#into a waltz cause they'd both need to do it

[p4nishers]

there's something i need to say and yall can boo me for it but deep in my heart i'll always know i'm correct: crowley already forgave aziraphale. like already would take him back at one flutter of his eyelashes. that's all.

[madschiavelique]

was just thinking about miguel/reader/peter with them being possessive & jealous while RAILING you after someone else flirts with you 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

okay so i know i could've just done a blurbo, but my mind said smth else LMAO (i gotta say besties i'm not super proud of this one but i think it's because i'm a bit rusty, hopefully it's still readable tho !!)

summary : miguel and peter railing you from possessiveness warnings : SMUT(18+), dom!miguel, meandom!peter (?), sub!reader, boob job (reader receiving), oral (reader receiving), possessiveness, afab!reader, no use of y/n, not proofread word count : 919 (short baby)

They saw that man, that miserable guy approaching you and trying to start a conversation with you. They obviously know that you’re theirs, and that they’re yours but they can't help feeling that pressing, sharpened weight of jealousy in their chests.

They try to hold on at the beginning, as they often do. Who knows, maybe he was just coming to ask you a question, just asking for information or something. They weren't necessarily partners restricting you much, so they'd just watch you from afar. They knew you didn't need them around all the time.

Of course, their composure began to evaporate as soon as he started smiling at you insistently. They both felt themselves boiling as he took another step towards you.

He moved closer to you, joking in a voice that made them want to strangle someone, preferably him, letting his hand rest on your shoulder as he laughed in your face. Too tactile, too insistent, too close.

It didn't take Miguel and Peter long to intervene.

"Hey, bunny," Peter called to get your attention as they came close to the two of you. "Sorry, they were out of the thing you wanted." He stood beside you as Miguel crossed his arms over his imposing torso, looking down on the fool who thought he was good enough to deign to approach you.

The man watched them, slightly confused.

"I'm sorry, who are you?" he asked, in a tone half irritated and half nervous.

"We're her partners," Miguel informed him impassively.

"Yo-" but he stopped himself in his tracks, his eyes shifting from Miguel's to yours. "your partners?" he pressed the S.

You nodded casually, a bit oblivious about the situation, as Peter gently stroked your hair.

"Why don't we go home, hmm?" he said softly, his eyes trying to keep the warmth of his tenderness, but his lips twitching slightly at the thought of that miserable guy trying to get close to you.

You agreed, both taking your hands to go outside. The way back was marked by a heavy silence. Miguel looked annoyed, and Peter, who rarely looked irritated, wore an expression akin to that of the taller man.

The true color of their feelings took on greater depth as, closing the door behind you, Miguel came to attack your lips, cupping your face to prevent you from breaking free of his grip as Peter came to press his lips to the nape of your neck behind you.

Your mind blurred and captured by the lips of your two partners, you managed to whisper against his lips between kisses, "What is it-" but your sentence was instantly muffled by Miguel's tongue pressing against yours.

"Watching you there," Peter breathed as his hands moved to the front of your waist to unbuckle your belt, his lips pressing warm kisses to the skin of your nape, "with him..."

A growl went up Miguel's throat at the mere mention of the idiot as he pulled away from your lips to remove your top. 

"It drove us mad," Peter concluded as Miguel came and lifted you with a jerk to take you to your room.

You barely had time to feel the cool sheets of your bed under your back before Miguel resumed his sinuous waltz with your tongue. He grabbed your waist, reversing your positions and positioning himself underneath you.

Behind you, Peter had just pulled down your underwear, grabbing the skin of your buttock with his full hand before slapping it, causing you to let out a surprised moan against Miguel's lips. The latter straightened you on top of him, letting his lips descend on your breasts as Peter's thumb came to press against your slits.

"Did you have fun?" he asked as he lowered the latter to your clit, engaging in slow, circular movements. "Tormenting us like that."

"No," you whined as the sensation of Miguel's tongue describing delicious circles on the separation between the skin of your breast and that of your nipple mixed with that of Peter's thumb pressing slightly more on the sensitive nub.

"Course you didn't," you could hear the smile in his voice as he brought his face closer to your cunt, "you know you're ours, angel." he said as his tongue made a long line from your clit to your entrance.

The heat in your lower abdomen kept intensifying as your two lovers rushed to devour your body. Every inch of your skin had to be covered with their hands, fingers, lips and tongues.

Each stroke of their tongues brought their names to life on your lips. Miguel's fingers dug into the skin of your sides as he sucked your tit between his lips, engulfing it completely with the warmth of his mouth, while his other hand lingered on the second, pinching it gently between his thumb and forefinger.

Peter's tongue made quick strokes against your clit, sucking it slightly and keeping your hips in place as his hands gripped your thighs firmly.

The knot in your stomach intensified by the second, feeling your lower abdomen grow tauter as the two never slowed their pace. 

Your back arched, your heart pounding as everything exploded. Your body seemed made of vibrations, waves of bright light that made you feel as if your body no longer knew the limit of the lines it possessed.

Breathless and with your legs still trembling, you let yourself fall onto Miguel's chest.

"Oh, sweetheart, this is only the beginning." Peter smiled behind you, kissing your swollen clit.

[retronamic]

Arcane Women with a Betrothed S/O (Grayson)

Thank you pinteresttttttt!! I've had this catching dust for 3 months now but I spotted finally struck now enjoy!! I plan to do more of them cause this was suppose to be a whole thing butttt too long soooo yall getting it in parts.

Hopefully I'll have Vi or Sevika done by next week (hopefully)

TW: Virginity (I hate the word purity but I needed this to be as regal as possible)

Afab! Reader

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

- Being the Duchess of Piltover meant your life was immersed with luxury and wealth that most couldn't attain within their lifetime. But amongst the glitz and glamor, laid a sea of envy and vengeance. So much so that from as long as you can remember, Grayson had walked alongside you, vowing to protect you with her life.

- Your parents scouted her when she was an appraising guard, she quickly rose to the ranks of commander of the royal guard, and it's no surprise why, she took her job very you seriously. Especially when she knew your life was essentially in her hands.

- Everyone in Piltover knew that wherever you went, Grayson was not far behind. All you had to do was look over your shoulder, and Grayson was there. It's no wonder, you too grew so fond of each other.

- Not only did she physically protect you, but she made sure your emotions were never toyed with. Many nobles came across trying to win your hand with promises of more wealth and unconditional love, but to do that they'd have to go through the impenetrable wall that was your Grayson. And no one wanted to cross her- I mean she has thousands of guards under her command- you'd be a fool to try her.

- Your love for Grayson was no secret, I mean anyone with eyes could see it. The way you two would glide across the ballroom floor, all while longingly looking into each other's eyes. Shared laughter in hushed tones and the way you clung to her arm as you made your way through a crowd.

- But underneath it all you both knew it wouldn't last. When your parents told you that your hand had been promised to a nobleman, your fears were realized. You cried every night. You cried that you didn't have to go threw this. You cried for your freedom. You cried for your Grayson.

- You knew she was suffering too. She could hardly look at you, and when she did her eyes would water. She even entrusted Marcus to look over you as she was "busy". She was distancing herself from the situation. From your life. From you.

- The night before your wedding, you took it upon yourself to confront her. Under the cover of nightfall, you snuck into her chambers. You found her still up, doing paperwork as usual. She didn't look at you, she couldn't bare to. Like you were just some apparition that frightened her.

- Cupping her face into your hands, you felt the tears roll down your face. You begged her to leave with you, to escape and live out the rest your lives together. You knew it was absurd, they would have her killed for such treason, but you didn't care, you would die alongside her if that's what it took.

- She kissed your wrist as she enveloped them into her hands. She tried to assure you that you would love your husband, that he would love you, how could he not love someone as precious as you.

- You didn't want to hear it. She was lying to you, and to herself. But a part of you knew she was right, this was bigger than the both of you. Still if she couldn't have your hand, she had your heart, and with permission, your purity.

- You wanted her to be the first to have you that way. Not him. Her, the one you truly loved. And she did. She held you so close as not to let you go, but so gentle as not to hurt you. You awoke enveloped in her arms knowing this would be the last time.

- She watched from the sidelines as you were wed. Your tears of misery were mistaken joy. You wanted to run to her. But you dare not jeopardize her life like that. She watched as you were whisked away in a waltz, knowing that his touch stung you. And she watched as you were whisked away, knowing that would be the last she ever saw you.

[therealgchu]

Snippet Sunday - Iris

i need a meme of trying to fall asleep, and your brane goes, "here's 1,000 story ideas at 1am!"

anyway, here's a story idea that almost wrote itself. one of the fastest write-ups i've done. will publish the final on friday. for now, it'll be a one-shot, but i may fold it into the main fic.

it's called Iris, after the GooGoo dolls song. prolly one of those things that baked in my noggin for so long from the coemancer crew doing song inspirations.

sneakage with the peekage

She laughed, “I know, I’ll teach you how to waltz,” and she ran over to the stereo to change the music. The Skaters Waltz started playing, and she ran back to Sam. “Place your right hand here,” and she placed his on her hip, “and your left hand in mine, like this,” and she lifted his hand up to his shoulder height. “Now, you’re supposed to lead, Take a step to the side with your right leg, then follow with your left, then another step with your right. Remember, it’s all about 1-2-3,” she counted.

Sam tried to follow her movements, but kept staring at his feet. “Eyes up,” she said, lifting his chin, “or you’ll trip.”

“I don’t want to step on your feet,” he explained, with his head bobbing up and down trying to pay attention to both his feet and keep his eyes up.

“It’s actually harder to dance if you’re constantly looking at your feet. Trust me. Just feel the music; feel the swing, 1-2-3,” she counted.

“One-two-three,” he counted under his breath, head still bobbing up and down, attention split. Mid-way through the song, he bonked his forehead against her head as it was bobbing up and down. “I’m sorry!” he shouted, flustered.

Hwa laughed, “It’s fine. It’s not the first time I’ve had my head hit while dancing.”

“You know what, this song sucks. I’ve never much liked classical,” Sam griped.

“Alright, I have a better song then,” and she ran back to the stereo. Acoustic guitar started coming out of the speakers and Sam gasped.

“This is a waltz?” he asked. Hwa ran back to him and nodded, resuming the partnering position. His face took on a far-away expression. “My mom used to sing this song all the time. She loved it,” he whispered.

And I'd give up forever to touch you 'Cause I know that you feel me somehow You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be And I don't want to go home right now

Hwa smiled gently at him, and he took a step forward. He stared down into her eyes, mouthing the lyrics. His steps became more confident as the song progressed.

And all I can taste is this moment And all I can breathe is your life And sooner or later, it's over I just don't wanna miss you tonight

They waltzed across the floor of their home, both staring into each other’s eyes, Hwa’s eyes soft, smiling the smile she had only for him; Sam’s eyes intense, the usual soft blue color darkening. 

And I don't want the world to see me 'Cause I don't think that they'd understand When everything's made to be broken I just want you to know who I am

He softly sang the chorus, his gravelly voice highlighting the last two stanzas. The couple gracefully moved across the floor to the swinging rhythm of the old song.

