#it is like a funny little test of patience. like. i can wait here all day. and i am waiting

[unfortunatelyreturned]

gotta hand it to him, qpac is engaging in my personal favorite part of the queer courting process with qfit rn: 'i know how i feel about you, and im almost 100% sure you feel the same, but i am going to see how long this drags out before you admit it. take your time, i can wait'.

its like playing chicken but far more agonizing. they will flirt and flirt more and more and the tension will be unbearable but it probably will come down to seeing who will break first and finally say what is happening out loud to the other. (qfit will have a breakdown and qpac will put him out of his misery by being very aware of whats been happening this whole time)

[thatnewweeb]

HIS SISTER?! | Denki Kaminari

Summary | Denki met a cute girl in the support course with red eyes and blonde hair. What will happen when they go back to his dorm and he founds out who her brother is?

CW | None really, protective brother Bakugo maybe

Word Count | 1.2k+

A/N | This is an idea I thought could be funny. I wrote this like probably more than 2 years ago on a different site originally. I might rewrite it at some point

"Here it is!" You say excitedly, holding out the device to the blond boy. "This goes on your arm, like you requested." You help him put the device on, showing him how he should put it on. "If we go outside, I can show you how to use it?"

"Wow, thank you!" Denki looks down at the new equipment strapped to his arm before looking back at you.

You laugh a little. "You're welcome! It's only a prototype, so let me know if there's any changes you want, other than appearance, that isn't done yet. Feel free to tell me any extra requests you have regarding that, by the way."

The two of you walk through the corridors, out to the grounds of the school. You continue to walk for a while to get away from the main campus, not wanting anyone to get caught up in the tests.

"Okay, so all you need to do is point to where you want the discs and shoot." I tell him, gently tapping on the trigger device. "Go ahead and try it. Aim at that tree."

He watches as you step back, waiting for you to nod to let him know you're far enough out of the way. He presses down on the trigger, jumping back a little at the kickback from the device, not expecting it, pointer missing the tree.

"Ahh, I missed!"

"It's okay! That was your first try, you'll get better with practice! The aim can be a little bit tricky at the start, don't worry about it!" You try to offer a little comfort as you jog over and retrieve the disc. "There will be more discs in the final, I have only made one for practice so far."

You take his arm and show him how to reload the discs into the pointer, him looking between the device and your face, trying to focus on what you are showing him, but getting distracted, lost in your bright red eyes.

"If you don't remember, that's fine! Like I said, it's only a prototype, it may work a little differently in the final design." When you look back at him, there's a soft blush on his face, which he quickly manages to shake off, thanking you.

He tries again, this time hitting the tree, the disc sticking into it.

You make a small, excited noise, happy that he managed to aim it properly and that the disc actually embedded itself. "The glasses will show you where they are, and there will be a dial in the final design that'll allow you to choose which disc your electricity will be targeted towards." You explain. "For now, just check that the disc does attract the electricity."

You step back, putting several meters of space between you and Denki for your own safety.

When he releases his Quirk, it gets targeted to the disc as it was supposed to.

You and Kaminari immediately look at each other, excitement evident on both your faces. Your arms wrap around him, his wrapping around you as you both jump a few times, celebrating.

A moment later, you realise what you're doing and let go, both looking away, a little embarrassed.

"Um, I was wondering, if you would like to go on a date with me sometime?" Kaminari asks, sounding a little shyer than you would have expected from him.

He had been so excited for your date, telling his friends about his plans and how much he likes you. Well, telling the friends that would listen, at least. Bakugo Katsuki had no interest or patience with his stupid friend's adventures in love.

You had spent hours together, significantly longer than you had planned. It was an amazing time, and when curfew was coming around, you didn't want to leave each alone, so he invited you to the Class 1-A dorm for a while, which you agreed to.

You knew it probably wasn't the best idea, but you figured you would need to tell him at some point anyway, and it may as well be early.

Unexpectedly, many of Kaminari's friends were waiting for him, wanting to ask how it went. Even more shockingly, Katsuki was there, apparently either not realising that Kaminari was even gone, or maybe even actually being interested in how his friend's date went.

Seeing the spiky-haired boy sitting on the couch made you stop in your tracks. Even though you thought you might see him, you didn't actually expect it to happen.

Kaminari looks at you, confused, placing his hand gently on the back of your head, playing with your straight blonde hair.

"Are you okay, Y/N?"

As soon as he says that, Katsuki's head snaps up, his signature 'hah?' leaving his lips.

"You? It's you? You went on a date with that idiot?" He asks, standing up and walking towards you.

Everyone else looks confused. "You know each other?" Denki asks you.

You sigh. "Unfortunately, yes."

"What do you mean 'unfortunately?' You should be honoured!" Katsuki almost shouts at you.

You roll your eyes. "Oh, shut up, dumbass!" You shout back.

Kaminari, and everyone else, stares at the two of you as you argue back and forth, confused.

"Are they... related?" Kirishima asks quietly, making Kaminari's eyes go wide as he has a big realisation.

Your similar facial features, your blonde hair, your red eyes... it would make sense.

Deku happens to walk into the communal area on his way to the kitchen as this is happening.

"Midoriya!" Kaminari calls out to him, running over. "Are they related?" He asks, knowing that, having grown up with Bakugo, he'll be the person in the class that'll have an insight into Bakugo's family life.

"Yeah, they're twins." He responds. He smiles a little, looking over at you. "You can really see the similarities when they're with each other can't you?"

"I'll kill you, damn nerd!" Both you and Bakugo shout at him at the same time, making Kaminari chuckle nervously. Deku has no reaction, used to this behaviour.

"Yeah, definitely." Denki says quietly, unsure how to react.

"Katsuki, I'm done here. I'm spending time with Denki right now, I'm not here to argue with you." You say before running over to Denki, grabbing his hand, flashing Izuku a smile, and dragging the blond boy towards the elevator.

Once you're away from everyone, you turn to him and sigh. "I'm sorry I didn't mention that. I don't like people knowing about that straight away. People have opinions of my brother that sometimes get transferred to me when they find out."

He smiles and takes both my hands, squeezing them softly. "Hey, it's okay. I understand."

You look a little surprised by his understanding reaction. "So, you don't mind? You're still interested in me?"

He nods, pulling you against his chest and wrapping his arms around you, your hands getting stuck between you and his abdomen. His hand comes up your back, stopping against the back of your head and bringing it softly to rest against his shoulder.

After a moment, he pulls back a little to look at you. "You're really beautiful, you know that?" He whispers softly, leaning in and pressing his lips against yours softly.

Your hands grip onto his shirt, standing on your tiptoes and leaning against him a little, his arms moving to wrap around your waist.

"Get off of my sister, idiot!"

You and Denki startle and quickly break apart when you hear that, looking over at Bakugo, who is still with small explosions going off in his hand.

"You have five seconds to run." He glares at Denki, who yelps and runs. You run over to Bakugo and grab onto his shirt to slow him down, laughing the entire time.

[sprite-writes-fanfic]

Hello, I was wondering if you could do either 2003-2012 or bayverse headcanons or scenario with a crush reader that is emotionally a bit like Raphael? They are a bit more friendly than him and equally funny, kinda over independent on the “being taken care of” department, gets guilty and either lashes off or exclude themselves out of situations when they are anxious or feel overwhelmed by being “a problem”, doesn’t know how to lower their guard , neither believe they are worthy of someone’s heart, but deep inside they are affectionate and very loving (literally Raphael lol)

Hopefully this makes sense, if not (or if you don’t like the request) you can just ignore it

Thank you and have a good day / night

I will try my best anon! 🫡 Gonna do Bayverse because I feel like it would fit more for this scenario! (Also I fucking love the Bayverse turtles and I feel like I should start including them along with other turtle interpretations <3)

⚠️ Requests are closed, I am just putting out requests that I got before I closed them! Have 2 more to post out, posting another one today. Working on the other one currently as well. I will not do other requests until I’m off break, asks are still open though!

Lean On Me

🐢💙❤️Bayverse TMNT x Reader💜🧡🐢

Word Count: 692

CW: Gender neutral reader, referred mainly as ‘you’, probably not on-point with what anon wants but I tried my best TvT, sorry if this isn’t exactly what you asked for anon 🙏, fluff!

🐢💙Leonardo💙🐢

💙 You and Leo will probably bump heads quite a bit with this stubborn nature of ‘not needing help’. My dude will not stand for it, he will help and protect you, no if’s and’s or but’s. Anytime you try to exclude yourself, he’s joining you, doesn’t want you to feel alone ever.

💙 Anytime you lash out he just takes it. He literally fights with Raph all the time. Will let you cool down, give you much needed space, then ask you to meditate with him to help clear your mind of these negative emotions.

💙 Will sit down with you multiple times and have talks with you, each time finally getting closer and closer to how you feel. Has the patience of a god and will wait as long as he can, don’t test him he’ll wait as long as he can. When you finally open up about how you feel, he’s good at reassuring you that he’s doing this because he wants to and because he cares for you. Is sure to give you words of affirmation every day until you finally feel comfortable to bring your walls down with him. And trust me when I say he definitely mentally celebrates, many kisses were given the day you did.

🐢❤️Raphael❤️🐢

❤️ Raph gets it, he really does, you’re a little more friendlier than him, but when you lash out he sees himself in you. He goes to you a lot to help you talk, and sometimes in return he’ll talk to you too. Therapy for each other.

❤️ Probably the quickest of the brothers to work you through these issues. Again, he gets it because when he looks at you and how you act based on your emotions, he can only see himself, and he doesn’t want you to go through a lot of emotional pain he went through.

❤️ Big old cuddle bug with you, once both of your shells are broken through. Doesn’t really leave you alone often either so you don’t dwell on these negative thoughts and try to close yourself off again. Anxious thoughts can lead to overthinking and he knows that pretty well.

🐢💜Donatello💜🐢

💜 Donnie is a little awkward in the emotional department, (and I honestly say that for every Donnie, not always the best in the emotional-department), so he’s kinda having a hard time here. Doesn’t mean he isn’t trying though. He’s trying to give you the right words in order to help.

💜 But he does what he doesn’t usually do, listen. He’ll hear you out if you ever finally break down your walls, and he won’t interrupt because it’s important to him to know how you feel. He’ll work on solutions when you’re done.

💜 He really does care about you, but when it comes to being lashed out at or you trying to exclude yourself, it kinda catches him off guard. But he stays on it, he lives with Raph after all. Has pretty good patience with you and will keep that patience going for as long as he can push it. Overall, he does pretty well and has a lot of patience, and will put his gadgets to the side for you.

🐢🧡Michelangelo🧡🐢

🧡 Mikey’s happy that you’re more on the friendlier side at the very least, but he kinda flinches back at the times you lash out. But no worries, he’s persistent. Surprisingly goes for advice from his brothers and his father and actually listens.

🧡 Will approach you with this newfound information and tries to be as reassuring as possible with you, though please do forgive him when he messes up, he’s trying so hard for you. :(

🧡 Always by your side a lot of the time and is always reassuring, he’s getting you to do stuff with him to keep your mind off the ‘what if-’ not here honey, not gonna happen. He’s a lot of fun and with him it kinda makes your negative emotions and thoughts melt away before you're smiling and laughing with him. The day you finally cuddle and kiss him, I think he actually kinda starts to tear up. He’s proud of you, truly, and he’s happy that his Angelcakes is comfortable enough with him.

[layraket]

THERE WAS AN UPDATE YOU KNOW THE DRILL SLEEPING BE DAMMED

theres so much going on jokes that i will deffinetly take advantage of theories of the meaning of things the goddamn art everything

first of all apparently Malo Mart turned to a mega corporation???? well sorry twi no 60% of discount for you that sucks

thats rough buddy

i cant take it seriously poor Four, look at that face

thats the face of someone who will be grounded for some time after all this madness and is totally not happy about this

Sky was waiting letters from Sun, maybe she couldn't write something for him? either way poor guy look at his sad face :( the heart makes it better

baby? baby??? smol???? smol hylian???? tiny cute litol hylian????child????

ahhh Time dont just say yes and left it like that! i need to know!!!

Twilight my man at this point you will be grounded dont test the old man's patience

Time knows the dangers of excesive courage, yes it can keep you going and maybe make you win the battle, but can also kill you if youre not careful. This is what almost happened with Twilight, this almost might have happened to Time too

He's scared that for this reckless courage he might loose his descendant, the one who brought hope to him and his wife to form a family and live happy

(also he saying this makes me think more about the posibility of Malon being pregnant, too much mistery please old man just tell me i will not say anithing ur secret is safe plweas)

HERO'S SHADE HERO'S SHADE

not much to say here, it might be a wrong translation that im doing but hey! it reminds me that Twi already knows that Time is the Hero's shade but like. with flesh and eyes. alive.

OKAY HERE I HAVE THINGS TO SAY

When Wild asks Twilight's face changes inmediately, he doesn't want to look down, he still feels the need to be strong in front of the younger heroes, worrying them is the last of his desires

Four is not stupid, he notices the actual mood of Twi and ask again, but with different words. It looks like it really made Twi reconsider things

doesn't exactly talks what was having him a little down moments ago, but at least it seems to calm them, again, they shouldn't be worried after what happened

Twi for hylia who were you thinking he was talking about????

no really i have that question who was he thinking that was asking for him?????

"who kicked the fuck out of that bad lizard??? who did that???? yes you did!! you did it amazing!!! im so proud my beautiful exterminator of dumb lizards!!!"

HE JUST

FUCKING ROLLS

YEAHHH WIND FLIP

Hyrule 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💛💛💛💛💛✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

hes so badass jumping off heck yeah stairs are dumb

also Wind thats a cool move you too legend jumping and rolling are so cool love you guys

Wars dont ruin the fun nono guys keep doing it i'll even give you chips if you do that

oh they really think that Wars is broke and has no money alright

im glad that this bit kept going i love the boys teasing each other (Lege and Wars specially)

hey listen

listen

i dont want to ruin it

but

it would be funny

just

just listen

would be very funny that

it just

breaks

hey it would be funny cmon

andddd theyre off!

Hyrule learns from watching, from the actions and movements that he sees in the enemy, and uses it to make a plan to attack, learn patterns and be ready for anything

yep hes gonna play an important role in the next arc i have a feeling

now buildings art aprecciation cuz holy shit theyre so pretty

gorgeous

fantastic work i feel blessed

(all art credits obv goes to @linkeduniverse ! )

[emoani]

chapter four

author's notes: I was discouraged with the fanfic and insecure but I rewrote it and here it is

warnings: loneliness ?? light flirting

Darth Vader's castle on Mustafar was huge and lush. But you never cared about that. But now, you hoped that all that greatness would help her avoid him. And also, Vader always had a lot of tasks, or someone was talking and talking in his head, or he was meditating, or...

But there was never enough time for you. And you were tired of it. And knowing that he was in the company of another woman increased his insecurity. This insecurity made you act like a child.

You knew and felt that he was looking for you, but you always turned away, entered another huge corridor when he came marching around. This was testing his patience.

You continued to ignore the communications he sent you, not starting by asking but then ordering you to meet. And to avoid meeting him, you didn't even leave your room, but that was okay because it was big enough. You even had a view of that lava sea. Wow.

And when you went out it always had to be in the company of some stupid Stormtrooper. Being alone gave you time to reflect on many things, even the Stormtroopers and their boring lives.

Wearing that outfit, everyone was so equal and seemed to have no emotions or opinions. Well, that's what you thought until you met one Stormtrooper in particular - Jamie.

- Today I will accompany you on your walk - He said, in your first contact, with the blaster in his hand but not scary.

You sighed and rolled your eyes but you were tired of being hidden, Vader wasn't looking for you and being alone only brought you bad feelings.

- Come on, I promise it won't be that bad - the soldier nudged you and walked ahead, you found it curious but funny.

And maybe it was the loneliness and lack of friends, but shortly after you were opening up and telling about your security to a Stormtrooper, who until then was a stranger.

- So... - You took a breath to continue, you were in dining area and he gave you some water - Thank you. Can I call you Jamie?

He seemed surprised by the question and laughed.

- I'm not used to nicknames, just my identification number. But if that's what you want...

- Thank you for accompanying me on my walk, as this is not the main activity of a Stormtrooper - You say a little embarrassed, knowing that you are taking up his time.

- It's true, I was trained to be a warrior and not a tour guide, but I'm going to try to do well at that too - You laugh together at the worried way he says - but don't worry, because of you, I'm having a great afternoon!

You didn't know if he was lying but that really touched you.

- Thank you Jamie... You know, sometimes I feel like I'm left over here, that I'm nothing more than a title for Darth Vader's wife.

- You are much more than that. You are Darth Vader's wife for many reasons.

You smile because he looked like he was trying to comfort you. But especially these last few days, you had low self-esteem.

- It is serious. Everyone talks about you here. About how smart and compassionate you are. And I know Lord Vader loves you - he continues.

- I don't know - You think out loud.

You give him the glass of water back and wait for him to return so they can continue their walk.

It's not like there was much to do, but you liked walking down the halls and handing out compliments, seeing how everyone was doing at their job, if everything was going well, and encouraging them to keep going.

- Jamie - You called him and he looked at you, he had really picked up the name for himself - In a short time you praised me more than my husband...

- Madam, sometimes he has difficulty expressing his feelings. Don't take it personally. I know you are important to him - he says.

- Is it Jamie? I'm upset with him. But I also can't express myself. He doesn't seem to want contact at the moment.

- Maybe he's going through something difficult right now. Continue to show your love and affection to him. Believe me, he can see that.

Jamie seemed so sure in his words, more sure than yourself. For a moment it's as if you had no reason to be like this, but your heart hurts so much.

- I try to understand... but it's also difficult for me. I need to feel loved - you open up.

You feel the Stormtrooper's hand on your shoulder, making you stop walking. You are in a corridor where there don't seem to be many people passing by.

