#it's so quiet and so empty and I wonder what I've done to be put there

[rubenesque-as-fuck]

Did a quick scribble sketch of a really early childhood memory of mine. Thinking of trying to paint it eventually, for catharsis or something

[lustlovehart]

Hiii! I've never done this before but... What if Scara and reader had a fight... Like a fight fight... and reader was seriously injured due to him being blinded be emotions... What do you think would the aftermath of this...?

A/n: Yet again, another ask that i was originally gonna js give a short thought to, turned into something longer *sigh* (I need to stop doing this).

Summary: [Angst/Comfort]He could never say sorry, even in the moments it mattered.

Warnings: Harm to reader, Scars, Unrealistic Writing of getting hit with lightning,

———

During his time in the fatui, no one exactly had the galls of stopping his rampages. The balladeer is quite famed for his regular intervals of anger, you’re no stranger to it yourself, you’ve seen him mad. it’s just…

Hes never been angry towards you.

You’d get the occasionally scoff every now and then if you uttered something he found foolish, but never has he lashed out at you to such a degree. Not to this level. He’s painfully reminded by his ignorance as soon as his hand crafted eyes lay sight upon your bare form, a body, a human body, covered in scars from lightning. Lightning he inherited, lightning he engaged, lightning he struck you with.

There’s no doubt, the silence is defeaning while you sit with him in the empty room, waiting for one of the medical professionals in the fatui to check on you.

He’s silent. It’s rare. He’s never been quiet for more than 5 minutes with you. He’s either complaining or attempting to make small talk a vast majority of the time, typically the former. But he doesn’t, he doesn’t even stare at you like he always does. You’re about to break the silence before the harbinger breaks it for you.

“You don’t look okay.” He doesn’t look at you, his vision trained on the white tile at his feet.

“Yeah. you struck me with lightning.”

…

“oh.”

It doesn’t hit you until he releases a quiet ‘oh’ from his mouth. Something you probably know better than anyone else that has been on teyvat within his 500 year lifespan.

This man can not say sorry.

“oh? Oh? Kunikuzushi put your pride away for one second.” you don’t try to hide the frustration in your voice. You truly did not mind the eccentricities the puppet in front of you holds, you never did, not even when you first met him.

He still doesn’t answer but you can see the way his face winces and widens in the same moment. Seems he got way too accustomed to ‘Kuni’ and ‘Scara’ to remember that you do in fact remember his given name.

“What else should I say to you? I’ll strike harder next time?” He isn’t getting mad, he was only infuriated earlier, but not now. You can see his demeanor start changing. Whether it be in the direction you want it to go, you’re not sure yet.

“Maybe a sorry? An apology? A “oh forgive me [Name] I love you so much?” He doesn’t answer you, he only scoffs and fall back onto the back of his chair. You don’t miss the way his fingers dig into the cloth of his clothing, probably using it as a replacement for human skin.

The man can’t breathe, but you can hear him inhale and exhale before his next words.

“i don’t know what happened. I didn’t mean to- well not at you.” It comes out softer than the other words hes said to you the entire period of time in the room. His eyes are finally off the floor, trying their best to maintain contact with your own.

Once again, all thats left between the space of you two, is silence. You look away from him for a moment, fiddling with the blanket draped over your legs. You’d like to assume that’s the closest you’ll get to an ‘I’m sorry from him’, but you can’t accept that, so you don’t reply. Ever since waking up, you never were able to see the scars on your body, only the ones on your arms. You wonder if they look hideous.

Your hand reaches behind you to your back, your fingers grazing whatever part you assume suffers scarring.

“Are you worried about how it looks?”

“No, not at all, fighting is commonplace in the fatui.”

“Lying isn’t good, you told me that yourself didn’t you?” Damn him and his pristine memory. You can never remember where you leave your keys yet he can remember things you’ve said to him years ago?

…

“No matter how scarred and beaten you are you’re still [Name] are you not?” With the way he’s looking at you, you’re sure this is another thing he’d want to keep out of the publics knowledge. “Even without your face i’d strike someone down for you in an instant.”

“Oh like you did to me?”

“…” Seems the sweet moment was ruined. You don’t mind though, it’s funny to you.

———

The weeks that followed still held some tension. You’d refused to see him for awhile. When asked by some trembling lower subordinate, one in which the harbinger had personally sent, why you weren’t seeing him, your reply made the soldier fear for his own downfall.

“He’s insufferable right now. I’ll talk to him when he shows me he’s not a man child who can’t admit his faults.” You’ve always been able to put up with his outbursts, but right now, you realize maybe you should turn up your attitude with him.

After that unfortunate event, not unfortunate for you, for the fatuss, your days have seemingly been more dull. You’ve forgotten just how eccentric the balladeer is. Waking up never seemed so boring, the puppet would either be by your side in the early mornings, or knocking on the door ready to whisk you away.

Seems that routine is coming back.

“Oh? Have you finally swallowed your ego-“

“I’m sorry.”

Seems he couldn’t go any longer without you, how sweet.

———

Tagging this, I was super confused if this could be characterized as angst w/ comfort or fluff. I just did both though.

[lanabuckybarnes]

Always.

This is a sequel to Empty Words. I had someone ask for it and I was also thinking of writing one so here it is. I don’t know if it’ll be as good as the first part but I hope it’s up to your standards.

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Warnings: none?? If you see any plz lemme know and I’ll add them.

Words: 1.1k

EMPTY WORDS

-

"How long has it been?"

"70 years."

The words replayed in her head constantly. It had been a year since that day, since she’d woken from her Cryo-sleep. Steve sat by her side telling her it was no longer 1945 but much later, she shouldn’t even be alive.

Tony, Howard Stark's son, had been generous enough to offer her a place to stay at the compound. She had been fed by the girl, Wanda, every day and they gave her peace since she so desperately needed it.

She never got to grieve for Bucky, not long after Steve told her of his passing, she was captured. For some Hydra experiments, according to the guy who turned green.

She still had Bucky’s jacket. She’d woken up with it wrapped around her frame, and she refused to take it off. It was the only part of him she had left.

-

A knock sounded throughout the room. "It's me, I've got dinner," Steve spoke from the other end of the door, his voice slightly muffled by the thick wood.

"Come in." She spoke, her words monotone and quiet.

He set the tray of food down on the bed, pasta and sauce. Wanda’s favourite. He picked up on her gloom quite easily, it must have been a perk of the super soldier serum.

"Are you alright?" Steve questioned softly, a reassuring hand rubbing her shoulder clad in the dark military jacket. He watched as she picked at the food but never put any of it near her mouth.

He knew better than to push people to talk about their feelings, he hated it when people did it to him.

They had both bonded over Bucky. In the 40s, they never really got the chance— he was too busy being Captain America, and she was too busy saving people's lives away from the frontline. He had never really spoken to her, he knew a bit about her from his old friend’s stories but besides telling her about Buck he’d never really seen her himself. In the past year though, the two had become good friends.

"It's... our anniversary, today." Her voice was small, like the squeak of a mouse, almost as if speaking any louder would scare him away. Steve didn't know how to answer. He was an excellent soldier and had always been great with words, but even he became tongue-tied at the mention of Bucky.

He blamed himself, he could have done so much better than what he did. Countless nights he stayed awake wondering how he could have changed the past, how he could convince Tony to invent some contraption and put himself in Bucky's place. Maybe he would have survived the fall.

"I'm sorry," Steve's voice mimicked her own. His arms wrapped around her smaller frame in a warm embrace, the only form of comfort he could truly give her at that moment.

She cried into his arms that night. When he eventually left she’d flopped her weak body onto the large bed that was far too comfy. She tossed and turned with Bucky's coat, hoping, wishing that dreaming hard enough would bring him back.

-

The compound was under attack, she had strict orders to stay in her room. Steve had warned her, promised that he’d keep them away from her but passed her a pistol as a last resort.

She could hear the sounds of bullets flying around, hitting walls and people. She felt helpless just sitting on the wide windowsill watching the world go by, what could she truly do though?

Just as a dark feathered bird flew by her window the hairs on her neck stood on end— there were eyes on her, someone stood at her door. She mentally cursed herself for setting the gun on the bedside table.

The presence stalked forward, till his thigh bumped her shoulder. Her head tried to turn to him but the feeling of coolness; a metal hand, spread over the top of her head and turned her back to face the window slowly.

The cool fingers dropped to the side of her face, tucking a few loose stands behind her ear. Was he trying to torture her? or was she finally receiving a final act of kindness before the sweet release of death? Her eyes squeezed tight in preparation, no matter the outcome she would not watch.

Death never came, no, instead the soldier flopped his large body down beside her. He was still as rigid as before, she could feel as much from the way his arm brushed against hers.

When she finally turned to look at the face of the last man she’d ever see, her killer— the muscles around her eyes pulled them wide and her breath caught in her throat.

His eyes, although obstructed by dark locks of her, emulated hers, shock evident in those deep blues along with the reflection of something she knew danced in hers— Recognition.

“B-Bucky?” She hadn’t realised tears were falling from her eyes until she spoke, her voice breaking. His head nodded softly, almost unnoticeable and his eyes glazed over as well. After all these years they were both alive, and the past 70 years' worth of bottled-up emotions bubbled over. She pulled him forward into her arms.

The way his tired body slumped forward into her frame told her he’d faced a similar story, he’d been holding onto a lot too. She could see Steve’s frame standing in her doorway in shock from her peripherals but she couldn’t find the will to glance at him. Not when he was here, not when Bucky was home.

“You came back” she whispered into his hair.

“Always”.

-

“Bahhhh!” God those goats were impatient. It must’ve been around 6 am, and the Wakandan heat blared through the mud-coloured walls.

“BAHHHH” the goat wailed again, more desperate and demanding than before. A groan sounded from the man behind her, his arm pulling her close and his lips ghosting over her bare shoulder.

“You gotta get up and feed them” she whispered silently hoping they’d disappear and leave them in each other’s arms, at least for a little bit longer. The heat made their embrace almost impossible to withstand but she’d missed years' worth of closeness to him, some sun wasn’t going to stop her now.

His grumbling vibrated against her neck before he pushed himself up to sit. He was quite the sight shirtless, much more muscular than before. The soft blue fabric wrapping around his left side and over his shoulder complimented his skin perfectly.

“Fucking goats” he complained as he threw the deep red fabric over his body, doing as much as he could with one arm before shifting to her for help.

Her fingers moved expertly over the fabric as they did every day, fastening it to his body before pulling half of his long hair into a bun.

“Love you” Her breath blew between his shoulder blades, her lips pressing into the nape of his neck as she wrapped the thin belt around his waist from behind— she’d become so familiar with the routine she could secure it with her eyes shut. He couldn’t help the way his worries fell apart at her soft touch.

His body twisted to face her naked one, his right hand finding her left, squeezing tight before dropping his fingers to roll the thin gold band around her ring finger; a symbol of his promise fulfilled. The matching one secured around his neck.

Steel blues ran up from their joined hand to her face, searching for her own eyes, asking in silence for permission that she was glad to give him as she leaned forward locking their lips together in a sultry dance that mimicked one of the many they shared all those years ago.

“Bahhhhh” he growled into the kiss and she couldn’t help the bubble of laughter rising from her throat. He’d never get a moment's peace with his girl with those beasts around.

-

Tags: @matchat3a

[mysecretlittlelibrary]

Can I request something with Jake as the reader is nervous, and she says 'let's talk' and Jake thinks she is breaking up with the system, but she tells him that she's pregnant. Happy ending though pls 😇

~Everything Changes~

Pairing: Moonknight trio (Jake focus) x Reader

Word Count: 1.3k

Warnings: anxieties and brief mentions of childhood traumas

Genre: fluffy af and just a little angst

Summary: You have news for your boyfriends that you do not know how they'll take and your anxieties cause some for them

A/N: This was actually SUCH a cute ask thank you for requesting it I fell in love with the concept immediately, hope you enjoy the result <3

***

You sigh to yourself as you dig through your bag for the keys to your apartment. Like always you shout into the apartment once you open the door.

"I'm back darling are y'all home yet?" You ask, flicking on the main light in the living room. The apartment's too quiet for your boyfriends to be back. It looks like you beat the boys home. That's fine, better even, gives you time to sort out the best way to break the news to them. You honestly have no idea how this conversation is going to go, you've been noticeably distracted thinking about it pretty much all day.

