#i also cleaned up the dirt mess on the desk lol

[orcelito]

Happier plant window

Hopefully a small plant knockover won't be as disastrous as a large plant knockover

[dilfhos]

CORRECTIVE ACTION.

#!WHO; LEVI ACKERMAN

#!CC: fem!reader, power dynamic/abuse(?), fingering, o.sex (giving and receiving) use of “Sir” and “Captain” (duh!), humiliation, spanking, implied oral from Eren, SLIGHT reluctance, audible cucking(?), spanking and a jealously sassy Levi who wants you all to himself (um mix of mentioned arcs idk lol dnt hunt me)

also, since reader is racially ambiguous, i decided to do an experiment to see if blood rushes by spanking my thigh and legs. it does in fact leave a reddish tinge so for my black/darker toned readers—you’re welcome ;)

#!NETWORKS @angelshub @bitchcraftinc @planetonet

+remastered directly from my ao3! (feel free to read if you wish but fyi its a HAWT mess lmao).

“Repeat, ‘Eren was eating my cunt, Captain Levi.’”…

Knock knock knock.

There wasn’t an answer right away and you couldn’t stop your hands from shaking, even as your nails dug into your palms. In all of the times you had been apart of the Survey Corp, you were never called to the captain’s office this late. Something was different.

"State your name and business. " Levi's firm voice echoed through the door.

"Cadet…sir. You called me down." You gritted your teeth at how awfully timid you sounded. You couldn’t shake the feeling of your stomach rolling over as you awaited his reply.

"Enter." Opening and closing the door behind you stood in front of his desk, frozen in a sharp salute. He sat casually at his desk, leaned back as his feet were crossed precariously on the edge. A plethora of open folders and classified documents laid beside, neatly stacked. His icy gaze trailed over your body, sharp and unreadable as always until you gulped, nervous under his scrutinizing gaze.

"You wanted to see me, Captain." You stated, less of a question. He stood up, his dark eyes locked on yours. He nodded sharply as if to say 'at ease'.

You kept your hands at your sides now, stiff. Sure, your tough exterior was prominent, but you were practically shaking on the inside. Were you in trouble? Did you mess up in the training today? You recalled Levi’s scrutinizing eyes on you when you were pinned by Jean in practice close-combat. The humiliation from your peers as you completely ate dirt while he guffawed victoriously at finally defeating you.

Levi walked slowly around the desk, calling your focus away from your racing mind.

"Earlier today after the mess hall, where were you?"

You gulped. There were a couple possibilities. Outside the cabin whispering to Mikasa where you would be once Commander Pyxis walked out. There was that brief pause passing the latrines as you tried to convince Connie that nothing funny was going on. Then there was the final thing he could have been talking about. And he couldn't have known that, could he? You timed and worked your crude plan as thoroughly as possible, being discreet of your intention and whereabouts.

You weighed the options. You could come clean right then and there and risk his possible violent response or you could play dumb. Maybe he could come up with a less specific reason why you weren't where you were supposed to be at that time. Stupidly, you decided to go with the latter.

"Sir?" Your face grew hot.

He paused in front of you, eyebrow raised.

"Perhaps I can be a bit more specific,” He started. His tone was light yet firm, still conveying a strain which told you to tread carefully in how you should respond at this point. He began a slow, menacing pace in front of you. Not daring to move or even breath, your heart hammered as you stared straight ahead at the wall in front of you, eyes dancing over detailed maps and scribbled notes.

“At that time, what were you doing with Jaeger?"

Your mouth grew dry, lips parting and snapping shut with no sound. There it was. The final nail to the coffin of shame and embarrassment. What made it worse is that he knew that you knew that he knew what was going on. He chuckled dryly at your face, noting that even though he was as specific about it as possible, you tried to remain cool.

"Oh…Don't tell me you forgot Cadet." He said, an amusing lilt to his voice.

"I-Well sir..." The pits of your arms began to itch. Your throat tightened as your eyes slowly flickered to Levi’s who now stopped directly in front of you. Knowing the strict conduct before your superiors from years of condition, you fought the urge to jump back from the spot entirely from his proximity.

Of course you didn’t forget.

How could you forget the feel of Eren’s soft locks threaded through your fingers as his head was buried between your sticky thighs? You could suddenly feel the throb in your hand where you sunk your teeth to keep from screaming his name throughout the barracks. His glinting green eyes gazing up at you, twinkling in the light the nearby lanterns provided. The feel of his fingers as they pumped slowly in your wet pussy was unforgettable to say the least as his sneaky words were burned to memory; "Quiet down. Or else someone’ll get us in trouble."

You could laugh at the irony but your mind was flooded with the brutal lashing of his tongue on your clit as you smothered him, using his face to get off.

But now, as if shifting back into reality, to hell, to what you wish was an embarrassing and cautious dream was your Captain, growing more impatient as he awaited for what he already knew.

"I-I was with Eren.." You said softly. You grimaced expecting some sort of physical action. Slacking off was one thing, even showing signs of weakness. He expected this from his soldiers. They’re simply what the last defense against the Titans were—only Human.

However fraternization was an entirely different matter, seeing the severity of a more complex reality. Especially under the supervision of Commander Erwin and Captain Levi who were already under a lens, protecting Eren, the newly discovered Attack Titan. It was silent, the captain staring at you and you back at him.

"While he was eating your cunt. Correct?" He spat shamelessly and your eyes snapped up to meet his. Big mistake; he narrowed his gaze and you looked away, face ablaze in humiliation.

“Say it.”

“Say what, Sir?” You said slowly. This only pissed him off, urging his hand to shoot out and grip your jaw, yanking you to face him. This was unorthodox, wrong perhaps, but he was your superior and what made you any more innocent?

“Repeat, ‘Eren was eating my cunt, Captain Levi.’” He pulled you in and spun around with precision, making you hit the desk. You cried out at the wood digging into the small of your back as his face got closer to yours. His voice dripped with malice and you would be lying if you said it didn’t frighten you down to your core. You couldn't figure out where all of this was coming from. Was this about being caught or something else entirely?

“Eren was...he was eating my cunt,” You squeaked, words rushing out of you as if to get it over with. His brow raised and his thumb and finger dug deeper into your skin. Your eyes glanced at the twitch in his lip.

“Captain...” He started.

“Captain Levi.”

“Good girl,” He released you and stepped back.

“Wasn’t too difficult, you are one of my brightest after all.” He mumbled, taking in the confusion and fluster on your face.

“Now, remove every last piece of clothing from your body.”

“Sir?” A smirk played at his lips in the horrified expression you gave him.

“By the way you’re staring dumbly at me and the fact you responded provides evidence that you clearly heard what I said.” He deadpanned.

Damn, the authority in his tone shouldn’t have made you as wet as it did as he spoke in the same bark he would anyone else. It shouldn’t have, after all you were a cadet and he, your Captain. It was taboo to say the least. But beneath the glare he was giving you, it was only right to assume that you had no other choice.

Hesitantly, you obliged, slowly peeling off your uniform and revealing more and more of your skin. The captain wanted nothing more than to bite and bruise every inch of your body, marking and claiming you physically as property of the Survey Corp, his battalion. His. The notion that he was your superior wasn’t lost on him, in fact that only fact made it all the more desirable. Bonus, if he could get it in your mind that Eren was the last person you should be disappearing off with.

Once you were completely naked, his precise movement had you turned around and bent over his desk, knocking contents onto the floor. His eyes narrowed at the sight of his papers scattered around at his feet. A mess; God he just finished that paperwork.

"C-Captain ‘m sorry I...I dont-" You fumbled.

"I don't remember giving you permission to speak...Cadet." He sloppily kissed your shoulder as his hand circled to cup your pussy, massaging his thumb against your clit. You keened unintentionally at the friction, your body shivering slightly against his body. His other came down hard against the surface of your ass catching you by surprise. Tears pricked your vision at the stinging pain he left behind. Levi could only stare at the mark he left by his hand before another blow was delivered in the same spot, causing you to cry out again.

Despite how painful it was, Levi couldn’t help but notice how much wetter you grew. By the time he was through, you were shaking and practically dripping slick down your thighs. He retracted his wet fingers and turned you to face him, drinking up the glossy gaze you offered him. It caused his pants to tighten painfully at the groin.

“Get on your knees.”

While you were now looking up at the raven-haired male removing unbuttoning his slacks, you couldn’t help but rock side to side, smushing your thighs to alleviate the arising arousal. His cock finally sprung free from the clothed confines. He was an impressive size and you couldn’t help but ogle as it pulsed slight, nestled in a bed of neatly trimmed hair. He gripped the back of your head pulling you closer and without his verbal go-ahead, you gripped his cock enticing a hiss from him.

How eager to please, Levi thought darkly, trying to figure out if it was because you wanted to or out of guilt of being caught. He was about to say something when you eagerly took him into your mouth. He groaned watching more of his cock disappear past your lips and reappear again when you gagged. Refocusing and allowing you a single breath, he gripped the sides of your head and forced himself back down again, roughly snapping his his hips against your face. You could feel his cock twitching with each thrust, the disgusting slurping and gags reverberating off wood.

“You're gonna take...my cock like the depraved whore you are, ” He sighed, throwing his head back. Your vision blurred slightly as the tip repeatedly bumped the back of your throat, lips slurping around the spit that dribbled from the corners. “Sneaking off, neglecting duties. Fraternization. With the likes of that monstrosity.”

He didn’t know what he was saying, his words flying out as his nails gripped your scalp possessively.

Drool seeped from the sides of your mouth, creating lines that dripped to your breasts and to the floor. Levi took one look at your tear stricken face and almost busted on the spot. He pulled out, not wanting to do so just yet and you were back up against the desk.

"Tch." Levi gripped your throat for leverage, jerking you closer after hearing more contents hitting the floor. He slid two fingers into your mouth, at the same time his other hand slipped fingers into your pussy. You groaned when his fingers pressed to the back of your throat making you gag. Tears struck your vision, blurring the twisted grin that split Levi’s face.

"I didn't hear you Cadet...Was this what Jaeger was doing?" He asked, pumping his fingers slowly into your wetness. His fingers curled against your walls enticing an excited buck against his hand. Lines of drool fell from the sides of your mouth and dripped to your chest as you nodded frantically.

"My my. Another mess." He muttered. His fingers kept up its steady brutal pace, curling every now and then. He sped up cutting your words off purposely. He wanted to see you suffer. Levi was sadistic that way, enjoying the torment in your eyes as he got off to your shame and innately desires. A part of him was pleased at how so wet you were, knowing that boy Jaeger couldn’t come close to a woman’s pleasure.

Your mouth was set in an 'o' as you tried desperately to get the words out. Drunk off pleasure but still lucid enough to try and show your Captain respect. You were so close. So painfully close to giving in, if the quivering in your thighs were any indication. Your stomach heaved as you glanced down, watching the way his arm flexed like lightning as he pumped your walls. You began to squirm, your orgasm approaching quickly with the itching knot in your stomach. That was until he suddenly pulled out.

Lifted with ease, you were shoved further onto the desk, Levi’s face burying in between your legs. Hands shot to his hair instinctively, too gone in the way his tongue prodded your folds to realize he was your superior. He didn’t mind however, lips curving in your overt reaction.

His tongue darted in and out of your wet cunt, relishing in the way your gummy walls pulsed around his tongue. Your hips reared off the wood when his lips latched snugly on your clit, suckling the nub.

“C-Captain!” His finger lifted and pushed against your clit as you rolled your head back and bit your lip. You could feel yourself slowly building up again to that sweet moment of release. And you even surprised yourself when you began to grind yourself against his face selfishly in hopes of reaching it.

But he straightened up and kissed your on your mouth roughly. And you weren’t as reluctant in returning the kiss. Grabbing his cock, he rubbed against your cunt, slathering his leaking head with your juices.

"You're not supposed to be enjoying this." He muttered. “S’posed to be a punishment.”

"I can,” Your cheeks burned in your next choice of words. “I can pretend I’m not enjoying it, Captain.” It shouldn’t have, but your word’s flustered him, making his dick twitch for reasons unknown. Perhaps it was the breathless way you referred to him by title or your shameless suggestion, either way he’s too desperate to feel you.

“Unlikely.”

You bit your lip as he slowly slid the tip in then pulled out

"Uhnn."

"Tell me you want it." He slid in again and stilled.

"I want it...Captain." You whimpered before he shoved his dick in, full hilt, satisfied with your answer. His hand clamped hastily over your mouth as you let out a muffled squeal. Tears pricked at the corner of your eyes from the rough intrusion, at the full girth as he stretched out your desperate cunt. Groaning at the sensation, your hands stilled on his shoulders as he pumped furiously. The sounds of moans, grunts, and skin against skin contact filled the space as he fucked brutally into you.

"From…this point on…you belong to me now." He mumbled against your ear. “Jaeger needs to keep his hands off or I’ll turn him in for reckless insubordination.”

Your pussy clenched at the baritone and seriousness in his voice. Hands soothed up his neck daringly, fingers lacing in the hair at the nape as you pulled him in for a kiss. His tongue lashed hungrily, sucking your lips and tongue as if he wouldn’t be able to anymore. His thrust became more erratic as the desk scooted along the floor.

"Mm..mm..mhm...!" You moaned as Levi pulled away to hear the full depravity of your noises.

"I want you to tell me who you belong to now." He snarled possessively. You stared at him in his steel, hard eyes.

He was dead serious.

"Y.." He snapped his hips, dick sitting fully in your snug walls. He didn’t move after that, drinking up the way you squirm in his grasp as you struggled to answer.

"Go on—say it." He rolled his hips purposely.

“You Captain!" You cried fingers digging into his arms. He grunted, your breathless cry sending shivers down his back as he canted forward, his strokes punishable.

"Louder."

"Le-vi. Cap’n Levi!" You cried as a particular stroke had your world erupting into euphoric bliss. You tried to bury your head into the crook of his neck but his hand was quicker, pinning you down by your neck as he oggled the fucked-out expression you gave him. Not at all the hard eyes and stoic features you wear in training or on the field. You gave in, shuddering around him, tightening your cunt around his cock as he let you go.

Your face was what had him tensing, his hands slamming on either side of your head as he shivered, his cock pulsating as he came.

Despite everything Levi had put you through, his arms embraced you and the two of you remained that way for a moment. It was uncharacteristic but you remained silent as he kissed the top of your head tenderly.

As the two of you laid against the desk, a sweaty and exhausted heap, Eren silently slid down the door, his cheeks adorning a furious blush. Jean told him you got caught and he wanted to defend you but it seemed it was… well handled. His teeth were gritted as he palmed shamefully at the growing tent in his pants.

dilfos. all right reserved. do not plagiarize any of my content. current or archival. i will find you.

[mikasa-imadebiscults]

Hey there my friend! Hope your day/night is as awesome as can be! Can I request a matchup for attack on Titan? You make my world a better place☺️!

Name/age: Savannah/21

Sexuality: pan

MBTI/sign: INTJ/Virgo

Pronouns: she/her

Appearance: I’m mixed race with light olive skin and lots of freckles. I have a long black Afro and brown eyes. I’m on the curvy side and I’m pretty tall, I’m around 5’9. I look pretty much like ice spice with a smaller nose and black hair lol. It’s so uncanny we could probably be twins

Personality: I’m described as sweet and kind but very awkward and quiet. I’m somewhat weird and I get my bursts of energy but I’m very laid back and down to earth. I’m also very smart and always love a good puzzle or challenge. If I was to say I was like any character personality wise I’d say I’m exactly like Luna lovegood from Harry Potter 100% (I want to just stick out there that while I hate j.k Rowling, the books had a special place in my miserable childhood💀) . I’m nothing but gooey, sweet, sugary mush. I’m tender hearted and care so deeply for others I’m easily walked over and taken advantage of and I’m admittedly a total pushover. But I’m extremely empathetic and always am there to help a friend when needed! I do however have autism and that’s something they’d have to deal with😊

Likes: I like books, animals, working out, video games, anime, comics, movies, shopping, cleaning, makeup, designing, playing guitar and piano, singing, writing, cooking, sleeping, eating, snuggles, stuffies, pizza, pasta, cookies, music, dancing, things that smell nice, baths, hiking, and anything to do with travel!

Dislikes: bugs, veggies, loud noises, rude and stuck up people, heat, cold, any food squishy and slimy, heights, fire, pie, semi trucks, cowboy movies, quiche, dirt and filth or mess, children, when people insist they are correct when they aren’t, and squirrels

(HELLO MY FRIEND you are a very sweet person, thank you for your kind words and I really hope you enjoy this match up and have a wonderful day!!)

I match you with..

🧪Hange Zoë🧪

- They love how kind and caring you are.

- It makes them angry when people take advantage of you, because you don’t deserve any of that.

- Makes all different types of puzzles and challenges for you to solve >:)

- One time they tried to do your makeup and they had no idea what they were doing so they were asking a lot of questions but it actually turned out decent.

- Hange’s desk is usually always cluttered with paperwork and stuff but when they found out that you dislike mess they try their best to be more organized for you.

- Will listen to you talk for hours about your favorite books and comics and reads them with you if you don’t mind.

- Tries to learn a pasta recipe on their own so that they can cook it and surprise you with it for dinner.

- Your voice calms them down especially when they had a stressful day. They love it when you sing to them while you two are cuddling, they can and will fall asleep to your voice no matter what it sounds like.

- FUCKIN’ OBLITERATES BUGS FOR YOU. Only broke a few chairs..and tables

Masterlist

[nightowlfandom]

Levi Ackerman- I Got a Dirty Mouth

Girl you better prepare your WAP...im sorry lol Also for continuity ....if you’re tall...pretend he’s taller lol.

CHECKOUT MY MASTERLIST HERE!

Leggo!

...

In a split second, you were floored. The wind was quite literally knocked out of your lungs as you landed on your back. A smirking Levi glared down at you, his foot on your chest. (LEVI STEP ON ME)

“Yield.” he spoke.

“Fine.” you glowered. You tried your best to ignore the surprised stares from the other cadets. You had never lost a fight before. You pushed his foot off you, rolling over on your stomach to try and ease the pain. One of the younger cadets, Sadie rushed to your side as Levi walked off, that self-satisfied look on his face.

“Miss Y/N!” she helped you to your feet.

“I’m fine.” you waved her off. “I’m good.”

“That wasn’t a fair fight!” she commented as she led you off the training ground. “I hope I never have to spar with him.”

“Trust me. If I get my hands on him again today, no one will have to.” you glowered. You were especially upset because of what you’d have to do now.

...

“This is humiliating.” you seethed. Not only did you look ridiculous, but the pair of cat ears perched on your head with an ugly unsightly bow didn’t help either. The outfit that looked like it belonged to a maid cafe uniform closet made you wanna hurl. 

“This was out arrangement, was it not?” He asked, crossing his arms. “You lost, therefor-”

“I have to be your maid for the next month. Don’t remind me.” you cut him off. “If ANYONE finds out about this-”

“Not my problem. I’ll be gone for the day, clean my office.” he left without another word.

“B-but it’s already clean?” you looked around. It looked pretty normal to you. “Did he mean just...dust around?” you look confused.

You were no stranger to the clean freak, but you had a problem pinpointing what he meant. There was a bucket of cleaning supplies at the door. “What am I supposed to-” you cut yourself off with a groan.

...

Three hours of scrubbing non-existent dirt but you did it! 

“I’ve returned, I hope my office isn’t a complete mess!” you could hear Levi’s voice. You were in the middle of throwing the cleaning rag back into the bucket when he had made his presence known.

He took one look at you, then looked around the room. His face was expressionless. “...Y/N.”

“What?” you dusted yourself off. You were pretty sure you smelt like bleach. Utterly gross.

“Did I, or did I not...ask you to clean my office?”

“I did.” you said lowly. 

“Really? Because it looks worse than how I left it!” he snapped. “You can’t even clean windows the right way!” he nearly exploded.

“WAIT A MINUTE!” you cut him off. “You wanted me to clean...and I did!”

“These floors are filthy! The windows look disgusting! Had I known your cleaning skills were a reflection of your fighting, I wouldn’t have taken this stupid challenge.” he spat.

“Now you listen here!” you stormed up to him. “YOU challenged ME! If I didn’t know any better I’d say you just used this as an opportunity to be alone with me.” you rolled your eyes. “I’m willing to bet the only reason I’m here is because you like me.”

Levi grew quiet as you raised an eyebrow. You put your hands on your hips and waited for him to speak.

“Waiting....” you said boredly. “I’m out of here.” you marched over to the cleaning bucket and bent down, attempting to grab it by it’s handle. Before you could stand all the way back up, Levi had somehow gotten behind you. You were surprised when he grabbed your bow and made you stand to your feet.

“I love when you bend over, L/N.” he mewled in your ear. He held the laces of your bow and moved your head to the side. “You look so good as a maid.”

“Huh?” you were surprised. The way he held your bow didn’t allow you to move. 

“I should’ve made you wear your hair in pigtails.” he grunted.

“Huh?!” you repeated. “Levi, what has gotten into you!”

