#have to set my alarm a bit early so i can have a good half hour of laying in bed hating life <3

[angry-geese]

Getting off work at like ten and then having to set an alarm to get up at 6 the following morning is a special circle of hell

[hansensgirl]

💸 — 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (3/3)

summary. | The mob boss has an alternate way you can pay off your debt.

pairing. | dark!mob boss!Ari Levinson x naive!fem!reader.

chapter warnings. | NON/DUBCON, SMUT, dark themes, obsession, stalking, mob themes, manipulation, pet names, age gap, innocence kink, abuse of power, corruption kink, power imbalance, smoking (ari), debt, Daddy kink, control kink, jealousy/possessiveness, anxiety/fear, mild foreplay, vaginal sex, rough sex, praise, degradation, dirty talk, rough sex, mild choking, deceit, lying, drinking, creampie, manhandling (a bit), size kink (cock), alluded spying/stalking, and more. 18+ MINORS DNI!

word count. | ~5.6k

author’s note. | series masterlist. after a million years, here’s the final part! i hope you enjoyed this series. please enjoy the final part and don’t forget to reblog. any and all feedback (positive) is welcome. no beta, all mistakes are my own. taglist: @hansensfics. MINORS DNI! 18+ ONLY!

Time drags by slowly, each minute feeling longer than usual. Perhaps it’s because you don’t do much anymore. You continue with your regular routine, though waking up and going to bed early isn’t necessary.

Ari visits often, taking you on drives along scenic routes you never knew your city had. He sometimes stays with you at home, watching a movie while you feast on snacks. Any time you’re graced with his presence, he comes bearing gifts.

The first present required much convincing for you to accept. It was a set of rings with elegant jewels that cost more than your life. The mob boss placed each one on your fingers and kissed the pads of your digits, his lips so soft that you can still feel them.

You keep the rings locked up in your drawer, buried under items a thief wouldn’t bother searching through. Wearing them makes you feel like someone you aren’t—his girlfriend. No, you’re just his… something, for now.

The day after Ari’s first gift, he arrived on your doorstep with another.

Whenever you see him, he is always put-together. He wears expensive suits, and his hair is perfectly styled yet effortless. He’s considerate, too, always asking about your eating habits and making sure you’re doing more than well while under his care.

The second present was a pair of shoes you had secretly been vying for whenever you got the chance to window-shop downtown. Ari sat you down on your couch and gently lifted your feet, slipping the shoes on as if you were Cinderella, and he was Prince Charming.

His touch remained gentle, although you knew he isn’t always this way with others. Sometimes, you think of what Ari does when he isn’t with you. Does he torture his enemies? Lurk in the shadows? Visit restaurants that are really fronts for more lucrative operations?

You push these ideas out of your mind when you realize they’ll do you no good, as the older man often says. He catches you zoning out and getting lost in your thoughts repeatedly. It’s not as if you’re overthinking about yourself; you just can’t help but worry about the arrangement you’re in.

Unlike the rings, you wear the shoes with pride and a twang of guilt. You’re supposed to be paying Ari back, yet here he is, spoiling you into oblivion. You don’t want to ask him why. You figure it must be mobster gentlemanliness, right?

It’s been one month since the arrangement began, and you find you’re settling into it well. Ari makes sure of this, smoothing over all the wrinkles and ensuring that everything is the way it should be—the way he wants it to be.

You wake up in peace, noting that it’s half an hour later than you usually set your alarm. You even linger in bed, trying to recall your terrifying dream about running from a man who posed as an ally at first. But you never escaped, and now you have to catch your breath. You barely remember what he looked like.

On your bedside table—which is brand new after Ari replaced your old one—is a piece of paper you know you didn’t leave. You grab it and sit up, rubbing the sleep out of your eyes once you brace against the backboard.

You recognize the handwriting immediately. It’s Ari’s. You don’t question when he left it, although the older man didn’t visit yesterday. Something about a deal gone wrong made him busy. You told him you didn’t mind just so he would spare you the details.

The truth is that you did mind. You mind a lot, actually. You find yourself thinking about the mob boss almost every second of the day, like he’s some crush you hope you can have all to yourself.

*Princess,

I hope you slept nicely. Don’t tire yourself too much today. I’m taking you out tonight. Please answer the door at around 1:30. It’ll be one of my associates.

*Yours forever, Daddy

You smile as you re-read each word. You appreciate the beauty of his handwriting and the fact he took the time out of his hectic days to leave you a note.

Once the rose-coloured haze disappears, you focus on the contents of the letter. Butterflies fill your stomach, but they taunt and awaken your worries instead of making you lovesick. You haven’t gone out in forever—where will Ari take you?

You get out of bed, and instead of brushing your teeth, you begin to pace along the expanse of your small bedroom. You have nothing nice enough to wear out on the town—nothing to suit your counterpart, at least. You believe you’ll look like an utter fool next to the revered man.

You eventually will yourself to calm down. You eat a delicious breakfast and search through your closet. Nothing.

The morning bleeds into the afternoon, and before you know it, there is a knock on your door. It’s the same pattern Ari used before getting himself a key to your home. You recall the orders he left on the note and rush to open the door.

You’re greeted by the face of Curtis, Ari’s most trusted associate. You’ve seen him from time to time, often staring down the girl in charge of serving the men with drinks and cigars or cigarettes. Whatever vice they want, she offers it up immediately.

Curtis doesn’t say much, and neither do you. He hands you two heavy bags—a paper one filled with boxes and a garment one—and grabs the door handle, shutting it for you. The exchange is weird, but you know Curtis is just doing his job. You can only imagine what Ari would do if he found out one of his employees went against his rules.

The mob boss has told you about his jealous streak, but you would never reveal how flattered you are that he feels that way about you. Though you chalk it up to just being business.

You turn the lock into place and set the bag on the couch, sitting next to it. Another gift! You’re more excited than you’d like to admit. With slightly shaky hands, you reach into the bag and take the tissue paper out.

It’s white with little colourful circles that remind you of confetti cake, Ari’s favourite. You baked it with him one night, and it was delicious. You giggle at the memory of him covered in flour and cake mix.

You’re gentle as you unwrap your gift. The first box is sleek, and you recognize the brand name. You’ve only ever dreamed of affording their cheapest item.

The gasp that leaves you when you take the lid off the box is audible and would make Ari chuckle. Inside is a pair of heels that gleam in the low light of your living room. You take one shoe out gently and inspect the details. They’re a work of art—and they’re all yours.

You feel like a spoiled kid on Christmas morning, squealing and gawking at everything. You close the first box and reach for the next. This one is smaller but heavier. The outside is covered in what feels like suede or velvet.

You pry it open, and your jaw drops. Inside is a beautiful diamond necklace with matching earrings. You’re not sure what the price is, but you know it must be worth a fortune. Your fingers itch to touch the jewels, but you resist the urge.

It’s too much. You can barely breathe.

As if you’re being spied on, your phone rings when you abruptly shut the box. You search for the device briefly, succeeding just at the last few trills. It’s Ari.

You answer the call quickly. His baritone voice comes out of the speaker, sounding just like honey.

“Hey, sweetie,” he greets. You can hear doors shutting on his end, as well as the click of a lighter and the telltale squeak of his chair. “Hi, Daddy,” you sigh almost dreamily.

Ari exhales audibly, and you assume he’s smoking. The thought of his nasty habit makes you wrinkle your nose. “D’you get your gifts, baby?” he asks. “Yes—but I can’t accept them, Daddy, it’s too much,” you protest, glancing back at the boxes. You realize you haven’t opened the garment bag yet.

“There’s no such thing as ‘too much’ when I’m spoiling you, honey,” he chides. You fiddle with the wrinkled fabric of your t-shirt. “And if I’m hearing right, it sounds like you’re telling me ‘no’…”

Your breath hitches. No, that wasn’t your intention. “I’m not—I’m sorry, Daddy. I just– I just don’t know what to do. I’m not used to this,” you express honestly.

You’re determined to never break his rules for the next few months. You’ve already completed one—which he celebrated with a deliciously home-cooked dinner.

The older man shushes you. “I know, baby. You don’t know what to do without Daddy, hm?” he coos. The words make you feel slightly embarrassed, but it’s true. He’s the only one that has helped you cope with your new—albeit temporary—life.

You let Ari claim the following few words. Whenever he uses that title—Daddy—it’s as if he snaps you out of some stupor, and you realize what you’re doing. But when you use it, it feels like second nature.

“Don’t worry,” the older man says, attaching your name to the end of his reassurance to really grab your attention. Ari successfully grounds you. “Just do what I say, baby. Alright? You don’t have to accept the gifts, but you’ll wear them tonight,” he further explains.

“Tonight?” you repeat. “Tonight. When we go out. I have a small get-together planned with a few… friends,” the mob boss clarifies. "You know, honey, this is gonna be our first night out. Are you excited?” Ari asks, his tone a bit more light-hearted.

Admittedly, you’re much less than excited. You’re nervous—scared. But you can’t tell him this. You don’t want to be a bother.

“Y– Yeah. Of course, Daddy,” you tell Ari. You have no idea what you’re going to do. “I’m looking forward to it, baby. I can’t wait to see you all dressed up,” he hums. He picked the dress for you especially, wanting his girl to feel like a princess. “Me too… Where are we going?” you question.

“My place. You’re gonna love it, I promise,” he says. You nod your head, although the mob boss can’t see you. Ari chuckles briefly. “I’ll give you a tour once the guests are gone. They’ll be nice, but don’t talk to anyone when I’m not there, ‘kay?”

You listen to him gladly. You wouldn’t even dare to look at his other mobster friends.

“I gotta go now, baby. Call me if you need anything, alright?” Ari abruptly says, sighing deeply as if frustrated. “Yes, Daddy,” you tell him. He blows you a kiss over the phone and hangs up.

You always knew that this day would come, but you never thought it would arrive so soon. You stand up on shaky legs and read the text message Ari sends. He tells you to be ready by 9:00, and you acquiesce. You just hope that tonight goes smoothly. And quickly.

The clock ticks closer and closer to when Ari said he’d pick you up. He texted you here and there, responses quick and well-rounded. You resist using your abbreviation and onslaught of emojis.

You take your time getting ready, making sure that everything is perfect. The dress fits perfectly and is absolutely gorgeous. You ignored the price tag, knowing it wouldn’t sit well with you on the ride to his home.

You can’t help but admire yourself in the mirror, though. You feel like the movie stars you’ve always admired in their grand pictures with even larger budgets for the wardrobe, establishing them as fashion icons.

Holding your clutch to your chest, your other hand lightly touches the diamond necklace. It’s a harsh contrast to the simplicity and lightness of your gown. The pink tulle is slightly sheer but leaves much to the imagination. You spin around a bit, too, emulating your childhood princesses.

There is a knock at the door. You take a deep breath and open it, greeted by the sight of Ari.

Ari and his handsomeness. Ari and all your fantasies and weaknesses. You smile at him until your cheeks hurt, but even then, you don’t stop. You rush to hug him, squealing as he lifts you off the ground and presses a kiss on your cheek.

“You’re an angel, baby,” he says once he puts you down. You preen under his careful gaze, his kind words. “You look so handsome, Daddy,” you honestly tell him. You admire the ruggedness he keeps despite his current elegance.

He grins, and the car ride to his place is just like this. You sing praises to each other when the awkward silence becomes unbearable. Ari does most of the talking, while his trusted driver keeps the partition rolled up as classical music blares.

The older man tells you all kinds of jokes. You stare out the window whenever he catches you looking at him. His large hands remain on your thighs while yours are crossed in your lap. So far, so good, you think to yourself.

The drive goes by quickly, and soon, you pull up to his lavish mansion. It is on the outskirts of the city, nestled between tall trees resembling a forest. Ari exits the car first so that he can open the door for you.

You thank him and turn around to marvel at his house. It takes your breath away. You've never seen anything like it. Before you can ask Ari a few questions about his home, he drags you towards the entrance, hand on the small of your back at first, until he decides to loop it around your waist and pull you close to him.

“Don't worry, baby. Just be a good girl, 'kay?” Ari husks in your ear, glancing at the associate who opens the for for the two of you. You simply nod your head, words leaving your mouth as you take a peak inside.

So many people. So many eyes—all of them on you.

You gulp thickly. Ari grabs a flute of champagne from a server’s tray, offering yoou one with a telling glace. You shake your head. Even with all the alcohol in the world, you wouldn’t be able to calm down.

Ari’s hold on your waist grows firmer as men approach and speak to him. Sometimes, he strays to your ass, and you end up choking on your spit each time he does so.

You don’t recognize anyone here, except for Curtis and the other associate that had brought you to Ari the day you reckoned your fate. Neither of them spare you a glance, and if they do, you don’t notice it.

You hold onto the mob boss tightly, scared of losing him. You wouldn’t dare speak to anyone if that happened.

“Everything alright, baby?” the older man asks, once again tilting his head down to hear you better. “Yup,” you breathe out shakily, looking around. You notice that Ari doesn’t return to his normal stature, and then he realize your mistake.

“Sorry, Daddy,” you’re quick to say, and he presses his lips together in a line. “It’s okay. Don’t let it happen again,” Ari warns. “Yes, Daddy,” you diligently repeat, and he presses a quick kiss to your cheek.

Someone calls the mob boss’ name. You turn to look at who the voice belongs to, and you’re greeted by the sight of a man with two barely-clothed women hanging off his arms. You can see it in their faces—the unhappiness, the fear.

Ari can sense how tense you are, and he can sense the way Daniel has been dying to push his buttons all night.

“Price,” the mob boss bluntly addresses his colleague. The other man—the one with a goatee and an ego bigger than the entire continent—simply nods. “Levinson. Nice party you’ve got… Even nicer girl, hm?” Arthur smirks.

You can feel the stranger’s eyes on you, drinking in your appearance. You hate that feeling. You meet his gaze and he leers at your brazenly, winking and darting his tongue out to lick his lips, the action too slow for comfort.

Ari clears his throat to interrupt the moment. Daniel directs his eyes to the older man before engaging in some ‘work-related’ chatter, while you choose to focus on the women he practically holds hostage. Aren’t you just like them? Treated with more class and manners, but how long will that last?

You want to leave, but you know you can’t, and that upsets you. You have no autonomy, and for some reason, this finally upsets you after about a month of living in Ari’s precarious arrangement.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have somewhere else to be,” he suddenly ends the conversation, snapping you out of your reverie.

Ari drags you away from the watchful, prying eyes of others. You can barely keep up with his pace.

“W– Wait, Daddy!” you call to him, but he doesn’t listen. Ari leads you up a set of stairs, and the amount of bodyguards lessen with each step, until there is no one left except for you two.

“What was that? Hm?” the mob boss questions angrily, pushing you into his personal bedroom. No one else has ever been inside it before—not even his past girlfriends.

“I– I don’t understand,” you stutter, panting as you try to catch your breath. “Really? I saw you gawking at Price,” Ari disproves. You furrow your brows. “I wasn’t! I would never,” you promise, placing your hands on his chest to placate him as best as you can.

Ari doesn’t shrug off your touch, but he does look away from you. “Please, Daddy. You have to believe me,” you continue. Ari looks back to you, and he sighs. “Promise?” he asks.

There isn’t much light in the room, save for the lamps in the corners. But you can still see the darkness of Ari’s eyes, and while it should frighten you, you can feel your panties dampen at the sight.

“Promise, Daddy,” you repeat. For added measure, you press a kiss on his nose, ready to pull away with a smile. But Ari’s hands quickly grab your face, cupping your cheeks and keeping you in place. “Daddy?”

The older man doesn’t say anything. He pulls you close and captures you in a rough kiss. It appears to be passionate, yet it screams ownership. You don’t know the difference—how could you? It feels right, it feels like what you owe the mobster. At least part of your debt, anyway.

When Ari finally pulls away, you can barely breathe. He doesn’t say a thing, and neither do you. Instead, he pushes you towards the bed, and you fall back with an ‘oomph.’

“W– Wait, Daddy–” you start, trying to sit up. Ari shushes you, pushing you back down with a small motion once he climbs on top of you. “You’re my good girl, aren’t you?” he pants, grabbing your body and flipping you onto your stomach. Ari manhandles you with ease.

You nod your head and try to wriggle out of his grasp. It’s all moving too fast for you. “Stay still. Let Daddy make his baby feel good,” he demands, his voice hard enough to will you to listen. You still beneath him.

“Attagirl,” Ari chuckles, pulling the skirt of your dress above your ass. It was already a bit shorter than you’d like, but now everything is exposed to him. The cold air on your ass makes goosebumps rise on your skin. You shiver at the sudden cold.

“Fuck, this ass is perfect,” Ari growls, grabbing a handful of the supple flesh. He lands a sharp smack to your butt, and you gasp at the contact. It stings at first, but as the feeling dies away, you realize that you enjoy it. You grow shy with shame. “I’m gonna ruin you, princess.”

His words seem like a promise, but they sound like a threat.

“Don’t you think we should take it slow, Daddy?” you ask him, voice a pitch higher out of fear. Fear of him? Fear of his answer? “I’ve taken it slow, honey. I’ve been a gentleman,” Ari assures you.

He isn’t wrong, but you’re not sure if you agree with him. It’s only been a month. You haven’t known him that long.

“But this wasn’t a part of the deal,” you protest one final time. You’re quieter this time around, and Ari pauses in his tracks. There is silence for a few moments, until he speaks up. “It is now.”

That is all he says as he grabs at your panties, ripping the fabric off your skin. You gasp at his actions, and the sound turns into a lewd moan when his fingers find your folds.

“You’re soaking, baby. Like a little whore,” he coos, rubbing the pads of his digits up and down your wet skin. You shudder from the pleasure, squeezing your thighs together when Ari touches your clit. “It’s okay. Daddy loves his little slut,” he professes.

Your head spins from the pleasure, the confession, and the turn of events. Your voice catches in your throat when Ari rubs your clit, sending jolts of electricity throughout your body. He pulls sounds from you that you never knew you could make. They’re music to the mob boss’s ears.

Ari chuckles, as if in victory, when you begin to gyrate your hips to meet the movements of his hands on your pussy. He can feel his hard cock straining against his pants, and all he can think about is fucking you. He hasn’t stopped thinking about fucking you since he first saw you—and that wasn’t the day you went begging to him.

“Daddy,” you mewl, sending a rush of blood to Ari’s dick. “I’m here, baby,” he coos, picking up the pace of his fingers. His other hand plays with your ass, groping and lightly slapping the flesh as he brings you closer and closer to your first orgasm of the night.

The older man makes you see stars. You’ve never felt this way before—not during the late, lonely nights under your covers.

The pressure inside you builds, and your pornographic sounds become louder. The squelching of your cunt nearly rivals your moans. “Fuck, you gonna come, honey? Gonna make a mess on Daddy’s hand?” Ari asks, his words coaxing you towards that brink.

You topple over and cry out, dripping hole clenching around nothing. As if your body is a separate entity that belongs to him, you involuntarily nod your head at Ari’s question.

“Shit. That’s it. Such a good girl,” he praises, the words going to straight to your head and making you smile through your pleasure-filled haze. You grip onto the expensive bedsheets and ride out your climax, grinding on Ari’s hand until the nerves of your clit become oversensitive.

Ari, unable to hold back anymore, pulls his fingers away and admires how they glisten with your slick. The sweet scent of your cunt fills the room, and he has the overwhelming urge to make you come apart on his mouth. But that has to wait for now.

The mob boss places his wet digits inside of his mouth, revelling in your taste. He makes a show of it, too, knowing you can see him in the mirrors that are in headboard of his bed. The sight his lewd—enough to make you throb in need and get wetter with want.

There’s a small voice in your head that sounds exactly like you. It tells you that this was never a part of the deal, that Ari shouldn’t be doing this. You find it difficult to listen to its reasoning, too clouded by lust.

You watch as Ari reaches for the zipper on the side of your dress, pulling it so harshly that it breaks. In just a few seconds, he tears the fabric from your body. You gasp at the display of strength, not even having the chance to bid farewell to the dress.

Your nipples pebble from the cold air, and they rub against the bedsheets, sending a wave of euphoria through your body. “Daddy… Please,” you whimper, rubbing your thighs together as your desperation for something grows.

“I got ya, baby. Daddy’s here,” Ari shushes you, mildly slurring his words. You barely even register that this is the first time Ari has seen you naked. In fact, he never should be seeing you naked.

Ari marvels at your body, although this isn’t the first time he has done so. You’re just so gorgeous, he can’t help himself.

The mob boss begins to undress himself, not caring open the buttons that fly as the fabric stretches against his toned muscles. The velvet suit—one of Ari’s favourites, which he can always get another of—ends up on the floor. The tendrils of hair fall from the gelled style he originally had, framing is face to make the man look more rugged than usual.

He pulls down the zipper to his pants and frees his hard, thick cock from the confines of his boxers. Ari gives himself a few strokes, letting a few beads of pre-cum drip onto your ass.

You arch your back just a bit, giving the older man better access and a better view of what’s his. Ari slaps his fat tip against your leaky hole, sliding it through your folds as he teases you. When he reaches your sensitive nub, your muscles twitch slightly.

You maintain a steady hold on the sheets, bracing yourself for the intrusion. You’ve had sex before, but it was so long ago and an experience that you gained nothing from. You’re always too busy to properly treat yourself. You can imagine that this’ll feel like your first time—only better.

“You feel that, baby? Hm?” the older man asks, bending over you. One of his strong arms is near your head, used as leverage to hold himself up. “Uh-huh,” you moan, feeling how Ari’s hard cock rubs against your pussy. *He’s so big—just like the rest of him.

“S’all for you, honey. You have no idea what you do to me,” he grunts, sliding his cock back to your hole. Before you can respond, Ari begins to push into your cunt, stretching you out slowly. You breathe through the entirety of the ordeal, moaning at the intrusion and the sheer filth of it all.

When Ari finally bottoms out, his heavy balls are flush against your clit. His dick is deep inside you—you feel so full. You take a few moments to adjust to his thickness, getting up onto your forearms so that you can look at Ari.

You tilt your head upwards and make eye contact with the mob boss. His usually blue eyes are blown out with lust—a dark look to him that you’ve never seen before. Ari leans over you even more, his cock still deep inside your wet pussy.

His dominant hands moves towards your neck, and he wraps his hand around your throat after shifting upwards, almost as if he’s holding your jaw. The action frightens you, but you feel no pressure being put on your airway.

It’s the control. The fact that you’re his, and he can do anything he’d like to you.

Before you can say anything, Ari begins to fuck you. He pushes and pulls his cock in and out of you. The mob boss hits your g-spot with expertise and turns you into a moaning, pathetic mess. Ari watches you intently, never once breaking eye contact as your mouth drops open in pleasure.

Your sounds are pornographic. You don’t have a moment to feel shameful about them, though. The noises that come from his skin slapping against yours is loud. So is the squelching of your sopping cunt.

“Daddy—so deep!” you cry out, going limp in his hold. It’s as if you can feel him in your guts. You babble like a baby, making Ari chuckle. He’s dreamt of this moment for so long, and it’s better than he could ever imagine. “Yeah? Wait ‘til I try that pretty mouth a’ yours,” he whispers in your ear, biting the lobe.

The thought of Ari fucking your face creates a lewd picture in your mind. You’ve never thought about it before, but the way you pussy squeezes his cock tells Ari what you think of the idea. Even if, deep down, you didn’t the mob boss to fuck your face, he would still get what he wants.

“Shit,” you mewl, eyes rolling back into your skull. The older man pummels into your relentlessly, practically abusing your cunt. Ari’s dick is coated in your slick, the smell of it and sweat filling the room. “This cunt’s cryin’ on my cock—you gonna cry, too, princess?”

You don’t really register what Ari is saying, so you just nod your head like the obedient girl you are. “Good girl—always such a good slut for Daddy,” he groans, looking down to admire how your ass ripples when his pelvis slaps against the soft flesh.

You cry out as Ari pumps into you relentlessly. You can feel the euphoria build up, and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever felt before. “‘S so much, Daddy…” you express through your moans, fuelling Ari’s ego. “Yeah? You gonna come all over Daddy’s fat cock, baby?” the mob boss asks.

Nodding your head, you topple over the edge of your climax. Your sounds become choked and grow even louder. Your pussy squeeze Ari’s dick, creaming around his hardness as you come undone. Ari marvels at the sight.

Your eyes squeeze shuts and your hold onto the bed sheets tightly. You’ve never felt such pleasure before—even at your own hands. It’s like Ari knows your body—and your entire being—better than you do.

“That’s it. Good girl, ” Ari growls, admiring how your leaky pussy just swallows his dick. The arch in your back is mean, but he loves it. He loves watching you take it. His once-innocent princess is now the older man’s whore. All his, forever.