You take a few moments to just sit with yourself in the silence of your empty apartment before putting on some music to get dinner started. Something simple, you know Steven had work today but you can never predict who will actually be fronting by the time they get home. If Donna was particularly horrendous on any given day Jake would take over. If something Khonshu related happened usually Marc would be the one shuffling into your shared home. You wonder how that's going to play into it now that things are about to change so drastically. You're not quite done when the door to the apartment clicks open.

"Hi lovelies." You shoot over your shoulder.

"You're home already?" Jake greets you once the door's open.

"Yeah, but I've not been home long."

"Dinner smells great mi vida." Jake kisses your cheek.

"Thank you, darling. I've made pasta and chicken. I know you're not particularly fond of vegan dishes." You say.

"Well I like yours cariño, your food doesn't taste awful and bland like what I've mostly seen of vegan food."

"Well I appreciate that sentiment I suppose, but I know you still prefer nonvegan." You chuckle.

"That's true, yes, but I'll probably have both anyway." Jake shrugs.

"Was work particularly bad for Steven today?"

"No actually, that horrid Donna woman was out sick, but I missed you. Steven was with you this morning and Marc was out most of last night. Only fair I get some quality time of my own. We agreed."

"You boys are so silly." You laugh.

"Steven wants you to know it's only you that makes us act that way."

"How cute." You muse.

"Yeah he's quite the sweet talker. How was your day?"

"It was fine, I worked through most of the morning and then I had some errands to run." You shrug.

"What sort of errands?"

"A little of this a little of that, some shopping, some dropping off of things, meeting people." You say vaguely. "Dinner's about done, can you grab some plates and forks?"

"Of course." Jake joins you in the kitchen getting plates and utensils while you turn off the oven and the stove. You pull the chicken out of the oven and Jake grabs one and drops it on his plate before you've even put the tray down.

"It's hot Jake be careful!" You warn him as you spoon pasta onto your own plate.

"No worries muñequita, I'll be fine." Jake winks.

"You all always eat like you haven't had any food all day." You shake your head taking a seat on the couch. Jake scoops pasta onto his plate and joins you as you pick something to watch.

"Your food is too good to not." He says. You roll your eyes at him but you don't bother to respond as you start eating. Both of you are pretty quiet through dinner, mostly discussing the show you've chosen to watch through dinner. You still have to talk to them but the words keep getting stuck in your throat. You wish you weren't so worried but this could easily go very wrong. When Jake finishes his meal he stands and kisses your cheek.

"I'll take care of the dishes and then I'm going to hop in the shower." Jake tells you, taking your empty plate from the table.

"Alright." You nod. Okay y/n suck it up, you can't put it off forever. "When you're finished darling we, need to talk." You announce before you can talk yourself out of it again.

"That- sounds ominous. Is everything okay? Should I hold off on the dishes?" 

"No no, you can finish up it's not- urgent." You tell him. Jake washes his hands and turns off the sink.

"What's this about cariño?" Jake asks walking over to you as he dries his hands.

"I have something to tell you- but I'm not sure how you'll react to it." You tell him when he sits beside you.

"You're breaking up with us, aren't you? We should've known this would happen eventually. I warned them you'd grow tired of us. We've exhausted our good fortune I guess- it was only a matter of time before you realized we didn't deserve-"

"Enough. Jake!" You blink at him utterly stunned by his line of thinking.

"You don't have to-"

"Whatever you're about to say, stop because I'm not breaking up with you and I cannot believe you think I'd grow tired of you. How could you sit here and say you don't deserve me or what we have or- Jake, I love you, all of you, with everything that I am. I can't believe that you still doubt that." You shake your head.

"Y/n no one has ever stuck around. Steven is idealistic and Marc is hopeful, if the other shoe drops one of us has to be able to hold it together for all of us I can't-"

"Jake. There is no other shoe to drop. I am not breaking up with you. I'm not tired of you or giving up on us, I don't think you undeserving of the love I have for you. Other people not loving you is not your fault." You tell him gently, grabbing his face in your hands.

"I do want to believe you but it's not easy to unlearn years of trauma plus what else could you possibly have to tell us that you think we'll take poorly?"

"Jake I'm pregnant." You say. Jake's eyes snap up to yours, wide with shock but you can't pinpoint the secondary emotion swirling in them.

"What?" His voice is barely a whisper.

"I'm pregnant. I was at the doctor today about it, we- could have a baby." You say gently, placing a hand on your stomach. You're only a couple of months along so, if they really were against the idea, terminating the pregnancy is still an option but you're not sure you could go through that and be okay after.

"We're going to be parents?" He asks.

"I know we haven't really talked about kids but-" Jake leaps off the couch before you can finish your thought. As if the news only just clicked in his brain he's suddenly whooping loudly. He even pulls you off of the couch with him.

"We're having a child? You're serious?" He scans your face as he waits for your answer.

"Yeah." You nod.

"You're not leaving." He shakes his head.

"No." You answer even though it was less a question and more a confirmation with himself. He pulls you tightly against his chest with a sigh.

"We're having a child muñequita. A child." He says in disbelief. "Do you think we're ready for this?"

"I don't think anyone is ever ready. But we will all figure it out. Together." You say. Jake makes a sound like a snort and you pull away from his embrace with a questioning glance.

"Steven is scolding me for ever daring to think you'd break up with us." Jake tells you with an eye roll.

"Well he's right about that but save the scolding for later sweetheart. Right now let's just- enjoy the thought of this next phase of our lives." You say leaning into Jake's arms again. You had no reason to worry. You knew they would make wonderful dads and it settled your nerves endlessly to hear the joy in Jake's voice over the news. Everything was going to turn out just fine.

***

[mayuichi]

She wants to trust you. Give her reasons trust you. Give her reasons be happy.

Furina x Reader

Warnings: None beside archon quest spoilers (kinda?? i think)! Fluff fic because I want to give Furina some deserved affection :(

Lys' note: i wrote that during the night (started around 4am it's now 7:30 I guess I won't sleep zbfozjfo), i hope furina isn't too ooc :( I love that cutie sm she deserves love and no one can change my mind. well i've finished rambling eNJOY THE FIC!! 🩷

Official arts from Genshin Impact!

Now that the Hydro dragon, Neuvillette, has become the new Archon of Fontaine, he has many things to worry about. Worries for his people, and his new role. He couldn't find time to check on Furina yet. So he falls you to his office. Being someone who already shared many tea parties with her, he humbly requests for you to go see her.

You don't have to be asked twice. Furina and you weren't close friends, yet.. you feel the need to be here for her. After her trial, where everyone has been against her, she couldn't actually be fine.

Of course, knowing no more of fontainians has dissolved makes her happy, but at what cost? You yourself have felt betrayed when the verdict fell upon her. She has never been the true Archon is the end. But she never deserved a death sentence.

Finding her still alive made a weight come off your shoulders, and yet... You felt a knot in your stomach. Why did you felt sorry for her at that time?

Enough questioning.

You are at her doorstep now. Hesitantly knocking, you wait for a potential answer. But no one answers. You could swear she would've been here. Why wasn't she? Panic runs through your veins. You shake your head. It isn't the time to think of the worst, isn't it?

You sigh, crossing your arms. Today has no performance, nor trials. So perhaps... She went to the Opera House? It wouldn't be surprising, but you wonder why would she be there. In any case, there is only one way to figure it out.

It's a long road until there, but you make it anyway. You'd do anything to know how she's doing. Despite not having much of a good.. friend. You haven't visited her or tried to check up on her before Neuvillette's request.

Perhaps she wouldn't even trust you.

Shaky steps, you make your way to the inside of the Opera House. You take in a deep breath before opening the doors leading to the stage. There she stands, oblivious to your presence.

Gracefully dancing alone, in the empty scene. No one to look at her, no one to say anything to her, no one to blame her. Humming to herself a soft, yet melancholic melody, a tune bringing up to the surface all the pain she has always felt.

You can't tear your eyes away from the sight of her. Carefully approaching, cautious to not make any sound. It's like watching a broken puppet putting on her last show. Despite the grace she has, some of her movements were... Hesitant. As if her mind is on fire.

Tripping on her feet, she falls on her hands and knees, quiet sobs filling the silent room. Her shoulders shruddering under each cries, her tears falling from her cheeks to crash onto the wooden stage. She is just a mess, overthinking everything she has done those past hundreds of years.

“What if things could've been different... Have I done my job right...„ she wonders. Such a painful sight for you to witness. You glance away, taking a few more steps. “Lady Furina...„

Her head snaps up, eyes filled with tears as she tries to crawl back. “What... What are you doing here?!„ she croaks out.

The once almighty and theatric Furina is now reduced to be a shadow of herself, in the exact same room where her people has left her. You sigh quietly, climbing onto the stage and kneel at her level.

“You don't need to stay alone, Lady Furina.„ you whisper softly. You know your words might be insignificant, especially considering her state, but if you could just... “No need to keep the lady... After all, now you all know..„

You felt pity for her. For everything that has happened. “You know.. No one hates you. You've never tried to bring bad things. You were just...„ “Lost...„ she mutters under her breath.

“Yeah.. as much as we were.„ you try to reach out and place a comforting hand on her shoulder, but she pushes it away. “I don't need anyone's pity.„ she growls out. Perhaps she doesn't need pity, but she clearly needs someone.

“I don't pity you. I truly want to be here for you.„ you smile, leaning your head closer to her, sitting right in front of her. “... Why?„ she inquires. “Well...„

You chuckle softly as she doesn't seem to remember anything. “Haven't you always listened to my issues back when we would have tea parties?„ you tilt your head on the side, keeping your gaze on her. “Well it-.. it was just a mere formality! Who, as a supposed Archon, wouldn't listen to one of her people's problems?„

You shake your head. You know there is more than that. But pressuring her right now isn't a good idea. Instead, you creep closer, until you could wrap your arm around her shoulder and let her rest her head against you.

“You do not have any reason to tell me what troubles your mind. Yet, I wish you are aware you can share anything to me. Your secrets are safe within those walls.„ you reassure her. It might not work, but at least she now knows she can lean on you if she needs.

Staying in that position for a little while, you gently rub her arm in a comforting way. She looks up at you, and suddenly asks what you feared.

“... Why didn't you came earlier?„ you have no true answers to that. You felt betrayed, lost, unsure. Everything and nothing flooded your mind at that right moment. “I'm sorry. I don't have any answer to give you. I'm to blame. But I do care for you. I never thought we would be friends from tea parties alone, but we can still be close. A confident, someone to share your burdens with. I'd love to be that person to you, if you want me to.„

She doesn't say anything more. She just processes your words in silence. And you don't mind it. If this could give her some peace of mind, you'll gladly stay this way.

“... I have never asked to carry such a burden.„ you snap your head towards her, unsure of what she means. You just wait for her to keep going.

“When she told me I just had to wait until an important and life changing trial, I... I never thought she was speaking of my own. I never felt so lost in my entire existence. My own people, going against me... I now know it was for the best, but...„

Her voice cracks. Tears sting in her eyes again, threatening to fall down. She is trying with all her might to not let them fall as she goes on.

“It hurts. It hurts like hell. I've lived through everything, and even now it still hurts. Will fontainians ever forgive me for lying to them? Does Neuvillette will forgive me? I've tried for so long to find a solution. We've lost so many people.„

You feel a sudden urge to shield her in your arms from all the cruelty. But it's too late, she already felt too much of it to ever forget. Yet it doesn't stop you from wrapping your arms around her petite frame, placing your chin on top of her head.

“I've tried. I've tried everything I could! I never wanted to see anyone dissolve! I spent days and nights searching for a solution, only for.. that...„ she lowers her head, hiding her tears as best as she could.

“Monsieur Neuvillette has never been upset. He is just busy. As for the people... I am sure they understand now. They can't be mad at someone who tried so hard to save them for all those years.„ you try to reassure her, but even yourself don't know how to do. How to comfort someone who had to lie for so long, to hide her true feelings and not even feel capable to share her burdens to the renowned traveler?

You feel helpless. Perhaps you aren't the one made for comforting her. But you want to try. To try no matter what. “You loved us. With all your heart. You have tried everything, at the cost of your own happiness, being eaten day by day.„

Your heart aches for her. You want to be there, to help her. To just... Let her be happy once again. She hides everything behind a facade. But every facade breaks at some point...