“If you can’t clean the right fucking way then maybe you’ll be useful for something else.” he seethed. He let got of the bow allowing you to turn towards him. 

“No seriously, what had gotten into you?” you raised an eyebrow. “L-levi?”

“You’re gonna be my maid...but in a different way.”  he stepped towards you.

“I mean what else would you have me do?” you put your hands on your hips. 

“On your knees.” he replied.

“I’m sorry?” you raised an eyebrow.

“I said on your knees.” he growled. “I won’t ask again.”

Obediently, you lowered to your knees and stared up at Levi. “Now what?” 

“Tell me I’m your superior. Tell me I’m your captain.” he said. The way he looked down at you, you would dare say it was with adoration. “Say it, maid.”

“You’re my captain.” you whimpered. You began playing with your fingers.

“Hm, tell me you’d do anything for me?”

“I’d d-do anything for you.” you repeated his words. What was getting into you?!

“Do you want to fuck me Y/N?” he caressed the side of your face with his fingertips. “Do you want your captain to have his way with you?” His eyes were completely blackened with lust. 

“Um...I- I’ve never been with anyone.” you replied sheepishly.

“What?” Levi seemed surprised. “You’re a virgin?”

“Please,” you scoffed. “Don’t act surprised.” you still felt shy.

“I mean, I would think a woman with your looks...would at least have one suitor.” you could see his cheeks become tinted with a rose color. 

“Don’t have time for it.” you shrugged. “I mean...I’ve done things, with myself...” you trailed off again. “But not with anyone else.”

Levi’s eyes widened. How were you so casual with stating something so lewd to him? Levi studied you. You couldn’t look at him without looking away from him. You were gripping the hem of your maid’s outfit super tight. “So answer my question. Do you want me to have my way with you, Y/N?”

“I mean...I’d rather lose it to someone I actually like than-” you instantly shut your mouth. When you met his gaze again, Levi was smirking.

“Hm, as your captain, it’s my job to teach you.” in another swift movement, Levi had scooped you up into his arms. You were set down on the desk. You were forced to look up at Levi. “So let me teach you”

... (Hours later)

“So...” he began. “This maid thing...we’re gonna extend it indefinitely.” 

In an assortment of limbs, you two laid behind the desk away from the door.

“...If I must.” you tried to hide the blush on your face.

“And um...you’re going to be moving into my quarters with.” he exhaled. “Effective tonight.”

“Dually noted.” you agreed. 

“I would highly recommend you inform any future suitors of your current situation.” he finished. “It would make both our lives easier.”

“Right....”

[yuzukult]

effortlessly (m) || jungkook & reader

title: effortlessly  pairing: jungkook x reader genre: fluff, romance, school!au, smut (poorly written, don’t come @ me) words: 4.5k warnings: this chapter contains smut. a/n: i wrote this on wattpad like months ago (unfinished) but i was kinda sad bc you can see the view count so i decided to finish it here and spruce it up since tumblr lessens my insecurities lol also, i decided to make this my first series (a five part(?)) series!!! note: jungkook & reader are 18+, seniors in high school. series: part one || part two || part three || part four || part five || part six || part seven || part eight || part nine || part ten || epilogue 

"Alright, pick your partners!" Your P.E. teacher exclaims, clapping her hands to quicken the students' pace to get started. Jungkook beams at you with a smile before giving you a nudge into your arm. "Let's be partners, it'll be more fun this way!"

"Okay, okay," You unwilling agree, crouching down before falling on your bottom. You bend down and motion Jungkook to hold down your feet so you can start doing the sit-ups. Leaning over, he sits on his knees then wraps his soft, gentle hands around your ankles. "Go."

Oddly enough, this wasn’t the first time when you began to notice things about Jungkook that made him seem... more and more like a man. It was so strange – he'd been your childhood friend, so in your eyes, he was still that innocent little boy who played house and leap frog with you outside in the backyard. His shirt was snug around his arms that were flexed from holding down your ankles, hair ruffled from the wind blowing, and his jawline was especially sharp in comparison to the roundness his head was in his younger years.

You gulp. Hands crossed over your chest, touching your shoulders, you move your upper body up and down continuously, trying to avoid his gaze. "Why are you looking away, weirdo?" He chuckles, head tilting in confusion. "Uh, no reason."

"You're not afraid that you might accidentally kiss me, are you? Like we're in some k-drama?" Jungkook raises a brow, stopping you in the midst of a set. "What?" Your head shoots to his direction.

"Come on, we've kissed before, this is nothing."

"How about we be each other's first kiss." Jungkook suggests, tapping his toes on the floor anxiously. You were both in your early teen years, sitting on his bed side by side as you've always done, discussing about how your classmates were starting to get their first kisses and you personally were afraid of not being able to get one soon enough. "I mean, you mentioned that you were scared, right? You said it yourself that you don't think you’d get the opportunity any time soon. I can give you mine, and you can give me yours. It'll be perfect." You bite your bottom lip, feeling something churn deep in your stomach when he turns to look at you. "Are you okay with that?"

"I'm okay with that." Jungkook cups your cheeks with both his hands, and you felt your ears turning hot. Closing your eyes, you feel him scooting closer when his heavy breathing hits your face. Pursing up your lips, you feel his lightly meet with yours before he pulls away with the cheekiest grin.

"What—stop saying stuff like that in public. People will stare." Glaring at him, you wrinkle your brows in slight annoyance. "I'm not in the mood to get attacked by some crazy fangirls around here."

"Hey you! Why are you stopping? Chop chop!" The teacher proclaims toward you, and fearfully, you quicken your pace in compliance.

"Crazy fangirls?"

You move hastily as your form starts to mess up before you stop then stand, ignoring his response. "Your turn." Jungkook switches positions with you without argument, except you sit horizontally from him and on his feet. "You didn't answer my question. What do you mean by crazy girls?"

"I don't know? You're like a pretty boy kdrama lead type of guy. The girls here think they're the leads, and you're their romantic interest." He slows down his sit-ups and observes your expression. "Kdrama-lead? Pretty boy? What are you saying?"

"Think about it. How many girls have confessed to you in the span of a week? You're telling me that you don't notice these things?"

One of Jungkook's friends, Hoseok, jumps on his back eagerly to gain his attention then messes up his hair. "Come on, little guy, let's grab some lunch!" He grins from cheek to cheek, tugging him along with the rest of their group. "Oh, um, Jungkook," a soft voice speaks; Jungkook and his friends freeze, directing their attention to the girl standing before them. "Yes?"

Her hands were full of gifts – a bag with treats and a flower inside, a small carton of chocolate milk, and a letter stamped with hearts and doodles all over it. "This is for you," She says with her head down and arms extended to give him her confessions. "Aw, sweet! What's the occasion?"

"Oh—I—"

"Come on guys, I'm starving!" Someone shouts from the back, pushing Hoseok and Jungkook to move forward as the latter waves goodbye to the girl with a smile on his face while he grabs the items from her hands. "Thanks for the gifts!"

"Hah, there's no way," Jungkook retorts, sitting up from the workout before clicking his tongue in attempts to retrieve the memory of the girl's confession. "Okay, but what about the other girl from Tuesday?"

"Tuesday?" He looks at you questioningly. "What about Tuesday? There was a girl?"

"You don't remember?" You slide yourself off of his feet, and settle yourself on the dirt across from him. "That girl, the one who recently dyed her hair blonde. She bought you breakfast and gave you that little note in the bag. Did you even read that note? Did you even read the other girl's note?"

Jungkook looks up, trying to recall back to the moment. "I really don't remember seeing any of this. There was a note?"

"Ah, so you didn't read any of the notes. They were all confession letters."

"Confession letters? People still do that?" He lets out a chuckle before getting up, and brushing the dirt off his pants. "We're in high school, I thought that was something people left behind in middle school."

"I think it's kind of romantic," You shrug, and Jungkook offers his hand out for you and you accept, standing and dusting off your shorts as well. "But it is kind of sappy. You can't blame them though, these dramas are setting too high of standards for these people. Either way, you should tell them whether or not you reciprocate feelings. Are you really that oblivious?"

"Reciprocate feelings?" Jungkook crosses his arms before he continues, "They should know that you're the only girl in my life." 

What?

"Yeah, but I'm your friend, not your romantic partner." Jungkook lets out a sigh before he runs his hands through his hair, and you’re suddenly wishing you were the one doing it. "Okay, fine. But help me, I don't know how to let them down easy."

You were neighbors since the beginning of your lives, and didn't know of any friend that you both have known longer than each other. There were weekends where you would sleepover at each other's house, play games, watch movies, and eat junk food. It was almost a ritual – something the two of you do on a bi-weekly basis that it was never questioned by either of your parents. There was a level of trust that was established; he was welcomed to your house, and you were welcomed in his.

You're not sure when it started, these weird emotions you began to feel towards Jungkook. He was always the same annoying, overly excited, lazy guy. You didn't think you liked him in that way but there was this weird fuzzy feeling you had every time he smiled, or whenever he would blurt something flirtatious, even though you knew he was joking. You've seen him at his worst—room filled with trash of wrappers from candy, empty bags of chips, half drunk bottles of soda and water, and his clothes, dirty and clean, mixed in his room as if a tornado hit. But you had also seen him at his best, competing at his swim meets against the biggest names in the nation and locally combined, and during his practices where he’d still show the same persistence and motivation. Jungkook wanted to become a professional swimmer, and his ambitions were something you had always been supportive of and found admiring. He always left you questioning what your goals were, and how you were going to get there.

Jungkook snaps his fingers in front of your eyes before sitting down on the bench in front of you with his lunch. "What are you thinking of so deeply? Or are you staring at that guy over there?" He questions, tilting his head curiously.

"Oh, sorry, I just got caught up in my thoughts." You shake your head at the thought of having feelings for him before grabbing your chopsticks and digging into your lunch. "You're not thinking about the girl that just confessed to me in the lunch line, are you?"

"Wait—what? Again?"

"Yeah," He says, reaching into your lunch to steal a bite of some of your side dishes. "She was telling me how she thought that you liked me but since you never really tried confessing, this could be her opportunity to ask me out. I like that women these days are taking the initiative. Girl power," Jungkook pumps a fist up before poking through your lunch again. You slap his hand again and grimace. "Circling back to the main topic... So what did you say in return?"

"I told her to be patient and that you'd ask me out."

You choke on some rice, coughing as you grab the water that Jungkook hands over to you and chugging it down. "You told her I was going to ask you out?"

"Remember this morning? I said that you're the only girl in my life."

You couldn't help but think about what he said for the rest of the day. You're the only girl in my life. Groaning, you slide your arms on your desk with your hands in your hair, tousling it in slight frustration. He couldn't keep saying things like that; it made your heart flutter.

"Hey," A classmate, Yura, turns around in her seat in front of you, tapping your arms that were covering your face. She was a friend you made several years back, now coincidentally having the same classes as you. "What?" You mutter, peeking in between your palms. "I heard another girl confessed to Jungkook again during lunch." You sigh, letting your hands fall back onto the desk. "Yeah, what about it?"

"Well," Yura starts, pushing her seat back to move closer to you. She's sitting backwards in her chair  with a bright smile spread on her face. She loved to bother you in every way possible but beside that, she was equally of a great friend as Jungkook had been to you. "I'm curious as to why he hasn't dated anyone yet. No one here sparks an interest?"

"Well," You mimic her with a laugh trailing afterwards. "Are you hoping you can spark an interest?" She waves her hand and shakes her head, dismissing the assumption. "Oh, no no, I'm just curious. He just seems like the type to want to date around but he won't even glance at a girl. Is he gay?" 

You pull out a notebook from your bag when you notice your teacher walking into the classroom, rolling your eyes at her comment and nod your head to gesture the teacher's presence. "He mentioned before he wanted to focus on just becoming a swimmer. Maybe that's it."

"Okay fine, fine, I'll drop it. Anyway, let me come over today! I've been dying to try that new candy you bought from that store downtown. I haven't been recently..."

Later that day, on your walk to your house with Yura, she stops in her tracks and drags you aside to hide behind a tree. "What—"

"Hush!" She spits, peeping out from the side as you wipe her saliva that sprayed on your face. "Disgusting, Yura. What are you looking at?" She tugs on the sleeve of your uniform and you both sneak a look from behind the tree. "It's Jungkook. Who is that girl?"

You see him opening the gates in front of his house with a female, who looks around your age, tracking behind him as he readily unlocks the front door to his house. She looked pretty – although that was presumption since you didn't really know what her actual features were other than from behind. But her hair was lusciously long, and she had a petite body, appearing to be Jungkook's ideal type. You haven't seen her before, so who was she? He never really had any female friends other than you. "Guess he brings girls home after all."

The two of you quickly make way to your house, rushing up the stairs as your mom shouts at you from the kitchen. "Stop running! You're going to slip in your socks!"

Yura already had her backpack dropped at the door of your bedroom, peering through the window as she bends down below the windowsill's height. "Look! She's in his room." You had a perfect view of Jungkook's bedroom from your own. Sometimes you'd catch yourself looking at him changing his shirt, or doing his homework. There were moments where that's where he'd be able to contact you if your phone died, too.

"I'm not looking," You respond, grabbing her stuff from the floor and placing on an unoccupied chair. "That's an invasion of privacy, Yura."

"They're talking," She commentates, ducking below at times when either of them face her direction. "What are they saying? What do you think they're saying?"

You walk toward Yura before pulling the blinds down and it hits her fingers. "Ah! What was that for?"

"Stop spying, Yura!" In all honesty, you just couldn't bring yourself to see him be with some girl, especially if she's been in his room. "They could be doing some intimate stuff. Are you trying to get free porn? Do you not have that at home?" She groans in return, falling back onto the floor. "I really wanted to see something juicy."

"Let's lose our virginity to each other," Jungkook proposes, fiddling with his fingers, trying to evade your gaze. "Eventually, we're going to have to do it with someone, but our firsts... wouldn't it be more comfortable with each other?" It was around 8pm, and Yura had already gone home. Jungkook threw a pebble at your window to gain your attention so you could come over to “talk.” He said it was urgent. This was urgent?

"You're not a virgin?" You let slip from your lips. "Sorry, I just... I assumed that you already gave yourself to someone because I saw someone in your room earlier."

"You peeked through my window?" He cocks a brow, finally locking eyes with yours. Your face was flushed in embarrassment, lips pink and slightly swollen from chewing on it so anxiously and hair unkempt from the friendly rough play with each other before. Jungkook knew he made jokes here and there about how you were the only girl in his life for him but he truly met it. He always had lingering feelings for you, but he was afraid of getting rejected then losing the friendship between the two of you.

"Accidentally," You lie, falling back onto the bed and looking up at the ceiling. "I'll be honest. I thought you slept with her. I thought you slept with a lot of girls."

"I'd tell you. Even if you didn't want to hear. I feel like I can't hide those things from you." He interjects, lying back onto the bed beside you, turning his head to observe your expressions. "I want to lose my first time to you."

"Wouldn't it be weird?" You turn to meet your eyes with his, tapping your fingers together restlessly. "You'd see me naked. It'll change the entire view of our friendship."

"That could never happen — negatively, I mean."

It didn’t take much convincing when it came to Jungkook. You’d do anything for him and likewise. He never failed to go above and beyond for you, extending his hand whenever you needed it. And you? Well, you felt the same way. "Then... okay. Let's do it."

It was just another Saturday night, where you'd plan to stay over at Jungkook's for a marathon of a kdrama the two of you found interest in recently. There were snacks and drinks in his room, and he brought the bedsheets, blankets and pillows onto the floor to get closer to the small TV monitor he had in his room. You both sat at an arms distance, and you were hugging one of the pillows while you were throwing another piece of popcorn into your mouth before you hear the door creek open and his mom peers in. "Another movie night?" She asks with a smile, handing Jungkook a plate of cut-up watermelon. He nods and thanks his mom before she closes the door with a goodnight.

"Ah, she's so nice. She knows I love watermelons the most." You comment, drinking some water to clear your palette before reaching for a slice. Taking a bite, juices spill out of your mouth, signaling with your hands to get Jungkook to get you a napkin as you shove the rest into your mouth. He gives you a napkin but doesn't let go, leaving his hands in yours. Furrowing your brows, you manage to say with cheeks filled with watermelon, "What are you doing—" Jungkook was already leaning in, licking the spill. He traces it with his lips before meeting with yours, moving in closer with his free hand on your waist.

What is he doing? You felt gross. A wash of emotions flush through your face when you realize you're not dressed for this. Was he trying to do your first time now? And how? Your hair was loosely tied up in a bun, wearing a baggy hoodie with some shorts that you quickly grabbed from one of your drawers. You felt so insecure. You didn't even have makeup on — at least if you did, you wouldn't look so... average. Jungkook was handsome, sexy, and cute. But when you saw yourself in the mirror, you couldn't even call yourself beautiful or ugly... just average. Was Jungkook going to lose his virginity to someone who didn't even look at anything he would want to remember?

You didn't move. He took the lead for a couple moments before reclining back, bumping his forehead with yours, lips swollen from the tugging of the kiss. "I think... tonight is the night. Can we do it tonight?"

"I don't really feel... attractive enough right now." You confess after swallowing the remains of the fruit. "Trust me," He says between his breaths that seemed a bit heavier. "You're attractive right now." Letting go of your hand, he leans against his bed on the floor before lifting you from your waist to straddle him. "It feels effortless this way."

Moving closer, you try to sit down completely on him, hands confusingly trying to find a placement before he grabs them and guides you to wrap them around his neck. He groans, raising your hips slightly to lose contact with his. "Sorry, I'm kind of hard and it hurts when you press down that hard," He reveals, ears brimming in red. You immediately back away before he brings you back closer. "Sorry—"

"Don't be sorry," Jungkook says before pulling you into another kiss, hands gripping onto your thighs before maneuvering them up and down your legs. You slowly reiterate his motions, opening your lips slightly for him to slip his tongue in. Your fingers comb through his hair before he pulls away for a moment, panting uneven patterns compared to yours. "My hormones are raging, and your shorts are just really short. You're not even wearing a bra," He states as his hands begin to roam around your bottom before he slides them underneath your hoodie to feel your bare skin. "You're beautiful." Oh, that made my stomach feel weird.

He nuzzles his face into the crook of your neck, planting delicate kisses, following a suck and a nip afterwards that made you feel slightly uncomfortable but at the same time pleasurable. Unconsciously, you move your hips into his before a faint moan escapes his lips. "Sorry," You apologize, lifting yourself up, only for his hands to shove them back down, grinding his hips into yours. Suddenly, you felt warm down there.

Jungkook takes a moment to take off his t-shirt, exposing his built chest. You had noticed he had been working out lately, but you never got to see the results of it. He tugs on the hem of your hoodie, giving you a look. "Can I take this off?" You slouch a bit, feeling your cheeks flush in embarrassment. "I kind of have a junk food belly at the moment." He lets out a chuckle, pinching your stomach a bit before shaking his head. "I think it's attractive, please let me take it off." You hesitate, but comply anyways and he discards the material. Your chest falls in his sight, and he felt himself twitch in his pants before grabbing a breast and letting the other one's nipple slip into his mouth. Your hands find the crown of his head and tug on his hair gently, earning a hum from you. "Feels good?" He asks, and you reply with only a nod before he lays your body back onto the floor, holding onto your head before slipping a pillow underneath.

Jungkook plants a kiss on your lips before tailing down to your neck, and then your chest, playing with your nipple before leading his hand down into your pants, finding a place in between your legs then brushing your clit. He leans back up to kiss your ear before whispering, "Show me how to make you feel good." You nod, feeling a bit flustered, still placing your hand on top of his outside of your shorts. You guide him, and when he touches the right spot, you can't help but gasp and close your legs. "Please?" He begs, and you open your legs back up for him as he slips a finger in. You were warm and wet around him, and his breath quickened against your ear. Jungkook pulls in and out before adding another finger, earning a whimper from you and he slows down, noticing your face crinkle up in slight pain. He wanted to stretch you enough for him so you wouldn't be in as much pain later.

The feeling eventually subsided and replaced with pleasure. You stop his hand when you feel yourself almost hitting your high and lock eyes with him as he raises a brow questioningly. "I'm ready."

Both of your pants were off, and your legs were spread for him as you watched him lean to his bedside table to grab condoms from a drawer, opening on and sliding it onto his shaft. He positions himself outside of you, looking up to meet your gaze before gifting you a peck on the lips, slowly entering in. "Ah," You wince in pain, as he moans quietly from feeling your warmth. "I'm going to move slowly, so please tell me when you're ready." He says, lips pressed against your collarbone, holding himself back from letting it go.

After several slow thrusts, you squeeze his arm to signal him to move faster. He eagerly obeys, quickening his movements before he feels his stomach clenching moments later. "I think I'm about to cum," He says, body tensing above you as strings of cum paint your inner walls. Jungkook's chest is against yours when he collapses from reaching his high, face in your neck with his fringe damp and body glistening with a layer of sweat. He regains his composure before lifting his head and giving you another kiss on your lips. "I'm sorry, that was fast, you were just so tight and warm— do you want me to help you finish?—"

You lay, hair a mess, no sign of the tie anywhere, skin sticky, uneven breaths, and cheeks flushed crimson. It felt good— even though it didn't last for long— but it felt good. Shaking your head, you pull him in for a longer embrace. "Don't worry about it, it was good. I'm content," You say honestly. You didn't need to finish because you felt like you were at your high already.