The stars in your eyes dissipate as you ride out your high, coming down from it slowly but surely. It’s hard, though, as Ari is relentless in how in pounds into your cunt. “Who owns this pussy, honey? Hm?” Ari asks. He can feel his own orgasm building up, and he knows he cannot hold back any longer.

“You! S’all yours, Daddy. ‘M yours,” you mewl, and as if on cue, Ari shoves his hips forwards and he stills his movements. His heavy balls clench as he leans forward, completely covering your body with his. Ari holds onto you tightly, filling your pussy with his cum.

Ropes of his seed shoot from his tip and coat your inner walls, filling you to the brim until some of it leaks past his fat cock. He gives a few thrusts just to tease you, smiling when you whimper from the stimulation.

It’s so damn messy where the two of you are connected. Ari has the desire to clean you up, but he knows that your sweet-self wouldn’t be able to handle all that in one night. At least, for now.

When the older man finally catches his breath, he slowly pulls out of your pussy. A trail of his cum follows, leaking out and mixing with your juices. He rolls you onto your side gently, laying down next to you as he watches your face intently.

You have no clue what to say. You can’t even begin to wrap your head around what happened, especially as the haze doesn’t seem to leave any time soon.

A few moments of silence pass. Ari’s hand rubs up and down your arm, moving upwards to cup your cheek again. He drinks in very detail of your face and you watch him, too, just not with the same intensity.

“D– Daddy?” you quietly say, and his ears perk up. “Yeah, baby?” Ari responds. “What now?” you question. Where do you go from here?

“Well… I think you should get some rest,” he starts, sighing deeply and he seemingly fights back a yawn. You agree, but that’s not what you meant. “I’ll get you cleaned up, don’t worry,” the mob boss assures you.

“What about the deal?” you continue.

More silence, and the sound of Ari clearing his throat. The deepness of his voice remains as he speaks.

“I think I may have to extend it, honey,” he honestly tells you, words heavy with disappointment. You don’t really know what to think—you have no reaction, save for the small nod you give him. You’ve come to realize that whatever Ari wants, he gets. And he’s so damn greedy.

You drift off to sleep slowly, accepting your fate even though it was too late the moment you resigned and stepped into his office a month ago. It could be worse, you could be dead, you reassure yourself.

Ari stares at the ceiling and thinks about how time can fly. Soon, those promised months will turn into a year, and then even more. Just like he planned—just how it’s supposed to be.

[ssahotchnerr]

hello my sweet! been reading your stuff a lot lately and the way you write aaron is so beautiful and real but anyway i’ll stop gushing - imagine just EXISTING with aaron. like the both of you doing your evening routines and just being happy and safe in each others prescence like UNF I NEED HIM BIBLICALLY

also also imagine him using his height to tease u like knowing you always use a particular mug so he likes putting it on the top shelf so he can tower over you and press himself against your back under the pretense of “helping” like aaron you little slut we know what you’re trying to do and its mean😠 (do it again)

anyway ily lots and i hope you’ve had a good day n stuff

- Gem💙

routine and a tease

thank you so much my sweet ily!! hehe here's a thing including alllll of that cw; suggestiveness, allusions to sex, mentions of food, aaron being a lil shit <3 wc; 1k

aaron's alarm goes off at seven, yours at seven thirty.

you're notorious for hitting snooze, several times, while aaron promptly rises at the first ring. half the time, you're convinced he even beats his alarm most days.

aaron's finished showering by the time you drag yourself out of bed. steam's still coating the bathroom mirror, the air's a bit thick with the lingering heat, and it fogs into your bedroom. as you enter, he exits, but not without giving you your first kiss of the morning. you hop in the shower next, while aaron dresses and trails out.

being the first awake, aaron has the awakening the apartment duties. he pulls the curtains open, allowing the morning light to flood in. he grabs jack's backpack off the chair at the dining room table, quickly double checks that homework was completed, and that the papers in his folder are orderly and within easy access, according to jack's lesson schedule - science is first, then math, language arts, so on - and back into his backpack it goes. he then double checks to make sure his briefcase and go-bag has everything he needs, he'll retrieve his gun and badge when he heads out later.

aaron sets both by the door, as well as your bag. he knows everything is already prepared and ready to go - you won't go to bed the night prior if it's not. you've told him many times, as not an early riser, why add a reason to rush in the morning if you can help it?

being the first awake also has its advantages, especially when it comes to a certain game aaron is fond of playing. he'll never deny himself the opportunity to poke affectionate fun at you.

and he does so for the other benefit; it does tend you rile you up.

even this, is routine.

you enter the kitchen with a yawn - you passed aaron in the hallway, where he gave you your second kiss of the day, off to jack's room to get him up and at 'em.

aaron's already brewed the coffee, and your creamer is on the counter waiting for you. all you need to do is open the cabinet to retrieve your favorite cup.

it's a mug jack painted you, at one of those pottery and art studios in the city. it was one of your birthday surprises this past year, and it's the only mug you plan on using for the rest of time. you even have a matching plate, aaron's own doing when he accompanied jack at the studio.

no matter how many times aaron pulls the stunt, your reaction is always the same. your brows crumble at the absence - at the empty spot amongst the other mugs. where you had left it the night before after unloading the dishwasher, it's no longer there. and as expected it's on the very top shelf, way out of your reach.

"aaron," you whine, loudly enough it trails out of the kitchen and down the hall.

a moment later aaron enters, a mischievous, knowing glint in his eyes. he knows that whine, but doesn't address it, naturally. "good morning darling. sleep well?"

you narrow your eyes, playfully glaring at him as your arms crossed in front of you. despite your ministrations, a smile tugs at your lips, "i did. you?"

"mhmm." he presses his lips to yours. his eyes quickly flick up to the open cabinet, right to where your mug stands, but remains purposefully oblivious.

you continue to play along. "busy day ahead?"

aaron shrugs, grabbing his mug and pouring his helping. "nothing out of the ordinary. budget meeting, there's a few reports i have to finish, the usual."

you hum in response, leaning back against the kitchen counter.

aaron takes a sip of coffee, only to hide his itching smile. "is there something wrong?"

"is there?" you mock his cheeky tone, and your eyes narrow again. "somehow, my mug isn't where i left it."

"that's strange," aaron feigns confusion, his brows furrowing as his gaze moved upward. "all the way up there? wonder how that happened."

you scoff lightly, turning back to the cupboard. you leaned up on your tiptoes as you attempted to reach for it, anticipating his next move. "yeah, i wonder."

as you expected, aaron's front is suddenly flush against your back, fully crowding you, his mouth at your ear. "lemme help." his voice is low as he reaches up, retrieving your mug with ease. his other hand lands on the spot right above your ass, daring to move lower, and causing your breath to catch in your throat.

but, aaron withdrawals his hand the second he hears the soft breath escape you, grabbing the pot of coffee and pouring it into your mug himself.

mission successful, once again.

you exhale, deeply yet gently, heat filling your cheeks. it's days like these, you'll opt for iced coffee.

some rare mornings though, with jack at jess's and neither you or aaron have anywhere to be, his actions don't stop there. more often than not, the two of you don't even bother to leave the kitchen.

aaron leans up against the counter, silently watching you prepare your coffee to your liking, rather unenthusiastically at that. after your first sip, and another amused glare directed at him, you start pulling out the cereal for breakfast. aaron falls alongside you, beginning to pack jack's lunch - grabbing an uncrustable from the freezer, filling a ziploc of carrots, another of veggie straws.

again, your shared, usual routine.

you're the one to finally break the silence. "one of these days, i'm buying a step stool."

"no you won't," a laugh bursts from him as he grabs a juice box from the fridge, the loudness of it making you grin instantly. he straightens his posture as he stands back upright, a half smile, half smirk plastered on his face. "you enjoy this just as much as i do. even more."

he has you there, and from the expression your face pulls in response, he knows it. a laugh leaves him once more as he crowds you, backing you against the counter and pressing his lips to yours.

"this is the best part of the morning,'' aaron mumbles into your lips. "is it not?"

[gamma-rae-bursts]

The Ex Factor

Melissa Schemmenti x fem!Reader

Your ex girlfriend starts working at Abbott as Melissa’s new teachers aide.

Content Warnings: past abusive relationship, mentions of trauma, cheating, manipulative and toxic ex.

Genre: hurt/comfort, some fluff

Word count: 3.6k+

A/N: this one got a little out of hand ngl, i hope you like it tho! covers a square of my bingo. Kinda unedited.

You woke up to the sound of your alarm, the soft rays of sunshine lighting up the room as you reach to your phone attempting to stop the dreadful tune. A hint of sadness flickered within you as you glanced to the other side of the bed, feeling the cold emitting from it hinting that Melissa has been gone for quite some time now. 

You reluctantly left the warmth and comfort of your sheets, the cold air hovering over your exposed skin as you slowly stood up. You reached for your robe, pulling it onto your body to shield it from the morning breeze. Your bedroom was always cold, Melissa had a terrible habit of leaving the window open throughout the night, no matter what time of the year it was. She always claimed it helped her sleep better and you didn’t complain, just another excuse to snuggle up closer to your girlfriend, seeking the warmth of her body.

Just as you started heading downstairs the sounds of Melissa clattering around the kitchen filled your ears, the clicking of the plates combined with clanging of pans in a typical for her manner. You continued to walk down the staircase, stopping in at the kitchen door to take in the sight of the redhead in her element. 

A slight worry overtook you as you saw the distress painted across your girlfriend’s face, she didn’t even notice you at the door, too preoccupied with whatever she had cooking on her stove. Putting in all the effort at making sure everything she served you for breakfast was perfect, hoping that would relieve some stress she was under while she was teaching two grades at the same time.

“Good Morning” you said through a yawn, standing in the doorframe of the kitchen.

“Mornin’ hon.” The redhead replied as she kept her attention focused on the pancakes frying in the pan. “You’re up early today.” 

“The bed was cold without you in it.” You replied with a pout on your lips.

“Couldn’t sleep, sorry I woke you up, you can go back to sleep if you want, I’ll put the food in some containers so you can have it a bit later.” Melissa shrugged. You always started work later than Melissa, most of the time opting for getting a bit of extra sleep when she was getting ready for work.

“You didn’t and I couldn’t miss out on a morning with my favourite girl, could I?”

“Please, I’m hardly a girl anymore.” She replied with a sigh, her gaze still focused on the stove.

You took a few steps in her direction, wrapping your arms around her as your head rested on the back of her shoulder “Oh but you are my girl, aren’t you?” you said, kissing her neck.

“Mhm” the woman chuckled softly, turning her head to leave a kiss on your head. “the pancakes will be ready in a few minutes; would you mind setting the table?” 

“On it, boss.” You replied with a sarcastic salute and did as she asked, taking all the necessary dishes and cutlery to the table. You made your way back to the kitchen to take the bowls filled with delicious looking toppings that Melissa prepared earlier, leaving a quick kiss on her cheek as you were heading into the dining room. 

It didn’t take long for the redhead to join you with a plate full of delicious looking pancakes, every single one made to perfection. You eagerly reached for them, taking a few onto your plate.  You topped half of them with maple syrup and butter and the rest, much to Melissa’s distaste, with lemon juice and sugar.  

“You’re a degenerate, you know that right?” she said side-eyeing your pancakes.

You playfully rolled your eyes at her comment “Stop it, I like them like that!”

She just chuckled and shook her head, you always told her the lemon and sugar combination reminded you of the year you spent on an exchange in England, but despite that she didn’t let up on teasing you about your choice of pancake toppings.

The rest of the meal passed in comfortable silence. When the two of you finished eating, you got to cleaning the dishes and Melissa went on to get ready for the workday ahead of her. She returned roughly half an hour later, wearing her leather pants and a pink top she knew you loved on her, which also gave her a little confidence boost she felt she could use today. 

Just as Melissa was leaving the house, you shouted back to her, running up to the woman with a Tupperware container in your hand, she had a habit forgetting her lunch and getting all snappy when she had to order it instead of having her own food. You kissed her once more before she got into her car and left for work.

***

Melissa got to Abbott Elementary with 20 minutes to spare, she decided to head to the teachers’ lounge but before she could make her way down the hallway, she heard her name being called from Ava’s office. 

“Schemmenti!” the woman exclaimed “C’mere, got a surprise for you.”

She rolled her eyes and turned around, taking a few steps towards the principal’s office. “What do you want Ava, I’m not in the mood for you trying to sell me any of your face masks or whatever that was.”

“What? No! That was last week, I’m selling foot massagers now.” The taller woman pointed at a stack of boxes stashed in the corner of her office. 

“Is this why you called me here?” the redhead sighed, visibly annoyed at her boss trying to sell her new useless products at any given occasion.

“I got you a teacher’s aide!” Ava finally exclaimed.

“I told you I don’t wan-… Wait? Say it again? A teacher’s aide?” the redhead said in disbelief. She did request one what seemed like months ago (in reality, it was just last week, but with teaching the two grades Melissa completely lost the track of time). 

“The one you requested duh! She’s gonna be here any minute.” Ava said, looking extremely proud of herself for actually doing what her job required her to. “Her name is Abigail; I’ll direct her to your classroom when she gets here.”

“Thanks Ava!” Melissa said as she left the principals office. 

Her new aide arrived just a few minutes later, confidently entering the classroom. “Is this Miss Schemmenti’s room?” she asked. She was just a little taller than Melissa, younger, but according to Melissa “not a kid”. The woman had dark hazel eyes and long brown hair, tied up in a ponytail.

“Yeah, you must be Abigail.” The redhead replied, greeting the girl.

“Abby is fine” she smiled as she shook the redhead’s hand.

The two of them got talking, despite Melissa’s usual apprehension towards the younger teachers, she got along with Abby just fine, the younger woman was a huge help in her classroom and even if it was just for that, she was willing to put up with some rookie TA in her classroom. But aside from this, the girl seemed competent enough to know how to handle third graders and not step on Melissa’s toes whilst doing her job.

***

You got home from work a little later than usual, being stuck in a corporate meeting that, in your opinion (as well as many other co-workers), could have been an email. You entered the house you shared with Melissa, ridding of your outerwear you moved to the living room. The redhead was sat of her couch, absorbed into her current read. She lifted her head with a smile when she saw you, immediately standing up from her seat and making her way towards you.

“Hey hon!” she cheerfully exclaimed, greeting you with a kiss, which you gladly reciprocated, relieved to see her in a way better mood than she was in the morning.

“Someone’s in a good mood” you said smiling at her “I assume the little demons were behaving today?”

“Even better than that, Ava got me an aide.” She smiled and you immediately cheered at the news. You knew this would be a huge relief to your girlfriend, not having to constantly worry how to handle the extra kids in her classroom while simultaneously teaching both sets of kids.

“That’s amazing Mel!” the relief was visible on her face, as well as her whole body, you could immediately tell she was more relaxes than during the past weeks.

“C’mon, I ordered our favourite takeout” she said reaching for your hand “we can just have the rest of the evening to ourselves, seen as I don’t have to make two separate lesson plans anymore”

After enjoying the food, combined with Melissa telling you about her say, the fact that the new aide seemed competent enough and that she didn’t even get the urge to hit her with the baseball bat she had stashed under her desk, you spent the rest of the evening trying to watch a TV show you started a few weeks prior. Trying meant that Melissa had to pause it roughly every 5 minutes for your rants on how inaccurate the details portrayed there actually were. She always laughed at your frustration with the writing and how quickly you could tear apart the aspects that would never even cross her mins. In your defence, the correct information was not that hard to look up after all.

***

You woke up to Melissa running around the house in a frantic manner, you looked at the time and it showed 7:25, way past the time the redhead usually leaves for work. You dragged yourself out of the bed, catching her right when she was at the door, leaving a kiss on her cheek before she rushed off to her car.

Just as you made your way to the kitchen you spotted a Tupperware container sat on top of the island, laughing to yourself at the thought of Melissa forgetting her lunch once again.

You made a plan for the day, it was your day off, so it mostly consisted of doing some house chores and taking the food down to Abbott for your girlfriend to enjoy during her lunch break. 

The few hours passed faster than you thought and before you knew it, it was time for you to leave, after all you couldn’t risk missing the allocated slot and leave your girlfriend starving and stuck with school food. 

The drive to the elementary school wasn’t long, fortunately (for you) you passed a Starbucks on you way there, making a stop to pick up a few drinks, one for you to keep your caffeine levels on the higher end throughout the day and one for Melissa, to do the exact opposite, provide the taste of coffee without the zoomies attached. You went through the drive through to gat said drinks and continued on your drive.

The cold air hit you as soon as you got out of your car, the weather today was chilly, but the sun provided some warmth as it was shining through the clouds. You grabbed your bag and the coffee cups, proceeding to walk in the direction of the entrance of the school.

You swiftly made your way through the hallways, always examining the emptiness of the walls at Abbott. You got to the end of the hallway, ready to enter your girlfriends classroom.

“Hey Mel, you forgot your lunch again I thought I’d bring it for you,” you said with a smile as you entered the room. The smile immediately faded from your face when you saw it wasn’t your girlfriend sat at the desk, but the woman you wished to never see again. “Abby? What the hell are you doing here?”

“I could as you the same question” she said with a smirk “Missed me so much you had to track down where I work?”

“What do you mean work? You’re not saying you’re Melissa’s new aide, right?”

Before you could ger an answer to the question, Melissa walked right through the door, a smile appearing on her face when she saw you in the room.

“Hey hon, what are you doing here?” 

“Oh um, you forgot your lunch, I thought I’d bring it for you” you said passing her the container as well as her coffee. 

“You’re a godsend.” She said as she kissed your cheek, gratefully accepting the food. “This is my new aide, Abby, you could stay so we have the lunch together?”

“Oh I actually have to go, have a few errands to run, I’ll see you at home tho.” You quickly added before rushing out of the classroom.

***

When you got back home you tried to occupy your head with anything and everything in order to distract yourself from the fact that Melissa’s new aide was your ex-girlfriend. The way the two of you split your ways didn’t make things any better, causing you to spiral in your thoughts of what this whole ordeal meant. 

You knew you were being paranoid, the thoughts telling you that she would take Melissa away from you the same way she took all your friends when you split were irrational and completely insane. But you went through it once and you knew how manipulative and persuasive Abby could be. 

The reason you broke up with her was her cheating on you throughout the whole length of your relationship. You’ve had many attempts at leaving her, but each time she managed to talk you back into staying, saying you’d be nothing without her.

And for the longest time, you believed it. Your breaking point was finding her in your bed with one of your best friends. You kicked her out after that, but she didn’t go down without making a whole scene you were sure the whole neighbourhood could hear. Making a promise that you’d regret it. And you did, more or less. She managed to turn your whole friend group against you, painting this portrait of you being the manipulative and toxic asshole that tried to control her whole life, which left you with nobody to turn to.

The sound of the Melissa’s voice broke you out of your thoughts, now realising you were gone for longer than you thought. 

“Hon, what’s wrong?” she questioned with a concerned look on her face.

“Nothing.” You smiled at her. “Why would anything be wrong?”

“Well for starters, I’ve asked you that question 3 times before you replied.” You felt the couch you were sat on dip a little under her weight, as she took a seat right next to you, placing her hand on your thigh.

“Sorry, I was just thinking.” 

“Care to share?” she raised her brow. You took a deep breath, letting it out with a sigh before turning your head to face her.

”Abby is my ex.” You sighed again, this time tensing your shoulders. “The ex I told you about before. I guess seeing her today brought some memories back, memories I’d rather not think about.” Melissa’s eyes widened at the statement. She knew exactly which one you meant and just how broken the relationship with her left you. She pulled you closer to her, wrapping her arms around your body, placing you in a comfortable and safe embrace. 

The topic remained persistent throughout following conversations, each time ending in Melissa reassuring you just how much she loved you and promising that she was not going anywhere. She allowed you to cry your feelings out, making sure to hold you all throughout it until you were so exhausted you fell asleep on her during a movie she put on.

***

A morning shift meant you found yourself extremely bored during the evening, you deep cleaned the house as well as baked some of Melissa’s favourite cookies. You were trying to come up with more stuff to occupy yourself with when you remembered it was another parents evening at Abbott, meaning your girlfriend wouldn’t be back home for the next few hours. 

Melissa always complained how boring those things got, most times no parents came to see her, so she would just spend the whole evening sitting in her classroom, and there were definitely much better uses of her time. After finishing off the cookies and leaving them to cool down on the kitchen counter, you decided to get ready and join Melissa at school, you knew other teachers would sometimes bring their family or friends to at least get some quality time from the otherwise dull evenings. 

You put a minimal amount of makeup on, just some eyeliner and mascara, as well as some casual, but not too casual clothes before you left your house and drove to the school.

When you arrived at Abbott it was starting to get dark outside. The setting sun painted the clouds were with pink and orange that blended beautifully with the blue sky behind them. You walked into the school, making your way down the corridor and greeting all the other teachers on your way. You stopped for a little chat with Barbara, the older woman telling you about a new restaurant her and Gerald went to recently. You made a mental note of the name, as you were sure it was also right up Melissa’s alley. When a parent approached the two of you, you bid Barbara a quick goodbye, promising to catch up more in the future before you continued walking further down the hallway right to Melissa’s classroom. You heard muttered voices coming from behind the not fully closed door, figuring it would be her and another teacher you decided to come in regardless.

“Hey! I thought I’d come round so you-“ you stopped in your tracks before you could fully enter the room. Melissa was perched at the edge of her desk with Abby’s hand, what seemed to be cupping her cheek. “Melissa what the fuck?”

“You wouldn’t by chance believe me if I said this is not what it looks like?” Melissa said, horrified at your sight in her classroom. It was, indeed, not what it looked like.

You stood in the doorframe, eyes wide, not being able to comprehend what you just saw. There was no way Melissa would do that to you, right? Not after everything you told her, and definitely not after the promise she made just a few days prior. 

“Oh, fuck you, both of you.” You turned back around, leaving the room in a hurry before the redhead could get a chance to explain what actually happened.

Melissa was left in the room, trying to figure out the best way to approach the situation. She wanted to follow you but was stopped by Abby, who grabbed her hand in an attempt to prevent her from running after you. The satisfied smile was very prominent on the aide’s face, which made Melissa’s blood boil.

“The hell are you doing?” the redhead shot back at the younger woman.

“Oh, come on, she’s not worth it.” The giggle that followed the sentence further angering her. Abby did not loosen her grip on Melissa’s wrist, trying to pull the older woman closer to her body, almost leaning against her. “We could just stay here and give her a real reason to be angry.” 

The teacher snatched her hand out of the other woman’s grip, turning to face her. “You must be joking right?” she almost couldn’t believe what she heard, but the expression on Abby’s face made it clear she was completely serious. “I think I’d rather put a campfire out with my face.” She hissed, turning around to follow you. 

By the time Melissa made her way out of the school you were nowhere to be seen. There were still a few hours until the end of the parents evening. She sent a quick text to Ava, stating her early departure was caused by a family emergency, before getting into her car and driving home, hoping to find you there. 

Fortunately for her, Ava replied quickly saying she would inform any potential parents that could come to see her of the situation and set a new date for the meeting.

When Melissa got home, she heard shuffling that came from your shared bedroom, making her way to the room as quickly as she could. You were sat on your bed with your face buried in your hands. 

“Y/n, hon” a barely audible whisper accompanied with a gentle sigh left her lips. “It really wasn’t what you’re thinking.”

“Then please enlighten me what it was, Melissa” you didn’t look up, not sure if you were ready to face her without bursting into tears.

“She said my eyeliner was smudged. I said I’ll get it but before I could even reach for the tissue, she reached out to wipe it herself.”

“Well it certainly didn’t look like you were opposed to it.” you sighed, this time lifting your head to look up at her. Your eyeliner was smudged, the mascara forming dark pathways down your face. 

“Tesoro” this was another hit for her, she never wanted to be the reason you cried. “I didn’t even had time to react before you came into the room, you know I would never do that to you.”

“I know, it’s just… I’m scared, that’s it”

“Hey,” she lifted her hand to cup your cheek “I’m not her. I would never do anything to purposefully hurt you in any way, hell I’d kill anyone that tried to! You know I know a guy that could help me get rid of a body if needed.” You laughed at that; she did indeed have a guy for everything.

“Promise?” your whisper was quiet as you looked into her green eyes also filled with tears.

“I promise. I love you, only you.”

Taglist:

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join my taglist here!

