#but yeah I worry that they come across as evil on first glance so I hope thats enough to understand theyre not?

[dozing-marshmallow]

Pls i NEED more Chris McLean x reader. I NEED😭🙏 ive read everything of him on here😓

So pretty please something like chris mclean x wife reader and like, the whole tdi cast gets to meet her bc they didnt believe that Chris had a wife at first?😇

TRUST ME WHEN I SAY I feel the exact same way😫 I love Chris so much and it’s such a huge pleasure that I can write for him while having other people who love him enjoy it as welllll. I will be writing him for a very long time so you can always expect something new evolved around him to come up ;)<3

CHRIS MCLEAN X WIFE! READER ONE SHOT

Having your daily hug with Chris, the tender moment reminds you of what he told you earlier.

“Were you being serious when you told me the kids laughed at you when you told them you were married?"

“Mhmm.” he responds from underneath you,“They called it a sick joke and told me that stand up comedy was way out my league.”

“Aw darling.” you kiss his forehead,“I’m guessing you’re gonna ask a favour for me to stop by to prove them wrong?”

He raises an eyebrow,“What do you mean? Stand up comedy is in my league. I just don’t prefer it, doesn’t mean I’m not good at it.”

He can be so silly sometimes,“I meant your marital status, baby.”

“Oh, yeah...” he holds onto your wrists,“Please?”

You let your body relax completely on top of his, still smiling,“Your wish is my command.”

“Aw what’s the matter, McLean? Couldn’t your wife make it?” Duncan was the first to pick up on ridiculing Chris, eyes still puffy from his chronic cries of laughter from last night. On another circumstance, Chris would’ve been fuming, had he not have reason to smirk.

“How sweet of you to worry, Duncan!” the host begins off, clasping his hands,“But she’s made it in one piece!”

On cue, you walk into the mess hall, linking your arm with Chris’,“Hii everyone! So happy to finally see you all in person!”

All conversation died.

Everyone turns to you.

This woman they’ve never seen before... 

His... His wife?

Were they hearing that right?

No way... He was being serious?

Chris was rolling on the inside at the shared alike look of being slapped spread across the contestants, especially of the mocking kind.

“I...didn’t know you had enough space in your heart to love someone else!” Beth’s the first to break out of her ice of shock to chirp.

“Surprised?” Chris chuckled, allowing you to introduce yourself, which was not what you guys decided.

“Yeah, I’m (Y/N)! This hot mess’ wife...” turns out improvising in front of teenagers wasn’t as fun as it sounded,“Sorry, I’m...not too good with words, so...help yourself to these cupcakes I made for you guys. I made them as a way to say how huge of a pleasure it is to meet you all!”

As you turn around to unwrap the trays, Leshawna clears her throat to privately address the cohort,"One of two things are gonna happen. One, those cupcakes are filled with maggots and hair. Or two, it's the first actual food we're gettin’ on this set."

Everybody nods in agreement.

They were right to inspect the wrapping and texture with their noses and eyes.

Yet didn’t expect to have the flavour of delicate buttermilk crumble on their tongues.

Oh my God...

Maybe they were deprived from having treats so long on the show, but it was unanimously categorised as a whole new delicious nonetheless.

The punk delinquent scoffs over,“Yeah... I’m not buying that’s his wife.”

“That evil maniac with a permanent smile is probably holding her hostage!” The ginger geek dramatically pinpoints.

“I can see why, these are too die for!” Owen squeaks, scoffing down an entire cupcake, wrapping included, not comprehending what situation it would mean for you if you really were abducted.

“Hm... Maybe he’s paying her.” Gwen suggests alternatively after taking another glance at you: it was your arm around him. Too touchy to be forced...

“I’d understand if he was hot like me, but he’s not even halfway there! Where would he find someone willing to do all that for him? No amount of money should convince anyone to ever lose their dignity for the likes of him." Justin criticises out of his internal debate of skipping the cupcakes or not.

“You’d be shocked if you’ve seen the fansite.” Noah opposes like it was the most known thing.

Speaking of which,"Sierra.” Heather directs, taking sudden control of the situation and everyone’s eyes to peel towards the superfan whose mouth was staining in the same dye as her magenta hair, perking up from her snacking at the mention of her name,“You know everything about everybody. Say, is Chris paying that woman to pretend to be married to him for laughs?"

The girl whose lifeline was Total Drama quickly swallows the last portion of her cupcake to appease her idols with a packed answer,“Oh, no! It’s all true! Unfortunately. Those two got married way before Total Drama was aired. A lot's happened... My mom waited years for Chris to propose to her and there he goes, chasing after that nobody! Do you have any idea how painful it is to see my mom’s husband having an affair? (Y/N) is nothing but a block of concrete, blinding Chris from seeing his true soulmate! A.k.a my mom!” The last few sentences gradually grazed with personal prejudice, but not enough to throw the next cupcake away.

“Wait, but if Chris did get married to your mother... Wouldn’t that make you his stepdaughter-?“ Alejandro posited, already having a hard time imagining Chris take that role biologically.

"So Chris,” Cody interrupts the impending awkward ambient Alejandro’s phrasing would bring, steering the conversation back, still bewildered,“...really does have a wife."

Bridgette takes her slo mo time in grabbing another frosted vanilla good, rethinking, the same man that laughed at their pain,"I...honestly don't know how to feel about that."

"Huuu... I feel like I went overboard with cupcakes, Chris!” you freak out to your husband, fidgeting with the sleeves of your turtleneck,“Why did I pick to make something so childish? I should've picked something more formal... Like a dish from my home country..."

"Relaaaaax, no one else is thinking about that." Chris assured, biting into one of your delicacies.

You continued to murmur on,“I wanted to make something universal, a collection of sweets so in case one likes a certain flavour more than others... I thought teenagers around here liked cupcakes... I feel like such a fool... I hope they don’t think I see them as childish...”

He grabs one and holds it horizontally to your lips, painting them yellow,“It’s not just teenagers that like them, (Y/N). Besides, they are children. Children like things that are childish.”

That’s true... Your paranoia’s sunk,“Well... They seem to be enjoying themselves. I’ve been worrying for nothing.” you smile, drawing your finger on his stubble to take for licking,“You had some icing there.”

Turns out, you were really nice.

The angel to Chris’ devil.

The sun to Chris' moon.

The calm to Chris’ energetic.

“So (Y/N)... I just...have a quick question on behalf of everyone else.” The CIT girl shields her mouth with her hand, like she didn’t want anyone else to hear.

“Of course, Courtney. Whatever would you like to know?” you welcome her, all kinds of possible questions cloud your mind.

She tightens your shoulders in her palms,“What the hell do you see in Chris?”

...You expected that one,“Why, I see a strong, handsome, hilarious man. A goal-driven, deep down caring, loving, in need of love man.”

Now the only true thing she heard was “goal-driven”- to kill them as spiritually as possible. Maybe even physically.

"You're not brainwashed, are you?" Her eyes widened like your answer had tossed her deeper in her horror.

"Get her to blink two times in a row if she needs help!" Tyler shouts, unintentionally defeating the purpose of being discreet from his clean intention.

"Hm?” Teenagers are so funny!,“It's not brainwash when it's love! After all, wouldn't you say you've found yourself in love with someone you never thought you'd be with?" You smile warmly at the type A when the butterflies fluttered an external reaction across her freckled face.

"Th-That's different!” she impulsively shrieked before closing her mouth in embarrassment. She looks around, and after making sure no one was judging her, she continues speaking, back to her whispering voice,“That’s Duncan. This is Chris.”

“Well, we both seem to have a type for the ones that went to jail, don’t we?” you wittily mention, giving her a wink to the similar parallel.

Leaving Courtney to her common dynamics contemplation, there was no better timing for Owen to ask if you had any more cupcakes to give.

“I’m so happy you liked them! I’ll tell you what, I can make more and send them to you."

“Don’t get too flattered. Bed crusher there would eat anything, even things you can’t call food.” The overruling antagonist scornfully gestures, her hair as black as her heart.

“...Ah, right.” you shouldn't have thought so highly of yourself over baking. To Owen, they probably weren’t good, just something to give his appetite.

“Well... That's not entirely true...” The foodie looks to the side uncomfortably for a moment from Heather’s harsh perspective,“Having eaten a lot of things gives me a solid judgement on a variety of tastes. With that said, I’d specifically be really happy to eat (Y/N)’s baked cupcakes again. You can't buy that kind of quality!"

Aw! “Thanks, Owen!” it’s no mystery why everyone was in his support back first season!

“You didn’t use any store bought cake mix, did you?” DJ asks, his naturally kind pitch of voice crunching up an otherwise accusing delivery his words may have played.

“Nope! If I was gonna have half of the ingredients already done for me, I may as well have just ordered the finish product.” the truth radiates through your magnetism, not as magnetizing as your husband, smothering you away in his arms.

For some reason, no one said anything right away. Like taking an exam, silence had scattered among these group of teenagers.

"I'm convinced she has Stockholm syndrome."

Up till Harold breaks it.

"Stockholm syndrome?! Come onn, you know that’s not a real thing!” Lindsay asserted, turning to Beth,“Is it a real thing?"

The nice-hearted nerd smacks a hand to her forehead. Rather than finding humor in uninformed Lindsay, Trent finds his eyes trapped on the sight of Chris’ hand holding onto yours, fingers locked, palms resting. Above all his faults, Chris...still had you.

That kind of love...hard to find, lucky to have.

[ghoastixx]

I think it was a glitch, but I can see your posts!

I have a Supernatural request of Sam x Reader. The boys find a case, it looks like a clear cut and dry witch case until the suspected witch turns up dead. While investigating the previous suspect’s house, it was clear that this suspect was the witch that did the original killings.

After some continued investigation, they are welcomed into the Reader’s house. Everything about the person seems normal, even with a properly trained dog. All until Cas gets stuck on the carpet (with an Enochian sigil underneath).

Boys find out that Reader is a Witch and a hunter who stays in her state/town.

That was all I had thought of, I don’t know how Sam and Reader fall in love, maybe she saves him? Just not Dean or Cas, as I see the two as soulmates-

Happy writing! Hope you enjoy this random little idea! (I hope I did this right, because this is my first ever ask)

Sam Winchester x female witch!reader

synopsis above

notes: literally so cringe?? I stopped writing this halfway to eat and it threw my entire groove off I'm so sorry if this doesn't live up to expectations.

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

"I hate witches. They're all sluts of the devil." Dean grumbled as he adjusted his tie, knocking on the door of a lady's house. They were going to interrogate this girl as she was the neighbor of the witch they thought they were hunting. The one that just turned up dead.

The case was running circles around them. They thought Eleanor Vandine was the witch that had been killing people in the town of Waterfall. The Winchester boys had proof of the matter.. The fact that they showed up to a dead witch and a hex bag was the curve ball. That meant there was another witch in town. That meant that they were back at square one.

A young lady opened the door, she smiled. "Hello..?"

Sam smiled, "Hi, we're with the federal office. We're going around interrogating Mrs.Vandine's neighbors-"

"ms," the lady interrupted,

Sam faltered a bit, "Oh.. yes.. Ms.Vandine." he shook his head,

"This is agent Osbourne, Ziggy, and I'm agent Floyd." The lady tilted her head.

"yeah, sure.. would you guys like to come in? I can put a pot of tea on the stove." That was a nice change.

Castiel, Sam, and Dean followed her inside. They stopped at the sight of a big Saint Bernard.

"Ah- don't worry, he's fully trained and friendly. You can pet him if you want. His name's Otis." She hummed as she went into the kitchen. The men started to walk across the living room.

"Dean.." There was a hushed word from Cas.

"Not now-"

"Dean." Dean turned around. Castiel was standing still in the middle of the living room.

"Cas, we don't have time to stop-"

"I'm stuck." Sam turned around,

"Stuck-"

The lady was leaning against the doorframe. A look of awe on her face. "You're not agents..I should've known with the band names.."

"you're our witch," Sam said, finally glancing around the room. It was painfully obvious, sigils carved in a inconspicuous way around the room, plants.. bones. A stereotype.

They were all sat around the room, the witch was nice enough to ruin her sigil to let Cas out of entrapment. She even made them tea.

"So, you're hunters?"

"So, you sold your soul to some demons?" Dean cut in, Sam elbowed him.

"yes, we're hunters." The witch smiled,

"I didn't sell my soul, I don't do dark magic. Not like Eleanore did. I'm more of a green witch."

"There's different kinds?" Castiel asked, at least he seemed interested. So you explained. You explained why you hurt Eleanore for killing your friends. You came 100% clean.

After long consideration, they left without hurting you. You didn't seem like the evil type, they couldn't see you doing this again. But the threat of them showing back up to kill you always loomed over your head.

Few months went by before they knocked on your door again. They were down for a hunt and figured they could use your help.

So you helped them and then all went out for drinks afterwards.

Dean was talking to the bartender, Cas not caring that he was staring at her ass. Sam sat next to you at the bar.

"What you did back there was really neat, Winchester?"

"Oh yeah?" He smiled a bit, looking down at his drink. "thanks. We've had our run ins with vampires. Know all the tricks.."

"yeah? Well..maybe you should tell me sometime." She hummed, writing her phone-number on a napkin, sliding it over to him. "call me," she grabbed her jacket and walked towards the door.

Dean walked back over to Sam, disappointed in his luck. "What's got you all dopey?" Sam glanced at her walking away.

"nothin-" He couldn't seem to wipe the goofy grin off his face.

[shipskicksandgiggles]

The Meaning of Home (also on ao3)

Ever since he learned to drive, Steve had loved his BMW. He wouldn’t let anybody else touch his car, much less drive it. 

He kept it spotless. He wouldn’t consider himself a neat freak, but he kept the carpets vacuumed and trash out of the cup holders and off the floor. 

Not to mention he learned how to tune her up all on his own. His dad wasn’t around to help, and even if he was, he certainly wouldn’t be helping his son with dirty, disgusting work like changing the oil or cleaning out the filter. 

That was work for a mechanic. Someone you paid to get black sludge under their fingernails. 

Learning how to do it himself was a process. Without a positive male role model in his life, he resorted to reading books to guide him, starting with the car’s manual. 

Steve wanted his car in the best hands, and he trusted no one more than himself. 

He knew more about the inside of his car than he had any business knowing. Feeling her purr under his hands was the most satisfying part of his day. 

Even when he drove other people’s cars, feeling the thrum of the engine made him feel like he mattered. Like he had control. 

Nancy’s car was his favorite to drive. It was a shitty old station wagon, but he loved it. He was honestly a bit jealous. 

The truth was, he loved his car the most at first. He was able to use it to get around, to pick up girls, to impress his friends. That was when he was a younger man. 

Nowadays, his usual passengers were three kids and Robin, which his BMW was a bit too cramped to accommodate. 

Driving the Wheeler’s station wagon was a breath of fresh air. Sure, there was a suspicious rattle coming from somewhere, but he had all the kids with him, and he didn’t have to worry about them. He was even considering a minivan for his next car, if they survived all this. 

This being another apocalypse. They must be on four now, maybe five if he missed one last time he took a vacation. 

Not that Steve took vacations. He hadn’t left Hawkins for more than a day since he was 16 years old. Something about being anxious that one of the kids would need him, and he wouldn’t be there to help. 

Even the station wagon was too small to fit their whole group now, and not all of them were in Indiana anymore. Steve might have to reconsider his choice of a minivan. A bus might be a better option. 

Or a Winnebago. 

He could hear faint chatter behind him. The air was tense, but they were all trying to pretend like it wasn’t. 

Like they weren’t watching Max, in case she might float away. Like they didn’t check out the windows every few seconds to make sure they weren’t being followed. 

Like Eddie wasn’t on the run. Like Eddie hadn’t hotwired their vehicle. 

Like they weren’t on their way to get weapons to take out an evil, alternate dimension wizard. 

Steve had a headache, and no one had punched him in the face this time. 

His only relief came in the form of being able to count everyone, confirm they were all okay. 

‘Okay’ might be a bit of a stretch. 

Alive was good enough for him, even if they were all scraped, bruised, hungry, and tired. 

He focused on the thrum of the vehicle under his hands, and took a deep breath. 

As if she was reading his thoughts, Nancy plopped into the passenger seat next to him. 

“How’s it handle?”

“Not bad considering it’s a literal house on wheels.”

She huffed out a quiet laugh. None of them really had the energy for lighthearted fun anymore. 

Steve glanced over at her, and remembered back to when they were barely older than most of the kids in the backseat. They’d grown up so much since then. 

He sighed. “I used to imagine driving one of these actually.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, you know, like when I was older, with a family, a whole gaggle of kids. I’d just pack everything up and we’d travel across the country every summer. Take a different route every year so we’d eventually hit 49 out of 50 states.”

“That’s quite the dream.”

“Well, when you still believe in the American Dream, a road trip with six kids sounds like a good idea.”

“Six kids? That sounds like a horror show.”

“I realize that now,” he said, gesturing vaguely behind him. Six kids were a nightmare.

“I meant for your future wife, my god. What angel of a woman did you picture in this scenario?”

“Honestly? I have no idea. When we were younger, I think I hoped it would be you, but now?” 

Steve turned in his seat to look at the people behind him. Eddie and Robin were attempting to distract Dustin, Lucas, and Erica while Max watched them with her Walkman secured over her ears. Their party had changed so much over the years, but he loved them nonetheless. 

Just as he was about to turn back, Eddie caught his eye. He smiled and winked before doing something dramatic that made Dustin yell. It was amazing how he fit right in. 

“Eyes on the road,” Nancy reminded. “You’ve changed a lot since we first met.”

“Is that a good thing?” he asked, suddenly shy. 

“Definitely,” she assured him. “I’ll let you drive.” She patted him on the shoulder as she went back to join everyone else.

A couple years back, Steve had kind of dismissed his dream. It was right around the time he woke up concussed in the backseat of his own car with Max driving. Kids were out of the question. 

Then he thought maybe he’d travel the country by himself, pack up just his car and drive until he hit the ocean. 

He didn’t think he could leave Hawkins anymore. Not after all this. 

Steve shook the thought out of his head and focused on driving. One day all of this would be over. 

Moments later, someone else dropped into the passenger seat. Thinking it was Robin, he didn’t say anything, expecting her to speak first. 

“I got Dustin and Lucas to explain Hellfire’s last D&D campaign to Nancy and Robin.” 

Not Robin. Eddie. 

“Oh?”

“Figured it might keep them entertained for a while at least. They’ll probably be quieter too.”

“They’re not that bad. You get used to it.”

Eddie snorted. “You must have a lot of patience, Harrington.”

“I’ve just been babysitting them for a long time.”

He nodded. “Since this all started?”

“Something like that,” Steve agreed. “Once you live through the end of the world with them, all the yelling doesn’t seem like such a big deal.”

“Imagine that. Are you sure you’re The Steve Harrington? Like the prom king, king of the school, lady’s man of Hawkins High?”

“That’s what it says on my driver’s license.”

“It says all that on your driver’s license?”

“My wallet’s in my back pocket if you want to check.”

“As inviting as it is to touch your ass, I think I’ll wait until we’re not around the kids. What do you say darling?” Eddie winked. 

Steve felt himself flush. 

Eddie didn’t seem to notice. “But you really have been saving the world this whole time? Kids and all?”

“Kids and all,” Steve confirmed. “It doesn’t get easier by the way, so if you don’t want to stick around for the next apocalypse, I wouldn’t blame you.”

“You stick around,” Eddie pointed out. 

“I’ve got a pretty good reason to.” It was the truth. He loved Hawkins, loved the kids, loved Robin and his shitty job and even his empty house. He couldn’t just leave it all behind. 

Speaking of, he adjusted the mirror so he could see them, and smiled softly at what he saw. Sure enough, Dustin and Lucas were still fully invested in explaining things to Robin and Nancy, who were actually expressing interest. Even Erica seemed to be getting involved, and Max had slipped her headphones off of one ear so she could listen to both her friends and Kate Bush. 

“We’re going to get them out of this,” Eddie said quietly. “Right?”

Steve nodded. 

“They never got to be kids, did they?”

“Not really, no. Ever since Will went missing, they had to grow up too fast.”

“Do you ever wish you could go back and change things, knowing what you know now?”

He studied Eddie carefully. “More than you could possibly understand.”

“So make me understand.”

Eddie looked at him like he held all the secrets to the universe, and Steve took a deep breath, turning his focus back to the road to avoid Eddie’s gaze. 

“Realistically, I know that this was the way things were meant to happen. That I wouldn’t be the man I am today without all this suffering. Still, knowing what I know now, I would go back and be a less shitty person. Because then maybe Barb would still be alive. Maybe Billy would be too. Maybe we could have been friends a long time ago. Instead we’re here, and I know I can’t go back and fix everything, but for what it’s worth, I’m sorry.”

“Please, I forgave you the first time Henderson said you gave him rides home from Hellfire because his mom couldn’t make it.”

“Really?”

“Well, sort of. I thought he meant a different Steve Harrington until I saw your car pull into the parking lot and not leave until his seat belt was buckled. Then I forgave you.”

Maybe he was finally losing it, but for whatever reason, that was the first time Steve had really laughed for the first time in days. They were in the middle of the end of the world yet again, and he couldn’t stop laughing. 

His outburst seemed to surprise Eddie based on his expression. A grin slowly grew across his face. “Something funny, Stevie?”

“No, no, I’m sorry, I just-” he hiccuped. “I just can’t believe this is happening.”

“Didn’t we just establish you’ve saved the world multiple times?”

“Not that, I can totally believe that, but this. This stupid Winnebago and those kids and this. Sometimes I can’t believe I’m here. If you told Steve Harrington of four years ago that he’d be babysitting a group of kids with his ex-girlfriend, his best friend who he got tortured by Russians with, and the freak of Hawkins High, he’d think you were nuts, and yet.”

“Still think I’m a freak?” Eddie asked nervously. 

“Sure, but who isn’t?”

“Welcome to the party, your Majesty, it was good of you to join us.”

Eddie’s dramatics only caused him to start laughing again. “Sorry I’m late, honey, traffic was hell,” Steve mocked in return.

“Are you having a nervous breakdown? I think you have to tell us if you are.”

For a second, Steve thought he’d overstepped and offended Eddie, but a quick glance reassured him that he was just joking. 

“I think I’ll be okay. How are you though?” 

The past few days had been harder on Eddie than it was on most of them, which frankly he was handling like a champ, but Steve still worried. 

“Well, let’s see. I don’t know if I’ll ever get to go home, and even if I do I’ll probably be looking over my shoulder for the rest of my life because the basketball team turned into a murderous gang. Also, I’ll need a list of everyone’s favorite songs because that seems important now which sounds insane, but it’s no less insane than anything else so what the hell, right?”

Steve got it. Not that he’d been accused of murder, but witnessing the upside down version of their town and facing the end of the world did tend to put things in perspective. What about their lives really mattered anyways?

He let Eddie’s words hang in the air for a moment before he figured out what to say. 

“My favorite song is The Winner Takes It All,” Steve said. “For when you start making that list.”

It seemed to take Eddie a moment to process that. “ABBA, Steve? ABBA? Are you kidding me? We cannot be friends, I’m so sorry, your taste in music cannot be that bad.”

His dramatics caused Steve to lose it. “Oh my god, I’m kidding. It’s actually Heroes. You know David Bowie?”

“Do I know David Bowie, he asks. Jesus Christ, Steve, of course I know Bowie. He’s not bad, but still, remind me to play you some better music if we make it out of this alive.” Then he paused. “When we make it out of this alive.”

“You’re already a natural at keeping a positive mindset with the constant threat of the world ending! I’m proud of you, man.”

“Might as well, right?”

“Exactly. And I can’t wait to hear you play. I've heard you’re a part of the best metal band in this part of Indiana.”

“Steve, we’re pretty much the only metal band in this part of Indiana.” 

“Which automatically makes you the best!”

“Fair enough. My favorite song is Rainbow in the Dark by the way. Master of Puppets would probably work too honestly.”

“I’ll make sure we get a tape of both of them, just in case.”

“Thanks.” His response was uncharacteristically soft, but Steve tried not to think too hard about it.  

They drifted back into silence after that. 

“Do you know what you’re going to do after we save the world?” Eddie asked. Sitting quietly for too long set all of them on edge now. 

“Same as always I guess. Might start taking classes at the community college.”

“Yeah? What are you planning on getting your degree in?”

“Something stable. Teaching maybe. If it doesn’t work out, I can always try my hand at being a mechanic.”

“Mechanic? You?”

“Hey, I fix my own car all the time, don’t start. Anyways, people always need mechanics.”

“We’ll always need teachers too, Steve. I can see it now, your classroom full of bright colors and smiling faces.”

“Now you’re just teasing me,” Steve groaned. 

“I’m not! I really think that’s a good path for you. Stability is a good route to go.”

“Would you ever want anything like that?”

“Oh god no. I want to be out on the road! Experiencing real, true freedom,” Eddie said with conviction. 

Steve certainly believed him. The relief was evident on his face, as if that freedom was finally in reach. 

“Really? You don’t even want someone to come home to? Something to look forward to when you’ve been away for a while?”

He could feel Eddie studying him. 

“I guess that doesn’t sound so bad,” Eddie said eventually. 

“Look man, I’m not saying you can’t do whatever you want. If you want to be out on the open road for the rest of your life, that’s what you should do. But I think everyone needs somewhere to call home, and maybe someone who helps make it a home.”

“Yeah?”

“It probably sounds dumb, but-”

“No no no, I think it’s sweet. I just don’t think that’s the kind of future I’m destined to have.”

“Why do you say that?”

Eddie sat back in his seat a bit. “Home for me growing up wasn’t the definition of stability, and I don’t know if I have what it takes to build that foundation with someone. And even that would require someone to want to have that with me in the first place. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that’s not in the cards for me.”

They lapsed into silence as Steve digested that information. Finally, he spoke again. 

“Okay, don’t take this the wrong way, but are you dumb?”

“Thank you for that, Steve.”

“No, listen to me. You’ve already got a halfway decent start on that foundation, I just think you need to take a step back and see that.”

He looked at him doubtfully, but Steve continued. 

“You created a safe space for a whole group of kids that wouldn’t have that if it weren’t for you, and they adore you. It’s that unconditional love and willingness to accept them that’s going to start you in the right direction. That D&D club of yours is a home of its own if you think about it, and you did that all on your own. Imagine what you could build with someone else.”

Eddie took a moment to think. “What if I don’t want kids?”

“That’s fine. Home doesn’t always equal kids. Good luck getting rid of Dustin though.”

“Which will prove to be a challenge I’m sure, that kid sticks like glue.”

“Trust me, I’ll be dealing with it for the rest of my life too, don’t you worry.”

“Maybe we should deal with it together then,” Eddie said nervously. 

Steve heard the hesitation in his voice like he wasn’t sure how he would react. 

He reached out a hand and patted Eddie’s knee. “I think that could be arranged.”

“Stability, huh?” Eddie asked. 

“If you want it.” 

Steve craved stability more than just about anything else in the world. He couldn’t imagine functioning without some surety of knowing how his life was going to play out for at least the next few months. 

He also craved validation and comfort. One might say he craved love.

A love he wasn’t so sure he could have. 

But Eddie glanced back at the kids and smiled softly, almost privately to himself had Steve not been there to see it. 

“Yeah. I could go for a little bit of stability.”

[emily-kennedy]

A/N: Hey people🫶🏻 so I love reading so much and I always wanted to write something on my own, so here I am. Im a new resident evil fan but im deeply in love with Leon Kennedy. I want to mention that english isn’t my mother tongue (: I‘ll try my best to write it as good as I can. Enjoy and lots of love <3

warnings/ tags: mentions of blood, fluff, wounds, leon being calming, swearing, re2 remake, female reader, no use of y/n

Relax / Leon Kennedy

It‘s your first day of being a police officer. You were so excited to meet your new colleagues. But within hours everything changes abruptly. The whole city was in such a big chaos. There are terrifying creatures walking across the streets, houses are burning down and almost everyone seems to be gone.

Nevertheless you decided to enter the R.P.D. station with hope to understand what’s going on. You were shocked, everything was destroyed and these creatures are everywhere. Luckily you found a pistol with enough ammunition to defend yourself.

,,why is literally no one here?‘‘ you thought yourself. You were walking around without any orientation. After some time you decided to take a break. Just as you were about to enter the next room one of the creatures attacked your leg. ,,ahh fuck.. you son of a bitch‘‘ you scream. You fall to the ground and shoot this zombie with one of your last bullets. You feel hot fluid running down your calf. ,,Damn this shit hurts!‘‘ You look down to see how bad the wound is. One deep bite. And you don’t have a medical kit with you. You were so tired and exhausted.

,,Great..‘‘ you mumble. You could feel how close you were to pass out of pain. Out of the sudden the door opens. You quickly take out your gun. ,,take the gun down, I‘m not one of them‘‘ a calm voice says. ,,I‘m Leon Kennedy, what about you?‘‘

You look up to see a tall handsome man with a rpd vest on. You told him your name. ,, I’m new here..do you know what’s going on here?‘‘ you asked him. ,, Yeah I have my first day here too, no I don’t know what happened here.. I hoped you know something.‘‘ he says. ,,ahh fuck this hurts to bad‘‘ you whispered while you tried to adjust your sitting position. Leon glanced down your leg. ,, You are hurt, how did this happen..?‘‘ Leon asked worried. ,, one of those motherfuckers decided to taste my leg.‘‘ you whined. Leon quickly took out some disinfectant and spread it out on a cotton cloth. He kneels down to be at the same height as you were. ,, this is going to hurt okay? But it‘ll be better soon, I promise.‘‘ he said. You nodded. In one quick motion he put the cloth on your wound. Leon carefully cleans your fresh wound. You accidentally grabbed his shoulder. ,,ahh shit..‘‘ you whined. ,,Relax for me.. you‘re doing amazing.‘‘ he praises. After a few wipes he takes out some bandages and wraps them around your leg. ,,so this should be good.‘‘ he smiled. ,,Thank you leon..‘‘. You tried to stand up but your legs didn’t allow it. Leon grabs you by his waist. ,,Careful darling..I got you.‘‘

Darling.. you like that name. ,, I think it would be better if we stay in this room. It’s safer than others.‘‘ you quietly say. ,,Yeah you‘re right… there is a bed, lay down and I’ll block the doors okay?‘‘ Leon calmly says. You agreed and lay down the bed. You try to relax and don’t focus on the wound.

,,So now these motherfuckers can stay away from us.‘‘ he proudly says. Leon decides to lay next to you. He wanted to protect you since you can’t walk. ,,you know Leon.. I’m so happy you found me, I was scared and thought I’m alone here.‘‘ you say to him. He smiled and says: ,,Believe me.. I’m scared too but now we have each other. We will find out how this happened and how we can stop it.‘‘ he answered.

You were pretty tired after this exhausting day. You yawned. Leon glanced at you and put his arm around you. ,,Come here.. I know you’re tired.

You lay your head on Leon’s chest. Just a few breaths and you fell asleep on his chest. He smiled at you and gave you a little kiss on your head.

[bornonthesavage]

There had only been a handful of days so far, what with time being new and all. Stephen was still trying to get used to it, the way time flowed around his corporeal form. It was sort of nice. Slow, sure, but solid. Steady. That was something Stephen needed now, as he stood atop a towering wall, looking out over the vast sands beyond the Garden. Because though he tried to brush it off, he couldn’t stop worrying that he’d done something wrong. It didn’t feel wrong. But what did he know? He’d only been on Earth for a few weeks.

The humans made their way through the dessert, their retreating forms growing smaller by the minutes. Stephen watched them, his white robes billowing around him as a gentle breeze picked up. His wings kept him from losing his balance. Idly, he chewed on one of his nails. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught movement.

A great snake, the great snake, slithered up over the edge. It’s red and black scales glistened in the afternoon light, rippling as it came to rest beside him. Stephen had the bizarre thought that it was sort of beautiful. Of course, it wasn’t truly a snake. But Stephen already knew that. He’d seen him in the Garden a few times, and in retrospect, he probably should have done something about a demon in the Garden. But something had stopped him. The snake, or demon, had neve seemed to be doing anything particularly evil. It mostly sunbathed.

Stephen watched out of the corner of his eye as the snake shifted and transformed, until a man shaped being stood beside him. This was the first time he’d seen his true form. Or well, not true form. Their true forms weren’t suitable for Earth. The demon looked to be in a male designation, with long dark curls and black wings. When he turned to look at Stephen, it was with yellow slitted eyes and a devious smile.

“Well, that all went down like a lead balloon.”

Stephen blinked. “What?”

“A lead balloon. You know, because it really didn’t work out very well at all,” the demon said, motioning to the humans in the distance.

He looked, then glanced back to the demon with a furrow between his brows. “What’s a balloon?”

The demon blew out his cheeks. “You know, that’s a good question. Not really sure, but I think it’s going to be thing, someday.”

Stephen hummed and looked away. He shouldn’t even be talking to this demon. All angels had received their orders from the top, and they’d been made very clear. Smite any demon you come across. But Stephen wasn’t really in a smiting mood. Besides, what was done was done. Adam and Eve had been cast out. Not to mention, it was sort of nice to talk to someone who wasn’t throwing orders at him.

The demon seemed to take his silence as permission to keep talking. “You know, for the humans being so apparently important to the big boss, you’d think She would have done a better job at protecting them.”

“You’re the one who tempted them.”

“Well, yeah,” he said, looking almost sheepish. “But don’t you think it’s a bit odd? She made such a fuss about them. Started that whole thing with Lucifer. And then She just, what, kicked them out because they ate some fruit? That’s a bit dramatic, isn’t it?”

Stephen sighed. He wasn’t about to tell the demon that he agreed with him. “They were told not to eat the apples, but they did. They broke the rules.”

The demon scrunched up his face. “Yeah, but why put the tree there at all to begin with? Why not put it on the moon? What was the point?”

“It’s not our place to question God.”

The demon snorted. “I’m a demon, remember? I can question all I like now. One of the perks of being under new management.”

Stephen crossed his arms. This conversation was reaching dangerous territory. “Still. We can’t know Her plans. It’s ineffable.”

“Ineffable?”

“Yes.”

“That’s stupid.”

Stephen glared at the demon. “I wouldn’t expect you to understand. You are Fallen.”

“That I am,” the demon agreed, a sardonic curl to his mouth. “And we can’t escape what we are.”

They were silent for a moment, just watching the humans. When the demon spoke again, his voice was quiet. “What’s your name?”

He met his eye. “Stephen. You?”

A slight frown tugged at the demon’s mouth. “I can’t actually remember the name I had before the fall. One of the neat things that were taken. But I guess that means I can choose my own. I think… I think I’ll go with Eddie.”

Stephen raised and eyebrow. “Eddie? Why that name?”

Eddie shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s feels right. Feels like me, you know?”

He couldn’t say he did. Up until now, everything about Stephen had been chosen by someone else. He was a soldier, a guardian of the Easter Gate. From the moment he’d opened his eyes, he’d known his name. It was just one of the ineffable truths. But he could admit to himself that it sounded sort of nice. To pick something for his own.

“Hey, wait a second,” Eddie said, cutting through his musings. “Didn’t you have a flaming sword?”

Heat washed through Stephen’s face as he glanced down at his empty hand. He’d sort of hoped that nobody would notice. “Um…”

Eddie leaned in closer, a teasing grin on his face. “You did, I saw it. It was flaming like anything. What happened, angel? You lose it already?”

Stephen folded his arms and turned his eyes away. “I, uh, I gave it away.”

The smile fell from Eddie’s face, replaced by shock. “You what?”

“I gave it away!” Stephen cried. “What else was I supposed to do? They were being kicked out, with no food or shelter, and she’s pregnant! It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t even really their fault. So, I gave them the sword, because what am I going to do with it? At least now they’ll have something to protect them, since I failed so spectacularly.”

Stephen clenched his hands into fists and stared resolutely away from Eddie. He didn’t need to see the judgment he knew he’d find there. But when Eddie didn’t say anything, when the silence stretched on, he forced himself to look at the other being. And what he found looked an awful lot like wonder. Not a hint of judgment. Eddie’s eyes were wide and staring, his mouth open on a little smile.

“Wow,” he eventually breathed. “Well, isn’t that something?”

Stephen wasn’t really sure what to make of that. Eddie sounded almost… impressed. He hadn’t even realized he’d been looking for approval, but as he registered it, the sharp thing in his chest eased a little bit. Even if that approval was from a demon, it was better than nothing.

“You don’t think I did the wrong thing?”

Eddie’s face softened. “Nah, you’re an angel. Don’t think you can do the wrong thing.”

And well, that sounded like bullshit. If angels couldn’t do the wrong thing, then why had so many of them fallen? Still, he appreciated Eddie attempting to comfort him. He offered the demon a smile.

“Thanks.”

“No problem, Stevie.”

He eyebrows jumped up. “Stevie?”

“Yeah. It sounds a little less stuffy than Stephen, don’t you think?”

Yes, he did think that. It was… nice. “I guess so. That makes us Eddie and Stevie, then?”

Eddie sucked in a breath, his great black wings quivering behind him as if hit by a chill. Stephen almost reached out to touch him, to make sure he was alright, but held himself back.

“Are you okay?”

“Yep, uh hu, I’m great. Never better.”

Stephen wasn’t sure he believed him, but let it drop. “But still, I don’t think I’d want anyone else calling me Stevie. Maybe just you.”

At that, he was pretty sure he heard Eddie make a small sound. “That, yeah, that would be fine. You could always have everyone else call you Steve.”

Steve. Huh. He nodded. “Yeah, that feels right.”

A comfortable silence fell once more. The humans were far off now, just distant specks atop the dunes. Despite his worry, Steve couldn’t help but think they would be alright. Humans were resilient creatures. Sure, they had short life spans, but they knew how to survive. Besides, they would have to if they ever wanted to invent balloons.

“I do wonder, though,” Eddie said, bringing Steve’s attention back to him. “What if I did the good thing, with the whole eating the apple? A demon can get in a lot of trouble for doing good.”

Steve didn’t have an answer for that. It was all a bit muddled. Because if God really was all knowing, all seeing, then surely She knew this was going to happen. And if that were the case, did it make it good? Or maybe She’d just grown tired of it all, decided to wash her hands of humanity, and gave them an exit strategy in the form of a fruit filled tree. It was impossible to know. But he couldn’t say that. Even thinking those sorts of things were dangerous.

“It doesn’t matter, I guess.”

