#it got knocked down in the storm and decided to just keep growing More from the center

[nocturnalrat]

Hihi, ik this is corny lol but could you do a fake dating scenario with 1610!miles where he uses the relationship to cover up his identity as spiderman and why he’s always gone ?

I LOVE THE FAKE DATING TROPE SO MUCH!

Thank you for the prompt! I added some childhood friends to lovers to this :) Hope you like it!

---

Miles and you had been inseparable friends since childhood. Growing up, your families had lived in adjacent apartments, but circumstances forced your family to move to a more affordable neighborhood when you turned eight. Despite attending different schools, you remained friends throughout the years.

As fate would have it, you had come to suspect that Miles was none other than Spider-Man through your occasional encounters with the web-slinging hero. His unmistakable voice, his quirky sense of humor, and that distinctive laugh had given his true identity away.

Miles’ double life as a superhero kept him perpetually occupied. It had been a while since you had last hung out, but you were understanding of the situation. Keeping New York safe was not an easy task.

Each time you witnessed him soaring through the towering skyscrapers of the city, a smile appeared on your face. He was happy, and that was all that mattered to you.

On this particular day, as you were heading home from school, an unexpected event unfolded before your eyes. It was quite a comical sight – a shopping bag laden with groceries in Spider-Man’s hands, as if he were an ordinary citizen carrying out mundane tasks. But just as he exited the store, a car raced down the street at a dangerous speed, closely followed by a convoy of police cars.  

Without a moment’s hesitation, he dropped the shopping bag and leaped into action, joining the chase. Amused by the relentless chaos that seemed to follow Spider-Man wherever he went, you decided to do what any loyal friend would have done: You picked up his abandoned groceries and embarked on a mission of your own – to deliver them to his parents’ apartment.

It took you quite some time until you finally arrived at your destination. The sound of a heated argument echoed from the inside of Miles’ apartment. You hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do next.

“¡No puedo creer que te hayas olvidado de comprar los comestibles otra vez!” His mother’s voice rang out, filled with frustration.  

“Lo siento,” you heard Miles’ voice reply. “I just – I got distracted, and then forgot about the food entirely!”

“Distracted by what?” His dad sounded equally irritated. “You had one job!”

Technically, the poor kid has multiple responsibilities, you thought. That’s when you decided to step in and save the day. You knocked on the door, determined to help.  

The conversation abruptly fell silent. Miles opened the door, his expression a mix of surprise and bewilderment when he saw you.

"You left your groceries at my house," you said, attempting to convey with your gaze: Hey, I know you're Spider-Man, and I saw you drop your shit just to chase after a criminal. Step up your game.  

His father appeared in the doorway. When he recognized you, he smiled. "Oh, it's you. Miles, why didn't you tell me you were visiting a friend?"

You could see the gears turning in Miles' head. Then, to your own astonishment, he responded, "Girlfriend. Not friend."

A sudden crash of dishes on the floor interrupted the scene. Miles' mother stormed towards the door. "What did I just hear?"

You raised an eyebrow, silently questioning him. What the hell, Morales?

Thankfully, you and Miles had always possessed the unique ability to communicate without words.

His look pleaded: Play along. Please.

Who were you to let down a friend in need? If he needed the excuse of a girlfriend, then of course you would provide your assistance.

His father's jaw had dropped. He stared at you as if he were seeing you for the first time in his life.

"Yep!” you said cheerfully. “Girlfriend. We've been dating for..." You looked at him, seeking his support on the matter.

"For a while!" he rushed to say.

Not helpful, you thought.

"What do you mean 'a while'?" his mother inquired suspiciously.

"Nine months,” he said.

"NINE MONTHS?" Her shrill voice pierced through the room, making you cringe. "You've been dating a girl for nine months, and you're only telling us now? Come on in, dear, don't just stand there in the doorway!" She grabbed you by the shoulder and, before you could protest, you were dragged into the living room.

Oh, boy. This was going to be a disaster.

"That explains a lot," his father muttered, but it sounded more like he was talking to himself and thinking out loud. He patted Miles on the back. "You could have talked to me about it, kid. Although... I guess you're not a kid anymore, huh?" His tone turned sentimental and fatherly, and you couldn’t help but feel embarrassed by the entire situation. You had to suppress the urge to grimace.

"Miles, don't just stand there like that, take your girlfriend's bag! She came all the way here because you're forgetful." His mother gave you a tense, yet warm smile. She probably would have reacted worse if Miles had introduced them to a complete stranger.

Miles, who suddenly seemed to remember that he had a role to play, hurriedly took the bag from you, putting it on the kitchen counter. When he returned, you could see him hesitate for a moment before giving you a quick kiss on the cheek.

Tame.

Well. You were in front of his parents, so displaying restraint seemed appropriate.

But if you were already doing him a favor, you wanted to have your fun with it.

With a mischievous grin, you took his hand in yours, and he looked at you with wide, somewhat panicked eyes.

"I don't understand why you didn’t tell us sooner,” his father said.

"Because you guys embarrass me," Miles murmured shyly.

"Embarrassing? Us?" His mother gave him a disapproving glare. Then, turning to you, she said, "Don't break his heart, yeah?”  

"Mom!" He whined, blushing.

His genuine reactions were delightfully innocent, and you couldn’t resist taking it a step further.

You threw both your arms around his shoulders and pulled him into a quick kiss. He was taller than you, and his hands instinctively wrapped around your waist. Caught off guard, his eyes widened as your lips met his.

His father cleared his throat, and his mother made a choked sound.

Grinning, you released him from the embrace.  

"I'm afraid I still have a lot of homework to do. I'll see you tomorrow, Miles. You guys have a great night, Mr. and Mrs. Morales!"

You left the apartment.

Miles ran after you and caught up with you on the street.

"You – what was that just now?" he exclaimed.

"I should be the one asking questions. Since when did I become your girlfriend?"

"I had to use that excuse!" He sounded contrite. "Sorry, it's just... They've been on my case for ages because I'm always busy and away from home."

"Don't worry about it." You gave him an encouraging smile. "I don't mind playing your girlfriend. Was that your first kiss just now?"

He flinched, embarrassment written all over his face. "No, I've kissed hundreds of girls. What are you talking about?"

"You're a pretty bad liar, Miles."

He puffed out his cheeks. "Fine. Yeah, it was my first kiss. Satisfied?"

"No, not yet. But it seems we'll have plenty of opportunities to practice kissing in the future."

Before he could say anything in response, you had already walked on, leaving an extremely perplexed and embarrassed Miles behind.

Well, you thought, this whole ordeal might actually be a nice distraction from my boring life.

You just had to be careful not to fall for him.

[dear-sigyn]

THUNDER

𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕: 1.4k 𝒂/𝒏: starting to write this during my exam period wasn't my brightest idea, nor was finishing it at 2am, but hey, better inspiration always comes late at night ;) 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔: none (that I think of)

You knew it was getting late, very late, and a quick glance at your watch confirmed that it was indeed already past 4am. The storm that showed up earlier in the evening was still raging outside, and each thunderclap resonated like a drum in your heart, preventing you from falling asleep.

At first, you told yourself that it was just the excessively loud noise keeping you awake, but the way your breath caught every time lightning tore through the sky told a different story: you were scared. Worse yet, you were terrified, and there was no use pretending otherwise - you wouldn’t find sleep tonight.

With a long sigh, you dragged yourself out of bed, moving around your room in search of the notebook where all your notes from yesterday are written. ‘If I have to pull an all-nighter, it might as well be a productive one,’ you thought.

However, as you turned your room upside down for your precious writings, you quickly realized they were nowhere to be found. Anxiety slowly began to grow in your chest, and suddenly, felt the weight of your worries about the upcoming heist bearing down on your shoulders.

In reality, it’s been a few days since you’ve started to dwell on everything that could go wrong. Even though the Professor's plan seems perfectly laid out, there are always external factors that we can't predict, right? But now is not the right time to worry about that.

Taking a deep breath and refocusing your thoughts, it only took 2 seconds to remember where they were, or rather, who had them.

And it was quite simple, really. After another ‘lesson’ with the Professor, Berlin asked you - not without adding a few inappropriate remarks throughout the conversation - if you could lend him your notes.

Despite his peculiar character, you got along quite well at your first encounter, and you quickly grew closer over the weeks spent together - perhaps a bit more than you should have knowing the rules - so you didn’t think too much before handing him your notebook. You had planned to pick it up later in the evening, but with the storm intensifying, you promptly retreated to your room without a word, hiding your head beneath your pillow to drown out the unsettling rumblings. It would certainly be very rude to disturb him in the middle of the night just to come pick them up, but that was the least of your concern at the moment, and the lack of sleep wasn’t making you think rationally anyway.   

So without thinking too much about the consequences that your next decision might entail if you were ever caught, you decided to leave your room, quietly closing the door behind you, and tiptoed across the hallway. 

As you arrived at his door, doubts began to form in your mind, but before they could consume you entirely you softly knocked on his door, being careful to make as little noise as possible to avoid waking others, while already anticipating his remarks about why you had come to see him this late at night.

And sure enough, when he finally opened the door the first thing you saw was a mischievous - and  tired - smile forming on his lip as his eyes met yours, “Well, who do we have here? To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit at such a late hour, cariño?”

You took a breath to pull yourself together and smiled weakly back at him “Well, you see I’m sorry to bother you at this hour but it occurred to me that you have something of mine in your possession”. He raised an eyebrow, amused, “Is that so? And what could be so important that you must come knocking at my door at …” he glanced at his watch, “... almost 5 in the morning?”

His subtle sarcastic tone didn’t escape you; he knew exactly what you were talking about. Usually, you weren’t opposed to playing along with his little games, but the thunder that continued to rumble outside and the looming threat of another lightning strike approaching made your patience wear thin, “My notebook Berlin, I need my notebook now”, at that you saw his eyebrows furrowed, maybe your tone was a little too harsh, “... please.”

“Oh, you wound me, nena. Why the rush?” he said, feigning offense. But realizing that you were definitely not in the mood, he sighed and continued in a dramatic tone. “For your information, cariño, I had planned to return it to you last night. But that was before you dashed to your room like a flash, without even saying goodnight.”, he said, raising his hand to his heart. “Are you aware of the pain it caused me?”

At that, you scoffed, “Don’t you think you’re exaggerating? Don’t tell me you’re sulking because I didn’t say goodnight; that doesn’t sound like something you would do.” He shrugged and replied, “Maybe I am.”

You were about to retort when suddenly a particularly loud thunder was heard, making you jump and utter a cry. Feeling panic starting to overtake you, you were about to glance down the hallway to check if your reaction had woken anyone up, but you didn’t get the time. With a firm grip on your shoulders, he ushered you into his room, closing the door behind you. 

You're unsure of what caused you to break down first—the sound of thunder that led to a completely ridiculous reaction in front of Berlin, his reluctance to return your notebook, the sleep deprivation, or the near-miss of being caught standing in the hallway in the middle of the night just to retrieve some notes. But you felt the first tear roll down your cheek, followed by a second, then a third, until cascades were flowing from your eyes.

When he realized the distress you were in, he tightened his arm around your shoulders, the other coming around your waist, enveloping you in a tight embrace. It was just what you needed to fully let go and release all your pent-up emotions.

While your cries increased, he gently hushed you, running his fingers through your hair. And after taking a few minutes to calm down, you finally spoke again, your voice muffled against his chest. “ … I don’t like storms,” you murmured, to which he responded with a low chuckle, “You don’t say, cariño.”

He loosened his grip to observe your face, but still feeling a bit embarrassed by the whole situation, you kept your head tucked against him. “Hey …” his hand delicately rested on your cheek, guiding your gaze toward his. “That’s it, look at me.”

“It’s not only the storm, is it?,” his fingers tenderly brushed away the remnants of your tears in a soothing gesture. You nodded slowly and tried once again to speak, but your throat tightened, preventing you from doing so, no sound coming out.

“Oh no, you don't have to tell me right now, but please don't shut yourself off from me or even the others like that anymore, hm ?”, he brushed aside a strand of hair that had fallen over your eyes, “It’s not good for you.” You nodded once again, leaning your head gently against his chest as you closed your eyes, lulled by the rhythm of his breathing. You then felt your own breathing becoming steadier and the tension gradually leaving your body.

You stayed in this position, in the middle of his room, for a moment, and as you were miraculously beginning to fall asleep, the sound of his voice snapped you out of your reverie. "You can stay and sleep here, if you want”, his suggestion was made in a quiet voice, as if he didn't want to rush you.

It was certainly a bad idea, but at the moment, it was the least of your worries. You felt so relaxed, so peaceful, that you murmured a nearly inaudible 'yes' to him but due to your proximity he heard it. Berlin carefuly guided you to his bed, settling you in, and pulled the covers up to your shoulders before settling in on the other side.Finally, you felt sleep starting to kick in. But before fully succumbing to it, you sensed arms embracing you, a soft kiss tenderly placed in your hair and a hand covering your ear blocking the sounds of the thunder outside. A faint smile appeared on your lips, for the first time since the storm began, you felt safe.

first writing done!! english is not my first langage so my sincere apologies for any mistakes I tried to be careful <3

[runningthroughthegarden]

Hi how are you ❤️? You write amazingly well <3

I was wondering, if you take requests, if you could write a Jack/Ethan fic inspired by "You're Losing Me" by Taylor Swift. (You can decide the ending, line sad or not)

Thanks you 💕

thank you!! yall love being heartbroken, me too!! requests are open, i love doing them :)

-

you and jack had been dating for a year when he got offered a role in scream vi. you were more than excited for him, even though it meant you would be spending a lot of time apart. you both decided you would do everything in your power to make it work, but lately that was proving to be easier said than done. the last couple of days you could barely get in touch with him. whenever he did reply it was small or dry remarks. you felt lonely in the apartment you once shared. sitting, staring at the walls that were once filled with laughter and love. feeling your phone buzz you are quick to check the notification. 

“hey babe sorry ive had a long day on set” 

“jack we havent talked in days. i don't understand” 

“i know you don't. listen i’ll call you tomorrow” 

crashing on your bed, tears begin to dwell in your eyes.

you say, "I don't understand" and I say, "I know you don't"

we thought a cure would come through in time, now, I fear it won't

remember lookin' at this room, we loved it 'cause of the light

now, I just sit in the dark and wonder if it's time

pacing your room with your phone up to your ear you begin to grow anxious. jack broke his empty promise and didn’t call you. so now here you were, trying to piece it back together. as the ringing stops, a smile is cast across your face. 

“jack!! hey, i miss you”

“hey what did you want”

“well you said you were gonna call and i just wanted to check up on you” 

“im a little busy right now” 

“oh okay maybe we can call again later” 

a deep sigh is his only response. 

“is everything okay?” 

“no everythings not okay! i cant get anything done when youre bothering me all day. im working and all you want to do is talk about your day. im sorry but i really don't care right now”

“oh okay. i’ll let you go” 

throwing your phone onto your bed, you break down in sobs. 

do I throw out everything we built or keep it?

i'm getting tired even for a phoenix

always risin' from the ashes

mendin' all her gashes

you might just have dealt the final blow

you spent the evening on your bed, shaking with tears streaming down your eyes. you could only thing about how good things used to be. when you had a boyfriend who absolutely adored you. now it seemed like you had no one at all. your heart was racing a million hours per hour and yet you felt absolutely nothing. 

stop, you're losing me

i can't find a pulse

my heart won't start anymore... for you

'cause you're losing me

after that night, that call, you made it a point to stay out of jacks way. he would facetime you every now and then. while he got his hair done, goofing around on set, or just in his trailer. none of these times did he seem to notice that none of your smiles reached your eyes. your replies were empty and solemn. you were happy to see him so excited but apart of you hated him for not realizing what he had done. for not realizing how deep his words had truly affected you. 

“hey you okay” 

biting your nails behind the screen 

“lately not really” you honestly replied. 

“hang on mason's gotta tell me something. i’ll call you later. love you."

every mornin' I glared at you with storms in my eyes

how can you say that you love someone you can't tell is dyin'?

i sent you signals and bit my nails down to the quick

my face was gray, but you wouldn't admit that we were sick

your surprised to hear a knock at your door. you open it to reveal your curly headed boyfriend. he had stopped responding to you completely a few days ago, so saying you were shocked to see him was an understatement. tired of being the only one trying to keep the relationship afloat, you let out your frustration. 

“what are you doing here jack” 

“hey i just wanted to check up on you, i have a few days off” 

he brings you into a hug, but you stay stiff below him. 

“whats wrong?” he asks, picking up on your mood. 

“you ignore me for days and expect me to be excited to see you?” 

“ive been busy you know that” 

“jack we barely talk anymore. and when we do you blow me off in the first 5 minutes. hell you even told me to stop talking to you.” you explain, tears filling your eyes. 

“look im sorry, the movies just been taking up all my time."

“and the movies more important than me right?” you say barely above a whisper.

“no but this is my job, my life” 

“then maybe you should only worry about yourself” finally looking into his eyes.

“what are you trying to say” 

“im saying we’re done jack. i cant keep putting myself through hell only for you not to give a shit” 

“no c'mon we can make this work.”

“yeah thats what you said last time. please jack im going to ruin myself if this keeps happening.” 

you both are a crying mess at this point. 

not saying another word, jack leaves. 

and the air is thick with loss and indecision

i know my pain is such an imposition

now, you're running down the hallway

and you know what they all say

"you don't know what you got until it's gone"

the next morning you find a letter left at your front door. 

my love, 

i'm sorry. for absolutely everything. i love you endlessly. when the stars realign, i’ll be there. but for now, be with someone who can give you everything i couldn't. 

-jack

stop, you're losing me

i can't find a pulse

my heart won't start anymore... for you

'cause you're losing me

stop 'cause you're losing me

crumpling up the paper you begin to cry. 

i gave you all my best me's, my endless empathy

and all I did was bleed as I tried to be the bravest soldier

fighting in only your army, frontlines, don't you ignore me

giving up so much of yourself, you were absolutely exhausted. the beautiful relationship you once had is now behind you. 

you're losing me

stop, you're losing me

i can't find a pulse, my heart won't start anymore

giving up the fight, you were at rest. 

[love-iathan]

Sweet Boy

Masterlist | Seelie Key

Fandom: Genshin Impact

Character(s): Wanderer, Ei (brief)

Reader: Gender Neutral, Creator

Warning(s): Does not follow cannon

Word Count: 1681

Note(s): I wrote this on and off while I was sick, like 2 weeks ago, so it might be garbage and all over the place :)

You peacefully watched the rain storm, the downpour watering your crops. Suddenly pulled from your daydream by a knock at the door, you walked over and opened it, preparing to reprimand whomever disturbed you. Stopping in your tracks when you realised it was Ei, who was holding a much smaller boy in her arms.

"Your Grace, I've made a mistake." Hearing Ei admit to such a thing was unheard of.

Allowing her into your home, you sat at the table. "Who's the child?" You asked, gesturing to the seat across from you.

With a bit of hesitation, Ei sat down, the boy cradled in her lap. "Do you remember when I asked your permission to make a puppet?"

"I do," you replied, growing a bit concerned where this was going.

Ei's mouth opened and closed, but nothing came out. After a few seconds of silence, she finally got the words out. "I can't force him to be my puppet."

Cocking an eyebrow, you reached over to your teapot, pouring both of you a cup. "Care to elaborate?"

Once again, she looked like a fish out of water, trying to organise her thoughts. "Last night, he shed tears. I'd never forgive myself if I forced him to be my puppet."

Slowly gathering the main issue, you chuckled. "All of you have always had such complex emotions, whether you'd like to admit it or not." You joked, referring to her and the rest of the Archons. "You think of him as your son, don't you?"

Ei's silence said it all. "Your Grace, what should I do?" She seemed to grow more distressed as time went on.

"Well, you have a few options. 1, you can keep him, raise him, not as a puppet, but as your son. Create a new puppet using what you've learned making him. 2, let fate decide what should happen to him."

"Do you mean abandon him?" She asked, almost panicked, forgetting her manners. With a gasp, she whispered, "my apologies."

"Or, 3, let him be your puppet, as originally planned, and let him prove his worth."

Ei sighed, looking down at her puppet. "It's not that he isn't worthy, Your Grace." She trailed off, uncomfortable with needing to make this choice, wishing you'd just do it for her.

"Ei, I know this is a difficult decision for you to make, but I cannot make it for you. I also can't take him," you sipped on your tea. "Me taking him would be equivalent to creating another Archon, which could potentially lead to a 2nd Archon War. I'm sorry dear Ei, but I cannot risk that."

Ei sighed, knowing you were right, asking you to take on the boy would be disrespectful.

Walking around the table to stand next to her, you placed your hand on her shoulder. "Drink your tea and give it some thought. You both may stay here tonight, I hope you have your decision by tomorrow."

The next day, you saw Ei in the same spot you left her last night, although the boy was sleeping on the futon in the living area. Despite her not needing sleep, she had dark bags under her eyes, as if she'd been up for days. "Ei, are you alright?"

Startled by your question, she jumped, "yes, my apologies, Your Grace. I've just been thinking about what I should do."

"Well, it's still quite early, how about we eat something and then we'll discuss your options more in depth."

With a quick nod, you began making something simple. Dishing out 3 portions, you set Ei's in front of her, one in your spot and the last at the end of the table. You walked into the living area, slowly approaching the still sleeping boy.

Kneeling down, you gently shook him awake. "Sweetheart? Wake up, you should eat something." Being this close to him for the first time, you really noticed the resemblance between him and Ei.

The boy slowly opened his eyes, the same purple as his mother. "Hello." He said meekly.

You smiled, taking his hand. "Come over here, eat with us." He followed you, visibly relaxing when he saw Ei, a familiar face. Gesturing to the table, you sat down, waiting for him to sit as well. Ei sat in silence, staring at her plate. "You may eat, now."

Ei picked up her cutlery, eating in silence. The boy looked between you and Ei in confusion; as far as he knew, Ei was the most powerful being alive. So why did she only begin eating after you allowed it? Who exactly were you, and why did Ei seem on edge around you? Almost scared of you.

"All of your questions will be answered in due time." You affirmed, seemingly reading his mind.

The three of you ate in silence, although questions raced through his head. Would it be rude to ask them? If you were so powerful, surely you'd punish him for speaking out of turn. Deciding to keep his questions to himself for now, he finished his food, opting to look around himself.

Taking in his surrounding, he was startled to hear Ei's voice. "Your Grace," although her voice was barely above a whisper, you looked up from your plate. "I believe I've made my decision." She trailed off, quickly grabbing a cup, which he assumed was water and downing it.

You smiled at her. "Wonderful. We will speak about it later."

The boy, now known as Scaramouche, was abandoned by his mother, his creator. His last "happy" memory with her was the night he ate with you both. Scaramouche grew to despise you as well. He believed you'd been the one to convinced Ei to leave him, abandon him.