The weekend passes, and Monday hits.

"Wait... you're telling me that your first kiss and your first time was with him? And you've never wanted to date him?" Yura says astoundingly. "But you're still friends. There's no way you don't have feelings for him. You like him, don't you?"

You scratch the back of your head before shrugging your shoulders, opening the textbook laying in front of you. "I don't know, Yura, you're asking me a lot of questions right now. I'm not sure how to reply." It was the middle of a break session in class, and people were sitting around, talking or playing games, so it was rowdy enough for the two of you to have a conversation without anyone overhearing. "That's what someone with a crush says," She responds, shaking her head before tapping her pen against the table. "Maybe you should confess to him or something."

"Confess to who?"

You felt your heart drop for a moment -- no one heard anything, did they? Eyes looking up at the person whose body lingers, you notice that there are two people standing at the end of your desk. "Oh, Jungkook, Hoseok, you scared me," Yura has her hand on her chest, inhaling in a deep breath. "I decided to drop by your class since Jungkook is too busy to hang out with me today," Gleams Hoseok, arm hanging around Jungkook's shoulder.

"You guys didn't answer my initial question, who are you confessing to?" Jungkook asks. Although the question was supposed to be directed to the both of you, his eyes were directly locked onto you. "Uh, pft, no one," You turn your head to look at Yura, stare hinting for her to help. Luckily, she reads this and claps her hands together with a laugh. "Me! I should confess to a guy,"

"Oh, who?" Hoseok had already grabbed a chair and sat down at this point, suddenly interested in the conversation. "And how are you going to do it? Are you going to do it like those girls did for Jungkook?"

Jungkook shakes his head, and extends his arm out to shift Hoseok back in his seat. "No, I think you guys were trying to talk about someone else's confession, not yours, Yura."

The bell rings. Hoseok frowns, standing up before returning the chair back to the rightful owner, ruffling Jungkook's hair. "That's my signal to leave, please tell me what happens next!" He makes his way out of the classroom as Jungkook waves goodbye but keeps his stare at you. "Saved by the bell. But I expect a talk later."

Fuck.

[clownistyping]

A Witch & A Hick, Chp. 3

Little Secret

This chapter is just the two learning about each other and car problems lol.

Also warning for Elizabeth offering sex as payment lol, it doesn't happen. Also I do hc Lester living in a trailer bc its extremely common and realistic tbh.

Lester puts the truck in drive and looks at Elizabeth as he presses the brake, 

"I remember you said there's a town nearby, any chance we can go there to fix up my van?" Elizabeth asks as she pets the two dogs, 

"No need, they'll charge ya criminal prices. I can fix it." Criminal prices, he repeats in his head. 

"Oh come on, you've already done so much." Elizabeth says her face soft, 

"I insist! I can't just let them uh take ya money when I can fix it for free." He smiles and Elizabeth mirrors it. Lester gives from the brakes and drives towards his home, 

"I have a feeling there's something...more behind this." Lester gulps, 

"What made ya think that?" Lester nervously laughs and his hands tighten around the wheel, 

"That's how most men are, expect a favor for a favor. Though they often expect ya know." Lester blinks and cringes, 

"Aw that! I wasn't thinking anything like that, hell I wasn't even thinking about you doing anything." 

"I mean I'll do it." His eyes widen and he stops the truck again, 

"What?" He blushes and looks at the girl, 

"I'll get you off, I've done it before." 

"No no! I have to decline, I just ain't that kinda man." Lester nods to the woman who shrugs, he lied. He is that kinda man, he's had victims beg for safety with offers of sex. He always took it, but let's the girls fall back in the hands of his brothers. 

"Not that I don't find ya pretty!" He defends quickly and Elizabeth laughs, 

"You're real purdy, I just. I just can't." He sighs and Elizabeth notices how tense he is. 

"Thanks, for calling me pretty." She smiles, 

"I think you're real pretty too." She compliments Lester who blushes again, Lester has never talked to a stranger this long. Never had a girl call him pretty, never met her.

"Ya just sayin that cuz I'm given ya a ride." Lester chuckles and Elizabeth shakes her head, 

"Nope," she pops her P, 

"Everybody's beautiful in they're own way, just as nature intended." Lester blinks and remembers her van, the witchy collection in it. 

"Oh right, you're a witch!" Lester exclaims and Elizabeth nods, 

"How'd you know?" She teased and Lester laughs,

"How'd you even get in all that junk anyways?" Lester asks and flicks his hat, 

"It ain't junk. Don't be rude," Elizabeth smirks and Lester nods his head, Jonesey puts her head on Lester's lap. He pets the dogs head. 

"Sorry but, how did you ya know..start?" 

"My sister got me my tarot cards, she really showed me the basics of witchcraft. Our parents didn't really care all that much but never let us do it in the house. Guess that's why I moved out so early too." Elizabeth laughs, 

Lester pulls up towards a driveway of a trailer.

The trailer is a once white single wide, covered in vines and ivy. Bones hung from the porch ceiling, 

Elizabeth notices his front door was wide open, and in the yard were scatters of trash, car parts, bones and more. The windows were open but blinds were keeping the inside blocked. 

It looks like nobody lives there, as stray cats scurried under the trailer and hissed at each other.

"I'll be quick, I'll just unload your van and fix her right up in a jiffy." Lester smiles at the girl and gets out of the truck, Jonesey follows and Mac follows after her. 

Elizabeth smiles as she watches the two dogs sniff around and play, getting out of the truck her barefeet sink into the grass and dirt. She stretches, the truck wasn't entirely comfortable with Mac siting right on her. 

"Sorry for the mess, I don't really have guests." Lester says as he unhooks the van, 

"Its fine, I've seen much worse." 

"Nah, doubt it." Lester shakes his head and wipes his hands on his jeans, Elizabeth takes note of the depreciation joke he says. 

As Lester pops her hood and smoke rises from it, Elizabeth frowns. 

"That happened before?" Lester asks as he waves the smoke off, Elizabeth nods. 

"Yeah, I've had a couple engine problems. Mainly because of oil, but my light wasn't even on." 

"Yup, cars will do that. Just spring a problem on ya right as ya were doing fine." Lester grazes his hand over the engine and instantly finds the problem, 

"When's the last time ya changed the cooling fan?" 

"Never." 

"Cleaned it?" 

"Never." Lester sighs and Elizabeth frowns, 

"That bad?" He nods, 

"Your engine is busted, you're gonna need a new one." 

"Nooooo." Elizabeth groans

"Hey its okay, this happens all the time. It's just an accident." Lester tries to comfort the girl, she squats and hides in her knees. 

"Hey now," Lester gets on his knee and pats the girls back. 

"We can maybe order one from the next town over, but it'll take a while for it to come in since we're basically in the middle of no where." Lester then sits with the girl and he blinks when he hears a sob come from her. 

"Jeez darlin, it ain't anything to cry about." He says and Elizabeth looks up, her makeup more runny than before, 

"This is my karma! I know it is and- and I shouldn't be cryin-ing but-" she hides her face again and Lester stutters, 

"Aw no no, this ain't karma just an accident. Honest." 

He isn't entirely sure what else to do, seen plenty of girls cry in Ambrose. Ain't none of them cried like this. 

Crying about karma, hell if karma was real he'd be dead, he thinks and shakes his head. He gently pats the girls back as she sobs. The two dogs show up and sit around the two Mac places his head on the girls back. Pushing Lester's hand away, Elizabeth quickly hugs her dog.

After a couple minutes, her sobs stop and she looks up. 

"Im sorry Lester, I just. It's just been a lot today," she says and wipes her eyes, smudging her makeup. 

"Wanna talk about it?" Lester ask and Elizabeth looks around, noticing the sun is starting to set. 

"No, not right now. I'm just tired now, sorry for bothering you with my emotions and junk." 

"Ain't no bother at all, I'm happy to help." She shows a smile from his words as he stands, he puts his hand out and she takes it to stand. 

"I know, and thanks again. Do you think it's alright if my van stays the night? I'll try to go to another town in the morning and order an engine. I'll find a motel too." She says, trying to clean her face up from tears and makeup. 

Lester raises a brow, and Elizabeth shakes her head already knowing he'll offer his home. 

"Lester please you've already done so much for me! I promise that by tomorrow I'll be out of your hair." She says and Lester shakes his head, 

"Darlin, How about we both go into town order you an engine and when it gets here I can put it in. If you think I'm letting you sleep in that hot van for the night you're dead wrong." Lester stands up straight and crosses his arms, Elizabeth actually has to look up to see his face. 

"I've got a spare room, it's messy and mainly holds all my junk but it's got a bed, a desk and a closet." Lester says and Elizabeth takes a deep breathe, 

"Thank you," she says and Lester uncrosses his arms, 

"I mean it, without you I'd probably be kidnapped by some crazy guy. Unless you are the crazy guy." She jokes and Lester nervously laughs.

"I like to call myself unqiue." Lester jokes and Elizabeth laughs, 

"That you are friend, that you are." Elizabeth says and watches as the sun falls behind the trees.

After grabbing her needed things from the van, the two walk towards the trailer. 

The two walk onto the wooden porch, Elizabeth's hands grazing the bones hanging above, 

"Those are my people repellents, makes hikers skedaddle." Lester jokes and Elizabeth smiles, 

"They're beautiful," she compliments and Lester walks through the open door, 

"Yup, they sure are. I uh, I keep my door open so the strays can come in and relax and get away from the heat." He says and flicks on a light, it blinks a few times but turns on. 

The two are standing in the living room, the couches covered in fur and scratches. Clothes are all around and clean and unclean bones sit on the coffee table. 

But the recliner is free of fur, just a flannel on the back. 

Lester notices his playboy magazine on the coffee table and quickly snatches up the magazine, Rolling it up he laughs embarrassingly. 

"Sorry about that, again not often I get guests." Elizabeth smiles and shakes her head. From behind the two, Mac and Jonesey come running in. They jump on the couch and sit next to each other. 

"My house is there house." Lester pets Jonesy's head and smiles, putting the magazine behind the couch during this. He turns to face Elizabeth whose staring at the bones, 

"I'll show you to ya room," Lester walks to the right and opens a bedroom door, 

The bedroom filled with bones in boxes, books, clothes and random knick knacks. He quickly lifts boxes from the bed and pats the dust off. 

"My casa your casa." He smiles and Elizabeth places her stuff down, Lester stands in the doorway now. 

"Thanks again, Lester. I really appreciate it." Elizabeth puts her hand out and Lester looks down at it. It's so small, he gently grabs it and Elizabeth grabs one of the bracelets on her wrist. She brings it over her hand and onto his, 

"I can't not give you a gift." She says and lets him go, Lester looks down at the bracelet. A whole set of animal teeth with beads in between. 

"I- thank you. It's so purdy." He says and continues, 

"You're a real uh...what's it called?" 

"Freak?" He quickly shakes his head, and takes her hand again. Putting their wrists together with the bracelets, 

"Unique," he smiles, "You're a real unique girl." 

"Is it because I mess with bones and junk?" 

"Well that, and because you're real nice." Elizabeth smiles, 

"You're just as unique as me Lester." She says and the two look at each other for a second, wanting this conversation not to end but not sure how to continue. 

Suddenly from behind Lester, Mac barks. 

Elizabeth laughs, 

"It's past his bedtime, sorry he gets cranky when he's not in bed by this time." Lester let's the dog run past him and onto the bed, 

"Well, goodnight, um. Sleep tight?" 

"You too Lester." Elizabeth quietly shuts her door and Lester stares at the closed door. Jonesy whines from behind him, 

Lester turns to the dog and squats, he pets the dogs cheeks and smiles. 

"She'll be our little secret, right Jonesey?" The dog licks his face. 

[ct-7386]

Lost and Found pt2

[Continuation of Lost and Found pt1 :)

The warnings on this part are a little more intense, so please be careful, and please let me know if I missed a tag or tagged something wrong.

Also, yes, I named Vada Squad after the U.S. state Nevada - because the youngest trooper of the squad is named Reno (the capital city of Nevada). lol.]

Authors: myself and @cc-4477commanderthire Characters: Commander Thire (them); CT-7386, Vada Squad (me) Word Count: 4k Rating: T+ TW: depicted depression and anxiety; referenced isolation (self-imposed and imposed by others); anxiety/panic attacks; mild dissociation; bullying; referenced past deaths (ocs); referenced assisted suicide; implied neglect

Mando'a Guide: Vor entye - thank you

Lost and Found pt1

The alarm of Thire’s comm beeps insistently to wake him up for his next shift.

86 wakes blearily to the familiar crackling of a comm going off - but something is wrong: he’s being held by someone he doesn’t immediately recognize, and he’s in a room that isn’t his.

He tenses and lets out a quiet whimper, afraid for a moment when all he can remember are different memories, different nightmares. Then the events of the last few hours come rushing back, and he finds himself relaxing back into Thire’s arms. 86 is safe here.

Thire groans and raises a hand to rub over his eyes. He looks down at his vod‘ika, grateful that the other didn‘t bolt in the middle of the night. “Good morning.”

His voice is still rough from sleep and he clears his throat before continuing, “Slept well?”

He, for one, will definitely have back aches and a stiff neck. Hopefully moving around won‘t hurt too much.

86 tries to nod, but pain shoots from the base of his skull up and around to settle just behind his eyes. He winces and sighs quietly, burrowing down against Thire’s sternum. There just isn’t time for a migraine this morning, and he’d rather not be more of an imposition.

But… he did sleep well. “Best sleep in months,” he admits quietly. “Kinda - Kinda sore now, though.”

Thire chuckles quietly, “I second that. I hope I‘ll be able to move my neck properly today.”

Without thinking he brings his hand up and lightly scratches the back of Wren‘s skull, “When does your next shift start?”

They still have some time until first shift because Thire‘s alarm goes off early to afford him some interrupted time to get work done.

86 goes boneless at the light touch, and he lets out a quiet sigh as the pressure in his head melts away. “That - That feels good, vor entye,” he mumbles.

He thinks a moment. “My shift is always -” He yawns, “always from 0800 to 2200 - later if there’s a gala or other event.” 86 frowns slightly. “What - What time is it?”

Thire moves his hand up 86‘s skull to reach different points and replies, “0600, no need to rush.”

He has ordered 86‘ squad to his office in an hour and decides to make himself a little more comfortable until then. So, Thire shifts until his back his straight on the floor and 86 is star-fished above him, “Ah, much better.”

It is a much comfier position than before, 86 realizes, and he gratefully arches his back like a tooka to stretch out the kinks before settling back down. He’s perfectly happy to doze here a little longer, basking in the warmth and comfort of a vod - a friend.

Thire reaches over and sets his comm to beep again in half an hour. He hugs his vod‘ika close once more and closes his eyes.

When it beeps again, he gently cards his fingers through 86‘ hair. “Let’s get some breakfast, okay?”

86 sighs and reluctantly wakes up. All he wants to do is snuggle back into that warmth, but Thire is right: it’s time to get up. He drags himself into a sitting position and rubs the sleep-dirt from his eyes.

“Are we going to the mess?” he asks, voice a little rough with sleep.

“Yeah, I ordered your squad here for 0700. But we should still have enough time.” 86 definitely deserves a warning ahead of time. Though it‘s arguable if half an hour early is really ahead of time.

“You can use the fresher first, I need to check if the Senate‘s still standing,” Thire gestures and walks over to his desk to check his comm on an actual chair.

86 freezes in place, eyes and face suddenly blank. Inside, though, he’s panicking. He even feels slightly betrayed. “You - You ordered m-my squad here?”

It hasn’t been long at all - a few days - since his fight with Cory, since he confessed his original sin to Fox. He doesn’t know if he can face the rest of Vada Squad so soon, doesn’t know what Thire’s intentions are.

“Well, I understand why you acted out the way you did in the Senate. But the fall-out wasn’t fun to deal with, and I need all of you to be civil with each other, even if you dislike each other. That is necessary for the safety of all my men.” Thire understands that this is incredibly uncomfortable for 86 but Vada Squad needs to properly function together, reliably.

But first, “We’ll get some breakfast and then we’ll talk to them. This won’t take long, I promise.”

He gently places his hand on 86’ shoulder and squeezes reassuringly.

86 looks away guiltily. He hadn’t meant to cause more problems for his commander, and he wasn’t even the one who technically started it - but he hadn’t ended it, either, or even brought it to Thire’s attention sooner. This conversation with his squad is, as much as he might hate to admit it, necessary.

(He told Thire he trusts him; now he has to show it.)

He nods and leans briefly into the hand on his shoulder before stepping away to use the ‘fresher. When 86 is finished, he waits awkwardly by the door for Thire.

Thire closes his pad with a sigh; today is going to be a long day. He stands up and stretches until his shoulders pop back into place and smiles at 86, “Let‘s go and get some caff, shall we?”

He leads the way to the cafeteria which is still mostly empty because it‘s almost one and a half hours until the start of first shift. There isn‘t a cue and they can get their breakfast right away. Thire leads them to a table at the back of the room where the Commanders usually sit (when they actually come and eat something other than ration bars).

86 follows quietly. With how early it is, no one even gives them a second glance as they get their food and take their seats. He sits with his back to the wall so that he can see as much of the room as possible - a habit born from before he had his implants and needed to see to ‘hear’ people; now it offers a sense of safety in an environment he’s not entirely familiar with.

Still not feeling terribly hungry, 86 chooses instead to sip at his caf. For once, it’s the perfect temperature right away: just hot enough to sting the tip of his tongue. That doesn’t keep it from tasting awful, though.

“I should - I should try to get the kitchens stocked with proper caf,” he comments idly. “I get better stuff in the - the lower levels all the time.” He takes another sip and grimaces. “Not that - that I really like caf.” Is he rambling a little to fill the silence? Yes. Will he stop? No. He needs something to distract him from the upcoming meeting with his squad.

Thire listens and prepares his food. “I usually steal my caff from Fox‘s secret stash. But don‘t tell him that. Besides, if you don‘t like caf, have you ever tried tea? My Captain once acquired some and it was quite nice.”

He checks his chrono to see if they still have time. 86 probably isn‘t eating out of nervousness so Thire decides to sneak him out some food, for afterwards.

86 nods. “I’ve had tea a few times. Plenty of - of senators prefer it, and many of them like to offer me some while - while I’m translating to help keep me from losing my voice. I have a couple blends that I prefer, but other - other than those, I don’t much like tea.”

His smile is small and a little strained, but it’s honest. “If I were to choose my - my favorite drink, though, it would be Correlian whiskey - and not the cheap stuff. The good stuff, all - all butter-smooth and burn. Alderaani wine isn’t bad either, and Pantoran mulled cider? Perfect. It has - has just a hint of spice to kick your palette, and it’s a little tart to go with the sweet. And - And if you warm it up on a - a cold day, it’s even better.”

He watches Thire check his chrono and resists the urge to ask for the time or check his own; if he doesn’t look, he can pretend the squad meeting is further off than it is.

“You have a fine taste. Personally, I‘m used to rotgut of any kind and enjoy a beer every once in a while,” Thire replies with a smile. He‘s glad that 86 feels comfortable enough to ramble to him.

Thire finishes up his food, “Are you sure you don‘t want any? There is still plenty of time.”

And he knows from experience that it is better not to enter these sorts of conversations on an empty stomach.

86 shrugs. “I’m a - a little spoiled spending all day in the Senate Building -” And the lower levels when he can get down there, but Thire doesn’t know that, “especially around the senators who don’t hate clones. Certain - Certain favors can result in good benefits, too.” He eyes Thire thoughtfully for a moment; he’ll have to get something special for him after all this trouble.

He grimaces down at his tray at the question, stomach clenching. At this point he’d almost rather just be sick to get it out of his system. “I think…” 86 sighs and chokes down a couple more bites of food before pushing the tray a little. He admits softly, “I d-don’t think I can - can eat anymore.”

“That‘s okay, you don‘t have to.”, Thire gets up and cleans their tablets away but bags two bread rolls. He‘ll force feed them to 86 before sending his vod‘ika on a senate shift without having eaten something.

He comes back to the table and together they walk to Thire‘s office. It‘s a couple minutes before 0700 when they reach it.

The knots in 86' stomach tighten as they near the room, and the insides of his gloves are clammy with sweat. 86 sucks in a sharp breath that does nothing to loosen the tight band around his lungs or the tight stretch of his skin over his bones or the anxious stutter of his heart. Standing in the middle of the room, he flexes his fingers; his hands are shaking.

At 0700 sharp, there is a series of precise, even raps on the door. Instantly 86 changes, posture straightening, shoulders relaxing, face adopting an expressionless mask. He looks calm and composed - exactly like the perfect soldier he is expected to be in the Senate Building.

