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lunarsturniolo · 9 months

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Body Shots | Frat!Chris

Not in the same universe as Pillow Talk Chris. Just another Frat!Chris au lol

Thank you @querenciasturniolo for proofreading!! This is longer than most of my fics, and there was no way I'd be able to properly check for mistakes.

I nod slightly, my fingers fidgeting with the button of my pants, “You gotta stop moving,” he says, making me still.

He hums a nod at my obedience, his mouth widening into a smile, “Look at you,” he says, “So pretty.”

My hand starts twitching again, a sign of excitement. Chris gently takes my wrist with his free hand and holds it down at my side, “You gotta stop.”

My eyes widened slightly in surprise, and I nodded again. “Sorry,” I mumbled.

Chris nods, “It’s okay. Just stay still,” he teases.

Chris teaches Y/N how to take body shots (and it escalates)

Warnings: alcohol use, unprotected sex, oral sex (m and f receiving), praise kink if you squint, cnc if you don’t read carefully. MDNI

Masterlist

“Hi,” I gave a sweet smile over the bar, “Can I please have another shot of tequila?”

Chris was working the bar today. After an overwhelming Wine Wednesday and a slightly unsuccessful mixer on Thursday, he didn’t want to go too overboard at the party his frat was hosting. So, there Chris was, working behind the makeshift bar, pouring shots and distributing Truly’s to the girls who were still there.

It was nearing 3 am, and the crowd was beginning to die down. Chris overheard my request and nudged the other bartender, “Got it,” he said, effectively switching places with him.

Chris leans over the bar, his left forearm resting in a few drops of alcohol as he leans closer to me, “You gonna let me take one with you?”

I look up at him with an innocent smile, “It’s gonna cost you.”

He barks a laugh in my direction, “You’re literally in my house,” he says.

I nod, “I am.”

“So you should be giving me somethin’.”

I give Chris a long look and leave a pregnant pause, “I might be open to something.”

Chris pushes himself off the bar and disappears into the kitchen. I take the moment alone to look around the house. I spotted my friend Kylie, whom I lost to a group of girls about 10 minutes ago when No Hands started playing. With a bit of flair, I watch as the DJ starts to play Sexy Bitch, “How fitting,” Chris says, finding his way back to the counter.

I roll my eyes with a small smile playing on my lips, “What do you want?”

“Wanna do body shots?” he asks with a smirk playing on his lips. He holds up his right hand. He was still carrying the bottle of Jose Cuervo. But now, in the palm of his hand, I see a lime peeking out.

My smile falters slightly, “I’ve never done a body shot.”

“Has anyone done one off of you?” He asks.

I shake my head, Chris’s eyes widening with amusement. “First time for everything,” he mumbles. He reaches under the bar, producing a wild berry Truly and passing it to a girl behind me that I hadn’t noticed.

“Who said I wanted to do a body shot?” I tease.

Chris shrugs, “You want to do one. I know you.”

I fold my lips in on themselves, “Okay. Teach me.”

He smiles victorious. “Do you wanna get on the counter?”

I look around once again. The room, by far, isn’t crowded, but there are people here you know you’re going to see again.

“Do I have to?” I finally ask, “It’s kinda embarrassing.”

“Why would that be embarrassing?” Chris deadpans.

“Because everyone can see me.”

“Who the fuck cares?” Chris says, “Now get on the counter, or I’ll spread you out myself.”

I decide it’s in my best interest to get on the counter. I step up into the kitchen before hoisting myself up onto the counter. Chris tells me to lie down, so I oblige. I can feel remnants of the bar from the night staining my bare skin and weighing down my hair. I cringe slightly at the thought before turning to look at Chris, my cheek resting on the cool surface of the bar.

“So, there are two routes I could go,” Chris begins, “I could pour this into your belly button and take the shot out of there, or I could just use a shot glass and call it a day.”

My eyes widened, “Yeah, can we do the second one?”

With a chuckle, Chris nods in agreement. “Yeah, that’s what I was thinkin’, too.”

He turns around and quarters the lime over the sink. He reaches across the bar, hovering a lime wedge over my face. He taps it gently against the parting of my lips, “Open up for me, yeah?”

I nod and widen my mouth, softly biting into the lime, a bit of juice rolling into the back of my throat, “Good girl,” he commends.

I roll my eyes, a slight mumble emitting from the back of my throat due to the lime I’m holding, “Shut up,” I tell him.

Chris gently guides my hands down to my sides and nudges my hip, “Can I lift this up a little?”

I hum a reply, the lime starting to become a proper hindrance. Chris gently tugs at my shirt, making me arch my back so he can lift it to my breasts. My hands itch at my side as he plants a series of wet kisses, making a line from right under my belly button to the waistband of my pants.

A blush forms on my cheeks as his nose nips under my pants, raising the waistband slightly and giving him a view of the black lace panties I had worn to the frat tonight.

He reaches for the salt behind him, grabs a small pinch of it, and sprinkles it over the slight sheen of saliva that is left behind. “Squeeze my hand if you want to stop,” he tells me, putting my hand in his.

Using his free hand, he grabs a small orange glass and flips it upright. He laxly pours a double shot of tequila into the glass, watching me wither under his gaze.

My right hand landed on my stomach, tapping a pattern next to the line of salt, trying my best not to make a mess around me. The music is still going, and I’m sure Kylie is about to text me, telling me she found a guy to go home with. Chris is still distributing drinks to the girls who are coming up to the bar, and I’m sitting with a ball of anticipation in my stomach.

He returns to me with a shy smile, “Sorry, mama, I’m here for real.”

I nod slightly, my fingers fidgeting with the button of my pants, “You gotta stop moving,” he says, making me still.

He hums a nod at my obedience, his mouth widening into a smile, “Look at you,” he says, “So pretty.”

My hand starts twitching again, a sign of excitement. Chris gently takes my wrist with his free hand and holds it down at my side, “You gotta stop.”

My eyes widened slightly in surprise, and I nodded again. “Sorry,” I mumbled.

Chris nods, “It’s okay. Just stay still,” he teases.

He gives me one last look before leaning down, his tongue making contact with my stomach. I flinch at the contact, slightly unexpecting, and Chris looks up at me through his eyelashes.

I drink in the sight of him, remembering every detail as his hands push me down against the table. His hair has fallen over his eyes, the dark ringlets tickling my stomach with his painfully slow movements.

Chris lets go of my left wrist, his hand taking hold of the shot he poured. My newly free hand moves without thought, entangling itself into his hair, tugging his further up my body in anticipation.

He hums out a moan with a taunting smile on his face as his tongue dips into my belly button, lingering for an extra moment. The salt sticks to his tongue as he brings the shot glass up to his lips, wrapping them around the glass before quickly throwing his head back. His jaw flexes as he stretches his neck, and I watch as his Adams Apple moves as he swallows.

Chris squeezes my hand as he swallows the bitter flavor, his lips coming down for mine to grab the lime. In a moment of weakness, I suck the lime further into my mouth so he has no choice but to graze my lips with his.

As anticipated, Chris’s lips make lingering contact with mine. His tongue pokes out and wedges itself beneath my lip and into my mouth, grabbing the bottom of the lime and pushing it into his mouth.

Moving back slightly, I keep him from moving any further with a hand in his hair. With hooded eyes, he looks at me as he bites into the lime, some of the juice falling into my mouth and some of it dripping down his chin in a sensual manner.

He turns his head slightly, silently asking to move. I let go of his hair, and he turned his head, spitting the lime out of his mouth and onto the kitchen floor. He looks at me with a smile, “Do you still want your shot?”

“Will it also be a body shot?”

“Whatever you want,” He tells me.

I pull his hand in between us, guiding his ear to my lips, “What I want is to go to your bedroom.”

Chris looks at me, “Beg me.”

“Please, Chris, I wanna go to your room.”

He smirks, “Again,” he tsks.

I roll my eyes in annoyance, “I’m not begging.”

“Then you’re not getting in my room,” he replies.

I leave a long pause before letting out a big sigh, “Please, babe? Can you take me to your bedroom?”

He hums in acceptance, “What do you wanna do in the bedroom, mama?”

I look at him and swallow harshly, “I want you to touch me.”

“But what do you want to do?”

My voice wavers into a whisper, “I want to take a shot off you,” I tell him.

“Mmmm, that’s a good girl,” Chris says, “Always telling me what you want.”

I blush, and Chris moves away to start cleaning up the kitchen. I see him gather a new shot glass, a lime, and some salt before helping me off the counter with a hand on the small of my back.

Together, we walk towards the staircase that’s slightly blocked off- he keeps a hand on the small of my back, nodding a slight hello as we pass his friends.

He lets me in front of him when we get to the stairs, watching my backside as I make my way up, stopping outside his room and waiting for him to unlock it.

With a quick twist of his wrist, the key had unlocked his door, and he led me into his bedroom, sitting on his bed with his knees apart. I made my way closer to him, standing between his knees and giving him a shy smile.

“Can you take your shirt off?” I ask him.

He nods, his hands falling to the hem of his henley, pulling it off in a swift motion, “Where do you want me?” he asks.

I cock my head as I look at him contemplatively, “Maybe just lay down.”

He nods and does as I say, “Can I, um-”

“You want me naked?” he asks.

My cheeks turn hot at his words, “Can I take off your pants?” I ask him.

He laughs at my shy demeanor, “You gotta get naked for me too, then, ma.”

Without a second thought, I drop my hands to my jeans, fiddling with the button before allowing them to pool at my ankles. His hands find the hem of my shirt, this time, pulling it over my head gently. He rests his hands on my back before letting me unbuckle his belt.

“Chris,” I whine lightly.

“Yeah?”

Instead of replying, I push him down onto his bed. His head stayed propped up by some pillows, and he brought his hands behind his head so he could watch me. The two of us were naked, and I finally decided to let the looks of him sink in.

His cock was sporting a healthy erection, just as arousal was beginning to pool between my legs- we were clearly both turned on.

“C’mere,” he says, motioning for me to step towards him. “Wanna see if my baby’s worked up for me.”

I happily make my way over to Chris’s head, legs spread slightly for him to feel my cunt. Without a moment's rest, the pads of his fingers made their way to my bare skin, feeling the warm, plush skin and rubbing my clit slightly to create some friction. I moan lightly at his touch before he pulls his fingers away and rests them on my bottom lip.

“You wanna taste yourself for me, mama?” he asks.

I dip my chin as a nod, his fingers now resting on the parting of my lips. My tongue darts out at his long digits, coating them lightly as I taste myself on his fingers, making Chris moan in appreciation.

I hollow out my cheeks before taking his fingers out of my mouth, a small smile growing on my face.

“Gonna use this on my stomach, okay?” he asks, referring to the fingers I had in my mouth seconds prior.

Wordlessly, I nod as Chris drags his fingers down his happy trail- from the bottom of his belly button to the base of his cock- at an agonizingly slow pace. My eyes watch his fingers desperately as they mimic the exact path my tongue will take.

I clear my throat, “Salt?” I ask.

“Yeah, baby. Add some salt.”

I took the metal salt shaker that made its way onto his nightstand and used it to disperse salt into a thin line along his body. Chris reaches under his bed and produces a bottle of tequila, “From my stash,” he informs me.

I laugh, filling up a shot glass most of the way, feeling slightly overwhelmed at the thought of taking another double tonight.

I pick up a lime wedge and hand it to Chris. Dismissively, he sets it back on the table, “You won’t need that. Promise,” he tells me, a hand making its way into my hair and pulling me close to his mouth.

I can feel his breath fanning on my face as I study his eyes up close for the millionth time tonight, “Okay,” I agree.

Chris hums with satisfaction, “You’re such a good, obedient girl for me, baby. Always listening to me so well.”

This time, I hum in reply, the praise making me feel extra warm. “I wanna listen to you, Chris,” I tell him. My lips pucker up slightly before placing a small, aromantic peck on his lips.

