#even though there was only like... 4 of them...

[lermisv4]

There is a lot, and I mean a LOT going on with that scene. Others have probably said it already, but let's break this down, shall we?

Kris' background. Their parents love them but they felt like an outcast their whole lives, and their parents clearly favour Asriel. Even Susie points out there's some serious issues in the family dynamic just by seeing Kris' bedroom. The only person in that family who seems to prioritize Kris is Asriel, which of course would make Kris miss him even more.

Then there's the divorce. If we go with the theories, then there's a good chance Kris knows all the details behind the divorce, true. But what's important here isn't the reason behind the divorce, it's the way Asgore and Toriel act - especially Toriel. Toriel keeps badmouthing Asgore in front of Kris, even though the most questionable thing Asgore has done in front of Kris is asking them to deliver flowers to her. Asgore clearly adores Kris and wants to do the best by them even with his limited means, but Toriel paints him as the scum of the earth in front of her child - her incredibly lonenly, always out of place child - out of scorn. She's actively alienating them from Asgore. As for Asgore, while he is better than Toriel in this regard, as I said he keeps asking for Kris to send her flowers.

No matter how you read the above situation, it puts Kris in a messed up position. If they want their parents to get back together, then Toriel shutting down all attempts at communication has to hurt. If they don't want their parents to get back together, they're stuck going along with both Asgore and Toriel's mutually contradictory demands to keep them as happy as possible because they still want a family damnit.

Factor 3 is Sans. Aside from Toriel, nobody likes Sans. Kris doesn't, Susie doesn't, Rudy doesn't; people important to Kris who they value as family do not like Sans. And it's not hard to see why; all Sans did prior to the ending of the chapter is to troll Kris and pull some somewhat mean pranks on them while bragging about how close he got to Toriel. We should mention here he has only known Toriel for a few days. Some of his remarks towards Kris are downright uncomfortable; who the hell says "your mom told me you're a glutton for chocolate"? Imagine being a teenager and a stranger just straight up walks up and tells you this unprompted. Most of his on-screen time is him - an adult - being lowkey a dick towards a couple of teenagers.

All this brings us to chapter 4. Let's disregard the whole thing where Kris and Susie thought Toriel was in danger and let's focus on Toriel's actions.

She cancelled choir practice because of the rain, went to the grocery store, met Sans, and then, in an unknown order, they start partying, SHE gets drunk (not him, only she), and she brings him to her house. While in the house she even says how she met up with Sans and well he was so funny and who gives a fuck about choir practice.

Let's unpack all that.

First of all, she did not bother to call Kris. She did not even think about calling Kris. It's already implied several times in the game that Toriel is not all that attentive as a parent; she treats Kris disappearing for hours on end at random points as just "something Kris does" which contradicts her other behaviours like telling Susie to stay over during the tire slash incident. She comes off as either overly protective or neglectful, and this changes at the drop of a hat.

Now excuse me for thinking this is common sense and basic courtesy, but when something gets cancelled, like classes or a meeting or whatever, don't you usually just... text the person? Put up an announcement? Something? Couldn't she have spared 30 seconds to call or text Kris that class is cancelled? Write a note and stick it to the door of the church where someone coming in could see it? All it would have taken is 30 seconds, and there she would have fulfilled her barebones duty as a parent. And what about the other kids, Kris can't be the only member of the choir. Did she inform the others? Or did she neglect to tell everyone? I'm not sure which scenario is worse: neglecting your duties as an educator, or forgetting your kid in particular.

After that, she goes to the grocery store and meets up with Sans. We don't know the exact timeline of the following events, but we have the outcome; she brings him to her house, while she's drunk.

Red flag #1: what did she go to the store for? "To get groceries" you may say, but are we sure? Or did she go there only to meet up with Sans? What if she really went to get groceries but forgot about her chores because she and Sans were having too much fun? What if she bought them and brought Sans home with her?

Red flag #2: She brought him to her house. Toriel has only known Sans for a few days by this point. Now, I don't know how the dating scene works beyond r/RelationshipAdvice but bringing to your house someone you've only known for a couple of days is just irresponsible and a good way in real life to get robbed. And she doesn't live alone, she has a kid. If anything happens in the house, the kid will also have to deal with the consequences of it.

Red flag #3: She's drunk. What time did she start drinking? Where was she when she started drinking? Why is she so comfortable drinking around strangers? She could have been going for hours by the time Kris finds her. Rudy says in chapter 2 that Toriel was a party animal, but given what American party culture is like, this could be a thinly disguised statement she has a drinking problem. Not to mention, Kris and Susie see her drunk. Did she think Kris would not be home that night? Is she okay with Kris seeing her drunk like that? Did it completely slip her mind? This doesn't exactly teach Kris how to have a healthy relationship with alcohol, you know. And Susie is supremely uncomfortable around this scene, which has some nasty implications considering all the hints she has a bad home life. We already know she's really good at reading the room, and she does NOT like what she sees here.

Red flag #4: ONLY SHE is drunk. Sans looks prefectly sober, there's no indication he's been drinking. A guy who literally just met the girl being alone with her in her house while she's drunk...? This screams "girl run". Except that Toriel was sober when she met up with Sans, what the hell was she thinking? Maybe "a drink or two" and it escalated to this?

Now let's look at Sans' behaviour.

First of all, everything about red flag number 4. To get that out of the way.

Second, he's strongly implied to have abandoned work to hang out with Toriel, which doesn't exactly paint him as responsible.

Third, he treats this place like his own house already. He ate the food Toriel left for Kris without Toriel knowing, which would be a nope even if he was part of the family; then he leaves his personal belongings in the fridge like he lives here. He's know her for a few days at this point.

Now let's get to how Sans and Toriel react to Kris and Susie when they return.

Once again, Toriel shows minimal care for Kris. She left food for them, sure, but she doesn't point out how it's past midnight when Kris and Susie arrive home. If I was out of the house by the time it was 11 my mom would be calling me to get home as soon as I can. And she doesn't even express any curiosity over what they were doing. She doesn't know Kris was risking their life, but couldn't she ask if "you kids had fun in your hangout?" Or "I hope you didn't get caught up in the rain?"

Then, she invites Susie to stay over... while Sans is there. He's a stranger! And that's one of the students in your school! Who as far as Toriel is concerned, has parents who worry about her?

Then there's Sans. He completely brushes off Toriel's worry about Susie's behaviour, and acts like Kris isn't even there. That's Toriel's kid. He's acting like the first stage of those people who get into a relationship with someone who has kids and hope to get rid of the kids in some way to have the partner all to themselves. He shows absolutely no respect or consideration for the fact there's another person in the house trying to sleep. It's like his mere presence is pushing Kris out of their house.

So to summarise, Toriel tries to push Kris away from a father who loves them, while bringing to the house a stranger who's completely inconsiderate, while throwing a bunch of responsibilities to the wind.

Even without the whole "Kris just fought a Titan while looking for her", this is very uncomfortable and a long series of red flags.

Holy fuck, that ending... it really hammers home just how alone Kris truly is.

They went to save their mother from the church, thinking she was in danger... and after everything, after facing down an honest to goodness TITAN and winning... she was drunk off her ass with a strange new man, partying away while her child withers before her very eyes.

I... really felt for Kris, seeing that. Not to say that I've never felt for them before, but... fuck. I've been there. And it's... not a pleasant experience. Even when you aren't being manipulated from the shadows.

Sometimes, it's the smallest cuts that hurt the most.

[britcision]

By the way friends, since I am being reminded that summer is here and therefore so is the heat, here are some reminders for you lot too!

1) active cooling, like an AC, does require you to remove heat and vent it somewhere else.

Nothing that does not vent hot air outside is going to provide active cooling, like magically making your whole room immediately colder

Never believe an ad that tells you you can instantly cool your space without a visible heat vent to outside they are lying

2) passive cooling absolutely does not. It’s slower, has a smaller radius, and is in general less effective, but also requires less energy

Things like filling all your sinks/bath tubs with cold water (or ice water for preference) will provide passive cooling

(You may have heard the term “heat sink” if you’re a computer nerd. Basically, same thing - you put the heat in your cold thing, your cold thing heats up, everything else cools down)

Depending on your humidity, you can do a lot of passive cooling with water - there’s a reason it’s our natural default, but it does require humidity less than 80-90%

(Because you need the water to be able to evaporate and leave)

Ice is, of course, king; if you have a freezer, make as much as you can ahead of the heat wave and keep it in water-tight containers for refreezing

If you don’t have a freezer, hotels have ice machines usually right by the elevators. Clearly you have a very good friend you need to drop off a charger for in the nearest inattentive hotel. Bring big pockets. For the charger.

Also, freeze dish cloths or small towels if you can, by lightly dampening and applying ice. This kicks ass for heatstroke on the back of the neck, so do at least 2 to have one refreezing while you use the other

3) if you sweatin’, you need electrolytes. This is why we’re told they’re specifically for work outs, but the truth is they are for sweat, because you lose salt and shit when you sweat

Get that hydralyte, whatever, and if you can’t immediately get your hands on proper official electrolytes, toss a salt packet like they have at fast food restaurants in your water

Normal water ain’t gonna cut it when you’re a sweaty spaghetti you must be seasoned

If you touch your tongue to the salt and it is wicked delicious, you are probably dehydrated. Add an extra salt packet or two

4) defy purity culture and spread your legs

For real

You lose a lot of heat through your grundle, and keeping your legs closed will trap that heat in your body. Open up and feel the cooling

Also applicable for arms etc be a starfish

5) do not fucking use your oven. Don’t.

Big hot appliance makes big hot home. If you can only possibly cook via oven, do it at night when it’s coldest and you can maybe get some cooler air by opening windows

Use the bbq outside, the microwave, the stove top, the air fryer, anything but your goddamn oven, but honestly? Maybe eat cold food. You will be cooled down

Charcuterie boards comeback round 2?

6) basements are OP, and anywhere you can lie on cold cement kicks ass until all your joints get fucked on by the hard cement

Pretty good for keeping water cold though. Stick it on basement floor

7) hydrate or die-drate

Seriously, we talked about electrolytes and shit, but I mean it. Drink more than you usually would, even if that means smuggling extra water bottles to your local drinking fountains and fill em

If your pee is orange you are dehydrated as hell

You can also eat wet bitches like watermelons to rehydrate yourself, slorp up the juice and if anyone complains tell them it is vital for your health

8) shade! Bring your umbrella, bring Big Hat, fuck the sun it is the enemy you wanna have something between yourself and it while you rest

Sunscreen also good but you do not want your head in the sun for long periods because sunstroke is a bitch and will sneak up on your ass

9) furries I am sorry this one is for you you NEED a fan in the fursuit and you NEED to take it off if you get tired or wanna nap

NEVER fall asleep in your fursuit in the summer, ALWAYS be prepared to get outta it in a hurry, and bring triple water or have a planned water stop

Inflatable folks too you are wearing a dinosaur or a pikachu not fur but that is still a goddamn closed environment and will also cook you

Manual fan, electrical fan, water bottles, ice packs are required for safe summer fun and probably also a shirt inside so you can go into ice cream store

10) con goers, save yourselves $15 and go to a dollar store or local equivalent and buy a cheap folding fan before the con

Bring it to dealers or panels or just out for the day you can buy fans at the con usually but they are marked up because they know you need it

[street-smarts00]

(i only came to this) party 4 u

Bucky Barnes x fem!reader

Summary: For the first few months you worked with the avengers, they barely knew you. Beyond what you were like during a mission, you were a mystery to them. It was truly marvelous how well you worked with the team and yet there was so little they knew about you. 

You barely went to team bonding and you NEVER went to Tony Stark's parties. Well, not until last night. And you’re never going again. 

Because of James Bucky Barnes.

WC: 11.4k

Tags/warnings: shy reader, fluff, hurt/comfort, intoxication/drinking, emotionally constipated reader 

A/N: this is the longest thing I’ve written, WHOOPS. I couldn’t stop with this one so hope some of y’all enjoy it! Ps: no I don’t know what card game Steve and Bucky are playing, make believe (shrugs) beta read by my friend @whats-yesterday00

It’s official. You’re never leaving your room again. 

Not after what happened last night. 

From this moment forward you are not leaving your room. No matter the reason. No matter how much they beg. 

Actually that’s a lie, you would have to leave your room at some point. 

But you’re going to camp out in your room for as long as possible. 

There’s a chance that if you do leave your room, and risk running into him, you’ll melt into a pile of goo on the floor. Or maybe you’d implode from the mortification.

Either way, you shouldn’t risk it. 

You should just revert to the old version of you. The girl that didn’t ever leave her room. Was too intimidated by the other avengers to spend time with them. The girl who — even though you had been given a warm welcome — didn’t feel like part of the team yet. 

For the first few months you worked with the avengers, they barely knew you. Beyond what you were like during a mission, you were a mystery to them. It was truly marvelous how well you worked with the team and yet there was so little they knew about you. 

Steve would occasionally organize team bonding events. After you joined, Steve planned them more frequently. A subtle way to get you to open up to them. 

Sometimes you would attend. Key word, sometimes. 

Usually, it would take some convincing from a few of them. Like when Sam would crack some jokes about how this week you HAD to be there because they were doing XYZ and so on. At some point you’d feel guilty for missing it and show up only to sit there quietly the whole time. You’d speak when spoken to, but never intentionally join a conversation. 

A majority of the time, you wouldn’t feel up for socializing and gave some excuse as to why you’re not feeling well. Steve never pushed you to show, but his eyes grew soft with concern whenever you told him you couldn’t attend. 

But, at some point, the Avengers noticed a change in you. You stopped turning down bonding events and started actually participating. They would find you hanging out in the lounge more often or sticking around to watch movies. 

After a long and brutal game of Uno during game night, they were all left surprised by how excited and competitive you were. The game ended with a stare down between you and Clint. 

You were still a relatively shy person, just more willing to open up and be yourself around them. None of them knew what caused this sudden change, but few of them had their theories. 

The first time you were tempted to leave your room was about two months after you started living in the compound. 

You were standing on the only chair available in your room which happened to be the swivel desk chair. Was it the safest way to hang up your room decor? Probably not. But you wanted to decorate your walls and this was the only way to do it. 

Your arms were starting to grow tired. One hand was holding up the poster, desperately trying to keep it straight, while the other was trying to rip off a piece of tape. 

Somehow the chair moved just the right way and you lost your balance. You stumbled to the floor and took the chair with you.

“Shit!” You loudly groaned after landing on your side with a thump. 

As you carefully stood back up, you heard a voice from the other side of your door. 

“You okay in there?” 

Your stomach dropped at the realization someone heard you fall. The urge to ignore the voice was strong, but you also knew they were just trying to check on you. 

With a slight limp, you approached the door and opened it. Behind it was a concerned Bucky Barnes. Up until now, you’d never gotten this close of a look at him before. You never noticed how blue his eyes actually were. It was almost hypnotizing the way you were so easily lost in them as he stared back at you. 

“Are you alright? I heard a crash.”

You blinked back to reality. “Yeah I’m fine. I fell trying to put up a poster,” you gestured towards it- now discarded (and thankfully not ripped) on the ground. 

He peeked inside to see the fallen chair and poster. “Want some help?” 

His kind gesture shouldn’t have surprised you. There was no indication Bucky Barnes was a bad guy. He was a great partner to work with in the field and his friends spoke very highly of him. But it did surprise you because outside of that, you never really had the chance to actually interact with him. 

You also heard a notorious amount of grumpy old man jokes from Sam that you didn’t exactly know how to interpret. 

“Yeah sure,” you nodded. 

He followed behind and entered your room. He examined the decorations you managed to put up in the time you’ve been living there. 

There were various music and movie posters of pop culture he mostly didn’t recognize. There were fake plants littered all around the room, scattered on different surfaces. The shelves were also covered with books. Rows and rows of books, that would’ve taken him years to get through. Close to the ceiling were strings of lights that gave the room a soft warm glow.

While he stood in the quiet of your room he noticed the faint music playing in the background. His face grew with curiosity as he looked around for where the sound was coming from. 

“What song is that?” 

You walked to your desk and grabbed the chair off the floor. “I’m not sure. It’s a playlist of old music I found online. Sometimes I like to put on old music from the 30s and 40s to have as background noise.”

You pointed to a YouTube video playing on your computer. 

“You like old music?” He inquired, looking slightly surprised. 

“Yeah, but I don’t know much about it,” you shrugged. “I don’t know what was popular back then or have any favorites.” 

He glanced at the video playing on your computer, “I could give you some recommendations if you want.” 

“Really?” you asked with growing enthusiasm. 

The corners of his mouth threatened to perk up. “Yeah why not? If you wanna get into that type of music. Who better to learn it from?”

“That sounds great,” you said with a shy smile. 

The realization dawned on you that now you were both just standing in the quiet of your room. You grabbed the poster and cleared your throat to grab his attention. 

“Oh right,” he mumbled, looking a bit flustered and ran a hand through his short hair. “Where did you want to hang it?” 

“Up here,” You pointed to the empty space on the wall next to your desk.

He took the poster from you and carefully stepped on the chair as you held it still. He placed it against the wall, following your directions for where to hang it. You handed him a few pieces of tape and he slowly flattened out the poster before sticking it to the wall. When he was finished, he stepped off the chair and took a step back with you to get a proper look at it. The picture hung high above your desk. A starry sky with a collection of different constellations.

“It looks nice. I like what you’ve done with your room,” he complimented. 

“Thanks. And thank you for helping.” 

“It was no problem. Wouldn’t want you breaking a bone from falling off a chair,” he lightly teased. 

You started to blush at the embarrassing reminder. “Please don’t tell anyone about that.” 

Bucky pressed his pointer finger and thumb to his lips and ran them across his mouth, showing you his lips are sealed. 

After he left, you admired the poster on the wall, listening to the music still playing in the background. The image of him still fresh in your mind. 

Bucky was nicer than you expected. Not that you expected him to be an asshole. But he was one of the few Avengers you hesitated to talk to because they were a bit intimidating outside of work. Bucky had a consistent glare or grumpy look on his face that kept you at arm's length. 

The day after the poster situation when you made yourself coffee in the morning, someone stopped near you and waited for their turn to use the coffee machine. 

“Hey, I made that song list I was telling you about.” 

You looked to see Bucky standing next to you and digging something out of his back pocket. He handed you a folded piece of notebook paper. 

“Most of them are from the 30s and early 40s, songs I used to listen to. But I also included some late 40s and 50s songs I was introduced to after the war and … everything.”

When you took the paper from him your stomach swirled with something you haven’t felt in a long time. 

“Thanks,” you replied sweetly, “I’ll give them a listen later.”

He offered you a small smile before filling his mug with coffee.

That was probably the first time you started to see through his tough exterior and he let his real self shine through the cracks. 

_____

After that day you started to pay more attention to Bucky. In the field, in the compound. Just in general. 

While you still didn’t spend much time with the team, in the brief moments that you did, your attention would drift towards him. You were more aware of his presence when he was near.

And you did in fact give the songs he recommended a listen. You listened to them quite often actually. 

You were still listening to those songs weeks later.

You were in the kitchen listening to your new “oldies” playlist. It was late in the night and you needed to focus on something that wasn’t the chaos swarming in your brain. So, you decided to break out the baking supplies and royal icing you bought weeks ago. 

As you flattened out the dough with a rolling pin a figure appeared from the dimly lit hallway. 

“What are you doing?” Bucky asked once he noticed your presence. His voice was laced with sleep.

“Making cookies,” you answered, grabbing the cookie cutters. 

He walked closer to the kitchen island and leaned his forearms on the counter. “Why are you making cookies at one in the morning?”

“Stress baking.” 

There was a pause as he watched you cut flower shapes out of the dough. 

“Can’t sleep?”

You shrugged without looking up, “something like that.” You didn’t feel like elaborating. 

This guy you barely know definitely does not want to be hearing about how you can’t sleep from anxiety. He didn’t need to hear that after the last mission you went on with the team your brain was constantly screaming at you all the things you did wrong and could’ve done better. 

“Do you do this a lot?” he gestured towards your work. "Bake in the middle of the night?”

“I have once or twice. It also helps that no one is coming and going so I get some peace and quiet.” 

Bucky visibly tensed at your explanation, “sorry I ruined it.” 

Your head perked up immediately to prove him wrong. “It’s alright, you didn’t.” 

He looked relieved to hear that. 

“What are you making?” 

“Sugar cookies, but I’m gonna put icing on when they’re done.” You placed the cut out dough on the baking sheet. 

Your stomach coiled with nerves before speaking again. “I could save you some. If you want,” you said in a quieter voice. 

His eyes softened and he smiled at you. “That’d be great.”

As you continued placing cookie dough on the sheet, he walked over the fridge to fetch what he came down to the kitchen for. 

Now that the room was quiet, he could fully process the music that was playing in the background. For a moment, he stared at the inside of the fridge as he listened to the beginning notes of the next song. 

He finally grabbed the bottle of water and closed the fridge door before eyeing you with a quirked brow. 

“Billie Holiday?” 

You looked up from the cookies in confusion. You momentarily registered the song playing in the background was “What a Little Moonlight Can Do” by Billie Holiday. One of the songs from the list he gave you. 

“Oh yeah I finally made my own playlist. Most of the songs are the ones you gave me,” you grabbed the baking sheet and carefully placed it in the oven.

“You liked the songs?” His voice sounded like it had a hint of surprise. 

You nodded as the corners of your mouth perked into a grin. “I do yeah. They’re really good. It’s different from the normal stuff I listen to but it’s really growing on me.” 

Joy inched its way onto his face as he listened to you. “That’s great. I’m glad.” 

You leaned back against the counter and took off the apron you were wearing. “You have good taste in music.” 

The ends of his ears turned red, “Thanks.” 

Silence returned to the kitchen. you both stood there not knowing what to say next. The air between you was thick, like you wanted to say more but couldn’t find the words. 

The song continued playing in the background, almost taunting you. 

You’re in love 

You’re hearts a flutter 

And all day long, 

You only stutter 

How dare Billie Holiday tease you right now with him in the same room. Who gave her the permission to take a peek into your heart and put it on display in front of him. 

The music was disrupted by Bucky clearing his throat, “well, I should go back to my room.” 

You shoved your hands in your pockets, “hope you get some sleep.”

He nodded before making his way out of the kitchen and walking down the hall. 

A few seconds after you were sure he left, you took a long deep breath. You stood there grappling with the fact that you definitely were starting to feel something for him. 

Something strong. 

Something you couldn’t get rid of.

The next morning you stood on the other side of Bucky’s door with a small plastic container in your hands. 

This was starting to feel silly. You’ve stared down countless criminals and kicked the crap out of them. But this was making you nervous. 

With a shaky hand you finally knocked, and hoped that he was actually in his room. 

It took only a brief moment for Bucky to answer. He must have just showered. His hair was a bit messy, slightly damp and he smelled nice. He was wearing one of those black compression shirts that hugged his muscles all the right ways. 

It should be illegal for him to look that good. 

“Hey, what’s up?” He asked, surprised to see you. 

His question paused your ogling and brought your attention back to why you were there in the first place. 

“I saved some cookies for you,” you offered him the tupperware. 

Bucky’s eyes softened as he glanced between you and the dessert. He took the container from you and opened the lid, looking down with a smile at the flower cookies with purple, yellow and pink frosting. 

“Thanks, they look amazing,” he complimented. “Hope you didn’t stay up all night making them.” 

You shrugged, “It’s fine, I ended up getting some sleep. It helped me clear my mind.” 

Only because something else obsessively invaded your thoughts. Someone that cleared away the anxiety from your job. 

_____

As the weeks rolled by, you started to leave the sanctity of your bedroom and brave the common areas. 

Was it because of Bucky? Maybe. 

You found yourself intrigued by the man. And it didn’t hurt that he was easy on the eyes. 

That’s why you slowly but surely started to hang out with them more. You needed an excuse to be around him. 

It was almost embarrassing how much your crush on Bucky was affecting you. You were so worried about talking to the other teammates, yet desperately wanted to talk to him. Even if it was for a fleeting moment. 

The team took notice of your increased presence around the compound. Some were quiet about it, others weren’t, and loved to tease you. 

In a weird way, the teasing made you feel more welcomed. Like you were really part of the team. 

“Well well well,” Sam started with a smirk as he walked into the gym. “Look who’s training while the sun’s still out.”

You froze in the middle of wrapping your hands to look up at him, Bucky, and Steve about to start their workout. 

”I’m not nocturnal Sam,” you joked back.

Usually, you would visit the gym at night before you went to sleep while no one else was there. As of lately, you had a slight change in routine. 

“Could’ve fooled me. I heard that you bake in the middle of the night.” 

Your eyebrows raised at his comment, “How’d you know that?”

“Little birdie told me.” his grin couldn’t get any wider. 

You looked to the only possible suspect. Bucky’s eyes quickly averted from you as his ears turned pink. 

Steve shook his head with a smile at his two friends. He tapped Sam’s shoulder before making his way to the bench, “c’mon quit bothering her.” 

Sam playfully rolled his eyes at Steve before pointing in your direction, “I better see you at game night later.” 

You shrugged, “Maybe I could stop by.” 

“You better stop by. We’re breaking out Uno,” he beamed before following behind Steve.

You smiled to yourself as he left and finished wrapping your hands. Before you could hit the punching bag, you realized Bucky didn’t leave to join Sam and Steve. 

“You want some help?” he offered while pointing towards the bag.

You nodded as nerves turned your stomach. “Yeah sure.” 

He walked closer to the punching bag, held it, and prepared for you to strike. 

You exhaled and prepped your stance while staring at the bag in front of you. Your punches started off weak and hesitant — mostly because of his presence — before you slowly relaxed and drew more of your strength. 

Besides Sam and Steve, another Avenger that always tried to rope you into social functions was Tony. Occasionally he would throw some party for a holiday or even for no special reason, simply because he wanted to. 

The only party of his that you attended was the first one he threw after you joined. Only because he didn’t give you much of a choice. After that, you never attended another Stark party.

Well, until last night.

“I’m going all out for this one. Thor’s coming back to earth and man does that guy like to party,” Tony boasted about his plans for the weekend in the lounge. Or what would soon become last night's party. 

You silently sat in the corner of the couch “reading” a book. Well, you were reading but now you were nosy and listening to the people around you. As part of your attempt to be more social with the team, you bravely chose the lounge instead of your room.

You heard earlier that Thor was returning after being away from earth for a few weeks doing some Asgardian space duties you didn’t know the details of. 

“Don’t set anything on fire this time,” Wanda teased before taking a sip from her mug.

Tony spun on his heel to point at her. “That was not me!” 

A few chuckles could be heard throughout the room, even a quiet one from you. You’d heard the same story from three different people about how Tony swears it wasn’t his fault that his drink spilled and caused a small electrical fire. 

“Regardless, it’s going to be amazing and I better see you all there on Friday,” he then pointed at Bucky playing cards with Steve. “And that means you Barnes. Don’t think I forgot you missed out last time.”

”Looks like I lucked out considering you almost burned the place down,” Bucky quipped back without looking up from his cards. 

Tony pinched the bridge of his nose. “It wasn’t me,” he mumbled under his breath. 

Steve nudged his best friend before placing another card down on the coffee table. “Come on Buck, it’ll be fun.” 

Bucky gave a long stare to Steve. You noticed he tended to do that a lot. Turn a normal glare into a staring contest with Sam or Steve. A few seconds passed before he placed his next card down with a sigh. “Fine.” 

Having sensed that your eyes were on him, Bucky glanced up at you from across the room. Your gaze darted away and back to your book in an instant. 

Tony noticed this and walked closer to the couch, studying you trying to read. He could clearly tell you were listening in and watching. “What about you, wallflower?” 

Your head perked up in confusion. 