[spindaonateaspoon]

📓 :3c

Okay so I started writing an original story based on a dream I had that fucked me up for months. Buckle up, this is a long one

The story revolved around two friends, a nonbinary MC and their male bestie, who, shortly before they're about to move off to go to separate colleges, go for a hike in the woods and find an old house. They soon realize that this house collects lost and abandoned things. All of its rooms and garden are filled with things from old houses, abandoned places, forgotten rooms. It can also change its layout, but never when they're looking. They decide to stay here for a little while, and a little while turns into a long while

Bestie has always had a crush on MC, and this is something they'd addressed and moved past, but being in this magical house together causes him to grow bored and resentful. This spooks MC, because they don't want him to leave (which they are both perfectly capable of doing; they've just chosen not to). So, in an effort to keep him happy there, MC offers to sleep with him, and they do one time. It's not particularly good, and they both feel really weird about it, and this ends up changing their relationship for the worse. They've never as comfortable around each other as they were before.

BUT, because of this, MC gets pregnant and has a son.

And this is actually really good. The two are able to find a huge swath of common ground because of their son, and things are different but they're happy. Meanwhile, MC becomes really tuned in to the house, and the house tunes in to them. While at the beginning things would appear randomly, now everyone is noticing that the house seems to be able to intune what they want and need; prioritizing their favorite foods and books, and making more blankets appear on cold nights, and shifting the layout to the house to help them get where they want to go in it. MC is much more in touch with the house than Bestie, in part because he's still not fully content there.

And then a new man walks into the house. He's a professor who was out for a hike in Appalachia, and entered out of curiosity just like MC and Bestie did. Bestie is immediately really into this guy, and the two of them get very close while MC is left behind. MC grows jealous, but tries to be open and welcoming. But they can't really get the results that they want, and soon they are cut out of their bestie's life.

And then one night they catch the new man and Bestie leaving with their baby. They try to stop them, but they can't. The man slams the door in their face, and when they open it, the three are gone, and the house isn't even where it was when they left it, so they can't go after them.

Years pass, and MC becomes a ghost in the house, existing but empty of purpose. The house takes care of them, and they become so deeply integrated into it that they can manifest things out of the house itself, directing plants to grow out of the walls and willing certain things to appear.

Then one day, Bestie, the man, their son, and a team of researchers waltz into the house. The man has returned with a team of grad students to research the house so that he can find a way to profit off of it.

While they begin the fruitless task of figuring out how the house works, MC watches from a distance. They learn that Bestie and the Man have a tumultuous relationship with a severe power imbalance with the man getting whatever he wants, that their son hasn't aged at the same rate as passing time, and that he appears to have developmental delays (which he did not have when he lived with them!). MC's lurking leads to the graduate students thinking that they are a ghost, and it's a long time before they realize that they are a) an actual person and b) have some pretty substantial history with their professor (the man) and his partner (the bestie).

A bunch of shit happens that shows the students that they're on the wrong side of whatever is going on here, and that shows MC that the man is an asshole. The tipping point is when they catch him smacking around their son. They attack him, and the two have to be broken up by the bestie and the students. The students take MC's side, bestie takes the man's side, and this is the official schism in the house.

The man, furious, decides that he's had enough and that he wants to leave, but Bestie is finally starting to figure out that his man is a piece of shit and doesn't want to go with him. The man is having none of this, and fully intends to force Bestie to leave. The house, however, is not inclined to give them time to decide, and starts heaving and moving hallways and opening doors to fling them out the open door. This is the first time that anyone has ever seen the house change. It's ALWAYS only changed when no one is looking. The house has perched itself on a massive cliff, with the intention of dumping the two of them down a long fall. Bestie ends up clinging to the bottom of the door, and his man is clinging to his waist.

The house gives MC a chance to intervene, and they offer Bestie their hand and tell him "I'll help you if you accept my help!"

And he reaches for their hand, willing to admit that he's been a huge douchebag for the better half of a decade and he knows that he has turned his back on them and that accepting this help means making it up to them...

But his man reaches up and swipes his hand away, and in doing so, breaks Bestie's hold on the door, and the two plummet to their death.

And then the houses closes the door.

I left out a lot because there were so many middle things in here but. Can you see why this dream scrambled my brain?

I got about halfway through it before I lost steam, in part because it was so emotionally trying to write that I just had to step away for a while. But I'm excited to eventually finish it! Eventually!

[theanonymousfoxsimp]

Tengen uzui x ftm trans!reader and

Rengoku kyouguro x ftm trans!reader

Lets think for a moment that transitioning was completely safe and did exist in demon slayer.

18+ content mentioned,minors DNI

Tengen uzui

The first time you guys meet,he is sure that you're hiding something but won't force you to bring it out if you're not comfortable with it. He's a hashira,everyone has their secrets and he will respect them

He wouldn't know until he walked in on you and a uniform maker bickering about your uniform. If you're a trans female,the uniform maker would be adament about you having a male uniform,while if you were a trans male,the uniform maker would be adament about you having a female uniform

This really doesn't sit well with the sound pillar, considering he heard how determined you were with wanting to get the correct uniform. He would stand behind you,his glare sending chills down the uniform makers spine and it would quickly force them to correct their mistake

You noticed he was behind you,your eyes welling up with tears. If you both were previously already in a relationship,he wouldn't stand for this and would hoist you over his shoulder to bring you back to the estate to comfort you.

100% supportive,man's even gives you his old clothing that helps make your body more masculine. He'd loudly proclaim how flamboyant you are and would praise your looks.

Praise is a must whenever your dysphoria kicks in, he will stop whatever he is doing to reassure that yes you are handsome and no he does not see you as a woman or you aren't "manly" enough. Even his wives will help reasure if he's out on a mission and too busy to help. His wives are WONDERFUL supporters of your decision,they'd help bind your chest in a safe way if you haven't had top surgery.

They can and will beat the living daylights out of a demon or demon slayer if they misgender you in the slightest, or glare at them if it was a slip up

The fight with the upper moon 6 was rather tough on you all with daki and gyutoro. Daki had first noticed before the fight and gave you tips for some reason on how to appear more masculine?? This honestly surprised both you and tengen before going back to the fight with a bit more respect for the upper moon

If you ever need an injection but are afraid of needles,tengen is the man who will essily distract you with a kiss or gentle praises while he helps you with the injection.

He always supports your decisions,even if you wanted to be feminine,he will help since he is the master at this sort of stuff.

The other hashira's respect you,and if you become a fellow hashira then their respect will be 100% even better because of your status

Overall this man is the king at praise,he's supportice and will show you how much he loves you and even will go as far as only referring to you as his handsome s/o even if its embarrassing you

If you're feeling dysphoria durring sex and want to be on top? He will switch positions as fast as he can,even allowing you to wear something to top him. Mega praise,treating you like you're the guy you've been working to be

Helps you deepen your voice,evem the other male hashira help

Someone makes fun of you for wearing makeup and nail polish? Tough luck cause the next day,he will waltz around with a full face of makeup and painted nails to prove that everyone could wear makeup and nail polish

Unsafley binding? No no this man and his wives will NOT stand for it and force you to do it safley,even forcing you to stay back from a mission in order to make sure you are safe and not hurting from a few days of binding

Kyoujuro rengoku

The flame pillar himself is supportive of anything as long as you don't decide to become a demon. He knew what was up immediately when you both met but respected your decision nonetheless,even going as far as exclaiming bodly that he doesn't care about whats in your pants,as long as you're a respectable person,he WILL respect you

Nothing stops this man from helping you get whatever you need,he respects you and will do anything he can to help you with your transition.

He will LAUGH at any demon slayer who calls you a woman if your ftm,he will LAUGH at anyone who calls you a man if you're mtf. This man will make them so uncomfortable that they apologize in order to make the flame pillar stop

When His father and little brother meet you and if you do decide to tell them about about your transition,they will be a bit confused at first before rengoku explains and they're 100% on board. His father not showing as much support but internally he is proud his son has chose you and how strong you are for doing this. His little brother asks ALOT of questions in regards to this,he's not disrespectful but oh boy does he have alot of questions

His father would-"very kindly" try and give you tips,which rengoku would have to repeat but in a nicer way for you to understand that he's not purposely trying to be a dick but its the alcohol.

Spoilers(imagine if rengoku lives the battle): the fight with akaza was eventful,the train being such a traumatic battle as is but the fight with upper moon 3 was stressful beyond belief. Akaza was confused at first with your arrival,not knowing about your transition and would exclaim he doesn't fight women. This is when rengoku would loudly yell at him that you are a man,akaza will switch up immediately and call it a "very worthy battle with worthy opponents".

100% supportive,very loud with it too and if you need quiet praises,he will help with that too but he'd struggle after awhile to stay quiet because of his normally loud voice but he'd do it

In bed,he's all about praising your body and making sure you're okay. If you need to be on top or maybe change it so you're on your belly. Mans will change up so quickly and swap positions,praise will be a must and there are points where he takes notes from tengen to help with this.

Mirror sex,either blindfolded or not,he will repeat praise after praise,compliment after compliment to make you feel like a king.

His mouth can do alot of things other than being a loudmouth,he proves that VERY quickly when you needed some way to distract yourself from the growing dysphoria. He will let you keep on your clothes durring sex if need be,he won't force them off.

If you want to appear more feminine,he will gladly go to the female hashira and get tips from them,even if tengen's wives come around,he asks for tips from all of them including tengen on how to support you here.

Nail polish and makeup is a must,especially matching makeup and painted nails that are firey red and yellows

If you are also a hashira,he respects you even more.

Afraid of needles? Don't worry,he always manages to distract you and helps you with the injection very easily,its over with before you know it.

Unsafley binding? Oh no no this man will not have that,he will force you to bind safely even if its your dysphoria kicking in. His praise and compliments would help with that

His father and him gives you old hamidowns,they don't fit your breathing style(unless you are also a flame breath demon slayer) but nonthless they help a lot.

Whenever you wake up next to rengoku,you can feel him running his hands over your body,small praises and him calling you his future husband would be a must,including good morning kisses

Even if he didn't know and you'd tell him,he'd just loudly exclaim "AND?" As if waiting for bad news. If thats all you'd tell him,his words would be "I AM SUPPORTIVE,AS LONG AS YOU DON'T DECIDE TO BECOME A DEMON I AM SUPPORTIVE OF YOUR DECISIONS".

Very loud support

[hexpea]

Ch. 21 - The Final Epoch

You tried your best to sleep for the remainder of the night, but it was nearly impossible. Satoru sat on a chair, awake and on watch, in the corner of your room as you caught up on your sleep. You felt so bad for putting such a burden on him, a burden he didn't ask for. But you knew he'd tell you that either way, Sukuna was a threat that needed dealing with, and guarding his best friend's wife was little in terms of what they'd do for one another.

When you woke, you kept yourself busy with mindless hobbies: reading, horseback riding, and your personal favorite - archery. Considering you had made your presence known on castle grounds, you hoped the word would spread and reach Suguru so that he'd come home. 

You took a deep breath as you pulled back the string to your bow, eyes focused on the target yards ahead of you. Satoru stood back, dark circles starting to form under his eyes as he maintained his guard. 

"Y/N?!" You heard a familiar voice in the distance just as you let go of the string, only barely throwing off your aim in the process. You turned your head as soon as the arrowhead buried itself in the hay bale just yards away.

Suguru looked completely pale as he stared at your frame in the distance. Behind him was a search party of about thirty guards who all looked equally tired.  As you met his eyes, you dropped your bow and took off in a sprint. Suguru joined you in order to close the gap quicker, arms out to receive you. 

It was the tightest you had ever felt his arms around you, desperate breaths rushing over your ears as his chin found your shoulder. One of his hands cradled the back of your head with the other at your upper back; your own hands gripping the back of his shirt for dear life.

You felt so bad for having left again and causing such panic to someone you...

"I love you," you muffled into his hair between the embrace.