He smiles at me, “Good idea, baby.” He lets my hair go loosely, allowing me to lean back. “You’re gonna tell me if anything is too much, right?” he confirms.

“Yeah, Chris. I’ll let you know. You get to use me until I say otherwise.”

I watch as a satisfying grin spreads on his face, “You’ve always been my favorite girl, you know?”

With a small laugh, I bring my face down to be level with his naval. He gathers my hair into a makeship ponytail in one hand and holds my shot glass for me in another, “I need to see you, mama.”

I smile, my tongue darting out to lick my lips, “Okay.”

Looking at Chris out of the corner of my eye, I bring my tongue to the beginning of the line of salt, licking slowly down to the base of his cock. My left-hand finds his balls, fondling with them lightly as I make my way down to his cock.

He lets out a moan, “When you get there, keep your tongue out, baby. I wanna feed you your shot.”

I turn my head towards him, giving him a slight nod, my tongue still working its way down his body. Giving the base of his cock a light kiss, I tilt my head up for Chris to pour the shot.

Feeling the alcohol glide down my throat immediately, without the need to swallow or for a chase, made me gag lightly. I closed my mouth, savoring the flavor of salt on my tongue before Chris moved my head.

Directing me down further to where his cock is, he rests my cheek on his left thigh. My tongue darts out, lapping around the base of his cock as my hand continues to play with his balls.

“That’s right, baby,” he praises me, “You can get up on the bed if you want.”

With a nod, I crawl up onto the bed, my mouth moving from the base to the tip.

I begin slowly licking the tip, watching the precum develop, and swallowing it as it comes. With a keen fascination, I loosen my jaw and begin to put his cock into my mouth.

Chris lets out a groan, “Fuck.” He reaches around his body, one hand finding my breasts. He rolls my nipple between his fingers and fondles my breasts, eliciting a soft moan from the back of my throat and around his tip.

I continue to push his cock into my mouth before I gag lightly and call it my limit. My hand jerks off what is left outside my mouth, and Chris begins to lose it.

His hands are tugging at my hair, and he is gently pushing my head forward onto his cock, loving the way my throat closes around the tip when I gag. Chris was in a state of euphoria.

“You good, mama?” he chokes out, pulling me off his cock slightly for reassurance.

Instead of verbally answering, I push his cock further into my throat, humming a reply, sending vibrations up through his body.

My tongue flatted against the underside of his cock, my head moving faster as I prompted Chris to fuck my mouth. His thrusts grew from wary to forceful as I began to gag, drool, and moan around him with each movement he made.

Tears grew at the brim of my eyes from the intensity, “Do you like it when I’m rough with you, mama?”

Unable to reply, I affectionately squeeze his thigh, “I know, baby. It feels so good to please me, huh?” he says. His hand leaves my nipple, entangling it into my head roughly so he has more control to ride out his orgasm.

With an especially deep thrust, I let out a long groan, my eyes rolling back slightly with satisfaction. Chris’s cock begins to twitch in my mouth, and I instinctively hollow out my cheeks, sucking harshly on his shaft.

Chris looks down at me with a smile, “I’m close, mama, I promise. Then I’ll fuck you good as a thank you.”

I nod, my voice significantly hindered by his cock lodged in my throat. With a final few thrusts from Chris and a gargling noise that arose from my mouth, he emptied himself into my mouth with a loud, resonating moan.

Giving me a minute to recover, he slid his cock out from my mouth and found a water bottle on his nightstand to feed me.

With a smile, I look at him, “I love having your cock in my mouth.”

With a small laugh, he rests his hand under my chin, wiping away some cum that didn’t quite make it into my mouth, “I love fucking your mouth, baby.”

I bite my lip in excitement, allowing him to use me as he chooses one again.

“Lie down, hmm?” he asks.

I do as I'm told, taking his spot on the bed as he straddles my body. He leans down towards the mattress, his lips finding my cunt. I can feel his breath fan across my body as he begins to lap his tongue in a circular pattern, hitting each part of my cunt.

Unceremoniously, his teeth begin to nip at my clit, creating the perfect amount of friction to make me moan out loud- probably loud enough to be heard over the music playing downstairs.

“Chris, please,” I beg.

“What, mama?” he asks, coming up for air with a small pant. His lips were wet and puffy from the time he spent attacking my clit, and I could see a bit of my arousal begin to make its way down his chin.

“I need you inside me, please,” I whimper.

Chris hums, sending my hips upward with a jolt. The action makes him laugh, which in turn does not help my squirming, “I’ll get inside ya,” he promises.

With one last feathery kiss to my clit, he sends a series of kisses up from my naval to my lips. By the time he has reached my lips, there are drops of my cum trailing up my body as a result of my cum dripping off Chris’s chin.

He leaves a few soft kisses on my lips before I bring his head to mine, holding it there while I nip at his bottom lip. He smiles, sliding his tongue into my mouth and allowing me to take control of the kiss as he adjusts himself against me.

I feel the tip of his cock poking at my entrance before he slowly buries it into my cunt. I let out a gasp, my jaw falling slack as Chris’s tongue laps at the inside of my mouth, trying to regain my attention.

“C’mon, mama, I know you can take me,” he tells me.

“I can take you,” I parrot back.

“Yeah, baby,” Chris agrees, “You’re doing so good.”

He stills for a moment, and I look down between us to see his cock has filled me completely, and he’s allowing me a moment to adjust. I grind my hips against him, my clit rubbing against the base of his cock, making both of us groan.

Looking back up at him, I give him a quick peck of encouragement to start thrusting again. He gently rolls his hips before slowly pulling out and roughly pushing back in.

He began to make this a rhythmic approach, filling the silence between his skin and slapping on yours with a series of breathy moans and chants of both of your names filling the room.

Chris kept his mouth atop mine and intertwined our fingers as he continued to fuck me.

My mouth fell open, and I felt my pussy begin to quiver around his large cock. My orgasm was blinding, leaving me gasping and moaning into Chris’s mouth, giving him ammunition to go faster and harder.

With his bed rocking underneath us and the sound of wet skin repeatedly hitting each other, Chris finally released into my tender pussy.

Pulling out slowly, his hand brought mine to his mouth, leaving feathery kisses on each knuckle.

“You okay, mama?” he asks, “Do you need me to get you anything?”

With a shrug, I reply, “Can I please have another shot of tequila?”

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moongreenlight · 7 months

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Need more secret wife please 😭😭🙏🙏🙏

WIP Wednesday? WIP Wednesday.

Secret Wife p3 SMALL UPDATE that I have been hoarding like a dragon with treasure lol (I am riddled with guilt)

It takes Johnny upwards of two hours sat alone in his car in silence to fully process what just happened. He’d tried to ask a thousand follow up questions in some rapid-fire babble, but he was met with a wall of stony silence. Goes on stupidly for well over two minutes until Ghost knocks him with a cupped palm on his temple. Little rougher than could be considered friendly, but nowhere near harmful. Served to bring him back to earth.

“Take a breath, sergeant.”

The low rumble of Simon’s voice barely rises over the dull roar of the cars around them.

“Fuck off.”

Johnny looks less gobsmacked than he feels.

“Mind your manners.”

A bite. He must’ve quit smoking around you for the time being. Made him more waspish than usual.

“Cannae believe you, bastard. Kept a secret tha’ big from us all this time?”

Simon took a labored breath in. A sigh like the stiffness of his muscles was creating a vice around his lungs. He threw a sideways glance back toward your car a few aisles over. Like he was making sure you were still there and situated. Pursed his lips and rubbed the bridge of his nose while saying something about how Soap was to under no circumstance take you up on the dinner offer. Turned on his heel and made his way back over to you without a goodbye.

Johnny had half a mind to disobey out of sheer bull-headedness but decided against it just before he sent you a message on his last day of leave. Deleted the text he’d drafted and resigned to trying to press Simon more about things when they got back on base.

He tried, persistent bugger that he is, to pester his L.T. to give up more information. When the two of you’d gotten married. Why he hadn’t said anything. Why wasn’t he invited to the wedding? Was there a wedding? Does anyone else know? All fruitless. Snubbed each time.

He would have been offended if he hadn’t come to know Ghost so well over the years. He’s cagey at his warmest, so it’s no real surprise that he’s kept this under lock and key. The real shock came from the understanding that it happened at all in the first place. Johnny had a hard time wrapping his mind around someone as kind and welcoming as you somehow getting tangled with someone as stoic and brutish as Ghost. He tried to conjure up infinitely many situations where the two of you met and the coupling made sense, but he never stumbled on one that felt right.

Your went into labor over a month early. Just a few weeks after the boys had returned to base. Four hours before the boys were due to board a flight that would deploy them for three weeks. It was the only time Simon had ever been late to call. Johnny was sent to go track him down by an extraordinarily eggy Price.

He found him ready to leave, rifle slung over his back like a soldier. Pacing the hall outside your room in the bay. Down a short corridor in the back that usually hosted surgeries. He was whale-eyed and hostile toward the sound of Johnny’s boots echoing across the brick. It was jarring to see him so agitated. His hulking frame tangibly vibrating through the pounds of gear he was sporting. He truly considered just walking away. Spinning some tale about desertion because that seemed entirely less daunting than trying to corner an animal like Ghost.

Johnny eventually got him to leave. It was a non-option at this point, just a matter of getting the big bastard into the chopper. Tugging him away was like leashing a feral dog. He was fanatical, tugging at the lead and choking himself the entire way across the landing pad. Didn’t stop snarling until he was pushed down into his seat by Price and made to shut up.

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average-mako-enjoyer · 18 days

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Quickly wrote this little thing in response to the Wednesday event on the Big Place discord server. This is my first posted mshenko fic, I guess lol "How does your character deal with an itch found in a place they can’t quite reach?"

Just a back scratch

The recon they're doing is so impossibly uneventful that Kaidan notices Shepard making a face.

They both abandoned protocol and took off their helmets about half an hour ago, and now Kaidan can see in all detail how he first squints, then scrunches his nose a little, and makes a quick, quiet exhale.

From Kaidan's personal experience, this could be caused by a variety of things, from the Cerberus implants giving him a hard time to him realizing he didn't feed the fish. Kaidan doesn't like either of those possibilities.

"Shepard?" he asks. "You okay?"

"Yes." Shepard answers without pause, as he always does. And immediately makes the face again. This time with an added bonus: He squares his jaw.

"Then why are you making that face?"

This question earns him a quick look.

"I'm not," Shepard says, a true man of brevity. Sometimes Kaidan wants to smack him.

"You're not what?"

"Making a face. Focus on the mission, Major."

"Aye Aye," Kaidan replies, annoyed.

The next few minutes are spent in silence, and still nothing happens, so Kaidan's eyes inevitably wander back to Shepard, and yes, he's making the face again.

"Okay," Kaidan sighs. "Spill it."

This time Shepard slowly turns his head to face him, eyebrows raised, eyes all blue and innocent.

Fucker.

Luckily, Kaidan has his own tricks up his sleeve.

"John..." he says. "Spill. It."

As usual, the use of his first name makes him twitch. He looks away and tenses up.

"John, come on," Kaidan pushes. "I know something's wrong. Tell me."

Then he watches Shepard squint, move his jaw, clench his fist.

'Local man struggles to admit he's not made of titanium,' Kaidan thinks, not too impressed by this display of masculinity.

"I have a..." Shepard finally begins, after a few moments of uncomfortable silence. "I have an itch."

"What?" Kaidan blinks away a string of curse words running through his field of vision.

"An itch." Shepard gives him a quick look. "Under my armor. I try not to think about it. So it will go away."

"Does it work?"

Shepard marinates an answer for a few more very uncomfortable moments.

"No," he finally admits, and just like that, his dam is finally broken. "It's been itching for the last hour and I can't take it anymore, I think I'm losing my mind Kaidan."

The look he gives Kaidan this time is long and panicked.

'God give me strength,' Kaidan thinks, and asks,

"Where?"

"What?" Somehow Shepard's eyes get even wider.