If you created Teyvat, knew everything that was going to happen, and had the power to change the course of history, why didn't you change his destiny? Why did you knowing allow Ei to abandoned him? It didn't make since to him. While still the innocent and curious kabukimono, he'd hoped that you'd come looking for him and take him to your home.

As the days past him by, he'd realised he wasn't wanted, so he gave up, the last of his innocence leaving him when the young boy betrayed him. His heart grew cold, leaving Inazuma, and the pain it cause him, behind.

Centuries later, you heard news from Sumeru that the Akademiya's Sages were attempting to create an Archon, using none other than Scaramouche. Having rarely left your home since his creation, you didn't know that Sumeru didn't have an active Archon, so when you arrived to aid the blonde traveler, you didn't recognise the small God.

After Scaramouche's defeat, you spoke to the Archon and traveler, learning their names. The traveler told you everything they knew up to this point, about Scaramouche, his life as the Balladeer, and the Sage's plans. "Neither of you need to worry about him, he'll be fine. Nahida, would you mind keeping an eye on him? He's going to be quite weak when he wakes up. I'll come collect him once he's awake."

The Dendro Archon agrees, with a bit of hesitation, understandably so; the puppet had just tried to overtake her position as Archon. When Scaramouche finally woke up, Nahida called for you to collect him. While he was still delirious, he recognised you immediately, trying to get away from you.

Seeing him, you sauntered right up to him, taking his face into your hands gently. "Ah, you've grown so much. I just wish your life hadn't gone down such a dark path."

Irritated, Scaramouche slapped your hands away. "If you're so sorry, why didn't you stop it from happening?" He shouted, turning his back to you.

"It was too dangerous. I wouldn't have been able to ensure Teyvat's, or even your, safety." You turned him back around, one hand on his shoulder. "I remember the night Ei brought you to my home; you were so innocent."

The words felt degrading, yet somehow warm. "Why did you let her abandon me?" His aggressive tone shifted to a vaguely vulnerable one, his voice wavering ever-so slightly.

With a deep breath, you pulled him into your chest, listening as he struggled to hold back tears. "Ei was very attached to you, even though it only been a few days. She didn't want you to be forced into a life of servitude, but she didn't want you to feel as though you'd been replaced."

"I don't... I don't understand," he mumbled.

Running your fingers through his hair, you pulled him tighter against you. "I'm sure you know you were created to be Ei's puppet, but the night before she brought you to me, you cried in your sleep." You rested your chin on his head. "She was worried that, that if she went through with her plan to make you her puppet, you'd be unhappy."

Scaramouche continued to try and push you away for a few minutes before giving in and crying into your chest. "Why was I not good enough?"

"Oh, sweet boy, you are more than enough. That night," you pressed a kiss to the top of his head, "Ei and I wanted you to decide your own fate, let you forge your own path through life. Had I known she'd leave you alone without talking to you about our decision, I would have intervened."

"What?" Confused, the ex-Harbinger pulled away from you.

Wiping the stray tears from his cheeks, "I didn't learn what happened to you until after Ei made the Raiden Shogun, even then, I had to ask. She was still upset about her sister's death, it's not a excuse and she was punished justly."

"I'm sorry," he muttered.

You smiled, "for what, darling? You didn't nothing wrong."

"I've hurt so many people. Killed so many people. I'm sorry."

"Sweetheart, look at me," you lifted his chin. "You were hurting. While it is no more an excuse than Ei's, it is an explanation. You just need to be prepared for the consequences, sweet boy."

Using "x male reader" tags to summon the audience I want 🙏

[the-woild-is-y-erster]

haha since I got like six notes on the post abt my sprace thing here you suckers go

It's raining. and I mean pouring. And of course, it just so happens to be on my birthday, so its cold as balIs. and I'm not having a very good day.

I trudge back towards the lodging house, stomach grumbling and bag nearly full of papers I couldn't sell after it started raining. As I pass one of the parks that marks the border between Brooklyn and Queens, I wonder what Spot is doing. probably playing a game with his boys, not soaked and shivering, I think despondently. Deciding to try and wait out the rain for a bit, I duck under the awning of a shop, sitting on the curb. I take off my cap, wringing it out as I watch people with dark umbrellas pass on the street, hurrying towards their destinations. 

I hear the shop door open behind me, and two people walk out. I don't bother to look who.

"It was so good to see you again, Sean." a girl's voice says. Sean...do I know a Sean? sounds familiar. 

"Anytime, Sarah. Shall I walk youse home?" the boy's voice sounds like someone I should know, but I feel like I'm hearing him as though through a tunnel. "Oh, no, that's ok. I'm sure Ama and Papa are worried, and it's in the other direction. We should meet again soon though, I'd love to hear more about this friend of yours." I hear the teasing smile in the girls' voice as she speaks, and a responding embarrassed chuckle from the guy. 

"Yeah, sure thing, Sar. How's about next Saturday? I-" he pauses, and I feel eyes on the back of my neck. "Tell ya what, I'll see you on Thursday, Jacobi's?" his eyes are still on me, but I get a lot of stares, so I don't think much of it. 

The two say their goodbyes, and the girl walks away. I rub my nose. the rain doesn't seem to want to stop; if anything, it's raining harder now. I hear a splash next to me, and see a familiar pair of boots land on the street beside mine. I look up, surprised. 

"Spot?"

he sits. "The one and only. What are you doin' all the way out here, Racer?" his shoulder brushes mine. I shrug. "Sold a grand total of twelve papes before this started." I gesture out towards the rain. "Decided to try and wait it out, but that seems like s'not gonna happen any time soon." I cross my arms on my knees, putting my chin on top. 

I swallow, trying to ignore the pit I feel growing in my stomach. "Who-uh, who was she?" I ask quietly, half hoping Spot doesn't hear me. He looks over at me, but I keep my gaze firmly fixed on the street. "Who, Sarah? oh, she's Mouth's sister, we met at the rally. Why, you jealous?" he knocks his shoulder against mine, half grinning, but I can see the frown of his eyebrows out of the corner of my eye. 

I huff a laugh. "Som'n like that. She nice?" the pit seems bottomless now. 

"Plenty nice, we's got lots in common. She wants to go to college upstate, get her degree in English literature." Spot says, seemingly oblivious. I nod, feeling the pressure in my throat. "S' real good, Conlon. I'm glad." I abruptly stand, determined not to cry in front of him again. "Hey, listen, it's gettin' late, and Jack's probably worried, so i'se is just gonna..." I gesture vaguely over my shoulder, already half turned away. I hear Spot get to his feet behind me.

"Wait- Race!" 

"Bye, Spot." I round the corner, and blink, hard. I start walking briskly, soaked to the bone and shivering like a leaf in the wind. Ignoring the sound of Spot calling after me back under the awning, I walk faster, a tear tracking its way down my face, disappearing with the rain.

"Anthony!" I hear splashing, and turn to see Spot running after me. he stops a few feet away, and I can already see his shirt getting wet. "Wait!"

"What is it, Conlon?" it comes out harsher than I mean it to, and he takes a step back. "Tony, what's your problem?" he asks, frowning. "One second we was havin' a perfectly civil conversation, the next you'se is storming off, 'boutta cry! Was it somethin' I said?" His slate blue eyes shine out from under the brim of his cap, concerned.

I look down at my boots, my jaw working as teardrops hit the tops of them. "I'm not gonna have this conversation yet, Conlon, because you-" I bite my tongue. "No. it's fine, I'm fine, I just need to get back to the lodge." I start turning around again. 

"Anthony, please, what did I do? was it Sarah? I promise she's perfectly nice, her and her-"

"That's just it!" I explode, whipping back towards Spot. "That's the problem. You-" I blink, but it does nothing to help the steady flow of tears. "I what, Race? Please, why do you not like Sar so much, she-" he starts.

"Because I'm in love with you, okay?" I screw my eyes shut and hang my head. you've really done it now, you idiot. Oh well, might as well open your big mouth again and make it even worse. "And you have Sarah, and Jack has Davey, and Blink has Mush, and Katherine has- I dunno, but that's just it." I open my eyes again to see Spot's mouth hanging open, a look of shock frozen on his face. "I'm alone. I'm alone in a world of couples, and I'm so. desperately. lonely." I snatch my hat off my head, waving it around in frustration. "And I'm in love with you, and I know you'll never feel the same, because it's wrong, and you have Sarah now, but I'm so pathetically alone, and yeah, I have Jack, and I guess I have you now, but I just- I need to be held, I need to receive the same love I've given my entire life, I need someone to just be with, and I-" I'm cut off my a pair of lips on mine. 

haha love me some good *checks notes* happy couples

might be a smidge outta character but I wrote this when I was sad and projecting lmao

[anarchy-and-piglins]

Dark Wizard of OZ AU.

Technoblade is a bright young man. He helps run his family's farm. He's a little bit of a daydreamer, but he works hard. He has a little dog he loves, but the mean neighbor keeps picking at it and trying to get it to bite. Which, of course, it does. And they send out the pound to get the dog taken.

Technoblade's family doesn't do much to stop it, but luckily Apollo is well trained and escapes his prison and makes his way back to Techno. Techno knows his family will make him give up Apollo, so he runs away.

He meets a strange traveler in a very strange caravan. Dressed in normal clothes, but his sharp blue eyes seem to know something strange. He offers a meal and offers to read Techno's fortune. They talk, they have a bit of fun.

Here's where it differs from thr Original Oz.

When the strange traveler offers Techno to stay and travel with him, he is not trying to reverse psychology Techno into going home. He is very interested in keeping Techno close.

But Techno is already regretting running and decides to turn him down. The blond haired man frowns, before smiling only a little strained before warning Technoblade to be quick. That the weather doesn't look so good. Which Technoblade is confused about. Its sunny outside.

Except, by the time he gets home, it is storming in earnest. He can see the twister forming in the distance. The storm celler won't open, why won't it open??? He knocks and knocks but it remains shut, so he hurries inside the house and tries to find shelter.

The twister hits, and Technoblade is knocked unconscious by a random item falling off a shelf. When he wakes, he sees that his is high up in the center of the storm.

The house lands, and Technoblade cautiously exits the house to find an impossibly colorful town. The town is ecstatic to see him because his house landed on a tyranical witch, a man who professed himself their king but did nothing to help them, who would rather spend all his time napping.

The Good Witch Philza, a man who looks somehow familiar, appears and congratulates Technoblade. Technoblade never knew that people could have wings like a bird or dress in such strange robes.

The Wicked Witch Dream appears, furious that someone could murder his best friend, George. Technoblade gets flustered trying to explain that he didn't mean to. Furious, Dream turns to at least retrieve his friend's crown, a thing of power. But it isn't there? Where?

Good Witch Philza places it gently on Technoblade's head, right where it is supposed to be :). Dream is enraged and tries to attack Technoblade. But the crown was made to KEEP George safe from attack, it does nothing to Technoblade.

Technoblade just wants to go home, and tells the Good Witch Philza so. Philza gives him a knowing smile, and points him toward the Emerald City, saying that maybe the Wizard could help.

Technoblade goes on his journey, and runs into a strange trio. An incredibly clever kid named Tubbo who thinks he doesn't have a brain. A very emotional boy named Tommy who claims he doesn't have a heart. And a kid named Ranboo who claims to be not so courageous...which, yeah, that one tracks.

As Technoblade travels with them, they ask him about his life before. And more and more the answers are harder. When Tubbo asks about what his life was like, Techno's memory grows foggy. When Tommy asks about his family, he flubs the names and begins to forget faces. When Ranboo talks, he gets less and less confident in what he remembers.

They make it to the Emerald City, but the Wizard won't help unless they kill Dream. Which is so disheartening. Technoblade is starting to doubt...doubt that its even worth it. Maybe...maybe he should just stay here?

No. No, he's got to at least try. So he goes, and you get all the benchtrio + Techno action stopping the witch. But as Dream falls, he says something. About how he can't trust Philza. And a guy named Sapnap takes charge after the reigh of terror ends, leading Technoblade and the trio back to the Emerald City as heros.

Technoblade confronts the wizard, who starts to backtrack on what he said about helping until Bench Trio rip away the curtains. A brunette theater guy stands there.

His name is Wilbur and he really isn't magical. He comes from a place quite similar to Techno. He came to Oz some years ago and made a place for himself.

"How did you get here?"

"I...honestly, I can't quite remember? But Philza helped me out once I got here."

Apollo, good boy, wanders off and pulls out the hot air balloon. And it jogs Wilbur's memory enough to remember THAT'S HOW he got here. So they start setting jt up so they can both get home.

Of course Good Witch Philza shows up to see them off. Look he is even smiling he is so happy. The twitch in his eyebrow isn't actually there.

However, once everything is set up, a crow swoops down and tears the tether away before Wilbur OR Technoblade can get in. Wilbur accepts it pretty quickly, not all that bothered.

Techno is...les thrilled. But the Good Witch Philza comforts him, tells him he will help in anyway he can. And its not much, but he gives Technoblade an emerald earring, a small token of his appreciation.

Technoblade accepts it, puts the earring in and its like a weight is lifted from his heart. This isn't so bad, is it? It's just like his daydreams.

Good Witch Philza smiles happily at him, and guides him further into the Emerald City, already prepared his home.

Anyways, have a good day.

QKSQHJKQS YOU KEEP BLESSING MY INBOX WITH THESE

This one is so unique and interesting, I'm just.... hmmmmm

[awkwardgtace]

First Time Indoors

ok @da3dm here's that first prompt/request you sent in. It got long so I wanted to do it's own post gonna link this in the ask too <3

Alessia lives on her own in the woods, but resources are getting scarce. She decides to head towards a human home, but a storm rolls in giving her some bad luck

tw: death, fear of death, sickness, trapped, uhh i gave alessia a sad backstory

First Time Indoors

Alessia had started to struggle finding good food near her home. Despite her own annoyance at it, she had to travel farther away. Closer to humans. She spent the last few weeks gathering everything she’d need for a trip across most of the forest. Packing the little bits of food she had, mostly edible herbs and plants. It helped that a human had started passing through lately. They mentioned something about a drought or a dry spell. She didn’t entirely understand, but it meant there was no rain. No rain meant everything lined up perfectly for her to travel to the closest human house.

She lifted her bag over her shoulder and started her trip. The human scared off a lot of the more dangerous animals. They had heavy steps that made them nervous to stay nearby the usual path. She could leisurely walk along the forest floor, just taking in the bright sun above her. No human would notice her with the cloak she had on. It blended well with the grass and tree roots.

Her walk was taking more of the day than she expected. The sun was high in the sky before a human home was in view. It started to feel like a waste, she only packed enough food for one day. Tremors on the ground had her diving into nearby roots. She tried to peek out of her hiding place as the tremors came closer. She recognized the rhythm, a human was walking nearby.

The tremors started to grow too severe for her to keep her balance. She had to steady herself against the root. A human man came closer, bringing the tremors with him. She ducked down hoping those green eyes didn’t see her. She had seen this human sometimes, she didn’t like him. He was too observant. Noticing her moving when others ignored her. She’d felt those intense eyes on her too often.

Once the man was finally past her she made a run for it. She couldn’t abandon her goal to at least reach the human house today. That goal didn’t involve that white haired human either. She ran steadily from tree to tree. A bad feeling started to rest itself in her chest. The amount of time passing didn’t match how dark the world was getting.

The tremors of the human man started to approach again. She spared a look up towards the sky, expecting to find his eyes locked on her. The world felt like it stopped when she found dark clouds hovering overhead. The tremors grew stronger, but she didn’t care. 

There was a storm, a bad storm, on its way. There was no way she’d get back home in time. There was no shelter nearby that could save her if the water caused a flood. The human’s tremoring steps grew closer and faster. She didn’t have a choice. She started to run along the path she knew the human would take.

The tremors were becoming mini earthquakes. She’d been in a real one once, it was just as bad as human steps. Maybe worse. Alessia pushed the thought away as the boom of a step landed behind her. She took deep breaths waiting for the gigantic foot to take the next step and land next to her. As soon as it did she turned towards it. She put all her strength into her legs. She had to make it before the human took another step.

The foot was starting to lift while she was too far. Alessia begged for her legs to move faster. Just before the lace of the shoe was out of reach she jumped. Her heart was racing. She barely managed to grab the plastic at the end of the string. She tried to dig her hands into it, but the plastic was too hard. She bit her tongue to hold in her scream as the human completed his step.

Alessia nearly fell as the foot hit the ground. Her body slammed against the side of the shoe, knocking the wind out of her. She started to lose her grip, but the grumble above her followed by the heavy droplets of rain spurred her on. She put all the strength she could into her arms and heaved herself up. She dug her fingers into the strange fabric of the string on the shoe. It filled her with relief she never could have expected.

She didn’t let herself relax. She kept climbing until she managed to wrap the loose part of the lace back into the tight parts pressed against the human’s foot. She managed to settle herself just in time. The human’s steps grew faster. If she hadn’t tied herself down she would be thrown hard enough she probably wouldn’t survive. She had to stay focused, just worry about getting out of the rain.

The steps kept moving consistently. She had to fix how she tied herself a few times, but it didn’t take long for the human house she’d seen in the distance to tower over her. The human slowed as he started up a few platforms to a gigantic door. He paused which gave her the time she needed to free herself. She slid off the foot and backed up to hide behind him. She had to hope the human didn’t look around. The idea of his hands wrapping around her made her shiver.

“There wasn’t supposed to be rain for a few more days,” the human grumbled. Alessia stared up at him as he kept digging in his pockets for something. She wanted the door to open so she could find a place to hide. He pulled something out of his pocket and pressed it into the door. “Finally.”

As soon as the door twitched she ran ahead. She looked up, making sure the human hadn’t started watching for her. His eyes were locked forward. The door opened enough she could squeeze through, and she took the chance. She ran along the edge of the room until she was under something. She would wait until he moved further into the house then find a place to set up for now.

The human stomped inside knocking her off her feet. She curled up in the shadow desperate for the human not to search for her. There was a chance he’d noticed her and she’d be found. Another tremor inducing impact made her look towards the human. It was him sitting on the ground she felt this time. She swore the human would hear her beating heart as he played with the strings on his feet. 

She watched him pull one shoe off, tossing it towards the door. The other he spent longer on. He brought his other hand to fiddle with the string too. She heard him make an annoyed noise before leaning back. He forced the shoe off his foot leaving the strings tied. It joined the match next to the closed door.

The human grumbled, Alessia only made out something about a knot. He groaned as he climbed to his feet again. He walked off into the house leaving her alone. She curled up into a ball as she realized she was trapped in a human house. Logically her focus should be securing necessities. Proper shelter, food, water, warmth. She hadn’t realized before just how much rain had hit her. The adrenaline rush she gained from her desperate survival attempt was gone. Her body felt heavy, the lack of real food hit her too. She was too tired to move, a bit of sleep would be fine for now. 

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

Alessia woke up a much longer time later than she wanted. She was shivering and couldn’t think clearly. It only took a few minutes for tremors to reach her and remind her where she was. A human’s house with the human she’d seen a few times. The one who was taller than the ones she saw in the warmest weather and always came close to finding her. The tremors passed by, never getting as close as when she’d reached the home. She had to do something to get home.

Slowly, Alessia pushed herself to her feet. Her head was pounding and her stomach empty. She pulled her pack off her back and set it in front of her. The climbing gear was fine, but the food ruined. All of it soaked and turned to mush. It was the issue she’d been having with the dried plants. They just didn’t survive most types of weather. With a heavy sigh she decided to abandon her pack, it would only slow her down with the heavy mush. Making a new one wouldn’t be too hard once she got home.

It took more time than she was used to, but she managed to wrap her climbing line around her waist. Her hands were shaking no matter how slow she went. It was just fear. She had to get out of the human house and get home. Once home she’d eat and get some water, then she’d be back to normal. This whole trip would become another bad memory. She took a few steadying breaths before finally taking the chance to explore. 

There were plenty of places to hide as she walked along. Tremors of footsteps reached her now and then, but she didn’t see any humans. Something smelled amazing, she let that direct where she went. She was starting to stray from the edges of the walls to find the good smell. The human’s voice was a low and almost soothing sound as she moved. She was starting to understand why some of her kind enjoyed living around these giant beings.

The tremors grew stronger and knocked her out of her daze. The human was walking around a brightly lit room. The good smell came from something in there. The human took steps near her, she couldn’t hold herself steady this time. He wasn’t paying any attention to her and that was all she needed. She ran underneath the closest object, pushing away the thoughts of how his ignorance could kill her. This room had food and she would get something to eat then find her way home. Assuming the storm was done, she hadn’t heard any rain since she woke up.

The human walked away. Alessia kept watching him move around. Something about his movements felt different from other humans. Usually they were always careless, just stomping around blindly. This one almost seemed soft. He stopped in front of a high human thing that reached his waist and moved some fabric that hung on the wall there. She gasped when she saw a blue sky appear.

The human moved something and she could smell the air from outside. She stumbled toward it, with a sky like that she could get home. The human turned away from the opening. Alessia knew she should wait, but there was no guarantee the human would leave her opening available long. She waited a few seconds for the human to turn again. Luck was taking her side as he focused on some big metallic thing.

Alessia ran forward, panting a bit as she reached an out of sight edge. She didn’t run out of stamina that quickly usually. She forced the thought away, that was something for later. For when she was safe. She pulled her climbing hook free. It took her a few attempts to start spinning it properly, the thing felt heavier than normal. She missed her first attempt to catch it on the high surface above her, and her second… and her third. If the fourth didn’t land she would have to find another way up. Thankfully it did, she tugged the string with all her strength, relieved it was caught.

Before climbing she looked at the human. She didn’t see his face, but his posture was tense. It made her shiver, that wasn’t something she wanted to understand. She started her climb up towards her exit. It was slow going, her hands still shook a bit as she moved. Her body felt heavy too. It took everything in her to even reach the top. She had to catch her breath once she was there. 

Dread started to worm its way into Alessia’s heart. She’d slept until the next day at least. Her hands were shaking and she struggled to do things. Sick… She was sick. She thought she just needed some water and food, but this was worse. She had no one to help her anymore. She had to at least make it home, she wouldn’t be able to do anything to increase her chances of survival in a human home.

Her mind cleared a bit with her realization. She didn’t bother curling up the string from her hook, dragging it behind her as she moved. Her best hope was to move before the human found a reason to. From the side of some weird metal thing filled with water she could reach her exit. Fear and dread gave her the energy she was lacking to spin the climbing hook in her hand before throwing it up to the exit. It caught on the edge on her first try. One tug was all it took before she started climbing.

“Salt!” the human exclaimed. 

Alessia tried to climb as fast as she could. The burst of energy was already fading. It didn’t matter that the human might not look at her, he could find her. She made it to the top almost unable to stay standing. She turned back to face the human, hoping to see him still not looking her way.