His grip slightly loosened when he heard your statement. "What was that?" Suguru asked gently as he hesitantly came away from you. His amber eyes glistened in the late afternoon sunlight, magnetizing your focus to him.

"I...love you," you tried to keep from smiling too wide. You figured for the moment, such a wide smile would seem too childish. But that didn't stop Suguru.

His grin was wider than ever just before he captured your lips once more. "Please don't scare me like that again," he begged with a whiny tone between kisses. Behind you, Satoru was giving a sleepy smile.

"I'm so sorry," you apologized as soon as he set you free. "But...there's a lot that has happened. And I thought leaving would be for the best, but Satoru gave me some reassurance." The two of you glanced in the direction of the white-haired prince.

"Why on earth would you think that?" Suguru was genuinely shocked, concern quickly covering his face.

You swallowed hard, already feeling the wavering in your voice before you could even speak a word.

"There's quite a bit you need to be caught up on," Satoru had waltzed over in your silence and slapped his best friend on the back. You nodded in agreement as Suguru held his expression, furrowing his brow further with confusion.

The three of you headed inside to the castle library for a much needed session of catching up. Between yourself and Satoru, the two of you told Suguru everything you knew about what Sukuna was up to.

After taking a moment to take everything in, Suguru gave a nearly audible sigh and sat up from his slouching position. He leaned a bit forward and held his chin in thought, elbow against the wooden armrest of the chair he sat in.

"This is...quite the problem," He muttered and stared toward the table that the three of you sat at. It was clear he was in deep thought, whether it be thinking of a solution or disassociation from fear - you didn't know. "But this is our chance," he suddenly looked up with a face of determination, glancing between both you and Satoru.

"We can do this," Satoru nodded with confirmation.

You, on the other hand, having very little knowledge in the world of jujutsu, were incredibly unsure and nervous. Suguru had played this guy up as the biggest threat to humanity. If that was the case, you wondered how it would only take two guys to take him out.

With Suguru back home, Satoru was able to rest after his long night watching over you. The two of you spent the remainder of the afternoon and into the early evening in conversation, both casual and concerned. You quickly realized how calming Suguru's voice and overall presence were to you, especially since you allowed those three little words to fall from your lips.

When the two of you weren't discussing Sukuna, it was easy to forget the worry that you had once felt. The way Suguru locked on your eyes, taking in every word you had to say with such careful consideration and a sweet smile, made your usually locked away heart bloom and flutter.

It wasn't until the silence came, casual lull in conversation, that it all came coming back. The two of you lounged on one of the stiff library sofas, your head in his lap as he gently rubbed your hairline, when you felt an unfortunate knot in your throat and subsequent warm tear uncontrollably stream down your cheek.

"Y/N," he softly spoke up as he looked down at you. "Are you alright?"

"It's all my fault," you whispered with a small chuckle. You understood Sukuna was a threat whether you were there or not so you at least had that to lighten the burden. "You have to face him unready. You and Satoru are going to get hurt all because I had to go off on my own..."

Suguru gave a deep breath and searched for the right words to respond to your reasonable pain. "We've been preparing our whole lives for this," he finally reassured you. "What you did that night, running into him, wasn't your fault. It's better we deal with him sooner than later."

You weren't buying his reassurance. "It's like I'm some sort of curse," you quickly sat up and wiped away what was left of those few stray tears. "I burst into your life, cause all this havoc, and the minute you marry me it's a death sentence."

"It's not a death sentence," he corrected you with a bit of impatience, "and you're not a curse. If anything," he leaned forward with an outstretched hand to softly caress your cheek, "you've been the biggest blessing my life has ever known." His glistening eyes held yours with a knowing steadiness. The stability of his gaze was the reassurance you desperately needed. 

With the emotion you had being held like a bowling ball in your chest and Suguru's soft and sweet words of confidence, you could no longer hold back. You burst into tears right there and fully allowed yourself to collapse toward his chest, warm arms always ready to catch you. It was a weakness you seldom let yourself feel, even when alone. That's how you knew you were on the right path.

[ophelia-jones]

Exerpt from my fic on AO3

"No man's land" chapter 9

Network 18+

Heather, Stacy, Dr. Wilson and Rainie were all waiting on the beach when they arrived. There were many more waiting just inside the gate, as well. The mood was grim after seeing the display of power their enemy had just created. The fact that it had nearly killed the two most capable people among them didn't help.

"Are you ok?" Heather rushed forward, looking both of them up and down. Everyone was talking at them all at once. Were the safe? Who was that? What had caused it? Wyn couldn't take it.

"We're fine, no thanks to you!" She yelled at Heather, shoving her back with both hands. Heather stumbled in the soft sand but did not fall.

"Me? What?" She replied. She seemed hurt and confused, at least to Daryl. Wyn stalked her, driving her back toward the gate.

"You were so desperate for dick that you went back to them and planned this! If you didn't want to be here, why didn't you just go with them?" She demanded as she drove Heather back further and further. The woman cowered from Wyn's wrath.

"Stop," Daryl told her firmly as he placed a hand on her shoulder. Wyn shook it off and spun to face him.

"Her scheming with Luke almost killed us!" She told him hotly.

"Luke?!?" Heather asked.

"You don't know it's her," Daryl tried to reason with her.

"Where's Mica?" Wyn asked Rainie, choosing to ignore Daryl's infuriating calmness.

"Uh... your cabin, I think..." the girl stammered a reply. She didn't want to even be in Wyn's line of sight at the moment. Wyn pushed past the women and through the gate. Daryl sighed and followed slowly. When Wyn reached the cabin, it was empty. She decided that since she was there, she needed to get into dry clothes and sat on one of the unused beds to take off her boots and socks.

She stood, her anger still like a raging storm inside of her. In frustration, she hurled first one boot and then the other across the cabin at the wall.

"You done throwing a fit?" Daryl asked after opening the door just in time to be narrowly missed by the second boot.

"Oh, fuck you!" She spat.

"You need to get your head on straight," he told her, closing the door behind himself.

"Who the hell are you to come waltzing in here, telling me what to do and how to feel? You're no white knight here to rescue the damsels in distress. How do I know you aren't one of them? Maybe Luke knew your name. Maybe you're the one telling him what's going on!" She accused. "Can you prove you are who you say you are?"

"Nope," he told her dryly. How was he staying so fucking calm!?!

"Because we have to be, if you want to get out of this," he told her stepping up to stand face to face with her. "You gotta get this temper tantrum out before you can think straight again? Take it out on me, not them. Take it out on me."

She was done with this, he didn't understand and she had no patience to make him. He stepped closer, his chest out and shoulders back, squaring up.

"Take it out on me," he said again, his voice a low rumble, like a tiger growling.

"Fuck off!" She said, trying to give him a shove. He didn't budge. Wyn glared at him before she tried again. However she moved, Daryl countered. She soon found herself with her back against the wall. She struck him, pushed him, and tried to kick him, but he would not budge. Ultimately, she became so vexed that she screamed and gave him everything she had. He took the body blows and blocked any shots to his face easily. When she finally stopped, out of breath and out of rage, Daryl looked down at her.

"Better?" He asked sarcastically. Wyn reached out and grabbed him by the belt, pulling him forward and hurriedly, desperately fumbling with the buckle.

"Not yet," she replied to his question. Daryl swatted her hand away, and she looked up and met his eyes. It was the first time they'd made eye contact since the boat. Her gaze was steady. It was even. It was SURE. He didn't need words to know how much she wanted his cock inside her. She reached for his belt again, but Daryl undid it himself, opening his fly and pulling his jeans low on his hips as she did the same with her own. It took both of them to wrestle her free of the clingy wet denim, which he tossed aside before pushing her roughly back onto her bed. They didn't bother with the rest of their damp clothing. It would take too long. As he climbed onto the bed beside her, he put two fingers in his mouth to wet them before shoving his hand between her thighs and jamming them up inside of her, hard.

The rush of blood to her pussy was immediate, and so was her arousal as he fucked her hard with his fingers. He removed his hands and grabbed her hips as he settled between her thighs. His head was down, his eyes focused on watching where he was lining himself up with her - he pushed in hard and fast, but only to a point. He was breathing heavily, biting his lower lip in concentration as he withdrew and pressed in farther until she was as far as she could open to him, the tip of his cock pressing against her cervix. He lifted her legs and pressed them back until her knees were nearly at her ears, and he began to pump hard into her, the whole bunk shaking with each thrust.

It was so good, oh God, had it always been so good? It was a desperate feral itch, and he was scratching it thoroughly.

He held on to the posts on either side of her to gain purchase because his legs were limited by the clinging, tight denim still around them. The first time he pulled himself forward into her with the strength of his arms, she cried out, her head crashing back into the headboard and her eyes rolling up into her head. She couldn't feel anything but Daryl. Daryl, on top of her, on either side, surrounding her and invading her. She couldn't think of anything else. She couldn't feel anything else as he railed her. She braced her hands against the headboard behind her, eager for more. He released her legs and reached down between their bodies and fumble at the tender skin above where they were joined. He fumbled and touched awkwardly until he felt her clench down around him. She shivered with her whole body.

"There?" He asked. Wyn nodded but couldn't speak. Daryl continued rocking his hips to push into her and withdraw as his rough fingertips bruised her sensitive clit. She was moaning and whimpering, her head thrashing from side to side, and he could sense her frustration. She was so fucking close!

Daryl lay his full weight on her, intending to switch to his other hand. Once they were chest to chest, though, Wyn slid her hand up into his hair and cradled the back of his head. Her other hand came up from under his arm to grasp his shoulder, her fingers digging in with bruising force as she rocked her hips with him to take him in deeper. Daryl could hardly breathe, he was overwhelmed by her. He matched her movements and felt Wyn begin to tremble. She bit down on the place where his shoulder curved into his throat and sucked at his skin to keep herself from screaming his name. The noise that Daryl made when she did this was closer to a growl than any human noise.

Her whole body trembled and stilled - he felt her squeezing and releasing around him in waves as she came.

"Damn..." He murmured on a breathy exhalation not meant for her ears. She released his throat from her bite and relaxed back against the pillow, drawing deep, thirsty breaths with her chest still heaving. Daryl let his head fall forward, his mouth at her temple and his beard scratching against the side of her face.

When he began to move this time, it was different. It was a slow, smooth movement inside of her - like someone feeling silk for the first time might run their fingertips along the fabrics soft, lush smoothness against their skin. It was the way a person might savor a particularly rich, decadent dessert as they tried to make it last longer.

The rest had been for Wyn - he was just giving her what she needed. It was a task to be undertaken - but this? This was for him. Daryl was biting his lip, his whole body moving with that slow, sumptuous caress - Wyn felt desired in a way she had never known for just a few moments. She felt every muscle in his flex, his body turning to rock on top of her, around her, inside... and she felt the surge of his climax mirroring her own. His heat spilling into her as a choked breath caught in his throat.

Then it was over. As he began to breathe again, he softened, his muscles relaxed and he was Daryl once again. He moved away from her to sit on the edge of the bed and started taking off his boots, his back to her.

"Better now?" He asked, that slight sarcasm was still there, but it was lighter. There was something more there, a hint of humor.

"Better," she replied quietly.

"Good, cause we got shit that needs doing," he told her as he slipped out of his wet jeans and replaced them with a dry pair. He didn't bother with underwear, she noticed. She felt shy suddenly, as if watching him dress was somehow more intimate than what they'd just done.