Jamie takes off his helmet, revealing his face. He was a young man with fair skin, black hair and blue eyes. On his handsome face he carried a burn, probably from the battlefield.

- If he is unable to show you his love, pay attention to small gestures. A look. One word. Maybe, that's his language - His voice without the helmet sounds so deep and loving, and it makes you sensitive - Can I give you some advice?

- Of course, say it.

- Your happiness should not depend on Vader, or anyone else! You are strong, intelligent and independent. You have to find your own happiness in small gestures and in yourself. This is the only way to find genuine happiness. It doesn't depend on anyone else. You understood?

Those words from the man made your eyes fill with tears, which you couldn't hold back. The Stormtrooper surprised you and even though it wasn't allowed - you both knew damn well it wasn't - he hugged you.

-Everything will be fine, I promise-Jamie assured you, close to your ear.

You continue in silence sobbing and leaving all your tears on the boy's chest.

- No one should go through this. You're not just Darth Vader's wife. You are a formidable, intelligent, and so beautiful woman! You deserve all the love and affection in this world - He seems disgusted to see you cry when you stop hugging each other.

- D-Do you think I'm beautiful? - Not just beautiful, you are a queen - Jamie praises you with a wide smile.

You blush and your whole body heats up, unaccustomed to being praised like that.

- Thanks. You really made my day, but I think we better go back now - you says embarrassed.

You stay in a comfortable silence but your face remains red. As he approaches his quarters he says:

- If you need me, I'm always here to talk or just spend some time.

- So can I make you my personal guard? - you joke but he agrees.

Before you can say anything you hear the sound of heavy footsteps, those unmistakable boots, that unmistakable robotic breathing. It was him. And he was coming to you.

[sailorstarr-chan4]

Sugar and Spice - an InuKag coffee shop AU

What's this? An InuKag oneshot that is NOT porn? It's been ages! This fic has been 4+ years in the making (aka, collecting dust until I finally finished it today), and now, at last, I'm sharing it. In honor of 6 years since I shared the coffee shop AU headcanon list, here at last is my first "true" coffee shop AU for this fandom.

This is also officially my 100th Inuyasha ficlet that goes into my oneshot collections! I hope y'all enjoy some silly fluff! ❤

Posted under my "Tied Together" collection: ff.net & AO3

Words: 2,662

Setting: coffee shop AU

Rated: K+

DISCLAIMER: Yes, I've worked in food service and customer service and am fully aware that all I wrote below is bullshit. Fiction is fiction lol ^^"

~*~*~*~

“Sugar and spice and everything nice. That’s what little girls are made of.” 

That stupid nursery rhyme, thought Kagome furiously as she jabbed at the coffee machine, was the biggest load of bull! 

At the moment, this “little girl” was made of molten lava, bubbling under the surface of the falsely tranquil mountain of her Customer Service Persona, and any second now, she was going to blow her top. 

All because of him! 

The Asshole, with short silver hair, golden eyes, perpetual frown, and absurdly adorable dog ears, came into Kagome’s workplace every Friday morning. For the past four months. And not a single occasion had passed where he remotely acted like a decent person! 

He seemed to use Coffee for the Soul (the cafe where Kagome normally adored working) as an outlet for all his personal problems. Yeah, one of those customers. 

Kagome actually considered herself somewhat an expert of dealing with those sorts; she had an uncanny talent of letting their snippiness and rude manners roll off her back like water on a duck, and smiling so sweetly and behaving with such politeness that eventually even the angriest customer either slipped away shamefaced or let their anger temporarily melt away. 

But not with him. She had no patience with The Asshole. It was simply impossible! 

Still, Kagome had a rep at Coffee for the Soul for being “the sweet barista,” so every Friday was a test of her fortitude. At first, she took it head-on, with all the enthusiasm of any wide-eyed bushy-tailed newcomer, despite already being employed there for two years. 

But then, he had snatched the cup from the counter, glared at her, and spat out, “You smell funny.” And promptly left the premises! 

Fuming, Kagome had spent the rest of her shift off-kilter, with sharp movements and incoherent mutterings under her breath, causing her coworkers’ heads to turn in surprise. From then on, Fridays became a tense battlefield of wits: the Asshole Customer vs the Slowly-Losing-Her-Cool Barista. 

“Kagome, I can take over, if you want–” her coworker and friend Sango tried offering once, but Kagome refused point blank. 

“This. Is. War!” she had snarled, pushing the buttons and slamming down utensils with such ferocity that no one dared tried to argue. 

So, every week Kagome and The Asshole had their “face-off,” with tension one could cut with a knife until he left the premises. The only blessing of that infamous customer’s regularity was that his order was forever the same: black coffee, with a shot of espresso. 

After a month of his weekly visits, it was suggested that maybe, perhaps, the baristas could already prepare his drink ahead of time. Best case scenario, he leaves Coffee for the Soul all the earlier (and lessen the damaged mood of a certain stubborn employee). Worst case scenario, he changes his order and they cut their losses. 

Kagome shot down the suggestion with a righteous fury. 

“He can wait for his stupid order just like everyone else!” she hissed at Sango. “And he can go through my suggestions and sales-pitches, too!” 

(Sango chose not to say that Kagome normally avoided the sales pitch with other customers, preferring to take the “personable” approach that generally opened them up to trying new things without her input. It was a brilliant, psychological tactic that worked most of the time, so she really did not, in fact, have to do the Sales Pitch Spiel with The Asshole.) 

And thus, Fridays always ended up the same way: 

The Asshole enters the cafe. 

Kagome greets him with a beaming smile that fools absolutely no one. 

The Asshole begins to tell his usual order.

Kagome cuts him off with a long, cheerful spiel on all the various types of drinks, additives, and specials. 

The Asshole scowls. Mutters something along the lines of “you talk too much.” 

Kagome beams with the radiance of a thousand suns. 

The Asshole mutters, “Just black coffee, with a shot of espresso.” 

Kagome: “Would you also like that with a shot of caramel, vanilla, hazelnut, nutella, chocolate, mint, or strawberry?” 

The Asshole: “Plain. Nothing else.” 

Kagome, her smile almost unnaturally wide: “Very good, sir. And would you like whipped cream, soy or whole milk?” 

The Asshole, growling slightly: “No. Just black. And espresso. Like I said a million times already.” 

Kagome, positively overflowing with the Joy of Providing Good Customer Service: “Excellent choice, sir.” Gives the same exact total amount that The Asshole pays every week. Meticulously counts back his change, all the while smiling uncannily. 

The Asshole pockets his change. Sits down. Glares at Kagome’s back (according to witnesses) as she cheerfully, painstakingly, slowly prepares his coffee before personally coming around the bar and placing it on his table with a chirpy, “Here’s one black coffee, with espresso, and no additional flavors, cream, or any interesting whatsoever! Enjoy your drink, sir!” 

The Asshole furrows his brow, downs his coffee in one gulp while glaring into Kagome’s equally fiery eyes behind her fake smile, tosses the cup, and stomps outside without a word of gratitude, the door bell jingling in his wake. 

This exchange became famous. There were variations, of course, oftentimes on The Asshole’s end, where he’d cut Kagome off faster than usual and bark at her to “stop stalling and give me my fucking coffee already.” At which point, a venomously smiling Kagome would politely tell the customer that rude language was not appropriate at this establishment and if he did not comply, she would suggest he find business elsewhere. 

(He never did. Kagome seethed about it constantly.) 

At first, Kagome’s coworkers were scared she would get a “talk” from her higher-ups, but to everyone’s astonishment, no reprimand or discipline was issued. The supposed reason? “As inappropriate as we would generally find that behavior, the customer has never filed a complaint and continues to give us business. So, we’ll let it slide this time, but expect exemplary service with the rest of our patrons.” 

(That was the spoken reason, but Sango, Miroku, and Shippo, all eyeing their normally bubbly and genuine coworker turn into a terrifying fake, condescending queen when face-to-face with the source of her wrath, suspected that the managers found it, well, entertaining.) 

Miroku was the first one to make that observation after two months of “the war.” He noted that even the other customers were positively gleeful, watching Kagome and The Asshole rather like watching boxers in a ring. Newcomers would be quickly and quietly filled in on the scoop and they’d find themselves invested in the tense face-off as well. 

“I would not be surprised if our bosses have a betting ring going around or something,” Miroku confided in Sango and Shippo while Kagome was on break. 

“That’s so unprofessional!” Sango gasped. 

“Can you imagine how bored you’d have to be with your life,” Shippo piped up thoughtfully, “to be that invested in the love lives of total strangers? Talk about pathetic.” 

(Sango and Miroku were not fooled. Shippo eagerly watched “the show” every week just like everyone else.) 

Because regardless of the rage behind Kagome’s eyes, despite the rants and ravings she subjected her coworkers to about how abominable The Asshole was, there was no denying how she was obviously, hopelessly attracted to him. 

No one told Kagome this, of course. No one dared incur her wrath any further than necessary. But her cheeks always reddened when the telltale bell rang at 9 am and he entered the cafe. She always smirked when making his drink, and always watched him leave afterwards. 

The love-hate-tension between Barista and Customer was the greatest source of entertainment anyone could ask for. 

Until one day, when a change of the routine nearly threw everything into unmitigated chaos. 

The Asshole came inside, looking uncharacteristically nervous and twitchy. Kagome primed herself for another battle, barely registering the way his usual scowl was missing and in its place was a rather pleading, puppy-eyed look. 

“One black coffee and one pumpkin spice latte, please,” he said in one go before Kagome opened her mouth. 

The morning buzz around them fell deafeningly silent. Sango froze in place of handing a customer their drink, Miroku’s hand nearly burned on the oven, and Shippo all but literally choked on his drink of water. Every single person, customer and barista, were staring at the nameless customer and a rigid Kagome. 

Kagome opened her mouth a few times like a dying fish, shook herself, and croaked out, “Repeat that one more time, please?” There was no sign of her over-the-top Customer Service persona. 

“One black coffee and one pumpkin spice latte, please and thank you,” The Asshole repeated, blushing furiously, but his tone was sincere. 

Kagome blinked. There was a ringing in her ears. He never said “please” or “thank you.” And he certainly never ordered a second drink, let alone pumpkin spice! 

Come to think of it, he was also dressed nicely. Instead of his usual red leather jacket and dirty jeans, he cleaned up rather well, with a button-up shirt and slacks, and dress shoes. Dress shoes?! Kagome’s head swam. Was he on a date? Oh gods, he was definitely on a date! 

The silence in the cafe renewed its buzz, but this time with an uptick in excitement. Everyone was wondering the same as her, gossiping delightedly over who his date was going to be, and how their beloved barista was going to “take the heartbreak.” 

Well, they had no reason to fret or fuss. Because Kagome had nothing whatsoever to care about! The Asshole may be a thorn in her side, but plenty of women had bad taste and went for those types. So what if he had a date? So what if he cleaned up way too nicely and looked devastatingly handsome, but also adorable in how nervous and shy he clearly was? So what?! 

“Your, uh, your usual is different today, hehe,” Kagome awkwardly laughed, hating herself for losing the battle. “You on a — a date or something? Haha, just kidding, I—” 

“Yeah, um,” the Asshole ran his hand through his hair, grinning bashfully, “I’m hoping she’ll…. like the gesture.” 

And then, the volcano finally erupted. 

Without a shred of fake niceness in her voice, Kagome coldly gave the total amount to her regular customer and all but threw the change into his hand without counting. She stomped over to the latte machine and started to prepping the order, her vision going red. 

Who was she?! Who was the one who took her asshole away?! 

Wait…. What? 

“Kagome…” a concerned voice broke into her reverie. “Your hand’s shaking.” 

Sango gently but firmly removed the partially-made drink from Kagome and quietly suggested that she sit in the back to “take a moment.” 

Angry tears pricking her eyes, Kagome furiously splashed cold water on her face from the sanctity of the bathroom, before gazing at her reflection. What was the deal? Why did this bother her so much? She hated The Asshole! She dubbed him “The Asshole” for good reason! He insulted her! He was always such a jerk! 

But then again, how much of that was just a bad first impression?, whispered a treacherous voice in her mind. Has he ever actually been a jerk since that first day? 

And loath she was to admit it, Kagome could not think of a singular incident. Grumpy, to be sure, blunt and ungracious, certainly, but not really an outward “asshole.” If anything, her petty behavior over the past few months outweighed his terrible first impression. 

Shame washed over Kagome. Shame, jealousy, and sadness. Such a waste…. All this time, she could have employed her actual customer service skills and had gotten to know him. Instead, she lost her chance and now he was chatting away with some pretty young thing and would probably never order his usual black coffee with espresso ever again— 

“Hey, Kagome?” Sango’s tentative voice called out, knocking on the door. “You mind coming out?” 

“Just a second,” Kagome called out, rubbing her face clean. She stepped out into the kitchen, and was promptly seized by a pair of hands. 

Before she could ask what was needed, Sango had already untied Kagome’s apron. “Sango, wha–?” 

“No time! Here, take my hairbrush and tease your hair a bit — oh never mind, I’ll do it!” 

“Sango! Pft!” Kagome blew her hair out of her face, fumbling as Sango frantically worked around her. “What are you—ouch! That’s my hair tie! What’s going—” 

“It’s a shame you’re not wearing something cuter, but it can’t be helped. After all, if he was won over by that gross cold attitude you’ve been dishing out, I’m pretty sure he’d want you even in a potato sack…” 

“Who would want me? Sango, what are you talking about?!” 

Sango paused in her hairbrushing, and stared, stunned, at the bewildered Kagome. “You really don’t know? Oh, this is even better—!” 

“Better? Know what???” 

“Just head out and see!” 

“See? What are you—- ah!” 

And with that, Kagome was tossed unceremoniously from the back, and out onto the “floor,” or customer area of the cafe. Spluttering, she flipped her hair out of her face and looked around. The Asshole was standing nervously at his usual table, clutching his two drinks. Upon noticing her arrival, he walked over, looking for all the world like a lovestruck schoolboy about to ask out his crush. 

Kagome blinked, realizing he was not looking over her shoulder, but rather squarely at her, into her eyes. Heat rose on her face. “Wh-what…. Do you have something to say?” Or are you just going to be rude again and break my heart? The voice said, unbidden, in her mind. 

The Asshole reached out and offered one of his drinks. It was a pumpkin spice latte. 

“Let’s start over. My name is Inuyasha, I’ve liked you for months, and thought we’d have a chat over some coffee.” His face was burning red, and his ears lowered low on his head, but his eyes remained resolutely fixed on hers. 

Sharp inhales scattered around them. The entire cafe seemed to have collectively held their breath. 

Kagome stared blankly. Then blinked. “Come again?” 

Inuyasha took a shaky breath and began: “My name is Inuyasha—” 

“No, no, I heard you. I just…. I don’t believe it.” 

“Why doncha sit down and then maybe you'll listen to me instead of just assuming?” 

There it was. That was her beloved Asshole. Suddenly, Kagome grinned happily and took the proffered drink. 

“A pleasure to meet you, Inuyasha. My name is Kagome, and, um,” she blushed so hard she was fairly certain steam was coming off the top of her head, “I’ve… liked you for months, too.” 

“I FUCKING KNEW IT! Cough up, Shippo! You owe me $20!” 

Inuyasha and Kagome both jumped a foot in the air and spun around. Half of the cafe was applauding, the other half harassing each other for exchanges of —- 

“You placed bets on us?!” Kagome lamented to an excitable Sango who was counting her winnings to Miroku, while Shippo sulked. 

“Well, I thought it was awful at first,” Sango said nonchalantly, “but I confess, I couldn’t resist after today!” 

Kagome turned and looked Inuyasha in the eye. They both started laughing and sat down, trying to ignore the chaos around them. 

“Oh by the way,” Kagome said, taking a sip of her latte, “how did you know to order pumpkin spice?” 

“I can smell it on you. The day we met, you….. smelled so much like pumpkin and vanilla, it was overwhelming. I, er, thought you smelled rather nice.” 

“That’s not remotely what that sounded like,” Kagome said, raising an eyebrow. 

Inuyasha grinned, looking slightly abashed. “I have a bad habit of putting my foot in my mouth. And I can be awfully stubborn. Betcha you know what that’s like.” 

Kagome’s face burned even hotter and she sipped her drink. “Well, girls are made of sugar and spice, you know,” she said cheekily. 

[luka-ali]

My Lovely Belphegor (Belphegor x Reader)

Obey me OG Story: Spoilers: Lesson 15-18

Sinners are sent to prison, locked up so they could redeem their mistakes and learn from them. I always wondered why I was locked up in the attic by my own brother, whom I had nothing but love for. Now, there is only hatred, the same I have for them..

Those wretched humans...

The one who destroyed my family, my home, my sanity and...My lovely sister..Lilith.  

I hate Lucifer!!

I hate those humans!!

All of the ones who hurt me should just disappear!!!

"Lord Diavolo, an exchange program? what is this now? have you hit your head or something?" I remember clearly that I had said that. 

But all my feelings were brushed aside with one glare from my prideful brother. 

“Lucifer! You have to talk to lord Diavolo, tell him to kill this exchange program,” I fought back for what I thought was right. For myself..

“It’s time you forget about Lilith” Brother coldly replied..

HOW DARE YOU!! 

 Big Brother?Why?Why did you forget about Lilith?

I won’t allow it, I will never allow it!

I won’t forgive you! I won’t forgive you!

“All the fighting and now it seems like I am stuck in this attic. Am I wrong somehow? Someone help me?” I continued to bury all those feelings, I swear I will destroy all humans and I will start with..Diavolo’s precious human exchange student. 

(Y/n) (L/n).. I’ve come to learn that name when Mammon yelled it when he was trying to make a run from Levi who was chasing him for money. At that time I was annoyed, their hollering woke me from my slumber. 

“Come here human, only you can save me,” I remember calling you, to me, the one that shall be your grim reaper. 

“Hello, who are you?” You softly questioned. 