"Where does it itch?"

"My lower back. On the left side."

"Okay. Turn around and I'll scratch it."

"Kaidan, we're on recon," Shepard says, all surprised by Kaidan's audacity, and Kaidan is so done with his shit.

"We've been sitting here for the last hour and a half waiting for Cerberus to make a move in this area, and nothing's happened. I highly doubt that me scratching your back will have any effect on that. Now turn around, soldier, and show me where it itches."

Shepard gives him another long look, but then slowly turns and thumps the area just above his ass with his fist.

"Here."

"Okay." Kaidan frowns and touches it. It slowly dawns on him that scratching Shepard's back won't be as easy as he thought. The armor covering his spine is thick, and the soft suit underneath is even thicker. Kaidan presses into it with his gloved knuckles and Shepard sighs.

"Can you feel it?" Kaidan asks.

"Barely." Shepard looks over his shoulder. "Kaidan, I really don't think we should..."

"Zip it, Commander," Kaidan orders and takes off his glove.

Shepard's back is cold, the undersuit is impossibly stiff and it scratches Kaidan's fingers just as much as he tries to scratch Shepard's back. Fortunately, he has enough calluses on his hands that it doesn't hurt. So Kaidan presses his fingers even harder, moving them up and down, and after a few moments Shepard makes a sound.

It's so soft that Kaidan barely hears it, but then Shepard leans his head down and hisses the next breath.

"Feel it now?" Kaidan grins.

"Yeah, but..." Shepard's back moves with the next breath. "It's not enough. Fuck, I think it's worse now. Fuck."

"Okay." Kaidan stops and takes his hand away. "Let's think of something else."

"Like what?" Shepard turns to him again. "You know... Thanks for trying, but it doesn't work. Let's just not think about it. I'm sure it would go away."

He has such a pained look in his eyes that Kaidan says, "I can scratch you with my biotics."

Shepard raises an eyebrow.

"Yeah, you're right. That's a bad idea. But how about–."

"I'm not taking off my armor," Shepard interjects.

"I wasn't going to ask you that!"

"You weren't? Oh, okay."

"If only I had something harder than my fingers..." Kaidan ponders, scratching his chin, and to his horror sees Shepard's face light up.

"Your gun barrel," he says, eyes shining.

"What?"

"Your gun barrel. It's hard and pointy. Just what we need."

"Shepard, that's a firearm! It's dangerous!"

"Oh," he sighs and rolls his eyes, "come on. I trust you not to shoot me. And may I remind you that scratching me was your idea?"

He has the nerve to look quite smug while saying this, and Kaidan has to admit his defeat.

"Fine," he spats and unholsters his gun.

He checks the safety three times before sticking the barrel into Shepard's back. When he moves it up and down, it feels completely surreal. But then Shepard hisses again.

"A bit higher," he says, voice all strained. Kaidan complies, and Shepard makes a soft, happy sound. "Fu-uck."

"Better?" Kaidan asks, staring at the safety catch.

"Oh yeah." Shepard takes a few uneven breaths. "Now a bit higher and to the left."

Kaidan moves the barrel, but suddenly Shepard reaches back, grabs it, and moves it himself.

"There," he says. "Press a little harder."

"Fuck! Okay! Just take your hand away!" Kaidan checks the safety again, pushes the gun harder into Shepard's back, and begins to move in earnest.

"Ohhh. That's the spot." Shepard makes that soft sound again, sounding exactly like he does in bed. "Alenko, you're the best."

Kaidan swallows. Suddenly his ears feel warm and Shepard's idea to take off the armor doesn't seem so stupid anymore.

But they're not doing anything wrong. This is just a back scratch. In the middle of a recon. With Kaidan's gun as the main tool. With Shepard sounding like he's getting head. It's all perfectly normal.

"Fuck yeah," Shepard says.

And that's the state the Cerberus trooper finds them in.

"Oh," he says, standing in the doorway.

They all just stare at each other for a moment. The trooper is unarmed, and Kaidan can imagine how what he and Shepard are doing must look.

The last thing the trooper says before Kaidan grabs him with his biotics is,

"I don't get paid enough for this shit."

And Kaidan absolutely agrees. No matter how much he was paid, it certainly wasn't enough.

#mass effect #mshenko #commander shepard #kaidan alenko #my stuff #my writing

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rachelsfav-queer · 5 months

Note

Fingers crossed you do this one

As we all know, Wednesday gets her phone at the end of series 1. Enid, of course, all but threatens Xavier to give her Wednesday’s number and he does. Only Wednesday never texts her. Enid constantly messages her over the holidays but to no response. Disheartened, Enid gives up and accepts that she’ll next speak to Wednesday back at school.

Only one day, she’s sat at dinner with her family and her phone dings. Dinner is always chaos with her family so they don’t notice her pulling out her phone to check the message.

It’s from Wednesday. The notification just reads: ‘The Google tells me this is how the youth of today expresses their desire to court. I do hope this is to your satisfaction. Please respond promptly. Sincerely, Wednesday Addams.’

Confused, Enid opens up the text and immediately begins choking on her drink, not that her family notices.

Because what Wednesday has sent her, in front of her full body mirror in her bedroom, is a photo of her in nothing but her boots. Her braids still perfectly in place, no fancy pose. Just a simple, standing up straight and holding up her phone nude image of Wednesday.

(Gods, anon!!! It’s been so long since you sent this, I’m so sorry!! I really hope you’re still around. I honestly feel so bad for taking so long with this. ITS SO GOOD!!)

Holy shit anon!! 😳😳😳

That is- goddamn!

I’m not exactly sure what you meant when saying you hope I do this, but if you were hoping I could add to this, well, I’ll try my best lol

Enid is beyond happy that her family is known for never noticing her because she has absolutely no idea how to explain herself suddenly almost choking on her food, nor could she give a proper excuse for her sudden disappearance from the table to go… relieve herself.

As she reaches her bathroom, she pulls her phone out again and notices another message from Wednesday, this time a video. When Enid opens it up, she sees Wednesday, in the exact same spot and exact same position, continuing to stare directly into the camera. Slowly, Wednesday raises her free hand to her chest and begins, very robotically, to massage her boobs and releases one single, yet intensely explicit moan. A few seconds later, the video ends, no fanfare, nothing.

Enid barely even registers tearing, literally tearing, her shorts off and before she knows it, she’s lightly circling her clit with her middle finger. The werewolf leans against the bathroom counter, her bare butt providing ample cushion against the cold, hard surface. But she stops for a moment realizing that she has to repay Wednesday for this incredible “courting gift” somehow, right?

After about a minute of deliberation, Enid decides to return the favor in kind with some nudes of her own. Enid realizes that she’s already in the perfect spot for it and so she simply hops up fully onto the counter and spreads her legs as far as she can manage. Then, she switches to her camera on her phone and holds her phone so it’s pointing up with her unshaven pussy in the foreground. As she messes around to get it so the bathroom light reflects the wetness on her groin, Enid gets another idea.

She takes two fingers and spreads her pussy open, giving the perfect picture that she’s been aiming for. Finally satisfied, Enid presses the button and a few seconds later, presses send on the photo along with the message “I accept your proposal 😉” and anxiously awaits Wednesday’s response.

End <3

(Gods, I am so sorry for the late response. I really do feel terrible.)

#anon ask #ask answered #wenclair #wenclair nsft #wednesday x enid #wednesday addams #enid sinclair #my writing

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dokoni-mo · 2 years

Text

Crave: Part Six || William Afton x GN! Reader

summary: the eye of the storm

mild NSFW

word count: 4404

warnings: age-gap relationship (reader is 20 william is pushing 40), allusions to mental illness, willy is obsessive, possessive too, and a little creepy, and a hypocrite, and narcissistic lol, and a little bit of a yandere, mentions of divorce, dysfunctional parent-child relationships, secret relationships, swearing, gaslighting, manipulation tactics, dom/sub undertones if you squint, willy is VERY egotistical, allusions to corruption kink, sir kink, smoking, sensual touching, dirty fantasies, praise, lying, erections, indirect mentions of stalking, dirty fantasies, kissing

minors dni // please read warnings!!