“Let me be the one for you. Let me show you how this world can bring many discoveries, how it can still give hopes and joy. Let me... Let me give you the happiness you're craving.„

She tilts her head up. Her eyes... It's empty. Filled with despair and pain. She's aching for love, to finally be happy and carefree. But there's also a tiny... Extremely tiny twinkle. A sparkle of hope igniting at your words. She wants to believe you, to trust you.

She wants to trust you. Give her reasons trust you. Give her reasons be happy.

She cracks a faint and weak smile to you, hesitantly reaching to take your hand in her. “... You promise to not leave me?„ she's scared. Terrified of another pain. But the passion in your eyes, the love your heart holds for her... It couldn't be faked.

“I promise. But you have to live on. Let your past behind. Don't let it haunt you...„ she doesn't know how to do that. She never knew. Placing a hand on her head to gently stroke her hair. “It's okay if you don't do it now. We will go step by step. At your own rhythm.„

You stand up, helping her stand as well, as you snake an arm around her waist to keep her close. “Now, let's go see Neuvillette. He is worried sick he hasn't seen you in days.„

Walking slowly to the aquabus, you sit together in silence. No words need to be spoken. Not when she sees how much love you want to give to her.

You arrive at the Palais Mermonia. Everyone is a little uneasy to see Furina after she excluded herself either in her home or the empty Opera House. Entering the Palais, you let her knock on Neuvillette's office's door. But no one answers.

She is about to grab your hand to tell you you should go, but instead, you knock again, clearing your throat. “Monsieur Neuvillette, it's me.„ recognising your voice, he tells you to enter, and so you do.

Furina hides behind your back, but Neuvillette could see her attire. He sighs in relief upon seeing her, smiling. “I am pleased to see you are doing okay, Lady Furina.„

She doesn't answer. “... Don't mind her silence. She took a while before talking to me. But I can assure you she'll be okay.„ you explain in a hurry, not wanting to offend the new Archon. “I never doubted it. She is in good hands with you. Why would I have asked you to see her otherwise?„

A weak smile spreads on your lips as you look behind to see Furina. You nudge against her, pushing her in front of his desk. “Eeep!„ her eyes widen. She's like an animal caught in a trap. She feels slightly betrayed that you make her face him, but it just makes him laugh.

“Well, I suppose she is indeed not talkative anymore...„ Neuvillette teases gently, his eyes gazing back to the papers. “I- I am talkative!„ you raise an eyebrow. Neither of you believe her words. But it just makes you laugh.

You walk closer to her, cupping her cheeks in your hands as your nose almost touch her. “It's okay. I'll show you how it feels to be loved. Let's just give us some time.„

You then proceed to walk away, under Neuvillette's gaze as he watches closely for Furina's reaction. Her cheeks flush bright red as she stares at your back before shouting.

“What do you mean give us some time?! There's no way I'd date someone like you!„ she hears you chuckle, and she knows she is now going to be teased.

“You're assuming things, ma très chère amie. I never said we would become a thing... Did I?„ you smirk, stopping in your track to watch her expression.

“You-! You implied it, imbécile!„ she runs to you, gently punching against your chest as she pouts. And then... You just lead her back home, promising her to come first thing tomorrow to go on a walk with her.

Perhaps you two will truly become something eventually.

/ᐠ - ˕ •マ Ⳋ mayuichi's property. do not copy, repost or translate without permission.

[unknown-lab]

What is Love?

Pairing: Dazai Osamu x reader

Genre: Angst

Warnings: Cheating

Have you ever once in your life, regardless if you're single or in a relationship, wondered... What love is? How do you get it? What should you do to maintain the love you're having for another person? Throughout my experience, there's one thing for sure.

Love is something that fades easily, only when you're with the wrong person.

The night of our 5th Anniversary.

Food? Done. Table? Well-prepared. Candles? All up. Dress? Gorgeous. Lights? Perfect. Everything, every single detail was not left out. Time was tick-tocking as I was admiring what I had done for the past 5 hours. For him, for us. The only flaw I'm having right now is the empty spot in front of me. It should be occupied 1 hour ago.

I waited

And waited

And waited...

Ah... It's 10 pm now. The candles are all out. The room darkened, and there were only 2 dim lights on top of me. He's a busy man, I guess he'd forgotten about this already. Alright then, there's no sign of his return, I might as well start cleaning up. Although I haven't touched anything on the table, I don't feel hungry. Maybe because I don't have the every to be hungry now.

Front door opens

I was already done with the cleaning. I turned to him, and our eyes met. He looks tired too. I don't want to stress him out further, so I just gave him a smile and turned away, walking toward our bed. It's like he could read my mind, he didn't say anything, he just went into the bathroom and took a shower.

He lies down next to me, both of us turning to the opposite side. He's still next to me, and he smells nice. The scent is different from the shampoo we have in our bathroom. I wonder where did he get it from. I was deep in thought until he broke the silence.

"Sign the papers tomorrow."

Hmm? What papers? Never mind, I'll just ask him tomorrow. I don't know why, I feel more tired than usual tonight.

Oh.

Wow.

This escalated... rather quickly... Dazai. Well, I did expect this to happen sooner or later. I was reading through the divorce papers, making nothing is missed out. Everything right now was peaceful. No quarrels, no fights, just two grown adults doing what adults should be doing.

"I was with her last night. I had been by her side for about half a year, and we're planning to make that official. Hopefully, you would understand." He broke the silence, once again. There weren't any expectations heard from his monotone voice. It's like this is just a procedure to him.

Obviously, I kept quiet. I didn't raise my head to look at him, just the files. They are the only thing I have now. I signed the papers and passed them to him. I went to pack my belongings, making sure to bring everything I had with me. While he's just there, sitting on the couch texting her.

Everything is now at the doorstep, ready to go. For the first time in so long, he showed kindness. He put my luggage into the boot. For a split second, seeing him in his suit made my heart skip a beat. How long has he not worn that? It was the one I bought for him on our 1st anniversary. And I know for sure, it's his favourite.

"You can go now, I'll deal with the papers myself. Nothing will go wrong." This is more of an assurance to himself than to me.

"Did you know what day was yesterday?" I looked at him, unfiltered words just came out of my mouth.

"Yeah. It was our 5th Anniversary." He said nonchalantly.

Out of all the things I've thought of, this was the last of all that I could possibly expect. I was expecting a no, regardless he was lying or not. The fact that he knew everything, he knew I was waiting for him, he knew he had to come back, he knew it was our anniversary. This is the trigger that is preparing to fire.

"Then why were you absent?"

"She said wanted me to stay with her."

I could imagine the girl in her sweet voice, holding his hand or hugging him tightly. Begging him to stay with her, just to ruin our moment.

Bravo. Tears formed at the corner of my eyes, slowly rolling down my cheek. Through the blurry vision, I saw a young man in his favourite suit, running towards me. He hugged me and said:

"It's alright, I'd do anything if it's for you."

[no-nameno-face]

Auburn Thoughts (Pt.1)

Pairing: Reader x Ellie Williams

Summary:  You are an art student working on a rather boring assignment. The girl across from you makes it a bit more bearable. 

Warnings: ummm painting and flirting ig? Some sarcasm? Not sure what qualifies as warning material in a chapter like this. lol.

Author's Notes: I'm literally a college drop out so idk if this is even close to a real college experience so bear with me. I'm really excited to be writing a slow burn, I love reading them so I'm having a lot of fun making one of my own. This chapter is mostly fluff, but with that being said I definitely plan on this leading to some heavy smut so fair warning. I’m still new to writing, like I said in my last post that was my first time writing, so be patient with me please. I'm already almost done with part two, the story definitely picks up a bit. trying to contain myself to keep it a nice slow build, but writing Ellie makes that so hardddd. Anyways, I hope you enjoy! <3

Part 2

I balance, perched on my wooden stool. Knee to my chest and a paint brush resting in the corner of my mouth. I squint at the bowl of fruit on the pedestal in the middle of the empty classroom. 

How the fuck am I supposed to feel inspired by a god damn banana? My eyes shift to the canvas in front of me. A base of powder blue covers the surface with a rough outline of my perspective of the assigned model. So boring. My forehead drops onto my knee. “Im fucked.” I breathe. I rest there for a minute, trying to get past the mental block of painting something I have absolutely no interest in. I didn't anticipate this side of art school. I was picturing passion projects and creative people with minds for the picking. Not fucking bananas. 

I look up at the ceiling and take a deep breath. I’m not gonna get anything else done today. I can tell. I’ll work on it tomorrow in class, see if I can figure anything out. I begin gathering my brushes head to the sink on the side of the classroom. Turning on the faucet I begin gently squeezing the paint out of my brushes, and drying them one by one. The colored water coming off of them was more exciting than anything I've created today. 

I hear the classroom door swing open. It startles me and I jump a bit, turning automatically to find the noise. Green eyes meet mine. 

“Shit, sorry.” she says as she looks away and paces to the canvas storage on the other side of the classroom, pulling off her hood as she walks revealing short auburn hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. It’s a nice color, I thought as I turned back to my brushes. I finished washing them as I thought about what colors I would have to mix to match it. My color theory class is getting to me, I shake my head softly. 

As I dry my last brush I realize how quiet it is. Just the sound of my bristles on the cloth, and that girl from my class setting her canvas on her assigned easel across from mine, on the opposite side of the cursed fruit. 

I turn and walk back to my easel and put my brushes in their case, then load it into my bag resting on the floor next to my seat. I stand up and address my canvas hopelessly one more time, letting out a small huff before I pick it up and haul it to the canvas storage. I load it into my assigned slot then head back to grab my bag, glancing first at the fruit, then at the girl. She sat comfortably eyeing her canvas, I wondered if she was having as hard of a time with this assignment or if it was just me. I reach my stuff and lean down to grab it.

“God, this blows,” she sighs. I look up at her. It's like she read my mind.

“What, you're not, like, crazy intrigued by the,” I wave towards the model “fruit.” I give a sarcastic smile. She looks up at me and returns the grin. She's got a pretty smile. 

“Can't say I am,” she says looking back at her canvas. I smile swinging on my bag.

“Well that makes two of us.” I say turning to leave the classroom. Walking back to my dorm my mind drifts back to the colors I would need to make that auburn. 

My following few nights were spent, paint brush in hand, and her across the room. Working hard on our assignments, with the occasional aggrieved comment discussing the problem at hand. I found my gaze lingering a bit longer on her than I would like to admit over these days. Smiling a bit too hard at her jokes. Laughing quietly to myself when I’d hear her drop a brush and curse under her breath.  

I started actually looking forward to painting the stupid bowl of fruit. There was something so nice about being in our own worlds, occasionally colliding, then bouncing back to our own little universes on our canvases. She makes me feel safe. Motivated. It was refreshing. 

I wondered if her mind would drift to me late at night like mine drifted to her. Definitely not. So fucking stupid, I would tell myself holding my pillow over my face.

______________________________________________________________

The next day I sat in class listening to the professor go on about the power of perspective, and how angles can truly change the emotion of a piece. My eyes drift as she's talking and I catch a glimpse of green before it darts away. Wandering eyes. Happens to us all. I think nothing of it. 

I endure the lecture and we enter the freepainting portion of the class. Finally okay with the outline of my painting, I go to the paint station to collect the colors I need to start laying the foundation of the subject. I’m rummaging through the bottom drawer of the color supply when I hear someone approaching.

“So how's the emotion of your piece coming?” came her sarcastic voice. I smile at my scavenging hands.

“Oh, it's life changing.” I say with a small nod, not looking up. She chuckles lightly, then leans against the cabinets next to me, crossing her arms over her chest, looking over the classroom. I stand, feeling satisfied by my color choices and meet her eyes, giving her a small smile, before walking back to my easel. I put my headphones in and shuffle my music. Diving into the project, desperately riding the momentum of the lecture before I lost the little motivation I had. 

The class time ended, but I planned on getting another hour or so of painting in to make up for my lack of progress during open room yesterday. Students were drifting out of the classroom leaving it quieter, which I much preferred. Finally finished with the base colors of the painting I began the shading, shuffling through my brushes in my case finding the one I needed. When I found it I pulled my knee up to my chest and leaned around my canvas to look at the subject.

I noticed she was still here, sitting across from me. Just legs beneath her work. Jeans, well worn converse, one tapping the floor. Then she's leaning around to look at the model, I dart back behind my canvas before she can catch me looking. I think I was fast enough? Why do I care, it's not a big deal? My brows furrow, confused by my own actions. Why am I being so weird?