Cute, you were cute for a human but that will not save you from my millennia of accumulated hatred. 

“I am a human..just like you," I lied, you smiled. 

Did you feel at ease? To be in the presence of a human? Surely Solomon was far from human. This is going smoothly, too easy.

Come little lamb, I’ll kill you softly. 

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

“(Y/n)!! (Y/n)!! This is not funny at all? Get a hold of yourself,” My stupid scumbag of a brother, foolishly cried over an irrelevant human. 

I let out a chuckle, it was hilarious. 

“I'm feeling the happiest I felt in a long time,” I internally smiled, externally laughed. Lucifer looked panicked, it must be because his reputation along with Diavolo is now in the gutter. 

This is what happens if you test my patience. 

But…

Beel..? 

Why are you looking at me as if I hurt you?

It was just some irrelevant human. 

“(Y/n)!! Asmo yelled in surprise, I thought it was foolish, I killed you, but you were standing right there. 

“How are you still alive? It doesn’t matter, I’ll just kill you,” I came to that conclusion. 

“Wait!! Lilith lived, she lived as a human,” you said. 

What..

Lucifer pledges loyalty to Diavolo in exchange for Lilith to be reborn as human?

That she lived happily?

And that THIS human is actually a distant descendant of human Lilith?

LIES!! LIES!!  LIES

“I refuse to believe all this nonsense” I said in annoyance. All this is just a plot to manipulate me. It can’t be!

“It’s true..”Lucifer admitted. If it is coming from his mouth then it must be true. If it is true, then what does it do for me now but I know that a heavy weight has been lifted off my shoulders. 

“(Y/n) is Lilith’s descendant,” I internally thought as I ran to embrace you in tears and that time you froze up, I didn’t care. 

The whole time I was sitting next to you clinging to your arm, drinking tea, and bickering with my brothers, I only valued my feelings, not your trembles. 

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

When I wonder? I fell for you. 

I did notice that you were very distant in the beginning but after a few moments you started to smile at me. You successfully repaired my awkward relationship with my brothers. I am grateful to you, your kindness, your strength to move on, and your sweet smile.

 The first Mammon:

“Belphi, that order is table 6,”

“Heheh, Mammon there is sauce on your nose,”

“Belphi, come’on don’t fall asleep here,”

“Thanks for tagging along for helping me buy a gift for Diavolo, I appreciate it, really!!”

The second Leviathan

“Belphi.. Um.. Levi had to receive a package.. What do you say, wanna play with me?”

“ Bephi, left.. Go left, we are going to lose!!”

“Want me to caress your hair till you fall asleep? Sure!!”

“Hmm, hmmmm, sleep well”

The third Satan

“Anti-Lucifer league?! Me!?” 

“Haha Diavolo’s babygirl must be a password to the study!”

“The lecture is tiring,”

“Wanna study with Satan and me?”

The fourth Asmo

“Belphi! Your fashion sense is amazing!”

“Your taste matches my style.”

“Thank you for choosing this for me!!”

“I’ll make sure to wear this to Diavolo’s birthday party.”

The fifth Beel 

“Beel! I think you should forgive yourself,”

“The love between twins is the most beautiful one.”

“I’m sure, it will all be alright,”

“I’m always here. Do your best!!”

“Beel, you are the protector of the family and everyone is counting on you!!”

The last Lucifer

“That’s brave of you!! I’ll always be by your side.”

“Thank you for protecting me!”

“I’m sure Lilith lived in a way she deserved.”

“You brothers make me so happy!”

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

I remember clearly, that day..when I asked you to make me yours. When you said yes, I was happy. Very. When my mark came onto your body that was the time I must’ve fallen in love with you.

(Y/n), you embrace me when I’m sad. 

You cuddle with me when I want to sleep.

You are not afraid of my presence anymore. You forgive me right? 

You let me lay on your shoulders or lap and play with my hair.

You helped me bond with my brothers.

You talk to me about the stars. 

If you are doing all this for me that means that you love me…?

That would be the conclusion right?

Me and you and Beel in my sweet dreams. I will make that happen, starting now. 

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

“(Y/n), I love you and I know that you love me too, right?” Belpheghor confessed to me, with a small blush on his face. He looked adorable. 

“Ha..hhee..” I softly chuckled at the confusion. This was really hilarious. 

“HAHAHA, HAHAH,” He laughed at me when I was struggling for air. 

“What is it Belphi? Did you think I was in love with you?” I questioned him with a smile on my face. 

“I thought..” He couldn't answer, Just like when I couldn’t ask for help. 

“Demons are such idiots or it is only you?’ I asked, mocking him.

“Humans are such foolish, idiotic, weak creatures,”He mocked when I felt betrayed. 

“You tricked me..?” He questioned softly in both parts of shock and despair. 

“Tricked..? I didn't even try,” I laughed at the pathetic demon. 

“You are so stupid, I can’t help but laugh, don’t blame me for TRICKING YOU, “He laughed ,at me, I felt insulted. 

“Thank you for killing me Belphi~, I’ll admit you are a little awkward but have a pure heart, but I don’t like you one bit, I don’t hate you either,” I said as I twirled in amusement, his eyes widened in hope. 

“You are irrelevant to me, lovely belphegor,”I coldly said and he broke. 

A merciful person would kill you for what you have done to me. But I? I’ll mentally ruin you and when you had enough, you will kill yourself

“I’m not your sister, I’m (Y/n), the merciless,  who will ruin your life,”

[cainache]

Hey! Can I request a pope heyward fic. Preferably fluff, possibly he’s getting worked up over his college interview so she takes him out on a date to calm down or literally just whatever you want to write I don’t mind.

mathematically right together ♱ pope heyward

You swear he's been staring at the numbers for hours. And you've just had to sit here in silence and wait. You usually have more patience than this, but you're just about worn thin with him.

You're freaking bored and miss the attention of an almost-boyfriend. (It's complicated. But not really, you’re both just scared teenagers.)

You’re staring at the back of his neck, upside down. Your head hangs over the edge of his bed. There’s a small, soft ball in your hands. You’ve been fidgeting with it for ten minutes now. It’s lost your attention about four minutes ago.

He’s bent over his desk, pencil tight in his grasp. The veins in his arms look like they’re trying to escape. And if you got up, you could lick the tension off his neck. He looks so stressed.. But you aren’t sure why. If there’s anyone out there who’s good at math, it’s Pope.

Still, it’s a test, and then it’s the scholarship, then his future.. and whatever else happens when you’re no longer a high school student. You’re not all that worried like he is.

You can’t bite your tongue anymore. “Pope..” You’re whining. Whatever.

You see the pencil pause and the veins in his arm calm the slightest. He spins around in his chair, his eyes going a little wide at your redden face. “Don’t sit like that. Your heads going to explode, squirt.”

You roll your eyes and roll over onto your stomach and you gasp a little at the funny feeling. Pope sends a smug, knowing smile and you glare at him for being so smart.

“You okay?” He ask regardless, and you smile. It’s all warm and soft and you want to hold his hand. You shrug as best as you can while laying across his bedspread. “I miss you.”

You watch his jaw slack a little and his eyes soften. “What do you mean? I’ve been here. You’re in my room.”

You roll your eyes again, he’s clueless, sometimes. “You know, if you stare at those numbers anymore.. they’re going to crawl off the page and stab your eyes out. They want to be left alone.” Pope snorts at your words and you beam at the noise. “Nice,” he mumbles.

You hum, little cocky smile on your face that he really fucking likes.

You climb off his bed and waddle towards him. You slouch into his lap, you take up one of his legs. He hums and has an arm slip around your waist to keep you floating. He kisses your upper arm gently, the arm that’s right in front of his face. You look down at him, adoring. “Can’t you just, like, take the rest of the night off? The test is in two days..”

He hums, eyes casted up on you. “You know, you should also be studying for this test. This was a study date.”

You roll your eyes, your best trait. “You know damn well that was not going to happen when you texted me. I have two days, like I said. I’ll be fine.” You will not be fine, but you don’t seem to really care.

Pope shakes his head with a warming smile. You know you’ve won. You beam and lean over the rest of him to his desk, you dramatically close his books. “Look. Numbers left you. What can you do now?”

Pope scoffs a laugh and squeezes your waist more. It drags a chill up your spine. “What do you wanna do, annoyance?” He asks up at you, caring.

You light up, like the sun in the morning over the horizon. You look really pretty, he thinks. Your hair is a careless mess from all your shuffling around. Your shorts got indentations on your thighs and they’re loose on your waist from wearing them all day. Your tee has been cropped way too short and hangs off one shoulder with a chopped off neckline. He can see that the straps of your bikini are stabbing into your neck. You don’t seem to mind. He’ll squeeze out the knots from your tanning skin later. He always does. He doesn’t mind. He likes to have you so close.

“Let me take you out, prize boy?”

He laughs again, eyes rolling as his forehead falls onto your upper arm. Your skin is warm against his own. You hum and drag your free arm up and over his hair. He slouches more into your hold. “See, the numbers got you all tense, P.”

He rolls his eyes again, even though you can’t see his face.

“I’m hungry,” he suddenly mumbles. You beam, “guess it’s a date then, hot shot?”

He could suffocate you in admiration. You’re making his skin run hot.

He lets out a shy laugh, and gently shoves you off him. “You’re freaking me out, annoyance.” You beam and scrunch up your nose at him, standing before him. He laughs, more calm. “Alright. We’re going out.”

You squeal a bit, winningly. You struck a hand out for him to grasp. “I’ll pay. My treat.” He takes your hand and scoffs at your words. “Yeah. Alright.”

When his hand is in yours, you squeeze it gently and drag him closer to you. He smiles calmly down at you. You beam and lean up on your tippy-toes, he meets you half way. His lips are soft against your own, and you taste like coconut.

God, he loves your bullshit.

[star-rie]

when your servant is a little shite

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

Then Merlin looks at Gaius, who’s sitting there, eyeing him as if he knows what Merlin is going to do.

‘Merlin, no’

‘Merlin yes’

or

Merlin tests the limits of Arthur’s patience.

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

alternatively, ao3 link

original prompt

PART 1, PART 2, PART 3 (you're here), PART 4, PART 5, PART 6

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

Merlin is bored, he’s so bored listening to the on-and-off debate about taxes, the exchange rate, and other things that he doesn’t understand.

They rarely hold meetings to discuss the economy; Merlin understands that it’s boring. But Camelot’s Royal Court has a tradition of holding a conference about it at least every year. They had it twice this year.

Merlin tries to ogle at the blond King to get rid of his sleepiness. But even looking at Arthur isn’t getting rid of his boredom. He looks so plain, sitting in his chair, nodding to whatever the court says.

So Merlin observes the court instead. Merlin watches as the noble who gossiped about him a few days ago, Sir Lunacracy something, passionately explains how Cendred’s economy runs. Pointing wildly at the paper in front of him. Merlin didn’t understand any of it.

He looks at the noble beside him, yes, Merlin recognizes him. It was his friend, also the same person from a few days ago. Who’s name Merlin cannot remember.

And then he thought about George’s reason for not being here, getting lost on what he should do next to make him suffer and the whole conversation about that day replayed in his mind.

He thinks of all the things Arthur let him get away with. And the whole breakfast set-up that started happening recently. Messing with Arthur, he finds, is quite enjoyable. He wishes he can mess with him more.

And then he’s not so sleepy anymore. Wait, that's not a bad idea.

It’s just this year’s second economics conference, right…it’s not like it’s actually that important. Just look at Arthur! He’s about to fall off his chair!

So as they passionately debate whether to implement Cendred’s economics into their system or not, Merlin devises his evil plan.

He can set the court on fire, but that’ll be too much work for him and everyone involved. And that’s way out of the question. People can get hurt.

Or should he mess up the room with an indoor tornado instead? It’ll be funny to see the royals picking up their papers scattered across the room. But they're royalty, they're going to make Merlin do it instead.

Merlin frowns, it has to be eye-catchy but not disastrous enough that Merlin has to do extra work. Then Merlin looks at Gaius, who’s sitting there, eyeing him as if he knows what Merlin is going to do.

‘Merlin, no’

‘Merlin yes’

So he slides beside Arthur. “Excuse me,” he says as he jumps on the table to sit on it. The nobles stopped talking.

Gaius palmed his face. Leon is confused. Gwaine is still sleeping. Percival and Elyan are looking at each other. Lancelot and Gwen raised an eyebrow at him. Sir Lendun and his friend are stiff, probably stopping themselves from looking at each other to scream, ‘See! I knew he was a lunatic!” and George is nowhere to be seen.

Oh, there’s also Mordred, but Merlin doesn’t care about him.

“Merlin, what are you doing?” Arthur half-whispered behind him, very loudly in the room.

“I’m tired, my lord. I need to sit,” he whispered back before turning to face the entire court, smiling at them.

Gaius is raising a disapproving eyebrow at him, and Percival is shaking Gwaine to wake now.

“Go on then,” he told them. “Don’t let me stop you.” He crosses his leg, not wanting to knock off ink, he’ll have to clean that up if he does. When he tries to read the parchment in front of him, Sir Lundanger immediately snatches it from him, standing in fury.

“This is madness!”

“You are disrespecting the royal court of Camelot!” The other royals are following him.

“King Arthur, do something!”

Even under Gaius' disappointed stare, Merlin is proud of himself. This is way more amusing than Cendred’s economics or something about the exchange rate.

Okay, yes, maybe people think he’s crazy, but it’s not like they think he’s sane in the first place either. Merlin turns to Arthur, not in the slightest bit apologetic. Arthur, on the other hand, looks like he’s trying not to murder him there and then.

But he saw how Arthur calms himself and stands. He tightly grips Merlin’s shoulders and addresses the court: “I am very sorry, my lords. My servant here has a bit of a mental affliction. He’s a bit messed up in the head. Isn’t that right, Gaius?”

Gaius immediately answers, “Of course, I’m surprised he managed to get through life, even today.”

Merlin was about to say, 'No, I’m not’ but stops when Arthur tightens his grip.

“Very ill,” he grits through his teeth, and after a while, Arthur sighs, “But he is tired, and he shall sit.”

And then he lifts Merlin up, and Merlin has to hold Arthur very tightly to stop himself from flying. He involuntarily yelps, staring into Arthur’s eyes and then back at the court and back at Arthur’s face, and suddenly he felt very self-conscious.

Arthur viciously grins at him before putting him in his chair. Then Arthur asks, “Happy Merlin?”

Merlin nods, embarrassment slowly catching up to him. Oh my god, he thought, Arthur just carries him like a girl!

“Now! Where were we, something about Cendred and economics?”

Merlin wallows in his own embarrassment for a solid 10 minutes before he realizes: Arthur has just given up his seat for him.

He looks at Arthur from across the room, looking at the plans Sir Lusenberg is holding.

Arthur gave his seat to him. Arthur gave his seat—

And then Merlin blushes deep red, sinking into Arthur’s chair. Later that night, Gaius gave him a stern talking-to. The knights patted him when they met in the halls. Royalty scowls if they cross-path with Merlin.

When the next meeting rolled around, Arthur made sure to give the council an extra pair of chairs, exactly at his side, and forced Merlin to sit beside him.

[nightghoul381]

Hello.

Congratulations on reaching 100 followers.

I would like it if you could do first kiss with Harrison (ikevil).

English is not my first language.

EEP SORRY THIS IS SO LATE!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE REQUEST AND FOR YOUR PATIENCE!!

This is such a long time coming, I'm well past 100 followers now, but I finally had an idea for this request!

Play Acting

Harrison Gray (POV) x Reader Prompt: First Kiss Genre: Fluffy with a bit of spice WC: 1.2k

I usually didn’t enjoy watching Liam during practices at the Scala, I only went because I wanted to support him. I knew it made him happy, I also had the lovely experience of finding that he lied about not being upset whenever I told him I didn’t feel like going.

Instead of hurting my friend, I decided to join him anyway, boredom be damned. This show, however, had an unexpected twist. Or at least an unexpectedly stunning actress joining the troupe.

The minute our eyes met and you flashed that shy little smile at me I knew I was sunk. You tended to stay on the edges of the group, trying not to draw attention to yourself. Yet as soon as you took to the stage you captured the attention of everyone present.

It’s as though pretending to be someone else filled you with such confidence any insecurities you might feel were blown away. I have to admit I can’t seem to keep my eyes off you. The way your eyes brighten and your face flushes when you receive praise for your performance, the way you play with your hair while waiting to go on stage, and most of all, the way you blush whenever I catch you looking at me.

I can’t help but be curious, and strangely enough it seems even Liam hardly knows anything about you. A mystery waiting to be unraveled. My kind of girl.

“Harry! We’re all going to go get drinks tonight to celebrate opening night! Did you want to come with us?” Liam shouts excitedly, huge grin spread across his face from the adrenaline high acting gives him.

“Everyone else is going?” I ask, trying not to seem too interested. If you were going to be there, then there was no doubt there would be a chance for me to talk to you alone since you typically seemed to avoid conversing with the rest of the cast and crew.

“Of course! It’s like an early cast party, so will you? Oh--” Liam inquired, cut off by one of the other actors and the director who were gesturing excitedly for him to join them.

“Sure, I’ll go,” I sighed, trying to keep the small rush of excitement I was feeling to a minimum.

Just as I had figured, you were with the group for the first round of drinks but soon settled against the wall a short way from the rest of them. Taking my time, I casually made my way toward you. You were so wrapped up in the conversation a few of the other performers were having that you must not have heard me come up to you.

“Hey.”

The little squeak you let out and the way your body jumps told me I’d accidentally caught you off guard.

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you,” I chuckled, absent-mindedly patting your head.

“I… um… you’re Harrison, right? Liam has mentioned you a few times,” you stammer, face bright pink with embarrassment. Damn, just how cute can you get?

“Yeah, that’s right,” I chuckle, letting my arm fall from your head and leaning against the wall next to you. Something inside me is screaming for me to get closer. To test the waters and see if you’re as interested in me as you had seemed.