Eddie heaved a great sigh. “No, I don’t suppose it does.”

Just then, a roll of thunder erupted overhead. Steve looked up just in time for a drop of rain to land right on his cheek. He wasn’t sure how he knew this was rain, as this was the first, but it was just one of those things. Water began to fall more steadily. Eddie brought up his hands, as though to cover his hair. Without thinking about it, Steve stretched one of his white wings up and over, shielding Eddie from the onslaught. Bright golden eyes turned his way, once more filled with a soft sort of wonder. It stirred something in Steve, something he wasn’t going to examine too closely. And when Eddie stepped closer, allowing their shoulders to brush, he firmly ignored the way it made his newly crafted heart flip in his chest. It didn’t mean anything. It couldn’t. That was just one more of those ineffable truths.

[mrsbsmooth]

Scripts - S7 - Episode 11 (Part 1 of 2)

Obstacle course, chat with Evan.

NARRATOR: It’s the first night in the main villa for the Casa Amor girls.

NARRATOR: The bedroom forecast is cloudy with a chance of frost.

NARRATOR: Cloudy, because of all that hairspray being spritzed around.

NARRATOR: Frosty, because of the looks {0}’s ex is throwing at {1}.

NARRATOR: Tonight, my bedroom is hot! I was eating chillies in bed but that’s my business. Anyway, onwards!

You walk into the bedroom with your head held high and slide into bed beside {0}.

He smiles and you sense he wants you to move closer to him.

Scooch closer

You shift a little closer to {0}, his eyes light up.

{0}_FLIRTY: Hey there, {1}. Been waiting for you.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Hey! The wait is over.

{0}_FLIRTY: It was worth it already.

Stay where you are

You stay still.

{0}_IDLE: Hey, {1}. You good over there?

PLAYER_IDLE: Hey, yeah, I’m good for now.

{0}_IDLE: I get it. Things are a little awkward in here tonight.

{0}_HAPPY: I can only promise that I don’t really care.

{0}_FLIRTY: I’m just looking at you.

Say you’re thinking about {0}

You glance at your partner, with a worried expression.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: It’s a bit awkward with {0} here.

{0}_IDLE: Don’t look so worried, {1}.

{0}_IDLE: Little bit of awkwardness is natural.

PLAYER_IDLE: I guess so.

{0}_HAPPY: But trust me, I’m not bothered by it at all.

PLAYER_IDLE: Aren’t you?

{0}_FLIRTY: I’m just looking at you.

You can hear a few giggles from the various beds as your fellow Islanders settle down between the sheets.

BONNIE_HAPPY: Goodnight, party people!

BRYSON_HAPPY: Oh, are we partying? Get these lights off, where’s the music?

BONNIE_HAPPY: Why did I say that?

SUMMER_FLIRTY: Knew I’d make the party, just sayin’.

JOYO_IDLE: Go to sleep, you hyper bunch.

ALEX_HAPPY: That’s my villa dad-status line, Joyo.

UMA_HAPPY: Goodnight, <i>main villa</i> so happy to be here.

EVAN_HAPPY: Night night newbies… and not-so-newbies.

EVAN_HAPPY: I’m sure I’ll get to know you all better when the sun comes up.

DAPHNE_HAPPY: Same here!

A chorus of goodnights echo from around the room.

Just before the lights flick off, you notice Estelle giving you an awkward look.

Just before the lights flick off, you notice Willow giving you an awkward look.

Just before the lights flick off, you notice Geri giving you an awkward look.

Just before the lights flick off, you notice Daphne giving you evils.

Evan gives you a little nod and a lingering smile.

Bonnie smiles at you sweetly, and waves you goodnight from across the room.

{0}_IDLE: How you feeling? Tell me honestly.

I’m actually good!

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’m actually feeling really good!

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’m not about to let anything bother me on my first night in the villa.

{0}_HAPPY: Damn right. Love that about you.

{0}_IDLE: You don’t let other people’s opinions bother you.

Feeling a bit unsettled

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: I’m feeling a bit unsettled, won’t lie.

{0}_IDLE: I could see it in your eyes.

{0}_IDLE: I got you though. Remember that.

I’m still working that out

PLAYER_IDLE: I’m still working that one out myself.

{0}_IDLE: Today has been a big day.

{0}_HAPPY: Just remember, I brought you back for a reason.

{0}_IDLE: {1}, I’m thinking we should keep it respectful tonight.

His eyes fall to your lips.

{0}_FLIRTY: But looking at your lips is giving me other ideas.

{0}_FLIRTY: One kiss wouldn’t be bad, would it?

Kiss him

PLAYER_FLIRTY: One quick kiss, nobody will see…

{0}_FLIRTY: An under the covers kiss…

He reaches for the duvet and pulls it over your heads. You let him draw you close to his chest.

Your lips find his in the darkness. You kiss, quick but deep.

Your hands wrap around his torso and hold him close.

{0}_HAPPY: Goodnight, {1}.

Hug him instead

PLAYER_HAPPY: I think we should stick to cuddling tonight…

{0}_HAPPY: Your wish is my command, {1}.

He draws you into his sculpted arms and you lay your head on his chest.

He holds you close and whispers in your ear.

{0}_HAPPY: Goodnight, {1}. I’m glad you’re here.

Not tonight

PLAYER_IDLE: We should just sleep tonight.

{0}_IDLE: Of course, {1}. If that’s what you want.

You settle down under the covers.

{0}_HAPPY: Goodnight, I’m glad you’re here.

You drift off to sleep, excited for your first full day in the main villa tomorrow.

You wake up to the sound of {0}’s voice.

{0}_HAPPY: Go away, golden retriever boy! She’s waking up.

{0}_HAPPY: I really don’t want her first sight to be you dancing in your pants.

Your eyes flutter open. Rafael is at the foot of your bed swaying to and fro whilst waving his arms haphazardly in the air.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Erm, too late.

Rafael scrambles back to his bed where a bemused looking Daphne lies rubbing her eyes.

RAFAEL_HAPPY: I’m just so happy to be back in the main villa!

{0}_HAPPY: Go away, Bryson. She’s waking up.

{0}_HAPPY: I really don’t want her first sight to be you dancing in your pants.

Your eyes flutter open. Bryson is at the foot of your bed swaying to and fro whilst waving his arms haphazardly in the air.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Erm, too late.

Bryson scrambles back over to his bed.

BRYSON_HAPPY: I’m just so happy to be back in the main villa.

{0} rolls his eyes.

{0}_HAPPY: Sorry you had to witness that.

What a wake-up!

PLAYER_HAPPY: What a way to wake up!

PLAYER_HAPPY: Thanks, Raf.

RAFAEL_HAPPY: No probs, {0}.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Thanks, Bryson.

BRYSON_HAPPY: Pleasure.

{0}_HAPPY: There’s never a dull moment in here.

It was… unexpected

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: It was pretty unexpected.

{0}_HAPPY: I wasn’t planning on you waking up to that.

{0}_HAPPY: But there’s never a dull moment in here.

I’d prefer to wake up alone with you

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I’d rather wake up, just you and me. Alone…

{0}_FLIRTY: Oh yeah?

{0}_FLIRTY: Now that you mention it… So would I.

As you look around the room, you catch the end of Bonnie’s sentence.

BONNIE_HAPPY: …Slept like a log, whatever the heck that even means?

PLAYER_HAPPY: I was going to ask, how was everybody’s night?

BRYSON_HAPPY: Yeah, as you can hear, me and Bonnie had a wild night.

BRYSON_FLIRTY: A wild night of sleeping like logs.

BRYSON_HAPPY: Your dream, Alex. Alex the carpenter. Get it? Log?

ALEX_HAPPY: Stop, please.

JOYO_IDLE: Well whatever sleeping like a log means, I enjoyed it.

JOYO_FLIRTY: Alex? Any ideas… You’re the log man.

ALEX_HAPPY: Not a clue.

BONNIE_IDLE: I was just so tired from the day. I went off to dreamland pretty instantly.

She steals a quick glance at you.

UMA_HAPPY: Not all of us went straight to sleep…

BONNIE_HAPPY: Uma!

Alex and Uma smile at each other and join hands.

Bryson and Uma smile at each other and join hands.

BRYSON_FLIRTY: Summer, Joyo! I see you both over there, grinning away.

BRYSON_HAPPY: Joyo, are you blushing?

JOYO_SERIOUS: I don’t blush.

SUMMER_FLIRTY: I do though…

ALEX_HAPPY: Daphne? Raf? Does it feel good to be reunited?

DAPHNE_HAPPY: Oh, uh-huh. I actually missed the boy.

RAFAEL_HAPPY: I’m feeling very good.

BRYSON_FLIRTY: TMI.

RAFAEL_EMBARRASSED: That’s not what I meant. I don’t think…

You throw a glance over at Evan and {0}. Evan looks chilled. He’s contorting his arms into different stretches.

JOYO_IDLE: You doing a full-stretch routine over there, Evan?

EVAN_HAPPY: You know it, man. Always gotta start the day on the right side of the bed.

EVAN_IDLE: This helps.

BRYSON_HAPPY: You do that before bed too?

EVAN_HAPPY: Sorta, different kinds of stretches. Stuff for my hammies, my neck.

EVAN_IDLE: Lying down stretches to get me all dozy.

RAFAEL_HAPPY: Sounds like something we could incorporate into bedtime boy time.

EVAN_HAPPY: Bedtime what now?

ALEX_HAPPY: Oh yeah, we didn’t have time to initiate you last night.

JOYO_IDLE: But your time will come.

EVAN_HAPPY: I’m intrigued.

BONNIE_IDLE: How are you doing this morning, {0}?

DAPHNE_IDLE: I’m chill. This is gonna take a bit of getting used to.

DAPHNE_SAD: All my girls are gone…

BONNIE_EMBARRASSED: Damn. Yeah.

UMA_IDLE: We can be your new girls.

BONNIE_EMBARRASSED: Right sentiment, wrong wording maybe, Uma.

UMA_EMBARRASSED: Argh.

SUMMER_HAPPY: We’ll be here for you. We’re looking forward to getting to know you.

{0}_IDLE: I’m chill, I think. But this is gonna take a bit of getting used to.

{0}_SAD: Nearly all my girls are gone…

DAPHNE_HAPPY: You still got me.

{0}_HAPPY: Apart from you, Daph.

BONNIE_EMBARRASSED: Oh, right, yeah.

UMA_IDLE: We can be your new girls.

BONNIE_EMBARRASSED: Right sentiment, wrong wording maybe, Uma.

UMA_EMBARRASSED: Argh.

BONNIE_HAPPY: We’re looking forward to getting to know you both.

I’m sure we’ll all be friends

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’m sure we can all be a cute lil’ friendship group.

{0}_IDLE: I hope that’s the case.

{0}_IDLE: I just can’t be sure of how things will go down yet.

Her eyes jump to {0}.

DAPHNE_FLIRTY: Who knows what twists are in store for us?

It’ll be tricky to be friends right now

PLAYER_IDLE: It’ll be tricky to be friends right now. Not everybody can get along.

{0}_IDLE: I hope we can get on.

{0}_SAD: A lot changed last night.

{0}_IDLE: I just can’t be sure of how things will go down yet.

Her eyes jump to {0}.

DAPHNE_FLIRTY: Who knows what twists are in store for us?

{0}’s eyes lock onto yours. You can’t quite decipher the tone of her expression.

The bedroom falls a little silent.

{0}_IDLE: Let’s swiftly move it on.

UMA_EMBARRASSED: So, um…

UMA_IDLE: {0}, you didn’t fill us in on your night.

Brag about your night

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Well, we got kinda hot and heavy under the covers.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Um…

Bonnie’s face falls slightly.

UMA_FLIRTY: Good for you, {0}.

{0} shifts uncomfortably, her eyes focused on you and {1}.

Be honest about your night

PLAYER_IDLE: We kept it chill.

PLAYER_IDLE: We had a little kiss. That’s all.

Bonnie’s face falls slightly.

PLAYER_IDLE: We had a little cuddle. That’s all.

PLAYER_IDLE: We went to sleep, that’s all.

{0}_IDLE: We were trying to keep it respectful.

He looks at you with a hint of longing in his eyes.

{0} looks over at you both, her face is slightly relieved.

Keep quiet

PLAYER_IDLE: I’d rather not report.

UMA_IDLE: Heard, keeping it private for now?

{0}_IDLE: I think we’re just trying to be respectful.

{0}_IDLE: Hmmmmmm. No comment on that.

Your phone pings from the bedside table.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’ve got a text!

You grab the phone and read out the text.

LITEXT: Islanders, today you’ll be taking part in the Making Waves obstacle course challenge! {0}SurfsUp {1}RideTheWave

BONNIE_SURPRISED: Girls, to the dressing room?

UMA_SURPRISED: Let’s go.

You all jump out of bed and race to the dressing room to get ready for the challenge.

The dressing room has descended into chaos.

Bonnie and Summer are rifling through the wardrobes and tossing things out of suitcases and onto the floor.

Uma stands over them, shaking her head in shock.

BONNIE_SURPRISED: Somebody remind me to be more organised in future.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Would that make a difference?

BONNIE_FLIRTY: Probably… Not.

BONNIE_HAPPY: I’m looking for my SPF moisturiser.

SUMMER_SURPRISED: Why is my smoochie grapefruit lip balm in your suitcase, Bonnie.

PLAYER_SURPRISED: Smoochie grapefruit?

SUMMER_FLIRTY: That’s what it’s called.

UMA_IDLE: Girls, gamefaces please.

Bonnie is tossing things out of her suitcase and onto the floor.

Uma stands over her, shaking her head in shock.

BONNIE_SURPRISED: Somebody remind me to be more organised in future.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Would that make a difference?

BONNIE_FLIRTY: Probably… Not.

BONNIE_HAPPY: I’m looking for my SPF moisturiser.

BONNIE_SURPRISED: Aw, I found Summer’s smoochie grapefruit lip balm in my case!

PLAYER_SURPRISED: Smoochie grapefruit?

BONNIE_FLIRTY: That’s what it’s called!

UMA_EMBARRASSED: Oh, excuse me whilst I look for my browy wowy eyebrow kit.

BONNIE_HAPPY: I’d buy that.

DAPHNE_HAPPY: You two are like a comedy duo.

{0}_IDLE: Are they always like this?

Yup, we have a blast

PLAYER_HAPPY: Yeah, we have a blast together.

PLAYER_HAPPY: We’re close already. You have to be in Casa Amor.

{0}_IDLE: I can see that.

{0}_HAPPY: It’s kinda nice.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Makes me miss the other girls though.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: You’re all kinda the reason they’re gone…

DAPHNE_SURPRISED: Be nice, {0}. They did what we’d have done.

Reckon you can fit in?

PLAYER_IDLE: Think you can fit in?

{0}_IDLE: Absolutely, you all seem like fun girls.

PLAYER_IDLE: We do try.

{0}_SAD: It is making me miss the other girls though.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: You’re all kinda the reason they’re gone…

DAPHNE_SURPRISED: Be nice, {0}. They did what we’d have done.

{0}_FLIRTY: Just stating facts.

No comment

PLAYER_IDLE: No comment.

{0}_IDLE: Just making small talk.

{0}_IDLE: Gotta make some new friends, since you all kinda sent mine home.

UMA_EMBARRASSED: Jeez.

DAPHNE_SURPRISED: Be nice, {0}. We’d have done the same.

{0}_FLIRTY: Just stating facts.

UMA_HAPPY: Moving on, I’m actually buzzing for this obstacle course.

UMA_EMBARRASSED: Though I’m not sure how coordinated I’ll be.

UMA_HAPPY: Me and surfing don’t go so well together.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’m thinking I’m gonna smash it, semi-pro athlete after all.

BONNIE_HAPPY: Oh yeah, this challenge was made for you.

PLAYER_HAPPY: As long as we give it our sexiest try.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: Exactly, treat it like a show.

SUMMER_FLIRTY: Joyo won’t know what hit him.

SUMMER_FLIRTY: It’ll either be my butt or my hair, when I work it on that course.

UMA_FLIRTY: I need to keep making an impression on {0}.

UMA_FLIRTY: Especially after our bedtime makeout session.

You let out a wolf whistle.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Get you.

SUMMER_FLIRTY: Snap! It was like a sauna under the covers with me and Joyo…

UMA_HAPPY: I could’ve definitely taken it further.

UMA_EMBARRASSED: But of course the other girls only just left.

UMA_IDLE: Plus, it’s good to hold back. I want this to be a real connection.

UMA_FLIRTY: Not just mindless stuff, I’m bored of that.

BONNIE_IDLE: I hear you.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: That’s why there’s really only one person I want to work it for today.

She flexes her bicep and you notice the curve of her muscle.

She catches you looking. She chuckles softly.

UMA_SERIOUS: We should finish getting dressed.

UMA_IDLE: Then we can go and… Erm stretch or something? Is that right?

DAPHNE_FLIRTY: Yeah, limber up, touch your toes, get that blood pumping.

You open the closet.

PLAYER_IDLE: I’m cool with this fit.

UMA_IDLE: Consider this, {0}.

UMA_EMBARRASSED: You might not be the only one competing for {0}’s attention.

{0}_IDLE: I think I might have the edge with my look today.

UMA_IDLE: Take another look maybe?

Ok, I’ll check again

I like my current look

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’m into this one, for sure.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: Stunning! Really brings out your eyes.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: And your figure too.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Oh man, you do look gorgeous.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Thanks.

{0}_FLIRTY: Luckily, so am I. I guess {1} won’t know where to look.

PLAYER_IDLE: I actually like what I’ve got on.

{0}_FLIRTY: Fine by me.

{0}_FLIRTY: You all scrub up pretty well.

{0}_FLIRTY: There’s a lot of gorgeousness present in this room.

DAPHNE_HAPPY: I second that.

DAPHNE_FLIRTY: Angels, the lot of you.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Aw, thanks, Daphne.

Bonnie flutters her arms out like wings.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: No halos here though.

{0}_IDLE: But…

UMA_IDLE: Are buts ever a good thing?

SUMMER_FLIRTY: Not buts, but butts.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Now that was a tongue twister.

DAPHNE_FLIRTY: Not buts, but butts.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Now that was a tongue twister.

{0}_FLIRTY: But… I might steal this challenge, girls.

You gotta back that up

PLAYER_IDLE: Ohhh, you gotta back that up!

PLAYER_IDLE: That’s a bold statement, especially if you’re wrong…

{0}_HAPPY: I’m not wrong, trust me.

I might steal it

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Absolutely no chance, girl.

PLAYER_IDLE: Not when I’m your competition.

{0}_IDLE: It’s on, {1}.

I love a bit of healthy competition

PLAYER_HAPPY: I do love a bit of healthy competition.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: May the strongest girl win.

{0}_HAPPY: Oh, I intend to.

{0}_FLIRTY: I’ll be seeing you girls down there.

She saunters out of the room, touching her hair as she goes.

Daphne’s eyes dart round the room. She gives you all an embarrassed smile.

DAPHNE_IDLE: I’ll go down with her, make sure she’s good.

She waves a little awkwardly before leaving you and the girls alone.

UMA_IDLE: I believe her, you know.

BONNIE_EMBARRASSED: She does have that unshakable air of confidence.

SUMMER_FLIRTY: I have to admire her for that.

UMA_SERIOUS: But we don’t want her to grab all the attention.

Uma touches your arm.

UMA_EMBARRASSED: Don’t let her steal your limelight, {0}.

UMA_FLIRTY: Or your man!

PLAYER_SERIOUS: I hear you, Uma. Let’s get out there and crash this course.

You lead the charge. The girls follow you in single file, whooping and hollering as they go.

You and the girls reach the challenge stage, the energy is infectious.

Evan is leading the boys in an intense stretching warm-up.

EVAN_HAPPY: Wrap your arms around your waist, keep your torso facing front.

EVAN_IDLE: Then twist your upper body and crane that neck round to look over your shoulders…

EVAN_HAPPY: Ready for the…

A few of the boys sigh with relief.

BRYSON_HAPPY: Oh sweet release.

ALEX_HAPPY: You boys need to chop more wood. It really frees up the tension.

RAFAEL_FLIRTY: I don’t think I have space in my London flat for much wood chopping, Alex.

ALEX_HAPPY: Ok, good point. Might be a locational thing.

EVAN_HAPPY: Wood chopping weekend at Alex’s asap?

ALEX_HAPPY: Oh lads! I’d love to host ya.

You clear your throat.

EVAN_FLIRTY: Hey gorgeous girls.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: What if the girls wanted to come to the wood weekend?

{0}_FLIRTY: She’s got a point.

BONNIE_HAPPY: Heh. Wood weekend.

SUMMER_FLIRTY: Was waiting for somebody to make a little double entendre.

SUMMER_FLIRTY: Bon you’re on my wavelength.

DAPHNE_FLIRTY: Was waiting for somebody to make a little double entendre there…

ALEX_FLIRTY: Girls are definitely welcome on the wood weekend.

BRYSON_FLIRTY: Hot.

ALEX_IDLE: Just be prepared to get splinters.

BRYSON_EMBARRASSED: Not so hot.

You all turn to face the obstacle course.

It consists of a crawl tunnel, sand dunes to navigate over, a sexy slide and paddling pool with a surfboard for the grand finish.

BONNIE_SURPRISED: That actually looks intense.

{0}_FLIRTY: Feeling the pressure?

BONNIE_FLIRTY: Never.

She raises her eyebrows at you and smirks.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: I’ve got surf skills for days…

Uma holds the first card up to the excitable group and explains the rules of the course.

UMA_HAPPY: Each Islander must conquer the course in their own unique sexy style…

UMA_HAPPY: Do your best slow-mo run over the sand dunes.

UMA_HAPPY: Crawl through the tunnel, slip down the slide.

UMA_FLIRTY: Before surfing in to snog the Islander of their choice at the finish line!

{0} holds up another card.

{0}_HAPPY: There will be a secret prize, to be revealed later on, for the Islander who did it sexiest… {1}SexyShowTime {2}SlipNSmooch

UMA_HAPPY: What are we waiting for?!

BRYSON_HAPPY: That’s it, Uma’s going first.

You all gather at the sidelines to cheer her on.

She stands with her hands on her hips waiting to begin…

UMA_FLIRTY: It’s showtime.

Cheer for Uma

PLAYER_HAPPY: Come on, Uma! Knock ‘em out, girl!

You lead a cheer. Everyone joins in, clapping and wooping for Uma.

UMA_HAPPY: I appreciate you, {0}.

Smile at Uma in support

You smile at Uma and give her a little thumbs-up.

UMA_HAPPY: Thanks, {0}.

The other Islanders start clapping and wooping with support.

UMA_HAPPY: Thanks everyone.

Stay quiet

You stay quiet as the others cheer and woop with support for Uma.

She doesn’t seem to notice your silence.

Uma smashes the course with an air of power and confidence. Moving over the dunes in a sexy surfer run.

She slides her way down to the slide where she grabs {0}.

With a fervent look in her eyes she ends by kissing his face off.

ALEX_FLIRTY: Wood weekend might be starting a little earlier than anticipated…

UMA_HAPPY: Alex!

BRYSON_FLIRTY: That was such a me-coded joke. Proud of you, my man.

BRYSON_FLIRTY: Oi, Alex, wood weekend might be starting a little earlier than anticipated…

UMA_HAPPY: Bryson!

ALEX_HAPPY: I’ll get my axe.

BRYSON_SURPRISED: Ouch!

{0} follows Uma’s lead and tackles the course with the same sexy confidence, making the girls swoon.

DAPHNE_FLIRTY: Dang, he’s got it.

UMA_FLIRTY: And he’s all mine.

SUMMER_FLIRTY: I’m drooling a bit.

BONNIE_HAPPY: Eww.

He doesn’t hesitate to give Uma a scorching snog at the finish line.

UMA_SURPRISED: I’m blushing. I was so composed a second ago, I swear!

{0}_FLIRTY: I’m glad I have that effect on you…

Bryson puts on a show.

He thrusts his hips to propel himself down the slide.

He gets stuck in the tunnel and bounces over to the dunes like an oversized turtle…

BONNIE_HAPPY: I can’t look away.

PLAYER_HAPPY: It’s fascinating.

SUMMER_HAPPY: He is pure and utter chaos.

UMA_HAPPY: Whooooo! Go Bryson!

BONNIE_HAPPY: It seems to be having quite the effect on Uma.

UMA_FLIRTY: What can I say, I love a boy who commits.

He doesn’t hesitate to give Uma a scorching kiss as he whizzes over the finishing line.

Bonnie is up next. She grins and puts her hand on one hip.

BONNIE_HAPPY: This could be interesting.

She starts off a little awkwardly, wobbling as she goes over the dunes.

She manages to catch herself and style it out with a little high kick dance move.

{0}_HAPPY: Whoo! You got it, Bon Bon.

Bonnie skillfully darts through the crawl-tunnel in a matter of seconds.

You can’t help but notice the way her body subtly glistens, small drops of sweat beading on her toned torso…

The boys are extremely impressed.

JOYO_SURPRISED: Bonnie, you’re a beast.

ALEX_HAPPY: Legit impressive.

BRYSON_FLIRTY: Look at her go!

She slides on her side all the way to the finish line.

When she stands up she shakes her short hair back into place and looks at {0}.

She heads towards him but changes her trajectory at the last minute.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: Can I kiss you, {0}?

Heck yeah!

PLAYER_FLIRTY: If you don’t kiss me, I’ll be offended, so… Heck yeah.

Bonnie’s eyes glint mischievously as she winds her arm around your neck confidently.

You grasp her upper arms and catch her lips in a strong and passionate kiss.

The group cheers in the background.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: That was worth embarrassing myself for.

On the cheek for now

PLAYER_HAPPY: Sure! But on the cheek for now.

Bonnie leans in and kisses you softly on the cheek.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: Your skin is so soft.

PLAYER_IDLE: Moisturiser…

BONNIE_IDLE: It’s working for you.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: That was worth embarrassing myself for actually.

Nope

PLAYER_IDLE: No, go for somebody else.

BONNIE_IDLE: Sure.

BONNIE_HAPPY: {0}, I’m comin’ for you.

She rushes up to him and gives him a few cute little pecks on his cheek. He laughs.

{0}_HAPPY: She can kiss, she can nail an obstacle course. What can’t she do?

BONNIE_HAPPY: You’re a charmer. Don’t pretend you didn’t see me almost faceplant on the dunes…

{0}_FLIRTY: Future gymnast for sure.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: Funny! You next…

BONNIE_HAPPY: {0} I’m comin’ for you.

She rushes up to him and gives him a few cute little pecks on his lips. He laughs.

{0}_HAPPY: She can kiss, she can nail an obstacle course. What can’t she do?

BONNIE_HAPPY: You’re a charmer. Don’t pretend you didn’t see me almost faceplant on the dunes…

{0}_HAPPY: Future gymnast right here.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: Funny.

BONNIE_HAPPY: You next!

Joyo blitzes round the course. He’s calm, cool and collected.

He takes a second to flash a smile in yours and the girls’ direction.

He slides to the finish line on his side, his head propped up with one elbow.

He swaggers up to Bonnie and goes in for her lips. She turns her head and taps her cheek.

He touches his lips on her cheek briefly.

JOYO_FLIRTY: I’m getting humbled here.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: It’s nothing personal.

She glances over at you.

JOYO_IDLE: It’s ok.

JOYO_FLIRTY: My ego can take it, just about.

He swaggers up to Bonnie and dips her into a sexy kiss.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: Ok, Mr Cool. I can see why you have such a high success rate.

JOYO_FLIRTY: But it doesn’t work on you?

BONNIE_FLIRTY: Early days, Joyo, early days.

Bryson puts on a show.

He thrusts his hips to propel himself down the slide.

He gets stuck in the tunnel and bounces over to the dunes like an oversized turtle…

BONNIE_HAPPY: I can’t look away.

PLAYER_HAPPY: It’s fascinating.

SUMMER_HAPPY: He is pure and utter chaos.

DAPHNE_HAPPY: Bless his heart.

{0}_HAPPY: He is pure and utter chaos.

DAPHNE_HAPPY: Bless his heart.

UMA_HAPPY: At least he commits.

He slides up to Bonnie and goes in for her lips. She turns her head and taps her cheek.

He touches his lips on her cheek briefly.

BRYSON_HAPPY: Swerved.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: It’s nothing personal.

She glances over at you.

BRYSON_IDLE: It’s ok.

He swaggers up to Bonnie and dips her into a cheeky kiss.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: Ok, Mr Chaos. You’ve got the mooooves.

BRYSON_FLIRTY: But you don’t like them?

BONNIE_FLIRTY: Early days, Bryson, early days.

NARRATOR: Moving on, or should I say slip n’ sliding on…

NARRATOR: Daph and Raf tore up the course to impress one another.

NARRATOR: Look at those lovebirds chirping away… Or chirpsing more like.

NARRATOR: Casa Amor is just a distant memory already… lovebirds clearly don’t have the memories elephants do.

NARRATOR: Moving on, or should I say slip n’ sliding on…

NARRATOR: Summer and Joyo put on an X-rated performance for one another.

NARRATOR: I had to cover my eyes.

NARRATOR: I heard Joyo got very up close and personal with the crawl tunnel.

NARRATOR: So we arranged for them to go to the hideaway next!

NARRATOR: Joyo and the crawl tunnel that is…

Evan steps up to the starting line next. Everyone seems a little intrigued.

He dances across the course effortlessly, stopping in the centre for a spin and to smile at you and the rest of the girls.

Skidding over the line on one foot, he strolls over to {0} and kisses her on the cheek with a charming grin.

{0}_FLIRTY: That’s my guy.

He then flips his focus to you, giving you a sexy half-smile as he falls back in place.

Uma whispers in your ear.

UMA_SURPRISED: Was he just checking you out?

He’s into me

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I think he’s into me.

UMA_SURPRISED: Oh, wow. I smell drama.

UMA_HAPPY: He is gorgeous though…

Nah

PLAYER_IDLE: Nah, he’s coupled up with {0} and I’m with {1}.

UMA_IDLE: Hmm, I’m not that great at reading people.

UMA_FLIRTY: But even I saw something in the way he looked at you.

Was he?

PLAYER_SURPRISED: Was he actually?

UMA_HAPPY: For sure.

UMA_FLIRTY: I’m not even that good at reading people, but that look he just gave you…

UMA_FLIRTY: Hot.

{0}_FLIRTY: My go…

Alex goes all out for you.

He puts his toned muscles to good use climbing the dunes, glancing back over his shoulder to check that you’re watching.

He strikes a pose on the slide, biting his lip as he gazes deep into your eyes…

Bryson puts on a show for you.

He thrusts his hips to propel himself on the slide.

He jogs with the surfboard, pausing to give you a devilish grin.

Joyo blitzes round the course. He’s calm, cool and collected. He takes every opportunity to flash a smile in your direction.

He slides down into the paddling pool, his head propped up with one elbow, his eyes fixed on yours…

Rafael takes the course with all of his pent-up energy.

He zooms across the dunes laughing gently as he checks that your eyes are on him.

When he comes to the slide he settles into a surfer’s stance to glide across the line…

Bonnie and Uma nudge you and lower their voices.

Bonnie, Uma and Summer nudge you and lower their voices.

BONNIE_HAPPY: Wow, he really did all that for your benefit, you know.

It was hot

PLAYER_FLIRTY: It was hot. I gotta say, I’m pretty impressed.

UMA_FLIRTY: I would be too!

SUMMER_FLIRTY: You’re a lucky girl

It was way too much

PLAYER_IDLE: That was way too extra, I found it a bit cringe.

PLAYER_IDLE: Just being honest.

UMA_IDLE: Aw, {0}. He really likes you.

SUMMER_FLIRTY: She can’t help it if it didn’t float her boat.

UMA_EMBARRASSED: I guess you can’t help it if it didn’t float your boat.

{0} strolls cooly towards you.

Kiss him passionately

You meet him halfway and throw caution to the wind, pulling him towards you, his lips crash passionately against yours.

You know that everybody's watching but you just don’t care.

You wrap a leg around his waist and feel his fingers gripping your thigh.

His lips respond to the rhythm you set. Fast and hard, then slow and deep and soft.

Your heart beats fast as you pull back from one another.

{0}_FLIRTY: I’ll be doing obstacle courses 60 times a day if that’s the response I get…

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I’ll hold you to it.

Your fellow Islanders cheer enthusiastically.

You notice {0} standing off to the side with a frown on her face.

Kiss him gently

You caress {0}’s cheek and stare deep into his lustful eyes.

He closes the gap between you and falls into a tender kiss. He matches the rhythm of calm passion that you create.

His eyes are still closed when you pull back.

{0}_FLIRTY: I’ve got goosebumps…

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Mission accomplished.

Your fellow Islanders cheer with excitement.

You notice {0} standing off to the side with a frown on her face.

Let him kiss your cheek

You smile and gesture to your cheek.

{0} smiles right back at you and caresses your jawline gently before grazing his lips over your cheekbone.

His lips are soft and sure.

{0}_FLIRTY: I’m actually honoured to kiss any part of your face.

Your fellow Islanders sigh dreamily at the sappiness of his statement.

You notice {0} standing off to the side with a frown on her face.

Swerve him

You sidestep his kiss and watch as his face falls slightly.

{0}_IDLE: Ooof, {1}. I’m a big boy, I can take it.

{0}_FLIRTY: Maybe we can pick this up later on?

Your fellow Islanders chuckle amongst themselves.

You notice {0} standing off to the side with a frown on her face.

{0}_FLIRTY: I’m thinking it’s my turn, boys…

{0} sashays around the course, strutting across the dunes like it’s no big deal.

She wriggles through the tunnel seductively.

Her hair gets wet on the slide and she tosses it back with a naughty gleam in her eyes.

She finishes with her hand on one hip and turns towards Evan.

But, at the last minute she goes up to {0} and drops down to dance in front of him.

She moves her hips in circles as she rolls slowly back up to face him, a small smirk playing across her lips.

She holds him with her eyes, before planting her lips on his cheek delicately and whispering something in his ear…

UMA_IDLE: I would not let that fly.

Call them both out

PLAYER_SERIOUS: Eww, that’s kinda tacky.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: You’re with Evan.

PLAYER_SERIOUS: And you brought me back to the villa, {0}.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: So maybe act like that means something to you.

{0}_FLIRTY: Hey now, I’m just having fun.

{0}_IDLE: He was with me first, remember.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I didn’t ask her to dance on me like that, {1}.

Call her out

PLAYER_SERIOUS: Eww, that’s kinda tacky.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: You’re with Evan.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: So maybe act like that means something to you.

{0}_FLIRTY: Hey now, I’m just having fun.

{0}_IDLE: He was with me first, remember.

Reveal the dumped girls’ info about {0} and Evan

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Funny how you’re back on {0} all of a sudden.

PLAYER_SERIOUS: I thought you wanted to rip Evan’s clothes off more than you ever did with {0}?

{0}_SURPRISED: What?! Where did you hear that?

PLAYER_SERIOUS: From close sources let’s just say.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Wow, {1}.

{0}_SERIOUS: If you were never really that into me, how about you just leave me alone?

{0}_SURPRISED: Don’t be like that. You weren’t even there.

{0}_SERIOUS: I’m glad I wasn’t from the sounds of it.

EVAN_EMBARRASSED: Bro, I don’t know what to say.

{0}_SERIOUS: Don’t say anything. Let’s talk later.

EVAN_EMBARRASSED: Sure thing.

Everyone stands in slightly awkward silence for a moment.

The tension between {0} and {1} is palpable.

Ignore the action

You turn away from {0} and {1} and pretend to be occupied with brushing something off of your outfit.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: {1}? Are we good?

PLAYER_IDLE: Huh, I missed all that.

{0}_IDLE: I didn’t ask her to dance on me. I hope you know that.

{0}_IDLE: I was just having fun with it.

You walk over to the starting line, ready to take your turn.

All eyes are on you...

Approach the course with sexy style

You eye the watching crowd and run your hands down your body suggestively.

You easily make it over the dunes. You strut across like a supermodel, gaining gasps from your fellow Islanders.

You take the tunnel on all fours, pressing your chest to your arms so that the curve of your bum is on full display.

When you reach the end of the tunnel, {0}’s eyes check you up and down. Evan is biting his lip.

Bonnie is fanning herself with one hand…

You use your hips to slide over the finish line with your back arched and your head thrown back.

{0}_FLIRTY: I’m genuinely speechless.

EVAN_FLIRTY: You’re quite the performer, {0}.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: I’m burning up.

You dip into a little curtsy.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: It was nothing…

Approach with pure competitiveness

You blast round the course, sprinting across the dunes, diving through the tunnel, grabbing the surfboard.

You skid past the finish line in record time.

Your fellow Islanders are speechless. {0} looks bewitched, Evan has a cheeky glimmer in his eyes.

Bonnie’s jaw has dropped.

{0}_HAPPY: That was literally a masterclass on how to tackle that course.

{0}_FLIRTY: So hot.

EVAN_FLIRTY: You’re an extremely interesting girl, {0}.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: I don’t even have any words right now…

You dip into a bow.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Thanks, everyone.

PLAYER_HAPPY: It’s literally my job, I would hope that I’m actually good at it.

UMA_IDLE: Makes sense that you’ve put us all to shame!

Play it for laughs

You set out to make everyone laugh. You stick your tongue out at the watching crowd. They cheer and pull faces back at you.

You wobble across the dunes, playing to your audience, pretending to fall, then catching yourself at the last minute.

You take the tunnel on your stomach, scooting forward slowly like a worm. Your fellow Islanders roar with laughter.

Finally, you zoom backwards over the finish line to land on your bum.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Ta-da!!

{0}_FLIRTY: That was comedy gold… And yet you still manage to look hot as hell.

EVAN_FLIRTY: Something very sexy about a girl who doesn’t take herself too seriously.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: I agree wholeheartedly.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Glad I could make you all laugh.

You happen to glance {0}’s way. She has her hands on her hips, but she’s looking away from you.

{0}’s eyes are filled with passion as you lock eyes with him…

*Kiss and steal the spotlight with {0}

You saunter over to {0}, his eyes light up.

You place your hands either side of his face and gently pull him forward for a kiss.

His hands travel to the small of your back, then down to your hips.

You let him pull you closer, your lips making gentle magic together.

You sigh when he finally lets you go…

{0}_FLIRTY: I liked that noise.

{0}_FLIRTY: And I liked that kiss.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: It had to be you.

{0} is watching you.

You caress {0}’s cheek and walk round him seductively, trailing your hand over his body.