Instead she met those intense eyes locked onto her form. The human’s face looked stern as they stared at each other. She took a few steps back, but the human didn’t seem to like that. He started to approach her, but she wasn’t getting grabbed now. Not when she was so close. Alessia stumbled back, her foot meeting open air. The hook was still secured, her string was more than long enough to get her down from a height like this. She took a step further back and let herself fall from the window.

“Wait!” the human roared. 

Her ears were ringing from the sound. Humans were bad, she’d seen what they could do. She wasn’t about to wait for one like this. Not one who had a glare that burned her every time it rested on her near her home. She grabbed her rope to slow her descent, except the fear didn’t give her strength this time. She couldn’t slow herself well enough, landing hard on something much higher than the ground. It wasn’t hard enough to break anything, she’d be able to move soon.

At least she thought she would, but her whole body was in pain. Her vision was swimming and the sky started to look dark. It might have been the wrong time to run, she always forgot that the worst storms had a calm during them. Her parents had always tried to drill that into her mind. The darkness was coating the sky, she’d drown now or get too sick to make it home.

Heavy steps somehow reached her from where she was. It wasn’t the ground, but it probably wasn’t insulated like the tree or that opening in the house. She felt tears sliding down her face as the tremors grew worse. The darkness around her grew deeper when the human’s shadow cast over her. Even like this she could make out his glare and stern face. He was going to kill her for intruding. She should have just risked the flood and stayed where she was in the forest. It was better than a human crushing her.

A scream worked its way from her throat when hands came near her. In her imagination they paused, as if she could make a human stop. They eventually surrounded her, all the fingers were taller than her. She tried to say something, old threats her parents said could work. All that came out was a whimper. 

The fingers were gentle as they lifted her from whatever she landed on. It made her cry more as she thought about how much pain these digits would cause later. The human’s voice rumbled around her in a soothing way again. She wasn’t hearing wrong earlier, he wasn’t saying words just making a noise. It was nice… which made this worse. She couldn’t even get her body to curl up.

She made a noise of fear as a raindrop landed near her. The human’s gaze stayed fierce as he covered her with his other hand. She was trapped in darkness and forced to listen to the human’s voice as he moved. It was terrifying to be carried like this, the last thing she ever wanted. Humans carrying people off is how she wound up alone. Now she’d face the same fate.

“We’ll get you taken care of, little one,” the human mumbled. She tried to scoff. She’d be taken care of, just like her parents always told her. She hoped she got lucky and this one would kill her, she didn’t want to see the fates her parents refused to talk about. Her body decided to give in at that moment. Warmth surrounding her along with the comforting rumble. She closed her eyes with a faint wish for it to be the last time.

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

The next time Alessia woke up she was warm. Warmer than she’d ever been before. The only time she’d come close to being this warm was in the summer when her parents were around. Her body was still heavy and in pain, but she kind of liked this. It had to be a dream after the human killed her. The thing she was on was too soft for a human to give her.

“So I should dilute it in water?” the human’s voice echoed above her. “It’s a small bird, I’m positive it’s too warm. All right, thanks. I’ll let you know once I put it back outside. It just fell onto the compost bin.”

Alessia chanced opening her eyes. The human was hovering over her. That glare she didn’t want to see was focused on something near her. He had one hand holding a strange box to his head, the other hovered over a giant cup. She watched a drop of some weird colored liquid fall from something he held into the cup.

The human sighed pulling her attention back to his face. He looked angry. The clack of him putting the thing with a strange liquid down made her jump. He picked up a spoon and dipped it in the giant glass stirring the water inside. She didn’t want to know what he was planning with that. The strange box he’d had next to his face hit the table next to her making her squeak.

“Oh,” the human whispered. He leaned closer, his breath washed over her. It smelled like some of the herbs she collected sometimes. She wanted to run from his gaze, it was too intense. “I’m glad you’re awake. I need you to drink some of this water, ok? It should help you feel better.”

She pressed herself deeper into the soft thing. She didn’t trust the liquid. The human pulled the spoon out, getting just a little water on it. He held it out to her, she could smell something strange about it. She didn’t like the smell. Alessia scrunched her face up and tried to pull herself away from it. His other hand surrounded her, keeping her still.

“I promise once you’ve had this I’ll give you something that tastes a lot better, we need to take care of your fever,” he said. She wanted to hide from him. That gaze was too observant just like when he sat near her home. “Please…”

The spoon wasn’t leaving her vision. The fingers behind her kept her trapped. She accepted her fate and climbed to a sitting position. Once she was up mostly straight she leaned forward and sipped some of the strange mixture. She didn’t like that it looked like water, plus the taste was horrible. She coughed as it made its way down her throat. The deep chuckle from the human didn’t help her feel better.

“I hate the taste too, I’ll be right back,” he said.

She grimaced there wasn’t much of an option for her. She didn’t have her gear to climb, even if the human realized that’s what it was he wouldn’t give it to her. This was probably some weird poison that would give him a fun show of her death. At least that was better than having to be awake while he crushed her. Titanic steps rocked the surface she was on as the human returned to her.

He sat down in front of her again. The impact made her heart pound. He set a heavy dish down on the surface she was on. Her mind went blank, protecting her from any thoughts about what he could be planning. He had a new spoon, the one he made her drink from before was resting in the cup. He dipped the new one in the dish he brought. He pulled the spoon out, in seconds it hovered in front of her again.

The good smell from earlier wafted from the red liquid. She wanted to refuse it, but her empty stomach decided to remind her that she needed food. Accepting that the human would toy with her no matter what she leaned forward. At first she just tried to sip some of it, but the taste on her tongue was amazing. She couldn’t remember ever eating something that tasted this good.

“Slow down,” the human chuckled. Her cheeks reddened, but she listened to the deep voice. “I guess I was wrong about it needing salt after all.”

Alessia stopped then. She didn’t know what salt was, but she hated it. She was captured because he wanted it. She stared up at him, his face looked sort of soft for once. It became stern when he noticed she’d stopped eating. He pulled the spoon away, leaving it in the massive dish beside her.

The human sat back, it was the first time she realized he had been hunched over her. She looked around, they weren’t in the bright room anymore. There were openings like the one she’d tried to escape from. This time there was no smell of the outside, something kept her trapped despite seeing the sky clearly. It didn’t matter with the heavy rain blasting against the invisible barriers.

“Alright, I guess you should get some more sleep,” he said. The human stretched and stood up to walk off. She knew she was trapped, even if her body would listen there was nothing she could do to escape. “I’m Vitus, just let me know if you need anything.”

Alessia watched him walk around. He went all over the room, grabbing things as he moved. Each one was so much bigger than her. It felt like he was making a point to show how little freedom she’d have. Another squeak escaped her when he sat down again. His face darkened, but she decided to hide. She didn’t want to see what that dark look would turn into. She quickly buried herself in the warm soft surface. She heard another sigh from where he’d settled.

She wanted to stay awake and learn what he was planning. Once she knew she could start figuring out her escape. Although a part of her liked the warmth. The strange food was good too. Her eyes started to get heavy, fighting it wasn’t working. Her thoughts centered on the human poisoning her. She could actually never wake up again. Tears slipped out as her mind drifted to sleep, she didn’t want to die without knowing it.

“Wake up, little one,” the deep voice rumbled. She groaned, but something prodded her. She tried to slap it away, but her body was too heavy. She just wanted to sleep. “You need to drink some water, then you can go back to sleep.”

Alessia just made a few noises. It was hard to move her mouth. Light flooded her vision. She groaned as she blinked away the blindness it caused. The human’s face was above her. No matter how much she wanted it to be a dream this was real. The human actually looked relieved when she met his eyes. His hand came near her again, she was more alert and flinched from the approach. Another sigh blew past her.

“Am I really that scary?” he muttered. 

She didn’t bother trying to answer, just looked away from him. He brought a spoon with water in it near her. He still kept his hand close, but didn’t try to grab her. As much as she wanted to be difficult, her throat had started to hurt. She pushed herself up enough to manage to scoop some water into her hand. She took a careful taste, relieved when it tasted almost like the water she knew.

“There’s no medicine this time, just plain water,” he whispered. She glared at him, but the quick movement made her head spin. She decided to focus on the water instead. It was colder than she was used to, but it felt good. “Can you talk?”

She choked on the water. A finger rubbed against her back, but she jolted forward. It made her feel nauseous. She didn’t want to get into this. She didn’t answer, the finger came a bit closer. Alessia couldn’t remember what she’d been told. If it was better to hide that she could talk or if she should try and reason with the cruel giants.

Another heavy sigh. He brought his face close to her. He tilted it as he tried to get a better look at her. His eyes were still too intense. The look drove her insane. Her body was heavy, but she managed to push herself back. It didn’t make much of a difference when he was this big. He sat back with a groan, stretching his back out. It made all of this feel worse.

“You look human,” he mumbled. “At the very least you probably need something better to wear. I could call Felix…”

“N-No!” she shouted. The second the word escaped she regretted it. The human’s eyes were wide as he looked over her. New tears fell, she should have just let him show her off. It would be better than seeing what he had planned after learning she could talk. His stern face almost looked soft.

“I won’t call anyone if you don’t want me to. No one else is going to show up here either, you’re safe.” She didn’t believe the words. Humans lied. Humans that looked nice were cruel, ones that looked cruel could only be worse. “Could you tell me your name? Maybe how you’re feeling? Did anything break when you fell?”

One word was all he got. She wasn’t going to use his name and he would rename her anyway. If he kept her. Her mind shouted the words at her. He said something about releasing the bird he found, maybe she was the bird. The human let out another deep sigh that washed over her. He sat up straight and leaned back while staring at the roof. 

“The rain is supposed to last for a few days,” he said. She grimaced. “You felt pretty warm when I picked you up this morning. It’s probably best if you at least rest until it’s over.”

Alessia grabbed at the fabric around her. It was still warm, she couldn’t understand how it stayed so warm. She tried to push herself out of it. The human’s hands surrounded her in an instant. She froze, waiting for those fingers to close in around her. They didn’t, she was left with enough space to climb out, but she didn’t try, not after he reacted so quickly. He hadn’t even been looking at her.

“Don’t push yourself,” he whispered. She slowly looked up at the human. He had that same stern look. The intensity of his stare seemed to grow. Alessia gave up, falling down as she let her arms give out. Those massive fingers caught her, guiding her to the softer surface rather than letting her fall. She glared up at the green eyes. She hoped her own intensity matched his. 

There were a few minutes of her just glaring at the human. She kept it up even when he pulled his fingers away. His own gaze somehow grew more intense. Alessia kept trying to think of ways to get away. This human was too observant, he was going to notice too much. Her body still felt heavy and the aches had only dwindled. Even if she ran, the storm was raging against those invisible barriers. She closed her eyes, curling up on her side as she finally accepted her fate. She was trapped until the sky cleared, she just had to survive until then.

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

The next couple of days were a blur for Alessia. She tried to sleep instead of risking the human trying to interact with her. It didn’t do much to stop him. He’d wake her up to give her normal water and that water with a sickening smell that made her cough. He gave her the red liquid food a few more times too. She hated relying on him. If he forgot or got bored she’d starve. 

Of course it didn’t seem like the human would forget about her. He sat next to where he placed her constantly. He’d ask her questions all the time. How old she was, if she wanted his help to get home, how she felt, if the food tasted good. Endless questions. She knew once she spoke he’d just try to get information on other borrowers. She knew that she wouldn’t take that risk.

It wasn’t always questions from him though. Sometimes he made that same noise she’d heard when she tried to escape. It annoyed her how soothing it was. Other times he just said a bunch of words as he held one of those paper binded things. She never did learn the word for that. There were a lot of things she didn’t know the name of. It made his talking worse, she couldn’t follow a lot of what he said.

It seemed like weeks before she woke up with her body feeling normal. Better than normal actually. The aches were gone and she had more energy than she could remember ever having. She looked around for the human, almost screaming at his sleeping face nearby. It felt strange, the stern look was gone. He looked kind while he slept. Alessia shook off her curiosity, she had to run.

She followed the human’s shoulder to find his arm wrapped around the area she was in. His body kept her trapped on the surface, the only escape would include climbing over him. Accepting the situation with a heavy heart, she decided to wander the large space he left her. There had to be something to help her get out, at least to get water on her own. Her stomach grumbled reminding her the human hadn’t fed her in a while.

Looking for distractions she approached the arm blocking her in. She’d never been this close to a human, his arm was so much taller than her. She followed it like she would a trail of water, almost tripping over two things he’d left out. Water in one, food in the other. Her empty stomach and parched throat begged her to take from them. She wasn’t risking that. The human could have put something in it to punish her for walking around.

Forcing her eyes away from the dishes she looked at the human face. As long as she’s been alone she’s been strong and confident. She could keep that going when being near the massive head of a human. Moving her legs stiffly Alessia marched forward, stopping near enough she could touch his skin. At this distance she saw the bits of hair on his face. She looked around and saw something she didn’t expect. Her hook.

Carefully Alessia approached it. He wasn’t hiding it from her, it was out in the open. After each step she looked back at the sleeping face expecting that glare to meet her. That he’d see her going for the only thing she could use to escape. The only object she had brought on her trip that could be used for defense. She swallowed her anxiety as she took the last few steps to stand before it.

Reaching out with a shaky hand she pulled her hook close. She flipped it to grab the string that should be attached. Her mind froze when she met something thinner. It wasn’t the string she’d made with her parents. It was something else, something she’d never seen before. She needed that string, it was all she had of their time together.

Turning to face the human she tried to think of how to demand it.  Her mind wasn’t cooperating. She just had the last time she saw her parents playing on repeat. After all these years she never cried, never let herself fall apart. Now she was here, trapped, and the only thing left from them was gone. Tears slipped out followed by a loud and painful wail.

Alessia fell to her knees as she wailed. Everything was over, it didn’t matter how strong she could be anymore. The pain of her mistakes, her loneliness, and the truth of her future coalesced. She wouldn’t ever get home, she wouldn’t have anything to remind her of her parents. She wouldn’t climb the trees at night, holding the string they wove to her chest as she watched the stars. She wouldn’t watch humans, keeping an eye out for the one who left her behind that day. She’d be trapped.

The human sucked in a sharp breath. A part of her knew she should be afraid, she should run. Her overabundant pain kept her still. The intense gaze locked onto her, but she didn’t care. Large, warm fingers wrapped around her. The grip would grow harsh to silence her. The pain didn’t come, instead she was lifted from the table. The hold on her shifted just a bit before she was pressed against a broad chest. The thumping beneath her made everything worse.

One of those daunting fingers pressed against her back. A slow rhythmic movement was started. She hated it, but desperately needed it at the same time. The human didn’t make a noise as she continued her painful wails. It finally simmered to sobs as she felt the bits of anger bleed back in. Anger at humans fueled her for so long, she needed it now more than ever.

“I hate you!” she shouted. With all her strength Alessia pummeled the firm chest in front of her. The human hummed, the only noise from him since he’d woken up.

“That’s fine, I’d probably hate me if I were you,” he whispered. That only made her angrier. Empathy to trick her wouldn’t work. Humans would never understand. She squeezed her eyes shut. The image of fear on the faces of her parents when the human back then had first seen them. When they stared back at her as hands closed around them.

“You’re a monster!” The pleas to be let go. The heavy steps as they were carried away. The tears she shed, knowing that the human had found them because they saw her. Knowing her curiosity about humans did that. Knowing her parents were captured because they protected her.

“I suppose I am.” The calm way he spoke only made it worse. She heard the screams when that human silenced her parents. Never knowing if they survived that motion, if they made it where that human was taking them. Her attempts to attack the broad chest started to slow. Her tears came faster.

“Give it back!” Her voice cracked. The pride when they finished weaving the string. The smiles as she used it to climb up to where she’d usually watched humans. Sliding down when large eyes met her own. Her mother covering her with the cloak she always wore. “Give it back… It’s all I have.”

Her arms fell to her sides. She almost missed how her hands brushed the cloak. He didn’t take that. She put all the energy she could into glaring at the human above her, but he was staring at her. Brows furrowed even with the finger still gently rubbing her back. The face softened and the finger pulled away. He pressed her firmly into his chest, it was almost nice. It almost made her feel safe.

The moment of safety died as her stomach dropped. The human was moving, she could hear the fabric shifting. Each small motion felt like too much. She gripped the cloth. The human made a soft groan that rumbled through her. She didn’t know what he was doing. Hopefully he was throwing her away, then she could go home.

The first steps he took shot through her. It made her shout. The palm pressed against her a bit more firmly, the steps after were softer. She could hear him moving things. She wanted to yell at him to just let her go, but it didn’t matter. No one was waiting for her. No one would miss her.

The steps happened again, her stomach dropped when his height shifted. At least she thought that’s what happened. The fingers wormed between her and the broad chest, pulling her away from the cloth she’d held tightly. She wasn’t kept in the air long, set back on the table she’d been on for days. She stumbled to her feet trying to glare at the human.

“It had been cut when you jumped out the window,” he whispered. She couldn’t help mouthing the word, she had never heard it before. “I took it off you and that hook so I could set it out to dry.”

She stared with wide eyes when he brought his hand close. Hanging from his fingers, almost how she remembered it, was the string. The rope she wove with her parents. He didn’t make her walk towards it, bring it to rest right in front of her. She grabbed it and held it close, relieved that all she had left was still there. She didn’t lose her last link.

“I tried to fix it, there’s some sharp edges on the windowsill that cut the string when you were falling,” he said. She didn’t particularly love how much sense that made. She’d been unable to slow her descent back then. Even weak from fear it shouldn’t have been that bad. The human’s laugh rumbled around her. “I don’t think I did a good job, my fingers were too big.”

Alessia slid her hands over the woven string. She found where it had torn, the messy fix the human did. It shocked her how well done it was. She stared up at him, seeing him for what felt like the first time. He had a soft look in his eyes as he watched her. Knowing what she knew, the face wasn’t one she could trust. She almost wanted to.

“Why…” she said. The deep breath he took was enough to pull her forward. His massive fingers caught her before she fell to her knees.

“I didn’t want the threa-” he started.

“Why haven’t you killed me?” It shocked her that she could even cut him off. He stared at her, she tried to keep standing strong as his brows furrowed. 

“Why would I?” Somehow that comment only made her angry. She hugged the woven string tighter and stomped her foot.

“That’s what humans do! You take us and control us until you kill us! We’re lucky if you keep us alive for a little while! Use those giant hands to crush me already! Just kill me like that human did my parents!”

Tears rolled down her face as she said it. All this time she kept thinking that they might have survived. That awful crunch when their screams stopped. Watching them fall from the human’s hands as she followed. Seeing empty eyes once the humans were gone. She could pretend until now, until she had to face a human on her own. A human who wasn’t killing her.

His hand surrounded her and a sick hope popped into her chest. She didn’t want to die, but maybe he’d pity her. Not leave her alone. The fingers curled in surrounding her. She closed her eyes, trying to accept the outcome. Except the fingers weren’t hurting. There was a gentle squeeze, but the pressure was just kind. None of what she expected.

“That’s awful, it never should have happened. No one should do that to-” he tried.

“To something useful right?!” she shouted. The fingers squeezed her again. She sucked in a breath, but pain still didn’t consume her.

“No one should do that to another person.” 

“I’m not a human.” The human loosened his grip. She should have let him think he tricked her. “You can’t trick me.”

His hand was pulled mostly away from her. Alessia tried not to scream when the massive face loomed closer. The intensity of his eyes made her want to run. His hand came close and tapped her head lightly. The looming figure was gone quickly. She stared up at the man who looked deep in thought. He let out a hum that made her shudder.

“You do look a bit more avian than we do,” he said. She whispered the word to herself, this one she had no idea what it could even mean. The window thing was the exit, but this one… “Your hair feels strange too.”

Alessia forced herself to stand straight. She would deal with what the human did. If she dies she wouldn’t die begging. She would be silent. He wouldn’t get to have fun with her.

“Well… I can’t see a thing that makes you not a person.” 

“W-what?” she breathed. The human smiled at her. “I-I’m not a human! I’m…”

“A person doesn’t have to be human.” He leaned closer again. “Are you all on your own?”

“...yes.” She knew telling a human there was no one else would make it worse. Her parents answered yes too. The fingers surrounded her again. She held her breath, but for the first time she didn’t expect pain. The kindness she felt in the soft squeeze didn’t match humans.

“I see…” The fresh smelling breath wafted over her. “I can help you get home, or you can leave on your own. There is another option though.”

Her eyes snapped open as she stared at the human. It was the first time she wanted to use his name. She couldn’t remember it, she didn’t even try to. Asking would only make things worse for her future. This mystery third option would be what she had to take. He’d offer to keep her and she’d try to go home, but the human would stop being kind.

“You could stay here, although I’m only here for a few months now and then. I’m sure you’d be able to take care of yourself on your own. I could bring you back to my home. I do have a wife and son, you could hide from them if you wanted. They wouldn’t hurt you, they’d be kind to you,” he said. Alessia deflated. It was like she thought. Humans aren’t kind. He wanted to keep her.

“So you’re keeping me,” she whispered. The hand pulled back. She watched as the massive being pushed himself away from her. His heavy steps rumbled through the table he’d left her on as he walked. She hugged the woven string to herself. The human stopped far from her, she wasn’t stupid enough to try and escape. 

“No, you just have options.” She watched him raise his arms. She couldn’t see what he did, but some strange sound came from in front of him. He stepped back, turning to his side. Alessia gasped when she saw the invisible barrier had moved. The human walked again, stopping near her. “I’ll go to the living room, just come find me if you need me.”

Alessia stared at the human as he walked away. The door she assumed would shut was left open and she was alone. The options were real… She had them and could pick any. She could just stay here, it would be safer. No worrying about a storm destroying her home. She wouldn’t be stuck just eating herbs all the time. She might even get more of that warm red food.

He was still a human, how trustworthy could he be? What if his family hated her or wanted to control her? She hugged the string with all her strength, staring at the one he’d given her. It was thinner, probably stronger. Could she trust a human with her life?

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

Vitus sat down on his couch with a small groan. He didn’t expect any of this to happen. He hadn’t done any of the work he planned to do this time around. All his focus was on the tiny person he found. A heavy sigh escaped him as he flexed his own hand. He hoped she would stay, but hearing what she’d been through those hopes were low.

He brought one leg up, resting his ankle on his knee. He didn’t want to be tapping his foot on the ground until he felt sure she’d left. The little woman looked younger than Felix. The time she must have spent alone terrified him. As an attempt to force his mind to stop, he reached for a book left out. Dabria had left it during the last time they all came out here.

He kept one hand on his lap with the book in the other. He kept moving the foot hanging over his ankle like he was tapping it. This was a better fidget than anything. The time he should let her be was hard to guess. He didn’t want to make her think he was going after her. The words on the page blurred together, there was no distracting himself. He leaned back his head to stare at the ceiling. 