"Right," she agreed, sitting up and taking off her wet t-shirt, using it to wipe between her legs and catch his semen as she stood. She saw him cast a subtle glance her way as she tossed the shirt on the floor and slipped into a new shirt and pants. When she looked back at him again, he's found a dry t-shirt and put it on with a flannel over it. The silence was beginning to stretch out into awkwardness as they put their boots back on.

"Daryl..." she said softly.

"Ain't nothing that needs to be said," he told her shortly. "You got what you wanted. Now that you got your head on straight, we have to make a plan. First we have to talk to the others, especially Mica."

He popped a half smoked cigarette between his lips and lit it, taking two long drags before walking to the door and holding it open. He gestured for her to lead the way.

He was right, of course. There were more important things at hand.

[bruinescence]

passionate kisses that end in ripped clothing. 👀👀👀

It was an affair of eyes locked across the camp. Perhaps after he'd taken his druid gear off for the night, bare chested to the cool night breeze and the subtle sliver of moonlight that highlighted the deeper creases between muscle and softness that kept his far off company's gaze locked towards the druid's territory at the tail end of camp? Though even if it caused a moment's hesitation, it was like a beast that he noticed the gaze and in turned locked his in with a subtle, inviting smile and a coy, questioning tilt of his head.

Though he still did not know what Rein thought of him, the moment was in no need of explanations outside of the urge to close distance between predator and prey. It made it all the more infuriating to wander off towards the darker end of camp - past his own tent at its edge to forge a path forward through the surrounding field of tall grass with nary but a glance over his shoulder and a half smile sent to his observer before delving into the grass sea. The bladed ends of the breeze blown waves tickled his sides, but provided the information necessary to meet his guest mid-field via the subtle crunch of roots underfoot and a crackle or two of a rock kicked up.

He met him abruptly, but with the restraint of a beast not necessarily well-trained as it was shackled by self awareness. His smile had not waned with the move, but it would soon find another of its kind to meld with- forged in flesh over ingots. "Come here-" A low rumble in his chest spurred him to grasp the other's lower back and pull him in to a seeking kiss. The force of mouths melding and seeking a shred of dominance over the other moved them in staggering, uncoordinated steps about the well-curtained area, almost like a waltz of flesh in its quest to become one. So fervent was the need to do just so that his bite made towards a neck exposed viciously pierced the collar of bedding clothes instead of skin. The bear in him didn't know that, content to have found a mane to scruff and rip apart at as he poised on all fours over his quarry once they'd both tumbled over- a tangle of elven limbs in which his own shuddered with the beast's power coursing through them.

[outerbankslut]

Childhood Friends... Pope Heyward

Summary • You have been in love with Pope Heyward since you first met him when you were younger. But there’s one or two problems. Or so you think. He doesn’t like you. Does he?

Warnings • Swearing. Underage drinking.

Word Count • 3.3k (Imagine)

Masterlist

(GIF isn’t mine, let me know if it’s yours)

    AT EIGHT YEARS old you first met Pope Heyward. The concept of Outer Banks at such a young age seemed like a dream for you. Never ending beaches. Hot weather practically all the time. Surfing and swimming at your beck and call. It was a stark change from living in Minnesota.

The house you moved into was a small two story house next to one almost identical. And the day you had moved in a boy came knocking at the door. He seemed around your age and held a pie dish in his hands seemingly quite nervous. Your parents were upstairs unpacking so you opened the door hoping maybe you could make a friend.

"My mum made me bring this pie for you since we’re neighbours, here you go." He kept his eyes trained on the ground then handing you the pie and scurrying back home before you could even take a breath. Your face dropped as he ran off but you felt determined to make him a friend, after all you were neighbours so how hard could it be since you'd see him almost all the time.

A few days later your mum wanted to buy some groceries rather than living off of takeaway food for any longer and opted for going to Heywards shop. Which ended up being your neighbours store.

You wandered through the store while your mum chatted with Heyward and eventually stumbled upon the boy who ran away sitting on the floor and reading a comic.

"Spider-Man's really cool." You had said sitting down next to him as his head snapping to the side suddenly looking from his marvel comic to you. It was a surprise he didn't get whiplash.

"Really? I think so too." The boy gushed about the hero while you sat listening. Then your mum called you from the front of the store and you pouted, sad you could hang out with your new friend any longer.

Then the next thing you knew the eight year old boy was dragging you both to your feet and taking you to the candy area. He handed you a chocolate bar with a cheeky grin. "Don't tell my dad."

You nodded and giggled before rushing off to your mum and looking back at your new friend happily. Your parents invited the Heywards around for weekly dinners and alternated between houses becoming good family friends which only strengthened you and Popes friendship.

After that began it was an almost daily thing for you to hang out. You and Pope were attached by the hip. You went on your bikes together. Even took kids surfing lessons together. Though Pope practically already knew how to surf since he was raised on the water.

As you grew older you would do your homework together with the Heyward boy often helping you with the subjects you struggled in while you helped him with the things he struggled with.

Eventually you offered to help with the shop to pass time and hang out with your friend and at this point the Heywards were like family to you.

When you were both ten years old Pope had the idea to make a tree house. And though not the best considering it ended up just a rickety platform balancing on branches with ladders either side of it, it still worked. The tree overhung both houses back gardens with its trunk positioned just on the edge of your garden.

You met two more goofs that year. JJ and John B. The two Js was what you called them at first. You became fast friends with their long hanging bond similar to yours with pope. You fit like a lock and a key together. However you never showed the Pogues the treehouse, it was just you and Popes little space.

You spent a lot of time up there just staring up at the stars of reading. Pope liked to talk about all his hopes and dreams while you were there and you listened.

"Y/N, do you think I’ll be able to get into a good college. Like for forensic pathology." He asked as you laid on the 'treehouse' could you even call it that.

"Pope you are the smartest person I know. So it's unlikely that you won't get into anywhere you want."

"I know it's just—I don't think my dad can afford it so I'll need to get a scholarship. There'll be be hundreds of people competing for it. I'm just a drop in the ocean to them." He ranted and you could hear the stress in his voice. This wasn't something someone as smart and determined as Pope should have to stress about was all you thought. He deserved so much while people who deserved so much less got fed with a silver spoon up in figure eight.

"They'd be dumb not to let you in. I don’t see how you wouldn’t. I have faith in you but I will also do whatever it takes to get you in. I'll pay for your tuition myself if I have to. Or I'll find some dirt on the dean and—"

"I'd rather not have my acceptance be a product of your blackmailing ways Y/N but thankyou and I'm not letting you pay for my tuition." He laughed. It was the melodic sound that rung in your ears that made you smile and turn your head away from the stars and towards him. The small lights you had hanging from the tree branches were bouncing off of his beautiful chestnut skin. His eyes were a shade of dark honey brown that simmered in the light. He was amazing in every single way.

Your fourteen year old self was starting to realise what you had been oblivious to the whole time. You would do anything for Pope. He was your ride or die. And you hoped you were his.

However when Kiara came in was when things went weird between you and Pope. She waltzed in in all her kook glory looking like a goddess. So of course you couldn't blame the boys when suddenly all their attention was on her and her beautiful brown wavy hair or golden cocoa skin that glimmered in the sunlight. You couldn't figure out whether she was just born lucky with amazing genetics or whether she was a vampire like from Twilight. Either way, Pope Heyward fell and he fell hard that year. At work he always spoke about her and it was slowly killing you inside. Every time he mentioned it you swore you heard your heart break and crack into more pieces.

You wished you could tell him. But you would be putting your friendship on the line. It would be selfish to tell him when he clearly wasn’t interested.

Instead of moping over an unattainable crush you attempted to move on. And to everyone’s surprise started flirting back with JJ. He was always shooting his shot like he did with Kie and tourons at keggers but normally you never flirted back. You thought somehow within your skewed logic it would work and you would be over Pope. Like the saying fake it till you make it. But it just bought your thoughts back to how it wasn’t Pope.

The Heyward boy started to pay more attention to it. He got a weird feeling in his stomach everytime he saw you laughing at JJs jokes and not his or just talking to each other. He stared every time you flipped your long glossy hair over your shoulder and looked flawless or would saunter off back into the chateau for a drink.

His interest turned from anyone to you within a second of a word coming from you pink lips. But you had convinced yourself he wasn't interested and you were oblivious to his newfound feelings. And so he stayed blind as he had been before to yours.

    "HEY WHAT’RE YOU doing over here, lil red." JJs nickname had originated from the fact that red was your favourite colour. You had even dressed up as little red riding hood one year for Halloween which sparked the full nickname. It was sweet but in no way anything more than a friendly nickname. Although Pope begged to differ. You sat leaning against the wooden poll on the wooden floor of the dock. Your arms wrapped around your legs pulling them close to your chest giving you a sense of comfort as you stared at the sunset across the marsh.

You turned to the blond sending him a small smile before turning back to the sinking blends of fluorescent pink and oranges blurring into one beautiful mess in the sky. "Watching the sunset."

"Mind if I watch too?" He asked settling down beside you and resting his arms on his knees. You nodded. It turned away from the sky.

You heard the laugh of Pope from behind you and turned this time you turned away to look seeing Pope laughing with Kie that just sparked jealousy in your stomach. He looked so happy with her.

"So what's the deal with that?" JJ asked from beside you and you turned to him confusion splattering on your features which were orange from the light hitting of the setting sun.

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about the long glances, more like stares really and when you tell a joke you always look to Pope first. You look at him like he's the best thing in the world. Not to mention you randomly starting to flirt with me. I'm a professional ladies man. I notice these things. You’re not interested in me, it’s Pope." He blurted out and you sat rubbing a hand over your face with a sigh.

"I don’t do any of that." JJ have you a look which you shrugged at. “Look I—I did, but I don’t anymore.”

“You sure about that?” JJ kept his stare on you as you shuffled uncomfortably before sighing.

“I just wish he could just like me back, but he never will he’ll always like Kie and I don’t wanna be jealous of them cause then I’ll be a terrible friend but... I can’t help it.”

“Lil red, I know you might not believe me but I think Pope does like you. A lot. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. It’s not just some friendly look.” He places his hand on your shoulder rubbing it softly and you send him a tight lipped smile.

“Maybe he does, I doubt it though. And people say girls are complicated. You boys are just as complicated.” You teased bumping his shoulder as he let go of yours. “But anyway we’re forgetting about the most important rule ever. No pogue on pogue macking.”

JJ snorted shaking his head. “Don’t bring up that bullshit rule. I know that if anyone of you showed interest in me it would be out of the window.”

“I’m not particularly a rule breaker unlike you.”

“Rules are made to broken but you’re just boring Lil Red.” You gasped and turned to your friend.

“No I am not. Take it back.” You glared at him jokingly.

“What’re you gonna do?”

You raised your eyebrows and then pushed the boy off the dock thinking you’d suceeded for a slip second until he grabbed your shoulders and pulled you in too.

Pope watched the two of you laughing and talking for a while without you realising and then he saw you both fall in the water together laughing and looking like you belonged together. He shook his head slightly as he looked back to Kie who stared with worried eyes.

“You okay Pope?”

“Yeah, yeah I’m fine just thinking.” Kie nodded going back to talking to John B until a shout erupts and they both turned to see JJ and you in the water. Pope was already looking.

“Lil red what the fuck?” He laughed shaking off his hair while you rung your own out still looking amazing to Pope.

“You said I was boring.” You shrugged chuckling and then screeching as you were pushed back under the water.

“I’m honestly surprised they’re not together yet.” Kie laughed looking at the two other boys beside her.