Goosebumps pepper his skin.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Ready for the grand finale?

{0}_FLIRTY: You are so hot, {1}.

You drop to the ground, bouncing up and down onto your ankles, moving to your own sexy rhythm.

When you come back up, you pull flush against {0} feeling his body move against yours.

{0}_FLIRTY: Wow!

You look over at {0}, and she frowns back at you.

*Kiss and steal the spotlight with Evan

You turn away from {0}.

You saunter over to Evan… He seems surprised, but his eyes get heavy with desire when he sees what you’re about to do.

You put your hands on his chest and lean up to fall deep into his kiss.

Before you know it, his hands are stroking the small of your back as he responds enthusiastically to your lips and touch.

{0} is watching you.

You caress Evan’s cheek and walk round him seductively, trailing your hand over his body.

Goosebumps pepper his smooth skin.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Ready for the grand finale?

EVAN_FLIRTY: You are smoking, {0}.

You drop to the ground, bouncing up and down onto your ankles, moving to your own sexy rhythm.

When you come back up, you pull flush against Evan feeling his body move against yours.

EVAN_FLIRTY: Wow!

EVAN_FLIRTY: That was a surprise, {0}.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: A good one?

EVAN_FLIRTY: Oh, the best kind.

{0}_SERIOUS: Are you for real, right now, {1}?

{0}_SERIOUS: At this point, it feels like you’re trying to push my buttons.

{0}_SAD: I am a bit confused, {1}.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: It’s just a game, people.

Kiss Bonnie

You saunter over to Bonnie. Her eyes light up as you gently clasp her face in your hands and draw her closer for a kiss.

Her hands travel to the small of your back, then down to your hips.

You let her pull you closer, your lips making gentle magic together.

You sigh when she finally lets you go.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: I liked that noise.

Her voice is low and flirty.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: I liked that kiss.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: It had to be you, Bonnie.

You notice that {0} looks disappointed.

Quick snog with {0}

You make a beeline straight for {0} and pull him in for a quick snog.

When you pull away you see {0} rolling her eyes.

{0}_FLIRTY: That was hot. You are hot.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I know.

Kiss nobody

You skip back into the line alongside your fellow Islanders.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Nobody gets a kiss right now.

{0} laughs.

{0}_FLIRTY: You are unpredictable, {1}, I’ll give you that.

BONNIE_HAPPY: She certainly is. But she owned that course!

EVAN_FLIRTY: She really did.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’ve got a text.

BONNIE_HAPPY: What’s it say?

UMA_FLIRTY: Yeah, {0}, tell us already!

You read it out to the group.

LITEXT: Islanders, the Making Waves challenge is over, the winner will be announced later today! {0}SecretPrize {1}WavyWinner

BONNIE_HAPPY: A secret prize? Awesome! I can’t wait to find out what it is.

UMA_HAPPY: And find out who won the challenge!

You all head back into the villa but before you get far…

{0}_IDLE: Hey, {1}.

PLAYER_SURPRISED: Um, hey.

{0}_IDLE: Can we chat?

PLAYER_IDLE: Um… Sure.

You sit slightly awkwardly next to {0} at the firepit.

{0}_IDLE: This is gonna be impossible, right?

PLAYER_SURPRISED: What do you mean?

{0}_EMBARRASSED: All this tension.

{0}_IDLE: So I feel like I’ll just come out and say it.

PLAYER_SERIOUS: I’m not sure I know where this is going.

{0}_IDLE: Obviously, I chose to twist with Evan…

Then back off

PLAYER_ANGRY: Then how about you back off…

PLAYER_IDLE: Why were you making moves on {0}?

{0}_SERIOUS: Why do you think?

{0}_IDLE: I’m not ready to back off, {1}.

{0}_IDLE: Plus…

But you’re still torn?

PLAYER_IDLE: But you’re still torn, aren’t you?

{0}_IDLE: Of course I am.

{0}_IDLE: You don’t just lose feelings for somebody that fast.

{0}_SERIOUS: We have history.

{0}_ANGRY: Like major history.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: You’re getting in the way.

{0}_SERIOUS: Don’t you think you’re being a hypocrite?

PLAYER_SURPRISED: What do you mean?

{0}_EMBARRASSED: You put quite the little performance on with Evan.

{0}_SERIOUS: And you kissed him!

PLAYER_IDLE: It was literally just a game.

{0}_SERIOUS: Don’t you think you’re being a hypocrite?

PLAYER_SURPRISED: What do you mean?

{0}_EMBARRASSED: You chose to kiss Bonnie anyway.

PLAYER_IDLE: It was literally just a game.

{0}_IDLE: That challenge was hard for me.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Seeing {1} acting all physical like that…

{0}_FLIRTY: It turned me on.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I’m thinking maybe I have stronger feelings for him than I thought.

{0}_IDLE: And I want to explore that.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: We were strong before he left for Casa Amor.

{0}_IDLE: Maybe I want to get back to that.

{0}_IDLE: I’m a tough girl, {1}.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: But I don’t want to get into all this confrontational stuff.

{0}_SAD: I just miss Alex. I think there could be something real there with him.

{0}_SAD: More than I thought we had together.

{0}_IDLE: This is weird for me, I can’t lie.

{0}_SAD: I’m a friendly spirit, I hate conflict.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I don’t like this side of myself.

{0}_IDLE: But at the same time, I gotta fight for this potential true connection.

{0}_HAPPY: I forgot how awesomely funny Bryson is.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I’m absolutely not a lover of conflict.

{0}_IDLE: I want peace and good times here in the villa, truly.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I just don’t want to have any what-ifs with Joyo, you know?

{0}_SERIOUS: What me and Raf had was real.

{0}_SERIOUS: He was falling for me.

{0}_ANGRY: I won’t let you get in the way of a proper connection.

Shouldn’t have binned him off then

PLAYER_IDLE: Want my honest opinion?

PLAYER_SERIOUS: You shouldn’t have binned him off then.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: It’s not like you stayed single and faithful.

PLAYER_IDLE: There’s no sob story here, {0}.

{0}_ANGRY: Well that’s…

I understand

PLAYER_IDLE: I get it, I do. This is Love Island.

PLAYER_IDLE: You want to explore every potential connection.

{0}_IDLE: Well yeah…

He’s moving on

PLAYER_IDLE: He’s clearly moving on. He’s into me now.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: You should move on too.

{0}_ANGRY: Well that’s…

EVAN_HAPPY: Hey, girls, hope I’m not interrupting anything too serious.

EVAN_IDLE: I was hoping to pull you away for a chat.

{0} looks a little impatient.

{0}_IDLE: What’s it about? We’re kind of in the middle of something here.

EVAN_EMBARRASSED: Ah, I actually wanted to talk to {0}.

{0}_SURPRISED: Oh. What do you want to say to her?

EVAN_HAPPY: I just want to have a chat with her, {0}.

He smiles at her.

EVAN_HAPPY: We’ll hang later, yeah?

{0}_SERIOUS: Sure.

{0} watches you and Evan as you head off to the daybeds.

You and Evan sit with your feet up, side-by-side on the daybeds.

He shifts to look at you and his face lights up with a smile. You notice how much his eyes twinkle in the sunlight.

EVAN_HAPPY: This is nothing specific, by the way.

EVAN_IDLE: I just wanted the chance to get to know you.

EVAN_HAPPY: Aaaaaand…

PLAYER_IDLE: Aaaaand what?

EVAN_FLIRTY: It sorta looked like {0} was getting a bit intense.

EVAN_HAPPY: Us newbies need to stick together.

EVAN_FLIRTY: Can’t be getting involved with all that drama.

PLAYER_HAPPY: You’re a drama-free type of guy?

He chuckles and runs his thumb along his jawline.

EVAN_FLIRTY: 100% correct.

EVAN_HAPPY: All my passion goes into my art.

EVAN_IDLE: What about you? Are you a drama-free girl?

Usually, I’m totally drama-free

PLAYER_HAPPY: I mean, yeah. Usually I’m totally drama-free.

PLAYER_IDLE: But in here…

EVAN_HAPPY: I get you. It’s not as easy, right?

PLAYER_HAPPY: Exactly. This place can be a hotbed for drama.

EVAN_FLIRTY: So what you’re saying is you’re drama, drama, drama…

I think drama can spice things up

PLAYER_IDLE: Honestly? I think drama can be spicy, it adds a bit of flavour.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Wouldn’t we all be bored if everything was like a fairytale right away?

EVAN_IDLE: You’ve got good points, {0}.

EVAN_FLIRTY: But all I’m hearing is that you’re drama, drama, drama…

Sometimes the drama finds me

PLAYER_IDLE: Hmm, well sometimes the drama finds me.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: Whether I want it to or not.

EVAN_IDLE: I hear that.

EVAN_FLIRTY: Nobody comes to the villa without expecting at least a dash of drama.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Exactly!

EVAN_FLIRTY: But what I’m hearing is that you’re a magnet for drama…

PLAYER_SURPRISED: Oh, um…

EVAN_IDLE: It’s chill, I’m teasing you.

EVAN_FLIRTY: Anybody that looks like you is naturally gonna be causing some dramatic events.

PLAYER_IDLE: Why’s that?

EVAN_FLIRTY: Did you look in the mirror today?

EVAN_HAPPY: You’re a true work of art.

EVAN_FLIRTY: More vivid than anything I could create.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Tell me about your work?

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’m not that into art, but maybe you could convert me.

EVAN_HAPPY: I’ll definitely try!

EVAN_HAPPY: I love talking about it, maybe too much.

EVAN_IDLE: So just tell me to shush if I get too carried away.

EVAN_HAPPY: Though I might like that.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I’ll keep that in mind.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Though I might not want to stop you, I have an interest in art too.

Evan feigns swooning.

EVAN_FLIRTY: {0}, you’re saying all the right things.

He beams even wider, his body language is open and friendly.

EVAN_HAPPY: I dabble. I’m a dabbler.

EVAN_IDLE: I like to experiment with form.

EVAN_HAPPY: Bit of digital art, bit of sculpting, bit of comic book illustration…

EVAN_HAPPY: But painting is really it for me.

EVAN_IDLE: I like to focus on feeling. It spills out of me in many different ways.

EVAN_HAPPY: Sometimes it’ll be close up features, faces exploding with colour…

EVAN_IDLE: The same eye, over and over and over again.

EVAN_HAPPY: In different sizes, on different backgrounds.

EVAN_HAPPY: My work is just an extension of me, of what I love. Or who I love.

EVAN_IDLE: And how I feel.

EVAN_HAPPY: Does that make sense, or did I just get all art nerd on you?

Sounds stunning

PLAYER_HAPPY: Sounds absolutely stunning.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I can feel your passion for what you do, it pours from your words.

EVAN_HAPPY: That’s so wonderful to hear.

EVAN_IDLE: I fear that not everybody gets to do the thing they love the most in life.

I don’t really get it

PLAYER_IDLE: I’m a little lost, I don’t completely understand the art world.

EVAN_HAPPY: That can’t be true, {0}.

EVAN_IDLE: I know what you do.

EVAN_HAPPY: Graphic design definitely slots into the art world.

PLAYER_IDLE: Sort of, for me we’re kind of the outsiders, creatives with a business mind.

EVAN_HAPPY: Ah, that totally makes sense.

PLAYER_HAPPY: But I do feel your passion for what you do pouring out of every word.

EVAN_HAPPY: I’m so glad you said that. I know I’m lucky to do what I love the most.

So you paint people you like…?

PLAYER_FLIRTY: So you paint people who make you feel things?

EVAN_FLIRTY: I do. People that inspire feelings that are difficult to put into words…

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Interesting…

EVAN_FLIRTY: I feel like you want to say something else.

PLAYER_IDLE: Just that I can see how passionate you are about your work.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: It pours from your every syllable.

EVAN_HAPPY: I really am. I’m lucky, I know that.

EVAN_IDLE: Not everyone works in the field they love the most.

EVAN_HAPPY: But you’ve got to have similar levels of passion to do what you’re doing?

PLAYER_IDLE: So true.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I like to think that I do have a lot of passion for my work.

PLAYER_IDLE: It’s hard for me to relate as I’m still figuring out exactly what I want to do.

EVAN_IDLE: That’s a joy in itself though, {0}.

EVAN_HAPPY: Treasure that time, I’m excited for you.

EVAN_HAPPY: When it finally hits you, you’ll know.

EVAN_HAPPY: It took me a while to find my passion.

EVAN_HAPPY: I guess the passion is easier to come by when things are going well too.

EVAN_IDLE: I only really recently saw things take off for me.

PLAYER_SURPRISED: What happened?

EVAN_HAPPY: My latest exhibition went viral.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Wow, what was it?

EVAN_IDLE: It was a series of pieces on how sex affects the senses.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Oh…

EVAN_FLIRTY: Licks of colour under inhaling nostrils.

EVAN_FLIRTY: Silhouettes etched deep into the pupils.

EVAN_FLIRTY: Red hot fingerprints over trails of different coloured skin.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: That sounds pretty erotic, Evan.

EVAN_FLIRTY: I think that’s why people liked it.

There’s a brief pause, a potential spark hangs in the air between you.

PLAYER_IDLE: So, what’s the deal with you and {0} then?

EVAN_IDLE: Hmm, I’ll be honest, {0}.

EVAN_HAPPY: I’m not completely clear on it myself.

EVAN_IDLE: When I first came in with the other boys during Casa Amor, we really clicked.

EVAN_IDLE: She’s obviously very beautiful, and she seemed interested in me.

PLAYER_IDLE: But now you’re not sure?

EVAN_EMBARRASSED: Yeah… Things have shifted. She seems to be back on {0}.

EVAN_IDLE: I don’t know where that leaves me.

EVAN_EMBARRASSED: The way she grafted him in the challenge kinda spoke volumes for me.

EVAN_FLIRTY: I think I’m free to look for other, stronger sparks.

EVAN_FLIRTY: I’m searching for electricity, you know?

Maybe you’ve found it…

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Maybe you’ve already found it…

PLAYER_FLIRTY: It could be anywhere.

EVAN_FLIRTY: Maybe I’m feeling it right now.

EVAN_FLIRTY: I was feeling it in that challenge.

EVAN_FLIRTY: You chose me. Just for fun?

PLAYER_FLIRTY: For now…

I hope you find it

PLAYER_IDLE: I hope you find it.

PLAYER_IDLE: Maybe somebody else will come in for you.

EVAN_FLIRTY: Maybe I’m feeling it right now.

EVAN_FLIRTY: I was feeling it in that challenge.

EVAN_FLIRTY: You chose me. Just for fun?

PLAYER_FLIRTY: For now…

EVAN_FLIRTY: I think I should have chosen you in that challenge.

PLAYER_SURPRISED: Really? That would have caused trouble.

EVAN_FLIRTY: I’m cool with that.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Thought you said you weren’t into drama.

EVAN_FLIRTY: I’m not, but I am into following the way I feel.

EVAN_HAPPY: Love Island is about strong connections and new beginnings.

EVAN_FLIRTY: I think we could have a great summer together, you and I.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: You do?

EVAN_FLIRTY: It’s never too late to find the perfect partner.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Someone you really click with?

EVAN_HAPPY: You got it!

He smiles at you, his eyes are so easy to fall into. His gaze grows more intense.

He leans a little closer to you.

Evan sits back again, as casual as ever.

The moment is broken before you could decide whether or not you wanted to kiss him.

{0}_IDLE: What’s up, you two?

EVAN_HAPPY: Nothing really, bro. We’re just chilling.

PLAYER_IDLE: Did you want to talk?

{0}_HAPPY: If you have a minute?

{0}_IDLE: It’s important.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Ok, {0}. See you later, Evan.

EVAN_IDLE: Later, {0}.

You wave goodbye to Evan and follow {0} over to the swing seat.

[x-ceirios-x]

midnight visit

the shadowhunters make a plan to keep simon alive while he's imprisoned in the gard. one night, simon wakes up to a ringing noise and a familiar face.

cw: mentions of blood

Simon woke to a repetitive ringing sound, like something banging on metal. He saw something fly through the air by his feet, hit the metal bars that kept him inside the cell, and hit the floor. The thing slowly crawled backward, towards the wall, then up the window. His eyes adjusted to the lack of light and he realized it was…a dagger?

He followed the thin line holding the dagger up the wall, only to see someone laying on the ground in front of the tiny window at the top of the tall cell. Their hood covered their face in the shadows. He stood, wondering why someone was throwing a dagger in his cell in the middle of the night. 

The person pulled the dagger back to them and drew back the hood. In front of him, with untamable, spiky black hair and a smile that lit up his incredibly dark cell, was Rowan. “Hey, vampire,” they said teasingly. When other shadowhunters said that, it was usually derogatory, but he knew when Rowan said it, it was a term of endearment. 

He stumbled back slightly, not expecting to see them there. “What are you doing here?” he asked, voice in a harsh whisper. He wasn’t upset to see them by any means, but he was incredibly worried they’d get caught. 

“Made a plan with Alec,” they said, pulling something out of their pocket. They tossed the bag through the iron bars and he caught it—it was blood. “Snack time,” they said, a small smile on their face. 

Simon felt his fangs start poking his bottom lip as he looked at the bag—inside were several sandwich bags half-full of blood. He was half sure his stomach grumbled when he looked at it. “Thanks, I—” he looked up at Rowan as he spoke. The clouds had moved, leaving the very bright moon to light up their face. At first glance, they looked normal, but with his now-fixed eyesight, he noticed the redness around their eyes. Like they’d been crying. He didn't think he’d ever seen Rowan cry before. “Are you okay?” he asked softly and tossed the bag of blood on the bed. He crossed the room and stood a few feet away from the wall. 

Rowan nodded, but he saw the flash of hurt that crossed their face. “It’s been a long day,” they admitted, leaning their head against their hand. “I had to basically fight Alec into letting me come. He didn’t want to leave me alone. Mother hens, those Lightwoods.”

He scoffed. Never in a million years would he have thought of any of the Lightwoods as mother hen types, but he guessed he hadn’t known them for as long as Rowan had. “I’m sure they mean well. Are you two okay now?”

They nodded again. From what he understood, the two had a pretty nasty fight a few weeks ago, specifically about Jace, that left their relationship in a very tense state, but neither knew how to fix it. Whatever happened, things got better. “Yeah. We’re…we’re good. He’s pretty mad at Jace for me, too, so that’s something to bond over.”

“When are you not mad at Jace?” he asked teasingly. They smiled slightly—he realized, in that moment, he didn’t see them smile frequently. He liked when they smiled, though. It made him feel more at ease. 

It was quiet for a moment. There was a lull in conversation, though he didn’t find it awkward. Things between them weren’t really awkward anymore; it felt normal to hang out with Rowan, maybe even good. They’d been so evil-looking and scary in the beginning, he didn’t think that shell would ever crack. But it did, and he liked the person underneath. 

“Not that I’m complaining,” Simon said, hoping he didn’t sound grateful, “but why are you here? I mean, you could have just dropped off the blood, or just chucked it in here and left, but…” He trailed off, not sure exactly where he was going with his thought, but figured he got his point across. 

Rowan answered a little faster than he thought they would. “I wanted to see you,” they said, voice tight. “I lied when I said I was fine. I’m not. I’m really, really upset right now, and I just—“ They cut themselves off to take a deep breath, and continued when they sounded a little calmer. “Things are better when I’m not at the house right now, I think. But things are better when you’re around.”

He smiled softly. He wasn’t expecting that level of honesty from them, but he was happy about it. Rowan didn’t do vulnerable frequently, but he liked getting to know the real Rowan, not the tough, no-nonsense, unbreakable show they put on for everyone. 

Simon stood on the balls of his feet, stretching as far up as he could. He reached his hand out towards them; they took it, shoving their arm through the bars at the window. “When I get out of here—legally—you can tell me all about it, alright? If you want.”

Rowan squeezed his hand before pulling away. “I might take you up on that,” they said. “But I gotta get back. Don’t want to get caught.”

He nodded. “I get it. Don’t get in trouble for my sake.”

They chuckled, shaking their head. “I would get into trouble for much worse causes. At least you’re worth it.”

They didn’t give him much time to respond, so he didn’t; they stood, and with a quick wave, they darted off into the night, blending in with the dark shadows. He smiled—it was good to see them, even if things weren’t great right now. 

[otter-love-asl]

(Delayed) Evil Author's Day

So I have weird hours at my job, so I lost track of days, but with all the WIPs I have going, this felt up my ally. Here's like 7 snippets from different things I have going. There's more, but I figured this was enough.

Chicago Fire #1

“Javi,” Joe calls to the ten-year old.  When Javi looks up from his bowl of cereal, he continues, “Remember, we have a home visit with Eddie after school today.”

“Okay,” he responds, before hesitantly asking, “Joe?”

“Yeah?”  Joe gives his attention to Javi, after putting his sandwich in his lunchbox.

“I can stay here?”

“We’ll find out more when we talk to Eddie,” Joe tells him, not wanting to lie.

“I know they’re still looking for an aunt… but I like it here with you and Chloe and Otis.”

Joe smiles sadly, “We like having you here too.  Last time we saw Eddie, they hadn’t found an aunt and the chances of finding one wasn’t going to get bigger.”

“But what if they found her?”

“If they found an aunt and you still want to stay with us, then we can figure out what options we have.”

“Okay,” Javi responds quietly into his cereal.

“Hey,” Joe waits until Javi looks at him.  “I want you to have a good day at school.  As long as it’s up to Chloe and me, you're not going anywhere.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really.  Finish your cereal, we need to get moving,” Joe squeezes Javi’s shoulder.

Chicago Fire #2

“With no family able to take them, we have no other choice nut to place the boys into foster care,” Griffin overhears the case worker tell his friend’s mom.

“They can stay wit us until Heather gets out,” she argues.

“I’m sorry,” the case worker apologizes, “but we can’t do that.”

“Are they going to be in the same home?”

“No, at this time we don’t have a foster home who have two open spots, who can take two boys,” he tells her.

“So what is going to happen now?”

“We place them in an emergency placement for now and hopefully we can get them in a more permanent placement by the end of the week.”

“Please these boys have been through a lot in the past year.  Let them stay here until you can get them a more permanent placement.  It would be moving them around less.”

He’s about to answer when his phone goes off, he glances at it before quickly responding, “I need to get going, one of my kids are n crisis.  Since this isn’t urgent either myself or another will be in contact by tomorrow.”

When the case workweek leaves, Griffin walks into the room, “Mrs. Carter, can I use your computer?”

“For what?”

“We have an uncle back in Chicago.  He took us in last time mom went to jail.  Maybe we can stay with him again.  He’s our guardian if anything happens to my parents. My dad is dead and mom’s in jail again.”

Chicago PD #1

“Okay, it’s just us,” Hailey looks to Jay while they cuddle on the couch.  “What’s going on?  You’re still acting off.”  Jay opens his mouth to answer, but is cut off by Hailey, “No lying.”

Jay sighs, “I’m just tired. And I don’t feel that good.”

Hailey’s brow furrows with worry as she reaches a hand to his forehead.  “You don’t feel warm,” she comments.

“Well, I still feel sick,” Jay mumbles annoyed.

“I know.  And I believe you.  Can I do anything to help?”  Hailey asks running her hand through his hair.

“Can we just stay like this?”

“Okay,” Hailey agrees pulling Jay down so he is laying across her lap.  No sooner does she have Jay laying down when Jay moves to get up.  “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.  Bathroom,” Jay answers.

When he is out of her sight, Hailey knows that she has waited long enough and that something is really wrong with Jay.  Hailey grabs her phone and calls Will to see if he can come by to check out his brother.

“Hey Hailey,” a familiar voice picks up.

“Hey, Will,” she greets.  “Listen, Jay’s safe, but I think somethings wrong,” she tells the red-head while looking at the bathroom door.

“What’s going on?”

“Jay was sick earlier this week.  Today was his first day back at work after being out for five days, but he still seems off.”

“Okay, what are his symptoms?”

“He’s been pretty tired and has had no energy-”

“That would be pretty normal if he had the flu.”

“I’ve seen Jay with the flu before.  I couldn’t get him to eat anything.  He’s been eating everything in sight and still seems hungry.  And it looks like he’s still been losing weight.”

“Is he staying hydrated?”

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure in the last week he’s drank half of Lake Michigan.”

This catches Will’s attention.  “Has he been urinating more than normal?”

“Probably, but with how much he’s been drinking, isn't that normal?”

Will doesn’t answer her, instead telling her, “Listen to me, I want you to bring him to Med right now.  I’ll meet you there, but I’m going to call Maggie and let her know to be expecting you guys.”

“Will, what’s happening?”

“I’ll explain when you get here, just get to Med.  If you’re not here in a half hour,” Will gives her, knowing the amount of time it takes to get from Hailey’s place to Med, “I’m going to send an ambulance to your place.”

Chicago PD #2

The intelligence unit takes a collective breath when they close their latest case.  Everyone’s worse nightmare when dealing with child victims.

“I don’t know about you guys but I could use a drink,” Adam looks to the rest of the team.

“I have to go home to Makayla,” Kim answers.

Vanessa and Kevin look to each other before agreeing to go to Molly’s with Adam.

Jay looks discreetly to Hailey before giving his answer, “Sorry, Adam.  I haven’t had much time with Lucas since we got this case.”

“Rain check,” Jay adds.

“Come on, Jay.  You got a date?”

“No, headache,” he lies.  “Just going to go home and sleep it off.

Hailey looks at him concerned for a second before her attention goes to her phone that just went off, likely a text from Lucas, Jay guesses.  Jay takes her being distracted as an opportunity to get out of the bullpen, normally she’d be the only one to notice his behavior.

Jay takes a deep breath once in the safety of his tuck.  He can feel himself starting to spin out, but knows he can’t bother Hailey.  His second option is his other best friend, Mouse, but he’s in a war zone overseas; so he decides on the only other option he has, his brother.

Jay pulls out his phone to shoot Will a text, but his hands are shaking too much.  Sighing in defeat, Jay decides on calling his brother instead.

“Hello?” Will answers a little distracted.

Chicago. PD #3

Jay takes off his shirt to revel dark bruises on his back, shoulders and torso.  Hailey gasps when she sees the state of her partner.

“Oh, Jay,” Natalie whispers, shocked by all the bruises.  “Put this on,” Natalie orders him handing him the thin hospital gown.  “I'm going to take care of the cut first and then we can figure out what’s going on with the bruises.”

Natalie gets what she needs for the stiches while Hailey pulls Jay’s attention to her.  Jay flinches when the needle with the numbing agent enters his skin.  She waits until his arm is numb before giving the stiches to close the cut.  The whole time, Hailey keeps Jay’s attention away from his injured arm.

“All done,” Natalie announces after seven stiches.  She puts a gauze pad over the injury and reminds him not to get it wet and to keep it clean.  “Hailey switch sides with me,” she asks so she can give the tetanus booster.

“Can I leave now?” Jay asks as soon as the needle is out of his skin.

“Not yet, we need to figure of why you have so many bruises.”

“I told you- I don’t exactly have a desk job.”

“Jay,” Hailey scolds.  Jay gives a mumbled apology.

“It’s alright.  I'm going to see if your blood work came back.  That could give us a starting point,” Natalie tells them before leaving the treatment room.

“Jay, why don’t you lay down?  You look tired and this might take a while,” Hailey asks Jay.  Jay looks at her unsure, “I'm not leaving,” Hailey answers his unanswered question.

Jay lays back on the bed staring up at the celling.  Hailey places her and on his forehead feeling the heat coming off of his skin.  Jay leans into her touch, the same way his mother used to check if he’d had a fever.  “I'm sorry.”

“For what?” Hailey asks confused.

“For being stuck here,” Jay answers guiltily.

“Don’t apologize for that,” Hailey stops him.  “Now, do you want to tell me how you got all these bruises without Natalie here?”

“I don’t know.”

9-1-1: Lone Star #1

Detective Paul Strickland walks into the 21st district, mentally trying to prepare for the day knowing that his sergeant and partner have been going off the rails a bit… again regarding police reform.  He shakes his head, hoping that Halstead is already in so they can work out a plan.

Before he can make it a few steps into the building, Sergeant Trudy Platt calls him over to her desk, “Strickland!”

“Yes, Sarge?”  he greets, used to the nickname.

“You got a visitor,” she jerks her head towards a conference room across from them.

Paul follows her glaze to the conference room across from her desk where a man about Voight’s age is sitting at the table.

“Who is he?”  Paul asks, looking from the white shirt to Trudy.

“Some bigshot from Texas,” she answers.

“Texas?”

“Did I stutter?”  Trudy in a way only she can.  “He was pretty adamant that he sees you,” she adds.

“Why?”

“I didn’t ask,” she answers.  When he doesn’t respond she gives him a pointed look, “Go!”

Knowing that Platt is done with him, Paul makes his way into the conference room.  “Sergeant Platt said you wanted to speak with me?  I’m Paul Strickland.”

The man looks up from his files, “Detective Strickland, I’m Deputy Chief Clayton Carter, of Austin PD.”

“Nice to meet you, sir,” Paul shakes his hand.  “If you don’t mind me asking, what brings you to Chicago?”

“I’d like to recruit you,” Carter gets right to the point.

“Recruit me?”  Paul echoes.

“Austin PD is putting together an Intelligence Unit.  You have experience in such an elite unit, your record is impressive, and you have a natural talent as a detective.”

“You want me to leave Chicago PD?”  Paul questions.

“I see your potential and want to pull you in as second in command.”

“Why me?  I’m sure there are plenty of people from Austin, or even other places in the country.”

“You’ve got a stack full of Lifesaving Commendations, which tells me you’ve got a gift for threat assessment,” Carter answers.  “Would you say that has anything to do with being trans?”

“Growing up the way I did, there was a lot of folks who wanted to hurt me, so, I guess I learned to figure out who they were before they figured out who I was.”

“How would you feel about relocation to Austin?  “Austin PD is striving for change from the inside, we believe you can bring something with your style of policing.”

One Chicago #1

Hailey walks down the hallway of the Hogwarts Express, trying to find somewhere to sit for the journey to her new school.  Hailey pokes her head into a compartment where she sees two boys; both with brown hair and a bit on the scrawny side.  One has blue eyes and the other has green eyes and freckles across his face.

“Can I sit here?”  she asks.

The two boys stop their conversation.  “Yeah,” the boy with green eyes answers while the other nods.

“Thanks, everywhere else was either full or the people in there looked,” she hesitates not knowing who to word it.

The boys share a knowing look, before answering.  “Yeah, we know what you mean.  I’m Jay Halstead and this is Mouse,” the green-eyed boy introduced them.

“Mouse?”

“It’s a nickname.  I’m Greg Gerwitz.”

“Hailey Upton.”

“So, what House do you guys think you’ll be in?” Jay questions.

“I think I’ll be in Ravenclaw, but I wouldn’t mind Gryffindor or Hufflepuff,” Mouse answers.

“House?”  Hailey questions.

“When we get to the school, we get sorted into one of four houses.  Its where we will live for the next seven years.”

“Oh.  How do we get sorted?”

“My brother said we get sorted by a hat,” Jay answers, face skeptical.

“Muggle-born?”  Mouse asks curiously.

���What?”  Hailey asks confused.

“Your parents aren’t magic,” Jay clarifies.

“Yeah, they're not; neither are my brothers.  Is that bad?”

“No.  There are a lot of muggle-borns,” Jay answers

“I wouldn’t say a lot,” Mouse corrects his friend, “but there are defiantly more than you think.”

“So, there’s a word for what we are?”

“Like witch and wizard?”  Jay clarifies.

“No, like muggle-born.”

“Yes,” Jay answers cautiously, “but it doesn’t really matter.  The only people who care are pure-blood supremacists.”

“Are you?”  Hailey looks to Mouse.

“Muggle-born?  No, I’m a pure-blood.  My mom is a witch and my dad is a wizard, but my stepdad and his family are muggles.”

“No, I meant a pure-blood supremacist.  But I guess you're not since your stepdad is a muggle.”

“No, I was just asking since you didn’t know about the Houses.  I figured that you were either muggle-born or muggle-raised.”

“Some are,” Jay adds.  “Some like to disown the muggles in their family and pretend they're a true pure-blood.  But this one isn’t.  He will even watch soccer.”

“Hey, its good.  And my cousins taught me, so there’s always a game going when we go to my grandparents.”

“I guess, but it’s not as good as quidditch.”

“What’s quidditch?”

“The best wizarding sport there is,” Jay answers.

“Okay?”

[chisatowo]

I know I said I completed all the refs I needed to but also I hate Ari's old ref with a passion so they get a new one too

[kpopjust4u]

What did you think was going to happen?

Post Date: 25th July 2022 Content: Smut (Slight Angst) - ATEEZ Yunho x Reader WC: 9.5K  TW?: Enemies to lovers/ Slow burner/ Profantities/ Lip biting/ Pinning against the wall/ Doll/ Baby Girl/ Dom!Yunho/ Sex Toys/ Choking/ Spitting/ Praise Kink/ Oral (Recieving)/ Spanking/ Restraints/ Unprotected (Wrap it up) Request?: Yes Masterlist                                    Prompt list

Prompts: 35 - “Say please” 63 - “What do you want me to do to you?” 88 - “Don’t tempt me”

“Oh, who’s that hottie?” you gasp, staring at the tall handsome guy, walking past you and your best friend Jongho, Jongho just sighs, not wanting to tell you but he has no choice. He knew if you knew that he knew, you’d torture him for a lifetime to get it out of him, which he was not willing to take that risk. Not this time around. “That’s Jeong... Fricking... Yunho....” he tries to sound excited with you about him, but in reality, can’t stand his guts, and certainly doesn’t want you to get bothered with him. “Yunho, mhm, cute name with a face too, what else has he got about him?” you ask, turning to your best friend whose head is in his hands, practically nearly under the table. “Nothing, only that he’s a total jerk, and no one should get involved with him. He’s bad news, Y/N,” the worry in Jongho’s voice should warn you enough but you couldn’t help but look back at the mysterious man in the queue to grab himself a coffee. 

“Y/N!” Jongho snaps his fingers in your face, pulling you out of the trance that Yunho had put you in. You only looked at the back of his head and yet he already had you under some spell, it was ridiculous. “Man, the only way he’s bad news is that he’s probably a mega chick magnet,” you giggle, smirking whilst sipping at your coffee as Jongho face palms the table, knowing it was going to be a struggle to keep you away from him. “I’ll literally torture you if you do get involved with him, Y/N. I’m not even joking,” Jongho states, giving you complete dead evils from across the table, pointing the finger at you to emphasise his point as you hold your hands up in defence, smirking whilst trying to stifle a laugh. “Promise me,” he asks, as you nod, “I promise~” you comply, voice almost whiny from the disbelief of his seriousness. Yunho couldn’t really be that bad.

In your defence, you haven't even been in a relationship since forever, so your need for some attention and more, overpowered any other thought you could possibly have, especially when an incredibly hot guy comes into your peripheral vision, the whole game changes. Anything and anyone goes, even if they're so-called 'bad news'. "Right, let's go and meet up with Charlie then," Jongho announces, making you come out of another daydream, this time as you slowly sipped at your getting cold coffee. "Yeah... sure..." you reply barely, taking a quick glance behind you as you head towards the door, making eye contact with Yunho. He seriously was something else, the smirk that plastered his face as he shoots you a wink almost makes you faint on the spot. "Come on, don't make me force you to leave," Jongho sighs irritably, pulling at your arm, to get your attention. That's when you thought you'd see Yunho for the last time. 

Throughout the day, you seriously couldn't focus on anything else other than the constant visual reminder that you, of all people, got a smirk off the town heartbreaker, Yunho. Despite the many attempts of trying to distract yourself around Jongho and Charlie, even a homemade coffee reminded you of the incident, and that's when you knew that you were doomed. You HAD to get to know Yunho, and even despite the fact that you promised to not get involved with him, there was something about him that made him too addicting to just let go of. Even when you attempted to get to sleep, you fall asleep to the idea of even getting a taste of what he could be hiding behind his mysterious demeanour. The dream that you had about him that first night after seeing him, could be only described as filth, but you were cool with it, waking up with the biggest smile on your face and a pep in your step. 

"What are you so happy about?" Wooyoung teases, poking at your cheeks as they puffed out a little from the smile plastered on your face, Jongho instantly whipping his head around, throwing it back in irritation form knowing exactly who it could be about. "I swear to god, Y/N. Let go of him already, you're too good for that low-life". "Oh, so it's a boy, tell me about him~" Wooyoung sings, giving his friend a cheeky look, going against the advice Jongho has audibly given you just for entertainment, however, his amusement in this comes to a steep end the minute Yunho's name gets mentioned. "So there is a boy, Yunho. He's quite a looker," you giggle to yourself, looking at the coffee in your hands, the rim of the cup touching your lips as you happily scoff to yourself, barely sipping from it. "You have to be joking right? Yunho is a waste of your time!" Wooyoung whines, apologising to Jongho for the attempt to get some juicy goss, instantly regretting it. "I agree with Jongho... for a change... Don't waste your time," he continues, nudging you slightly as if to lightly scold you. "I promised I wouldn't get involved!" you act in defence, pointing to Jongho who made you promise. "Good!" Wooyoung cries, "I'll torture him if he gets his hands on you!". 

After a little while, dealing with the two picking on you for your lack of willingness to let go of the thought of Yunho, you almost choke on your coffee with what Wooyoung comes out next, "Anyway, you could do better. Like Jongho for example, he's been pining for you since you became friends". "I'm going to murder you... He's joking... Aren't you, Woo?" Jongho gives him a death glare, giving you some relief, though you couldn't grasp the sincerity of Wooyoung's words when he said that. Jongho really did have a thing for you, just he was too scared to admit it to himself, never mind even tell you. "Of course I'm joking," Wooyoung reassures, but in reality really wanted the word out there, in hopes you'd give him a chance as a good wingman would. Wooyoung was a tease, the clown in school, so of course, everything he says you'd have to take with a pinch of salt so this wasn't anything out of the usual for you.