I shade away at the apple on the left side of the bowl, frustrated with the highlights. I tilt my head up and feel the tension in my neck. I grab at it and roll my head. My eyes absently scan the classroom. Empty. All but that one seat. 

I checked my phone for the time, shit it's been over 2 hours since class got out. I look at my canvas, mentally making a plan for tomorrow's work. Then I gather my brushes and head to the sink. A repeat of the day before, and days before that. Watching the colors strain down the sink, drying my brushes. This time she approaches with her own brushes, turning on the faucet next to me and begins working the paint out of them. 

“I didn't realize what time it was, I'm glad you got up when you did. I would have been here for hours” she says looking at the brush in her hands. 

“Time flies when you’re having fun,” I respond, looking over at her then back to my brushes. I see her smile in my peripheral. That pretty smile. We wash in silence for a bit before,

“My name’s Ellie. I just realized I never introduced myself” she says, glimpsing at you.

“How rude of you, Ellie.” I say smirking at her. She squints her eyes at me with a crooked smile. “I’m _____.” I say picking up my drying rag. 

“Hey, for the record you never introduced yourself either.”

“Didn't know you wanted me to.”

“Touche.” 

I turn and walk back to my bag, following my daily routine. Putting my brushes in their case, loading it in my bag. Hauling my canvas to the storage then heading to the door. 

“Hey,” Ellie calls to me. I turn and see her putting her canvas away. “You seemed like you really knew what you were doing, picking your colors out earlier.” I grab at the straps of my backpack as she walks up to me “I was just wondering, could you give me some tips? I'm more of a graphite, charcoal girl myself. Color is not really my thing.” she said looking down at her shoes then back to me. 

“I guess,” I say with a smile heading out the door. She follows me, catching up to walk by my side.

“Now?” She looks at me while we walk.

“I'm a bit painted out at the moment,” 

“Oh, yeah. No for sure,” she responds, directing her attention to the floor. She almost sounds flustered? No, I'm definitely reading into it. A small smile paints my lips at the possibility.

“How about we meet up during open room tomorrow? I'll give you some pointers.” She  looks up to me with a bit of surprise in her eyes, I look ahead of myself. “I mean I'm no Warhol, but I'm happy to help.”

“Fuck yeah, that sounds perfect! What time do you wanna meet?” she asks eagerly. A light in her eyes. 

“4:00?”

“My last class gets out at 4:30, can you do 5:00?” 

“Oh you're making demands now?” I say with a sarcastic grimace at her, brows furrowed. She bites at her smile. It's an image I'd like to immortalize in my sketchbook. What? I look at the ground, thrown off by my own thoughts. “Yeah, let's meet at 5:00.” I say just looking up enough to catch her eyes already peering at me, she glances away from me quickly. Pushing through the doors of the building we are hit with the cold air. She pulls her hood up over her ponytail. 

“See you then.” she nods at me and heads down the stairs and to the left towards her dorm I presume. I grin at myself, my cheeks feeling a bit warmer than they should in the breeze.

Back at my dorm I find myself doodling the image of her bitten lips. Auburn thoughts.

[togenabi]

by the window under the moonlight

inumaki toge x fem!reader ♡ royalty au

♡—when sent to look for your brother, you find a handsome stranger instead.

word count♡— 1.9k words

genre♡— fluff, royalty au

aged up characters♡— 18+

content notes♡— strangers to potential lovers, mutual pining, everyone is a prince or princes, older brother!gojo satoru, no use of y/n, love at first sight ish, very fluff, mc pins toge to the wall, toge writes a love letter, toge uses sign language bc I refuse to write shake or salmon in a royalty au, lets just say that mc is called princess bc their empire > the other kingdoms

author's note♡— i desperately needed toge fluff, so i was motivated to write this! might be a bit wonky bc it's been a while since i wrote a fic, but i'm still happy with how it turned out ^^ enjoy!

You don't know why you believed Satoru when he promised he would sit still at tonight's ball. Maybe it was because you were genuinely looking forward to it. Maybe you wanted to believe that you would have fun with your friends without having to worry about the troublesome crown prince.

But... he was your brother, and as it always was in times like these, you're sent away to find him.

Because he does listen to you.

...

To an extent.

...

When he feels like it.

Running your hands through your hair, you turn towards yet another empty corridor.

“Just where is that annoying—” Your grumbling is interrupted when you spot a head of white hair flit by the corner of your eye.

‘Aha!’ You rush immediately to follow the figure.

It quickly becomes clear that he's very good at dodging you and leading you in circles. However, you know this castle better than anyone, and you trap him into a corner soon enough.

“I'm surprised you fell for that. You aren't usually this easy to... catch...”

A beautiful stained glass window is fixed at the end of the corridor you led him to. The moonlight shines through it and paints the stranger in breathtaking colors.

‘Who is he?’, you wonder. You don't think you've ever seen someone so handsome... Despite an extended collar covering half of his face.

He meets your eyes and frowns. Though you only stand in front of him in confusion.

“You're not... Satoru.” You start slowly, trying to grasp the situation. “Why did you run from me?”

You hear several scuffling feet in the distance, and suddenly you're alarmed.

‘Shit, is this an ambush?’

The stranger seems to be distracted by the noise as well. Taking the opportunity, you sprint and tackle him, pinning him to the wall. This hallway is secluded enough that you're confident whoever's following you won't be able to find you if you keep quiet.

He looks like he's about to say something, but you don't let him.

“Shush!” You say. He looks bewildered.

A moment passes, and you realize that the noise was only from the knights rushing to look for Satoru as well.

You find yourself staying still despite having nothing to hide from the knights. ‘Why do I feel like I've done something wrong?!’

You take the time to analyze the man in front of you while waiting for the knights to depart. Though you can feel his strong build, he doesn't resist you. Perhaps he isn't particularly dangerous, or maybe he doesn't see you as enough of a threat to put up a fight.

The latter irks you more than you thought it would.

The noises fade, and you're about to loosen your grip on the stranger when you hear more sounds. This time, it's the boisterous laughter of those annoying, pompous delegates.

Annoyance paints your face just thinking about the ridiculous rumors they spread. If only they'd properly do their jobs instead of gossiping and pestering you to get married. Imagine if they saw you now, pinning this man to the wall. Why, they would probably chatter about it for years and—

You suddenly realize how... delicate your current situation is.

You panic, and the stranger tilts his head as if asking you, ‘What?’

“Shhhhh!!!” Before you could help it, you shush the man with urgency, using your hands to cover his mouth. You couldn't even begin to comprehend the international scandal that would unfold should you be discovered in this very compromising position—with a noble you've never met, no less!

“Did you hear that the crown prince disappeared again?” One of the delegates cackled.

“Oh my, again? Then was the princess sent to fetch him?”

“It seems so! But I hear she has been gone for some time as well! Ho ho!”

“Perhaps she has gotten tired playing her brother's keeper. I can't believe the future of the empire lies on the shoulders of someone so happy-go-lucky. Tsk.”

The voices fade. Holding your breath, you crane your neck every which way to see if the delegates have truly left. You finally spare the stranger a glance once you're met with a noiseless hallway. You sigh deeply.

‘This man would probably be angry’, you think to yourself...

You expected him to be mad, or to throw a tantrum. You waited for him to shove you off despite you being a princess—to demand an explanation and god forbid, compensation for the stress they endured this entire ordeal. That's how most, if not all, nobles were these days. Entitled beyond repair.

But to your surprise, you find him smiling. The corners of his eyes pinch as if he finds the situation very amusing. His shoulders shake due to laughter, and that's when you notice the color of his coat—a deep bluish purple... The color reminds you of the Inumaki clan, of the flag on the carriage you saw arriving this morning.

...

Ah. You let go of him.

His eyes glow with mischief as he watches you take in his appearance. The coat. The color of his hair. The purple eyes...

...The markings he reveals after he pulls down his collar.

You've played yourself a fool.

You back away from him immediately, clearing your throat and smoothing your hands over your skirt. “I deeply apologize, prince Toge.” You bow deeply.

Toge bows to you as well. Afterwards, he begins to sign a response. ‘You have a strong grip, princess.’

Your cheeks grow warm. Of course he decides to make fun of you. But then again, it was very rude of you to have literally cornered and restrained him.

“Again, I'm sorry.” You take a deep breath. “As you may have heard, I was looking for my brother. I only followed you because I thought you were him.”

His eyes glint wickedly. ‘And the pinning?’

“I-I was flustered.” You still are, but you curtsy to him and look to the floor to hide your expression. “Please excuse me. I must go.”

Toge watches you leave, and a smile blooms on his face when he sees your ears turning red.

He looks back to the stunning window at the end of the hall, and engraves into his memory how beautiful you had looked under the iridescent moonlight.

⋆｡˚ 🪟 ˚｡⋆｡˚🌕˚｡⋆

After trying (and failing) to find your dearest brother, you decide to return to the ballroom. You spot your trio of best friends conversing near the buffet table. Prince Megumi catches your sight first, and walks briskly to meet you.

“Where have you been?” He asks, and you think this is the most frazzled you've seen of the dark haired prince.

“I was looking for my brother, where else?” Your thoughts wander to prince Toge, and you subconsciously look around to see if he has returned as well. Your eyes find prince Yuji and princess Nobara approaching.

“When we thought you were taking too long, we left to find you.” Nobara explains. “But we ended up finding your brother instead.” She gestures to the end of the ballroom, where Satoru is sprawled on his seat next to the emperor's.

“Serves him right to look so bored. He's so much more trouble than he's worth.” You tsk.

Yuji catches your attention. “But I don't understand what took you so long, princess. You usually find him quickly, did something happen?”

Once again, your mind is brought back to Toge, and how he looked when you first saw him.

You must have taken a beat longer to reply. The three of them suddenly lean closer to try and read your expression.

“Are you alright?”

“Don't you dare try to keep whatever this is a secret from us!”

“So something did happen!”

They bombard you with questions, and you're suddenly overwhelmed. “I'll explain if you all let me, now will you?”

You pull them towards the wall, where there are less people, before explaining what happened.

...

You immediately regret doing so.

Your friends fail to compose themselves as they laugh. You're baffled as even Megumi laughs at you. He tries to cover his mouth, but it's too late. You glare at all of them.

“I can't believe you told prince Toge, of all people, to shush!” Nobara wipes her eyes with a handkerchief.

Yuji is still keeled over as he nods. “I would have paid to see that!”

“Now I understand what Maki and Panda were laughing about earlier, and why they kept looking over at us.” Megumi smirks at you teasingly.

“No!” You gasp. “They didn't!”

“Oh yes they did!” Yuji counters. “It all makes sense now!”

The trio seems to have regained their composure, but you're still a bit miffed. You refuse their offer to dance with you.

“I don't want to dance with any of you right now.”

“Oh shush, princess!” Nobara says, and they're caught in a fit of laughter once again.

But then their eyes shift to something behind you, and their next words get stuck in their throat.

You hear footsteps before you look over your shoulder. Prince Toge advances towards you.

He bows in a graceful motion, just as he did before. ‘I greet the princess of the empire. May I have this dance?’ He asks before holding out his hand.

You expected to be too embarrassed to dance with him well. But you're learning that your expectations are often wrong tonight.

Words fail to describe how wonderful it was to dance with him.

For someone who held him against a wall, the prince looks at you fondly. More fondly than you expected, and more fondly than anyone else has ever regarded you. His movements are confident and smooth as he leads you along to the music.

You want to apologize again, and possibly say that you're enjoying your time with him; but you have the strangest feeling that he already knows.

And thus, you stay silent, and let yourself be swept off your feet. The gentle melody plays on and contrasts with the erratic beating of your heart.

When the dance ends, he leans down to bring his face closer to yours. He takes your hands and brings your fingers up to cover his lips—reminiscent of how you had done earlier when you were hiding. You blush as he kisses your fingers while holding your hands firmly.

You find yourself unable to think of anything else even when the ball draws to a close.

You're unable to properly greet him goodbye, but you meet his eye when he looks over before entering his carriage. He nods, and smiles sweetly at you, the kind that reaches his eyes.

Your attention snaps away from him when Nobara demands you make her your maid of honor at your wedding, and you're left flustered once again.

⋆｡˚ 🪟 ˚｡⋆｡˚🌕˚｡⋆

A letter from him arrived the next day.

