time with Haku! Unfortunately, you're pretty unlikely to get a straight answer from him besides "don't" if you ask that to him, but I'd hate to leave you out in the cold like that.》

《Please be gentle with Haku. For as much as he flirts, I think he's afraid to actually love someone again. Between being cast away by his family, and then leaving Frostheim, I think he's scared to be something to anyone. Or at least something meaningful.》

《Be gentle with him. He loves you too. But he's afraid. He'd never forgive himself for hurting you. Ever. It would simmer on until the salt of the water coats the pan.》

#askhakukusanagi #tokyo debunker #haku kusanagi #ask haku #ask box open #tokyo debunker haku #ask blog #hakus queue #tokyo debunker ask blog

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mintasa · 28 days

Text

CIRCUS ~ CHAPTER 9

Pairing: Hwang Hyunjin x OC

Genre: Circus AU, murder mystery, slowburn, enemies to lovers?

Warnings: Blood, injuries, mental problems

Word count: 3,6k

Synopsis: A series of murders in a successful circus disturbs the life of a young stylist. With no place to go, she is keen on saving the circus, even if that means risking her own life to do so. As if things cannot go worse, a group of newbies join the hawock, seemingly not knowing what they're getting themselves into. Can she figure out the motives of the murderer and keep her crew together? Can the circus survive under the growing pressure and distrust?

Note: This is the first story I am publicly sharing. It is a work of fiction, although it may not fit the criteria of a traditional fanfic (I physically cannot write in the second-person narrative). Therefore, English is not my first language, and while I'm pretty fluent, I still make grammar errors, so apologies in advance.

The story is vaguely inspired by Circus MV

Nadya's arm is around Jun's waist as they attempt to get her into their shared kitchen van. They have an important meeting there, and she has to be a part of it, although she just got back from the hospital.

Chan stands up. "You're probably wondering why we called you all here. Well, there's something that we've been keeping from you, and for your safety, we have to reveal it. So, we are not who we pretended to be. Actually, we are special agents hired by Melissa to solve her brother's murder," he explains. The silence is deafening. Everyone shares a glance.

Misha is the first one to laugh. "Sure, and I'm the president of the United States."

Nadya reacted like that too; she was in disbelief. "No, I can't believe I'm saying this, but they're serious," Nadya chimes, barely believing what she's saying herself.

"Special agents. How does that work?" Amir wonders. A valid question.

"We are trained professionals that can adapt to any task given," Chan explains. "We were meant to fit in with the circus, but circumstances don't let us be low-key anymore."

"Any task given," laughs Taraji. "That guy can't break an egg," she points at Changbin. That's true; Nadya saw him struggling one day. He's been on dishwashing duty ever since.

"It's not really in our training to do that bit. Anyway, we want to ensure safety, so we suggest some changes. Each one of you could room with one of us for extra protection," Chan offers.

"Well, I certainly don't mind," Taraji smiles. Nadya rolls her eyes. The guys are like half her age, yet she never missed a chance to flirt.

Nadya locks eyes with Jun. "You don't look surprised," Jun points out.

"I knew before." Nadya pauses to seek approval from the boys to talk; they don't say anything, so she continues. "This is not the first time I've been attacked. Not too long ago, I went to the pond late at night. Somebody tried to suffocate me with a bag, and when they weren't successful, they pushed me into the water. I almost drowned."

"You still didn't thank me for that," Hyunjin mumbles in a playful tone. He's in a good mood. Good for him. Nadya isn't; she's the one who almost died, not him.

"Thank you for putting my life on the line multiple times," she scowls. Chan glances at Hyunjin with a warning look, and the guy stays silent. Everyone is silent. Its awkward.

"How about we arrange how we are sleeping and start moving the furniture?" announces Minho, who stands up. She hasn't talked to Minho much, but he holds certain authority within the group. She noticed.

"Why you?" Nadya mumbles, staring at Hyunjin's back as he's making his bed.

"Why what?"