"Right, I'd better head off back home," you lightly tap the coffee table, chugging the rest of your coffee before getting up on your feet. "Already?" Jongho replies in surprise, looking at the time on his watch before watching you grab your belongings, "It's only 6 p.m?". "Yeah, well some of us have to get enough sleep so they don't pass out in work tomorrow," you reply, pointing to yourself to make a point, ruffling up Wooyoung's hair as you walk past. "Don't touch what you can't afford," he moans, attempting to tidy it up, all you do is poke your tongue out at him, giving Jongho a small hug before heading out of the door, saying your goodbyes and good nights just before the door closes behind you. "Oh, you're so dead," Jongho mutters, dragging his thumb across his throat, as an expression to match his words, Wooyoung starts to cackle in response, "Oh come on, I'm trying to get you laid and keep her away from Yunho!". "I don't need to be laid, just don't want her getting hurt," Jongho's tone turns soft, as the worry really sets in about what you could possibly end up doing.

In all fairness, you didn't live that far away from your friends, only a few streets away but something in you decided to take the longest route around to your flat. Almost making you really glad that you did. You're stopped in your tracks from capturing a familiar-looking face at the end of the street, panic setting in now that you're alone, without having Jongho to be your saving grace and pull you away. Instinctively, you attempt to make yourself look presentable, brushing out the creases in your t-shirt, tucking your hair behind your ears and for some strange reason, checking your breath, as if you were expecting to even get that lucky with him straight off the bat. Trying not to make it look obvious that you were attempting to look cool, you walk past Yunho with a brave face, giving your absolute all in trying not to look at him as you do so, as though to try and be invisible to him.

However, you were gutted when he doesn't react when you walk past, turning the corner as you clutch at your chest, checking your heartbeat, pacing through your chest, trying to catch a breath from holding it in for so long so you didn't break in front of him. You scramble through your bag to try and find your phone but jump at the sudden voice next to you, "Hi," the low voice says, but you take your sweet time in looking up at them, almost turning as white as a ghost, recognising the face. Yunho was so much more attractive up in person, especially as close as he was to you. "Hi?" you shyly reply, forgetting about why you were looking through your bag in the first place. "I think you dropped this," Yunho passes you your phone, a small smirk on his face as you grasp it, accidentally touching his hand from not paying attention to what you were doing with your hand, "I'm so sorry!". Yunho lets out a small laugh, waving his hand at you, "It's no problem at all... I, uhm, were you at the Moon Cafe yesterday? You look familiar?" he tries to act casual, but of course, he recognises and remembers you, how couldn't he. You were practically staring at him and following his every move with your eyes the day before.

With an awkward nod, you confirm his enquiry, his smirk turning into a small smile as you do so, "Your friend didn't seem too happy yesterday," Yunho announces what he observed, making your toes curl from the awkwardness, realising he had also been watching you too without you realising it. "Yeah... Jongho? He's just protective over me, my best friend for life," you announce, still nodding forcing yourself to stop before you make a fool of yourself in front of the hot guy that was actually paying attention to you, "Best friend? I thought he was your boyfriend with the way he looks at you," Yunho scoffs in amusement, especially when you react slightly worse than you should've to the idea, "He's definitely not my boyfriend, he's like a brother to me," you reply, nerves slowly starting to disappear slightly.

"I have to head off, could I possibly get your number?" Yunho asks, seemingly now in a rush after keeping you there for a little while. Without any hesitation, you indicate for him to give you his phone, fingers tapping away on the screen as you enter your number, leaving under your name, followed by a little flower emoji. A small smile creeps on his face, noticing the name, happily scoffing to himself as he admires the name. "Such a pretty name for a pretty woman," your heart flutters out of your chest at his little mumble, making your knees weak. "I'll see you around," he smiles, as you wave to him, disappearing around the corner. You find yourself being able to breathe again properly after he goes, heart racing as you rush back home, ready for the day ahead tomorrow.  

Going around your evening as you usually would, you throw your phone onto the bed, taking this time to go through your night routine, to get ready for work the next day. As you step into the shower, the water muffles the sound of your phone ringing in the bedroom. As the water runs down your body, the warmth of it reminds you of the warmth you felt earlier on, talking to Yunho. If only you managed to actually get to know him there and then, but you were relieved that you managed to at least give him your number, just now it was time to play the waiting game for him to actually message. You couldn’t help but relive the moment, remembering how warm his hand felt when you accidentally touched it, the smile on his face paints a picture in your mind. The way he looked at you made you feel so special, surely Jongho could be wrong about him, even if he used to be that certain way, maybe he’ll change for you. It was high hopes to have but you wanted to have them to keep you going. 

Coming out of the shower, you notice the phone screen becoming bright, notifications covering the lock screen. Your interest peaks as you walk towards it slowly with anticipation, and anxiety that maybe he's already started to text you. Partial relief runs through you as you notice the many missed calls from Jongho and text messages off of Wooyoung. Realising that you forgot to message them that you got home safely, you pick your phone up, putting it to your ear as you wait for one of them to pick up your phone. "Hey! Are you safe? Are you home?" Wooyoung panics down the phone, almost in a begging tone to ensure that you're safe. "Yes, and yes!" you titter down the phone, the sound of dramatic sighs could be heard from the other end, "Promise?" he continues as you roll your eyes at their need to always ensure your whereabouts. "I promise, now let me dry off so I can make myself food," you order, Wooyoung whining down the phone as he muffles a goodbye.

After changing into some pyjamas, you stroll to the kitchen, pondering on what you could possibly make yourself to eat, not really fancying putting in too much effort. "Ah, what to eat?" you whisper to yourself, gliding your phone onto the table as you make your way over to the cupboards, browsing through the various items that fill them. You decide to ignore the notification sound coming from your phone, guessing that it could just be some social update, and/or even Jongho and Wooyoung in the group chat, as you pull out packet ramen, the simplest thing you could possibly make with minimal to no effort at all. "This will do," you mutter, placing the packet down on the countertop, going browsing for a suitable pan that you could make it in. Whilst doing so, your phone starts going wild, constantly pinging as you slowly become irritable, turning around to pick it up, "What do they want now?" you whine, eyes widening and instant regret at your lack of patience with your phone going off. Of course, part of it was as expected, by the text message on top of your notification bar was completely unexpected.

Making food was now the last thought on your mind as you struggle to get yourself onto the chair, hands shaking at the notification that you contemplated clicking on. “Hey, Y/N. I guess I didn't introduce myself properly earlier, I'm Yunho. It's nice to actually meet you today," the text read. You place a hand on your chest, feeling your heartbeat through it, as you walk away from your phone temporarily, pacing back and forth around it. You wondered if it would seem like you were expecting it if you replied straight away if it would make you seem desperate to do so. However, you also wondered if leaving it without responding a little too long would make him think that you're ignoring him, blanking him. You didn't want either idea of you from doing either of those, unsure how to reply, never mind even answering him in the first place. You seemed so confident talking to him earlier, but it's like you're shy all over again.

With the feeling becoming overwhelming, you had no choice but to answer him, butterflies in your stomach as you wondered how to reply, whilst still trying to keep your cool. “Hey! It was nice meeting you today too," you replied, coming to panic if it was too casual and if you could've added more. though you had no hesitation in saving his number on your phone, under his name with a few hearts. “Shit, what if he texts when I’m around Wooyoung and/or Jongho and they see his name?” you second guessed yourself if it was the best idea to do that, instantly editing his contact, changing it so a fake name, hoping it would be fool-proof if that event ever happens. It shouldn’t be something that’ll happen, but you had to take pre-cautions, you wanted to find out about Yunho yourself without having them question you with everything about it, plus you promised not to get involved, you had no choice but to hide this one away for a little while. 

“I’d love to meet up soon, grab a coffee or something?” Yunho replies barely 3 minutes later, making your face brighten. But your head was miles ahead, thinking of scenarios between you both when in reality, you’ve only just started texting. Getting ahead of yourself was a foolish mistake to make but again, he has you under a spell, like he makes you feel something special, especially when he’s texting barely 3 hours after bumping into him. “Sounds like a plan, meet at the Moon Cafe at 3 p.m. on Thursday?” you reply, hoping you don’t come across as too forward trying to set up a plan, however, his reply makes you squeal on the spot, tapping your feet happily, “Perfect for me, see you then, beautiful”. Did he just call you beautiful?! You couldn’t believe it, you felt like a school girl whose crush just looked her way, completely dramatic but you were so excited, making the day in your calendar. “It’s a date” you squeal to yourself, bouncing around the kitchen, singing to yourself as you finally get back on track to making yourself food. 

- Time Skip -

Thursday rolls around a lot quicker than expected, waking up in bed with the biggest smile on your face possible, quickly checking your phone for any text messages, the smile dropping when you realise there was nothing to entertain you, not even a good morning off Yunho. What were you thinking? You barely know the guy to even expect a good morning message from him. In frustration with yourself for jumping ahead in your mind, you rub your face, laying in bed in silence, contemplating on whether or not it was really a good idea to meet Yunho behind your best friend’s back, even after they warned you to stay away from him. However you couldn’t let go of him, you wanted to at first, but the more you thought of him, it became your life challenge to know him, but you didn’t know whether that was out of lust, or just general curiosity to him, to become friends. 

“Hey, are you doing anything today?” Charlie texts, making you feel the slightest bit guilty that you’re gonna have to tell a little white lie, “Yeah, I’m really sorry. Got a load of work to catch up on,” you reply, sighing at yourself for doing such but the text message to come in after that makes all your worries disappear. “Hey, are we still on for later?” Yunho asks, as you almost instantly reply, “Of course, if you’re still up for it?”, but of course he was, he wasn’t going to pass out on an opportunity on getting to know you. Was it to build up your trust to break it, to get into your pants, or was it because he genuinely likes you? You didn’t think of these possibilites, you couldn’t in your eyes, he seems innocent and nice enough. Though the rep that he seems to have with Wooyoung and Jongho is something else, they worry that he’d do his best to get what he wants and dump you, like what he’s done in the past when he used to be their friend. Though they’d never disclose that, too ashamed of that information to even tell you. 

For the hour that you spent in bed, pondering about the day ahead, your attention is then put on the fact that you haven’t even planned an outfit to wear, which was unusual for you. You always prepared outfits the night prior, and now you’re in a panic. You had a few hours before you had to leave, which was enough time to get ready but the idea of not knowing what you’re going to wear makes you rush out of bed to your wardrobe. Now this was a challenge, to pick the perfect outfit to wear, you didn’t want to seem to dressy for a coffee date, but you didn’t want to go too casual. Throwing your clothes across the room, you fall to your knees, looking around at the mess of clothes that circled you, worrying that you’re not going to have the best thing to wear to really catch his eye. 

For minutes, you sit on the floor, staring at the clothes that surround you, noticing the perfect little top that survived being thrown out of your laptop. So you now have a top, just to find a pair of trousers to match. Scoungering through the mess of clothes, you find the cutest pair of shorts that would look perfect with the top, it was casual but still very smart, especially once you had done your hair and make-up, it’ll be a perfect look. Pulling yourself up to your feet, you rush to the mirror, holding the items of clothing against you as you smile to yourself, happy that you’ve managed to find something to wear, but the question now was how you’re going to do your hair. Though it really shouldn’t have been a question, you already knew that you were going to do a half-up, half-down hairstyle, pulling a few hairs out at the front, curling your hair slightly so it falls nicely and framing your face.

The clock ticks by quickly, as you come to the final touches of your outfit, pairing it with your favourite and best high-tops, with a pair of thigh-high socks. Mainly to save yourself time to shave your legs but to also add some great details to the outfit. Maybe you were possibly overthinking this outfit a bit too much but once you saw yourself in the mirror, all dressed up, your confidence sky-rockets. making you feel so good as you do a little spin. After taking some really cute photos of yourself in the mirror to save for another day to post, keeping up with your little white lie that you were busy, you slowly make your way out of your apartment. 

The anticipation of his reaction and the reality of what Yunho’s really like races through your mind as you make your way to the coffee shop. hands shaking from the nerves, trying to keep yourself calm as the cafe comes into sight. A tall figure stands outside, on his phone as you make sure that you look presentable, doing a mental checklist before moving further. Your nerves also start to skyrocket, and your confidence slowly starts to disappear, putting on a brave face, walking up to Yunho who greets you with a soft smile, waving. “Hey! You look amazing!” he exclaims, smiling as he looks you up and down, biting his bottom lip. “Thank you, I was worried that it’ll be too much to get coffee,” you giggle in response, his head shaking at your speculation, “No, it’s cute. But you’re cuter,” he’s charming, his smile makes your panic slowly disappear, heading towards the door, opening it for you, like a true gentleman. 

Sitting down with your coffees and chatting for a while, you slowly feel yourself starting to open up a little, nerves becoming non-existent as you feel comfortable around him. Starting to feel like you could really get lucky with this one. He’s charming and a gentleman, really listens to you when you’re talking. You couldn’t understand why your friends were so worried about you getting to know him, you couldn’t see a fault in him. That was until you noticed his phone lock screen as he went to get a second round of coffee, text notifications of what seemed to be other women, all of the texts along the same line, “Hey handsome... Hey baby...”. You couldn’t believe what you were seeing, you felt guilty for invading his personal space but something slowly started to seem off when his phone changed from the lock screen to the caller page, a name followed by a heart popping up, in an attempt to get hold of him. 

“Hey are you okay?” He asks, noticing the change in your facial expressions from just before he went to get coffee, you nod in response, forcing a small smile. “I think a friend tried ringing you,” you say, twiddling your thumbs under the table as he carefully places down the tray, “Oh... yeah. Just a friend, they can wait. I have a beautiful woman to pay my attention to,” he charms, putting his phone in his pocket, not even bothering to look at his notifications. His charms was working on you, you could’ve just been overthinking that there could be something off about him, his charm of calling you beautiful seems to work in making you forget about that, looking at him as he passes over your coffee. As you get talking again, he gently places his hand on yours as you talk about something of a familiar interest. 

The conversation is interrupted by the constant ringing of his phone, as he excuses himself to answer it, you watch his manerisms change, walking outside as he puts the phone up to his ear, smirking as he answers the phone. You tried to give him privacy but you couldn’t help but overhear him calling the person on the phone beautiful, exactly the way he did with you. Taking this time whilst he’s on the phone as an advantage, you text Jongho, needing some information about Yunho, something doesn’t feel right to you about him now yet you knew you couldn’t tell him that you’re out for coffee with him either. You just needed to know. “Y/N, he’s a player, he’s a fuck boy, he’ll charm you and then dump you on the side. It’s what he does, you’re an interest to him until you give him what he wants, then nothing, Like he’s never seen you in his life,” Jongho replies, words really playing at your heart strings as you really didn’t want to believe it but the amount of texts he has off various women, the phone call, calling someone else beautiful? You knew now that this was a bad idea. 

“Sorry about that, just work things,” he scoffs, shaking his phone before placing it back in his pocket, you're unsure of how to respond to him, grabbing your coffee, hands trembling as you attempt to drink it, but not even coffee could help your anxiety right now. What if Jongho was right? What if he was as terrible as he claims. You really didn’t want to risk it, “Was it really work though?” you bite slightly, shaking your head, getting up to your feet, leaving your coffee behind as you storm out of the shop. “Y/N, wait up!” Yunho calls after you, running behind you in an attempt to make you stop. “I’m not sure what you’ve been told about me, but I promise you that I’m not like that anymore. Especially since I laid my eyes on you,” he tries to sugarcoat it but you weren’t taking it. You didn’t know what to believe, “Oh, so you do play with women’s feelings? Make them feel special then dump them to the side?” you argue, whipping your head around to him, eyes red and puffy, preparing you for the tears that try to escape your eyes.

For a moment, you contemplate on giving him the chance but you weren’t risking yourself to end up like the many women he could’ve done this with you. “So you call me beautiful, make me feel special? And expect me to believe you when you say you have eyes for me now? Leave me alone!” you bite, running away from him as he stands there useless, not knowing of what to do himself. Of course he had to admit to himself, he made some terrible mistakes, but he genuienly meant what he said about you, since he saw you. No one else interested him, there was something about you that drawn him to you, but now he had no way of proving it. The only solution you could think of for this to stop thinking about him was to block his number, so the texts you could receive from him won’t be a constant reminder of how he drew you in. 

“Hey what’s wrong?” Jongho asks, bumping into you as you rush to go somewhere, not knowing where but far enough away from Yunho to think. “I thought you had work to- Y/N, you didn’t?” his voice his firm and disappointed, but more so worried for your wellbeing. You don’t answer him, looking at the ground as tears fall from your eyes, “That’s why you texted me asking what he’s like isn’t it? He tried it with you?” Jongho asks as you nod, but you weren’t even sure yourself. You didn’t know what he wanted to do with you, you were probably overthinking it all but it was weird how he had so many women message him, how he was so strange about his phone being out. “I’m sorry, Jongho. I- I just wanted to find out what he was like myself,” you cry, as he hugs you, not one for hugs or anything but for you he just wants to comfort you. “Y/N?” Yunho calls out, out of breath as he turns down the street you’re on. You pull away from Jongho, looking in the opposite direction from Yunho as Jongho stands in front of Yunho. “She doesn’t want to speak to you,” Jongho’s voice is low, almost growling as he watches Yunho panic about what to do on the spot. “I want to apologise, Y/N. I promise you, I have no intentions of hurting you,” his voice is soft but almost inaudible.

With a deep sigh, you turn around, looking at Yunho straight into the eyes, “Stay... away... from me. I hate that you drew me in, I hate that I wanted to think that today could’ve started something. I’m such a fool for being so attracted to you,” you mumble through your tears. Jongho looks back at you, and notices how you really thought you were gonna be different to Yunho, “I suggest you leave”, “Or what?” Yunho bites, looking down at Jongho who glares at him, trying to seem intimidating but backs off, realising that he’s going to do more harm than good in gaining your trust to believe him if he touches your best friend. The one that also used to be his at one point, “You got it, Choi Jongho, you’re trying to save the girl you love, making her think the worst of me so you could save her for yourself. Good luck pal, she only thinks of you like a brother,” Yunho stoops low before dashing off, watching Jongho as he leaves. 

“What is he on about, Jong? How does he know your name and you?” you ask, but he shakes his head, not believing he’d stoop so low about the comment about him wanting you to himself. “We... We used to be friends, until we found out what he does to entertain himself,” Jongho admits, watching your face fall. “And you didn’t think to tell me that you used to be friends with him before hand? I wouldn’t have attempted to get to now him if I knew that!” you bite, you know you shouldn’t he was only trying to help but that information would’ve been useful earlier on in the week before you even handed him your phone number. 

When you get back to your flat, you lock the door behind you, throwing your belongings to the side, you were completely done with the day and just didn’t want to see anyone. You didn’t know what to do with yourself, the idea that Yunho could possibly be telling the truth played on your mind but you knew you couldn’t risk it, but you decided to unblock his number anyway. You knew you shouldn’t but in all fairness, you didn’t even know what you were doing with yourself anymore. You wanted to feel something other than hurt and disappointment, but you could possibly feel that even more if you let Yunho in. 

Within seconds of you unblocking his number, he starts to blow up your phone as you watch his caller I.D pop up with every call he makes, watching and hearing your phone ring, not knowing what to do anymore. “Can you just please stop?” you ask your phone, holding it in your hand as your finger hovers over the answer button. “What do you want?” you answer, with a harsh tone in your voice, “I want to prove to you how sorry that I really am, please let me,” Yunho begs, as you could tell he really wasn’t going to let this down until you at least listen to him and his side of the story, properly. “Why should I? I’ve seen enough, your phone is filled from text messages from the various women you’re involved with, have you fucked and dumped them too?”. The sigh on the other end of the phone answered your question, “I’m going,” you mutter as he begs for you not to leave, “Let me come around, I can prove to you that you’re the only one I really care about now,” you sigh, fighting with your emotions as you really took a liking towards him, “Please?”. 

Within half hour, Yunho was at your door, gently banging his fist against it. Getting yourself prepared for the heartache about to come, you answer the door, slowly opening it, refusing to look at him. “You know, I really shouldn’t have you around,” you point out but he knows that. He wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t out of good intentions. “I know, may I come inside?” he asks softly, walking past you as you invite him in. “You have... five minutes to explain,” you state as he nods, getting ready to do so but you interrupt him before he could even get a word out, “What drew you to me in the first place? Lust? Another victim for you to abuse? What?” you ask, as he stands there scratching his head, “None of those. I saw you, and almost instantly fell in love, but the only thing keeping me back was-”, “Jongho... right...” you reply almost instantly, in a sarcastic tone. “I know you used to be friends, so you can’t lie to me about anything now,” you state as he gathered that would be the case anyway. 

When you gave him 5 minutes to talk, that turned into an hour, his apologies flying out and it started to become believable. “I really like you, Y/N. I know there’s no proper way to prove that to you, but I have no intentions on hurting you,” you scoff at his words, “But you were going to make me think that I’d be special to you, like you must’ve done with the other girls you had around your finger”. He couldn’t look at you, but he pulls out his phone, unlocking it, passing it over to you, “You can go through everything, I haven’t deleted any messages. Look at the recent texts with the women, all of me telling them that I can’t continue on with them,”. You hesistantly look, suprised when you come across him texting his friends about you, of how much he really likes you. That he knows he’s messed up big time but will do anything to make it right. 

That’s when you left the night on that, you made him promise that if you give him a chance to prove himself to you, you’d give him a chance. You were hesitant about doing so, but you really liked him too, you just were afraid of getting hurt, getting the rep that you’re easy and all. But it was a risk you were again willing to take. “I swear to you, you won’t regret giving me this chance,” Yunho smiles softly, taking his phone back from you. There was an inkling that you couldn’t trust him but you wanted to believe that you could, not holding him too much but you just wanted to see where this takes you. Only you could be the judge on whether or not he’s really worth your time. 

- Time skip - 

It’s been weeks since you’ve made the deal with Yunho, and so far, it’s been pretty good. Your trust in him slowly starts to build up, and the need to check in with him becomes non-existent. If he really feels so strongly about you, he’d have nothing else to hide from you. Throughout the weeks to follow, you slowly feel yourself start to get comfortable around him, he takes you out on little coffee dates, takes you out shopping, and just chills with you. It was all minimalist but he’s slowly trying his best to build it up, he really doesn’t want to ruin this with you. He wasn’t joking when he wants to do anything and everything for you. 

“So what do you want to do now?” Yunho asks, filling his mouth with pudding as you look over at him, sprawled out on your couch, “I’m not sure, but I’m getting a little cold over here on my own,” you innocently say, big-eyed at him, moving your legs slightly, tapping the space on the couch for him to take a seat there. Completely leaving his pudding, he rushes over, firmly sitting down, pulling your legs up over his lap. “I hope this is okay,” he asks, as you nod, smiling as you continue to read your book. This is the closest you’ve gotten to any sort of cuddling since trying to work things out with him. He was serious as he wanted to prove to you that you were different to him, and this was a perfect example of that. He didn’t attempt to make any moves on you, just wanted to get to know you, giving you little compliments here and there that make your heart flutter again. You couldn’t believe it, but it felt like you first met him again, but this time, actually getting to know the real him, you couldn’t help but feel something for him. 

“How's the book?” he asks, trying to peep over the top of your book to get some insight to it, “It’s really good. It’s about this girl who gets a job at a company and her boss is a guy she met the night prior. She hopes he doesn’t remember the day of her interview but shit gets spicy,” you giggle to yourself, showing him the cover of it. Yunho pulls a face, and you’re unsure how to read it, “What?” you scoff, but he shakes his head, “Nothing, just it makes me happy seeing you enjoy something,” he softly replies, almost in a whisper. You couldn’t help but laugh at how soft he was getting with you, hands gently on your legs as he watched you smile, “What are you smiling at?” he asks, putting a hair behind your ear, cupping your cheek but quickly retracting it. “I’m sorry..” he whispers, smile turning into a little frown, surprised when you pull his hand back to your face, “Smiling at you, stupid”. 

As you stare into each other's eyes, you carefully place down your book on the coffee table, inching closer to Yunho. “What are you do-” he goes to ask, all confused at your movement, but you shush him, putting a finger to his lips, covering his eyes before placing the softest kiss on his lips, only a little peck but it makes the colour of red fill both of your cheeks. “What was that for?” he asks, trying to not show a smirk, “Because,” you reply playfully, picking back up your book to continue reading the chapter you were on. “Don’t pick that book back up~” he whines lightly, as you cheekily show a grin, “Why not? What are you going to do? Take it off me to get more kisses?”. With his tongue in his cheek, he clicks his tongue, finding this tempting but remembering there are boundaries, but he couldn’t help but think of the feeling of his lips against yours again, “Don’t tempt me”. 

Your eyes widen at his comment, a smirk creeping on your face, pulling the book closer to your face, trying to hide it. “Don’t hide that beautiful face by a book, doll,” he whispers, pushing the book down away from your face with a finger with care, not to ruin the book. Your face is red from the blush that fills your cheeks, biting your lip nervously as your eyes meet with his once again, “Come here,” he instructs, pulling you by your waist closer to him. You’re flustered by his actions but don’t do anything to stop it, quite happy with how things are panning out. You’re now straddling his lap, facing towards him as he simpers, arms around you with his hands holding you by your lower back. With a swift movement, he pinches the book out of your hands, placing it where you were just sitting. 

For a moment, you just look at each other with admiration, but the tension to kiss overrides everything else, your lips crashing together within seconds. You’d argue that he was the one to initiate the kiss but you were too busy thinking about kissing him that you couldn’t actually tell. The kiss was tame and pleasant, your lips gently pressing against each other as your hands press firmly against his chest, a hand of his at the back of your head, holding you close. “What was that for?” you mock, pulling away as his smirk is now plastered on his face. “I couldn’t help it,” he mocks back, smug when he does so. With yourself feeling the increased feeling of some sexual attraction, you teasingly bite his bottom lip before jumping off him and heading towards the kitchen. “Oh you shouldn’t have done that,” he calls out, chasing you as you go into the kitchen. 

Trying to hold back nervous laughter, you turn around, greeted by him standing tall in the doorway, arms crossed against his chest, “What?” you ask, nervously laughing, as he itches towards you, standing over you, looking down at you. He raises his hand slightly, putting it against your jaw, tracing it across it, tipping your head back. It was clear that at that moment, you were worried about what was about to happen, but not in the negative sense, but you know at that moment you’ve messed up, his actions slowly turning you on more than you expected it to from just trying to test the waters. “What are you playing at?” his voice his deep and enticing, sending shivers all over your body, making you come out in goosebumps. “I didn’t do anything?” you try to act innocently once again, but his hand cups your face, his thumb tracing over your bottom lip, pulling it down slightly. 

His face lowers, inching closer to yours as he gently gets your bottom lip in between his teeth, gently pulling on it as you whimper, trying to go into another kiss from here, but he pulls away swiftly. “Kiss me, please?” you whimper, earning a smirk from Yunho. His lips brush against yours, testing your patience, which didn’t last long, as you press your lips against his, instantly turning it into a heated kiss. Though for a moment, Yunho pauses, to make sure that you’re okay with this, though you gave no time into giving him the heads up that you wanted to continue, grasping at the back of his head to pull him back into the kiss. 

Suddenly, you’re pressed against the wall, without barely any room to breathe between the wall and Yunho, he hoists your leg up to the side of his hip, getting closer to you as he deepens the kiss, grabbing your hand with his free one, pinning it up above your head, holding your hand to ensure you can’t move. You didn’t know what you expected from him, but this definitely beats expectations already, whimpering into the kisses as his bulge presses against your lower abdomen. “All of these whimpers and I’ve barely touched you, doll,” Yunho cooes lowly, letting you get some breath, as you try to get him to continue to kiss you, but he’s happily satisfied by watching you crumble under him. “What do you want me to do to you, doll?” he asks, tilting his head ready for a reply, kissing your cheek, trailing it down to your neck, kissing and licking at the most sensitive spots, yearning for your reply through your moans that fall from your lips. 

“Anything, please. Yunho... please,” you beg, tears filling in your eyes from the overwhelming sensation of lust flooding your brain, willing to let yourself be his little play toy for the time being. Though he takes very kindly to this, his smirk seems to be permanently stuck on his face, “Anything?” he questions, raising an eyebrow as he licks his lips. You nod frantically, “Anything... Please... I need you,” you reply, moaning with every word you try to say, making him scoff, “Are you sure?” as much as you appreciate that he just wants to double check, and cares enough to, you just wanted, you needed to be touched by him, to feel something more than just the never-ending lust at this moment. “Get to the bedroom, now!” snarls, slapping your ass as you dash to the bedroom with urgency, obeying his every word. At this point, you realised that he really did have a metaphorical choke hold on you, being able to get whatever he wants from you and you’ll happily give it to him. 

It only takes seconds for Yunho to follow behind, wasting you shake with anticipation the minute he comes into the room, merely a smirk on his face, his eyes turning dark. “Do you have any toys?” he asks, scoping around the room as you rush to your bedside table, emptying it out onto the bed, the peripheral amount if toys falling onto the soft duvet. His eyes widen at the possibilities of fun that he could have with you with the various things that came tumbling out of the drawer, grouping them at the end of the bed before slowly kissing you again. “Good girl, now get on the bed,” he orders and you listen, carefully placing yourself in the centre of the bed, legs already somewhat separated ready for him. His hands trail over your skin, removing every single item of clothing off of your body, leaving you naked on the bed as he goes through your collection.

“This will do,” he snickers to himself, pulling out a pink vibrator from the collection, testing the vibration before edging close to you, placing himself over you as his lips attach to yours, a hand caressing your breast, pinching your nipples between his thumb and index finger, making you hiss at the pleasurable feeling. Widening your legs by placing himself between them, he takes a moment to admire your glistening core, already dripping from the build-up, “My baby girl is so wet already, looks so good, enough to eat,” he growls, turning on the vibrator and pressing it against your clit. The vibrations make you squirm, grabbing at your other breast, trying to hold back whimpers but he wasn’t going to let you do that. His hand moves from your breast to your throat, gripping tightly but comfortably enough so you could breathe.

Toying with your clit, he’s satisfied from your breathy moans and feeling you tremble under him, his movement with the vibrator, and the way he changes the tempo of it, makes you cry more than you ever thought could happen. “Open your mouth,” he orders as you do so, moans escaping. As you continue to moan with an agape mouth, Yunho takes this moment to spit in it, licking your lip afterwards, rewarding you with a sloppy kiss for behaving so well for him. “Oh, you’re behaving so well for me aren’t you baby?” he coos, caressing your cheek as you whimper, nodding to his question, thinking that he’d be kind enough to let you ride through your high that was building up at a rapid pace from the vibrator on your clit. Your face screws as it comes closer quicker than you expected to, barely being able to express how close it was as your moans and whines get more consistent, “It’s okay, you can cum baby girl”. Within seconds of him giving you permission, you cry as you cum, lips far apart as he sticks his thumb in your mouth, which you instinctively suck on, in an attempt to ride out your high quickly. 

The vibrator is turned off, as he uses his other hand to caress your thigh, cooing you through your high, letting you have a moment to recuperate, breathing heavily as you look at him through starry eyes, a small smile appearing on your face, “It’s okay baby, you can calm down. For now,” he chuckles to himself, realising how easy he can make you cum, using this knowledge to his advantage. “Are you okay to conintue?” he asks, as you go to touch yourself, but he slaps your hand away, “No touching yourself, you got me?” he growls, as you nod in response, knowing to obey him or you’ll get nothing at all. Noticing the need for you to be touched again, he removed his clothes until he was down to just his boxers, lowering himself onto the bed, so his head hovered over your cunt. “Does my baby want to be touched?” he growls, his breath makes your clit tingle as you buck your hips at him, answering his question. 

He licks his lips, coating them with his saliva before licking up your cunt, making you squeal from the feeling of his warm, wet tongue brushing up against your hole and your clit. Without even having to beg him, his lips attach around your clit, sucking lightly, licking as he moans, adding even more pleasure through your body. A firm grip is wrapped around your thighs as he wraps them around his head, fully giving him access, tasting your juices as you start to scream his name, not fully over the pleasure he just gave you with the vibrator, “Fuck... Yunho!”. He hums in amusement, “That’s it baby girl, scream my name,” he mumbles, smirking at the sight of you moaning as he looks up briefly, a face that he’d happily paint a picture of, “You’re so hot when you’re moaning,” he adds, making you squirm even more when his tongue attaches to your cunt again. 

Though this time, he wasn’t going to be so nice to you, letting you have hopes that he’ll let you ride out your high, sticking a finger into your cunt, before adding a second one, curling them up, making you pant with pleasure as he does so. With his fingers, he gently pumps in and out of you, at a steady pace to bring you to the urge to come again, succeeding before pulling away completely, seconds before you could even have the chance to release. You cry as he does so, going to use your hand to finish yourself off but he pins them down at either side of your hips. “What did I say earlier, doll?” he grunts as he forcibly pins your hands down, looking at you with a raised eyebrow, yearning an answer from you as his grip around your wrists becomes a lot tighter, “Not... to... touch.. myself,” you barely mutter, as he nods, “That’s it, now remember that, yeah?”.

Unable to even focus on anything anymore, you just want to beg for him to do more, to feel the high all over again. However you were scared for what he has in store when he finally gives you what you wanted, he’s already made you see stars by toying with you, by eating you out, it seriously couldn’t get better than that but you waited patiently to be proved wrong. “Yunho... fuck me!” you whimper through trying to catch your breath, trying to reach for him to get kisses to help calm you down but he just scoffs at you, “Only way you’re going to get that is if you use your manners, baby. Where are they?” your face screws at his question, you could barely even speak with all of these whimpers and moans falling out of your mouth, “Say please!” he orders once again, gripping your throat to force some manners out of you, but you don’t respond the first time he orders you to say it. 

With a swift moment, your face is now in your pillows, whilst your ass was up in the air, exposing your behind to him as he admires the view, grabbing your ass with a firm grip, “Say... please!” he growls, forcibly sending a smack across your ass, using this to his advantage to spank you until he manages to get you to say it, your ass turning red raw with hand prints from his slaps. “Say-” he goes to repeat it again but you manage to lift your head barely from the pillow, crying out from the painful pleasure that you were receiving, “PLEASE!”. Just before he even touches you again, he picks out a choker, with a chain attached to it, putting it around your throat as he pulls on the chain, entertained by how he could control you even more through this. 

You really didn’t have to beg for any more as with one hand occupied, holding onto the chain, firmly pressed onto your ass, the other hand lowers his boxers from around his hips, completely taking them off from his body, his cock standing erect at the perfect height at your hole. “Are you ready?” he asks in a whisper, as you nod into the pillow, preparing yourself but nothing could be enough to be classed as preparation when he slowly puts in the tip, carefully and slowly pushing it further into you, yearning a muffled scream from you. Once he fully enters you, he slowly starts to pick up his pace, letting you adjust to his size. He was so much bigger than you expected him to be, stretching you out as he starts to slap his hips against you, making you scream his name into the pillow that your face was planted into. 

Unsatisfied with the muffled screaming, he yanks on the chain, pulling your head up out of the pillow, letting you breathe as you scream loudly, loud enough that the whole street could hear you but he really didn’t care. The sound of you screaming his name as he pounds into you, his cock twitching inside of your cunt, makes him lowly growl, slapping your ass with his free hand before grabbing it, leaving nail imprints. “Oh, baby girl... You feel so fucking good, and it’s all for me,” he growls, pulling you up completely, wrapping an arm around the front of your torso as he fucks you mercilessly, growling into your ear, hand around your throat loosely, making you crumble. 

“Fuck... Yunho... I’m going to cum!” you cry, as he kisses down the back of your neck, and across your shoulder, not answering you as he doesn’t slow does his pace, keeping it the same so you go through your high, unable to hold yourself up. You were so lucky he had a grip on you otherwise you’d fall into the mattress. Your legs tremble as your juices start to drop down your legs, his cock being painted white as you cry out, screaming his name again as you ride through for your high. Though there was no sign of Yunho stopping, not until he reached his own high, overstimulating you as he continues to pound into you. 

Gently lowering you down onto the mattress, he places both hands on your hips, gripping so tight on them that they were bound to leave a bruise the minute he lets go. Adjusting himself slightly, lifting a leg up, he forcibly picks up the pace, making you cry under him as he slowly comes to his own high, growling as his cock twitches inside you and your walls pulse around him, making him come closer quicker. “Fuck!” he shouts in pleasure, pulling out of you before pumping himself over your ass, droplets of his cum painting it white as he pants. “Fuck,” he mumbles to himself, taking a moment to appreciate what’s just happed, before running to the bathroom to get something to clean you up. “How are you feeling?” his voice is soft, and light as you whimper through heavy breathing, dropping your legs as you curl up, legs aching and shaky from being railed mercilessly. “I’m... okay...” you manage to mutter, giggling as you struggle to get up onto your feet. 

Yunho panics, seeing you trying to walk makes him wrap his arms around you, holding you up as you rest your head against his sweaty, bare chest, wrapping your arms around him, the faint scent of his cologne filling your airways. “You’re not going to drop me now are you?” you ask in a panic, remembering his old ways and couldn’t help but let it play in your mind, Yunho doesn’t react badly, knowing you’d still have anxieties over his past. “I promised I wouldn’t do that to you, and I’m gonna keep that. I love you, Y/N” he confesses as you look up at him, a small curl on his lips as you nod, remembering the promise he’s made. A soft kiss is placed on the top of your head as he picks up his hoodie off of the floor, as well as your underwear, “Here”. A smile creeps onto your face as you slide his hoodie over your head, big enough to reach down to your knees, having to roll up the sleeves to expose your hands. “You’re so cute,” he giggles, cupping your cheeks, putting on his underwear, tackling you back into bed, kicking off the toys at the end, pulling you in with him as he wraps himself around you. “I promise, I’ll never leave your side”. 

[wkemeup]

Graveyard

summary: As the unofficial healer for the Avengers, you pride yourself on the ability to mend heroes with the touch of your hand. Only, your gift comes at a heavy price — one you keep secret from your friends —and when Bucky asks you to do the impossible, they’ll discover why your gift is called a sacrifice, too.  pairing: bucky x healer!reader word count: 10k warnings: canon level violence

As a child, you were told it was a gift; placed upon a pedestal above the quaint suffering of a rural town and removed of your innocence for the good of strangers. You’d been made to be revered – honored – for the touch that could mend the broken.  

It began with a cut upon your father’s finger – a slip of a kitchen knife that had left a small bead of blood in its wake. Curious eyes glanced up at your father as he hissed at the sting of it and you’d reach forward to place your infant hand upon the cut, a grip so mall it barely wrapped around his finger. He stilled as a soft glow began to emit from your palm. When you removed your hand and began to cry, your father was stunned to find his skin perfectly intact – no trace of a scar in its place.  