And he hates that this is how he instinctively presents himself to his squad.

“Come in”, Thire calls out. He leans against his desk in a relaxed posture and takes in each of the incoming troopers, “Do you know why I called you here?”

Streak, the sergeant of the squad, waits for the nine other troopers following him to enter and remove their buckets before answering. All 10 pairs of eyes flick to 86, each expression varying. Streak's expression is blank while at least two others look irritated, and the youngest trooper looks carefully bored.

86 pretends not to notice any of it.

"I'm going to assume," Streak replies neutrally, "judging by his presence, that this has something to do with the altercation between Corporals Cory and 86."

One of the troopers who had glared at 86 hisses snitch under his breath, and 86 only barely controls the flinch that runs through him.

“This isn‘t about Corporal Cory or the altercation at the senate a couple days ago.”, Thire replies. His voice is cold as ice and his face is a careful, well-practised mask, “This is about the behaviour I just witnessed. None of you are shinies. Yet, you still act as such.

“You deliberately, without being prompted, discussed a private, internal squad matter in front of a superior officer. And you have shown that you also will do that in front of Natborns. Do you know what that means? It means that you‘ll be decommissioned sooner rather than later."

Thire fixes his eyes on every single one of them. “I had a private conversation with Corporal 86, and I‘ll also have one with Corporal Cory. But the rest of you are apparently no better.” He lets his disappointment be heard audibly.

Streak stiffens and slowly turns to glare heatedly at the trooper who had hissed before. "In front of natborns? Cory, you utreekov! What were you thinking?!"

Cory bristles. "What was I thinking? How is this my fault? 86 is the one who's got a problem!"

86' head ducks just a little, eyes now trained low on the opposite wall.

Thire watches them calmly argue with each other before his eyes. “So, you not only argue in front of superiors, but you also specifically use names so that I couldn‘t possibly save any of you by fixing the roll call afterwards? Congratulations, you‘re all dead men walking.”

Cory snorts and mutters, “Then we’ll be just like the bastard’s first two squads and his batch.”

One of the other troopers, one who hadn’t spoken yet, rounds on him in shock. “Cory!”

86 hears it as if from far away, head ringing, ears staticky. His hands are trembling - all of him is - and nothing but the painful tripping of his heart and constriction of his lungs is real to him anymore.

Vada Squad is not his first, or even his second. On Geonosis, the three survivors of his squad, including himself, had been reassigned to different posts. His first squad in the Guard was killed on patrol - while he was on duty in a different part of the Senate Building. All of that is information available to his sergeant who, with his permission, had shared it with the others. 86 thinks that might have been a mistake.

Words filter back in through the jumbled mess in his brain.

“- heard what he said in Lock Up!” Ah. That would be Ember, a sister and twin to Flare, the vod currently holding her back from punching Cory. “You can’t just - How can you still think that?! It wasn’t his fault!”

“He still killed them!” Cory is being held back by Streak and Waffle, the squad’s other sister. “How can we trust anyone who would kill vode at all? And he’s never here! How can we trust that aruetti to have our backs if he just ignores us all the time?!”

86 stands frozen, drifting numb and apart from the scene in front of him. A low throb is building behind his eyes, and he realizes distantly that tears are slipping down his cheeks, silent and unnoticed. This is why he never came forward, never said anything. He just wanted to keep this from happening… He didn’t want them to fall apart.

“Enough!” Thire‘s voice booms through the room. “Every single one of you is a disgrace to the Guard. I expect you to be better. You will be punished accordingly. Dismissed.

“Corporal Cory, report to my office after shift ends. And I want a serious explanation for your behaviour. 86‘ past won‘t convince me.”

Once the others have filtered out he turns back to 86 and places his hands on the shoulders of the vod. Slowly he guides 86 to sit on the floor and pushes his head between his legs. Softly he begins talking to him, “There you go, you‘re alright. It‘s going to be alright.”

86 focuses on the buzz of Thire’s voice and his own breathing, which is deceptively calm. It takes a few minutes before the numbness begins to fade, melting back from the tips of his fingers and toes back up his limbs until he thinks he might be able to move again.

The moment the numbness fades completely, it releases the steel band around his chest, and he folds in on himself with an actual sob; he’s still shaking, and he can feel his tears soaking the collar of his blacks where they’ve rolled down his neck. He’s a mess.

“I’m sorry,” he gasps. He doesn’t know what he’s apologizing for - his squad, his part in this disaster, his reaction to it - he doesn’t know.

Thire simply pulls him close and puts 86‘ head in the crook of his neck, “Nothing to be sorry for, vod‘ika. You did good.”

He gently rubs 86‘ back and continues to talk to him quietly. The position isn‘t exactly comfortable, given that they're both in full kit, but he keeps a tight grip on his brother nevertheless.

Just like the night before, it takes some time before 86 has calmed down some. Despite the uncomfortable position, he leans heavily on his commander, not quite able to hold himself up.

“W-What - What happens - happens now?” he hiccups. The hard plastic of Thire’s kit digs into him, but the discomfort helps ground him in the present moment, and he never wants to leave. More quietly he admits, forehead pressed against the unarmored stretch of Thire’s neck, “I don’t know what to do.”

“You‘re not alone, 86. Corporal Cory might be angry and hateful, but some of your squadmates defended you. And that means there is hope.” Thire pauses and lightly scratches 86‘ head.

“Part of the problem is that you‘ve never found each other as a squad. And, I know that that‘s a lot to ask, but maybe try and seek them out a little. For example, that sister of yours who defended you against Cory, I‘m sure she would like to spend some time with you, hmm?”

Thire’s going to seek her out and ask her to include 86 occasionally, he thinks. His vod‘ika isn‘t exactly socially confident, and there is a lot of baggage in his squad relationships.

86 laughs a little wetly, a little more of the tension melting as Thire scratches at his head. “Ember. I - m-maybe. She’s - She’s good. She’s n-never been - never been cruel like C-Cory or cold like Waffle and Tax. Ember and her twin, Flare, they both - they both have s-stopped Cory from being too h-hurtful before, though they l-let the antagonism and - and passive aggressiveness slide.”

He exhales shakily and presses closer. “S-Streak… He’s just bitter. He tried to - to get Cory and I to stop, at first, but when n-nothing changed, he became irritated. The longer he spent with Cory, the m-more he - he subconsciously began to believe what was being said, and he started blaming m-me for how Cory an-and I could never get along.”

“Reno, our youngest, he’s - he’s good though,” 86 admits softly. “Poor - Poor kid just got thrust into the m-middle of this shit. He doesn’t talk to me because he doesn’t want C-Cory and the others to - to be mad at him, too.”

Thire slowly rubs up and down 86‘ back, and hums along soothingly. He‘s glad that 86 is talking to him and listens attentively.

“I‘m sure they don‘t always hang around as a big group, so you can talk a little to the twins, hmm?”

He doesn‘t want to jostle them too much but needs to shift slightly to prevent his leg from falling asleep before he hugs 86 close once more, “Do you have anything you‘re interested in? Something you could enjoy spending your time doing?”

86 makes quiet, thoughtful noise. “May-Maybe. I can - I can try? Talking to them, I mean. It can’t be that hard, r-right?”

He uses Thire’s shifting to remove at least the chest and back pieces of his armor; the edges were starting to dig into him uncomfortably with the way he was pressing close to the commander. 86 relaxes into the hug, and when Thire asks his next question, he flushes and tucks his face against Thire’s neck. It’s so easy to talk to Thire - though that might have something to do with the way 86 feels sort of drunk on the closeness and the friendship and the caring.

“I - I like flowers,” he mumbles, a little embarrassed, “growing them. Other plants too, but flowers mostly. The science is fascinating, the process cathartic, and - and plants make sense. People d-don’t, even though I work with them all day. With plants, I just - I just know when somethin’ will work or not, if it needs more water or light, and they - they don’t want anything from me. Just…” 86’ sigh shudders slightly, and his voice becomes smaller. “I can - I can say no, and they can’t be mad at me. They’re simple.”

86 knows he sounds a little crazy, talking about the plants as if they’re something close to sentient, but to him they are. He wouldn’t know how to explain how he really does just have a knack for the plants he grows - an instinct, even. It’s just how it’s always been.

Thire smiles, “Plants are a good interest to have. Do you have someplace where you grow them yourself?”

Belatedly he realizes that that is probably a threatening question coming from a superior and adds, “You don‘t have to tell me where, and I won‘t go looking for them.”

He reaches up and softly ruffles 86 hair and tucks his vod‘ika even closer. If he could he would hold him close and just never let go again. Hide him from the world and protect him from its cruelty. It pains him physically that he can‘t.

The question makes that familiar anxiety build in his chest again - but Thire’s next words soothe it away. Still, he hesitates before answering.

“I - I do. I found a place out of the way where no one would - would stumble across it, and I found ways to get w-water there without using the Guard’s rations. I… I know some people who were able to - to supply me with various things I might need. And now…” 86 hums, eyes slipping closed again. “It’s safe for me there. I like to - to take my food down there at night after shift, and I - I like sleeping there, too,” he admits softly. “No one who hates me, and I have less nightmares.”

“I am glad you have found something worthwhile to spend your time with. I‘m sure you‘ll also find people in time to share your hobby with you, vod‘ika.” Even though Thire doesn‘t want to, he lets go of 86 and helps him to stand up. “Sadly, shift starts in 5 minutes and we both have meetings to attend to. So I‘m afraid we have to go now.”

As they leave the office Thire stops and knocks their heads together in a keldabe, “I‘ll always be there if you need me or just want to talk with someone. Don‘t you dare forget that.”

86 gratefully accepts the help up even though he finds he doesn’t want to go. For once, he doesn’t want to leave the presence of a vod - the very thought makes him want to curl into himself all over. But he stands up and puts his front and back plates back on, tugging his armor into something straight and presentable for the day.

The unexpected keldabe has emotion swelling up from the bottom of his stomach until it presses against the inside of his chest, throat, eyes until he wants to cry all over again. This is what it’s like to be wanted. He’d very nearly forgotten.

He leans hard into the keldabe, eyes scrunched shut and breath stuttering harshly as he tries to control his tears. “Vor entye,” he breathes. 86 blinks rapidly as he draws back and musters a smile. “I - I’ll try not to forget. And i-if I do, I’ll…” He squares his shoulders, helmet tucked under his arm, eyes glinting determinedly, “I’ll f-find you, sir. Promise.”

86 relaxes, smile coming back a little stronger and brighter - truer - than before. Then he turns and begins making his way to the Rotunda. They really will be late if they don’t hurry.

Thire smiles after him before turning around and walking to his own first meeting of the day.

[darlingandmreames]

Babe— the contagion kidnapping scene with Arthur and Eames, pretty please 🥺

And the contagion au continues! Sorry for the delay, I got distracted by the gangster au lol, but here’s some concerned Arthur with a side of pining! This yet again ended up longer than I intended but oh well... I absolutely did not mean for this au to become A Thing, but I’m honestly absolutely loving the fact that it has knskjdfjk

*******************************************************************************************

“I’m sorry, sir, but I can’t let you in. Same as I told you before: you aren’t authorized.”

“Really?” Arthur kept his voice even and measured, but made no attempt to keep the anger out of it; he’d long learned that anger was far more intimidating and effective when it was quiet and controlled. “And what, if I may ask, makes me unauthorized?”

“Well, you’re a civilian, sir, and…”

“I am not just a civilian. I am a WHO representative trying to respond to a public health crisis that your superiors called me in to address and I need access to my colleague if I’m going to effectively do that. My colleague, who you,” he let his tone get even more pointed, “currently have in a back room and are not allowing to see anyone despite the fact that he has done nothing wrong and is unambiguously the victim in this situation.” He leaned forward just slightly. Not enough to be threatening, but enough to make a point. “I’m sure your superiors will be thrilled to hear the explanation for this.”

The officer hesitated a moment, looking around, before buzzing the door open. “O-of course, sir. My apologies.”

Arthur walked through without another word. He was sure Cobb would chew him out for that if it got back to him- he admittedly likely didn’t have the authorization to be back here, and that might ruffle a few feathers that were better left unruffled- but he didn’t particularly care at the moment. He’d deal with that if it came up. Right now he had other things to worry about.

This should’ve been an easy case; cholera outbreaks were messy but it was an easily treatable disease as long as they could get medications disseminated quickly and early. That was its own set of problems, of course, but this should’ve been relatively simple compared to the other sorts of cases they worked. But then Eames had gone radio silent, which was unusual for him. He was the media and administrative liaison, he was never silent. But there’d been nothing. No word, no explanation, no replies, nothing. Then, about 6 hours after he’d gone quiet, the local police had reached out to WHO regarding a ransom demand they’d received.

Kidnappings of WHO field personnel weren't exactly common but they weren't unheard of either; sometimes it was for treatments or medications, sometimes it was for money. This time it was for both. Arthur knew a number of teams who’d had a team member kidnapped or almost kidnapped at some point but this was the first time it’d happened on his team, and their job could certainly be stressful but this had been a whole new kind of anxiety. One he’d be perfectly happy to never deal with again. The past three days had been a mess of trying to address the cholera outbreak spreading through Nairobi's slums like wildfire while also waiting on any word regarding Eames’ whereabouts or safety. Arthur’d rushed to the station as soon as Cobb had called him letting him know that the police had found Eames, dropping what he’d been working on immediately. It could wait until later; Eames couldn’t. After three days of his mind running through the worst case scenarios on repeat, Arthur needed to know he was alright.

The main room of the police station was busy, officers hurrying to and fro across the floor, escorting criminals or carrying files or just looking determined and stressed. It took Arthur a moment to parse through the chaos to find Eames sitting on a worn looking couch that’d been shoved to the side of the room, out of the way. He hurried over, anxiety growing in his chest; he hadn’t thought he could be any more worried than he’d already been, but the sight of Eames’ black eye and what looked like blood on his shirt proved him wrong. “Eames!”

Eames looked up with a tired smile. “Hey, darling. Fancy seeing you here.”

Arthur sat down next to him, reaching out and tilting Eames’ face toward him to try and get a better look. “Jesus, are you alright? Are you injured?”

“I’m fine, love, just a bit tired is all.” He gave Arthur an amused look. “I’m surprised they let you back here.”

“Pretty sure I’m not supposed to be,” Arthur muttered, still focused on trying to figure out whether Eames was injured. His black eye and some minor cuts and bruises seemed to be the extent of things, but the stain on his shirt was definitely blood now that Arthur could see it better and that did nothing to make him feel any less worried. “Managed to talk my way back though.”

Eames chuckled. “You mean you intimidated the poor guy at the front desk until he let you back even though he wasn’t supposed to.”

“Maybe.” Arthur shrugged slightly. “I got fed up with waiting for them to get their shit together. You’re the fucking victim here, not some sort of criminal. You shouldn’t even be at the police station. You should be at the hospital getting checked out.”

“Paramedics checked me out on scene, I’m fine. I’ll look a bit banged up for a few days, but that’s the worst of it.” Eames raised an eyebrow. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were maybe worried about me.”

Arthur frowned. “Of course I was worried about you. Been worried since you dropped off the face of the earth three days ago.” He was mostly convinced that Eames wasn’t seriously injured by now, but he still didn’t look great. Even outside of the black eye and minor cuts, he was covered in dirt and there was dried blood smeared across his cheek. The sight of it sent another stab of anxiety through his chest, mixed with anger. This should never have happened. “I should’ve known something was up when you stopped answering my texts. You usually never shut up.”

Eames laughed slightly. “You’re so friendly, Arthur, really. So warm and flattering.”

“It’s part of my charm.” Arthur’s frown deepened. He understood that the police couldn’t let Eames leave until they’d taken his statement, but they should’ve at least given him the chance to clean up if they were going to make him sit around for hours. He looked around briefly until he spotted a pack of water bottles on the floor near one of the counters. Eames watched him with a confused look as he got up and grabbed one, grabbing a box of tissues off one of the desks as he walked back. The officer at the desk either didn’t notice or didn’t care, and Arthur didn’t really care either way; after the shit show the past few days had been, they could spare some tissues and water. He sat back down on the couch, opening the bottle. “Come here.”

Eames looked at him, confused. “What are you…” He sighed as Arthur wet a few tissues, understanding dawning on his face, and he gave him a somewhat incredulous look. “Seriously, Arthur?”

“Yes, you’re an absolute mess. Now come here.”

Eames sighed again in resignation and moved closer. “I can clean myself up, you know. And it’d be easier to just wait until I’m back at the hotel.”

“Given how things have been going, it’ll be hours before they take your statement and let you leave. You shouldn’t have to sit around covered in dirt and blood until then.” He wiped at the dirt on Eames’ forehead gently. “And you don’t have a mirror, so it’s less of a hassle if I just do it.”

“Alright, alright, no need to get pushy about it,” Eames chuckled again. “Just pointing it out is all.”

He sat patiently as Arthur wiped away the grime, careful not to be too rough. Arthur’d hoped he’d look better cleaner, but he somehow managed to look worse. Without the dirt there to cover things up his black eye stood out more and Arthur could see the dark circles under his other eye; he looked like he’d barely slept over the past few days. Arthur certainly wouldn’t be surprised if that was actually the case. His lip was badly cut too, badly enough that Arthur was surprised he hadn’t needed stitches. Another wave of concern slammed into Arthur’s chest, the intensity of it catching him off guard. He knew their job was dangerous, but it wasn’t supposed to be like this. The danger was supposed to be from diseases, from viruses and bacteria and parasites, and Arthur could plan for those. They could be figured out and once they were figured out they could be predicted. People, though- people were unpredictable. They could be violent and cruel, often without rhyme or reason, and the thought of Eames being held somewhere, being threatened or hurt or killed, had kept him up since he’d found out Eames was missing in the first place. Even now it was enough to make him pause, taking a deep breath to steady himself. “I really was worried about you, Eames. Really worried.”

“I’m alright, darling, no need to worry about me. I’m fine, I-I…” Eames’ voice cracked just a little, expression shifting ever so slightly, and Arthur saw it. The exhaustion, the fear, the relief, all of it just below the surface, hidden under his smile. Eames dealt with cameras and the media and had the best poker face of anyone Arthur had ever met, but sometimes it slipped. Just every once in a while. Just now. “I just need some sleep, that’s all.”

Arthur ran his thumb gently across Eames’ cheek, tracing the bottom of the bruise around his eye. “Doesn't make me any less worried.” Eames almost seemed to lean into the touch, and Arthur felt some of the tightness in his chest relax finally. It was alright. Eames was alright. He was okay. Arthur took another breath. "I'm glad you're safe." They stayed like that a moment longer before it occurred to Arthur how close they were. He pulled his hand back, clearing his throat awkwardly. His face suddenly felt warm and he looked down, hoping to hide how red he was sure his face was getting. "You, um, you at least look a bit better now that you're cleaned up." It was a lie, but he had to say something and it was the only thing that came to mind.

"Right. Yeah, thanks for that." Eames sat back against the couch, sounding just as uncomfortable as Arthur felt. After a moment of awkward silence, he motioned to the still mostly full bottle of water on the small table in front of them. "You know, you probably could've just filled up a cup from the sink. No need to waste an entire bottle."

Arthur rolled his eyes. "Eames, we're here for a cholera outbreak, I am not using tap water. For anything. And I'm definitely not using tap water to clean open cuts."

Eames laughed and the awkwardness began to fade. "Okay, fair enough. Still feel bad though."

Arthur leaned forward and picked the bottle up, handing it to Eames. "Then drink the rest of it. You're probably dehydrated anyways."

"Isn't that how cholera kills you? Dehydration?"

"In severe cases, yes." He gave Eames an amused look. "All the more reason to make sure you're not dehydrated. We don't need any more incidents on this case. One is more than enough."

"Yes, Dr. Cohen." Eames took a drink, chuckling.

Arthur leaned back against the cushions, raising his eyebrows. "Dr. Cohen, really? You only ever call me that when you think I'm being annoying."

"It's a miracle I refer to you by anything else then, darling."

"Fuck off." Arthur tried unsuccessfully to suppress a smile. "I'm just trying to look out for you."

"I know, love." Eames’ voice was softer and less teasing than Arthur expected. “I appreciate it.”

Eames shifted, his shoulder coming to rest against Arthur’s slightly. Arthur considered moving away- things had been awkward enough before, he didn’t need to make it worse- but decided against it after a moment. Instead he settled back into the couch; they’d probably be here a while before the police were willing to let Eames leave, so he might as well get comfortable. The contact, slight as it was, was admittedly nice, and as he stared out at the bustle of the room around them Arthur felt himself relax slightly more, the anxiety and worry of the past few days slowly dissipating at the feeling of Eames sitting next to him. And when he felt a gentle weight on his shoulder a few minutes later and looked over to find Eames’ head resting against it, his eyes closed and breathing slow and regular, he just smiled. He shifted ever so slightly so that Eames was resting against him at a less awkward looking angle and a soft warmth spread in his chest, overtaking the concern that was still resting there. Cobb would almost definitely yell at him for the stunt he pulled to get back here, but it was worth it. He hesitated briefly before resting his cheek on top of Eames’ head, ignoring the heat in his face in favour of the warmth in his chest. Yeah, it was worth it.