Vitus closed his eyes and just tried to let his mind go empty. The image of the young woman crying in his hand stayed at the forefront of his mind. He didn’t want to make her go back to what sounded like solitude. She must live somewhere nearby, he could try to find her after. That would probably just scare her more. There had to be some way he could help.

“M-Mr. Human!” a soft voice called. He jumped up searching out the source of the voice. “I-I’m here!”

Vitus followed the call to his foot. He didn’t even feel her through the thick fabric of his socks and pants. He didn’t move, leaning forward seemed like it might lead her to fall. She didn’t need to be hurt again now that the storm ended. He tried to offer her a soft smile, but the tense way she stood told him more than enough.

“Just Vitus is fine,” he whispered. She jumped, but just nodded at him.

“Ok V-Vitus. If I chose to stay around you… would you take me back home first? To my home?” He decided to lean forward then, wrapping a hand around her protectively. Once he was sitting straight, he moved to have his palm open and flat next to her.

“I’ll take you if you don’t want to stay too.” She stared at his palm for a few seconds before climbing on. He noticed that hook she’d left on the windowsill resting on her back. It made him smile, he didn’t want her trapped without him.

“I… I live… I lived in a tree where you used to sit and stare at the ground.” 

“Alright, we can go now. If you’re ready.” The small woman nodded. 

Vitus didn’t waste any time. He brought her close to his chest and made his way to the door. A sigh managed to escape when he remembered the issue he had with his sneakers. He sat down, setting the palm with the small woman down on the floor. She stared up at him.

“Just need to fix my shoes. I never got the knot out.” The little woman scrambled off his hand like it burned her. He moved after her, freezing before he curled his fingers around her again. He couldn’t keep doing that to her, he could only grab her when it was necessary.

Vitus focused on his shoes. The first slipped on easily. The other posed an issue. He set it on his knee and started to work out the knot he couldn’t understand. He hadn’t gotten caught on anything that day. There were no animals and this didn't happen from the wind. His eyes went wide. Slowly he turned to face the small girl who had started shaking.

“You’re why it’s tied like this…” She ran as soon as the words left his mouth. She dove under a set of shelves he kept near the door. He frowned, but could understand her fear. “I didn’t even notice you… I’m glad I didn’t hurt you that day. Once I’ve fixed this, and you’re ready to come out, we can go.”

Fixing his shoe only took a few minutes. By the time he finished the small woman had come back, a bag on her back he hadn’t seen before. Vitus kept quiet and just offered her his hand again. She was more hesitant now, but still climbed on. He pulled her to his chest and stood. He left, shutting the door gently behind him. He would make sure she didn’t get overwhelmed.

The walk to where she instructed was quiet. This time of year the woods usually were. It was why he came out here to work. The small woman continued to fidget in his hand, but neither of them spoke. Once he reached the set of trees he usually sat by to think he stopped. There were no obvious signs of someone living around here. He flattened his hand to show her where they were.

The small woman pointed towards the tree he usually avoided, there was poison ivy near the roots. He nodded and stepped closer, waiting for another sign. She pointed towards what he’d thought was an owl or squirrel den. The life she lived seemed unbelievable the more he saw of it. He brought his hand up and held her in front of the hole in the tree. She jumped in and he smiled.

The woman poked out for a second, dumping what looked like dried grass from the bag. He frowned, the reasons she carried grass like that made him worry. Silence surrounded them, for a bit he thought she might send him away. He considered leaving, promising to come back around sunset. Instead the small woman appeared at the edge of the hole staring at him again.

“...what if they’re mean? Or try to hurt me?” she asked. It didn’t take him long to realize who she meant.

“Then I’ll stop them. Take you back here where you’ll be safe,” he said. She nodded, he should get around to asking her name.

“How do you… how do you know they aren’t like the other human?” Vitus pulled his phone from his pocket, already calling his wife. There was an easy way to show her how she’d act.

“I can show you.” He hit speaker just as the line connected.

“Vitus? Did that bird recover yet? I’m sure there’s a vet nearby you could bring it to,” Dabria’s voice came across clearly. The little woman backed away.

“She’s fine. Although, what if she wasn’t a bird?” The small woman hugged the pack to her. He didn’t even notice she held it.

“Well then she must be something pretty small if you called her one. Did you find someone else to let sleep on our couch sometimes?”  Her laugh echoed through the silent forest. Vitus gave the small woman a look, he hoped she understood it was asking permission. He received a small nod in return.

“Not so much the couch, more like a pillow. I met someone who’s been living on her own for a while out here. Small enough to fit in one hand.” There was a crash from the phone. Dabria had been multitasking again.

“What!? And you told me she was a bird?! I’m coming out there right now! Is she ok? Did you hurt her? Is she hiding from you? I bet you scared her with that glare of yours!”

“Why?” the tiny woman’s soft voice reached his ears. He stepped closer to the tree.

“I can’t believe you’d do that! What if I gave you the wrong information it could have hurt her. Is she really alright? Walking, talking, moving at all? Did she leave already? Did you give her anything she needed before she left?”

“Dabria calm down.” He laughed a bit to himself. He held the phone out to the small woman. Another silent question that received a small nod. “She’s with me now.”

“H-Hello…” The voice sounded strange with so much force behind it. Vitus brought the phone closer to her. She didn’t need to yell for them.

“Hello,” Dabria’s voice came out significantly quieter, “I promise he won’t hurt you. He just looks scary. Are you feeling alright? Do you need anything?”

“H-He… Vitus said I… I could live with you.” Another crash, this time the small woman stepped away. 

“Of course you can! I can get something set up for you right now. Is there anything you need? Where would you want to stay? Hmm, maybe we could repurpose one of the vents so you have a nice private spot.”

“...why?” This time the question reached the phone. Vitus could picture the face Dabria made once she heard that small voice. The warm look and hope to give the small woman a safe place.

“You should have a safe place to live, that’s all.” He heard some more noises coming from the phone. “Oh, we could always pretend you’re not here too! I’m sure you can take care of yourself.”

“What… what if a human tries to hurt me?” Vitus tightened his grip on the phone. She sounded her size for once. 

“Anyone of any size wants to hurt you, they deal with me first. Although Vitus might be the better one to go to, he looks scary to everyone.” The woman stared with wide eyes at the phone. Vitus pulled it back to himself.

“I’ll let you know what she decides to do, we’ll talk later.”

“Love you, oh! Wait, what's your name?” Dabria’s voice was back to her usual volume. Vitus stared up at the small woman. Her small brown eyes were wide.

“A-Alessia.” Her voice was quiet, he didn’t think Dabria heard.

“She said it’s Alessia.”

“Alessia. Ok, well you’ll always have a place in our home if you want to live with us. Bye.”

The call disconnected and Vitus laughed to himself. Dabria was a bundle of energy at the strangest times. He offered his flattened palm to Alessia, waiting to see her choice. There was no movement. Vitus left his hand for a few more seconds before starting to pull away. A small hand reached out to grab his finger. He moved his hand back up to wait.

“Can I bring my things?” Alessia asked. “To… to your home can I bring what I had here?”

“Alessia,” he smiled, “you can bring whatever you want. It’s going to be your home too.”

The small woman disappeared into the hole. Things started to appear on his hand. When she stopped he raised a brow at her. It seemed like no where near enough for how long she’d lived here. He looked into the house, a small bit of sadness hit him at how empty it was. It was just big enough he could reach inside.

“Is the rest too heavy for you? That is if you want to bring the rest?” He waited, relieved at the small nod. “Alright, I think I can fit my hand inside. Should I try? I might grab you with everything though. Do you want to climb out first?”

The woman nodded. He held his currently occupied hand up to her. She climbed out and then he fit his hand into what used to be her home. With as much care as he could he moved everything away from the walls. There wasn’t much left either way. Once it was piled together he scooped it into his hand and pulled it free. Vitus looked in, relieved to find the hole empty.

“Got it all,” he whispered. He looked down at her before moving his other hand close. He’d cut his trip short and head home today. “Are you ready?”

“I-I guess… you really won’t let humans hurt me? You’re not lying about being kind,” she asked. Vitus knew she was smart, that he could still be lying to her. He decided to bring her up to his face, to stare into her eyes as best he could.

“Alessia, would I go this far if I was lying? No one will hurt you, I won’t let it. You don’t have to trust all of us, not even me, but I’ll be keeping you safe from any humans you don’t want near you. Even Felix and Dabria.”

“O-ok… let’s go home.”

[am-i-sans]

dnd adventures 28

moss thinks uno is pronounced yuno. get their ass. so were playing fantasy go fish.

frog waves their arms like a fish. frog please.

the others are playing actual go fish and i cant join sad :( so i tried making dnd cards against humanity. there should be more dnd cards.

they decided dans won cool. im tired. undyne flips the table mad cause of steve. cam flips her off, they cant hear yet. frog tells her to go deal with it then. dans and tori remind undyne they just have to wait for the guards to do their job. cam pats her on the back. bedtime! dans and the others try and calm undyne that no, steve isnt gonna do anything. cam and dans are normal now lol.

short rest? sus. we wake up to screaming. great. undyne looks outside the window. horde of skeletons and zombies. dans helps undyne put on the armor. tori runs out ahead to help with cam cause moss decided to be a dick and say itll take time for undyne to get armor on. suzy and frog go out the window.

undyne leaps out the window and dans follows, were both fine lol. where are the fucking guards?! undyne just picks up dans and runs toward the horde. undyne sees a zombie! dans and undyne attack at the same time. their weak sauce. just mowing them down lol.

the others see the asshole guard from earlier being attacked by skeletons. cam uses earth tremor to knock some of them away from the guard. frog missed eldrich blast. dans and undyne catch up!

suzy crushed a skeleton pog. undyne has a plan! cam, frog, and suzy out here protecting civilians. her, tori, and dans go to the source. frog shoots a skeleton with eldrich blast and says got it! plan is a-go!

tori casts investiture of fire and dans casts investiture of stone. we 3 head to the church! tiny squad roll initiative! suzy smashed 1 and missed 1. frog fireballs amazingly! cam used snowball storm hmm. cold magic!

cutting back to undyne gang. heading toward the church. asshole guard getting his shit rocked by skeletons again. stabbed through the chest and dies! back as a zombie oh no. dans uses message toward cam letting them know about that.

undyne just instantly kills the guard. initiative didnt even matter lol. tori has a zombie coming right at her. she just shoots the flames off her body at it. zombie rolled a 0 dex save LOL. setting fire to bunch of zombies. dans uses tremor from the rocks on him. zombie gets knocked prone. eldrich blast as per usual. it got back up. missed hitting me. somehow fucking got a nat and avoided by cold spell but also missed hitting me again. dans crit 36 and made the zombie explode cause fuck it just wouldnt die!

back to the shortie squad! frog grabs cam and suzy and says they should head further into the city to check for danger. cam agrees and warns them of becoming zombies. frog looks horrified and suzy is like 'sick.' into the city they go.

they run into karen 2.0 aka kyris. shes being attacked and cam runs in to save her! cam wacks it in the side. frog did crit eldrich blast good job. kyris stabs it in the head and kills it. she thanks them. cam tells her to get to safety. kyris is like 'do i know you from somewhere?' nope! frog is a good liar nice.

another skeleton pops up but suzy chucks a different skeleton at it. cam tells her to go hide indoors again. kyris says shes gonna stay for now since she has nowhere to go. kyris has joined the party!

back to undyne gang. its steve in the graveyard. goddamn. haughty asshole. 'do you ever stop interrupting?' undyne is fucking pissed and points her sword at him. 'are you trying to kill this whole city?' 'just a little.' undyne attacks! staggering smite! steve failed a wisdom saving throw lol. cant use reaction spells. steve backs up and holds up a hand. he gestures to the city. 'do you hear that? innocent people. gonna waste your time here or do the right thing? make your choice fast.' undyne says we have people handling things but steve says 'yeah ok im sure you have enough people once the army keeps growing.' he turns to tori 'your kids are still out there right?' undyne says a speech and soupnik lands behind steve. lighting attack constantly from 1 side, crit eldrich blast from the other.

roll initiative! steve attacks dans! he asks dans first if hes sure he wants to do this. dans doesnt answer. smacks him with a flail and necrotic damage. bastard. next attack undyne! stop the necrotic damage you asshole. missed tori pog! undynes turn! big thunder damage! soupnik attacks!

dans turn. uh oh his spell doesnt work! what does this mean?! vani disappears!? dans doubles over in pain! steve is grinning like a little bitch. 'wrong choice dans.' undyne demands answers! 'its what im not doing more likely.' 'dans whats wrong?!' 'god isnt answering...' STEVE IS HIS FUCKING PATRON. HE FUCKED HIS PATRON. 'im surprised you didnt realize sooner dans.' undyne tries to call moss and ask them to be dans new patron. moss pops out of the ground and asks wtf is happening. not happy to see steve. their siblings?! undyne gets on her knees and begs moss to help dans. steve is like 'your gonna replace me with moss?!' dans patron is now celestial moss! moss claps dans on the back and leaves. 'this is why i left heaven' fuck you steve.

the crit resumes lol. undyne holds out her hand and helps dans up. toris witch bolt keeps going. dans rips a symbol of steve's from his sleeve and tosses it aside like garbage and stares him down with a smirk. steve is fucking pissed and goes after dans with finger of death. 30 damage steve is a bitch lol. undyne hits back with a crit! soupnik attacks! good job. dans crits again hes fucking pissed! tori asks how dans is feeling and dans says to focus on killing steve. tori keeps witchbolt active then and keeps hitting. (moss sounds worried lol)

back to shortie squad. suzy got a hit and a miss. frog plays freebird. cam hits nice. kyris punches a skeleton lol 1 damage. then stabs it lol. the skeletons attack frog! they miss cam tho. they miss frog good. suzy hits both nice. frog lightning bolts! cam blocks a zombie. kyris hits it in the head with a dagger and its head falls off.

at this point discord has gone completely down. back for now tho.

more butt kicking while discord fucked me over lol. stopping here cause its late and cam needs to eepy.

[dumfanting]

See You Again, part 2

AO3 Link

Rating: T- teen, will be mature/ explicit in later chapters. Please respect that this is an 18+ only blog.

Warnings: unwanted advances, harassment, assault/battery (not from Gregor)

Word count: 2078

Not much to say for this one! How do you like the header?

F! Reader/ Gregor

It looks like your favorite regular isn’t coming in today, but he arrives just in time.

————

Mayr, you decide, has a talent for calling out on the worst days possible. It’s been several weeks since the last time, but you’re still annoyed with them, because of course it had to be today, when the bar is busier and rowdier than usual again. You and Turq, a pretty Torgruta girl and your only other employee, are barely managing to keep up. It’s been nonstop the past few hours; you’ve broken up three fights, a few people keep leering at you, your feet ache and so does your head, but the growing number of credits in the till pushes you to keep going.

Taking a few seconds to wipe down the bar, you use this time as an opportunity to look over all of the people in the building tonight. Your eyes quickly scan across the crowd, and you see familiar faces, except for the one you were hoping for. You hold back a breath of disappointment, losing track of how many times you’ve done so since opening, and return your focus to pouring and mixing drinks for the handful of people that are hovering near the bar. You pass the beverages over and they dissipate, save for a single Weequay man.

“It is busy tonight, where is the Twi’lek?” he asks, leaning onto the wood, sipping his spotchka, and watching you wash a teetering pile of glasses at a small basin nearby.

“Called out, son’s got sand fever,” you say distractedly, barely paying him any attention.

“Nasty business, yes. You look like you could use a hand,” he says, watching you intently and smirking. “I would be more than happy to provide my own touch, you know,” he continues.

“Donao,” you say, pausing with a soapy tumbler in your hand, looking over your shoulder at his slightly unfocused eyes, and speaking curtly, “I’ve told you enough times already, no.”

“Ah, but the mind can change,” he says, shrugging your denial off with a wave of his hand.

Aggravated, you put the tumbler down with a loud ‘thunk’ and turn to face him, arms crossed.

“This one hasn’t and won’t. Don’t make me tell you again,” you say, speaking loudly and clearly. The smirk on his face changes into a sneer, and you hear him mumble something in another language under his breath before he drops a few credits onto the bar, knocks back the rest of his drink, and stalks out, clearly angry with you.

You swipe the money off of the bar and wipe up the liquor he spilled, sighing heavily.

“You holding up okay boss?” Turq says, walking behind the bar and taking over the dirty glasses at the basin for you. “I saw Donao storming out.”

“I’m tired of his shit. I’m done playing nice with him,” you say, mixing up two more drinks and handing them over.

“Shame your boyfriend wasn’t here to ward him off,” she says, and you can hear the smirk in her voice. “‘He isn’t,’ I know,” she says, glancing over her shoulder at you. You turn away so she can’t see the flush that crosses your face.

“I noticed that you keep looking for him,” she says.

“It’s just unusual to not see a regular, Turq,” you say in a warning tone. She shakes her head at you, but says nothing more, returning her attention to the washing up.

You take a moment to move the credits you’ve picked up over the last hour or so from your apron and into the till, and as you’re counting them out, your mind wanders back to Gregor.

After he’d inadvertently snuck up on you behind the bar several weeks ago, he gradually started to spend more and more time inside during his daily visits, something you didn’t notice until Mayr pointed it out. There was the benefit of Donao leaving you alone whenever Gregor was here, but that wasn’t the main reason you liked having him around.

Whenever it was slow, while Mayr and Turq took care of everything, you’d mix up something mild for yourself and occupy the stool next to Gregor, the two of you talking back and forth with more and more interest in each other as the days passed. Every now and then, the two of you would get so caught up in the conversation that he wound up staying until closing.

The last time this happened, you had told him how you wound up on this planet and asked how long he’s been here. You found out that he has no memory of how he got here, or even who he is to an extent; he only knows the little he does because it’s what he’s been told. He would often speak of feeling out of place, like there was something very important he’d forgotten about, but he could never articulate just what that important thing is.

He’d talk a lot about leaving the planet, though he knew that was extremely unlikely. The two of you would often fantasize about what life would be like somewhere else, and every now and then he’d make you laugh with an outlandish guess at his own history. Your favorite theory so far was that he's on the run after unknowingly hooking up with the chancellor's daughter.

You’re abruptly yanked out of these thoughts when Turq waves her hand in front of your face, repeating a question about someone’s tab. You shake yourself and get back to work.

The crowd is starting to thin out now, thanks to closing time quickly approaching, and you thank the Maker. All you want to do is sit down and take these damn shoes off, but there’s still a few more hours before the day's work is finished. The chrono on your wrist chimes the hour and you shoo the last few patrons out before locking the front door. Turq dutifully does her part to clean up the place, and when she offers to take on Mayrs chores for you, you thank her but tell her to go home. You walk her out of the back door and around the corner, making sure she safely meets her ride before returning inside.

You go about the extra chores as quickly as you can, eager to get home and sleep as long as possible, singing that same soft, slow song without realizing it as you work.

“You were standing there, fire in your eyes…”

You’re interrupted by the sound of the back door creaking. Confused, you walk over to it.

“Turq? I thought you went home, did you forget something?” you ask as you step outside.

“You forget your manners,” says a voice that is definitely not Turqs. You freeze, recognizing Donao as he steps from behind the outward-opening door and into the weak light of the alley.

“Donao,” you say, doing a fair job of hiding your rising panic. “The bar is closed, go home.”

“Oh no no,” he says, scowling and stepping closer to you. “That is too far away to take you, we do this here!” he says, raising his voice.

Before you can wonder what ‘this’ is, Donao grabs you by your upper arms and slams you against the building, your head bouncing so hard off of the wall that small stars pop into your vision. He leans in close to your face and you can smell the alcohol on his breath as he speaks.

“You say your mind does not change? Fine. I will change it for you,” he growls.

Fight or flight kicks in, and you try to break yourself out of his vice-like grip, but he’s too strong. You can’t move your arms due to the way he’s got them pinned at your sides, so you swing your knee up, hard, between his legs, hitting him where it hurts. Reflexively, he doubles over and releases you, and you take the chance to try and run back inside and get the blaster you keep in your office desk. You manage to get through the door, but as you're pulling the back door shut, Donaos hands grab the side and he tries to wrench it back open.

Your sweaty hands slip off of the handle and you scream as the door flies open. Before Donao takes a single step, something heavy shatters on the back of his head, knocking him out. He falls face first onto the hard ground, and when you look away from him, you find Gregor there, half of a large broken bottle in his hand and his eyes blazing. He sees you and drops the bottle, then cautiously says your name.

“Are you alright, did he hurt you?” he says, but keeps his distance from you.

“N-no, I think I’m okay,” you say, shaking terribly.

Gregor takes a step towards you, trodding on the unconscious Donao as he does. With an expression of utter disgust on his face, as if he’d stepped into massif droppings, he grabs Donao by the ankles and drags him outside. You follow, barely able to walk straight from the tremor of adrenaline coursing through you. You stay near the doorway, watching as Gregor grips Donao by the waistband of his pants and the collar of his shirt, carries him down the alley, and bodily throws him into the waste unit at the end.

Through your subsiding fear, you’re both impressed and surprised by how strong Gregor must be to throw a grown man around like it’s nothing.

He walks back to your side and kind of hovers his hand over your shoulder while looking at you. You nod, and he holds onto you, gently moving you back inside.

Once there, he steers you into your office and helps you sit in your chair. He tells you that he needs to lock the back door, so you give him your keys with a shaking hand. He quickly locks up and returns to you, which you’re thankful for. He hunkers down in front of you and takes your hand, almost shyly, and asks again if you’re alright.

“I think I like you sneaking up on me a lot more,” you say with a weak smile. Gregor snorts, trying not to smirk, and shakes his head at you. “Being serious though, I’m okay. A little- well, a lot- freaked out, but that’s it,” you say, gripping his hand a little tighter.

He reciprocates and gently pulls you to your feet. You sway a little, but he steadies you by taking his hand back and softly holding your shoulders. Your chrono chimes the hour, startling you, and you suddenly remember the unfinished chores. You say so, but before you can take a step back into the front of the house, Gregor stops you.

“That can wait,” he says. “Let me walk you home,” he says, his voice soft.

You look into his dark eyes and an odd swooping sensation runs through your upper belly. “Y-yeah,” you say, barely audible. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me, I’m just doing what any decent sentient should do,” he says, taking your hand again and leading you toward the back door.

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed,” you say, “but there aren’t many decent sentients in this place.”

He doesn’t respond verbally, instead shaking his head again as he unlocks the door. Once you’re both outside, he relocks it and hands you the key. When you take it from him, you both notice that you aren’t shaking as badly.

Realizing that he doesn’t, or at least shouldn’t, know where you live, you take the lead while walking back to your place, but your hands remain linked. Thankfully you live just a few blocks away from the bar, and arrive home quickly. Once you both reach the door of your apartment, he reluctantly releases your hand.