They told you it was a gift, celebrated you as if you were a blessing from Heaven itself. But they were cruel in their rejoice, selfish in their praise. They had not considered your gift was not a gift at all – but a sacrifice.  

Like energy, pain could not be destroyed— but it could be absorbed. It could be transferred. Your father’s cut had not simply disappeared, but instead manifested on the finger of an infant for a few short moments before it faded into your skin; laid to rest amongst a sea of foreign injuries that did not belong to you.  

“Look sharp, kid! We’ve got incoming,” Banner’s voice startled you from your thoughts as he stood at the doorway to your lab. Arms folded over his chest, an amused smirk upon his face, he must have caught sight of the quinjet landing in the hanger from the windows overlooking the loading dock.  

You nodded, setting down the drill beside the stun absorption pad you were engineering for Stark’s newest suit. You didn't have to wonder long who was on the latest mission and currently on their way to your office, because a familiar bickering began to carry down the hall and into the lab, forcing a smile onto your face.  

For a mechanical engineer, you saw more of the Avengers post-mission than the med wing did these days. You’d been hired for your multiple PhDs and borderline genius IQ, but once you’d rushed across the room to spare Stark from a rather unpleasant laceration on his palm from an experiment gone haywire, your lab had quickly become a rotating door of injured Avengers.  

Sure enough, Barnes and Wilson stumbled their way into the lab, Sam draped over Bucky’s shoulder, barely able to put any pressure on his left leg. While Sam tossed you his charismatic grin and those big, round, puppy dog eyes, Bucky favored to dispose of his partner on the lab table with an aggravated grunt.  

“What do we have today?” you smirked, rolling up the sleeves of your coat as Bruce shook his head in amusement.  

“Broken ankle, I think,” Sam replied, gesturing to the mess of bandages and improvised splint.  

You nodded as you stepped closer, examining the injury before you brushed a hand over the swollen joint. Sam whined at the contact, the pain clearly breaking through the lighthearted grin upon his face though he tried to suppress it. His hand curled into a fist.  

“You know I’m not a medical doctor, but I’d have to agree,” you nodded, planting your hands on your hips.  

“You could just get the x-rays and go through PT like a normal person,” Bucky grumbled off in his corner of the room, narrowing his eyes in warning upon his partner. “She’s not here as your personal healer, Wilson.”  

Bucky was always hesitant of your powers. He never said why, but you wondered most days if he was still seeking penance for the evils he’d committed under Hydra, if maybe he felt as though giving you his pain absolved him in a way he was not worthy of.  

Or perhaps it was a degradation of his pride. Men often found strength in their ability to withstand pain. Though, it seemed to bother him when the others would come to you for injuries like this, too, almost as if he worried they were taking advantage of you.  

He was a good man; certainly, more concerned with your consent in healing his friends than your parents and the town who spent your childhood exploiting you ever were.  

“I don’t mind, Bucky,” you told him, smiling encouragingly back at him until he started to relax his shoulders and uncrossed his arms, softening under your gaze. “If it means less time on the bench and more time out there saving lives and having your back, I don’t mind at all.”

“Yeah, Barnes, who’s going to watch your back if I’m held up in a cast?” Sam teased, chuckling under his breath until Bucky stepped forward and not so subtly bumped his hip to the side of the lab table. The sudden disruption of the table moved his ankle just enough to instantly wipe the grin from Sam’s face.  

“Try to relax for me, Sam,” you eased, stepping forward as you started to remove your gloves. You leaned over the edge of the table, slowly removing the splint and the bandage surrounding the swollen muscle. You handed it off to Bucky as you examined the dark purple and blue discoloration on his ankle.  

He hissed as you laid your palms on his leg, clenching down on his jaw.  

You closed your eyes, concentrating as you felt for the break beneath the surface. A crack splintered through the bone, the surrounding tissue swollen and aching.  

A gentle glow began to emit from your palms, a warmth that spread from your hands and directly onto Sam’s skin, through the muscle, and deep into the bone. You could feel the subtle fragments as they began to mend, the swell in his joint as it shrank, the slight movements as he regained feeling.  

Exhaling a tense breath, you shifted your stance onto your right leg as the pressure started to build in your ankle. It wouldn’t last long, just a few minutes in comparison to the weeks of treatment and months of physical therapy Sam would have endured – an easy trade for a man who spend his days so selflessly on the line in the service of strangers.  

You could sense Bucky watching you and you were careful not to let the pain show on your face. There was a privilege in healing the Avengers like this. It gave your life meaning beyond the injuries of your hometown; of careless teenagers falling off skateboards or angry men in bars who took an argument a drink too far. You’d happily take on a few moments of pain in service of heroes.  

Not that you’d let them know.  

“You should be good now.” You held your hands up, the soft glow fading away from your palms as you tucked your hands into your pockets. Careful of the momentary break in your ankle, you took a cautious step away from the table to lean on the chair at your desk. No one noticed the wince in your expression as you put the slightest pressure on the fresh injury.  

“I will never get tired of that.” Sam looked down at the foot in awe, rolling at the ankle and amazed to find the swelling and bruising disappeared completely. He jumped down from the table, bounding on his feet just to test out the freedom in his mobility.  

“Alright, Wilson. Enough,” Bucky rolled his eyes. “You’re going to hurt yourself again and Y/n’s not going to be so generous next time.”

Sam smirked, pausing for a moment as he contemplated. “Nah, my girl will always take care of me. Won’t ya, sugar?”  

It didn’t slip your notice when Bucky tensed up at the pet name. You started to laugh, the teasing smile dropping from his face as his hands curled into fists. Sam really knew how to press his buttons and it seemed, surprisingly enough, you were one of them.  

“Bucky’s got a point, you know. Fancy healing powers are reserved for field injuries these days.” You were only teasing, both of them knowing you’d have healed a papercut if they’d ask. Still, Bucky smirked, taunting Sam over your shoulder as if he’d won.  

You eased yourself off the chair as you started to regain feeling in your ankle, giving more pressure to the heel to find it barely noticeable. You rubbed at the joint with your right shoe to find the swelling had disappeared as well.  

A few moments to spare him weeks of pain. Easy trade.

“What about you, Sergeant?”  

Bucky paused, raising an eyebrow at you.  

You took a step forward, glancing over him in search of injuries. Nothing more than a few cuts that his own advanced healing would take care of overnight. Still, there was one injury you’d been trying to convince him to allow you to heal in the year since you’ve known him.  

“You going to let me work on your shoulder yet or are you still being a masochist?”  

Sam snickered under his breath as he crossed the room to watch what Banner was doing over his shoulder. Bucky gave you that knowing smile of his, the one that pushed up into his eyes and left behind beautiful creases and lines on his face; an exhale of a laugh on his breath.  

“It’s not necessary, doll. I’m fine.”

A frown tugged at your lips. “You always say that, and yet...”

“Nothing I can’t handle,” Bucky shrugged. He was watching you with those sweet eyes of his, creating a warmth that spread in your chest entirely independent of the powers in your hands.  

“You shouldn’t have to handle it in the first place,” you pressed, a pain in your voice as he placed a hand on your shoulder, letting it slide down your arm. It was an intimate gesture, more contact that he had with most people, and he offered it willingly. You tried not to let the shivers show in your spine as he pulled away.  

It looked as though he wanted to say more, but Steve suddenly appeared in the doorway, causing Bucky to take an abrupt step away from you. You hadn’t realized how close you’d been standing to one another.  

“Debrief in five,” Steve ordered, eyeing Sam and Bucky, though paused as he saw you, offering a short smile in acknowledgement before disappearing down the hall.  

“I’m not letting this go, just so you’re aware,” you teased, pointing at Bucky’s shoulder as he started to wave Sam towards the door. He smiled, keeping his back to you until Sam was clear of the room and he leaned into the open frame, one quick glance back at you.  

“Wouldn’t expect anything less, doll.”

***

The next month saw another broken leg, a fractured clavicle, two minor lacerations, a sprained wrist, and a number of superficial cuts – all from various members of the team. Though there was always the one exception who wouldn’t accept your offer no matter how badly he was favoring his right arm.  

The clavicle was certainly a challenge to get through, but the world needed Natasha Romanoff in the field, not strung up on a gurney and a brace for a handful of months. It took longer than some of the other injuries to heal, but you’d managed, even if you had to excuse yourself to the restroom as soon as you’d finished, even if you had to shove a towel into your mouth to keep from screaming as it mended itself together under your skin.  

The truth was you liked being useful. You liked the stunned smiles on their faces and the appreciation in their eyes. You liked seeing them run a hand over perfectly smooth skin where an open wound had just been. It gave you a purpose.  

And sure – your work on SHIELD tech was important and perhaps not all of the injuries in your hometown had been a waste of your abilities, but there was something exceptionally gratifying in mending someone who was untouchable, in healing the people who saved the world.

You’d take a dozen broken clavicles for them.  

It was late after your evening shift and you’d taken to running a few laps on the indoor track around the gym. Blow off some steam, use the state-of-the-art equipment Stark spent thousands of dollars on, give your mind something to think about beside how you were going to rewire Sam’s wings to expand in a more fluid motion.  

You’d just started to break into a sweat when you noticed Bucky setting up at the row of punching bags. The gym was otherwise empty as the sky favored the stars over the sun, and you started to smile as you watched Bucky shrug off his jacket and drop the bag at his feet. He rolled back his shoulders, concentrating on the bag as he readied his fists. But as the first punch hit the bag, the smile quickly fell from your face.  

It echoed up into the rafters, startling you enough to still your sprint abruptly. He let out a grunt as he pummeled at the bag; left jab, right hook, kick, until it broke at the seams and split open to spill sand in heaps upon the ground. He moved on to the next one.  

You clasped a hand to your mouth, looking around the gym to confirm you were in fact alone with him. He’d been on a mission as far as you were aware for the last week. You’d missed him hanging around the lab, asking questions as you worked on new advancements on the stun guns for field agents. He must have gotten back a few hours ago and something clearly went wrong.  

“Bucky?” you called, voice far too soft to be heard across the gym and above the thunderous clash of his knuckles to leather. You jogged a few paces closer, wincing as he threw the entirely of his momentum into a hit that would have broken an ordinary man’s hand. “Bucky? Are you alright?”

But he didn’t hear you. You took a cautious look back at the doors, wondering if you should go find Steve, or maybe even Sam – someone who might know what happened, someone who might be able to talk him down. But you were the only one around. You cleared your throat, stepping up just behind him.  

“Bucky?”

You hit the ground before you knew what had happened.  

A blinding pulsing in the back of your head, the wind momentarily knocked from your lungs, you opened your eyes to find Bucky hovering over you. He held a closed fist in the air, the other digging sharply into your shoulder between his grip, pupils blown wide and dark. It took a moment before he seemed to realize who was laying under him.

“Y/n?” He blinked, confused. His stare flickered to the fist held above your head, knuckles dripping red and bloody, and he pulled away instantly, a flash of horror written over his features. “Shit-- I didn’t... What are you doing here?”

You rubbed at the back of your head, brushing over a slight bump that would certainly mend itself within a few minutes. Slowly, you sat up, careful of the sudden darkness that swept over your eyes, though something cool grabbed onto you before you could fall back against the floor.  

“Hey, come lean against the wall, okay?” Bucky urged, carefully guiding you to adjust your position until you could press your back to the chill of the plastered walls. You sighed in contentment, the pain in your pain already dissipating. Bucky swallowed nervously. “Did I hurt you?”

“I don’t stay hurt for long, Buck,” you told him with a teasing smile, though he did not return it. You set a hand on his forearm, squeezing it lightly before returning it to your lap. “I’m alright. I promise. Are you?”

Bucky narrowed his eyes.

“You were beating that punching bag within an inch of its life,” you clarified, chuckling as you gestured to the exploded bag on the floor, and then to the one still hanging with sand streaming down the seams.  

“Rough mission,” was all he said, his eyes downcast.  

You nodded. “Do you want to talk about it?”

He shook his head.

The two of you sat in silence for a while, listening to the soft buzz of the air conditioner and the faint chirp of crickets outside the windows. You didn’t expect him to say anything. Bucky was a man of few words, but you hoped the company was enough. He didn’t make an effort to move away, not even when your thigh brushed against his.  

He was trying to close his fist when you heard him hiss in pain. His right hand was coated in dried blood and fresh, open wounds on his knuckles. They’d barely started to crust over and with every attempt to close his fist, they cracked open, drawing a painful sting in their place.  

“Will you let me heal your hand?”

Bucky paused, setting his hand down on his leg. “Y/n, it’s not necessary. I won’t ask you to do that.”

“You’re not asking. I’m offering,” you countered. “Besides, it is necessary, actually. How are you going to punch the bad guys if you can’t close your fist?”

“I’ve got another,” Bucky argued back, though a smile had etched its way onto his face. He raised his left hand, making a show of it as he curled his fingers into a fist one by one. “This one’s pretty indestructible so...”

“Please, Bucky.” You turned towards him, folding your legs as you held out your left hand for him to take. “Just this once. Let me do this.”

A stormy array of ocean blue and thunderous skies stared back at you, unsure. His eyes flickered down to your hand. Always so hesitant to ask for help, always so reluctant to accept the good things when they were offered. But as he watched you, searching for signs to run, to back out, something softened.  

He swallowed and slowly, placed his right hand into yours.  

You smiled, adjusting your grip gently on his hand. You placed it to lay on you knee as you hovered your left hand over his knuckles. The warm glow illuminated from your palm and Bucky’s breath hitched as he must have felt the sudden rush of energy it produced.  

The scars began to mend before his eyes and just as you felt the stinging prick on your own knuckles, you quickly pushed your right hand into the pocket of your jacket to hide the scars as they formed.  

“That’s incredible,” Bucky exhaled, withdrawing his hand as soon as you were finished. He held it out in front of him, examining the dried blood coated around perfectly intact skin. He shook his head in disbelief. “You’re incredible.”  

A rush of heat burned in your cheeks as you looked away, a smile breaking onto your lips. It was enough to distract you from the stinging in your hand tucked away in your pocket.  

“Do you want to watch a movie or something?” you asked, biting on your lip nervously. “Think you could do with the company and I’d like to keep you from breaking more of these expensive punching bags.”

Bucky laughed at that, nodding. “Yeah, that sounds nice.”

He stood and offered you his hand, thinking out loud about which one of the movies on his list he wanted to try out next. You pulled your hand from your pocket and took his as he offered it to you; the knuckles already clean and healed.  

***

“You should see it, Fitz! It’s a goddamn stroke of genius.” You held up the ventilator no bigger than the pad of your thumb up to the light, admiring your work.  

“I’m sure Stark will be thrilled,” a thick Scottish accent crackled through the speaker on the com beside you. “Send me the schematics, will you?”

You pursed your lips, a smile etching through. “Think you can one-up me?”

“No never,” Fitz laughed. You could hear him tinkering in his own lab on the quinjet, the small clicks of metal and the buzz of a drill humming over the speaker. “Just want to see if I’m still head of our class or not.”

“Pretty sure we both know that title belongs to Simmons.”

There was a slight pause, then, a dreamy, “yeah, you’re right.”

A sudden knocking at the edge of the lab startled you as you spun around in your chair, nearly dropping the ventilator for Stark’s suit. Bucky stood in the doorway, clutching at his left shoulder as fingers dug into the muscle. He wore a sort of guilty look upon his face though he pushed out a smile and waved.  

“Hey, Fitz, I’ll call you tomorrow, alright?” you said over your shoulder to the speaker, waited a moment for his response and ended the call. You turned back to Bucky as a smile grew upon your face. “What can I do for you, Sergeant? I didn’t miss movie night, did I?”

“No, you’re in the clear,” Bucky chuckled, though it was tense. He stepped further into the lab, relaxing a little as he noticed no one else was around. It was pretty late for you to be working, but you were so close to finishing the ventilator, and well, time easily got away from you with Fitz on the other end of the phone.  

“Coming to keep me company then?” you teased. “I’m actually about done anyway, so we could set up the next movie on your—”

“No, I— um...” Bucky started, losing his nerve rather quickly. He exhaled a tense breath, eyes casting down to the floor. “I was, um, wondering if you could work on my shoulder?”

You raised an eyebrow. Even after that night in the gym, Bucky was still hesitant to your offers to heal his various injuries from the field. He’d give you that sweet smile of his, a soft pink in his cheeks, and tell you that he’d be fine on his own. You never doubted that, but it didn’t mean you couldn't spare him just a few hours of that pain.  

“The, um,” Bucky winced, gritting his teeth as he pushed his hand deeper against the tissue, “the nerve endings are acting up. Shuri said it’s to be, uh, expected given how Hydra butchered my arm all those years ago, but...”

“Come here.” You were already removing the files and paperwork from the table, gesturing for him to take a seat.  

His whole left arm was slack at his side as if he could barely tolerate to move it. Shallow breaths hitched in his lungs as he leaned against the table, settling against the hard, metal surface.

“Can you take this off?” you asked, nodding to his shirt. Bucky’s cheeks flushed and you cleared your throat nervously, playing with the ends of your hair. “It’ll be more effective if I can touch the area directly.”

He removed his right hand from the muscle at his shoulder and gripped at the hem of his shirt. Slowly, he started to pull it over his head, though you could tell from the harsh exhale in his breath that it was causing him considerable pain.  

“Here, let me help you.” You stepped forward and helped ease the fabric up his torso and gently guided it off his right arm, over his head, and eased it down his left. He seemed more at ease with the shirt removed, but a chill swept up his spine in the cool air of the lab.  

You kept your eyes on his, determined not to let your gaze fall to the hardened muscles on his chest and stomach.  

“I won’t be able to heal the scars,” you told him as you moved around to stand behind the table. “Just try to relax for me, okay? I’ll do what I can for the pain.”

Bucky nodded, his hands clenched into the lip of the table, enough to warp the surface. He could barely muster out a response.  

“My hands are a little cold, so...” you muttered out nervously, rubbing your palms together in an effort to warm them.  

Then, you set your hands against the mess of scar tissue surrounding his shoulder, starting at his shoulder blades as the glow illuminated bright enough to light up the corner of your lab. Bucky gasped, the first breath in a long time completely filling his lungs as he felt the relief within your touch. You could practically feel the tension melting off his shoulders.  

It didn’t take long before the pain made its way to your body. Starting out slow, in numbing aches, until it was so sharp, it felt like a dozen edges of sharp blades puncturing into your shoulder. You clenched your jaw, held your breath, thankful that Bucky couldn’t see your face when you bit down on the inside of your cheek and tears sprung into your eyes.  

“God, that... shit...” Bucky sighed, his grip releasing on the table. You could hear the smile in his voice, the relief, and it helped to push aside the pain as it manifested in your body.  

You moved your hand up his back, sliding along the scars where his skin met metal, taking as much of his pain as you could. Bucky was exceptionally strong, able to withstand far more than you could without passing out completely. You couldn’t take it all, especially if you wanted to keep him from knowing how your gift truly worked, but you took enough.  

You swallowed back the lump in your throat, preparing yourself as you moved around to face him. There was more on his chest, by his clavicle, you couldn’t reach from behind him. You'd had years of practice, learning how to keep the pain from displaying on your face. You could get through this for him.  

As you stepped in front of him, keeping a steady hold on his shoulder, you could feel his eyes watching you. The glow under your palms was bright enough to illuminate the lab, but it was a gentle light, as soft as the burn of a candle or the golden rays of a sunset. Bucky watched you with a kind of awe that made your stomach twist into knots.  

You guided your hand along the scar tissue on his chest, doing your best to ignore the goosebumps as they rose in your wake. Your heart was stammering, louder than the pain radiating in your shoulder, though it lessened the more you worked. The pain had nearly left him entirely as he started to take in more even breaths, relaxing his muscles as you felt them soften under your touch.  

You exhaled a tense breath through your nose, concentrating on gathering as much of the pain as you could, on mending the broken nerve endings as they misfired and frayed under the torn appendage. You barely noticed as Bucky crossed his right hand over his chest and laid his hand palm against your hands.  

“Thank you,” he whispered, his fingers curling around the undersides of your hands until he gently tugged them away. The glow faded until the lab was only lit by the soft light of the lamp at your desk and the reflection of the moon peering in through the window.  

You met his eye, the pain still prominent in your shoulder though you forcibly softened the clench in your jaw as he looked over you. His eyes flickered down to your lips for only a second, but it was enough. Your heart skipped.  

Bucky slowly released your hands, letting them fall gently against his thighs, as he leaned forward to cup the sides of your face. Fingers tangling into your hair, you stepped closer, pressed against the table between the parting of his legs.  

You wondered if he could feel how fast your heart was racing, or if he could hear it, because you were certain it was going to beat straight out of your chest. The fading pain in your shoulder you’d taken for him was nothing but a forgotten memory as he pressed his forehead to yours, just waiting.  

The moment his lips touched yours, you lost your breath; fireworks and butterflies, twists in your stomach and clamoring in your heart. You could feel his smile as it spread into his cheeks, your hands seeking more of him as you slid them up the sides of his bare chest. He was beautiful and perfect and so incredibly wonderful, you’d take hours of his pain, years even, if you could keep kissing him like this.  

“Hey, Y/n, I thought you were already done for the—oh, sorry!”

You jolted away from Bucky, restless and a little disheveled, Bucky’s cheeks flamed red, as you turned to find Banner standing awkwardly in the doorway. His hand was shielded over his eyes, his back quickly turned to you as papers littered the floor at his feet. You started to laugh, hand clamping over your swollen lips as you looked over at Bucky.  

“It’s no worry, Bruce,” you giggled, quickly skating over to the door to help him pick up the files. Bucky meanwhile shrugged his shirt back on, fixing the flyaways in his hair.  

“So sorry,” he mumbled again, clearly embarrassed by his intrusion as he glanced over at Bucky apologetically. He gathered the papers into his arms. “I’ll be going now and, um, I won’t come back, okay?”

You couldn’t help but laugh as Bucky’s eyes blew wide in Banner’s quick escape.  

“Still want that company?” you offered with a smile, extending your hand to him. The pain was long gone from your shoulder as he shook himself from the flush in his cheeks and nodded. He took your hand and led you down the hall to the living room. There was another movie on the list to get through.  

***

You couldn’t remember the last time you were this happy. Your cheeks began to hurt from how often you were smiling, as if it were a permanent fixture on your features. You’d even caught yourself humming along to the radio as you dusted the surfaces in your lab the morning after Bucky had kissed you goodbye on the landing dock in front of at least a dozen agents.  

He’d been away on a mission for the last few days, but he called when he could. You’d spend whatever spare minutes he could get on the satellite phone with him, distracting him from whatever was going on in his end of the world with talk about your latest project with Stark or old stories from the academy with Fitz or what the next movie on the list was going to be.  

He wasn’t a man of many words, but you liked knowing he was on the other end of the line. You could picture his smile perfectly in your mind, the way he chewed on his lower lip, how his eyes fell downcast to the floor by your shoes, the flush of pink in his cheeks. It was enough.  

“So, things are really heating up with you and Barnes,” Natasha commented as she sipped the top of her steaming coffee before it could spill over the edge. You shrugged, though it was hard to contain your smile. Natasha grinned. “I think it’s good for him. You, too. Don’t know the last time I’ve seen him this happy. He seems more relaxed. Like maybe he’s not carrying the whole world on his shoulders anymore.”

“Helps when he’s not in excruciating pain on a daily basis,” you added, tapping at your left shoulder. He’d let you work on it a few times since that first night. It always took some convincing, but the pain was never as bad as it was that evening. You could take it. You’d do it a thousand times for him without question.  

Natasha nodded, a pleased look upon her face. She parted her lips to say more, but a sudden commotion at the end of the hall stole the words from her tongue. You set your coffee down on the counter, peering out around the tables to find agents jumping out of the way of an oncoming train.  

“Y/n!” Bucky shouted, voice breaking in the effort as he sprinted down the hall and slammed into an unsuspecting agent. Papers flew into the air as he sprinted towards your room. “Y/n!”

“Bucky?” you called stepping out into the hallway where he could see you.  

He skidded to an abrupt stop, his hair flying over his shoulder as he turned in your direction.  

“Y/n! Thank God.”  

It wasn't until Bucky stood in front of you that you realized he was covered in blood; soaking into his hair, caked under his finger nails, drenched into his suit, and stained to his skin. Your eyes widened, breath all but leaving your lungs, as your hands clutched against his jacket. He tried to pull you back towards the stairs, but you couldn’t budge, not with that much blood all over him.  

“What-- What happened? Are you hurt?” You started seeking out exposed skin an effort to draw away any pain you could, even if you couldn’t see any exposed wounds.  

Bucky's hand slid over yours, pulling it away. He softened, though you could still see the frantic rise and fall of his chest.  

“It’s not my blood. It’s Steve’s.”

Your stomach sank; relief mixed into an ugly shade of guilt and grief. Natasha was already sprinting down to the med bay, coffee mug cracked and spilled upon the tile floors. Her footsteps echoed through the hallway, the sudden clanging of the double doors startling you from your daze.  

“Please, I—I need you,” Bucky begged, his voice shaking. Tears were burning in his eyes. You’d never seen him this afraid; this shaken and helpless. “It’s not good, Y/n. He’s-- He’s--”

“Okay.” You pressed a hand to his cheek, brushing your thumb sweetly across his face and smeared the tears as they cleaned the dried blood away. You didn’t need to hear anymore. All you wanted was to take his pain, even if your gift couldn’t touch it as it nestled deep into his heart.  

By the time you reached the med bay, a storm of chaos had already barreled through. Lab equipment was knocked over on its side. Dozens of agents frantically running around, shouting orders at one other. Papers and schematics lined the floor with imprinted of boots damaging the print. But it was the trail of blood that drew your attention.  

Droplets trailing from the loading bay of the jet to down the med wing to the surgical room. Dark red and oozing. Taunting. Far too much for any ordinary man to have lost. You tried to stifle the gasp as it hitched in your breath the moment you saw him.  

Steve was strung up on a gurney, suit cut down the middle and flayed open, exposing his chest and the three bullet holes expelling pints of blood. The hands of several agents were pressing down onto him, trying to keep pressure on the wounds, deep red slipping out from between their fingers. The look on their faces said enough – he wasn’t going to make it.  

“Where’s Helen?” you gaped, staring at Steve.  

“Ten minutes out.” Tony stumbled into the room as he rounded the corner, holding a stat phone in his hand. “She’s in the chopper.”

“He can’t wait ten minutes.” Bucky gripped tight to you hand and you could feel the tension radiating in his muscles. You wanted to take it for him but he pulled his hand before you could, turning to face you. “You’re all we have. Y/n, please. I can’t lose him.”

Bucky had never once asked you to heal someone like this. He could barely muster the will to ask you to heal his own wounds, to ease the constant stream of pain in his shoulder, and the open wounds on his hand. But with Steve’s life in the balance, he didn’t have room to be hesitant anymore. He couldn’t risk his best friend’s life.

But he didn’t know it would risk yours in the process.  

You swallowed, glancing back nervously at Steve. “I’ve never healed anything this bad before, Buck. I don’t know if I can--” survive this.  

Could your body heal fast enough to take on his injuries? Could you do them one by one? Would he live long enough to even try? Would either of you?  

“Y/n, please. He’ll die without you,” Bucky begged, his voice wavering. Tears reflected in his eyes; gentle pale blue obstructed by a swarm of fear and guilt and desperation, a redness straining into the surrounding white until his cheeks were wet. The dried blood cleared in streaks as they traveled down to his jawline.  

You watched him as he bit down onto his lip, shielding his face from the others as he waited. The frantic beeping of the monitor strapped to Steve’s chest was growing frantic, irregular, and you knew there wasn’t much time left.  

The worst you’d ever attempted to heal before had been the stabbing of a stranger. You’d found her clutching stomach in an abandoned alleyway in Queens, contents of her purse spilled to the pavement, jewelry torn from her neck. You'd knelt down beside her and took her pain without so much as a second thought.  

As her wound began to close, your skin split open, blood soaked into your shirt, your vision grew dark and hazy, until it was nothing at all.  

The last thing you remembered of that night was the horror in the woman’s eye as she scrambled away from you and ran back to the safety of the open streets. You woke in a pool of your own blood hours later – longer than it had ever taken to heal before.  

A scar remained on your stomach from that night. The only one on your body. A warning.  

Test the limits of your gift again and learn why it’s called a sacrifice.

But as you looked back at Bucky, at a man who never dared to ask you for anything until it was unbearable, who wore his own scars and healed his own injuries in fear of exploiting your gift, who was impossibly gentle for the evil he was surrounded in for decades – you couldn’t find it in yourself to say no. You didn’t want to.

Bucky must have noticed the change in your expression because his shoulders softened immediately, a heavy sigh sinking through his body. He pushed forward and pressed a quick kiss to your lips; short, chaste, and still—filled with a world of emotion, of gratitude, of relief. It gave you the courage to do what needed to be done.  

Tony began to shout for the room to clear the moment you approached the table. You stared down at Steve, whose skin had grown nearly translucent, the monitor above displaying his heart beat as it evened out to a nearly thin line. He was fading fast. You wouldn’t have much time.  

Everything around you became muted, distorted, as you channeled your focus; the huddled whispers of the agents hovering over Steve with their hands pressed to open wounds sounded as if they were miles away.  

Bucky stood at your side, watching anxiously though he tried his best to remain stoic and unaffected, though you knew he was splintering apart at the seams. Natasha and Sam were huddled in the far corner, talking quietly amongst themselves as they tried to put the pieces together as to what happened out in the field. Tony was shooing away stay agents with the threat of force, while Banner did his best to remotely disengage the power on Tony’s glove.  

None of it registered. Not beyond the flow of blood coating Steve’s chest and dripping onto the floor, your shoes stepping into the pool below. It was a miracle he was still alive at all. The serum was the only thing tying him to this Earth.  

You stretched out your hands, hovering over his chest and the agents quickly dispersed. You didn’t dare steal a glance in Bucky’s direction as the glow began to emit under your palms, afraid he might see the goodbye in your eyes or the apology for what he was about to witness. There wasn’t time.  

The pain was sudden. Sharp. Like you’d felt the bullets rip straight through you as if you stood on the battlefield in Steve’s place. You cried out at the impact of it, nearly thrown from your stance as you clutched into Steve’s body.  

Bucky jolted beside you, startled as you cried out again, desperate to choke down the screams before they passed your lips. He stared at you, wide eyed, as you clenched your jaw.  

“Y/n? Are you—”

Another scream tore through you and Bucky visibly flinched. You didn’t have the energy to hide the pain from him, not with three bullets tearing through you. You had to save Steve; put the full force of your power into healing his wounds before they consumed him whole. Damn the consequences. Damn the sacrifice of your gift.  

Your body was always meant to be the host of broken bones and bullet wounds and bruises. Made to be broken and mended. A host to others. A graveyard of injuries that did not belong to you.  

It was what your parents had told you from the time you were a child; that you were a gift to others, that you were a vessel to better the world. But it came at a price; one, it seemed, you’d soon enough pay.  

Your legs began to shake as a wave of darkness cast over your vision, tunneling, consuming the space around you. You could only vaguely make out Bucky’s voice calling your name, his tone laced confusion and concern, but you blocked it out. Daring to look in his direction now would only hinder your resolve and you needed to save Steve’s life.  

Concentrating your power, a scream ripped through your lungs as the glow illuminated the entire room, enough that Bucky was forced to shield his eyes.  

The wounds were taking hold on your body. One at your stomach. Another along your ribs. The third, just above your chest. Exit wounds opening on your back. You could feel the drip of blood as it slid down your skin; thick and unrelenting.  

You were growing light headed as the pain started to dissipate. But the wounds were still fresh on your body, still open and bleeding; the pain shouldn’t have faded so quickly.  

The steady beep of the monitor indicated that Steve was stabilizing, the flesh had nearly closed, and you barely registered Helen’s voice as she rushed into the room, ordering her team to take over.  

“Hey, hey, you did it, sweetheart. You did good,” Bucky exhaled. He had the most beautiful smile on his face; filled with a sense of pride an awe, stunning and handsome beyond belief, even with traces of concern still evident in his eyes.  

But you were stone. A statue. You couldn’t move without fear of collapsing completely.  

“He’s stable now, Y/n,” Bucky eased, trying to pull you gently away from the table. “Come here, sweetheart. I’ve got you.”

Bucky hand set against your stomach when you didn’t follow and he froze; the sticky wet residue of fresh blood on his hand. He stared down at his palm in horror as the blood began to seep through your shirt in three distinct spots, all perfectly aligning with the ones on Steve’s chest.  

Bucky darted forward, pushing up your shirt to find the wounds he’d seen healed on his best friend moments ago littered over your stomach. His mouth went dry, throat lined with sandpaper, rocks shoved down into his lungs. His hand trembled as it reached out and touched the bullet wound on your ribs. His breath hitched as he felt the warmth of blood and the tear of flesh in your skin.  

He couldn’t breathe.  

“Is Steve alive?” Your voice was barely a whisper and you wondered if Bucky could even hear you at all. His eyes were glossed over in fresh tears, lips parted in shock as he stared back at you. You could hardly keep your eyes open.

Before he could respond, your legs gave way and you stumbled back out of Bucky’s hold. Your vision was closing in, a dark cloud of black swarming around you as your foot caught on the edge of toppled lab equipment. You were in Bucky’s arms again before you made it to the floor.  

You didn’t hear him screaming for help, didn’t hear the shattering crack in his voice, or the crash of equipment behind you as Simmons raced into the room. You didn’t feel his hands as they desperately pressed onto the open wounds, or the heat of his breath as he begged you to ‘stay with me, sweetheart’. But you felt the warmth of his embrace.

It was comforting as the darkness pulled you under.  

***

A heaviness draped over you. Soothing. Pressing you into the soft cushion below. A repetitive chime rang above; even in tone, consistent. It drew you back from the kind embrace of shadows, calling you toward a flicker of light.  

Pressure squeezed at your hand. Cold and warm at once. Solid and soft.  

You listened for the chime; allowed it to guide you as the rest of your senses awakened.

The chatter of voices in the distant too muffled to distinguish. The distinct smell sterilizing alcohol that burned in your nose. The heat of a thick blanket tucked around your legs. The chill of a breeze streaming from the humming vent above. Scratchy bed sheets and laundry fresh clothes a few sizes too big for your frame.  

You groaned, trying to adjust to the influx of light as you opened your eyes. It was a room you recognized. White. Clean. Far too bright. You’d been within the walls dozens of times before, but never laid upon the bed. It was a strange view.  

Glancing down, you found yourself dressed in a dark grey t-shirt that didn’t belong to you. The logo was faded on the chest but it was still recognizable. Vintage. An eagle at the center of a circle, it’s wings remarkably similar to the symbol of the Howling Commandos. Around the edge: Strategic Scientific Reserve. You’d seen Bucky wear it until the hem frayed. Sure enough, as you reached for the bottom of the shirt, you found the split seams.  

A slight squeeze on your hand again drew your attention to your right. There, you found Bucky hunched over the side of the bed; both hands encasing yours, his forehead rested on the very edge of the mattress.  

A smile tugged at your lips until it started to ache. Unused muscles, must be. You wondered how long you’d been out this time. Must have been longer than a few hours. Bucky’s back would need your attention after the way he’s been sleeping.  

“Bucky,” you tried to call, but found your voice was nothing more than a breath of air. You winced, testing it again. “Bucky?”  

He only hummed in response. The sweet vibrations nestled against your arm. It took him a minute as he lifted his head, stretched out his upper back, matted hair fallen down into his face, before he caught your eye; glancing around the room, checking the door, the heart monitor above, like it had become routine, until he realized you were watching him.  

He froze, eyes wide. “Y/n?”

You nodded sleepily, pushing out a smile. “What’d I miss?”

Bucky didn’t laugh. His hands were still gripped tight to yours, squeezing at them as if he were checking to make sure you were real.  

Your smile began to fall the longer he stared at you. “How long was I out? Is Steve okay?”

Bucky cleared his throat, nodding, though it seemed strained. “Y-yeah, Steve’s fine. Doc said he’d make a full recovery thanks to you.”

“That’s good,” you replied, but Bucky couldn’t so much as force a smile. He couldn’t seem to look at you, his hands playing with the lines in your palms. It was then you started to notice the dark circles under his eyes, the wrinkles in days old clothing, the hallowed look upon his face. Your stomach sank. “How long was I out?”

Bucky’s paused for a moment, his movements stilling as he traced your lifeline. He sighed, resuming again. “Six days.”

“Oh.”

A silence swept over the room. You’d never been under that long before. Frankly, you were a little surprised you woke up at all given the extent of Steve’s injuries. Your fingers dipped under the hem of Bucky’s old t-shirt and grazed over the bullet wound on your ribs, feeling for the raised edges of a fresh scar. It didn’t heal, as you suspected the others hadn’t; laid to rest next to the knife wound from the woman in the alley. Injuries you were never meant to survive.  

“Were you ever going to tell us?”  

You looked up, startled by Bucky’s voice as it wavered. He brushed at his eyes; red and glossy.  

“Were you ever going to tell me?”  

“No,” you admitted and Bucky’s shoulders slumped. He sank back further into his chair and you could read the disappointment on his face. You gritted your teeth, preparing to deliver the same speech you’d been telling yourself for years. “My body could handle it, Buck. It was only a few minutes of pain to trade for weeks or months of your own. It kept you in the field and off the bench. The world needs you guys. It was worth it for me. I could handle it.”

“Until you couldn’t!” Bucky snapped, startling you as he tugged his hand from your grasp and began to pace around the room. His fingers raked into his hair, gripping at unwashed strands. “You almost died, Y/n! You almost died because I fucking begged you to use your powers to save Steve and I—Jesus, Y/n — if I had known what it does to you, I never would have asked you to do that!”

“That’s why I didn’t tell you,” you replied gently, wanting nothing more than to ease him. Bucky shook his head, unwilling to accept your answer. “Bucky, if you knew that healing a papercut hurt me, you wouldn’t let me do that either.”

He paused; arms folded over his chest though he wouldn’t look at you. “No, I wouldn’t.”

You softened, sitting up in the bed, though a dull pain rushed made it rather difficult, leaving you to clutch at your stomach. It ached as you moved, an unfamiliar feeling, and the tension quickly faded from Bucky’s shoulders when he heard you whine.

You pushed through the pain in your stomach, holding up a hand as Bucky started to step forward to help you. It would fade. It always does. You’d heal and move on, until the next injury came through. It was routine. It was your life.  

So, you told him as much.  

“I’d do it again.”