[pomegranateshrimp]

Can i request a fic were Wilson is a morning person but since reader came into his life he has been staying in bed longer or/and taking more time to have breakfast 😉

A/N: I’m so sick and tired of Tumblr making my photos so shitty 😭😭 anyways thx for the request hope this is good! Sorry if it’s short

Fluff Oneshot

⚕️Mornings with you

James Wilson x Gn!Reader

James has always been a morning person. He got dressed, ate a quick breakfast, brushed his teeth, blow-dried his hair, and then went off to work. You are not. But ever since you came into his life, he’s stayed in bed waiting for your eyes to flutter open so he can wake you up with kisses. It’s made you question your faith to the term ‘night owl’. He’s made sure you get up early enough to eat breakfast and get to work on time. To say he spoiled you was an understatement; he worshipped you. If he got up early enough, he loved to make you your favorite breakfast so he could surprise you with it in bed. He loved seeing the tired smile on your face when you woke up. Today was no different.

🔆

The sweet smell of pancakes and fresh fruit fills your lungs as you wake up. A small yawn escapes your mouth as you turn over, arms falling across your boyfriends chest. A sweet kiss is pressed to your temple in turn.

“Good morning my love.”

You groan, face buried in his chest, in response but make sure to kiss him back.

“I made us breakfast.”

“It smells good.” You mumble in a half-awake haze. James’s hands find themselves in your hair as he twirls on your beautiful locks. Despite how much you want to stay in bed with him all day, you realize you should probably get going. It was nice living with James; previously you had to set 15 dozen alarm clocks to make sure you get to the hospital on time, but now you had a live in one, one that awoke you with kisses and delicious gourmet food. You could get used to it.

One final groan pushes through your lips as you make your way off of him to go eat breakfast, your end target motivating you along with your boyfriend, who stood up with you and hugged you from behind as you walked through the house. Breakfasts for James usually meant scarfing down really whatever he could find before finishing his morning routine and leaving; but when you came into his life, his home, he wanted to give you everything you’ve ever wanted. He made sure that you weren’t stuck with shitty food or nothing at all. When you came to live with him, breakfasts now meant him waking up early to make you only the best and eating with you as you cuddled up together and watched a bit of TV, listened to music, or just talked.

You walk into the living room and take a seat on the comfy couches, one of the many things you loved about his house. You grabbed a plate and plopped down, James following, and took a bite as you leaned into him.

“Holy shit— this is so good?!” You exclaimed. Sure, you were used to the food he made being good, but today it felt like it was made with extra love. He blushed a pink hue and you find it adorable that you can make him flustered with just a small compliment.

“Only the best for you.” He hums as he smiles, taking a bite himself as you continue.

“You know, I think I’m starting to like mornings,”

“Oh yea? Why’s that?”

“because I get to spend them with the best boyfriend in the world, who makes me the best pancakes ever.”

[lucy90712]

Can you write domestic fluff with joao felix?

WC: 2.6k Over the last year Joao and I have moved a lot with him going on loan to Chelsea then coming back to Atletico and now moving to Barcelona it's been a lot. When we moved to London we only rented a place as at the time we weren't sure how long we would be there which was a good choice as it only turned out to be 6 months but now moving to Barcelona we want to actually have a place of our own. There's a few reasons for this one being that Joao wants to stay here as even though he's currently only on loan he wants to stay beyond that and two we are awaiting the arrival of our baby who will be here before we know it. I was ok with renting somewhere if we had to but Joao wanted us to have a place to call home where we can decorate a nursery for our baby to grow up in. 

As soon as the move was confirmed we were looking at loads of houses all of which were lovely but we both fell in love with one place. It needed some updating and definitely some decorating to make it our style but we just loved the place so much that we decided that we would make it our project and do it together. I thought it would be fun to redo the place together as it will be our last big thing we do together before the baby arrives and Joao loved the idea so that's what we've been doing. 

As soon as we got the keys to the place we moved all of our things and went straight to the diy store to get loads of supplies. Walking around for the first time and looking at all the paint was a bit overwhelming but with some help from the store workers we found out what we would need and we picked it all out. While we were there we looked at all the colours we could have for the nursery but we decided to hold off on that until the rest of the house was done. By the time we had everything we had so much stuff which took ages to bring into the house especially as Joao would only let me bring in the light things like paint brushes. 

~~~~~~~~~~

Our decorating journey was put on hold after we got all the supplies as other things took over like Joao's debut for Barca and actually getting furniture for the place so we can live here properly. Now however we are officially starting our project and we have to get it done by the time the baby is due so we have a little under 4 months. Having such a strict deadline is kind of scary but I think it will motivate us to get it all done. 

Joao set an alarm last night which woke us up bright and early but it was fine as we both got up and got changed straight away so we could start right away. I was way more excited than I really should've been but it just felt so exciting to be making this house our own by ourselves without any outside help. I've always wanted to get into diy and nows my chance although taking on such a big project as my first isn't the most sensible but it's ok as it's our house so it can look however we want it to. Luckily I have done some research so I know exactly what we need to do it's just about whether we can actually do it but we'll figure that out as time goes on. 

Our first job was to wash all the walls down so they can then be painted. As there's a lot of walls to be done Joao and I needed to work together. He didn't want me going up a ladder just in case so I did the lower half of all the walls while he did the top half and the ceilings. We were having so much fun talking to each other while we had music on in the background which we were dancing to or at least I was. At some point Joao went mysteriously quiet for a bit too long but before I could look to see if he was ok I felt water being dropped on my head and down my back. Once the water stopped I looked up and Joao was laughing so hard at me that I couldn't help but laugh too as I can't lie it was a good prank. I couldn't let him get away with it though so I used the water I had and poured it on his feet to make his socks socking wet which he hates so it was good revenge. 

I won't lie we messed around as much as we worked but this is exactly why we are doing this together it's all about the memories and if that means it takes us longer then so be it. It also took us longer as I needed to take a break every so often because it was really tiring washing the walls. Joao joined me on my breaks which he said was to make sure I was ok but I think it's because he needed a break too he just wouldn't admit it. By the end of the day we had done every wall we were planning to paint throughout the entire house which really felt like an achievement. 

~~~~~~~~~~

Day two. Well more like week two something came up last weekend so we never got round to actually painting anything but this weekend any free time we have is already reserved for paining, no distractions. I've been looking forward to painting all week as currently our house is all a dim white which sure looks ok but I want some more colour. To decide what room to paint first Joao and I picked a room out of a hat and we got living room which is the room I've been looking forward to the most. My idea for this room was to re do the white paint on most walls and then we found this lovely sage green paint to go on the wall with the fireplace as an accent wall. I've been waiting ever since we got the paint to see what it would look like in real life so hopefully we can execute it well.

Joao prepared the paint while I put tape around the edges so we didn't get pain everywhere. When Joao came back he asked me to come over to him so I waddled over expecting him to show me something. I did not expect him to have a paintbrush in hand and bend down to paint something on my bump but that's exactly what he did. Luckily we had the forethought to get pregnancy safe paint which turned out to be a good idea as I'm now covered in it. 

"What have you drawn?" I asked 

"A happy face" Joao replied 

"I would ask why but there's no point" I laughed 

"I did it because I thought it would be cute if every time we paint a new room I paint something on your bump and we take a picture to remember our decoration journey" he said 

"Aww that's actually really cute" I said 

"I know sometimes I have good ideas" he said 

"You keep believing that honey" I teased while walking away with some paint 

He laughed at me before following me to help me get started on painting the accent wall with whatever paint isn't on my belly. Joao put on some music and the both of us danced and sang along to as we painted. Now I know for a fact that you should paint everything evenly and in a proper pattern but I find it much more fun to paint little smiley faces and hearts before covering them up. Joao noticed me doing it and started doing the same and then we started communicating with each other on our wall. All you could hear was our laughter over the music that had been turned down which is exactly how I want this house to be all the time. When we have our little family I want the place to be filled with laughter and happiness as often as possible as my childhood wasn't so I want to have that for my own family. 

For the rest of the day we painted every wall in the living room and then we also managed to paint the hallway. By the time we decided to stop for the day we were both covered in paint and all of my muscles were hurting especially my back. I had a bath which Joao prepared for me before I just got straight into bed as I just needed some rest. Joao joined me with some food for the both of us which we ate sat in bed before he got me to lay on my side so he could massage my back for me. I was hoping the days where this was needed would be further down the road but clearly that was too optimistic as for the last few days Joao has been having to do this for me so I can sleep. 

"We did good today I'm proud of us" I said 

"I'm proud of you, you are 6 months pregnant and spending all day painting a house that's pretty impressive" he said 

"Thank you also I appreciate you massaging my back it makes it feel so much better like I can actually move" I said 