Dearest princess,

I realize I left you last night without apologizing to you. Please accept my apology now, though it may be late. You said you were flustered, and that was what led you to your actions last night. I'm afraid it was the same for me.

I don't know why I ran from you, or why I didn't bother to turn around sooner to confirm the identity of my pursuer. But now I'm certainly glad I didn't, for it has left me with memories I will surely cherish.

I will be frank. I am unable to stop my thoughts of you, and would like to get to know you more. Allow me to be the one to pursue you, this time.

In a few weeks, during the crown prince's birthday banquet, please let me steal you away for a while. I hope to meet you there again, by the window under the moonlight. I look forward to your reply.

Thinking of you,

- Toge

⋆｡˚ 🪟 ˚｡⋆｡˚🌕˚｡⋆

[PART 2]

© togenabi 2023 | see here to be added to my taglist ♡

[softspeirs]

Daisies and Love Letters (6): John Egan/OC

A/N: I am so sorry it's taken me so long to figure out the next bit for these two. I've sort of got myself in a pickle because the only way to go chronologically is post-war, and I never intended for this series to go that far. So we'll see how it goes - I may have some ~interludes feat. more of their letters, but I think we're winding down on our time with John and Ellie.

Six. Goodbyes.

"Tell me you didn't ride your bicycle all the way here." Ellie's hands are on her hips as she stands outside the pub, a rag slung over one shoulder.

"Okay, I won't tell you." Bucky replies, grinning at her. He stops, dismounts, and is pressing a kiss to her cheek before she can reprimand him further. "Hi."

"Hello," she whispers against his jaw, "Come inside." She ushers him in and he settles at a barstool with a wince, trying his best to hide it. "How long before you have to be back?"

"Was hoping you'd let me stay if it gets too late." He admits, the most endearing blush she's ever seen staining the tips of his ears. "Haven't seen you in a few days."

Ellie busies herself with cleaning up the last few glasses from empty tables, the pub nearly empty except for a few locals.

Most of the boys have gone home.

It makes Ellie's hands tremble, because she knows, sooner rather than later, John is going to be one of them, and she hasn't figured out how she's going to handle that quite yet.

“I haven’t been able to get away…” she says with a sigh, setting the last of the clean glasses on the shelf behind the bar. “I’ve had accounts to settle now that everyone’s leaving, and…” she trails off, a melancholy mood settling over her.

Bucky clears his throat. An awkward silence fills the room, and he wishes he knew the right words to say to make her understand how he feels. He’s conflicted, to say the least. This isn’t a fling for him, but he feels silly admitting it, because how could he be so head over heels for a girl with whom he’s only shared a handful of days (and two nights — all innocent, but memorable nonetheless) with?

He can’t really explain to anyone that they’ve done this whole thing out of order, and yet she knows him better than just about anyone here besides Buck.

“We don’t have to talk about that now.” He offers a way out of the conversation, and she smiles at him softly, gratefully.

Her father, funnily enough, had been the one to broach the subject after he met Bucky for the first time, a quiet dinner after the pub had closed early to celebrate VE-Day.

Afterwards, cleaning up, he had said quietly. "I wouldn't hold it against you if you wanted to go, Eleanor."

She had stilled, her hands stuck in the soapy dishwater, her mind spinning. "What do you mean?"

Her father scoffs. "You know what I mean. I saw the way that Major of yours looked at you. He's going to ask you to marry him."

Somehow, it wasn't an outcome Ellie had even remotely considered. It felt too soon. It was too soon. They were clinging to this thing between them so desperately.

Ellie has been putting a small distance between her and John since that night. She can't bring herself to talk to him about it but she also can't really bring herself to stay away... after everything he's been though, Ellie can't stand the thought of hurting him. She doesn't want to.

She just-- she wants, and it's terrifying, no matter which outcome she pictures; the one where he asks her a question and she leaves everything she's ever known behind, or the one where he tells her it's been wonderful, and she's a great girl, but duty calls and he's got to go... they're both too scary to contemplate.

"You're quiet." His voice brings her out of her own head and back to the present. "You've been quiet a lot lately, actually." He ducks his head like he's afraid of saying this to her. Either that, or he's afraid of her response.

The wooden bar between them feels wider than ever.

"Suppose we talk about "it" now rather than later." Ellie says in a rush, hands twisting together in front of her.

"It." John repeats.

"Oh, please don't make this harder on me than it already is, I don't--"

He stands to try to stop her worrying, reaching across the bar to grab her hand. "Hey, stop that." He says, a soothing thumb rubbing across the back of her hand. "When have you ever been scared to talk to me about anything?" His words are clipped, hurt.

"Let's go upstairs. Dad is out." She says, breath leaving her in a sigh.

He dutifully follows her to the upstairs apartment. It's not much, just a place to do the business part of the pub and a place to stay when the walk home at the end of the night seems too long.

It's quiet, the clock on the mantle ticking away.

Bucky feels his heart pounding in his ears with each step. He feels like they're on the precipice of something. Either she's going to put him out of his misery, or she's going to break his heart.

She sits heavily on the sofa, and he sits on the opposite end. Their knees brush. He aches for a more intimate touch, but he wants to give her all the space she needs to think.

"You're going to go home soon." She says, blunt.

He blinks rapidly. "I don't-- nothing's set in stone." He frowns. "Is that what's been bothering you?"

"Yes!" She says, exasperated. "You haven't said anything at all. We've been living in a bubble since you got back, and I'm not sure I'm cut out for it, John."

He flinches, just barely. "Are you-- are you finished with me?"

She moves closer, takes his face in her hands. "I don't want to be finished with you, and that's what scares me." Her voice shakes. "I wish we would have met sooner. I wish you were never shot down. I wish so badly you could have come here and taken me out to dinner, or dancing, and that we could have more time."

"Ellie." His voice is hoarse, but she doesn't let him finish.

"I'm not sure I'm cut out for this, John. Not because I don't want you, but because I do, so badly. And when you go home, it's going to break my heart clean in half. And I'm terrified of that."

"So let me stay." His voice is low, husky. His hands cover hers, still on the sides of his face. His fingers curl into hers, holding her tight, the conviction in his words echoed by his firm touch. "Not just for one night. I'll stay here with you."

Ellie is shaking her head. "I won't take you away from your mother."

His eyes close, emotion getting the better of him. His jaw clenches. "So here we are, then." He drops his hands.

She does the same, but instead her hands find his. Her fingers run over his knuckles, still scarred and scabbed. His hands, that held her so gently and that penned some of the sweetest letters she's ever read.

"Dad thinks I should see America."

John's eyes fly open. "Does he?"

She shrugs. "I've always wanted to go. It's time my brother does a few shifts behind the bar anyway."

He stands abruptly, pacing on the rug in front of her. He stops, one hand running through his hair. "What are you saying?"

"Well I'm not certainly not saying anything if you're not asking--"

He drops, right there, right to his knees in front of her. This time it's he who cups her face, brushing her hair out of her eyes. "I would, you know. I'd ask you right now if I thought you'd say yes."

She frowns. "How do you--"

"Come with me. Meet my parents, my sisters-- God help me." He mutters the last part, and she laughs, though her laugh is clogged by tears. "Come with me, and then we'll decide what to do. And if your answer is that you want to come right back here, then we'll deal with that together too."

Ellie closes the distance between them and kisses him so hard she's worried about his still-healing scrapes and bruises, but he matches her breath for breath.

"No goodbyes," he whispers when they break apart. "Not yet."

He has no idea how the logistics of any of this are going to work, but he'll figure that out later.

As long as he doesn't have to kiss her goodbye tonight, or even tomorrow... he'll figure it out later.

[bg3fan]

The devil you don't know 2

Part 1 / Part 3

Waking up next to your loved one is always something you'll cherish and be grateful for.

He's curled into himself while your arms slung around him, your nose buried in his neck, taking his natural scent which surprisingly always smells like sulfur and cherries. Making you wonder if he takes extra care of his scent for it to stay on him for this long

Tightening your arms around him to pull him closer to yourself even though he is much larger than you, you still like to be the one to hold him. Basking in his warmth, nuzzling him from behind while you tangle your legs with his.

With a sigh leaving your lips, you try to engrave this moment into your brain to never forget it, running your hands over his chest and belly, taking ever little curve and muscle into notice.

You close your eyes again as a sudden wave of sadness and guilt overtakes you. Have you done something to make him feel like he's a bad person?

He's always so respectful and polite. He often helps you around the house even if it's something as little as taking the trash out. Sometimes he'll also cock dinner for the two of you and bring a very expensive bottle of wine.

He also never arrives empty-handed to your home, always having a flower bouquet, a new book, or something that you've needed for a while.

Your lips slowly kiss down his neck to his shoulder, causing him to growl, to which you can only smile.

Raphael slowly turns on his back, stretching his limbs before putting them around your waist. "Good morning, little mouse." he greets you with his low morning voice.

"Morning," you reply before giving his cheek a kiss and resting your head on his chest.

Your hand comes up to comb through his bed hair, and he only hums to the feeling while his eyes remain closed.

"Raphael..." You whisper as if you're about to say something forbidden, "I've been thinking about yesterday"

The man finally opens his eyes, and you immediately see the sadness and hurt in his eyes to which you hurriedly sit up and put both your hands on his cheek. "Nothing bad, baby, it's just..."

His own hands grab your wrist while he leans into your hands, waiting for you to continue. "I just wish you could see how good of a person you are. You've been nothing but a blessing for me. So please, if there is anything I can do to make you see your value, then don't hesitate to tell me"

Raphaels lips are pressed in a thin line while sitting up as well, taking your hands off his face into his palm.

"You don't understand..." it's clear to you that he has trouble to voice his thoughts, but you don't want to pressure him.

In your mind, he's just like a cat. Don't make any sudden moves, or you'll scare them away forever. That's why you only squeeze his hands while staying quiet.

"I've been lying to you this whole time," he confesses. "I thought if I hid it from you, perhaps I could be truly happy," he avoids your gaze and takes deep breaths before continuing, "but I'm too scared to tell you, you'll leave me and I'll be alone again, raging about my damn father"

Gulping you think of the best way to react to such a confession, however, Raphael is quick to keep talking. "My whole life, I've been thinking of ways to overthrow my father, and soon my chance will come. The only thing I need to do is to wait now,"

"But isn't that good?" You ask him quietly so as not to scare him off, "I'll have to show you my true self then, little mouse... and if you don't accept me, I don't know what I'll do... I don't want to be alone..."

Your heart breaks at the sight of his teary eyes and how his voice keeps breaking down. You can't help but pull him into your shoulder, petting his back while he fists your shirt.

"No matter what happens or what you've done that you're hiding from me, I'll never leave you. You're the only one for me, Raphael."

I really want to turn this into a fluff / angst fic now 🫠🫠 because I'm having a lot of fun writing this

[ghostofskywalker]

Forever Is The Sweetest Con

Wanda Maximoff/Reader

Words: 933

Summary: You may have had some tricks up your sleeve, but so did she, and soon you were forced to confront the truth behind your time together.

taylorswiftbingo square (and recommended listening for this fic): cowboy like me

Note: since evermore is my favorite of taylor's albums i was so excited to write this, i hope i've done the vibes of the song justice :)

Wanda Maximoff Masterlist

At first, it was a means to an end.

The two of you met in a shady dive bar, each with your own agenda and an aura of indifference. It was clear that she, just like you, was a professional who did not bother with the trivial intimacies of life, and was instead focused on the greater plan. And you admired that. A long time ago you had attempted to take advantage of every single path one could take in life, but the unfortunate reality of the job you worked became more clear, forcing you to step back.

You never wanted to fall in love.

Cryptic words and backdoor deals characterized the time you spent together. Although you often worked towards the same goal, you knew that she had never been completely open and honest with you, and you had acted the same way in return. There was too much to lose if it all went wrong, and as beautiful as she was, you had to make sure you were able to disappear at a moment’s notice.

For a while, the arrangement seemed to work out.

There was something to be said about the loneliness of the life you lived, and even though you never had long, meaningful conversations about the things that happened to you, the feeling of her skin against yours did wonders to ease some of that ache. Physically, you often felt as though the two of you were joined as one, and each night you spent with her was filled with panting moans, breathless whines, and whispered ecstasies. Even if all you knew was her first name.