Bucky frowned. He looked like he wanted to just lay on the bed beside you, curl up against your chest and sleep. He was exhausted. And still—he couldn’t let it go.  

“You almost died—”

You shrugged nonchalantly. “It’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make.”

“A sacrifice?” Bucky’s face contorting in horror. “Are you insane? You're not a sacrifice, Y/n!”

You nodded, determined; the words of your parents, the village elders, ringing in your ears. “That what this gift is, Bucky! I can’t actually heal anyone other than myself, but I can transfer the injuries and the pain to my body. That I can heal. It’s what I was born for! It’s my purpose. I was made to be a sacrifice.”

“Not for me!” Bucky held his ground, voice firmer than you’d ever heard it. “Nothing is worth that to me! Do you understand that? I won’t trade your life for anyone’s, not even Steve’s, and I sure as hell don’t care how many bones I break or how bad the nerves in my shoulder misfire. I won’t put that on you again. The team won’t either.”

You clenched your jaw, heart starting race. No one had ever challenged you on this before. No one had ever questioned whether your gift should be used at all. No one ever seemed to care of the effect it had on your body, never thinking to look past the extraordinary abilities to the mutilation under the surface.  

No one until Bucky.  

You curled your hands into the thin sheets at your waist. “Bucky, don’t be ridiculous. I’m saving you all from weeks of unnecessary healing. I can handle the pain. It’s an easy trade for—”

Bucky’s fist met the wall. “You’re worth more than just a vessel for our pain, Y/n!”  

“What the hell is going on in here!?” Helen Cho rushed into the room, eyes darting between Bucky standing by the corner of the room, shaking out his hand, and you as you laid in the bed at the center, the heart monitor above pulsing far too quickly.  

Bucky seemed to notice the frantic beeping of the monitor and the anger quickly drained from his face.  

Helen glared at him as she stepped closer to you, beginning to check your vitals. “You should leave,” she shot over her shoulder. Your stomach twisted to knots as Bucky nodded defeatedly and walked to the door.  

“No, don’t--” you called, voice small, nervous. He paused in the frame, glancing back at you with a raised eyebrow. “Please, Bucky. Stay.”

Helen set a hand on your shoulder as if to ask if you were sure. You nodded.

“You may be able to heal yourself, but you’re still recovering,” Helen advised, tapping on the IV drip. “Take it easy, alright?”

Bucky remained stoic by the door after Helen left. He didn’t say anything for a while, his eyes focused on the tile floors at his feet, waiting until the heart monitor chimed in even, steady counts.  

“Will you sit down? You’re making me nervous,” you chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. It got him to look at you, at least. While he couldn’t muster a smile, it was clear he was drained of the anger that had quickly taken hold of his body; anger that was never once reserved for you, but for the voices in your head that deemed you unworthy of more than a body to be used by others.  

Bucky sank into the chair at your bedside.  

“When’s the last time you slept, Buck?”  

He stayed silent. It was enough of an answer. You didn’t dare ask the last time he left this room, not with the shiny reflection at his roots and the red strained in his eyes. Six days at your bedside, hunched over on a cold, unforgiving chair, clutching your hand. It ached deep into your bones.  

“I mean what I said,” Bucky mumbled, slowly brining himself to meet your eye. He reached out for your hand, letting the comforting chill of solid metal lay below as the warmth of flesh and muscle laid on top. He brought your fingertips to his lips and gently kissed at your knuckles.  

You sighed at the feeling. “Bucky, I...”

“You’re more important to us than your abilities,” he pressed, a sincerity behind his words and laced delicately into sweet shades of blue. “You do a lot of good to keep us safe with the tech you’ve been building and the adjustments to the suits. You’re incredible at what you do, Y/n. Your worth isn’t based on how many injuries you can heal or how much pain you can handle. We care about you. I care about you. Isn't that enough?”

You didn’t know.

You’d never known anyone to prioritize you over your gift. You parents had exploited it from the moment it was discovered your ability; showing you off, treating you as an idol to be worships and adorned. They put their child through broken bones and lacerations and asthma attacks. They sat back and watched as you healed strangers of arthritis and sprained ankles and migraines. Their child cried as they collected their winnings.  

Were you afraid it would happen again? Is that why you kept it from the team? From Bucky? You’d convinced yourself it was noble to silently suffer in their place, but you started to wonder if it amounted to little more than your parent's words whispered into your ear: your ability is a gift to the world, a sacrifice unto yourself.

“Would you ask any of us to suffer in your place?” Bucky questioned, drawing you from the mess inside your head with the gentle vibration in his voice.  

“I just want to help you...” you murmured, tears slipping past your cheeks.  

Bucky reached forward and brushed the tears as they fell, sliding his hand against your cheek and nestling against your hair. You leaned into the touch.

“So, we find a middle ground, okay?” Bucky offered, smiling enough to push into his cheeks, though his eyes were still heavy. “No trivial injuries. No life-threatening injuries. We take the stuff in-between case by case.”  

“Your shoulder,” you added, determined. Buck started to shake his head but you pressed harder. “Five minutes of pain to spare months of yours, Bucky. No lasting damage. Don’t argue with me on this one.”

It brought the smile back to Bucky’s eyes as he eventually nodded. You knew he had no real authority to decide what injuries you could and couldn’t heal, but you’d never had anyone who dared to put you first. You trusted him to do that; you trusted him more than yourself, anyway.

“We decide the rest together,” you told him. “I get the final say but... I need you to tell me if I’m pushing it too much, but I won’t be too cautious, either. No discriminating against Sam.”

“No promises,” Bucky chuckled, playing with the ends of your hair dreamily. “The other stuff I can deal with.”

“Okay,” you exhaled, relief sweeping through your body.  

“Okay.”

“Think I’ll be lucky if anyone on the team even lets me touch them for a few months after this ordeal, though, huh?” You laughed and though it ached in your stomach, it was considerably less than it was moments earlier. You didn’t mind the dull pain. It was familiar, almost a comfort. Steve was alive because of it.  

“Yeah, can’t say anyone was thrilled to find out how your powers actually worked,” Bucky chuckled. “But they’re happy you’re alright. I’m sure Steve will be, too. He was pissed when he woke up and learned what you did.”

You clenched your jaw. “Never good to be on Cap’s bad side...”

“No, it’s not,” Bucky agreed, wide smile pressed to the back of your hand, his lips touching over exposed skin. “He doesn’t like when anyone else pulls a self-sacrificial move. It’s kinda his thing. Diving into the Atlantic and all. We don’t really need two of you running around...”

“Alright, alright,” you laughed, swatting Bucky away. Your cheeks hurt from smiling, the pain in your stomach long forgotten, or maybe it had finally healed. You supposed it didn’t matter.  

They were scars that would never heal. Like the knife wound. Like mesh of hardened tissue around Bucky’s shoulder, stretching out onto his chest and back. Reminders of when you were too both close to the edge, to the brink of darkness. Reasons to push back towards the light.  

read the sequel here!

Thank you so much for reading! ❤️ If you enjoyed this fic, please consider supporting me at my ko-fi account ✨

[noteguk]

any way you want it | kth | m

— summary; in which your best friend, Taehyung, finds out about your unsatisfying sexual experiences and decides to put an end to that track record himself. 

— contents and warnings; smut, childhood best friends, Taehyung x reader, bigdick!tae, breast play, oral (f receiving), dry grinding, dirty talk, tae has a praise kink, unprotected sex (be responsible!!), rough sex, creampie, multiple orgasms, Taehyung takes things personally but he has good intentions, this is what happens when mutual thirst gets suppressed for years of friendship 

— words; 6.6k

— author’s note; i have no idea why but this fic was so fucking hard to put down into words??? I felt mentally constipated the entire time but it’s finally here 

Taehyung wasn’t the slightest bit surprised when you called him at almost two in the morning, complaining about your newest nightmarish date and practically begging to come over. Like the good friend that he was, he made sure to tell you that you would be more than welcome to join him in his newest documentary marathon about aliens, and wondered if you could bring him some takeout on your way over there. Like the bad friend that you were, you said no. 

To be fair, the nearest takeout place was across the city from his apartment (about thirty minutes away and in a bad neighborhood), and you were already having a horrible night as it was. Besides, you refused to take part in Taehyung’s search for a high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, arguing that it wasn’t the right time to stuff his face full of hypercaloric noodles. 

But you did pity him enough to comply with his second request: a big pot of vanilla ice cream, which you were sure you’d end up consuming too. You were in a crisis.

As if to prove that the gods above were laughing at you, during the walk of shame to Taehyung’s apartment, it had started to rain (because of course it did), and your umbrella was only able to save you from the shoulders up before it crumbled and flew away from your gasp, rolling on the asphalt like a ball of dirt in a Wild West movie. By the time that you dragged yourself to his front door, you were completely soaked (and not in the way you had planned for that night to end), and about to break down crying. 

Taehyung, like the angel that he was, helped you with your heavy coat and talked you into taking a warm shower before you got sick. He took the supermarket bag from you (where the ice cream had probably already melted) and walked you to this bathroom, excusing himself so he could grab you some dry clothes — and you only saw the ones he had picked when you got out of the shower. 

With a silly smile dancing on your lips, you fumbled with the black booty shorts that Taehyung had jokingly gifted you that past Christmas — one that read “daddy’s juicy butt” in big, bold, neon pink letters over your ass — and then decided that your dignity was already dead by that point, so another kick wouldn’t hurt. Taehyung had also given you one of his favorite band shirts, which he only revealed during desperate times. 

Your heart melted with the thought of your best friend trying to comfort you, and pulled the fabric close to your face so you could take a deep inhale, drowning in his scent. It smelled of that stupid cologne that Taehyung had used ever since he hit puberty, and a bit of fabric softener. 

The two of you had an extremely close friendship, to the point that it got kind of strange at times. Ever since childhood, it was joked that you and Taehyung had been long lost soulmates — doing everything together, from going to school to laughing at the same exact jokes during movie marathons, often at the same moment and for the same amount of time. Before puberty hit (and the hormonal rage took over your first teenage years) you couldn’t remember disagreeing with him even once. You two had always been in sync. 

But the uncomfortably close part only hit after you two went to college, and your anxiety for being a virgin in a sea of starving sharks got the best of you. After long conversations, you had managed to convince Taehyung to help you learn a thing or two about the art of naked wrestling. 

Apparently it was weird to give your best friend a handjob and a blowjob for the sake of education. Go figure. 

Regardless, your friendship wasn’t affected by any of that — even if you two had agreed to never mention any of it ever again — and you could always count on Taehyung to catch you when you fell. 

Even if it was at two am on a Tuesday, after one of your nightmarish dates. 

You threw yourself on the couch next to him, hugging your knees against your chest to form a barrier between you and the divine providence that had taken you to that point. You had half-assedly dried your hair, but pools of wetness had started to build on the back of Taehyung’s shirt. 

Instead of accusing you of ruining his favorite piece of clothing, Taehyung reached for the remote and paused his documentary just as the narrator was starting to explain how hieroglyphs were actually part of an alien language. “Just tell me how bad it was,” he said, a mustache of ice cream melting over his top lip.

You took a peek at the bowl of melting vanilla on his center table, and decided that you would probably pass the desert for the night. 

You glanced at him sideways, voice coming out monotone. “You sure you want to go down that path?” 

Taehyung licked his sweet mustache off and nodded, clearly intrigued. “Yeah, hit me with it. You look like you need all the help that you can find.” 

You sighed, turning around on the couch so you were facing him — legs still against your chest. “Okay so… I went to his place...” 

“Yes…”

“And... we had dinner, talked for a bit.”

“How was the talk?” He asked. 

You shook your head, trying to kill the memories inside. “He didn’t let me say a word. He just went on and on about this new website he’s working on, and how expensive his wine glasses were.” You scoffed, angry at yourself for ignoring the clear red flags of an arrogant douchebag. That was what the desperate need for immediate human connection could do to someone, you thought. “Apparently it’s supposed to be the next Facebook or something. Or twitter. I honestly wasn’t paying much attention.”

He chuckled. “Starting off strong.” 

“That wasn’t even the main issue,” you said, lowering your forehead so it was touching your knees. You just wanted the world to end at that moment, so you wouldn’t have to go through those experiences again. “After that, we sat on his couch and started watching a movie. And you know how that goes, we started kissing, he pushed me down and got on top of me…”

“And?” He instigated. 

With a sigh, you raised your head, meeting your friend’s gaze. Taehyung thought he had never seen you look so dead inside. And he had seen a lot from you. “And he humped like… my lower abdomen for about three minutes and came in his pants.”

Taehyung cringed visibly, taking one hand to cover his mouth. “Oh, man. That’s bad.” 

You nodded, strangely relieved at his reaction. Part of you was worried that you were the evil witch in that scenario, that maybe you had done something wrong. “The worst,” you agreed. “Wanna know what else?”

“What? There’s more?”

“He didn’t even ask me if I was satisfied with whatever the hell that was.” You told him, bitterness dripping from your tongue. In the grand scheme of things, that was something silly to get mad over, but the fact that your date didn’t even have the guts to ask if you had gotten something out of that was ridiculous. “Not that I could possibly be. But it’s like he didn’t care and I was just a pillow for him to hump like a… sexually repressed religious teen, I don’t know.”

Taehyung only nodded, realizing that there wasn’t much that he could say to fix the situation. “Was he a good kisser at least?”

You sneered. “I think he was trying to crush my face with his.” You glanced at your friend, only half of his face bathed by the yellow and orange shades coming from the television. Maybe a documentary about ancient history and alien expeditions wouldn’t be so bad. Worst case scenario, it would knock you out, and you wouldn’t have to think about that mess anytime soon. “Also, too much tongue, just… the amount of saliva…”

“Got it. You can stop there.” Taehyung raised one hand, his eyes closing for a second. His palm lowered and met one of your knees, standing there in a silent attempt at consolation. “I’m sorry about your terrible date experience, dude.” 

“If you could even call it that.” You ran one hand through your hair, suddenly overtaken by a wave of anger. “God! I was just… so… ugh! Like… ughhhh!!” 

Taehyung, bless his heart, sometimes couldn’t understand the random neanderthal sounds you threw his way. “So... what?”

At last, your makeshift protection came crumbling down, and you collapsed on the couch dramatically, legs dangling off the edge. Taehyung thought that you were being possessed for exactly two seconds before you started talking again. “I did a full body shave for this night, Taehyung. Do you realize what that means?” His lips fell open, but, before he had the chance to answer, you continued. “It means that I really wanted to get railed tonight. Actually, I wanted to find a guy who actually knew what he was doing for once in my life.”

Taehyung chuckled, trying to disperse the tension in the room. “Come on, the dating pool can’t be that bad.”

“Oh, it’s bad,” you said. 

He wasn’t giving up that fast. “How bad?”

You raised your head to look him dead in the eyes, a silent threat, before finally uttering, “Try no-man-has-ever-made-me-cum bad,” and crashing your head back against the sofa. 

If you weren’t so hyper-focused on your own sexual melodrama, you would have noticed the thick silence that fell between the two of you, Taehyung’s face contorting into fifty different emotions within a few seconds. He thought that he had heard it all — from the secrets hidden in Machu Picchu to the obvious extraterrestrial influence on earthy religion — but no amount of bad documentaries could ever prepare him for that revelation. That didn’t make any sense. 

“Wait. Seriously?” He finally found his voice and managed to push his doubt out of his throat. “You’ve never had an orgasm before?”

You chuckled, humorless. “Oh no, I’ve had plenty of those. Just not from another person.” 

“How’s that possible?” he asked. 

“I ask myself that every single day.” You sighed, forcing yourself to sit back up. Taehyung was staring at you like you had just grown two extra arms, and you wondered what an amazing sex life he must’ve had for that confession to get him so confused. “Guess I’m just really bad at picking partners, who knows.”

There was a soft grunt on your throat as you fixed your position on the couch, suddenly feeling the exhaustion of your entire day piling up at once. Your gaze mindlessly traveled to the TV — a big plasma monstrosity that Taehyung had bought compulsively during a Black Friday sale — looking at a white-bearded man pointing maniacally towards a specific, round-shaped hieroglyph. You didn’t even need to hit play to know that he was making it seem like it was an UFO, but curiosity got the best of you. 

“Can you pass me the remote?” You asked, pointing at the small device that laid beyond Taehyung’s body. “I kinda wanna see what—”

“I’ve made tons of girls have orgasms,” Taehyung interrupted, looking at you like he had just clicked out of a transe.  

You laughed at his monotone voice. “I’m happy for you, Tae.” You leaned over his legs so you could finally reach the remote. “That wasn’t a jab at your masculinity, I’m sure you’re a very caring partner, and I’m sure there’s tons of guys out there that—”

“I can make you cum too, if you want.”

You had just grabbed the small piece of plastic when his sentence hit you like a smack in the face, making you drop the remote back on the couch, eyes widening. “You… what?”

He suddenly broke eye contact, taking one hand to massage the back of his neck. “Did that sound as creepy as I think it did?”

“A bit, yeah.” You forced out a light chuckle, trying to break the ice. There was no sign of mockery in his voice, and you didn’t know how to react. You could not say that the offer wasn’t tempting (you’d be lying if you claimed that you didn’t think Taehyung was attractive), but his proposal was so oddly-placed that it sounded like a joke. “What are you talking about?”

Taehyung sighed, turning his head to look at the television. “I just think it’s really unfair that no one has ever made you cum before.” 

You smiled. “That’s very nice of you, but…”

“And I want to help you with that.” He looked back at you. Oh, he was being a hundred percent serious. There was no longer a single ounce of doubt in your mind. “We’re friends, it’s not gonna be weird. We’ve done similar stuff before.”

“We were a lot younger, though.” You didn’t know why your mouth suddenly felt so dry, your fight or flight response kicking at full strength. You could tell that Taehyung was also trying to convince himself about the strangeness of the situation. “It’s gonna be kind of weird, yeah.”

“Not if we don’t make it weird,” he threw back. Was it bad that you were actually considering it? Maybe it was the piled-up exhaustion combined with the years of sexual frustration, maybe you were finally out of your mind. But you were really considering it. “I don’t wanna pressure you, alright? Just making a friendly offer. If you don’t want it, that’s fine.” 

You kind of wanted it, though. There was too much accumulated libido inside you from years and years of unsatisfying partners, and you trusted Taehyung with your entire heart. It sounded like a safe enough bet: if all went to shit and it got too awkward, you two could just stop, no hard feelings. Besides, you knew that Taehyung cared about you, which was more than you could say about all your dates in the past couple years. 

And the more you stared at him, probably looking like a deer in the headlights, the more you grew soft under his presence. At once, you were hit with desires that you had never considered before: you wanted to kiss those soft lips, wanted to know how his large hands would feel around you. You really, really wanted to know how it was to have a good sexual experience with someone, and you couldn’t think of a better candidate than your best friend. Even if you still thought it could be seen as a little bit weird. 

But you also kind of didn’t care. 

You licked your lips, finally finding your voice after a long moment of silence. “How… how would you do it?” 

Taehyung turned his head and looked at you, noticing the expectation in your eyes. “How would you want me to do it?” He asked. 

You tried to think, but your mind was completely blank. What did you want him to do? What did you like? Suddenly you weren’t sure about anything anymore. “I don’t know,” you admitted, glancing down. 

Taehyung smiled at your nervousness, one of his hands moving to your chin and tilting your head up. “How ‘bout I start by kissing you?” He questioned, gaze flickering to your parted lips. “Is that alright?” 

There were no words in your throat, so you simply nodded, closing your eyes as he leaned in. 

Taehyung’s mouth tasted of vanilla and you thought, even for a moment, that you were in paradise. The second that his tender lips met yours, your anxiety melted away, giving space to a newfound flame of desire. Taehyung kissed you softly, sensually, taking his time caressing your mouth and drowning in your heat. His hand moved to the back of your head, pressing you closer to him and leaning your head to the side so he could deepen the kiss. 

He sighed heavily into your mouth when your tongues met, his other hand moving to hold your waist. The position on the couch was kind of awkward for kissing, with the two of you sitting side by side, so it wasn’t an unwelcome surprise when Taehyung tugged you onto his lap, making you straddle him. 

The kiss was starting to get hungrier, messier, a small whimper dying in your mouth when his palms traveled down to cup your ass, pressing you down against his semi-hard cock. Taehyung sighed and groaned at the feeling of you on top of him, loving the way that your fingers played with his hair, your body so perfectly tight against his. If there was any hesitation before, it had completely vanished by that point. 

It caught you off guard when he suddenly broke off the kiss to ask you, “Do you like any pet names?”

You blinked, taken aback. “Hm? What?”

He placed a strand of your hair behind your ear. “You know, you want me to call you by something?”  

You realized that Taehyung was really taking that personal service to a different level, and you couldn’t say that you were let down by it. If any of your past partners had the dignity to ask what you liked, you wouldn’t be in that position in the first place. “I… like being called ‘baby’,” you told him. 

Taehyung smiled. “That’s cute. Baby it is.” 

Before you had a chance to respond, Taehyung’s lips were back on yours, a dreamy sigh leaving his mouth as your tongues met once again. Only a few seconds passed before he shifted his weight to lay you down, never breaking the kiss as he positioned himself between your legs, hovering over you. Taehyung started trailing a path of kisses down your neck, his large hands slithering beneath your oversized shirt and caressing the skin of your stomach. 

“Can I take this off?” He asked, tugging at your shirt. 

You agreed and, within a heartbeat, that piece of clothing was already on the floor, and Taehyung was diving in to kiss the valley of your naked breasts. You moaned timidly when one of your nipples was wrapped by his lips, his tongue coming out to play with it. Taehyung’s other hand was occupied fondling your other breast, tugging and pressing down on it, and the sensations were taking over your mind. 

“You have great tits,” Taehyung mumbled against your skin, switching to mouth your other nipple. 

“I’m glad you like them,” you teased, playing with the hair on the nape of his neck. You were letting out these cute little whimpers that were making him lose his mind. “Feels really good.” 

“Yeah?” He asked, moving back to kiss his way up your neck. His tongue was hot and heavy as it danced on your skin, and you knew that those sucks he was giving you were surely gonna leave a few marks on your flesh. But you didn’t really care. “Gonna make you feel even better, baby.” 

Your eyes fluttered shut at the pet name — it sounded heavenly when Taehyung used it with his deep, honeyed voice; his warm breath hitting your neck as he continued with his ministrations. 

He kissed his way to your cheek, placing a small pec on your lips before saying, “Can you do something for me?”

You nodded. “What is it?” 

Instead of responding right away, Taehyung’s gaze fell to your lips, and he was once again attacking them. That time, you weren’t able to hold back the whimper that you let out, your panties already glued against your core with how much he was turning you on. 

One of his hands had trailed down your exposed abdomen, teasingly playing with the hem of your shorts. You held your breath when he tugged them down, bringing your underwear with it and throwing them somewhere in the living room. Taehyung grunted loudly when his fingers slipped past your folds, digging into your heat. His brain almost short-circuited because of how wet you were. 

He broke the kiss and looked you deep in the eyes. “I want you to sit on my face, baby,” he said, and his request shot straight to your core. “Let me take care of you, okay?” 

“Are you sure?” You asked. You had never done that before.

But Taehyung wasn’t sharing your reluctance. “Yeah,” he said, voice hoarse and eyes darkened. “Wanna taste you so bad. Sit on my face, please.” 

And you didn’t need any more convincing than that. Taehyung helped you get up from the couch so he could reposition himself on it, laying flat on his back and watching as you settled yourself above him, thighs on either side of his head. The couch was the exact size for that, a little smaller and you’d have one leg dangling off the edge.

Taehyung took his hands to your thighs, running them up to your hips. His eyes were focused on your pussy, and you never felt so exposed when he started pressing you down lightly, guiding you closer to his mouth. 

You held the back of the couch for support and did as he requested, lowering yourself until Taehyung had you flat on his tongue. Your breath trembled and caught in your throat when he licked a thick stripe from your entrance to your clit, humming around the taste before doing it again. Taehyung was an expert at erasing your worries because, with a few more licks, he had you fully losing yourself in his sinful ministrations. 

It wasn’t long until you were whining out his name, your folds lazily dragging against his tongue as you started to grind on his face. “God, Taehyung!” You called out, hand coming down to tug at his hair. Taehyung grunted in satisfaction, the vibrations of his deep voice sending shockwaves through your pussy. “That’s… that’s really nice. You’re really good at this.” 

He moaned in response, closing his eyes at your words. Taehyung was eating you out like his mouth was made for it, like he was starving for your taste and you were all that he could think about. He licked you from your entrance to your clit, playing with your sensitive spots and enjoying the tremors of pleasure that ran through your thighs, his hands locked tight around your hips. You sobbed and cried over him, making special effort to keep your legs steady as you rocked yourself on his tongue. 

It was only when he decided to suck on your clit that you realized how absurdly close you were. You clenched your teeth and whined out, yanking his hair harder. “Do that again, please,” you asked and Taehyung, like the good friend that he was, was quick to comply. Taehyung wrapped his mouth around your clit in a way that had you trembling over him, licking and sucking on your sensitive nub like his life depended on it. “Fuck, that’s so good, Tae. Feels so good…” 

He moaned again, more desperate this time, and some part of your mind understood the pattern that he was presenting you: Taehyung really, really liked your compliments. And you had no problem giving away any more of them. 

“You’re licking me so well, Tae, you’re gonna make me cum like this,” you told him,  meaning every word you said. Taehyung was a Greek god beneath you, staring up at you with those dark, focused eyes as if he dared you to cum on his tongue. “God! You’re so good for me.”

And then your praises ran thin, because your mind was gravitating somewhere else — seeking for the high that was dangerously close. It was only when Taehyung started toying with your entrance, brushing two of his fingers on it, that you came undone, crying out his name like it was a personal prayer. 

There was a smirk on your mouth as you came down, a flooding relief that overtook you. You never thought that you could come so hard in your life, especially when it depended on another person, and you were so, so happy to be wrong that you could cry. 

With shaky legs, you removed yourself from Taehyung’s face, straddling his lap and watching as his lips glistened with your arousal. His pink tongue came out to lick them, a hum on his throat as he took in your fucked-out expression. 

“You did so well, baby,” he said, placing one of his hands on your waist. “Come here.” 

Obedient, you leaned in and sighed as his mouth met yours. This time, Taehyung didn’t wait to eagerly insert his tongue inside your mouth, making you taste yourself on him. 

He pulled away leisurely, his voice hoarse. “Can you taste how sweet you are?” He asked. “I loved making you cum on my tongue, baby. You looked so pretty.” 

Taehyung breathed out, planting kisses on your neck, one hand trailing down to squeeze your ass. You whined at his tight grip and pressed yourself down on him, feeling his hard cock poking out against the fabric of his sweats. 

Taehyung groaned at the stimulation, pressing down on your asscheek again. You rolled your hips on top of him, wincing in sensitivity as his member brushed your clit. “Loved your pussy so much, baby,” he continued, sounding like he was lost in a daydream, “I can’t wait to be inside you. Bet you’d be so tight for my cock, hm?” 

“Yeah,” you managed to speak. Even if you had just reached your orgasm, you were still aching to feel something inside you. You wanted Taehyung more than you could understand. “I want you to fuck me, Tae, please.” 

He breathed out, his hands tightening around your flesh as you rolled your pussy against his cock once again. Taehyung looked like he was one heartbeat away from completely losing his self control, and hearing you beg for him to fuck you wasn’t doing him any favors. “Gonna need to lie down for me, baby,” he asked. 

With a few more shifts on the couch, Taehyung had you beneath him once again, your legs open for him as he removed his shirt and pants. It wasn’t long before his cock sprung free from its confinement, standing erect. You licked your lips at the lustful sight, pussy clenching in anticipation as you took him in — Taehyung was big. Bigger than anyone you’ve ever had, that’s for sure; long and thick and already leaking for you. 

You would’ve cried out in need if he didn’t interrupt you. “What are you looking at?” Taehyung asked, the ghost of a smile creeping up on his lips. 

Your stare oscillated toward his own. “That’s why you have such a good track record, your cock is huge.” You bit your lip, thinking about how good he would feel inside you. You didn’t know how it was possible, but you were pretty sure the last time you’ve seen his cock — back in the dark ages of your freshman year of college — it wasn’t as big as that. Or maybe you just didn’t have anything to compare it to. 

“Hey, I just used my tongue on you, don’t ignore my efforts,” Taehyung teased, wrapping one of his hands around his member so he could pump himself a few times. The playful atmosphere swiftly shifted back, and, when he spoke up again, his voice was deeper. “You think you can take it?” 

“Yeah, I can,” you said. You couldn’t be sure, but you were sure going to try. 

Taehyung hummed, moving a bit closer so he could brush his tip against your pussy, coating it with your wetness. You closed your eyes in expectation, knowing that you’d love the stretch he would give you. 

“You want it?” He asked, a touch of desperation covering his words. Taehyung was nearing his breaking point, and the fluttering of your pussy on his cock was making him go insane. “Want my cock inside your tight little cunt, baby?” 

You nodded, frantic. The brushing of his thick tip on your hole was becoming too much, your walls clenching around nothing, seeking for something to fill you up. “Yes, fuck, I want it so bad.” 

“Are you tight for me, baby?” He was trying to prolong that moment for as much as he could, keep the pretty face you made when you pleaded for him to fuck you burned in the back of his head. Making you cum once was a victory he would take forever, but making you cum around his cock might as well be his life’s biggest achievement. “Ready for me to fuck you?” 

You cried out when he started pressing himself inside you, guiding his crown inside your pussy, then stopping. “Yes, Tae, just put it all in, please,” you whined, hands fumbling for support on his broad shoulders. Taehyung already had you clenching around nothing, you didn’t know what else he wanted from you. “Please, please, fuck me.” 

Taehyung chuckled, looking down at where you two met. He was only human, and his self control was short lived. “Since you asked so nicely…” 

Your back arched off the sofa as you felt the delicious drag of his large cock inside you, opening you up gradually, taking its time before filling you up to the brim. You gasped and sobbed at the overwhelming feeling, nails digging on the skin of his back as Taehyung groaned besides your ear. 

“Fuck, that’s so good.” He let out a shaky breath, and you swore you never heard his voice get so husky before. “I just slipped right in. You’re so fucking wet.” 

Your mind was an apocalypse of confused thoughts and forgotten exclamations, eyes fluttering shut as you dove into the sensation of Taehyung inside you — his hips angling backwards, tilting up just enough so he could move himself away from you core, only to come slamming back inside. The stretch of his cock was amazing, it was making you drunk, and all that you could think about was how much pleasure it was giving you. 

“So-So big—“ you muttered, half aware that the words actually left your lips. 

“How do you like it, uh?” Taehyung asked, his voice dripping sin and hunger. You could tell that he, too, was getting carried away by the feeling, his hips rutting themselves against you at a lazy pace. “Gonna give it to you any way you want it, baby.” 

You bit your lip, a small moan leaving your mouth when Taehyung leaned closer to you, distributing hot kisses on your neck. You swore you’d be happy if you died then. “I like it rough,” you answered. 

He groaned, apparently satisfied with your response. “Whatever you want.” 

Taehyung got to his knees on the couch, deciding to put one foot on the ground for support, his hands raising your hips to help him reach even deeper inside you. Faster than your brain could compute, the shallow, lazy pace he had sat was being replaced with a harsh, fast pumping that made you cry out his name, eyes closing in sheer bliss. 

“Tae! Yes, yes, just like that,” you sobbed, running one hand through your hair. You felt like your body was floating, every cell of your body overheating with the amazing pleasure that Taehyung was giving you. You never had someone fucking you so hard, his cock pistoning inside you, your body bobbing up and down on the couch. 

Taehyung’s eyes were glued to the bouncing of your breasts as he continued to fuck you, a deep groan leaving his chest. “That’s it, take it,” he moaned out, quickening his pace even more. Your eyes rolled to the back of your head, mouth opening in a silent scream.  “Gonna make you cum so hard around my cock, baby. Gonna fuck you until you cry. Want that?” 

“Yes, yes, please,” you moaned. “Feels so good, Tae.” 

“You like my cock, baby? Like it filling you up?” He asked and you could only nod pathetically, your entire body too fucked out to even respond. “F-fuck, your pussy is so good. Tell me that you love my cock.” 

“I love your cock,” you whined, feeling like a complete hot mess under his thrusts. “I — fuck! — I love your cock so much, Tae, it’s so big.” 

Your words motivated him to fuck you even harder, his member hitting even deeper inside you. Taehyung was getting lost in the stretch of your pussy around him, the glorious sounds you were making, the lust that coated your face every time you called out his name. 

“Shit, I don’t know how anyone could look at you like this and not want to see that pretty face cum.” He was breathing out hard, grunting every time your cunt tightened around him. Taehyung wanted to see you like that forever, taking his cock like a good girl, creaming all over him and begging to do it again. You were wrapping around him so perfectly, taking all of him so well, that he didn’t think he’d manage to move on from that anytime soon. “So fucking hot.”

Taehyung chased after your high like a starving man looking for food, experimentally changing the angle and force of his thrusts to see what would get the best reaction out of you. At last, after a pathetically loud cry from your part after he raised your legs up, it seemed as if he had found it. “I bet you’d be so tight cumming around my cock, baby,” he was thinking out loud at that point, trying to make sense of the pretty sounds and expressions you were giving him so eagerly. He wanted nothing more than to see you cum — it was personal at that point. “I wanna feel you cum around me, baby. Wanna feel it so bad.” 

“I’m c-close.” Your nails dug into his shoulders, eyes closing tightly. There was a light heat in your cheeks and sweat on your forehead that was making Taehyung wonder if you were the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. “You’re so good, T-Tae, you’re fucking me so well…” 

Taehyung thought that he could cum right then and there, pushed over the edge with those sweet words alone. He loved being good to you, loved making you feel things that no one else managed to before. He was intoxicated by that sense of superiority, drowning in your praise. He wished that he could fuck you forever. 

“Cream my cock, baby, come on,” he pushed you on, his words hanging somewhere between an order and a breathless plea. You were getting so tight around him that it was making him crazy, your wetness coating his cock and dripping down between your legs like his own personal brand of aphrodisiac. “You can do it, come on. I wanna see you cum so bad.” 

You smiled at him, a cute, fucked-out smirk that made Taehyung go to heaven and back. “So good for me, Tae, you’re so big,” you said, your voice so needy and high-pitched. Your orgasm was looming over you, pressing down on your lower body and making you see stars. It was only a matter of time before Taehyung got you crying out his name, back arching off the couch and mouth falling open in delirium. “Tae! Fuck! Don’t stop, please, I’m gonna—“ 

But your warning came a second too late, because you were already spasming around his length, body shaking as Taehyung thrusted hard inside you. Just as expected, you were absolutely fucking gorgeous when you came — all quivering lips and rolling eyes —, and Taehyung was beyond satisfied to know that he was the only one who saw that pretty face of yours. 

“That’s it, baby, fuck.” Taehyung was starting to feel his own high approaching, called by the delicious tightening and releasing of your pussy around him. His thrusts were messy and harsh; his sweaty hair falling over his eyes like a cascade. “Can I cum inside you, baby? Can I fuck you full of my cum?”

You noticed the desperation in his tone and, with the throbbing of his member inside you, you knew that he wasn’t far. “Yes, please,” you said. “You were so good for me, Tae, you can cum wherever you want.” 

And it was that final taste of praise that pushed Taehyung over his limit; waves upon waves of cum filling you up as he rode out his high. “God— fuck!” He cried out, drunk on the feeling of your walls milking the last drops of cum out of his cock. A few lazy pumps later, and he was collapsing on top of you with a mumbled, “F-Fuck.” 

There was an instant of silence after his orgasm, the quietude only filled by Taehyung’s heavy breathing. You took one hand to his head, caressing the strands as a smile blossomed on your lips. “Well, I believe you now,” you said playfully. “I’m sure you made a bunch of girls orgasm.” 

Taehyung chuckled, breathless. “Thank you, I try,” he said, looking up at you. The darkness in his gaze was gone, and it was just your best friend staring back at you. “You alright?”

“I’m great,” you admitted. You never felt so good in your life. “You?”

“Fantastic, thanks for asking.” He leaned back so he could sit up, running one hand through his disheveled hair before saying, “I’m gonna grab you a towel, hang on.” 

Taehyung left you for a couple minutes before coming back to clean you up, tenderly wiping away the mess you two had created. After he was done, he discarded the towel on the floor and crawled back to rest on your chest once again. 

There was a comforting quietude that floated in the atmosphere, only filled by the muffled buzzing of his freezer and the vague sound of raindrops drumming on the window. You didn’t really know how to deal with that entire situation, didn’t know how things would stay between the two of you. But, at that point, you made the decision to keep those worries for the following morning and, instead, just enjoy his warmth radiating all around you. 

The glorious silence, at last, was broken when Taehyung started mumbling against your breasts.  “Hey, ___?” He called. 

“Yeah?”

“How many dates have you been on?”

You hummed, thinking for a moment. “Ever?”

Taehyung made a clicking sound with his tongue. “I don’t know, like, this past year.”

“Uh… like… five or six? I think?” You answered, looking down to meet his gaze. You knew that wicked expression very well. “Why?”

He smiled. “Because we have a lot of shitty dates to make up for.”

[free-pool-trash]

dancing with our hands tied - peter maximoff

here it is you guys... the ✨very spicy✨ sequel to delicate which can be read here <3 (had to keep the rep song title theme going here)

please for the love of god let me know how this is I’ve never written smut before so please go crazy with the asks/comments/reblogs on this one I’d really appreciate it😩😓

word count: 4k 😳 (it’s not all smut dont get too excited)

warnings: +18 content, sexy times, unprotected wrap it before you tap it, swearing, i tried to keep vulgarity on a low level but i decided to just commit towards the end lmao, insinuation to sex from the beginning , some fluff and a tiny bit of angst sprinkled in there too, wandavision spoilers

You can definitely read this as a stand alone but it’ll make more sense if you read delicate first !! enjoy <3

masterlist

The days you spent in WestView had been tiring. Wanda seemed to be losing her composure with each day that passed, you watched how she became more and more skeptical of Peter and found yourself growing all the more anxious with the situation you’d run head first into. But, you were with Peter, your mind and his mind were free of Wanda’s influence and she’d been kind enough to appoint the pair of you your own house in the neighbourhood, a few doors down from her own, so, you couldn’t complain too much.

Today was a relatively quiet day, but you had a feeling that just meant you were in the calm before the storm. Tonight was, apparently, Halloween. Despite the fact that it was nowhere near October, you were more than happy to play along with Wanda’s over the top festivities.