"It's my pleasure babe remember when we found out and I promised you that I'd spend all day everyday looking after you this is part of that and it's not going to change anytime soon" he said 

~~~~~~~~~~

It's been a few months but we are finally at the point where we only have one room left to decorate the room I've been most excited about decorating, the nursery. The entire time we have been decorating the rest of the house Joao and I have been buying things for the nursery which we have been waiting to put up but we have held off until now. I was really hoping that we would get round to it quicker as I wanted to help but I'm now 8 months pregnant and really struggling to do too much each day so I won't be too much help. The one thing I have been able to do is to pick out the colour for the room with Joao's help of course. 

We decided not to find out what we were having as we don't mind if we have a boy or a girl we are just so excited to have a baby. Not knowing means it's a bit harder to decorate the nursery but I didn't spend hours on Pinterest when I couldn't sleep for nothing, this room is going to be perfect for our little one I'm sure of it. Since finding out I was pregnant I have been determined not to be one of those people that just paints their baby's room white or grey and I'm not going to be as Joao and I decided on a really nice yellow colour for the nursery as well as some wallpaper that has some other colours in it too. 

When I woke up this morning the bed was empty which freaked me out for a minute until I heard music coming from the room next door which is going to be the nursery. After a few attempts I hauled myself out of bed and waddled my way into the room where I saw a shirtless Joao up a ladder refreshing the white paint on the ceiling as we decided to keep that and just put little glow in the dark stars up when the baby gets a bit older. I must say it was a wonderful sight my handsome fiancé shirtless a with bits of paint over him as his arms flexed while dragging the paintbrush back and forth. 

"Wow what a wonderful sight for 8am" I laughed 

"Good morning love how did you sleep?" Joao asked as he got down from the ladder 

"About as well as someone who's 8 months pregnant can how are things going in here?" I asked 

"Pretty good I've almost finished the ceiling then I thought we could do the walls before I put up the wallpaper but if you're too tired I'm happy to set up the chair so you can just sit and watch" he offered 

"I want to help but I don't know how long I'll be able to help for" I said 

"And that's ok just tell me when you're tired and I'll take over" he said giving me a kiss before heading back up the ladder 

While he was getting on with finishing what he had started I took my place on the floor so I could do the lower half of the walls. This has become routine as I can't stand for too long as it hurts my feet and back so I sit down with a roller and do as much as I can reach. Actually painting is the boring part of this room so we worked pretty quickly or Joao did as I did as much of all the walls as I could but then I needed a break so I watched on as he finished everything. After that came the exciting part the part I've been looking forward to since finding out I was pregnant and moving into this house. 

All day we've been working around the tons of boxes that are in piled in the middle of the room. The boxes are filled with all of the furniture we've been buying for the baby and I'm so excited to put it all together. Joao and I have never been very good at putting furniture together for a long as I remember we've always got something wrong and had to start all over again. Today is the day we challenge that because first we are putting together the crib. My job is to read the instructions and hold things for Joao as he puts in the screws and hammers things together. We were doing so well but when we finished something didn't look right and I realised we'd put something in backwards so yet again we'd failed and had to start again. 

After finishing the crib we got started on the changing table which we actually did first try and after that we were on a roll. Everything went together so easily and before I knew it all the furniture was put together and was in a place we were happy with it. Then came the really exciting part getting to put up all the little decorations we had which were all animal themed so there was loads of stuffed animal all over the place and decals for the walls. All of the decorations really brought the room to life and helped me see us stood in here in just a few short weeks holding our little baby. 

"I can't believe there will be an actual baby in here in a few weeks" Joao commented as he came over putting his hands on my bump

"I know I can't believe it either this baby will be here soon and will be enjoying this room we've worked hard decorating for years to come it will get filled with pictures and toys it'll be amazing" I said 

"Yes it will and I can't wait for that day" Joao said giving me a kiss as our baby kicked his hands 

[ssuperficialspacecadett]

Roll Call

Chapter Two of the Through the Scope series | Chapter Three

Rating: Mature

Word Count: 4K

TW: (Very) subtle hint at SA in readers past, gym member being creepy

Chapter Overview: Today is your first day at Brass Knuckles Boxing Gym. Benny has a surprise for you after your shift.

Notes: Hey everyone ! Still no set posting schedule, but I managed to get this one done this week. I have a pretty packed week coming up so I can't make any promises as to when chapter three will come out. thanks for dealing with me (': happy reading <3

*no use of y/n & female presenting reader*

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Your alarm clock makes its presence known bright and early this morning. Normally getting up for work on a Monday isn’t anything that you would be overly excited about, but today is your first day working at Brass Knuckles. It’s also your first day getting back into a stable work and life routine. Which is something you have been craving since you moved. You feel like a nervous child the morning of a school field trip. The good kind of nervousness that buzzes around inside your body and lingers. 

After hopping out of the shower, you head into your bedroom. You see your phone lying haphazardly on your bed and think about texting Benny to ask what you should wear today. He didn’t strike you as the kind of guy to enforce a dress code at work, but you also didn’t want to look out of place. Oh fuck it. He didn’t say anything negative about the jeans and t-shirt that you were wearing while you toured the gym. Might as well just wear something in the same vein as that to play it safe. 

You slip into your clothes and wander back into the bathroom with your phone in hand. The bags under your eyes are a physical testament to all the stress you have been and are under currently. Maybe some light makeup you say to yourself. It’s not as if you had any intention of trying to find a boyfriend here much to Robbie’s dismay. You just didn’t want anyone to think that Benny hired a walking corpse to greet the guests. You check the time on your phone and realize that you need to leave right about now to make it to the gym by 7:30 A.M.. Benny had texted you over the weekend asking you to come in half an hour early so he could give you the rundown of what you need to be taking care of on a regular day to day basis. Your shoes get thrown on and you grab your tote bag as you run out the door to your car.

Thankfully Brass Knuckles is only a 15-20 minute drive from your apartment. You pull into the parking lot and turn your car off before taking out your phone. You text your dad to remind him that your new job starts today so you will be coming by to see him after 8:00 P.M. Monday-Saturday. When he quickly texts back you’re a bit surprised. You would think retirement meant sleeping in.

Dad: Have a good day, Sweet Pea! Make some friends. Remember to hit them in the throat and in the balls.”

You smile and heart the message on your phone. This is your dads not so subtle way of reminding you where men are the most sensitive. Since according to him, you were walking into the lion's den by working here. As you climb out of the car your smile drops. Maybe if you would have remembered his advice when you were 19, things would have ended differently.

“Are you ready?!”

There was only one voice you knew that had the capability to be that loud this early in the morning. You look up quickly to see Benny waving and holding the gym door open for you. 

“Morning, Benny! Yes, I think I am.” You say slipping past him to get inside. 

“That’s what I like to hear outta my employees!” 

You set your tote bag down on the desk and take a deep breath in. It still reeks, but less so now that the smell has had time to dissipate between closing and opening shifts. Benny comes up behind you and pats your shoulder encouragingly as he walks behind the desk. 

“Come on, let me show you how everythin’ is setup.”

Benny has you sit in the chair so you can get a feel for things while he teaches you how to operate the scheduling system. He shows you how to login to the program under your profile and then how to access each individual client once you’re inside. You notice that he set your profile picture to the selfie you sent the other night. It seems to be a pretty straight forward program, you note. You are able to see, create, and control Benny’s one on one training appointments up to three months in advance. He gets excited when you figure out, on your own, that you can color code clients. You’re pretty sure that he didn’t know how to do that before, but he looked so happy that you didn’t have the heart to say anything. 

Once the two of you cover all of the bases for the scheduling program he moves on to the ‘easier’ tasks, as he calls them, that you are incharge of. He shows you how to scan membership cards with the scan gun on the desk and how to register new members when they ask. He shows you how to sell and print out tickets for the Friday fights. You feel him pull your chair away from the desk and see a small black, mini fridge underneath it. 

“This is where we keep the complimentary water for the guests. Just make sure to keep this stocked throughout the day. If it ever gets low we have cases in the laundry room.”

He checks the time on his phone while he scoots you and your chair back into the correct position. 

“Last thing you need to worry about is unlocking the door at 8:00 A.M.. As for me and my tasks? I help train people, obviously, look over finances, and take care of the music.” 

“You have time to queue up songs?”

“I make time to queue up songs.”

You were grateful for his help this morning. And even more grateful that he did it in a way that didn’t come across as condescending or like he was babying you. You got the feeling that he really did trust you with the work you were assigned even after only just meeting you. 

“You’re gonna do great today! Feel free to make the desk your own too.”

“Thanks, Benny.”

You walk with him from out behind the desk and lean against the brick wall as he heads into his office. 

“Oh,” he calls back to you before disappearing into the small room. “The guys are going to swing by around closing time. They wanted to see who they were drinking too the other night. I might have also talked you up to them.”

After he drops that bomb, Benny walks out of sight. You have no idea what to do with this information. Benny talked so highly of them the other day, so it makes you nervous that he wants you to meet them. Yet, the more you think about it the more you warm to the idea. He must feel like he found a friend in you the same way you did in him. You walk around the desk and head to the front door to unlock it. Cars have already begun to pull into the once empty lot signaling that your day has started whether you're ready for it or not. 

The first few hours of your shift crawl by at a snail’s pace. Two or three guests come in an hour. Each one of them mindlessly handing you their membership card to scan before they enter the gym. This gives you plenty of time to play around and really get to know the inner workings of the scheduling program. You want to make sure that there isn’t anything you aren’t prepared for. Benny, bless his heart, checks in with you just before 12:00 P.M..

“A lot of people come in here to burn off some steam durin’ their lunch breaks. It will be pretty packed for the next hour-hour and a half, but then it will go back to how it was this mornin’.”

God is he right. An endless stream of new faces begin coming at you soon after the clock strikes noon. Some of them don’t say anything, some of them offer you a polite greeting, and some of them take it upon themselves to welcome you in their own special way.

“You’re new, huh? I could show you a move or two in the ring if you want.”

“I’ll be back tomorrow if you promise me that you will be too.”

You just smile sweetly and scan their card with a simple ‘enjoy your visit’ to help move the lingerers along. The rush dies down a couple hours later, again just like Benny said it would. Honestly, you are a little bit sad that it's over. Time went by much quicker in those few hours and you finally felt useful. 

When shopping for furniture online in between helping guests check in got boring, you look for tasks you can take care of that venture past the desk. During your initial tour of the gym, you remember seeing a dirty clothes basket that was designated for towels. You figure that this late in the day it should be full enough to do a load of laundry. 

You walk inside the gym, weaving out of guests' way, and collect the used towels. It’s not too heavy so you carry it to the laundry room and dump all of the contents into the washer. You use the detergent that's on the shelf and close the machine's lid. Benny must have seen you walk in here because he walks up next to you as you press the ‘start’ button. 

“It’s a stubborn ‘ole son of a bitch so you gotta show it a little bit of extra love to get it goin’.”

You jump slightly when he rams the side of his foot into the washer. Unsurprisingly, it comes to life after he does this. For the third time today, Benny is once again correct. You look around the small room as the washer hums and see a photo hanging on the wall. It shows Benny arm in arm with three men you have never seen before.

“Are these your friends?” You point to the picture and ask Benny.

“Yup!” You can hear the pride in his voice as he says this. “That one on the right is Will, my older brother. The handsome devil next to him is yours truly. Then there’s Pope-”

“Pope?”

“Yeah, his name is technically Santiago, but we all call him Pope. It was his call sign when we served together and it just kinda stuck. We all have one, well I technically don’t, but I’d like to think mine is Brass Knuckles. It fits well with Will’s since his call sign is Ironhead.”

“That’s really sweet.”

“I like to think so.” he says bashfully. “ And last but not least…the one on the left is Catfish or Frankie.”

You nod along to what Benny is saying, but you would be lying if you said you were listening anymore. Your attention stays on the man in the left of the photo: Frankie. You could tell he hadn’t had a haircut in a while when the photo was taken. His thick, brown curls came up to lick the sides of the ‘Standard Heating Oil’ cap he wore. He had a full mustache that looked as if it was mocking the patchiness of his beard. You didn’t mind it. You thought it made him look more approachable. One of the most handsome noses you had ever seen sat atop his mustache. It was deeply sloped and came to a soft curve at the end. He’s laughing in the photo which makes the skin around his eyes wrinkle in an endearing way.

“You comin’ or what?” 

Unbeknownst to you, Benny had walked out of the laundry room while you were still captivated by the photograph on the wall. Or more specifically one of the men in the photograph. 

“Shit, my bad.”

Reluctantly you pull yourself away and walk back to the front desk with him. Your timing couldn’t have been more perfect either because his 4:00 P.M. appointment walks through the door right as you two arrive. Thankfully, Benny is so wrapped up in talking with the other man that he doesn’t notice how quiet you have gone. While your body may have left the laundry room, your mind is still very much there. You check him in and hand both men a water bottle before they head back for their workout. 

You sit restlessly in your chair as you watch the hands on the clock above the door chase one another. No one has come in since Benny’s last appointment, but you know that will change soon. It’s almost 5:00 P.M. which means the after work rush is on the horizon. You hear Benny faintly as he talks to his client and you find yourself wondering what goes on in his sessions. It feels safe to abandon your post for a few seconds so you stand up and peek your head around the brick wall. Benny has dawned some gloves with pads attached to the palms of them. 

“You got it, man! Right in the center! Yeah, just like that, great job!”

He carries on with his encouraging words as the man across from him continues to make contact with the padded gloves. You hear him tell the man to hit harder and in a more controlled manner. When he does this, Benny showers him with praise. It warms your heart to see him in action. You can really tell that this isn’t just a job for him. This is his whole life. 

The doorbell rings out and you look behind you to greet the client.

“Oh don’t turn around my account, darlin’. I was admiring the view.” 

He wasn’t a very tall man, but what he lacked in height he made up for in misplaced confidence. He was attractive in an average sort of way. The kind of way that wouldn’t make you do a double take on the street if you saw him. However, you could give credit where credit was due. He had great hair. It was thick and raven in color and combed in an almost meticulous way. 

“Welcome to Brass Knuckles. How can I help you today, sir?” you say, biting back your new found annoyance.

“I have a 5:00 P.M. appointment with Miller. I decided to come in early to warm up and I’m happy that I did. What’s your name?”

You ignore his inquiry about your name and take a seat in your chair. When you check the schedule you see his name, Ed Brunson, under the 5 o’clock spot.

“Ed? Let me get you checked in. Benny will be with you once he finishes with his 4 o’clock.”

“You can call me Eddie, darlin’.”

“Want me to put it in your file or what?” Now unable to hide your disdain. 

“Oh you're spunky. I like that.”

Benny jogs up to the front drenched in sweat. You take advantage of his current state and ignore Brunson to grab him a water bottle. 

“Brunson, you’re on time,” He takes a gulp of water. “That’s a first.”

You watch as Benny cautiously looks between you and Brunson as he polishes off the refreshing drink.

“I was just trying to get acquainted with your new receptionist here.”

“New receptionist, this is Brunson. Brunson, this is my new receptionist. Now y’all are acquainted.” His tone is flat as he says this.

You have to pretend to do something on your computer so you don’t snort at Benny’s ‘in depth’ introduction of you.

“I don’t get to know her name, Miller?”

“Did you come here to practice runnin’ your mouth or to practice throwin’ your fists?”

Brunson chuckles lightly and holds his hands up in defeat. You dare to glance up at the two men and see a weird tension in between them. Another guest walks in so Brunson takes it as his queue to head back into the gym. Benny stays up there with you as you scan the new guests card. 

“What was all that about?” you question when the two of you are alone again. 

“I don’t fuckin’ like that guy. I’ve been itchin’ for a reason to ban him from this place. Did he- did he say anything to you before I got here?”

“Just regular run of the mill meathead shit I suppose.”

“Are you sure?” He presses.

“I’m fine, Benny, really.”

“But you’ll let me know?”

“Yes, I’ll let you know. I’m a big girl though. I can handle myself. Now you better get back there, you wouldn’t want to keep that peach of a man waiting.”

He laughs, but seems a bit wary of your answer. You wave at him as he walks into what you’re sure will be a very strange session. Before you forget, you make sure to color code Brunson’s name in a bright shade of red.

***

You’re grateful when 7:30 P.M. finally rolls around. You think you could classify your first day here as a success. It may have droned on at times, but you had Benny to keep you company which made all the difference in the world. As you put the last of your things in your tote bag you make a mental note to bring some stuff from home to jazz up your desk. After all, Benny did say that you could make the desk your own. Maybe a cute potted plant in that corner, a new pen jar up there, an air freshener right here? You’re mapping it all out in your head when you see a tired looking white pickup truck pull into the almost empty lot. Three men get out and start heading in your direction. They aren’t dressed for a workout-? Oh fuck they’re Benny’s friends.

The closer they get to the door, the more easily you are able to identify them based on the photo in the laundry room. You don’t know why you have a knot in your stomach all of a sudden. You feel completely crazy for being so jittery over their approaching presence. The man Benny referred to as ‘Pope’ walks in first, followed by Will and then Frankie. You stand, a bit awkwardly, when they approach the front desk. 

“Well you must be the reason my wallet is a lot lighter than it usually is.” Pope theorizes as he leans his forearms on the desk. He’s got a playful grin plastered on his salt and peppered face when he speaks to you.

“Guilty,” you confess. “You must be Pope or Santiago. I’m not really sure which one I’m allowed to call you.”

“You can call me whichever one you’d like. Did Benny give you an exposé on all of us?”

“Kissing and telling wouldn’t be a good way to end my first day, don't ‘cha think?” 

Will laughs heartily as he steps up to greet you next. “William Miller,” you shake the hand he offers you. “I hope Benny wasn’t too much to handle today.”

“Actually he was really helpful, but I’m getting the sense that's not always the case with him.” 

All three men shake their heads in confirmation with your statement. Last to approach you is Frankie. You feel your heartbeat quicken as you realize he is much more handsome in person. His eyes also look considerably sadder than they were in the picture. 

“And you must be Frankie-”

“Hey boys!” 

Benny comes barreling out from behind the brick wall and greets each man with a bear hug. You smile when you see the love each of them has for one other. It’s really nice to see a group of men express that so readily. When Benny makes his way to Frankie the two of you make eye contact. Something about those deep brown eyes on you makes your ears hot and you have to look away. 

“So whaddya think?” Benny says to you when he finally lets Frankie go.

“The picture Benny has in the laundry room doesn’t do y’all justice.”

“Well I could say the same thing about you.” Pope quips.

Your jaw hangs open and you turn your attention to Benny. “So thats why you asked for a fucking photo the other night! You little shit!”

“No! No! You saw that I set it as your login picture! It was Frankie’s idea anyhow!”

“You!?” you snap your head towards Frankie who looks like he has just seen a ghost.

“Don’t you fucking pin that on me, Benny! I just told you how to ask for it in a non creepy way! Pope was the one who originally wanted it!”

“Pope!” you whine in his direction. 

“Okay. Okay. The buck stops here. You caught me. I got curious and couldn’t help myself.” 

“And I guess you were just along for the ride then, huh, Will?”

“That’s usually how it goes.” He shrugs innocently. 

Benny continues talking with his friends while you log out of the computer and shut it down for the night. As you do this, you can’t help but feel like there are eyes on you. You keep your own gaze on the computer and listen in. You hear Benny so it can’t be him. Pope just made a snide comment so it isn’t him either. There Will goes laughing up a storm at what Pope just said. The only one it could be is…

“Are you going to be joining us at the bar tonight?” Pope queries. 

“I’m flattered, really, but I have a previous engagement.”

“You’re breaking my heart.”

“Lay off, Pope.” Will gives him a playful shove. “Well the invitation doesn’t expire, so maybe when you’re free next?”

“Thanks guys. I’ll keep that in mind for sure. It was really nice to meet y’all!”

Everyone says their goodbyes as Will, Frankie, and Pope head out the door towards The Barrel. You swear you see Frankie turn around one last time before he gets bathed in the darkness of the night. Then it’s just you and Benny again. The way it started.

“So? How was your first day?”

He happily walks across the parking lot with you to your car after insisting that you shouldn’t go alone. You take a deep breath of the humid night air and feel it clearing out your lungs. 

“Besides the intense and constant smell of male body odor it wasn’t half bad.” 

“Oh, fuck off.”

“No, I’m dead serious. We have got to do something about that.”

He waits patiently for you to get in your car and crank the engine on. You look up at him before you drive away, but you see him motioning for you to roll your window down. 

“Yeah?”

He rests his forearms where your window disappeared into your car. “I’m glad you want to stick around. I’m even more glad you got along with my friends. We’re kind of a fucked up bunch. But I swear we are cool once you get to know us.”

You smile sadly at him as you pull out of the parking lot. He follows behind your car as you exit the lot and get into the street. Then he crosses over to the bar on his own. You watch him in your rearview mirror until you can no longer tell the difference between him and the shadows. Part of you wants to turn around, join them at their table, and see where the night takes you. It would be so freeing. It would be exactly what you need. Unfortunately, your better judgment takes over and you punch your dads address into your GPS. Maybe you will award yourself that luxury another night. You pull out your phone and press on your dads contact before your silly, little heart tips the scale inside your brain in its favor. 

“Hey, are you still awake?”

“Well I answered the phone didn’t I?” he says sarcastically.

“Touché, dad. I’m headed your way right now.”

“Did you make any friends today?”

You feel a coy smile play across your lips before you speak. “Yeah. Yeah, I think I did actually.”

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

[justforfunfic]

Drinks & Dates

Summary: Using the prompts “Can you come get me?” and “You’re not really dating him” 

You’ve recently broken up with your boyfriend but he doesn’t get the message. Maybe fake dating his coworker will finally make him realize that you're really over? That is, if your friend doesn’t get to him first. 

Pairing: Sandor Clegane x reader

Genre: Modern AU

Word Count: 2.8k

Warnings: none 

A/N: Meryn is not the creep he is in the books/show but he is what he’s always been: a loser

Part 1

______________________________________________________________

“You can’t keep doing this,” you sighed. You would’ve yelled if you weren’t so tired. This was what, the third or fourth time he’d done this?

“You said you were done with your dinner plans with your friend at 8:30,” Your ex Meryn said. “You also said we could hangout.”

You shook your head as you went to put on your shoes and grab a jacket. It was 8:25.

“No. I said I was leaving at 8:30 because I had plans for dinner with a friend,” Before he could argue, you added, “Reread my text.”

He did and “my bad” was all he could think to say.

You were exasperated. Did he really not see an issue with showing up at your apartment? You had told him that they could hang out anytime today but that you had plans at 8:30. 

“You have to leave,” You demanded

“What friend is it?”

“Does it matter?”

Before you could reply, there was a knock on the door. You rolled your eyes and went to get it. On the other side of the door was Rosa, your close friend. She wore a short, tight dress that made your halter top and very short shorts look conservative.

“Who is it?” Meryn asked.

Rosa walked in, saw your ex on the couch, and shook her head at you.

“I don’t want to hear it,” You said, knowing you’d both talk about it in the Uber. “I have to pee and then we can go.”

“Okay, I’ll order the Uber,” Rosa said as she began to make small talk with Meryn. When you walked out, finally ready to leave, Meryn tested your patience again.

“Do you want me to leave?”

What kind of question was that? Sensing your train of thought, he continued speaking.

“I’ve stayed here before. Even when you go out for girls' night.”

“No!” You half-yelled. The nerves on this man. “I have to set the alarm and you need to go.”

Meryn awkwardly shuffled to the door, trying to offer you a hug but the look on your face dissuaded him. Once he made his way to his car, you and Rosa stepped out of the apartment and you set the alarm. 

“Why was Meryn here?” Rosa asked on their walk to the Uber. 

Shaking your head and stepping in, you replied, “Where do I start?”

“Is this not the first time?”

“No, and I don’t know why-”

“What’s the code?” The Uber driver interrupted. He was an older man, in his early forties, if you had to guess.

“2358,” Rosa said with a smile. The man smiled back at her as the directions pulled up.

“You two are headed to Herry’s?” He asked rhetorically and Rosa smiled again, “It’s busy on a Saturday.”

“That’s why we’re going. We love the music and the dancing.”

“Hoping to have a good time?”

“Always,” She giggled a little. Her bubbly and flirtatious personality made it easy for her to talk to people, especially men. “Do you know of any other good spots to hit on a Saturday night?”

“Probably not places for young women to dance,” he admitted, looking over their outfits in the rearview mirror, “But if you get tired of the people and the crowds, you should head to Jeff’s. It’s got a live band and cheap beer and it’s a great place to wind down and end the night.”

“Really?”

“Yep. The crowd there is a bit older and a tad quieter, but as long as you don’t go in there making a scene, you should be fine.”

“Thank you,” Rosa said as the driver pulled to the curb in front of Herry’s. She leaned up before getting out and using an innocent tone added, “And just so you know, I never make a scene.”

You waited for your friend to stop flirting with the driver, eager to complain about Meryn and get a much-needed drink. 

The first thing you did while inside was make your way to the bar across the massive room. It was crowded, so Rosa grabbed your hand so as to not be separated in the sea of people. The music poured from the speakers and people were dancing in the center of the room. The two of you couldn’t wait to join. Ordering four shots, two for each of you, Rosa asked, “So what’s with you and Meryn?”

You took your first shot, “I honestly don’t know anymore.”

“I thought the two of you broke up. I thought you dumped him.”

“I did!” You said defensively.

“Then why was he at your apartment?” Rosa’s eyes widened, “Are you two hooking up?”

“What? No! I dumped him two weeks ago, and he keeps wanting to hang out and do things together. I don’t think he’s accepted that we’re over.”

Rosa nodded. The relationship had been over for you for a while and she knew it. You had talked to Rosa several times about dumping Meryn before. He never put in the effort you did, never texted first, and never cared about going to the farmers market with you, or on dates, or celebrating Valentines Day. The list got longer the longer you dated. But whenever you brought up the issues or told him that you would leave if things didn’t get better, he always made excuses and promised to get his act together. He never did.

This time was different though. You had the suspicion that Meryn was cheating on you. When you told Rosa, your friend suggested confronting him or catching him in the act, either by catfishing him or finding the other woman. You declined, finally deciding to end the relationship once and for all. 

“How did he take it when you told him?” Rosa asked, having been out of town for the past month.

“I thought he was mature about it. He didn’t really say anything, but he asked if we could still be friends.” “And you said yes?” You couldn’t tell if Rosa’s tone was curious or scolding.

“Well yeah, I figured we could still be friends.” You said in your defense, “But I thought that we’d hang out with some of our mutual friends or maybe catch up over pizza or something. I didn’t think he’d keep showing up to my apartment.”

“You should’ve told him no and gone no contact.”

“I see that now,” You said, taking your second shot and Rosa did the same.

“So why did he come over tonight? Didn’t you tell him that we had plans?”

“Of course I did. I told him I had plans with a friend at 8:30. I thought we might do something sooner— away from my apartment— but he never responded and then showed up ten minutes before you did.”