You knew he was addressing you because of the nickname. At first Steve was worried about Tony calling you that, but you actually secretly liked it. It was like the teasing, made you feel more included. 

“You wanna step out of your comfort zone? Ready to mingle?” 

You let the question hang in the air for a moment, contemplating your response. After hearing Bucky’s answer, the idea of attending Tony’s party was sounding more and more appealing. 

“I might.” 

You tried to ignore how a few sets of eyes landed on you. Including his. 

“Seriously?” Tony asked, not expecting you to actually accept his invitation.  

”Yes seriously, I’m considering it,” you answered with more confidence. 

Tony excitedly snapped and pointed at you. “That’s a yes! You can’t take that back.” 

You awkwardly smiled in return. 

“Finally! I knew this day would come,” Tony cheered as he left the lounge. 

You attempted to actually read your book now but felt Bucky’s gaze lingering on you. When you met his eyes, they returned to the pile of cards on the coffee table. You then finally went back to your reading. 

_____

You don’t know what feels worse. The pounding headache from last night's drinks, or the anxiety pulling you apart from the inside out. 

While you laid in bed, the lights were kept dim to not aggravate your headache further. You were admiring the poster Bucky helped you hang up. For so long you’d look at it and your thoughts would drift to the man who helped you hang it. Your mood would lift or your heart would flutter making you feel giddy. 

Now, you wanted to rip it off your wall. 

It stared back at you as a reminder of what you did last night. You couldn’t stop thinking about how it only took a little liquid courage and one single brave moment to embarrass yourself. You most likely ruined your chances of becoming real friends with him, or even something more. 

There’s no way Bucky actually wants to be with you. There’s no way Bucky felt the same way, held the same admiration for you that you did for him. He’d probably be nice about it and let you down easily. 

Well, he tried to let you down easily, but your fear interrupted him before he could inevitably ask you to forget about what happened. You couldn’t listen to it. You didn’t want to hear the heartbreaking reality that he didn’t want you beyond a spur of the moment fling. 

You’d rather just let the whole thing blow over. Let Bucky take your silence as a signal to let this pass. Let everyone forget about it and go about their business like normal. Because words always travel fast here. And by now everyone probably fucking knew about you and Bucky. 

As the hours rolled by and the sun was setting, you couldn’t ignore the fact that you ran out of the water and food stashed in your room. 

You have to leave. As much as you don’t want to, you have to. 

It kind of felt weird, spending all day in your room. You’d just started getting used to being around everyone, that now it felt kind of normal. You almost looked forward to the social interactions. Even if you didn’t speak a lot or join in some conversations. Just being around them felt … nice. 

You rolled over in bed and reached for your phone left on the nightstand. After turning off do not disturb, the screen was flooded with notifications. Part of you was surprised that they were checking in on you considering it used to be normal for you to live like a hermit.  

Natasha: Morning sleepyhead, you hungover? Feeling alright?

Clint: I got doughnuts, you better get down here before Thor wakes up and eats them all 

Steve: Hey, you doing okay? 

Let me know if you need anything

And 1 missed call followed by 2 texts from Bucky:

I know you’re hiding in your room 

Can we talk?

You really didn’t want to talk. Because you knew he wanted to talk about last night. You weren’t ready to have that conversation yet. You weren’t ready when Bucky tried knocking on your door hours ago and you still weren’t ready now. 

Maybe later tonight. Depending on your bravery. 

You didn’t answer any of their messages. Just got out of bed and shoved your phone in your pocket. 

You hoped there wasn’t a large crowd or any crowd period in the kitchen. But unfortunately, you weren’t so lucky. As you approached the kitchen you heard voices that only got louder as you got closer.

You stayed behind the doorway while you listened. Not exactly intentional eavesdropping. More like you froze at the realization they were talking about you. 

“What the hell did I do now?” Tony complained, he sounded offended. 

“You told everyone about me and Y/N,” Bucky scolded Tony, his tone sounding bitter and angry.

“Correction, I told two people last night,” Tony countered. “It’s not my fault that the gossip was so juicy it spread like wildfire.” 

“You’re unbelievable,” Bucky grumbled. 

“What’s unbelievable is you and your girl not making out sooner.” 

You heard Bucky sigh and after a pause he quietly mumble, but it was loud enough for you to hear. “She’s not my girl.” 

Those words echoed in your ears as if you heard it up close. She’s not my girl. 

A suffocating ache wound itself around your chest. Your fists clenched so tight, your fingernails made an imprint on your palm. 

His girl. You could only dream of being his girl. 

You almost went back to your room. Almost. But you were already here, and the kitchen wouldn’t be empty for hours. 

During the pause in their conversation, you passed the threshold. The room fell silent. The sound of a pin drop could bounce off the walls. You felt the tension in your bones with every single step you took. 

You didn’t look any of them in the eyes. You couldn’t. Just kept your focus trained on the floor as you moved the counter. 

From the cabinet, you found a large refillable water bottle to stock up and keep in your room. You waited at the fridge for it to fill. 

All their eyes on you made your whole body tense. You couldn’t see it, but you could feel it. Their looks weighed like a heavy blanket and they practically saw right through you. 

Steve was the first to break the silence. “How’ve you been? Are you feeling alright?”

You cleared your throat before speaking. You don’t know the last time you said something, your voice was probably hoarse. “I’m fine. Was a bit hungover this morning, didn’t feel well.” 

The second the water bottle was filled, you tightened the lid and turned back to the counter where you found the box of doughnuts that Clint texted you about. With a nervous hand, you grabbed the last chocolate frosted doughnut. 

You belined for the hallway, eager to leave when Bucky called your name. His voice reached through your chest cavity and squeezed your heart. You didn’t stop walking. You couldn’t speak to him. Not yet. 

____________________________

“And that means you Barnes. Don’t think I forgot you missed out last time.”

Instead of actually acknowledging that he was absent during Stark’s last party, Bucky opted for poking fun at the man. He didn’t even have to look up from their card game to know that Stark was rolling his eyes or pinching his brow in frustration. 

Bucky felt Steve’s elbow nudge his side before he placed another card on the coffee table. “Come on Buck, it’ll be fun,” Steve tried to encourage. 

Bucky stared back at his best friend, trying to silently tell Steve that he would rather Stark actually burn down the building.

Bucky hates parties. 

Actually that's a lie. 

Bucky Barnes used to love parties. Before HYDRA, he used to be the life of the party. He’d be cracking jokes with his pals or going out dancing with dames. The music was loud and the excitement ran through the room and into your bloodstream, carrying you across the dance floor. 

After everything that happened, he didn’t have much party left in him. It left him more reserved, more introverted. His blood ran cold now. 

He always went to those team bonding things Steve organized because, well it was Steve, but they were also smaller, more intimate. He even found himself having fun. Some of the movies the team chose were weird, but some he really liked. During game nights he was more engaged then he expected he would be. 

But the large parties he wished he could avoid. Now, the loud music irritated his ears. The modern music that played wasn’t to his taste and hard to dance to. The very few festivities he did attend, Steve managed to convince Tony to play one or two old songs from the 40s or at least the 50s, but that was it.

Steve stared back at him with an expression he was all too familiar with. It was the same look that Bucky would give scrawny little Stevie back in the day when he tried to convince him to join.

Bucky sighed and placed a card on the table. “Fine,” he grumbled. 

In his peripheral vision, he sensed someone looking in his direction. When he turned away from their card game, he was met with your eyes. But only for a second, before they retreated back into your book. 

Steve's mouth curled into a smile as he put down another card. “Who knows you might like it. And maybe your girl will go,” he whispered. 

“She’s not my girl,” Bucky muttered back. The words tasted bitter in his mouth. He didn’t want a reminder that he didn’t have the luxury of calling you his girl. 

From the moment you met, he knew he needed you in his life. Not just because you were pretty. And God damn it you were so pretty. But because you were enchanting. 

It was like you had some magnetic pull on him he couldn’t avoid. 

He’d worked with you on multiple missions because of course Steve immediately caught whiff of Bucky’s interest in you and paired you guys up. He saw first hand the power you wielded during a fight. The mysterious way you hid in the shadows and snuck up on people rivaled only him and Natasha. He almost got knocked out once because he stood there watching you attack a guard that towered over you like it was nothing. 

Steve wouldn’t shut up about that for a whole week. 

But when you weren’t beating up criminals or sitting in silence during mission briefings, he barely saw you. You almost never showed face at team functions and (more importantly) you never spoke to him. 

He was worried you didn’t like him, or even worse you hated him. Steve and Sam tried to convince him that wasn’t true but it still never left his mind. It was still in his mind when he passed by your room and heard that crash. Bucky remained cautious, scared that you would ignore him or act coldly, but he still felt compelled to make sure you were okay. 

And when he did finally get the small chances to talk to you, to see the parts of you that you often hid, he felt a thousand times lighter. Bucky saw the light in you grow brighter as you became more comfortable with the team. 

In the moments you let your walls down, you shined like a diamond. 

But he never saw you shine like that at Stark’s parties. 

Bucky shook his head as he placed a new card,  “besides, she never shows, you know that.” 

Bucky noticed Stark approaching you to test the waters with an invitation for you to attend. He shouldn’t be eavesdropping, but then again, it isn’t exactly a private conversation. And he had enhanced hearing anyway. 

“You wanna step out of your comfort zone? Ready to mingle?”

“I might.”

His head immediately snapped in your direction. He couldn’t hear what Stark asked you, he was too focused on your response. 

“Yes seriously, I'm considering it.”

As of lately, you had a habit of saying you might go instead of actually saying yes. He noticed this because every single time you said ‘maybe,’ you showed up. It seemed like a way to give yourself an escape. A safety net to land in the roaring sea of anxiety. 

But if you were considering it, that definitely meant you were going. 

He tried to not linger on the fact that his heart rate increased the more he thought about it. 

Stark seemed quite excited at your answer. “That's a yes! You can’t take that back” 

You gave a bright smile in response. Bucky loved your smile. He’d go to hell and back to see you smile. 

He didn’t realize he was still staring until you looked up from your book. He quickly returned his attention back to the cards in his hand. 

Bucky cleared his throat, “is it my turn?” 

“Nope,” Steve tried to hide the humor in his voice as he placed a winning card. 

Bucky sighed while tossing his remaining cards on the table. He wasn’t too bummed about losing the game though. He was still thinking about seeing you Friday night. 

_____

Steve Rogers is a traitor.

Well, at this very second he is a traitor. Because he is on the dance floor, dancing with you. 

Slow dancing with you. 

Bucky was watching from afar. Wait, that sounds creepy when he thinks about it like that. He was observing the party, and naturally his gaze landed on you. How could it not? In every room he entered, he looked for you.

The party had started by the time you showed up. He was in the middle of conversation with Sam when he saw you walk in by yourself, fashionably late. 

He could’ve sworn his heart skipped a beat at the sight of you. The burgundy dress you wore made his head dizzy. 

Bucky had a plan. He originally was going to catch you on the dance floor with a song that was easier to dance to, aka an older song. But you were already dancing with Steve and Wanda when one of those newer Sinatra songs came on. Well, new to him. A while back Natasha gave him a crash course in 20th century music after the war. 

Should he be bitter and maybe just a tad jealous? No, he shouldn’t. He had all night to ask you to dance and yet he stood off to the side. Then Steve swooped in and ruined his plans. 

And now the little punk was dancing with you. 

Of course you wanted to dance with Steve. You were closer with him then you were with Bucky. Steve was the first person you started opening up to. And why shouldn’t you? Steve’s amazing. He’s sweet, courageous, a gentleman, someone to look up to. Hell, Bucky looked up to him. Even when Steve was that scrawny kid in Brooklyn, Bucky admired his bravery and good heart. 

Steve was a good man. Bucky was a broken one. 

“Oh no, who’s victim to your impenetrable stare now?” Natasha asked as she approached him. 

“I’m not staring,” he mumbled, pushing off from where he was leaning on the bar and turned his back to the dance floor.

“Sure, and Tony isn’t drunk.” 

“Got the fire extinguisher on deck?” He downed the rest of his drink and left the glass on the bar. 

She chuckled, “yup.” Natasha walked around behind the counter and grabbed herself a fresh wine glass. “You know, if you ask her to dance, she’ll say yes.” 

Bucky hated it when she saw right through him. For a woman with no enhanced abilities, Natasha sure had a way of reading people. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

“You’ve been watching her all night, Barnes.”

He cringed, “It sounds creepy when you put it like that.”

Natasha shook her head and smiled as she continued to pour herself a glass of red wine. “Then don’t put so much distance between yourselves. Maybe actually talk to her, ask her to dance.” 

“She’s already dancing with Steve,” he answered, looking down at the counter. 

She raised an eyebrow at him in fake confusion. “That’s not jealousy I hear, is it?” 

“I’m not jealous,” Bucky quickly rebutted. He paused while his jaw clenched. “I just don’t wanna bother her.” 

Natasha sighed as she put the bottle away. “You don’t bother her. Believe me.” 

He crossed his arms, “how would you know that?”

She carefully swirled the red liquid in her glass. “The same way I know that you’ve wanted to dance with her all night.” 

Bucky stared at her with annoyance and disbelief written all over his face. Natasha stared back at him with a slight smirk knowing she was right. 

Their staring contest was abruptly interrupted by Thor stumbling towards the bar. 

“Romanoff! Barnes! How are you enjoying the festivities?” Thor beamed. Bucky couldn’t tell if Thor was just that excited or if he was bordering on intoxicated.

”I’ve been having a wonderful night but“ —Natasha gestured towards Bucky— “I don’t think he’s in a partying mood.”

Thor looked at him with a slight pout. Yeah he was probably a bit intoxicated, Bucky thought.

”That sounds terrible. We need to fix that right away.” Thor rushed to the cabinet to grab a fancy looking bottle and two clean short glasses. He set the bottle on the counter across from Bucky and waved a hand behind it to show it off. 

“I brought this back from my most recent trip to Asgard. It has aged for a thousand years. It’s too strong for mortal men, but you my friend” —he patted Bucky on the shoulder— “are well suited for it.” 

Thor poured some of the drink into each glass and pushed one closer to Bucky. “This should help raise your spirits.”

He stared at the honey colored liquid hesitantly before picking it up. “Thanks pal.” He offered a small smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. 

Thor raised his drink to the man across from him. Bucky took another look before raising his drink and clinking it with Thors. He took a sip and found it to be sweeter than he expected. 

It was also much stronger than he expected. 

Thanks to the discount super serum he received, he couldn’t get drunk. Bucky hasn’t been drunk since 1945, the last time he went out to a bar with the howling commandos. 

After two and a half of whatever that Norse drink was, he was starting to get that dizzying buz he hasn’t felt in decades. He wasn’t as drunk as Thor or Tony were, but he was feeling more confident than he had been earlier in the night.  

He wouldn’t bother to hide the glances he threw your way. At some point he got rid of his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. If someone asked if he did that because he was warm or because he wanted to show off to you, he wouldn’t have answered. But it was pretty clear when he noticed you looking at him and he would stand up straighter or flex his arms. 

Then of course when you caught his eyes he winked at you and then smiled when he saw how bashful you looked. 

Bucky was definitely having a better night than before. And it just kept getting better the more he interacted with you. 

His favorite —but also least favorite— part of the night was when he accidentally ran into you. 

He was leaving the bathroom at the same time you were. As he turned the corner he stumbled into your side, not expecting you to be there. As Bucky collided with you, you yelped and almost fell down yourself. 

“Shit, I’m so sorry,” he apologized as he tried to regain his balance. 

You grabbed onto his arm and helped him stand straight. “It’s fine, no worries.” 

His chest ached at the feeling of your hands on his bicep. 

A look of confusion crossed your face before you asked, “are you drunk?”

”No.”

You raised an eyebrow at him; your expression screaming that you don’t believe him. 

“Maybe,” he mumbled. 

You scoffed and let go of his arm, cautiously as you made sure he wasn’t going to fall over. “I thought guys like you and Steve couldn’t get drunk.” 

“We can’t. But Thor gave me this funky Asgardian beer.” Bucky's words slurred together as he explained.

“I think it’s mead.”

He looked baffled, “what’s mead?”

You shook your head amused, “not beer.” 

He scoffed and pointed an accusatory finger at you. “Don’t talk like I can't smell the tequila on your breath,” he joked.

You playfully swatted at his arm away using very little force. “Shut up, it’s the first time I’ve let loose in a long time.”

He loved seeing you riled up. You looked so adorable. 

”You should do it more often.”

”Drink?

“No, come to these stupid parties,” he gestured down the hall to where music was coming from. 

“I will if you’ll be there,” you replied in a sweet tone. You sounded more forward than he was used to. He was a bit surprised but decided to lean into it. 

“Is that a promise?” 

“Maybe.”

“Good,” Bucky smiled as he remembered what it meant when you said maybe to plans.

He hoped you would keep showing up. He’d go to every single one of those dumb parties if he knew he’d see you there. 

“I like seeing you like this. More social, having fun. No more hiding in your room.” 

“I didn’t hide,” you protested, even though you knew he was right. 

“You avoided us like the plague,” he countered. “For a while I thought you didn’t like me,” 

Your jaw dropped at his confession. “You thought I didn’t like you?” Your voice sounded both a bit worried and surprised.

“You never spoke to me!” 

“I gave you cookies!”

“But that was like-“ he paused to do the mental math, “three months after we met. Before that I wasn’t sure.” 

You relaxed as you settled with the information. “Okay, but it wasn’t just you. I didn’t talk to anybody,” you answered with a shrug. 

“And look at you now.” He gestured to you with a small smile of admiration. “Going to parties, spending time with us. You looked like you were really having fun.” 

Your eyes lit up with a look of realization as you leaned back against the wall. “Wow, you were watching me?” You teased him. 

Bucky should’ve known that would come and bite him in the ass, again. 

“I wouldn’t say watching.”

You squinted at him, that glimmer still present in your eyes, “hmm sounds like you were.

“I can’t help it, not when you look like that,” he said in a sultry voice. 

You tilted your head, “like what?” 

Bucky licked his lips as he fully took you in. Even as your makeup took the toll of the night, you still looked perfect to him. Your eyeliner was a bit smudged and your lips still shimmered from the left over gloss. He gazed down at your dress, it had a flowy skirt that hid some of your curves but a slit down the side that gave him a view of your leg.

“Like the most beautiful woman at this party.”

You rolled your eyes at him. “Come on,” you playfully dismissed his compliment. 

Bucky took a step closer to you. “I’m serious, I couldn’t take my eyes off you,” he continued as his voice got lower. 

Your cheeks turned pink and your voice raised in pitch, “you’re such a flirt, Barnes.” 

“Maybe,” he returned with a smirk. “Doesn’t change the fact that you are breathtaking.” 

Now your face was crimson. You tried to bite back a giddy smile but he could see right through you. 

“Stop being so sweet, it’s making me want to kiss you.”

Bucky's heart pounded in his ears and he felt his face start to heat up. He desperately hoped you weren’t kidding. 

He quickly glanced at your lips and leaned closer. “Oh yeah? What’s stopping you?” 

Your eyes slightly widened at his question, like you weren’t expecting him to take you so seriously. He watched the contemplation in your features as you stared back at him. 

Hidden behind his confident exterior, Bucky’s stomach was churning as he awaited your response. Even with the alcohol swimming through his bloodstream, he still had a lingering cloud of anxiety telling him you really didn’t want to kiss him. Telling him that you didn’t want him. 

“Right now?” You whispered. You looked up at him with those doe eyes that made him weak in the knees.

Your gaze darted between his and lingered on his lips. “Nothing,” you breathed before capturing his lips in yours. 

Bucky was taken by surprise at your forwardness, his lips froze for a split second before moving in rhythm with yours. You reached up, placing your hands on his neck and face. He sighed against your mouth as you pulled him down closer to you, desperate to taste him. 

Bucky’s hands traveled up and down your hips, starved for more of your touch. His metal hand settled at your waist while his right hand slipped past the slit in your dress and grabbed at your thigh. You leaned into him, your back arching off the wall you were pressed up against and your leg wrapped around his, pulling him closer. He continued to paw at your thigh, his hand sneaking higher and higher, finding its place on your ass. A soft moan escaped you, trapped against Bucky’s lips. The sound tasted like heaven to him. 

Asgardian alcohol was nothing compared to the intoxicating drink that was you. Bucky was lost in the touch, the smell, the feel of you. He breathed you in like it was his first breath of fresh air in years.

It was like the earth stopped spinning just for you two. Time was put on pause and there in that secluded hallway, you and Bucky were the only people in the world. 

Of course, you were in fact not the only people in the world, let alone that party. While your lips were still interlocked and hands grabbing at each other, footsteps inched closer. 

Immediately you pulled away from each other at the startled gasp of, “holy shit!” 

Bucky and you froze in horror at the man across the hall. 

Neither of you noticed Tony approaching around the corner. He stared at you with shock written all over his face, which then transformed into a cheeky grin. 

“Wow, and to think you two almost didn’t show up.” He pointed at both of you, “If you guys get married, I better get credit in your vows.”

“Stark,” Bucky warned in a sharp tone, staring daggers at the man in question. 

Tony raised his hands in surrender. “Don’t mind me. Please, go back to eating each other's faces.” He chuckled before retreating down the hall back to the party. 

Bucky sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Even after he cut it he couldn’t shake the habit. 

He couldn’t look you in the eyes yet, still too flustered. “He’s such an ass,” he joked, shaking his head. 

You fixed your hair and offered a nervous smile. “Yeah, I know,” you mumbled.

The air in the room wasn’t the same after Tony walked in. The realization of what you were doing had caught up to both of you. Bucky had wanted to kiss you long before now, he just never expected it to be a spur of the moment first kiss. 

That doesn’t mean he regretted it. Not one bit. 

“We should probably return to the party.” Bucky cleared his throat, “listen I know it might be a bit awkward when we get back but, I wanted to ask if-“

”I’m sorry, I um,” you interrupted with a slight panic in your voice.  

“I’m gonna go. Have a good rest of your night Bucky,” you excused yourself with a smile that didn’t quite reach your eyes. 

Bucky watched you shuffle away and down the hall, in the opposite direction of the party. His posture deflated as his stare lingered from where you left. He tried to ignore the slight ache in his chest but it stayed, infecting his heart like a poison. 

Finally when he had the chance and nerve to ask you to dance, you ran away. 

_____

From when he returned to the party to the next morning when he woke up, that ache didn’t fully go away. It became quieter, more tolerable to deal with. But still present. 

He tried to dilute it with reasonable answers. You might have still been flustered from being caught in the hallway. You might have been more drunk than he thought and didn’t feel well. 

But his train of thought always returned to anxiety and doubt. The voice in the back of his head that told him you didn’t want to be seen with him. You were embarrassed to be seen kissing him. The voice that screamed he wasn’t good enough and you would never have feelings for him. 

For now he would shove down those left over doubts. Try to ignore them the best he could. 

Unfortunately that wasn’t an option when he was hounded at breakfast. 

When he walked in the kitchen, he felt the tone change. It was subtle, but as Sam, Clint, and Yelena’s conversation died down, he sensed multiple pairs of eyes landing on him. 

“So Bucky, how was your night?” Sam asked before sipping his coffee. 

Bucky walked to the coffee machine and grabbed his own mug from the cabinet. “It was good,” he muttered. 

Yelena spun in her chair to face him, “you had fun?”

“Sure, I guess.”

Sam quirked an eyebrow at him. “You guess?”

“Why do you care so much?” Bucky groaned as he poured a fresh cup of coffee for himself. 

“No reason, just wanted to see what you thought of the party.” 

Bucky shrugged, turning back around to face the group. “It was like every other party.”

“You don’t get drunk at every other party,” Sam countered in a snarky tone. 

“I was not that drunk,” Bucky protested.

“Drunk enough to get freaky in the hallway?” 

Sam’s question had Bucky gripping his mug so hard he almost shattered it. Anger seeped into his bloodstream that made his veins hot.

Bucky squeezed his eyes shut and hung his head. “Stark, that son of a bitch,” he grumbled under his breath. 

Yelena's interest was piqued at Bucky's reaction, confirming her suspicions. “So it’s true? You and Y/N kissed?”

“Oh they did more than kiss,” Sam added. 

“Sam,” Bucky warned with a sharp tone.

“Did you see him peacocking? He kept flexing his arm muscles at her and at one point I think I saw him wink. I guess all that paid off.” Clint finally added his thoughts, amusement creeping its way onto his face. 

Yelena sat with a smile, still processing the information. “Wow, I didn’t think you two would get together for another month or more.”

“We’re not together,” Bucky corrected. The words tasted like a nasty poison on his tongue. 

“You will be soon,” Clint insisted. 

“Don’t bet on it.”

“What are you talking about? Sam asked. “You like this girl. You’ve been crushing on her for months!”

Bucky’s jaw clenched before. His stomach boiled over with the feelings he tried to push down. 

He shook his head and waved them off. “Never mind.”

Yelena leaned forward, eager to understand. ”No wait, Bucky what happened?” She asked calmly, voice filled with concern.

He sighed and stuffed his hands in his pockets. His lips sealed shut while he stared at the floor, contemplating how honest he should be with them. 

“It’s nothing. After Stark walked in on us she didn’t exactly tell me how she felt about the kiss.” Bucky nervously ran a hand through his short hair. “I tried to ask her to dance. She left before I could spit it out.” 

“She’s a shy girl. She was probably overwhelmed and embarrassed.” Clint offered. 

Not embarrassed because of you, Bucky tried to remind himself. 

Sam stepped closer to Bucky, his tone of voice much more serious than before. “Just talk to her about it. I’m sure she feels the same way.”

Bucky looked down in his mug, the hot black coffee staring back at him. “Have any of you seen or talked to her yet? It’s still early. I don't know if she’s awake.”

”No, she hasn’t been down here yet,” Yelena answered. 

Clint grabbed out his phone, “I’ll text her-“

”No, Clint,” Bucky cringed. 

Clint held up a hand to him, still typing away on his screen. “Calm down, I’m telling her about the doughnuts I bought.” 

Bucky’s tense shoulders relaxed at the explanation. 

“Let me know if you find out she’s awake. I’d hate to wake her up just to pester her about this.” He grabbed his coffee and a doughnut for himself from the box on the counter. 

“Leave a chocolate frosted,” he instructed as he walked to the lounge. “She only likes those.” 

____

It’s been three days. 

In the last three days, he’s seen you once. When you tip-toed into the kitchen, barely looking him in the eyes.

He already thought about you every day. He’d leave his room with anticipation, eager for the chance to see you. 

Now that same anticipation had a sour taste. Bucky would go to the gym, lounge, or kitchen with hope that he would see you there. And every time he was crushed at the sight of a room without your presence. 

You had gotten pretty successful at staying hidden. After that brief awkward encounter on Saturday, you made yourself completely undetectable. He should’ve known it would be an easy feat for you considering you were a spy before joining the Avengers. The only indication that you were even still in the compound were the clean dishes on the drying rack and the missing food from the fridge. 

Not only was Bucky missing and craving your presence, but he had to sit with the unknown meaning behind your kiss. He had no idea how you felt about him, and it drove him mad.

The lustful look In your eyes and the desperate touch of your hands on him told him that you might feel the same way. But the way you recoiled and shut yourself out said something else. 

One thing he did know was that all this overthinking was going to be his downfall. 

It was past midnight and instead of staying in bed, struggling to fall asleep, he decided to go to the gym and let out some stress. 

Little did he know he wasn’t the only one with that same idea. 

He wasn’t that surprised to see some of the lights on as he approached the gym. Every so often someone was working out late at night. Who he didn’t expect to see was you, laser focused as you striked at the punching bag.

Bucky stood still for a moment, watching you, debating whether or not he should leave you be or talk to you. 

His legs seemed to be moving on their own as he approached you. 

“Want some help?” 