Peter and Tommy had just zoomed into your and Peter’s bedroom, sporting matching outfits and excited expressions as they looked at you expectantly, “Well? What’d ya think?” Peter asked, motioning between himself and Tommy. The littlest speedster awaited your answer with wide, hopeful eyes, wanting validation from his cool uncle’s even cooler ‘friend’.

Yeah, you’d made out on Wanda’s couch but you still hadn’t addressed the question of where exactly your relationship stood. It felt as though the pair of you were both actively avoiding the awkward conversation, opting instead to simply fall into bed together every single night and completely disregard the boundaries of friendship in favour of hearing each other moaning until the early hours of the morning.

With a smile you let out a low whistle, “Looking good boys. I gotta say, Tommy, I think you’re outshining your uncle right now.”

You had to laugh when Tommy smirked triumphantly at Peter, “I told you she liked me more than you.” He boasted proudly and your laughs grew louder when Peter huffed angrily. He crossed his arms over his chest and jutted his bottom lip out childishly.

“Y/n, tell him you like me more.” Peter demanded, again, childishly.

You only grinned, “No comment.” You told him airily, making your way to your closet and hesitantly pulling out the latex costume Wanda created for you off of the rail, holding it by the hanger skeptically.

It was Peter’s turn to let out a whistle when his eyes scanned the skimpy looking leotard suspended by the hanger. The fabric mimicked the design of Peter and Tommy’s outfits although it seemed Wanda had gone out of her way to make yours ever so slightly sexier. The leotard was strapless with a sweetheart neckline and a silver lightning bolt ran through the light blue material. The only saving grace was the silver tights that hung from the hanger as well, at least you’d have some kind coverage. With one last peek into the closet, your eyes landed on a pair of white, knee high gogo boots.

“Christ…” You muttered, eyebrows furrowing at the thought of wearing the ensemble out in public, if it was cold tonight Wanda would be in for an aggressive telling off. With a deep sigh you turned to the two speedsters who were both staring at you, waiting for you to say something. “I guess we’re all gonna be matching tonight.”

“Sweet!” Tommy exclaimed while Peter only smirked. Peter, with a lot of effort, moved his attention from your costume to his nephew.

“Why don’t you go hang out with your brother for a while? I gotta talk to Y/n for a sec.” Tommy welcomed the suggestion, only nodding his head before he had sped out of your house and back to his own.

A gust of wind hit your face as Peter sped himself in front of you, the man didn’t hide his intentions as he gripped your hips and pulled you flush against him. Swaying his body against yours and bringing his lips to the exposed skin of your neck. He trailed his lips up your neck, sucking and nipping, smirking when you let out small noises of approval. When his lips reached the spot behind your ear, he gave a final, harsh suck which had your breath hitching and whining when he pulled away.

To be honest, you’d love to be able to call him your boyfriend and be certain that he thought of you as his girlfriend, but at the moment you were perfectly happy with whatever the fuck the two of you had going on if it meant you could keep feeling him against you like this.

“I cannot wait to see you wearing that.” He all but groaned against your ear, his voice deep and gravelly. The butterflies in your stomach went feral at his words and you had to pull your bottom lip between your teeth to keep from letting out a moan from his tone of voice alone, not to mention the fact that his crotch was pressed up against yours, he was excited to say the least.

Your hands slid up his chest and settled on either side of Peter’s neck, you gently pulled his head out from the crook of your nape and teasingly raised an eyebrow at him, “Maybe later I’ll let you help me get out of it.”

A wicked grin spread across his lips, he squeezed your hips in response, tugging you into him even further for some kind of relief then pressed his lips to yours briefly, murmuring against them, “That’s definitely a plan I can get behind.”

Giving him one last kiss, you pried his hands from your hips and pushed him away, “Alright, get lost I need to get ready.”

“Meet me at Wanda’s?” You nodded at his question, letting out a deep sigh you hadn’t noticed you’d been holding when he finally sped out of the room.

After a second of cooling down, you pulled on the outfit and you’d be the first to admit; Wanda knew what she was doing with this one. You looked incredible, albeit a little stupid in the costume, but still incredible.

When you made your way over to Wanda’s to meet up with the others, you let out a laugh seeing as Wanda was essentially wearing the same outfit as you, only with the added extras of a cape and gloves.

“Hey! Why are you dressed the same as Uncle P and Tommy?” Billy asked you curiously, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he glanced between you and Peter for answers. The speedster in question was smirking proudly, his arm finding a spot wrapped around your shoulder.

“Because she’s totally obsessed with me.” He lied with an over dramatic sigh, causing Tommy to laugh.

You rolled your eyes, elbowing him in the ribs playfully before focusing your attention onto Wanda, “I think it’s safe to say that Wanda and I will be winning best couples costume.” Wanda gave you a knowing grin and a not at all subtle wink in response to your statement.

“Only the best for the best.” She replied, walking forward and linking her arm with yours, stealing you away from Peter who whined in protest, “Oh hush, you can have her back later.”

Telepathy definitely had its perks, one of those perks being you could tell there was more to Wanda than just being an evil puppeteer. The two of you got along extremely well, you were actually growing to see her as a friend. It helped that you knew her story, though. You sympathised with her, knowing full well that if you lost the love of your life you’d probably create a false reality to be with him too. You’d already followed him into a fake reality so you supposed it wasn’t really too much of a stretch to imagine yourself in Wanda’s position.

As the night went on, yourself, Wanda and Peter were sitting around in town square, the twins having run off somewhere. Tensions were high between the interreality siblings at the minute, Peter seemed to be having the time of his life getting on Wanda’s last nerve, poking and prodding at her lifestyle choices.

“Lay off, Pete.” You warned quietly, your stare serious as you felt Wanda becoming impatient with the mutant. Your breathing stopped for a moment and you let put a horrified gasp, your hand clapped over your mouth as you stared at the image in front of you.

Peter’s skin was grey, his eyes were milky and he was littered in what you could only assume to be bullet holes- he was dead- no, you realised as you caught Wanda’s pained expression, he was Pietro.

Wanda regained her composure after a few seconds but the sight of Peter dead was enough to shake you to your very core and you found yourself shaking where you stood.

You didn’t even have a chance to regain your composure before shit had hit the fan. It had happened in a blur, Billy and Tommy were frantic and worried about Vision being in trouble and next thing you knew Wanda was sending Peter flying with a ball of energy after he made a smartass comment about Vision not dying twice.

Quickly, you ran to Peter’s side, he was groaning in pain and looking up at you through squinted eyes, “What the hell was that all about?” He grumbled, hiding his head in your lap when you got down on your knees beside him.

With a sigh you let your body fold against his, wrapping your arms around him and letting your head rest against his shoulder, the image of him bleeding out still too fresh and real in your mind. You could berate him for his brash behaviour another time, for now though; you just needed him close.

“Come on, dumbass. Let’s get you home before you decide to cause more trouble.” You mumbled, pulling him up with you. Ignoring his whining while you led him home, your arm remained firmly around his waist the whole way despite the fact he’d recovered from the blast Wanda dealt him after only a few minutes.

When you got back to the house that Wanda had deemed yours upon your arrival, you finally allowed yourself to breathe. Peter was staring at you with a guilty expression as you released a heavy breath through your nose and shuffled into the kitchen, the heels of your boots scraping on the hardwood as you walked.

Like a lost puppy, Peter followed you. Once he reached you lent against the sink he wrapped his arms around you from behind. He knew you weren’t angry at him by the way your arms immediately moved to grip his and tug them tighter around you.

“You know, her real twin- Pietro… he died,” Peter’s face contorted in confusion when you began to speak, he listened with concern as he could already hear your voice beginning to shake, absentmindedly he caught himself tucking you closer against his chest. “For a second… you must have said something that hit a nerve but for a few seconds…” Your voice hitched and you shook your head in an attempt to knock the image out of your mind, though you had a feeling it would haunt you for as long as you lived. When Peter noticed you’d started chewing at your bottom lip, as you always did when something was causing you anxiety, he gently turned you around in his arms so that he could look at you, his arms remaining firmly around you, yours finding a place resting against his chest.

“What happened, sweetheart?” He cooed, his eyes very much alive and staring into yours.

Swallowing thickly you answered, “You looked like him. You were dead.” You told him quietly and he was sure the look of grief on your face, brought on by the thought of him dying, would haunt him for a lifetime.

Your eyes watered as you took in his face. Scanning every part of it, his brown eyes that made you melt, the dimples that could still be faintly seen even when he wasn’t smiling, the lips that took up the vast majority of your thoughts and that tiny furrow between his brows as he looked down at you with worry.

You loved him.

Of course, you’d known this for years. But you needed him to know, and even though you were already well aware the overwhelming feeling is mutual, you needed to hear him say it.

His thumb running under your eye pulled you from your thoughts, “I’m not going anywhere, baby.” He whispered softly, his hand cupping your cheek as his thumb ran back and forth over your cheek bone. Your stomach flipped at the pet name and you nuzzled against his touch.

“Good. I don’t want to lose you ever again.” You confessed, looking up at him through your lashes fondly as his lips formed an almost sad smile.

Gently, he brought his lips down to meet yours, pouring his heart into the kiss, hoping it would make up for the turmoil he felt responsible for causing you. Too soon, he pulled away.

“Believe me, I’m never leaving your side. I mean come on, I’m without you for like three days and I end up being mind controlled by my sister who isn’t even my sister.” He chuckled out, a grin growing on his face as you began to smile too. He let his eyes close blissfully when you brushed your nose against his, a toothy smile on your face.

“You, Peter Maximoff, are completely hopeless.” You whispered through your smile as he opened his eyes to look at you. His own face sporting an adoring smile.

Your heart skipped a beat the second his next words passed through his smiling lips, “Without you, Y/n L/n, yes I am.” Within a second your arms were around his shoulders and your lips were moving frantically against his. Peter’s hands wasted no time in sliding down to your thighs, gripping them and propping you up onto the kitchen counter.

Your legs automatically wrapped around his waist and your hands got lost in his hair, keeping him as close as humanly possible while his lips migrated to your jaw.

An appreciative hum left your throat as he lapped at the underside of your jaw, leaving a mark before trailing his lips back to your mouth. His tongue licked at your bottom lip as he kissed you, moving it into your mouth the first chance he got. Peter moaned into your mouth when you gave his tongue a light suck.

You grinned at the sound and leaned your weight forward so you were primarily resting against his body, your arms and legs wrapped tightly around his body, your ass barely resting on the counter by that point. Welcoming your movements, Peter’s hands glided up from your thighs to grip your ass and pull you from the counter completely.

He carried you clumsily through the halls of the house, bumping into furniture and pausing to press your body against walls, his eyes closed and lips never separating from yours. You were about a foot away from the stairs when you felt your back make contact with the plaster behind you, your chest heaving when Peter abandoned your lips in favour of littering wet kisses across your chest, no doubt leaving a trail of hickeys in his wake.

You let your head fall back against the wall, enjoying the sensation of Peter nipping and licking at your skin, the man diving back to your neck as soon as he realised that your head thrown back made it entirely exposed to him. You released a breathy moan when his lips ghosted over a sensitive patch of skin, he moved his tongue frantically and you shuddered at the feeling of his hot breath hitting your bruised skin.

“Peter…” You whined when he pushed his crotch up against yours, pressing you further into the wall smirking against your neck when you called his name.

“Yes?” He asked teasingly, rutting his hips against yours once more, deliberately attempting to pull another moan from you, he obviously succeeded. His smirk broadened when you let out a huff and tugged his hair so he’d look at you.

Peter swore he was in heaven when his eyes met yours again, your face was red and your eyes were half-lidded, pupils blown wide with lust as your chest heaved. He could’ve exploded on the spot when you tugged your bottom lip between your teeth and looked at him innocently, all the while grinding your hips slowly and firmly against his. Peter clenched his jaw and let his eyes fall shut, his hands gripping your hips so tightly that you were pretty certain the area would have bruises come tomorrow. You were struggling to care about that though, focusing your energy on the man who had you pinned against the wall.

You brought your lips to Peter’s neck, repaying the favour, not detaching until you left a dark, albeit small, purple bruise on the underside of his jaw. Deciding to prolong the teasing for a little while longer you moved your lips up and let them hover by his ear and you began to let out soft little moans in response to his grinding, the action caused Peter’s movements to become more frantic and your lips to form in a smirk as you felt him hardening against you.

His breath was laboured when he murmured, “Let’s take this upstairs, yeah?” Before you could even answer he had sped the pair of you to the bedroom and you let your feet return to the floor.

As he stood in front of you, you took him in, swollen lips and Halloween hair completely tossed, not to mention the tent in his trousers that was very visible despite the layers of his costume. When your bodies collided again, it was a frenzy of hands, the both of you practically tearing the fabric off the other until you were in nothing but your underwear, kissing sloppily and stumbling towards the bed.

Peter’s lips attached to your chest again the second your back hit the mattress. He groped at your right breast while his tongue sucked on the other, swapping over before you pulled him back up to you.

The way he slotted between your legs and how his forehead rested on yours felt so perfect, you couldn’t help but grin.

“You’re gorgeous, sweetheart.” He muttered between kisses against your lips, his hands kneading your breasts as he did.

You were practically dripping by the time his hand slid down your stomach and under the band of your underwear. For someone with super speed he was moving agonisingly slow at the moment, his hand rubbing languidly over your wet core while he swallowed your moans.

“Fuck- God, Peter please.” You whined, your hips bucking into his hand, desperate for more friction than he was giving you.

The sound of your voice, so needy for him, was all he needed before he was pulling your underwear off, tossing the thin material over his shoulder haphazardly and shimmying out of his own boxers, clumsily kicking them away from his ankles, earning a giggle from you.

When he kneeled on the bed between your bent and separated knees you sat yourself up, sliding one hand up his bare chest and resting it against his shoulder while the other slid downward, only stopping once it was wrapped around his shaft. Peter sucked in a harsh breath when your began pumping him softly, the man completely losing it when your thumb swiped over his tip collecting the precum that had gathered and using it to wet the length of his dick as you continued to fuck him with your hand.

As much as Peter was loving the image and feeling of you jacking him off, he knew if you carried on he wouldn’t be able to last much longer. Still, he didn’t have the heart to pull your hand away when you were making him feel so good. His head found it’s favourite spot in the crook of your neck and he groaned out against the skin that was littered with little purple and red marks from his earlier work, which he’d be sure to admire later, “Shit, Y/n-“ He croaked through a moan, hands gripping your hips as he fought the urge he had to thrust into your hand, “M’not gonna last much longer if you keep doing that.” He groaned out, almost reluctantly, not truly wanting you to stop while simultaneously craving more.

You stopped your motions at his statement, giggling when he let out a strangled noise of disappointment at the sudden lack of pleasure. Doing the honours, you lined him up with your entrance, letting him take over when his lips connected with yours.

Peter gently pushed you back until your head was resting against your pillow and your back was flush with the mattress. His lips continued to mesh with yours as he pushed into you inch by inch until he bottomed out. The deep groan he released was music to your ears and your hands gripped his biceps when he began to thrust in and out.

A symphony of moans filled the room as Peter had managed to set a steady pace, trying his best not to let his mutation get the best of him, as much as he wanted to just go to town he was determined to make you feel as good as you made him feel and judging by the way your head was thrown back and his name fell from your lips like a prayer; he guessed he was doing an okay job.

In only a few minutes Peter had you gasping and clutching onto him like your life depended on it as he picked up speed, one of his hands reaching down between your bodies to rub your clit, his hips snapping against yours. Soon enough, you felt the pressure in your stomach release, your walls clenching around Peter’s dick as your back arched and you released around him. After only a few more staggered strokes, Peter moaned your name against your lips, finishing inside of you and thrusting lazily, riding out his high and subsequently helping you ride out yours.

You let out a blissful sigh when Peter pulled out and rolled over to lay on his back beside you, his chest heavy and his blonde hair sticking slightly against his forehead.

“That- that was awesome.” He mumbled, intertwining his fingers with yours, holding your hand by his side.

Over the last couple of nights you and Peter had, admittedly, ended up in a similar position but neither of you intended for it to happen. It’d usually start off innocently enough, with cuddling or just talking and then one of you would move in just that little bit closer and things would escalate. But there was something about this time that felt a lot more emotional than the few times before. “It was.” You agreed with an airy giggle, squeezing his hand affectionately.

A gust of air shook you from your haze. Peter had taken it upon himself to clean up the mess the pair of you had left between your legs, a pair of his boxers and one of his t-shirts now adorned your body matching him as he wore the same.

He was on his side facing you, his arms holding you against his chest securely the same way they had the night you’d shown up in WestView and urged him to kiss you. When he took you in, he kicked himself for missing out on so much of you for so long.

He was certain, one of these days he’d actually speak the three words that followed him around whenever he thought about you, but as he watched your eyes flutter closed, he decided the words would be best spoken some other time. He was well aware you already knew, just as he was well aware that you loved him, it needed to be said. Eventually, but not quite yet.

[spilledkauffie]

Game Night

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Female!Reader Word Count: 2.2k T/W: fluff A/N: Part 2 of Bingo — a few months later

I am SO SORRY this took me way longer to post than it should have!

Bucky Tag List: @anreeixcobra ❤︎ @tsnelf7 ❤︎ @fandom-princess-forevermore​

It was Friday night, which meant one thing: Game Night. Ever since Yori introduced you at Bingo, you made it a tradition in your relationship to play board games on Fridays. For the most part you kept it to fairly modern games, but tonight was going to be a surprise.

Tonight it was your place, 8 o’clock. Bucky showed up with a six pack of root-beer in glass bottles. You added a few to the fridge as he found his usual seat at your apartment table. He waited for you to round the small apartment’s bar and join him. Sliding the glass bottles across the table to Bucky, you smiled, biting in your bottom lip, as he slid your bottle back, now without its top.

Easily he popped the top off his own bottle with his left hand; it was as he was about to take a sip that he caught sight of your look, “what?” he furrowed his eyebrows, questionably. 

“So. . . tonight,” you tried not to giggle.

“What?” Bucky asked again, this time finding himself following your smile despite his will not to.

“Tonight is going to be special,” you clasped your hands together, “because I found some stuff that’s as old as you.”

“Wow, thanks,” Bucky said sarcastically, taking a sip, shaking his head, blinking softly as he saw you rush to convince him it would be fun. Sighing deeply, he gave in, “alright, what is it?”

“I’ll be right back,” you twirled on your heel and left the room.

Returning to shaking his head and the glass bottle, he paused after settling the bottle on the table. It’d been a long time since anyone cared about anything actually as old as him. He’d been pretty good at keeping up with the times, a lot of things he knew just got an upgrade, but the thought of something from his actual childhood felt a little heartwarming. 

“Okay,” you declared, reentering the room with a stack of vintage boxes in your arms that made Bucky lean back in his chair out of shock, “here we are.” 

His jaw dropped a little at what you had brought out as you set the stack on the table. Watching you take a deep breath and exhale with a smirk, he shook his head, this time silently asking “how?” You set your hands atop the stack, rapping your fingers across the top box as you smiled again. 

Smoothing your hands out across the box top, you cleared your throat, “no peeking,”  bringing Bucky’s attention entirely to you. 

“Option number one,” you held up the rectangular shape with severely faded letters across it, “Scrabble, released 1938.” The box very gently met the table, “option number two,” you looked at him attempting not to giggle as you saw him cross his arms over his chest, genuinely listening to you intently, “Sorry! released 1934, Battleship, original pen and paper game,” you clarified, he lifted his eyebrows, impressed, “and last but not least, Monopoly, released 1935.”

“Wow, you uh- you really did your research,” he commented, looking over the stack of authentically vintage boxes.

“Of course,” you shrugged with a smile, “my boyfriend’s 106, if I want to bring back some childhood nostalgia, that requires some research. . . and late hour ebay bidding in our case.”  

He nodded, a faint smile showing, before it faded with his next words, “I hope you didn’t do too much research on me,” he looked up, hand resting on Monopoly.

You calmly slid down into the seat across from him and stared with a kind smile still on your lips, reaching to touch his hand, you stroked your thumb against his knuckles, “I’m more of a first hand account, direct source, kind of girl when it comes to people,” the corner of his mouth tugged into a smile. 

You knew, just not everything, and he wasn’t sure he was prepared to have another living soul know it all quite yet. Luckily, you were someone who seemed to actually understand that.

“Or,” you announced, lifting a pointer finger, as if requesting a pause whilst you went to a nearby drawer, returning with a much smaller box, “we can get really really old school, even for you” the box met the table top, “standard 52 card deck, English edition, circa 1516. . .obviously not original.”

Bucky chuckled, looking to you, tonguing his cheek, before picking up the cards, “I hate to tell you, but that’s just a little before my time,” he squinted at you, teasingly.

Biting your lip, your shoulders shifted with the giggle that came after his comment, “so, come on,” you sat back down, this time with your elbows on the table and hands laced, to support your resting chin on top of them, “what should I beat your butt in?”

“Oh,” Bucky, attempting to appear insulted, began raising his eyebrows, “you think?”

“Yeah,” you laughed your words while looking at his serious face, “I think, better yet, I know.”

“Well, I don’t know where you get your confidence from. You know you are talking to a local senior Bingo night champion,” he shrugged with a head tilt, as if that was supposed to be a big deal.

“Woooow,” you drew out, smiling uncontrollably.

“But,” he sighed, “okay,” he shook his head once, accepting your challenge, “let’s go, you’re on! Monopoly,” he brought the box towards himself as you set the others on the floor next to your chair.

You watched as he picked up the little metal pieces, examining each one individually. There was an expression you’d never seen before, he was remembering something positive from his past. A memory that sparked a smile that you helped bring about. He surveyed the board, with all its bright colours and familiar street names.

“It’s been-” he paused, looking upward, doing the math in his head, “it’s been 85 years since I played this game,” setting each piece he stopped at the boat, laughing to himself, “you know, Steve used to always be the battleship.” 

A soft smile came across your lips, while you watched him remember exactly how to set it up. You picked the Scottie dog and he picked the vintage race car piece.

“Were you always the race car?” you ventured, wanting to know more about his childhood, you knew he didn’t talk about it often.

“Oh,” he glanced to the piece he had just naturally picked up without a thought, “yeah, well, I think,” he gave a quick, but somber smile, before clearing his throat, and actually looking up, “and my sister, whenever she’d actually manage to get mom and dad to let her stay up with us, she’d always be the thimble,” he leaned back in his chair, smiling, “whenever it was her turn to move she’d put it on her finger and hop it down the street names.” He leaned back to the table, “we never made her go to jail, even if she landed on it, Steve would make up some rule that let her skip it.” 

“That’s really sweet of you guys,” you said, looking softly at his smile.

“Yeah,” he swallowed, “but don’t think you can skip jail,” he changed his tone, preferring not to dwell on the past even if it was positive. 

“Don’t think I’ll be visiting,” you smirk confidently, “better watch out for the money man yourself.” 

“Wow, who is this?” he dropped his jaw, “she’s so sarcastic, does Yori know this side of you? Do you sneak jellybeans under the table or something evil like that?”

Laughing, you took your root-beer, “just give me my $1,500 so the smack down can actually begin.”

Two hours later, after a long battle between Boardwalk, control over the railroads, and many, many visits to jail, you sat back, lips quirked, arms across your chest as your little Scottie sat in jail.

“And three thousand, six hundred, and five. . . I’m sorry, but that leaves you,” Bucky set his elbows on the table, wincing at you, “bankrupt.”

“Fine,” you huffed jokingly, giving your best pout,“you win.”

“Aww, c’mon,” Bucky reached out a hand to touch your forearm comfortingly, accompanied by a smile you couldn’t deny.

“You wanna go again?” You offered seriously, resting your hand on top of his tenderly, happy to see him so happy.

“It was really fun, but let’s play something else, this time you pick,” he offered.

Breaking into a smile, you gave a nod, and he asked what you had in mind. It took a moment, you wanted to make this good, and you wanted to see it be a little more of a struggle for him, if you were honest. 

“You know, I know it’s later than your. . .original timeline, but there’s this fantastic game called Twister,” you smirked, perking an eyebrow to ask if he was up for it. 

“Twister?” He repeated you, tilting his head like a confused puppy, “what’s Twister?”

“I’ll show you, but,” you glanced over to your small apartment living room, “we might need to arrange the furniture a little.”

“Don’t worry,” Bucky stood, “I can handle that.” 

Smiling, you stand, “okay, just push it all to one side, I’ll get the game.” 

Ten minutes later, shoeless, you both stood looking over the polka dotted sheet on the floor. Nodding happily to yourself, Bucky shook his head almost in fear. 

“Make sense?” You asked, having just explained the very simple rules, you turned to face him.

“Oh, I’m sorry I asked,” he sighed, shouldering off his jacket and tossing it onto the couch along with his glove, “yeah, it makes sense,” he set his hands on his hips, pondering this new game intently. 

“Okay, you first,” you held up the spinning arrow, and began.

One hand and foot at a time, sometimes struggling to reach the spinner, but you both made it work pretty well. Having kept to one side of the sheet, it came time to get a smidge more twisted.

Bucky managed to keep balanced and spin a green dot with his left arm, conveniently it placed him right over you. As he began to reach for green, he carefully calculated how best to approach the green dot in order to keep his balance. It was a pretty far reach and he’d need to balance himself whilst reaching over you. 

“What’s the matter old man, can’t quite move like you used to?” you shamelessly giggled. 

Raising his eyebrows at your tone, “ohhh, wow,” Bucky said sincerely, finally placing his left arm over you and to a green dot, now above you he tilted his head sassily, “respect your elders.”

His last sentence only made your giggle turn into a genuine laugh. You closed your eyes and threw your head back a little. Admittedly, Bucky thought it was funny too, but he didn’t laugh, he just took in your smile and the sound of your laugh, enjoying every single moment of it.

When you brought your head back up, you were about to respond sassily, but instead you found his lips meeting yours. With a small squeak of surprise, you relaxed into the kiss, glad that he was finally confident enough with you to take a chance now and then. He tasted like vanilla root beer, which mixed wonderfully with the scent of his cologne you were finally close enough to smell. 

It was soft and slow at first, but slowly, with his right hand palming the arch of your back, you eased into his touch, lower back almost meeting the floor as you both sunk down a little. You completely forgot about the game, as you reached your arms around his neck gently. Keeping the kiss close, you felt him hesitate to deepen it, so you gave him a small sign of encouragement, by moving your hand to the side of his neck, naturally bringing him even closer. 

You had no idea how long you’d been there, on that polka dot sheet, but it was such bliss that you didn’t even care. Smiling into the kiss, you felt him smile back. 

Parting, he pressed his forehead to yours, “I win,” he whispered, lips in a smile. 

“What?” was all you could ask, still mesmerised by the kiss. 

Bucky motioned his head to his left arm which happened to have been keeping the two of you steady. . . all the while remaining on the green dot. You dropped your arms from around his neck, to the floor, elbows supporting you as you looked up at him, shaking your head. 

“That does not count, Bucky,” you tried not to smile as he kept his arm as still as possible.

“What? But my hand’s still on green,” he dramatically gestured to it, making you bite your lip to repress a giggle, trying to match his seriousness.

Shoving his chest directly above you, he feigned an ‘ow!’ before you softly pull him closer again.

“If I kiss you are you gonna hit me again?”

You smirk, “I might if you don’t.” 

Bucky smiled, lips almost touching yours, “alright, sorry,” he smiled, voice almost a whisper as his lips brushed against yours, “I’m still learning the rules to this game.”

[bitsandbobsofwriting]

Leon brings Merlin and Lancelot in on his underground enterprise;

Turns out, Leon is the biggest Magic Ally out there. Confusion, bonding, and sneaky hijinks ensue.

I imagine it starts fairly normally.

The Gang (King Arthur, Merlin, and the five knights) have literally just arrived back at the castle after a fairly uneventful hunt (I mean... nowadays, getting attacked by bandits only once in three days counts as uneventful).

Merlin is left behind to help the stablehands untack the horses, like usual, except he leaves the stables half a candle mark later to find Leon awkwardly loitering around outside, the evening dimming around him.

He thinks maybe the First Knight had gotten injured, and was too embarrassed to ask for help in front of everyone (something that is common in all of the knights. Merlin thinks it’s very stupid, and has told all of them this at least once), so doesn’t question it when Leon asks Merlin for a quick word, and leads him back to his quarters.

Leon locks the door behind him. Not unusual, the man was very private. It’s when he puts a chair in front of the door and draws the curtains, that Merlin starts to get a little nervous. He’d cast a small enchantment on one of the bandits, to make him confused enough to trip over his own feet (as opposed to skewering Elyan, which is what he’d been about to do) but Merlin was certain that no one had seen him. He was certain.

And... Leon was a knight. He’d been a knight for longer than Arthur had been King, longer than he’d even known Merlin. Surely if he saw... he would've said something, accused him or just killed him.

(He has to remind himself to have a little faith in his friends. But also: “This might be completely unrelated, so just act natural.”)

Leon turns around to look at Merlin, and instantly recognises how nervous the younger man is, despite his poor attempt to hide it. The knight keeps his distance, and gives him a slow nod:

“I just wanted to let you know, Merlin, if you ever need... ah, a way out of the city, unseen, at short notice, then I can sort something for you.”

At that, all of Merlin’s racing, terrifying thoughts, stutter to a stop, and he looks at Leon with nothing but confusion on his face. He tilts his head slightly, asking, ever so eloquently:

“...What?”

Leon sends a soft smile and a knowing wink his way:

“Or, you know, the back up of a noble in court, or an alibi, I can do that to. I have a feeling that, considering you haven’t done a runner yet, you’re planning on sticking around.”

Merlin just furrows his eyebrows, shaking his head slightly in bewilderment:

“I... Leon I have no idea what you’re talking about. What do you mean, done a runner? Why would I need your help in court or... or an alibi??”

Leon just raises an eyebrow, and tilts his head.

Merlin copies him.

A look of realisation crosses the blonde’s face, and he lifts his hands in surrender:

“Ah. Ok, before I say anything else, I promise Merlin, you are entirely safe. I would protect you with my life if I had to-”

Merlin slowly nods, still confused:

“-I know about your magic.”

Merlin gasps and steps back, but Leon just smiles at him again, nodding his head slightly; it does nothing to relax the servant, and his breathing continues to get deeper as he backs himself against the wall, tears filling his eyes.

Leon frowns, his heart cracking slightly, but resists the protective urge to walk towards Merlin to comfort him. Instead he takes a step back, not lowering his hands. Before he can open his mouth to utter more reassurances, a tirade of broken, cracking apologies fall from Merlin’s lips:

“I... Leon I swear I’m not evil, I... I don’t hurt people, I promise. Please, you... please believe me, I would NEVER-”

Leon interrupts him, shaking his head rapidly, and forcing a reassuring smile on his face:

“I know. Merlin, I know that. I know you’re not evil, I know that you use it to protect us, I know. It’s ok, I won’t tell anyone, you’re not in danger, I would NEVER hurt you, or tell anyone, ok? I swear it. You’re safe with me.”

Merlin gulps, but relaxes (only slightly, but it’s a start. Leon doesn’t know why he’s so surprised at Merlin’s reaction, I suppose he thought he had been clear in his brotherly affection and protectiveness towards the younger man. Apparently not; he would have to fix that). He gives Leon an assessing once over, and it strikes the knight how efficient he is. He wonders how many times Merlin’s eyes have flicked over someone: checking their face for any sign of deception, checking how close their hands are to a weapon, checking their stance to see if they’re preparing for a fight.

Leon stays in place, forcing himself to untense, and giving Merlin a weak smile, hoping that the servant doesn’t mistake his slight heartbreak for fear or anger.

After a few moments, Merlin relaxes even further (though is still understandably ready to bolt at a moment’s notice), and steps away from the wall, Leon’s smile widens, and he nods once again, patiently waiting for Merlin to say something:

“You... you offered to smuggle me out of the city?”

Leon nods, glancing to the door behind him before gesturing Merlin to keep his voice down as he replies cryptically:

“You wouldn’t be the first.”

The servant gulps, giving the knight an assessing gaze, magic buzzing under his skin, alert and frightened at the idea of a Red Knight other than Lancelot knowing the truth:

“You’ve smuggled others out?”

Leon nods and moves ever so slowly to sit on the edge of his bed, still holding his hands up placatingly. He doesn’t gesture for Merlin to join him, understanding the other man’s remaining jumpiness, but leaves space next to him, just in case.

Merlin hesitates for only a second before settling on the bed next to him, forcing himself to relax. The knight wasn’t currently armed, and anyway, if Leon had been planning on accusing him or attacking him, then he wouldn’t be doing this. None of what he said could, in any way, make sense as some sort of trick.

Once Merlin settles, still a little uneasy, Leon begins his explanation in a quiet voice, obviously still worried about startling Merlin (and obviously not wanting to risk someone overhearing him):

“It started when I was fifteen. One of the serving girls in my father’s household was born with magic, though it didn’t manifest until years after the purge started. She was my age, sweet, kind, I couldn’t possibly believe her to be evil or corrupt, but under The King’s law, she would’ve been burned. Poor girl was terrified of being found out, but Uther was so paranoid, they were basically interrogating anyone who entered or exited the city; she had nowhere to go. I had already started my training at this point, so I used my knowledge of guard rotations and shift changes to sneak her out. I left her with some family in a village nearer the border, snuck back in a few days later. From then on it just... kept happening. I suppose I got good at recognising the specific brand of fear that magic-users in Camelot suffer from, and I’ve got a good eye; I know magic when I see it-”

He gives Merlin a knowing look, but the servant just turns indignant and says:

“Well, I was also born with magic, and it took you ten years to figure it out, so-”

He sticks his tongue out at the knight, and Leon raises his eyebrow at him, before laughing and nodding, thankful for Merlin’s lessening fear:

“-yeah, I suppose. But still. It started off with just the occasional person; one or two a month. And then it was whole families or groups of people who either had magic, or were scared of being accused and wanted out. It became a bit of a side-career, though I always refused any payment they offered.”

Merlin stares at him, thoughtful and in awe, before yet another look of realisation crosses his face:

“Is this why the Druids are so fond of you?”

Finally, it’s Leon’s turn to look confused, and Merlin continues:

“Whenever we come across them, they always seem less wary of you than the other knights, like they know what you’ve done.”

Leon takes in slow breath, quirking his eyebrows slightly and shrugging:

“I’ve never really noticed, maybe. I’ve never been into a camp, but when someone I was sneaking out had nowhere to go, I’d take them as close to a Druid settlement as I dared, and pointed them in the right direction; I suppose word might’ve spread.”

Merlin nods, looking to his lap, thinking. Leon stays silent, understanding that this is probably a lot to take in, and not wanting to interrupt Merlin’s processing time. 

After a few moments, Merlin, still staring into his lap, reaches across to Leon and takes the knight’s hand in a shaking one of his own. It’s then that Leon notices the slow tears on the other man’s face, but before he can say anything, Merlin looks up at him, his voice shaking as he whispers a rough:

“Thank you.”

Leon smiles, squeezing his hand and bumping their shoulders together:

“Anytime. Like I said Merlin, I would protect you with my life. If you ever need anything...”

Merlin takes a deep breath, standing and wiping the tears from his face quickly before dragging Leon to the door:

“There is one thing. Come on.”

Leon allows himself to be dragged, and Merlin moves the chair to the side before stepping out of the way, allowing Leon to unlock the door with the key hanging around his neck. He doesn’t question where they’re going, though he is slightly confused when he notices that they’re heading deeper into the castle, as opposed to outside or to Merlin’s chambers like he was expecting.

They finally come to a stop outside Lancelot’s door, and Leon nods to himself in realisation. He had suspected that the other knight had known the truth, but hadn’t wanted to ask or push it in case he was wrong.

Merlin knocks rapidly after checking the corridor for other people, and the door had barely been opened before he’s pushing his way through, still dragging Leon behind him. The two men move to stand by the opposite wall, Lancelot still by the door looking increasingly confused:

“Merlin, Leon, is... is everything alright?”

Merlin waves his hand casually, not even needing an incantation as his eyes flash briefly gold and the door shuts of it’s own accord (... or Merlin’s accord).

Lancelot immediately gasps and makes a jump for the sword sat on the table, but Leon holds his hands up in surrender as Merlin rushes to speak:

“Lance it’s fine!! Leon knows about my magic, and he’s been smuggling people out of Camelot for decades, he’s safe.”

Lancelot looks to Leon with a mix of suspicion and relief, still picking the sword up and holding it loosely in one hand, but the older knight is too distracted staring at Merlin in mild outrage:

“Dec- How old do you think I am, Merlin?!”

Merlin looks up at him guiltily, and Lancelot lets go of his suspicion, instead clamping his free hand over his mouth to stop himself from laughing at Merlin’s squeaked reply:

“Uh... there’s no safe way to answer that, is there? You said you were fifteen when you started, and I know you’re older than Arthur, so...”

Leon scoffs, rolling his eyes as Lancelot snorts:

“I’m only five years older than him, Merlin. I’m thirty-one, you can say “decades” plural when I hit thirty-five, and not a day sooner.”

Merlin holds in a smirk, and nods. Lancelot clears his throat, dropping the sword back on the table and asking the obvious question:

“So... how much does he know?”

Merlin spends the rest of the night explaining everything, from Kilgharrah calling to him when he first arrived, (”You mean that thing was under the castle the whole time?!”) to just last week, when he had to sneak out of the city to deal with a particularly insatiable Succubus that was causing problems with the border patrols (”Huh. I wondered why the men had just... stopped disappearing. I’m not complaining though, thank you.”).

He included all the information about the prophecies and being Emrys and how Arthur was the Once and Future King and the coming (potential) Golden Age. Leon was especially curious about that, and interrupted often to ask questions.

Lancelot also interrupted rather often, but only to correct Merlin when he underappreciated his own genius or power or selflessness, much to Merlin’s embarrassment and annoyance.

Merlin also tried to miss out as much of his own suffering as he could, but Lancelot wasn’t having it, and Leon was horrified to learn of the Serket sting, the countless, almost fatal fights he’d had with various people (Nimueh, The Cailleach (”I did also wonder how the veil just... repaired itself. Nice one.”), Morgause, Agravaine, etc (Morgana is good in this, though her magic is still hidden)), and all the other terrible things that had happened.

When he finally finishes, Leon is speechless.