Rosa shook her head at your acceptance that Meryn could show up at your door rather than tell him off, but she chose to focus on something else.

“Did you say you were out with a friend or me?”

“Does it matter?”

Rosa gave you a look.

“I said a friend, but you are my friend.”

“Maybe,” Rosa smiled and ordered another round of shots to keep you waiting for her next words, “Meryn thought you were going on a date.”

“What?” you scoffed, not really believing that Meryn would believe that. 

“Think about it, you you broke up two weeks go—”

“Two weeks isn’t a long time,”

“But you told him that you had lost feelings a while ago, didn’t you? Beides, he knows you’re a beautiful woman and how many arguments have the two of you gotten into because another man was flirting with you?”

You couldn’t find the words you wanted to respond with and Rosa continued.

“It makes perfect sense that Meryn thought you were on a date, got jealous, and wanted to break it up before it got started.”

You wanted to disagree but couldn’t. Meryn would do something like that. The conversation ended officially when the shots were set out. you and Rosa threw them back quickly.

“Shall we?” Rosa asked, stepping away from the bar and looking over her shoulder. you grinned and followed her to the dance floor.

The two of you danced for hours, but it felt like minutes. At one point, another pair of women joined you and they all danced together. When they left, two men replaced them, but they got too handsy, so you and Rosa left. It was about time anyway, nearing 1:00AM. 

“I’m starving,” Rosa said. You agreed. 

“Waffle House?” You asked. It was you and Rosa’s regular spot after a night out.

Rosa pursued her lips, considering a late night breakfast, but decided against it.

“Let’s go to Jeff’s,” She suggested, “I want to see what makes it so great.”

You nodded in agreement. Fries sounded much better than a waffle right now.

Rosa pulled up the directions on her almost dead phone. The bar was only a ten minute walk from the club, but with how much the two of you had been drinking, it would probably be a twenty minute stumble. Hand in hand, you and Rosa made your way to the Jeff’s.

The driver was right, the crowd was different from the one at the club. The club was full of young adults, mostly college students or recently graduated, like you and Rosa. Most of the people at Jeff’s were older, people anywhere from late twenties to late fifties. In your tight outfits, you and Rosa stood out. Luckily no one paid much attention to the two of you. They were more interested in chatting with each other and listening to the band, which was much quieter than the pounding music at the club.

Finding a table, the two of you picked up a menu. It was typical bar food, burgers, wings, mozzarella sticks. A Waitress swooped by to take an order.

“Hi, I’m Addy,” She introduced herself. “Just so you know, the kitchen closes in about ten minutes and the last call is at 1:45. What can I get you?”

“Can I get some fries and an order of mozzarella sticks, please?” you asked, “And two waters?”

“Of course,” Addy smiled, and you returned it, hoping you didn’t appear too drunk. The cool night air and walking had sobered you up some, but unfortunately, it did not do the same for Rosa.

The waters and food came out in minutes, or at least if felt like minutes but you really couldn’t tell. You looked around people watching, absent-mindedly eating fries and half of one of Rosa’s cheese sticks. She was busy swiping through men on tinder, and you didn’t have the energy to talk right now. Your eyes settled on a man at the bar. He was tall, with a full beard and long, dark hair. Only part of his face was visible. Rosa chose this moment to speak.

“See something you like?” She teased.

“Can you keep your voice down?” You replied, glancing around to see if anyone had heard. Rosa tended to be loud and got louder when she drank. She didn’t mind, but you did. Most of these people were probably regulars and knew each other.

Rosa leaned in and half-whispered, “See someone you like?”

“I think I know him,” You replied, trying not to stare and failing, “He looks so familiar.”

“Why don’t you go talk to him?”

“I don’t want to flirt with him.” That wasn’t completely true, but you would’ve liked to be more sober to talk to a man. Maybe if you’d come earlier in the night, you would’ve been up for it.

Rosa surveyed him through squinted eyes. He was sitting at the bar, but there was no doubt he’d tower over everyone there if he stood up. He had a nice beard, which she knew you’d love. And he was muscular. So much so, she told herself that if you didn’t make a move, she would. 

“I think you should flirt with him. He’d be more than a step above Meryn.” She was right. Meryn was a bit pudgy and a lot shorter.You wanted the conversation about the man at the bar to end. You loved Rosa, but you were also comfortable at where the night was ending.

Rosa hiccuped and swallowed, one of her tell-tale signs that she’ll throw up soon. You flagged down Addy for the check. You still had fries to eat, but you could grab something from the fridge at home. 

“Here you go,” Addy said as she tore the small paper off her notepad, “You pay at the bar,” she smiled and walked away.

Rosa snatched the yellow paper from your hands, “I’ll give this back, if you promise to talk to that hot ass man sitting next to the register.”

You hadn’t noticed where he was sitting, but if Rosa got up to try to pay, she’d probably spill her mozzarella sticks. You went  to take the ticket from her hand.

“Say you will. Or I’ll go talk to him.”

As much as you cared for Rosa, you hated when she got like this, threatening to take a man if you didn’t. And she made good on her threats.

“Fine,” You finally took the ticket, “I’ll talk to him. You call an Uber while I pay.”

You got up from the table and made your way to the register. You waited for someone to meet you and take your card. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw the tall man nursing his last beer. It was dark, probably Guinness. You could feel Rosa’s eyes on you, and you wish you could find someone attractive or have a crush without being forced to act on it. 

“Can I help you?” The man asked, taking you by surprise. He didn't turn his head to talk to you, but he spoke with an accent your half-drunk brain couldn’t comprehend.

“Oh, no, not unless you work here,” You joked.

“Well then why do you keep looking at me?” He asked rudely. You couldn’t tell if he really wanted an answer. You paused for what seemed like a moment too long.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to,” You said half-truthfully. “I just feel like I’ve seen you before.”

“You’d remember if you’d seen me.” The words would’ve sounded cocky if it wasn’t for his somber tone. 

Before you could say anything, a small man appeared from a set of doors and held out his hand for your ticket. You handed it to him.

“I hope Sandor isn’t giving you a hard time,” He said, smiling at you. His nametag read “Terry.”

The man, Sandor, scoffed, earning another smile from Terry. You shook your head and someone yelled for Terry in the kitchen. As you took the receipt, scribbling the tip and your signature, you remembered where you had seen Sandor before.

As he took a swig of his beer, you asked, “You wouldn’t happen to be Sandor Clegane, would you?”

“How many more Sandors are there?” Okay, you knew that definitely was rhetorical.

“I’m sorry,” You found yourself apologizing, “I just realized where I knew you from. You work with my ex boyfriend, Meryn.”

“Meryn,” He repeated. Was that disgust in his voice? “Meryn Trant?”

He turned to face you when he repeated Meryn’s name, and you could see why he told you that you’d remember seeing him. A majority of the other side of his face was covered in a burn scar. You focused on his nice beard instead.

“Unfortunately.”

You gently set the bar’s copy of the receipt and the pen down on the counter. You hoped Sandor would say something else, but Rosa hugged you from behind. She noticed Sandor looking at you and stuck out her hand.

“I’m Rosa,” She said with a big smile. Sandor turned away with huff and eye roll, eliminating any chance of furthering the conversation.

She suppressed a smile as she gave you a who-does-this-guy-think-he-is look.You forced a smile in return. You grabbed her by the arm and gently pulled her away. The Uber was probably there.

You took a few steps before looking over your shoulder, “It was nice to officially meet you, Sandor.”

He looked over his shoulder as well, nodding. Outside, you poured Rosa into the Uber.

[citrusbatsandhoneybees]

-The Fading Star-

-Part 5-

Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

A/N: Longer chapter Folks! I just kept going, and it seemed off to split it into two so here it is! Again, if you prefer AO3 it's on there now too.

Lucifer Morningstar X Female! Insert

Content Warnings: Swearing, Illness descriptions, Car Crash descriptions, more angst

Quick Synopsis: Tsuki was made to keep Lilith company during her marriage with Adam, but finds herself, unwillingly, falling in love with a certain archangel. Then after many millennia she reunites with Lucifer.

It had been a week and a half since Tsuki had arrived at the hotel, and if the tension in the air was thick before it was practically palpable now. She had continued avoiding me in every way, with our closest interaction being in the kitchen on her first day.

I pinched the bridge of my nose as I paced beside my bed. I don’t understand why she was so insistent on not speaking with me; it was starting to have a negative effect on my Charlie’s friends at this point. Even they’ve tried to tell me to talk to her. Ha! Like I haven’t tried! Every single opportunity that presents for us to speak, even if it would be short, she shuts down immediately. Charlie has even attempted to help me with her. During her daily redemption lessons, she’s tried setting up partner activities, but of course Tsuki made an excuse to leave early. This is ridiculous, she can’t think that she’s just going to never speak with me again, does she? Just stay a whisper away from me for the rest of time?

My duck alarm finally starts to squeak beside me as it waddles around on the bedside table, and I close its beak. I summon my staff and grip it tightly as I get ready to head down for the day. Time to try again, I guess. 

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

I’ve grown into a routine since I’ve arrived at the hotel: Wake up early, make breakfast, Charlie’s redemption lesson, grab list, help souls, come home, work on paperwork, sleep as much as I can, repeat. It was slowly getting more and more draining, but I could handle it. I’ve handled way worse; I just have to get used to the routine. It definitely doesn’t help that Lucifer has gotten pushier, talking about me and Eden in front of me with the other residents. He doesn’t get to decide when I speak with him. That’s for me to choose, and at this point he’s not giving me any reason to want to. It is strange though to not see Lilith, when I saw them last, they were practically attached by the hip. No one around has even mentioned her either. Maybe her absence is a sore subject for Charlie. She’s probably out doing something important for Hell, I’m sure; she is the queen. Luckily, other than Lucifer’s attempts, everything else at the hotel is going fairly well. Angel and I seem to always leave the hotel at the same time, so I talk to him every day. He’s really sweet to me, in his own way.  I enjoy Charlie’s lessons quite a bit; she’s so much like her father. Alastor has been quite helpful in the mornings, and our conversations are nice. Hopefully I can get closer with the others though. I’ve gotten a quick jist of what they are like through the small lessons I attend, but by the time I get back everyone’s usually in bed. Except for a few rare cases. 

Charlie rounds everyone to the lobby as normal, and everyone resides in their seat. Once I finally get comfortable in my spot, with a small twirl of glitters, I summon a crochet hook and small violet blanket that I’ve started. My hands rigorously work in a smooth rhythm, loop after loop continuing the row that I was on. This little project of mine has helped center my focus onto Charlie as she spoke for the past week.

“So... we still don’t have any new residents, and we believe that it’s because they’re still scared after the last extermination, so we need to show them that it’s worth it to stay at the new hotel! Vaggie, Dad, Alastor, and I have been talking, and we believe a good way to start is a banquet. That way we could show off the new hotel, and properly explain the hotel’s concept again before other fun things.”

A banquet? I haven’t been to one, but if I remember correctly Michael has told me about the events, he’s held for some of the higher-ranking angels in heaven. 

“Is this going to be a formal event?” 

Charlie turned to Tsuki after she heard her question. 

“Yeah kinda, we want everyone to be comfortable, but we’ll have a dress code, so we don’t have anyone coming with well….  erotic ideas.” 

“Ooooh so you’re tellin me I get to see whiskers here in a suit?” 

Angel turned to the cat demon and teased while adjusting his legs over him. His smirk grew further as Husk rolled his eyes at the one draped over him, but no one was lost to the smile that stayed clear on his face. Charlie smiled and giggled lightly under her hand before she continued. 

“Anyway… so to make this happen, I need everyone on deck. Dad already said that he would handle the food, and Alastor the music, but that leaves decorating and getting the word out. Angel Dust can probably help out Vaggie and I with invitations, so I need Husk and Tsuki to help out with getting this place ready for a banquet. Although if you two aren’t able to find something for it, I’m sure my dad can help with that too.” 

Lucifer puffed out his chest a little proud that his daughter was relying on him for his help again, and Tsuki let out a small sigh, and looked back down to her blanket as the conversation continued over what the banquet needed. It would be fun to help arrange an event like this, but she would have to find time to be able to do everything required. Excitement grew over the rest of the group as they spoke about what they could do for the banquet. Even Husker chuckled along with Angel Dust when he suggested dragging him out on the dance floor after the courses were over. Tsuki smiled down at her project while listening to the cheery dialogues ahead of her. Angel Dust nudged her side before she could get too lost in thought. 

“You know I’m gonna drag you shoppin too sugar!” 

Tsuki sarcastically huffed out a breath and laughed lightly in response. She wouldn’t mind spending more time with him if she got the time. Standing from her spot, her small project whooshes away with the sparkles of her magic before she offers her hand down to Angel Dust. 

“I’ll keep that in mind. Now I’ve gotta head off are you coming?” 

“Nah toots, I got the day off. But… you should consider talkin to your “old friend” over there he looks like he’s going to pounce on you as soon as you take a step.” 

She pinches the bridge of her nose as she allows a low groan past her lips. Of course she could feel the lingering stares. There was no way she was going to deal with this right now, so she pushed it off once again as she walked out of the lobby. Angel was right, Lucifer was quick on his feet to chase her outside the lobby. Just before he could reach her, she whipped out her wings and dropped through a portal. He groaned and stepped up to the portal, glancing into it for a moment before it swirls to a close. 

“Fuck.. Why is she so stubborn??”

His hands grazed through his hair to soothe his bubbling frustration as he walks back into the lobby. To which almost all of the rest of crew was staring back at him. 

“I’m assuming that his majesty wasn’t able to speak with her once again?” 

Lucifer grinds his teeth as he glares back at the radio demon. Horns threatened to grow from his forehead as bright crimson surrounds the sclera of his eye. Alastor’s has been clearly enjoying all the misery the king has been going through this whole time and didn’t skip any chances to rub it in his face. 

“You fucking filthy prick”

Lucifer was on his wits end with the radio demon, with the only thing keep him from ripping him into tiny scorching pieces being his daughter. Who was currently standing next to the radio demon. 

“I do wonder what you could have possibly done for her to shut you out your highness!” 

Lucifer only growls and looks away from him, attempted to fizzle down the rising anger that he had ignited. 

“Al-” 

Vaggie attempted to interject into the conversation, but was interrupted by Alastor’s continued interrogation. 

“I believe that everyone here can agree that she seems like a sweet girl, so I imagine that it must’ve been something quite horrible for her to avoid you like this.” 

“I didn’t... it- it wasn’t like that”

Lucifer’s words caught in his throat as he attempted to defend himself mostly for his own sanity as he looked away from the others. Alastor’s eyes narrowed down at the King as he tightens his grip on the apple staff he summoned. Alastor cackles at the fallen angel, and slips away into his shadows, content with the response he got. Silence fell heavy across the room once Alastor faded away, and everyone’s eyes turned back to Lucifer. He lifted his head to look to the others after taking a deep breath. His gaze stops on Charlie. 

“I’ll talk to her.. I promise.” 

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

Tsuki was now in Micheal’s office as usual, scanning through each paper of the binder he set out for her. She let out a heavy yawn as she rubbed the exhaustion out her eyes. Across from her the prince’s eyes narrowed looking over her face. He dropped his pen, and quickly grasped her chin turning her head to look up at him. Her eyes widened in surprise from the sudden touch as she looked over the blonde’s face. She felt her heart pounding against her chest and palms getting sweaty as she watched the man scan over her features. I didn’t do anything different! Does he know? Michael raised his other hand to rub the darkening circles under her eyes. 

“Angel.. You’re overworking again aren’t you. Why?”

She swallowed, and she started to tremble from the sudden attention she was being given. He knew her tendencies after working with her for so long, and she appreciated his concern. However she could feel her long overdue breakdown surfacing, so she closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and bit her tongue. Placing a gentle hand onto his, she responds. 

“I’ve just had some stuff on my mind, nothing to worry over.” 

The prince let her out of his grasp and let out a heavy sigh. Tsuki relieved to be able to separate from the archangel, took a step back from the desk and curtsied. Looking up to the prince, she could feel him still examining her every move.

“I- I’ll do better Michael.”

 After he had looked to her and given her an approving nod she abruptly offered him a thank you and goodbye before walking through the portal he summoned with a simple flick of the wrist. Tsuki had left to go into the human realm and settled her rapid beating heart. Taking in a quick breath she readied herself as she approached the first on her list. 

The deep blue sparks flicker around her as she passes through her first portal and assesses her surroundings. Her eyes settle and adjust to the bright LED lights that were held above her. Her lily-white wings beat and push her forward in the sickly white room toward the teal curtain that stood across the room. Gently she pushed open the curtain to approach the bed that was held behind it. Under the cotton covers held a small child, connected to machine that let out a soft beep every few seconds.

The young brunette turned her head to face the angel and held up her heavy eyelids as best as she could. Her breath was shaky, and she trembled from the aching that she held within. Tsuki allowed her wings to fall and proceeded to her place next to the bed. The sickly girl reached out her hand to hold her own. Keeping a hold on little one, Tsuki leaned forward and held the child’s hand in a soft embrace before placing the other onto her chest.

"It'll be okay."

She spoke softly to ensure that even if she didn't understand what she said, the little girl could still feel calm beside her. Violet glitters erupt from underneath her hand and spread throughout her figure, fading away as they slip into the child’s chest. The small brunette’s eyelids flutter close as she feels the soft fuzzy and warm feeling grow and flow within her. Tsuki smiles as she allows her magic to quickly finish and looks to the girl that was now sound asleep. The angel summoned a small towel and wiped away the sweat on her brow before placing the girl’s hand back to her side.

The clicks of sparks sound behind her, so she pulls the cotton cover back over her and turned back the other end of the room. Her sets of wings flap, and briskly drove her toward the portal that formed outside the curtain. 

Through the portal she landed onto cold concrete. She squinted as she turned to look past the streetlamp that illuminated the dark road that Tsuki stood on. Repeated pangs of pain strain against her torso and shoulder pulls her towards the edge of the road. As she darts toward where her instincts were leading her, garbled staticky guitar plays from below her. Her eyes narrow as she spots a bright flashing light down the hill. She races towards the flashes and sound and finds a deep green vehicle flipped onto its side.

The green hood leaned against an oak tree and the glass was scattered across the ground from the impact the vehicle took. Tsuki calmly advanced and hovered over the doors ripping it open to find a young unconscious couple. She repeated the same process of unlocking the seatbelt’s retractor and shoved her arms under the hook of their knees and behind their backs to pull them out of the compact space before setting them both in the soft grass. After she does so, Tsuki works her magic and focuses on healing all of the clear injuries that she felt. The blood that was pushing past the gashes across their shoulders, chest, and head speedily comes to a halt as purple stitches and fills the injuries that they held. Tsuki lets out a deep breath as she finishes looking over to her chest, watching as the small piece of her that had gone transparent fills with her natural color once more. The familiar sound of sparks erupts to her side. 

“No.. I need to get them some help.”

Tsuki flew past the oak, and towards the bright headlights that were running past the area below. Once she arrived at the edge of the highway, she focused her gaze onto a car that appeared past the curve.

Assuming a position in the middle of the street, Tsuki shut her eyes tight and pushed her hands together. Heat grew between her palms, and light pushed past her fingers as she held her grip together tightly. Suddenly she allows the pressure to push her hands apart and in front of her, causing a burst of light and start dust to fall from her palms. The vehicle that was approaching came to a hurling stop, and a door flew open. The guardian angel looked toward the accident and rushed towards it allowing more of the glitters to flow past her to form a path as she approached, once she finally arrived, she checked over the young couple. After she was sure they would be okay, she flew through another deep blue portal. She healed, and helped all the souls she could in the time she had. 

It was always like this rush after rush of healing and helping certain people that she was summoned to. The guardian angel was used to this routine after doing it for many millennia. She was quick on her feet as she helped all of the souls that the divine had assigned for her. Flying through portal after portal, finding soul after soul. Throughout her lifetime she had gotten quick enough to be able to get through her “list” before Tsuki felt the need to stop, so she would keep going against Michael’s best wishes. It wasn’t any different this time, so by the time the angel realized she got too caught up in her work it was nearing morning in Hell.

Tsuki rubbed her temples and summoned her paperwork and a portal to the Hazbin hotel in a few snaps. The angel groaned holding the stack close to her chest as she entered the lobby. Silence reigned over the space that she stepped into. As she let out a sigh, Tsuki blinked a few times allowing her eyes to adjust to the dim lighting and kept her footsteps light as she walked past the lobby and to the elevator.

Once she had stepped into the elevator, Tsuki leaned her back against the wall of the elevator feeling herself rise to the top floor. Allowing her wings to finally rest into and fold back into her back, a small groan of relief leaves her lips, and she rolls her shoulders back at the feeling. Once she arrived at her floor, the guardian angel strolls towards her room and searches her pockets. Her eyebrows raise and panic abruptly washes over her as she continues searching after feeling that it wasn’t in its’ usual place. In her panicked state, the paperwork she held tightly fell from her grasp, and scattered across the floor.

“Fuck.. Just what I needed.” 

A frustrated grumble leaves her as she realizes it must’ve still been in her room. Tsuki bent down feeling the soft carpet against her knees, and started arranging her papers back into their appropriate order. After checking through them, she sets a paperclip over the side of them. 

 Tsuki pauses and turns to position herself against the door, allowing a calm to flow over her soul. She leans her head back settling the back of her head against the wood and allows her eyes to close. 

I’ve already used so much magic today. Should I get Alastor? Mmm It’s so late, I don’t want to bother him.  

Tsuki stared down to inspect her legs, rubbing the outside of them gently. A small area on her lower calf was transparent. After finding this, she takes a gentle hold of her halo, and holds it above the area. Gentle stardust fell onto the area, and her color starts to emerge faster back into the area. It was a slow process sometimes. As she kept a watchful eye on her calf, a soft voice interrupts her focus. 

“Hey..” 

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

Lucifer watched the clock as hours and hours passed by, sitting at the bar, and waiting for Tsuki to come back to Hazbin hotel. He knew that the way things were going between them couldn’t last much longer, so he was determined to change it. The first few hours, the others kept him company, but they slowly dwindled away. It was nearly midnight before Charlie decided to pull her dad away, and to bed. 

“Dad, maybe you should wait till tomorrow, it’s late.” 

He looked back to her while he fidgeted with the tea bag that sat in his cup. He gave her a comforting smile after seeing her concerned expression. Lucifer pulled her into a tight embrace. 

“Okay sweetie, I’m sorry about all of this.” 

She reassured him that he didn’t need to apologize, and wrapped her arms around him too. After a few more moments, they allowed their arms loosen and pull away. Vaggie had lead her tired girlfriend back to bed, and Lucifer left to go to his own suite. Knowing that he wouldn’t be able to sleep, he ended up in his workshop sat with his head in his hands. Brick by brick thoughts built on top of each other in his mind. He worried over his daughter. Charlie didn’t need any more of this stress; she had enough to worry about with the hotel.

He stayed in that position for a little while, fidgeting with a few of the ducks that he had brought to his new room. Lifting his hand, a sigh releases from his lungs, and he watches as golden glitters fall from his palm and pile up on his desk. 

Lucifer’s ears perk up as the silent ambiance of his room was broken by a thud, and mutters from outside his door. The fallen angel shakes off the dust from his hand and throws on his overcoat before heading out his doors to investigate. Once he had got past his workshop, and outside his suite, he turned his head towards the figure that sat in the hall, and approached it quietly. As he realized who it was, he fidgeted with the lapels of his coat and stood across from her. 

“Hey..”

Tsuki looked up from her leg and to Lucifer. Her heart stutters for a moment, and rapidly beats against her chest trying to break free. Shakily, she allows her halo to return to its’ normal spot and returns his gaze with her own. 

“Hello Lucifer” 

His name left her lips bitterly as she looked up to the man, and he notably shifted from her tone. Despite this Lucifer bent down a little, and offered his hand for her to take. Reluctantly she took his hand, and stood from her spot leaving the stack to her side. 

“I left my key inside.” 

Tsuki stated the obvious, and looked away from his eyes. Her chest ached being so close to him. She wanted to run from him again. Do anything to avoid continuing this conversation. 

“So you decided to work out here?” 

Lucifer glanced down at her arranged paperwork, then returned his gaze back to her. It was obvious from the outside how exhausted she was. He felt an urgent pull within him to help smooth out her hair and pull her eyes back onto his but continued to fend it off. The guardian angel shrugged and looked past him towards the dim light that hung on the wall behind him. Deciding to bite the bullet, she asks. 

“I didn’t want to wake anyone up, but could you help me?” 

She really didn’t want to accept any help from the man in front of her, but the exhaustion that waved over her overruled the tension her heart felt. 

“Yes, but we need to talk first.” 

Is he kidding? She  returned her gaze back to the man quickly with a small glare.

“What is there to talk about?” 

Lucifer scoffs, and returns her annoyance with his own.

“Really?” 

“Alright fine, but no.” 

She understood where he was coming from, but she didn’t want to allow him to force her into a conversation like this. The King looked back to her and shook his head to rid the bubbling frustration that grew within him.

“No?” 

Lucifer looked towards her with disbelief, but Tsuki felt the string of tension that had tightened day by day finally snap as she stood her ground. Her fists clench at her sides as she keep her gaze fixed on him. 

“No, you don’t to keep me hostage like this. You don’t get to decide when we discuss this! You’re the one who left remember!?” 

She snapped back at him. She felt the overwhelming feelings that have been stirring within since the moment she saw him again fumed out of her like a flight train. Decidedly her refusal to discuss became hypocritical as words came fumbling out of her, but it was too late to turn back now. 

“You two decided to throw me to the side while you did your big plan with Eve! Was I not good enough? Did you think that I would, what? hold you back?” 

Her words chipped away his own simmering anger as Lucifer watched her expression shift. He had never seen her like this, so resentful. The wings that had folded into the back her neck flung out. Her tone brimmed over with desperation and anger as she questioned the man. 

“No! Tsuki you have to understand. We didn’t want you to try to do it yourself. It was dangerous we all knew that.” 

She laughed in disbelief. Lucifer stood in shock as he watched her shifting anger. Her eyes were frigid, and stern. She couldn’t believe that he was trying to frame himself as in the right. To her, in the moment, it really didn’t matter why they did what they did. 

“Really? Because it seemed pretty fucking easy for you to ditch me. Isn’t that what you guys always wanted to do?

She paused as she ran a hand through her hair. They had never even told her what they were planning. No one ever made her aware of what they did. 

I wandered for years, searching everywhere throughout Eden for any trace of them. I was ill with worry for the two until insecurity took over. Whispers grew louder in the back of my mind of why they could’ve left. Was I too much? Were they hurt? Was I not enough? Not worth even saying goodbye to? I couldn’t stop searching if there was any chance that thoughts that laid engraved in the back of my mind were wrong. I cared too much for them to stop.

“I couldn’t leave Eden. Do you understand how isolated I was?  Do you know how it feels to be abandoned like that?” 

Lucifer’s heart quivered from her words, and he held his wrist tight with his other hand as he waited for her to finish. She had quickly pushed herself forward till she was directly in front of the King, pointing a finger directly to his chest she looked up into his hurt eyes. 

“I felt like nothing. You made me feel worthless.” 

A long pause of silence fell between the two as she spat out her last sentence. Catching her breath as she looked away from Lucifer. Her quick beating heart suddenly felt more evident as she tried to calm herself, and the wounded expression she last saw, hurt her more than she would like to admit. 