You jumped, startled out of your focus. “You scared the shit out of me!” You placed a hand over your heart, probably felt it pounding. 

“Sorry,” he mumbled. “You didn’t answer my question though.” 

You looked at him with puzzled, furrowed brows. 

“Do you want some help?” He repeated, gesturing towards the punching bag. 

You paused before answering in a calm tone. “No thanks.”

You shifted your weight and prepped your stance, attention returned to the bag. 

“I thought you didn’t work out this late anymore,” Bucky commented with fake innocence. 

You shrugged before you started punching again. “Guess old habits die hard.” 

“Like hiding in your room?”

You hesitated. He watched your jaw clench before you punched again. 

“I am not hiding.”

“I haven’t seen you in three days.” 

Your punches got stronger while your voice stayed calm. “Didn’t feel well. Needed rest.” 

“I texted you.”

“Sorry,” another punch. “Didn’t see it.” 

Bucky exhaled, “Why are you lying?”

“I’m not-“ 

“Yes you are,” he interrupted, a bit of frustration leaking through his firm voice. 

“We’ve barely seen you. And this isn’t like when you first got here, because I still saw you back then. You’re ignoring us.” 

You’re ignoring me, he wanted to say. 

Your attention broke from the punching bag. Your hand landed limp against it as you turned to him. 

“Why do you care?” You asked with more curiosity than you showed on your face. 

“Because I’m worried about you. And I know something’s wrong.” 

You didn’t reply. Just stared at the floor and picked at the wraps on your hands. 

Bucky didn’t want to pester you about it, but he had to stop you from isolating and keeping everything bottled up. He knew better than anyone what that felt like. The desire to hide away and run.

He could see the walls you built up slowly starting to crack, but you held on so tight to that security. Desperate to not let it fall down. 

He was going to get you to open up, whether it hurt him or not. 

“Is this about the kiss?” 

Your eyes squeezed shut and fists clenched. “Bucky, I really don’t want to talk about that right now.” 

“Well when do you feel like talking about it?” He interrogated, folding his arms. “Tomorrow? A week from now?”

“Fine!” You snapped back at him. “We got drunk, flirted a little and kissed. Can we just put this behind us and forget about it?” 

Forget about it? You really want him to forget about the kiss? The best kiss of his life. The kiss that brought warmth back into his cold veins. Forget the kiss that made all the decades worth of tension fall off his bones and disappear for a few minutes. 

He scoffed, “I’m sorry but I can’t just forget about it.” 

Your cheeks that were previously pink from your work out turned red. 

Bucky kept his gaze trained on you. He watched your eyes repeatedly dart away from him, still trying to hide while you stood right in front of him. 

“Why did you leave after we kissed?” He asked, keeping his voice steady even while his insides were twisting. 

“Bucky,” you groaned, pleading with the man in front of you. 

“I gotta know.” 

You looked down at your hands and resumed picking at the wrappings. 

“Did you mean it?” You inquired, deflecting from his question. “What you said that night.” 

He pursed his lips, trying to mentally sort through all the things he said. “Which part?” 

You paused your fidgeting, hands tense as you spoke. “All those nice things you said about me. When you said I was the most beautiful woman at that party.” You finally looked at Bucky, eyes swimming with uncertainty. 

“Did you mean it, or were you just flirting?”

You were trying to hide behind a guarded expression, but Bucky could see the vulnerability in your eyes and hear it in your voice. 

You felt the same way about him. 

But just like him, you didn’t believe your feelings were reciprocated because of the overwhelming fear. Your vision was clouded by fear and doubt. 

He took a few steps closer. You took a half step back. 

His eyes stayed on you. He never wavered. 

”I meant all of it,” he answered softly. “Every single word.” 

Your eyes widened and lips parted. 

“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.”

You gave him a nervous grin and shook your head as you tried removing the wrapping from your hands. ”That’s overselling it a bit,” you lightly joked. You fought the hand wrap with a shaky hand, struggling to take it off. 

Bucky inched closer. Before you could register what he was doing, he reached forward and gently grabbed your hands. He separated them and continued undoing the wrapping for you. His touch was soft as he handled you with the utmost care. 

“I’m being serious,” he started, eyes trained on your hand. “Whether you believe me or not.” 

He finished working on your left hand and moved to your right. You didn’t protest. You didn’t stop him. 

“If you really want to forget about the kiss. Go ahead.” But now he knew you didn’t want to forget about it. He swallowed, preparing to place his own heart in the palm of your hand. “I don’t think I could ever forget it. I haven’t stopped thinking about you since Friday.”

He chuckled as a blush crept its way on his face. “Actually, I haven’t stopped thinking about you since the first time we met.”

He felt your hand freeze against his. “Bucky, that was over 6 months ago,” you reminded him breathlessly. 

He finished unwrapping your hand, looked up at you, and nodded. “Yeah, I know,” he muttered. 

Bucky still held your hand, neither one of you moved away from the other. 

You took a deep breath, the expression on your face looked like you were mentally wrestling with yourself. 

“What were you going to ask me before I left?” You asked cautiously. 

“If you wanted to dance with me.” The corners of his mouth turned up into a smile as his cheeks turned pink. He softly caressed the back of your hand, “I’d been trying to ask you all night but never got the chance. Or the nerve.”

Bucky searched your eyes and found wide pupils in a sea of emotion. He wasn’t sure if they shined from the lighting or if they were glossy. 

You licked your lips, “I would’ve said yes by the way. If you asked.” 

He smirked back, stomach fluttering with butterflies. “You mean if you let me ask?” he asked, tone laced with sarcasm.

You rolled your eyes and sighed, “yeah. I was just being an asshole.“ 

“You’re not an asshole,” he countered, genuinely. 

You squinted and tilted your head. “I was a little bit.” 

He chuckled in defeat, his thumb still tracing your skin. 

You peered down at your hand intertwined with his, swallowing down the nerves caught in your throat. “I uh- I was scared and catastrophizing. I thought of the worst case scenario and let it control me. I shouldn’t have run away, I’m sorry.” You sounded small, defeated. 

With his free metal hand, Bucky gently pulled your chin up to look at him. “You’re not the only one who gets stuck in their own head,” he comforted. Your breath shuttered as his touch traveled to the side of your face before brushing your hair behind your ear. “Just don’t shut the world out okay?”

You nodded, with a bashful smile. “Okay.” 

Bucky’s mouth curled up in a way that matched yours. “I love your smile,” he complimented, his voice dripping with admiration. 

You bit your lip as a blush danced across your face. “Don’t say sweet things about me. It’ll make me want to kiss you,” you warned with a teasing hint in your tone.

Bucky's smile turned to a wicked grin. He leaned closer, his lips ghosting over yours as he caressed your cheek. “What’s so wrong with that?” He whispered with desire. 

He felt your breath against him as you whispered back. 

“Nothing.”

Bucky wasted no time and captured your lips with his. He instinctively reached for your waist and pulled you closer, flush against him. 

This kiss was different from the first one. You still tasted the same on his tongue, your lips left the same imprint on his. But the rhythm was different. No rush of passion. No hunger that needed to be resolved. 

It was slower, more delicate.  Like the two of you were absorbing the others' existence into your bloodstream. 

When you separated from him Bucky chased after your lips. You giggled as he pecked all over your lips and cheeks. Your laugh only spurred him on more as he grabbed on to your face to keep you still and smiled against your skin. 

You made him feel lovesick. He felt like he used to, back in the 40s, before everything went wrong. He felt like Bucky Barnes. 

Bucky chuckled as he finally retreated from his kissing attack on your face. He stared at you lovingly, his hands traveling back down to your hips.

“So, hypothetically, if I were to ask if you wanted to go dancing, like we find somewhere in the city we can go to dance one night, what would you say?”

You looked up at him with a sweet smile. “Is this a hypothetical or are you asking me out?” You pondered with a mischievous tone.

Bucky loved it when you teased him like that. You were going to drive him insane. 

“I’m asking you out.” 

You stood up straighter, your eyes pierced him with confidence. “Then do it.”

Warmth stirred in his chest as he finally asked what he’s been meaning to for so long. 

“Would you like to go dancing with me?” 

You wrapped your arms around his neck and placed a soft, quick kiss against his lips. “I’d love to.” 

_____

The lounge was quiet. Yelena sat on the couch with Wanda as a movie played in the distance. Steve sat on one of the chairs ignoring the movie, his nose deep in a small notebook he liked to sketch in. Natasha sat on the other chair, her back and legs against the arm rests as she focused on a book. 

The elevator dinged when it reached the floor. As it opened, Bucky walked out and passed through the lounge with you in his arms bridal style and barefoot, holding your heels in your hands. 

All of their eyes slowly peered away from what they were doing and towards you and Bucky. 

Natasha was the first to comment on the display, “uh, Barnes, why are you carrying your date?” 

“I complained my feet hurt on the way home and now he won’t put me down,” you announced back to her. 

Bucky abruptly stopped in his tracks. “Do you want to walk back to your room?” He asked, voice deep with a teasing tone.

You sunk further into his chest as a blush crept onto your face. “No,” you mumbled quietly.

He chuckled and continued walking. “That’s what I thought.” 

“Awe, what a gentleman,” Yelena remarked.

“Anything for my girl,” Bucky yelled back as he walked away with you in his arms.

“Finally, I’ve been waiting for them to get together for weeks!” Yelena joked as she turned back to the group. 

“Try months. I knew that when she started leaving her room it was because of him,” Natasha added.

Steve looked up from his notebook, a small glint of amusement in his eyes. “Why do you think I pushed for him to go to that party? I had a feeling she would go if she knew he would be there.” 

“Seems like everyone knew but them,” Yelena remarked.

“I’ve known the whole time.” Wanda chuckled, “For two quiet people, their thoughts are awfully loud.” 

[vibrantpuppeteer]

Okay, spoilers below this point, but We strongly think that both Dess Knight and Carol Knight truthers are probably wrong. Yeah. We're team Asgore Knight.

Okay, but think of who the Knight went after first in chapter 3. Toriel. The Knight...went after Toriel. And in Chapter 4? We get confirmation that Asgore has a Black Shard as well. Think about it, though. The three symbols on the shelter door are a police badge, a pine tree, and the Delta Rune. And unlike in Undertale, the Delta Rune isn't really a symbol worn by royalty. It has religious significance as shown by the church scenes with multiple characters wearing outfits bearing it. So why would the Knight go after Toriel first if there wasn't something more personal to it? If it wasn't some last-ditch effort? Who has been making attempts to get just a little of Toriel's attention since chapter 1? Asgore. Yeah, he's probably the Knight.

Yeah, there are some weak points to our side too. How could Asgore (or whoever the Knight really is) completely change his appearance inside dark worlds when the most drastic change to Lightener physiology we've seen this far has been on Kris and even that is just a bit of color changing. Maybe it's a property of the Knight's weapon? It does shift from a more bat-shaped weapon to more sword shaped in the first encounter, so everything we've seen so far could be just a trick of the shadows. Hmm... Is it even possible to go darker than darker than dark? We've seen that the attempt to create a dark world inside a dark world creates Titans, but what if there's something that could basically cover the wearer's body in shadow without summoning Titans? After all, consider what happens if you win -- the Knight starts to go static-y, as that's not their natural form but just an effect to hide it. Like a hologram losing its form after taking damage. (A hologram made of darkness and shadows? It should be called an umbragram then.) Combine that and how the Knight seems to not only go easy on Kris, but even "knights" them in a hitless run? Yeah, it could be Dess. However, even though we know Kris is working with Carol, We highly doubt the two of them have that close of a bond. Asgore, however?Asgore would absolutely want Kris on his side.

Well, if all goes according to plan, we'll all know soon enough, as Chapter 5 is due out next year provided there aren't any delays.

Edit: So, everyone knows the prophecy panels from chapter 4, yeah? Well, in the code, the ones pertaining to a chapter's main boss (not the secret ones) include the word boss in the title. It turns out that Asgore is the chapter 5 boss, as his panel is labeled with "boss" just like Queen's and Tenna's. So this could either make or break Asgore Knight theory. Like, if the chapter 5 boss starts as the knight but somewhere in the middle their umbragram fizzles out and reveals Asgore was behind it all along, then that works. But if you find him and it's just...Asgore? No Knight disguise, nothing of the sort? Yeah, theory over. Either way, adding the deltarune chapter 5 spoilers tag just to be safe.

I feel like the Deltarune fandom is setting itself up for a fall because there's no way Dess is going to be as cool as the fanart is making her our to be.

[bestanimal]

Round 3 - Actinopterygii - Cypriniformes

(Sources - 1, 2, 3, 4)

Order: Cypriniformes

Common Name: no common name for the whole order

Families: 23 - Gyrinocheilidae (“algae eaters”), Catostomidae (“suckers”), Botiidae (“pointface loaches”), Vaillantellidae (“long-fin loaches”), Cobitidae (“true loaches”), Barbuccidae (“scooter loaches”), Gastromyzontidae (“hillstream loaches”), Serpenticobitidae (“serpent loaches”), Balitoridae (also “hillstream loaches”), Ellopostomatidae (“square-head loaches”), Nemacheilidae (“stone loaches”), Paedocyprididae (“tiny carps”), Psilorhynchidae (“mountain carps”), Cyprinidae (“carps”, “minnows”, “barbs”, and “barbels”), Sundadanionidae (“tiny danios”), Danionidae (“troutbarbs”, “rasborines”, “danionines”, and “flying barbs”), Leptobarbidae (“cigar barbs”), Xenocyprididae (“East Asian minnows” or “sharpbellies”), Tincidae (“Tench”), Acheilognathidae (“bitterlings”), Gobionidae (“freshwater gudgeons”), Tanichthyidae (“mountain minnows”), and Leuciscidae (“true minnows”)

Anatomy: thick body; one dorsal fin; lack teeth in the mouth, but have convergent structures called pharyngeal teeth in the throat, which grind against a chewing pad on the base of the skull; most are equipped with barbels to help them locate food at night or in murky conditions

Diet: algae, plankton, plants, insects, snails, worms, small fish

Habitat/Range: Worldwide; most species are strictly freshwater, but some are found in brackish water, and at least one species is found in saltwater, though brackish and marine species swim upstream into rivers to spawn

Evolved in: Late Cretaceous

Propaganda under the cut:

The Bigmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus cyprinellus) can reach an age of up to 127 years, making it the oldest known freshwater teleost fish.

The Indonesian Superdwarf Fish (Paedocypris progenetica) is one of smallest known species of fish in the world. The smallest mature female measured 7.9 mm (0.31 in) and the largest known individual was 10.3 mm (0.41 in).

The critically endangered Giant Barb (Catlocarpio siamensis) (image 1) is the largest species of Cyprinid, with an unconfirmed maximum length of 3 m (9.8 ft) and weight up to 300 kg (660 lb).

The Pacific Redfin (Pseudaspius brandtii) is the only Cypriniform known to inhabit salt water, and is found from the Siberian Pacific Coast through coastal Japan.

At least three loach families contain blind, troglomorphic species adapted to life in caves.

The Tench (Tinca tinca) has very small scales, which are deeply embedded in a thick skin, making it as slippery as an eel. Folklore has it that this slime cured any sick fish that rubbed against it, and from this belief arose the another common name: Doctor Fish.

The Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) is declining and even rated vulnerable in some of its native habitat, though introduced populations have become invasive in other environments worldwide, and it is considered one of the world’s most destructive invasive species.

The bitterlings of subfamily Acheilognathinae are notable for depositing their eggs in bivalve molluscs, where the young develop until able to fend for themselves.

The herbivorous Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) is both cultivated for food and for aquatic weed control, and has been introduced into many areas to control undesirable aquatic vegetation. In China it is known as one of the "Four Great Domestic Fish".

The Thicktail Chub (Gila crassicauda), a type of minnow, was once the most common freshwater fish found in California. The chub was a favored food of the indigenous peoples of Clear Lake and the Central Valley, before it became heavily exploited by colonist commercial fishermen supplying the San Francisco market. Most of its habitat was also destroyed by the drainage of sloughs and marshes, dam-building, and water diversion for irrigation. The last known Thicktail Chub was caught on April 16, 1957. Just 70 years after being considered the most common freshwater fish in California, not a single living individual existed.

The critically endangered Red-tailed Black Shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolo) (image 4) is popular in the home aquarium trade, but may in fact be extinct in its native habitat of Thailand.

Almost all domesticated fish belong to the Cypriniformes, and include the Koi (Cyprinus rubrofuscus var. koi or nishikigoi) (see gif above), Goldfish (Carassius auratus), and Zebrafish (Danio rerio), which have all been bred to display a variety of colors, patterns, fin types, and even body shapes.

The Zebrafish is one of the most important vertebrate model organisms in biological and biochemical studies, being used in many kinds of experiments. During early development, the zebrafish has a nearly transparent body, so it is ideal for studying developmental biology. It is also used for the elucidation of biochemical signaling pathways.

I have 6 Black Ruby Barbs (Pethia nigrofasciata) whomst I love with all my heart, and they turn deep purple and get the zoomies when they’re excited (usually when I feed them in the morning, when I come home from work, and after I clean the tank).

(source)

[chiya-eltanin]

hm. dont usually put my own two cents for theories but somethings been kind of annoying me recently so yeah. ralsei thoughts.

i really dont like the idea that ralsei is a specific object. especially not with newer stuff from chapters 3 and 4.

For starters, most people that try to figure out what ralsei is in the real world are basing it off of this appearance

however, I feel like there's plenty of evidence to point to this not being his real form, right? People have already pointed out that his original shadowed form isn't fully consistent. It's possibly the most obvious when you compare his singing animations in both forms. His hat form makes what was later 'revealed' to be his ears look more like hair?,

Ears don't really split the same way that hair does, and theres other examples of hatsei having this kind of spikyness to his 'ears' that hatless ralsei doesnt have.

even the fangamer plush makes his ears spiky!!

its a pretty major part of how hatsei looks, and its certainly been talked about before. And then comes chapter 3+4. And we have plenty of evidence that ralsei is a shapeshifter, and I have seen literally nobody talk about it????? huh?????

Oh, and the hat casting a shadow on him makes no fucking sense because he goes onto wear SEVERAL hats in chapter 3 and he's normal????

also I know its like. A funny bit, but HE TURNS INTO A HORSE

WHY THE FUCK WOULD KRIS'S HEADBAND TURN INTO A HORSE???? WHY WOULD A GREEN CRAYON TURN INTO A HORSE???? WHY CAN HE DO THIS????? THIS ISNT A COSTUME THATS NOT HOW THEY WORK????? WHERE WOULD HIS BODY GO.

not to mention that changing shapes was literally his ability in the legend of tenna game???? he plays it off like 'oh every character has abilities i can turn into a box' but he can also turn into a dog? since ralsei was the only one who read the manual it very well could be an ability given to him since the real Ralsei is also a shapeshifter.

It would also explain why ralsei draws himself in his hat form

thats closer to what his natural form is. Dont have any screenshots on hand right now, but he's got two lines in chapter four (if you leave him lying on the ground for too long, and right before they find the first fountain) about how much longer he can 'keep this body for' that make it very obvious that he's only using a form that looks cuter to appeal to us. Him being a shapeshifter would also explain things like

His face being a deliberately made abstraction would also make this interaction make a lot more sense. Pre chapter three, I assumed Ralsei based his face on Asriel to either try appealing to Kris or as fanservice for the player/red soul, however, now that we've slowly started learning more about Ralsei, it's beginning to seem more like Ralsei just wants to have a face and more distinct appearance, like the lightners do. However, because of how dark worlds work, he can only base it off of what already exists, with that already existing 'model' being Asriel, although with modifications to make himself cuter— pink horns and eyes, and his usual glasses. It's why Kris is always quick to point out differences between them, and why Ralsei is embarrassed at being told that they look similar, he didn't have a choice other than be based off something that already exists.

Alright, so Ralsei is a shapeshifter. He still has to have some equivalent in the Light World though, since that's how Dark Worlds work. He was literally about to tell Susie what he was before getting interrupted, and Toby Fox is deliberately dancing around the topic.

However, I think the answer is actually pretty obvious. Ralsei is a being of 'pure darkness', which is why he can exist in any Dark World, unlike Lancer and Rouxls, who need to be objects that 'belong' in their respective worlds. His form is made up by the original dark fountain, and he describes himself as a 'Prince of the Dark'. Characters in the Dark World know about what happens to and around their real world equivalents, but Ralsei in particular seems to be especially aware of all of Susie and Kris's actions and movements. He doesn't need to be brought in by Kris like Lancer and Rouxls do, and he always appears in the Dark World a few moments after Susie and Kris do, while somehow almost always having pretty intimate knowledge of how the world came to be. Ralsei is also the most adamant on being depended on by Lightners, even more than people like Tenna. He talks about how a Darkners role is to be used by Lightners and to make them happy, and his character development in Chapter 3 especially goes into how he wants to be needed and how he's afraid he's slowly developing his own personality, and why he believes darkners shouldn't do that.

So, taking all of that into account, I feel like the most obvious answer for what Ralsei is is a shadow.

He's a literal prince of the dark. It explains why he can shapeshift, since shadows can be made to look like anything— I'm specifically thinking of things like shadow puppets, and why when he gets knocked out he seems to literally disappear, returning to the shadows. A shadow is also the most dependant on light, shadows literally cannot exist without light, or they'll just be darkness. It even explains his empty room.

His insistence that his only role is to help the Lightners, the way that people can never find anything notable about him (asking swatch for specials his suggestion for Ralsei is based purely on how he dresses and Queen literally forgets to get him a cage), and his ability to be in any dark world (since there's literally nowhere without shadows) all seem to point towards Ralsei being a shadow.

Ralsei being a shadow also means he's literally with you in the dark, could probably straight up not exist if the world was plunged into darkness, and also makes him a weaker version of a titan (explaining the 'prince' title. not quite king, but noble nontheless).

[selenestarmoon]

I think it's pretty clear by now that, even though Ragatha and Jax are initially different, their way of dealing with the circus is exactly the same: trying to pretend they're okay when they clearly aren't.

While they both deal with their situation in the circus using toxic positivity, their way of pretending everything is okay is different:

Ragatha always tries to see the bright side of everything, but she also goes out of her way to maintain harmony and ensure everyone gets along at the expense of her own emotional well-being.

Jax always tries to make the most of his time in the circus, amidst the chaos, regardless of who he hurts in the process, which makes everyone hate him.

But, both mask their true feelings:

Ragatha is kind, but her kindness and patience have limits, but she doesn't know how to vent in a healthy way.

Jax is clearly grieving for the loss of his friend, but he doesn't deal with it and instead chooses to hurt others to distract himself from his pain, which leads him to be isolated and have no one to express his grief.

Ragatha never demands anything, nor is she honest with herself or others because she's afraid of being rude and selfish (i.e., she's afraid of becoming like her mother). Jax never tries to empathize or even be less harsh with others because he's afraid of being weak and getting hurt.

However, Ragatha and Jax cannot continue with their toxic positivity because that will only lead to self-destruction and the destruction of everything around them. Even in episode 4 we were shown how destructive toxic positivity is: Gangle applied it and ended up treating her colleagues badly, and bottled up her emotions, stressed herself too much and almost became abstracted if it weren't for the fact that Pomni and Zooble supported Gangle and because Gangle decided to receive the Pomni and Zooble's support.

Ragatha has to learn that wanting things for herself and being honest doesn't make her selfish or evil, but that she is worthy of being loved, that she deserves to want things and has the right to express herself in a healthy way like anyone else and that she will always find people who will be willing to support her and accept her as she is.

Jax has to learn to trust others and realize that being vulnerable can lead to others hurting him, but that it's still worth continuing to trust because it's necessary to be vulnerable to create bonds with other people and not suffer alone, because trust is a risk, but it's a risk worth taking in order to grow.

[yamumsyadadd]

the end of the road

The start of a new series :) alexia Putellas x Leah Williamson!ex wife. Other writings about it here: 4 times

When you were thirteen you thought you met the love of your life, but now at twenty-six you realised you were wrong. 

Leah had always been the pretty, popular girl. When you immigrated to Melton Kaynes in 2013 with your papa, you were intimidated by her. Her natural blonde hair and blue eyes made everyone fawn over her. Everyone but you. Though that would quickly change. 

After an assignment threw the two of you together, she wanted to be around you. You didn’t think you were anything special, your ordinary brown hair, brown eyes and Spanish skin but to Leah, you were the most beautiful person she’d ever seen. 

There was something about your demeanour that drew her in. Maybe it was the fact that you didn’t care what people thought about you, or the way you helped others in class when they didn’t understand. She wasn’t sure, but she was ready to risk everything for you. 

Leah would follow you around like a puppy begging for a crumb of food. She wanted your attention, for you to see her. Truthfully you did see her but you weren’t confident in your own sexuality, so why would you be confident in hers? 

Slowly, your walls around her came down. You had a lot more in common than you realised. Her parents were divorced and so were yours. The only difference was who you lived with. Your mami had stayed behind in Spain, continuing on with the group homes and foster care foundation she had started. Your papa opted to move back to England and extend the foundation to more European countries. 

It was a random Tuesday when you first kissed Leah. She was rambling on about some football thing she disagreed with and you couldn’t help it. After the initial confusion Leah kissed back. It didn’t even get to the end of the day before she asked you to be her girlfriend, you were slightly hesitant, but said yes nonetheless. 

You tried to hide the relationship from both your parents. Your mami was the one that caught it first, secretly telling your papa not to freak out if and when you decided to share the news. It took a few months before you felt confident and comfortable enough to share it with them. 

Since their divorce, they remained friends. Real friends, there was no huge fight or cheating that caused it, they simply just grew apart and no longer loved each other in that way. As all three of you sat around the dinner table in Barcelona, you started to cry. The overwhelming feeling that your parents would be disappointed, angry or even resentful.

“Querida, what’s wrong?” Your mami was alarmed, one minute you were all laughing then you burst into tears. 

“I’m in love with Leah. She’s my girlfriend, I’m a lesbian.” It came out in a mumbled mess. “Please don’t be mad.” You quickly added once you realised neither of your parents were talking. 

“Pumpkin, we know.” Your papa smiled at you. 

“You do?” 

“Of course. Why do you think you have to keep your bedroom door open when she’s over? Or that she has to sleep in the guest room for sleepovers?” Oh. You never thought about that. 

“Why would we be mad?” 

“I don’t know. I guess because I won’t give you grandkids?” 

“You can have a baby another way. I’m sure if and when the time comes, you will give us the most perfect grandchildren.” Your mami wiped your tears. She was wrong though. 

As the years progressed, so did your relationship with Leah. Throughout the final two years of highschool you were an anchor to each other. When your mami was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was there. 

When your mami died eighteen months later, she was there. Holding you on the hospital floor as you sobbed so hard you made yourself sick. The entire time Leah was by your side, refusing to leave, letting you cry into her until you passed out. 

At twenty, Leah proposed in the country side of England. Without hesitation you tackled her to the ground repeatedly saying yes. You were going to marry the woman of your dreams. 

It felt like a dream, telling your friends and family, throwing an engagement party, having everyone congratulate you. Never in a million years did you expect for this to happen. 

Thanks to the inheritance you received from your mami, you were able to buy a house big enough for you and Leah, maybe a few kids down the line. It wasn’t the biggest or fanciest house, but it was yours. It felt and smelt like home. 

After being engaged for two years, you had set a date. The wedding was everything you and Leah had dreamed of. Her teammates from throughout the years, high school friends and your family from Spain were all in attendance. There wasn’t an ounce of doubt in either of your minds. 

After the reception, you and Leah were able to sneak away for a few quiet moments. 

“You look so beautiful.” She said as she wrapped her arms around your waist. 

“So do you. I love you.” Your hand ran along her jaw as you took in the way she looked. Wanting to savour this moment forever. 