I lean in close and hear you take in a sharp breath.

“Did you enjoy seeing me at the rehearsals?” I ask, my voice dropping low to keep the conversation between the two of us. “You sure seemed to be looking at me a lot.”

“I look at everyone that much!” You hastily reply, eyes stretched wide in shock.

A lie.

“Mm, and here I thought maybe I was special,” I chuckled, letting my mouth curl into a lop-sided smirk.

Your tongue darts out to lick your lips while I take a sip of my drink, your attention seemingly fixated on the way my throat moves as I swallow.

“Am I drinking funny?”

“Aah! No! I thought I saw some had spilled, that’s the only reason I was looking, honest!” You insist, waving your arms in front of you as though to emphasize that I had the wrong idea. The only problem with that was the fact that I knew, once again, you were lying.

“Tch, see… something tells me you aren’t being entirely honest,” I tease, stepping just slightly closer and bringing my face closer to yours.

“Tell me the truth now, okay? Are you interested in me?”

You hesitate, swallowing thickly and letting out the breath that you’d been holding.

“A little.”

Another lie.

It would be unfair of me to continue pushing you like this, but the adorable hue of your cheeks and the sweet way your voice catches when you respond with what is clearly a lie keeps egging me on.

“Tell me something else. Do you want me to kiss you?” I purr, bringing my lips just inches away from yours.

“N-no…” you breathe shakily. I can practically hear your heart pounding in your chest, but I’m not about to continue making you uncomfortable. Instead, I let out a sigh and lean back.

“Too bad, I was kinda hoping I might get a chance with you, but if you’re not interested I can take a hint,” I raise my hand in a wave and turn to leave.

“Wait!” You shout, voice still quiet compared to the din of the pub.

I stop in my tracks and look back over my shoulder at you questioningly.

I wait while you approach me, shyly tugging on the sleeves of your sweater.

“I changed my mind.”

Oh? I settle back against the wall and you do as well, surprisingly close to me.

“I… I am interested in you. I do want you to kiss me.” Your face is crimson now as you admit the truth, anticipation causing your fingertips to tremble slightly as you reach up to my cheeks and stand on your tiptoes, your soft lips pressing against mine briefly.

Taking a deep breath, I slip my hand behind your back, pulling you the last few inches until you’re pressed close to my body and let you deepen the kiss.

Your grip on my cheeks seems to tighten as you let yourself get lost in the kiss. The taste of your drink on your tongue as it dances against mine is intoxicating, something deep within me responding with a primal need to claim you for myself.

I let my other hand come up to cradle the back of your head, slipping my tongue into your mouth and drawing out a pleased moan. There was something so innocent, but so erotic about the moan that I had to pull myself away from the kiss before I got carried away.

“Now that we’ve established we’re interested in one another, would you like to get dinner with me tomorrow after your performance?” I ask, willing my heart to calm down at the sight of your kiss swollen lips.

“I would really like that.”

“Then it’s a date.”

Taglist: @judejazza @aquagirl1978 @themiscarnival @abundance-pathchooser @xbalayage @maries-gallery @randonauticrap @queengiuliettafirstlady @candied-boys @echoes-in-the-forest

[wvbaandtheboys]

Hey I’m currently editing this post rn so reblog when I’m done editing but just know since it’s funny and fun I’m gonna make fnaf mechanics for the Wii boxers based offa my fnaf post for funsies so gimme like 5 minutes (btw it’s gonna be kinda unfair but that’s the point. You wouldn’t survive HAJSJSN)

Little Mac: Well, Mac’s a bit of a trickster and he loves making your night even harder. Whenever you catch the rascal moving about off his stage, make sure you monitor him. Cause this little sucker’s gonna try and shut off your power. And if he does that, I think you know what happens to you. If he’s in the generator room, make sure you flicker your flashlight on the camera to let him know he’s been caught! That’ll send him back to his place.

“Aww…! Alright… But you won’t find me next time… >:]”

Glass Joe: Oh mon dieu, the robot of this beloved, charismatic Frenchman is out for blood! But don’t worry. Joe is very easy to deal with… and don’t feel bad for doing this to him, he’ll kill you if you hesitate. If Joe pops into your office for a quick visit through your left door, slam the door to strike him! Don’t take too long! He’s eager and ready to pounce!

“AH! MY CHIN-!”

Von Kaiser: Hoo boy. Kaiser’s usually calm as can be and has no interest of coming to harass you… that is, if you keep his stage mechanics wound up to keep him occupied. Don’t do it? Kiss your ass goodbye cause he’s gonna rush into your office and give you the beating of a lifetime… well, the beating that will end your life. So just keep him calm and all will be good, yeah? Yeah. The only hope you have to stop him is to listen out for what door he’s rushing at and shutting it.

“Teste meine Geduld nicht...”

(“Do not test my patience…”)

Disco Kid: Ah, he’s real silly. The robotic version of our disco loving friend is still as much of a music lover as the real one! And you’d better know your stuff when it comes to keeping the rhythm. Disco will enter your office and play a series of notes from his speaker with a series of poses. You have a panel with four different notes that have icons of the poses. Replay the same rhythm and Disco will happily leave you to your work. Keep him waiting or press the wrong button? It’s game over for you.

“Can ya feel the rhythm, Peter? C’mon and dance with me!”

King Hippo: This guy’s hungry! And well, Hippo’s not exactly opposed to taking a bite out of you… he’s pretty hungry. But he’ll relent as long as you keep him fed… but apparently, everyone’s out to make everyone riled up. Check his stage from time to time and make sure none of the boxers are trying to steal anything from him! If you see anyone trying to bother him, play an audio bit by pushing the button on his camera to scare them off. If he doesn’t have any food of his own? Well well… guess you’re on the menu… :p (let my man eat in peace)

“Hippo hungry… Keep your hands off Hippo’s food! >:[“

Piston Hondo: Now he may be as respectful as the actual Hondo during the day… but no one said he had to be after hours. (He’s a bastard.) So, here’s the deal. You have to be listening to keep Piston from coming over there and Hondo Rushing you until your intestines become outtestines. He’ll come through the vent above you. To stop him, you just gotta look up and focus the light on his face. If he’s lost the element of surprise, he’ll leave you alone. Keep an ear out though. He doesn’t make much noise.

“Kuso…!”

(“Dammit…!”)

Bear Hugger: Nope. Absolutely not. You are DEFENSELESS against this bear. The light and doors won’t save you. The only choice you have is to hide underneath your desk and wait for him to leave, he’ll walk past. But he’s not dumb, so you’ll have to time it. If you hide when he’s already seen you, well… you know.

“…Eh? Where’d ya go?…”

Great Tiger: Who knew robots could use magic? No, but seriously, don’t mess around with him. Tiger will make his presence known by his gem glowing in the vent on the opposite of you. When he gives you that signal, you’ve got less than a minute to find all 3 of his clones either on your cameras or around your office. Once ya do, he’ll leave you be. Run out of time? Say goodbye.

“Find them… and I’ll let you live. Don’t… and you won’t see the sun rise.”

Don Flamenco: Oh sweet! Robo Don’s out to kill you! Don’t sweat it, this guy’s easy. Don will show up at your right door. He even offers you a rose! Don’t take it though- shut the door in his face! >:] He’ll get the hint and buzz off.

“OYE! …Oww… Veo…”

(“OYE! Oww… I see…”)

Aran Ryan: Well you would think he’d be a hassle to deal with and he can be if your RNG is shit. But really, he’s pretty easy. If Aran pops up from any of your office entrances, make sure you don’t look at him. Depending on where he is, simply look straight or pull up your camera. He’ll get bored and leave.

“Ah… yer no fun…”

Soda Popinski: Russian powerhouse! He’s just an inconvenience though. If you hear Soda running up a hallway, leave the doors open and let him pass though. If you try and shut a door on him, he’ll break it. …And well, you know. That’s bad. He’s just making sure you’re okay.

“Aha! Here I come!”

Bald Bull: Angry. Wants blood. Your blood, specifically. Unlike the other bots, he won’t leave easily. Every once in a while, he’ll turn on and rush to your office. When you hear him, close and hold the door shut. He’ll bang on it a few times, but he’ll relent and leave if you keep it shut. Slamming the door on this bull will just make him even more angry.

“UNLOCK THE DOOR YOU COWARD!”

Super Macho Man: Ah. He’s just as much of a jerk as the actual Macho Man. Just that he’ll kill you if you inconvenience him. Yet another specialized panel will appear if Macho Man’s in your office. Just press it and it’ll snap a “photo” of him. Sometimes he’ll pose twice or even three times, so make sure ya pay attention. Don’t ignore him.

“Photo op!”

Mr. Sandman: Yeah, he’s scary, but he’s okay to deal with. Sandman’s asleep on his camera, and will progressively wake up with the commotion of the other robots. Make sure to keep an eye on him to send him back to sleep. If he wakes up, he’s gonna come straight for you. Don’t try and fight him. You won’t win… time to go to Dreamland.

“…Brush your teeth… it’s bedtime, Peter baby.”

[a-world-with0ut-dr34ms]

Your Telepathic Hold On Me

From Control - Full Story in Progress on AO3!

Ghost x Shadow!Reader x Soap

mentions of past Graves x Reader

Love Triangle, Fluff, Rom/Com-like, Slow Burn, Romance, Drama, Melodrama, Character Study, Multi-POV, Semi Explicit, Slight Angst, Wet Dreams, Friendzoning, Steamy (but more teasing than actual smut), Masturbastion, Military Inaccuracies, Canon-Compliant (hopefully), Pining, Angsty with random rom-com moments, A Roller-Coaster, Dark, A bit edgy, Grown men with crushes

tw: // violence, blood

Word Count: 11.5k

This took me 5,000 years to conjure up and type, but I finally finished it and I enjoyed typing it so that's all that matters. I just wanted this to read like a messy soap opera for the eyes. I've been away for a while too so I figured I'd make this long. It's messy, but I'm trying to keep every in character. This is basically a love triangle. Please enjoy (っ˘ڡ˘ς)

Hope it's not boring and stupid, I'm rusty as hell (ʃᵕ̩̩ ᵕ̩̩)

Masterlist

There are many parts of life that Ghost has grown used to.

He's used to waking up every morning and having nothing but his work to look forward to. That familiar solitude waiting for him at the end of every shift was as much a part of his life as anything else.

He's used to his usual streak of bad luck too. It wouldn’t be a regular day for the man if some inconveniences and setbacks weren’t sprinkled in here and there. Dealing with bad luck was a hidden talent of Ghost that life had a funny way of testing. He’s been on edge waiting to see what’s in store for him next.

He's used to doing little things to occupy his free time, which has lately been a lot of journaling and late-night jogging. It helps to have something to preoccupy himself with, rather than turning to the bottle for comfort; yet another qualm inherited to him by his father. Ghost would never allow himself to succumb to such vices as easily as his old man had though. That’s a cautionary tale the lieutenant didn’t need to live through a second time.

He's used to dealing with strangers and all their odd comments and tantalizing stares. When you're as mountainous in appearance and intimidating to talk to as he is, you learn to grow thick skin and not take things so personally. And by now he’s grown used to keeping people at a distance. 

At the start, it had been deliberate, knowing he was in no place to be thinking of building relationships with anyone outside of his team. And even that was with the bare minimum effort. 

Everyone must have just finally gotten the memo. Almost everyone. Eventually, Ghost got so good at keeping people away that he hardly had to try anymore. They just stopped approaching him. Stopped asking him personal questions. Stopped trying. 

He's used to that feeling he gets when he sees couples in public. That twinge which knots at the pit of his gut and wrinkles his nose beneath his mask. As someone known to stare, PDA was definitely a head-turner for the lieutenant, and rather nauseating to look at. That's how he'd put it. 

What many would take for disdain, however, was really only a faint longing for something he's only ever been a passive observer to. Love. He isn't used to that feeling, though he is used to being the one always on the outside of it. Any other kind of love has only ever been taken from him all too soon. Always out of his hands, and always just out of reach. That's a lot more familiar to him.

But that feeling would come, and then it would pass, because it's what Ghost is used to. Moving. Working. Surviving.

Living.

It's safe to say Ghost can handle a few contrivances throughout his day. However, today seemed especially adamant on testing his patience, in all new ways he never thought of before. Both petty, pointless, and far too sweet.

Even his dreams had been out to get him this morning, which did not surprise him, as bad dreams stuck to him like a bad habit. Still, it didn't make them any less welcome. And looking back, it may have been best to have taken the dreams as a heads-up for the kind of day he was in for.

Ghost didn't remember passing out the night before, only that he had entered his room later than he should have, leaving you and Soap to yourselves. While he wouldn't say the night was terrible, it left him with more to think about than he'd wanted when deciding to tag along. 

That would be the case, as his mind would tell him so the moment he finally managed to pass out.

Contrary to popular belief, Ghost could be a surprisingly creative thinker. He's always been very imaginative, even as a boy. Had he a better childhood, perhaps it could have taken him places. But life's never had much in store for him it seems, so his creative talents felt best suited to his nightmares instead.

It had been a simple dream, a near recap of the night before. 

You've left the cafe in a fluster of emotions, soon to be followed by Soap. Ghost remained inside, standing off in the distance as he watched you both run off. Waiting.

The cafe would grow emptier as the minutes crawled by endlessly. The music would slowly fade, and the ambiance would die out. The lights would grow so dim that it made the building feel cold, and before long not a soul lingered around Ghost, who was now alone. Still waiting.

It wasn't until he heard the sounds of you both screaming that Ghost finally sprung from his spot and out the cafe doors.

Outside had been no different. All the traffic and crowds had all but vanished, a dense fog settling across the city streets that even the streetlights struggled to break through. And it was quiet.

Ghost quickly found you standing off a ways from the cafe, your back turned to him, and Soap nowhere in sight. 

In the waking world, Ghost was a man who modeled himself on control and discipline. He could not afford to be someone who let his emotions get the better of him, especially if his behaviors in his dreams were a reflection of who that man would be. 

In his dreams, where all that structure and discipline he's built around himself could no longer follow, lie a man untamed by demons and darker whims he felt powerless to take control over.

He demanded to know where Soap had gone. When you couldn’t answer him, he felt a violent urge take over. As though some demon suddenly possessed him. Ghost lunges towards you, his large hands over-compassing the small frame of your neck with ease, as he pins you to the cafe walls behind you, his dark eyes seething.

You look up at him, stricken with fear as your frail hands pull at him, gasping in shock as you whimper in his grasp. You plead to him, trying to reason with him, even now. 

Your words would only fall on deaf ears, as Ghost's grip tightened around your neck, the muscles in your throat bending to his grasp. His body moved with a mind of its own, blacking out everything else. Waiting to see in your eyes the fears he's harbored for you. Wanting to hear you curse him. Wanting you to affirm to him what he only waits for you to realize in reality. That he’s no good.

But even so, you hold no resentment in your gaze, nor pity. Your hands release from his wrist, slowly trailing up, until he's felt your warm touch rest against the sides of his face. Gently caressing him.

"Ghost..."

Ghost isn't sure when it was that his grip had loosened on your neck after that, only that his hands began to tremble soon after. You take a step closer, your hands still holding him, as his jawline all but sinks into your palms. All the while, Ghost's hands linger around your neck, having grown accustomed to its shape.

Your thumb gently rubs against his cheek, soothing his tense body. "Isn't this what you want?"

"I..." Ghost's head dips, no longer able to look you in your eyes. It shamed him to admit that he did want this. To be touched, to be held, to be taken in and for that not to go away. Not so soon at least. He didn’t want to need those things, to long for them. He’s gotten this far in life without them now, he knows he can keep it up. And yet… “...You're not gettin' in my head. I won't let you. I can't…"

"You can..." You lift yourself up on your tip-toes, the crown on your head just barely meeting his forehead, your eyes locked on his. "...I already am."

Despite your persistence, Ghost somehow manages to keep himself from succumbing to your urges, though it takes everything in him to. He needn't act out on these whims, even in his dreams.

However, your tenacity was a foe unmatched even as a figment of his darker imagination.

Your hands stop just at the end of his mask, and you begin to tug. The sensation is as if you’d begun to pull Ghost’s soul from him. He wishes it would have woken him, but the night’s hold was heavy.

You stop pulling his mask up just shy of the bridge of his nose, revealing the light stubble that painted the lower half of his face, alongside the light purse of his lips. With your hands still lightly gripping the side of his mask, you bring him down to you. 

You press your lips to him, and Ghost' powerless to contain himself, kisses you back, feeling a wave of ecstasy wash through him. Ghost grips your neck tightly again, catching the air in your throat as you gasp into his mouth. His lips overpower your own, his sheer size having you pressed harshly against the wall. 

Ghost only parts from your mouth for the smallest moment, only to come back in again, his hands using your neck to crane your head so that he could hold you in place. Keep you with him. Wanting nothing more than to feel you... only he is unable to.

Your neck in his grasp, your lips against his, your breath that fogged the air around him -- he couldn't feel a thing. Ghost had only the faintest idea of what that sensation could feel like, having felt it so long ago now. And yet he craved it. Yearning it. Because even his dreams could not replicate that smallest of feelings you once gave him.

But before he can truly ascend onto cloud 9, a sharp pain enters his abdomen, breaking through his sternum and piercing straight into his heart. The one thing he could feel. His lips part from yours, and his eyes drag down to where you had stabbed him. 

Ghost stumbles back, his body convulsing with pain as the blood began to pool from his chest and mouth. All the while he can hear your insane laughter filling his ears, a twisted glint to your gaze, before he's finally pulled himself out of his sleep and into a panicked wake.

Once he realized he was no longer dreaming, the stiff cold air of his room finally calmed him, Ghost wasn't sure what he found most embarrassing about what just happened, however -- The fact that he had that dream at all, or the fact that only seconds later, he’s noticed the throbbing hard-on he’d gotten from it.