The painful moment feels like it could last forever, but Tsuki goes to take a step back and let her hand fall from him. However, before she could go too far, he took a gentle grasp of her hand. She snapped her head back to look back at him and examined his remorseful eyes. Logic told her to rip her hand away and step back, but she couldn’t bring herself to do so.  

“I’m sorry.. We- I never wanted you to feel that way Tsuki.”

She paused. They had hurt her so badly. How could she feel so badly for him? It wasn’t fair for her. It wasn’t right. Why was her anger waning? Lucifer kept his hand around her own, and stared down at the hold. 

“It’s not the same, but I do know what it’s like to be left behind… I’m sorry that I put you through that pain.” 

What? What does he mean? Heaven maybe?

“Who-?”

“Lilith.” 

A strain pulled between the two. Lilith? No.. what? Confusion wrapped around Tsuki’s mind. That’s why she hasn’t seen her since she’s arrived. That’s why Charlie doesn’t talk about her. She knew Lilith. She wouldn’t do that. They were enraptured in love the last time she saw them; that couldn’t fade. Why would she do that? What happened? Before Tsuki could stop it the question that last built in her mind slipped through her. 

“What did you do?”

As soon as the question slipped past her lips, guilt weaved its’ way through her and she gripped his hand with her free one. If he truly felt the way that he described then she knew that he had probably asked himself that already too many times. 

“Wait I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that.”

Lucifer tried to brush off her comment as he looked away from her, and let her hand fall from his own.

“It’s okay.. I don’t expect you to forgive me, but maybe I could ask for us to be cordial? For the hotel, for Charlie?

Tsuki gave Lucifer a silent nod. Once he saw her accept his favor, his crimson eyes looked to the door past her, and with a small flick of the wrist, Tsuki’s door was open, and her paperwork was placed back onto her desk. 

“Good night then Tsuki.”

Lucifer gave her one last glance, and turned away. She remained in her place as his golden magic surrounded his figure and left nothing in his place. Her jaw clenched as she clutched the hand he touched with the other. Agony rooted it’s way to the back of her throat and her vision became blurry. 

It hurts, everything hurts. It’s not supposed to be like this. Is this pathetic? Am I pathetic? I’m supposed to hate him right? Why do I- 

Her knees felt like they could crumble underneath her as she stared off in the hallway. Deciding it wasn’t worth it to stay outside, she turned back towards the open door and took a few heavy steps through. Tsuki felt her mind going a mile a minute as she pressed forward until her eyes turned down to the crimson comforter in front of her. She placed a shaky hand onto it and pushed herself onto the bed slipping underneath cool sheets. Her eyes were on the ceiling as she tried to calm the burning that wouldn’t leave her throat.

If everything he said was true, where was Lilith? How long has she been gone? 

Tsuki gripped and pulled the hair on the back of her neck as an attempt to soothe herself. 

Eventually, after a few hours, she was able to fizzle down the fire in her throat, and rubbed away the tears that flooded her eyes. She fell underneath her weighted eyelids, and the cozy comforter that wrapped around her lulled her further slowly, drifting away until she had to face Lucifer once again the next morning.

[punsmaster69]

4/NOV/20XX

[It's Sans' handwriting. It's a bit messy at points, appearing as if the book was on an unsteady surface.]

heya.

been a minute, huh?

a lotta minutes, actually.

about two day's worth of 'em.

papyrus finally ungrounded me from writing.

got my phone back, too.

on the condition that i, uh.

stop setting alarms.

won't go into detail about it.

besides, i gotta talk about 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆, right?

——

really do start a lot of these entries with 'woke up in x place, with x thing'.

....

it's another one like that.

this time, next to tori.

incredibly, i woke up before her.

the blanket over us looks like one of papyrus' spares.

haven't checked the time, but it must be early b——

[The line runs off the side of the page.]

....

hold on, i'm only able to use one hand, and this thing keeps slipping off my lap.

as much as i don't want to, gonna see if i can move my hand without waking her up.

——

[The writing returns to normal.]

ok. good now.

now that my nausea's subsided some, i realize i'm pretty hungry. but..

don't wanna move from this any more.

...

since she's still asleep.

——

"SANS, I-"

"(shh.)"

"(OH, SORRY.)"

"(I'M LEAVING TO TRAIN WITH UNDYNE. ACTUALLY, UNDYNE SAID SHE JUST WANTS TO TALK TODAY.)"

"(WHICH ISN'T TRAINING.)"

"(BESIDES THE POINT. I'M LEAVING, AND MS. TORIEL PROMISED TO TAKE CARE OF YOU TODAY!")

"(i need a babysitter?)"

"(IT'S FOR YOUR SAFETY!!)"

"(YOU WERE... STILL SORT OF WOBBLY, YESTERDAY.)"

"(DO YOU NEED ANYTHING BEFORE I LEAVE?)"

"(nope, i'm good-)"

"(actually. could you hand me what i didn't finish eating last night?)"

"(you don't need to heat it up.)"

"(BUT-)"

"(paps, you should probably go before undyne gets mad at you, too.)"

"(besides, i like cold stew.)"

"(...ALRIGHT. IF YOU SAY SO.)"

after handing me a spoon and my half-bowl of beef stew, papyrus nodded goodbye and dashed out the door.

——

.....

it's real quiet.

not used to being up as early as papyrus usually leaves for.

just me and... sleeping tori.

she must be comfortable.

our couch 𝙞𝙨 pretty nice.

——

couldn't help but wonder who's watching tori's kids, so i messaged frisk.

in response, i got a picture of grillby in tori's kitchen. he's handing flowey something.

at the bottom of the picture was frisk, blurry and way too close to the camera.

"why're you so close"

they then sent a picture of them even closer, equally blurry.

i sent a blurry close-up back.

"Why are YOU so close?"

"yeah"

"Yeah."

"cool"

"Cool."

that kid's going places.

——

"Your influence is rubbing off on me, it seems. I am usually one to be up sooner!"

tori jolted up.

"Ah! I did not mean to keep you in one place this whole time."

"not like i was going anywhere."

i wanted to lean back against her, for some reason.

...

nope.

"What is it that you do all day, when you are stuck inside like this?"

"sleep."

"...I think we have done plenty of that."

"Surely that is not all?"

"me and paps usually play games or something."

"been getting real into this puzzle one."

"do you wanna play something?"

"I am not very good at games..."

"i'll pick somethin' easy."

——

"This is turning out to be quite the house!"

"if you ignore the dirt floor."

"..And the lack of proper opening doors."

"at least we have windows."

"..holes for windows."

"Which one is your room?"

"this one."

"..You have made your walls dirt, as well."

"only the finest of materials in this house."

"Of course."

"here, i made a bed for you."

"Oh! Do we need to sleep in this one? I think we may have missed a few nights."

"nah, it's for setting your respawn point."

"...?"

"when we die, we'll be here instead of really far away."

"I see."

she stared at the bed.

"....."

"It is just the one?"

"mine's in my inventory."

"Please, place it down! Set your, 'respawn point,' in the house with me."

i placed it in the corner of my dirt room.

"....."

she moved hers into there as well.

"........"

"What? Surely you did not expect me to sleep in the living room."

"...side by side?

"The dual bed looks much more comfortable, does it not?"

"i can make you another one, if you want."

"........"

"No."

"This arrangement is good, I think."

"Space efficient!"

"....ok."

——

"Sans."

"yep?"

"Why are there holes everywhere?"

"avoiding death."

"You did not fix them."

"i'll get around to it."

"....."

"Nevermind."

"nevermind?"

"I am tempted to change our living arrangement."

"this poor dog would grow up in a broken home."

"You are its father now too?"

"you're its father?"

"Ha! Sure. Yes, I am the father."

"......"

"WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU EVEN DOING?"

"O-Oh! Papyrus!"

"didn't hear you come in."

"YES, WELL, YOU SEEMED QUITE OCCUPIED WITH.. WHATEVER THIS IS."

"I DIDN'T WANT TO INTERRUPT."

"I'M GOING TO GET CHANGED, AND THEN I'LL BE RIGHT BACK DOWN."

i waited until paps was fully in his room.

then i ran inside, took my bed, and placed it a space away.

tori ran her character up to me (with the default skin) and punched me in my (also-default) face.

"ow."

"It is in the game!"

"would you punch me if you could?"

"No!"

"I would do this."

and she moved her character closer, nearly face-to-face with mine.

struggling to use the hotbar, she eventually threw a flower at me.

silly, sure.

but it..

made me really happy.

....

wish it didn't.

——

"Papyrus is here to watch you now, so.."

"...going home?"

"Unfortunately."

"THANK YOU FOR KEEPING AN EYE ON HIM, MS. TORIEL."

"Of course. It was a pleasure."

"Sans, thank you for playing with me. I had a lot of fun!"

"Even if we did not actually accomplish very much."

"come by anytime you wanna play again."

——

she messaged me to ask if i ended up moving the bed back or not.

....

more space efficient like that, anyway.

[beneathashadytree]

HI omg can i request an x reader where sanji confesses his feelings to reader (reader obviously reciprocates) whilst drunk and he's super emotional abt it all? i feel like he'd be an honest drunk and it's rly cute to think abt :")

INTOXICATED - VINSMOKE SANJI X READER

Warnings : alcohol consumption, hints at Sanji’s personal traumas and self-image issues, Sanji displaying obvious symptoms of PTSD, a lot of curses, Sanji might seem OOC because he’s quite literally shit-faced drunk, this isn’t proofread, reader is gender-neutral!

Genre : angst to fluff (I think?)

Word count : 2.2K words (not sorry)

Additional notes : Hi love! So glad you picked Sanji, seeing as he’s (very obviously) my absolute favorite character. Writing this was the highlight of my week, given just how many creative liberties I took with this. I tried to incorporate his own reservations about actual love and his PTSD, without actually divulging much about his backstory (because when has he ever been upfront about his past, really?) I hope I did your lovely request justice, so let me know what you think💗💗

Requests : Are open! Check the rules over here.

Want to support me financially? Here’s my CashApp!

Masterlist

Heavy thumps in the kitchen had long woken them up, startled out of their sleep and frowning as they dressed themselves up enough to be decent. The only person who dared enter the kitchen at this time of night—3:30 AM it was—was Luffy, and even then the only sounds one could usually hear would be that of him whining after struggling and failing to unlock the fridge. The current noises were rather alarming, to say the least, and they had to mentally prepare themselves for anything to go down.

As they neared the light of the kitchen, they heard another heavy sound of knocking, along with a slew of curses that had them picking up the pace, realizing that the voice belonged to Sanji. If he was in the kitchen at this hour, then it was most likely he needed help with something. After all, what other reason would he have to be in the kitchen so early?

… Apparently, an entirely different reason.

Leaning against the kitchen door, they watched as the usually composed cook lost all gracefulness he possessed, stumbling over the chair he’d clearly overturned while walking around. In one hand he cradled a bottle of hard whiskey, the other leaning heavily against the dining table with the half-empty glass, as he struggled to sit back upright. His blue eyes were glazed over and just the tiniest bit unfocused, an involuntary pout on his lips as he set the bottle down and slumped against the chair.

The sight made their concern grow tenfold, having never seen him so drunk—and on whiskey, too. “You good there, Sanji?”

He jumped a little in his seat, an adorably startled look on his face as he finally noticed their presence by the door. Slowly, his shoulders untensed and his lips relaxed into a dopey smile.

“Oh, ‘s you. Care for a drink with me?” he gestured to the table, “I’ve had three… wait, five?” he mumbled to himself, a small contemplative frown on his face for a second, before he smiled once more, “C’mere, c’mere. Bottle’s good.”

They sighed, perching themself on the chair to his right and leaning over to snatch the bottle from him, much to his dismayed protests. “You’re shit-faced drunk. I don’t think you should be having any more.”

“One more please, ‘kay?” he quietly asked, pushing his glass towards them, “Jus’ one more.”

Eyeing him skeptically, they gave in and began to pour into it. “Alright, but that’s the last one for tonight.”

Within seconds, the blond had downed it in one go, a content smile on his face as he set it down. A trickle of whiskey had dribbled past the corner of his lips, the messiness only serving to make him somehow more enticing to look at. With his flushed cheeks, half-closed eyes, and wet lips, he looked like the perfect picture of tantalization.

Still, with how intoxicated he was, they could only shake their head at him and reach out with their thumb to swipe at his face. “What’s got you in this mess?” they asked, watching as his cheeks grew redder at the skin contact. Cute.

“Wanted a drink, ‘s all,” he slowly replied, eyes hypnotized as they followed them. “Everyone’s asleep, so I could… unwind a bit, y’know?”

Something not unlike sorrow panged in their chest. Seeing him in that state was a little… sad. Their voice was steady as they asked, “Anything on your mind?”

For a few beats he remained silent, his gaze settling on the table and his index finger circling the rim of his glass as he contemplated an answer. When he finally seemed to have decided on something, he simply shrugged. “Fair bit of things, here ‘n there.”

“If… if there’s ever a time you feel like sharing, just know I’ll always listen.” That same feeling thrummed in their chest as they watched him visibly melt, his expression morphing into one they couldn’t recognize but felt indescribably protective of. Something about him in that moment was so vulnerable and almost fragile, that it completely countered his cool-headed, often detached demeanor when it came to matters concerning himself. It’s something they’d always noticed about him, and watching it crumble right now in front of their eyes was precisely why they had trouble breathing.

“You’re gonna be the death of me,” Sanji groaned, his slurred words both sweet and surprising as he folded his arms on the table and buried his head in them, “Really. What ‘m I gonna do with you?”

Chuckling at his muffled voice, they inched a little closer, a gentle hand on his head and carefully brushing through the soft tresses of his hair. Silky smooth as always, even when he was quite clearly feeling terrible. Everything about him in the moment resembled a cat, and the imagery was too endearing for them not to grin at. “What do you want to do to me, then?”

Propping his head on his hand and causing their own hand to fall and rest on his arm, his eyes flickered to their lips. He was being so painfully obvious that it was nearly impossible for him to hide his intentions like that. “Fair bit of things, here ‘n there,” he mumbled again, before sighing. “You… you make me feel weird.” He glanced up at their eyes, encouraging him to go on, and so he did, his voice growing a little more agitated. “It’s stupid, ‘cause I know. I know I can’t get too attached, because… I’m me.”

“I’m a little confused here. You’re Vinsmoke Sanji, yes?”

“That’s-that’s exactly it,” he frowned, frustration etched onto his face, “I’m not… not built to do… whatever this is, without fucking things up.” Deft fingers reached up to tug at his hair, a tortured look in his eyes. The alcohol might’ve loosened his tongue, but it seemed like it did nothing to quell his muddled thoughts. “But then fucking… looking at you makes me want things that I don’t deserve.”

“Of all the good things on earth, there isn’t a single thing you don’t deserve,” they gently said, squeezing his arm in an affectionate manner that they’d always done to him in passing—something they now realized he’d probably never interpreted correctly. “Sanji, you of all people are supposed to expect kindness and love from those around you. You’re a good, selfless man. What else do you need to do to feel like you’ve earned it?”

“Don’t say stuff like… like this. End up wanting to be a selfish bastard.” He turned away, momentarily brushing a hand over his face as he grunted. “‘S enough that I want you when I can’t have you.”

Their heart was thundering in their ears as the gravity of his words settled. The fact that he was laying everything bare right in front of them without even being aware of doing so had guilt gnawing at their insides, but they knew damn well that if they didn’t give him the opportunity to speak now, he’d chain his words on his tongue and never speak them again. He’d tie himself down with them and take them to the grave if he had to.

“What makes you think you can’t have me, though?” Their question came out quieter than expected, the complexity of their own emotions making it hard to ask.

“Because… I’ll never be loved, and that’s how it is,” Sanji said, before giving them a wobbly, terrible attempt at a smile, when his eyes were shining with unshed tears underneath the warm kitchen lights. “Look at me, all pathetic. Shit, wouldn’t want to be w’ me either. Couldn’t even talk without ‘most a whole fucking bottle. No one wants all that.”

Blinking back the tears in their own eyes, they swallowed thickly. With every words he spoke, he drove a knife deeper in their heart—not out of offense, but out of hurting for him; as though they felt the horrible pain of every laceration at his own self. “You haven’t once asked me if I did. You’re assuming things.”

“Can’t hurt if I don’t… won’t hope for it.” Shrugging, the cook rolled his shoulders back and leaned against the back of his chair, closing his eyes for a second as a tremor ran through his body for a second, before he sharply inhaled and mumbled under his breath. “God, I could fucking use a smoke…”

Fumbling hands went in search of the pack of cigarettes on the table, but theirs settled on top of his, halting him in place and startling him enough to open his eyes. “Tell me what you want with me. Tell me everything you feel, and then some,” they firmly said, fingers wrapping around the back of his hand as they did.

“I—“

“I’m not leaving you alone tonight, Sanji. I’m keeping you company right here.” The intensity in their eyes bore into him, praying that they could reflect every single ounce of determination to stay by his side. “So tell me precisely what it is that you want, and I promise you I won’t shame you for it for a single second.”

His face crumpled, and he hunched over once again, hazy eyes trained on his lap. A beat, then another of silence, before trembling lips parted to speak the words. “Want to… hold you in m’ arms. Kiss you ‘very damn minute till I can’t breathe. Love you, but not hurt for it. Have you love me back ‘n not have to fear—believe ‘m not good ‘nough. Even… even call you mine, without having to worry that I’ll fucking wake up the next day and… and you’ll be gone.” He hadn’t even noticed it, but a lone tear had escaped and trailed down his cheek, as he tried to muster up the strength to look up and smile serenely, but it only looked ridiculous when he didn’t even have it in him to do anything but fall apart at the seams. “Foolish, huh?”

“Yes,” they hummed, hand reaching out to ever-so-tenderly wipe at his cheeks, where the tears were now openly falling, “Truly foolish that you would think that I wouldn’t want that too.”

“Don’t—don’t be cruel,” he chuckled derisively, looking anywhere but at their face as their hand trailed to delicately brush his hair. “Don’t lie just to… comfort me. I’ve long accepted this.”

“Sanji,” their voice was hard as they said his name, hands stilling his face in place before he could turn away and ignore their words. “I mean it when I say that I truly do love you. Don’t let your reservations blind you from realizing that I tell you that every single day without actually saying the words.”

The man sniffled, looking smaller than he ever actually did. Turbulent emotions flitted across his face, and they could almost name every single one of them; stunned disbelief, hesitance, a deep, deep sort of sorrow whose origin they couldn’t precisely pinpoint, and immense hopefulness laced with a silent plea.

Please don’t toy with my feelings. Please don’t feed me false hopes. Please let this be real.

Whether Sanji was begging them or some deity above, they weren’t so sure. They remained patient, letting what they’d just said completely sink in before they could ask for a reply. A minute or two later, they got one in the form of a tentative, slow question as they gently brushed at his brow, an unconscious smile on their face as they traced the curve of it.

He took in a shuddering breath. “Will…will you wait?”

“What for?”

Finally allowing himself some semblance of tranquility and comfort provided by someone else, he leaned into their touch. Something about the eager look in his eyes (yes, even as they hooded over with inebriation and pure emotional exhaustion) sent the warmth pooling in their tummy, and their heart racing in their chest.

“For me to… to tell you ‘verything. ‘Bout me.”

If he’d tried, he would’ve been able to read the sheer relief and unadulterated joy they felt in that moment. They nodded, so quickly that, had the moment not been this fragile, it would’ve almost seemed laughable.

“Take all the time you need,” they reassured him, meaning every word. His eyes began to flutter shut of their own accord, tiredness winning over with the ease that settled over him (and probably encouraged by the bottle of liquor already in him). Once they saw that, and noticed the way he began to sway forward towards the table, their heart went out to him. How he’d functioned with that emotional turmoil the entire time without uttering a single word of what resided inside him, they had no idea.

“Don’t leave,” Sanji murmured weakly, his eyes almost completely shut now as they brushed his hair with their fingers, the fondest smile on their face.

Pulling away just to take his jacket from the back of his chair and fold it underneath his head, they made sure his head was rested comfortably as he slipped into the world of dreams. His breathing began to even, and they felt their heart swell to twice its size at the sight of his usual busyness tamed to absolute stillnes and serenity.

Sidling their chair next to the man they loved so much, they plopped down with the intention of falling asleep beside him; even if they would wake up with a sore neck, they wouldn’t dare leave his side right now. Careful not to wake him up, they pushed his bangs up, exposing both his eyebrows and pressing a feather-light kiss to each, mumbling sweet words against his flushed skin.

“I’ll be with you when you wake, and every day afterwards, Sanji.”

Taglist: @stories-that-shaped-me @finch-ya @wifeofkyojuro

[clumsiestgiantess]

Part — what is this.. four of the ‘tiny in the cold’ story! (wow that’s a lot more than the oneshot I intended it to be; thanks for the support!) @entomolog-t it’s back!

[Alice’s pov]

My alarm clock buzzes obnoxiously to my left, but for once I’m not annoyed by it.  I need to get up; it’s exam day.  The exam starts… NOW!  “What?!  I-  Oh my god, I set the alarm for the time I needed to be there!  I’m going to be so late!”  Dashing through the house, I shove a blueberry muffin into my mouth, throw my coat on, grab my bag, and speed out the door.  Jabbing the elevator button every half a second, I practically pounce into the empty space once the doors open.  Thank goodness there was no one in here.  From the moment I step into the lobby, the rest of the trip is a blur.

My brain only finally starts working about a half-hour into testing.  Miraculously, they made an exception and let me in.  I’d blamed my lateness on the slick ice lining a few of the roads instead of my own confusion, and the proctor believed me.  I mean, technically it is the truth.  I was a bit slower coming here because of the ice, though not by much.

Thankfully, this is one of my easier exams.  Even with my grogginess, I have extra time to look through — and redo — the parts I’d done in my half-asleep mind.  I finish the edits with a mere minute to spare.  There are a few quick celebrations between me and a few of my friends who were also taking it, then I head back home.  One final down, four more to go.

My schedule from then on would be to rinse and repeat over the next few days — eat a meal, study, eat another meal, study, maybe sleep, then go back for another test.  When I go to bed that night, I double check that I changed the alarm to give me some time to actually get up.  

That next morning, I have enough time to eat breakfast and glance over my notes before heading back out to yet another exam.  It had snowed overnight, and I hurriedly brushed it off the windshield before heading out.  I actually made it here a bit early!  Maybe I can go see if Terri-  

“Wait!”  I flinch.  Who’s voice is that?  “Please!  I-”  The strange voice stops as abruptly as it started speaking.  Immediately, I turn in my seat, scanning the back for any sign of another person in here with me.  A tiny-sounding whine directs me to the floor.  “What the hell?”  There’s.. a small.. thing moving around down there, halfway tucked inside a beanie that I’d lost a while back.  “Am.. Am I hallucinating?  I can’t!” I yelp suddenly, remembering where I am, “I have exams; I can’t be hallucinating during exams!”  The little — very humanlike — thing collapses to the floor.  I knew I should’ve gone to bed earlier.  This isn’t real, right?  That’s a palm-sized person on the floor.  I rub a hand tiredly over my face and look again.  They’re still there.  “Holy shit.  You’re.. real.”

Leaning down over the console of the car, I twist myself around so I can see them better.  They’re shaking so badly.  “Are you alright?” I ask, worry beginning to gnaw at my stomach.  “How long have you been in my car?  You must be freezing!”  Their little head nods very slightly.  “Are you another person?”  They flinch, and I regret my last question.  Of course they’re a person.  They just spoke to me.  Quietly, their voice rasps out, barely audible.  “I’m a person.  Please don’t leave me out here again.  I- I don’t know if I’ll be able to survive this time.”

My stomach sinks horribly in my chest.  How long has he been stuck out here in the cold?  He’s so small; he’ll freeze so easily.  “O- Of course, yes; I won’t leave you in here to freeze!” I gasp.  “Do you mind if I.. umm.. pick you up?”  I don’t have time to try to warm him where he is on the floor.  I doubt he really needs the extra fright of me trying to handle him, especially because he already seems so desperate, but if I don’t leave soon, I’m going to be late twice in a row.  One time I can get away with, but twice and I’ll probably get in trouble, or worse, kicked out.

A tiny head shake — no, he wouldn’t mind it.  I let out a relieved breath.  I honestly have no idea what I would’ve done if he’d refused.  Leave him here?  Out of the question.  Pick him up anyway?  That would be horrible of me.  Give him the choice to either come with me or be left here?  That just sounds like a threat.  Thankfully he’s either willing enough — or desperate enough — to trust me.

Carefully, I reach down for him, sliding my fingers gently beneath him and guiding his tiny body into my hand.  He squirms against me as I tighten my grip slightly in order to lift him.  My heart skips a beat; his hands grip my finger tightly — shaking and icy cold.  Poor thing.  I wish I had more time to help you.  I lift him upright and slide back into my seat slowly so I don’t jostle him.  Hesitantly, he chances a glance up at me.  “I’m gonna keep you in my pocket, ok?” I ask, though I know it’s more like telling him what I’ll do with him than actually asking.  It hurts my heart in a strange way, recognizing that.  “I.. really don’t have time to deal with this right now, but you’ll be plenty warm there.  I’m so sorry, but I have to go.”  A quick apology will have to suffice until later.

Lowering him into my pocket and dropping him carefully onto the bottom, I reach for the door handle.  However, I flinch away from it as a cry tears through the car.  “It’s ok; you’re alright!  I’m not gonna-”  “It’s too hot!  I need something colder!  Please!  It burns!”  His cries get louder and more pained.  In an instant, I reach in to pull him out and he rushes for my fingers, clinging tightly to them.  I freeze, unsure if I should move with him so close.  “Th- Thank you,” I hear him gasp.  Still, I’m frozen.  What do I do if I can’t leave him in there?  He’s shaking so awfully against me.  His little body is almost drenched in sweat from struggling with the pain for so long.  Will he be alright?

“You’re.. you’re ok now?  Like that?” I ask worriedly.  He nods, face nearly pressed against my palm.  “Ok.  Try not to yell like that anymore unless it’s an emergency.  I don’t need to be kicked out of the testing room and searched.  Who knows what the punishment is for sneaking a tiny guy into the room, or what they’ll do with you for that matter.”  Now is really not the time to find a tiny person struggling for life, but I’ll do my best to help him.  If that means leaving the testing room on account of some fake ‘emergency’ to help him, then so be it.  I’d rather keep him alive over anything else.

Once I’m sure he’s comfortable, I step outside.  Every single movement I make becomes calculated with him in my pocket.  What if I walk too fast and hit him accidentally?  What if I sit down and crush him?  Did I put lotion on my hands this morning?  He’s sitting tucked right against my palm.  It would feel so cute if it wasn’t a literal tiny human sitting there.  My hands are peeling from the cold; is that the one with the torn skin or is that-  No, it’s this one.  My worries just start to fade as testing time officially starts and I focus on the questions in front of me instead of the ones in my head.

However, about an hour later, I feel light pressing against my fingers.  The tiny person’s hands shove at me until I move away.  Confused and worried, I take my hand out of my pocket and inconspicuously glance down.  His little face peers up at me and nods slightly, assuring me I’d done nothing wrong.  Oh, he’s probably warmed all the way up by now!  Returning to my work, I try not to dwell on anything.  Still, relief floods my system knowing that I’d saved him from what might’ve been the end of him.  He’ll be alright now.

Finishing the exam, I’m one of the first people out the door.  Finally, I can talk to my tiny stowaway.  Once I’m in the car again, I gently pull him out of my pocket and hold him out in the palm of my hand to get a good look at him.  As soon as I unfurl my fingers, he tucks himself into a tight ball — his heavy frightened breaths press against my palm.  “Hey, little guy?  I’m sorry about basically ignoring you earlier.  Finals are this week and I really need them to go well,” I try to explain.  “Are you alright?  You’re warmer than before; that’s good!  I hope my pocket wasn’t too claustrophobic for you.”

In small hesitant movements he gets up from his fetal position and sits on his knees on my palm, staring up at me with wide eyes.  It’s strange — his clothes seem to be hand-stitched — his hair mussed and tangled.  Bringing him just a little closer, I can count at least two different scars by just glancing over him.  How long has he been small for?  Did he shrink, or is he just.. something else entirely?

My thoughts are interrupted by his voice.  It’s much stronger now, and a lot clearer with him held up closer to my head.  There’s still a strange smallness about it that makes goosebumps dash along my arms.  “I- I’m ok,” he answers me.  I exhale in relief, and become entirely conscious of how the single breath ruffles his hair like a slight breeze.  “Thank goodness; I really hoped you weren’t beyond saving.  You were super cold when I found you, barely moving.  Speaking of which, why were you in my car to begin with?  And how in the world did you manage to shrink?”  Compared with his few words and tiny voice, I feel almost like I’m speaking over him talking so much, though it doesn’t seem like he has much to say.  The guy’s probably stunned enough by the scale of everything.

I watch his brows furrow in deep thought, and for a moment I believe he’ll tell me he didn’t even shrink.  Perhaps he was magic.  But if he is, wouldn’t he have been able to save himself?  “I.. don’t remember.  I can’t remember what happened before I shrank, but I’m definitely a human.  Just smaller.”  Oh.  Oh!  Oh no, poor thing.  He’s probably been stuck so small for so long because he doesn’t even know where he is!  No memories, stuck small, freezing weather — no wonder he was desperate for help.  And now he’s begging me just to see him as a fellow human.