“I want to have a baby.” You were slightly taken aback with her serious tone but agreed straight away. 

Almost as soon as the honeymoon was over, the fertility treatments started. It didn’t take long, your second try, and you were pregnant. The pregnancy was a dream, you had limited morning sickness and no stretch marks. You and Leah were in heaven. But then the world shut down.

The COVID-19 restrictions awoke something inside of you. The feeling of missing your home country, the people who helped run the foundation and your mamis best friend, Marisol. You longed to go back to Spain, but with Leah’s football career kicking off you knew it wasn’t a possibility. 

The birth of your first child, a boy called Oscar, was something so magical and beautiful. You laboured at home with Leah for as long as you could, she was there doing whatever she could. Getting ice, massaging your lower back, swaying with you. You name it, Leah did it. 

After 49 hours, Oscar came into the world screaming incredibly loudly. As soon as he was put on your chest, both you and Leah burst into tears. 

Oscar was a dream baby. For a while it was just the three of you. While it was completely exhausting, it was worth it. You and Leah had created the most perfect little boy. You were happy with the life you created but you still longed to return home. 

It was harder to run the foundation from England then you anticipated. Marisol was taking care of the Spanish part of it, your dad looking after Germany and Switzerland. The UK was on you. Everything would go perfectly and then, in a blink of an eye, things would fall apart. 

Cracks started to appear in your marriage too. Leah was in the prime of her life, travelling all over for football, but you were stuck. Oscar was in nursery throughout the day when you worked but you couldn’t help but feel empty. 

Leah was coming home later, sometimes close to midnight. The sex had dwindled to maybe once a fortnight if you were lucky. You were the one that did everything. The laundry, house cleaning, paid all the bills, took Oscar to swimming and little kickers, read his bed night stories. It was as if you were a single parent. 

Then you noticed the signs. The change of the her phone password, no more flaunting you on social media, inviting you to team events. She made it seem like she was single. 

Oscar was only fourteen months old. You could see the future you hoped for disappear in a flash. Amanda, Leah’s mum, had taken Oscar for the night. It was supposed to be your date night. 

But as you sat there in the couch, heels thrown off near the door, dress started to feel constrictive, you realised that Leah wasn’t coming home. 

It was well past midnight when Leah came in. smelling like alcohol and someone else’s perfume. 

“Where have you been?” You asked, anger evident in your voice. 

“Out with mum.” She couldn’t even lie properly. 

“That’s a lie.” You said as you stood up, “your mum has Oscar. He’s been there since 3pm.” You watched her reaction. You walked closer to her, wanting her to know how serious you were, “I don’t care who she is. If you keep seeing her, we are done. Oscar and I will go back to Spain.” 

“Babe-“

“No.” You put your hand up to stop her, “it’s us or her. You decide.” 

She chose your family. You never asked who the girl was, you suspected, but it was never confirmed. You made her go to therapy, then for you both to go to marriage counselling. You worked hard to regain trust and Leah proved to you again why you loved her. 

It took six months but then stupidly you agreed to a second baby. For the first two trimesters Leah was there. Helping more with Oscar, doing house work, taking you out on dates and being the loving wife you knew she was. 

As you were nearing your final month of pregnancy, things were getting harder. Leah was barely around, the love you once shared seemed to be a distance memory. Most nights you cried yourself to sleep, hand in your belly as you did so. 

You needed help, Leah would have excuse after excuse so you hired a nanny. Isobel was from Spain too, spending the year studying in London. She was perfect, you were able to speak your mother language to her, Oscar picked it up quickly too. 

It was a relief. To have the help with Oscar and household chores. You got to focus on the last few days of work before you went on maternity leave. The due date of your daughter was approaching fast, as was Christmas. 

The Christmas market was a favourite of yours. The light snow dusted the ground, the smell of cinnamon and hot chocolate filled the air. Oscar looked so cute in his winter suit with his gloves and hat, and there was Leah. Looking as beautiful as you remembered. 

You felt giddy like a children when she told you she’d be joining the two of you tonight. This would probably be your last outing as a family of three. By the time you were at home in bed, your cheeks hurt from smiling so much. You were incredibly happy that your family was slowly coming back together. 

It didn’t last long though. On December 21st, you sat at home on the couch. Oscar was already in bed asleep and the time was nearing 8.30pm. All day you had been having slight contractions, but the sharp pain that ripped across your stomach was nothing you’d ever felt before. 

Something was very wrong. 

You tried ringing Leah. Over and over again. But each time she declined the call. You texted and she left you on read. The final text message you sent that she did reply to broke your heart. 

You: somethings wrong Leah. I’m bleeding and the pain is horrible. 

Leah: what do you want me to do about it?”

You: I need to go to the hospital. Oscar is asleep. 

Leah: call an uber or something. Idk. 

The anger you felt was very quickly replaced with fear. Your two and a half year old son was sleeping upstairs, your wife was being a bitch and there was no other option than to call for an ambulance. 

So that’s what you did. First you rang Amanda, Leah’s mum, then you rang an ambulance. As you potted around the loungeroom, blood was dropping onto the floor. You knew it needed to be cleaned before Oscar woke up otherwise he would freak out. 

Thankfully, Amanda arrived quickly and so did the ambulance. 

“Leah’s not coming. Please stay with Oscar.” You begged her as they loaded you up. Something flashed across Amanda’s face, probably anger and disappointment in her daughter but at that moment all you could focus on was your own daughter. 

Somewhere along the way you rang your dad and Marisol begging them to come as fast as they could. They tried but ultimately you gave birth to your beautiful daughter alone, at 4.44am. 

You were exhausted and didn’t even bother looking at your phone, missing the millions of instagram notifications until it was too late. 

Marisol was the first to get to the hospital, meeting your daughter, Amelia, a mere 45 minutes after she was born. She told you how proud she was of you, how you did such a good job and you couldn’t help but cry. 

Since your mami had died, Marisol took over that role. She was your mamis best friend, your godmother, one of the best people you knew. After a few hours and minimal sleep, you decided to message Leah. Letting her know that her daughter had been born. 

Before you could though you were overwhelmed with the amount of notifications on your phone. As you clicked on one, it lead you to the comments section of an instagram post. 

A post that contained your wife and a teammate. Kissing. At the same Christmas markets you took your son to a few days prior. You couldn’t stop the sob that came out of your mouth. Both your dad and Marisol stopping what that were doing immediately.

“What’s wrong!” 

“Is something hurting?” 

“Leah-“ was all you were able to get out, shoving your phone into Marisol’s hand. Their hearts broke for you, less than 10 hours after giving birth you found out your wife was cheating on you. 

It started to make sense. The distance, the late nights and early mornings, the way she separated herself. It made you nauseous. Was she cheating when she begged for a second kid? Did she fuck someone in the house you lived in together? In your bed? 

Before you had the chance to completely spiral, Oscar ran into the room. Excited to meet his baby sister and see his mama. There was a look of anger on Jacob’s face when he walked in and saw Leah still wasn’t there. 

For an hour they kept up appearances but then you politely asked everyone but Amanda to leave. 

“Leah cheated on me. I don’t know details, and I don’t want to know details but I want all of her stuff out of my house by the time I’m home.” 

Amanda was confused so you took the liberty to show her the photos. Confusion turned into anger. She called her own family to organise the removal of Leah’s belongings, your dad took the chance to call a locksmith. 

If or when Leah decided to return to the family home she would find all of the locks changed and her belongings at her mother’s. 

You were good in a crisis. Level headed and calm, always the first point of call when something went wrong with the foundation and this was no different. The crisis was now your life and you had to fix it. 

Christmas was a good distraction, Leah had attempted to reach out, to promise it was a mistake, a one time thing. but the wound had been created and she couldn’t fix it now. 

Over new years Oscar struggled. You all did. thankfully your dad and Marisol hung around for as long as they could. 

Leah had only met Amelia twice. By the second time she didn’t seem interested at all. As if this baby was just a burden to her. Amanda visited often, as did Jacob. One night you decided to break the news to them. Oscar was already passed out in bed and Amelia was asleep in the bassinet. 

“I’m moving back to Spain. The kids will obviously be coming too. I’m selling the house.”

“What about Leah?” Amanda asked. 

“She can see the kids whenever she likes. I won’t keep them from her. However in the last week she hasn’t reached out at all.”

“That’s it? You’re giving up?” Jacob asked, raising his voice. 

“There’s nothing to give up on Jake. She cheated, she ruined this family. Not me. I gave birth alone, I have been raising our son alone.” 

“Have you told her?” 

“I tried. She left my message on read. I sent in the divorce papers, I don’t want any money from her, I don’t want to fight over this but I will if I have to.” 

Amanda let a few tears slip before she spoke up, “you deserve better.” 

“Mum!”

“No jacob she does. Leah broke this family, Leah left her wife alone to give birth, she went out to a public place and snogged a teammate. You can love your sister but this, this is her fault. Y/n, I will support you through this. You’re a wonderful mother, both those kids are incredibly lucky to have you.” You cried as she hugged you goodbye, the chapter was closing and while it is what you wanted, you felt incredibly heartbroken. 

Leah fought the divorce. It was ugly and it was messy. The prenup prevented either of you from getting each other’s money, you would keep the house. The judge agreed that sole custody would reside with you for the mean time and in a year it would be revisited. 

The alienation started almost immediately. Leah would tell Oscar it was you that broke up the family, that you were taking him away from her. Never once did you correct her, there was no way you wanted to mess up his toddler mind more than it already was. 

Spain was a breath of fresh air. You had reached out to Isobel, explaining most of what had happened and said if she was to find herself in Barcelona anytime soon, you’d happily hire her again. 

Oscar settled into his new daycare easily, at home he wasn’t so settled. You tried to be understanding, but it was so incredibly hard. Your marriage was over, your soon to be ex wife was alienating your son, the friends you shared with her slowly stopped reaching out. 

Once your maternity leave ended, you threw yourself into the foundation. Wanting to make it grow, fix everything you could. 

The idea of a compound came to you in the middle of the night. Amelia was teething and as you sat there comforting her you thought about all the teen parents doing the best they could. Fostering teenagers wasn’t something many people did, so foster a teenager who had a baby was even more limited. 

You drew up a rough plan, something to discuss with Marisol later in the day. It consisted of an apartment style complex, 6 or 7 houses, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments with one on the end for a caregiver. 

When you bought the idea up with Marisol and Miriam, the manager of the under 10s portfolio, they were on board immediately. It wouldn’t be easy to pull off but you were sure you could do it. 

While you threw yourself into work to get over the heartbreak, Leah threw herself into the beds of other women. No matter how hard to tried to avoid it, there was pictures and comments plastered on the internet. 

Oscars behaviour was getting worse. After every phone call, every quick visit, he would come back rude and mean. You knew he was struggling but you also knew that he couldn’t talk to people like that. Leah refused to help, she claimed he was the perfect child for her and this was all your fault. 

As the months pushed on, you worked tirelessly to began this project and when it started, you couldn’t help but shed some happy tears. All the extra hours you put in once the kids were asleep was finally going to pay off. 

When Leah tore her ACL you were conflicted. On one hand you were sad she wouldn’t be able to captain her team in the World Cup, but on the other hand she would be able to be move present in your children’s lives. 

Her relationship with the now five month old Amelia, was practically nonexistent. You weren’t breastfeeding, finding that it was causing you more stress than it was worth. When offered to have her over night, Leah would straight up refuse. It was getting to a point that was concerning to you. At no point did you want your daughter to grow up feeling less Love from her own mother. 

Oscar’s third birthday was fast approaching. Leah, who had done her knee, wouldn’t be attending the pre-world cup camps. Her family and yours would come together in Spain and celebrate him. As much as it hurt seeing her and her family, you had to swallow your own feelings to put Oscar first. 

He loved every second of it, all the attention, the food, the love. It had been a while since he had been that happy. As the day came to a close, Jacob and Oscar were outside on the trampoline, Marisol and Amanda were pottering around tidying up and you had just put Amelia to sleep when Leah came up behind you. 

“I miss you.” She whispered, learning up against the door frame. 

“Leah-“

“No I do. I know I fucked up but I want to fix it. I love you, only you.” She looked at you like you hung the moon, as much as you still loved Leah, you couldn’t do that to yourself. 

“I can’t Leah. You cheated on me, left me to have a baby alone. I know you’re sad and scared and whatever but I’m not the person to find comfort in. I’m sorry.” You tried to push past but she grabbed on your arm. In an instant her mouth was on yours, kissing you. 

For a moment you let yourself melt into it. Forgetting what it was like to be kissed by here but then you realised what was happening and pushed her off. “Leah no.” It’s all you could muster before you headed back outside to collect Oscar. 

After that night, something in Leah switched. She started to be more cruel, not just to you but everyone around. 

You tried to co parent with her, but ultimately you had to take her back to court and get help. From that point on, all communication went through a parenting app. The lawyers and court could read it all and see what was being said. 

The worst part of it all was watching the fallout on social media. Leah’s fans were coming for your throat. Everything was your fault, it didn’t matter that she cheated, that she ruined your family. To them, their favourite captain could so no wrong. 

things changed when you met alexia. You were scared, nervous but mostly excited.

[stolenbuckets]

    ⋆⭒˚.⋆ PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA !  

   ❪ AKA12 ❫   ──   FANFIC.

track   ✷   on a cruise vacation, kimi antonelli crosses paths with the same girl over and over again during lunch or dinner time ─ a girl who always has two slices of pineapple pizza on her plate. only on the 4th day of the 2 weeks vacation, he decides to approach her about her horrible pizza taste.

tags   ✷   strong language. fluff, social media & imessages. strangers to friends to ?. cruise vacation buddies. kimi is a little pathetic & stupid, but that's ok 'cause he's in love. don't witch hunt me for messing up the ships layout. i don't travel msc. i am not planning on doing. i refuse to care about them.

disclaimers   ✷   au. f1!kimi on vacation x reader (she/her pronouns used / no mention of yn). sets in summer of 2025. cruise ship: msc world america. writer is not fluent in english.

august note   ✷   as cruise vacation maker (who's also on cruise again ahh!!) i wanted to write a oneshot like that for months now 😭 so here it is. also, it's kinda rushed towards the end cause i dunno what the word limit on tumblr is 😔. yes i know i promised this one already in april, but i had always planned to post it around my own cruise vacation to like get in the vibe for it 🥲 here it is now !! not proof read at all !! i was in a rush so sorry !!

❪   MASTERLIST   ╱   INFO POST   ❫

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     KIMI ANTONELLI had begun to count all the times he came across a specific, eye catching Girl around his Age while on Cruise Vacation ─ and it had only been 4 Days since he and his Family stepped onto the Ocean Giant, cruising and exploring the Waters and Culture of North America.

He had fun ─ sure, it has been 4 Days so far yet, and ever since the sail away in the Port of Miami, not much had occurred so far apart from a relaxing Day 2 on Sea, the first Destination, Puerto Plata, where he and his Family left the swimming Hotel to explore the City, grouped with a few other Guests, and now the 4th Day in San Juan.

The F1 Driver decided against joining his Parents and younger Sister to explore the Destination ─ he wanted to use the Hours he had alone on the Ship with exploring Corners and Edges he hadn't been able to see yet; he had seen a lot of the Ship's Layout on the Lines' Website, yet couldn't fully believe the SportsPlex would feature Bumper Cars, or that the Ship had it's own Ice Cream Bar on lower Decks. He already saw the Cliffhanger Swing, or the Waterpark on the Sun Deck ─ and to say he wasn't fully blown away would be a lie; even if he hasn't explored it fully yet, having only watched over his younger Sister having fun in the Park Resort during Sea Day.

Kimi's first Stop was at the Ship's own Theater Place ─ even though he wasn't able to get inside due the strict Schedules, he could take a peek inside and spot a large Room which looked rich and attractive, perfectly fitting into the Vibe of the Cruise Ship.

After that, the young F1 Prodigy found himself walking through the lower Decks, through some of the Buffet Restaurants which were still closed until Lunch time ─ empty, the Ship felt almost frighting; if it wasn't for the rich and attractive Interior of it. He only knew the Buffet Restaurants when they were filled up and busy from Entrance to the last Table ─ when every Guest squeeze through Crowds to get their Breakfast; the early Hours were the only time his Family would visit the Buffet Restaurants, Dinner being eaten in À la carte Restaurants, and Lunch mostly pulled the Antonelli Family to Grab and Go Miles on the Top Decks. He was the only one who'd pay a Visit in the Buffet afterwards due the amount, or less of, Meal you'd get in the specialized Restaurants on board.

By the end of his Explorations, Kimi ended on the Sun Deck, strolling around like a lost Puppy ─ apart from a few Lounges and Restaurants, he had seen most of the Ship by now; and also met a few People who recognized him as F1 Prodigy, Mercedes Driver Kimi Antonelli, and therefore asked for Pictures or his Autograph.

He walked along the Railing, Head turned to the Side as his Eyes scanned the solid Ground from the Ocean Giant ─ a couple of Groups occasionally walking off the Ship, or back onto it, the piercing Noises of the City and Port echoing through his Ears. As he lazily carried himself, he wondered when his Parents and Sister would be back ─ he knew they'd sail off by 11 PM and currently it wasn't a Minute later than 12:30 PM, yet he couldn't help but wonder if he had to grab Lunch alone today.

The F1 Driver was too deep in Thoughts about his stupid concerns, not noticing that despite half the Guests being on solid Ground to explore and adventure, there were still a bunch of People left on the Ship ─ he noticed when he felt someone's Shoulder bumping against his own, followed by a sounded Noise hitting the Ground underneath.

His Head snapped straight forward, Eyes widened as he looked at the Person he just bumped into ─ he felt his Heart starting to pace, a little scared he'd might get one for the History Book by the Person for being so carelessly. However, his concerns were vanished and replaced by surprise when he met the Appearance of the Person in front of him ─ she looked similar, too similar even; he could swear to have seen her among over six thousand Guests.

He shook his Head, Eyes going down before he mirrored the Action with his Body, kneeling to grab the Cup of Ice Cream the Girl had dropped after bumping against him, "I'm sorry! I should've looked where I'm going!" he quickly apologized, picking the Cup up, even when it left one of the three Ice Cream Scoops on the Ground ─ his Posture straightened again, sheepishly looking at the Girl as he held the Cup of Ice Cream out to her. "Sorry. . . the Ice Cream looked good." he repeated another Apology.

Surprisingly, the Girl just shrugged her Shoulders with a pleasant Expression ─ she didn't seem mad or frustrated, though neither she carried a happy and joyful look, "Don't worry ─ it was for free, anyway." she replied to his Apology, a light Accent coming through her Voice ─ Kimi noticed it, however couldn't really tell where she could possibly be from. "Do you have Tissues, though? I wouldn't wanna give the Staff any more work." she added, her Eyes downed at the Scoop of Ice Cream which slowly melted away.

The Italian understood the Message, pulling out a Package of Tissues from his Shorts, "Oh yeah, I do." he nodded as he pulled one white Tissue out, kneeling back down to clean up the mess on the Ground ─ she was right; the Staff really didn't need more work to do than they already have with over six thousand People on Vacation who are probably much more carelessly than Kimi was.

He used a couple of Tissues to wipe off as much Ice Cream as possible before he straightened up again, squeezing the dirty Tissues with a small Smile on his Lips, "Sorry again ─ usually im not that carelessly. . . I think." he meant, not meaning to be unintentionally funny ─ yet, the Girl's Lips left a chuckle as her Hand made a waving Gesture, proving no bad blood between the Strangers for a Incident like that.

"It's forgiven and forgotten." she gave back, giving him her best Smile. "Just, watch out ─ next time you might fall off the Ship!" she continued, humored as she made her way past the brunet curly Head, leaving this one standing laughing at the Image of this happening.

"Yeah, I guess that wouldn't be nice!" he called after her, amused, his Words being answered by her laughing and her Hand lifting to give him a short Wave.

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     AT 2PM, Kimi found himself all alone walking through the Ship towards the Entrance of one of the Buffet Restaurants ─ his Father had informed him they'd be eating Lunch on Ground together with a few other Guests from Italy and their Kids they befriended while exploring San Juan. He had switched his Clothes off to something more attire (a black Tee Shirt without print) before he went down a few Decks to check out a Restaurant which he hoped wouldn't be all too run by the maybe one to two thousand Guests still on board.

Among a Group of British Guests who were blocking the way to the Restaurant while making Pictures of the Ships Interior, the Italian squeezed himself through, popping out at the Sanitizer in front of the Restaurant ─ he peeked inside, noticing not many People walking around with Plates, or already sitting on Tables with Food and something to drink. So after, sanitizing his Hands to prevent any kind of Virus to storm the Ship in the next few Days, he went inside, walking past the Buffets ─ the cold and warm, the Meat and Veggies, Dessert and Fruits.

Half the Restaurant was empty which resulted in Kimi following the Tactic of first getting his Food and then searching for a Place to eat ─ he spotted a couple of Things he'd like to try, some of them being almost already completely out of stock; which is exactly why he grabbed a Plate before a Table.

Once he got everything he wanted to try out, he squeezed himself once again through everyone else ─ compared to most Guests, Kimi seemed pretty short, only standing a few Centimeters above 170 tall while he could swear most others here were above 180.

Once squeezed through, he stood in front of the Entrance to the Tables ─ his Eyes flew around, spotting a tons of Tables for more than two People; which was unfortunate because a small Table which just fitted two People across each other was what he needed. He had great Manners, knowing that taking a Table with more Seats would probably rob a Family of four later on a Opportunity to eat Lunch ─ (he was surprised by himself for how far ahead he thought).

His Eyes scanned the Area for a few Moments before he noticed an empty two chaired Table by the End of the Space, right next to the Windows with a great View onto the Port ─ he let his Eyes wander around for a bit longer before he started to walk towards that specific Table.

A few Steps later, he stopped in his Tracks after his Eyes caught a too familiar look ─ eventually, they narrowed slightly, focusing on a specific Person on a Table with a specific Taste of Pizza on her neat white Plate in front of her.

He recognized the Girl ─ not only as the, what he decided to call her due not knowing her actual Name, the Pineapple Girl, but also as the Girl he had bumped into a Hour or so ago; (and dumped her Ice Cream to the Ground). He stood there for a few Moments, memorizing her Features, watching as she bite into the Slice of Pineapple Pizza ─ what may formed a small Grimace on his Face for a few Seconds before he shook himself and followed his impulsive and idiotic Thoughts.

"Hey! Is that Seat free?" his overenthusiastic Voice questioned as he took a Step next to her two chaired Table ─ he didn't know what gotten into him to just walk up to a Stranger and ask her that; now she will think he's a creep who stalks her, he was sure of that.

And to seem as peaceful as possible, the Italian formed a crooked Smile on his Lips, probably looking even crazier right now ─ but well, the Damage was done now so he couldn't rewind it even if he wanted.

The Girl looked up once her Ears had been graced with a familiar sound ─ and as she recognized the brunet curly Head Boy, a genuine Smile had already started to spread on her Lips. A nod of her Head followed, "Oh yeah! Take a Seat, no Problem!" she responded, pointing with her Hand towards the left free Seat at the Table for two, inviting him to join her for Lunch. "My Family's not here anyway ─ exploring the Town." she added as her Eyes watched the Boy, and how he carefully pulled the Chair out, placing his Plate of Lunch down while make it himself comfortable in the wooden Chair.

"Oh yeah? So are mine, to be honest." Kimi told her as he slide a little closer to the Edge of the Table. His Eyes went over to her Plate again, eyeing the Pineapple Pizza with a look of hidden disgust ─ he didn't want to outburst about it in the middle of an Restaurant; but deep down he already cursed and cried in Italian. "So . . . you like Pineapple Pizza?" he decided to start bringing it slowly up ─ he thought of Pineapple Pizza as Disgrace to actual Pizza; all those different Flavors, Pepperoni, just Cheese, Fungi and so many more.

And she chose Pineapple.

The Girl opposite of him nodded, the Smile remaining on her Lips, "Oh definitely!" she confirmed his ugliest Fears ─ a small unnoticeable Shiver even going through Kimi's System at her joyful Tone. "I mean, I also like a typical Pepperoni Pizza, or Tuna ─ but Pineapple is my Go To!" she added, making Things a little bit harder for the Italian ─ he didn't exaggerated, or well he actually did, but it just shot a Arrow through his Heart hearing someone as beautiful as her, praise something as disgusting as a Pineapple Pizza. It was a shame.

"Oh, that's . . . that's . . . yeah." he meant to start, but failed with his stutters ─ he wanted to lie so badly, but assumed that his Italian Accent would be a dead giveaway to his truest Opinion about Pineapple on Pizza. He sighed. "I'm so sorry, but why? Why Pineapple?" he just needed to know ─ he wanted to understand why someone would voluntarily eat this.

Instead of being offended, just what Kimi expected her Reaction to be, the Girl started to laugh ─ and wow, her laugh blew the Italian away; the full and brightness of her Smile in addition with the sound that echoed through his Ears. It was to die for ─ or at least to try more often to make her laugh, "I was expecting you to ask that!" she told him, her full laughters dying slowly down again. "And to answer it shortly: I just really love the Taste of Pineapple on Pizza."

"No! Please no!" Kimi exclaimed as quietly as possible, trying to sound soul deep offended by her Statement ─ when in Reality, he couldn't help the Smile that formed on his Lips. His Mind was occupied with the Fact of how easy it was to talk to her ─ she was basically still a Stranger, yet he sat here and joked and laughed around with her. "You don't understand how much that hurt my Italian Heart!" he added, holding his Hand over his Chest in simulated pain.

She started to laugh again, trying to hide the Plate of Pineapple Pizza with her Hands, "I'm so sorry for paining your poor Italian Heart!" she played along, watching as the curly Head leaned back in his Chair, joining in on her laughters. "How about I make it good to you? We could grab Ice Cream tomorrow!" she suggested to him, her Head titling to her Shoulder as she waited for his response.

Kimi needed a Moment ─ it caught him off guard how quickly this silly idiotic Conversation turned into her genuinely suggesting a kind Gesture; grabbing Ice Cream together? Well, not that he didn't mind ─ now that he actually wasted a Thought about it, he would've asked her out as Payback eventually, too; just that he actually had a Reason to do so, the Thought of her poor Ice Cream wasted like that by a Bump of his Shoulder lingering still in his Head.

But finally, his Head gave a confirming nod to her, "I mean, why not? But under a Provision ─ I'm paying for our Ice Cream." he offered, or well, he had actually already decided ─ it was just fair in his Eyes; even though she told him the Ice Cream from pervious was for free, he still insisted on paying for her.

"But I suggested it─"

"Doesn't matter ─ it's a Payback for earlier!" he had immediately cut her off, giving her a genuine Smile. "I still feel bad about bumping your Ice Cream to the Ground ─ even if it's less guilt now because you're a Pineapple Pizza Lover." he continued, snickering as he aw her very visible Eye Roller after the small Joke he added.

"Fine." she agreed, nodding her Head at him. "But I hope you know how expensive a single Scoop of Ice Cream is already." she continued, watching Kimi's Face turning from a smiley and happy one into a confused frown.

"No, I actually don't . . ." he admitted, looking down to his Plate, conflicted whether he should ask or not ─ right now, he was doing just fine imagining the Ice Cream to be not over $2. "And I'm too scared to ask now."

She smiled, amused, "You'll see."

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     "FIVE DOLLARS for a single Scoop of Ice Cream?!" Kimi let a pained Exclaim out as the Display showed the Prices of his and her's Ice Cream Cone ─ his deep brown Eyes almost popped out when he saw the final sum; $20.75 for four Scoops of Ice Cream without whipped Cream, Sprinkles or any other fancy Charms.