Ghost groans to himself and sinks his head back against his pillow. “Fuckin’ hell…”

He would have left himself alone, had the arousal not been so painfully uncomfortable to leave be. Weakly succumbing, Ghost brings a hand down to himself to finish the job, sliding his fingers beneath the waistband of his sweatpants to take hold. 

He makes quick work with his urges, moving his hand at a fast pace as he kept his eyes closed, trying to picture something to help get it done quicker.

With no one else who really came to mind, Ghost couldn't help but think back to you. How your lips moved over him in his dream, how his hands fit perfectly around your neck, and how your own hands felt like chains around him. 

He escalates the scenario in his mind, picturing you ridding yourself of your clothes. Your body bare for his perusal. Ghost thinks about you climbing over him now, your legs straddling him to the bed and his hands tightly holding onto your hips. The sweet moans you'd make with him in you would haunt him for the rest of his life, as he’s watching your body vibrate with pleasure, your gaze wanting him evermore.

Ghost buries his face into his pillow just as he climaxes, that uncontrollable lust he felt quickly being replaced by guilt and shame. 

The way you had Ghost so wound up, you'd think he were a virgin. Though that wasn't true; it had been well over three years since Ghost has actually laid with another person, and even then that last time had just been transactional. Some stranger at a bar back home he didn't mind expelling some of himself into for the night. It hadn't meant anything. 

Intimacy hasn't meant anything to him for a long time now.

Yet the way you plagued his mind would have him thinking he's never known the meaning of lust and intimacy before, until now. Like he’s been missing out or something. 

While Ghost has dreamed of you before, never has it been so... graphic. Certainly nothing like this. And for a moment, it worried the man. He's used to his typical nightmares, and knows how to combat those by now. But how was he supposed to tackle this one? What even was this?

Ghost had given up trying to find the purpose of that dream the minute it grew easier to settle for the obvious answer, the one that pained him to admit: Perhaps he did have a crush on you after all. 

He finds you attractive, clearly. But a crush? It felt so beneath him, being unable to stop something as silly as that from forming. Still, this stupid little crush has somehow caused him more inner turmoil than any of the recent ops he’s last run, and it was mighty embarrassing.

It's safe to say, having to see you later today would feel more awkward than Ghost would have liked. Especially since it would technically be your first official day on the team. But he hadn't planned on treating you any differently than anyone else, and a single dream wasn't going to change that now.

That was the plan at least.

…

"You know Halloween ain't 'til the end of the month, right?"

Ghost stood in front of the register at one of the corner stores within walking distance from the barracks. The only one open this early in the morning.

The lieutenant damn near towered over the counter space, tired eyes watching unenthusiastically as the cashier  -- some scrawny little woman who looked like she'd seen a few street fights in her day -- scanned and bagged his box of tea. She's been giving Ghost the side-eye since she stepped in, shadowing him in every aisle. 

Ghost didn't blame her much, seeing as he's shown up in a hoodie and a ski mask. But honestly, the man really did just want to pick up some tea. While this had not been his first choice for tea, Ghost has come to learn how little Americans really care for the drink.

Had Ghost been back home, or not stationed here, he'd have forgone the mask and just gone later in the day. However, seeing as that wasn't the case, going early in the morning to pick up some tea at least meant he wouldn't bump into too many wide-eyed pedestrians ready to gawk at him for wearing a bloody mask. 

Ghost still could not tell for the life of him what fascinated people so much about it. It's only a mask. Though this is coming from a man who also, very often, forgets his sheer size and presence. The mask was only the cherry on top, really. Perhaps in their shoes, he'd do the same.

But even so, unprovoked comments from strangers were the lieutenant’s bread and butter. 

"Just bein' festive, Luv."

Ghost hands the woman cash for the tea, watching her take her time counting it. "And you went with that?" she asks, rather mockingly too.

"Weren't much to choose from, I'm afraid," Ghost says dryly.

The cashier hands Ghost his bag and gives him a learned smile. "Well, hey, you've got time." And then she waves him goodbye. 

Ghost merely catalogs this as yet another awkward interaction he's had with the locals since being stationed here.

The awkward occasion before this one had been with some other woman two days ago. Poor thing just popping by her nearest gas station for a drink, when Ghost all but gave her a stroke. The last thing she expected to bump into when she hastily opened the gas station doors was this ugly mug. She screamed so loud that Ghost was sure the entire block heard her. 

It's safe to say nothing has been quite as awkward as that. Who knew Americans could be so jumpy?

Ghost's walk back to his room had been a sunny one, on a sidewalk busier than this Wednesday morning called for. The air, once warm for the summer, was finally beginning to cool, as early signs of fall showed themselves in the tree's leaves.

As Ghost drew near his building, he passed by a floral shop that someone recently set up at the park. He'd taken a gander or two at the flowers his first time walking past them earlier.

Whoever set it up made sure to have the most vibrant flower arrangements decorating the area. Baskets sat displayed both high and low, filled to the brim with a rainbow of different petals and plants. It grabbed a lot of attention from the bystanders, people stopping to look or even buy a bouquet for their significant other. At times it was like watching a movie.

The last time Ghost bought flowers it had been for his mother. She always liked her lavenders and tulips, and Ghost always enjoyed the smile on her face when he'd show up to her home with them. He nearly sighs out loud just thinking back to that time. It feels so long ago now.

Ghost wouldn't say he had a Green Thumb, though he did always enjoy planting new flowers every Spring with his mother. Whenever she'd find the time to and his old man was away on another one of his benders long enough.

He remembers enjoying how colorful their front lawn would look when they finished, compared to the rest of the gray they lived around in Manchester. Everything around him when he was younger always felt so sad and lifeless, it was nice to just be with himself and the Earth, giving back to it in a peaceful way for a change.

A small part of him thought of buying some flowers for his room, just to lighten the place up some. But then he thought, what would be the point of that? Buying flowers for his room just so when it was late at night he could look at them and be sad all over again. Always the self-destructive sort he was.

A woman approached the shop suddenly, dressed in a white sundress and a light straw hat. She pauses when she sees the sunflowers, nearly matching her in height, as her hair wisps gently in the breeze. 

For a split second, Ghost thought that may have been you; she was your spitting image. It caught the man off guard so much that a cold chill shivered down his spine. Had the little details not tipped him off that it wasn’t you, Ghost would have thought you were stalking him. But it seems you only did so in his mind; anything else was more on him than you, he begrudgingly knew that much.

Ghost watched the woman longer than he should have, seeing her speak to the vendors with such vigor and excitement. She’d take another eyeful of all the flowers, and find herself in another state of awe before she was back on her tangent once more. She feels the petals, smells their scent, then smiles. And when her eyes turn back for only a split second, she sees Ghost standing a few feet away… and then she frowns.

Ghost stares back coldly, wanting to send her gaze away from him. Though when she does look away, it only makes the man feel rather silly. What, had he expected her to smile when she saw him? She's not you, he thought. No one was like you, and that's what made this so damn annoying to deal with.

The faint illusion of you was shattered once the woman’s husband stepped into view. Some short, skinny man who looked nothing like Ghost at all. He curved around her, his arm wrapping around her waist, as she looked up at him with a warm smile. The kind of look a woman gave to someone she loved. Ghost has seen it from others enough times to recognize it.

"Watch out!"

Ghost's head snaps over to the sound of someone shouting at him on the sidewalk. When he looks over, he sees a man on his bike, recklessly speeding straight toward him. 

With quick reflexes he's had time to fine-tune, Ghost quickly sidesteps the cyclist. However, it's not fast enough to keep the cyclist's handlebar from clipping his arm a little, knocking the box of tea out of Ghost's hands and into a large, growing puddle on the side of the road.

Once Ghost sees his tea completely submerged in the murky water, the man prepares himself for the worst-case scenario. He just stands over it for a moment, not even phased by the sheer luck of it all. When he kneels down to retrieve it, of course, the sealant wrapped around it was punctured, letting all the water get into each and every tea bag inside its box.

Though on the outside Ghost was calm and composed, there was a little man inside his brain, completely raging out about not having his tea right now.

Ghost stands to his feet and sighs, already knowing he wouldn't have time to go back and get more before this morning's briefing. He knew he should have just stayed in bed that morning.

He looks back off to the floral shop, for no particular reason. That woman in the sundress had gone by now, taking a basket of trimmed sunflowers with her. 

Ghost couldn't help thinking about you one last time.

…

Ghost was surprised to find Soap already waiting in the briefing room this morning, though the man looked as though he were seconds away from passing out dead in his seat. He sits hunched over his arms, dressed in his fatigues, though he's removed his coat and rolled the sleeves to his shirt up, his arms naturally flexing beneath the fabric. His eyes light up the minute he sees the lieutenant, though it's quickly followed by a short yawn.

"Mornin' L.T." he greets.

"MacTavish." Ghost takes a seat a few chairs from Soap, settling into his seat with a sigh. "You're up early."

"Aye," Soap rubs his hands over his face, attempting to further wake himself. "I'm as shocked as you, L.T."

"Were you two up long after I left?" asks Ghost. He'd been wondering that this morning more than he cared to admit. What was it you two could have been up to last night, all alone with nothing to do? Ghost wanted to imagine it had been nothing. 

To his dismay, he hadn't been prepared for Soap's answer.

"No, but..." Soap grins to himself, looking off into the room. Recalling the night before, and letting his cheeks begin to blush. Johnny didn't have to finish that sentence, Ghost already knew. "Man, what a woman..."

"Good grief, Johnny," bemoans Ghost. Good grief was right. He knew Soap had been into you as well, and you both make it more than obvious that you enjoyed flirting. It figures sparks would fly the minute you two could find the time to be alone together. 

Ghost wasn't happy to hear the news, regardless.

But before he can finish that thought, the door opens, and in comes both you and Kate Laswell.

Both 141 men haven't seen Laswell in a while, not in person at least. She's been busy running ops on the other side of the globe with their Captain Price. Soap's been moaning and groaning about getting back to working as a full team again; Ghost hadn't really cared either way. Just as long as there was something to do. And when you see Laswell in person, you know that time was nigh.

Both Ghost and Soap stand at attention before being dismissed by Laswell. She both liked and appreciated the professionalism from her boys in the Task Force, though she never had a problem with being casual with those she worked with for long enough.

Once Laswell was at the front of the room with you, she began with the point of this whole meeting -- to formally announce your transfer to the team.

Beyond that, Soap seemed too busy looking at you to really give a damn about much of anything else at the moment. Ghost could pass that off as normal behavior by the Sergeant. However, it's when Ghost looks over at you when it urks him. Because you're giving Soap the same googly eyes back, only your much more sly about it. Just not sly enough for the lieutenant.

"I know introductions aren't really necessary this time around," Laswell mentions. "But I figured we shouldn't skip the formalities. Commander Graves and his Shadow Company were kind enough to spare their second-in-command to help assist with our investigation. With her expertise in reconnaissance and data retrieval, and her background knowledge on the investigation already, both General Shepherd and I felt she'd be a valuable asset to the team."

"Well, well," Soap begins to quip. "Movin' up in the world, aye Canary?"

"It's the only way to go," you joke back, which in turn makes you both chuckle bashfully. 

It only took a few more seconds of awkward eye contact to pass before Ghost knew that something was up. It wasn’t just some little thing last night between you, he knew. It was something he no doubt would rather have not noticed.

"For now you'll be on standby," Laswell comments. "We have a few more preparations to make before your next assignment, but it should be soon. In the meantime, we've set up training courses and team-building exercises to keep you all fresh for when we need you. Today's should be fun if I'm not mistaken."

"Aw sweet," Soap whoops dorkishly. "Are ye joinin' us then, Kate?"

Laswell smiles to herself, already preparing to leave the meeting. "I, unfortunately, have a flight to catch in the next hour," she says. "I'm assisting Shepherd with another lead. Along with Commander Graves, funny enough."

Laswell looks to you now, but to Ghost's surprise, you don't appear all that happy to be hearing your commander's name be mentioned. Not like you usually have been in the past. You instead roll your eyes jokingly, some thought irritating you for a moment before you've buried it.

"Good luck," you tell her. 

Ghost can't help but wonder what you could mean by that. The last time he saw you two, you both seemed rather close to one another. Though you seem pretty close to Soap now as well; perhaps that's just how you are with people. It piques his interest nonetheless.

Laswell adjourns the meeting soon after giving you all more details about what's been planned for you today. While today's training was dressed up as a way to keep you all from getting rusty, Ghost knew there was more to this than meets the eye.

When getting transferred, you've just essentially jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire. The Task Force has you beneath a magnifying glass right now, ready to watch your every move and place it side-by-side with their own. A mix of friendly competition, and equal parts a deadly game.

Because you were transferred here for a reason, Ghost thought. If you can't keep up even in the courses, the abnormality of your arrival surely wouldn't benefit from it.

You must know this, because something felt a bit off about you this morning. Like there was a lot on your mind suddenly and it was wearing you down.

You let out a sigh once Kate has left, letting your hands fall back to your sides as you try and mentally pep yourself up for the courses. You didn't look all that thrilled.

"So, marksmanship trainin', eh?" Soap starts speaking first. "I'm lookin' forward to seein' what you got, lil' bird."

You scoff. "Little bird?"

"Oi, if you won't tell me your name, then I've gotta call you somethin' else then, don't I?"

You laugh at his comment, though only softly. Admittedly, "Little bird" felt rather close to "Songbird", a nickname you're sure Graves has dumped by now. You'd much prefer something new anyway. And it did help that the Scotsman's accent made the words sweet like candy for your ears when he said it. "Fair enough."

"So are you a good shot?" the Sergeant asks.

"I'd say so," you brag.

"We'll see soon enough, won't we?" Ghost finally speaks.

Your eyes fall on his, and while he can see a fire light up in them suddenly, he can also see that flame being dulled by something else. Something that had you look more worn than you probably were aware of.

"I can feel the pressure already," you say sarcastically.

"Aw, I'm sure you'll do fine," says Soap.

You look down at your feet almost shyly. But then you catch yourself, smirking and looking back up at the two men. Putting on an act, no doubt.

"I bet you I'll get the top score today," you boast.

This makes Soap sit up in his seat now, laughing to himself charmingly. "Oh is that right?"

"Damn straight." You begin to make your way to the exit, settled with preparing yourself for the course. "I'll see you boys on the course." 

You leave them with a wink, and Ghost catches Soap smiling like a moron.

Ghost gives Soap a few seconds to re-gather his wits about him before speaking. "Bloody hell, Johnny," he says. "'Have you gone mad?"

"I'm sorry, sir?"

"You and her," Ghost gestures with his fingers. When Soap tries to play dumb momentarily, it only seems to further tick the lieutenant off. "Didn’t I just get through with tellin’ you last night to keep your head on straight, Sergeant?”

"Oi, relax mate," Soap puts his hands up defensively. He quickly chuckles to alleviate any tension between the two men. "Nothin' major's goin' on. We're just… oh, I don't know. We're just havin’ fun while we can."

"We have a job to do, MacTavish," Ghost scolds.

"You know it's OK to lighten up and live a lil', yeah, L.T.?"

Ghost doesn't respond to the Sergeant's comment immediately, only because he began to ponder them. Lightin' up and live a little? He thought. Lightin' up and live a little…

"That is what I'm doing," Ghost says. He knows he doesn't sound all that convincing, but he wasn't about to elaborate further; he hoped it was enough to take the topic off himself. Soap always had a knack for doing that.

Soap chuckles at Ghost's comment, shaking his head at him. "Sure it is, mate."

Ghost rolls his eyes and stands from his seat. "Just don't let this get in the way of things, yeah?"

"We’re grown. I know what I‘m doin’."

"So you say now."

Nothing major going on. Even hearing that seemed to strike a hidden nerve in Ghost he hadn't felt before. So something did happen last night after he left. Of course it did. This was Johnny we were talking about here. The man could win just about anyone over if given the chance. It's why Ghost hasn't allowed him many opportunities to. But it seems in doing so with both Soap and you, it's only seemed to bring you two together instead.

Why didn't that feel like a good thing to Ghost?

…

Apparently, time no longer has any real meaning. Not in any way that you've found to be helpful. Because it seems you can spend half a year in bed with someone -- giving them everything, always being there -- and in a matter of seconds, watch all that time not mean a damn thing anymore.

I can't deal with this right now.

That's what Graves decided to text you last night after hearing your distraught voicemail. He can't deal with this right now. With you. 

It was almost embarrassing how gut-wrenching it had felt to read that, even as you'd thought you'd been prepared for it. Though before long that hurt turned to bitterness, as you slowly grew disgusted with your previous feelings.

You spend nearly a year with the man and that’s how he chooses to respond to you in a time of need. Talk about ripping off the band-aid. Alas, your commander was always just a step ahead of you all along, both in mind and feeling. 

“Over” really does mean over. 

But did it have to mean losing him completely? You felt it didn't have to be this way, but maybe it was selfish of you to have thought he'd want anything to do with you once you both cut romantic ties. After all, at the end of the day, you're only his subordinate.

Well then fine. If that's how Graves wants it, then that's how he'll get it. You felt ready enough to get back to focusing on yourself anyway. And from the way Ghost has been hounding you over this "training" course, you could use the work.

"You're off your mark!" Ghost's voice comes booming over the intercoms inside the course, though at this point you couldn't really tell him apart from your own inner thoughts. Beyond that iconic gruffness Ghost's voice possessed. At this point, you'd about heard enough of it.

This was meant to be a simple marksmanship course. Same shit, different day. The base had a whole thing set up for the team, the course being inside a large, sanctioned-off building. By now the rest of the team has gone; to no one's surprise, Ghost scored the highest, with Soap being a rather close second. 

That's only left you with the boulder size responsibility of having to prove your worth to the team by beating at least one of their scores. Easier said than done, as this was now your fourth attempt running through now.