[elamae56]

How'bout 3 asks of your own choosing for 'The End of the Year'?? 😘😘

Oooh Alona ... the choice ... *rubs hands* 

I’m putting this behind a cut because apparently, giving me a choice of which ones to answer resulted in an absolute tidal wave of information and sharing! 

Read at your own risk! 

15. What’s a bad habit you picked this year?

Lol. I think that I probably picked up a few this year. I’m quite bad at succumbing to poor habits but I think the worst one this year is my diet. Not all of it as to a certain degree a big part of my diet has actually improved. I cook a varied number of meals, including vegetables, fruit and salad due to doing shopping in a much altered way.

However, I’ve always had a sweet tooth and very low will power to sweets and chocolate and when I first went out shopping at the start of our lockdown I justified buying chocolate and treats as well, a treat to myself. A comfort during what was a pretty stressful first few weeks not knowing what was going to happen or how things would pan out. I had quite a bit of stress coming from my parents where my Mum was trying to cope with a lot and basically I ended up treating myself a bit *too* much 😬 I live on my own so there is no one to guilt you or judge you and I got into the habit of having chocolate bars or blocks or toffees etc as a daily treat rather than an every so often treat. *winces*

Amazingly I didn’t put on too much weight over the first few months but I was managing to get out for walks at the start of lockdown which of course fizzled out by mid summer. But coming into the winter months and with dark nights, no opportunity for walks as I was working back in the office more for our office move I basically have turned into a potato. 

I kid you not. I measured myself when Mum and I were ordering some new jeans for her and I have gone up two sizes. Conversely my Mum has dropped two sizes due to the stress thus showing you two different coping mechanisms/reactions. 

20. What’s something you learned this year?

I feel this question is probably relating to a learned skill. I know a lot of people used the lockdown time this year to learn something new, or at least tried to. I didn’t. I planned to use whatever extra time I had to read, write fic and catch up on some dvd watching (this was before TOG and Netflix). I even *gasp* had thoughts about using the time to clear out stuff in my flat which I did do to a certain degree. I cleaned and cleared out my bathroom and my pantry, although mostly it was cleaning and reordering stuff. Which leads me onto what I learned, and that was something about myself.

I’ve always considered myself to be someone who had issues with getting rid of stuff. I get easily, sentimentally attached to things, particularly stuff from my childhood or University years. Things that remind me of good times. I also don’t like to chuck out anything that I feel I can use/wear again. I have clothes that are ancient and which are the wrong size (even before this years weight gain) but I don’t like to get rid because they are perfectly good and will be when I get back down to the size I should be *pauses* *side eyes herself*

So, although I’ve always thought I was probably edging towards being a hoarder it was only this year, whilst I’ve had to spent much more time in my flat than before that I’ve been faced with the realisation that I am indeed very much on the hoarding spectrum and possibly worse than I had originally thought. 

Having to work from home really brought it to, well home, that trying to find a space to work from was very difficult, not just finding an appropriate seat and table but making room to have that work space. Shifting the boxes and bags and crap became a mammoth task and was really draining. Having to work with the mess around me was uncomfortable (particularly as my table area was physically uncomfortable) and made me realise just how much I have that other normal people just do not. I watched some of the eps of the US series Hoarders in the autumn and it made me realise some of the thought processes that I have are not actually normal.

I have to just say that I don’t live in dirt or mess! Just in case anyone is picturing those extreme cases from Hoarders! I vacuum and clean and do the washing up and nothing that I use daily lives on the floor like clothes, food etc. I just have a lot of stuff which means that things live in boxes and stacked up on the floor more than they should be. I have a lot of crap!

For someone with OCD and issues with exhaustion it doesn’t make for a good combination. 

21. What’s something new about your place of residence now vs the start of the year?

Definitely my work desk. I started off working from home on my tiny old PC table which I had to remove the top shelf from and balance sideways as I have a Surface Pro as my work machine and it wouldn’t fit on the keyboard shelf and the top shelf which would have been for the monitor was much too high for me to work from (my office chair which luckily I had didn’t go high enough). IIt also meant I couldn’t attach a mouse very easily or have anyway to put notebooks/papers etc. I managed with that for about 4 months or so before I managed to get a cheap £16 table from Ikea (this was after the more expensive one I ordered first arrived damaged). A much better work space and I have somewhere where I can sit with comfort and use my separate monitor (my personal one) and keyboard and mouse. It means that I can concentrate on my work better and is much better for posture and eyes. 

It has rather taken over my small lounge and with the boxes and crap I have it did force things out further into spaces they shouldn’t be. However, I wouldn’t change it at all as it has made working from home much much better.

Thank you for the ask and the choice! 😘

And apologies for the slightly over enthusiastic response 😂 

[bandzrus]

The No Fun Tour (Part 3)

The Dirt!Tommy Lee x Reader

Masterlist

SUMMARY // You’ve been working as a roadie for Motley Crue for a number of years because of your interest in the music business and family connections with Doc.  The boys are touring with Ozzy and things are looking promising for them, but they’re under strict orders to keep the shenanigans down or else their deal with Elektra Records in jeopardy.  After Doc assigned you to watch Tommy for a night and you woke up wrapped in his arms, you’re starting to realize you have more feelings for the drummer than you thought.  You and Tommy have been spending a lot more time together under the guise of babysitting, but things are starting to get more serious.

NOTE // I love how this was supposed to be a one-shot and now it’s turning into a whole damn series lol.  Hopefully part 3 doesn’t disappoint!  Also, it is 1:40am and I feel like I could pass out.  Worth it though.

WORDS // 4918

TAGLIST // @mainly-me @shamelessobsessions @broken-pieces  @calspixie  @shouttatthedevill  @cigarettes-after-sexxx  @thatbandchick39  @buckyofthemyscira  @countrygirlswonderland  @kawennote09 @tommyfuckinlee @miserablecunt @madsthegroupie   @everygoodusernameistaken16  @brooklyn-antiques  @queens-rose-garden  @fandomshit6000  @stevenandsam @ladycrow666  @sandy-anakin @tamedhearts  @cosmicsskies  @repostfanfics  @bella-0104-123  @livingforrt

***

              “I think I love you.”

              That’s what Tommy had said right before the two of you fell asleep together again.  You kept replaying it over and over again in your mind, and the more you thought about it the more you wanted to say it back.  But you couldn’t.  If Doc or anyone else found out what was going on, you’d be fired on the spot. You’d have to kiss your job goodbye and become one of the many, many women rolling through Motley Crue’s lives. Which you really didn’t want.  So before the drummer woke up the next morning you snuck back to your room, quietly slipping your jacket and shoes back on and stealing across the hall.

              You knew you wouldn’t be able to fall back asleep despite how messed up your schedule was from touring with the boys all the time, so you got in the shower and left the water cold.  You thought the icy water would turn your thoughts away from Tommy, but it didn’t. It just made you want to get out and go back over to his bed where it was warm.  Stepping out of the shower, you wrapped one towel around your hair and the other you used to dry your body off.  You frowned as you looked at yourself in the mirror.  Tommy had been drunk off his ass last night, but it was obvious he meant what he said about you.  The question was did he remember saying it?  You knew there was only one way to find out, so you quickly dried off and put fresh clothes on before running a brush through your hair and reapplying your makeup.  Once you were satisfied with your appearance, you called the desk downstairs.

              “Hey, I was wondering if I can get some eggs n’ bacon, and some oatmeal sent up to my room?”

              “For sure, is there anything else you’d like?”

              “That’s all thanks,” you said before hanging up.  Laying the menu back down on the nightstand, you nicked a few of the soaps and shampoos from the bathroom and repacked your single suitcase. It was always handy to have extra soap and shampoo on the bus in case one of the boys threw up in their hair, or on each other.  You’d helped Mick wash Vince’s barf out of his hair in the sink once before, and you’d last count of how many times you’d used a soapy rag to wipe who knows what off the other boys.  And even though that was super gross, you wouldn’t trade those memories for anything. Which was why you and Tommy would just have to keep pretending nothing was going on.

              As you zipped up your suitcase, the phone rang.

              “Hello?” you answered, sitting on the edge of the bed.

              “Y/N, you checked on the boys last night, right?”  

              It was Doc.

              “Yeah, they were all in their rooms,” you answered.

              “They’re still in there?”

              “As far as I know, yes.  Vince has a few extra guests and I sent Nikki back to his room after I visited Tommy’s. I don’t think any of them are awake yet, it’s really early for them.”

              “I’ll send Harry and Dom up to double-check.  I found out last night that we’re still in the negatives and if they cause any more trouble on this tour were in serious trouble,” Doc told you.

              “I’ll check on Nikki and Tommy,” you offered.  “They were pretty wasted last night.”

              “Thanks Y/N.  If Nikki is up can you tell him to meet me in my room?  I’ve got some business to discuss.”

              “Sure thing, boss.”

              With that, Doc hung up and you let out a breath.  You’d check Nikki’s room first, then Tommy’s.  Quietly, you knocked on the bass player’s door.  Nothing.  Using the extra room key that Doc left you in charge of, you opened the door.  It was dark inside, but you could make out empty bottles littering the room, Nikki’s bass, and what looked like a half-finished line of cocaine on the nightstand.  Nikki was passed out on the bed, facedown.  Tip-toeing across the room, you first made sure he was still breathing okay, then rolled him gently onto his side just in case he threw up.  He only had a single boot on, so you pulled it off and threw a blanket over him before you quietly closed the door behind you. He wasn’t going to wake up for at least three or four more hours.  

              Just as you were about to unlock Tommy’s door, the room service came by.

              “Oh, those are for me,” you said, thanking the hotel staff.  Unlocking the door, you wheeled the cart inside.  It wasn’t nearly as dark in Tommy’s room, since he and Nikki had never fully drawn the curtains last night.  The drummer was exactly where you’d left him, curled up on the bed half-naked.  He really looked cute when he was asleep.  So much more peaceful.  You almost didn’t want to wake him up, but you were dying to know if he remembered anything from last night.  Sitting on the edge of the bed, you carefully shook his shoulder.  

              “Hey,” you greeted softly.  His dark hair was all tangled from last night’s escapades.  Using your fingers, you gently started working out the mats. He didn’t smell like alcohol much anymore, just Tommy-smell, which you decided was your favourite.  Brushing a lock of hair out of his face, you watched his eyes fluttered open.

              “Y/N,” he muttered sleepily.

              “Morning Tommy.”

              “What time is it?”

              “Bit after eleven,” you answered.

              “It’s so fuckin’ early,” he moaned, burying his face in his pillow.  

              “I know, but I brought you breakfast.  And painkillers.”

              You reached into your pocket and held out a couple of pills to the drummer.  With a long sigh, he rolled over and propped himself up on one elbow, using his free hand to take the painkillers out of yours and pop them into his mouth.  Grabbing the plate of eggs and glass of water, you gave the glass to Tommy and left the plate next to him on the sheets.  Shimmying up onto the bed and crossing your legs, you ate a spoonful of oatmeal.

              “Eggs?”

              “And bacon,” you pointed with your spoon.

              “Is Gilligan’s Island on?”

              “I doubt it, but I can turn the TV on if you want.”

              “Sure.”

              Spooning more oatmeal into your mouth, you got off the bed and turned the TV on.  It didn’t look like anything more interesting than the morning news was airing, but Tommy didn’t seem to care.  Oatmeal in one hand, you shook off your boots and clambered back onto the bed next to the drummer who was picking at his eggs absently.

              “My head hurts,” he whined, dropping his fork and pouting up at you.

              “That’s what happens when you get shitfaced,” you smiled back at him matter-of-factly.

              “Is there anything left in the fridge?”

              “You have a few sips left of vodka from last night.”

              With a groan, Tommy rolled out of bed and trudged to the mini-fridge. Opening and closing it, he tipped the remainder of the bottle down his throat and sighed.  

              “Is that your home-made hangover cure?” you asked cheekily.  He narrowed his eyes at you while wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

              “Fuck off.”

              You just laughed and ate another spoonful of your oatmeal.  

              “Finish your damn eggs,” you said.  Making a face but doing as he was told, Tommy leaned against the headboard and finished his breakfast, zoning out to the TV.  You shimmied up to the head of the bed too, oatmeal in hand.  Taking another bite, you let yourself relax your shoulder against his.  Sitting in silence.  Watching the morning news.  It was weird, but you liked it.  Usually your morning consisted of cleaning up whatever mess the boys had made while they were still asleep, then hauling their asses out of bed and getting them back on the bus or to whatever interview they had to be at before the show. But since the ‘No Fun Tour’ as Motley Crue liked to call it had started, your routine had been different.  Good different.  But now that you had finished your oatmeal, it was time to take the plunge and see if Tommy remembered anything from last night.

              “Do you remember singing Elvis last night?” you asked.  

              “Mmm yeah I think so.”

              “Nikki wanted you to do your version of Hound Dog for me.”

              “Oh yeaaahhh.  Didn’t I have a tie around my head or something?”

              His hand went to his forehead, searching for it.  You just chuckled.

              “Yes you did, but I took it off while you were puking so you wouldn’t strangle yourself with it later,” you answered.  “I think I left it in the bathroom.  Where’d you even get it?”

              “I think Nikki stole it from Doc’s room.”

              “That sounds right,” you laughed lightly.  “Do you remember anything else?”

              “Why, what did I do?”

              “Nothing… after you finished puking I made sure you got to bed and then I left,” you lied.  He didn’t remember anything after puking.  Part of you was sad, the other part let out a sigh of relief.  If Tommy didn’t remember confessing his feelings to you, you could keep pretending you didn’t know and things would carry on as normal.

              “You okay?” Tommy asked.  You realized you were making a face and quickly wiped your expression.  

              “Yeah, just tired.  You guys keep me up so late all the time.”

              “If you want you can take a nap,” Tommy suggested, patting his pillow.  “I don’t think we have an interview until 3pm.”

              You sighed.  You wanted nothing more than to curl back up next to Tommy and go to sleep.  But you couldn’t.  There was probably stuff Doc wanted you to do.  

              “Nah, I’ll be fine – this isn’t my first rodeo.”

              “If you say so.”

              “I’ve got stuff to do, like getting you dressed.  How many days in a row have you been wearing those same leather pants?” you laughed.  

              “Uhhhh…”

              “That’s what I thought!  Maybe actually unpack your suitcase for once and change into something else.”

              “Fine,” grumbled Tommy, throwing his legs off the bed and getting up. Sticking his tongue out at you, he peeled off his pants and chucked them across the room.  Dressed only in boxers and mismatched socks, it was pretty hard to wipe the smile off your face.  Or stop staring.  You loved seeing all his tattoos and there were many times you’d stopped yourself from tracing soft fingers over them.  Leaning over his suitcase, Tommy started pulling things out and muttering to himself.

              “Leather pants, leather pants, black t-shirt, leather pants, another black t-shirt, oh look a black tank, more leather pants, jeans, yet another black t-shirt, I think these are underwear… How does leather pants and a black t-shirt sound?”

              He held up the two articles of clothing for you to approve.

              “Very you,” you answered.

              “’S that good or bad?”

              “It’s good.”

              Pulling on the pants first, you reveled in his shirtless-ness for a bit. You’d seen all of the boys shirtless, pantsless, buck-ass nude a hundred times, but this felt different.  It was in the privacy of Tommy’s hotel room, he was sober, and it wasn’t after a show where you’d sometimes give him a shoulder massage if he wasn’t off partying already.

              “You should just go to the interview like that,” you joked, reclining on the bed.  Tommy put one hand on his hip and rant the other through his hair.

              “Really?”

              “I’m joking.”

              “Think chicks would dig it?”

              “They definitely would, which is why you should put a shirt on.”

              “You’re cock-blocking me now too, Y/N?”

              “Somebody has to fill Sharon’s shoes,” you shrugged, then laughed.  

              “I hate that bitch.”

              “She’s… not my favourite either,” you admitted.  “But she sure has made my job easier.”

              Tommy tugged his shirt on over his head and wandered into the bathroom to do his hair with a sigh.  You swung your legs off the bed and followed him in, leaning your hip against the counter.

              “Need a hand?” you asked.

              “Would you mind?”

              “Got a comb?”

              “I think there’s one in my suitcase,” answered Tommy.  You went back to his suitcase to look for it and cracked a smile when you noticed he hadn’t been wrong.  It was totally full of nothing by leather pants and black t-shirts. Finding the comb and a can of hairspray, you returned to Tommy’s side.  

              “Sit on the toilet,” you ordered.  The drummer did as he was told, and you started your work on his dark hair. Teasing and spraying, it was something you’d grown very good at very fast.  The boys were pretty good at doing their own hair and makeup, but for shows they liked having you help them.  Giving one more good puff of hairspray, you stepped back to admire your handiwork.  

              “All done.”

              “Whatever would we do without you?” Tommy fake swooned.  

              “Walk around looking like electrocuted rats in drag,” you answered.

              “Fuck, you’re mean!”

              “Just being honest,” you said, raising your hands in surrender.

              “You barely knew how to do your own hair before you got this job!”

              “Did too!”

              “Did not.”

              “Did too!”

              “Did not!”

              Tommy got up from sitting on the toilet and you had to lift your head to look him in the eyes, he was so freaking tall.

              “Did too!” you insisted.  

              “Did not!”

              “DID T- WHY ARE WE ARGUING ABOUT THIS?!” you snapped.  The drummer just laughed.

              “You look so cute when you get mad,” he said, crinkling his nose.  You could feel yourself blush and quickly ducked out of the bathroom to put the comb and hairspray away.

              “I should probably go see if Doc needs me for anything,” you said, quickly changing the subject.  Shoving Tommy’s clothes back into his suitcase for him because you knew he’d never do it himself, you zipped it up and then made for the door.  Pausing for a moment with your hand on the handle, you turned to Tommy.  “Don’t cause any trouble, okay?”

              “I make no promises.”

              You rolled your eyes and left his room anyway.  Closing the door behind you, you leaned against it for a minute to catch your breath.  Great. Just great.  Pretending you didn’t have feelings for the drummer was going to be a lot harder than you thought.

              Shaking your head to clear it, you decided it would be best to visit Doc and get back to your regular roadie duties.  You knocked on his door and waited for a reply.

              “Yep?”

              “It’s Y/N,” you announced.  You could hear some movement inside the room and then the door opened.

              “Nikki awake?”

              “Nope, he’s passed out on his bed.  I rolled him over though so if he pukes he shouldn’t choke.”

              “You are way too good to those boys,” sighed Doc, motioning for your to take a seat on the chair by the window.  “They don’t deserve you.”

              You laughed.

              “You’re probably right.”

              “Tommy seems to be behaving himself.”

              “He ate his eggs n’ bacon this morning.”

              “He’s up already?  You really must be magic.”

              You blushed and looked out the window.

              “I doubt it’s magic,” you said.

              “Whatever it is, it’s keeping us out afloat right now.  Elektra called this morning and said things are looking better.”

              “Glad I could help then.”

              “I don’t know what we’d do without you.  You and Sharon, damn, that woman has been a colossal help,” sighed Doc, rubbing his temple.

              “Yeah but the boys hate her.  They’ve nick-named this ‘The No Fun Tour’.”

              “Well I’ll agree with them on that, Elektra’s been riding my ass the whole time.”

              “Try not to let it get to you, the boys need you,” you told him, smiling gently.  Doc gave you a weary smile back.

              “Harry and Dom checked in on Mick and Vince, so if you want to head back to the bus and collect any laundry then we should be all good and ready for the interview at three.  Once they’re on that bus let’s keep them there until the show.”

              “Sounds good, boss,” you replied, bidding Doc farewell and heading out of the hotel.  Doing the laundry was actually one of your more favourite duties since it gave you some well-needed alone time.  

                Sure enough, by the time you had finished the band’s laundry and everyone else’s on the bus, it was time to get everyone back on the road and to the interview. Getting everyone on was always like herding cats.

              “Vince, you have to tell them they can’t come along,” Harry said, hands on his hips.  The blond singer still had his hands on the two girls you had heard in his room last night.

              “Sorry ladies, the band’s got to get going to an interview.  You can see them tonight at the show,” you told them, handing each of them a flyer and waving them off.  They both gave you dirty looks like you were stealing their man. Harry sighed and you patted him on the shoulder.

              “Don’t worry man, you’ll get it eventually.  Now Vince, get on the bus,” you pointed.  Turning around, Nikki was arguing with Doc about something, and the other two boys must have been on the bus already because they were nowhere in sight. Climbing the steps, you saw Mick who was leaning against one of the windows with sunglasses on, probably trying to get some more sleep in despite the chaos.  But no Tommy.  Scanning the bus, you were about to check the back room when a chin on top of your head stopped you.

              “Hey, Y/N.”

              It was the drummer.  Draping his arms over your shoulder, you blew a lock of misplaced hair out of your face.

              “Hi Tommy.”