“You think they like each other?” Pope asked worry pinched in his eyebrows. It was one thing for him to think it but for Kie to confirm his thoughts made his stomach churn.

“Well yeah, I mean look at them.”

Pope was looking at them. And he saw it clear as day. You and him were never going to happen.

You breathed heavily as you and JJ walked up the steps to the docks. “Hey I know what we can do to help get your mind off of Pope for a night.”

“What?”

“A kegger.”

    THE PARTY HAD started two hours ago and was roaring with teens, kooks and Pogues alike hung together for one night filled with truce, beer and weed.

He had left you a few minutes before to pursue a girl of course while you sat around a bonfire staring at the embers that floated into the midnight sky. But you were still thinking about him. He was stuck in your thoughts like superglue. You'd hoped that maybe alcohol would help loosen you up and get you out of your head but being alone and drunk made it worse.

Pope stood by Kie as you sat at the fire by yourself. Now was his chance to tell you and maybe you would like him back but if you didn't then maybe it would be less embarrassing since you were drunk. However he was not drunk since he abstained from the beer despite the multitudes of parties they had. He was the designated driver type.

"I'm gonna go over to Y/N." Kiara nodded before she continued talking to a random boy that sat next to her.

He walked across the sand catching your attention as you snapped your head up to see him heading your way.

"Hey Pope."

You were surprised he left Kie.

"You looked a little lonely so I'm giving you company."

"Oh Thankyou. My saviour." You said jokingly. Taking a swig of beer you examined the boys face. It twitched with nerves as he sat next to you and fiddled with his fingers.

He looked up at you with a small smile. “Y/N, I—”

“God, girls around here really have a good left hook.” JJ groaned holding his face sitting down next to you on the log interrupting Pope who he hadn’t noticed.

Then JJ looked up to see Pope sitting there awkwardly and you almost laughing at the fact that he got punched by a girl which never happened before. “Oh shit sorry I didn’t realise...”

“Realise what?” You asked shaking your head cluelessly before you dragged yourself up. “I need another drink.”

JJ tried to stop you but before he knew it you were at the keg with him following after.

“Uh, Lil red, I think Pope might’ve been about to tell you he liked you.”

“Wait, what? Really?” You almost dropped your beer as your hands went slack in shock but you quickly gripped it tight swallowing some. Pope stared into as you had walked away from him with JJ following. Of course he was going after you because like Kie said, they liked each other. He wanted to see if he could forget, so he did something he would probably regret.

“I’m pretty sure I mean he looked like he was going to. I really need to talk to him...” The blond trailed off as he stared at something behind him.

“What is it?” You were about to turn around until JJ held your shoulders in place until your shoved them off and saw what you never wanted to see.

Pope was kissing a girl. Not Kie though. It was just a random girl who he was kissing. Your eyes burned with tears as you turned to JJ scoffing.

“Yeah he definitely likes me doesn’t he.” You choked back a sob shoving the beer into JJs hand and running off into the trees.

Pope has pulled away just in time to see it and instant regret filled his stomach.

“Pope, buddy, what did you do?” JJ asked softly as Pope looked at his walking away from the random girl who looked taken aback.

“I’m so sorry.” He apologised and she rolled her eyes walking off. “I don’t know what was going through my head, one second I was at the fire the next I was kissing a random girl.”

“Look, bro, just go find her and explain everything.”

“Yeah, I’ll—I’ll do that.”

You had walked the farthest you could from the party, still bare foot since your shoes were in the van and John B had the keys. You were leaning against a tree trunk when you decided to go to the one place that would comfort you most despite reminding you of him.

You went straight home taking 20 minutes to walk down the cold desolate roads that were dark by this time. The first thing you did was get ice cream from the freezer before making your way to the tree house and wrapping yourself in the blankets befor leaning against one of the many pillows stored there. You listened to the gentle breeze above rustling the leaves of the blooming trees and the crickets in the distance and felt the gentle swaying of the platform beneath you.

This was your comfort place. It was the only place you felt like this since it was where you created all your favourite memories with Pope Heyward. The unattainable boy who had always been by your side.

By the time Pope made it home it was completely dark but he knew exactly where you would be. He made his way to his backyard and saw your small figure and made his way up. You sat up quickly and almost burst into more tears after seeing him.

"Y/N..."

"Pope what are you doing here?" You asked as he climbed up the ladder.

"I came to check up on you..." He sighs and sits down next to you. "And I came to say that that kiss was a big mistake."

"Why—what?" You looked at the boy in confusion.

"I like you. I know we've been best friends forever and I hope this doesn't make it weird but that's the truth. I kissed the girl to see if I could forget about you which in hindsight was really stupid. And you probably hate me."

You looked at him with glossy eyes and smiled.

"Yeah that was stupid if you thought you could get over me.” You laughed which died down when you turned to him looking more serious. “But I don’t hate you. It’s not like we were dating.”

“I was thinking...we could change that.” Pope tells you and you raise your eyebrows, a growing smile on your face.

“Hmm okay. Date. This friday. On the beach. You and me?" You asked and his eyes lit up feeling slightly surprised at the forwardness.

"Isn't it supposed to be me asking you out?" He asked teasingly.

"It's the twenty first century pope get with it."

"Of course. And I would love to go on a date with you.”

“Good.” He then jumped on top of you in all your blankets and you let out a shriek. “Oh my god, Pope are you trying to simultaneously give me a heart attack and break this thing?”

“Not really, but if it happens then oh well.” He feigned nonchalance for a second breaking into a grin as you slapped his arm.

“Watch it mister. Or I’ll reconsider that date.”

“Okay, I’m sorry Y/N.”

You sighed contently as he wrapped you up in his arms, both of you under the blankets and the stars. You could definitely get used to this.

Note • In honor of simping for Pope and jd day, year, decade and century i���ve written this cause he’s a cutie and I love him. This was kinda anticlimatic but 🤷‍♀️

[stayhazey]

Late Nights

pairing : cullen x oc!inquisitor

summary : ellana and cullen both find themselves up in the early hours of the morning. poor man has suffered one of his usual nightmares and she’s all that comforts him.

warnings : some kissing but like it's cute. also an f word is thrown in there.

wc : 2.8k

note : first little one shot posted to this account ! hope you enjoy !

Screams echo in the abyss around him. He sees through clouded eyes as figures push past him. The figures are rotting and stumble about. He recognizes the faces of his old friends back at the circle. His hands attempt to protect him from the terrors before him as he tries to walk forward. His legs are weighted and he feels with each step his energy and control is stripped away.

One of the forms bumps into him and he feels their rotting flesh squish into his own. His stomach tightens and he feels the bile scratch at his throat. In seconds, he's doubled over releasing blood onto the ground below him. Cullen watches on in horror as his blood grows acidic and melts away the darkness beneath his feet.

His body plummets and lands back into the place where it all started. The stone walls close in around him, his lungs shrink, and his heart stops. A woman stands before him her body emaciated. Then everything in her body seemingly snaps. Her back completely twists and her arms crack and bend at unnatural angles. She begins to shake uncontrollably as a shriek tears from deep within her. The woman melts away, her skin pooling on the floor beneath in a pile of mush. Now, a demon stands before him. The body is lithe and deformed. It's hair is a black mass flowing in the air. Dark, inky, goo drips from its mouth.

Cullen remains sprawled out on the floor and the creature takes advantage of his position. It's claws grip his legs as it makes its way up his body. The curse dripping from its lips and onto Cullen. The substance stains his body, spreading up his torso and down his legs. He grunts as it begins to burn away his skin.

"My dear, Cullen. You fool," the demon hisses.

It's hand grips his face, it's fingers like ice against him. It's hold grows tighter by the second. The burning from the goo he can begin to feel in his bones, his screams fill the still air.

"That's it, scream golden boy, scream."

The pet name that drips from the demons lips makes his insides squeeze. That name is often used but normally comes from another's lips. Another he holds dear. Anger surges through him but it's quickly subsided as the demons nails dig through his cheek and into his jaw.

The pain causes his eyes to roll into the back of his head. He looses control of himself as his body begins to shake out of control. The demon cackles, a horrid sound that fills the room and echoes deep in Cullen's heart.

—

Cullens body jerks forward as a scream rips from his throat. His heart drums against his chest. Labored breaths interrupt the rooms quietness. His hands begin to search his body, checking for burns and the same black ink that once overtook him. He feels under his shirt, up his torso, around his shoulder, and down to his lower back.

He feels himself settle as the familiar bumps of his scars rub against his fingertips. No darkness and no burning. Though he may not see it he can still feel it eating away at him, like a painful twitch.

"Fuck," he shoves out with a heavy breath.

The nightmares have haunted him for as long as he can remember and without lyrium they become worse. They become more real. The demons hand on his face felt cold and sticky. It sent waves of dread coursing through his veins. Every bad thing that has ever happened to him crashed in at once. The torture, Meredith, his fight with Lyrium. The faces of his friends as they were slaughtered before him. Their eyes sear into his brain and leave their imprint.

He leans backwards against his head board and lets himself relax. He seems to do that less and less these days. With a gaping hole in the sky leaking death from every direction there's hardly time to rest.

He's grateful for the cool air that wraps around his heated body. Small moments like these where he can simply breathe seem to be some of the only things keeping him sane.

Reopening his eyes, he meets the stars that shine through the large missing space in his ceiling.

He recalls when he was smaller with his older sister Mia. Often times they'd find themselves outside seeing how many images they could make in the stars. He can't help but smirk at the memory.

Two particular stars dance brighter than the others. They twinkle as if to wink at him. Reminds him much of the inquisitor, Ellana.

The same twinkling going on with the stars he often sees in her own eyes. Especially when she smiles. He reminisces in the thought of her.

Her small, soft hands that often make home around his torso or against his neck. Her warm smile that wraps him up like a blanket and keeps him close. Her plump lips that make magic against his own. The subtle, kind words that always seems to spill out of those lips.

His hearts yearns to find her, to waltz into her room and demand her presence. Her attention. Her care. He wishes to be selfish but a small yet strong feeling keeps him placed in his bed. She's the inquisitor. If anyone deserves a good nights sleep its her, with all she does. The whole world rests on her shoulders.

Cullen feels the room slowly begin to close in on him. The walls swirling and pushing inward. His head pounds and his body aches. Sleep seems impossible to the ex-Templar. He knows it won't be coming anytime soon. He needs to escape this blasted room.

Removing himself from his bed he walks to the ladder leading down to his office. As he walks his legs wobble beneath him. His first attempt leading him back on the bed. He grits his teeth in frustration, and shoves himself up straight.

The trip down the ladder is careful. It takes him possibly a solid three minutes to make it down to his office. Despite the cool air, sweat drips down his forehead and neck. He uses the sleeve of his arm to remove some of the substance.

With a sigh he makes his way to the door and pushes it open to the battlements. The frigid air rushes at him making a shiver crawl down his spine. He takes a deep breath absorbing the clear air. He focuses in on the way the air fills his lungs and makes him feel alive again. The dreams always made him tense. Everything around him afterward appearing so dark and clammy.

"Hey, you," a soft voice calls out.

Cullens eyes snap open and soften at the sight of the voice. There Ellana stands, back pressed against the stone ridge. The corners of her mouth at turned upward. Her brown hair, now black in the night, curls around her face as a light wind catches her.

The cloak that seemingly swallowed her before flows open with the wind revealing a small night gown that stops mid thigh. It squeezes around her hips and thighs.The sight makes his throat tighten. Usually she wears her light armor or a simple tunic and pants. He'd be lying is he said he didn't enjoy the sight.