You needed to score above the Sharpshooter level. Everyone else on the Task Force could do it, and you knew you could too. Yet every time you rounded the bend and the clocks were stopped, Ghost had the same result to share with you time and time again. "Sharpshooter."

And like that, you were asking to run the course again, reloading your rifle and waiting for Ghost to buzz you in for another go. Even he was starting to side-eye your performance.

On a different day, you may have breezed through this. It's not like you're not a good shot in your own right, and you've always been competitive. However, you hadn't realized how much of a funk you were in until now, and it was really taking a toll on your speed.

You wouldn't give up so readily, however.

You knew this was silly. You knew you didn't have to prove to anyone what skills you had. You were transferred here for a reason and anyone who had something to say about that could argue with the wall about it. But it meant something to you to tell yourself that you could do this. Because you know you can. And if Ghost is OK with continuing to supervise you, then you're OK with running the course for a fifth time.

You reach the course exit nearly out of breath, stray strands of hair now escaping your bun and sticking to the sweat of your cheeks. You lower your rifle and slouch over in exhaustion. That has to be it. "What did I get?"

Ghost steps over to you from where he's been monitoring your progress, having multiple cameras set up towards the lobby area just outside the course. His eyes lazily dip down to his clipboard, before sluggishly returning to you again.

"Sharpshooter."

You groan to yourself, annoyed, as you stepped over to the lieutenant so you could review your results. As you expected, you're only four seconds shy of Soap's top score. You haven't been able to get any closer than that.

"You keep hesitatin' when you pull the trigger," Ghost chided suddenly. "Think less with your feelings, more with your gut. Otherwise, you keep this up and it'll get you killed one of these days. I mean they teach that in basic, yeah?"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," you jab, which clearly does not humor the lieutenant in the slightest. Though nothing seemed to humor him much today. In fact, he's seemed almost annoyed with you. Not that you know what it is you might have done. You had more pressing issues to deal with as is.

"I'm not talkin' for my own benefit here," Ghost remarks. "What good is havin' you with us if you can't keep up? This needs work."

"I get it, Ghost, I do," you straighten up, trying not to take his words to heart. 

"Then start acting like you do," he said.

You know that in some way he just wanted to be sure you were ready for what you've gotten yourself into. He didn't want you holding them back, and you shared the sentiment. Even now, he's only run one mission with you in the past, and you'd say your performance then was less than satisfactory that night also.

However, the lieutenant's harping could be rather grating. And he had no problem with continuing, however long you continued to stand in front of him.

"You'd 'ave been dead already, had I not been there on our last op," he says suddenly, a fact you needn't any reminding of. It's part of the reason why you haven't just called it a day yet. "Hesitation, Canary. That's your problem. Fix it."

"Yes sir," you nod.

"Now," Ghost ushers for you to get back to it. "Show me what all this fuss is over you Shadows. I'm still waiting to see for myself."

"In due time, Lieutenant," you say.

"Clock’s tickin'."

You rush back over to the course entrance, waiting at the doorway with your rifle hugged to your chest for Ghost to buzz you in. As you prepare yourself, you don't notice Soap entering the building only seconds later. Before he'd had time to say anything though, Ghost buzzed the door open, as you rushed into the course, the timer beginning.

By now you had most of the course memorized: Around this corner is a narrow corridor with six rooms on either side. Each room is filled with a mix of targets and civilians made out of metal posts that swing up once you've entered the room. The objective at this point was simple enough -- clear out all hostiles as fast as possible with as few casualties as possible.

As far as you're concerned, your precision more than matches Ghost's and Soap's, and if they couldn't see that at this point then they were deliberately giving you a hard time. When you shoot, you don't miss. It's something you've prided yourself on. However, your speed seemed to be more of a crutch than you'd noticed.

From the monitors outside the course, Ghost and Soap watch as you swiftly infiltrate the first two rooms, taking out the first couple of targets in a matter of seconds.

Soap watches intently, not having had the chance to really see you run the course yet. He has to keep himself from grinning; watching you was damn impressive. "How many times has she gone now?" he asks.

"Four. Excluding this one," Ghost answers.

"Steamin’ Jesus," Soap huffs. "How's she scorin'?"

"Just two seconds shy of Expert," Ghost says. "She's nearly got you beat, Johnny."

"Wow, OK," Soap says rather proudly. "She's passed then technically, no?"

"That's right," says Ghost. "She's runnin' this by her own request. Says she can beat one of our scores."

"And she might beat mine?" Soap whines, though Ghost can't tell if it's out of competition or genuine adoration. Though the man's next comment would leave little to the imagination. "Woof. What a woman."

"She's got it down, mostly." Ghost continues to monitor the cams, seeing you reach the final two rooms of the corridor. "Apart from this one bit ‘ere..."

Ghost watches you enter the room, your rifle raised and ready to fire. The targets spring up as displayed: two hostiles and a civilian woman. The hostile cutouts appear as cliche as possible, dressed in dark tactical gear and expressing themselves rather angrily. The woman was rather comical as well, drawn out to look as though she were screaming and crying.

You reach this room and it takes you a good three seconds to fire, and soon after your performance from this room to the next slows down drastically. Just as it has done the last four times.

Ghost presses down on the intercoms again. "Pick it up, Canary," he barks out. "You tellin' me you got in with that aim?"

"A bit harsh, eh L.T.?" Soap comments.

"Some tough love never hurts," Ghost retorts.

You barge back through the course exit once more, reapproaching the lieutenant as you eagerly await your score.

Ghost reviews everything, and looks back at you plainly. "Sharpshooter."

"Fuck!" You throw your head back in defeat, groaning to yourself loudly.

"Fuckin' hell, Canary," Ghost crosses his large arms over his chest, cocking his head at you rather disappointedly. "We haven't got all day. Maybe it's time to call it quits-"

"No," you immediately protest. "I can do this, I know I can..."

Despite the vigor in your voice, your eyes betray you when they fall from the lieutenant's. You didn't want the doubt to start settling in, but it had been a tough battle for it not to. Both Soap and Ghost scored Expert with ease, and here you are now struggling to even make it that far. Even if you get it now, what good would it do?

Having sensed the sudden change in your demeanor, Ghost sighs to himself suddenly, relaxing his posture. "Don't doubt yourself then," he starts. "You've got the right idea; you can do this. I'll be here 'til you do, lieutenant."

Don't doubt yourself. You can do this. I'll be here 'til you do… You want to believe Ghost when he says that. Don't doubt yourself. You're here now, aren't you?

Ghost can see in your eyes that he's said just what you needed to hear, and a small smile forms. You can't see it, but the softness of his gaze made you like to believe it so.

You give the lieutenant an affirming nod, before rushing back over to your starting position, waiting for him to buzz you in for a sixth time.  You should have stopped being embarrassed about it three tries ago honestly.

Ghost calls to you suddenly. "Canary."

You look back at him.

"Remember," he said. "Don't hesitate. You can do this."

"You've got this, Canary!" Soap cheers you on from the sidelines. You wondered if they both could hear your heart skip a beat. You give them a final nod, before turning back to the obstacle, and seeing the lieutenant buzz you in.

Ghost watches you from the monitors, seeing you move unlike any way you have before. You sweep each room with ease, being stopped by nothing and quickly making your way to the next like a shadow in the night. Your performance is so beautiful, neither men can even bring themselves to make a comment on it. They were too busy watching.

"There she goes," Ghost says under his breath, not even aware that he had begun to. Though you can't see Ghost, you can feel him cheering you on from the other side of the wall.

You reach that final room that's been tripping you up this whole time, watching as the cutouts pop up. You remember not to hesitate, and really allow your mind to let go of itself and your finger to move over the trigger naturally. You pull the trigger and drop your targets, and move out in a flash, finishing the last room with ease and making a dash to the course exit.

You barge through the doors for your sixth and hopefully final time, eagerly waiting for Ghost to give you your score, turning the safety to your rifle and placing it on the rack with the rest of them. This had to be it. You could feel it.

Ghost goes over the score, and even he can't hide how impressed he is. You just scored higher than he did.

"Expert."

You let out the girliest squeal imaginable, and it damn near startles both men, as your arms shoot above your head with excitement. You did it. You did it! Not only did you do it, but you beat both Soap and Ghost's scores on top of it. Even though it took you damn near half the day, you didn't care, because you did it.

And then you do something you probably shouldn't have.

Being a habitual hugger in most instances that called for it, your first instinct was to hug someone. Soap wasn't immediately by you, however, Ghost was. And you weren't really thinking when you leaped over to him joyously, your small arms barely managing to wrap around his large frame, as you pulled him in for a hug.

Immediately you feel the lieutenant's body tense up, the man feeling like a statue to hold as a small gasp escapes his lips. Suddenly the man forgot everything he was previously thinking. 

It's a good thing he could keep himself together, however, because had you truly surprised him, he may have accidentally pushed you away from him. Or worse. If only out of instinct. And if you knew the kind of morning he'd had, you might have thought twice about coming in so casually.

Still, your arms felt as good to be wrapped in as they had that night nearly a month ago. You squeeze him as tightly as you can, your face buried in his chest and your smile lying against him. Warm and true. Just like he remembered it.

Just as he's thought of wrapping his arms around you and finally returning the hug, you let go of him, noticing how stiff he is no doubt. His cold and guarded behavior doesn't dampen your mood, as you look up at him and smile. He gets lost in the way your eyes glisten with joy, not wanting to break from its hold just yet.

But alas, Soap has come in before Ghost can say anything further. You see the Sergeant approach you with a huge smile on his face, his arms already out for you to jump into. Which you happily obliged. 

You practically bolt to him, feeling him completely envelop you, as you nuzzle your head into his chest, smiling into him, squealing. Soap reciprocates your hug tenfold, embracing you so tightly it nearly takes the air from your lungs. But there was no better sensation than the feeling he gave while having you in his arms. He could take the oxygen from your lips as he wishes.

"I knew you could do it!" Soap boasted, his voice vibrating inside your chest. Had Ghost not begun to speak, you would have nearly forgotten he was there. Only momentarily.

"Alright," he says rather gruffly. "That'll do, you two."

You and Soap pull yourselves away from each other, awkwardly straightening yourselves up before looking back over at Ghost. He seems more interested in looking at you than Soap, however. His eyes peered into you like daggers suddenly, and it nearly sucked the excitement straight from you.

Have you overstepped?

"I say we celebrate with some drinks, aye?" Soap says suddenly, doing his best to alleviate the sudden tension that had grown between you and Ghost, as even he noticed it now. It nearly works.

"I need at least 48 hours between my nights out I'm afraid," you laugh. 

Soap shrugs. "Eh, suit yourselves then. I'll see if the others want to."

"No rest for the wicked, right Johnny?" Ghost quips.

"Right you are, L.T." Soap clicks his tongue.

The two of you watch as Soap exits the building, leaving you two alone. Suddenly the room felt empty of all its oxygen and incredibly small.

Ghost looked down at you like he had something to say but wouldn't. It's how he's been looking at you all day. You tried your best to not let it get to you, but you couldn't help but worry that last night may have rubbed him the wrong way.

Quickly, you think back on what it was that you may have done to suddenly to provoke him.

"Hey," you turn to Ghost, meeting his eyes bravely, though you admit his gaze felt more chilling than usual. "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable just now. I didn't mean-"

"Just keep things professional, alright?" Ghost scolds. "You’d do good rememberin' that, lieutenant."

Right, you understand where the man's coming from. You're here to do a job, not mess around with them. Though they do make that a challenge not to do.

"Right," you nod, looking down at your feet rather defeatedly. "I'm sorry."

You weren't used to feeling this presence from Ghost. Like the sight of you suddenly brought him some sort of displeasure. You've heard stories of that famous, disinterested gaze of his, and how being next to him could make you feel puny in more ways than one. Maybe your were just hoping you'd been a special case with him. What were you thinking anyway?

But then Ghost goes and does something that makes you think maybe you aren't stupid for thinking you're something special. You hear Ghost sigh, and to your sudden surprise, you feel his hand rest firmly on the top of your head, as he began to pat you like a dog.

"Good job today, Canary."

When your eyes meet his again, you smile. And oh, how quickly are you reminded of what it was that kept you so interested in wanting to get close to the lieutenant. These small, little moments he scarcely let out.

You remember how encapsulating his eyes were, holding many years of experiences and stories that only he could tell. Every time you caught them, you couldn't help but wonder what could be going on behind that mask of his. What could be on the mind of a man like him?

Would you ever know?

"I had a good coach," you smile.

"Don't take 'em for granted," Ghost says dryly.

"I won't," you smile. "Thank you. Really. You were just the motivation I needed, it seems. Thank you."

Ghost leaving you with his approval was enough to drown out any other negative feelings you felt a moment ago. At least for now, which was enough.

Despite the mask, from how his jaw shifted momentarily, you could tell he was about to say something to you. Though he decides not to. You'll spend all night wondering what it was he wanted to say, instead of what he opted for instead.

"Don't mention it."

…

Inevitably, the day comes to yet another end. 

After leaving the course, Ghost made sure not to be anywhere near you, needing the chance to recuperate with himself badly. He was beginning to learn how incredibly difficult it would be to block you out of his mind. 

If you weren't such a treat to talk to at times, he's sure he would have no troubles whatsoever with keeping you at distance. But it seems if you're given even the smallest chance to talk to him, the man couldn't help but cave in and be nice back to you.

So he would need to go to plan B now if he wished to squash this little crush and get back to working with you professionally -- avoiding you.

At the very least, Ghost knew he could escape you once the night came, and there was no better distraction than the man's own hobbies. 

Ghost waited until it was well past a reasonable hour to be out, before changing into some gym attire (mask included) and heading out for his nightly jog. The one thing he'd actually had left to look forward to today.

Ghost arrived at an open track just 3 miles or so from the barracks, the field shrouded behind trees and shrubbery, as the clouds began to break and divide amongst a cool, night sky. No one else seemed to be around, a part from the occasional vehicle driving by. It almost excited the man to finally have a place to run that was all to himself.

Most people would be in bed at this hour, however, Ghost liked to use these hours to run errands and work out, seeing as it was the best way to avoid the crowd. He'd scouted out the area around the base the moment he got the name of where he was moving to. 

So you can imagine Ghost's shock and utter dismay when he arrived at the track field and saw that not only was he not alone, but you had been there as well.

Wonderful.

Ghost looks up to the sky for a moment, like a camera was looking down at him, with some distant audience laughing at him. Certainly, the universe was having a go at him. He was prepared to turn back around for the night, or even find another place to do his run. However, you see him in the distance before he can escape.

"Ghost?" 

You call to him, jogging over to where the man stands a little ways off from the track. You were changed into some tracksuit which fit you like a model on the cover of a magazine. Ghost looks you up and down, and then quickly hopes you hadn't just noticed that. 

From the sweat that painted your brow, you'd already been out here for a while. Out of breath, you begin to tease the lieutenant. "Can't stay away, huh? You followin' me now?"

"Not in the slightest," Ghost responds. "I wasn't expecting any company."

"Oh, well... surprise," you grin at him.  "I’ve only got three more laps if you want to be alone.”

Ghost could work with that.

“I’ll work around you," he said. "Don’t worry about it.”

...

You swear you were going to leave Ghost alone on the track.

You were coming up on your last lap now; Ghost had gone ahead and started his way around, sporting his usual hoodie and sweatpants get-up. It made him look like a hulking, shadowy mass on the track, calmly jogging his way along by. Paying no mind to you.

When he'd run by you, he'd make no acknowledgement of your presence, his mind fully focused on jogging. After he'd passed you a third time when you'd not even finished your second lap around, your impulses got the better of you.

Playfully, you wait for Ghost to run by you again before picking up your own speed. Though it's dark, and Ghost, as usual, is wearing a mask, the look on his eyes when he glanced over and saw you jogging side-by-side with him couldn't be more bemusing. 

Ghost doesn't say anything though, merely rolling his eyes as he turns his focus back to the track ahead of him. And then, the bastard actually started to run a little faster. Just fast enough to not be next to you anymore.

Asshole. You pout to yourself, before it's turned to a cheeky smirk. You wouldn't be done just yet.

You pick up your speed now, matching with the lieutenant's again until you're running alongside him once more. When the lieutenant looks over at you again, you smile sarcastically and wave at him.

Ghost runs ahead of you again. But he wouldn't get away from you that easily.

You catch up to Ghost again. And he runs away again. You keep picking up the speed, and every time you've matched it Ghost goes faster. Pretty soon, you both are practically bolting down the track after each other.

You start laughing to yourself, Ghost's stubbornness to let you jog beside him growing borderline comedic to you at this point. Of course you felt equally childish chasing after him, but it also made you feel kind of happy too. It was childish and it was sweet, and you were just having fun.

"Give it up already!" Ghost huffs out suddenly. His tone would lead you to believe he's annoyed, but it's so out of breath you find it goofy.

You laugh out loud. "You first!"

You're just about to be at Ghost's side again, when the universe suddenly feels the need to make you eat your own words. Your foot catches onto the ground wrong, as the tip of your toe trips you, causing you to topple over at top speed. 

You yelp.

The suddenness of it causes Ghost to turn and look your way, as he sees you about to fall. Instinctively, he turns, ready to catch you, just as you subconsciously reach out to grab hold of him. As a result, you both go crashing onto the ground.

Ghost falls onto his back, his head bouncing off the ground with a heavy thud. Meanwhile, you fall on top of the man, who right now feels more akin to a pile of bricks than anything remotely comfortable. As you crash onto him, you feel your weight shoot all the air out of his lungs, as you both fall down with a heavy oof.

"Fuckin' hell, that hurt!" Ghost groans, shooting a hand to the back of his throbbing head. 

You adjust yourself on top of him, trying to catch your own breath. "Are you OK?"

"It's nothin'," Ghost says.

"I'm sorry…"

Ghost pauses, lifting his head up slightly so that his eyes could meet yours. You watch the way his mud-color eyes twinkle in the night, observing how the dark of his irises took in every bit of you. It was hard to look away from.