"Told you." she bumped his Shoulder slightly, amused by how slowly and pained he put his Board Card onto the Scanner to pay for their Dessert. Kimi felt like being robbed of his entire Wealth, looking down at his own Ice Cream Cone with a bittersweet Taste ─ it looked no different to Ice Cream on solid Ground; so why the hell do they charge five Dollars for a single Scoop on here?!

"Why is it so expensive?" he eventually asked as they walked their way out of the Ice Cream Bar, bringing the Ice Cream up to his Mouth. "I mean . . . it does taste good, but five Dollars? That's a lot." he added, melting the Vanilla Ice Cream with the Tip of his Tongue.

"We're on a Cruise Ship, Kimi." she responded, suckling on her own Ice Cream. "Everything is, at least, two Dollars more expensive than on solid Ground ─ I dunno why, but my Parents said it's normal on Cruise Ships due some Ocean Law." she continued, shrugging her Shoulders as Kimi raised both his Eyebrows.

"Ocean Law? So Poseidon decided to make Ice Cream so expensive?" he joked, trying to get her to laugh again ─ something about her laughing whenever he said or did something funny made his Heart flutter. And he managed ─ she started to laugh, loud enough to pull the Attention from a few others around them.

"You know what? I think that sounds just right!" she meant, bumping his Shoulder a little. Kimi started to chuckle along, bumping her Shoulder back as they walked along the Promenade District of the Ship ─ a dry slide, a Coffee Shop and a few more Things that blew the Italian's Mind completely away; how? How does all that fit on a swimming mega sized Boat?

He sighed and looked back at her and her Ice Cream Cone, "I'm surprised you didn't choose Pineapple Ice Cream." he decided to tease her a little, succeeding when she rolled her Eyes and lightly punched him. He started to snicker, hiding his Face behind his Ice Cream. "But they also didn't have Pineapple Ice Cream so . . . are you occasionally also eating Strawberry on Pizza?" he continued, eyeing her Strawberry Ice Cream. He was handed another light punch against his Shoulder which caused another snicker to roll from his Lips.

"You're an Idiot." she insulted him, jokingly. "I doubt that something like that even exists ─ I mean, who would eat Strawberry Pizza? That sounds disgusting." she grimaced at the Thought of a crispy Pizza with Strawberry spread over the Tomato Sauce and Cheese.

Kimi thought about another teasing Remark, mentally, before he looked back at her with a cheeky Grin, "Probably the same People that think Pineapple can and should be put on Pizza."

"Oh come on!" she groaned, attempting to push her Ice Cream against the Tip of his Nose ─ Kimi leaned away, quickly, pretending to bump his Ice Cream against her Nose as Payback. The two Teenagers giggled, carelessly goofing around without noticing the Glances they received from some of the elder Passengers on Board ─ who all, apparently, didn't have to see two young Souls playing around, living their Life. Kimi ditched her Attempts to bump the Strawberry red Gelato against his Nose while he managed to land a hit, the Vanilla Cream bumping against the Tip of her Nose.

After a few Minutes, the two slowly stopped to goof around and pull Attention to them ─ instead, they walked through the lower Decks of the Ship, talking about their Lives, occasionally pointing at something they couldn't believe to fit on a Cruise Ship; they enjoyed spending time together, even if they had only known each other for roughly 24 Hours.

The time flew fast, soon enough Kimi's Phone started to buzz with a Message from the Family Groupchat ─ his Mother texted him, asking where he is and if he could finally come back to their Room. He sighed, letting the Phone slide back into his Pocket, "I have to go ─ my Mama wants me to come back to our Room." he told her, pouting a little bit; he wished to have spent a bit more time together with her, getting to know her even better.

"Then you should probably get going," she responded. "How about we'll hangout tomorrow again? Or maybe we go down together? You could ask your Parents and I'm gonna ask mine!" she suggested, looking at him with a tad of hope in her Eyes ─ Kimi thought about it, his Eyes widened; this wasn't a bad Idea. If his Parents wanted to explore the Destination again, he could ask if they'd be fine to do it together with her Family.

He nodded, eventually, "I will ─ let's meet at . . . Esagono Restaurant for Breakfast tomorrow, okay?" he added, giving her a Smile. "I'd recognize you even between hundreds of Guests." Kimi had no Idea where those Words suddenly came from ─ he had no clue why he said that; did it sound smooth? Kind of. But he was still embarrassed that he even loudly admitted that ─ it wasn't wrong; he'd definitely recognize her, even among Crowds.

She just nodded with a bright Smile ( and a weird Feeling inside her Stomach which she couldn't pin point what it was ), "See you at Breakfast."

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    KIMI'S PARENTS were happy to see their Son thriving the past few Days on Vacation ─ in Comparison to his laziness on the first Sea Day, or how bored and tired he looked while exploring Puerto Plata, Kimi was looking a lot more energetic every time they got to see their Teenage Son; which was surprisingly not often anymore. Two Sea Days after another, the brunet curly Head had spent with her, further exploring the Ship, getting Ice Cream at the Ice Cream Bar as Apology for bumping hers out of her Hand in San Juan, or paying a Visit to the SportsPlex and watching a bunch of Kids driving Bumper Cars into each other ─ when she eventually managed to get Kimi to try it, too, for once; and they ended up in a fit of laughters instead of fulfilling the Cars Purpose of bumping against each other.

Eventually, Kimi introduced her to his Family which led to her introduced her Family to him and his ─ and the two Families coming together for every Breakfast and Dinner time from then on; while their Parents happily chatted about everything they did so far, their younger Siblings slowly becoming Friends, the two Teenagers got to know each other a lot more, too. He told her about his F1 Career, she told him about her Studies ─ he shared his Hobbies and some Stories from Friends with her, she did the same before they'd both catch themselves laughing a little too loud.

Time flew ─ their Families, including them, enjoyed the Bahamas and eventually a last Sea Day before they'd return to Miami for the Ship to gather new Passengers; Kimi caught himself worried that she might be one to check out after eight Days, but was lucky when she had appeared next to him on the Sun Deck, watching other Guests checking out, walking off the Gangway back into their Reality.

"Hey, are you and your Family going down in Costa Maya?" he asked as they watched a Family of five leaving the Ship behind ─ his Eyes went over to her for a Moment, watching her neutral, almost bored Expression as her Eyes laid down the Ocean Giant.

She shrugged her Shoulders in response, sighing, "I don't know ─ but you know my Parents by now." she meant, a lazy Smile forming on her Lips as a chuckle left his Lips ─ he nodded, in fact knowing her Parents by now; as much as she knew his.

"'Are we paying for the Ship, or the Destinations?'" the Italian imitated their Quartet of Parents, laughing heartedly ─ she joined him, not paying Attention to the few weird looks they got from the elder Passengers who laid on their Leans, sun tanking or taking a Nap.

"The Ship's huge ─ personally, I could spend 14 Days just on Water." she said, nodding her Head as she pushed herself off the Railing ─ Kimi mirrored her Actions, pushing himself off before they started to walk towards the Rear of Ship, passing a few Staff Members and Guests. "We should try the Skate Course in Costa Maya!" she added, excitedly.

"Why not tomorrow?" he asked her, confused.

"Tomorrow we're on Sea therefore it'll be full of People." she gave back, having a solid Point ─ with over six thousand Passengers, a bunch of them probably shared the same Idea of spending a Day on Sea with skating and having fun. "We should do it on Monday when everyone's busy exploring Costa Maya."

Kimi hummed, pretending to think about it ─ he already knew he'd agree to her Offer; after all, this sounded in his Ears (and delusional Mind) lowkey like a Date. . . but maybe he was really just starting to imagine Things after the past captivating Days with her together.

"Okay ─ let's go rollerskating on Monday!"

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     "WHAT ARE you doing?" she asked, bursting out in laughters as she watched the curly Head almost dropping to the polished Floor, barely holding up by ending up doing a 360° on the Spot before he stopped, frozen like a Deer in Headlights. Kimi sheepishly chuckled as he tried to slide over to the Railing, not even rolling his rented Rollerskates as he just hoped to grab the Railing before he'd completely clown out in front of the most beautiful and funniest Girl he has ever met ─ even though he loved the sound of her laughing or even just chuckles, he didn't necessarily wanted to fool around in between a couple of other Passengers, especially since the Chances were high that a few of them knew him.

"I didn't know it was this hard!" he gave back, Hands holding onto the Railing with a almost rough Grip ─ he was still slipping a little bit, shaking in his Legs as he remained in a constant State of fear; he really didn't think it'd be that hard, maybe a little bit, but not harder than driving an F1 Car! He looked over his Shoulder to her, seeing how she skate on the Spot, back and forth, with ease ─ so he really was making a Fool of himself in front of her? Great. Just great.

"Like that, you'll never manage a Lap." she said, rolling over to him, leaning forward against the metal Railing ─ she had a soft Smile on her Lips as she let her Eyes go between his Face and his Hands, mentally making her Mind up on just taking his Hands in hers to help him do at least one Round. "Come on, give me your Hands!" her Hands were stuck out for him to take as she spoke.

Kimi's Eyes widened a little bit, surprised as he started to stutter a "ah" over and over again ─ he chose to not respond, instead lifting one Hand after another to grab after her Hands; and God, they were so soft, the opposite of his sweaty palms. He felt his Head heating up as he held her Hands, slowly and carefully being led away from the Railing by her, back onto the actual Skate Course. He didn't even dare to look at her, his Eyes remaining like a deadlock on the Floor, watching his shaky Knees and his Feet doing whatever they wanted to do.

"It works better if you don't look and just do." her Voice was soft, but the Italian registered them nevertheless, even over the screams and laughters of the other People around them ─ he didn't understand, or well, actually he did; he fell hard, love at first sight might be true, after all. Because he could hardly imagine ever moving on from this Vacation, and her.

"Really? I feel like I'd just fall again if I don't watch my Feet." he replied, awkwardly chuckling as he almost slipped off his Feet, again. His Body could handle 5 to 8 Gs in one of the fastest Machineries in the World, but refused to stand and roll on Rollerskates. "This is harder than driving an F1 Car."

"I doubt that." she chuckled, amused ─ her Hands were still clutching his, pulling him closer to her so he'd sped a little bit up; if only he'd stop looking down, he might actually he able to skate a little more freely. "Come on, Kimi. Don't think, just do."

His Eyes actually went up to her after that, a Eyebrow raised, "Did you just quote Maverick from Top Gun?" he asked, knowingly ─ she proudly nodded, one of her Hands letting off his as she noticed his Legs becoming more stable on the Rolls. Kimi didn't even notice yet, his Focus too caught up with her ─ he could look into her Face forever; into her Eyes and the contagious Smile on her Lips. She was so effortlessly beautiful, it almost pained his Heart that they'd probably never see each other again after this Vacation.

"Look at you!" her cheery Voice pulled him out of his Trance, his Mind coming up with the Fact that she has now entirely let off his Hands, and he actually kept himself up without shaky Legs and Instability ─ he looked down for a short Moment before he snapped back up to her, his Smile growing a little more proud; he did it, he managed to not fool himself out, for once!

"I did it!" he exclaimed, happily, as he followed her on the Skate Lane. His Smile widened a tad as he saw her excited Expression, the way her Hands clapped like a proud Mom that just witnessed her Child's first Steps.

"What did I say? It's easier when you don't look at your Feet!" he nodded at her Words, following her, his Hands still a little shaky and unsure hanging in the Air ─ but he was skating, without falling or rolling off. He was holding himself until he wasn't ─ but who would've expected a little Kid to drop their Board Card right on the Course, right in Kimi's Skate Line which almost ( almost !! ) knocked him entirely over if it wasn't for the most perfect Girl in front of him. Her Hands reached out for his again, grabbing onto them like they were fighting for their Lives, pulling him a tad too far forward ─ Kimi almost lost control, but eventually he collapsed onto her, dragging her with him to the Floor.

God, this was embarrassing, he wished to vanish into thin Air ─ but instead he landed with half his Body on her, their Legs tangled, her Hands suddenly on his Waist while his propped himself up so he wouldn't fall entirely onto her. Silence between them followed ─ Kimi just looked at her as his Face slowly turned a dangerous shade of red; maybe out of shyness, but mostly out of Embarrassment.

The first of many "I'm so sorry!" nearly left his Lips when she suddenly started to laugh, throwing her Head back while her Eyes squinted ─ unlike him, she found this Situation hilarious; them laying on the Floor, tangled together while others skated around them, simply refusing to care or help the two Teenagers up. The red Shade of his Face grew deeper as she started to laugh underneath him, his own Lips forming a small Smile. He memorized her, watching her laugh in awe ─ he never in his entire Life had felt with a Girl the way he felt around her. It was like he was in a real life Romcom Movie.

Eventually, they slowly got up from the Floor again ─ she helped him, holding his Hands as Kimi tried to remain still on the Rollerskates. "I think, Rollerskating isn't for me." he concluded, sheepishly chuckling as they slowly skated back to the Railing, leaving the Course again ─ it was close to Lunch Time, anyway; and Kimi's Stomach started to roar some unpleasant sounds.

"You did alright, though ─ promise, it wasn't as bad as it probably felt for you." she responded, stepping out of the Rollerskate Track. "I've seen People do worse ─ like my Dad, who knocked over a small Kid once." she told her new Friend. The Italian didn't know whether he should ask for the full Story or if he should leave it at that ─ but from the tiny Information he got, he was convinced enough that it could be worse than his Performance.

"Maybe I manage one day." Kimi replied, making his way slowly over to a Bench to sit down and get the Skates off his Feet ─ he watched her as she sat down next to him, starting to untie the rented Rollerskates. "Should we Burgers? Or maybe Hotdogs?" he asked her, starting to undo his Skates as well ─ she hummed, nodding I'm Agreement to his Suggestion about Lunch; who needs fancy Food anyway when you cam eat a customized Hotdog? She wouldn't say No ─ especially not to the curly Head Boy she had just met a few Days ago, but was already utterly enchanted by.

"A Hotdog Lunch Date with you sounds great." Kimi would've fainted right on the Spot if this was a Cartoon Movie ─ in Reality, he just blinked at her, his Face growing entirely red again; he just got rid of the embarrassing shade in his Face, and it only took one Sentence from her and boom! His Face was drowned in Ferrari red again.

"O-Oh yeah!" he stuttered in response ─ why did he stutter?! Oh my, he was acting like a Teenager with a Crush!

. . . Actually, he was exactly that ─ a Teenager with a Crush. Head over Heels, in love with a Girl he only knew because of her outrageous Pizza taste, or the lack of.

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     KIMI WENT into the Cruise Vacation with not much Expectations for the Summer Break ─ apart from the little few Facts he has been caught from his Parents about the newest MSC Ship, he went into his Vacation with nothing much on his Mind. He didn't expect the Ship to be that big, include so much to attract Kids and Teenagers of all Ages, Restaurants with Food he hasn't ever seen on solid Ground, and so much more.

And now, thirteen Days later, he'd pack his Suitcases and Bags with bittersweet Taste on his Tongue ─ oh, and a Crush on a Girl that caused this bittersweet Taste because he still has not asked for her Number. No matter how much he swallowed, or tried to die down the Feeling, eventually his Mind drifted back to the last Day on his Summer Vacation ─ the last few Hours he would have with her, the Breakfast with her and her Family, laughters surrounding their Table in the Restaurant before they'd waved Goodbyes and most likely never see each other again.

His Parents noticed how absent their Son had been on the second to last Day ─ they noticed how he dreaded to pack his Suitcases and Bags, not because he didn't want to leave this Ship, but because he was frustrated with himself for being such a Loser; they knew he was yet to ask her for her Number.

But it reached a Point where his Parents couldn't just watch anymore and mentally be amused by his Behavior ─ the way he held the Teddy Bear Plush with Cruise Captain's Uniform, a Gift from her when they were exploring the Shopping Mile on the second last Sea Day, and letting the most Room filling and saddened sigh out ever. His Parents felt bad for him ─ still a tiny bit amused.

Some might say he'd overreact ─ eventually, his Parents probably exchanged Numbers with her Parents, right? Just that he blurred that Fact out, his entire Focus being on the Fact that not even Ollie was able to help him come up with a smooth way to ask a Girl for her Number WITHOUT making it seem like he's a Creep.

But no matter how much he dreaded the final Day, Miami eventually arrived again and with that also the end of the Cruise.

He stood leaned against the Railing of the Ship on the highest Deck, Backpack settled on back and Shoulders as he just waited for his Parents to be done with whatever they claimed to need to do before leaving the Ship ─ his little Sister went with them, leaving Kimi on his own for a last few Minutes before they'd checkout and drive to the Airport to fly back to Italy.

His Eyes flew over the City of Miami ─ or at least that what you could see from a Cruise Ship that was docked to it's own Terminal in PortMiami. He was deep in Thoughts, still thinking about his missed Opportunity to ask her for her Number ─ he assumed her to have already left the Ship after they finished Breakfast together, the endless Goodbyes and see you again"s of their Parents before their ways parted.

"Kimi!" a familiar Voice echoed through his Ears, the exclaimed sound voicing from a fair Distance to his current Position ─ his Head snapped around, Eyes being as wide opened as they could when he saw her jogging towards him. She wore her Backpack on Shoulders, a Baseball Cap on top of her Head and had as well a smaller Toten Bag slung around her Body ─ she looked equally ready to leave the Ship.

"Hey." the Italian turned away from the Railing, facing towards her as she came to a stop, a little bit out of breath as she held herself up on her Knees. "Did you run through 18 Decks up?" he asked, snickering slightly.

She shook her Head, straightening her Posture a little bit to look at him, "No, I did not ─ not 18 Decks, but probably 6 or 7." she gave back, leaning sideways against the Railing. "But it was worth it."

The curly Head hummed, raising an Eyebrow, "And why? Did you forget something?" he asked her, mirroring her Actions to lean a little bit against the Ship's Railing.

She chuckled a little, shaking her Head, "Not how you probably mean it, but I did forget something!" she told him, her Hand vanishing in the Pockets of her Pants to search for something. While she tried to grasp the something inside her Pocket, Kimi just looked confused at her, not being able to tell what she seemingly forgot before leaving the Ship ─ what probably had something to do with him, too; unless she wouldn't have come to him, right?

He wished it to be a piece of Paper with her Number on it ─ but he didn't allow himself to believe that this was it. But it would make the most Sense ─ her Family was supposed to check out, she forgot something and run up the Decks to him so she can give him his Number. He noticed how Romcomish that sounded ─ but so did the past eleven Days he spent with her.

"There it is!" she announced, pulling something folded out of her Pocket ─ for a second, Kimi allowed himself to dream and hope; but this was pretty quick smashed down when his Eyes caught the $20 Bill in her Hand. "For the Ice Cream you gave out in San Juan." she told him with a small Smile.

He looked confused, his Eyes switching between her Face and the $20 Bill in her Hand, "But I told you it's a Payback for bumping your Ice Cream to the Ground? You don't need to pay me back . . ." he eventually said back to her, shaking his Head slightly ─ it was amusing, how he has only known her for eleven Days and yet could say "that's so her" about the current Situation.

"Okay, but this is . . . a Payback for making you see me eat Pineapple Pizza! she replied, nodding her Head, proudly. Her Words caused a small Smile to form on his Lips, his Hand slowly lifting to just take the $20 Bill ─ he knew arguing wouldn't lead to anything here, so he voluntarily gave in; even if he'd much rather wanted her to keep the Money.

He took the Money Bill from her, squeezing it in his Fist as his Smile turned bittersweet ─ maybe this wasn't even a "goodbye", but rather a "see you again"; nevertheless, he actually did not want to leave this Cruise Ship. Even if they'd stay in Contact, she lived Hours away from him and with their Schedules, her starting College soon while he's almost every Week away for Races all around the World, he doubt he'd actually be able to meet up with her more than once all two Months, if even.

Maybe they were meant to be just Friends for the Summer ─ like in every cliché bittersweet Novel where two People just got a Summer to spend before their ways would forever part.

"So. . ." she started, shifting on her Feet from left to right, Hands folded behind her back. "See you again?" she asked, titling her Head a little bit as she watched his Reaction. Kimi parted his Lips to say something, but stayed quiet ─ in response, he just nodded his Head.

"See you again, yeah." he confirmed, quietly. He turned around, leaning further against the Railing when he felt her stepping a little bit closer to him ─ yet, before he could say anything, she pressed her Lips against his right Cheek, a soft Kiss being left on his Skin, and a tingling Feeling spread through his entire Body.

He was frozen, not having expected her to give him a Kiss as Farewell ─ despite the frozen Muscles, his Mind went insane, his Body Heat shooting up within a Second. For him, it felt like the Kiss on the Cheek lasted Minutes ─ he was drunk of the Feeling from her soft Lips against his clean Skin. In Reality, the Cheek Kiss lasted strong eight Seconds before she pulled away again, stumbling backwards.

"My Family's waiting for me," she started, slowly turning around on her Heel. "I'll see you again, Kimi!" were her last Words before she fully turned around, jogging away before he could say anything in response. He was left standing there, still a little caught by the Kiss on the Cheek.

It took him a Minute or so until he'd snap back into Reality ─ mostly due his younger Sister nudging his Arm slightly with a giggle. He turned his Head around, seeing his Parents walking their way towards him and his Sister, "We're done ─ we can check out!" his Father informed him, patting his Son's Shoulder before continuing to head towards the Doors which lead back inside the Cruise Ship.

Kimi nodded, watching his Family walking ahead before he slowly began to follow them ─ he unclenched his Fist as they stood in the Staircase, unwrapping the $20 Bill to put it into the Pocket of his Shorts instead.

But he stopped as he had it unwrapped ─ in the middle of the Stairs down to Deck fifteen, he stood looking with wide Eyes onto the supposed $20 Bill in his Fingers; though, it wasn't a $20 Bill. It wasn't a Bill, at all.

It was a Piece of Paper with the Design of a $20 Bill ─ and something delicate written on the white Side of it.

It didn't necessarily take a Genius to figure out what was written on the opposite of the Paper.

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final august note   ✷   i had sososo much fun writing this ahh!!! i have a lot of done/half finished oneshots in my drafts, but this one is my favorite by far ! 🥹 also yeah this lowkey sucks, but the idea eats and that's all that matters to me (i'ill proofread and edit it eventually anyway so).

for anyone that thinks it's unrealistic to make friends so quick, you definitely haven't been on a cruise vacation before 😭😭 it goes so fast and easy, mainly because you know it's only for a few days anyway so fuck it.

PINEAPPLE ICE CREAM    coming soon.

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©    STOLENBUCKETS 2025    ╱    All Rights Reserved. Do not Copy Or Both Sides Of Your Pillow Will Forever Be Warm.

[miniaturesuitgladiator]

Platonic Yandere Batfamily x

Child Girlscout Reader!!

'In world where you can be anything be kind......'

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 This is part 4!!

'Your beautiful, where did you get your looks from?'

'Thank you! I look just like my mommy.....'

Your cute smile and round eyes had Bruce matching your reaction.

What you said was very true though you did look exactly like your mother.

Well, a smaller version atleast.

You tilt your head up to look at him still holding the purring cat in your arms peacefully.

'Who do you look like?' You ask.

It was a simple ,innocent, question really. One that you probably didn't put much thought in to ask.

Truthfully, it hurt bruce more then you'd expect. He knew that if you had known it would've hurt him you wouldn't have asked.

So ,obviously, doesn't blame you.

Instead he keeps composer and replies with a soft smile.

'I suppose I get my looks from my father.'

Truthfully he didn't really know. After his parents death he tried forgetting what they looked like. It was easier that way.

But he'd have nightmares and their memories never did fade their faces just kind of blurred.

He stopped staring at their pictures and painting in the manor along time ago. He didn't even know if Alfred had ever taken them down. Or if their still hung up in their old room.

'My mama says I have my daddy's smile!'

Your voice drags bruce out of his tournamented thoughts and he's quick to compose himself.

He had seen you smile alot. It was almost like you smiled more then you didn't. But he never really thought you had gotten it from your father. Although your smile doesn't really replicate your mother's.

'Is that so?' Bruce replies with an almost forced smile. Bruce loved the idea of you looking like your mother.

He loved the image that he could paint in his head with it. You could pass as his daughter because you had more traits of your mother then you did of your biological dad.

So bruce could always lie and say you were biologically his. That lie didn't really make much sense to him anyway. Because to him you were already his.

You nod softly looking down at the black cat in your small arms.

Glancing back up Dick's quick to grab your attention.

'There's someone we'd like you to meet..." He says grasping your shoulders gently and leading you to the astonishing living room.

You however don't catch jason nudging bruce towards your mother as she looks out a window admiring the sky.

'Don't mess this one up.' Jason mutters in his ear before following you and Dick to the living room.

Sat on the unnecessary big couch is Cassandra Cain.

Softly letting the cat down on the floor you tug on dicks shirt motioning for him to come closer.

Dick almost smiles at your adorable antics as he hears your next words you whisper in his ears. 'Who is she?'

'Our sister.' Dick declares and jason leans against the wall watching the whole interaction from a distance.

'Oh....' Is all you mutter and for a moment the two oldest Wayne's think your disappointed in that fact until you speak agian.

'She looks really cool.'

'She is.' Tim states like it's a known fact. Dicks flinches at his brother unannounced presence having not heard him step into the room.

'Why don't you go speak to her?' Tim nudges you forward but your quick to run behind them instead.

Peaking your head out like a kitten that doesn't know if she should trust a human.

Cass giggles at your innocent behavior. The boys however look quite bewildered at the thought of you being scared of the only girl in the family.

You tilt your head from behind them watching as Cass giggles at your actions. Maybe she wasn't so scary....?

This time you actually move towards her without being nudged and she offers a soft smile silently begging you to come closer.

She pats the cushion beside her and you hesitatently take a seat.

Cass sends the boys a quick glance silently telling them to leave so she could have some time with you.

Their quick to do as she wishes despite their longing to stay.

'Your very pretty....' You mumble ,eyes cast down, small hands playing with the fabric of the lavish couch.

Cass doesn't speak but hums in delight at your kind words.

The boys had told her you were as sweet as candy ,but she hadn't believed anything but bitterness was reserved in gotham.

Until now.

She pondered for a moment not knowing what to say or do but your timid voice breaks the silence.

'You seem so..... cool.'

Cool? Is that what you thought of her? Is that why you had hesitated to meet her? Because you believed she was cool?

The young vigilantly had never been described as 'cool'. Cold? Yes. Quiet? Definitely.

But cool? Never.

It was a term that was often us as for her brothers not her. Yet, just by the sight of her you had deemed her....cool.

Maybe you were sweet. Like candy that'd rot your teeth ,but she'd gladly let her teeth rot just to have you. And that was made very clear to her in just these small minutes with you.

She didn't utter a word to you and somehow you didn't need her to.

You opened up to her on your own pace ,and she found it quite memorizing how quickly you considered her a friend.

Your smaller hands played with her larger calloused ones like you would with a toy.

But not harsh. No, you were soft. Gentle, as your fingers traced the lines in her palms like she was something to cherished.

'Can I be your friend?' Your quite voice sounds more like a prayer then a question.

It takes Cass atleast three awkward seconds before she's swiftly shaking her head yes. She'd never been asked to be a friend.

Truthfully, she never really cared for it either. But right now she does.

You smile, your naive eyes squinting at the ends. You giggle joyfully as if she'd just handed you a bag of candy.

'I'll be the best friend! I pinky promise!' You bable happily like a person who just won the lottery.

Cass's pinky wraps around your extended one ,carefully sealing the deal. It's safe to say she sees why everyone cherish's your happiness like a gem.

Because in a city full of monster's it seemed you truly were the only angel left.

And she'd gladly keep you safe even if you can't see it ,yet.

While you were being coddled and adored by your new found best friend your mother simply looked out the big windows of the manor.

Bruce's mind raced with ideas of how to approach her without seeming like a creep.