"Out of everyone, why do I have to room with you?" The girl wonders out loud; she's tired of being stuck with him.

He sits down on his bed across from her. "Because Chan said so," he tells Nadya. He doesn't seem satisfied with the room arrangement either.

"Well, Chan should get some fresh air because he's clearly out of his mind," Nadya claims. Seriously, she cannot even depend on this guy if anything happens. He dislikes her with passion and might as well kill her himself.

Hyunjin rolls his eyes at her and says, "Chan always has a reason. He just wants us to get along."

"Can you do that?"

"Can you?"

"This is exactly what's wrong. You can never back out of something," Nadya groans as she slumps into her bed.

"I like to win."

"Sometimes you have to lose to gain something," she tells him.

He ponders for a second. "What are you suggesting?"

"A truce," he says, raising an eyebrow at the girls proposal. "If we want to stop arguing, we have to stop talking to each other."

"Doesn't that make this worse?"

Now she's petty once again. About that one morning, she heard him ranting about her. "Well, I tried to talk to you. Didn't work out," Nadya sneers at him.

He glances at her briefly. "I am just trying to do my job, and you seemed," he pauses, refusing to finish the sentence. Every time they talk, it always ends like this. In an argument.

"I seemed what? Crazy?"

"Suspicious," he answers.

"Do I still look threatening?"

He scans her and stays silent. He has been more careful with his words lately. "Not in this state," he mumbles.

"Rude," Nadya utters, yet she cannot disagree.

"Realistic. Can you even walk?"

"Hyunjin," Nadya said, shaking his shoulder a bit. He winces in his sleep but doesn't attempt to wake up. She repeats his name a few times while shaking him, annoying him in the process.

He sighs without even opening his eyes. "Who's dying?"

"No one is dying. I just can't sleep," Nadya admits, struggling to believe she actually woke him up for this. She's scared; once she closes her eyes, her imagination goes wild.

He groans and sits up in his bed. Then he yawns. "What am I supposed to do about it?"

Nadya shrugs. She didn't think of that. "I just don't want to be alone," she utters. She got used to sleeping with Jun, and a change of roommates didn't help her nerves.

He scans Nadya, and his eyes stop on her face for far too long. His eyebrows furrow in thought. "Were you crying?" He questions Nadya and looks away in embarrassment.

"I just couldn't close my eyes and got frustrated."

He nods and starts to move around in his bed. Then he taps on the new mattress space he provided. "Get in," he utters. Nadya blinks at him. Is he seriously asking her to sleep in the same bed as him? No sleep is better than sleeping with him. Hyunjin sighs clearly disapointed at the reluctance. "I promise I won't kick you off."

Nadya makes a face at him before getting under the covers. There's plenty of space between them. He grips her wrist, and his thumb slides into Nadya's palm. She freezes on the spot. "What are you doing?"

"Making sure you don't feel alone," he mumbles before turning off the light. "Now go to sleep."

It's going to be a long night.

To Nadya's surprise, she fell asleep pretty easily. But the thought that she was not alone didn't leave her head. Even in her sleep, she was hyper-aware of sleeping in one bed with Hyunjin. He, however, didn't seem to mind her presence at all. Even when she prys his fingers one by one away from his grip, he sleeps like he has been hit by a brick. Good, she doesn't want to wake him up. He will start following her around, and she wants to enjoy her peace while he is still asleep.

After a big struggle, Nadya is free from his grip. Despite a small win, she still cannot use her left leg properly. The doctor told her to use crutches; however, she chose not to. She can use a wall for some support, and her leg will be fine in less than two weeks.

Nadya gets to the bathroom, but before she can do anything, she slips. Her hand grabs onto the sink to keep her balance, but she knocks everything on it instead. Soap and whatever else is there scatters to the ground. The sound causes Hyunjin to rush inside. He's disheveled, still half asleep.

"There are no damsels here to save. Go back to sleep," she tells him, lowering herself to sit down. This is embarrassing.