"Like I said, it's nothin', Luv." 

Ghost rests his head back on the ground with a sigh, staring up at the starry sky above instead. The whole time you remain in place on top of him, feeling the rising and falling of his chest beneath you, as it carried your tiny frame with it. 

Had his hands not still been firmly clasped over your arms, you would have removed yourself from being on top of him. You're not even sure he's noticed himself still holding you.

"You're a stubborn bloody woman,” he comments suddenly.

"I almost had you, though," you tease.

"No."

"You're a lot slower than I remember, Ghost."

"You're a lot clumsier than I remember, Canary."

"Good thing I have you here to catch me then,” you giggle. “Helps you stay on your feet, lieutenant."

"They didn't mention that bein’ part of the job."

"It's under the same section that says not to hesitate."

"I'm surprised you read it then," Ghost teases.

"Oh fuck you."

You laugh and jokingly nudge at him, but almost pause when you feel something suddenly. For the first time since you've known the man, you feel his chest bubble in a light chuckle. He actually chuckled. Of course it's barely audible, and only last for about a second. But he did. And suddenly your heart was racing.

"Does this make me a winner then?" he sarcastically asks.

"For now anyway."

You laugh at his joke, subconsciously resting your head back down on his chest as you did.  In the meantime, Ghost was doing everything in his power right now not to focus on the fact that your body was shifting and moving and vibrating on top of him, your whole being so close to him that he felt he could go to sleep right here.

Though Ghost doesn't speak, you can feel his heartbeat begin to pick up in his chest as well. It makes you pause, you can't lie.

You notice his eyes have been locked on yours for a rather long time now since you’ve looked back at him. Well over a minute. His gaze is softer than anything you’ve seen before, and he’s lost in you from the looks of things. Lost in your eyes, lost by your touch, not even fully aware of just how long you’ve been on top of him, your heart thumping with his.

His hand gently trails up your arm, and it freezes you in place, your breath catching in your lungs. Wondering if you should stand or speak before something happened. You’d be lying if you said you weren’t curious as to what it was Ghost might be planning. Surely he wouldn’t do anything drastic, would he? No, not Ghost. Not the man who prided himself off on his discipline and formality.

Suddenly you’re noticing just how close you are to him too; you’re on top of the man for crying out loud. A position you never thought in a million years you’d be in, let alone today. And his eyes looked so much prettier up close, when they weren’t glinted with their usual tired disdain. No, the look he gave you was now something more… delicate. As delicate as his hands were against you.

Ghost’s voice is so faint you almost miss him speak to you. “Y/N…” 

You didn’t think he’d do anything, however, his hand keeps sliding up your arm, and it's making goosebumps dance down your skin like a ballroom dance. His fingers trace up to your neck, as cold as they were gentle, and you feel as though you’re seconds away from fainting. What is he doing? What in the world is going on right now?

"Ghost..?”

It’s as though the sound of your voice brought him back to the reality of what he was doing, because the second you speak, his hand pauses. His eyes grow wide, before a fire starts to burn behind them, and he takes his hand away from you, shifting himself up instead.

You take the hint, finally climbing off of him as you both fixed yourself, an awkward silence having now fallen in the air. You weren’t sure if you should comment on it. If that was an accident then… that’s what it was, right? Still, accident or not, your heartrate had doubled since that moment, and it hasn’t ceased to stop yet.

You look over at Ghost, wondering what the man might be thinking right now. His hood has fallen off, giving you a better view of his masked-covered head. He stands there, looking off into the field bashfully. Perhaps waiting for you to speak as well. His sudden shyness is not lost upon you.

Habitually, you say to him, “I’m sorry.”

Ghost shakes his head, roughly slipping his hands into his pockets as he shuffled around a bit in his stance. “Don’t be...” he says. “You know, you say that a lot.”

“I can’t help it,” you admit.

“Why?”

You’re unsure where it comes from, but you start to speak more from your heart than from anywhere tactical. “...I just really want you to like me.”

“I fail to see how that matters,” Ghost argues.

“Can’t we be friends?”

“Wha’, like you and Johnny?”

That one catches you off guard.

Of course, he suspected something. That only explains why he had been acting so awkward and cold with you all day. More than he normally was that is. Still, knowing that he knew you and Soap had something going on didn't make that news any better to hear.

“It can be anything you want it to be,” you tell him. “There’s nothing wrong with having people in your life, Ghost.”

He almost looked irritated with your answer. But you knew where that kind of irritation stemmed from. He was as mad at himself as he wanted to be at you. Mad enough to leave in fact, as right after, the man’s turned heel and started walking away from you.

Ghost wouldn't let you in close. He wouldn't allow it. Not you, not Soap, not anyone. He saw it as doing you all a favor, really. Neither of you wouldn't want anything to do with a man like him if you knew any better. Bad things always seem to come his way, one way or another. It's best not to mix others up in that.

You watch him go, ready to let him leave. But not really wanting him to go so soon.

"Where are you going?" you ask him.

"Away,” he says. 

Away. You were beginning to see a pattern.

"You don’t have to,” you call out suddenly.

Ghost stops in his tracks, his back still facing you, and his head cocked back to look up at the night sky. You continue speaking, determined to get to the bottom of this. You might as well, before you’re out in the field and it gets in the way of things.

“I know you don’t trust me, and I don’t blame you” you say. “I also know we haven’t known each other for very long either but… I would never hurt you, Ghost. I hope you know that.”

Ghost looks to you with a doubtful gaze. "Even if it weren't your choice to make?"

You nod. "Even so."

Ghost shakes his head disappointedly, chuckling to himself even. It finally manages to urk you. “Ghost-”

“Look,” he cuts in. “Just stay away from me, alright? I can't make that same promise to you."

"Why can't you?" you press.

"Canary, I'm telling you to leave me the fuck alone if you know what's good for you,” Ghost growls out.

You don’t listen, even going as far as to take a few steps closer to him. You pause when you see him take a step back however, not wanting to further overstep his boundaries.

"If that choice was out of your hands as well,” you ask again. “Would you hurt me?"

"I' don’t want to find out…” Ghost admits.

You stand a few feet from the lieutenant, taking his words in and letting them marinate in your mind. While even now Ghost remained as guarded and closed off as he could be, what he said to you was probably the most honest thing he’s ever said to you -- That he isn’t sure what he’d do if he was forced to hurt you. If you ever gave him a reason to.

In due time, you feared that question would really be answered. You didn’t look forward to that day, should it come.

"Let's hope we don't then, lieutenant,” you say.

Ghost nods. “I will.”

Ghost turns to leave again, and this time you don’t stop him. You remain where you are, reminding yourself to not forget what brought you here.

You hadn’t wanted Ghost’s words to make you sad after hearing them, but they did. His words made you sad, because with it came fear. If Ghost or Soap were to ever hear of Shadow Company’s criminal operations with the General, it would surely be the end to any feelings you've built up over the past month. They'd probably never want you around again. And that’s if you even survived the encounter.

You're not so sure what point it was that you stopped pretending. That you kept talking and wanting to be around 141, not because it was your mission to stay close, but because you wanted to. You wanted their approval. And it upset you, just as much as it kept you going all these weeks.

But how much have you let the lines blur between yourself and work lately? Where was it that your lies ended and your true self began? It was pivotal that 141 liked you, but that hadn't been the only reason why you'd gotten so drawn in by them.

You hadn’t realized how deep into things you’d been until now, because at this point, them finding out the truth would be more than a problem. It would be a complete betrayal of their trust.

No, if you wanted to make it out of here with your life and relationships in tact, the Task Force couldn’t find out about Al Mazrah.

You couldn’t allow it.

...Chapter Twenty Here!

[anarchywoofwoof]

It's funny about the homeschooling thing: I had friends who were homeschooled and I cannot express how badly many of us wish our parents had the means to do so.

I was sick so often (bad immune system, endometriosis before they had a term for it) we had to go to court to defend ourselves for "truancy." I had straight A's. When I was there, I swept the tests. But they want you there in person, or else.

To not have had to wait in the cold or blazing heat without gear because poor and our parents had to be at work at 6am......

I know there are plenty of parents not cut out for it or who weren't trained and would give a subpar education, but wouldn't it be great if as humans we had so much time on our hands that we COULD?

Like every adult had so much time they could educate themselves on at least one or two subjects until a little human comes around and then Get Excited to tell them!! About the thing they learned!! Some adults really like space, some love crochet or woodworking - to see all your teachers (adults in your community) passionate about subjects and to have the freedom to express your own like or dislike or take breaks when you need to without judgement? To work at your own pace?? God I want for that future. Also tech can cut down on infections/flu and illness spreading because idiot schools INSIST on keeping 100's of students locked into tiny rooms with poor ventilation. Our school wouldn't let us open the windows during the heat of summer. Because reasons?? Note, we didn't have air conditioning.

thanks for sharing this.

so here's the thing: although i was homeschooled (really, more "no schooled" than anything), i was able to teach myself on the internet. when i was growing up, the internet was just really taking off (jesus christ i feel old saying that) and it enabled me to really just kind of teach myself whatever i wanted. so as i grew older, i grew more resourceful, more digitally literate and crafted my own education.

now the downside to this is that if you want to go into a highly-skilled field or something like science, mathematics, etc. that kind of thing is hard to pull off in a home setting.

for instance, i had absolutely no science "classes" during my school life because the amount of equipment and knowledge needed is far surpassed what my truck driver father and leasing agent mother could provide

keep in mind, i didn't have tutors. i didn't have in-house teachers. it was my fucking dad teaching me between his time working from 3 PM to 1 AM and my mom checking my homework when she remembered and after she got home from work at 5 PM. most days, i didn't have "school." i slept in and did whatever i wanted throughout the rest of the day. luckily, i was addicted to knowledge regardless, so it all worked out for me.

i'm not opposed to the idea of homeschooling, i should stress this. i won't necessarily go to the extremes of calling it child abuse or something like that. but i do think it's wise to remember that a school has entire staff dedicated to teaching your child and that perhaps it takes some hubris to assume you can fulfill your kids learning needs the same way that a staff of (hopefully) trained professionals can.

i think homeschooling is more possible than ever in the current digital world that we occupy. but my parents definitely didn't have the time, money, patience or any other of the valuable resources that you need to teach a kid from 1st grade to their senior year of high school. especially in the late 90's, early 00's, which is when i grew up.

and the problem is often that most parents don't actually have these resources, but still think that they're more than capable of meeting all of those needs that i mentioned before. unfortunately, this ends up hurting their kid the most when they go out into the world with absolutely no clue how to function in it socially.

[thisgirlnamedblusy]

haii omg!! i don't know how many requests you have but if you don't have time to do this it's okay! it's just an idea i had! so, fem student,, smut,?,, a vampire that is generally quite sweet to all her teachers yet this fact perhaps drives marilyn even crazier because she can't understand why this student seems to have it out for her. she actively teases marilyn, perhaps in more flirtatious ways that marilyn probably doesn't see as flirty, and if she tries to bring it up with other staff she gets dismissed because she's 'so smart' 'so nice' and shit. she might take it as her being a normie but actually the vampire doesn't use this on her except maybe when she's really trying to get her angryyy - so one day when she's hanging around after class or comes to find her in the conservatory in a pretty outfit (i don't want to make it too specific i like when you add things!!), maybe marilyn snaps at the girl and she just finds it funny that she's in a way 'breaking' marilyn down? wearing her down? maybe just bringing laurel out and breaking her facade, in a sense. and marilyn kind of loses herself at this but this is what the vampire has wanted the entire time. she just wants marilyn's attention good or bad and to drive her fucking crazy and she might realise this then,, thank you <3

Yesss here it is!!! I hope you like it and sorry about the laguage mistakes!!!!

Take your mask off

Pairing: Marilyn Thornhill/ Laurel Gates x Fem, Student! Reader

Warnings: Teasing, slightly smut (implied) a little dark

Word count: 2,481

Summary: You were testing how far you could go with her. You didn’t know that her patience would have its limits

 N/A: Requests are open!!! Sorry about the delays, I’m working hard on your requests. I love you all!!!

“Wait a minute, I'd like to talk to you, (Y/N),” Marilyn told you, at the end of class.

You smiled mischievously and sat back down, gesturing for Yoko to continue without you.

“Have I done something wrong, Miss Thornhill?” You asked pouting.

You were that way, always so affectionate with everyone. Your classmates said that sometimes you were too cute, but you didn't care. You had been like this for 20 years, and you would probably be like that for 20 more. Your vampiric nature told you that you had to be more reserved, more introverted. Crap. You didn't know how to be any other way.

You didn't just enjoy your exaggerated displays of affection for everyone, there was something else. Marilyn Thornhill, your botany teacher. Cheerful, kind, affectionate and normi. You couldn't deny yourself the attraction you felt towards her, it would be absurd. But you saw her so shy, so innocent. Her eyes didn't say the same. You had seen enough eyes in your life to be sure of that. Your great desire and illusion was to get that poor woman mad, and throw all possible hints at her.

“No, you haven't done anything wrong, (Y/N), I just wanted to talk to you about the work about wild flowers you gave me last week,” she said, smiling as always. You sighed feigning frustration.

“Talk? Just talk?” You asked. You noticed that she blushed a little and made a strange face. She cleared her throat and went over to her desk to get the documents she was telling you about.

“Um... Well, first of all, I have to say that it's an excellent essay, like all the ones you do,” she said, with a slightly nervous voice.

Another hint that she hadn't taken, or she hadn't wanted to. You found it frustrating and exciting at the same time. How long would it take to realize your intentions? It was a funny challenge.

“I suppose that now comes the ‘but,’” you said with the soft and affectionate voice that you used to use. She nodded. You even seemed to see how her hands trembled.

“I think... I think the part where you say that "no flower can be compared to you" is a bit out of context,” she told you, pointing out the phrase in question. You looked at her and smiled mischievously. Of course, you had not put it by chance. You pretended to be surprised.

“Oh, what a mistake. I probably got confused. It's just that I was watching a love movie while I was writing… and I got a little distracted,” you said dragging your words. You leaned forward to pretend to take a closer look at the sentence, but not before brushing against the redhead's hand. Marilyn pulled away instantly.

“Well… Eh… It's okay,” she said, going back to her desk. You wanted to scream with rage. You couldn't be more direct, and it seemed that she didn't even flinch. “I'll ignore it, besides, the rest of the teachers also speak wonders about you.”

“Really?” You asked, surprised by that statement.

“Yeah. Everyone says that you are very friendly and hard-working…” She told you, leaning on the table.

“And what do you think?” You asked. Your mind was racing too fast trying to find a good answer.

“Me? I don't think they care much about my opinion. Whenever I try to have a conversation they ignore me. Anyway, I don't want to bore you with my problems.”

You got up, having a perfect opportunity to tighten the rope even more.

“Do you know why they act like this?” You asked. Marilyn shook her head, frowning. “Because you are smart, kind… They envy you.”

Her redhead laughed in surprise.

“What a nonsense,” she said between laughs. “But thank you, you are very kind.”

So the days passed. Your subtle jokes stopped being so subtle. You always attacked, with any excuse. Marilyn seemed unaware of anything. You started to get tired of her ignorance and what was worse, you started to think that you didn't interest her at all. You knew a vampire was hard to turn down.

“Kind? Let's see if she is able to resist this,” you said while you put on a slightly special outfit. You didn't usually dress so elegantly, but you were convinced that this would be the day you would set the record straight.

“Where are you going with those looks, (Y/N)?” Your roommate asked. You looked yourself in the mirror and shrugged.

“To take a walk.”

“A walk? It seems that you are looking for war,” she told you, amused. You stuck out your tongue at her mockingly.

Showing your belly button was not very typical of those dates, but you had to take advantage of the fact that the sun was hidden among the clouds. You would not need too much protection for your skin. The cleavage was low, very suggestive, matching the short length of your skirt.

“Maybe,” you said, combing your hair.

“You never tell me anything, who is going to be your victim this time?” Yoko asked, looking at you with curiosity and a puzzled face.

“If I told you, you would never believe me,” you said, winking.

“Try,” your friend challenged, crossing her arms. “You've been doing so many dumb things this semester that I wouldn't be surprised if you went after Weems.”

“Cold, cold...” You crooned, grabbing your bag and heading to the door.

“Hey! Don't run away!” You heard your partner scream when you closed the door. Everything you had that was good was naughty too, looking for absurd challenges often related to other girls. Since Marilyn arrived at Nevermore, all your goals have focused on her. You were fascinated by that woman, and all the secrets that she was surely keeping behind that angel facade.

Every time you passed someone you received a stunned look, probably because of your appearance. You didn't get that fancy or sassy even for the Rave'n dance.

There was movement in the conservatory. Surely the redhead was there, trying to spend her loneliness next to her beloved plants.

You timidly opened the door and the woman was startled to see you, hiding something behind her back.

“(Y/N), you scared me,” she said nervously. You smiled

“I'm sorry, I was really bored and I wanted to stop by here,” you said with a slightly childish tone.

Marilyn nodded, recovering from her shock, and then she stared at you.

“Aren't you cold?” She asked, not taking her eyes off your clothes. You shook your head and bit your lip.

“I'm a vampire, remember?”

“Sur... Sure...” She stammered. “If you're looking for fun, you won't find it here. I'm preparing some things for tomorrow's class,” she said, finally revealing what she had behind her back. They looked like some chemicals or something like that.

“Oh… Are we finally going to do something funny?” You asked jokingly, not giving it more importance.

She smiled and shook her head.

“You always have an answer for everything,” she told you, sighing.

“You know me,” you said, moving a little closer. Marilyn took a few steps back as you approached.

You told yourself enough of the niceties. The redhead's face, completely puzzled, told you that you were on the right track.

“Can I do something for you?” She asked as her back collided with her desk, making those strange vials shake.

“I don't know… Can you?” You asked, picking up one of those vials curiously. Marilyn snatched it from you immediately.