“Gregor, c-can you stay with me? Just for tonight?” you ask, speaking softly and holding his hand again.

“Really?” he asks, the surprise evident on his face.

“I mean, if it's a bother then you don’t have to, that’s okay, I just… really don’t want to be alone tonight,” you say, looking away from him.

“It’s no bother,” he says. “I’m glad you trust me like this.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re trustworthy,” you say, meeting his eyes again.

There’s a pause as the two of you stare at each other for a moment, then you clear your throat and unlock your apartment. You lead Gregor inside and lock the door tightly behind him.

Chapter 3

Taglist:

@kaminocasey @madameminor @jennamelinda12 @arctrooper69 @the-cantina @griffedeloup

To be added to or removed from this list, reply to this post.

[allbeendonebefore]

dudes be out posting selfies with fish they caught and then there’s me

ah the thrill of the hunt

[scorpiwrites]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐞 | 𝑎 𝐽𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑃𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑙𝑢𝑑𝑒

"Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything."

—C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

or,

when the past catches up.

James would never forget how the air got knocked out of him as he tried to control his breathing.

He could hear the faint exclamation of his friends, he could make out a blurry red figure in front of him, Lily. But he couldn't focus, he couldn't stop heaving as his mind tried to make sense of what he was feeling. His eyes frantically shift from one person to the other, not one of them shows any signs of grief, not any of them showed any signs of remorse, for what is worth grieving for a snake, right?

And with that thought in his head, not another second left that he jumped from his seat and stormed out of the room leaving behind the pity looks that his friends are exchanging.

James ran,

He didn't think that it would be good if he decided to apparate. He didn't know where to go.

He just knew that he had to leave that place.

The rain started to pour as he moved, he could feel that it was getting harder for him to move forward, it was getting harder for him to raise his feet. He tried to take another step but ended up tripping on his wet robes. He didn't stop his body as he fell, feeling the way his shoulder caught the brunt of his fall as he lay on his back in the middle of the road in the place he didn't recognize.

He didn't know when he started crying, but as he lay there under the rain, he could feel how ragged his breath is and how his hands shook. He felt like his lung has caved in on themselves, leaving him heaving, gasping for oxygen that he sorely needed.

He didn’t understand it. Why does the news of her death affect him so much? Why does it matter?

Why does she matter?

With all of those questions in his head, he didn’t register the startling crack that echoed in the cold of the night, nor did the hand that was closely followed by a voice, coaxing him out of his head.

“-es?…. Please don’t shut us out. Tell us what happened, please?”

He choked out a scoff. He could feel how Lily stilled for a moment, then he felt her hands helping him to sit up, and only then did he realize that she wasn’t alone, Sirius stood behind her with an odd look on his face, a pensive look, which he rarely used.

“It was her, wasn’t it, Prongs?” He inquired quietly, gray eyes shining through the pouring rain.

Lily tilted her head at them, silently wondering what had happened, and who the girl was to both of them. Though she was dying to ask, she shoved her questions down her throat in order to calm James down, which was more important at the time, rather than anything else. So she decided to keep rubbing his back as she felt his breaths grow even. She knew that she would get her answers but now is totally not the time. Not when they are all freezing on their arses in the middle of nowhere.

“I- Padfoot I…” He spluttered out an answer, quite incoherently, and that was enough for Lily to drew the line, so she stopped him and move her gaze to Sirius who was still staring absentmindedly “Sirius, I need you to get Jamie home, please. This is not the place to discuss… whatever this is, further. He needs to be warm first. This could wait” she spoke to him with an undertone of authority that he didn’t want to cross, not tonight. So he just nod and do as she asked him to, quickly grabbing James and apparating away, leaving her alone. She puffed out a breath and decided to apparate back to the Headquarter, wanting to inform Dumbledore and the rest of them that they had found James and now is currently at home with Sirius.

" The intel was proved to be true, Headmaster. We found one body on the scene, it was of Ms. L/N. It’s safe to say that whatever else in that missive would be true, especially if the parchment was soaked with veritaserum at the beginning. There’s no point in denying its truth "

He couldn't get those words out of his head. It sounded like a broken record that Sirius traded away to the pawnshop on one of their last summer days, it felt like a long time ago. All those water fights on his mother's garden, the barbeque night, the bonfire that his father made so high that it almost reached the second floor of their manor.

But he knew if he squinted hard enough, he focused hard enough on his memories he could also picture the smiles, her waves of laughter, and her happy shrieks as he chased her around the park that they found on their date on Muggle London. He could feel the vibration of her laughter resonating through her chest to his back as he piggybacked her home. He could still feel how her magic rolled out in waves when she felt strong emotions, and how they joked about being an occlumens was never her forte.

Countless days he spent with her that summer and how easy it was for him to break the spell.

"Oh! You two are together then? Good fo-"

"What? No, Lily-Flower!! You know that you're the only one for me!!!"

James' mind was going into a spiral. He desperately held onto the memories of her smile and laughter, refusing to accept that she had died. Refusing the fact that he was the one who broke her.

Refusing the fact that he had humiliated her all those years ago.

Refusing the fact that she sacrificed herself for his safety after what he did to her.

He slowly got pulled out of his head again by the sounds of arguing between Sirius and Remus.

“-need to do something, Sirius! He's basically unresponsive!"

"Yeah maybe that's what happened when you found out a person bloody sacrificed themself for you, yeah? Fucking hell Moo-"

"DON'T YOU 'FUCKING HELL MOONS' ME! I Don't even-"

"Look, you're not the only one who doesn't know shits, alright? I know only bits and pieces of her but I don't know the full story"

"Does Lily know?"

"Does Lily know about what, exactly boys?" asked a feminine voice.

James tried so hard to strain his hearing to listen to them but it all seemed to be buzzing, and he felt as if every sense of his being became numb. He could feel their eyes on his every move. He wanted to, he needed to know what happened to him. He could feel how his brain works so fast, how his brain tried to remember the bits of conversation that he heard in the meeting before he fled.

Why?

Why her…?

"...took his place!"

"You-Know-Who killed her?"

"Did she really sacrifice herself for him?"

"Were they even close?"

"That Y/N? isn't she a Slytherin?"

" For the greater good."

"I thought you loved me James…."

Then it all went black for James.

tag : @scandalous-chaos

[earlgreydream]

mission.

| stucky x reader | fluff | smut |

oh no, there’s only one bed trope

“James!” You screamed, your voice getting carried off in the wind. You kicked backwards, knocking free from the grip of a Hydra agent. You ducked as a bullet whizzed past your head, slicing through the skull of your enemy.

A hand wrapped around your arm and dragged you forward, forcing you to break into a run. Blinded by the storm, your lost your footing in the slick mud. If it wasn’t for Steve’s grip on you, you would’ve fell face first into the ground.

“Be careful!” The shout was stressed, impatient.

You swore and ran through the field after the soldiers, nearly tripping over the uneven ground. Your muscles were burning along with your lungs, and the rain was so thick you couldn’t see.

“We can’t drive in this!”

“We don’t have another option!” Steve shouted back, his grip on you tightening as he helped you onward.

The mission had gone to absolute shit before it even started. Stark sent you, Steve, and Bucky to hunt down a Hydra agent, which you’d just taken out in the field. However, he’d gotten wind of your arrival, prepared with an elite security team you had to get through. They had nearly succeeded in killing Bucky, throwing the three of you off from the beginning.

The storm had made everything nearly impossible, and it wrecked any chance of you getting home soon. No plane, not even one designed by Stark, could fly you overseas when you couldn’t see two feet ahead of you.

You couldn’t see Bucky, or Steve really, only knowing he was there by the hand on your arm. You trusted Bucky was nearby, making his way back to the car with you to try to get out of the middle of nowhere.

You were exhausted, hardly able to stand, let alone run through the storm, covered in heavy mud and gear. You finally made it to the car, your shaking hands coming into contact with cold steel.

The three of you managed to get inside the vehicle, though it didn’t feel like it was going to do any good. You were soaked from the rain and covered in mud and blood, and you were shivering from the icy temperature.

Bucky turned the key in the ignition, deciding that you needed to drive to shelter, even if he couldn’t see the road ahead.

“Fuck! Bucky!” You yelled as cold air blew directly on you from the AC, making you feel like you were going to freeze death.

“I’m fucking taking care of it, Y/N!” Bucky snapped back, raising his voice at you.

“Hey, that’s enough, Buck.” Steve interjected, despite being on edge himself. Bucky turned off the air, pulling out into the road and blindly inching back toward the small eastern-European town.

“I’m sorry.” He finally said through clenched teeth, and you shook your head.

“It’s fine, we’re all just exhausted.”

You didn’t even realize you were clung to Steve until Bucky parked, somehow managing to get you three to a motel, alive. You muttered an apology, grabbing your backpack off the floor and running into the front office.

The desk manager eyed the three of you warily, and you sagged against the wall, struggling to stay upright. The floor felt like it was rocking under you, and you grabbed Steve’s arm to try to steady yourself. You were so cold, you felt like you were about to freeze to death.

Bucky started speaking to the main in fluent Russian, the conversation growing sharper and more annoyed as they argued. You didn’t understand what the problem was, and you started to cry, overly exhausted, dirty, and weak.

“Stevie,” Bucky whined at Steve to take care of you while he continued to deal with the manager.

“Y/N, take deep breaths,” Steve hugged your shivering body to his, and Bucky gestured at you and shouted at the manager.

He flashed his gun before he was finally given a room key, and he threw the door open, motioning the two of you to follow. Steve carried your backpack for you, gently pushing you after Bucky and praying you didn’t collapse.

Bucky unlocked a room, pushing you inside ahead of him, and you stared at the one bed. You were too tired to truly care, lethargy threatening to drag you under.

“It was all they had. He’d barely give me this last room.” Bucky’s tone was apologetic, albeit frustrated.

“It’s fine, one thing at a time,” Steve sighed, and you dropped to the floor, working your boots off.

“I need a minute, you can shower first,” you said hoarsely, and the boys nodded, Bucky tenderly touching your head as he walked to the small bathroom, tearing off his ruined clothes. He was quick, and Steve was in and out right after, both of them clean in under fifteen minutes. You sat on the floor, trying to catch your breath and drink the water bottle that Bucky had forced into your hand.

“Can you stand for a shower?” Bucky asked you, and you nodded, taking his hand as he helped you off the floor. You grabbed your one change of dry clothes from your backpack and set them on the sink.

“Don’t lock it please, Y/N,” Steve called, worried you would collapse.

“M’not!”

You stripped out of your ruined uniform, discarding it with the boys’. You stepped under the hot water, a moan escaping you as you finally got some relief from the freeze deep in your bones. You washed the mud off of your body and out of your hair, nearly crying from the relief of the hot water.

“Oh my god, fuck!” You shrieked when your clothes fell off the counter and onto the wet floor, the drain not doing much good.

“Y/N?!” Bucky’s concerned voice came as he cracked the door open.

“I’m fine, I...” you started crying again, feeling defeated and worn out.

“Doll, what happened...” Bucky’s voice was soft, the rare term of endearment making you cry harder.

“I dropped my clothes!” You shut off the water and peered around the dingy curtain. You grabbed a dry towel from his hand, staying behind the curtain as you dried off, the steam keeping you warm.

“Just leave your clothes. You can have Steve’s sweater. That’s all we’ve got, but it’ll be big, so...”

You were wrapped in the towel as you took the fluffy white sweater from Bucky, pulling it over your head once you were given some privacy.

It fell almost to your knees, the sleeves covering your hands. You wished you had something to put on under it, but this was the best you could do right now. You squeezed the moisture out of your hair before joining the boys in the small motel room.

“You okay?” Steve asked, and you nodded, thanking him for the sweater. They had only managed to raid a vending machine outside, and you were handed a package of crisps and another bottle of water. The television in the corner was playing some Russian telenovela quietly, the scratch of the fuzzy connection interrupting it.

You sat on the edge of the bed, eating the crisps and wishing you had some real food to satiate your stomach ache. You pulled an extra band from Bucky’s wrist, tying your damp hair up on top of your head, getting it off your neck.

Your two best friends wouldn’t let you lay down until you’d finished the second bottle of water, paranoid of your possible dehydration. You ignored their anxious nurturing, getting under the covers as soon as you’d finished it.

You had never felt so exhausted in your life, and your eyelids were heavy as they fell closed. The two super soldiers laid down on either side of you, surrounding you with warmth. They were like two individual heaters, pressed against your back and front in the small bed. 

You didn’t know when you fell asleep, but it was pitch-black when you woke up. You stirred, your eyes still heavy with sleep. The storm was loud outside, covering the soft breathing of the soldiers.

You felt metal between your thighs, Bucky’s hand gently rubbing your inner thigh.

“James?” You murmured, stirring.

“Mm?” He was barely awake. Steve’s arm tightened around your waist, holding you closer. You rubbed your eyes, snuggling deeper into Steve’s soft sweater.

Your mind was thick with sleepiness, and you were still stuck in a half-dream state. It was warm, dark, and heady, surrounding you in a settled calmness.

You felt Bucky’s fingers trail higher, finding you bare after the clothing mishap. You didn’t register what was happening at first until you felt him sliding along your skin, finding your bundle of nerves. You whimpered softly, your mind melting and your legs parting even though you didn’t know what was happening.

“James, what are you doing?” you whispered breathlessly.

“I can’t keep my hands off of you, doll. You’re just too irresistible,” Bucky murmured into your chest, curling up closer into you. His lips ghosted over your neck, hot kisses dotting along your skin. Your body ignited with the touch, and you couldn’t bring yourself to push him away.

“Wanna feel you,” Steve’s sleepy voice hummed through your hair, his hand moving up your sweater up to your chest. A noise escaped you as you felt Steve slowly begin to grind against your backside, hardening against your soft skin. You realized they were naked too, and you began dripping on Bucky’s fingers.

“Sweet girl, does that feel good?” he smiled against your throat, marking you up with hickeys. 

You nodded, tipping your head down to kiss him. It was a bit hesitant at first, but you couldn’t keep yourself from melting into Bucky. Your lips molded together, his gentle movements easing any doubt in your mind. Steve squeezed your breasts, teasing your nipples and making you sigh against Bucky. He slid his tongue past your lips, the warm muscle exploring your mouth. Metal fingers pressed slowly inside of you without resistance, stretching you out and rubbing your velvety skin.

Your soft sighs and moans filled the motel room, and you reached behind you to pull Steve into a searing kiss. Bucky pulled your leg over his, giving them better access. You whined a complaint when Bucky pulled his fingers from your heat, causing the boys to laugh softly.

“I’m just going to get you ready for Steve, doll. Is that alright?” Bucky’s silver eyes locked with yours, searching for any hesitation.

“Yes, but... go slow?” you whispered shyly.

“We’ll be gentle, sweetheart,” Steve promised, and you leaned your head back against his shoulder. You trusted the men, knowing they’d never hurt you, not purposely. Steve’s hand smoothed over your side, kissing the skin of your shoulder that peeked out above the neckline of his sweater. 

Bucky’s slick fingertip traced around the tight ring of muscle before carefully easing it in. Your fingers snaked into Steve’s hair, tugging lightly as Bucky worked to loosen you up. 

“I’m not hurting you, am I?” Bucky asked when your face squeezed up as he added a third finger.

“No, it just feels... strange,” you squirmed between the boys. Steve dropped his hand between your legs to distract you from the discomfort Bucky was causing. You slowly relaxed around him, smiling into Bucky’s gentle kisses. You adjusted your leg over his hips, pulling the soldier closer and smoothing your hands over his chest. 

You were restless, anxious for them to be inside of you. Your quiet begs sent shudders of anticipation through the boys, giving in without hesitation.

“I’m going to slide in first, it’ll go easier,” Bucky waited for your permission and you agreed, tugging on his long dark hair. He loved it, a deep growl coming from his throat as you pulled on the locks. Your giggles abruptly cut off as Bucky wrapped an arm around your hips, pulling you close as he sank inside of you. He mumbled profanities in Russian, overwhelmed by the feeling of your warmth surrounding his cock. Your leg draped over him allowed him to get a deep angle, feeling like he was splitting you open in the best way. He was bigger than anyone in the past, and you swore to yourself you could never go back after this.

“You’re fucking huge, James,” you whined into his ear, gasping as your words caused him to thrust against you, the friction sending electricity to your nerves. Steve laughed at that, waiting for Bucky to still before rubbing his leaking head against your other entrance. 

“Just breathe, okay?” Steve could see the nervousness in your eyes, even in the dark. You hid your face in Bucky’s chest as Steve pushed inside of you, squeezing your ass in his large hands. Bucky felt the friction against him, and he struggled not to thrust into you. 

The foreign fullness had your thoughts disconnecting, your body being overwhelmed with arousal. Your loud moans filled the silence, and you squeezed around them as Steve’s hips met yours. 

They only gave you a moment to adjust before both soldiers started moving, thrusting in and out of you, making you scream with mind-numbing pleasure. Bucky’s movements became more forceful, pulling sounds from the three of you. You couldn’t think or move, your only ability was to take it, soaking it up and igniting your body. You throbbed around them, throwing your head back against Steve. 

“You feel so good, sweetheart, you’re so tight and warm around us,” he praised, kissing your cheekbone. Your mouth opened with a choked moan, and he connected your lips, moving his tongue against yours. Bucky swore, even more turned on by the sight of his two lovers making out.

He lifted your knee higher, thrusting impossibly deeper. The pressure that had been building snapped, and you screamed as your orgasm hit you like a train. 

“Fuck, I’m so close, doll,” Bucky knew he couldn’t last long as you tightened around him like a vice. 

“Come inside of me, please, I want-” you didn’t finish your sentence as he came, throbbing inside of you as he filled you with hot ropes of release. You were reduced to mindless, incoherent begs, pleading for Steve to do the same. His strong arms held you still against him, keeping you from writhing as he came deep inside of you. Bucky swallowed your screams, and you sank weakly against them as you came down from the high that had all of you wrecked. 

You woke up slightly dazed from the post-sex sleep, exhausted from the mission and getting fucked by the two super-soldiers. You opened your arms with a sleepy whimper, making the boys laugh softly. Bucky pulled you into a hug, letting you drape your arms around his neck and cling to him. 

“How’re you feeling, doll?”

“Like I’ve had the life fucked out of me,” your voice was soft and amused, making them smile tenderly at you.

“In a good way?”

“In the best way,” you assured Steve.

“I want all of our missions to end like that.”

Bucky grinned cheekily, kissing your head and making you giggle. 

“The storm’s let up. I’m sorry, but we’ve got to get you out of bed,” Steve peeled the blankets off, making you cling tighter to Bucky in protest. 

“Your clothes are dry. C’mon, up, now.” Steve slapped your ass, and you slowly let go of Bucky.

“Help me, my legs are weak,” you held Steve’s hands as he assisted you in climbing off the bed.

“We break you?” Bucky teased, and you shook your head. You kissed Steve lightly before getting dressed, opting to leave his sweater on. 

Within an hour, you were on your way back to Stark tower, curled up on the private plane, your head in Bucky’s lap as he stroked his fingers through your hair. 

“So, everything went as planned on the mission?” Stark asked, debriefing with the three of you. You fought back a laugh, and Steve placed a hand on your back.

“Everything went great, Stark. We assassinated the target, and we all made it back alive,” Bucky confirmed.

As the three of you were walking out the door, Stark’s voice made you turn.

“Don’t think I’m stupid, I can tell what the three of you are up to!”

You squealed, running out the door with the super soldiers, away from Tony’s amused judgement. 

[ijustwant2write]

Reconnect-Finn Shelby x Reader

(GIF credit to @peakystitches​)

Masterlist

Tags: @captivatedbycillianmurphy​ @jenepleurepasbaby​ @amirahiddleston​ @bloodorangemoonlight @haphazardhufflepuff​ @mzcrazy2​

Requested by anonymous: ‘Hello! May i request an either tommy or finn shelby x reader? (Whicheverr one u think suits best) for this prompt i found: character A and B have been in a longterm relationship and nothing can get in between, until one day something does and they drift away. But then they reconnect emotionally and everything feels like the first time again (first kiss, first meal together etc) 🙏🏼💜 i love ur writing thank u’

Characters: Finn Shelby x Reader, Polly Gray x Reader (platonic)

Meanings: (Y/N)=Your name

Warnings: Swearing, arguing, finance issues, drinking, fluff

                                    *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Finn, is that you?" I called out from our bedroom as I heard the front door open. I tensed up when I didn't hear a reply, only to let out a sigh when I heard him giggling.

He was drunk again, it happened almost every week now. Tommy would have given him something important to do for the gang, and whether or not Finn succeeded with that task, he would go out and celebrate with his mates. I would sometimes tag along if I wasn't tired from the week of working, but after seeing our finances, I realised we needed to stop acting like teenagers and start saving wisely.

"Hello my gorgeous girl." he slurred out as he entered the room.

"Hello Finn." I replied as I received a sloppy kiss to my forehead.

He flopped down beside me in bed, taking the book out of my hands and throwing it to the floor. Finn wrapped his arms around me, snuggling into my lap. I took off his hat, stroking back his hair. He was cold from the brisk walk home, causing me to shiver.

“You should have come out tonight." he said.

"I got off work late."

"He kept you again?"

"No, I decided to stay."

"Why? You always say you're tired."

"I'm tired because I'm picking up extra shifts and hours so that we can start saving up for a house."

"I've told you, we don't need to worry about that. Business is good."

"Finn, we're not going to be given the money. We have to earn it."

"Tommy will help us."

"He might help but he won't give us a lot. And even if he did hand us a house, we've got to have enough money for the bills, furniture-"

"It will be fine."

"Finn, we've not even had our wedding yet!"

We had been engaged for half a year. We were wanting to be married sooner, but problems arose with the Peaky Blinders it distracted us both from it, especially since our lives were in danger. I desperately wanted to have enough money for the wedding and house, though it looked like it was going to be one or the other at this point.

"What's wrong with the flat?" Finn now sat up.

"Did you seriously ask me that question? There's only so much I can do to this dump to make it look somewhat liveable. It just doesn't feel like home."

"We'll get the money. Don't worry. Look, look," he took my hands in his,"we will get a house. I promise. And believe me, I want to marry you as soon as I can, there needs to be another ring on that finger. And I need to see my name at the end of yours."

I stupidly believed him. Those adoring eyes I once trusted had lied to me. Finn kept his promise for a week at max, soon breaking it. I didn't mind him going out with friends, we both needed to socialise, I just disagreed with the amount of times he was out and the amount of drinks he was buying each night. He would always offer to get the next round, and although he was a Shelby, the discounts didn't make much difference at the end of the night. I decided I had to go with him to ensure that our money wasn't being poured away, struggling to stay awake for those long nights, and making work even harder every day. It was impossible to keep an eye on him like that.