After all she did accuse him of trying to kidnap her daughter and she isn't half wrong.

He couldn't mess this up. He wouldn't ,but your mother was so diffrent then the women he's been with.

She wasn't spoiled or tainted. She wasn't a thief or a killer. She was a nurse.

A simple women with so much heart and love. But it seemed like that was only reserved for you.

That was it! He'd reach her through you!

'She seems happy...' Bruce says and he watches as she slightly flinches at his voice but she hides it well.

Your mother turns looking at you as you play and talk with Cass on the couch. Her eyes softening at the sight.

She hums her voice low and calm. Like the sight of you calmed her. It did.

'She's always happy," You mother comments taking a sip from her cup that's filled with some fancy juice.

'But she does look happier.' She continues calm her heart filled with a feeling of bliss at the view of you so happy.

Bruce smiles a rare sight even for his kids. He nods enjoying the sight of you being so compatible with his kids.

'She loves everyone.' Your mom mumbles her eyes still trained on you having an absolute wonderful time with Cassandra.

'Did she get that from you?' Bruce asks finally coming up with a decent question to strike a conversation.

Your mother smiles and ,agian, its because of the thought of you. She shakes her head her mind replaying the memories of you welcoming any stranger like it was your family.

'No, she inherited that from her father....'

'I see....' Bruce nods hands tight at the thought of you inheriting something that from another man.

'He used to be so.....diffrent back then.' Your mother says now turning her attention back on Bruce.

It was pretty clear what she meant by that but Bruce carries on not wanting the conversation to end.

'Diffrent how?' He voices softly, but your mother still feels distressed at the question.

She still answer's though.

'Happy, like her....'

She doesn't have to gesture to you for Bruce to know who she's talking about.

'What changed?' Bruce ask generally wanting to know. He'd first came to her to get to know you.

Yet, the more he talks with her and each picture she paints with her words ,Bruce finds himself digging bigger whole in his heart.

Big enough to make space for her in it.

'I ask myself that all the time..... One day he just...changed. changed into a man I had to let go.'

Her voice is quiet but it's stable ,something that she came to terms with long ago.

Bruce hums realizing that though she may always love the man she once knew that is not the man he is now.

And maybe he can be that man for her?

She smiles one that looks forced ,almost. Like it's something that's funny but it's not.

'In all of Gotham there's only one person that hopes he wakes up.'

'You?'

'No, I think he hurts more people alive then he would dead,' she pauses then points to you.

'He's that little girls world... She looks at him like he hung the stars.' She sighs almost defeated look I her gaze.

Bruce doesn't like the sound of that at all.

Bruce hums not really having the words to put his thoughts in the air nicely.

'She seems to love you alot too.' He finally says trying to soften the mood.

'She does.... But girls do tend to love their fathers more sometimes....even if their dads are the devil.' Your mother turns looking out the window agian.

But Bruce doesn't miss how she quickly wipes her eyes as a tear escapes. How awful is this man to make her cry?

'I stayed with him four more years before I finally left him.' She admits like something that she's ashamed about.

'What was the final straw?' Bruce doesn't even know if it's his place to ask but his mouth speaks before his mind has time to stop itself.

'When he got to her.' She sighs finally looking to where you are agian. It was pretty clear she prioritized your wellbeing over hers even if she didn't voice it.

It was known.

It strikes Bruce deep not knowing what she meant when it she said he gotten to you.

He had no idea what that man could have done to hurt you but even if he just poked you with his fingers Bruce was livid.

'You must love her alot.' He says trying to diminish his anger and focus on the hurt women infront of him.

'I love her more than anything.' She clarifies like she doesnt want Bruce to mistake it ,but he doubts anyone could.

'She's everything to me.'

'Your a good mother.' He says softly but his words are true. Anyone with two eyes can see just how good of a mother you are.

'She's a good kid. With her...it's easy.' She shrugs.

That may be true but even Bruce knows having a good kid doesn't just automatically make you a good mom like she is.

'You don't give yourself enough credit.' Bruce says and he doesn't miss how she doesn't meet his eyes anymore trying to hide her tears like their scars.

'There's still some things I'm not prepared for.' She says her eyes still on the dark clouds that fills the sky.

'Well a parent can never be prepared for everything-' he wants to add that he's batman and he's still not prepared for half the thing his kid's do but he doesn't.

Because he knows he can't. Even if he wishes he could.

Now if there was one person who'd love your bubbly personality more then Dick it would be Duke.

Because who likes living in a house full of angsty vilganty's? Not many and especially not the happy boy named Duke Thomas!

Cass had taken her eyes off of you for no longer then five seconds before looking back to where you were once seated to see that you were gone?!

Standing up quickly she hastily begins to look around for you!

From the living room to dining room to even the bathrooms that you'd have to walk all the way to the other side of the manor to get to!

She eventually had to get the others to help. Even though she truly didn't want to....

'What do you mean you lost her!' Dick all but shouts before Tim tries to calm him down.

'Don't yell! If her mom thinks we lost her she'll never trust us agian!'

'Do you idiots hear that or am I hallucinating?' Damian asks pointing to the ceiling. Who's room was above the living room? Oh right dukes....

And what was that sound? Blasting music and giggles? Yeah they know exactly where you are.....

Opening the young heros door they see you happily sitting on Dukes lap giggling as he describes what the lyrics of the sounds mean.

Leaving out some parts....to keep your innocent intact of course!

After watching enough and hearing your giggles through the door they finally decode to open it.

Duke immediately turns off the loud music his face blank almost confused to why they look so worried.

'Whats up?'

'Whats up? Whats up! We've been looking for her for five minutes only to find out your having a party.' Dick voices voice cracking from how shocked he is.

'Not to mention your teaching her demonic music ,Thomas.' Damian adds crossing his arms and shaking his head in disapproval.

'Yeah you'd know something about devil music huh ,demon?' Jason quips with a chuckle just to get under the small boys skin.

'First off don't fight infront of her,' Duke says pointing at damian and jason already sensing a fight about to start.

'Second, it's called being cultured. Gotta teach 'em young.' Duke shrug glancing back at your pouting face now unhappy that the music stopped.

'She likes it.' Duke comments smiling at you which brings your smile back.

'I do!' You smile innocently.

'She doesn't even know what the lyrics mean.' Tim utters gesturing at you.

'That's why I'm teaching her.' Duke answers like it's the most common thing in the universe.

Cass quickly goes over to grab your hand sighing as she leads you back to where she had you before one of her brothers ruined her peaceful moments.

'Hey you can't just take her all the time we want to play with her too!' Tim whines dramatically pouting.

Cass complete ignores his request as she continues leading you down the stairs cases.

'Where is my baby?'

'Huh?'

Your mother's eyes quickly dart around the spacious living room and kitchen not being able to see you.

'My baby, where is she?!' She panics not seeing you anywhere?

Bruce could tell the women was definitely about to have a heart attack just from you not being in her sight.

What bruce didn't notice was your mother already thinking of ways to kill this man if she didn't find you within five minutes.

'She's probably with my kids...she's fine.'

'Your kids? The ones that are all practically grown men?!' She says already moving to yell in the man's face.

She couldn't believe how stupid she was! How could she let her baby be alone with strangers!

You being the absolutely ridiculously cute Saint you are saw your mother's distresses state ,and new she was looking for you as you walked down the stairs case.

'I'm here mama! I'm here!' You shout letting go of Cassandra's hand to sprint full speed towards your worried mother.

'Oh my baby...I thought I lost you.' She sighs finally feeling like she can breathe agian as she cups your soft cheeks.

'Nuh uh ,mama, I'm right here!' You giggle as she smiles down at you.

Bruce on the other hand finally realizes that he was about to get murdered by your mother if Cass hadn't brought you back downstairs.

Alfred smiles seeing your mother being so affectionate with you remembering all the times Martha had been like that with Bruce in the past.

It had been along time since a mother's love filled the manors air and Alfred was happy to see how it was finally coming back.

'Dinners ready.' Alfred announces calmly as he gestures to the dining room.

Your mother's sighs at your pouting face because you already know what she's about to say.

'Don't give me that look...we've stayed long enough.'

'Your leaving?' Damian speaks up interrupting your mother's conversation with you.

'It's late we should really get going...' Your mother defends putting a hand on your shoulder ready to lead you out the big manor.

'Wed really like it if you stayed....please?' Dick protest and it was kinda hard to say no to a grown man that was pouting desperately.

Not to mention the other wayne children faces matched their older brother's.

Your mother sighs looking back at you an dshe knows she's lost when she hears your quiet plea.

'Please, mama?'

'Fine...we leave after dinner not a second later.'

All smiles in the manor reach their eyes as they hear her words.

'Well then let's go eat.' The old butler states as you walk over to him grabbing his hand with a smile as he leads you to the beautiful dining room..

Your mother sighs knowing she gave into your cuteness once agian.

'What am I gonna do with you..?' She mutters, watching as you happily skip to the dining room with Alfred, as he matches your skips with long strides.

She rubbed her face, her mind repeatedly saying 'it's just a simple dinner. Get in get out.'

The table was unusually quiet and your mother could tell straight away that this wasn't exactly normal for them as they all fiddled with their hands or their fingers.

Despite their best attempts at seeming normal all eyes did end up falling on you.

You happily spoke and ate not noticing the soft eyes all staring at you lovingly. Your mother did though ,and she was already mentally burying bodies.

You spoke softly your eyes on damian as he told you various facts about animals you didn't know.

And you threw in your two cents when you thought of something you had learned from Wild Krats.

Alfred saw your mother's focused eyes noticing she had caught on to everyone's adoring gaze and she didn't seem to happy about it.

'So you're a nurse correct?' Alfred calm spoken words break everyone put of their deep gaze including you.

'Yep my mommies the best nurse!'

Your mother smiles softly appreciating your kind-hearted words knowing you meant them.

'Yes, I am a nurse.' Your mother clarifies nodding at Alfred.

Alfred smiles at both your mother's profession and your mother-daughter relationship.

'Do you enjoy it?' Jason's ruff voice ask his fork digging into his food as he speaks.

Everyone wanted to ask that was clear by how they all perked up at the question.

The truth was they all new a thing or two about patching themselves up but nothing compared to what a nurse would know.

And they knew nurse helped people. They did too but sometimes they hurt more people then they helped sometimes. A nurse didn't.

A nurse just helped.

You mother takes a moment to think before answering the question.

'I love my job it... it does good.' She shrugs taking a sip of her drink before continuing.

'But it takes alot of time... takes me away from things that I love.' Your mother sighs setting down her cup.

Alfred smiles a rare sight that the Wayne's hardly ever see other then special occasions.

'Being a nurse or really anything in medical attention is a special profession.'

Your mother nods at Alfred kind words enjoying them greatly and appreciating them.

Though your mother barely knew the old man that kept these walls clean. She understood why you talked so highly of him.

The calm silence of dinner was abruptly interrupting by a ringing sound ,but it wasn't a phone.

No, it was your small pinky hello kitty watch that your mother paid about three dollars for.

It was your most prized possession.

As the small watch rang all eyes were on you as you quickly turned it off and ran to your mother's chair in a hurry.

'Mama your phone! Your phone!' You all but scream in a haste as your mother pulls out her phone almost embarrassed at how persistent you are to get her phone.

'Thanks mama!'

Your little legs run as fast as you can to the living room desperately wanting space.

All eyes now turn to your mother silently asking why you had wanted her phone so desperately.

Your mother sighs giving an awkward smile before answering everyone's silent question.

'Her dad calls her every day at this time. That's why she has an alarm set on her phone.'

Soft 'ohs' and hums of understanding reach her ears.

The table goes quiet almost like everyone's in silent agreement to try and hear what your talking about through the walls.

After about three minutes of concentrated silence your mother's voice breaks the silence.

'So I hear your a cop?' She ask her gaze pointed at dick.

He nods an almost shy smile on his face.

'Definitely an honorable profession.' She says her smile warm and dock can't help but smile too.

'What about you?' Your mother's hands tap the table softly but her gaze is on Jason now.

He hated that question. Because he didn't really have a way to respond to it. What was he supposed to say? He lived off of criminals money? No, that wouldn't do.

So he shrugs 'still trying to figure that out.'

Your mother hums soft smile never leaving her lips as she speaks and jason likes that. She isn't judging or looking at him like he's doing something wrong. She looks....understanding.

'You'll figure it out...'

And with how soft her words seemed they sounded...so true.

Maybe he could figure it.

'Ah, and I hear your quiet the genius.' She continues her arms on the table nothing but kind hearted tone in her voice as she looks at Tim.

Now Tim didn't know if you told her that or if she googled him but either way he wasn't going to miss the opportunity to be praised.

'I wouldn't say that I'm a genius...' He shrug trying not to be to cocky.

'I doubt anyone would.' Damian adds with a soft smirk. And while Tim looks annoyed and embarrassed Dick and Jason can't help but snicker..

Bruce however gives them a stern glare which doesn't help much but looking at your. Mother she doesn't look to happy about it so they immediately stop.

Your mother hums her voice carefully and light as she speaks to the youngest wayne.

'You must be Damian.'

'I am.' His voice comes out quiet almost shaky as if her slight glare has him shaken. Now that makes his older brother's want to laugh even more.

'My daughter described you as if you were an angel.' Her voice is tender but there's something behind it.

Like she's disappointed with what she's seeing and that makes Damian feel disappointed in himself.

His heads hung low as she speaks agian. But that disappointment is gone when your mother says her next words.

'You certainly look it. Your absolutely adorable. You must've gotten your looks from your mother.'

She jokes a soft laugh leaves her lips and the other join obviously not goings to miss the chance to diss Bruce.

Bruce laughs himself finding your mother's confidence admirable.

Your mother complements Dukes brightness and Cass for her confidently fiece demeanor.

Slowly the small talk becomes less forced and more familiar.

Like this is how it's supposed to be.

Bruce relivishes in the normalcy and so do the children all while your mother keeps a smile on everyone face.

The once big empty table now feels smaller not with space but with comfort. Like these no gaps missing. Well there is one but you shortly make your way back to the table.

You almost unnoticed by how loud everyone is talking. Cass's the first to see you, your eyes cast down not meeting her gaze. She frowns but decides not to say anything.

You don't sit back on your seat and you don't say anything either.

You just stand there and everyone allows you to thinking maybe you just want to stand.

That is till your mother speaks up noticing how oddly quiet your being.

"You okay, baby?"

You sniffle your eyes still to the ground. Your mother's smile drops and a frown quickly replaces it.

Then everyone sees it. A tear drop. One then two. Then they don't stop.

Your mother's quick to try and comfort you opening her arms to allow you to come to her. But you don't.

No, to her surprise you run right past her.

Her head whips so fast she could've gotten whiplash. Just to see you run straight into Bruce's arms.

Bruce? Bruce!

Everyone's surprised gut Bruce quickly composes himself and sets you in his lap as you cry your little heart out on his chest.

He looks at your mother clearly not knowing what to do. But your mother offers no help. Just as confused as he is but for a totally different reason obviously.

Why would you run to him instead of her?

He awkwardly pats your back and your mother soft voice speaks up.

"What's happened baby...?"

"He doesn't love me mama....."

Your voice is so small and so broken. It hurts everyone how your sobs continue and grow louder.

Your mother sighs your sad small voice breaking her heart. She leans back in her seat.

Everyone's jaw clenched how dare someone break your heart? And this young? Oh, they were gonna pay.

Your mother knows your dad was probably just drunk he probably didn't even mean to call, like he should've.

He probably said something he didn't mean but that doesn't mean anything to your broken heart right now.

Your sad sobs echos throughout the manor cruelly. A reminder of how distressed you truly are.

And despite the other kids efforts; twenty minutes later they still can't bring your glowing smile back.

You cling to bruce like a lifeline, your cries muffled by his expensive shirt that he doesn't mind you ruining with your tears ,and snotty sniffles.

Eventually the kids do give up and just watch as your cries slowly fade. Some watch with curiosity with why you picked Bruce others with jealousy.

Your mother on the other hand watches with neither. She knows exactly why you ran to Bruce and no one else. She understands why you ran to Bruce instead of her.

You wanted something that neither her or the wayne children could give you.

A father's comfort.

Sigh, maybe this would be a bit more difficult then just a simple ,innocent, dinner.

With the dreadful amount of crying you did one would've thought you would've wanted to go home.

But not you!

Somehow you had gotten your mother to stay for a movie. In the manors luxurious house movie theater.

Claiming it would be rude to leave damian on his birthday without watching a movie like you two always did on eachothers birthday.

Normally she would've said no. But she couldn't not when you had just finished crying and she knew that this was your way of trying to forget your father's hurtful words.

So with a sigh she said yes.

Your mother left the movie theater claiming she needed something to drink. Bruce took this opportunity to make the final move everyone was planing.

Securing a date.

What Bruce obviously doesn't know is that you don't try and make moves on a women who's little girl heart just broke.

'What. Did. You. Just. Say.'

Your mother's voice is colder then any blade he's ever been stabbed with and the menacing batman flinches.

He swallows then continues.

'I-I was just wondering if perhaps if you wanted to we could-'

SMACK!

Well, that didn't go to exactly to plan.

And that's pretty cleat with how Bruce's cheek is reddening from the impact of your mother hand.

You mother's glare looks meaner then Clark's when he's angry. Now Bruce knows he really messed up.

But....is it wrong to say he...might enjoy it?

That thought quickly disappears faster then it came with how fast your mother begins cussing him out.

'How fucking dare you! My baby looks up to you! And you just want to get in my fucking pants?!' She takes a pause a short and dramatic cruel pause before she continues.

Hands on her hips and her right palm slightly red from how hard she hit Bruce's face ,but by the look on her face she clearly doesn't regret it.

'I'm not one of your whores you can get a quick fuck out of. And my baby ain't no orphan who needs saving.'

She turns around like the wind itself better fear her fury.

'Fuck you! And your mother-fucking bitch mentality!'

She thinks he got to you just to get to her? Well that's not how it is at all! But Bruce can't say that he wants her just to get you or that'll definitely sound wrong.

So he stands there and watches with a red cheek as your mother pulls you out the manor leaving you no time to whine and complain before your out the door.

The rain is oaking your clothes but you still make a point to wave to everyone watching you through the window.

Your mother's old car drives off like she Dominic Toreto himself and when the cat finally come out their view Jason says the words everyone's been dying to ask.

'What the fuck did you do?'

Bruce sighs hands in his hips copying your mother earlier stance ,but instead of anger fueling his heart it's desire and love.

'Alfred get me the best lawyers in gotham.'

Alfred sighs a knowing look of defeated acceptance in his gaze.

'The adoption one or matrimonial one?'

Obviously Bruce's plan was going to need a bit more.....force.

'Both.'

Thanks for reading!!

Likes ,comments and reblogs are appreciated!!

Note: I do not encourage violence readers mother is just very protective of her baby.

Second note: I don't know why I picked that song in particular it just reminded me of reader and her dad relationship.

Taglist: @rovcarmen @yua-who @nervousalpacalady @jsprien213 @blue-flower-lady @ghost-0rch1d @vanilliona @vanessa-boo @cat-lover-over-9000 @itsmossy @nightstarblue @imhere2dosomething @hearts4mica @minny-ka @alishii @tsxukikami @its-simply-just-krys @maskedvoyance @theworldscalamity @kazuuhali @eyeless-kun @bbmgirll @jjoppees @justafank @ive-made-so-many-mistakes @iamapotatoe @asillysimp @whiteoakoak @leogf @sanchann @nisarelle @ratterpatter @venomsvl @sh4rk-k1d @reeyy0-2 @kneelforloki @sirlovel @moon0goddess @cruzerforce4256 @ironsaladwitch @gaychaoticraccoon @dubidumzy @ssak-i

[animasola86]

🚩 FORCED: 04

You wake up to a new scene, and new participants. Things escalate rather quickly, and there's nothing you can do about it.

a morally gray man!your new master ✖️ female!reader

WARNING: This is a DARK FANTASY EROTICA! Beware of the following tags: Dead dove: do not eat! Explicit sexual content! Noncon! Master/servant dynamic! Bad BDSM etiquette! Bondage. Collaring. Fingering. Vaginal fisting. Forced orgasms. Foursome (F/F/F/M). Anal play. Vaginal sex. Rough anal sex. Creampie. (🚩Please do not read/engage if any of these tags are triggering to you!)

WORDS: 3.3k 🚩 READ ON AO3!

A/N: Remember, this is dark and self-indulgent and hopefully fucked-up in a sexy way? You decide! You also decide who you want the male character to be as he is very vague, and I invite you to fill in the blanks and call him however you like (hence the fandom tags, he could be anyone, make him your blorbo!). Our Reader character is also vague, her only attributes are hair long enough to braid and female genitalia.

For more information, check the Author's Notes on chapter 1.

Chapter 2+3 🔻 Chapter 4 🔺 Chapter 5+6

You hated waking up by now. Because it always meant there was something new to torture you, even though it also meant the end of the last scene. And somehow it was a relief when you found yourself just lying on a soft surface, with nothing poking out of you and nothing holding you down either. No gag, no vibrator. Just your sore body and your dizzy mind.

Inhaling deeply, you raised a hand and wiped at your face. You felt clean, your hair was still a little wet. Had you been washed? Looking around, your question was answered by the sight of two other girls, naked with their hair in braids, wearing thick leather collars, their vacant eyes trained on you as they stood at the edge of your bed. They stirred when you sat up in shock and confusion, shaking their heads. You frowned, too stunned to protest when one of them pulled you off the bed and onto your feet, while the other stepped behind you and grabbed your wrists.

They were too fast, and you could barely fight it when you felt your arms being folded behind your back, so tight your hands curled around your elbows, before you felt them being secured with a soft rope. You rolled your shoulders slightly, but couldn't move, staring at the girls in mild betrayal, too overwhelmed to use your voice properly. They didn't say a word either, just maneuvered you to a chair in the corner, made you sit down, before one of them started braiding your hair, while the other approached you with a collar in her open palms, presented to you like a crown.

“No,” you whimpered soundlessly, your throat hurting, your voice meek and feeble. It didn't stop you from trying to get your point across. “Please don't...”

A harsh “Tsk” cut through your noises of distress, and you looked up sharply, seeing the man standing behind the girl holding the collar. He was so tall and intimidating, his dark suit such a stark contrast to all the exposed skin around him.

“I'll take it from here, pet,” he said, putting his hand on the shoulder of the slowly bowing girl before he moved her aside with a little shove. He took the collar and proceeded to fasten it around your neck, despite your whimpers and fruitless struggling attempts. He stared at you darkly, freezing you with his gaze, and you stared back, breathing hard, trying to relax as he pulled the wide collar tight around your throat, slipping belt after belt into its loop until it sat snug around your neck, feeling stiff and very restricting. Then he turned it so the metal hoop was at the front.

He hooked his finger into it and pulled you forward, and you stumbled off the chair, choking a little, unable to find your balance without being able to use your arms. The girl behind you followed, quickly finishing your braid, and when it was done, you could see a little pink ribbon fixed to the end in a beautiful bow. You frowned. The other girls had similar ribbons, just in different colors, all pastels, yellow and blue. The man stood between the naked girls with a satisfied smile on his handsome face.

His hand found your cheek, gently patting it. “Welcome to the flock, doll,” he said and leaned in to press his lips to yours. You blinked in confusion, heat crashing into your face. “Your training went very well. I believe you are ready to serve me properly now. Don't you think so, pets?” he addressed the other girls, and they nodded eagerly, bowing their heads, not saying a word.

You frowned deeper. He seemed to read your mind. “Don't expect a peep from them, I had their vocal chords removed. Makes for better access into their little throats, you know?” he said with a demeaning smirk, rubbing along one of their collared necks.

Your eyes widened in growing shock and disgust. “Don't worry, you will keep yours for now. I do enjoy your little noises,” he said and winked at you. Your stomach dropped, and you pressed your lips into a tight line, trying to ease your rapid breathing. What the hell had you gotten yourself into here?

To make matters worse, the man then started to undress in front of you. After shrugging his suit jacket off (that one of the girls carried to a nearby chair), he unbuttoned his white shirt, his dark eyes on you.

“Well, shall we begin?” he whispered, and before you could do anything, you felt the girls leading you back to the bed, pulling you onto it, holding you in their unrelenting grips.

Your fingers were tingling in their tight ties, the pressure of your own weight on your arms only adding to the sensation. You stared at the girls in turn before looking back at the man, who had stripped down completely and was now crawling onto the bed towards you, his erection bobbing menacingly between his legs.

You opened your mouth to protest, but then you felt two small fingers slipping between your lips, while another hand moved down between your thighs, first spreading your legs, then your labia, while the man bowed down to inspect your cunt. You squirmed uncomfortably, whined against the hand holding you, struggled fruitlessly with your arms bound, a strange warmth flooding your limbs, gathering low in your stomach.

“Looking good,” he hummed, his fingers prodding at your clenching hole. “Eager, aren't you?”

You were not, you didn't want to be, but surrounded by naked bodies, still tormented by your past experiences, you felt arousal dripping down your skin. Flooded with shame, you averted your eyes, whining quietly.

The fingers in your mouth pushed in and out slowly, meditatively, while the man knelt between your open legs, tilting his head. “Prepare her for me, pet,” he addressed the girl who had her hands on your folds. She nodded, the yellow bow on the end of her braid dancing on her shoulder, before she moved a little and positioned herself next to your hip, her hand rubbing up and down your mound, small fingers pressing gently between your puffy lips.

The girl behind you wrapped an arm around your chest, her free hand fondling your bare breasts, and you turned your head to her, meeting a loaded gaze. The mute girl, this one wearing a blue ribbon on her braid, smiled shyly at you as she kept groping your soft flesh, fingers teasing your quickly hardening nipple.

“Already having fun, bird?” the man asked, and you noticed he addressed the girl smiling at you. Bird. The other was Pet. You were Doll. Blue, yellow, pink. The only distinctions. Your new role.

Bird nodded softly, lowering her eyes, pinching your pert bud as she kept moving her fingers in and out of your mouth, your breaths quickening slightly. You frowned deeply, thoroughly confused by this whole scene. You'd never been intimate with another girl before, but this felt strangely nice. She wasn't as rough as the man had been.

Pet, however, wasn't as gentle. The hand of the other girl was gripping your sex now, fingers digging between your folds, fingertips teasing into your entrance. She shifted on her knees, moving closer to where the man was kneeling, and he scooted back a little, allowing her better access to your cunt. And while she worked her fingers into your clenching hole, you felt the man gripping your ankles, holding you down as your legs started to kick out involuntarily.

A muffled gasp escaped you when you felt and saw how the girl with the yellow bow slipped three fingers into you, her delicate hand small enough to make it easy to penetrate you. It still felt like a lot, and you groaned against the fingers in your mouth. Bird's lips were on your temple, and if she could, she would probably have shushed you.

You kept struggling under the ministrations of the girls, fruitlessly jerking your legs against the strong hands on them. Your eyes were wide, but your vision blurry with tears. It got only worse when you noticed more pressure between your legs, and when you tried to focus on what was happening there, you saw that Pet had worked her entire hand into your pulsing pussy and was now slowly moving it in and out, her wrist catching on your tense muscles.

Moans and whimpers slipped past the probing fingers, and when you arched your back into the girl behind you, those fingers slipped deeper, prodding the back of your throat, and you gagged around them, the jerk crashing through your body making your hips stutter, causing Pet's hand to move in further – and you felt how she spread her fingers inside you, stretching you, finding space where none should be.

You howled, spit dripping down your chin, your whole body convulsing badly as the hand in your cunt moved faster, deeper, pressed into your soft flesh, nudged all those special spots. You could swear you saw a little bulge on your belly where she quite literally rearranged your guts with her fist. It was the strangest sensation, so invasive, so filling, so weirdly stimulating.