He eyes the mess and grips Nadyas. He elbowed her in an attempt to pull her up. "Where are your crutches?"

She refuses his help just because she can. "I don't need them," she protests.

"You do, and you've just proved it," he says, motioning to the stuff rolling on the ground and back at her. Nadya is still sitting on the ground; however, she sees his words as a challenge. She grips onto the sink and pulls herself to her feet. Why would she need crutches when she's perfectly capable of everything?

He looked at her skeptically. "You're not my mother to lecture me," she snaps before he can say something snarky.

He scowls; somehow, just the mention of her mother makes the atmosphere thick. "Don't bring your controlling mother into this. I just want what's best for you," he mumbles, picking up some of the stuff Nadya had dropped.

It was her turn to scowl at him. "That's what she said too."

"You're going to hurt yourself." His tone softens out of nowhere. She doesn't understand the way his brain works, maybe for the better.

"So?"

The look he gives makes Nadya believe he will push her on purpose. Just to prove a point. "I have to make sure you don't."

"I didn't ask you to do such a thing," Nadya argued.

"That's not how it works."

Nadya sighs, realizing she won't win. "I need to shower. Get out."

Nadya does shower and gets ready for the day, but something isn't right; Nadya's hands are shaky. They never were. If she cannot even draw a straight line, then how is she supposed to do makeup? She's useless if she can't do makeup.

"Did you break your neck in there?" She hears Hyunjin's voice from the other side of the door. Not yet, but she's about to.

"I'm good," she answers, slumping to the ground to sit down. She's frustrated; there are already hot tears streaming down her face. She needs to calm down before coming out.

"What are you doing for so long?"

I'm thinking about how pathetic and useless I am. Nothing serious; why? "I'll be out soon," Nadya sighs, standing up. Using the wall, she gets to the door and opens it.

Hyunjin is sitting on his bed. He eyes Nadya as she walks out. She's not even shy in front of him anymore; he's seen the worst versions of her. He saw her wet and shivering, with her makeup running down her face and her clothes sticking to her body. "Have you been crying? Why?"

"It's frustrating."

Hyunjin raises an eyebrow, but Nadya doesn't elaborate. He doesn't ask again; she's thankful for that. Hyunjin leaves, and some time later he comes back with a distraught look on his face, which makes Nadya's heart drop to her heels. "They were talking in the kitchen. Your cop is there too. They are closing the circus," he tells her.

"Closing? They can't. We are just taking a break," Nadya argues.

"Well, tell that to the cop. Not me."

She might as well do that. Nadya rises from the bed and starts her trip. She can lightly use her leg for balance, but that doesn't make her fast. Nadya expects Hyunjin to attempt to stop her, but he just wraps a hand around her for some extra support. At least he had learned to don't boss her around. It never ends well.

She barges inside and pokes a finger at Orion's chest. "You can't do that."

"I have papers proving that I can," Orion answers smugly. What did she even see in him? Cocky bastard.

"We are on a break. Isn't that enough?"

"Not for the killer," he points out. "If the circus closes, This all may stop." He has a point, but that still doesn't make him right. What if it doesn't? All of their hard work at the circus would go to waste.

"So you're trying to compensate for your inability to do your job?" Nadya grabs onto the last string. "Have y'all even been looking into the case, or is it collecting dust somewhere?"

"It's on hold. Been taking too long; we set it aside so we don't waste time," Orion answers.

Now she's angry; she's pissed. "What about Allen, Miguel? They're going to be in jail until you decide to do your job. That's not fair," Nadya protests.

"Life isn't fair, sweetheart." Orion winks at her. That is all it takes to have Nadya all up in his personal space.

Just as she is about to attack him, she feels a hand around her waist, subtly pulling her back. "Do you want to get arrested?!"

"But-"

"No buts."

Nadya glares at Orion, who is, to her surprise, focusing on Hyunjin. Hyunjin just saved his ass from her rage. What is he unpleased about? Nadya watches the officer's eyes drift down to Hyunjin's arm around her waist. Oh. Is he serious right now? He's acting like she's cheating on him. Ridiculous.