Usually Finn would tell me if he was going out that night so I wouldn't worry. That stopped too. My mind was never at ease. How did I know he wasn't lying in a ditch somewhere after a job gone wrong? Or what if he was trapped somewhere by a rival gang? I could only rest when he returned, which he always luckily did. I pretended to be asleep, trying to not push him away as he slipped his arms around me, cuddling me for the rest of the night. My patience began to grow thin. I was too scared to speak up about it, worried that we would just end up having an argument. However, I knew we would have to bring it up soon, because our money was only disappearing instead of increasing.

One morning when I was leaving for work, I noticed that the drawer we locked our savings away in was slightly ajar, meaning someone had unlocked it and stupidly left it open. Of course it had to be Finn, no one had broken in during the night. My eyes widened when I saw how much he had taken, enraged that he would think me so foolish. Why would he take the money without asking? What was he using it for?

As I stormed towards the shop, I heard whooping from men in a car further up the street. My face turned into a deep frown when I recognised the car, managing to catch a glimpse of the people in it. They hadn't seen me, and I had to make sure my eyes were deceiving me.

I didn't care about the looks on me as I burst through into the shop, making a beeline for Polly's office. I harshly knocked on the door, entering when she called me.

"(Y/N)? What's wrong?" she asked, a lit cigarette in hand.

"Where's Finn?"

"Off out with his brothers, why?"

"Where are they going?"

"To the races."

I scoffed, placing a hand on my head in defeat.

"Why? What's wrong with that?"

"He told me he would be in the office all day today."

"So? Things change."

"No, he specifically told me that. I never even asked about it. He made a point meaning he didn't want to risk me waltzing in. That means he's hiding something."

"(Y/N), they're only going to bet on horses today. They're mingling."

"They're betting today?!"

She stood, putting a hand on her hip."What am I missing here?"

"Pol, he's using money that we don't have! I need a car, I need to get to him."

"Look, even if my nephew is being the biggest idiot, it's a bad idea to go there."

"Why?"

Her eyes widened."Don't snap at me young lady."

"I'm sorry, I just, I just know he's going to be stupid with what little money we have at the minute."

Polly was silent for a few seconds, and I didn't know if she was just staring me out, trying to make me leave. Perhaps she didn't think it was anything to worry over. But it was to me. She surprised me when she went into one of her drawers, pulling out a set of keys.

"Come on. I'll get one of the girls to call your work, say you're sick."

I tightly clasped my hands together as Polly drove. I was furious, trying to think of what to say to Finn when I got there. He stole our money. He went behind my back, gambling away the money we worked hard to earn. I had never said it, but Finn had it much easier than I did. For one, he worked with family, and although I liked my job, the boss could sometimes be an arsehole; second, he earned a lot more than me, so he was the bigger breadwinner between us, but I worked longer hours. Yes, he was in a gang meaning he had more days where his life was under threat, but he seemed to be having a jolly good time anyway. Really, it wouldn't have mattered who worked longer or harder, or who earned more, it was still our money to spend on our house.

As soon as Polly parked up, I was straight out of the car. She quickly followed grabbing my arm and warning me to not get lost in the crowds. I couldn't make a scene, especially since there could be potential business partners or enemies about. I refrained from rolling my eyes, knowing she was right but also knowing that I would find it extremely hard to not scream at Finn.

Polly guided me to where the men would be, ignoring the shoving and shouting. I wished for her to walk quicker. We swiftly entered the posher boxes, almost stopped by a doorman until his accomplice shut him up. I even heard him whisper 'That's Polly Gray you idiot.', the one time I was glad we had a reputation. She only paused to scan the room for the boys but I spotted them first. Quickly moving past her, I couldn't stop my fists from clenching, seeing Finn joyfully drinking and laughing with his brothers only added fire to my fury.

"Finn!" I snapped, quickly catching his attention.

"(Y/N)?" he exclaimed, struggling to stand and clattering the plates and glasses on the table."W-what are you doing here?"

"Stopping you from spending our money like a fucking idiot! Where is it?"

"Oh, Finn boy is in the doghouse." John chuckled.

"Shut up!" I fiercely pointed at him.

"Where's what?" Finn brought me back.

"Our money!"

"I told you, you do this outside." Polly warned, shoving Finn in that direction, and I knew I had to follow him.

Luckily, we were left alone. Finn continued on, finding someplace we would be alone. Once we were in the clear, the distant roar of the crowds covering our conversation, I saw him sigh quietly, running a hand down his face when he realised what was coming.

"Where's the money Finn?" I asked, calmer but with a mean tone.

"Let me explain first.”

"Explain how you took our money without asking? How you just waltzed out this morning without consulting me?"

"Tommy said that there was a good chance, a very good chance that this horse would win, and I thought it would help us if we put our money on it. Imagine how much we'll have if it wins!"

"If it wins Finn, if! You're gambling our money, why would you do something like that?"

"Because you went on about not having enough money! And here I am trying to help!"

My mouth dropped open in shock."You really don’t see the problem here."

"No, actually, I don't." he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Finn, you stole money from the drawer! You then go behind my back and bet it away. Have you thought about what we'll do if that horse loses?"

"But it won't, Tommy said."

"And what if Tommy is wrong this time? Also, don't pin this on your brother, I know he hasn't even suggested this idea."

"I'm not-urgh!" Finn groaned."Why don't you trust me?"

"I can't trust a gamble Finn. I don't think you realise how many nights I've spent lying awake, worried that we'll never have enough for our own home, and thinking that you don't even care anymore."

"Of course I care. This is why I've bet the money."

"How is this not getting in your head?"

"(Y/N)," he took my hands in his, but I couldn't even look at him,"in a few minutes we will hear them announce the winner, and we will start jumping for joy when we realise how much money we're going to get back, and we're going to be so much closer to getting our home."

"Finn, I desperately want to believe that. But even if we do win, you're in deep trouble." I took my hands away from him, turning around. I couldn't even look at my own fiance.

On queue, we heard a man come over the intercom, it was muffled to me but I knew Finn was listening intensely. Glancing over my shoulder, I watched for his reaction, turning around fully when I saw his expression. We had lost. We lost all that money.

"How could you be so fucking stupid?!" I screamed at him, throwing slaps onto his chest."Why couldn't you just listen to me? I don't understand why you had to lie to me Finn!"

I broke down crying, shoving him away from me. My sobs were loud but I didn't care. Finn could watch, see how much he upset me. My heart sank at the thought of it all gone, Finn had left scarcely any money in the drawer back at the flat.

"I'm sorry (Y/N)." Finn pathetically said.

"You know how you always go on about your family never trusting you enough for the big jobs? That you never get to go out with them and help? This is why. Because you do things like this, you fuck everything up Finn. Fuck!" I wiped away my tears, even though more spilled out."You know I've always stuck beside you, but this is the last straw Finn. I can't be with someone who doesn't want to put effort into their future."

"What are you saying? (Y/N), I can fix this. I promise I'll get the money back, I'll-"

"How? That took us so long to build that up. And you were spending our money almost every night on useless drinking. I can't Finn, I can't live like that anymore."

He ducked his head, and I almost wanted him to say something. When he didn't, I knew what I had to do.

I took a deep breath before speaking."I'm going home. I suggest you stay at Polly's tonight."

"Let me take you home-"

"No!"

"What's going on?" Tommy suddenly appeared, he, his brothers and Polly approaching.

"Your nephew, your brother, just gave away almost all of our money betting on a horse. Not only that, but he took the money without telling me. That was money for a house." I angrily explained.

"Is that true Finn?"

Finn shamefully nodded.

"We can get you your money back (Y/N)."

"It's not about that Tom. He's lied to me. He promised me he wouldn't spend our money every week, yet he did. And then he takes our money without asking me about it first."

"I'll fix it (Y/N), I promise I will." Finn was begging at this point.

"Another promise that you're bound to break. I've had enough today."

"Let's get you home love." Polly said, putting a stop to this argument as she stepped forward, taking me under her arm.

Finn didn't come home that night. I didn't sleep. I was sat at the tiny dining table, staring at the ring on my finger, wondering what to do. It broke my heart to think about leaving him, but it also broke my heart thinking about how reckless he had been. Did I really want to be marrying someone who acted like this? Would he mature? My heart wanted to believe he would, but my mind kept telling me that today confirmed he wouldn't. That was one of the worst nights of my life.

                                     *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I couldn't stand this job any longer. But it was the only thing keeping me alive. It was crappy work, the pay was just above minimum, enough for me to buy food, pay my rent and have the tiniest amount left over. Saving up money was hard when it was just you. Even after two years, I didn't have enough to consider looking at places of my own, or with less roommates. It was exhausting keeping up with these girls I lived with, there were 6 of us altogether. It was a big change when I moved away from Small Heath.

"You ready (Y/N)?" one of my roommates called out to me as I finished applying my lipstick.

"Just a second!" I replied, checking myself in the mirror.

It was the rare occasion that I was going out with them, the one time we could all go out together at all. I was looking forward to a few drinks, and although that sounded hypocritical, I realised that I had to have a night or two in at least a month to relieve myself of the stress I put upon myself.

We arrived at the small club we always went to, it had the cheapest drinks this side of town. We all shivered in the cold weather, walking as fast as we could to make it to the club. The warmth was very welcome, as well as the loud music that drew us further in. It was the usual routine, a few of us grab a table, the others get the drinks in, then we would all make our way to the dance floor. Hours passed, and I had to get away from the heat coming from the dancing, stepping back towards our table to get a drink. I saw my roommate stumbling in the direction of the bar, rolling my eyes as I went to help her, perhaps getting a drink whilst I was there. However, once I got closer, I stared at the man she was starting to flirt with.

"Isaiah?" I said as I got closer.

"(Y/N)!" he smiled, bringing me in for a hug.

"You two know each other?" my roommate asked, looking disappointed.

"He's an old friend. Just that, nothing else."

Isaiah let me go."How long has it been? Two years?"

"Uh, yeah. Yeah, two years. What are you doing here?"

"Business. Nothing dangerous though, you girls are still in for a good night. Especially you if you're good." he winked to my roommate.

"Is he...is he here?" my voice suddenly went shaky, and I felt almost completely sober.

Isaiah's playful nature dropped."Uh, he is. He's really misses you (Y/N). Hasn't even looked at another girl since you left. He's just not been the same." I wasn't sure how to reply.

"I can't not tell him I saw you. Imagine if he found out, he would be so upset with me."

"I know. I wouldn't want to hurt your friendship."

"Maybe you should see him. It might do you both some good."

"Or the opposite."

"He still loves you. Even if you don't feel the same, it could bring closure. But I know you (Y/N), I can tell what you're thinking."

"You were always annoying like that."

"He's out front, in the corridor. That's all I'm going to say."

I looked at him for a few seconds, trying to make my mind up."Well, this one is a handful, just so you know."

"I think I can handle her." Isaiah smirked.

"I was warning her about you."

I giggled at his reaction, walking away and leaving him in his natural habitat of flirting. But as soon as I turned around, my stomach dropped, nerves filling up my entire body. He was here. I hadn't seen him for two years, though I thought about him everyday. Would he look different? Did I look different? What was he going to say? What was I going to say? My brain didn't want to think of any words, maybe I was about to babble absolute nonsense to him.

Upon seeing him, my throat tightened, the cool air slapping me in the face; oh, now I was sober. He hadn't noticed yet, leaning up against a wall, hands in his pockets. Wow, he had changed. His boyish charm was still there, yet he had matured into a handsome young man. It was like I was seeing him for the first time all over again. I was just happy that he would be seeing me in my finer clothes rather than catching me after work.

Urging my feet to move, I almost sighed at how small my steps were. I really was scared. Isaiah had said reassuring things, yet I couldn't even walk up to him. It was too late to back out now, especially when he finally looked up at me. I froze on the spot, not knowing what to do. Finn seemed the same way.

"(Y/N)." he said, I only just heard it.

"Hello."

Hello? Really, that's all I could come up with?

He pushed himself off the wall, coming to stand in front of me, though not too close."I...I can't believe you're here."

"I could say the same about you."

"This is where you've been living then."

I nodded."It's not too bad. I mean, I'm on a night out."

"Who are you with?"

I knew he was wondering if I was with a man."My roommates, I live with five other girls."

"Oh, that's a lot."

"Yeah, it's the only place I could afford."

"I hope it's nice."

"I shouldn't complain. A lot better than other places."

We both knew we were making an awful attempt at small talk. I was sure he had so much to say like I did, we just didn't want to dump it on each other in case the other ran away. It was like we were teenagers again, awkwardly trying to think of something to fill the dreaded silence.

"I really want to talk about us (Y/N)." Finn said.

"You do?"

"I...I just have so much to say to you. I can't do it now, but what about tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow? Tomorrow, um, yes, yes tomorrow works for me. It's the weekend, so I'm not working."

He smiled slightly."OK, good. I'll come get you. Um, I need your address."

"Oh, here." I dug around in my purse, thankful there was a folded up tissue and a pen, it was good to be prepared. I wrote down my address, handing it to him.

"I'll pick you up at one. I would want it to be earlier, you just never know what time you'll be back with this sort of thing."

"I understand Finn, I did live this with you once."

I barely slept, even when we stumbled in at three in the morning. Luckily I hadn't seen Finn, Isaiah or any other Peaky Blinder that evening, no doubt settling business behind the scenes. Despite the lack of sleep, I was wide awake the next morning, up before everyone else who were nursing their hangovers, trying on multiple outfits in a desperate attempt to look nice, but not as if I put too much effort in. The clock was rolling onto one o'clock, and my heart was beating much faster than usual. I was about to make my way downstairs when something glistened on my small vanity. Should I take it? Yes, I would.

Finn knocked on the door, and I waited a few seconds before opening it. We smiled as we greeted each other, not going in for a hug or kiss on the cheek, something I was worried about. That was the first hurdle jumped over.

"How was your evening?" Finn struck up a conversation as we walked further into town.

"Much better than yours I presume?" I smirked. He chuckled."Yeah, didn't exactly get to enjoy the music. Small fight, nothing we couldn't handle."

It was strange hearing about Blinder business again."Well I'm glad you're all safe."

"I thought we could go out for lunch, saw a nice place round here."

"Oh, that would be lovely."

"We don't have to, if you don't feel comfortable."

"No, no, no, it's not that. It's just a lovely thing for you to do."

We both bashfully smiled, luckily the restaurant was just around the corner. I had expected nothing less when we walked into the fancy place, not because I thought I deserved it, but because Finn wouldn't be seen anywhere else. His clothes were even more tailored now than they had been the last I saw him, indicating that the gang had been doing well, more money was coming in. We both immediately picked up our menus as we sat, hoping someone would speak first. Our eyes glanced over the top of them, it was as if we were on our first date again, only this time in a better establishment.

"You look beautiful." he said, still hiding part of his face.

"Thank you." I blushed.

"I'll never forget what you wore when I picked you up for our first date. That blue dress you just bought, with a matching purse, and those heels that you hadn't practiced walking in. Well, you used that as an excuse to latch into my arm all night."

I smiled, placing down my menu."It was a good plan, wasn't it? And I did struggle in those heels, I just didn't want to embarrass myself."

He copied me."I liked holding your hand all night."

"What a sweet sentiment."

"I mean it. And I mean this date. That didn't sound right, but...what I'm trying to say is that I want to make it all up to you."

"You do?"

"Yes! I really didn't expect you to leave. I mean I did, but I didn't want to believe that. I didn't want to believe that I had been so selfish that I couldn't even see how much I had hurt you." 

“That was the hardest decision I ever made. Most days I battle with myself whether I made the right choice. All night I kept making deals with myself. If you came back, I would hear you out, and if it was good enough for me I would stay. But then you didn’t, so I said to myself ‘Give him another hour.’. An hour went by, and I said the same thing to myself. That went on for the whole evening until I found myself angrily packing my things. Even then, I sat by door on top of my suitcase for another hour or so.”

“I thought you just got up and left. I didn’t realise how long you waited for me.” he sighed into his hands.“I’m such a fucking idiot.”

I could tell he was full of regret. Although it sounded sadistic, I was glad that he was upset when reflecting on our past relationship, it meant he realised his mistake. On the other hand, I hated seeing him sad. I took his hands away from his face, hesitantly reaching into my handbag to pull out the engagement ring I kept.

His eyes widened.“You still have that? I looked everywhere for it when you left, guessed you took it to sell.”

“I won’t lie, that was my intention at first. But it meant too much to me. It was like selling a piece of my soul. I kept it hidden, I didn’t want to risk any of the girls seeing it, they would just ask too many questions.”

I kept my eye on the beautiful ring as I spoke, slowly twirling it around to catch it twinkling in the light.

"I had such a hard time picking that out. I knew what you wanted, but I had to get it right for you. I'm so glad you kept it."

"I did try to sell it. I was stood outside of a shop for ten minutes debating with myself. It would have helped a lot for the deposit on the room, but I couldn't do it."

We were silent, both staring at the ring. We used to do that a lot actually. Finn would take my hand and hold it up as we laid in bed together, both giggling as we watched it glisten like it was in present times, before squealing at the thought of us being married to each other. I constantly fiddled with it when he was off on business, a habit which never wore off, even now; whenever I was nervous or worried, I would automatically do the same action, just without the ring.

A waiter awkwardly interrupted us, and I hurriedly put the ring back in my bag, sharing an embarrassed smile with Finn as we ordered. Once he was gone, I quietly sighed, looking out of the window. We were in such a nice part of town, so many ladies in beautiful dresses and men in smart suits strolling around.

"Are you...are you OK for money?" Finn boldly asked.

I was a little shocked by that.

"I don't mean anything by it. I just want to make sure you're OK, I would hate for you to be struggling, if you were."

"Uh, no, no I'm fine actually. It's not as generous as my old wage but it keeps me alive, I can live with the bare necessities."

I could see him itching to say something else, to keep the conversation going. I wasn't sure if we could go back to the serious topic we had before. However, I also wanted to bring it back up, it felt like we needed to talk about us.

"How's the family?" That's all I could come up with.

"They're fine. Everyone is the same. Well, they're not, they're a bit more serious nowadays."

"They weren't in the first place?"

He smiled."I suppose they were. Tension is the right word, tensions have been rising. Tommy's taking on a lot more, Polly knows all these secrets that no one else does, Ada is rebelling against anything Tommy says, Linda is still annoying, Esme and John have been popping kids out left, right and centre. Arthur is still crazy."

"Sounds like business as usual to me."

"They miss you too."

"Do they?"

"Yeah. Almost as much as me."

I cast my eyes down as butterflies rose in my stomach.

"I heard nothing else for the next few weeks after you left. They all told me what an idiot I was, that I was an extremely reckless, stupid and immature boy, and that I had let the best thing in my life get away from me. And they were right. I knew all of that already."

"I...I don't really know what to say right now."

"You don't have to say anything, let's just enjoy this meal, no more of that talk."

The nerves making my stomach flip built at that. What if we had nothing else to talk about? What if it was too weird to dive into our separate lives? I didn't want to sit across my ex-fiance, painfully and politely smiling through forced conversation.

The spark was still there.

When the waiter had returned with our drinks, we were already deep in talk about what had been happening in our personal everyday life. We were non stop, even as we ate through dinner. The waiters had trouble catching our attention each time they checked on us. I was deep in those eyes again, the ones I always dreamed of seeing. We were laughing hysterically, not at all acting how we should have in that establishment (there were a few eye rolls from other patrons). As if time had gone by in a second, the bill was slipped towards Finn, though I still reached into my purse.

"Are you mad? No, put your money away, I'm not taking it." Finn stated as he carelessly threw down some notes, surprisingly taking my hand in his and guiding me out of the restaurant.

I was tense as we walked, and I saw a flash of realisation in Finn's eyes as we made it outside. Both looking down at our interlocked fingers, Finn broke away, clearing his throat.

"Sorry, force of habit."

Hesitating, I smiled up at him, lacing our hands together again."These are new heels I'm breaking in. Need help walking in them."

He chuckled, pulling me closer as we walked down the street. We were silent, feeling like kids in love again. I couldn't deny that my feelings were still strong for Finn, I missed him dearly. At first, part of me had been wary of all this, wondering if he really had good intentions, or just thought he could get a quick shag in from an ex before he left; but the effort he went through, the things we spoke about, trying to heal old wounds, Finn had matured and he was wanting to fix this. I wanted to fix this, my heart was aching for my old life with him. 

“We’re not done yet, are we?” I timidly asked.

“Not unless you want it to be.”

I instantly shook my head.“No, I’d like to stay out for longer.”

“Even though you’re struggling in your heels?”

I smirked.“I know a nice place we can sit down.”

I took him to the local park, it had a huge lake with benches dotted around, luckily it wasn’t busy, there was somehow a hint of privacy here. We sat down close to each other, hands still entwined. 

“You still hungry?” I asked.

“Hm?”

I dug into my purse, producing a bag of sweets I had bought the previous day. I laughed as his eyes lit up, taking one without even asking. I took one too, reminiscing on how we used to do the same thing as kids. It seemed he was thinking about it too.

“Just like the old days.” Finn said.

“We spent way too much money on sweets back then. It’s a wonder we still have our teeth.”

 “Wish I got out of that spending habit. We could be married and in our new house by now.”

“So you never wanted to move on? You didn’t give in to those girls wanting to be with a Peaky Blinder?”

“Never. I couldn’t. I couldn’t even fathom being with anyone else, it was always you (Y/N). Did you date?”

“No, I felt exactly the same. Which is why I was angry at myself for a long time. I was supposed to be upset with you, not still in love.”

His head whipped round to face me.“You still love me?”

My mouth was still open, unsure how to answer. It seemed I didn’t have to as Finn leaned in, placing on hand on my cheek as we kissed. Instinctively I kissed back, placing my hands on him where I could, hearing the bag of sweets fall to the ground and spill its contents. This kiss was needy, the type of kiss you gave your partner when you had missed them, when they had been away for a long time; and although we had our hands on each other, our touch was still gentle.

“Get the ring.” Finn breathed out, our lips still almost touching.

I carelessly got it for him, heart beating extremely fast. He took it from me, pecking me on the lips one last time before standing up. He straightened out his suit, took a deep breath and got down on one knee. I was just as emotional the first time he did it.

“(Y/N), I know I messed up everything in the past, I was careless when I should have been supportive and helped to build our future. I learnt from those mistakes, and I really, really want to go back to how we were. I need you (Y/N), I love you so much. There aren’t enough words to express how much love I have for you. Will you marry me?”

I didn’t need to think about my answer. I blurted out a yes, waiting for him to slide the ring back on my finger before throwing myself onto him. We stumbled back onto the ground, our arms around each other as we laughed and cried. I believed him this time, I truly believed him. He put in the effort to show me his changes, he wanted to fix everything. I wanted things back to the way they were with my man, and we were back to building our future and living the rest of our lives together.