“Of course you’re still human!  Being smaller won’t change that!” I assure him, inadvertently cupping my hand a bit closer around him.  “I promise I don’t mean you any harm; I just want to make sure you’re ok.  Come on, I’ll take you back to my place — get you something to eat.”  I reach to put him away, but pause.  “Oh, I’m Alice, by the way.  Do you.. remember your name?”  He looks frightened for a moment.  “I don’t really remember much.”  That’s horrifying!  Not even your own name?  I don’t say that, though.  He probably already knows.  “I can try to help you remember it, but if you can’t, I guess you can try out a new one for the time being.”  He nods, relief settling some of his features.  Placing him down in the cupholder beside me, I head for home.

The drive is horribly silent — which I can’t stand.  I know my little companion probably needs time to think through some things now that I’ve finally noticed him.  Why haven’t I noticed him before?  Has he been in my car for a while?  Realization dawned on me that he’d really have to be an excellent climber to be able to get in.  He’s so small that the space between the edge of the car door and the ground must be over twice his height.

“Soo..” I begin awkwardly, “I do have a question you might know the answer to.”  The little guy looks up at me, seemingly startled out of thought.  “How did you get in my car?”  His face pales, and he looks.. frightened?  “I.. I snuck in yesterday morning.”  “You climbed up all the way into my car?  Why?”  He turns guilty away from me, like I caught him in a lie.  But why would he lie about how he got in here?  “Uhh.. it was cold outside.  Your car was warmer.. at the time.”  Is he just embarrassed that he got stuck in here?  It must’ve been rather freezing when it snowed yesterday.  He.. could’ve died in here — alone!  I’d have found his body whenever I next went to clean out my car.

“Oh!  I locked you in here and then everything froze last night!  Poor thing!  I’m so sorry!  I wouldn’t have left you here like that if I’d known you were in the car!”  I feel so awful for believing he was trying to lie.  Poor little guy was probably just having a hard time talking about it.  The thought of his near-death while I wasn’t even there just occurred to me now, but he’d actually experienced the bitter cold that had likely come close to killing him.  Of course he’d be nervous thinking about it.

Trying to change the subject, I begin ranting about finals.  It’s the next thing on my mind I can think to talk about.  I make it all the way back to my apartment, then turn to my tiny passenger.  Flattening out my hand, I leave it gently on the center console right beside the cupholder he’s sitting in.  “Here, hop on and I’ll bring you inside,” I tell him, “Would you like something to eat?”  He nods, climbing up and sliding slowly and hesitantly into my palm.  Even if he’s been tiny for quite a while, getting picked up by someone so much bigger than you must be a crazy terrifying experience.  I slip him in my pocket as I step outside.  I can’t risk someone seeing him, it just.. feels wrong to flaunt him around in the open for people to ogle at.  He probably doesn’t want the attention drawn to himself anyway.

I let him out again when we’re safely behind the closed door of my apartment.  Gently, I set him on the counter by taking off my whole jacket and putting it down.  He’d been so frightened when I’d plucked him out of my pocket earlier, and I didn’t want to frighten him again.  Patiently, I wait for him to come out to the countertop.  “What would you like?” I ask kindly.  He glances around the room, then points to the pantry.  “What do you have in there?”  Shrugging, I wander over and peer in.  “Well, let’s see.. we have soup crackers, some cheese puffs, popcorn, mac and cheese — but I’d have to cook it first, obviously.  “Oh!  But I think you’ll like- ” Glancing back at the counter to see if he was interested in any of it, I find that he’s disappeared from view.  

“Hey, umm.. little guy?  Where’d you go?” I ask, stepping around the counter to the other side.  He’s not there, either.  I lift up my coat, but he’s still not there.  “Where- Where’d you go?!  This isn’t funny!  You can’t just disappear!”  Unless…  I gasp and quickly scan the floor.  Please don’t tell me he fell off.  I- If he fell…  “Hey!  Please come back!  I- I’m not that scary, am I?  Why’d you leave?  I don’t-”  I don’t understand; there’s not a trace of him on the floor or the counter.  “Come back!  Whatever it is you’re frightened of, I’ll change it!  Please don’t run off and get hurt somewhere!  If you want to take care of yourself, that’s fine!  Just.. please let me know so I don’t think something happened to you!”

Hours tick by as I scour the floor and countertops, searching for my little missing guest.  All the while I call out various comforting things, trying to convince him to at the very least let me know that he’s alive.  Still nothing.  I can’t find him, and something tells me he doesn’t want to be found.  By 4:00 in the morning, there’s still no answer, and I go to bed without one.  I try to go to sleep, but all I can do is lay down and stare at the ceiling trying to listen for the sounds of something small moving around.  Only at about 6:00 in the morning do I finally fall asleep for a good two hours before my alarm startles me awake.  At least I don’t have an exam today.  I just have to study.

I trudge down the hall to the kitchen and freeze.  He could still be on the floor somewhere.  Continuing my trek with much more caution than before, I make a bowl of cereal and sit down numbly.  I stare out at nothing in particular; thoughts jumble in my head.  My lack of sleep and my severe rise in anxiety combined to cause an awful feeling in my head.  My stomach also started to feel the effects, and I left the kitchen only a few spoonfuls of food fuller than I had when I walked in.

Studying didn’t help my mood much, but every time I took a break from it, my mind would wander back to the tiny person potentially wandering around my home, too scared to ask for help when he likely needed it.  Lunchtime came and went — I wasn’t hungry.  I tried studying again by watching a few videos my professor posted.  Those didn’t seem to make sense to me, and my anxiousness morphed into an ugly frustrated anger.  “No!  What?  How?!  I used the same formula and everything!  What the heck?!”  Crumpling my paper in a messy ball, I can already feel an angry scream building in my throat.

As quickly as my anger emerges, however; it fizzes out.  My scream comes out as a sob and I fall against my desk.  Nothing had gone right for me.  Finals week is the absolute worst week for my luck to run out.  “I’m gonna fail,” I whisper, “I can’t do this.  Why is everything going so wrong?  I just wanted to help him; why’d he run away?  I feel sick.  What if he’s hurt somewhere and can’t call for help?  What if he’s too scared to call for help?”  Tears fall down my face and sobs wrench out of my throat in gasps.  My empty stomach roils painfully as I cry.

“Alice!  It’s ok, I-”  At the sound of a voice too small to have come from any normal person, I whirl around in my seat, furiously rubbing my eyes so I could see through my tears.  I can’t find him on the floor, just like the night before, but I know I heard the tiny person I’d rescued.  “Hello?” I call into the seemingly empty room.  A voice responds.  “It’s.. It’s ok.  It’s me, the ‘little guy’.”  I gasp a relieved breath, then stand, peering around the room for where he might be.  His voice is so small I can’t tell where it’s coming from.  “You’re… alright?” There’s a long silence, then: “Yeah.”

“Oh thank god!”  I breathe fully for what feels like the first time in days.  “You made me so worried for you!  Are you hungry still?  I- I know you haven’t eaten in a while since you.. ran off when I tried to get something for you.”  I myself felt like I was starving.  I could only imagine what he might be feeling.  I’m kept waiting for a long time — so long that I’m afraid he’ll leave if I don’t say something.  Steadying my voice with another deep breath, I offer an apology.  “Look, I’m sorry I scared you off…  I don’t know what happened, but I’m willing to work with you to try and get your memories and your old life back.  I can’t imagine how terrifying it is to suddenly be so small, not even knowing how you got that way-”  “Stop.”

I do, though I’m scared of how hollow his voice sounds.  “That’s.. a lie.  I remember everything just fine.”  Has he given up on finding a way back to normal?  Does he remember something awful that he hasn’t told me?  No wonder it felt like he was lying to me.  “So.. you just didn’t want to tell me how you shrank?” I ask, a bit confused.  “No.. Alice, I- I never shrank.  I’ve always been this way.”  My mind goes blank for a moment.  “Y- Wh-  H-” I stutter, only half-words forming on my tongue.  “I’m not human, Alice.”

He’s…  He’s what?  Slowly, I approach the bookshelf in front of me — where I can hear his voice now that he’s spoken enough for me to locate it.  Kneeling on the floor, I gently bend down to peer beneath it.  I’d already checked all the shelves to no avail.  There’s a small crack in the baseboard of the wall behind the shelf.  “Is that why you left?” I ask softly, “I promised I wouldn’t hurt you.”  His voice becomes a bit harsher.  “You promised the tiny human me that you wouldn’t hurt me,” he corrects.  I blink confusedly, slowly connecting the dots.  “You thought I would go back on my word if I knew you were lying to me?  Or you just.. thought that I wouldn’t care because you’re not human?” 

But that’s awful!  Does he really think I would do that?  My distracted gaze flits back to the crack in the wall.  He’s there — standing in a position like he’s ready to flee at any sign of aggression, but he’s there.  “I promised you that I wouldn’t hurt you.  You.  No matter who or what you were.”  His expression shifts guiltily, and he glances away from me.  “I’m a bit upset you wanted to lie to me about… everything.  But I can’t be mad at you for being scared of me.  I won’t ask you to talk to me anymore if you don’t want to, but just know, I’m glad you’re alright.”

A small smile edges along his face as he turns back to me.  Carefully, the little.. person steps out of his hiding place.  “You- You really mean that?” He asks, “You don’t care that I’m not one of you?”  I exhale a tiny laugh and shake my head.  “Of course not, don’t be silly!  You’re safe here, I promise.  I understand if you want to go home, though.  You probably have others of your kind to get back to, and I’ve accidentally trapped you in my house.”  His steps falter and guilt briefly dashes across his face again.   “Well, about that…  I kind of.. live here.”  

Do I know anything about you?  As he relayed what really happened, it turns out I really don’t.  The only thing I do know about him that’s correct is the fact that he can fit in the palm of my hand, and of course the fact that he’d been freezing to death when I found him.  Beyond that, it’s like a whole new world just opened up to me.  I guess that makes sense, though.  He is an entirely different species, which is insane to think about.  I always thought we’d find human-intelligent beings on another planet before we ever found it here again.

“I actually did remember my name,” the little being — he told me he’s a borrower — confesses after talking to me about his life beneath my floors.  “It’s just.. not really a human-sounding one, so I couldn’t exactly give you it.  My name’s Fennel, but I mostly just go by Fen.”  “Fen?” I ask.  Well, it certainly isn’t a human-sounding name.  I offer Fen a bright smile.  “Nice to finally really meet you!  How long have you been living here.. with me?”  His eyes trail off in thought, “I moved in after you were already here, but you were still unpacking things, so I don’t think it was very far off from when you moved in, too.”  So we’ve been living here together the whole time?!

“Where were you living before?”  Fen shrugs, “Eh, another apartment in this building.  The new people were too loud, so I moved out.”  Wow, I wish I could’ve done that in my last apartment.  I had to wait for the lease to expire.  “I wish I could just pack up and slip into a new home whenever I have problems with the neighbors,” I tell him, mind already wandering to what I would do at his size, with his freedom.  

“It’s harder than it seems,” Fen sighs, “I have to rebuild a livable space for myself every time.”  Oh, right.  Maybe I wouldn’t want to be a borrower after all.  I sit back upright and my back cracks loudly as I do.  “Hey, if you don’t mind, can you maybe come out from beneath there?” I ask, “It hurts my back to try to bend all the way to the floor to look at you.”  

He’s hesitant, but Fen slowly makes his way over to the edge of the bookshelf.  When he finally steps out from beneath it, I gently lay my hand in front of him palm-up, like I had in the car when I took him inside.  “Can I hold you?  Please?”  This feels like a dream.  Did I even find you, or did I fall asleep trying to study?  To my relief, he gives me a slight nod.  I watch in awe as he climbs up onto my palm — hands and feet no bigger than a fingernail.  With Fen safely in my palm, I slowly and carefully lift him up to my face to ensure I’m really awake.  

Concern crunches my eyebrows together.  He has an empty fearful look, staring blankly through me with tensed muscles.  “Fen?”  His hands dart to his head, ducking beneath them for a tiny bit of safety.  “Are you ok?” I ask softly, “You look sick.  If this makes you uncomfortable, I can put you back down.  You didn’t have to get on.”  I can hear him breathing hard, but he stammers: “I- I’m alright.”  Shaking my head, I cup my other hand around him gently.  “You aren’t, though.  You’re shaking.”  With all the caution l can muster, I lower the pad of my finger against his chest.  Just as I thought, his breaths rise and fall heavily against my finger — even his heartbeat thunders rapidly against it.  He’s so.. delicate.  Sitting in my hand like that, I just can’t describe the feeling in any way besides tiny and fragile and alive.  

My eyes water in a sudden rush of relief, and I gently bring him to my chest, hugging his tiny form the best I can without crushing him.  I finally feel relieved for the first time that week.  “It’s alright now,” I exhale.  Holding him there, I can feel his breathing slow and he relaxes in my light grip.  Guiding him out in front of me again, I watch him curl up sleepily in my palm.  His back presses softly into my cupped fingers as he blearily looks up at me.  Awww, why does he have to look so cute like that?  I’m sure he’s exhausted.

Glancing around the room, I notice that one of the smaller blankets on my bed had fallen to the floor.  I scoop it up and place Fen down on my desk.  He stumbles off, and I have to quickly grab him and lower him down before he falls face-first on the wooden surface.  I bundle up the blanket so it’s reminiscent of a little mattress and pillow, then place it in the corner of my desk.  Fen sleepily trudges over and slides into it.  Checking to make sure he wouldn’t fall over the edge of my desk by blocking off the side with a book, I settle down and begin re-working the math problem that had gotten me so worked up earlier.   Just as I finish it, Fen rolls over in his makeshift bed and mumbles something quietly.  Get some sleep little guy; goodness knows you need it.  I need it too, but more than that, I need to eat.  After checking the problem against the key — I’d solved it correctly that time — I snuck off to the kitchen to make myself a quick meal before returning to my work.  With Fen sleeping on my desk, I had to plug in my headphones to listen to the videos, but that didn’t bother me much.  I had to stop yelling so much to avoid waking him, but I needed to calm myself down anyway.  It wasn’t long after finishing the worksheet that I fell asleep right there against my desk, with my tiny roommate sleeping soundly beside me.

[survivalist-anon]

Log 11: A new day for mischief

*BEEP BEEP BEEP*

My alarm goes off, 06:45 am.

Well, time to get the day going. I do the usual morning routine, put on at least half of my uniform on (an undershirt and work pants), and head down stairs to check on Fjord.

I could see he was on the floor, with most of the bed covering his upper body, snoring peacefully.

Setting up some breakfast for the both of us, take out some deer meat to defrost for today's dinner. I hear him shuffle around twords the kitchen.

"Good morrow lass. I see you're up early." He lets a little yawn out.

"Hey good morning Fjord. Want some bacon and eggs?", I figured I'd serve something a little special for today. "I still have some eggs, I'm cooking the bacon and some toast."

He sits down on the chair and enjoys the morning smells, "sounds fine, perhaps a bit recaf would do fine as well. I haven't had some in a while really.".

"Recaf? Don't you mean decaf?", I was wondering if he was confusing the two...not to mention I have never heard of 'recaf'.

Rubbing his eyes, shoots a confused look, "no, recaf. You know. The roasted black liquid that keeps you awake?".

I figured this was just another one of those things from his home that could be different from ours. "oh, you mean coffee? It's probably the same, just a different name.", I handed him my largest mug of black coffee for him.

He smells it, takes a sip, "Yep, that's it lass. Yet it's a little different.... doesn't taste like chared leather.". I offer him some milk to go with it, he lets me put a little milk in the coffee and takes a sip again.

Smacking his lips, I can see he's pleased with his coffee, "you really like to spoil your guests, do you lass?".

I felt a bit flattered, "well, it's how you should treat guests. So, let's see....", I take out another piece of paper and start jotting down anything we needed to resupply.

As Fjord was enjoying his breakfast, he suddenly took out a leather pouch from the bag. "So, last night I took a peek into the bag to see if there were anything worth finding and I believe you might be curious."

The bag made a heavy, almost chunky sound when it hit the wooden table. I went to pick it up and opened it. My jaw dropped to see that it was a bag of gold nuggets.

"Holy shit! Fjord this was in the bag, do you know this is?!", I was shocked to see how big they were, these weren't fool's gold either. These were genuine gold nuggets. Some of which looked like they were cut to be of similar size. "This was in the bag??"

"Yes, I figured the fists have been mining the area for so long, they must have found piss rocks.", stuck a strip of bacon into his mouth. His pupils dilated a little from with pleasure. "Oh this grox meat is fantastic."

Ignoring his comment about whatever a grox was. "Ok, I'm forever using 'piss rock' from now when referring to gold. Anyway, there must be thousands of dollars in this bag alone! Oh God has Aldercon been paying everyone in this amount? That explains why most of the businesses havent gone down since...", as I was speaking, he then takes several smaller bags.

"They're not that foolish to just throw money at people, it seems they separate it by amounts. Clever actually.", he takes a gold chunk from the bag and places it into one of the smaller bags. The chunk barley fit, but it was the same size as the interior of the bag.

There was a likely chance that the Marines at Fort Dorn have not only been paying everyone in the town with gold pieces, but it seems it's what been sustaining businesses around town that they alone seem to frequent.

"....the other day, I saw Bilhard pay Mrs Bellcaller with one of these bags....", I had the sudden realization that their involvement in the town was probably deeper than I anticipated.

"likely so", he finishes off his coffee and eggs. "Hopefully they weren't frugal enough to just limit themselves to a few places."

Taking out the list of people, I suddenly remember an old Hungarian folk riddle,

"What does not rule, take gold or enforce are those who raise a whole village. Seven pillers with seven duties to seven worlds."

This riddle was one my grandpa from my father's side would harass me with, he was suffering from dementia by the time he kept eeriely repeating this to 5 year old me, but I was never able to answer the riddle.

Seven pillars, seven duties, seven worlds...."....this is referring to jobs in a village."

Fjord could see the cogs in my head spinning, "hmm...never was good with riddles myself...Sten or maybe Toke would know.", he gets up to see what clothes he was going to wear and I could here grumble a bit in that strange language I hear Big Blue speak in, but it sounded like it had a Norwegian dialect rather than an Italian one.

"You ok over there?", I asked.

From the living room, "Yes I'm fine lass, I'm just wondering why in the name of Russ do these garbs look so sad. I wasn't expecting the Fists to be fancy or nothing, but look at this.", he comes out with a pair of well worn overalls and Beetles shirt from the 70's.

I giggle at how he was able to mismatch his outfit. "Hold on a second, let me help you there."

We settled on a pair of old jeans, a plain white shirt and that aviator jacket. As for shoes, he would have to make do barefoot until we got to town.

I get to thinking about the riddle and the list of names, "wait.....", I unceremoniously search for the answer of the riddle on my phone and see it's a list of villagers; Merchant, Inn Keepr, Blacksmith, Clergy, Apothecist, Huntsman and Carpenter.

I glanced to the corner of my phone and saw that it was about time to leave. "I'll figure it out later, come in Fjord, I'll see if I can make room in my car.", Fjord had somehow found another interesting item to add to his casual disguise. A pair of sunglasses.

"what do you think lass?", flashing a toothy smile.

"It looks great, come on, let's see if we can fit you in the car.", as we head outside, the patrol was nowhere to be seen. "Ugh....Fjord. Did you hear anything last night?"

He peaked over my shoulder and was equally perplexed. "Oh...well ....is it our problem still?".

The fact there doesn't even seem to be any sign of the car being there. Not even tire tracks. I look to my mailbox and see there's a conspicuous new....'thing'....about my mailbox.

"WHO PAINTED MY MAILBOX YELLOW?", the both of us check it and see that there was also mail. There was a folder, that was being used as a makeshift letter envelope.

It was from Aldercon.

"oh goodie, he found out where I live.", I open and it's a handwritten letter with a large crimson wax seal decorated with a skull with wings, the sentiment itself was too whimsical to have come from him.

Dear, Lorencia Lakatos Drake

We have successfully pinpointed the location of you address, it would see that it has taken less than the originally estimated 12 hours for fuzzball to get you into a serious predicament with the local law enforcement. If you had guessed that one of my marines has driven by, found the turned over police vehicle and took initiative to remove the car, clean up the evidence and report this to me. You would be correct. As for fuzzball, we will give him a warning before we will have to DETAIN him for poor behavior until his battle brothers return If you are reading this letter around the hours of 06:25 hours to 07:25, than my estimations where correct to your morning routine. I have also requested the men to provide you with an alternative transport vehicle to better accommodate the rest of your team.

Signing off,

Chaplain Aldercon

Nevermind, it was from him.

"....why does he keep calling me 'fuzzball', also....what vehicle?", turning around, giving me a light tap on my shoulder. "Lass, looks like you won't have to do much about the space."

I turned around to my car to see that there was now a HUGE jet grey pickup truck. It wasn't of any recognizable model or make or anything. I mean neat I got a new truck but it stood out like a sore thumb. "Woah...it ....looks like something I am not supposed to have as a civilian.", speaking through clenched teeth pretending I'm actually ok with this.

Contrary to what I was feeling, Fjord was actually pleased with the truck. "Come on! As you said, let's get on with day.", he hops into the passenger seat.

I take a look inside and I'm having a rather interesting time visually understanding what was going on. The driver side was proportionate to a regular car's driver seat, get the rest of the car could accommodate at least three armor less Marines. "Looks roomy.". I can see there was a key on the dashboard, I plug it in and the engine itself sounded like a jet engine. "Oooooh boy this is going to take some getting use to.", my toe barley weighs on the gas pedal and the truck gives a good jolt.

Fjord looks at me, "would you like to handle navigation lass?". I look at him knowing very well he wasn't going to fit in the seat.

"no worries...let's go", with a rocky start, we head into the downtown area.

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

Jeff was sitting in one of the cells, he had slept in the locking himself in the vein attempt to protect himself from the horror he had experienced.

Officers Mark and Beck look at him with bemusement and unsurprised expectations.

"Ugh, so buddy .....yah sure it wasn't no bear?", Mark remarked.

Sipping from his mug, his more portly partner is a bit more concerned. "Yeah...also....you mean tell us....you left your ex with a bear last night?".

With bloodshot eyes and a thousand yard stare. "It....was ..no.... FUCKING bear, it was one of those metal FREAKS!", he stood up and furiously shook the bars. "They ain't human.... they're monsters.....some..... government experiment or something. They're dangerous....I mean....YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN WHAT IT DID TO MY PATROL CAR MAN!!", as he was shouting, he was reliving last night's encounter and in his mind he only remembers the red glowing eyes and the earth shattering growls.

Mark and Beck were both taken a back by Jeff's state.

"Ugh....maybe you should...tell the chief?", Mark asked, no longer amused but worried about his fellow officer.

The door to the police station blasts open, "JEFFERY! IN MY OFFICE!", it was Chief of Police Maxwell J. Colt. Unlike Jeff, he was a far more respectable member of the force yet he is also the reason why Jeff has a job to begin with. He could see Jeff in the holding cell, looking like a slumped, sad wet bag. "Why are you in the holding cell boy?", his anger simmered to concern.

"Dad! Those metal freaks! One nearly killed me a-and wrecked the patrol car a-and I was trying to save Lorey a-", as his son was blathering words, the Chief's eye was twitching.

"For the love of God, what did I tell you about bothering Drake?! Yah know damn well I've told dozens of not thousands of times to leave her be! That girl just lost her grandfather.....where is your gun?", he had begun to become furious again, "I swear boy if you lost your god damn gun again I a-"

Jeff opened the cell door, "The metal guy crushed my gun in its hands like peanut brittle! We got to warm everyone that these freaks are dangerous!", he grabbed his father desperately by his collar, something he had never done.

Chief Maxwell knew his son well enough that the look on his face wasn't some childish plee. He was genuinely frighten. "....metal freaks? Those things the boys up in Tillamook keeps pandering me about?", he wasn't concerned with the Marines, but he had just about had enough of the soldiers at Tillamook for his own selfish reasons.

Ever since the space marines had been cropped up once and awhile, occasionally there would be some strange mishapsl or property destruction the station wouldn't be able to help with. Not to mention Marines that have appeared to have efficiently help the public better than the police, the public had been giving him a tough time.

"....fine....go wash up boy, you look like a mess.", he dryly commanded. Jeff, still shaking, he goes to the shower rooms to wash up. "As for you two, send out a public safety announcement about these.....metal fellers. It's clear they don't have any respect for the law.".

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

Driving in my possible assault vehicle, I couldn't help but feel even more like a fish out of water. I could see the locals gawking at truck. Fjord was just relaxing, looking at the town and all it had to offer.

"So, where to lass", he sticks his head out the window to get a little bit of fresh air, I couldn't blame because the smell of "New Car" wasn't a favorite of mine either.

"well, we have to head to Bellcaller's. I'd to ask them a few questions.", suddenly the dashboard turned on, notifying me that my phone was ringing. "Woah...when did this.... sync to my phone?", i could see it was Ronnie, "hey Ronnie what's up?".

"Hey Lorey, you feeling better? Listen James left me in charge for the day. So you got two options, you can either take the day off or bring the station something to grill for later. Jonas is bringing her grill and the others are bringing something things too.", it sounded like they were having a party.

"Woah really? What do you need me to get? Also are you celebrating something?", I couldn't remember off the top of my head what he could be doing this for.

"Oh yah know, word on the street is that Jeffy got his shit rocked by something last night. Pluuuus it's Big Bear Week! The bears in the area passed their expected weights for the season. Nice fat and happy bears means we get a little extra.", Bear week was already a made up holiday we came up with to boost our morels, it was extra special special when the bears in area already seem happy and healthy in spite of it being so early in the year.

"Great, let's see, anyone in the mood for ribs and steaks?", it was a bit above my budget but it was for a party. Plus with a gold nugget, I could pay for myself for several purchases.

"Wait, if you want to I could get a deer or two. It will just be a few minutes.", Fjord interjected offering to help.

"Ugh, who's that?", Ronnie asked.

"Oh ugh, hey listen, since you're in charge ugh can I bring a friend along? He's visiting from out of town.", Ronnie was pretty chill with this sort of thing. Hopefully in spite of everything it would be fine.

"Yeah sure, but I'm not sure if the gang here likes deer Lorey, the ribs, hotdogs and maybe some chicken would do? I heard the stakes are getting high if you catch my drift.", he wasn't too far off in using that pun, things have gotten more pricey.

"Ok, I'll stop by the store and get some stuff. Sodas too?", just to add to the list.

"Nah, Shelly is bringing the tasty craft stuff from her cousin down south. See you there!", he hung up.

"Ok, looks like Bellcaller is going to have to wait. I guess this counts as a welcome party for you, right Fjord?".

He nodded with a smile. "Yah comrades sounds like a lot of fun. Let's bring a feast than.".

A little later we headed inside one of the local shops, heading straight to the meat and fish section. Fjord looked surprisingly over stimulated, his whole being felt a lot out of place. As I grabbed a good amount of meat for at least ten staff members and a two person serving size of steak for Fjord, I could feel some glaces and stares from the people in the store. However, some looked a little bit different from the looks they would give the Marines from Fort Dorn.

These were oblong looks of curious judgement. Unlike the clean shaven upright look of Bilhard. Fjord was wild looking, his hair was past shoulder length, unkept and looked closer to a lion's main, he looked like something out of a comic book from much he somewhat stood out.

He was genuinely something out of the ordinary given a second glance and uniquely special.

As we pass by the liquor section, he just casually picks up 2 kegs of beer like empty cardboard boxes! He was extremely strong, hoisting them on to his shoulders like nothing.

If his looks didn't attract your attention, his Herculean strength would.

The cashier had her mouth agape in wonder. "S-sir, would like any help with that?", she looked like she didn't know whether to frighten or swooned.

"Oh no thank madame. I can handle it.", his flirtatious smile sent her face in a flurry of flush.

"Oh my~, that will be $278.76 please", well that was to be expected.

Fjord leaned forward a little, "Thank you lass.", the wink and flashing fangs sent her nearly fainting.

I just gave him a cocked brow, "really?"

He chuckled quietly, "I was trying to get her to faint so you could take the food and run.", hopefully he was joking. "By the way, shouldn't you have paid her the gold?".

At first I originally did plan on that, but I figured it was for good reason why on a few people were being paid in the coins. "It's fine Fjord, besides one of those chunks is worth five months salary. I'll be fine."

As we load the truck we head off to the reserve station. It looked like a medium sized building with a fire watch tower, a kennel area to hold the recovering animals in a barn for supplies.