"Inquisitor?"

He makes his way over to her. He attempts to contain his weak state not wishing to worry the poor woman so late at night. He reaches the wall and leans against it, mostly for support, right beside her.

"What brings you out here?" Cullen questions.

His eyes move to admire Skyhold at night. The view from the battlements has always been beautiful during the day but at night it's a different atmosphere. The snow amongst the mountains maintains a more subtle tone. The clouds covering some tips of the mountains makes the illusion of fog.

"Couldn't get myself to fall asleep."

"And you, commander?" She turns her body to face him. Her shoulders slump against the wall and her hips jut out slightly. He craves to trace her outline with his fingers. To hold her and pull her into him.

"Have the nightmares troubled you again?"

Her voice is tender as she gazes at him.

"Yes," he whispers.

"You've mentioned them before. Is the neglect of lyrium making them worse?"

He gives a subtle nod of his head. Cullen clears his throat as his face meets the floor. He hates her seeing him like this. So weak. He can only imagine how she must view him.

"Hey," her hand cups his cheek. Her hand is cold due to the night air. It clashes against his burning skin. She moves his head to face her. Her eyes read him. As if she understands every worry going on in his head. "It's ok."

Those two words melt into him. He leans into her touch, closes his eyes, marveling in her cool fingertips. His hand finds hers. He removes it from his face and brings her palm to his lips.

He can see her heart skip a beat through her pupils. He needs her.

His other hand lurks around her waist and wandering to her lower back. With a small amount of force, he pulls her toward him. His lips take hers with great care. Her scent envelops him. The familiar warmth of cinnamon and sharp cut of herbs.

Their lips move together in synch. Cullen has her pulled against him so tightly he can feel her heartbeat ram against his own. His hands roam her body trailing from her ribs and down to the bottom of her hips. He feels her shiver at his touch.

Ellana's hands rub amongst his neck and move into his soft curls. Her hands leaving cool trails. As the kiss deepens she gives a soft tug to his hair, earning a breathy groan from the man and a smile from Ellana.

Cullen is the first to pull for air. His hands remain around her waist and Ellana holds his cheek. He brings his forehead to rest against hers. The two share gasps for air and they absorbed one another's touch.

"Must've been a really bad nightmare." Ellana chuckles.

Cullen matches her laugh. "You have no idea."

His tone seems darker than intended and Ellana picks up on it. She moves back slightly to take a look at his face. She takes him in. His usually well kept, blonde hair is now disheveled thanks to no one other than her. Her thumb rubs against his slightly swollen bottom lip. His scruff is rough against her finger tips but it's something she's always enjoyed. His eyes show how tired he is. Dark circles tug at his under eyes and the dull fog over them scream exhaustion. Her heart tugs.

"I'm sorry these nightmares haunt you. Is there anything I can do?"

The man smiles down at her. Instead of answering he moves his head to the crook of her neck. His breath sends goose flesh onto her neck and shoulder. She simply allows him to remain there. To let him have this moment of comfort. Her hand returns to his hair and plays with it gently. Her other hand rubs along his upper back, dragging her nails lightly.

All Cullen wants is her. He wants to stay in this potion forever. Her skin is soft against his scruff and the crook slowly becomes like a pillow. The longer his eyes are closed the longer he feels himself slipping away. In attempts to stay awake, he begins to move his hands. He runs his hands across the small of her back and up to her shoulders. The nightgown is made of thin material and skinny straps hold it on. When his hands make contact with her skin and he feels a fire ignite in him.

He presses his lips into the very spot where neck meets shoulder. He hears her take a sharp intake of air. Ellana's grip on his hair tightens ever so slightly and her body tenses in his grasp. He can't help but love the way she responds to him. He places another one slightly above that. She lets out a soft hum as he leaves a trail wandering all the way up to her jaw.

Her cheeks have flushed and her breathing has undoubtedly intensified at his actions. What he would give to take her then and there. But he knows he's hardly capable of doing that in his current state. The sleep that surrounds him begins to slightly drown him. He returns his face into her neck and presses more kisses.

"Cullen-"

"Come to bed with me."

The words rush out of him faster than he can stop them. He realizes the nature of his actions and his words could insinuate something entirely opposite of what he intended.

His head shoots up to meet a wide eyed Ellana. Her pupils dilated and her lips are parted. He can see the hesitation and shock on her face.

"Maker, Ellana, I only meant to help me sleep. You're presence," he trails off embarrassed by the whole situation.

A low giggle erupts from the small girl. He meets her eyes and sees that only pure joy fills her face.

"Of course, Cullen. Let's go."

She grips one of his hands and heads towards the still open door that Cullen once walked out of. She is weary of how fast she moves not wishing to over exert the man.

They make it to the ladder and Cullen insists on Ellana going first. As she reaches a little past halfway Cullen takes a start. He attempts to climb the ladder as quickly as she did but he knows the decision isn't wise when his arms begin to shake.

His eyes peek over the ledge and he smiles when Ellana is standing there waiting.

"You could've gotten into bed," he states.

"I know."

Cullen struggles to pull himself over and Ellana helps as best as she can. Once on his feet he stumbles slightly his full weight crashing down on the small woman.

Surprisingly, she remains upright supporting him and carrying him towards the bed.

"Maker, I'm sorry Ellana," he huffs. He attempts to move off her but she gives a tug of his arm and he moves back.

"Don't be afraid to let me help when you need it."

He mentally thanks her for her words. He can't help but feel like a burden towards the poor woman. She's only ever treated him with care. He wishes to give the same to her.

They make it to the bed and Cullen sits down. Ellana stands before him, a loving smile on her face.

He takes her in once again. Her night gown has rose up and bunched somewhat around her hips. Her left strap drapes down her shoulder and drags more with each breath. The cloak she wears has been twisted and knotted behind her.

Cullen reaches out and grabs her hands pulling her toward him.

"Thankyou, my darling."

Ellana feels her heart skip at the name. He hugs her around her thighs and rests his head against her stomach. His arms rest right beneath her bottom where her dress has continued to rise up. She blushes at the contact.

Cullen lifts up his head and drags his hands up her torso. He reaches her shoulders and removes the cloak. The cool air attacks the now exposed skin and Cullen feels the goose flesh rise beneath his fingers.

Returning his hands to her waist, Cullen begins to lean backwards, pulling Ellana along.

"Oh, Cullen!"

They land in a heap on the bed. He managed to move them sideways his face now resting against her breast. Her face blazes. His arms remain around her and he holds her tightly. Ellana lets out a giggle as the man nuzzles into her plush chest.

"Whatever did I do to deserve you?" He mummers into her.

"I could ask the same about you, golden boy."

He feels himself smile at the name. A name she's called him often. It never ceases to warm his heart.

She leans her head against his and allows his hair to rub against her cheeks. She breathes in his surprisingly sweet scent. Her legs wrap around him and Ellana feels sleep tug at her eyelids.

Cullens breathing has diluted and his chest rises and falls slowly. Ellana smiles as the man sleeps against her.

"Sleep well, my love." She whispers into his hair.

[kittkatt-420]

Endeavors of the Mind (Part Four)

Bakugo and Midoriya both struggle with different aspects of their newfound relationship. Katsuki wants to be more open with his affections for Deku, but is hindered by his intimacy issues. Izuku covets Kacchan's affection, but is too afraid of being overbearing.

~Or the one where Bakugo and Midoriya both want the same things from each other, but are too oblivious to notice.

BakuDeku-centric with mentions of KiriShido and TodoMomo. Yaoi. M/M

X

Midoriya overthinks things, causing Bakugo to have some self reflection. This leads Katsuki to make a big decision about their relationship.

Part Four

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Izuku's emerald eyes shot open, wide and fearful, blood running cold. His scarred fingers went slack against Kacchan as the loud snap echoed loudly amidst the darkness. It reverberated ominously in his ears until it was all he could hear over and over again, drowning out all other noise and thought. His heart clenched, knot forming in his stomach, twisting his insides until he thought he'd puke. This was bad.

'We've been caught...' His mind numbly informed him, heart picking up pace as the words swirled in his head, nauseating and oppressive. His body quivered anxiously, lump forming in his airway. The thought of exposure set his body into a spiral of fear, dread clawing away inside him, causing his vision to tunnel and blur. This would ultimately cause complications for Kacchan. Kirishima finding out was one thing, but this...

This would not settle well with Bakugo - Deku knew that without a doubt; it'd put a heavy strain on their relationship, leaving Izuku to try and mend the damage it would inevitably cause.

Kacchan put up a strong front, seemingly unbreakable and indifferent to others opinions and thought - a hero who showed no weakness, and the green-haired teen knew that was true most of the time. Bakugo was as fiery and unwavering as his Quirk, passionate and all consuming, unafraid, reckless and proud! It's what he loved most about him - what pulled him towards him! But Midoriya also knew Kacchan wasn't always such a thick wall of confidence and bravado - that wall would crumble sometimes, insecurities visible to Izuku alone; the mossy-haired teen had always been the exception to the blonde's breakdowns. Kacchan never hid his feeling from Deku, and even when he did try, it wouldn't be long before he opened up to the smaller hero - one way or another. Kacchan was human and subject to human emotions, even though he acted otherwise, and the freckled teen knew something of this magnitude spilling out before the explosive hero adjusted would leave Kacchan vulnerable and open. The shorter boy knew that would devastate Bakugo. He'd see it as a weakness, and he was too proud to allow himself to be seen in that light. It would probably cause him to withdraw from Izuku - seeing him as the cause of that weakness!

'I can't lose this progress with Kacchan!'

The younger boy knew that'd be like starting all over again, making him swallow hard against the lump that threatened to choke him - the mere notion made Deku's stomach twist painfully, heart pounding with bruising force against his rib cage.

The freckled teen feared losing the progress they'd just achieved!

Another snap echoed in the dark, causing Katsuki's vermilion eyes to dart around the dark foliage. Trying to find the source of the sound, the older teen gripped harder onto Deku, knowing the green-haired hero still didn't have full control of his legs. Bakugo's heart beat erratically, blood rushing in his ears - adrenaline pumped throughout him at the fear of being caught. He didn't know what he'd do if someone was out there lurking like a fucking creep, watching them and then speaking even a word about them.

The thought of their relationship being broadcast to the world before its time made the explosive hero's stomach churn nervously, and he fucking hated it. It was one thing to be anxious when it involved doing things with Izuku - cuz that damn nerd had a way of making him feel all these jittery feelings all the time - but to feel them out of apprehension was infuriating. He didn't like these stupid feelings running through him. The blonde knew he had to find a way out of this damned dilemma if he wanted it to stop. The aggressive teen couldn't deal with this right now. It was too stressful of a time already with graduation right around the corner, and he didn't need to add this on top of his already preoccupied mind!

'Fuck whatever asshole is out here!'

Another snap resounded, and Bakugo's glare zeroed onto a rustling bush. His palm flickered with the beginnings of an explosion, ready to blast whatever shithead crawled out,  heat of his Quirk slowly burning away the sticky substance that still coated his hand.

On top of everything, things were finally starting to become comfortable between him and Deku; they were making so much fucking progress, it almost blew his fucking mind. But still, the explosive hero wasn't quite ready yet - Katsuki needed just a little more fucking time, then it'd be time to announce it after they graduated! A small part of why he wanted to stay private about their relationship was to avoid everyone meddling in their affairs, causing them both undue stress; Bakugo didn't want to risk distractions - they couldn't afford it with their goals coming so close to fruition, and he wanted to make sure he and Deku graduated together!