Bird's fingers kept their relentless assault on your throat, making you gag again and again until you were too exhausted to gag some more, your stomach tense and hurting (fluttering under the assault from within), your insides positively on fire now, but it was when you felt a rough thumb pressing on your swollen clit, that you lost it completely.

Eyes rolling back, body going stiff before it started spasming hard, thighs twitching, toes curling, every muscle contracting as you clenched hard around the hand in your convulsing cunt. You screamed soundlessly, breathlessly, against the fingers stuck in your throat, pressed your chest into the hand groping your tit, bucked your hips against the prodding thumb. A million lights exploded all around you, and you felt yourself floating, carried away by the waves of pleasure threatening to drown you. Nothing mattered anymore.

Was it over? Finally? It felt like it...

But then you could breathe again, and the hand slipped from inside your tight channel, the thumb was gone, your body slowly coming down from the most intense orgasm you might have ever experienced. Tears streamed down your face, silent sobs fell from your hurting throat, your legs twitching in the aftershocks of your high.

You were moved, not that you noticed much, turned onto your stomach, chest pressed into the bed, your hips pulled up. The girls changed places, the blue ribbon appeared next to your face, wet hands rubbing over your shoulders, kneading the tense muscles, the other girl rubbing the same soothing circles over your butt cheeks.

“Get the plug ready, bird,” the man said behind you, and you groaned quietly, cheek pressed into a soft pillow, your eyelids heavy with exhaustion. You felt delicate fingers moving into the cleft between your cheeks, one fingertip teasing your puckered hole. Something cold and wet was squirted onto your skin, then gently massaged into you until your muscles relaxed enough to let a finger in, then two, maybe even three, you couldn't be sure.

There was a pressure against your tight hole when the fingers retreated, something solid and cold, and you grunted loudly when it was pushed in with one swift nudge, filling you out while that tight ring of muscles closed around its smaller neck. A croaked yelp escaped you when a hand came down hard on your soft flesh, spanking your cheeks once, twice, until your skin burned and you could only whimper helplessly.

The same hand, warm from the assault, curled around your bound arms, lifted you as if you were just a package one could carry around, and you were moved once more, ending up on your side. Delicate fingers held your shoulders and your hip, before a rougher hand grabbed your leg and pulled it up, opening you up for penetration. Your eyes were unfocused, but you noticed shapes around you, the girls consoling you, rubbing your breasts and your back, one teased the plug in your ass.

There was no attention to your pussy or your clit until you felt the spongy tip of the man's cock nudging between your puffy lips. You let out a gurgled wail when he pushed into you, stretching you even more than the hand had done before, and he pressed deeper without mercy, fast short snaps of his hips until he bottomed out, your leg pressed against his hard chest. He held onto it as he started rutting into you, and you whimpered with every deep thrust, your sore muscles protesting, your whole body fighting against the intrusion.

Soft lips brushed against your chest, hands twisting your torso back a little until you lay heavy on your restrained arms, before not one but two mouths closed around your breasts, one eager tongue on each stiff nipple, sucking hard on your sensitive flesh, and you moaned deeply. It was simply too much. With the man pounding into your abused hole, your muscles clenching lazily around him now, the plug in your butt nudging from the other side, adding more pressure, and the girls on your tits, you felt yourself slipping, eyes rolling back, mouth hanging open, ecstasy etched onto your tired features.

You could have let go then, feeling content, but it was as if the people around you could see the way you gave in, as they changed their paces rapidly. The man's thrusts got rougher, quicker, deep stabs straight against your bruised cervix, while you could feel teeth teasing and nibbling and actually biting your skin, working bruises into it, marks that sent jolts of electricity through your system. You moaned louder, arching your back, hips stuttering, and before you knew it, you came hard around the man's cock, your juices spraying out of you without restraint as you cried out and spasmed, unable to ground yourself, held down and in place by the girls suckling on your tender breasts.

“Tsk,” made the man, his voice rough and hoarse from exertion. He kept pounding into you, even more brutal now, prolonging the feeling of pure bliss until it turned into pain again. “Did you just come without permission? Doll, that's not how this works.”

Through your haze you felt confusion. He never told you to come before, always let your body take over, how were you supposed to hold that in when he kept bullying all your sensitive spots? When the girls kept stimulating you with their eager mouths suctioned to your nipples like leeches? You grunted in dismay, biting your lip hard enough to draw blood, your stomach tense as he pushed you closer to the edge all over again. There was no way you could stop the orgasm from spilling over you.

And you needed it. Among all the things he forced upon you, from the anal hook to the fucking machine, to this, you needed to feel good, otherwise you would break and never return, you just knew it. And you didn't want to break, become a soulless slave bending to her master's will, let him do whatever to you, no. And you fought, jerked your hips against his, met his motions, and he only rutted into you faster, harder, deeper, grunting and growling above you, his hands tight around your leg, leaving bruises.

But before you could reach the desired high, he suddenly pulled out, and you groaned in pain at the sudden loss. The girls drew back too, leaving your chest covered in hickeys and bite marks and saliva. You looked up at the man towering over you, who was panting slightly, shoulders tight, tall and intimidating, before he grabbed your hips and manhandled you onto your stomach again. You yelped, and even more so when he ripped the plug out of your puckered hole, the sudden stretch to it burning badly, sending a new batch of hot tears into your eyes.

You were prone on the bed, his big hand on your folded arms pressing you into the soft mattress. The girls were gone, the loss of their added stimulation ripping a hole into your stomach. A whine escaped you as he sat down on your thighs, holding you in place with his weight, before you felt his hands kneading your tender ass cheeks, groping and pulling, opening you up, until his hard, hot cock pressed against your sphincter, bullying it to give way. The friction was horrible, you knew he went in raw, there was no preparation, no lube except your own juices, the stretch of the plug long forgotten by your tense muscles.

A scream ripped from your throat when he rolled his hips into you in one swift thrust, forcing his way deeper into your ass until all of him was inside of you. All you could do was sob, unable to move, unable to find any other kind of relief, the orgasm that had been so close long deflated inside you, fizzled away and overridden by nothing but burning pain.

He shifted on top of you, putting more weight onto your small body, and you were glad about the soft bed, the bounce of the mattress, but it wasn't enough to alleviate the scorching sensation when he started moving within you. Somehow this position was worse than when he had taken your ass on the bench that hadn't been as forgiving, but the way he moved, with your legs closed and your muscles extra tight, it hurt so bad. He seemed to carve his way into your body, invading a passage that shouldn't be open to him, and yet he took it, pushed and pulled, hips slamming against your cushioned but bruised rear, in and out, always as deep as possible with his balls slapping against your quivering thighs.

But he wasn't rocking your body, instead he kept it still and in place, his hands on your hips, pressing down hard, not allowing you to move to get the slightest of friction to your clit. You were immobile on the bed as he pounded into your ass, chasing his own orgasm that seemed to be on the far horizon. It went on and on, in and out, deep and hard, stab after stab against tense muscles that clenched harder with every brutal plunge.

You were whimpering quietly, your voice too strained to produce any louder noises, while tears clouded your vision. Teetering on the edge, but not of pleasure, you succumbed to his assault, hoping to become numb to it soon, but no such luck. Your senses were kept alert, either by a slight change of angle, or a switch to a slower pace, or when he moved his hands along your body, from gripping your hips to curling his fingers around your shoulders, or grabbing your nape and pressing you into the pillow.

The bed bounced and creaked under the strain of his big body squishing yours, of his cock forcing its way into you over and over again, and you felt your mind swimming, a strange kind of vertigo crashing through your senses. You felt sick, nauseous, that constant plunge into your guts a horrible sensation, and when you thought you'd have to throw up as your stomach tensed, he was digging his fingers into the soft flesh of your hips and stilled deep inside you, before he grunted and groaned as he emptied himself into your abused depths.

You felt the hot ropes of cum painting your insides, filling you up, you could almost taste it, or maybe it was just bile and the memory of his spend in your throat, you couldn't be sure. Your head was throbbing and spinning, your eyelids heavy but somehow you weren't able to close them, stared ahead blankly, drool pooling beneath your cheek on the pillow. Your body was trembling, cold shivers crashing through you when he moved back, slipping out of you, and your hole gaped and clenched hopelessly, his warm seed seeping out in thick globs.

Exhaustion washed over you, like a dark sheet covering your soiled body, hiding you from the abusive world (and people) around you.

Chapter 2+3 🔻 Chapter 4 🔺 Chapter 5+6

End notes: I realize our guy sounds a bit cultish here ("welcome to the flock"), but I promise you this is not a cult, he's just a fucked-up man, a collector if you will. More "plot" is coming soon!

New chapter every Saturday at around 9pm CEST!

Thank you for braving this depravity reading!

MASTERLIST 🔻 AO3 🔻 ORIGINAL WORKS

[geeky-nightphilosopher]

Things I wholeheartedly believe about the Wayne Kids and why I believe them:

1. The Wayne kids at gala's naturally migrate to Lois and Clark first, even before Gotham reporters. No, it's not because Clark is/was the first person outside of the family that Bruce truly trusts - it's because even though Lois and Clark do everything to get to the bottom of the story, the truth to the story, they are nice and not looking for money or gossip. And the kids can be themselves.

2. (I made this before, but I want to repeat it.) Handwriting. Each kid knows how to forge every single person they knows handwriting. (All of them.) It's their superpower. It makes Bruce crazy and it's easy to prank people... and helpful sometimes.

3. Despite their turbulent relationship with Bruce, they are loyal to Bruce and Alfred. And each other. Not only is it because they are family, but because when it comes down to it, Bruce and Alfred have always been on their side.

4. Jason owns several bookstores. Some book stores are like libraries where they can check books out, some you have to spend actual money at to read them. It doends on what side of town you live in. It's too help youth get back into reading.

5. Tim, Jason, and Damian play D&D together. I don't actually have a reason for this, but I believe it. Sometimes, they rope Jon, Kon, Roy, Wally, and several others to play. Not Dick though. Dick- somehow - always cheats.

6. Dick and Duke's favorite chickflick movies are; She's The Man and the Devil Wears Parada. Steph's favorite is Legally Blonde 1&2. Cass likes Miss Congeniality. Jason's and Tim's favorite is any Hallmark Movie. And Damian thinks they're all insufferable.

7. Damian goes to the park to feed ducks and secretly has a duck army. He also feeds stray cats.

8. Selena loves all the kids. But Dick will always be her favorite because he helped soften Bruce and help give him some humanity and light back.

9. Duke once stopped a school shooter. As Duke, not Signal. I don't have a reason for this. He just did. I feel it in my blood.

10. Jason and Cass sometimes keep an eye on Gotham Academy, where Duke and Damian are. They'll watch from roof tops. Jason will say it's because he's looking for drug dealers, but secretly, ever since the school shooter scared, he's been worried about his brothers. Cass does it because she saw one of the teachers at a Gala once, and the teacher made her feel uncomfortable.

11. (Another post I made, but still.) The only people allowed to make fun of Dick and Damian's accents are those those who are in the family and are close friends of the family. Anyone outside that group gets pummeled or worse. One time, a minor Leaguer made a joke about Nightwing's accent, and it took Batman and Superman to get Jason off the them.

12. Anytime an article comes out ranking the Wayne boys' hottest list- Steph always doodles on their picture and Snaps them with things like; "Ew, since when did you have a stache?," or "Lol, you look like Clark."

13. Cass will join one of her brother's teams occasionally. And when she does, the only ones that interact with her outside her brother's are the ones closest to them. Tim's team of Young Justice hides when she comes.

14. Steph, Duke, Damian, and Jason are the athletes in the family. Cass, Dick, and Tim don't care much, but will play despite being athletic themselves.

15. Bruce has a swimming pool and hot tub. Can he ever use it? No.

16. Selena and Talia have fought against each other. Somehow, they are evenly matched.

17. Diana, Harley, Lois, Dinah, Ivy, and Selena will have girl days. Sometimes, they'll allow Steph, Barbra, and Cass with them. The boys are jealous.

18. As an April Fools joke, one year, Wally and Barbra convinced Dick they were dating. It put him in shock for three days.

19. Jason won't admit it, but Tim and Dick are evenly matched on favorite brothers. Duke's favorite is Jason, Damian's favorite is Dick. Dick loves them all equally and Tim's favorite is Duke.

20. Alfred has multiple scrapbooks for each of his grandkids and son.

[cheeseponderer]

To add on to my post about blushing virgin Bruce: just imagine the first time Clark calls him baby!?!?

It’s bound to happen because, come on. It’s Clark Kent, aka the walking country farm boy stereotype. Its practically ingrained into his system to say all those annoyingly sweet nicknames like sweetheart and darlin’ and fucking cupcake

Anyway, the first time it does actually happen, its when Bruce is having one of his little fits because he let the joker get away or something. Hes been ignoring everyone and refusing to come out of his cave for hours and Clark is getting worried; he’s been practically begging Bruce on hands and knees to just eat something when it slips out-

“Baby, will you please just come upstairs for dinner?”

Bruce then promptly freezes in his rapid typing, which causes Clark to freeze(woah! Domino effect) because he thinks something is wrong with Bruce.

“Baby? You okay?”

When Clark reaches out to rub his shoulder in an attempt at comfort, Bruce makes no sound and doesn’t even look at clark; he just stands up, grabs Clarks hand, and starts leading them to the elevator like this is a perfectly normal thing to do

Clark hesitantly lets himself be lead, feeling both triumphant and scared because theres no way Bruce Wayne just caved so easily after only like one hour of whatever you call what Clark was doing. (Begging? Torture? Manipulation? Depends on the perspective; bruce would probably say all three)

Clark is getting suspicious, so even though both the elevator ride up and dinner are dead silent and kinda awkward he doesn’t really mind, because it gives him time to workshop his theory

When he actually gets to test it out, its because Bruce is glued to his monitors(again), this time in his office instead of the batcave. Clark asks him 3 or 4 times to just come to bed because hes so obviously tired and when bruce doesn’t listen(as predicted,) Clark just leans against the doorframe, raises an eyebrow and says-

“C’mon baby, you know you want to”

He purposely uses that soft, kryptonian voice he has saved away for almost-end-of-the-world speeches. Bruce does that thing again where he freezes up and sort of stops breathing; and when he doesn’t move for a few moments Clark is about to furrow his brow and ask if hes alright, but then bruce is standing up and crossing the room at record time and. Guess what.

Hes blushing.

Bruce actually lets Clark lead them to his bedroom hand in hand. Are you kidding.

Clark hides the biggest smile ever in Bruces hair when he climbs into bed and starts clinging to Clark like a koala, because holy motherfuck he just cracked the code to the universe

This is half baked at best but you guys see what im going for right

[lila-lou]

✨Settled - 3/4✨

Summary: With you, Dean Winchester feels something he never expected—a reason to slow down, to stay. One nervous first date is all it takes to make him want more than the road.

Pairing: Dean x Reader

Warnings: Language

Word Count: 6944

DISCLAIMER: Everything is purely fiction. I do not intend to attack or hurt anyone. The story is, of course, entirely made up and meant for entertainment purposes.

A few days passed in a blur of easy mornings and late-night phone calls, the kind where neither of you wanted to hang up first.

Dean healed faster than you'd expected, not magically, but steadily. The deep bruises faded into dull yellows and greens, the worst of the cuts knitted themselves closed with only faint scars left behind.

You still didn’t press him about how he got hurt. Even though it gnawed at you sometimes, wondering what kind of life he really lived.

He had told you, with that same gravel-rough honesty you were already addicted to, "It’s probably safer for you if you don’t know, sweetheart".

And somehow… you trusted that. You trusted him. You knew he'd tell you when he could. When he was ready.

Right now, though, Dean had other things on his mind. And none of them had to do with the urgent hunter meeting going on around him.

He sat slouched in one of the worn leather chairs in the bunker’s library, one boot propped up on the edge of the table, phone cradled loosely in one hand.

Cas was standing stiffly by the bookcases, his arms crossed, brow furrowed. Jack sat perched on the edge of his seat, eager and attentive. Sam was pacing the room with a grim look, flipping through an old lore book. "…if the rumors are true", Sam said, his voice serious, "and Crowley’s somehow managed to claw his way back from the Empty, then we’ve got a real problem on our hands".

Cas nodded grimly. "It would explain the sudden surge of demonic activity in the Midwest".

Dean, meanwhile, was not paying attention. At all. He smirked down at his phone, thumbs moving quickly across the screen.

Dean: miss you, sweetheart. when can i see you again?

He barely noticed the sharp glance Sam shot his way. "You even listening, man?", Sam snapped.

Dean looked up with the lazy innocence of a teenager caught texting in class. "Yeah, yeah. Crowley. Bad. Got it".

Sam huffed in frustration and kept talking, but Dean had already tuned him out again, his mind full of you.

You replied almost instantly, because of course you did. Dean could practically feel you smiling through the screen.

You: Come over later. I’ll cook again. (Or attempt to).

Dean grinned so wide it hurt.

Dean: you could burn water and i’d still show up, sweetheart.

Across the table, Jack leaned in closer to Sam, whispering, "Is Dean okay? He looks… weirdly happy".

Sam glanced at his brother, the little half-smile playing on Dean’s face, the way his shoulders were relaxed for once, and sighed heavily. "Yeah", Sam muttered. "That’s the problem".

Dean didn’t even hear him. He was already typing again.

Dean: can’t wait to get my hands on you, baby.

He hardly lasted through another fifteen minutes of "serious talk" before he finally stood up, grabbed his jacket, and mumbled something about "important business" that absolutely nobody believed. Sam watched him go, jaw tight, arms crossed over his chest.

Jack tilted his head, looking genuinely confused. "Where's he going?". Cas just stared blankly after Dean, clearly not following either.

Sam sighed heavily, rubbing a hand down his face. "To her".

Jack blinked. "Oh… you mean his girlfriend?".

Sam’s jaw ticked slightly. "Yeah. His… girlfriend".

The word tasted strange in his mouth. Because it wasn’t like Dean to have that, not really. And not this quick, this serious. Dean didn’t date. He didn’t get attached. He flirted, he charmed, he left. But this? This was different.

Sam had seen the way Dean smiled at his phone like a damn teenager. Had seen the way he physically relaxed after hearing your voice, like you were the only thing keeping him from unraveling entirely. And that scared the hell out of him. Because Dean Winchester didn’t get nice things. Didn’t get normal.

And as much as Sam wanted it for him — God, he wanted it — there was still that ugly, gnawing knot in his gut. You didn’t know. Not really. Not about the bunker. Not about the hunting. Not about the monsters in the dark that were more real than fairytales.

And Dean, for all his bravado, was falling so hard, so fast, Sam could already see the wreckage if this all blew up. If Dean lost you… Sam didn’t know if his brother would recover. Because Dean wasn’t interested anymore. Dean wasn’t distracted anymore. Dean was in love. And it was written all over him.

Dean shoved the bunker door open and climbed into the Impala, grinning like a fool. He didn’t even fight it anymore. For the first time in his life, he wasn’t thinking about demons or vampires or some ancient curse looming over his head. He was thinking about you. Your laugh. The way you looked half-asleep in his arms. The way you kissed him like he mattered.

Dean didn’t want to hint anymore. Didn’t want to dance around it. He wanted you. Every minute he spent away from you felt like a waste now. He didn’t care about being wrapped in another motel bed, another dirty town, another case. He wanted to be wrapped up in you. In your sheets. In your life. In something normal. You.

Dean didn’t bother knocking. He never did these days, not when you always left the door unlocked for him, like you wanted him to walk right in, like you trusted him that much.

But this time, he hesitated for half a second, standing there on your porch, heart pounding in his chest harder than it ever had against monsters or demons. Because this? This was real. This was you. And Dean Winchester had never wanted anything more.

Before he could second-guess himself, the door swung open and there you were.

Fresh from the shower, wrapped in nothing but a fluffy towel, your skin still dewy from the heat, your hair damp and clinging to your shoulders.

Dean froze. Absolutely, utterly froze. For a second, he forgot how to breathe.

You blinked up at him, a little startled, your cheeks immediately warming when you saw the way he was looking at you, like he’d just been punched in the gut.

"Hey", you said, a little breathless.

Dean just stood there, jaw slack.

Then, somehow, he found his voice. "Shit, sweetheart", he rasped, his eyes raking over you slowly, reverently. "You tryin' to kill me?".

You flushed deeper, pulling the towel a little tighter around yourself, your bare legs shifting under his gaze.

Dean finally remembered to move, stepping inside and closing the door behind him with a soft click, his green eyes never leaving you. "You could’ve texted me you were gonna look like…". He gestured vaguely, his throat working as he swallowed hard. "…that. Might’ve prepared myself a little".

You laughed shyly, backing up a few steps toward the hall. "I didn’t know you’d be this fast", you teased, your heart hammering in your chest just from the way he was looking at you, like he wanted to memorize every inch of you.

His hands came up slowly, giving you time to stop him if you wanted, but you didn’t. You never did.

One rough hand brushed your damp hair back from your face, his fingers skimming your jaw. "You’re so beautiful", he said, like it physically hurt him to get it out.

You laughed softly, reaching up to rest your hand over his chest, feeling the solid, steady beat of his heart under your palm. "And you’re sappy", you whispered.

Dean huffed a low chuckle, but he didn’t deny it. Not anymore. Not with you. "I missed you", he murmured, ducking his head to press a kiss to your temple, then your cheek, then the corner of your mouth, slow, lingering kisses that made your knees weak.

"You saw me two days ago", you teased again, your voice shaky with how much you wanted him already.

"Too long", he muttered against your skin.

You tilted your head back to look at him, really look at him, and your heart ached at what you saw. He looked… lighter. There were still faint bruises on his jaw, but his eyes were clearer now. His face softer, less tense. The heavy weight he always seemed to carry was still there, it probably always would be, but right now, it was tucked away under something else. Something new. Something that looked a hell of a lot like hope.

Dean kissed you again, slow and deep, the kind of kiss that made time stop, that said everything he couldn’t yet.

When you finally broke apart, breathless, he leaned his forehead against yours. "You got any plans tonight, sweetheart?", he asked, voice low and rough.

You smiled. "Not anymore".

Dean grinned, that cocky little tilt of his mouth you loved so much, but there was something softer under it now. Something real. "Good", he murmured, brushing his nose against yours. "’Cause I was thinkin'… maybe I just stay a while".

You felt your heart jump at Dean’s words, stay a while, but you played it cool, just smiling up at him, brushing your fingers lightly along the stubble on his jaw.

Dean caught the tiny flicker of emotion in your eyes, that flash of hope, and it made his chest ache. But he didn’t press it. He didn’t have to. "Go finish getting ready", he murmured, running his thumb gently along your cheekbone. "I’ll find somethin' to keep me busy".

You laughed softly, stepping away, feeling the way his eyes lingered on you until you disappeared down the hall.

Dean stood in your living room for a second, taking it in. The soft light, the faint scent of your shampoo still hanging in the air, the little touches that made this place yours. He breathed it all in like it was better than fresh air.

He shrugged off his jacket, tossing it over the back of the couch, and wandered toward the kitchen, finding two beers in the fridge without asking. When you came back a few minutes later, your hair damp but brushed, wearing a pair of soft shorts and a simple shirt, he was sitting at the table, casually sipping his beer, flipping lazily through his phone. Like he belonged there. Like it was normal.

You padded barefoot toward him, tugging a towel through your hair a little absently.

Dean looked up the second he heard you and smiled, not the cocky smirk he used with the world, but the real one, the one he didn’t give away easily. "You’re gonna get sick if you leave it wet like that, sweetheart", he teased, setting his beer down and standing.

You rolled your eyes, but before you could argue, Dean was gently tugging the towel from your hands, guiding you by the hips toward the chair he’d just vacated.

You sat without thinking, your heart skipping.

Dean moved behind you, all careful hands and quiet movements, running the towel through your damp hair with surprising tenderness.

"You don't have to", you murmured, but your voice was soft, already losing the battle.

Dean huffed quietly under his breath, not annoyed, just fond. "I want to", he said simply, echoing your words from days ago when you’d cleaned him up.

You smiled down at your hands, letting him work. Dean was careful not to tug or pull, his big hands surprisingly gentle as he rubbed the towel through your hair, fluffing it up, brushing it back with his fingers. Every once in a while, he dropped a kiss to the top of your head without even thinking about it. Neither of you said much. And somehow, it was better that way.

When he finished, he tossed the towel onto the table, sliding his hands down your shoulders, squeezing lightly. "All done", he said, a rough tenderness in his voice.

You turned in the chair to look up at him, standing there in his jeans and flannel shirt, looking every bit the tough guy he always was, but with those soft green eyes locked onto you like you were the only thing he saw.

"Thanks", you said, your voice catching a little.

Dean shrugged one shoulder, trying to play it cool, but his hand lingered on your back, warm and solid. "No big deal", he muttered. "Gotta take care of my girl, right?".

The words slipped out so casually, like he didn’t even realize he’d said them. But your heart jumped all the same.

Dean caught the look on your face, realized what he said, and instead of pulling back, instead of joking it away like he might’ve once, he just smiled a little sheepishly. Not too much. Not too serious. Just… real.

Another week slipped by like a dream, filled with stolen kisses, lazy mornings tangled in bed, quiet conversations under the covers when neither of you wanted to move.

And now here you were again, wrapped up in Dean's arms, naked and completely spent, your skin still humming from the way he’d loved you like he had all the time in the world. Your head rested on Dean’s chest, your fingers absentmindedly tracing lazy patterns over his skin. His hand moved slowly up and down your back, his touch soothing, like he never wanted to let you go.

You stayed like that for a long time, breathing together, hearts beating in the same slow rhythm.

Dean was half asleep, you could tell, his body warm and heavy against yours, his breathing slow and deep, but his hand never stopped moving on your back. Never stopped touching you like he needed the reassurance that you were still there.

You shifted slightly, your voice soft against the quiet. "Dean?".

He hummed low in his throat, a deep, lazy sound that rumbled through his chest under your ear.

You smiled a little, tracing a circle around a faint scar on his ribs. "I was thinking…", you started, hesitating just a second.

Dean’s hand stilled for a moment on your back, his body tensing ever so slightly, barely noticeable if you didn’t know him like you did.

"I was thinking…", you repeated, softer, "next time… maybe I could come over to your place".

There was a small pause. Not long. Just enough for you to feel him draw in a slow, careful breath. Dean shifted under you, just a little, his hand smoothing down your spine, settling low on your back again like he was grounding himself. "My place, huh?", he said, his voice low and rough with sleep, but there was a thread of something else in it too. Something heavier.

You nodded against his chest, your fingers still tracing light patterns on his skin. "I mean… if you want. I'd like to see where you live".

Another small pause. You lifted your head slightly, just enough to see his face, the way his jaw tightened, the way his eyes opened slowly, flickering with something you couldn’t quite name.

Dean stared up at the ceiling for a moment, silent. Then he looked down at you, those green eyes soft, careful, full of so much you felt it in your bones. "You really wanna see it?", he asked, like maybe you didn’t know what you were asking for.

You nodded again, smiling shyly. "Yeah".

Dean’s throat worked as he swallowed hard. He dragged a hand slowly up your back, into your hair, cradling the back of your head. "You got no idea what you're askin’, sweetheart", he said quietly. Not a warning, not really. Just… honest. But he didn’t say no. He didn’t pull away. Instead, he leaned up slightly and kissed your forehead, slow, lingering, like he was sealing some silent promise between you. "Alright", he murmured against your skin. "Next time… you come to me".

The Impala rumbled steadily down the old two-lane highway, the afternoon sun stretching long shadows across the fields on either side.

You sat in the passenger seat, one hand resting lightly on the curve of the door, the other curled up against your thigh, stealing little glances at Dean over the dashboard every few minutes.