Nadya pushes Hyunjin's hand away anyway because now she is hyper-aware of it and she doesn't like it. She doesn't like him touching her. It's weird, and he's been too bold lately.

"But, like, what is the reasoning behind this? Do you have proof it will work?" Nadya still attempts to reason.

"It looks like the killer planned to close the circus by force. If we do it ourselves, he may leave everyone alone," Orion answers. Nadya loathes the fact that he is sort of right.

"What if he doesn't?"

"That only time will tell," he answers. "Worst-case scenario: y'all will have to go home and leave all of this behind."

But she doesn't have anywhere to go. None of the people left do. That's why they stayed. Unlike Elis, unlike the dancers, They have nowhere to go. They are the real strays.

Just looking at his happy face makes Nadya sick. She has to get out. Nadya starts limping out of the wagon when her foot slips, and she almost falls from the stairs. Luckily, Jun was following her out and managed to grab her in time. "Don't hurt yourself because of some lame cop," he mumbles.

It's not like she did that on purpose. "I want to hurt him," she points at the wagon where Orion's voice is still ringing through the metal walls, "but the law is against it."

"Woah. Let's stop right there," Jun cages the girl in a hug. "You still didn't tell me what happened between you two," he utters.

"He's an asshole; that's what happened." Nadya refuses to answer him. It's pathetic, really.

"What did he do?"

"He was only going out with me to get information for the case," she scoffs.

Jun overreacts, just like she expected. That's why she didn't tell him. Jun opens his mouth and closes it, then he's storming back into the wagon. Nadya tries to follow him, but she's slower. By the entry, Nadya runs into Hyunjin, who raises an eyebrow as if asking what's happening.

Nadya wishes she knew; she just points at Jun and shrugs. Jun closes the vagon door behind him, and then the chaos starts. There's a punch, followed by a groan and various shouts, along with Taraji screeching. Hyunjin leaps up the stairs with those long legs of his, only to see the boys holding back Jun from attacking Orion. Onion wipes at his split lip.

And that's her best friend.

"Why did you punch him?"

Jun is sitting in the police office waiting to be called inside, while Nadya came along for emotional support. That's what happens when you punch a cop; you're the villain, even if the cop deserves it.

"Because he hurt you," Jun shrugs, as if it's no big deal.

"You shouldn't have."

"I had to, and I'd do it again. Preferably with more precision next time," he hisses.

"Next," A woman pokes her head out. Jun stands up, and Nadya barely squeezes his hand before he disappears. She's more nervous than he is anyway.

Jun is not normally aggressive towards anyone, so Nadya is still in shock. Out of everyone, he was the least likely person on her list to punch someone. Is she proud of him in some way? Of course, she is.

He walks out about half an hour later. Nadya looks up at him expectantly. "I'll have to pay a fine, and it will go into my records as an assault on a policeman," he shrugs as if it's normal.

"That's not good," The girl grumbles. Any criminal record is a huge disadvantage in life. They will have to move on. Find jobs. This will make him less appealing.

"I have no regrets," he pats Nadya to get up. "Let's go home."

Home...

Nadya had prescribed this ointment to put on her bruises. One problem is that she cannot reach her back. Partly because of the fact that her entire side is bruised. She must have landed on it when she fell. She needs help, yet with her useless leg, it is hard for her to go and fetch anyone. Nadya can't do this alone and doesn't have anyone to do it for her. Just a useless roommate who may or may not be that useless.

"Hyunjin!" She shouts. He may or may not answer. Worth a shot.

Silence. "Yes?"

"Can you get Jun or Taraji?" Nadya questions.

He has a hand over his eyes as he opens the door. Dramatic as always. "Why?"

"I need their help, and you can look," Nadya says subconsciously. He acts like a bigger prude than her sometimes. Living with a different gender isn't ideal, but she's fine with it; he should be as well.