              “Whatcha up to?”

              “Herding cats,” you answered, lifting his arms up so you could escape. “Now go sit down so I can make sure everyone’s on the bus.”

              Going back outside, you helped Doc get everyone on board, and then you were off to the interview.  It was one for TV, so it would probably be over an hour.  TV interviews were nice because it meant someone else was in charge of the band for a while and you could get some rest.  Your plan for today was to take a nap like Tommy had suggested, though it wouldn’t be in a nice hotel bed it would just be on one the couches in the bus.  

              When the bus arrived at the building where the interview was, you bid farewell to Motley Crue and made them swear to you they’d behave or else you’d tell Shanon.  They all either swore at you or flipped you off, but you smiled anyway.  You really did love them, and you loved your job. Once they were safely inside and under someone else’s control, you let out a long breath and retreated to the comfort of the bus.  Leaning back on the couch, you were asleep in minutes.  

                It was over an hour later that you woke up, groggy and confused from your nap. The band was back from their interview, each a little buzzed from whatever drinks they had been offered, and Mick had a sandwich in his hand.  

              “You’re back,” you mumbled, running a hand through your hair and sitting up.

              “And you took a nap,” said Tommy.

              “How’d the interview go?”

              “Ahh same old questions, nothing too interesting.  They gave us shots though.”

              “And sandwiches,” you pointed at Mick.  “You guys going to be ready for the show tonight?”

              “If we’re actually allowed to have some fun beforehand, then yeah.”

              “I’ll see what I can do,” you smiled, patting Tommy’s knee before getting up to talk with Doc.  You had a plan to help get Sharon off their backs, but you thought it best to run it by him first.

              “Hey Doc, do you think you can spare me for a bit during set up?  If I can get Sharon talking, then the boys can have some time to themselves if you know what I mean.”

              Doc sighed.

              “That woman has done wonderful things for us on this tour, but you’re right, the boys need some time before the show.  Yes.”

              “I’ll do my best.”

                Talking to Sharon Osbourne turned out to be easier than you thought.  You had lots and lots of stories to tell about Motley Crue’s escapades and she seemed content to listen to them, cluck her tongue, and gasp a little in horror.  You thanked her repeatedly for helping keep the boys in line, knowing full-well they were all getting high and shit-faced as you two spoke.  They liked to party, and so did everyone at their shows, so getting their energy up was what you had to help them do.  You and Sharon walked around outside the venue for a good long time before you finally bid her farewell and went back inside to deal with whatever mess Motley Crue had created in your absence.  They had gone onstage by the time you arrived, and you could just hear the music begin to play.

              You still loved hearing them play, even after hearing the same songs over and over again.  Hearing the crowd cheer and shout the lyrics back to them was still cool every night. You couldn’t even begin to imagine what it felt like to actually be up there.  Gathering empty bottles and other garbage together, you did your best to clean up the greenroom.  You weren’t part of tech and all the heavy lifting had already been done while you were talking to Sharon, so you snuck up to the stage and stood in the wings with some of the other roadies to watch the show.  It was one hell of a show, but the real fun started afterwards.  

                You were always preoccupied doing takedown when the band came offstage, so when you finally wandered back into the greenroom, the party was already in full swing.  The opening band was there, along with a dozen or more girls, Mick had a bottle in his hand, Vince had two girls swooning all over him, Nikki was doing lines off some girls bare chest, and Tommy was flirting with some leggy blonde. You were off duty now, since your only post-show job had been to help take down props, which meant you were allowed to drink.  Grabbing a bottle of whiskey off a table, you tipped back a good portion of it and then wiped your mouth with the back of your hand.  You didn’t get to relax often on tour, so you were going to make the most of your free night.

              “Heeyyy, Y/N,” greeted Nikki, beckoning you over.  “Are you drinking?”  He was eyeing the bottle in your hand with great suspicion.

              “It’s my night off,” you explained, taking another swig.

              “Aaahhh,” Nikki said.  “Welcome to the party then.”  He made a big sweeping gesture with his arms and nearly smacked the girl he had bent over him in the face.  Chuckling, you turned away from the bass player and narrowed your eyes at the blonde Tommy was talking to.  You knew nothing could ever happen between you and the drummer, so him getting together with another girl should have been fine with you.  You’d watched him flirt with hundreds of girls on this tour alone, this shouldn’t have made you as angry as it did.  Lifting the bottle to your lips, you drank half of what was left in it.  There was a boom-box in the corner, and ‘Don’t You Want Me’ by The Human League had just come on.  Swaying your hips, you slowly raised the bottle over your head.  You had always been into dancing – it didn’t take much to get you up on your feet, so with alcohol in your system this was a piece of cake. Flipping your hair and twisting around, you downed the rest of the bottle, then began searching for another. The more you looked at Tommy and the blonde who now had her hands on his bare chest, the more you wanted to drown out your feelings towards him.

              In no time, you had polished off two beers and had started on a third. Vince had disappeared with one of the two girls, and Nikki was gone too.  You weren’t sure where either of them had gone, but you decided it wasn’t your problem.  You were off duty.  You were here to have fun.  Tommy was still there though, but he and his blonde companion had made it to one of the couches.  Or at least the drummer had.  The blonde was kneeling on the floor between his legs.  Knocking back a third of your beer, you scowled.  Typical.  Fucking typical.  At least Vince had some decency; Tommy was just sitting there in the middle of the room getting sucked off by some whore.  Your drunk mind was never a kind one, and you were about to make it worse. Chugging the rest of your drink, you stumbled up to them.

              “Tommy,” you snapped, hands on your hips.

              “Y/N?”

              “Whatttt the hell are you doing?” you slurred.

              “Seriously?  I think it’s pretty obvious what’s happening!”

              “Who’s this blonde haired bitch?”

              “Geezus, how drunk are you?” asked Tommy, eyeing the bottle in your hand.

              “That’s not important, what’s important is the fact that you’re getting a blow job from some… some…”  You never finished your sentence.  Instead, you threw up all over the blonde girl below you.  There was a scream which you figured must have been hers, some swearing from Tommy, and then you were stumbling backwards into a table. Knocking everything on the table to the floor, you barely managed to make it to the safety of the floor before you threw up again.  The blonde was kneeling on the floor in shock, and Tommy was quickly zipping up his pants.

              “Y/N, you okay?”

              “Y-y-yeahh,” you slurred, letting the beer bottle roll out of your hand as you tried to steady yourself.  You’d manage to avoid getting puke on yourself the first time, but not the second. Your shirt and pants were totally ruined.

              “Fuck, Y/N,” breathed Tommy who was crouching by your side with his hand on your shoulder.

              “I’m fffiiiinnne,” you assured him, trying to push him away.  “You have your blonde bitch.”

              “You are so not fine.”

              Grabbing you under your arms, the drummer lifted you to your feet. Stumbling, you let him lead you outside to the bus.  Doc was the only one on board, but you didn’t even notice.  You threw up one more time on your way over, narrowly missing Tommy.

              “Christ, how many drinks have you had?” asked the drummer.

              “Only a fffeww.”

              “Definitely more than a few,” Tommy muttered, helping you to the bathroom on the bus.  You collapsed next to the toilet, gripping the edge for support while the drummer rummaged around looking for a clean cup to put water in.  You had felt good a second ago, and now you felt like shit. Rubbing your face with your other hand, you groaned as you looked down at your ruined clothes.

              “Fuuuckk, my outfit is ruined.”

              Clumsily, you pulled off your shirt and threw it across the small bathroom. Unzipping your gross pants, you attempted to stand up.  Using the wall to brace yourself, you managed to pull your boots and socks off, then your pants, and add them to the pile.  Just as Tommy came back with the cup of water, you leaned over the toilet and heaved one more time.  

              “Geezus, Y/N.”

              He handed you the water and watched as you downed the whole thing in one gulp.  Wiping your mouth with the back of your hand, you could feel your eyes start to prick with tears.  

              “I’m sorry,” you whined.  “I-I ruined your… with that girl, I’m sorry.”

              “I mean yeah, you did, but you’re shitfaced and standing here in your underwear so I forgive you,” replied Tommy.  You watched as him disappear for a minute and come back with his long-sleeve shirt from the first night you two had slept together.

              “Here, put this on.”

              You took it from him and slowly pulled it over your head.

              “I don’t want to puke on this,” you mumbled, looking down at the shirt. “It smells like you.”

              “I don’t think you have anything left to throw up, Y/N.  Now come on, you can lie down in the back.”

              You followed Tommy into the back of the bus to where the big wide wrap-around couch was.  Usually it was littered with junk, or occupied by one of the band members and some girl, but you’d cleaned it today.  You collapsed onto the couch, letting the cool fabric press against your cheek.  All you wanted to do was close your eyes.

              “My head hurts,” you complained, letting your eyelids droop shut.

              “That’s what happens when you get shitfaced,” Tommy said, using your own line against you.

              “Fuck offff.”

              There was the sound of shuffling, and then something was wrapped around your shoulders.  It was Tommy’s leather jacket.

              “Come here.”

              You opened your eyes again.  Tommy was leaning against back of the couch, his arms open.  You crawled into his lap, holding the leather jacket around yourself like cape.  With your face buried in his shoulder and his arms wrapped around you, you fell asleep in an instant.  

***

Okay there is definitely going to be a part 4 to this because this was way too much of a cliffhanger haha.  I have part 4 planned out already but I’m probably going to try to do more of my requests before I get to it.  As always, let me know if you want me to tag you in anything!

[tiredcowpoke]

TITLE: Paths [third part of a one-shot series] PAIRING: Charlotte Balfour/Arthur Morgan REQUEST: Anonymous - ““I’m not leaving” for Arthur and Charlotte!!” from the Angst/Fluff prompt list. BLURB: “ She hadn't seen him in almost a month—she had needed those weeks. To clean up her home, to think. Charlotte had cursed herself for falling in so deep—she had developed feelings for him, hadn't she? They'd been around each other for a good while, a couple months, Charlotte wanting him around for his company and dreading when he'd leave again. He always left. It wasn't love, but it was something significant. She loved Cal, but she had found herself wanting to make room for a man who may not even want her that way. Someone who she shouldn't want. At the realization, she'd fallen back into a sitting position on the floor of her bedroom, giving up on trying to fix the door, and wept. “ WARNINGS: Murder, blood, angst, conflicting feelings. It’s also just really long. NOTE: I had started this separate from the series but started including the ideas I had for it so here it is. I was never wedded to the idea of keeping these chronologically locked anyway lol I also had no idea how many people would actually indulge me with this ship but hey let’s go. lmao

If there was one thing Charlotte Balfour had come to know about Arthur Morgan, it was that he was someone she really didn’t know.

She hadn't seen it at first—he had more knowledge in what he was doing than her at the time, following after his guidance left her not really knowing how deep all of it sat with him. There was a lot that she didn't know about Arthur, as it turned out. Charlotte had many terrible nights, and their last meeting was only one in a string of many. Cal's death, sitting with him the day after as his injuries took him, the number of strangers turning up at her home with ill intention, nearly starving, and then there was the night she had her eyes opened to who Arthur really was. There was the man who cared—the man who listened to her talk about her grief, stories of her family, brought her food and taught her how to catch it herself. However, there was also the man who killed two men in her home.

He'd been doing it to protect her, she guessed. It wasn't hard to see, at least in hindsight. She had Cal's rifle, two nasty looking men crowding her door. Where're ya from, miss? Who ya hidin in here? Yet, she'd only ever shot the odd rabbit and empty bottles. She had done the latter to feel safer in her own home, to know she had a gun and knew how to use it, and yet when it came down to it...she was hesitating. Looking back, she could almost hear her mother. You're a society woman, Charlotte, and Calvin is not a mountain man. Perhaps it's time you both learn where you stand. She'd wanted to talk them down, told them that she had nothing. She was just a widow, that they needed to leave. They kept talking about some gang in the mountain, said she'd been hiding one of them in her home. That they'd seen him come and go. They had grappled to pull that gun from her arms, throwing her around her own home, breaking chairs, kicking in doors. She had been sure that was the end of her. Charlotte had feared bears, cougars, to be left to such a fate as Cal had, and yet in that moment all she saw was two men and their weapons.

It had happened so quick, one had stepped forward and there was a loud noise. Charlotte had flinched as if he had shot her, and yet the man's head snapped to the side with a bloody spray. The remaining man whirled around, charging for the front door to fire out of it a couple times. Then he was gone, a body on her floor. Charlotte had scrambled for Cal's gun, abandoned on the floor where they had tossed it, scurrying under the table and through broken wood to grab it. She rose up, aiming toward the door as a familiar figure stumbled in, pistol out. Admittedly, at seeing Arthur's face, the relief she had felt in that moment had her dropping the weapon and stepping forward to step into his chest. It was quick but somewhat lingering, her fingers curled into the fabric of his jacket as she breathed heavily to keep the sobs back. Arthur had gripped her then, too, hesitant but didn't shove her away.

She had started talking almost non-stop at that point, building panic and emotion in her voice as she stepped back to explain what happened. Her house was a mess, things knocked off shelves, a chair broken and splintered on the floor, one of the doors chipped and broken at the knob. Arthur had removed the bodies for her as she tried to gather what had survived up from the floor, though when he had returned, Charlotte had remembered what was said to her. She told him about them talking about a gang up in the mountains—and she should have known. Arthur was the only person who visited consistently, if the only person to actually see her for some months. His expression had shifted and Charlotte knew in that moment, but didn't want to admit it to herself. That his accuracy with a gun wasn't from hunting, that him disappearing and the chaos that often followed in Annesburg and surrounding areas weren't unrelated.

He'd told her everything, though. Everything her mind had been piecing together, looking her dead in the eye while he did so. It was the most he'd looked in her face, there was no secretive smiles or eye contact dropped to rub at the back of his neck. He was an outlaw, a dangerous one at that—so he said. Charlotte kept thinking back to those men, sneering that she was hiding some outlaw, that they saw him coming and going. Followed him. He led them right to her.

“I...” she had said around a gasp, “I think you should leave.”

“I'm thinkin' that, too.”

She hadn't seen him in almost a month—she had needed those weeks. To clean up her home, to think. Charlotte had cursed herself for falling in so deep—she had developed feelings for him, hadn't she? They'd been around each other for a good while, a couple months, Charlotte wanting him around for his company and dreading when he'd leave again. He always left. It wasn't love, but it was something significant. She loved Cal, but she had found herself wanting to make room for a man who may not even want her that way. Someone who she shouldn't want. At the realization, she'd fallen back into a sitting position on the floor of her bedroom, giving up on trying to fix the door, and wept. Charlotte felt like she was betraying Cal at letting those thoughts in, giving them a space. When Arthur was around, he made her happy, and she looked forward to seeing him again when he'd leave, but she let him go for as long as he needed, as long as he wanted. She knew Cal would want whatever made her happy, but she couldn't shake the feeling.

The dreams made sense now—the sudden shift from Cal to Arthur, the shame upon waking but she knew those thoughts continued into the day. Her memories of Cal were still hers, he was still him. The wedding day, wedding night, the days and nights that followed—they were him. Yet, her current life? The one where he was under a mound of dirt and she was left to deal with...outlaws and people with ill intent? She found herself wanting somebody else—she didn't want somebody else, she wanted Arthur. She wanted the days where he'd visit—not out of obligation, not really anymore. She wanted the quiet conversations on the porch, the walks, the horse riding where he'd point out wild horses to her with a light in his eyes that she couldn't help but want to follow. He taught her as much as he let her be herself, in her mind she never really felt just some...mere student with him. The lingering glances that she had brushed off as silly, the smiles. It made sense.

Yet...now, well, she wasn't sure if she had feelings for the idea of the man she thought she knew or who he actually was.

This life was hard. It was so hard. She had never experienced such loss, such pain. Yet, it was confusing with the moments of pure joy, contentment, and a want to let someone back into her heart. Life had such a way of twisting, and it made sense that it had one more for her once she came to another realization, one that started to form her stance on all of this. She left her home for a trip, she felt she knew enough and was a good enough rider now to make it, and headed up north near Strawberry. Far from home, from the memories there, and the recently bloodstained wood. She had wandered into town, gathering supplies for a trip into the woods that surrounded the scenic little town, when she saw him.

He didn't see her, thankfully, but she saw him. Saw his horse, a bigger beast than her own yet gentler than her rider she could presume now, a few pelts resting on her back as Arthur went inside the hotel. Charlotte had continued on, caught a rabbit and a deer to sell—the ones she still felt bravest to hunt. She had no hopes of taking them back home, but selling them would get her some money and would pay in the long run. She needed what she could get. The butcher had set about taking the skins and meat from her, Charlotte fighting the urge but eventually gave in to glance up the way toward the hotel. The familiar horse was still outside, hides on her back, and she exhaled a small sigh. Relief, anxiety, she wasn't sure. Charlotte took the money almost absentmindedly, pausing a few moments as she debated on just getting on her horse and leaving or leading her up toward the hotel and facing this head on.

She knew he wasn't going to come back on his own, not with how she had sounded and what she said. This was blind chance. She had to.

Charlotte grabbed her horses reins and walked her up to the hotel, her stomach twisting and her heart beating hard. Giving his description to the front desk was hard, the anxiety almost making her want to turn back, but when it was confirmed that a man sounding like him was staying there, she went up. It wasn't an overly long climb up the stairs, but she felt like it dragged on forever. She wasn't sure what to say, where to start. All she knew was the room and that she needed to knock. Charlotte's limbs felt heavy, almost as if it took extra weight to lift her hand to knock. Yet, she did, and she knew it was too late to turn back unless she turned right then to run away. However, she wasn't going to. It had been weeks and this sat on her mind so heavily, she needed something so she could stop wondering. So she could move on, in either direction she could see this going.

There was some shuffling behind the door after a few moments, heavy boots against the floor as Charlotte dropped her gaze a moment, she could see the shadow moving from behind the door through the crack before she was glancing back up as the door opened a bit. The confusion that sat in Arthur's expression was understandable, considering how quiet this establishment was, though at recognizing her, the expression only deepened.

“Miss Balfour,” he greeted, her stomach dropping a tiny bit. He was back to that. “What're you doin' here?”

“I...wanted to try hunting up here, and I saw you in town earlier. Though, I'm safe to assume you didn't see me. In all honesty, I had debated seeing you beyond that at all, but...I knew that I would be waiting a terribly long time for you to come back around, if you ever did, so we could talk.”

“Talk?” he asked, shifting the door open a little more so she could see him a little more clearly, “I...all respect, miss, I'm havin' a hard time thinkin' of what there'd be to talk about. Think I got yer meanin' very clear.”

“All due respect, you murdered two men in my home who's blood I can't get out of the wood and I feel it's a reasonable request to talk about what happened when I'm not...absolutely panicked and afraid after surviving that.”

Charlotte was all too aware of how sharp her tone was, how bold this whole situation was on her part, but she knew she needed to have something done about it. Despite the tightness in her chest that had her almost breaking down outside his room's door, she found her head dropping as she shook her head lightly.

“I also...” she continued, swallowing, “I also know why you did it. In many ways, I thought I was prepared for the hardships this life had in store for me. I was raised as a woman of the city and doing this, I never thought I would be so alone. This world hasn't been kind to me, and I know I should have expected in some form that the struggles wouldn't...leave because I...was doing better than I was. Those men, they were much more...forceful and determined than what I was used to and I knew I should have pulled the trigger but...I lacked the bravery. I don't know or want to think about what would have happened to me if you hadn't shown up when you did, but...you saved my life. I can't...I can't use that to excuse the fact that you've done bad things, but it's something I need to acknowledge.”

“...I ain't a good man, Charlotte,” he returned, sounding like it was something he had been asserting all his life. “I weren't lyin' when I told ya that you don't know me all that well.”

“I'm aware,” she stated, taking in another breath, “However...I'm aware of how I am, too. I...I lost my poor husband to this life he had held onto so romantically, leaving me to deal with the reality of it. I don't blame him for it, but...I nearly starved to death and you could have walked away, you almost did, but you helped me. I let you into my home more times than I can count, you never took anything from me, even when I opened that to you, never...did anything to me and...I know there are people out there who would have done worse if they had been in your situation. You didn't treat me like some...poor window who deserved to be robbed or murdered...”

Arthur moved a hand up to rub at his eyes, pinching there lightly as he breathed slowly out through his nose. Charlotte watched him carefully, feeling that tension in her chest easing some as the words came out, said out loud instead of circling in her head. However, she honestly wasn't sure how Arthur would react to all of this. She wasn't sure how she should react to this. Though, she wasn't expecting him to hold the door open to his room, beckoning lightly with his free arm.

“Ain't nobody here, but I don't want to talk 'bout this in a hallway.”

Charlotte hesitated, looking over his face a moment. Arthur looked stern, but there was a tiredness to his gaze, something was getting through. Yet, a part of her didn't quite want to lose that half privacy, she had a way out that wouldn't be through a closed door likely behind—she was afraid of him. At least, in some way. Seeing him do what he did, how could she not be? He had never harmed her intentionally, had treated her with respect and helped her in a way that made her feel in control of her own life. Did all of this erase that? No, she knew that it didn't.