part one // two // three // four // five

a/n: helloooo everyone!! I am back again with another part!! I've gotten a lot of messages asking where this was and here it is!! It's my spring break now, so i have time to feed all of you guys again!! thank you to everyone who was patient with me in the meantime, it means a lot <3 hopefully the length of this chapter will make up for the wait!! enjoy!!

~~~

Even though it was very much out of the way, Mr. Afton's office was still far too noisy for his liking.

When first establishing the diner, he was well aware that the target audience was children first, and then their parents second. And, having had children of his own, William knew that children were noisy. Very noisy. But surely their parents could control them in public spaces, yes? Other kids want to enjoy the animatronics and the music too. And that's hard to do when brat one and brat two are screaming their heads off. So surely the parents would teach them some manners, right?

No. Of course not. He was being too optimistic.

And, over the years, William found that smoking was the only cure to his headaches. They were frequent while at work, and he took frequent long breaks to cure them. The nicotine was the only remedy.

Aside from his bunny, of course. Though you were far more addicting than the nicotine.

William hadn't heard a word from you ever since the incident with Michael on Monday. It was Wednesday now, and he still missed you just as much as he had prior. You remembered your rules, didn't you? Phone him once a week? Don't tell him you forgot already. Each minute that ticked by he could feel the pull of anticipation coming from whatever phone was nearby. Hell, he had barely slept the last few nights because he wanted to be sure he'd get your call. But the lack of sleep was getting to him. He could feel it in the sting of his eyes every time he blinked.

Damn it, bunny. You need to be more attentive with these things.

Running his hand through his brown-grey hair, he breathed out a heavy sigh as he tamped out his third cigarette of the day. His elbows were situated heavy on his expensive, messy desk, leaned forward in his chair. He needed to get a hold of himself. It had only been a few days. You were a good bunny, and of course you were gonna follow the rules. William shouldn't chastise you too much. You had things to do, most likely. Or just wanted to wait to play it safe. He just missed you a lot more than he expected. Especially after all that with Michael.

The brit felt his jaw clench, reaching in his desk drawer for a fresh pack of cigarettes.

Who the fuck did that boy even think he was? He had no right to disturb William's peace like that, sticking his nose where it didn't belong. Your relationship with the older man was none of his damned business. And who was he to even question it to begin with? Question him? Question you? Poor bunny. You were probably so frightened, weren't you? William hoped you weren't scared off too much, enough to where you didn't want to call. Did you think it was best not to anymore? God damn it. Mr. Afton wished he could communicate with you better.

The brit bent his neck down as he pulled open one of his drawers, searching for his lighter.

Fucking Michael. Always ruining shit. William was getting fucking sick and tired of his bullshit, having to be the ring-leader in the fuckery circus. Michael was a damn brat.

He'd fucking pay for this.

After successfully lighting the cigarette, William heard a knock as he put the lighter away. A brief twinge of hope rushed through him as he looked up at his office door. Could it be you, little bunny? Did you not call because you were planning to visit him this whole time? Sweet little one. Always so considerate.

But, then again...

William's excitement vanished as soon as it came up. He gave you the key to his office, and instructed you to let yourself in. This couldn't be you, no.

Damn. Fucking, damn.

Fuck whoever this was. He could go fuck himself.

Clearing his throat, William put on his rehearsed friendly voice as he called out to the mystery person.

"Come in!"

The door clicking open and shut, William was greeted with a pleasant surprise, but not the one he was hoping for.

Henry.

William felt a little bad for thinking Henry should go fuck himself.

Henry was William's best friend. Hell, in a lot of ways, William's only friend. At least the only person that he considered to be a real friend. Aside from his bunny, Henry was the only person William allowed to be at least somewhat of himself around. Of course, the brit was never fully himself, no. He knew if Henry saw the real him, his American friend would want nothing to do with the brit. No, his true self was only reserved for you, little one. Because he just loved you that much. And you loved him just the same. But still, Henry was a close friend to William. They had known each other since William had first stepped foot in the states, all those years ago. William knew everything about Henry, and Henry knew all he needed to know. It was a nice friendship.

Stepping through the door, William noticed right away that Henry was slightly out of breath, sweaty too. Being a heavier-set man, Henry was prone to sweating every now and again, but the slickness in his fiery reddish-blond hair told William that he'd probably just stepped out of the Fredbear costume. Henry's glasses were fogged, but he seemed more preoccupied with catching his breath to care right now.

"Hey, Bill! Sorry to barge in." Henry chuckled to his friend, leaning against the cool surface of the wooden door, "I just had to get away from those kids out there."

William gave the man the most sympathetic smile he could, taking a puff of his cigarette, "Tough crowd, hm?"

Henry chuckled again, shaking his head, "Nah, just really excited to see Fredbear. They missed ol' Bonnie though, you know."

The brit breathed out a hum, "Well Bonnie had to file his restaurant's taxes this afternoon. And someone has to keep this place afloat, no?"

"Yeah, yeah. Thanks for taking care of that, by the way. I know how much you hate crunching the numbers."

"It's no big deal." William sat back in his chair, putting his feet up on the desk, "I'd argue you got the tougher job today out of anyone."

Henry laughed again, one of his signature belly-laughs, "Yeah, yeah, that's fair. How's it going, Bill? How're you?"

William knew that Henry was going to be keen on talking, so that meant not much time for smoking. The brit took one last puff of nicotine before tamping it out.

"Quite well, actually. You?"

"Oh, you know me! Same old, same old. How're the kids doing? I hear Mikey's getting along well in college these days! That's good for him, though. I remember how much he used to struggle. I told him though, he just needed to find his people, find what he's passionate about, yknow?"

William felt his jaw clench. The only thing his son was passionate about was making a mess of things.

"He's doing fine, yeah." William said, "Though he's hardly ever home long enough for me to ask these days. But, I haven't gotten a letter of expulsion. So I assume all is well, yeah?"

Henry laughed, "Definitely! And how 'bout lil' Evan and Liz? Jee, it's been forever since I've seen them two. They grow like weeds at this age, at least Charlie did. Bet they're huge now!"

William let his smile fall a little, "Actually, I haven't seen them much either."

"Oh? Really?"

"Really." William took his feet off his desk and sat forward in his seat, "Clara seems not quite as willing to let them come over these days, it seems. Something about Evan's nightmares popping up again. The robots seemed to frighten him more than I had realized."

Henry crossed his arms, "Ah, jee, Bill. I'm so sorry. I know you gotta miss 'em."

"I do. I know Clara has her reasons, but... Let's just say the house is a lot more quiet with just me and Mike in there, yeah?"

Henry seemed to finally catch his breath and stop sweating now, taking off his fogged glasses. Glancing between the brit and the lenses, the red-head used the end of his t-shirt to wipe the glass.

"Yknow, Bill," Henry began, "It's been about 8 years since you and Clara split. Maybe it's time to, yknow... get back out there. It's not too late, even for old guys like us. I'm sure the kids would understand, too. At least eventually they would."

William felt another smile threaten to creep up on his face. Oh, Henry. You poor soul. The brit appreciated the sentiment, but there wasn't any need to worry about him. At least, not now. Not anymore. William had his precious, adorable little bunny now. And they were everything the older man needed and more. All he'd ever need ever again.

Fuck.

He missed you. He missed you so fucking much.

Henry seemed genuinely worried for William, too. Not that Henry wasn't ever genuine. Aside from his bunny, Henry was the most genuine person William had ever met. Never had a bad word to say to anyone about anything. It allowed William to put some of his trust in Henry, and make him a friend.

The extent of that trust?

Enough to tell Henry about you. Or, at least, tell him a little bit about you. Henry didn't need to know the whole truth.

Just enough for William to stop missing you so much.

"Actually," William began, his smile finally spilling over onto his handsome features, "I have... met someone, you could say."

Henry looked to the brit with shock and amusement, his smile widening as he put his glasses back on, "No way, really?! Bill, that's great! I mean... wow! I didn't even realize you were looking!"

"Thank you. We only started... seeing each other this past weekend. But, I already like them quite a bit. They are... unlike anyone I've ever met before. We click, yeah?"

The American let out an amused chuckle, "Wow, I mean, that's amazing, man! What's their name? Where're the from?"

William knew that he couldn't give Henry your real name. This town was too small. If Henry didn't already know you, he'd find out who you were one way or another. And he wasn't ready for that yet.

"Their name is... Bunny. From... Vegas."

"Vegas, huh? Interesting! What're they like?"

William let out a hum from the back of his throat, picturing your little face in his head, "Everything I could ever want. Or need."

Henry laughed again, "Wow, sounds like you really like 'em!"

"I do. Though they're a busy person. It's... difficult for us to be together all the time. I miss them terribly."

"I can understand that. It was like that with me and the Mrs. for a while there. Especially when setting up this joint." Henry responded as he patted the doorframe for emphasis, "But! Yknow what really helped us back then?"

"Hm?"

"When the dust settled enough, we took a week away! Just her and I, and left Charlie with the grandparents. It really helped us, like, reassure each other that we were our biggest priorities. It's like we fell in love all over again! We still talk about it to this day!"

William felt his lips part as he listened to his friend. A week away, hm? Now that did sound intriguing. The idea of getting away from this shithole town and whisking you away somewhere private did sound nice. Somewhere nice and secluded, so it could just be you and him. No worries looming over your shoulders of being caught, or leaving some sort of trail behind. Somewhere where you didn't have to look over your shoulder, and fully be in the moment. Together.

The brit shifted his grey eyes over to the calendar at the front of his desk. Your fall break was coming up soon. Next week, to be precise. Would that be enough time to plan all of it out? Money wasn't an issue to William, not at all. But he just wondered if him and you could be away for a whole weekend without raising any eyebrows.

But, then again. College students rarely stayed around town that week. Hell, Michael would probably be even spending it a this mother's. That makes things more convenient. William could just say he needs to travel for business. And he could just get you to say that you were spending it away at distant relative's houses.

Yes, that could work.

But where would he take you? There's that national park upstate not too far away. Tucked away in the few woods that Utah had. William remembered taking his family up there once a long time ago, when Michael was still in high school. The only people there were a few other families, as well as the managers of the hotel site. And they wouldn't give a damn about anything that the two of you could possibly get up to, so long as things stay quiet and the checks cleared.

Though, if William gets you all to himself like that... it might be a bit hard to keep you quiet.

He wanted to hear just how loud his little bunny could get.

But, that could sort itself out later.

Henry was a smart man.

When William got back after next week, he'd have to thank him for the wonderful idea.

~~~

"A trip? Together? Will, don't you think that's a bit... risky?"

It wasn't until the sun had started to creep down the horizon the next day that you called. Although his talk with Henry had helped, William still missed you deeply during the time in between. His fantasies of you and the jacket that he stole could only keep him company for so long. He was just grateful that he had been home when you called, and that Michael wasn't there to ruin any more shit.

William didn't expect you to be so apprehensive about his little idea. He assumed that if he was the one that brought up something like that, you'd know that it was safe to do so. William is smart, little one. He's already thought every little detail through. Don't you trust him not to put you in any kind of danger?

He told you that you two would leave on Sunday, it being Thursday now. This would give you time to wrap up anything for school that you had outstanding, if any, and give him enough time to sort things out. The hotel reservation. Lying to everyone that he'd be on a business trip. Making sure that idiot Michael was tucked away at his mother's for the week. Plus, enough time for him to think of what the two of you would do up there, tucked away in the little corner of the woods.

Alone.

Without any prying eyes.

Oh bunny. If only you knew what he was capable of. When things were perfect like that. When things were how they should be.

"It's not risky at all, love." He responded to you, holding the phone up with his shoulder as he circled the number of the Hotel on the newspaper, "We'd be far enough away from town to where no one would recognize us. It's just a tourist destination anyway, bit run down, yeah? There'd be no one we'd know, just perhaps a few other passer-bys."

William could hear how you turned over in your bed from the other end of the phone, perhaps to prop yourself up on your elbows, "But what if someone is there? Like, how're we supposed to explain that?"

"Love, there's not going to be anyone there we know."

"Yeah, but... what if there is?"

William chuckled as he set the newspaper down, re-grabbing the phone from off his shoulder, "You worry far too much, bunny."

"Well I don't think you're worried enough, Will. This could be really dangerous for us..."

"But it won't be, (Y/N). I wouldn't have suggested it if I thought it'd be too dangerous. You know that."

You sighed, "I do, it's just..."

The brit shifted the phone to his other ear as he leaned his back against the wall, "What, love? You can tell me."

"It's just I don't wanna be, like... found out this early on. Like, what if someone really is there? And we can't see each other again because of it? And we'd have to go back home and pretend to be strangers again and it all gets, like, ruined and..."

You trailed off towards the end, but William understood what you were trying to say. Oh, sweet bunny. It's so cute you were so worried. But it wasn't anything to worry about in the first place, and perhaps you knew that deep down. You like to worry yourself silly, don't you, little one? Turns out you were far more paranoid than even William himself. Didn't that wear you out?

You need to calm down, bunny. William would never let anything stand between you and him. He loved you, and he'd fight for you until the bitter end.

"Bunny, listen to me, yeah?" The brit hummed, "Nothing is going to happen out there. I'll make sure nothing could possibly go wrong. And even if something did, it won't be anything for you to fret over, love. I'll take care of everything. I promise."

You fell silent for a few moments, but eventually let out a tiny sigh, the ruffling of your bed covers coming from the background again.

"Finneeeee." You breathed out, "But only if you're sure it'll be okay."

William felt his grin stretch across his handsome face, "I'm certain, little one. Just leave it all the me, yeah?"

"Where even is this place again? I've never heard of it before."

"It's only a few hours north of here. Kind of out in the middle of nowhere, but that just means no one will bother us with our... quality time."

The older man heard how you giggled over the phone, imagining the blush that came up on your cheeks, "Where'd you even hear of this place to begin with? You don't seem like the outdoors-y type. No offense."

"Ah, no, love, I'm not, but I used to take my kids up there every now and again. Back when we all still lived together."

"I see... Will, yknow, if you'd rather spend this week with them, I won't be offen-"

William chuckled again, "No, love, it's quite alright. Michael's too old for that sort of thing now, and the ex-wife is already taking the other two up to her mum's. Besides, I'd much rather be with you, anyway. I miss you, bunny."

"I miss you too, Will."

He let out a pleased hum, "Are you excited, love?"

"I am! I'm gonna start packing in the morning after my midterm."

"If you need any help, bunny, just give me a ring, alright?"

"I will, I will. Oh, and after we get back, just tell me how much everything was and I'll give you back half-"

William laughed again, amused by how cute you were, "Darling, please. There'll be none of that. I've got it all covered, sweet thing."

He heard you sit up in your bed, "Oh my god, no! Will, please, I can't ask you to do all that for m-"

"It's not an issue, bunny. Trust me."

"Still! That's a lot of money, and I can't just-"

The brit chuckled, "You can, love. I've got it all taken care of. Having you with me is payback enough, I promise. This isn't putting me out or anything. Just in this phone call I've made enough money to cover it two times over. Just be a good bunny for me, yeah? Let me spoil my sweet rabbit a bit. Think of this as just a little... honeymoon, of sorts. Alright?"

He could practically hear your blush from the other end, "O-Okay... Thank you, Will. Thank you very much, I... no one's ever been this kind to me before. So thank you."

"It's not a problem, little one. There's no need to thank me. This is just what you get when you're good for me, yeah? Do you understand?"

"I do."

"Good bunny. Though, if you really do want to say thank you, how about a nice kiss when I see you on Sunday, hm? Could you do that for me?"

You breathed out a smile, "Yeah, I can. Yes sir."

William let out another pleased hum, his smirk stretching even further, "Good bunny. It's getting late, little one. You should get some rest. We've got a long week ahead of us."