“Do not touch it! I'm still working on it. If it breaks and you come into contact with that liquid you could die,” she told you terrified, putting the vial to a safety place.

“I like danger…” You whispered, completely cornering the redhead. “I love  when my heart beats so fast, see for yourself.”

Without giving it any more thought, you took her hand and brought it to your chest, letting it rest on it gently while you closed your eyes. You could not see her face, but you could hear her breathing quicken. Suddenly, she pulled her hand away.

“What are you doing, (Y/N)?” She asked you with a frown. You shrugged.

“Nothing.”

“Don't take me for a fool!” She shouted unexpectedly. Her gaze was filled with anger. At last her patience had reached her limit, and you couldn't be happier about it. You smiled ignoring her abrupt tone.

“I don't know what you're talking about…” You said indifferently. Marilyn's eyes widened and her lips pursed. She was really mad and you kept pulling the string.

“You lie! You've been after me for months. Making fun of me. You don't leave me alone. What have I done to you? Have I treated you badly? Does it offend you that I am normi?” She asked nervously. You shook your head, trying not to laugh.

“I would never make fun of you…- You said amused.”

“Oh, no? Well, you're laughing your ass off, (Y/N). I see what you want. You have fun playing with people, right? You find it pleasant to test people's limits, to know how far they can endure without collapsing,” she reprimanded you. Her tone of voice was getting darker.

“I think you're wrong…” You said, with a calm tone, tremendously mocking.

“You're the one that's wrong about me, (Y/N),” Marilyn hissed, grabbing your cheek with her hand. You took a step back and smiled even more.

“I like this better,” you said as you could, earning another look of surprise. For a moment her eyes went to your cleavage and looked at it with desire, with a shine that you did not expect to see. “Are you looking at my tits?”

The redhead tightened her grip and her face did not even look the same.

“Do you think I have any interest in looking at your pathetic outcast body?” She asked, pulling so hard that she forced you to lean down a bit.

“I think so,” you said hissing in pain. At last her true personality was out in the open, and you liked her even more.

“I understand... So that was it... You've come to show yourself off in front of me like a whore...” She said, finally letting you go.

You recovered your breath and agreed without any shame.

“Yeah, you finally get it. It's a relief, I was starting to get desperate,” you said, risking patting her on the back. The redhead jerked your hand away, keeping her dark gaze.

“Do you really think I was going to notice you?” She asked ironically. The Marilyn Thornhill you knew was gone forever.

“I don't think so, I’m sure about that,” you said defiantly, running a hand over your chest. “I bet what you want that you would like to see me without this top.”

“You are cheeky, (Y/N). And I don't like cheeky ones.” Now she was the one who was approaching you, stalking you.

“You're shaking, Miss Thornhill. I know you want it…” You whispered, letting her stand in front of you. Her hand went to your hair along with a snarl and she yanked at it violently.

“You're pathetic. A pathetic outcast who assumes everyone has to worship you as you walk past them. You are all the same, you are scum…” She whispered maliciously in your ear, while you endured that hair pull with dignity.

“But you like this scum,” you said with difficulty.

She laughed disturbingly, releasing you. You sighed in relief, until Marilyn grabbed you again and pulled you against the wall, turning you around.

“It's how you all are…” She murmured, unzipping your not very discreet top. “You are amused by the suffering of people…”

“I just want you to suffer for me…” You said, closing her eyes. You loved being right. They all had a dark side. You loved yours.

“If you don't shut up, you will be the one who suffer,” she whispered into your ear, letting your top part fall on the ground and squeezing close to you.

“Are you telling me to shut up?” You asked defiantly, letting her hands go wild on your bare chest. “I have to bite you...” Marilyn laughed incredulously.

“Try it, whore... It will be the last thing you do,” she threatened you, turning around abruptly.

You went in to kiss her, and she didn't reject you, but she did bite your lip. What a curious irony.

She had completely lost control of herself. There was no trace of kindness or good intentions in her words. She had become dangerous, just like in your darkest dreams.

She was crazy. Wild kisses while you were half naked in the old building. Anyone could walk in and see that show. You didn't care, you had finally achieved your purpose, and there would be no one capable of stopping you.

You weren't entirely sure it would work. It did it perfectly, bringing out that dark side that she had kept in the back of her mind. For a moment she scared you, but you weren't going to stop now.

The clothes gradually disappeared, while the caresses intensified.

It was not something romantic, nor affectionate. Somehow it seemed as if she was paying you some kind of irrational hatred. She made you believe that you were at her mercy, that you should obey her, that you had an obligation to give her pleasure. You did it. You hoped that she wasn't aware of your intentions, that she didn't know how you loved being on your knees in front of her, going through the areas that were supposed to be forbidden for a student like you.

Your mouth kissed, your hands caressed. Your whole body was dedicated to making her happy, to pleasing that person who looked like Marilyn, but wasn't Marilyn.

You got something wild from her, unexpectedly she started to fuck you under your skirt. Her words were insults, her attitude was arrogant, but it made you squirm with pleasure.

When your back arched and your muscles tensed, you breathed a sigh of relief. After that, you decided to put aside your absurd personal challenges, and focus on the redhead, could it be the closest thing to a stable relationship that you had? It didn't seem possible.

“Get out,” she told you with a gloomy voice, getting dressed again. You didn't, of course. You went back to the desk humming with satisfaction, looking again at those strange vials, and at that bright blue liquid.

“It's not right to play with these dangerous things. You could inadvertently kill us,” you said ironically. She smiled wickedly.

“It's what I plan to do, (Y/N). Even helpful outcasts like you deserve the same fate.”

You turned suddenly. For a moment you were scared, but she winked at you, which made you think that she wasn't serious at all. How wrong you were.

[amanyxia]

And You Thought Monsters Didn't Exist

“Please play with me.” A whisper in my ear and a pair of hands snake their way up and down my body before they settle on my bulge. My mouth twitches, and my eyes stay glued to my computer screen. I’m too busy.

“What am I doing right now, Angel?” I can see her pouting without even having to turn and look. So pathetic yet cute. 

“It looks like you’ve been staring at the same screen for hours.” How smart of her. I’ll remember that for later.

“Doing what specifically?” 

“Unfortunately working until death arrives. Come play.” She’s testing my patience some days,. I sigh and put my full attention on her now. 

“I have a deadline doll. I can’t just stop working. I ha-” 

“But it’s midnight!” She exclaims. “You’ve been going at it for ten hours now. Come to bed with me. Now.” She cut me off and demanded I do something? Usually, that’d be a turn on but not tonight. This work is important, although she is right. It’s past midnight, and I know what missing sleep does for my mental health. I appreciate her looking out for me, so I compromise. 

“Look, you’re right. Just give me thirty more minutes to find a good stopping point, and you can have me.” I wink at her and return my attention to work. The thirty starts as soon as it’s been spoken about.

“Fine.” She goes on to say something else, but I’m already too hyperfocused on my work again. 

Thirty minutes already go by, and I start saving my work when I notice how exhausted I am after all. Playtime might have to wait a little longer. I hear voices outside my office door. My roommate has company and I’m already thinking of the most heinous shit to say that’ll make everyone leave. My house, my rules. 

After I lock my office door behind me, I make my way to the kitchen for a quick bite before bed. I find Alex in the living room, gaming away with one of his friends. The sounds I hear from the kitchen grab my attention next.

“Who else is here?” They’re too focused on winning or losing, so I keep walking. What I see from the doorway is what I never wanted to see. My fucking roommate really thought it was a good idea to invite a tweaker to my house? I’ll throw him out on the streets next. I’m not a violent person, but what I’m staring at now is enough for me to get away with murder. Mike. Standing behind my girl. His hands were on her. One hand covers her mouth, and the other violates her body while she’s pinned against the counter. 

I swallow down the urge to butcher him right here at this moment and put on an act. I clear my throat, which startles him. “Hello.” Both of his hands fall away from her body, and she lets out gasps of breath followed by sobs. 

“Oh, hey man. Funny story for you.” 

I sigh and cock my head to the side, smirking and looking over at my girl. Mike tries to walk past me out of the kitchen without another word, but I grab his arm. “Oh, hey man, you fucking stay put.” I hiss out, then rush over to her, assuring her she’s safe now. 

“It’s not what you’re thinking. We had a moment.” I rest my forehead against hers and sigh, trying to gather my thoughts. He should know better than to lie. He's already been given many warnings for the things he’s said to her in the past. It might have to get physical this time for him to finally understand. Some people learn the hard way after all.

“Bedroom. Now. I’ll be there in a few.” She shakes her head. She shouldn’t see me like this. The monster I locked away in my head is now loosening the lock by himself. She backs away but doesn’t leave. I don’t have time for this. Her choice. Mike tries walking off again when I yell out for Alex. 

“You. Stop fucking moving. I’m not done with you yet.” I grab Mike by the shoulder. I’m done for. The monster is on his way out. Jay is no longer present. Alex comes from around the corner with irritation on his face. 

“Stop fucking yelling; what’s your problem?” I let out a laugh and dug my nails into Mike's shoulder before letting go.

“You’re looking at him! What the fuck is this? What the fuck is he doing in my house?” I lowered my volume for a moment. “I don’t know who that other guy is, but I want him gone too.”

“Jay, I live here too, man. I should be as allowed to invite people over as you are.” Yeah, except he’s late on his rent coming up on month three. I’ll keep his statement in an important folder for later. 

“The longer you take on paying me your rent, the rougher these rules will get on you. I’m not playing at this point. This fucker just assaulted my girl, and here you are acting clueless about why I don’t even want him in my house. You’ve heard the shit he’s said to her before. Let’s not be stupid now.”

“I thought she was in your bedroom, honest to God.” Exasperates Alex. Playing dumb now. The living room is in between the kitchen and the hallway to the bedrooms. The TV he stares at is facing the hallway; try again. Mike opens his mouth next.

“Now, Jay, let’s not throw accusations out there without proof. I’m sorry your good girl isn’t as loyal as you thought; really, I am. Pretty girls like her with a pussy that tight really ought to be put on a leash and watched over more by her man, don’t you agree?” 

I heard enough. There was no look of guilt or regret on his face before I punched him so hard that he fell to the ground. I think I would kill for her. Love makes you do stupid things. Did I just say I love her? Damn.

Alex starts yelling at me. “Jay! The fuck is wrong with you!?” The guy I had locked away in the darkest part of my brain breaks out and puts my finger to my lips, silencing Alex.

“Hey, it’s getting pretty late. I think I’ll just leave too.” Alex’s other friend finally comes in to announce his departure, then looks at me and then at Mike lying on the ground.

“I’ll head out with you; I need a smoke anyway.” Alex looks at me and shakes his head. “I apologize that this happened. I thought Mike had his shit together better than that.” 

“Thank you for showing some respect; have a great night!” I enthusiastically said to the other guy and quickly waved them off, then returned my attention to Mike. “See, that’s what you should have done instead of putting yourself in this mess. Now look at you.” I grab the collar of his shirt and get ready to throw another punch in his face before my arm is grabbed.

“Please, stop.” She makes me snap back to reality. I look at Mike, bleeding from his nose, then I step away and look at my girl. She’d been frozen behind me the entire time. She saw the monster open the cage and step out, but she didn’t run. Instead, she stepped in, going so far as to put her hands on the monster. Her eyes are pleading with me to stop.

“Ahh, she keeps you sane.” Mike gets up and stares at her with hunger in his eyes. “Those girls are the best. No wonder you’re this crazy over a matter so silly. But hey, you were busy, you know. And like I said, you walked in to take over at the right time. She was dripping wet…”

He continues on, but I’m too busy trying to fight this monster back in his cage that I can no longer make out his words. I wouldn’t want to hear it anyway. I put a hand to her cheek, and she nuzzles back into me and whispers, “Please.” It starts hurting me to see her emerald eyes beg me to stop. Oh, doll, It might be too late. The longer he stays in my sight, the harder it is to fight off these urges.

“We were about to get freaky on that counter too. She really wanted me in that moment.” He points to the counter I found him assaulting her at and wipes blood from his nose. This guy just doesn’t get it, does he? I don’t believe him because tweakers lie all the time, but I still look down at her in question, wanting to know the real story.

“I went to the kitchen because I thought you’d be hungry. I wanted to make you something; I even told Mike that when he followed me into the kitchen. He tried to have a conversation with me while I was searching the cupboards for what you had. He had me pinned against my will, despite my telling him to stop. I just wanted to make you food.” She looks down, and her voice breaks at the end of her statement. The pain in her voice alone makes my heart crack. Anyone who hurts her should be in the ground.

Mike groans, gets up, and starts moving toward her, but I step in and push him back as a warning. “You can just leave right now. No more attempting to make yourself look good with a fake story. You’re just adding fuel to the fire, and I really wouldn’t suggest you keep going. Leave. I don’t want to see you in my house ever again.” He starts for the door, then stops. People like him don’t know when to stop running their mouths until it’s too late. For them, that is. 

“You know, she’s actually missing out on the details of how she started this whole thing. I didn’t follow her into the kitchen for anything originally. We were having a conversation, and that’s where she was headed.” A look of amusement crosses his face. “She was teasing me once we were alone. Believe me or not, man, she’s pretty wild.”

Something stirs up inside me again, and just like that, everything goes black. Jay isn’t here anymore. This guy strokes my girl's cheek and smiles sadistically. She meets his eyes and starts shaking her head. 

“Please don’t. Please just throw him out. He’s doing this on purpose.”

“I’m sorry, Angel, but I have to. No one gets to touch you. You’re mine.” He pulls his hand away and swings at Mike, causing him to fall back into a counter. 

Pinned and with nowhere to go, Mike's smile is gone, and his face fills with fear. “You fucking lunatic! Get off me, I’ll go!”

“Yeah, I bet that’s what she was thinking when she was in your position at the time, too.” The monster pummels Mike in the face a couple more times, then drops him back on the ground. He grabs the sharpest kitchen knife from the block set nearby, and that’s when my girl grabs his arm, trying once more to stop him. He looks down at her, shaking his head.

“He doesn’t get to get away with shit like this.” He yanked his arm out of her grip and swung at Mike with the knife. She starts screaming my name, and I hear Alex storming into the house a moment later. 

I’m in deep shit, aren’t I?

[pulsedmaggot]

am i that transparent? ☣

set somewhere between the nebulous of wanyk-current era. the joot & tigger in my head need the slowest of slow burns to get into all this. enjoy | ship: jim root/corey taylor | words: 666 (can you believe this was unintentional) | warnings & tags: implied/referenced sexual content, fluff, they're kissin', thats about it unless you count their horrible. horrible pillow talk | summary: they've both wanted this for a while, and now that they have it, they're content. what's 30-odd years of pining, anyway?

read here or under the cut

Jim’s fingers fall along old strings, the acoustic sweep of a down-tuned guitar crackling through the afternoon air.

He’s sat on the floor, back slumped against his box spring, one knee bent to keep the neck of his guitar close. What started as a lame attempt at meditating- something he knew he was too hyperactive to sit down and actually do, but dealing with the silence after Corey went asleep was becoming unbearable- is now a mindful disturbance. His guitar might as well be his own half-ass meditation, even if he isn't actually playing anything, only fumbling and plucking over chords and notes that matched the pattern of his growing restlessness. He's not surprised Corey’s been able to sleep this long. For him, it isn't entirely out of character, as there's been countless times of his tendency to sleep in causing delays for their bands in the past. Leave it to Corey to test the patience of others in his sleep.

Jim’s very own patience was tested this morning. Every attempt he made at trying to get him up resulted in nothing but the soft snoring of a fucked-out man. His untouched serenity is what made Jim leave him alone. It's also what's making Jim pick up his tempo, the longer he thinks about Corey’s sleeping face.

The memory of Corey melting under his touch has his fingers wandering along the fretboard. His palm mutes a note as he thinks about Corey’s flushed skin, kneaded and pulled by the same palm so desperately, because he'll be the first one to be fucking honest about wanting him for so long. Last night he'd had him- finally, finally had him- and right now, as he's pulling at twos and fours, Corey is breathing on every odd note. The way he gasped under Jim’s weight echoes in the twinkling steps of Jim’s middle and index. Flashbacks of Corey’s bright smile matched the tune to Jim’s minor progression in perfect harmony. They were both beaming at a joke no one seemed to make. As Jim plays it over in his mind, they were definitely both reacting to each other’s post-orgasm faces.

Just as he's giggling to himself about it again- because Corey’s little nose pulled up into his brow as he panted like a dehydrated hound was actually really funny- the bed creaks, and the top of his hair is now tickled by a warm cheek.

“Some alarm clock you are.” Corey’s laying upside down, his voice like a twitching cicada trying to crawl its way out of molasses. Jim fucking loves it, unashamedly. Possibly hopes he can at least hear it for the rest of his life.

“You have to pay to get the ringtone sheet.” Jim pushes his nose into Corey’s, revels in the blush accompanying that laugh of his. “Remember ringtones?”

“Yeah,” Corey snorts, chasing Jim’s affection with a flurry of lips and chin, “we were only on, like, a dozen of those.”

“One for each album.” Jim knows he's smiling like an idiot and can't really know for sure if anything they've done together has been someone's jaunty little phone jingle, but Corey also doesn't seem to know, or even care. “Give or take some albums.”

“Speaking of,” Corey nods in the direction of Jim’s acoustic, an exasperated sigh pulling from his chest, “are we goin’ somewhere?”

Leave it to Corey to not know if they were supposed to be in the studio by now, and to assume Jim’s not-so-subtle way of telling him that was to noodle around for hours on end waiting for him to wake up.

“Nope.” Jim’s attention is still on Corey, but his fingers carry on with strumming, open notes fading out while his unoccupied hand draws patterns in the carpet underneath him. “Just keepin’ myself busy.”

“Good.” Corey doesn't wait for Jim to explain his plans for the rest of the day, only shoves their faces together in what can only be described as the world's worst upside down kiss.