“Fine,” she muttered, almost a whisper, before she was walking forward into the room. Charlotte knew she had much more to say, and she knew this was probably her only chance to make her meaning perfectly clear. The room itself was cozy and small, the bed unmade and looked partly slept in, bandolier resting on top of the chest at the foot of the bed as Arthur's gun belt still rested around his hips. He was asleep, or about to be.

“What's the meanin' of you turnin' up like this?” he asked, blunt, “So far, I ain't so sure I understand.”

“I have come to a couple realizations since the last time you saw me,” she started, gripping the wrist of her left hand with her right, “I...I realized that you weren't the man I thought you were, and I have to be honest and say that I still don't know who that man really is, but...I also realized that you may be right, you may not be a good man, but you were good to me. So much better than anybody who had come up there after Cal's passing. I...I don't know what type of person you are anymore, and that whole ordeal scared me, but...I also know that I still miss you when you're gone and I know you had done that to protect me because...well, that situation was getting out of hand.”

Charlotte watched Arthur's reaction carefully, a part of her still very much conflicted on if she should have done this in the first place. A part of her wanted to leave, that there was nothing good to come to get involved with an outlaw that was running around the areas near her home—that she had been unknowingly involved in some way to a point where those men showed up at her home. Yet, that part of her that held affection toward him wanted her to cross the room and hold him, tell him that she forgave him, that she understood, but that was naive. Her and Cal had been so naive and she...well, she had to be more than that, or she would die very quickly out there.

“I'm no man who should be missed,” Arthur remarked, “After I brought them men to yer home? They could've killed you and you're here...why?”  

“I...I saw life giving me a fair chance and I took it.”

“I'm not even gonna pretend I know what ya mean by that.”

“I don't rightly know, either,” she responded, worrying a lip between her teeth a moment. That was a lie. She knew. It was just getting it out.

“I think...I think the best choice here is leavin'.”

“I'm not leaving,” she stated, almost surprised by her own resolve, “At least...I can't, not until I...”

She paused, biting on the inside of her lip. There was a better time for this, no doubt, but with recent developments she saw no other opportunity.

“I need you to know that...over the last while, I've developed feelings for you. I don't...rightly know what they are exactly, and perhaps that is what has made this so difficult to accept. I had hoped that I would be able to find a time to tell you that wasn't...wasn't this. So, I lied, I know why I'm here and it's that.”

Charlotte exhaled slowly, a little shaky as she lowered her gaze. Cal had only been the other man she'd admitted her feelings to, and it had been such a certain and tender thing back then. Her bravery had been rewarded with a soft kiss and reassurances, yet this? She had no idea. The way things were happening, she was almost expecting to be kicked out and she would accept that. Move on. She knew it would be the best but a part of her also just wanted to be taken into his arms. She had wanted that for longer than she wanted to admit.  

“...I had a feelin',” he started after a silence, leaning against a drawer as he crossed his arms, head tilted downward. If he'd been wearing his hat, she likely wouldn't have been able to really see the expression on his face, much she couldn't read a lot from it. “I been lyin' to you for so long and I...It ain't fair to keep doin' so, I...I feel somethin', too, but I'm not sure what it is. Yet...after everythin', the idea that you...”

“I'm conflicted, I can't lie about that but...” she let out a small sigh, bowing her head, “I've been so...guilt-ridden once these thoughts started to enter my head. That I wished I could hold you, make you stay...kiss you, and there is a part of me that still wants that now. Yet, I think that in wanting that, I'm betraying Cal in some way. He was the most understanding man I knew and I know he'd understand this, too, and I know a part of me will never stop loving him but I know a part of me can still make room for someone but...I never knew if you wanted that to be you, Arthur.”

“Charlotte...” he started, taking in her expression before sighing lightly. She did the same before deciding to continue on, bowing her head slightly.

“I know what you were doing in that situation. You had the bravery I lacked and you saved my life. I repeat that because you have done so more than once, now. I...the memory still haunts me, but I know I can understand and...eventually forgive that, but it's everything else that I...I don't know right now. You have never done anything to hurt me up to this point.”

“You know what I am,” Arthur stated, “Are you still not leavin'?”

That was a hard question—Charlotte knew what was underlying that and she could feel her throat tightening as she knew this was the crossroads she was waiting for. This life...it wasn't good to her, and she didn't know his life too well, but from what he had spoke of from time to time, she knew it wasn't good to him either. They were good to each other and yet...this was so much. However, there was a decision to be made, and she had approached this with the intention of making one. Rationally, she knew she shouldn't fall in with an outlaw, especially when there were things still currently happening, but...she wanted him, too. It...it made no sense and she hated that it didn't. This was more than just...accepting a flaw, and yet...

“...No,” she replied, her voice quiet, “I want and miss you, and I know it makes no sense that I do after everything, and maybe it's naive of me to think that perhaps there is a way for this to work in our favor but...everything you did with and for me up until that point, was it genuine?”

“Yeah,” he stated, “They were. You're...you're strong, Charlotte, and I know a part of me wasn't wantin' to put myself into what mess you had found yourself in but...I stayed, even when I was goin' all the time.”

Charlotte let that linger in her head, shifting on her feet somewhat as she debated on her next step to this. She took a breath in, lowering her gaze again as she brushed a bit of hair behind her ear before she nodded lightly. This could be a mistake, and she knew it. Yet, finally, she found herself moving forward before pausing a couple steps from him as she lifted her head, giving him a nod.  

“Then there's more to you than I know,” she replied, “Maybe than you know.”

“I doubt it, but maybe.”

“A truly horrible person wouldn't have done all that you have for me, and that's not me saying that you're excused from everything you have done but...all you needed to do was show me how to hunt and shoot, after that you could have left and I would have been fine with that. Instead, you kept coming back and I found myself struggling to see you leave more and more each time. I know I can't pull you from this but...”

Charlotte, focused on trying to word herself correctly, hadn't noticed that he'd shifted until she felt him touch her forehead gently, clearing some of the strands of hair that had fallen out of place throughout the whole thing. She wasn't expecting that, almost flinched at the suddenness, but remained where she was. There had been a few touches here and there, an arm slung over a shoulder, a hand on his jacket, steadying hands on her shoulders when he'd check her aim, but she wasn't sure what to make of this. Considering there was still some hesitancy to his movements, she wondered if he did too. Though, the feeling of that hand coming down to cup her cheek made his intention clear enough in her mind. His hand was large, and warm, but rough. She knew she shouldn't, but she found herself leaning into the touch with a small sigh. That conflict with still twisting in her gut, but in the moment she found herself braving a touch to his face, running her fingers along his jaw before she placed the hand there.

“You sure?” he asked, his voice low as Charlotte looked over his face. For a moment, she wasn't sure if he was really asking her or himself. Could be both. She took in another breath, looking him over a moment. There was always a part of her that would feel...some sort of way toward what she had learned about him, but even through her own thinking about what happened and explaining it all to him, she was beginning to understand something a little beyond that. In time, she hoped that perhaps he would help her understand more. She needed him to, if they were...well, if things were going to improve between them.

Should she kiss him in the moment, though? Reason told her that it likely wasn't a wise choice, but she found herself exhaling a breath and nodding her head. She knew she would go over this moment over in her head later, probably on the journey back home, but in the moment she wanted nothing more. Her hand moved up into the hair at the back of his neck as Arthur pressed his mouth against hers, Charlotte letting out a slow breath she'd been holding as she pressed back into the kiss. She had always been a bit of a romantic, imagined kisses always being a little passionate, but this felt uncertain moving towards something more natural. Arthur's stubble scratched gently at her skin, and he tasted a bit like cigarettes. She could smell it on him sometimes, during the points where she was close enough to his clothing. He was broad, too, one hand moving up into his hair as the other rested on the curve between his shoulder and neck. She could feel the warmth of his hand against the small of her back, the other at the back of her head. He wanted her back. She had almost convinced herself that it wouldn't happen, that it wasn't. She had almost expected at her confession to be told the same she had been when he'd talked with her at the door, that he was a bad man, not worthy of being missed.

As much as she grappled with the fact that she had to change the way she thought about him, about what he does, the realization was rather sad. The whole situation was sad, as strange as it was to have that thought in the current moment. Charlotte broke away from the kiss once she started to feel her lungs wanting more air, keeping herself close as she pressed her forehead to his, closing her eyes a moment. She could feel his thumb run across her jaw as she dropped both her hands down to his shoulders.

It was a strange first kiss, she had to admit. A part of her was excited, relieved, but conflicted. She knew she'd be thinking it all over and then some once she was alone, possibly before that, but in the moment she just let out another small sigh through her nose.

“Please don't kiss me like that and never come see me again, I didn't think I could take doing this but I don't think I could take that...”

The admission was hard, it made her feel some sort of way deep in her gut. Hopeful, confused, but she meant it. She really did. She opened her eyes again as Arthur shifted, pressing a kiss to the side of her forehead as he wrapped his arms around her more. It wasn't an answer—more reassurance than promise, but she would take it.

Everything was difficult as it was, but she couldn't deny the racing of her heart and the ease in her at being this close to him finally. She wasn't sure how she was supposed to act, but it was easy to lean into him as she wrapped her arms around him.

[anodyne-sunflower]

Love me like you do (Part 23)-Balem series

A/N: Here we are. Part 23, geesh. This is the longest fic I’ve ever written lol I really hope you guys have been enjoying this ride, it’s definitely a pleasure to write. No, this isn’t the last chapter lol Anyway, Few notes: Famulus is Titus’ assistant in the movie, she’s a deer splice. Midian is a planet owned by Abrasax industries. I’m not entirely sure what color the moon on his gold collar is, but it looks red orange to me….I’m also not sure if it is a moon or something else, but fuck it. Ummmm other than that. Enjoy.

MOOD MUSIC: Paint it, Black by Ciara

***

The ticking of the grand clock on the ceiling resounded off the walls of his chamber, slowly lulling the Primary into a scene of emptiness. He could gaze all around this lavish room, with its aureate light across the walls, and find nothing short of silence. It had been this way for a long while, devoid of all life but that of his own when he took residence in it. He cherished his time alone, away from those who would seek his power or leech off it. But, for a time now, he found little solace in this empty chamber. Where that pendulum grated on his nerves and did little else but spin him into a frenzy of anger. His fingers curled into the papers on his desk, crumbling them into a mess as he seethed silently. His eyes darted towards the clock on the far wall, glaring deeply at it, as if the very object mocked his self loathing.

He could blame you, every illogical section of his mind wanting so badly to do so. To say that a single woman caused him to break into this pathetic pining individual he was now, but that would be unfair to you. Perhaps you had done what no other could in all his long life, but for that he should and truly was, grateful. He adored you beyond anything else in his world, he would not lie to himself anymore. You were the center of his universe, and he knew that no matter what became of you both, you always would be. It would be fair to say that was precisely what vexed him. The fact that a simple earthling girl, meant to become the very essence of his business, could so easily gain his love. You were beautiful, intelligent, but in the grand scheme of things there wasn’t anything particularly special about you. He had met and bedded many gorgeous women in his lifetime, none as fair as you, but equally capable in a sense to find themselves the holder of his heart. He could pretend that was the case, but deep down he knew exactly why you were the one to make him feel so alive. And the simplest way to explain that, was that you loved him without ever expecting more from him. He wasn’t a man who could change easily, and even though he could see you wished for him to do so on occasion, you never once begged or asked for it. You loved him for everything he was, it was raw and it was real.

Balem looked back again at the doors, conflicted on whether or not to give chase. He had a choice before him, and unlike his usual self, he had no clue as to what to do.

“Forgive me, my lord-”

Mr. Night came rushing into the Primary’s chambers, arms restlessly moving at his sides as he tried to catch his breath. He looked flustered, as if some grand thing had just occurred and he was all too eager to relay the information. Balem, however, was in no mood to entertain the splice this afternoon.

“Mr. Night-” he warned, slouching down into his throne with a sound of discontent. “I am in no mood.”

“Yes, my apologies, Lord Balem. But, I have urgent news.”

Balem rubbed tenderly at his temple, propping his elbow up onto the arm of his throne before waving his free hand for the advisor to continue.

“As commanded, my lord, your fleets have taken residence near Titus’ territories. Most of his ships have been eradicated.”

The Primary glanced up at the information, eyes wide for a minute. He had forgotten in his anger he had made such a request, and it brought little comfort to his distressed heart.

“Titus?”

“Alive, my lord. He’s currently en route to Midian.”

He nodded in response, not surprised Titus had somehow managed to escape the attack. In truth, he wished his younger brother had perished. At long last this rivalry would come to an end. Kalique was manageable, Titus was the wild card. And he was well aware that he would stop at nothing to gain his title.

“How disappointing.” Balem spoke apathetically, laying his hands in his lap and lacing his fingers together. It was an entirely reckless plan on his part, but in the aftermath he may as well find some degree of happiness in it. The less Titus had at his disposal, the better. “Pull back our forces, have Greeghan personally see to the storm gates, and if Titus wishes to speak to me…I want to hear of it.”

The advisor bowed, swiftly turning away and rushing out the door to give the orders. Balem was left to contemplate his next move, thinking just how desperate Titus must be feeling right now. So alone, with nothing but that hideous clipper of his to keep him sane. It brought him joy for a minute, knowing he dealt his message to the scheming little brat of a brother. But, he was aware that his own future was as bleak as Titus’ now. He had likely descended the family into war, and even though victory would surely be his, he would still be left just the same at the end. Empty of all in life, but the riches at his disposal and the power at his hands. He had always been cognizant of this fact, it was hard to ignore when all you lived by was the same values of the entitled code. People like him didn’t get happiness, they only grew rich and old, and in their time they learned one thing: fight for more time. All to get even richer and powerful, until you were the god of everyone and everything and no one could stand in your way. That was his aim, until he met you. He didn’t think it possible to want anything more than the power available to him, to constantly fight tooth and nail for it. Now it all seemed a fruitless endeavor, when at the end he’d find himself still hungry for more. Time was still worth fighting for, but it all meant nothing in the conditional sense. He could forever strive for wealth and power, but he was positive he’d never find anyone like you again.

The Primary gazed back to the exit, heart straining terribly in his chest. He wasn’t sure he’d ever grow accustomed to the feeling, but at the sting of tears in his eyes he rose from his throne. He would not shed a tear, but it was the first time he ever truly felt the pending loss of someone dear to him.

He strode towards the exit of his room, stopping just at the doors and coming to a conclusion. He would not lose you, not ever. You were his, and he would make sure of that. He left his chambers in a rush, walking down the halls and ignoring his staff and soldiers on his way to the servant quarters, where he was sure you’d be. Upon his arrival, the corridor appeared empty, save for one man who was busy cleaning.

“Where is she?”

The servant jumped at the gruff tone, pushing back into the wall when he found the head of the alcazar glaring at him. He had never spoke to Balem before, let alone made eye contact with the intimidating lord. “I-”

“Get out.” The Primary ordered in frustration, already knowing the servant was going to be useless to him. It didn’t take long for the man to listen, and he bowed quickly as he ran out of the area. “Fool…”

Balem looked around the corridor, noting every room and passing them by one by one. He didn’t recognize anything, all of the belongings in them unknown to him. He tried finding you, but it all appeared to be in vain. Until he heard soft humming coming from the showers, a sweet little tune that he had heard once before in the night. When you thought he was asleep, tracing random patterns upon his back and humming out that same song.

He brought his gaze to the shower area, slowly moving towards it and stopping just at the entrance. The servants showers were built into the marbled black walls, each individual area sectioned off by long draping gold curtains for privacy. As soon as he entered, the steam hit him, enveloping him in a warmth and scent that was all too familiar to his senses. It enslaved him, beckoning him forward to the shower it came from. His boots stalked along the water seeping along the floor, the ends of his cape now soaked as he found his way to you. Yet, he couldn’t possibly trouble himself with such a thing, for his mind was hooked on one person.

Balem paused at the end of the showers, standing before the curtain, and reveling in the enchanting silhouette within his line of vision. He was so fond of that bewitching form, every part of him yearning to have it back in his arms where it belonged. The longing had him propelling forward into the shower, hand coming up to shift the curtain aside. His eyes immediately were drawn to you, bathing under the heavy flow of water that came from a long spout above. Your hands worked the soap over your curves, your back turned to him as you ended your humming to extend your face into the stream.

His breath left him in awe, eyes scanning every inch of your bare body. He had never felt desire like this, his heart aching to be with you and body begging to have you. It was a passion that wouldn’t easily fade.

Your hands ran over your thighs, wet hair clinging to your skin as you washed and scrubbed at your body. The shower proved helpful enough, washing away the dirt and grime of the day’s work, yet ridding your heart of the turmoil it felt. If only for a few minutes. You were certain those feelings would return with a vengeance once you finished up. In fact, you were positive they’d haunt you for the rest of your days here. Balem managed to work his way under your skin, nearly controlling every logical part of you. There was so many things to detest about a man like him, and yet you adored him for all he was. That would never change, and you would just make peace with that.

You sighed into the water, closing your eyes as you tilted your head back and appreciated the heat spilling over you. It reminded you of him, his warmth, his caresses, the way he’d lean down and whisper intimate words into your ear. Bathing with him was a heavenly gift, one that you happily shared in numerous times. But, those musings only heightened your sorrow, knowing he didn’t want you anymore. You fancied yourself a strong person, but even heartbreak could tear the strongest people apart.

Balem advanced over the water, unmoved by the droplets seeping into his attire. His focus was primarily on you standing before him, so unaware of your effect on his being. He was so close now, one slip of his hand, and he’d be reaching out to touch you.

You angled your neck to the side, massaging at your shoulder that felt just a tad sore. The heat of the water loosened your muscles, making you moan in comfort at the feeling. As your nails glided along your flushed skin, a soft touch made you freeze. The feeling of fingertips moving up your mid back, and over your shoulder blade causing you to shiver. You knew that touch, but in the back of your mind you warned yourself not to believe it was him. You didn’t dare look back, heart already hammering away within your chest as those fingers walked over your shoulder and affectionately covered your hand. From the corner of your eye, you could see the glint of gold rings, his thumb sweeping over your knuckles in an enamoring way. It captivated your attention, tongue coming out to lick across your lips as you finally brought yourself to turn to him.

His other hand came to rest on your left arm, traversing up your now prickling skin as he pulled you back into his hold. You felt the black gems adorning his shirt prod into your back, his breath ghosting along your cheek as he leaned down.

“Turn around.” He pleaded, nose pressed into your cheek as he inhaled your scent. How he missed this closeness, just feeling you encased in his arms. He was a fool to have let it go before.

You did as he asked, tentatively turning in his grasp until you found yourself gazing into his handsome face. Most would break under the stare of him, finding that distinct barbarity in his gaze too difficult to comprehend or endure. You had felt that once, months ago when he held you to a wall and let that inviting voice of his seduce you. It was the beginning of the end for you then, little did you know his cold, calculating eyes would become such a pleasure for you to look into. All fear aside now, you simply allowed yourself to enjoy them, even as they bore down into you.

“What are you doing?…” It was a weak whisper, conveying the excitement and confusion in your heart. Balem offered no explanation, and without further question he lifted his hand towards you. The water above slid down his palm, cascading over his fingertips as they swept over your cheek. He touched you with such devotion, so unlike his typical callous nature that it made you pause in your thoughts. You couldn’t make sense of his change, but if those green eyes told you anything it was the deep sadness pooling within them. Something he so desperately wished to be unburdened from.

He trailed his thumb down, bringing it to your perfect lips and tracing over them. He relished the warmth of your breath against his fingertip when your mouth parted, a shaky breath leaving you at his attention.

“You have no idea what you’ve done to me.” It was said in despair, his words proving that he was finally at the end of his rope. He could no longer deny what he needed in his world, not when it was standing right in front of him.

You made to speak, eyes welling with tears when he leaned forward to press your foreheads together. There was many things you wanted to say, even some that would convey the struggle he had put you through, but all that was lost when he pushed you both back into the wall.

The water fell upon him, drenching his clothing, and completely flattening his usually slicked back hair. But, Balem only kept his attention upon you, his lips taking your own into a fervid kiss that left you positively breathless. You clung to his shirt, gripping tightly onto his sleeves as he cupped your cheeks. His lips moved slowly over yours, savoring every touch, every noise of pleasure until you begged for air. He would pull away momentarily, letting you recover before fulfilling his desires again. He wasn’t sure he’d ever get enough of you, but he’d resign himself to a fate of trying if it meant having you near.

“Balem…” You gasped into his mouth, simultaneously wanting to bring him closer and push him away. Your heart could only take so much of this, and you only wanted for him to know that. “I can’t…” You moved your face away, his lips brushing over your cheek from the sudden movement. The urge to cry was building, every single heartbreak he caused threatening to spill out. But, you forced yourself to keep those emotions at bay, unwilling to allow him the pleasure of your pain. Not that he ached for it, he would never wish to bring any harm to you.