"Welcome to the Pine Hills nature reserve and observation station, Fjord.", I get out and nearly trip, I'm definitely not use to big trucks.

He got out and looked at the building, taking a deep whiff of the area. He helped with the items and was greeted by Jonas.

"Hey Hey-woah....nice truck....looked like a small spaceship...who's ugh...who's your buddy here?", at first Jonas had only seen me get the meat out from the back. Then she glanced at Fjord, again showing off his inhuman strength by lifting nearly 30 gallons on his shoulders. "Daaaaaaaaamn.....Lorey is that like ..... superman or something?", she leaned whispering like he can't hear her.

"Jonas, this Fjord. He's a friend of mine and he'll be staying with me for a bit.

Fjord, with his hands full, "Greetings Jonas. Fine day this morn'." He turns his head to the directions of the trees, very faintly hearing birds and other animals nearly miles away. "Lovely territory you all have here.", he confidently walks off.

Jonas was dumbfounded, "Lorey please tell you guys are fucking."

Nearly snapping my neck to turn to her, "Jonas! I said he's a friend what the hell?"

She helped grab the rest of the food. "guuuuurl like daaaaaaaaamn where did you get this guy I mean like vava voom!", she was a person to speak her mind a bit too loudly.

"Oh stop it, please.", having the flashes of his soaked, hairy chest and abs from last night...I couldn't blame Jonas for her boisterous outburst. "Come on, let's get your grill going. I got ribs here so we can just get that going."

"Lalala-Lorey, come on seriously are you guys dating? Does he have a brother? I mean if you guys aren't a thing can I be the thing? Also where's he from? He sounds European.", Jonas was shooting questions rapid fire before I can actually answer them.

We get into the station and I already the other are curious watching Fjord helping them as well.

Ronnie gave me a look knowing that I probably knew something about this. He must have figured out something a little extraordinary was going on.

Shelly, Anderson and Carly( junior volunteers and ages 15 and 17) and Clara were asking Fjord just as much questions as Jonas was asking me.

Fjord seemed he was liking the friendly attention. Anderson was the youngest out of our staff and was Jame's eldest grandson.

"Like dude what pre-workouts do you take man!?", he jumps on to Fjord's outreached arm and is holding on like of it was a push up bar.

"Ugh, it's just regular exercise lad. Nothing much really.", his answer was vague but Anderson took it.

"Lorey, girl you have been hold out on us! He looks like he came right out of Viking heaven.", Clara shaking my shoulders a little.

"You mean Valhalla?", I corrected her politely.

"yeah sure, big, tall handsome guy heaven.", she was ogling him hard.

Jonas was also trying to get chummy with me, "yeah, you should see the Batmobile she has outside, looks like she upgraded more than her ride.".

The innuendos were getting silly by this point. "ok ok, guys this is Fjord, he's a friend of mine and he's going to stay with me in the meantime."

Fjord turns to give this little sad puppy dog pout look, " what do you mean 'meantime', am I going somewhere?".

I give him a reassuring pat on his back, I get him to lean down whisper in his ear, "Don't worry you're not going anywhere, it's just a bit, remember, low profile.", I scratch the back of head a little to give him a more clearer sign.

His head adjusts to my open palm to get a better feel, it felt a little strange but in a pleasant way. His sunglasses slip down a little and I see his eyes. I'm not too certain what I was feeling, but it felt good.

Jonas and the rest of the girls were giving me a smug look, grinning.

"hehe, so what's on the agenda for today?", I asked Ronnie who's been sitting off to the side just enjoying the uplifted energy in the room.

Ronnie got up, "Well, I've check the cameras again....and another came up."

Fjord tilted his head a bit, wondering what did Ronnie mean.

"wow really? Can we see on the big monitor?", Carly asked.

Ronnie's smile shrunk a little, "I don't know....it ain't for the faint of heart.....it's a live attack this time. Ain't no roadkill dinner if you know I'm saying."

I began to feel a little worried and wondered if it is was another one of the more freakier ones. "Pull it up. I think we may need to take those ones seriously.". I could feel that I may have laid it too thick with the tension in the room my tone.

Ronnie, understanding my concerns, "alright, let's go. Does your friend want to see too?"

Fjord, also sensing my tone, "Yes. I'll take a gander."

A few minutes later, all of the staff had gathered in the projection room to see this week's wildlife cam footage.

This time it was during early dusk, after a few skipped seconds of racoons, bears and other smaller wildlife, finally hitting on the target timeframe.

It was a huge buck, it looked heavy and was munching away on the foliage. There was the faint snapping of twigs. What was odd was that the buck looked up to the trees and not to its eye level. Suddenly a blueish blur flashed down on the deer, pushing it slightly off screen, the sounds of its panicked screams were enough to freeze the blood in our veins. The squealing was competing with the crushes and squelching of ravaged bone and flesh. The deer stopped, all there was left was tearing of flesh, wet chewing and ripping.

Ronnie skipped about 30 seconds ahead and revealed the face of the attacker. It was a marine, but this one was different, he looked like he had ears? His upper body was covered in different patchworks of....his prey....some of which concerningly had no fur on it. His whole head was red with deer blood, obscuring any other detail. He stopped away, humming grumbling a tune, with what was left of the deer over his shoulder.

Everyone in the room was terrified, everyone expect Fjord. I turned to see that same, lazor focused glare that Bilhard and Aldercon had sported most of the time.

The look of readiness for combat.

For Fjord, this was just another mission for him to put on his mental list. He looked like he's seen the marine before too.

Ronnie, expressionless, turned off the projector. "Ok, now that y'all saw that. What are yah thoughts?", he asked casually.

Everyone in the room had varying degrees of fear. None of have them had ever seen one of the Marines just rip apart a deer like that. Unlike the social media posts of the snuff footage of Marines in urban areas, this was an entirely different context. This was a marine that was well adjusted to hunting in the wild, where there are no cops, no witnesses and certainly no one to hear the scream of they fell prey to him.

"Now, what is...the big difference between this guy, and....this guy.", he connects the projector with his phone. Showing clips of Big Blue and other Marines. "hmm?"

Anderson, probably scared out of his mind raises his hand, "ugh....they...help people?"

Ronnie, nodding yes, "yep...what else?"

Clara although looking like she wasn't bothered by the previous footage, reluctantly raises her hand, "The other freaky one just ate a buck like a burger order?"

"mmmmclose...but what else?"

Fjord, stoically answered, "He's corrupted."

Everyone was a little confused at Fjord, including me.

Carly spoke up in a shaking voice, she was probably effected by the footage the most since her specialty is taking care of the deer. "What do you mean corrupted?".

Fjord pulls back a little to being a little tense. "Ugh, he's corrupted....he's feral, cruel and he enjoyed the part where he tore into the beasty. Eating it was just a perk.", he tried sounding like he was making an analysis....but it came off a bit out of pocket.

Ronnie gave a sigh, "Well...Fjord ain't wrong. This one....is dangerous, and he CAN'T be reasoned with. There's something clearly wrong with him. That's for sure. These other ones, they're good. They can talk, they CAN be reasoned with....and they don't attack people for no reason. One is an animal....in the worst way....the other is....well....not an animal....like....I'm sure they're like....super guys under all that armor and stuff. So, Shelly, Clara I want you guys to make a state issued warning about this specific metal man. It ain't worth bothering the wrong guy."

A bell chimes in and everyone jumps in their seats shouting, it was James. Smiling that good ol' cowboy smile of his.

"Yep. Better start telling the difference. This will mean though we'll have to shut some of the parks around the area down and monitor their activities."

I look to Fjord, he looks like he had already smelled James coming in a mile away. He give my a glance.

"oh James. Ugh. Any sign of the three greyish blue ones? They seemed reasonable enough.", as I asked, Fjord looked chuffed at the statement.

"Hmmm...nope. haven't seen them in two days actually." He gives Fjord a side glance. Knowing well what and who he is. "Hello Fjord."

"Oh, good evening Jamie. How's it going?", he gives a cute awkward smile like he's been caught doing something wrong.

I knew Sten knew James, but I guess he also knew Fjord too. No surprise the three were stuck to the hip to each other.

"Also, be aware that Chief Colt is aware of these fellers. Unfortunately, he giving them the same treatment he give anything that bothers him.", he lifts up a printed warning from the Police Station with what looks like a cartoon version of Fjord's armor with big sharp teeth, claws and fire all over. It looks like Jeff hasn't gotten batter at drawing since highschool.

"..........Is it?", I ask painfully.

James, with a deep sigh, "yeeeeeeeeeeup. So, if you all see one of these metal folks acting all ornery and all that unpleasantness I hope you take the proper precautions to take care of yourselves. The others, the more civil ones....are just passing by. Just pretend they're like the bears and wolves around these parts. It's one who be looking for you...that you should ponder about. Also which one of you brought those kegs, drinking isn't allowed during work hours.", he casually ended.

Fjord, reluctantly raised his hand.

James gave an unsurprised look, "hmmm. Fjord would you kindly save those beers for after-hours? It's just a part of reverse policy.", he let a little chuckle.

Releaved he wasn't in real trouble, he slumped right up. "Yes sir, I thought I'd bring some for the merriment of Bear Week?". He collected the kegs and head to the truck to store into in the air conditioning.

"Lorey, may I speak with you in private?", he turned to me.

"Yes James.", I knew what he wanted to talk to me about.

"As for y'all, prep the food, I see that we have a good amount of meat for the celebration today.", he nodded and we both headed to his office.

End of Log 11

@kit-williams @squishyowl @starfrost740

@barn-anon @walking-natural-disaster @egrets-not-regrets @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan

[invisibleraven]

From @theamd426 Falling asleep in class/work for teenage Reggie and Julie please!!!!

Reggie sighed as he clocked in, donning his vest. Overnight shifts were always the worst, but they paid more, so he took them on occasion. At least this way he didn't have to deal with customers, all he had to do was restock the shelves and take inventory.

"Hey Reggie!" Julie called as she clocked in. "Ready for an exciting night of work?"

He shrugged but offered her a smile. "It's better now that you're here. I was terrified I would be stuck with Brett."

Julie wrinkled her nose at that. "Ew, no one should suffer like that." Then she giggled, and Reggie joined her. Brett was a useless layabout who usually smelled of weed and made terrible racist jokes, so no one wanted to work with him.

"At least I get half the music choices with you," Reggie said, elbowing her. They had similar tastes, and had a playlist for whenever they worked together, a mix of the stuff they both liked, since no one else was working, no one else could argue about the music.

"Well crank it up and we'll get started," Julie said with a hip check.

With the music blaring, they got to work; first tossing out the spoiled produce, and taking out anything expired from the coolers. Rotating stock so the older stuff went in front as they put the new in the rear.

Reggie started on the inventory as Julie filled the shelves, then they switched the next aisle over, taking turns as they went to make the night go faster. Chatting as they went, about their upcoming senior year, their co-workers, their friends, and plans for university. The two of them had been friends for awhile, and had come to work here by coincidence, making their bond even deeper.

Being good friends also made it easier to get through the long night shifts together, even if they finished long before they were due thanks to how well they worked together.

"Wanna go chill in the patio furniture before we start on the cleaning?" Reggie suggested.

"Sounds good," Julie agreed, covering a yawn as they went. "Sorry, I should have napped this afternoon but Flynn was having relationship drama and best friend duties trumped my need for sleep."

"Ugh tell me about it, I have to listen to Alex whine about his ginormous crush on Willie more than I don't," Reggie replied. "However my nap plans got waylaid by Luke and his new bridge for Destination Nowhere."

"Think we'd get in trouble for sneaking in a snooze?" Julie asked as they lounged on the patio furniture.

"As long as we wake up in time to wipe the cameras," Reggie said. "Though you know Kenneth doesn't care as long as everything gets done."

"I'll set an alarm," Julie said, taking out her phone, yawning again. Reggie already had his eyes closed but murmured his consent.

This wasn't the first time they had done this-though they usually did so in the staff room where the cameras weren't, but like Reggie said, their manager wasn't a big harper for the rules given they had caught him napping amongst the holiday blow ups more than once.

They never napped long-half an hour at most, but it was a much needed refresher. Even if they were both a bit groggy when Julie's alarm blared.

"Alright, I'm up, I'm up," Reggie protested, rubbing his eyes.

"Five more minutes," Julie moaned.

"No way Molina, we gotta get the cleaning done then I propose we clock out early and go back to yours for a lengthy snooze," Reggie proposed.

"Why my house?" Julie asked as she stretched.

"You have a million couches and your family will let us sleep, unlike mine," Reggie replied.

"Fair enough," Julie said. "Let's get too, I can hear my bed calling my name."

Reggie nodded and they went back to work, leaving as soon as it was done and getting a quality amount of sleep once back at the Molina house.

Of course, they also forgot to wipe the cameras, and the next shift they were on, there was a screenshot of them snoozing printed out in the break room for them-surrounded by a big red heart and Kenneth's name signed underneath it. They both blushed, but decided that next time they caught him cuddling the stuffed animals, they were definitely getting proof as revenge.

Even if he was right about the heart by the end of the summer.

[felice-jaganshi]

Alastor's Leash

Chapter 3

Zariah was being princess carried by Alastor, pouting like an upset child with her arms crossed over her chest. 

“Now, what did you say to set off Mimzy? I've never seen her get that angry without good reason. If not for our deal, I'd be more than half tempted to pretend I didn't notice and let you two fight it out.”

Zariah huffed out a fox whine. “She called you heartless! And I argued you had the biggest heart I've ever met, and made me feel loved everyday. I don't understand how or why she sees you as so ‘heartless’ specifically, but she got really pissed off, and then I used us cuddling in my bed as an example and she launched herself at me! Like, who reacts like that?!”

“Sinners, my dear. That's who.” He groaned, now understanding the situation she'd gotten into. 

“The exact reason is, back when we were alive, she and I would party together. Early on in our friendship, she'd tried to make sexual advances, which I always turned down. And then, when she stated she'd fallen in love with me one day, and I still did not reciprocate, she called me heartless. Our relationship took a nosedive for a bit until she caught me hiding a body. It certainly improved after that, as she realized it wasn't ‘her’, I just had no interest in women in general. My work was just too important to me. So, your comment about us cuddling in bed , she might have misunderstood or more likely chose to misinterpret, as sex. So, now she feels insulted. And to be fair, she's not wrong about me being heartless, I am incapable of the type of love she always wanted from me.”

 

“Oh, well I didn't mean to hurt her… but you're not heartless, I can hear it beating right now.” She rest her head on his chest. “Bum bum, bum bum. Yep, it's still there. Just because you love differently, doesn't mean you don't love in your own way.” She smiled sweetly, and he returned the gesture, eyes half lidded.

 

“Such a wise pet I have.”

 

“Oh, idea! Charlie was able to visit heaven once with Lucifer's help right? Maybe we can get you a day pass to see our moms!” 

Alastor groaned and set her on her feet, “I take back what I said about you being wise. That's the worst idea I've ever heard. Heaven is no place for a demon like me.”

 

“But why not? Especially if it's just for a day. She'd love it!” Zariah looked confused. She couldn't understand why heaven scared him so much.

 

“Zariah, we're dropping it there.” His tone was stern, “No more discussion of getting me to heaven, I'm quite happy here in hell, where I belong .” He paused to let his words sink in before continuing, “Now, we need to get ready for your broadcast. What are you going to read for our listeners today?”

 

“Hm… I'm thinking of hooking everyone in with one of my favorite book series. After book one, if they want the other books, they'll have to give me their souls to hear the rest! Does that sound like a plan that might work?”

 

He hummed, “Make it book 2 and I think it might.” He pet her head and she purred, wrapping one of her tails around his waist.

 

_______

 

Vox paced around his tower while Velvette worked on their social media posts for the day, scheduling a few for later.

“Argh! Fuck! I miss Val!” He yelled.

“Oh get over it you big baby! You two fought more than you fucked anyways!” She was being cold, because he needed it. Suddenly an alarm went off, letting Vox know a radio broadcast was about to begin.

“Oh fuck! Alastor's back on!” He ran to the radio to listen to his “hated rival's” broadcast. It was all he could think about these days.

 

“Hello sinners! It's time for our newest, and most popular weekly broadcast, the Radio Angel's story hour. Everyone get tucked in with your snacks and blankets, I've been told this one is a personal favorite of hers. How exciting!”

Vox growled, that damn angel had taken up all of Alastor's attention lately! He'd even given her credit for his latest attack on Vox's dignity! 

 

“That's right Al! As our listeners will soon discover, the main character has a lot of parallels with Lucifer that are very exciting! And if they can make it to act four, they're in for a world of emotional pain and torment unlike anything they've ever felt. I will also change a few of the terms to make it easier for our listeners to understand the story.”

“Well isn't that exciting, and so generous. Let's get started then….”

 

“Among all the angels in heaven, there was one famous laughingstock of the three realms…”

 

Vox listened intently, her voice truly was suited for this sort of thing. She didn't sound like her usual energetic obnoxious self that he'd heard from the few interactions he'd had with her. It was soothing and calm when she read. He was jealous to the extreme! She was going to get so many followers from this shit!

 

After a bit, Alastor's voice cut back in, interrupting her with his own commentary on the story.

“Hah! What a fool he is, quite like our king indeed. Challenging heaven itself over a single child's life. I'm quite interested to see the pain and suffering of such a kind heart as he will go through.” He sounded so pleased with himself, and she couldn't help but giggle. 

“Hey now! No spoilers!”

Once she finished reading the Prolog, Alastor put on a “commercial break”, to give her time to breath, collect herself, and drink water. 

 

“Oh my god! This was so much more fun than I thought it'd be! It reminds me of when I was alive and I'd read to my friends over the headsets at work. Hah… that job was a literal nightmare worse than hell itself, but my coworkers made it worth every moment. I loved them all so much.” She smiled fondly with her eyes shut, picturing her old friends. 

 

“After this, I want to help with Becca's wedding. You should too. She's like a sister to me, so that will make Luci your brother soon. So try to get along a little, yeah? No more plotting to kill him and take the throne of hell. It's Charlie's to own.” She kept her tone soft.

He whined a little, like a child. “But darling~.” He gave her a sweet, syrupy look.

“Nooo! Don't even, it won't work. You're cute, and I love you, but the throne of hell is a headache you don't need. Just trust me…”

[the-werdna]

Title: Robcina Week Day 6 - School

Description: Another day at school comes. After solving the misunderstanding he'd had with Lucina, Robin is hopeful that today can pass uneventfully. That isn't too much to ask, right?

Notes: Takes place after all of the other Persona Au chapters, those being chapters 41, 47, 61, 64, 68, 74, and 79. Takes place the day after the events of chapter 75

Words: 2051

The buzzing rumble of his phone sounded as it vibrated against the table, stirring him from his slumber an instant before the shrill ringing of the alarm sounded. Dragging himself out of his futon, Robin scrambled for the device. Today was the rare occasion where he managed to seize it on his first try, swiping the screen to silence the chorus of beeps.

For a moment, he laid there, half on the floor, half still entangled in his covers. With a groan, Robin pushed himself into a sitting position before taking a look at his phone. Rubbing sensitive eyes from the brightened screen, his vision began to clear.

September 18th. Wednesday. It was time for school.

Heaving himself to his feet, Robin set about gathering his things, shoveling his books and other supplies into his bag. A quick shower later, he stopped by his room again to change into his uniform before heading downstairs. The lower level of the house was still and empty when he got there. No real surprise there. Chrom would be at work already, and Lucina got up early for kendo training before school. From the sounds of activity downstairs, he'd heard while getting ready, and the absence of Cynthia's bag now told him she must have only left a few minutes ago.

So much for waiting. Though I suppose I could still run into her or one of the others at the station, he mused. Yawning, he stopped by the fridge, picking up the boxed lunches he'd prepared the evening before, juggling his phone, schoolbag, and lunches at the same time, Robin checked the time while fumbling the slip boxes into the bag. Not much time left, gotta hurry to make the train. Toast will have to do for breakfast. Setting his phone down on the counter, he popped two slices into the toaster, managing to zip up his bag at the same time. A few moments later they popped out with a chime. He ate quickly, then hurried for the door, slamming it behind him. Then immediately ran back inside, snatching up his phone.

Okay, now I can go, Robin told himself. He paused, running through a quick mental checklist to make sure he didn't forget anything else. Satisfied, he headed back outdoors.

. . . . .

As packed as the train was, Robin saw neither Cynthia nor any of his other friends there. They must have all gotten on earlier trains. Shrugging, Robin decided he would try to continue reading the book he checked out from the library, provided he managed to find a seat.

The train arrived a few moments later, screeching as it came to a stop at the station. Robin hurried inside, managing to find an empty seat before the big rush as the other commuters jostled for places aboard. Reaching into his bag, he fished out the book: Expert Fishing. There was quite a bit left, it would probably take today and at least another train ride before he finished it. It should help make his fishing trips more effective, however. Which meant more fish he could then trade for gems with that weird cat that hangs out at the old shrine and then use those to buy-

Robin frowned. Do you ever stop and think to yourself, 'Wow, my life is weird'? Because I didn't until this year, he thought, directing the statement at no one in particular. Shaking his head, he resumed reading. Weird or not, it was a good use of his time. Maybe he'd try to finish the book that evening if he didn't find anything else to do then.

Minutes passed as he flipped through the pages

+ until at last, he arrived at his destination. Returning the book to his bag, he slung the strap over his shoulder. There was only a short wait before enough people ahead of him disembarked so that he could slip through the packed car and out onto the station. Then, he was off on the short walk to school.

. . . . .

Robin slipped his shoes into his cubby before bending down to put on his school shoes. Just as he finished he felt a buzzing of his phone in his pocket. He ignored it, continuing to do up the laces. Again his phone rumbled, signaling another notification. Then a few moments later, another rumble. Then a fourth. Sighing, Robin brought it out, opening up the screen.

Let's see… Cynthia wants to hang out after school… and so does Inigo… and Owain… and it looks like the photography club is holding an optional meeting today. He sighed and put the phone away. He could decide which to do later once school ended. So many Social Links, so little time.

Heading to the home room, he found the class already half-full, students mostly out of their seats in groups chatting with one another. Owain and Severa were already there as well, and, as was typical of them, bickering about something. He knew the pattern, Owain did something foolish or eccentric that annoyed Severa and then they'd argue about it. Had it been earlier in the day, Robin would have set in to mediate it, but it was frankly still way too early for him to care.

Taking his seat and willing himself not to register what they were going on about this time, Robin unpacked his school supplies.

Just as he finished, his phone buzzed once again. Momentarily annoyed and half considering just silencing the damn thing, Robin glanced at the screen, only to pause as he saw the sender. It was from Lucina.

"TO ROBIN. THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING TO ME YESTERDAY. I ENJOYED TALKING. LET'S DO IT AGAIN SOMETIME WHEN I AM NOT BUSY. Y/N?"

Robin found himself smiling as he always did at her odd manner of texting. It was cute. As for the message, of course, Wednesdays were one of the days Lucina was busy with Kendo practice after school, so that was a no-go. Besides, he had to still spend time with his other friends and continue to deepen those bonds.

"Sure, I'd love to. Next time you're free?", he texted back. He moved to slip his phone back into his pocket, only to stop, considering it for a moment, remembering the extra boxed lunch he'd brought today. When he'd cooked the extra meal last evening, he hadn't had anyone particular in mind for it. He figured he'd decide which of his friends to split it with later, maybe see if any of them hadn't brought anything. But now… maybe he should ask Lucina. That way they could spend some time together sooner. He certainly wanted to, but…

Would that seem too weird? He still didn't quite know how the two of them stood or how Lucina really felt about him. Was it too soon to make any move, or-

"Hey, what are you sitting there blushing about? Get a love letter from your crush or some other sappy nonsense?" Severa interjected, turning around in her chair to stare at him in almost incredulous amusement. Evidently, he had failed to notice her and Owain finishing their little morning spat.

Only then did Robin realize that he was indeed blushing. "No, it's- Just, mind your own business," he told her, his words doing nothing other than heightening her amusement. He hastily put his phone away, doing his best to brush aside her comment.

"Sure, whatever you say, Romeo," Severa grinned, rolling her eyes sarcastically at his own glare.

Mercifully it was then that their homeroom teacher entered, beginning the school day proper. It was rare that Robin was thankful to see the man, but right now he'd do anything to change the subject.

Let's just hope the rest of the day goes better. I could use it better. And normal.

. . . . .

The lunch bell rang, signaling the morning's end. Gathering things, Robin gazed at the two boxed lunches inside. He needed to decide who to have lunch with.

I could ask Lucina, but… He frowned, remembering the times they'd hung out yesterday and the day before. Things were less awkward yesterday, but… I still don't know if Lucina likes me that way or not. What if we are just friends? Would sharing a lunch be too romantic, or…

He shook his head, banishing the jumbled doubts and second guesses. He'd made lunches like this for most of his other friends before. This was no different than that. Making up his mind, he sent Lucina a text. Moments later his phone buzzed, Lucina agreeing to his offer to meet him.

Heading to the rooftop, Robin found Lucina already there. As it was a school day, not to mention the fact she tended to be a stickler for the rules, Lucina was wearing her Ylisstol High uniform in the standard, unmodified fashion. The only visible accessory was her trademark long red and blue scarf that she wore with nearly every outfit of hers.

Lucina peered around intently for several moments before her eyes laid upon him amongst the other students who'd taken their lunch there. Smiling, she headed towards him, Robin doing the same to meet her halfway.

"Robin, there you are! I wasn't certain if you were already here or not, but I suppose I was just early," Lucina said, her words sounding almost half an apology.

"It's alright," Robin assured her. He laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "I am a bit shocked you got here so quickly. So, um… shall we?" he asked, motioning for one of the benches.

"Oh, yes," Lucina blushed, taking a seat as he did the same.

Robin handed her one of the bento boxes he'd prepared the night prior. Inside was rice, pickled daikon and cabbage, and slices of crispy fried pork chops. "I know it's not anything fancy, I am still getting the hang of cooking my own things. I hope you don't mind," he explained.

"Oh, no, I don't mind it at all Robin," Lucina said. She bowed her head in thanks. "I appreciate the thought of preparing something for the both of us." She took a few bites of the food, smiling. That seemed to be a good sign.

"Don't mention it," Robin said. He laughed nervously, again. He needed to stop doing that.

"You have cooked for others before too, have you not?" Lucina asked between mouthfuls.

"Oh, uh, yes, I have. The first few times I am not sure I did the best job, I only started cooking regularly this year," Robin explained. "I guess my practicing has paid off since you and the others seem to have enjoyed it."

"I see. I really should work on my own cooking skills. My own are quite basic, I am afraid," Lucina said. She smiled again as she finished another bite, setting the half-eaten box aside for the moment. "So, how has your day been?"

Robin smiled back. For some time the two chatted, sticking mostly to small talk for the time being.

Lucina enjoyed your lunch!

You feel that your relationship is going to become closer soon…

Just as they'd both finished, a bell rang in the distance, signaling the end of lunch break and that it was time to return to class.

"Oh, look at the time. We both must get going it seems," Lucina said. She stood in unison with him, turning to hand the empty bento box to him. He accepted it, and in doing so their hands brushed against each other. They both blushed, quickly pulling away. Lucina glanced at the floor, Robin glancing off to the side.

"I- Thank you for the lunch, Robin. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness in inviting me," she assured him. She seemed to hesitate a moment, then pulled him into a brief hug. Then, blushing all the more fiercely, she hurried away, heading down the stairs back to class.

"D-Don't mention it," Robin stammered, even though she was no longer there. He was incredibly thankful Several or any of the others weren't there to see him at that moment. They'd never let him live it down.

He reached up, touching his shoulder where Lucina had embraced him. Now, he realized, I need to figure out what the heck that hug was supposed to mean. Shaking his head, he headed down the stairs as well, ready to resume what remained of the school day.