You could tell that she was running from her past the same way you were running from yours.

Your time together was almost simpler than the rest of your life, because for a few hours you could forget the mounting dread you felt and lose yourself in the smell of her hair. Even when you worked jobs with her, you always played the role of a decoy, flirting with whoever Wanda needed you to or providing an out to any conversation she wanted to escape. You learned that she was a phenomenal dancer, and the two of you twirled together across dance floors at clubs you could never afford to be members of, ignorantly content in the way that you lived.

The thrill of caring about someone else, especially when you had previously convinced yourself that it was completely impossible, was addictive. You could feel yourself losing the ambition that had previously ruled your days. All your thoughts revolved around Wanda, when you were going to see her next, what you wanted to say to her, what you wanted to do with her.

You never talked about it with her, but you began to put resources away. A goal formed in your mind: to make enough that you could leave behind your life of crime, that for the first time in over a decade you could settle somewhere, with her. But of course, things soon came crumbling down.

She always stayed the full night when you saw each other, you always woke up curled in each others’ arms, laying there as the light of the rising sun crept in through the cracks in the blinds. But this morning, when you opened your eyes and rubbed the sleep from them, the bed next to you was empty.

No noise crept through the walls, the apartment as quiet as it would be during the dead of night. The black heels she always wore when you worked together were not in their spot, the space next to your standing mirror glaringly empty. And finally, the space where Wanda always slept was cold, even though the sheets were still rumpled. It all pointed to a conclusion that you didn’t want to accept, because you wanted to continue to live in delusion.

The final nail in the coffin came when you saw the note on the table, and your heart fell to the floor as you recognized her beautiful scrawling handwriting.

My darling,

I hope you can one day forgive me for this. I can wholeheartedly say that I have cherished every moment we spent together, but you should have known that it could never last. We are two unshakable forces, and it doesn’t seem fair to snuff out our flame, but it would only lead to more destruction.

Please don’t try to find me, it would only reopen wounds we’ve both worked so hard to heal.

Wanda

The feeling of crushing hopelessness hit you square in the chest, and there was truly no way you could pretend things were different now.

And to make matters worse, she had drained all your money, stolen every penny she thought you had. All that was left was the secret stash you had put away, with every intention of using it to build your life together. Now, you were forced to spend those hopes and dreams, to confront the reality of your situation by moving forward in your life all alone. That in itself hurt more than if you found out she had truly taken every single cent you had.

But through all that, you still cared for her, even if you dreamed of enacting revenge and making her hurt in the same way.

And maybe one day you could forgive her, like her letter suggested, but for now you were content in trying to forget.

It was stupid, the way you believed that you could love in a life like this, but you had certainly learned your lesson now. 

- the end -

i no longer have a taglist! if you're interested in being notified when i post, you can follow my library blog @ghostofskywalker-library and turn on notifications!

[sweety-clemintines]

Fred Weasley

Smut 18+

-----------

I was trying to quietly tiptoe into the apartment above the shop. Why might you ask, well its midnight and I promised Fred that I would be home at 7 for a date night.

So in other words I'm in deep shit.

I slowly turn the door knob of our bedroom and look inside, it's pitch black I can't see anything so I quickly drop my stuff by the door and walk to the bed.

Weird, the beds empty I feel around and Fred's not here.

Standing by the bed with a confused expression on my face I wonder where he could be when all of a sudden a voice startles me " hello darling finally decided to grace me with your presence."

I whip my head around and there he was shirtless in dress pants barefoot and a mad expression on his face.

"My god Fred you almost gave me a heart attack!" I say while breathing heavily "I'm so sorry I wasn't able to make it they kept me in later because fucking Adrian Pucey can't do his damn job right plus th-" In the moment of rambling on I didn't realize fred came up to me so he smashed his lips against mine.

He broke the kiss. "Strip" he commanded "what?" " I said strip." I thickly swallowed and started to strip until I was only in my underwear.

He gave me a raised brow and pointedly looked down at my underwear, I went to reach to pull them of but he stepped forward and ripped them off of me. I gasped "Fred"

"Quiet princess the sounds I want coming out of you tonight are moans and obviously the common screams I get out of you".

he picked me up and lied me down on the bed as we started to passionately make out. He slowly started to trail his kisses to my jawline and right up and beneath my right ear emitting a small moans out of me.

"I'm disappointed princess I had prepared such a wonderful dinner" he whispered into my ear.

" I'm sorry Freddie but I owled you that I wouldn't be able to make it." he apparently didn't like that answer as he moved his head to look down on me.

" that's not a good enough excuse love" he said. " well what was I supposed to do they needed me" I said with a slightly raised voice, he raised a brow

"Don't go having an attitude on me now because your just gonna make your punishment worse dear" I look at him slightly wide eyed " you can't punish me I haven't done anything wrong"

Instead of giving me a reply he took a tie from the bed side table and tied my arms to the head board. "You did nothing wrong huh? Well darling before I get to the punishment let me just eat this attitude out of you".

I go fully wide eyed at his words then he starts to kiss down my body. He reaches my right boob and starts sucking on it, giving small bites an soothing it with his tongue, while he's focusing on my boobs I squirm and give off light moans.

Right after he's given equal attention to both tits he kisses down my body while leaving little light hickies here and there.

And one he reaches my pussy he gives a kiss right above my clit and I buck my hips so that his mouth can reach it but he reels his head back with a shit eating smirk and wraps his hands around the tops of my thighs.

And starts eating me out with a ferocity that sends my head back, back arching, and moans tumbling out of my mouth.

Sucking, nibbling, licking, and kissing my clit and my legs are already shaking, he pulls his head back and his thumb is now circling my clit in the most perfect way that makes me shut my eyes.

"Look at you shacking and I've barley begun, so sensitive, so sweet, and all mine" he says while rubbing up and down my thighs.

"Now will you say sorry for coming in late like daddy's good little girl?" He says with a smirk and a hint of amusement in his eyes.

I shake my head no and he runs his Tongue over his teeth while his mouth is closed and reaches to the side and grabs a pillow and puts it right under my ass and goes down and continues.

But this time he's shoving his Tongue inside of me while his nose keeps on bumping my clit while my mouth hangs open.

He puts my legs onto his shoulders and shoves his head deeper between my legs and the sound that came out of me was porn star worthy.

My hands are starting to feel numb against the tie and my legs are shaking on his shoulders.

He wraps both arms around the tops of my thighs making sure I don't move away.

And I would question if he can breath breath but with him practically making out with my pussy my mind goes dumb.

"F-fuck f-fred" I moan and my eyes roll to the back of my head.

"I-im so close f-fred" and with that he pulls away lets fully go of me before I cum. I whine and thrash in disapproval but he over me raising himself by his arms that are on each side of my head.

"Did you really think I was going to let you cum so easily? Oh no darling your going to have to apologies like the good little girl you usually are so will I get my apology or do I have to edge a couple more times"

I quickly shake my head no and apologies " I'm so sorry Freddie I didn't mean to be late please let me cum ill be good" I notice his breathing getting a little heavier

"Good girl now was that so hard" he kissed my cheek and untied the tie but before I can question it he flipped ne around and pulled on my hips so my ass was up and pushed on my back so my face down.

" let's see it's midnight now and you were supposed to be here at 7 let's count 7,8,9,10,11,12 that's six, so six spanks on each of your cheeks before I fuck you." My eyes widened.

He palmed my ass cheeks and said "count" and he spanked "1"

"2"

"3"

"4".......

"7".....

"10"...

"12" I finally said with tears streaming down my face. " such a good girl taking her punishment so well just for me isn't that right" he said while soothing down my red ass by palming and kissing them gently, I nodded catching my breath.

He flipped me over and gave me a kiss on my forehead "now my good girl deserves a reward" and before I realized he took of his pants and boxers he slammed into me making me gasp and arch my back.

He started going at a slow and maddening rather that made me whine and squirm for more " Please more" I said barley above a whisper.

And without another word he started hammering into me but switches rather every so often which results in my mouth being hung open, my eyes either being screwed shut or rolling to the back of my head, and my legs slightly shaking while I run my hands down and up his back.

I look at Fred and his mouth is open while his eyes are focused on my tits which slightly bouncing up and down at every thrust he makes and I can tell his eyes are tempted to close in pleasure.

He grunts and moves my legs to his shoulders and goes faster and faster and fucking faster hitting the right spots that make me don't know what to do with myself. I hear Fred mumbling incoherent words like "princess tight" "my good yes" "fuck darling pussy" .

He reaches down and stats to quickly rub my clit with a ferocity that makes my back arch further and head to be thrown back and eyes cross for a second.

"Fuck- my pretty girl so fucking gorgeous" he moaned as his thrusts got impossibly faster. "Fuck Freddie l-l'm gunna cum" I moaned.

"Cum, I want to see that pretty face you make when you cum all on my cock" a high pitch moan came out of me and I came with my legs shaking, hips vibrating and eyes screwed shut in the waves of pleasure that were rolling through me.

"Fuck" Fred whispered before he stilled and came. We both went limp and he let go of my legs so they would fall back to the bed. Fred snuggled his face in between my breasts and we both tried to catch our breathes.

"You feeling good princess" he said kissing my cheek l nodded and kissed his forehead with a lazy smile.

"Let me get us cleaned up before we go to bed" he picked me up cleaned ourselves up and went into a night of fabulous sleep.

[captain-mj]

Also I feel terrible asking for part 5 when you just posted part 4, but the heart is greedy and I read part four immediately, because I just can’t get enough and I want to thank you for everything you have already created in this AU ⚔️

Don't feel bad at all! I really appreciate all the asks I've been getting for this series :)

Soap couldn't help it. Ghost pressed him against the bed, his body so impossibly warm. His mouth was sinful against him, biting and teasing. There was an ache down his spine as he ran his hands over Ghost’s taut back.

His hands on his waist, grounding him and making him feel so small. 

“Please… Please…” Soap begged. Ghost was so close. His hands moving to his hips, touch so gentle it made him weak. 

Ghost’s voice was right in his ears. “Just relax and I’ll have you.” It was Soap’s mother tongue. Gaelic instead of the English they had been using. 

Soap frowned and pulled away, staring into where Ghost’s face should be. Or at least his mask. There was nothing. 

Soap woke up, extremely hard and alone. The air around him had gotten warmer but the bed next to him was cold. He got up slowly, checking across his body. 

Nothing. No marks. No bruises. Just a dream. 

He had a dream about fucking the guy holding him hostage. 

Soap scrambled up, pulling his clothes on. He had vague memories of last night. Of Ghost being so close. 

“You’re drunk.” Ghost had been disappointed, but he hadn’t touched him. Nothing that would cause him to have these kind of dreams. He had been so goddamn chivalrous, putting the blanket over him and being nice. 

Soap tried to remember what he said, but the words were murky. He wondered where Ghost was if he wasn’t in bed. 

The answer was on the couch. Also dealing with being drunk from the looks of it. The empty bottle sat on the floor and Ghost was curled up, face pressed against the pillow. He looked peaceful. 

Soap had the good luck to not get hangovers very often but from the way Ghost groaned as soon as he woke up, he guessed Ghost wasn’t that lucky. 

“Want me to make you breakfast?”

“Please…” Ghost groaned. “Head’s fucking killing me.” He buried his face in his hands, flexing his shoulders a little. Soap felt his mouth go dry. 

Ghost wasn’t that hot. He was just a soldier so he was a little more muscled than the average person. 

Said soldier sat up and stretched, his shirt pulled up, exposing a fair bit of his tummy before Ghost pulled it down. 

Soap had to look away and get cooking. He was surprised when Ghost lifted his mask slightly to eat, apparently too hung over to bother finding a place to hide. 

Nevermind. He was just hot. 

Strong jawline but almost no stubble despite Soap not seeing him shave, pretty mouth. He had some scars that Soap could just barely see. A Glasgow smile but also a cut across his throat like someone had tried to slit it.

“How old are you?” Soap asked, suddenly wanting to know. Ghost glanced over and his head tilted slightly.

“28. Why?”

“Just curious.”

“You?”

“24.” Soap sat on the other side of the couch, eating. 

“Little young to be a captain.”

“I was impressive.” Soap responded softly. “Didn’t matter much. Failed, right?”

Ghost was quiet for a minute before shaking his head. “Your strategy was fantastic. You were outnumbered and had no way of getting back up or resources. Nothing you could’ve done.”