You ruffled around to where you were lying down again, "Yeah, you're right. Just... thank you again, Will. For everything."

"Of course, love. Anytime. Good luck on your exam tomorrow, yeah? I know you'll do fine. I'll see you Sunday, alright?"

"See ya Sunday, Will. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, bunny."

~~~

"Okay, Mike. Next one. The principle of conservation of momentum is a direct consequence of Newton's third law of motion. True or False?"

"Umm... false?"

"Mike! Come on, we learned this in high school!"

Michael groaned at his own cluelessness as you laughed at him for the umpteenth time today. It was Friday morning, much too early and much too cold to be cramming for a physics midterm. Yet, here Michael was.

With you.

The moment he locked eyes with you on campus, Michael had drug you away to your usual shared study-spot. Behind the old welcome center, which gradually had turned into a dumping site for any supplies or equipment the college didn't need anymore, but didn't bother to throw out. The cinder-block building made it much colder than it already was, but it was secluded. It always let the two of you be outside but without anyone threatening the join. You and Michael were a bit awkward. Not much of talkers to outsiders.

You were in your usual spot up on the ledge of the building. It was structured in a way in which part of the corner was cut out from the main walls. Originally intended for some sort of statue or monument, the corner was left empty once people lost interest in any sort of project being placed there. But, it made a nice little human-sized cubby to sit in. Your back was against the cold brick wall, with Michael sitting opposite you with his back on the stone as well. A flurry of old assignments and your books were strewn about in the narrow space between you and him, your legs tangled together in a bit of a mess.

Though you weren't in his physics class, you knew how much Michael struggled with it. Admittedly, he was never much of a math guy. Or any kind of school guy, really. But, you were. Michael knew you were a nerd. Even though you'd never admit it, you were. He'd joke about it to you every now and again, but deep down, admired that about you. You never needed to study much for anything. Or at least, not nearly to the magnitude he needed to.

That's why he didn't feel bad making you help him last-minute cram that morning. He knew you would be fine without studying for your test. Well, it was two birds with one stone, in a way. He both desperately needed the help, and desperately needed to know what was up with you.

He hadn't spoken to you since Monday of that same week, after his father had forced him to call you. Michael felt bad about potentially worrying you then, or even just calling you at such an ungodly hour, but he had decided it was ultimately for the best. He knew his father did some shit to you.

And he had to know what that shit was.

He knew that old man would rather finally croak than spill the beans, so he had to rely on you to give him answers. Seeing as you had most likely lied to him over the phone (not that he blamed you too much, he knew how manipulative the old geezer could be), he'd have to rely on his intuition as best he could. From the cues you gave.

But, that was the problem.

Although you hadn't lied to him before, nor really hid anything from him, turns you were damn good at it.

On Monday, he hadn't been able to pick up anything from you at all. You had greeted him and hung out with him like nothing was wrong. And hell, even now, you still were. You were your same old self. Just perhaps slightly... happier? More energetic?

That should be a good thing. Michael wanted to be happy for you.

But he knew something was up. It wasn't just a coincidence. And he needed to get to the bottom of it.

For you.

"This is all bullshit, anyway!" Michael exclaimed, running his hands though his long, feathered hair, "I didn't care back then about this shit, and I still don't now!"

You dropped the stack of flash-cards down to look at your friend square in his freckled face, "Mike, if you wanna be an engineer, you're gonna have to know Newton's Laws. It's, like, the main thing."

Michael scoffed, but not annoyedly, "Look, all I'm saying is, if they were really that important, I'd already know them."

The young man heard you laugh again, "Maybe if you already knew them you'd not be failing."

"I am not failing! I actually have a C this semester, thank you very much."

"Thaaaaat's nearly failing, Mike."

"Well thank god I've got the best tutor ever then, right?"

Michael felt himself smile to match your own, watching you roll your eyes playfully as you shuffled the flash cards in your hands, "It's just one more test then we're outta here. Then you can diss Newton all you want. But for now, we need to study."

Michael's grey eyes fell to the cards, silence falling over him. Right, fall break. He had forgotten all about it. He was gonna head up to his mom's house, with Liz and Evan.

But, his father...

"Hey," he said, "I never asked you. What're you doing for break?"

You glanced up at your friend at his question, only for your eyes to fall down to your hands again, "Actually, I'm gonna go outta town."

Michael shifted in his seat, "Out of town?"

"Yeah," you responded, "My grandma invited me to her place up state. I'm gonna spend the week with her."

"Where does she live?"

"I don't remember off the top of my head. But somewhere up in the woods."

The woods...

"What're you gonna do?" You asked him, catching the young man a bit off guard.

"Oh," he said, "I'm gonna go spend time with my mum and brother and sister. Probably the whole week."

Michael watched as you smiled at him, searching for any sort of hint behind your eyes, "That sounds fun. Hope you have a good time."

"Yeah... too bad my dad won't be coming."

Michael saw you glance up again at him.

"He won't?"

"Nah. Something about a business trip."

"That's understandable, though. Gotta do what you gotta do. I'm just surprised you'd miss him. It's not like you were ever his biggest fan."

Michael scoffed again, "Yeah. Maybe it's for the best."

"Yeah... maybe."

Silence fell over the two of you again, only broken by the shuffling of paper in your hands and the cool Utah air flooding through the trees in the distance.

Shit. Had Michael fucked it up? Was he being too direct? He never really talked to you too much about his relationship with his dad. At least, not in-depth, and nothing besides the occasional venting session. He'd have to explain every little nuance to you for you to get the whole picture. Of why he felt how he felt abut his old man. And he never wanted to unpack all that onto you. It wasn't fair. It wasn't your job to take care of him.

But, still.

He needed to get to the bottom of this.

"You think so too?" He asked, tearing your gaze away from the flashcards to focus on him.

"I mean," you said, "Things turn out how they do for a reason. Maybe it's just not time for a family reunion yet."

"Yeah, you're right... It's just, I kinda miss how things were before, yknow? When my mum and dad were still together."

"I can understand that. But, ultimately, it happened for a reason. And they probably did it because it just would've been best for you and your siblings. Better than just letting it... sit and brew, right?"

"I guess... So, does your grandma, like, live in a cabin or something? Is she a witch?"

You laughed, "No, no. Not a witch. At least from what I remember. And yeah I think it's a cabin. Or at least kinda like one. She rents it out occasionally, too."

A rentable cabin...

In the woods...

"For, like, tourists?"

"Or just any passers-by."

Michael felt his lips part at your words, a small pit forming in the bottom of his stomach.

The woods. The cabin. Your trip. His dad's trip.

Oh god.

Oh fucking god.

"Umm, Mike?" the young man heard you ask, briefly snapping out of his train of thought, "Are you good?"

Michael looked to you again and threw on his best smile, running a hand through his hair, "Shit, I'm so sorry, (Y/N)! I just remembered I agreed to study with Steven this morning. Sorry, but I gotta run!"

The young man stood up and threw all his things into his backpack quicker than he ever had before. He didn't even care how all his papers were being crumpled, and the bookmarks were flying out of the pages.

You watched him with a somewhat confused expression, "Uhhh, okay? I can come with if you-"

"No, no, it's alright!" Michael exclaimed, almost too quickly, "You've already helped me more than enough, thanks. I just really gotta run."

Once all his stuff was in, Michael threw his bag over his shoulder, not even bothering to zip it up, "I'll see you after break, alright? Have a good week, (Y/N). Enjoy your grandma's."

Michael heard you call out something back to him, but he was already trudged off in the opposite direction. He didn't look back, not even once, his grey eyes fixated to the ground.

They stayed there for a good long while.

Until his legs carried him to the pay phone, his arms searched through his pockets, his fingers put in the quarter, and dialed his mother's number.

~~~

When Sunday rolled around, William had spent a fuck ton of time getting ready that morning. A lot longer than he normally did.

The brit had hardly slept the night before. He was just way too excited about what was to come after the sun had risen. An entire week away. With his precious bunny at his side. Away from this fuckhole town. Away from all the idiots that lived here. Away from his business. Away from his lonely home. Away from Michael. Away from any prying eyes that might threaten to take you away from him.

No. Come that morning, he'd be able to get away from it all. And have you close to him. Where you should always be.

He had laid out his best outfit before settling into bed the previous night. The purple sweater-vest he loved so much, with his black tie, slacks, and dress shoes. all tied together with his light-purple dress shirt underneath, accented with his silver watch and class ring from his university. Staring at himself in the mirror for what felt like hours, he had finally gotten his brown-and-grey hair to fall as perfectly as he wanted. As he would expect for himself when seeing you. You were already perfect for him. The least he could do was be the same for you.

Before William marched out the door to his car, he made sure to give himself an extra spritz of his cologne. Just to be sure that you'd be able to memorize his scent over this week. He planned by the end to either give you a piece of the clothes he had packed for you to keep, or spray his own cologne on your clothes. To give you some sort of unconscious reminder of him. For when the week was over. He was leaning towards the latter, however. Easier to slip in, and more long-lasting.

He'd think about it. He had plenty of time to decide.

The older man had already packed everything he needed long before the weekend ever came. He wanted to make sure that he didn't forget anything. This week needed to go by as perfectly as possible. He knew he wouldn't be able to forgive himself if he fucked it up somehow. Sure, yes, you were his good bunny. You'd reassure him with your adorable smile that everything was okay. But it wouldn't be, bunny.

There was no room for fuck-ups this week.

None.

Even though, William was pretty sure he was about to fuck-up at any second right then.

You and him had agreed that he would be he one to drive the two of you to the hotel. More like William decided, but you didn't seem to protest too much. At least not that he could pick up on. But, with that, William knew that he'd have to help you carry your luggage. Over the phone, you didn't say as much. Not in any way that might embarrass yourself.

"It might be a little tough for me to haul my shit down the stairs." You told him over the phone, "So just be patient with me, alright?"

William smiled to himself as he recalled your little voice. Oh, bunny. His silly little bunny. There's no shame in asking William to help you, sweet thing. Wouldn't you like to see a display of his strength? See just how much he can lift without any trouble at all? Why'd you want to see that, bunny? To see how well he could throw you around during you and his playtime?

Naughty bunny. Naughty naughty bunny. Who knew your mind was so filthy?

The brit was waiting outside of your door for you to answer, the sound of the wind breaking between the trees and the gentle rumble of his car's engine filling his rosy ears. He had knocked a few minutes ago, and was trying to be as patient as possible for you to answer. William knew you were awake. If he was careful about it, he could hear you scurrying around your house in a mad dash. It was cute. And he was a patient man.

Normally speaking.

William found it hard to resist the urge to just kick down the door and scoop you up into his arms. He had missed you so fucking much in the days leading up to today. His heart ached for you. His body ached for you. Just like before, he could already feel himself starting to harden inside his trousers. Just in the excitement and anticipation of seeing you again. The heat on his cheeks was creeping down his neck, making him shudder in the cold morning air.

Fucking hell. He was glad he picked out black to wear again today. Any other color, and you would've noticed his hard-on. As much as he loved playing with his bunny, he wanted to just be sweet and loving with you today. Hold you close. Kiss those adorable cheeks. Fuck. He just wanted you near him; needed you near him. Your warmth against his was so addicting. He had gone far too long without it. The jacket he stole from you was fine, but it wasn't the same. It couldn't replicate the feeling of your chest against his. The feeling of your plush thighs overtop his own. The way your little fingers ran through his hair, and down his scars... Fuck, bunny. Fucking hell. How we wanted you to touch him again. How we wanted to touch you again. Your skin was so smooth and soft. The way his long, calloused fingers could just slide across your belly and thighs like it was nothing. The dip of your waist own to your hips, and how his hands fit so perfectly there. God fucking damn. And your cute little butt; god above how he loved it. How he could just-

Before William could fantasize any more, the door keeping him from you finally clicked open, ripping his gaze away from the trees in the distance. The older man felt his lips gently part, finally being able to drink in the sight of you again. After so long.