He looked good. Better than you’d ever seen him. Relaxed, almost. His hand loose on the wheel, his other arm stretched out casually across the back of the bench seat like it belonged there, like you belonged there too.

But even through the calm exterior, you could feel it, a tension just under his skin. The way his thumb tapped a nervous rhythm against the wheel. The way he kept glancing at you like he was about to say something and thought better of it.

You shifted slightly, smiling softly. "You okay over there, Winchester?".

Dean gave a rough little chuckle, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. "Yeah. Just…". He trailed off, staring straight ahead at the empty road. "…lot on my mind".

You waited, giving him space. Dean’s grip tightened slightly on the wheel. He exhaled through his nose, like he was bracing for a hit. "You know, uh… this life of mine…", he started, voice low, rough, almost apologetic. "It’s not… normal".

You turned your head fully toward him, frowning slightly at the tone. "I know you’re not exactly a nine-to-five guy", you said lightly, trying to ease the heaviness in his voice.

Dean huffed a breath, a half-laugh, half-sigh, but he shook his head. "Nah, sweetheart. It’s more than that".

You stayed quiet, letting him get there at his own pace.

Dean shifted his hands on the wheel again, jaw clenching like he was forcing the words out. "I ain’t who you think I am", he said finally, his voice low, almost breaking. "And the place we’re goin’, it ain’t some cozy little apartment. It’s… different".

You could hear the fear behind his words, not fear for himself. Fear of you seeing the truth and leaving. Fear of losing you before he really even got to keep you. You reached out, laying your hand gently on his thigh, squeezing softly. "Dean", you said, your voice steady, full of something so certain it made his head snap toward you. "You don’t have to be scared. Whatever it is… I’m not running".

Dean stared at you, really stared, like he was trying to burn your face into memory, just in case. He looked wrecked. Hopeful. Terrified. "You say that now", he muttered, looking away again, his knuckles white on the wheel. "But once you see it… once you know…".

"I’ll still be here", you said simply. No hesitation. No fear.

Dean blew out a slow breath, like he didn’t dare believe you yet, but some tiny part of him wanted to. Needed to.

A little while later, Dean turned the Impala off with a heavy sigh, his hand lingering on the keys for a second longer than necessary.

You looked around, blinking at the place he’d pulled into, a massive, dimly lit underground garage, walls of concrete and old stone. A few other cars sat parked along the edges, all different makes and models, most of them a little beat-up but clearly loved. It was… strange. But not scary.

You shifted slightly in your seat, taking it all in. The place felt… ancient. Solid. Like it had been here longer than you could imagine, untouched by the world above. The walls were lined with pipes and heavy iron beams; old, yellowed lights buzzed quietly overhead.

It should have felt cold. Claustrophobic, maybe. But somehow, with Dean sitting beside you, his hand still resting loosely on the keys, it didn’t. It just felt… important.

Dean finally pulled the keys from the ignition with a soft jingle, breaking the silence between you. He sat back against the seat, scrubbing a hand over his face like he was still bracing himself.

You touched his forearm lightly, your fingers brushing over the leather of his jacket. He turned his head toward you, his green eyes wary, searching. "You sure you’re ready for this, sweetheart?", he asked, voice rough but low, almost tender.

You gave him a small, sure smile. "I’m with you. That’s all that matters".

Something in his face cracked then, something he’d been holding tight behind all those layers for far too long. He didn't smile right away. He just looked at you.

Finally, he nodded, slow and a little shaky. "Okay", he muttered. "Let’s go".

You both climbed out of the Impala, your footsteps echoing slightly in the wide, empty space. Dean instinctively came around the car to your side, reaching for your hand, not pulling, just holding, as he led you toward a heavy metal door set into the far wall.

He punched in a code on a faded old keypad, the lock clanking open with a mechanical groan. "You’ll get used to it", he muttered as he pushed the door open, glancing back at you. You squeezed his hand in silent reassurance.

The door swung wide, revealing a long stone hallway lit by low, warm lights spaced out along the ceiling. It felt like stepping back in time. The air smelled faintly of old paper, leather, and something metallic you couldn’t quite place.

Dean led you through the hallway, his thumb stroking absent circles against the back of your hand. You could feel the tension in his shoulders, how tightly wound he was, even now, even with you.

At the end of the hall, the space opened up and your breath caught in your throat.

An enormous library stretched out in front of you, sprawling and beautiful in its own rugged way. Tall, arched ceilings. Walls lined with ancient books. Heavy tables covered in open lore books, scattered notes, and maps. It wasn’t just a bunker. It was a sanctuary.

Dean tugged you a little closer instinctively, his hand firm but careful at the small of your back. And that’s when you spotted them. Three figures were gathered near one of the central tables, a tall man with long hair you instantly recognized as Sam, a serious-looking guy in a wrinkled trench coat (Cas, Dean had said?), and a younger man who was practically vibrating with energy.

Dean let out a low groan under his breath. "Great", he muttered. "Full house".

You smiled to yourself but squeezed his hand tighter in encouragement.

Sam looked up first, blinking in surprise, then smiled warmly. "Dean", he said, his voice carrying easily through the vast space. "Didn’t know you were bringing… company".

Dean gave a stiff little nod, tugging you slightly closer to his side like he was ready to physically shield you from whatever might happen next.

Jack bounced to his feet, waving enthusiastically. "Hi! I’m Jack! You must be Dean’s Girlfriend!".

Dean groaned again, under his breath this time. You laughed softly, squeezing his hand once more in reassurance before stepping forward with a shy, warm smile. "I’m (Y/N)", you said, your voice steady even though your heart was pounding a little.

Cas nodded slightly from where he stood, his head tilting in a way that was somehow both curious and cautious. "I am Castiel", he said in a deep, gravelly voice. "It’s good that you're here. Dean has not emotionally bonded with another human at this level in quite some time. It is essential for his psychological—".

Dean nearly choked. "Alright, that's enough, Cas", he barked quickly, cutting him off.

Before you could even blink, Dean’s arm slid firmly around your waist, steering you away from the others, his hand warm and strong at the small of your back. "Come on", he muttered, his voice low and gruff. "Let’s get you somethin’ to drink".

You laughed under your breath, letting him guide you down another wide hallway. You could still hear Jack’s excited voice bouncing off the stone walls behind you, and Sam’s low, tired sigh trying to wrangle him.

Dean didn’t slow down until you were tucked safely inside what looked like a wide, industrial-style kitchen, all old metal fixtures and worn tile floors. He let go of you reluctantly, moving to the fridge and grabbing a couple of beers. "Sorry about that", he muttered, handing you one without quite meeting your eyes. "Cas, uh… he means well. Just doesn’t really do that whole ‘filter’ thing".

You smiled, popping the cap off your beer and watching him as he leaned back against the counter, taking a long pull from his. "It’s okay", you said, stepping a little closer to him. "I like them. They seem… real".

Dean huffed a soft laugh, finally meeting your gaze and the tension in his shoulders eased just a little. "Yeah", he said. "They're real, alright. Real pain in my ass, sometimes".

But there was no heat behind the words. Just affection. The kind of deep, bone-deep loyalty that didn’t come easy and never went away once Dean gave it.

You leaned against the counter next to him, bumping your shoulder lightly against his. He bumped you back, just a gentle nudge, but the way his hand brushed lightly over the small of your back again told you everything he couldn’t say yet.

Dean watched you as you looked around the kitchen, the worn-in coziness of it despite the cold stone walls, the little signs of life tucked into corners: a coffee pot that looked like it ran 24/7, mugs with cracks repaired in the handles, faded notes pinned haphazardly to a corkboard. It was lived-in. Real. Just like him. And somehow, it made you fall for him even harder.

Dean watched your face, watched the way you didn’t shrink back, didn’t judge, didn’t run, and something in his chest loosened painfully. "You’re takin' this all a hell of a lot better than I thought you would", he said quietly, voice rough but full of something almost like wonder.

You smiled at him, small, sure, solid, the same way you always did when he needed it most. "I’m here for you, Dean", you said simply. "Wherever that leads".

Dean stared at you for a long moment, long enough that you started to wonder if you’d said too much, too soon. Then he leaned in slowly, cupping your cheek in his rough, calloused hand, and kissed you. It was slow, sweet, a little tentative, like he was still afraid you might disappear. You kissed him back just as slowly, your hand resting over his heart, feeling it hammering beneath your palm.

When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against yours, his breath warm and shaky. "God, sweetheart", he whispered, voice cracking just slightly, "you’re gonna ruin me".

You smiled, brushing your thumb along his jaw. "Maybe", you whispered back. "But I’ll take good care of you".

Dean let out a shaky laugh, the kind that sounded almost like a sob if you listened close enough, and kissed you again, softer this time, more certain.

A little while later, you found yourself perched on the kitchen counter, your legs swinging gently back and forth as you nursed the last of your beer. Dean stood a few feet away, leaning casually against the counter opposite you, his arms crossed over his broad chest. His beer sat forgotten beside him, his green eyes locked onto you, studying you like he was trying to figure out how to start.

You gave him a teasing little smile, tipping the neck of your beer toward him. "You’re staring", you said lightly.

Dean huffed out a soft laugh through his nose, shifting his weight. "Yeah", he said, voice low, almost fond. "Hard not to".

Your cheeks warmed a little, but you didn’t look away. Something hung in the air between you, heavy, expectant, and you knew he was building up to something.

Dean pushed off the counter slowly, coming to stand in front of you. His hands rested on the edge of the counter on either side of your thighs, caging you in, but not in a way that made you feel trapped. Safe. Protected. Always.

He dipped his head a little, meeting your eyes seriously now. "Listen, sweetheart…", he started, then paused, searching your face. "You know how I said this life ain’t normal?".

You nodded, your heart picking up a little.

He blew out a breath. "Thing is… it's not construction jobs and road trips or shit like that".

You tilted your head slightly, giving him an encouraging look.

Dean’s fingers tapped a restless rhythm against the counter near your hip. "You ever hear about, uh… monsters?".

You blinked at him. Then laughed. "Monsters?", you repeated, grinning. "What, like… vampires and werewolves?".

Dean didn’t smile. Didn’t laugh. He just looked at you, steady and serious.

The grin slipped off your face slowly. "You’re… kidding", you said after a beat, still trying to keep your tone light.

"I wish I was", he muttered.

You stared at him, trying to process, trying to figure out if this was some kind of elaborate joke. "So what", you said slowly, setting your empty beer bottle aside, "you’re telling me you fight… what? Vampires? Ghosts? The damn boogeyman?".

Dean nodded, almost apologetically. "And demons, shapeshifter… whatever you can think of", he added.

You laughed again, a little nervously this time, studying his face for any sign he was messing with you. But there wasn’t even a flicker of teasing. Dean Winchester was dead serious. "Come on", you said, trying to smile, trying to give him an out. "You’re messing with me".

Dean’s hands shifted slightly, his fingers brushing against your thighs as if grounding himself, or maybe you. "I ain’t", he said quietly. "I swear to you, sweetheart. Every word’s the truth".

You searched his face — the open sincerity there, the raw edge of nerves in his eyes — and your heart stuttered. He wasn’t joking. He wasn’t lying. This was real. Or at least… real to him. You swallowed thickly, your mind spinning.

Dean watched you carefully, like he was waiting for you to bolt, for you to laugh in his face for real, for you to do all the things he’d been terrified you might once you knew. But you didn’t. You just looked at him. At the man who had held you through the night, who had kissed you like you were his whole world, who had never once made you feel unsafe even though he carried the weight of monsters in his blood. And you stayed.

"You’re serious", you said finally, your voice soft but steady.

Dean nodded once. "Yeah", he said roughly. "I am".

You let out a shaky breath and gave a small, almost disbelieving laugh, not because you thought he was crazy, but because your heart was doing that stupid, reckless thing where it told you it didn’t matter.

Dean shifted a little where he stood in front of you, still watching you so carefully, like he was waiting for you to crack under the weight of everything he was trying to tell you. You didn’t. You just gave him a small, slightly overwhelmed smile and said, “Okay. So… tell me”.

Dean blinked, clearly not expecting that response. “You sure?”, he asked, voice rough. “Ain’t exactly bedtime story material”.

You nodded, bracing your hands on the edge of the counter behind you. “I’m listening”.

Dean ran a hand through his hair and huffed a slow breath. “Alright”, he said, voice settling into that low, familiar rumble you loved. “Where do I even start?”. He paced a little in front of you, gathering his thoughts. “Vampires are real”, he began, ticking it off like a checklist. “Werewolves, ghosts, demons. Witches, too. Sirens, banshees… shapeshifters”.

You stared at him, wide-eyed, trying to absorb it all.

Dean gave a humorless chuckle. “Yeah, I know how it sounds. Trust me, I didn’t believe it either, not at first.”

You tucked a damp strand of hair behind your ear, heart pounding. “But… you hunt them?”.

Dean nodded. “Me and Sam… we grew up in it. Our dad was a hunter too. Been doin’ this since I was a kid”. He leaned back against the opposite counter, arms crossed loosely, giving you space. “You name it, we’ve probably killed it. Saved a lot of people along the way. Lost a lot too”. There was a weight in his voice when he said that, heavy, full of old wounds you hadn’t seen yet.

You swallowed hard, feeling the edges of your reality tilt a little. It sounded insane. It was insane. But the thing was — Dean wasn’t insane. He was the most solid, real thing you’d ever known. You nodded slowly, trying to piece it all together. “You’re like… real-life ghostbusters?”.

Dean barked out a short, rough laugh and for the first time in minutes, some of the tension in him eased. “Yeah”, he said, smirking. “Minus the whole ‘gettin’ paid’ part”.

You smiled back, still reeling, still trying to process, but you meant it. You were listening. Really listening. Even if part of your brain was still insisting this couldn’t be real.

Meanwhile, down the hallway, just out of sight, Castiel was standing dead still, his head tilted toward the kitchen in that weird, birdlike way he had when he was concentrating.

Sam passed by, carrying a stack of books. He frowned when he saw Cas just standing there, motionless. “Cas?”, he asked cautiously. “What are you doing?”.

“I am observing”, Castiel said simply, his voice low.

Jack came bounding up behind them, nearly bouncing in excitement. “Observing what?”.

Cas turned his head slightly, still keeping his focus on the conversation you and Dean were having inside the kitchen. “Dean is explaining to (Y/N) the nature of our reality”, he said solemnly. “She appears… confused. But receptive”.

Sam’s face tightened. “Cas…”, he said slowly, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “You’re eavesdropping”.

Cas blinked at him, looking genuinely confused. “I am… monitoring”, he corrected, as if that made it perfectly acceptable.

Jack grinned. “Dean’s totally in love with her”, he whispered loudly.

Sam groaned under his breath. “Yeah, kid”, he muttered. “I know”.

Back in the kitchen, Dean hadn’t noticed his unofficial surveillance team yet. He was too busy watching you, the way your face shifted from disbelief to curiosity to something softer as he kept talking. “You’re taking this better than most people would”, he said after a moment, his voice quieter now. “Hell, better than I did, when I was a kid”.

You let out a long, slow sigh, setting your empty beer bottle down on the counter beside you. Dean’s eyes flicked to the movement, his shoulders tensing slightly like he was bracing for you to bolt. Instead, you slid forward on the counter just a little, your knees brushing lightly against his hips where he stood in front of you. "You don’t seem like a nuts guy", you said softly, giving him a small, tired smile.

Dean’s eyebrows lifted slightly, the corner of his mouth twitching up in something close to a grin. "Yeah?", he asked, a little rough around the edges. "Coulda fooled me".

You shook your head, reaching out to tug gently at the front of his flannel shirt, an unconscious gesture, grounding yourself with him. "You’re the most solid thing I’ve ever known, Dean", you said simply. "And maybe this all sounds crazy, sure. But you don’t".

Dean swallowed hard, his hand lifting instinctively to cradle the side of your face, his thumb brushing lightly over your cheekbone. For a long second, neither of you said anything. You just existed there — in that quiet, fragile bubble — breathing the same air, feeling the same pulse of something so much bigger than either of you could name.

"You have no idea", he murmured finally, his voice low and thick, "how much I needed to hear that".

You leaned into his hand without thinking, closing your eyes for a second, feeling the way his thumb kept moving, slow and soothing. When you opened them again, Dean was staring at you like you were the only thing in the whole damn world that made sense.

Meanwhile, back down the hallway, Jack was practically vibrating in place with excitement. "Are they gonna kiss again?", he whispered loudly.

Sam sighed heavily, dragging a hand down his face. "I don’t know, Jack. Maybe".

"I think they should kiss again", Jack said helpfully. "Dean sounds like he wants to kiss her".

Cas, still very seriously "monitoring" the situation, nodded once in agreement. "It would be logical", he said solemnly. "Physical affection often reinforces emotional bonds between humans".

Sam gave up. He turned and started walking toward the library, muttering under his breath, "I need a drink".

Jack and Cas stayed exactly where they were, still hovering near the kitchen doorway like the world's least subtle spies.

Back in the kitchen, Dean finally dropped his forehead against yours, closing his eyes. "You're somethin' else, sweetheart", he whispered, his voice rough and tender all at once.

You smiled softly and tilted your chin up just enough to brush your lips against his, a kiss so light, so gentle, it was barely more than a breath. But it was everything. Dean kissed you back, slow, lingering, like he had all the time in the world.

When he finally pulled back, he rested his forehead against yours again, breathing you in. "You’re not scared?", he asked, so quietly you barely caught it.

You opened your eyes, meeting his. "Not of you", you said simply.

Dean lingered there for a moment longer, forehead pressed against yours, like he needed to soak in your closeness just a little more. Then, without much warning, but still slow enough to be careful, he slid his hands to your hips, gripping you firmly and lifting you off the counter with effortless strength. You gasped, your hands flying up to clutch at his shoulders.

Dean just smirked, that slow, wicked little grin tugging at the corner of his mouth as he settled you against him, your legs instinctively wrapping around his waist. "Got you", he murmured against your ear, the rough scrape of his voice making you shiver.

He adjusted his hold on you easily, like you weighed nothing at all, and started walking, carrying you down the hall, away from the kitchen, toward another part of the bunker.

You laughed breathlessly, holding tighter to him. "Dean", you whispered, your heart hammering wildly against his chest.

"Yeah, sweetheart?", he rumbled, walking like he had nowhere to be but with you.

"Where are you taking me?".

Dean glanced down at you, his eyes dark and soft all at once. "Show you my room", he said simply. "’Bout time you see it".

You bit your lip, feeling heat rise to your cheeks, but you didn’t argue. You didn’t want to. Wrapped up in Dean, pressed so close you could feel every breath he took, you felt safe.

Meanwhile, back in the library, Sam was flipping through a lore book, trying very hard to mind his own business. Jack, however, was practically vibrating with excitement, bouncing slightly in his chair. Cas, standing stiffly by the table, cleared his throat.

Sam didn’t look up. He was trying so hard not to ask.

Finally, Cas spoke, in his typical, flat, utterly serious tone: "I believe", Cas announced solemnly, "that Dean and (Y/N) are going to engage in coitus".

Jack perked up immediately, grinning wide. "Really?!".

Sam closed his eyes and dropped his forehead to the table with a groan. "Cas…", he muttered into the wood. "Please. Please stop talking".

Cas tilted his head, confused. "I am simply making an observation based on physical proximity, increased body temperature, and their mutual emotional attraction".

Jack leaned forward eagerly. "That’s a good thing, right?".

Sam raised his head slowly, giving Cas a pained look. "Yes, Jack", he said tiredly. "It’s a good thing. It’s just… not something we talk about".

Cas frowned. "But Dean talks about it. Frequently".

Sam groaned again, this time louder. Jack giggled, delighted.

Cas blinked. "I thought emotional support between members of the family unit was encouraged".

Sam shoved the lore book across the table and stood up. "I’m getting a drink. A big one this time", he announced. "You two… stay here. And stop listening to Dean’s sex life, for the love of—".

He didn’t even finish. He just walked away, muttering darkly.

Jack looked up at Cas, wide-eyed. "Are they gonna get married next?".

Cas considered it very seriously. "It is… highly probable", he said after a long moment.

Jack beamed. "I hope I get to be the flower boy!".

Cas nodded, fully solemn. "I will ensure it".

———————————

A/N: Please let me know what you think.🥰 

-

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[interact-if]

Pride Month Feature #2: Suevi

Game: Suevi (Play here)

Synopsis: Suevi is about finding love and surviving in Ancient Rome... as a Germanic slave.

Tags: romance, historical fiction, low fantasy, dark

Author: Bellamy

Hi! My name is Bellamy, I’m in my mid 30s, neurodivergent, pansexual and nonbinary. My pronouns are ey/em (alternatively they/them is totally fine). IRL I’m not out and I live in Eastern Germany, originally I’m from Southwestern Germany. English is my second language.

2. Can you tell me a bit about what you’re working on right now and your journey into interactive fiction? What inspired the game/story you’re currently writing?

The IF I currently work on is called ‘Suevi’, and it’s a story set in/around 14 CE. The MC is of Germanic origin and gets enslaved. They get bought by a rich, influential Roman patrician family and have to face the struggle of being thrown into a completely different culture, that has a language they don’t know, and they’re at the very bottom of the food chain.

My journey into interactive fiction is actually relatively short. Suevi is the first IF I’m writing, and the first major project that I write. Before I started on Suevi, I hadn’t written anything bigger since my school days, I haven’t done any creative writing at all actually. And even though Suevi is only a prologue and the first chapter now, it is already the largest project I have ever written.

I remembered ‘Choose your own Adventure’ books from my childhood, and I loved them back then already. I love RPGs, and had played visual novels before, but somehow only found out about interactive fiction around half a year before I started my own IF. I fell head over heels for the interactive format.

My story is inspired by different aspects: My brother is a big history nerd and is very interested in Germanic tribes throughout history. I grew up in an area where different tribes that are said to have been Suevi settled in, and I was able to visit remains of the Roman Limes wall and different related museums in the past. A big inspiration was also the IF Defiled Hearts: The Barbarian by Haley Mattos, an amazingly written IF that I can only recommend. I wanted to give back to the IF community, and that’s what ultimately started the project.

Read on for the full interview!

3. What are some of the most rewarding or challenging aspects of writing Interactive Fiction for you?

The most rewarding aspect is definitely the feedback. It’s great to see that people enjoy my story and care enough to let me know, or give me constructive criticism to help me improve my story.

4. What does your writing process look like? Any rituals or habits? Any tips, tricks, philosophies or approaches that have worked very well for you?

It helps a lot to have one designated area dedicated to writing/working. Also, be comfortable—wear comfortable clothes, put on some music that helps to immerse you into your story if you want, maybe have a few snacks nearby and a beverage of your liking.

5. What’s the one thing you’re really proud of that you’ve written so far?

I’m not that far into writing the story just yet, but I’m rather proud of the intimate fling scenes I’ve written in chapter 1. It was a first for me, and at the beginning I really struggled to find the right words, but I know it’ll become easier with time.

6. Do you have favourite interactive fiction games, characters, scenes or authors that you’d like to recommend?

Too many! There are lots of great authors out there that deserve some spotlight, but I fear I don’t have enough time and space to name all of them. I already mentioned Defiled Hearts: The Barbarian (@defiledheartblog on tumblr), which has a very similar theme to my own IF. An amazing IF with a nonbinary RO and a trans RO is Blood Moon by Barbara Truelove (@barbwritesstuff on tumblr). A WIP IF that is completely underrated imo is Party of Four (@partyof4game on tumblr), which has an asexual RO and a nonbinary RO. Zo, the author of Party of Four, is also ace! Lastly, an author that I really look up to is C.C. Hill (@when-life-gives-you-lemons-if on tumblr). She is amazing, I love her writing, she’s incredibly inclusive and a pleasure to interact with.

7. If you were to say one thing to your readers, other authors, and/or the interactive fiction community: what would it be?

To readers: Please be kind to others. Lately there has been a massive wave of hate and harassment in the community, and it drives away kind and talented people who just want to share the stories they write. Support the works and authors you want to see more of. If you like an IF, send the author a nice message. It makes us smile and gives us the energy to continue writing.

To authors: Be kind to yourself. Take breaks. If you don't take breaks, your writing probably will be subpar, because you need a break sometimes, and you will have to fix everything you write after you actually do end up taking a break. It will also save you from feeling burnt out from writing. Don’t forget to hydrate. Only write a story if it makes you happy. You don’t owe it to anybody to continue writing a story you are fed up with; and if you don’t enjoy your own story, it will show.

[rasilco]

A Sign Of Affection ✨

Song:(Crazy Like You By Chung Ha Ft. Bibi). Tarot and Oracle cards: King Of Cups, Whale and 6th House:(Craft).

" You make me crazy like you. Just like you know that you do. Twisted me just like it's true. Pushed me and pulled me until I was crazy like you."

1- Very tall, definitely towers over you.

2- Loves catering to others, probably works in the field of service.

3- Broad shoulders, very warm smile. Soft eyes.

4- Probably has an artistic hobby. Such as painting, baking, fashion, or graphic design.

5- Homebody, does not like loud public spaces.

6- Probably has a decent group of friends. Maybe three childhood friends.

7- Enjoys rainy days, little bit moody.

8- Enjoys cleaning up their house or apartment. Very neat person. Good hygiene, probably smells like fresh linen.

9- Doesn’t like dressing up, enjoys casual wear. Laid-back style. Neutral color scheme, no bright colors or patterns in their style. Street wear and athletic wear. Loves sneakers.

10- Probably knows more than one language.

Yakuza Fiance 🐉

Song:(The Less I Know The Better By Tame Impala). Tarot and Oracle cards: Emperor, Scorpion and Mars:(Action).

"She said, "It's not now or never. Wait ten years, we'll be together. I said, better late than never. Just don't make me wait forever.”

1- Definitely has a arm sleeve or back tattoos.

2- Smirks a lot when amused by something.

3- Very observant, analyzes everything.

4- Dark features but really a lover boy.

5- Does some form of martial arts or kickboxing.

6- Enjoys cooking but doesn’t eat very much.

7- Very philosophical, looks up random things, ponders on life. Questions everything.

8- Loves jewelry, rings, necklaces, bags, and sunglasses.

9- Very sexual, gets horny looking at you in sweats and a stained t-shirt. You could be doing the most non sexual thing and they’ll be aroused.

10- Has a cat or dog preferably mixed colored animal. Like brown and white. With patterns on their fur.

Peach Girl 💗

Song:(Playdate By Melanie Martinez). Tarot and Oracle cards: King Of Wands, Lion and Mercury:(Communication).

"We're just playing hide and seek. It's getting hard to breathe under the sheets with you. I don't wanna play no games. I'm tired of always chasing, chasing after you."

1- Very athletic, muscular build but lean.

2- Enjoys when you tell them drama. Always listening and enjoying your voice. Like’s how animated you are when you talk.

3- Get's jealous if you don’t spend quality time with them. Acts like a little baby that needs attention.

4- Enjoys hot weather, probably a summer baby. Maybe a Leo. Has warmer skin tone too. And hair lots of hair.

5- Likes the color blue, wears it a lot or has a lot of blue items in their home. Maybe a favorite blue hat or shoes.

6- Likes running, cycling, and hiking. Nature boy. Loves outdoors.

7- Healthy diet, doesn’t enjoy eating fast food but will buy it for you. Even though they think it’s horrible for you.

8- Not very family oriented. Family life is very exhausting. Parents put too much pressure on them.

9- May struggle with mental health issues. Maybe anxiety or depression. Hence why they enjoy going outside and summer days.

10- May have freckles or moles on their face. Very handsome face.

Disclaimer: These readings are for entertainment purposes only. If they don’t resonate with you, feel free to explore other readers. I encourage you to enjoy the songs! Please refrain from copying my content. I will be watermarking my collage art in future readings.