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were trying to comfort me.” 

Ghost looked at his plate, hands flexing again. His eyes were sad again. 

“I thought most of you guys got married by 20. You a late bloomer?” Soap decided to tease him. He had a sneaking suspicion that he knew exactly why. Though, even if Ghost was into men, it was odd he didn’t have a companion yet. 

Ghost paused. His hangover hadn’t loosened his lips that much. He glanced at Soap for a moment before looking away. “I was… betrothed once. Wasn’t for me.” 

“Oh. I’m sorry.” 

Ghost laughed. Fully. Soap didn’t understand what was funny. 

“Don’t worry about it. I’ve moved on. Don’t ask about it again.”

“Understood…” Soap felt like this was one of the topics that might get him killed if he pressed a little too hard. 

“You aren’t married.”

“Normal for us. Usually do it in our twenties instead of when we’re wee babs like you guys do.” Soap smiled. “Also never met anyone I’d settle down with.”

“And now you’re stuck with me. Probably best you don’t have someone waiting at home for you.” Ghost relaxed the smallest bit. 

“Worried for my hypothetical spouse that much huh?”

“Didn’t want to have them coming for my head in vengeance.” Ghost joked with him, tilting his head and exposing more of his throat. 

Soap bit his tongue. “Don’t worry. You guys captured anyone that might try. If any of them are in a similar situation to me…” He glanced at him.

Ghost had leaned in at some point. Neither noticed until now. 

“Johnny.” Soap was surprised he even knew that name. “I’d let you go if i could.”

“Liar.”

Ghost stared at him before someone knocked. “Fucking hell…” He fixed his mask. “Hide somewhere. I don’t care where, just stay out of sight.”

“Why?”

“They’re under the impression I’ve been torturing you. Obviously.”

“Why the fuck do they think that?” Soap jumped up, having the foresight to clean away the plates. 

Ghost shrugged. “They assumed I was and I just didn’t correct them.” 

Soap didn’t understand this man. “You willingly let them believe you’re a monster?”

“Johnny.” Ghost snapped and Soap snapped to action again, stepping out of the room. He lingered by the door though so he could eavesdrop. 

Ghost clearly tried to keep the person at the door, but it didn’t work. Their footsteps followed a path around the couch and Soap frowned.

“So.” There was a thick accent to the voice. “Where is MacTavish?”

“He’s down right now.” Ghost spoke differently with this person. His voice gruffer and there was no emotion to it. 

“Uh huh.” The man clearly didn’t believe him.

“Ale…”

“Ghost.” ‘Ale’ did not sound very believing of him. “Stab him or something?”

“Or something.”

There was light shuffling and Soap listened closer, trying to make it out. 

“You wear the mask during…” There was a loud smack. Gloved hand against the back of someone’s head. The man laughed. “Honest question, hermano.”

“Get fucked.”

Silence for a moment.

“I can’t stand you.” Ghost groaned, though he didn’t seem that angry. 

More laughter. “Anyway. I came to talk business with you, but if you’re busy…”

“I’ll see you later.” Ghost clearly tried to push him to the door.

“Well if you can take a break from cutting him up or whatever you’re doing long enough for me to meet him that would be great.”

“No.”

Their voices faded out of earshot. Soap listened closer before sighing as he sank down the wall.

[vee-beeee]

The Die-Hard episode

This is genuinely my first piece of writing anything sooo please forgive me lol

I watched die-hard and then Brooklyn 99 and Detroit become human and I wanted to mix those together, sorry if this has been done before but now I'm doing it baby.

Also It's my first time writing these characters so its a whole party

Conner and nines x (fem) reader

IM SORRY FOR SPELLING ERRORSS AND PLOT HOLES

Warnings: violence kinda, worry, die hard

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

"Conner is this what I think it is"

"Please stay quiet y/n"

"That's impossible for her to do Conner. You've given her an impossible task"

"Thank you for your insight Nines"

"Anytime"

"I've scanned the area, the store is definitely being robbed"

(Record scratch, freeze frame on 3 faces who all look equally pissed.)

Yup. That's us. You're probably wondering how we got into this situation.

It started it off so innocent. I was a detective working at the Detroit police station, and my partner was a dog. Which made me public friend number #1 in Conner's eyes. When he first introduced himself to me it was after he deviated and things had settled down. I had seen him milling around before but never got a chance to say hi.

But then he came up with his cute little smile to say hi and ask about my dog.

So obviously we started dating.

And then Nines came in, and he was my new partner. He was grumpy and less smiley than Conner, but it was very endearing. Oh and very hot.

So then he and Conner had a chat.

So then I was dating him too.

Now were all caught up. Tomorrow is Hank's cop-aversary, and me and the boys wanted to buy him something super special. More specifically, me and Conner wanted to buy Hank something and Nines just came along "to provide proper protection". But a case had run long for me and Nines, and Conner and Hank ended up helping. Then Conner had to find an excuse to leave with me and Nines, and this excuse ended up being "We have to go help detective y/n with finding female sanitary napkins " and quickly left after seeing Hank's disgusted face. Works every time.

But that didn't matter to much, we were still late. And the store was currently being locked by an employee who looked absolutely dead inside.

Que 3 maniacs running down the street.

"Wait!" I shouted from down the street, absolutely out of breath and wheezing. The 2 androids ahead of me slowed to a stop and started bargaining with the guy locking up while I caught up with them. I put my hands on my knees and was on the verge of passing out. While Conner was using his puppy dog eyes on the employee, Nines turned around to look at me and smirked.

"Aren't you a police officer? That was nothing but a light jog."

I puffed out a breath and stood up, pointing at him very menacingly.

"Watch it mister. I can totally run faster than you."

He huffed out a laugh, his tone teasing as he challenged me to test that theory.

"Oh your so on" I laughed, regaining my breath. I was actually about to start getting into a silly racers pose but Conner turned around having successfully convinced the man to let us in by just waiting until me and Nines were both not looking and handing the guy closing up a 20 after he realized his negotiating was not working.

"I got us in, but we have to hurry." He held the door open for us as we shuffled in and I noted how nice and empty the store was. The lights were dimmed and soft music was playing through the store. I grabbed Conner's hand and intertwined our fingers, asking how he convinced the guy to let us in. He blushed blue, his LED turning a slight yellow and simply stated

"I'm programmed to be a top-notch negotiator y/n."

I was about to totally believe him when Nines interrupted by grabbing my other hand and gave Conner a signature Nines stare and teasingly said

"You bribed him with a 20 after puppy dog eyes didn't work , didn't you?"

Conner stuttered and I burst out laughing, while Nines shook with small laughter. Conner started to reprimand him for being mean but I noticed the store had some old-timey albums for sale and bolted in that direction. Nines and Conner noticed and took off after me. I stopped in front of the Metal section and Conner started pointing out Hanks favorite artists. We were looking through the selection when we heard a giant crash and yelling. Conner was instantly crowding my back and alert. Nines went quiet and leaned down, listening.

That catch's us up to the were we are now. Huddling on the floor while Conner and Nines communicate through their LEDs, leaving me slightly in the dark.

Conner had his hand on my back and was encouraging me to crouch while still crowding me, and Nines sat in front of me, shielding me with his massive frame. In the dim light, I could make out the light of Conner's LED flashing yellow in the reflection of the smooth floor. More yelling occurs and I hear Conner whisper to me

"They are securing and locking the exits."

And suddenly, my favorite movie I had recently shown Conner and Nines on our annual movie night pops into my head. Before I can stop myself I excitedly whisper

"Real. Life. Die Hard."

This caught Conner so off guard he took his hand off my back to lean forward and look at me, while Nines had even turned around to give me a confused look. I realize I had maybe sounded TOO excited and tried to correct it.

"I mean, oh no!! Crime!!"

Nines smirked and turned around and I could feel more than hear Conner's subdued laughter. I smiled to myself, but before I could do anything else another crash and shout are heard.

But closer this time.

Now I really try to stay quiet and I see Nines lean out of the isle we are huddling in to discreetly look both ways. His LED flashes red as he turns around to fully face me and Conner and motions for us to waddle backwards. Conner wraps a hand around my waist to direct me to crawl on my hands and knees behind him so he stays in front while Nines stays behind me. We stop at the end of the isle and Conner checks if the coast is clear. He nods his head to me and we cross. We manage to crawl to a corner of the store, the home section that contains bedsheets and blankets and towels. Feeling confident we wont get caught the second I open my mouth, I start asking questions.

"What's going on? Why are they robbing this regular store? And why are they taking so long?"

Conner kneels back on his heels too address me and Nines.

"In my scan I counted 13 men." He says quickly, as Nines pops in with a comment saying they have unusually dangerous fire arms and I shudder. Why would they be taking this long to rob a simple store? And with heavy duty weaponry? It must be something else entirely.

"They must be here for another reason" Conner, seemingly reading my thoughts, points out.

I see Nines close his eyes and his LED flash yellow and red and back to blue. He opens his eyes and they hold more worry than before.

"The building next to this one appears to be a bank. With how many men there are and the time this is taking, I believe this is far past a simple store robbery." He finishes, looking to Conner.

"What are we going to do? Are we going to try and stop them?" I ask, looking at both of them before fiddling with a bracelet on my wrist, full of anxious energy. I definitely didn't want to be dealing with this after the rough day today, and we are supposed to be getting something special for Hank's special day.

"We need to call the station, we need backup from the looks of their firearms. We need to be careful." Conner looks to me and notices my bracelet fiddling, and reaches out to hold my hand, giving it a firm squeeze.

Nines quietly says he's on it and I see him send the message for the station.

"You're kidding." He angry spits out, his brows furrowed as he looks to Conner.

"There was some riot about something stupid down town that has tied up most officers, and the station says the latest they can be here to provide back up is in 40 minutes." He looks absolutely pissed. We all stay quiet, trying to think of what to do when I have the most brilliant idea ever to be thought.

"Guys" I grab there attention and they both turn to me. "Lets die hard it."

They look at me like I'm and idiot (specifically Nines does and Conner just looks more confused. ) I decide to continue with my idea

"You know in Die Hard, John McClane takes out the evil bad guys one by one and then saves the day? Lets do that and take them out one by one while we wait for the back up to get here. We can set up traps and have cool weapons and stuff!"

I started to get excited but their combined faces make my mood go to bummer mode.

"I mean, it could work. Its an option" Conner starts, looking to Nines. They proceed to continue to have the conversation, but telepathically, by the looks of their hard stares and blinking LEDs.

"No. They are dangerous people and we are not letting her get herself hurt." Nines pipes up finally, LED still red.

"Well I mean, she can handle herself. Besides, it's a smart idea." Conner protests for you.

Nines is quiet while he processes before he gives Conner one more hard stare and turns to look at me. I see his gaze soften as he asks me what we need to do. I bounce on my heels and clap my hands quietly an whisper shout a yay while Nines rolls his eyes, and Conner give me an adoring look. We then start on a plan.

And it goes a little something like this.

(35 minutes until police back up)

Me and Conner go to the craft section to politely steal a pen for a very important part of the plan, writing the bad guys names down. He protests when I rip open the package of sharpies but I reason the manger will be thanking us later for stopping a robbery and being cool while we do it. He finally nods and smiles at me.

While me and Conner do this, Nines goes to investigate his theory that the real reason the criminals are here is because they are robbing a bank that's adjacent to this store. Me and Conner had made him promise and pinky swear he wouldn't actually be going in to try and beat all the guys up by himself.

As me and Conner started to make our traps for the guys, we heard one guy walk past with a walkie talkie. His name was "Mark" which was totally un-villan like to my dismay. But what he was saying was more interesting. They had apparently taken all store employees as hostages and locked them in the back. I raised my eyebrows in shock and looked to Conner, his LED blinking red and his expression getting darker every second. The man eventually walked away to deal with a mysterious shadow someone saw, and I took the opportunity to write Marks name down. Along with the person he was taking to, which I dubbed his name Hans. Conner quietly noted that its not really healthy to use marker on my skin but I just kissed his cheek and continued writing, watching him turn blue.

We moved on to equip ourselves with a little arsenal to deal with the robbers.

A now, and epic montage of Conner and his girlfriend knocking out 6 guys using:

-Christmas balls

-Fire pokers

-Lamps

-Legos

-Paint

-Conner's fist

(20 minutes until police back up)

You got done checking off the last name you had written on your arm when Nines snuck out of the dark to you guys. He looked pissed and worried.