Even though you were awake, it looked like you hadn't been for too long. For one, you were still in your pajamas. And you hadn't even seemed to comb your hair yet. Or, if you had, whatever you were doing made it unkept again. you were smiling at him, but your adorable little eyes were still tired. He could see the faint dark circles that lingered under them, coupled with the sheen of redness from within.

He was really happy he wore black trousers that day.

"Morning, Will!" you said, your sleepiness still in your voice, "Sorry to keep you waiting, just gimme-"

Before you could finish your sentiment, William pushed himself through the door and slammed it shut behind him. You had taken a few steps back from his sudden barging-in, but he was quick to close the distance between the two of you, the surprise of it all lighting up your sleepy eyes. Snaking one of his arms around your middle, his other hand landing on your cheek, William closed the rest of the distance between you and him, capturing your sweet, soft lips into a kiss. You had let out a tiny hum of protest from his sudden movements, but quickly stopped as you eased in, reciprocating the older man's affections. As the kiss deepened, William gently was able to turn the two of you around, backing you up against the door with your shoulder blades flush against the wood.

Your hands eventually found their home on his shoulders, allowing himself to press further against you. He wasn't too sure if you could feel the hardness in his pants against your thigh or not, but he didn't fucking care. All that mattered was that you were here. You were in his arms again, after so fucking long. You hadn't gotten much better at kissing since the last time he saw you, but he didn't fucking care about that either. All that mattered was that they were your kisses. And it was him that got to kiss you.

Did you understand that, bunny?

Only he was allowed to kiss you.

Him.

And only him.

Because you were his sweet, adorable, sexy baby bunny.

You eventually had to pull away for air, but that didn't stop William's barrage of affection onto you. With no more access to your lips, the brit turned his attention to your neck, tilting his head down towards the soft flesh. He could feel how you gripped onto him tighter as he gave you quick, demanding little bites against the side of your windpipe, sucking on the skin every now and again. It wasn't until his hands started to wander under your shirt that you said anything.

"Will!" You exclaimed, a slight giggle in your voice, "Please! I missed you too, but calm down!"

The brit let out a hum against your neck, moving his hand back to your waist as he gave your collarbones a few more kisses, "I'm sorry, bunny. I just missed you... I missed you a lot."

You giggled again at him, "It's okay, I missed you too. I'm just really tired. I didn't sleep too well last night."

Tilting his head back up, William gave you a kiss to your blushy cheek before locking eyes with you again, brushing the hair away from your face.

"No?" He asked, admiring his precious bunny's adorable features. You were even cuter than the last time he saw you.

"Yeah, I was too excited. And I kept feeling like... I dunno. Like I was gonna forget something."

"I understand, love. I was in the same boat myself." He leaned down to you, pressing a quick peck against your lips, "You can sleep on the car ride if you want to, bunny. I won't mind."

"It's alright. I'm used to staying up anyway, but... thanks again, Will. For all of this. I just... No one's ever done something like this for me before. It's a little hard to believe this is, like, real."

The older man chuckled, giving you another quick kiss, "There's really no need to thank me, darling. I've already gotten all the thanks I need."

Breathing out another smile, you stood on your tip-toes to press one last kiss against his lips.

"I hate to ask you this, but..." you said, "I can't lift my suitcase enough to get it downstairs. Can you help me? Please?"

William smiled. You were just too cute.

"Of course, bunny."

"Thank you. Come on, it's upstairs in my room."

Even though he was reluctant to do so, William let you go out of his grasp, immediately feeling a lot colder without you close to him. Following behind you, he could already see how the fresh hickies he had given you were starting to form. Three bright red spots now lined the right side of your neck, marking you as his.

William couldn't help but smirk to himself.

Your house was smaller than William's was, and much more empty too. You had told him before that it was largely only you that lived there now. Your parents lived there too, but only when they were around. Which was next to never, their line of work having them over-seas a majority of the time. Even still, the house was a bit of a mess for only having one person living in it. Granted, it's not like you had to clean up if you didn't want to. You weren't trying to keep a tidy home for everyone else. While William was definitely more of a tidy person, he understood the mess. And, admittedly, found it a little comforting.

It was your mess, after all.

This feeling of comfort only magnified itself the closer you lead him to your room. The mess gradually got messier as he neared the door, and the items strewn about became progressively more personal to you. Papers turned to books. Books turned to albums. Albums turned to clothes. Clothes turned into your more... personal clothes.

Fucking Christ.

William wanted to steal some of those too.

But eventually, all of the different items eventually amalgamated into your room. Both you and him had to step over a few piles of things to get past the door, but he was the first to stop. He was positioned just a foot or so past your bedroom door, while you scurried off more towards the back of it all.

"Sorry about all the mess," you said over your shoulder, "I meant to clean up before you came, but... I slept through my alarm."

William looked down to his feet at your words, kicking over a pile of your clothes gently to investigate its contents, "It's alright, love. I've seen much worse."

"Just wait there for a sec. I need to pack a few more things first."

William took this as a cue to further his investigation into your room. Honestly, it wasn't quite what he expected. Although, he had never really given any thought into how it might've looked. But regardless, he found himself quite fond of it.

Because it was just so... you.

It had all your favorite things in it. The posters on the wall of your favorite bands. The pictures of you and your family. A few art pieces that seemed just a bit aged. All the little trinkets and knick-knacks that lined shelves full of books you liked. The clothes you liked strewn about the ground. Album covers. Old movie ticket stubs. Your schoolwork. Your sheets. Your stuffed animals. Your scent.

It was like William had stepped inside of your mind.

And he fucking loved it.

Why didn't he think of this sooner? Coming into your room? He would've been able to learn so much more about you so much quicker than he had. Instead of pestering his dumbass son, he could've just come here all along. Oh god. Oh fucking god. This was all too much. He was surrounded by you. Everywhere he looked was something to remind him of you, because everything was you. Fucking hell. It smelled just like you too. And your bed. Your fucking bed. Just inches away from him, the place where you slept at night whilst away from him. The very thing that housed all your dreams, your phone calls, your tears, your study sessions, your pleasure. Did you think of him in there, bunny? How many times has his name echoed off of those walls? How many times have you imagined him there with you? Did you picture him slipping on top of you in that bed? Did you fantasize about his hands roaming up and down your body there? Did you? Was it his lips you imagined on your flesh? His voice you wanted to whisper in your ear?

Oh it was bunny. He knew it was. Just like he had done for you, in his own bed.

William was grateful to hear your voice again from the other side of the room. He was worried he might have another accident if he hadn't been stopped.

"Like what you see?" You asked him, shoving a few last-minute things into your suitcase.

The brit cleared his throat before responding to you, "I do actually, yes."

He hard you scoff playfully, "You don't have to humor me, Will. I know you're a neat-freak."

"No, no, I do like it, bunny." He reassured you, "It's very... you."

"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

"A good thing, of course."

You chuckled, "Well I guess it makes sense. I've had the same room since the day I was born."

William felt one of his brows raise, "You've never moved?"

"Nah. This house has been in the family since, like, the 20s or something. I've never been outside of Hurricane, actually."

The older man felt his bewilderment grow, "Never?"

"Never ever. Other than a Disney trip when I was a baby, but I don't remember anything from it so it doesn't count. This trip will be my first time out of the city."

"Is that so... Well, I'm honored to be your first, bunny."

You chuckled again, "You're a lot of my firsts, Will."

William smiled to himself. Indeed he was, little bunny. Just like how it should be. You'd never need another man in your life, anyway. Not anymore, not after being his now. Isn't that all you'd ever want?

This trip was going to be good for you. He knew it would.

"Well I'm honored to be all of them."

~~~

"Hello?"

"Hey, it's me."

"Oh, hey, sugar. What's up?"

"I have an update. On what's going on."

"Already? That's good, I just didn't expect somethin' so soon. Especially with him."

"Yeah, me neither, but... I think it might be worse than we thought."

"Worse how, baby?"

"Do you remember that old hotel place up state? We used to vacation to, like, before?"

"Oh God, don't tell me..."

"Yeah. I'm pretty sure they're heading there this weekend."

"I understand. I can get there before them if I leave tonight. Will you be here by then? To watch the kiddos?"

"Yeah, I will. What do you want me to tell them?"

"Just say I'm visiting their Auntie for a day or two and you're gonna watch them. I'll leave some money out on the counter for pizza, and there'll be some leftovers in the fridge. Just keep an extra eye on your brother, pumpkin. Poor thing's been having bad dreams again."

"Does he know?"

"No, I haven't told either of them. Probably won't, if I'm bein' honest."

"That's probably for the best. Just wait until they're older. I can't imagine trying to explain it to them now."

"They still love him, baby. It's better not to break their little hearts all over again."

"I know, I know, just... I wish they could know the truth. I feel like I'm lying to them."

"You're not, sugar. You're just protectin' them. They're just kids, pumpkin pie. Let 'em believe their daddy is a good man just a little bit longer."

"But he isn't. That's the thing. He's already fucked us up, now he's fucking my best friend up."

"I know, sweetie, I know. But we'll get it all fixed up, I promise you. Save 'em before it's too late 'n all."

"Yeah... yeah, you're right, I just... I'm sorry. I'm just worried."

"I know you are, I am too. But worryin' isn't gonna solve anythin'. Not right now. I'll be up there before sunrise tomorrow. I'll take care of it, sugar. Just try and enjoy your break in the meantime."

"Are you going to need any help? I can bring Liz and Ev up to Grandma's for a little."

"I don't think so. The restrainin' order should scare him off enough, but I'm gonna wait until I can get your little friend alone just to be sure."

"Okay... only if you're sure."

"Positive, baby. Don't you be worryin' about me, now. This ain't my first rodeo with him."

"Heh, yeah... You're right. As usual."

"Should I mention you when the time comes?"

"If you want. (Y/N)'s gonna figure it out quickly, anyway, so..."

"Okay."

"Thank you again. For all of this, I... I don't know what I'd do without you. I can't win against him."

"It's no trouble at all, sugar. Anything to keep it from happenin' again."

"Yeah..."

"Good luck on your test, baby. I gotta go start packin' now, okay? I love you, Mikey. Everything's gonna be fine."

"I love you too, mum. Thanks."

~~~

tags: @guinea-pig16 @the-official-memester @randomwriteralan @mrsrogerwaters @lalyaaftonshit @cherry-slushee @insert-memical-username @mrssafton @horrorking2000 @artist-anon08 @tuttifuckinfruttifriday @jamiethenerdymonster @kimyona-san @purplewolfcoffee @violetlmfaoo @reapersimps @wawuwe @lovinglenore @zoey5252

apologies to any blogs tumblr wont let me tag!! also if i forgot to add you please let me know!!

#william afton x you #william afton smut #william afton x reader #william afton #dave miller x reader #fnaf x y/n #fnaf x you #fnaf x reader #fnaf smut

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icey--stars · 2 years

Text

Stories To Be Told: PART 10

Series Index

A shadowsinger, a warrior, an Illyrian, that's what she was. Trained by one of the most formidable female warriors. Escaped the Illyrian camps and her clipping when she was barely sixteen and is now the holder of 6 siphons. What happens when she tries to sneak into the City of Starlight? And starts down a whole new road of chaos?

A/N: and WELCOME BACK! thank you all so much for your support. it truly means the world to me!! and remember- its every other day posting now, besides weekends because thats my break days lol

ps. i am way to lazy to write the entire time y/n was at her brother's and mother's place. so just imagine a lot of sucking up and pissing y/n off. (in other words, i dont need more characters to show development with lol) AH i can't wait to make you all suffer in anguish and wait after wednesday's post.

↢ 『 ☾ 』 ↣

I was buzzing with anger as I flew back to the House. My mother and brother had tried so, so hard to get me to like them. They just made me hate them more by how desperate they were. Extra food, tours (which I blatantly refused) and all sorts of things. Gifts from my mother in the form of dresses. Knives from my brother. I hated it. I absolutely hated it. There wasn’t any escape either, unless I wanted to winnow away. I wasn’t willing to brave going into the camp. I stayed where I was, or I snuck into the forest for an hour to cool my anger down.