The rustling increased, and the taller boy tensed, anticipating someone tumbling out. But to his relief, a small rabbit hopped out instead, staring at him with wide eyes before scurrying back into the brush. The bomber hero could only assume that's what caused the twigs to snap, but even so, Katsuki was still on guard.

If someone really was out there and saw anything, it would ruin both his and Midoriya's hard work keeping it on the down-low. Most of their classmates were shit when it came to keeping things secret, and if even a hint of a rumor hit Ashido's fucking ears, it'd be a matter of minutes before word spread like a disease among everyone in the party, forcing his hand in the situation.

Katsuki cursed aloud at the notion, scowl prominent on his lips, "Fuckers."

Bakugo knew he simply couldn't allow that - to have one of those idiots decide something of this caliber for him, it was un-fucking-acceptable! His teeth ground together, clenching hard at the thought, heart thumping with anger. This relationship was a choice he and Izuku made together, and he'd be damned if he allowed some fucking prick to take that from them, but most importantly - to take that from Izuku! If the crimson-eyed teen was going to go public before his allotted time, he would do so with his nerd at his side and not because some loud-mouthed asshole outed them. The bomber teen owed that privilege to Deku alone for being so understanding and patient with him!

"-ro- you-," came a distant echo, voice carried by the soft breeze, yet muddled by the swaying trees, making it difficult to distinguish. It confirmed that someone was indeed out there -  which wasn't good at all. But if Bakugo focused on the brighter side of this shit scenario - the voice sounded far off, meaning they had some time before whomever ventured close enough to find them.

"We got some time, nerd. But we can't stay here long," he spoke, glaring angrily into the trees. He found a modicum of relief in the fact, but he still didn't like this at all. "If we don't leave soon, whatever dumb fuck is out there will find us."

The aggressive teen felt Deku quiver in response, but he didn't speak. Katsuki didn't think anything of it, mind racing as he ground his teeth harder, wishing he could just use his Quirk to get them out of their situation. His palm twitched with aggressive anticipation, smoke wafting off his free hand, heat burning away the remainder of residue of their intimate affair. He didn't like this at all - standing here on the defensive just waiting. The blonde hero didn't have much patience, and what little he did have was quickly running out. The taller teen didn't know how long he could stay here, lingering in place, observing for movements, waiting around just to be found. But he had to wait for Deku to recover, nerves and body still over-exerted if his continued shaking and breathlessness was any indication - then they could get the fuck up out of here and waltz back into the stupid party like nothing ever fucking happened!

"-ooo!"

The carmine-eyed hero heard the soft echo of that voice calling out again, but it was difficult to pinpoint exactly where it came from - sounds bouncing in the darkness. His sense were on high alert, ruby orbs scanning the blackness but seeing nothing, moonlight casting deep shadows across the earth, shapeless figures swaying with the breeze; ears perked yet hearing far too much, the stirring of leaves, scurrying of small animals, the soft thuds of footsteps, the buzzing of the insects, Izuku's shallow pants and the thumping of the music that still managed to seep outdoors.

It was too much!

Lips pulling into a deeper angry scowl, ruby eyes glowered vehemently into nothingness. Katsuki couldn't keep himself from growling out, teeth exposed as he gnashed them down. Body tense with energy, every nerve in his body eagerly demanded he move - to do anything but fucking observe and wait! The explosive hero couldn't see or do shit in the damn dark and it was driving him crazy! He'd always been a man of action - one to be on the offensive rather than defensive -  and this was killing him!

The older boy's mind raced angrily, debating on whether he should wait for Izuku to fully compose himself or not…

"Fuck this shit!" He seethed, ire bubbling inside him.

"Can you stand on your own yet, Deku?" He asked, voice low with pent-up frustration. Bakugo's agitation was apparent by the way his lip curled viciously, palm flickering with sparks, smoke becoming thicker. He was trying to keep his mounting anger in check, but it was proving more difficult as the seconds ticked past. The blonde teen wanted nothing more at the moment than to exert all this turbulent energy into a giant explosion - blowing things up always made him feel better - and the more the scarlet-eyed hero contemplated the thought, the more it appealed to him. But for obvious reasons, he couldn't;  it'd be like putting up a giant arrow over their fucking heads - somehow, that thought made him angrier.

Deku's forehead rested against his shoulder, but he could feel the puffs of his warm breath against him even though he didn't speak. The taller boy turned his vermilion eyes down towards the smaller teen - feeling Midoriya's scarred fingers clutch his shirt with more force, knuckles turning white.

"Dumbass, you fuckin' ready or not?"

Seconds passed, but Midoriya still didn't reply - even though Katsuki could still feel his hot breath. A vein throbbed hard along his temple, and the blonde teen pulled back from the green-haired hero, lips peeling back, baring his teeth as an ugly grimace marred his features. Ruby eyes narrowed furiously upon the freckled teen.

"Deku!" He growled, arm still enclosed around Izuku's waist, thought not as tightly as before. Bakugo felt the smaller hero tense in his arms, body shaking even more as the older teen slowly unwound his arm from around him.

'What the fuck?' The blonde thought, irritation riling him up. This entire fucking situation was stressing him out more than he'd ever admit.

"Dumb fuck!" The bomber hero snapped harshly, trying to pull his boyfriend from his weird stupor. Damn it, why did the damn nerd have to get all weird now of all fucking times!? He hissed out, teeth grinding, "Can you put your fucking clothes back on yet, fuckface?"

Izuku's warm breath continued to puff against Katsuki's clothes, inaudible murmuring suddenly hitting the blonde's ears. Bakugo released an aggravated groan - knowing Deku was in one of his mumbling modes now. The blonde hero couldn't help but curse the green-haired teen's timing; Midoriya tended to get caught up in his own head every time the mumbling started. The explosive hero dropped his calloused hands onto the smaller hero's shoulders, hoping to rouse the nerd from his thoughts like he'd done in his bedroom.

"Dipshit!"

But it didn't work - Midoriya kept staring unfocused into his shoulder, still fucking mumbling.

"Useless fucking Deku," Bakugo sneered angrily.

The older boy couldn't make out what the viridian hero was murmuring about, and it didn't help that his freckled face was pressed into Katsuki's body, muffling his soft voice even more. His chattering increased, fingers digging further into the cloth of the aggressive boy's shirt as his breath became slightly labored. Katsuki's blonde brows furrowed in confusion, wondering what the fuck could be wrong with the nerdy teen.

"Deku?"

'Things can't go back to the way they were!' Midoriya's mind yelled, panic clouding his mind. The thick haze of his dread drowned out the sound of Kacchan's voice - of Kacchan's touch. The smaller hero's own fears enveloped him; he couldn't handle losing all their progress - he knew that well.

Deku was patient for so long - for so many years...

'Kacchan will close off again. Kacchan will close off again. Kacchan will close off again. Kacchan will close off again. Kacchan will close off again. Kacchan will close off again. Kacchan will close off again.'

...Waiting for the right time to tell Kacchan how he felt - waiting for his affection -  waiting for his kisses - for his touches - for his gaze - for Kacchan to be his! He was patient for so long, and to have all his hard work backfire and set him back to the beginning...

It would absolutely hurt - in every sense of the word. Izuku knew that well - just as he knew how deeply he loved Kacchan; Deku's spirit could only handle so much!

'I can't lose this progress with Kacchan…'

That lump reformed in his throat, clogging his airway, threatening to asphyxiate him. The green-haired boy could feel his panic ripping at him from within - its tendrils spreading throughout his body like a virus - quick, debilitating and destructive. Mind going numb with trepidation, everything started to ebb away, leaving the freckled hero in a suspended state of fear - for Kacchan - for their relationship - and for himself...

'I can't lose this progress with Kacchan! I can't lose this progress with Kacchan. I can't lose this. I can't.'

"Deku?" Katsuki spoke again, voice hard and stern. Yet the anger from before was gone, replaced by confounded worry. Deku wouldn't stop mumbling or gripping tightly onto him, and he wasn't responding to anything. Talking to him or even shaking him did nothing - he just continued to stand there like a zombie, muttering who knew what under his breath. His eyes stayed trained onto the ruby-eyed hero's chest, yet they were hazy and unfocused, staring into vast nothingness. Seeing the smaller boy look so out of sorts made the explosive teen's gut twist; it felt wrong to see the usually smiling nerd like this.

"Talk to me, nerd," he plead, anguish beginning to bleed into his voice. The blonde hero's fingers gripped into Midoriya's shoulders as he shook him slightly, trying to break him from his weird trance. He didn't know what was wrong, and couldn't help but wonder what could put him into a state of mumbling paralysis. It was starting to make him uneasy and fearful - and Katsuki didn't deal with either of those emotions very well.

"Deku?"

'Kacchan isn't ready and they're all gonna know!' Midoriya mused restlessly, words permeating his head like venom. Dread clouded his mind, poisonous ideas taking hold of him, forcing all rational thought out.

He'd worked so hard to keep rumors from spreading about them -  taking extra caution not to be too personal when they weren't behind closed doors. Todoroki knew, but the heterochromatic hero figured it out on his own and asked Deku directly; Kirishima knew too because of Izuku's mistake and Kacchan's confession, but both Shoto and Eijirou were their equivalent best friends. They wouldn't say a word without either Midoriya or Bakugo's consent - their secret was safe with them. And Deku only ever kept their relationship hidden because he wanted the blonde hero to be comfortable - to not feel pressured - to make the choice - and it had worked!

By being patient and taking things at the aggressive hero's pace, Midoriya finally started to break down the walls the older boy put up around him. They made progress in the form of kisses, names and intimate actions. Kacchan even spoke to him through his eyes - like Shoto and Momo did often! Bakugo showed Izuku how much he cared for him, all without uttering a single word - Kacchan's smoldering gaze and selfless actions conveying all he felt for Midoriya! The most progress in the entire course of their relationship was made in this single night!

But they were going to be outed prematurely because not everyone had that level of loyalty to them like Todoroki and Kirishima - alll their hard work would crumble, revealing Kacchan to everyone's prying eyes.

His hysteria rose alongside his pulsing heart.

'I can't lose this progress with Kacchan! I can't! I can't! I can't!'

The curly-haired teen suddenly went silent, viridian gaze dropping to stare absently and wide-eyed into the dirt. Bakugo's brows furrowed deeper in distress, unnerved by the abrupt quietness from the mumbling teen.

"Deku?"

Still, the freckled teen remained mute, causing the taller boy's stomach to knot harder. It was only then that the explosive hero felt how badly the shorter boy shook; Bakugo's lips pulled into a sullen glower, scarlet eyes glued to his boyfriend.

Katsuki spoke again - that undertone of misery lacing his words completely as he watched his nerd, trying to find out what was wrong, "Can you hear me, Deku?"

'It's all my fault! I should've left when he told me to leave!' Midoriya mulled, too far into his own panic-induced thoughts that Bakugo's voice couldn't penetrate the haze. Izuku knew he should've left earlier - he'd even debated on obeying the blonde's words and going back to his friends...

'It's all my fault..'

… Until he'd glanced up and seen that hungry gleam in Kacchan's eyes. It was that same predatory look the blonde hero gave him in his bedroom right before their intense kiss, and in the elevator when he noticed him chewing his lips. He knew what that smoldering glimpse meant now - knew where it could potentially lead - and it had sent his hormones into overdrive. Coveting that gaze for so long, he couldn't leave Bakugo alone once he'd recognized it - so Midoriya willfully stayed, fully aware of the possible consequences, praying for Katsuki to lose control again! He so desperately longed for Kacchan's touch and kisses that he'd stubbornly refused to go away; Deku wanted to bask in the explosive teen's company and also stick around in hopes of sparking another intimate affair.