[shorkbrian]

A Midsommar Night’s Dream

Prelude - I watched midsommar so have this.

Pairing - Izuku X reader X Todoroki males

Warnings - NSFW, dead dove, do not eat. Implied incest, cult-like behaviors. Dubcon.

Music - https://open.spotify.com/track/7clyJIrLkEbXUDwj1tC9zz?si=EK3gCdOHQ3WQeK-ed9eucg 

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

Izuku’s been officially dating you for three weeks.

Three weeks.

He’s known you for far longer - the two of you solid friends since you first met. The man doesn’t know when friendship had evolved into something more, but he’s sure glad it did.

You were sweet, and kind, and far too caring for your own good. You didn’t mind waiting up for Izuku when his nights ran late, studying for his masters or taking on extra shifts.

You would rub his shoulders when he got stressed, offer to make him tea or run him a bath or anything else he needed, anything to help out. You loved him, and he loved you.

Tonight was a night that many partners might fear - meeting the family.

But Izuku was hardly worried. He was best friends with your brother Shouto, a level-headed student with good work ethics and a dry sense of humor. The rest of the family couldn’t be that bad.

A simple dinner, you had told him, dress casual and no gifts required. Still, Izuku felt obligated to bring the finest bottle of bourbon his paycheck could afford him (he’d asked Shouto what your father’s favorite was, just to be safe).

The Todoroki household was impressive; massive and imposing in the countryside, surrounded by tall stone walls and looking straight out of a victorian romance novel. Izuku knows what those look like, because he’s seen them on the covers of the romance novels you like to read. He’s always doing his best to pay attention to your likes and dislikes.

“Izuku!” came your excited little voice as the door opened after his loud knock, and the green-haired man couldn’t stop himself from breaking out in a smile.

You were almost bouncing in excitement behind your older brother Shouto as he held the door open, taking the offered bottle of bourbon from Izuku with a nod before leaving you alone together in the foyer.

“Hey, missed you-” Izuku grunted as you attacked him in a hug, and a laugh bubbled out of you both when the solid man had to take a step backwards from  the push of your body.

“Missed you too! I’m so excited for tonight, it’s so good that Dad and the rest of the family are accepting you.” A quick kiss to his cheek distracted Izuku.

You were fairly comfortable with physical touch, resting your head on his shoulder, never afraid to snuggle up to his side on movie nights, or hold his hand out in public (especially now that the two of you were dating). But Izuku had honestly expected more.... sensuality once the two of you started seeing each other as lovers more than just friends.

He had asked to kiss you one night, after you’d made him dinner and rubbed his shoulders and listened to him talk about the latest subject he was studying. Izuku had felt his heart warm, like cold wax cradled over a flame, and his love for you was bursting out of his chest. He wanted to kiss you and hold you close, tell you how much he loved you.

You had just smiled shyly and shook your head, saying you wanted to wait a bit. Which Izuku understood! This was all new, going from friends-to-dating, and he didn’t want to rush you or make you uncomfortable in any way. He was willing to wait.

So the kiss to his cheek surprised him, made him stutter and blush and hug you a bit tighter.

Then you were taking his hand, leading him through the maze of a house. He couldn’t help but notice the old-timey decorations mixed in with the more modern features, but done in an elegant, timeless fashion. A good blend of old mixed with new.

Stepping into the large dining room hand-in-hand with you, Izuku was met with the sight of the entire Todoroki family.

“Everybody-” You started, catching their attention until every set of eyes was on you and the tall man by your side. “This is Izuku!”

Shouto stepped forward, closest to the pair of you, and set his hand on Izuku’s shoulder with a smile. “Glad to have you joining the family.” 

Izuku smiled back, pulling his friend into a hug and giving him a hearty pat on the back.

“This is Fuyumi-” A tap to Izuku’s shoulder had him turning around, stepping away from Shouto to shake your sister’s hand. 

“Hi Izuku, I’ve heard such good things about you.” Her voice was soft and gentle, almost like your own. Izuku could see the family resemblance between the two of you. 

“And this is Natsuo, he’s studying for his masters just like you.” A white-haired man approached him, friendly and open, ready to shake Izuku’s hand but ultimately pulling him into a hug. 

“Sorry, I’m a hugger.” Natsuo laughed, and Izuku shrugged, completely unbothered.

“Here’s Touya.” You introduced a redhead next, a man sitting almost sullenly at the table. He didn’t rise to his feet, didn’t even take Izuku’s offered handshake. 

“This is the guy you’ve been babbling about? He looks bori-”

“Touya.”  The room, already hushed, grew even more silent, almost heavy with the weight of the voice from the man at the head of the table.

The gangly redhead shut his mouth, looking ready to roll his eyes. You pulled Izuku past him towards the imposing man who was looking at the man at your side, appraising him.

“And this is my dad. Dad, this is Izuku.”

“A pleasure to meet you sir.” Izuku shook the mans large hand, and the man nodded solemnly.

“Sit down, we’re ready to eat.”

-----

Dinner wasn’t a quiet affair. Comfortable conversation flowed easily between everyone; questions about Izuku’s degree, about his goals, his dreams, his job. He knew it was just everyone getting to know him, assurance that he was suitable for their daughter. Izuku wanted to be perfect for you, anything and everything you needed.

Enji (Izuku was not about to call your father dad) asked only a few questions, otherwise decidedly quiet at his spot at the table, chewing his food while watching Izuku respond to the rest of his family. 

It was mainly Fuyumi, Natsuo, and Shouto keeping the conversation flowing, Izuku easily keeping up with whatever they decided to talk about, asking engaging questions of his own about the family members he’d just met, laughing easily whenever you made a pun or Shouto’s dry humor jumped out.

Everything seemed to be going well. 

Fuyumi asked to be excused, saying she needed to go prepare, and Enji waved her off easily, telling you to go with her. You rose from your chair easily, but not before catching Izuku’s hand and giving it a squeeze, eyes shining as you leaned close to whisper “See you in a bit.”.

“You really love her?” Touya asked as soon as the two women left the room to go prepare dessert, leaving Izuku alone with the male Todoroki’s. Izuku assumed this would be when he gets the shake-down, the usual “Hurt her and we’ll kill you” talk.

“So much. Sometimes I feel like I love her so much that I don’t know what to do with myself.” Izuku confessed.

“She talks about you a lot. I think she feels the same way that you do.” Natsuo supplied from across the table, and Izuku felt his cheeks flush, his heart flutter. It was one thing to know you loved someone - to feel the warmth and peace it brought to your soul. It was another to know that they loved you back; it made him feel whole.

“I've seen how you treat her, I think the two of you are a good match.” Shouto said, and Izuku smiled at his friend. Shouto had been his buddy since high school, truthfully was the reason that Izuku and you had met. You’d come along with Shouto one day when he’d come to hang out with Izuku, and the two of you had become fast friends.

Natsuo was rising from the table, walking back to the little shelf along one wall where various drinks sat (and Izuku’s bourbon gift). Izuku watched the man begin to pour out a red liquid, before his attention was caught by Shouto leaving the table as well, taking his plate and exiting the room.

Then Natsuo was placing a glass of the red liquid down in front of Izuku. “Don’t worry, this is nothing more than homemade punch.” He said as Izuku eyed it.

“It’s tradition.”  Touya growled and Izuku found himself taken aback at the heat in the other man’s voice. Was the redhead angry at him for some reason? 

“Touya, calm down.” The eldest Todoroki said, and Izuku almost wanted to cower himself at the sheer dominance exuding from the powerful man. “Izuku is becoming family. You will be happy for your sister, not jealous.”

Touya huffed, grumbling under his breath before shoving his seat away from the table. “Just don’t fuckin’ hurt her, got it? She’s my baby sister.” 

“I would never-” But Touya is already storming out of the room, uncaring of Izuku’s assurances.

Natsuo sighs. “Don’t mind him, he just.... doesn’t like change.”

“What is this again?” Picking up the red drink, Izuku swirled it around the glass, trying to change the subject and hopefully smooth over the tension. Most of the tension had dissipated when Touya left, but it never hurt to be proactive. 

“It’s a tea we brew and sweeten ourselves. We grow the plants in the backyard, you’ll see them soon.” Natsuo explained.

“It’s tradition?” Izuku parroted Touya’s earlier words, before taking a quick sip. It was delicious tea.

“Yes, we like to welcome those who are approved to join the family.” Natsuo laughed a little. “Fuyumi’s husband thought we were trying to drug him. It’s really just tea.”

Izuku snorted. It tasted like tea, why would someone think the Todoroki’s were trying to drug them? Sure, the family might be a little odd, but they weren’t malicious... right?

Before he knew it, his cup was empty and Natsuo had slipped out of the room, leaving Izuku alone with the head of the household, Enji.

Where were you? And why had everyone else left the room?

“I’m very particular about who I allow in my house, boy.” Enji started, and Izuku suddenly felt.... uneasy.

“Not everyone thinks the same way as the Todoroki’s. But you seem to be a bright young man. Educated. You aren’t going to be any trouble, are you?”

The last question wasn’t posed as such. It was a statement. 

Still, Izuku shook his head. “No sir, I have no intentions of causing trouble.” Why did this casual dinner feel so serious? there was so much emphasis on being accepted into the family, on being welcomed. Izuku recognized how big of a deal that was but still... it’s not like you were about to marry him. He was planning on that a few years down the road.

“Come with me.” Enji instructed, wiping his mouth with his napkin before his impressive bulk hefted itself out of his chair. Izuku felt tiny next to the patriarch, following the man through the dark, empty house.

He wanted to ask where Enji was taking him. Where you had disappeared to, where the rest of the family had gone. But that would be rude, so Izuku kept his mouth shut.

Outside it was dark, moon shining dimly through the sky, the residual warmth of the summer day still held in the air. Izuku followed Enji through the back door, down along a path, into the plentiful, green backyard.

To a grove of trees, torches flickering from within the grove, small bushes and beautiful flowering plants dotted among the trees. A garden, Izuku realized. Those must be the plants and bushes that produce the tea Natsuo had given him.

Then there you were, in a little clearing among the trees.

Sitting on a dark blanket, knees drawn to your chest and ankles crossed in front of you as you hid your body.

Izuku started - you were naked.

Touya was kneeling beside you, a hand on your shoulder as he talked to you gently, barely sparing Izuku and his father a glance as they strode into the torch-lit clearing, Touya’s attention truly focused on you.

Shouto and Natsuo stood in the light, watching you, watching Izuku.

“What is this?” Izuku sputtered, and upon hearing his voice you looked away from Touya, a smile lighting up your face as you saw your Izuku.

“This is tradition boy.” Enji laid a heavy hand on Izuku’s shoulder. “Now strip down, my little girl’s been waiting.”

Izuku’s head swirled.

Touya stood up, shooting the green-haired man a lazy glare before moving to stand by his brothers, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Izuku...” Your sweet little voice called for him, and green eyes snapped to your form on the ground, watched as, with a nod from Enji, you slowly unfurled your body to expose yourself to your lover.

A stab of arousal hit Izuku in his gut, watching your soft-looking skin be revealed. 

Pert breasts, a squishy tummy, glistening folds ready and twitching between your legs. 

You were drenched.

There was so much shiny slick, all over your thighs and dripped onto the blanket, Izuku couldn’t catch his breath, couldn’t think straight. It was impossible for you to be that wet on your own, you must have used lube or something to prepa-

It hit him; You and Fuyumi hadn’t gone to prepare dessert.

“You just gonna stand there all night like an idiot? Take your clothes off and fuck her you dwee-”

“Touya.” Enji growled, silencing his son immediately. Then the man turned to  Izuku, easily pushing him forwards towards you. “You’ve been accepted into the family; that’s an invitation you don’t want to refuse.”

With a sigh, you easily laid down onto your back, legs still spread for Izuku to look at you, hands coming up to rest shyly over your breasts.

“Don’t do that, let him see.” Shouto murmured, and immediately your hands dropped in obedience. Shouto hummed in approval, before bi-colored eyes swept up to look at Izuku, urging his friend forward with a tilt of his head down to your form.

With trembling hands, Izuku fumbled with his pants, unzipping them with a bit of difficulty, undoing his belt, working on the buttons of his nice shirt the he had worn to make a good impression when he met your family for the first time.

It took him a moment to undress, a red blush creeping up over his cheeks and down to his chest as he bared his body to the Todoroki’s.

He didn’t think he was small, but he wasn’t big either; average. Izuku was confident in his size, didn’t really know or are how he stacked up against other guys, and the girls he’d been with before hadn’t complained.

Still, he felt embarrassed to be naked in front of other people, to be on display. But there wasn’t another option, was there? (Izuku didn’t know if that was such a bad thing)

Two short strides before dropping to his knees in front of you on the blanket, his throat dry and his palms sweaty. 

“Are you-” His voice was barely above a whisper. “Are you okay with this?” 

Your head nodded yes, a pleased, yet shy grin on your face. “Of course. I want you.”

The softness of your voice, of your body, Izuku felt dizzy as he shuffled forward, close enough to touch. Still hesitant, worried about the male Todoroki members watching from the sidelines, brain racing to work through the strangeness of the situation, the utter oddity of this... ritual that was currently taking place.

But then you were sitting up, hands circling around his neck, pressing your lips to his with crushing finality.

He was a part of the family now.

It felt good to kiss you, soft lips pressed together, little huffs of breath from your nose as you kept going. Izuku took the freedom of circling his hands around your waist, almost gasping at the plushness of your flesh, melting against you with a groan as your lips kept pressing to his.

“I’m all ready, just-just put it in.” Your breathless little confession tumbled out as soon as you pulled away from your first real kiss with Izuku, a blush high on your cheeks.

But it was Izuku’s turn to blush, sitting between your legs like a fumbling virgin. “I’m not hard yet, but I can, uhm, finger you. Or we can kiss for a little bit mo-”

“You aren’t even hard? Touya’s sneering voice cut through Izuku’s babbling. “Look at my sister. She’s fucking soaking the ground. That’s not hot to you?”

Izuku stuttered, eyes flickering down to where your legs were opened, pretty little cunt twitching. It’s like you were begging to be touched, and Izuku was a sucker for begging.

“No, that’s so hot, oh my god.” He breathed, fingers instinctively reaching to swipe through your wetness, relishing the way you gasped and shuddered as his hand made contact with your body.

“She’s so soft too, got tits like little pillows. You should lick ‘em, she likes that.” Touya continues, and Izuku wants to point out that the reason he’s not completely hard yet isn’t because he’s not insanely turned on by the beautiful creature in front of him, but because he’s feeling weirded out by all her brothers and her dad watching intently from the sidelines.

Yet he does what Touya suggests, leaning forward to put his mouth on your chest, tongue darting out to drag against your skin. 

The eldest Todoroki was right about you being soft.

Izuku can’t stop his other hand from rubbing at your cunt more firmly, feeling your little hips twitch towards him, pressing your chest more firmly into his mouth.

“She’s so pretty.” Natsuo comments, but Izuku is hardly listening when he’s flicking at your clit, nursing at your tits. “She’s gonna feel real good around you Izuku, like a new fleshlight.”

“You better breed her good, boy.” Enji booms, and suddenly you’re scrabbling at Izuku’s arms, pulling his hair, whining “Please, Izuku please.”.

“Okay, shit, let me-”

“He must be really worked up, Izuku hardly ever curses.” Shouto announces, and fuck, he’s right -  but how could he not be worked up?

Izuku is hard, blood rushing so quickly to his cock that he feels lightheaded, taking himself in hand and giving his length a few dry pumps. He’s envisioning how sopping wet you’ll feel against him, staring, drooling over your cunt.

And then he’s lining himself up, kissing you hard, and pushing inside.

“Big, ‘s too big!” You panic, tears popping to your eyes but Izuku is quick to wipe them away, cooing at you and stilling his hips.

“Oh, don’t cry! Shh, I’ll go slow, ‘m sorry, I thought you were ready-”

“Natsu-” You cried, hand scrabbling into the ground above your head, reaching, searching for your brother.

“Hey, hey, I’m here.” The man was immediately on his knees by your face, clasping your hand fervently, leaning down to put a sweet kiss on your nose. “Breathe honey, in and out. It’s okay.”

“Noo I-I.... ‘M scared, he’s-he’s-ah!” A stuttered cry broke from your chest as Izuku shifted slightly, inadvertently pushing deeper.

“No, it's gonna be okay. It's just like when we do it, yeah? He's gonna be nice.” And Natsuo is looking at Izuku, fixing him with such a pointed gaze and Izuku gets the message. He’s going to be nice.

It’s not like he wasn’t planning on it - the green haired man loves you.

But then the breath is sucked out of his chest as he comprehends what Natsuo had just comforted you with, that-that.

That you’ve fucked your brother.

“Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god.” Izuku chants, unable to stop his hips from inching back and forth, humnping into you in infinitesimal movements as arousal punches through his gut. “Sorry, I can’t stop-’h my god that’s-”

He can hear Touya cackle. “Damn, something really got him going.”

You were squeezing your eyes shut, clenching Natsuo’s hand so tight that the skin was whitening. Your brother didn’t seem to mind, more occupied with stroking your hair, eyes fixated on the soft jiggle of your breasts as Izuku humped you like a senseless virgin.

His breathing turned into wheezing, hitching when a presence was felt at his back.

“You can do better than that.” Enji’s hands were pressing against Izuku’s naked rear, making the green haired man flinch forward and away from the touch. But Enji merely pushed, propelling Izuku’s thrusts so that he would really fuck the warm, willing body beneath him.

“Izuk-Izu-Izuku-” You moaned, rocking your body to further spear yourself onto his cock, apparently finding the fast glide pleasurable as opposed to your hesitance earlier.

He leaned down to kiss you, both of you moaning into the kiss, hands wandering as you pushed to meet each other, Izuku’s stomach clenching tighter and tighter as he neared his release.

“She’s never had someone fuck her raw before...” Shouto mused, eyes glued to the scene in front of him, watching his best friend fuck his sister with the help of his family. “I wonder if it feels different.”

But his words were lost in the quick slap of skin meeting skin, Izuku’s grunts, your sweet little noises as you writhed and clutched at Natsuo’s hand, your other hand holding onto Izuku.

And then Izuku was gone, balls clenching and cock twitching inside you, pulsing as he shot his seed.

Your eyes fluttered shut, pulling your hand away from Natsuo to place it against your tummy, pressing right over where Izuku was still grinding against you. “Feels... feels so warm.”

Izuku was panting, sweat sticking his curls to his forehead, desire slowly swirling out of his body as he came. 

What the fuck had he just done?

Enji clapped him once on the back, before rising to his feet. “Welcome to the family, son.”

[robininthelabyrinth]

🧿🤠🐇🍲🍯: Lan Wangji does not think it’s safe to raise A-Yuan in Cloud Recesses after the Lans participated in the killing of his zhiji and the entire Burial Mounds community (or more accurately that it’s not safe while he himself is in seclusion and can’t watch over A-Yuan, at least) so he delivers A-Yuan to the one person who he knows did not stand against Wei Wuxian (and got away with it, bc this person has never stood against anything, since standing takes effort): Nie Huaisang.

Little Side Door - ao3

Nie Huaisang’s rooms in the Unclean Realm had a little side door that no one but him ever used.

They hadn’t originally. The Unclean Realm was a fortress, designed to maximize protection and defense; there was no better place for keeping things safe by locking them away. While it had its fair share of boltholes and escape routes, they were not common and universally difficult to access lest the enemy learn of them and use them to their advantage. Even the layout of their open spaces were carefully planned lest the attack come from the sky, a concern that only cultivators had, and not about how they themselves could escape – after all, weren’t they all Nie, ready to die rather than endure dishonor?

The little side door that led to Nie Huaisang’s room opened onto a small rock garden, left to grow wild with weeds rather than reveal its presence to more people. It existed only because his brother had ordered it constructed by those he trusted most, all in secret in the dark of the night. He had never explained why he had gone to such lengths to create such an unwelcome and inauspicious place, but then, he hadn’t needed to – Nie Huaisang had been there, too, when his father had descended into madness and they had been trapped in the familial quarters with no way out that did not take them through him. If his brother had been the one to brave his father’s rage directly, Nie Huaisang had been the one stuck in a small space that was only not claustrophobic because it was so painfully familiar.

Now, though his father was long dead and gone, Nie Huaisang had a little side door.

A little side door, and a little garden that almost no one knew about; in combination with the saber that his brother forced him to learn and the golden core he had so begrudgingly formed, he now had a way to reach the sky and the illusive freedom it represented – the freedom to flee and leave his home behind.

If it ever happens again – his brother had said once, the closest he had ever come to speaking of it.

He did not finish his sentence, as Nie Huaisang had thrown his plate into his face and stormed off, steaming mad and close to tears. He did not raise the subject a second time.

Nie Huaisang did not often use his little side door.

Although he enjoyed gardens, he preferred the aviary he’d constructed, or one of the myriad of well-tended gardens in the main part of the sect; even the vegetable gardens out back beside the kitchens were far more welcoming than that sparse straggle of land. He’d only ever spent time there when he was a child and in desperate need of some quiet, wanting to avoid adults with their arguments and their miseries; he’d taken some friends there because he thought it might impress them, but it hadn’t, and anyway his brother had put a stop to that soon enough.

He didn’t even think about the little side door, most days. It was just a part of the room, a small tucked away corner with nothing in it. Nothing to think about.

And then, of course, years after he’d put it out of his mind entirely, there came a terrible banging noise at that little side door, like someone was kicking at it furiously from the outside.

Nie Huaisang nearly fell over sideways in his scramble to get up, and then once again when he realized where the noise was coming from – almost no one knew about his side door and its little garden, and so no one had ever come to him through it. Who would be knocking now…?

He opened it.

Lan Wangji, white robes stained with blood and cheeks bright with fever, shoved something into his arms. “You have a child now,” he said through bitten lips. “Congratulations. He is called A-Yuan. I entrust you with his care, for my sect cannot be trusted with it.”

And then he turned and staggered away, mounting up on Bichen and flying off before Nie Huaisang could say anything – before he could even finish searching his memories and recalling that yes, in fact, Lan Wangji had been one of the friends he had shown the side door to, years and years before, and thus knew how to find it. Before he could even start processing the thousands of thoughts that had spring to life, fully formed, at all the information he’d just received: the bloody robes, the desperation, the reference to the Lan sect – the Lan sect! – being somehow untrustworthy…

He looked down at his arms.

“Congratulations,” he echoed blankly. “I have a child now.”

The child blinked up at him, and then smiled.

-

“Da-ge!” Nie Husiang howled, rushing into the sect leader’s study where his brother was doing work – luckily it wasn’t receiving hours and he wasn’t in the main hall, as that would have been unfortunate. “Da-ge, you have to help me! I have a child now!”