I flew through the better part of the day, rain starting to come down from midday. I ignored it, pushing through the wind and storm.

I landed on the balcony, soaking wet. I stalked inside, taking off my boots before I went into my room and set them by the window to dry. My leathers soon joining them.

I had just changed into a dryer set of clothes when a knock on my door made me flinch.

“Who is it?” I called.

“Azriel,” the male replied from behind the door.

I sighed, still feeling as if I was running on pure spite and then shook off my wings before opening the door.

“Yes?” I prompted, leaning against the doorway.

“How did your trip go?” He asked.

“It was fine,” I replied.

“Where’d you go if you don’t mind me being curious?”

“Illyria.” I looked back over my room for a moment, seeing if it was clean enough to open. I was startled to find my shadows curling over me still. They’d been silent mostly, for the entire flight and visit. I opened the door, pulling my shadows in to disappear.

“I went to visit people who aren’t my family anymore. Nothing big,” I said.

“You have… family?”

“Not really,” I sighed, opening the door to work on scrubbing my leathers dry and cleaning them. “They’re quite manipulative in my experience.”

“Ah,” Azriel sighed. “I can get that.” He didn't elaborate, and I didn't need him to.

“Did you need anything, or did you just want to know why I was gone?” I asked.

“Well, I was confused why you were gone, but I figured if you arrived during this storm, you’d like a couple clean towels.” He pulled a small pile of towels from behind his back.

I eyed them suspiciously before taking them and setting them on the bed. “Thank you, I suppose.”

Azriel stood there awkwardly for a few more minutes before he finally said, “I’ll see you later.”

As he walked off, I took one of the towels and used it to dry off my head and neck that was still dripping water, looking out the window at the moon and the stars beyond it.

Luckily, I didn’t get sick from my fly through the rain. I managed to dodge that bullet.

-----

“Y/N!” Nesta greeted me as I landed near them for training the next morning. “How have you been?”

“Fine,” I replied.

“Where’d you go, if you don’t mind me asking?” Emerie questioned.

“Illyria. My… old family asked for my presence. I’m not going back,” I replied hesitantly.

“Good. They don’t need to be in your life,” Emerie said. I nodded in agreement.

“Alright! Come on ladies!” Cassian called. “Glad to have you back Y/N, hope you’ve been practicing for the past week.”

I rolled my eyes.

The training was hard, but it also was a relief to be back, doing what I’d been doing the past months. Spring was nearing and the air was getting warmer, which was nice. Around this time I would settle myself in the middle of the forest instead of near a town to buy food. Spring was when all the critters started to come out.

During lunch, Nesta said, “so, does anyone have any plans for Starfall or are we all going to stare at the sky like last year?”

Starfall. The most beautiful night of the year. I remember watching it at the camps and missing it dearly in the Winter Court. I’d been watching it hanging onto the tops of trees recently, but I’d heard that the best place to view it was in Velaris.

“How about you Y/N?”

I realized I’d zoned out the conversation and shook my head to clear it. “I’ve no plans. I’ll enjoy seeing it from here though.”

Emerie smiled. “It’s beautiful. Do you plan to wear anything nice?”

I pursed my lips. “Not a dress,” I replied. “I��ll probably find something a bit different though so I don’t stand out.”

“Cassian always ends up wearing just a nice black dress shirt, so you could get away with that,” Nesta offered.

“It is hard to find dresses that work for wings, so I get that,” Emerie chuckled. “Everything tends to be harder to get on. I might be able to help if you need it."

I nodded in agreement. “I’ve never been the type to wear dresses. Never have actually. I wore a skirt in the Winter Court once, but it wasn’t to my liking, just too limiting on movement. And I might just take you up on that offer Emerie."

“Makes sense,” Nesta replied. “Though if you ever want to try, let me know because I am so going to be there.”

I chuckled. “Will do Nesta.” I finished up my food, standing up. “Alright I have work, see you all tomorrow.”

They waved me off as I walked off down the hallways.

Azriel met me on the balcony and I almost groaned. What did he want now? At this point, all he did was worry over me. Or act all awkward and weird. I prepared myself for a snarling match.

“Y/N, Rhys would like to have a word with you after work. Just at the River House by the Sidra,” Azriel said.

I eyed him a little big longer before replying, “Alright, I’ll make sure to meet with him. Anything I should prepare?”

“He didn’t tell me anything.”

I sighed, a little disappointed about not knowing what to expect. “Alright then. Anything else?”

Azriel shook his head. “Don’t end up in the harbor again,” he chuckled.

I rolled my eyes before flying off toward the docks.

I wasn’t tasked to use my wings luckily. It’d become a habit of my boss to exploit them. Instead, I lifted boxes and carried them onto ships just like the rest of the dock employees.

I managed to find the River House without fail, landing outside as I passed through the wards. The House of Wind had wards, I knew, but I’d gotten used to them. These were… different. Stronger somehow and more reinforced.

I knocked on the door and it opened to reveal my High Lord.

“Ah, Y/N. Great to see you. I had a couple things to discuss with you if you’ll come with me?” Rhysand asked.

I nodded, and he held the door while I walked inside and then led me through the halls to a smaller room. An office. It had papers scattered everywhere, while some remained neatly stacked. Others were ripped. But there was ink on the desk and a bookshelf, which made it less intimidating in a way.

A stool magically appeared at a snap and as Rhys took the one at his desk, I took the stool, facing him. My wing twitched with nervous energy. What was he going to ask?

“So,” he began. “I’ve heard from your brother that you visited him recently, yes? And your mother.”

“Not really my family, but yes. That’s where I left to visit. Faxon and Merle.”

Rhysand nodded. “Alright. It seems that Faxon, the head guard there, has made a mistake. He mentioned you to the lord there, Ambroz.”

I shivered at the name, holding back a snarl. Oh, for so long I’d wanted to tear that male apart. The one who tried to clip me. The one who ruined everything. My plan, my life, my memories, my mind, and so many other little parts of me.

“I understand you have some not so pleasant memories with him, but he’s offered to apologize to you, wanting you to visit. I want to know if I should be concerned for your safety.”

My leg started to bounce and I held it down with my hand.

“Ambroz isn’t the type to apologize. He’s the type to act irrationally. I barely knew him during my time in Ironcrest, but you learn a lot about a male who ruined your entire life. You don’t have to be concerned about me, but perhaps just a bit concerned for how things may fall out if I don’t visit. If I do, which I can, it probably will end in bloodshed on both parties.”

“I see. I don’t have a particular liking for that male. And because he hasn’t committed any outright crimes, I can’t condemn him. No matter how much I want to. I was wondering if perhaps you’d be willing to visit and find a way to… make him come clean about something or commit a crime. He’s causing problems all across Illyria. I’d rather like to kill him if I could. Clipping would warrant that.”

“If anyone is going to kill him, I’m doing it. Or any female in that camp that I knew,” I said, holding back the growl in my voice.

I paused, and then observed, “So you want me to manipulate him into coming clean.”

“Should you want the killing blow, it’s yours. And yes. I do,” Rhysand spoke. “I’ve been trying to have Azriel do it, but Ambroz doesn’t particularly think he can manipulate Az. He does, however, with you.”

I closed my eyes for a moment, my knee bouncing against my hand, even despite the strength I put forth to keep it down- “I’ll do it,” I said loud enough for him to hear. “If only to get the opportunity to kill him.”

Rhysand nodded in understanding. “Faxon offered housing. Though I have an inkling you don’t exactly want it, so I’m offering for you to stay two hours north, in Windhaven. My mother’s old residence is there.”

I nodded. “That would be great, but I don’t really know where that is exactly.”

“That’s why I’m sending Azriel with you. He will stay out of your way, but act as some sort of body guard, while doing extra work for me,” Rhysand explained. “That isn’t an issue, is it?”

I tensed but replied, “not an issue my lord.”

That bastard had lied about knowing nothing. He knew.

“It’s just Rhys, but I’m glad you find that agreeable. How soon do you think you could leave?”

“Anytime,” I replied. “Just give me tomorrow morning and I can leave whenever.”

Rhysand smiled. “Leave tomorrow then. The sooner you finish, the sooner it’s done. Azriel has a mental link with me he can use to tell me when to come down. That will be when Ambroz finally fucks up.”

I dipped my head. “Sounds good.”

I flew out of that house feeling rage boiling my blood slightly. “You knew,” I deadpanned at Azriel, who was standing on the balcony, quietly observing the city below us.

“Yes,” he sighed.

“You lied,” I observed, seeing if he was going to argue.

“Yes, I did. It was Rhys’s job to inform you of the mission. Did you accept?”

“Yes, we leave tomorrow.”

Azriel nodded. “We’re traveling by shadow to Windhaven. You can get out your nerves during the flight to Ironcrest. To send a message like daemati, tell a shadow a message to repeat to me. Only we can hear it.”

Azriel was in full spymaster, planning mission mode it seemed. It made it slightly easier to talk with him. Without all his... interesting behavior

I nodded, despite having a spike of anxiety about using my shadows. There was no telling how long this trip might take, and I’d have to have my shadows out the entire time just to make sure I was intimidating. I had to make sure people took me at least partly seriously.

Distantly, I wondered where the hell all my pissed off energy towards this male had run off to.

“Keep the negative from flowing into your power. That’s the best way I can describe it. Create a wall, similar to a mind shield between it and your shadows,” Azriel explained. “I’m going to trust that you can hold your own against the males in the camp should things go south. Can you winnow very far?”

I knew what he was talking about. The hard thing was doing it. But at least I had an idea on how.

“I can winnow to the human lands if I wanted to,” I replied.

“Good. And if there are wards, pray to all the gods that you don’t die,” Azriel finalized. “I’ll see you in the morning.” He walked off without another word. He was clearly focused and prepared for a mission like this. Unlike me, who was just trying to do whatever the hell I was being told to do.

I sighed, and then walked to my usual area for dinner, sitting down with a huff.

There was always one thing I neglected to tell everyone about my shadows. Something I'd avoid telling anyone until my final days if I could.

Wards… wards usually don't matter to me. I can feel them, and I can pass through them, but if there are wards that stop me from doing things, most often, under intense pressure, I can indeed still use my shadows. I didn’t know if Azriel could as well, and it might very well be a “me” thing, but if there are wards and I am trapped, I can escape still. Maybe alone, but there are worse things in life. After all, I'd escaped alone without Rainne. Losing someone I was pissed off at would be easier.

My shadows were my secret, I told myself. I wasn’t obligated to share what I could do, especially when angered. There was more I could do, but I didn’t know if Az could do them as well. But I knew the ward winnowing, slipping in between undetected, wasn’t normal. And someone might just kill for that power, to control it, or extinguish it.

↢ 『 ☾ 』 ↣

TAGLIST: just comment to be added! in the future, i'll work on a taglist for all my works, but for now, its just this story. if i've already posted the next part, the notice will be a reply to ur comment and you'll be in the next one <3

@mis-lil-red, @bunnymallowo, @judig92, @biblophilefox82, @azzydaddy, @thegirlintheshadows101, @whatupmydudes01, @feyres-fireheart, @elizarikaallen, @xenlynn, @panzees-bizarre-adventures, @starswholistenanddreamsanswered, @baebeepeach

#azriel #azriel x reader #azrielxreader #acotar #acotar fanfiction #acotar fanfic #rhysand #nesta #emerie #mywriting

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cyncerity · 1 year

Text

alien terrarium au!!

here it is! i said it’d be today, so it’s done! 1 min before it becomes tomorrow!

minor thing, tho: this is extremely unedited. like, there are a lot of things i post that aren’t edited fully, but i didn’t even fully read this one in one sitting. but i’m not free again until this tuesday or wednesday, so i’m not gonna make you guys wait that long lol

basically it’s midnight and i’m way too fucking busy so i’m gonna post it and edit it when i have time to later in the week. if you wanna wait for the fully edited version, ignore this until i specify that I edited it. if you don’t care, i hope you enjoy! this has been an on again off again thing for a few weeks and i’m so glad to finally have it like 95% done :)

tw: soft safe vore, unconventional vore ig?