He scans her just to make sure. Come on. Who does she take her for? "Help with what?"

"I can't reach my back, and I also need to change bandages," Nadya tells him.

He just nods and freezes on the spot. Nadya Jad noticed that's what he does when he's thinking. He disconnects. "I can help," he offers. "They might be asleep already."

He is right, but Nadya would much rather wake them up. Exposure therapy, maybe it will be less weird if they start interacting more. It can't be that bad. "Fine," she mumbles, tossing him the container of the ointment.

Then she gathers up her shirt and reveals her back to him. He inhales sharply. What now? "How did you not break anything?" he comments. Oh, that. Nadya had looked at her side in the mirror. It's not scratched, but it's a deep violet color. It doesn't look good.

She simply shrugs. The ointment is cold against her skin. It makes her shy away from it. Maybe it's not just the ointment. Maybe it's his fingers brushing her bare skin. He's gentle, yet she still feels uncomfortable. Nadya dislikes him deeply, yet she lets him touch her. Her mom would be flabbergasted; she would call her damaged goods. She was always a product in preparation for selling, which is why her mother wanted her to be untouched and innocent.

"That should be enough," he announces.

That makes Nadya lift her head and turn to the mirror to look at his work. "There are bandages on the counter. Could you help me with those too?" I asked somewhat shyly; she never liked asking for help.

"Sure," he mumbles. The tone of his voice reveals he doesn't want to be there either. The feeling is mutual.

He hugs Nadya to wrap the bandage around her waist. Then he wraps it up a few more times. His hair brushes over her cheek each time he leans to grab the end of the bandage. Then he secures it. His fingers brush against her back as he does. The contact sends electricity down her exposed spine. Prude. Total prude.

"Done," he says, steps away. Nadya immediately pulls down her sweater to cover up.

"Alright, thank you."

"You're welcome," he answers while walking backwards. Then he knocks over a broom, leans against an open door, almost falls on his face, and stumbles out. Idiot. What else is there to say?

Nadya follows after him shortly to find him sitting in thought. She doesn't pay him much attention; he's always an odd presence in the room. "I didn't notice it was that bad," Hyunjin mumbles. Nadya can't help but raise an eyebrow at him. "Your injuries."

"I'll live."

"You're stronger than you look," he mumbles. Well, that's something. Did he hit his head while stumbling out of the bathroom earlier?

"Thank you?"

"Sorry, I just," he scratches his head, "I was a bit insensitive about all of this."

Is he high? Who cares? She's tired and not up for conversation. "Fine. You're forgiven. Go to sleep."

"Not going to climb into my bed today?" He's smug again.

"No promises."

"Hwang," Nadya pokes her roomated head; "Hyunjin," she pokes again.

He groans and grabs the girl's wrist, stopping her from bugging him again. "Can't I sleep again?"

She nodded, but he wasn't looking. "Yes."

He scoots over and opens up the sheets. Nadya gets in. It's quiet. His bed is warmer than hers. "Satisfied?" He mumbles.

"Yep," she replies. Hyunjin rolls on another side and turns his back on her. She stares at the darkness and still cannot sleep. With nothing else to do, she decides to bug her roommate some more. "Are you asleep?"

"I would be if not you," he mutters, half asleep. "Go to sleep."

When Nadya can't sleep, she usually goes for a walk. Now it's different, but does it have to be? "I am going outside," she announces. Why is she even telling him? She doesn't need his permission.

"No."

"What do you mean, no?"

"You heard me," he mutters into his pillow.

"It wasn't a question," Nadya protests, peeling the covers away in an attempt to escape. Shes not going to let the fear stop her, neither Hyunjin.

He grips Nadya's arm and presses it into the mattress. She tries to pull it away, but he is stronger. "You have a death wish?" he mutters as he sits up and turns on the light.

"No, but I do have a wish. Wish to go outside," Nadya smiles at him fakely. He scoffs and turns off the light once again, still holding her hand.

"Go to sleep."

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