His brother stared at him, expression blank and mouth slightly agape. The brush in his hand dripping ink onto a now-wasted piece of paper.

“Huaisang,” he said after a moment. “What the fuck.”

Nie Huaisang nodded furiously.

“Where did you get – how – who – what did you do?!”

“I am currently unable to disclose any details,” Nie Huaisang said promptly even as his brother tossed aside the brush and got up, striding over with a storm brewing in his face. “All I can say is that I have to raise this child now. By which I mean, you have to help me raise this child now; I can’t raise children! I’m not mature enough to raise a child!”

“No kidding! Why would someone entrust – to you…” Nie Mingjue trailed off, looking down at the child with a frown that shifted from disbelieving irritation to concern. He pressed his hand to the child’s forehead. “Huaisang, this child has a high fever. We need to get him to the medical wing at once – is that blood?”

“Not his, I don’t think?”

“I don’t want to know,” his brother decided. “Move.”

Some time later, they were both sitting next to the bed in one of the spare rooms in the family quarters; Nie Huaisang thought it might even have been the same one that he’d used when he was very young. A-Yuan was sleeping, and Nie Mingjue was still holding his little hand in his own, having been clocked as the oversize comfort animal that he not-so-secretly was from the very first moment A-Yuan laid eyes on him.

The doctors had declared A-Yuan’s fever to be very severe, but they had applied plenty of medicine – the Lan sect might have more esoteric healing techniques, but there wasn’t anything like the Nie sect when it came to standard medicine for injuries and illnesses associated with the battlefield, and despite A-Yuan’s tender age Nie Huaisang would be willing to bet that his injuries were from a battlefield. They were confident that A-Yuan would make a full recovery, body and mind both intact, although they warned that his memory of the past might be impacted.

Nie Huaisang had thought about all that blood that wasn’t his, of Lan Wangji pale-faced and wild-eyed, and decided that a little bit of forgetting might not be so bad after all.

“Are you going to tell me anything more,” his brother said after a while. “Or should I just give up now?”

Nie Huaisang leaned over and patted his knee. “It’s good that you know your limitations.”

His brother rolled his eyes.

“I can’t believe this is my life,” he remarked.

“What part?” Nie Huaisang asked, curious. “The fact that we have a kid now, because obviously we’re keeping him? Or the fact that someone gave a kid to me?”

“Both,” his brother decided. “Definitely both.”

-

“His name’s A-Yuan,” Nie Huaisang said. “Apparently.”

“Well,” his brother said. “Obviously that won’t do.”

-

Nie Huaisang had the ability to be sneaky when he wanted to be. It wasn’t a matter of stealth, he had explained to his brother, but sneakiness– a completely different concept. Stealth suggested that he was doing something to conceal himself and required skills and talent, or else a lot of practice, and obviously Nie Huaisang was not going to go in for either of those.

Sneakiness, though…

He didn’t need people not to be able to see him in order to be sneaky. He just needed them not to care about him, or wonder where he was.

“Psst,” he said, knocking on the window to the rooms where Lan Wangji was purportedly practicing seclusion. “Psst! Lan Zhan!”

Lan Wangji had given him a child. They were definitely past the ‘Lan-er-gongzi’ stage.

“Lan Zhan!” he rapped at the window with his fan. “We need a courtesy name!”

There was some sounds from within the jingshi, mostly stumbling around. Nie Huaisang waited patiently, and after a few moments the window opened and Lan Wangji stared out at him. He was as pale as a ghost with lips as red as blood, and very clearly not in seclusion at all, but rather in the midst of healing whatever wounds had left him bloody – he probably shouldn’t have gotten out of bed to answer.

Oh, well. Too late for regret now.

“You shouldn’t be here,” Lan Wangji said, voice dull and eyes blank as he stared at Nie Huaisang. It was unclear if he meant in the Cloud Recesses generally, or here in particular, interrupting his ‘seclusion’.

“Didn’t you hear me?” Nie Huaisang said, scowling at him. “We need a courtesy name! A courtesy name for the child, you hear me? You know, of course, that Qinghe Nie don’t use personal names, not even for children – certainlynot for children older than their first year. It’d be a complete giveaway that he’s not organically ours if we call him something like A-Yuan.”

Lan Wangji raised a hand to pinch his nose. “Please go away.”

“Courtesy name, Lan Zhan. I mean, I may be the one who’ll be raising him, but please think carefully: do you really want meto be the one naming him?”

“…call him Sizhui.”

“Sizhui,” Nie Huaisang repeated. “With the characters…?”

Lan Wangji nodded.

“Uh, no,” Nie Huaisang said. “I need a bettercourtesy name. Are you joking?”

“Nie Huaisang. Go away.”

“But –”

Lan Wangji slammed the window shut.

“…fine,” Nie Huaisang said to the closed window. “Be that way, see if I care. Not like we don’t need to build up a decent coparenting relationship or anything eventually.”

He thought he heard a choking sound from behind the door and smirked.

“Don’t you think you can baby-trap me and just walk away, Lan Zhan,” he said in his best ominous tone. “If you wanted someone to raise your kid without ever consulting you again, you should’ve dropped him off in the Lotus Pier with Jiang Cheng, who’d probably be too busy being confused to even question where he came frome – but no. You came to me. I don’t make decisions in the best of times, least of all good. I have questions. A lot of questions.”

He thought about it for a moment.

“Not about how you got him or anything like that,” he said. “I’m not stupid, I can tell a secret when I see one. But, you know, other types of questions. Parenting stuff. Are you a ‘go sit and think about what you’ve done’ sort of parent? Or more traditional discipline, with copying lines and occasionally strikes when they’re naughty? Do you want him to learn the Lan sect rules along with the Nie sect principles –”

There was a muffled sound from inside the house.

It sounded angry.

“…we can talk about it later,” Nie Huaisang decided. He might’ve pushed his luck a bit too much. “Talk later!”

-

“You have a…what?” Lan Xichen asked, his smile a little fixed and stare a little wilder than normal.

“A nephew!” Nie Mingjue gushed. “Isn’t he wonderful?”

“Nephew.”

“He’s so well behaved, too! He plays quietly by himself most of the time, drawing and even writing a little, and Huaisang’s already teaching him how to play the dizi –”

“When you say nephew, do you mean Nie Huaisang’s child?”

“Do I have other brothers?” Nie Mingjue rolled his eyes at him. “He’s obviously not yours. Anyway, I know Meng Yao is expecting one, too, but he wouldn’t be dressed in Nie colors if it was his, would it?”

“Yes, but…are you telling me that…that Nie Huaisang…”

“It’s a battlefield child, Xichen,” Nie Mingjue said patiently. “Obviously. Someone entrusted him to Huaisang.”

“Oh,” Lan Xichen said, looking relieved. “Yes, that makes more sense…wait.”

Nie Mingjue waited.

“Someone entrusted him to Nie Huaisang?”

“I know, right?” Nie Mingjue said, and Lan Xichen didn’t notice how strained his grin had suddenly become, or how thoughtful his eyes were as he surveyed Lan Xichen as if trying to find an answer to a question. “I would’ve assumed they’d go for someone more responsible, like you. Guess you never know…”

“I guess you don’t,” Lan Xichen agreed, looking down at the child with a bemused expression. A battlefield child, entrusted to Nie Huaisang… “They must have been truly driven to desperation.”

“Perhaps,” Nie Mingjue said, and then changed the subject to little Nie Sizhui’s accomplishments, of which he could list many at great length and very great enthusiasm. By the time he was done with that, Ln Xichen was so overwhelmed that he didn’t ask a single other question.

-

“So I’ve got an idea on how to do this whole co-parenting thing,” Nie Huaisang said, cracking nuts to eat. He was sitting next to Lan Wangji’s bedside, and dropping the shells straight on the floor, too, staring dead-eyed at Lan Wangji as if daring him to say something – which he wouldn’t, of course. “Since with Sizhui starting classes soon it’s become much more urgent, on account of me needing you to attend meetings with his teachers and discuss his progress.”

Lan Wangji looked deeply long-suffering. He’d only invited Nie Huaisang inside because Nie Huaisang had threatened to start shouting out his business loudly on account of oh but Lan Zhan, how was I to know if you could hear me in there, I just had to raise my voice just in case because I wouldn’t want you to miss any of the extremelyimportant news –

It was all Lan Wangji’s fault for being born earlier than Nie Huaisang, Nie Huaisang thought virtuously. It was merely Nie Huaisang’s lot in life to fulfill the role of annoying younger brother to everyone.

“See, it’s the music,” Nie Huaisang continued. “You do music, right?”

Lan Wangji’s ice-cold glare suggested that he did, in fact, ‘do music’.

“So your brother has been playing this song for da-ge on a regular basis,” Nie Huaisang explained, ignoring the glare entirely. “And when he’s not available, which is most of the time nowadays, he’s been sending san-ge instead. Even though, of course, poor san-ge’s so busy back at Lanling all the time…ughh, it’s so unfair, you know! Poor san-ge has to do all the work of being the heir and gets none of the benefits, and they pile even more work on him on top of that – really, he gets no respect.”

Lan Wangji’s expression suggested he didn’t care.

“And think about the inconvenience to us!” Nie Huaisang sallied forth, undeterred. “People coming and going all the time, da-ge having to interrupt his schedule of spending quality time with me and Sizhui – and sect leader work, of course, though that’s less important – in order to march over to greet them and host them and listen to them…what a pain it is!”

Lan Wangji appeared on the verge of suggesting that Nie Huaisang consider getting to the point.

“So you should come do it instead.”

Lan Wangji’s expression cracked, suggesting that Nie Huaisang had actually managed to make an impact.

“You remember,” he said, voice low and a little hoarse from all that refusing to speak he’d been doing. Really, if Nie Huaisang wasn’t around to goad him into it, he might’ve lost the voice entirely – he didn’t even have little Sizhui around to force him to speak! “That I’m in seclusion. Right?”

“You’re horribly lonely is what you are,” Nie Huisang said briskly. “You require company. Therefore, coming to take up a semi-permanent posting in the Unclean Realm to play the Song of Clarity for my brother morning, noon, and night is clearly the finest way to solve all of our problems, and for you to see little Sizhui as often as you like.”

Lan Wangji visibly wavered. “My brother,” he said, then coughed. “My brother will never believe it.”

“That’s your problem,” Nie Huaisang said. “Find a way to sell it.”

He stood, shaking the remaining shells onto the chair.

“See you in Qinghe soon, Lan Zhan..!”

Lan Wangji was trying to kill him with his mind, Nie Huaisang thought happily as he wandered off with a whistle and a vaguely silly expression. Good – he’d been inside for too long. He needed the stimulation.

-

“Truly,” Nie Mingjue remarked, strolling around their gardens without any apparent notice of the small child perched on his shoulders, giggling wildly at the feeling of being tall, “I feel far better than I did before! One can scarcely compare it – night and day, really. Your Lan sect’s Song of Clarity is a marvel, even if it does take a while before it kicks in.”

“Mm,” Lan Wangji said, walking slowly with his hands behind his back. He was still unsteady on his feet on account of the absolutely horrific injuries he’d incurred – but if the Lan sect’s response to everything was seclusion, seclusion, seclusion, then the Nie sect’s equivalent response was exercise. These little excursions through the gardens were the result.

Thus far, they were still only doing laps around the main gardens, but Nie Huaisang had plans to eventually force Lan Wangji to go even as far as his own little side garden. He’d made it through his side door once, after all; why not a second time..?

At any rate, Nie Huaisang still wasn’t quite sure how Lan Wangji had talked Lan Xichen into allowing him to come to the Unclean Realm, but it really did make the whole co-parenting business a lot more convenient. And his brother had had so much fun making Lan Wangji stiff and awkward over all his thanks and praise for his decision to come ‘help out’ with Nie Sizhui’s raising until finally, at last, Nie Huaisang had taken pity and revealed that Nie Mingjue knew perfectly well whose battlefield child this was.

Both in terms of who had gifted him to Nie Huaisang, and who’d adopted him originally, and of course even his original surname – The little tot’s been through enough adoptions to make anyone’s head spin, his brother had said, his voice gruff as always. There’s no point in thinking back too far, is there?

Lan Wangji had been very relieved.

“Run, bobo!” Nie Sizhui cried, pointing over at a bird. “We need to get it for Sang-gege!”

Nie Mingjue snorted like a bull but obediently quickened his feet and left the rest of them behind, heading in full charge straight at the wild pheasant that was far more likely to end up on Nie Huaisang’s plate than in his aviary. It was about even odds which one Nie Sizhui meant, anyway.

“Nie Huaisang,” Lan Wangji said, his voice low, and Nie Huaisang looked at him. “The Song of Clarity does not take time to work. These effects should have happened at once.”

Nie Huaisang opened his fan, hiding his face as he frowned. “How odd,” he said. “And after san-ge put in all that hard work.”

“Perhaps he played it wrong.”

“Odd,” Nie Huaisang said again. “When san-ge gets so very little wrong…has your brother sent any word on the Xue Yang issue?”

“…he has not.”

“He’s going to need to pick a side eventually.”

“He does not want to make things difficult for his sworn brother.”

“Does he have only the one?” Nie Huaisang asked archly, and Lan Wangji averted his gaze. “It’s awkward for us if he doesn’t back us, and is a bad look besides…truly, it’s a wonder that san-ge managed to squeeze out the time to come here.”

Lan Wangji’s frown deepened. “Indeed,” he said. “One would think his father might be tempted to stop him.”

“Wouldn’t you just?” Nie Huaisang said. “Wouldn’t you just…you know, maybe when you’re feeling better, we should go visit Lanling ourselves.”

Lan Wangji glanced at him, arching an eyebrow, and Nie Huaisang smiled, fanning himself casually.

“I’m not the only one with a little side door,” he said. “Let’s go knocking and see what we find, shall we?”

[lavendermin]

would you mind | childe

pairing | childe/reader

word count | 1.9k

genre | developing relationship, light smut, complicated feelings

If ever there was a force greater than the ancient winds of old Mondstadt, it was that harbinger from Snezhnaya. All it took was one afternoon during your shift for him to gain an interest in you—a fascination maybe.

The Fatui weren’t known for a good reputation in Liyue, and it only made you a bit uneasy knowing his high ranking—a cautious approach to a stranger in higher power. You couldn’t deny him and you didn’t dare show disrespect for subtle fear of consequence.

Rumors of people getting blackmailed—or worse— from getting tangled with the Fatui spread like wildfire in the harbor. Though they were baseless accusations, they didn’t stop from simmering in the back of your mind. The ‘what if’ was a damning point your mind made. Rumors didn’t come from nowhere around these parts.

Though Childe carried a sense of danger with him, there was something about him that kept your nerves manageable. The persona he carried was very impressionable, maybe even a little irritating at times. He was a persistent one.

“Mind if I join you for lunch?”

“Sir… I work here.” He knew this, too, yet he always arrived at the tea house with the same line. Still, you were quick to tend to him.

Childe hummed, eyes grinning with him as he happily plopped down at the table you swiftly offered him. “I’ll take that as an opportunity. The usual, please.”

Just treat him like a normal patron, was a personal mantra to get you through a shift at the tea house.

You were just lucky he was well-mannered. It made dealing with him easier. There was something about him that irked you, but at the end of the day he was polite and never forced a conversation if you were busy serving others.

“You don’t seem to talk much these days,” Childe notes as he swirls the remnants of his tea in its cup. It’s nearing closing time and you keep glancing over at the clock as he makes no move to leave. He sighs dramatically, “I miss our conversations.”

It’s playful, knowing full-well you hardly ever speak to avoid trouble from your boss. Maybe you would blame it on the exhaustion of a long shift, maybe put blame on lack of sleep. The comment, however, still makes you break seriousness and you erupt in an abrupt fit of laughter you quickly fight to quiet down. Luckily you’re closing by yourself tonight.

The sound is melodic, surprising Childe as a grin grows on his face. Though your back is turned as your shoulders shake from suppressed laughter, he can see the embarrassed red at the tips of your ears.

Oh, so you did find his company entertaining.

Your back straightens, and when you turn around you’re back to keeping him at a distance with an air of seriousness. Nothing more than work and patrons.

Childe leaves after wishing you a safe trip home and thanks for the wonderful service, as usual. The briskness of the cool night air keeps his mind intrigued once more with the mystery that surrounds you. Duty in Liyue was getting quite boring, and he decided to indulge in figuring you out.

“Would you mind if I joined you for a stroll?”

The familiar ginger hair strode up matching your pace. In the bustling crowd of the harbor, his presence sticks out like the cries of seagulls overhead. Maybe it’s your paranoia, but you swear people make an effort to move away from your little bubble he now infiltrated.

Still, he’s a harbinger.

So you nod quietly.

“I’m just running errands. It’s quite boring.” The way his eyes linger on yours for a second longer has you averting your gaze. The smile he wears… since when did it make your chest squeeze?

“I’m sure not as boring as some of the tasks I’m given,” he chuckles.

“Paperwork, I’m sure,” you guess idly. The vague smile he throws you has something about it that sends chills running down your spine.

“Something like that.”

The chuckle you give him is a little nervous. You aren’t sure what tasks he gets but you aren’t sure you’re willing to find out.

“Feel free to join me if you’d like, then.”

And for the rest of the day he patiently strolls around with you around the harbor through idle chatter. From dock to dock he follows, offering to pay the entire sum of anything on your errands list. The unlimited financial power he holds both terrifies and amazes you.

From then on, his company became frequent on your errand runs. Many shop keepers at first got anxious with a Fatui agent escorting you around, but his bright charisma won them over eventually. Business was business in the end, and his tendency to let the shopkeeper ‘keep the change’ won the favor of many.

You forgot when exactly you stopped trying to shake him off altogether. Perhaps you got too complacent since there was little you could do. Some days you even enjoyed his company. Childe was a good listener on days when you were a little more talkative, and he would always answer with utmost sincerity.

Yes, you looked forward to his little greeting and chance encounters on the harbor. Part of you hated the fact that you got so comfortable with him but the louder part of you was conflicted with bubbling feelings for the harbinger. For months on end you kept those feelings suppressed in the deepest parts of your heart.

And then the storm season hit.

“Mind some company?”

The water dripped down your face, soaked clothes clinging to your form as you stood under a tree near the outskirts of the harbor. Your eyes were wide, doe-like as you peered up at the familiar voice.

“Oh, sure.” Your eyes drift back to stare absentmindedly at the puddles rippling in the rain. “I was just waiting for the rain to let up a bit so I can make it back home.”

Childe hums, his usual charismatic smile bright on his face. It’s a little dangerous, and makes your heart race. Addicting.

“You know, at this rate you’ll get sick by the time you get home. I say we just make a run for it,” he offers with a devilish grin.

The frown you give him only further amuses him. “Run? Through the pouring rain?”

“Got any better ideas?”

You sigh, the sound of pattering rain filling the silence as you weigh your options.

“Fine. Okay.”

He grins, and you surrender to letting the harbinger have his way in the rain. Through the streets you both run, footsteps cutting through puddles and crowds of people with umbrellas. It’s thrilling and you can’t help but laugh at how fun running through the rain is. You both look like lovers that got caught in an unfortunate circumstance, and your chest wells up with feelings as you watch Childe pull you through crowds and street vendors.

The storm is raging outside, rain pattering on windows that rattle softly from the wind. It’s soaked you both to the bone by the time you arrive at your little flat. The room is quiet save for the rain that relentlessly knocks on the windows.

The quiet sound of panting fills the room as you both catch your breath from running through the rain, towels draped over your heads as you try to warm up.

“It’s pretty rough out there,” Childe notes, looking out the window. “Any longer out there and the wind might have picked you up before I did.”

It’s wordless—the way you join him by the window to look out at a grey city. You give a silent hum as you finish towel-drying your hair. The expression you wear is serious, aloof as you’re unreadable in your thoughts.

Childe is the first to speak, his voice soft and sincere—perhaps a little disappointed at your return to keeping him at arm’s length. “I’ll get going then. Glad you could make it home sa—“

It comes as a surprise—the sudden kiss you give him. Your small hands pull him down by his shirt collar to meet your lips in a rushed kiss. He’s quick to return the gesture, his lips curved in a smirk against yours.

You pull away breathless, face a little flushed. The frown you wear is adorable, a pout almost. “I hate that I like you.”

Childe is at your lips again, a breathy chuckle rumbling through his chest as he cages you against the wall. “And here I was thinking I’d never woo you, what with you not liking the Fatui and all.”

You cut him off with another kiss to hide the heat rising to your face. “Stop talking.”

He laughs wholeheartedly, his body against yours as you melt against his lips. It’s needy and rough. The sounds of your soft pants and little gasps are washed away by the rumbling thunder outside.

And through the storm, you spend the night. Childe feels like he’s won—gained one step closer to knowing more about you. He wanted to know all your faces, uncover all the mysteries and unknowns you held. And through the night, he learned of your sensitivities, the little noises you made, and the gestures that made your heart leap.

He had you around his finger. But perhaps the same could be said about him.

Early morning comes, the light barely coming through the window to illuminate the dark room. From under a mess of sheets you stir, body sore. Your fingers graze over the blooming markings on your chest and neck.

Beside you Childe sleeps soundly, his broad back dusted in light freckles and scratch marks. The way he hugs the pillow makes his sleeping face look almost kid-like in innocence. You’d never think he was a war machine for an archon.

You push the sinking feeling away, and brush some hair out of his eyes. The featherlight kiss you place atop his head stirs him from his sleep.

“Mornin’. Here I thought you would be gone by now,” he mumbles groggily. With his tousled hair and sleepy smile, you find it incredibly difficult to feel annoyed.

“I live here.”

He chuckles at this, grabbing you by the waist and pulling you against him. You scramble to pull the blanket over your bare body and though he finds it amusing, he doesn’t comment on your shyness. “Would you mind if I stayed the morning, then? The rain isn’t letting up anytime soon.”

“That sounds like an awfully obvious lie,” you retort.

It’s hard to ignore the hardness that presses against your abdomen. The lack of shame on his content face irks you. Still, you don’t deny the way your body heats up once more.

“Your face is just so cute when you’re begging,” Childe teases, pressing kisses up your neck.

“Childe, sto—haah.”

In a swift motion, he has you straddling him. You can feel his hardness press against your ass, sending a shudder of anticipation through your body. The ache in your thighs tries to protest against the lust-driven haze clouding your judgement.

Childe’s hands are already massaging the soft flesh at your hips, hands waiting for permission. “What do you say, sweetheart? Another round if you can keep up?”

“Y–You have duties to tend to, don’t you?” you bring up meekly, eyes shut tight as he bites a sweet spot on your neck that hitches your breath. Slowly, your mind is losing itself, drunk on his attention again.

With a smirk against your skin, he answers simply, “They won’t mind my whereabouts in this weather.”