'I should've left...' Izuku thought in anguish, 'I should've left - I should've left!'

In the end, the green-haired teen got what he wanted - Kacchan lavished his body with his kisses and touch, showing complete devotion with his attentiveness. But the exchange for a moment of passion with Katsuki was a much higher price than the freckled hero wished to pay, but there was no turning back now.

'It's all my fault!'

The deed was done and now he had to face the consequences of his actions.

'I should've left!'

Once more, his drive forward in hopes of carnal pleasures lead to a bigger problem...

'I should've left! This is all my fault.'

… Bigger than he could handle...

'I should've left...'

They were about to be discovered!

'It's all my fault!'

Izuku's actions were forcing Bakugo into a situation where he'd have to choose to publicly accept Deku or reject him!

'I should've left...'

Bakugo placed his hands over Izuku's curled fist, gently prying his fingers from their vice-like grip on him. The green-haired teen's chest heaved quicker, breathing shallow and fast, causing the blonde hero to grit his teeth, brows drawing together with renewed concern. His pupils were fully dilated, emerald irises barely there. It didn't take a fucking genius to realize Deku was in the midst of a panic attack, and he cursed himself for not noticing sooner.

Every fiber in his being demanding he console his nerd, but the blonde hero didn't know how. What was he supposed to do to help cull the anxiety running throughout his boyfriend?! He wasn't good at comforting anyone - dealing with emotions weren't really his forte!

Fretful and apprehensive, Bakugo internally fumed, 'Fuck.'

Midoriya's chest constricted, lungs spasming, failing miserably to supply his body with oxygen.

'Forcing Kacchan into p-publicly-' Izuku's inner voice stuttered, mind refusing to accept his own statement.

Midoriya felt lightheaded, darkness spinning all around him.

'F-forcing Kacchan into publicly accepting me or- or-'

The words stuck in his head, heart squeezing painfully between sporadic lungs.

'R-rejecting me...'

White noise assaulted him, making the beating in his ears sound distorted and warped, akin to being underwater.

'I can't lose Kacchan!' Deku internally screamed. The younger teen felt like he was drowning, gasping for breath as his panic became all-consuming.

Bakugo's rejection would do more than just hurt...

'I can't lose Kacchan!'

… The smaller hero knew that completely.

'I can't lose Kacchan!"

The timid teen's labored breaths multiplied, heart pounding at a dangerous pace.

'I can't lose him!'

The viridian hero's pupils constricted, shrinking until they were barely visible, eyes becoming large lifeless pools of jade.

'I can't lose him!'

Kacchan's rejection would destroy Izuku!

'Kacchan!'

"Fuck," the bomber hero growled aloud, lips pressing into a thin line. Once more Katsuki found himself cursing his ineptitude - Deku needed him now and Bakugo didn't know the first thing to soothing the hyperventilating hero. His heart pounded, self-loathing filling his chest as he watched Izuku's panic visibly spread. Katsuki wasn't an idiot - he knew with certainty why his nerd was having an anxiety attack, and it made his heart lurch painfully.

'Izuku,' the taller teen mused, heart heavy as his scarlet eyes narrowed on his nerd.

Izuku needed him and Katsuki was a fucking hero - and not just any fucking hero; Bakugo was Deku's personal hero and he'd be damned if he let his nerd keep hurting!

Releasing a suddenly determined growl, he dropped the smaller teen's hands, reaching up to cup his round freckled face in his palms. Even if he didn't know what the fuck he was doing, he couldn't stand idly by, watching the anxious teen fall further into his panic; Katsuki was a man of action, and he had someone precious to protect!

"Deku, we're fine," he spoke, soft and pleading as he pressed his forehead against the viridian hero. The aggressive hero's cherry orbs peered into cloudy emerald eyes, but those large green eyes remained dull and unfocused, making his heart clench harder. Katsuki knew his pleas fell on mute ears, making his lips pull into a deeper frown, realizing just how deep into his own head his nerd was struggling against. Heart thundering, he closed his ruby eyes, continuing in a strained voice, "I'm right here, Deku..."

Katsuki didn't know what the fuck he was doing. But he'd seen Kirishima do this with Ashido once to calm her down, and he prayed it worked for Izuku too. His heart beat so fast inside him, slamming with bruising force against his ribs. Guilt and concern filled him as he whispered his boyfriend's name, "Izuku."

(Continue reading by following the link)

[frustrated-writer-skyeknight]

A High School Story, Chapter 50

Not mine. You can read the actual work here. Posting for an Ao3 friend since they don’t have a Tumblr and can’t be bothered to make one. 

Listen to Rewrite the stars by SkyeKnight on #SoundCloud

https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/qW4KK

After Sharpay's performance, Vance stood from the table and started to move towards the sides of the stage. Frowning, Derby followed him, while Sharpay and Peyton made their stage exit.

    "Honey, please don't make a scene."

Vance turned to his wife, his expression softening at the tone his wife used. After days of cold fronts and only being spoken to if he had to discuss something of immediate concern, like the case they filed against Dalton, hiring the best therapist to help Ryan deal with the trauma, or the talent show preparations.

But her tone had mostly been void of emotion, almost deadpan at times. This was the first time that she was speaking it in softer tone. Almost pleading. How could Vance go against it?

Of course, he wasn't intending on making a scene. He just wanted to talk to his daughter, about allowing her relationship with Peyton once more. That would mean allowing Peyton to be able to interact with Ryan as well, though they would need to talk about him not making himself a bridge for his son and Jack's boy.

Before he could respond though, instead of Fulton's voice coming next to announce the next performers, another song he's never heard before started to play. And when he looked to the stage, he gawked at the sight of Troy Bolton taking the stage, with a starry background similar to what was used during their winter musical. Troy cast his sights towards something above.

Vance gawked as well when his son was shown overhead, being held up by a harness of sorts.

Troy took a moment to look out to the crowd, towards Vance Evans. He figured it might not be in his best interest to single him out pointedly, but the man needed to know it was wrong of him to keep him and Ryan apart just because they were both boys.

He trusted that his mother was right; Troy did nothing wrong, and neither did Ryan. And that was what they were here tonight to show him.

Everyone.

Ryan started being lowered to the stage, holding his hand out to Troy.  And it took much self control from both their parts not to pull each other in for a kiss. It's been weeks, and this is the first time that they've been able to see each other, much less touch each other. But something more important was on the line right now, and they needed to focus on that.

Because that same thing was fighting for the right to be able to do that.

For now, they settled for taking in each other in an embrace before waltzing across the stage. Though admittedly, compared to what Sharpay and Peyton had done, it mostly looked like simple slow dancing and turning.

Of course, for both of them, it was more than enough to be able to hold the other close after being denied it for so long.

They held on to the last note, till Zeke and Jason came on stage with a rolling wall prop.

Vance's blood ran cold, and he immediately made a dash to the side of the stage exits. Like his wife asked, he didn't make a scene. But there were more than one way to put a stop to the show.

Which was something prepared for, it seemed.

    "Daddy, please wait." Sharpay was blocking the way back stage, with Peyton just behind her, where the ropes were to pull the curtains close. "You need to see why it's wrong of you to keep them apart; that they aren't any less meant to be than Peyton and me."

    Vance gave her a hard look. "I could ground you for this young lady," he said. And to think he was considering on going to let her date Peyton again.

    "Then ground me afterwards," The heiress didn't budge, and Vance was astounded at the fact that she didn't even try arguing "But not until you see how they work well together. And if you'll still keep them apart after this, then you'll be no better than the kinds of people you fear would hurt Ryan just for liking the same sex."

    Vance frowned, and felt a touch to his arm. He looked to find Derby, looking at him imploringly as well. "Please dear," she started, "you didn't disrupt your daughter's performance. Don't be cruel, extend the same courtesy to your son. There's time for talk later, isn't there?"

The man sighed, relenting. If there was one thing he hated more than somebody causing harm to his children, it was making his children think he favored either of them more than the other.

Ryan pressed against the walls Jason and Zeke were pressing against him. The blond was amazed at how the prop walls looked similar to the interior of their own high school. It was a wonder at how much the team could accomplished when they worked together, similar to what they'd done before the callbacks.

The blond supposed it wasn't just an exaggeration or pep talk when the wildcats had high regards for team work.

Especially considering the fact that Kelsi managed to come up with two new songs, for his sister and Peyton as well as for him and Troy, in such short notice. Or maybe she already did have it in her reservoir of compositions, Ryan wouldn't doubt the possibility.

Either way, if this doesn't convince his dad to let him be with Troy, Ryan didn't know what else would.

Troy pushed against the walls as well, managing to break free just as Ryan did only for him to start ascending to the air once more, soaring through the air as shimmering lights made twinkling effects around him.

The brunette made a show of looking after Ryan longingly, as if wanting to reach him, which may not exactly be farther from the truth. Before moving off stage.

Troy showed up once more, on top of the same of the same balcony propped used during Sharpay and Peyton's performance. Only it was covered in a large, dark cloth all glittered up so that when the lights reflected on it just enough, it looked like it was shimmering.

As the stagehands, Zeke and Jason helped move it across the stage, so it appeared as Troy was trying to pursue Ryan as the blond continued soaring above. When he flew right, the balcony was rolled far left, and vice versa, so as to portray that they always met at the middle with their arms outstretched to the other, but still far out of reach.

And although his harness wasn't loosening, Ryan made a particular hand movement.

Vance watched his son perform with Troy. More than their performance, he watched how the way they looked at each other. It made him uneasy, but not for the reason he thought.

His resolve was crumbling, and the only thing maintaining it was the fear over his son's well being.

The man knew he had riches, enough to buy off people if necessary. But even he understood its boundaries, and he knew no amount of riches made him above the world. If the world went after his son because of this, he knew he wouldn't be able to protect him forever.

Was he ready to accept not being the only one who has to?

As it was reaching the bridge of the song, his heart leapt to his throat as he watched his son suddenly fall. The crowd released audible gasps as well. But the song continued, as Troy easily caught him in his arms.

The two shared another meaningful embrace before they started to make  their descent down the prop, with Jason and Zeke readying the walls once more. But unlike earlier, the two repelled them from enclosing and trapping them by simply holding up their arms towards it.

The two basketball players laid the walls down in a certain way.

Troy and Ryan stood over them, each of their hands holding the others' as they were elevated a feet off. With each other's help, they kept their balance as they were brought higher and higher.

They sang to each other, trapped in a tunnel vision as if they were the only two people around.

Troy cradled the blond's face into his hands, and Ryan raised his to press them on the brunette's as well.

Letting go of their inhibitions from earlier, the two finally gave into kissing each other, as the platform started to recede and they were slowly descending back down.

Some of the less than open-minded guess their outraged known, drawing a scowl from Vance's expression. He wanted to go there himself and take care of it, until he sees that Fulton had security take care of it promptly.

Although his expression turned to surprise, because he didn't remember Jack Bolton getting an invite to the talent show, nor was he hired as security. But for some reasons, he had the uniform. He raised a brow, looking towards his daughter.

The heiress didn't meet his eyes, simply whistling innocently.

    "You thought of everything, didn't you?"

    Sharpay met his eyes then, but looked all too proud of herself instead of guilty. "I assure you daddy, I have no idea what you're talking about." She said.