"Its what I thought, they brought explosives to get into the bank. And they have hostages."

You and Conner looked at each other, and confirmed with Nines you had heard about the hostages. He stated he had located them and you all thought about your next move. Your epic awesome die hard plan was veering off the tracks when you said

"We should go help the hostages, they are just employees and are probably scared."

Conner nodded his head with you and Nines volunteered to lead to way.

Which ended in Nines and Conner getting caught, while they shoved you out of the way. You hid in a clothing rack and saw 8 guys pushing their guns and shoving your boys into the back rooms. Where you saw a glimpse of the hostages. You knew combined, Conner and Nines could take those guys, but you guessed they didn't want to cause any gunfire. You waited patiently and tried to breathe slowly as the doors shut on your android boys.

You slid down the metal pole in the center of the rack, trying to figure out what to do next. Now it was REALLY Die hard. Only you were left.

Suddenly, a really good idea hit you.

The vents.

Que you sliding through the stores barely-big-enough-for-you vents and mumbling die hard quotes to yourself as you managed to get to a grate that was directly above the hostages. You noted at least 15 hostages, some androids and some human. You also noticed Conner getting a gun pointed right to his temple.

You almost let out a gasp of shock but quieted yourself as you watched the head macho guy explain how he hates cops and androids, and tell Conner his android kill count. While he was monologuing you spotted Nines sitting a ways away trying not to make it obvious he was staring right at you, LED spinning yellow. You briefly forgot how on earth he could see you there, but remembered

android stuff.

And so you turned your body to see how many men were behind the macho man who was very quickly finishing up his speech, and decided screw it.

So you punched the grate as hard as you could and fell with the grate right on the monologuing guys head. You both groaned and you briefly saw Conner and Nines jump up to use your distraction to take out the 4 other guys in the room. The guy below you seemed to be knocked out so you lay there, eyes blinking shut, until you saw a pair of classy shoes in your vision come to your head. They creased as the owner leaned down (Nines) to gently ask you to untie him and ask if you were okay. His face was a mix of amusement and worry, and you felt another pair of gentle cuffed hands pull you up into a sitting position. You blinked and immediately started undoing Nines cuffs, and he shook his hands and tended to the hostages that were huddled in the corner. You then saw the hands that helped you up and a very worried Conner enter your vision. You smiled at him and started undoing his cuffs while you saw his LED blinking, and you realized he was probably scanning you. He blinked harshly a couple time and informed you that you should have a couple bruises and you might have a minor concussion. When you finished his cuffs, you kissed his cheeks

"I'm okay Conner, thank you"

He smiled and kissed your cheek back and proceeded to help Nines with the hostages. You sat for a minute, really now fulling feeling that minor concussion. After a couple minutes, you started to hear sirens getting louder and moving to your location.

You had successfully Die harded it.

(Skip to the next day)

The police did some digging and found out the guys had broken into the store to blow up the wall right next to the bank. But your boys and you had successfully stopped the crime from escalating.

And also got Hank his gift for free.

So after the whole fiasco, you were now sitting in Hanks home, getting warm under a blanket. Androids by your side, Sumo at your feet, watching Hank excitedly undo the wrapping on his present surprising quickly. He let out a whistle at the old album you guys had gotten him and thanked you all with a surprising amount of sincerity. He might have felt guilty that you all almost died trying to get him gift, but oh well.

All in a days work for Conner and Nines McClane and Y/N Gennaro.

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

THANKS FOR READING

I literally wrote this on a whim so I hope its good and I might write more ideas out.

Sorry if the ending is rushed too :(

[haunted-xander]

She woke up from the sound of her phone going off. Grabbing her phone she saw several missed calls from Ryota. She figured it'd be best to call back so he doesn't do anything drastic under the impression she's in trouble. "N-Nanami-san! Oh thank god you're okay I've been trying to call you for ages! I was just about ready to send a search team for you! A-are you okay? Where are you? Do you need help? Should I send someone your way? H-how did it go with the Remnants? D-did you find them? Oh please tell me they didn't hurt you I'm so sorry I never should've given you that info this is all my fau-"

"Mitarai-kun. Relax. I'm okay, there's no need to worry. I'm not hurt, just exhausted is all. Sorry for taking so long to reply, I was asleep and didn't hear my phone ring until now." She spoke softly and tried to calm him down. His worry was understandable, but unnecessary. "...And about the Remnants, I found both of them. The one lurking around the Reserve Course department was Koizumi-san, the Ultimate Photographer. Sadly, I didn't have much luck when talking with her and had to run away."

"O-oh, I see... A-at least you didn't get hurt..." When he next spoke he was noticably calmer, having been assured of her safety and well-being. "...W-what about the other one? Who was it?" Just as she prepared to reply, the door opened and Nagito and Izuru walked in. Nagito was about to say his greetings when Izuru put his hand over his mouth and shushed him. He got the memo and kept quiet, realizing she was in a phone call and was not to be disturbed. She paid them a quick glance before turning her attention back to her phone.

"...It was Komaeda-kun, the guy who was with me when we found you in the hidden room, if you remember him?" Out of the corner of her eye she saw the man in question slightly tilt his head, confused at being the subject of conversation. "Komaeda-kun... Ah, right! The guy that got shot... So he's a Remnant too... I-I guess I shouldn't be surprised..." He trailed off, sounding somewhat... disappointed? "...Yeah, but he's surprisingly friendly for a Remnant. He actually helped me when I... got cornered by a mob of Enoshima-san's followers." Technically not a lie, she did get cornered by a mob. She'll simply... not mention what happened to said mob afterwards.

"...I-I see... that's good- Ah! I-I'm sorry but I gotta cut out conversation short! I've got work to do, I'll talk to you later bye-!" He hastily ended the call, apparently getting some urgent work that needed doing. ...Ah, that reminds me. I should probably get going soon... If I'm gone too long the Future Foundation will start getting suspicious... "...Hey hey, Komaeda-kun, Kamukura-kun... When can I leave? I need to get back to work soon or the Future Foundation will get suspicious."

"You may leave whenever you wish. We never intended to trap you." Izurus voice was as dull and monotone as ever. "Ah, you're leaving already? What a shame... But I suppose we shouldn't hold you up any more than we already have. However, I think it would be a good idea to eat something first, no? Traveling on an empty stomach isn't any good, you know..." As he said that, Chiaki felt her stomach grumble. Now that she thinks about it, she hasn't eaten in a while... "...Ah, okay. Let's eat and then I'll go on my way."

She went downstairs with the two men and sat down by the dinner table. Izuru went to the kitchen to make food, so she was left alone with Nagito. They decided to make idle chatter, pointedly avoiding any topics relating to Future Foundation, Junko or despair. When Izuru returned with the food, they quietly ate their fill. Chiaki noticed that Izuru seemed to be paying close attention to Nagito, who was eating a rather small portion. I wonder if he's monitoring the amount Komaeda-kun eats... He is pretty thin. Maybe Kamukura-kun is making sure he eats enough?

After they were done eating, Chiaki got herself ready and went to head out the door. Before she could walk out however, Nagito hugged her from behind and rubbed his cheek against her hair. "I will miss you, Nanami-san... I do enjoy your company quite a bit. Ah, but far be it for me to keep you from your duties! A lowly servant like me doesn't deserve to do such selfish things." He hugged her tighter. "I wish you luck on your journey... May you birth a new, shining ray of hope for this despair-infested world we live in... Goodbye. For now..."

Finally, he let her go and she waved them goodbye as she walked out the door.

[fontasticcrablettes]

@adeptarcanist

…Problem: now I need to see Raine x the Wonder Chef. Maybe he’s drawn to her unique spirit of culinary experimentation, the only person in the world capable of appreciating the wonder behind the inedible food……. …or maybe he’s just succumbing to that instinct of horrified fascination with a train wreck.

Well have I got good news for you. The answer to "Which of those crack ships I mentioned is the one that I myself have written?" is in fact, Raine x Wonder Chef. I have the original Word file, which helpfully recorded the exact date it was created, so I can tell you that I wrote this at the age of 15 at 1:44 AM (it was probably a school night):

Genis yawned and sat up in bed, wondering why he was awake.  He rubbed his eyes, looked around his room, and realized Raine’s bed was empty.  Huh, that was odd.  Raine was usually a deep sleeper, and rarely got up in the night. 

He remembered when he was little and used to sneak out of the house at night with Lloyd, and Raine just snored as he crept out the creaky door.  Her arms would hang off the side of her bed, blankets kicked to the floor, book she’d been reading before bed resting under her cheek. 

But now she was missing, and he was a bit concerned.  He crawled out of bed, noticing the open window with the ocean visible in the distance, illuminated by the full moon.  Perhaps it was the sound of crashing waves and the smell of fish and salt that had woken Raine up, although they’d been in Palmacosta for a few days so she should be used to it by now. 

Well, if Raine was up, too, then he didn't know how many of them were actually asleep.  Colette had been in bed resting all evening after the fight with Kilia, and Lloyd had diligently sat by her side.  Whenever Genis poked his head in, she was always awake, staring blankly at the ceiling or chatting with Lloyd.  He’d always tell her to go to sleep, but she’d just smile and say she wasn’t tired yet. 

Genis left the room, seeing Kratos and Lloyd’s room door open.  They were probably out training somewhere.  The question was, where was Raine?  He walked down the stairs to the main room, looking around.  

Wait...was that voices?  Yes!  He heard something coming from the kitchen!  It sounded like Raine’s voice, too, from the sound of things.  Happy to find her but dreading what she might be doing in the kitchen, Genis approached the closed door and listened, wondering who she could be talking to.

“It’s so large!” Raine was saying.  “I’ve never seen one quite this size before.”

“Yes, I know,” a male voice Genis didn’t recognize said.  “I’m quite proud of it.”

"I've seen one before, of course, but a more average size, you know?”

“Yeah, I’ve never met anyone else with one this big before.  It makes me feel special!  Do you want to touch it?”

“Oh, could I?”

“Go ahead!”

The was a pause.  “Wow, it’s so smooth.  And the shaft is so thick!  Is it even practical?”

“Well, it’s really more for show, if you know what I mean.  But we’re really getting sidetracked.”

“Yes, I know.  I’ve cleared the table, just like you asked.”

“Ah, good.  We’ll need plenty of room to make our magic.”

“Magic, hm?  I know a thing or two about magic...”

They were quiet for a bit, and Genis overheard the clank of a pot and shuffling things around.  He was very confused about this conversation, but didn’t want to interrupt.

“Ok,” the man said.  “Now you just need to take off – oh!  Very nice!”

“Yes,” Raine said, uncertainty in her voice.  “But I don’t know...I think they’re too small.”

“Nonsense.  Just look at them!  So round and smooth, the skin so white and soft...they’re perfect.  I want to just put my mouth around them - lick and bite them.”

Raine laughed.  “Oh, you’re just saying that.  But is it warm enough yet?  I feel a bit wet.”

“That’s because it’s so steamy.  But yes, I think everything’s ready.”

“Oh, I’m rather excited.  I���ve only done this a couple times and I’ve never been very good.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll guide you.  Are you ready?  First, this goes in here...”

Genis was starting to get a bad feeling about this.  Without knocking, he burst into the room, a bit afraid of what he would find.  “S-Sis!  What are you...?”

Raine and the Wonder Chef looked up at him, standing over a boiling pot of water.  The Wonder Chef had two onions in his hands, his giant fork leaning against the counter. 

“Genis?” Raine asked.  “What are you doing up?”

“Uh, I saw that you weren’t there and wondered where you went....”

“Oh,” she said.  “The Wonder Chef was trying to show me how to make a soup.  I wanted to surprise you and Lloyd tomorrow for dinner.”

“O-oh.  I’ll just...head back to bed now...”  Feeling a bit embarrassed at his outburst, he darted out of the kitchen and headed back upstairs.

--

“Your brother’s so cute!” the Wonder Chef said after Genis was gone.

Raine just sighed and shook her head.  “He can be rather overprotective at times.”

The Wonder Chef just shrugged.  “Now, where were we?”

Raine smiled and leaned against him, ripping his chef’s hat off and winding her fingers through his blonde hair.  His hands slid across her chest and over her shoulders, pushed her robe off and it fell to the floor. 

“You tell me,” she whispered in his ear and drew back before he pulled her into a passionate kiss.