The knight had just thought that Merlin had learned a few tricks to keep himself and Arthur safe when they went out and about, but he was actually, apparently, the most powerful Warlock ever, and had a whole series of prophecies and battle scars to back it up. Lancelot’s face was an odd mix of prideful and mournful, and that only drove home to Leon how much Merlin had suffered over the years.

After a few minutes of silence, Merlin awkwardly waiting, as if for judgement, Lancelot pipes up, his voice oddly cheery:

“So, Sir Leon, fancy two extra sets of hands in the little smuggling ring you’ve got going?”

~

And that is essentially... exactly what happens. 

It’s usually Leon who discovers the sorcerers, being the most observant of the three, but it’s Merlin they send on the first approach more often than not. Leon had always been painfully aware of how scary a Camelot Knight going “I know you have magic” must be, so the trio takes advantage of Merlin’s non-threatening look. That, paired with the fact that he’s well known and well loved around the town, makes starting things off a lot easier.

A lot of the time, the people they approach don’t want to leave. They’ve kept themselves hidden for over twenty years, and they plan to continue to do so, but it’s a weight off their back to know that the option is there if they need it.

Merlin introduces Leon to the tunnels under the city, hidden and warded with his magic. The older knight is very much relieved at that; taking advantage of gaps in guard rotations wasn’t the most reliable plan, and he’d been paranoid for years that something would go wrong one day and he’d get caught.

They worked well together, though all three of their lives got a lot more complicated. Lancelot and Merlin were pulled into Leon’s secret smuggling life (despite him insisting that they could sit it out, considering they were already so busy trying to keep Arthur alive, which is apparently a lot harder than Leon had first assumed), and Leon was pulled into Merlin and Lancelot’s secret “bring about the Golden Age” life (despite the two of them insisting that Leon didn’t need to help, considering he was already so busy running a smuggling ring right under the nose of the King).

To be honest, the two lives sort of swirled together. Anyone that they sent to the Druid camps was told to spread the word of the Once and Future King, and when Leon was sent to distract Arthur when Lancelot and Merlin needed to do something Magicky, Lancelot was sent to distract Arthur when Leon and Merlin needed to do something smuggly.

Eventually Gaius finds out. Because of course he does. Because he’s not stupid. And whilst the three of them are unwilling to put him in anymore danger than he’s already in (harbouring a Warlock is... pretty dangerous. Though Arthur would probably forgive the older man anything.), they never turn away the small, portable medkits he passes along to them, and don’t complain when he offers to talk to Arthur about a promising new treatment for the flu for a few hours.

But overall, they have a proper little (unpaid) enterprise going, and no one suspects a thing. 

~

Mistakes are made of course, some a little bigger that others. But most of them get a laugh from the trio when they think back on them later.

Ironically enough, this mistake came when the trio mistook a “need to save Arthur” problem, for a “need to save this poor scared sorcerer” problem.

They’d been getting complacent. No one had tried to kill Arthur directly in a while, so when a visiting Lord brought with him a very nervous, very secretive stablehand, they didn’t even consider that it would be the young servant who wanted to kill Arthur as opposed to the visiting noble (who was an arsehole, and therefor automatically under suspicion).

Merlin, being the most powerful of the three of them, was keeping an eye on the noble; trying to keep him away from Arthur as well as trying to figure out if he knew that his stablehand was a magic-user. Leon was distracting Arthur, with the help of a report Gaius had written, by talking endlessly about certain weaknesses in the knight’s armour and the injuries that Gaius treats most often and the link between the two.

That left Lancelot to trail the stablehand, whose name they had discovered was Alban. He wasn’t wearing any armour and didn’t have a sword, only a small dagger up his sleeve, so as not to frighten the boy.

Which of course was a huge mistake.

Considering how innocent Merlin looks, but how dangerous he actually is, they really shouldn’t have underestimated the boy, but alas, with how well both of the secret lives had been going, their egos had grown, and they weren’t as careful as they should’ve been.

It was only after the Lord had retired to his chambers (and Merlin had come to the annoying conclusion that he was an arsehole, but certainly not smart enough to be dangerous), and Leon had exhausted every possible line of enquiry about armour and injuries, that the two of them thought something might be wrong.

It had been hours since they had heard from Lancelot, and by the sounds of it, no one had seen him in that time either.

The stablehand also couldn’t be found.

They tried not to assume the worst; all of them (Merlin, most often) had disappeared for longer before, so before they panicked, the two of them went about methodically searching for the other knight.

The wards down in the tunnels hadn’t been disturbed, Lancelot’s room was untouched (the sight of his armour and sword laid out on his bed did nothing to quell their growing anxiety), and no one had seen him leave the city. The Camelot stablehands had no idea where the visiting servant was, and had apparently barely seen him in the stables since he’d arrived anyway.

Now it was time to panic.

The two men rushed back to Lancelot’s room, shutting the door behind them, Merlin hurriedly asking:

“What’s the last thing he touched, do you reckon?”

Leon raked his hands through his hair for the dozenth time, looking around with wide eyes:

“Uh... we had training this morning, and he took his armour off after that, and immediately went to follow Alban, so his armour? His sword?”

Merlin picks the sword up in careful but hurried hands. He closes his eyes, concentrating, as he mutters a quick spell. The sword shimmers for a moment before Merlin throws it back down on the bed with a huff:

“Nope, the trail is there but it’s weak, I need something more recent.”

Leon curses quietly to himself:

“Try his water goblet? Or the wash bowl? God knows that man doesn’t like to be grimy.”

Merlin hums, walking to the wash bowl before halting in his tracks:

“Wait... no, you’re right. He doesn’t like being dirty,-”

With that, Merlin changes direction, heading to the small desk in the corner and opening the draws at random, rifling through them. Leon walks up behind him:

“Merlin? What are you-”

He’s interrupted by Merlin exclaiming in victory, and straightening up. He turns around with a grin on his face, holding out a small comb:

“-he will have run a comb through his hair after washing,-”

He pulls a short, brunette hair from between the wooden teeth:

“-and an actual piece of him is WAY better to track him with than something he’s just touched.”

He repeats the spell from earlier, the smile returning to his face when he begins to feel the pull in his heart, leading him to the lost knight.

The two of them leave the room hurriedly, Leon trailing after Merlin, both of them trying to look an inconspicuous as possible.

They walk briskly down the corridor, hope and excitement blooming in their chests at the idea of finding the friend they’d been so worried about. Leon puts a hand on Merlin’s shoulder, but neither of them stop moving as he speaks lowly:

“Can you tell how far away he is?”

Merlin hums, before replying equally quietly:

“Yeah, I think he’s about... actually... no, no I can’t- what?”

With that, he stops dead in his tracks, stumbling when Leon runs into his back with a gentle “oof”. The knight looks down at him, his face back to looking panicked. They’d stopped at a crossroads in the corridor, and Merlin’s head twitches from side to side, like he can’t decide which way to go.

Leon shakes his shoulder slightly:

“Merlin, he’s been gone for hours, we need to hurry. Close your eyes, breathe, which way is Lancelot?”

Merlin does what Leon says, shuffling on his feet slightly before closing his eyes, taking a deep breath, and relaxing his shoulders:

“Where are you, Lance?”

He mutters it quietly to himself, and Leon barely dares to breathe, not wanting to distract him. After a few moments, Merlin’s head twitches to the right, the corridor that leads to the servant quarters. The servant opens his eyes, nodding briefly at Leon, before turning and walking down the corridor. 

He passes the first few doors without hesitation, thankful for the late hour; all the servants are either eating their own dinner, or serving dinner to their masters. Which is probably where Merlin should be right now, but he had more pressing matters, he could deal with Arthur later.

He slows as he reaches the end of the corridor, frowning in confusion. There are no more doors, they’ve reached a dead end, and Merlin tilts his head whilst Leon stares at him expectantly, periodically checking the corridor behind them. Merlin begins muttering to himself again, flexing his hands as if he were in pain:

“This is... wrong. I don’t come down here very often but... there’s... this is wrong. I can feel it and I can... see it, like there’s something out the corner of my eye that shouldn’t be there-”

He gasps, turning and looking at a specific part of the wall, hovering his hand over the stonework:

“-or something that should be there!”

Leon’s gaze flicks between the wall and Merlin as he quietly asks:

“A hidden door? Can you... unhide it?”

Merlin takes a second to snort and roll his eyes, before pressing his hand against the wall, muttering spells to himself. Leon turns around, hand on the hilt of his sword at his hip as he stands guard. After a few minutes of Merlin getting more and more frustrated when the wall stays... well... a wall, he finally lets out a whispered exclamation; Leon glances behind him to see the stone rippling, and finally fading to reveal the door. 

With one last check down the corridor, they enter the room slowly, shutting the door behind him. Leon whispers Lance’s name into the darkness tentatively, but Merlin just shakes his head, summoning a light.

It’s just a normal storage room filled with dusty shelves and empty crates, but Merlin moves through the debris to the back, cursing under his breath when he finds what he’s looking for. Leon moves up behind him, staring over the younger man’s shoulder to the precise symbol drawn onto the floor:

“Merls?”

Merlin huffs speaking lowly, not looking away from the symbol:

“It’s a teleportation spell, it’s why I was being pulled in two directions. Lance went through this portal, but it probably took him somewhere outside the city limits.”

Leon gulps, before taking a deep breath and gripping Merlin’s shoulder again:

“Can you activate it? Do we follow through the portal, or track him out of the city??”

Merlin shakes his head roughly:

“No, that would take far too long, we don’t actually know how long he’s been gone, it could have been all afternoon, remember? Look around, there should be a crystal or an orb or something, like a switch I have to push magic into to activate the spell.”

It only takes a few minutes of rummaging for Leon to uncover a rough looking crystal, and Merlin smiles weakly at the comically fearful look on the knight’s face as he holds it as far away from himself as he can; he may trust Merlin’s magic, but he is still logically... unnerved by things he doesn’t understand.

Merlin takes it from him, eyes turning briefly gold as he mutters an incantation and his hand is engulfed in a blue flame. The flame dies down after a few seconds at Merlin’s command, and he hides the now glowing crystal back where Leon had found it, before looking back to the symbol on the floor.

It takes only a few moments for the lines to start softly glowing, and when nothing else changes, Merlin takes a deep breath, reaching behind him blindly for Leon’s hand, and muttering:

“Well, here goes nothing.”

He feels the knight take his hand and step up next to him. With one last nervous glance to each other, they nod, and step into the circle.

~

MEANWHILE

Thankfully, whilst Lancelot hadn’t been seen in a while (on account of being camped out in the hidden storage room, waiting for his stalkee to reappear out of the weird glowy circle thing), he had only actually been kidnapped by Evil Alban the Not-Stablehand for about half a candle mark.

And he was currently very bored. The younger man finally reappeared, only to fly into a rage at the sight of another man, crouched like a gremlin, almost asleep in the corner of the entrance to his secret lair.

His eyes had flashed sickly yellow, and Lancelot found himself falling over the edge into sleep, and waking up an undetermined amount of time (like five minutes, but it was so fucking dark where he was, he had no way to guess what time of day it was) later, tied to a chair (not gagged, thankfully).

He had realised the trio’s mistake fairly early on in Evil Alban the Not-Stablehand’s monologue; something about vengeance and sins of the father and yadda yadda yadda. Honestly? He tuned it out pretty quickly, he’d heard it all before... multiple times, and he wasn’t too worried; he had faith that Merlin and Leon would arrive to rescue him soon (though he wasn’t looking forward to all the comments along the lines of “who’s the real princess?”).

It was when he almost nodded off that Alban stuttered slightly:

“...after all, surely someone who is strong enough to take the crown should... should deserve... it... are you falling asleep?!”

Lancelot’s head whips up with a quiet snort as he blinks the sleep from his eyes, and looks at the outraged criminal with guilt in his eyes:

“Uh... no? You’re doing wonderfully, Alban, very riveting, keep going.”

The knight’s words do nothing to calm the other man down, and he exclaims slightly as he stamps his foot petulantly. Lancelot bites his lip to stop himself laughing, but before he can get himself under control and say something else, Alban puffs his chest out and grins triumphantly:

“Your mind games shan’t work on me, Sir Knight. I will not be distracted by your mocking or... or distractions.”

Lancelot raises an eyebrow, but doesn’t say anything. Alban huffs, shaking his head roughly before looking back at Lancelot with wide, expectant eyes:

“Well? What do you think of my plan, noble Sir? Ineffable, no?”

Lancelot purses his lips, once again looking guilty as he chooses not to point out the younger’s misuse of the word ineffable (definitely NOT ineffable, considering he’d banged on and on for half a candle-mark):

“I don’t suppose you could... sum up the last twenty minutes or so worth of... plan? Then I could.... let you know my thoughts?”

Alban let out an inhuman screech, stamping his foot again, much to Lancelot’s hidden amusement. The Great Villain stalked off into the darkness, huffing and grumbling to himself, and Lancelot just rolled his eyes, murmuring under his breath:

“For fucks sake. Better not leave me here. Where the fuck are you guys?”

As if the Gods themselves answered the knight’s question, he hears another inhuman screech come from the darkness; though this one was a lot more high pitched, and was immediately followed by Leon’s unmistakable voice growling out:

“Where is he you pre-pubescent piece of shit?!”

Lancelot allows himself to snort at the likely look of terror on the Not-Stablehand’s face before yelling:

“Don’t make the kid shit himself Leon, if he does, you’ll be the one carrying his unconscious body back.”

He hears Merlin’s laugh and the distinct sound of a skull making contact with the hilt of a sword, before the two of them appear like ghosts, lit only by the glow of Merlin’s golden eyes, and the magical light floating between their heads.

Lancelot gives them a grin, shuffling in his binds slightly as he says:

“Took you long enough, he’s been banging on about how clever he is for fucking ages. Cut me loose, would you?”

Merlin clicks his fingers, the ropes falling the the floor as Leon checks him over for injury, and affectionately ruffling his hair, much to the other knight’s chagrin.

The three of them move to crowd around Alban’s crumpled form, hands on their hips as they stare at him, unimpressed. Lancelot sighs:

“You really didn’t have to hit him that hard, I don’t think he was that much of a threat.”

Merlin huffs and stalks off to reactivate the teleportation spell, leaving the chastising for Leon to deal with:

“Not much of a threat?! Lance no one had seen you in hours, we thought you were dead!”

Lancelot frowns and shuffles, suddenly looking apologetic:

“Ah, sorry. He took me less than a candle-mark ago, though I guess I lost track of how long I’d been sat waiting for him before that. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

Leon huffs, but drops the subject as Merlin calls back to them. The curly-hired knight picks Alban up, laying him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes before following Lancelot in Merlin’s direction. They stand around the glowing symbol, and Lancelot rolls his eyes at Merlin’s glower:

“Oh, don’t give me that look, Mister I regularly show up after three days covered in bruises and blood with “The Tavern” as my only excuse.”

Leon snorts and Merlin rolls his eyes but smirks, and with that, the trio step into the circle, reappearing back in the storage cupboard with no one else in Camelot even vaguely aware of the mini adventure they’d had.

~

This happens for a while. Saving people (mostly Arthur) from the batshit insane things that happen in Camelot that no one but them seems to be aware of.

Of course, rumours fly about the oddly close connection the three men have. Lancelot is head over heals in love with Guinevere (which he ardently denies, despite Merlin and Leon’s repeated dramatic attempts to get them together) and everyone knows it, but even Arthur starts to (jealously) suspect something is going on between Leon and Merlin, especially when Merlin’s lack of talent when it comes to making up excuses is displayed yet again.

Leon and Merlin had been sneaking out of the castle, on their way to meet the teenage son of a noble who desperately needed to escape. Lancelot, who had a late patrol, was to meet them by one of the tunnel entrances outside the city limits, and assure that no other guards were nearby.

Unfortunately, the pair came across a sleepy King, on his way to the kitchens for a midnight snack.

The King stared at them with wide, shocked eyes, and the pair stared back. Leon grimaced slightly, and after a few moments of awkward silence, Arthur slowly asks:

“What are you two... doing?”

Leon takes a deep breath desperately trying to come up with something to say, but before he can find an excuse, Merlin pipes up:

“I was teaching him poetry.”

Leon lets out his breath before slowly covering his face with his hands as he shakes his head slightly. Merlin immediately realises his mistake and bites his lip, furrowing his eyebrows as he says:

“What I mean, is that-”

He’s cut off by Arthur holding a hand up, his face looking mildly put-off as he shakes his head:

“I don’t want to know. Yeah, I changed my mind, I really... don’t want to know.” Before turning around and heading back in the same direction he’d come from, hunger forgotten.

Merlin holds his breath until Arthur turns the corner, before letting it all out in one go and staring at the floor wide-eyed. Leon keeps his head in his hands as he mutters:

“You fucking idiot.-” before looking up at the man besides him incredulously:

“-Why??”

Merlin looks at him indignantly, and loudly whispers:

“I don’t know!! It was just the three of us in a dark corridor like last time and it just popped into my head and I said it! At least he didn’t push, I suppose.”

Leon shakes his head again, before a look of realisation crosses his face and he looks at Merlin with dread in his eyes:

“Yeah... except when you used that excuse on me- shut up, of course I knew you were lying, I’m not an idiot- I thought you and Arthur were uh... well, I thought you were sleeping together...”

Merlin’s eyes go wide and he sputters for a response before he lets out a quiet, deranged laugh, and shakes his blushing head:

“First off, no. Second off... at least he didn’t push.” he repeats. Leon squints at his friend, before he gasps and grins:

“Oh my God, you like him!-”

Merlin scowls at him, and Leon laughs gleefully (though still quietly) before whispering:

“-all this time we’ve been ribbing Lancelot about Guinevere, and we should’ve been ribbing you! Oh my God, wait ‘til Lance hears this.”

Merlin turns on him, face bright red as he angrily (or as angrily as he can, when he’s the colour of Leon’s cape, and the knight is trying not to wake the castle up with his laughter):

“I swear to God, Leon, I will turn you into a fucking toad if you breath a word to anyone! I’ll do it, I swear I’ll do it!”

Leon forces himself to breath and coughs slightly as he catches his breath, putting a hand on Merlin’s shoulder:

“Fine, fine. I won’t say anything, but only if you help me hang mistletoe up in Lance’s doorway next week.”

Merlin rolls his eyes, but nods his head with a grin, and with that, they resume their sneaking around.

~

This happens for what feels like years and years, but really, Merlin only gets one day into looking at Leon with a shit-eating grin and saying that the old man has been doing this for “decades”, when suddenly... they don’t have to do it anymore.

Arthur repeals the ban on magic. 

And to be honest, it was a complete surprise to everyone. Of course, the whole Kingdom knew that he was more tolerant than his father had ever been; he hadn’t executed anyone in years, and unless accusations were serious or life-threatening, he rarely ordered investigations.

As it turns out, he’d been working on it in secret for months, with only  Morgana’s help (not that he knew about her magic, she was just the only person in his life who’d always been vocally against the ban). All the work they’d put in meant that when it came time to present it to the council, all Arthur had to do was hold his head high and say something along the lines of “I am your King, you do this, or you lose your seat.”.

The drafts were so well-worked, so perfect, the council had nothing to argue against, no excuses worth more than a roll of the eyes and a dismissive wave of the hand.

The repeal went through seamlessly, and Arthur was announcing Merlin and Morgana as his Court Sorcerers within a week (after of course a few hours of raging at the lies and deception, in which they defended themselves and each each other with sharp tongues and entirely valid descriptions of their terror, and with Leon and Lancelot stood behind them the whole time ready to pull their swords at a moments notice).

Leon, Lancelot, and Merlin told the King about all their adventures saving his arse, which he floundered at before abashedly thanking them, but they never mentioned the now obsolete smuggling ring they had going.

Of course, there were moments when they missed the excitement of sneaking out at night, the victory of seeing a family off to the Druid’s, or to a safe village, but ultimately they were ecstatic that they weren’t needed in that capacity anymore. It was undeniably a good thing.

Their plan to keep their heroics to themselves failed miserably however, when a crowd of around two-hundred gathered in the courtyard, led by a woman in her mid-thirties who looked mighty familiar to Sir Leon.

The gang met them down there, armed and worried at first, but quickly relaxing when they realised this was the furthest to an attack a group this large could get.

The King led the party, Morgana, Elyan, Gwaine, and Percival to his left, and Merlin, Leon, and Lancelot to his right, Guinevere and Gaius waiting by the castle entrance. It was only when Lancelot gasped, and grabbed Merlin and Leon’s sleeves to point at a specific family near the front of the crowd that they understood. All these people, all these happy, joyful, alive people... were people they’d saved over the years.

The three of them gulped, suddenly teary as more and more of the crowd pointed their way, wide smiles on their faces. They knew that this wasn’t even half the people they had saved (if you include Leon’s sixteen years doing it alone), but still, it was astounding to visually see it.

The familiar woman stepped forward at Arthur’s gesture, and the trio suddenly realise what’s about to happen. “Oh shit.” and variants of the above are muttered by all three as they wait with baited breath. There’s not really anything they can do to stop this:

“Your Highness, firstly I would like to thank you, for accepting my people back into your Kingdom-”

Her voice quietens slightly as she glances to the floor, her eyes filling with tears before she looks up again:

“-many of us haven’t been home in... in a long time, and it’s good to be back.-”

Arthur nods, giving her a smile despite his still growing confusion at the crowd behind her. The woman looks quickly to Leon, giving him a brief smile as he gasps, recognising her. She looks back to the King, raising her voice and her head as she continues:

“-Secondly, I would like to extend an even greater thank-you to Sir Leon, and his two companions, without whom many of us would have died. They risked their lives sneaking us out of the city when your father hunted us, and after, when we were still at risk of execution, but they never stopped, and never gave up. We are but a fraction of the hundreds of people they saved, and we have nothing to offer them but our unending gratitude, and a humble demand that they are rewarded for their service to Camelot’s people. They are heroes to us all, and always will be”

Arthur looks slowly over to a very teary Leon, who doesn’t even glance his way as he stares at the former servant-girl, a weak smile on his face. Merlin and Lancelot meet The King’s gaze in his stead, smiling sheepishly and shrugging as they nod, confirming the woman’s story.

Arthur shakes his head minutely, half proud of his friends, and half annoyed at being caught off guard, before turning back to the woman, the smile back on his face:

“I’m glad to welcome you home, all of you, and I apologise that it took so long for me to right the wrongs committed by this Kingdom. Sir Leon and his companions will indeed be rewarded for their service,-”

At this, Arthur turns to look at the trio, a soft, meaningful smile on his face as he nods at them:

“-and I extend my thanks to them also, for being brave enough to protect my people, when I was not.”

Leon finally meets The King’s gaze, and returns his nod. Merlin and Lancelot each clap him on the back, before the three of them descend into the crowd. A loud cheer goes up around the courtyard, the rest of the knights, Morgana, and Guinevere looking on in shock as the trio greets person after person, accepting thanks and hugs and laughing joyously at the reminder of the good they’d done, despite their fear.

~

THE END!!

I really loved writing this one😄! Honestly this idea started out as crack, but I’m glad that it ended so wholesomely :)

Same as usual lads, someone wants to write it up properly or extend it, go for it, credit and tag me ✌️

[sleeping-on-cracking-ice]

Two Peculiar Admirers | Shuntaro Chishiya, Suguru Niragi

PART 1 | PART 2

{Alice In Borderland Masterlist}

Characters: Chishiya, Niragi (ft. Kuina)

Summary: Niragi finally finds some time alone with you, but of course, Chishiya is right on his tail.

Warnings: swearing, suggestive themes, conflict, angst, mention of sexual assault

Word Count: 3.3k

Author’s Note: The ending is a little unrealistic because I wasn’t sure how else to conclude it. This is for you anon!

You and Chishiya slowly made your way down to the pool to spend the next few hours at with Kuina. On the way, Chishiya had to keep sniffing and wiping his nose to stop the blood dripping. It made you frown. There was no way just smacking his nose would make it bleed that much.

Chishiya soon asked you a question that was itching in the back of his mind. “So, you know Niragi huh?” he questioned, looking at you.

You looked back at him confused. “Huh?”

“I said so you know Niragi?”

“Oh,” you understood, turning your head ahead of you again. “Yeah, I know him. We aren’t close, but he seems to think we are.” You laughed at the statement, seeming to find it as a joke almost. But Chishiya was not laughing.

“Yeah, I know,” he said bluntly. “Look I know you may think he just has some harmless crush on you, but he honestly is a really evil person Y/N.”

Chishiya wasn’t sure what he was going to get out of telling you that. Was he generally worried for your safety around Niragi? Or did he just want you all to himself? He didn’t know his aim himself.

You furrowed your eyebrows. You didn’t like the way he was talking to you, like you were stupid or something.

“Chishiya, I know. I’m not an idiot,” you said, matter-of-factly.

Chishiya had a small moment of panic. He was afraid he had offended you. “Yeah, I know! That is not what I meant at all,” he recollected himself, waving his hands in front of him in worry.

You both then walked in silence the rest of the way down to the pool. It was rather awkward after that, making the air a bit tense. Chishiya wanted desperately to restart a conversation but he couldn’t think of anything to say.

When you arrived at the back entrance of the hotel that led out to the pool, as soon as the large glass doors opened your ears rang from the loud music. It was the same as every night, people drunkenly dancing and trying to make the best of their own lives while they lasted.

Chishiya quickly scanned the area. There was no way he’d be able to keep an eye out for Niragi in this kind of crowd. He thought it was best he just stayed close to you in case the insistent man decided to approach you.

He turned towards you to see you distracted by a few rowdy people by the pool. He reached out and carefully linked his arm with yours and pulled you towards him.

You turned around, surprised by the sudden bold move and looked up at Chishiya, but he didn’t meet eyes with you. You shrugged and just thought it was his attempt of flirting.

Chishiya dragged you around the area looking for Kuina. He kept you joined as his hip, sometimes accidentally pulling you a little too harshly by the arm and making you wince in pain. He was lowkey freaking you out. He’s never acted like this before.

When he found Kuina over on a small, secluded table near the wall, he breathed a sigh of relief. At least he wouldn’t have to face Niragi alone now if he found him.

“Kuina!” you yelled out as you saw her too. She shifted her eyes and saw you and Chishiya, a smile painting itself across her attractive face. You pulled your arm out of Chishiya’s grip and ran over to her.

Chishiya watched and grinned happily at you two as you jumped into her arms for a big hug. He was glad to have you with him. At least when you were by his side, he can protect you from that homicidal prick.

You all sat down, sipping drinks that Kuina went and got from the bar for all of you. All three of you enjoyed yourselves and laughed at each other’s jokes and stories from life before the Borderlands. It felt nice to connect with your friends more emotionally.

You stood up after a while and turned to the two of them. “I’m just going to go to the bathroom,” you said. After drinking multiple margaritas, you were a bit dizzy and desperate for the toilet.

Chishiya stood up quickly. “I’m coming with you,” he said, already climbing out of his seat.

You shook your hands towards him. “No, no, no! Chishiya it’s fine! I can go by myself. Thanks anyway though.” You sent a cheeky wink his way and started walking away from the table.

Chishiya watched as you started getting further and further away from him. He began slightly panicking. He knew that if Niragi saw a chance to get you alone, he wouldn’t hesitate to take it.

Before he could even stand up again, Kuina grabbed his arm, making him turn his attention towards her. “Oi, what’s your deal tonight? You’ve been bouncing your leg under the table and fiddling with every little thing. The hell has got you so worried?” Kuina asked with a curious look on her face.

Chishiya glanced quickly back towards you to check you weren’t that far before turning back to Kuina. “I think Niragi’s been stalking Y/N. I’ve been keeping an eye out because I’m worried that he’ll snatch her the moment she’s alone,” he whispered to her.

Kuina’s eyes widened in shock. “Niragi’s after her?! For what?!” she whisper-yelled.

Chishiya shook his head in uncertainty. “I’m not too sure, but he seems to show a lot of interest in her,” he said, turning to see you making your way through the entrance to the hotel.

“I have to go.” He shot up out of his seat and tried to evade his way through the crowd that suddenly appeared near the entrance. His anxiety spiked as you left his sight, and he began panicking on the inside. He had to get to you before Niragi did.

But through his panic, he failed to notice the tall man follow you inside, closely behind with his usual rifle slung over his shoulder. He finally caught you alone, and he wasn’t going to waste the time he had.

*************

You happily strolled down the few hallways to reach the lobby. There was a women’s bathroom nearby there that you could go to, so you slowly were making your way there.

You didn’t expect your path to be so abruptly interrupted by a sudden hand over your mouth. Your eyes widened and you instantly gripped the hand’s wrist, attempting to pull it off. You thrashed around violently and your heart pumped adrenaline through your body widely as the stranger locked their other arm around your waist, beginning to pull you backwards into a nearby room.

You kicked and bashed your body against them to try and break free, but nothing was working. This person was much taller and much stronger than you.

As you saw the door frames appear on either side of you, you reached out and gripped it as tight as you could, attempting to pull yourself out of their grasp urgently. You were panicking, screaming against the hand that was over your mouth to alert someone nearby, but no one would’ve been able to hear you.

Your stomach dropped as your attacker pulled harshly suddenly, almost breaking your fingers gripping desperately on the door frame from the force. They slipped from the wood and you fell backwards into the stranger’s chest. They quickly regained their balance from your fall and kicked the door shut with their foot.

You still had fight in you, giving them a painful jab to the ribcage with your elbow. They groaned in pain and their grip loosened on you, allowing you to take your chance and crawl away towards the closed door.

But they saw your plan and grabbed you by the ankle, pulling you back violently towards them causing you to almost faceplant onto the floorboards below you. They got to their feet quickly and jumped over you to the door, locking it in a rush then turning back to you.

As you regained your strength and kneeled back onto your heels to get away from, you noticed their familiar face. Of course, it was him.

“Niragi?! What the fuck?!” you exclaimed, stumbling to your feet and holding onto the wall for support.

“I thought you were someone else! What the hell was that for?!” you yelled at him.

Niragi dropped his rifle to the ground. How he managed to still have it on him after that you had no idea. But the look he was giving you now made you not care so much.

“I did that because I wanted to do this.”

Before you could even retort against his statement, Niragi rushed to you and pressed you harshly against the wall with his hands on your waist while pressing his lips against yours.

Your heart stopped. You didn’t know what to do. You stayed completely frozen in his arms as he began moving his mouth against yours, sliding his tongue along your bottom lip. That’s when you came to terms with what was happening.

You pressed your hands against his chest and shoved. Niragi stumbled back with a smirk painted on his pierced face.

You couldn’t say anything. You were so in shock.

“Aw, have I left my little mouse speechless? It would be a first for you wouldn’t it sweetie?” he cooed, cradling your cheeks in his hands and lifting your head so you were looking directly into his eyes.

“You’re so beautiful, I just want to eat you up.” He pressed his lips against yours again, placing a gentle hand on your neck to turn your head sideways to make the kiss deeper.

You slowly closed your eyes and melted into his kiss, making him smirk against your lips. It felt strange. This man has done nothing but annoy you and stalk you the whole time you’ve been at The Beach, yet that moment felt so right.

You wrapped your arms around his upper back and balled his buttoned shirt into your fists as you leant closer to him, making him snake his arms around your waist to pull your closer, if that was even possible.

You pulled back from him after a couple of minutes, leaving a trail of saliva between your lips. You laughed and wiped your mouth before looking into his darkened eyes.

Niragi growled as he felt your hands slowly make their way under his shirt. “Are you sure you want to do this now?” he asked, raising a suggestive eyebrow to you.

“Isn’t that why you tackled me into this room with you?” you fired back, running your hands along his broad back.

Niragi chuckled and smirked. “I guess so.” He yet again crashed his lips onto yours, continuing where you left off.

Just as you felt him moving his hands lower on your body, the door handle suddenly jiggled violently from the other side, making you and Niragi jump in surprise. Someone was trying to get into the room.

“Y/N?! Are you in there?!” you heard them yell. It was Chishiya, you could recognize that voice anywhere.

You turned your head towards the door, thinking whether you should answer him or not. Niragi groaned in front of you, annoyed about being interrupted. “Just leave him, he’ll leave soon,” he said, leaning his head down and running his tongue along your neck to get your attention on him again.

You thought for a second before turning back to him again. “Okay.”

Before you knew it, the door suddenly erupted with a huge bang, making it shake violently. “What the fuck?!” Niragi yelled in surprise. He wasn’t expecting Chishiya to get so insistent so quickly.

“Y/N?! Y/N are you in there?! Answer me!” He sounded a bit desperate. He probably heard Niragi swear, making his suspicions rise.

You pushed on Niragi’s chest to get him to give you space to move. But he refused staying tightly pressed against you, almost covering your entire body with his.

You frowned up at him. “Niragi, please move!” you begged him, pushing against him with more force.

“Why? Why does it matter if Chishiya sees us?” he questioned you.

He had a point. Why did you care so much if Chishiya saw you? It should not matter to you, but why did it?

You took too long to think about what to do before the hinges of the door came loose from Chishiya’s barging. It gave way and he stumbled in, locking eyes with the scene before him.

There you stood, pressed up against the wall by Niragi with dark bites littering your neck. He felt sick from the sight.

Before you could even defend yourself or say anything, Chishiya barged his whole body towards Niragi, causing him to lose his footing from the impact and fall onto the ground, his temple narrowly missing the corner of the bed.

“How fucking dare you! You really think you can act all sleazy and creepy towards Y/N without me noticing?! As soon as she left the table, I knew something was bound to happen! And look where I found her! Forced up against a wall by you with fear all over her face! You really think I’m that fucking stupid Niragi?!” Chishiya spat out harsh words to Niragi over and over while you stood there awkwardly, trying to think of something to say.

After Chishiya had finished he turned around and had a worried expression. “Oh my god, Y/N are you okay? Where did he hurt you?” he asked in a panicky tone. He checked all over your body for any more bruise marks or any other injuries, worried that Niragi had harmed you.

“Um…” you said, not knowing what to say.

Chishiya stopped in his actions when he heard a sickening laugh behind him. He turned around to see Niragi throwing his head back and letting out the loudest and most psychotic laugh he had ever heard. Anger boiled in his blood.

“What the fuck are you laughing at?” he said harshly.

Niragi regained his breath and pressed his hand against his chest, trying to calm his heartbeat. “Oh Chishiya, you’re so idiotic. Trust me, she wanted it,” he chuckled, climbing back to his feet.

Chishiya frowned at him. “What do you mean? Of course she didn’t.”

“Oh, then how do you explain her kissing me back? Or running her hands up and down my back? Or her moaning underneath my tongue on her neck?” Niragi licked his teeth like a dog to annoy Chishiya.

You knew that last part wasn’t true. Niragi was most likely telling fibs to push Chishiya’s buttons.

Chishiya turned back to you with a hurt expression. You couldn’t look him in the eyes. You were now feeling ashamed for even being attracted to the deluded man in the first place.

Your actions spoke louder than words as he understood what you meant. He looked down and shook his head before lifting his feet and walking towards the broken door briskly.

“Wait, no. Chishiya,” you said, grabbing his arm to stop him from leaving. He stopped and looked you in the eye with his empty orbs.

“I-I… I don’t know what to say,” you admitted, lowering your head in shame and loosening your hold on his arm.

“No, it’s fine Y/N. You don’t have to say anything,” he said in his usual careless tone. “I get it. I just think you could’ve told me that you weren’t interested in a nicer way than this.”

He ripped his arm out of your grasp and made his way out of the room. You felt your heart rate pick up as you watched him disappear around the corner. You couldn’t let him leave like that.

As you were just about to chase him out, you looked back to Niragi, who had watched the whole ordeal that just happened between you and Chishiya.

“So, you want to meet me at my room at one?” he asked in a suggestive tone.

You cringed at his words. “Go to hell,” you spat before following Chishiya to try and reason with him.

Niragi smirked at your words. “Ah, there she is. There’s the flame I fell in love with,” he mumbled to himself. He leant down and grabbed his rifle off the ground and slung it over his shoulders. “Maybe next time, when we don’t have any interruptions.”

***************

“Chishiya!”

You jogged to keep up with his fast pace down the hall, making his way back to the pool to see Kuina again. He ignored your yelling, wanting to be far away from you at that moment.

“Chishiya can you please just listen to me!” you said desperately, grabbing his shoulder to turn him to you.

Chishiya suddenly whipped his head around to meet your saddened eyes. “For what Y/N?! Why are you following me?! Why don’t you go back to Niragi?! You seemed awfully comfortable with him when I found you!” he exclaimed. His yelling echoed down the hall, making it seem louder than it was.

You felt tears begin to make their way down your cheeks. You felt helpless in that moment.

You knew that Chishiya liked you more than a friend, but he had always remained such a gentleman to you. He never made you uncomfortable or overstepped your boundaries, so why did you kiss the man that had been stalking you? Who had been saying creepy comments towards you every day? For crying out loud he forced you into an empty room with him. Why did you kiss him when you already had such a lovely and attractive man right in front of you?

You couldn’t help yourself. You grabbed Chishiya by the collar of his hoodie with both hands and pulled him towards you, crashing your lips against his. He didn’t react at first, probably due to shock. But soon, he relaxed and placed his hand on the back of your head and another on your waist.

This felt right. Kissing Chishiya felt more loving and more compassionate than kissing Niragi. Why didn’t you kiss him first? It was honestly a stupid mistake.

You two stayed in the hallway for some time, moving your lips against one another’s passionately. Chishiya was the first to pull away.

He was angry at himself. He shouldn’t have enjoyed that after seeing you with Niragi. But at this point, he was so desperate for the smallest bit of love that he didn’t care.

“Why?” he asked, brushing a piece of hair out of your face gently. You looked into his eyes deeply and smiled sadly at the small specks of tears growing in his eye sockets.

“Because Chishiya, I didn’t realize what I had until I almost lost it,” you said, wiping your thumb underneath this eye to collect his tears before they escaped.

Chishiya kept a neutral face, not knowing how to respond. He was so happy that you liked him back, even if he had to go through a free trial of hell to find out.

He could feel more tears building up in his eyes, so he brought his lips back to yours to distract him from crying. He closed his eyes and let the waterfalls cascade down his face, some mixing with yours that remained on your cheeks.

You both stood in the hallway alone, no one around to interrupt or come between you. Chishiya cherished the moment while it lasted. If having you like this in his arms every day, pressed as close to you as possible both physically and emotionally, then he thought life would be worth living a little longer.

He could deal with a punch to the face from Niragi every now and then if he’s got you to look after him.