“Little bird,” Balem kept his lips on your cheek, kissing it softly before moving away. He respected your anger towards him, but he wasn’t willing to part from you yet.

“Don’t.” You begged, an audible whine escaping you at the sound of his pet name. It always caused a mix of emotions to build, making it harder to ignore your desire to be with him. “Please…”

“Y/N…”

His sudden switch made you turn, brows knitting together in shock at the way he said your name. It was a rare sound to witness, and you could count the number of times he actually used it. Only this time it was sincere, as if he was trying to keep you calm in his hold. You glanced up at him, tears rolling down your cheeks when he tilted your chin up. His habitual icy glare replaced by a genuine look of adoration. He didn’t need to smile, he didn’t need to say much else, because you felt it then. An overwhelming tenderness that was displayed in the way he caressed your cheek, brushing off the tears. He ran his fingers through your wet hair, gently tugging you forward and into his arms. Your chin came to rest on his shoulder, eyes wide as you felt him embrace you, your breasts pushing into his chest as he held your head and waist in his hands.

You could’ve broke down then, allowing all your pent up emotions to rush out in a heap of sobs. But, you merely bit down on your lip, letting it quiver between your teeth as he hugged you to him.

Balem didn’t say anything else, he allowed you a moment, waiting until he felt your body still in its silent cries before unhooking his cape from the buckles on his shoulders. He gracefully pulled it around himself, bringing it over your bare body and wrapping you as best he could. He craned one arm around your back and hooked the other under your knees, lifting you protectively into his arms.

The cold cloth made you shake, but you didn’t care too much, your focus trained on the powerful man gazing down at you in his arms. He turned the water off, keeping you snug against him as he took you both to his chambers.

Neither of you cared when you passed others in the hallways, your eyes remained fixed on each other. Trying to disclose the extent of your feelings that had long gone unsaid. It wasn’t until you came upon his chamber doors that he looked away, taking you over the threshold into his room. It was so long ago when you came in here with the intent of fulfilling passions, an action you didn’t believe you’d be partaking in again. But, as he carried you across his chambers towards the large bed, you remembered how much you treasured those intimate meetings.

Balem set you down gently, your feet touching the ground delicately before he began removing his cape from around you. His eyes fixated on your face, one hand coming to tilt your chin up, the other sliding the cape effortlessly off your nude body. It fell in a damp heap on the floor, leaving you to tremble gently in the air of the room. He carefully walked you back, the heels of your feet hitting the edge of his bed, making you look behind to ensure you wouldn’t just fall. But, he held you close, his body heat already rolling off in waves around you. If only you could get him out of his wet clothes, you’d be even more welcoming to his touch.

“Here.” You trailed your hands up his chest, admiring the well made attire of his shirt. You couldn’t even imagine what all that gold and gems cost, but it worked well for the Primary. “Let me.” You traced the intricate patterns of his gold collar, running your fingertip over the bright glow of the red orange half moon. You never realized how detailed the contraption was, but it suited him for some reason. You unlatched the lock on it, opening it up and removing it from his neck. In some odd way, it felt deeply personal, as if he was allowing you the privilege of being this close. It was unlikely that anyone had ever touched, or cared for him in such a way. But, when you pulled that collar off and dropped it casually onto the cape, it was like a new appreciation for one another had developed.

Balem never faltered in his gaze, his expressive eyes now mapping the beauty before him. He pulled his shirt off, your hands quickly coming to explore his body without breaking eye contact. He cherished the lightness of your caress, muscles contracting beneath his smooth skin as you inched your fingers lower. His skin was cold to the touch, the water having clung to his clothing and chilled him to the bone. It increased the sensitivity of his body, a fact he wasn’t complaining over. Not when he had you splaying your hands over his chest and lower abdomen, your arousal clear in his eyes when you bit your lip.

There was an excitement in your actions, both of you journeying your hands and fingers along the other’s body with renewed vigor. It was like exploring something new all over again, the emotions behind your teasing touches and affectionate glances multiplied by the confessions in each of your minds.

“Kiss me.” You couldn’t take the lack of contact much longer, not with him towering over you in all his arousing splendor. As much as you would enjoy the foreplay of undressing the rest of him, your body was eager to be entwined with his.

Balem’s lips curled into a smirk, the love in his eyes now mixing with pure lust at your demand. You had rarely asked anything of him in bed, and when you did it was said in those moments of your rapture, when all else failed you and a simple ‘Don’t stop’ could be heard. How he enjoyed those loose lips of yours, often giving him what he wanted to hear even when you tried to fight it. So your demand would go answered, because he could not deny himself the pleasure of that pretty pout.

He cupped your face, thumb sweeping over your cheekbone as he tilted your head and leaned down. His nose pushed into yours, lovingly bumping together before he gave you what you asked for. His lips barely covered yours, allowing your breaths to mingle together, creating a wave of ecstasy for you both. You wanted to close the distance, but the part of you that enjoyed the sweet torment allowed him the slow dance of his kiss. So you worked at his pants, undoing the clasp that hung just below that V of his abdominal muscles. It only furthered your temptation, heart racing now as you lowered his pants and freed his swollen need for you.

He groaned into your mouth when the tip of his manhood brushed your stomach, leaving a slight trail of precum along your skin. It made you both breakaway from the kiss, cheeks now flushed with desire as you stared at each other. He made quick work of his boots, shoving off his pants the rest of the way before coming back up to admire you. The want was so palpable in the air of the room, and he wasted no more time in lifting you into his arms. He hugged you to him, just enough to get you onto the bed where he gently laid you down beneath him.

It was the chill of his lips that made you sigh out, lower back arching from the bed. Your fingers already tangled into the silk sheets, head tilting to the side in a passionate state.

“Balem…” you whispered sweetly, eyes shutting as he dragged his mouth over your breasts and kissed each one. He paid particular attention to your nipples, delighting in the way they hardened under his administrations.

“I’ve missed you.” He groaned in his pleasure, nuzzling your ribs and smiling when he heard that melodic giggle of yours. “You make me weak, little bird…” he said with such desired acceptance, closing his eyes as he nipped just below your breast. The ticklish sensation made you giggle and moan, body thriving on the attention he offered. His words weren’t lost on you, and though some may have found trouble in them, you just found love. For a man of his stature in the world, knowing you were the only thing he considered a weakness…it made your heart flutter.

“How?” You questioned, fingers running through his hair as he continued his path down your body. You could feel his fiery gaze upon you, knowing he was delivering a warning not to push him too far into this new territory. It only made you smile, a sigh moving passed your lips as he catered to your need.

Balem’s tongue lazily drew a pattern over your navel, licking over the now heated skin and coming to stop at your spread legs. He eyed you from his position, an amused smile on his face when he heard you question his statement. He could explain a number of reasons why you tormented his every thought, but he wasn’t well acquainted with the complexities of love. Some secrets were meant to stay that way, and he could tell how badly you wished to gain them from him.

“Nothing you need be made privy to…” he teased, kissing over your thigh and watching as you writhed around.

You would’ve argued his point, wanting to know why someone like him came to find his weakness in you. Call it arrogance on your part, but what woman wouldn’t like to know every detail about the man she adored. But, your argument fell into a string of moans, his tongue now lapping languidly at your folds and paying particular attention to your clit. He had ached for you, his needs having gone ignored for far too long now. He often dreamt of you being in his arms again, enticing screams of passion falling upon his ears and making him wake up impossibly aroused and angry. Having you here again, moving happily around on his bed and whimpering his name, there wasn’t anything like it.

“Balem!” You pushed at his head, the pleasure rising too high and nearly causing tears to form in your eyes. His tongue and lips had you thrashing around, the only thing keeping you grounded was his hand on your breast, the other holding one thigh away so you wouldn’t completely trap his face between your lovely legs. He heeded your silent request to stop, pulling away with a soft smack of his lips, a string of your cum sticking to them. It was a heavenly sight, especially when he smirked and kissed just above your pubic bone, making you shift in his hold and beg him to come back up.

“No more,” but, your words trailed off into incoherent purrs of bliss. His breath and lips tickling over your stomach and up your chest until he stopped them above your own. He knew what you wanted, what he wanted, and as much as he lived on the foreplay of sex, he couldn’t deny you both any longer.

“Whatever you desire, my beauty.” He cooed, burying his face in the juncture of your neck and shoulder. He meant every word, his entire being now devoted to the endless comforts and affections he could spoil you with. You were his, and he would do anything in his power to keep it that way. He could not afford to lose you again, because life seemed too painful now without you.

He settled himself at your entrance, groaning when his tip pushed into your warmth. Every primal element of his personality begged to take you hard, but he wanted to savor these moments. Just witnessing and perceiving every fine detail until he could map every inch of your body into his mind. From what made that sensual voice of yours moan, to the touches that caused your body to contort in ecstasy within his embrace.

“Ahh…” You held one hand back against the headboard of his bed, bracing yourself as he slowly buried his length within you. Your walls stretched and gave way to him, contracting around his cock and craving for more movement. “Balem, oh god…”

He was fighting his own pleasure, one arm wrapped around you and the other forcefully tangling into the pillow near your head. His breathing had grown ragged, teeth grinding down so he could control the needs he felt. With you moaning away beneath him, nails clawing at his back, he wasn’t sure it was possible to continue this slow ascent into your passions.

“You drive me mad, my little dove.” He chuckled, kissing your neck and moving you to look at him now. Both your eyes were glazed over in lust, each of you wanting to cave into the more wild nature of your relations. But, he took it slow, rolling his hips down and growling out his pleasure.

You held onto him, gliding your palm up his back and lacing your fingers through his hair. He kept his leisurely pace, sliding in and out of you, only heightening the response of your bodies to the thrill of your coupling.

“Faster,” you moaned pleadingly, throwing your head back into the black and gold pillows. He kept brushing over that sensitive spot within you, the slow rhythm of his thrusts only denying you the peak of your bliss. It was frustrating and perfect, his movements only making that pleasure build until you couldn’t fathom the idea of taking anymore. “Don’t stop…”

Balem kissed you eagerly, a grin on his lips when he heard those two pleading words that he was so very fond of. You uttered them against his kiss swollen lips, crying out between his kisses as he increased his speed. He was rocking into you at this point, your body giving into the sinful pleasures of the Primary. Your inner walls clenched down around his length, feeling the pulse of his own arousal with each needy thrust. The both of you drowned in the heat of your passions, your own orgasm approaching at a frenzied beat. The tightening in your abdomen gave way, back snapping off the bed and pressing you flush against Balem. He was groaning heavily into your kiss, trying to keep his climax steady until you were completely satisfied beneath him.

He slowly came down from his high, hips still bucking gently forward to ride out his orgasm. You were writhing weakly under him, body exhausted from his lovemaking. You moaned softly when he pulled out, missing the feeling of his proximity already. But, you took joy in his embrace, wiggling around as he began to pepper kisses across your collarbones, neck, and cheeks. Each one more tender than the last.

“I love you…” you confessed to him, already knowing he had an inkling of your emotions. But, you spoke them anyway, wanting him to be fully aware of just how much he meant to you. It was a dangerous thing, most would say, but you felt it so fiercely in this moment the words could no longer be contained. “I love you.”

Balem paused his trail of kisses, lips barely caressing the skin of your neck when he took in your heartfelt sentiment. He felt your body tense when he said nothing, your fingers restlessly tapping along his back, trying to control your nerves. He wasn’t at a loss for words, he knew exactly what he felt, but your confession was the only thing he wished to focus on, if only for a minute. He had stopped you the very first time you tried, an action he now felt foolish for. Because, nothing in life would ever bring him this sliver of happiness like hearing you give yourself completely to him.

He closed the distance between him and your neck, kissing your pulse gently as he nuzzled just below your jawline. If there was ever a reason to want more time at his disposal, it was to share it with you by his side.

“I am yours.” He whispered so sincerely, moving up to gaze down into your beautiful eyes. He brushed the fallen strands of hair from your face, admiring your features before repeating himself. “I am yours.”

***Midian***

“Lord Titus…?” Famulus cautiously stepped towards him, her ears twitching in vigilance as she awaited his command. Titus merely stared out the windows of his clipper, eyes filled with a fiery resolve to tear Balem apart. His entire fleet, meager as it was, destroyed right in front of his eyes, metal scraps floating in the abyss of space. The shine of the explosions glinted across his pupils, lip twitching at the corner as he attempted to quell the rage building within him. He could have heeded Kalique’s warning, perhaps even let this rivalry between brothers go. Now he could not fathom leaving Balem to rule over everything while he only fell further into nothing.

“Lord Titus, are you-”

“My army, how many left?” He clasped his hands tightly behind his back, gritting away at the anger boiling inside. He could stand and watch his livelihood be taken from him, or he could fight back, and what better way to greet Lord Balem First Primary, than with an army of his own.

“I’m afraid there isn’t much left, my lord. You have two ships left, each well equipped with soldiers and sims, but I’m afraid it wouldn’t do much against-”

“And Kalique? What of hers?”

“I’m not sure she wishes to be involved, Lord Titus. Our communications have gone ignored…” Famulus bowed her head in apology, lifting her eyes only to survey the amount of frustration Titus felt.

Titus sighed, never taking his sights off the ship currently being attacked. He should’ve guessed Kalique would shy away from full on war, it wasn’t her style to get involved in the overall politics of it. Such a shame really, she could’ve proven a great help to him. But, if she wished to abandon him now, then he could forget their original deal.

“Very well. I want you to contact Cygnus-”

“My lord…” His assistant looked down in worry, moving away to hold her arm out towards a container, currently being held in the arms of a soldier. “Cygnus is no longer able to help…your brother…”

The Third Primary glared towards the container, seeing stains of dried blood clinging to the edges. It was no doubt the grisly work of Balem, always wanting to send a message in the most heinous of ways. He didn’t need to peek inside to know the head, quite literally, of Balem’s council was in there.

“I see. Well,” he smiled at Famulus, trying to regain his calm demeanor. “No matter. We will do this without him. He sent me some interesting feedback on this last meeting. Perhaps Balem would like to speak about it. If it is war he wants, then I will give it to him.”

***

A/N: Hope y'all liked! Please give feedback if possible ❤️ I can’t say how many parts are left, but I’m getting towards the end-ish lol. Based off my outline :) so, we shall see! I’m super stoked!

[nightowlfandom]

Soryu Oh- Bully Me

 VOLTAGE FANDOM WHERE YOU AT! Also who here has the Love 365 app? i need to know I’m not lonely lol.

A person sent me a chat message but asked to remain anon, I forgot to screenshot, my bad. 

Leggo.

...    

Just make it to the door, make it to the door. Almost there!

You made a beeline from the front desk to the doors. If you were able to avoid those damned bidders, you could finally have some time to breathe. Those assholes always had something for you to do. Whether it be washing dirty underwear, or doing something stupid like polishing picture frames for three hours straight.

“Come on, come on!” you sped up even more. “Almost there-”

“There you are!”

DAMNIT! So close.    

You froze midstep, hearing Baba’s familiar voice call out to you. He came onto your field of vision, wearing that mischievous smile you detested. He was planning something.

“Um, H-hello.” you straightened up abruptly, staring down at your shoes. “I was just about to-”

“Leave? But why? You have duties to attend to, maid.” he tapped your nose with his finger as if you were a child being told you were silly. 

“I just clocked out.” You began to explain. “Plus I’m off for the rest of the day.”

“All the more reason to jump on tomorrow’s work.” he grabbed your wrist and began walking towards the elevator. “Plus, I’m sure the other men will have jobs for you to complete as well.” 

“Of course they do.” you sighed in defeat, allowing him to pull you along. Leave it to them to not be able to do anything by themselves. It was almost like they loved torturing you.

You made it to the top floors, still in Baba’s grasp as he walked out. “Look who I found trying to sneak off!” 

“Now, Koro. Why would you want to avoid us?” Ota walked out the kitchen to greet you two.

“My name isn’t Koro!” you snapped in reply. You instantly covered your mouth with your other hand. The first rule of working for these guys was to never speak without being spoken to first, and especially not outburst.

“Seems as if, Maid  hasn’t learned the rules yet,” Baba laughed gleefully. Glad to know he as entertained by all this. You, on the other hand were mortified. Damnit, Y/N. You’ve been doing this for years, get it together!

“Do you think she needs to be punished?” Ota questioned, smiling.

“Hey idiots, leave her alone.” another voice made its presence known. Soryu came out of the elevator, looking like usual aloof and angry self. “I don’t know why you insist on being so childish but do it elsewhere.” he snapped. Soryu didn’t like you. He made it very obvious. You were so uncomfortable around him. 

“Oh come on.” Baba finally released your wrist. “It’s fun to bully, Y/N! You should try it out some time.” he crossed his arm and stared at him. You shifted your weight from one leg to the other, not sure what to do. 

“I’d rather eat dirt.” he replied coldly. You weren’t sure if he meant well or not, but for some reason that comment kind of hurt your feelings. Would he rather eat dirt than deal with you, or-

“You.” a snap caught you off guard. Soryu was pointing right at you, looking impatient. “You’re done for the day. Go” he nodded back towards the elevators. 

“Yes sir.” you said quickly, bolting for the doors. It seemed like forever waiting for the golden sliding doors to open. You could feel all of their gazes on your back.

Finally, the elevator door slid open, allowing you to scurry in. 

...(The Next Day)

“And done.” you finished mopping the floors as you were instructed to do by Mr. Ichinomiya. The entire room was spotless thank to you. Sure, your hard work would definitely go unnoticed but you didn’t care. Being stuck cleaning an entire penthouse wasn’t your idea of a great work day but as long as you could do it in peace, you were fine.

“Helloooo, Maid!” A voice sang. Spoke. Too. Soon.

Baba skipped in again, tipping his fedora to you like the gentleman he wasn’t. “All done for the day?”

“Um...I-” you began to speak, but kept cutting yourself off. If you said yes, he would start messing with you. If you said no, he’d know you were a liar. 

“She’s with me today.” you felt something wrap around your wrist and pull you away from Baba. Soryu had a firm grip on you that you found it impossible to let so. 

“Aha! So I was right.” you heard Baba’s voice fade as you were dragged into the elevator. Right about what?

Soryu pulled you in with him and shoved his keycard into a slot. You weren’t going to his floor, were you?! Wait, no you couldn’t! “Um...Sir?” you tried to speak.

“No talking.” He cut you off with his firm voice. “We have matters to discuss.” 

“Okay then.” you said quietly. You couldn’t protest and you definitely wouldn’t. All you could do was stand there and flatten yourself against the wall. You weren’t prepared for whatever was about to happen. You weren’t ready! You so ready ready. No way in hell were you ready!  Your thoughts were too jumbled to even register the elevator doors open.

“Follow me.” Soryu said, walking forward without looking at you. You quietly trailed behind him, heading straight for his room. You followed behind him quietly. Your heart was racing a million miles a minute. Once you made it to his bedroom, you were left to just stare at him as he locked the door. The stone cold mobster sighed deeply before turning to you, slowly undoing his silk lavender tie.

“Um...Why are we here?” you found it in yourself to finally speak. 

“Isn’t it obvious?” he huffed. “I’m gonna bully you.” he took a step forward, letting his tie drop to the floor. “I’m gonna mess with you and pick on you.” he stood over you. 

“I’m sorry, what?” you stepped back. “Mr. Oh, what are you talking about?”

“You’re gonna let me bully you like you let Mitsunari do.” he said threateningly. “Understand?”

“I don’t let him bully me.” you tried to explain. “He just does.”

“You’re a terrible liar. You let him mess with you because you’re in love with him, aren’t you?”

“No!” you said a little to loudly. “I am not in love with Baba, I’ve never been!”

Soryu made a partially confused face, which in turn confused the hell out of you. “You’re not?”

“Of course not!” you shook your head. “I don’t look at any of the other men that way.” 

Soryu glared at you, but not his usual glare. This was different. Jealousy, maybe? “I don’t believe you.”

“W-well you should. I like someone else.” you found yourself saying. You instantly regretted it. No one was really supposed to know that, especially not the culprit himself. 

“Who?” He asked, his eyebrows narrowed. “Don’t bullshit me, maid.”

Call it hypocritical, but hearing him call you that made you feel strange, way different that the inner dread you felt when Baba called you that.

“Y-you, Soryu.”

For once, the seemingly cool mobster lost his cool. He began fumbling around as if he didn’t know what to do. You noticed his cheeks turn completely pink. It was kind of...cute.

“Me? You’re in love with...me?” he asked, flustered as all hell. “I don’t do schoolgirl crushes, you know that.”

“I’m aware.” you said boldly, which surprised both him and yourself. “Why do you think I put up with those assholes every damn day.”

“...because of me?” the corners of his mouth turned up. “You let those assholes near you because-”

“...It means I get to see you...even if you don’t like me-”

“What? No!” Soryu went from stone cold to looking like a complete nerd. “I mean...um...I’ve grown interested in you as well.”

“Oh...really?” you fought back the smile threatening to rise on your face.

“Yeah...” he replied. “So...you’re not allowed to be alone with those men ever again.”