“We have to cut our losses here. We don’t have enough to fund this any longer, and there’s no one we can reach out to for more money. We can’t risk this getting out.” “Fine, I- I know, it’s just…this is a breakthrough. We can’t afford to give up now.” “We won’t. We just need some time to get back on our feet is all. Besides, he knows what to do now…” the scientists turned their heads to the one way mirror they stood behind. A little boy, barely a teenager, sat behind it on his bed, his eyes glassy and unblinking, turned a glossy pearlescent white. Their project, practically their life’s work. Well, the container for it, anyway.

***

Wilbur heard the three scientists come into the room, and somehow registered one of them motion vaguely with their hand despite his eyes being effectively turned off, which meant they wanted him back in their world. Ugh. Still, he cut off his thoughts with his practically other half, eyes beginning to function again and the scientists approaching him as they saw his eyes shift back to the colors they were supposed to be.

“Wilbur, what we’re going to tell you is very, very important, so you have to listen carefully. It’s your life at stake if this goes wrong. And his.” The one in blue said, gesturing to Wilbur’s torso. Well, that was certainly a way to get his attention. Wilbur didn’t say a word, though; the green one didn’t like it when he ‘sassed them,’ so he instead scooted back and placed both arms protectively around himself and his…what did they call him once, ‘cargo’? He was sure he heard Green call him a ‘parasite’ once, which was rude. Still, they must have noticed his panic, cause the orange one responded immediately. “It’ll all be ok, things will just have to change for a minute here. You’re…youre not going to be able to stay here for a while.” “What?!” Wilbur said, unable to restrain himself. The green one went to speak up but was silenced by blue, who just whispered something about him being ‘scared’ and how this was ‘probably a lot to handle.’ Yeah, no shit it was!

“I get this is a huge change, I do, but it’s necessary for now. We don’t have the necessary resources to keep taking care of you here. We need to find a way to keep you safe and healthy, both of you. You’ll be staying somewhere secure while we find somewhere more reclusive to hide you. We don’t want anyone finding out anything and putting the two of you in danger.” Orange said, sitting next to Wilbur and rubbing a thumb across his knuckles. Right. Right, he had a purpose. And if part of his purpose was to survive without his caretakers for a short while, he could do it. If it meant safety for his stowaway, he could do it.

“You doin ok, bud?” Orange asked, and Wilbur nodded slightly. Orange was his favorite of the main three. He was always nice, and even gave him extra treats when he was behaving! “When do you think you can be ready to leave, Wil?” Green asked, crouching to be at level with where he sat. “Whenever you need me to be, sir.” Green smiled and ruffled his hair. Wil always tried to be extra good for Green. It’s not like he didn’t like him, it’s just that Green was more likely to yell at him if he messed up. “Good kid. We’ll leave tomorrow morning and introduce you to who you’ll be staying with. Try to get some rest.” He said, smiling before leaving and leading the other two out with him.

***

“Sam! Hey buddy!” Dream said, jumping out of the side of his van and running over to his old friend. “Dream! How’ve you been?” “Pretty good, you?” “Doin pretty good myself.” Sam replied, pulling Dream in for a hug. “So, who’s this kid you found?” “Calls himself Wilbur. We found him a few months ago, but we’re a bit short on money right now and can’t handle another mouth to feed. He won’t stay here for long, promise, just till we find a more stable income.” Dream hated to lie to an old friend, but he couldn’t afford his secret to be leaked. “I’m always lookin to help out, especially for a friend. Anything I need to know about him?”

“Yeah, he’s a bit of an odd one, but that’s what we love about him.” Dream chuckled, hoping his friend was still oblivious. “He disassociates a lot. Like, constantly, and tends to get really upset if people try to mess with him when he’s like that. He also doesn’t do a lot of physical activity. Bruises take longer to heal for him, he gets sore easily, and his immune system doesn’t handle cuts well. He’s not very talkative, and he’s got some weird scars all over him. We think the two are connected, but we don’t know what this kid has been through.” Dream finished, and Sam nodded solemnly. Great, he was taking the bait. He was less likely to ask questions if he thought he was prying into the past of an abused child.

meanwhile, in the van…

“We found you abandoned. You’re just staying here until we get more stable jobs and can afford to feed you again. If he ever asks you about where you came from, you look away or change the subject as quickly as possible. You don’t know why you disassociate. You don’t know where the scars came from. Never do any of your caretaker necessities for him in front of Sam. He can’t know. Got it?” “Got it. He’ll never know.” Blue nodded back. Orange had just kind of been pacing in the van as Blue gave him the rundown again. Green came back to the van with a hand out towards Wilbur, giving him a reassuring smile.

Wilbur was about to take the hand before his arm got tugged and he was pulled into a hug from behind. A gentle one, obviously no one wanted to risk damaging what was inside of him, but a hug all the same. He didn’t get many of those. When the person pulled away he saw it was Orange, who was smiling proudly. “You’re gonna be fine kid. We believe in you. I’ll miss you, ok?” Wilbur just smiled back and nodded. “I’ll miss you, too. We both will.” He said before taking Dreams hand and walking outside with him.

***

It had been an…odd week with Wilbur in Sam’s opinion. Firstly, he’d been way more interested in things like trees and grass than any normal child would be, but refused to touch them. He also spent 95% of his time in the guest bedroom with the door locked, never making a sound. Who knows, maybe the kid just liked to sleep. He refused to play any sort of physical game, like Dream had warned him, but he seemed overly cautious of anything that could hurt him. But he wouldn’t pry, that wasn’t his job. His job was to take care of the kid until Dream, George, and Sapnap could take him back. Right?

That’s what he was supposed to do, but somehow, against all logic…he knew this kid. The giant brown eyes, the curly brown hair, his face shape, it was all so familiar. But why?

Until it hit him.

He’d woken up in a cold sweat, immediately racing to his computer to see if he was right. And his suspicions were confirmed, against all odds. There, on his friends facebook page, was a photo of him and his young son. His young son who was Wilbur’s age. His young son who used to have an identical twin brother who went missing when he was just a few years old.

Sam knew Wilbur’s face because Wil wasn’t the only person he knew with that face.

Sam wasted no time calling. He must’ve called 12 times before someone answered, which was fair given the ungodly hour, but this was urgent. “What the fuck, Sam…” and groggy voice answered. “Mate, it’s, like, 4 in the morning, what could possibly be this important-”

“Phil, I think I found your son.”

***

Breakfast was different the next morning. Wilbur walked downstairs only to see two strangers sitting at Sam’s table, one an adult and one a child around his age. The adult looked about as old as Sam, which was to say a bit older than his scientists. He had blonde hair and kind blue eyes, and was wearing a dark green sweater jacket over a white button up. The other had long pick hair pulled back into a loose messy braid and glasses almost reminding Wil of his own except square instead of circular. He wore a simple pink hoodie and dirtied jeans and surprisingly clean white sneakers, but he must have been staring, cause soon the kid looked over to him and-

Wilbur’s breath froze.

Why…why did this kid have his face?

At this point, the man had looked over to, and immediately shot up from where he was sitting, knocking over the chair he was sitting on in the process and making Wilbur flinch. “Orpheus?” Wilbur stared blankly for a few moments before the man rushed him, barely giving him time to react before he was pulled into a hug.

Not a gentle one like Orange knew to give. Not one given by someone that knew why so few people were even allowed to touch him. A lung crushing, tight hug that was unbelievably painful after so much time with such infrequent gentle touching. He rarely found his mind drifting back to his the feeling of cargo in him, given that he’d lived most of his life with him and had gotten used to the odd sensations, but now it was impossible to ignore. Everything in him, everything that had been worked on so diligently, everything that had been removed and replaced and rearranged to make him perfect for his purpose, and his stowaway inside were being crushed. His purpose, the thing he’d been raised to protect, his only true constant in his life, was being crushed. It was the most horrifying downpour of fear he’d ever felt.

Wilbur screamed.

He screamed bloody murder as the adult let go and backed away, eyes wide. Wilbur vaguely noticed that both the strangers were crying, but he didn’t care. Wilbur only stopped screaming once his air was gone and now replaced by jagged breathing and spasms in his lungs. He felt like he was about to collapse as his vision darkened and his limbs began shaking. He needed to know if he was ok. If he wasn’t, Wilbur would never forgive himself. He needed to know.

“Kiddo, I need you to take deep breaths, ok, I think you’re having a panic a-“ “Stay the hell away from me! All of you!!” Wilbur screamed, voice hoarse as he smacked Sam’s hand away and ran up to his guest room and locked the door. He sat on the bed with a thud and tried to stop his shaking, but couldn’t spare much time for that since he had to make sure his cargo was still ok. He needed him to be ok. God, he was still just a kid, even younger than Wilbur. He can’t have let him get hurt.

He tried to take deep breaths and reached his mind out to some foreign instinct he knew. He wasn’t sure what it was, or how it came so easily, but it was such a central part of his brain that he could find it with ease. The second he got close to it, his whole body relaxed involuntarily. He hadn’t done that, which only meant…

“Oh, Tommy, thank god.” Wilbur sighed out loud, though the rest was said just to Tommy in the special way only they could communicate. He felt Tommy slow his heart rate more as he felt like he was being sucked away from his body into a void that words couldn’t possibly describe. “Wilbur!” a voiced called out. It hadn’t come from anywhere, just everywhere, like Wilbur’s did when he was here. Wherever ‘here’ was. He didn’t really know. It wasn’t like a darkness or white area, it was just…nothing. Not a nothingness that couldn’t be seen, but felt. Devoid of anything that could make it describable. Wilbur liked to joke that it was the emptiness in Tommy’s brain. “What was all that outside? You know i’ve got se-“ “Sensitive hearing, I know. I was being loud. Sorry.”

Wilbur could basically see Tommy huff and roll his eyes, despite the fact that he’d never seen Tommy at all. He knew every detail of his little brother friend, and Tommy knew every detail of Wilbur. Despite neither of them being able to see in their respective nothings, somehow they could sense every “move” (aka the movement they imagined themselves making since they didn’t have bodies in the nothingness) the other made in the void. Also Tommy can sometimes see through Wil’s eyes to look at reflections, but he rarely does that. Green doesn’t like when he does that.

Still though, he knew Tommy. He may not know what he looks like perfectly, but he knew Tommy. In an odd sense, he knew his details, but never what he truly looked like. He could list the facts of how Tommy was, but he had a feeling of deja vu whenever he tried to imagine a face or any detailed image of his body. He never could, he just knew the facts, like he’d seen Tommy but the detailed image in his brain had been removed and blurred beyond recognition. It seemed kind of unfair to him, given that Tommy knew exactly what he looked like because of the shared vision things and mirrors existing.

Still, though, he knew the pale white-blue of his skin the bright blonde of his hair and otherworldly accents. The shining, almost glowing iridescence of his eyes and the strange markings found on his body. He was mostly humanoid, which had initially shocked Wilbur and the scientists. Orange had warned him once that since they had no idea what Tommy was, something inhuman and vicious could easily rip through him. It scared him a little, but at that point he’d seen Tommy’s egg once and had grown monumentally attached, lethal beast creature or not. But Tommy was humanoid, except for one thing; he didn’t have legs. Rather, he had a long predominately red scaly tail like a snake.

When Wilbur was first getting used to Tommy’s being in there, the hardest thing to deal with was one: the odd feeling of scales against his sensitive organs and two: Tommy was almost always cold. How he could stay shockingly chilly in almost 100° Wilbur didn’t know, but that’s probably a big factor on why Tommy couldn’t be in open air; he’d freeze to death. Or his aversion to any form of light (maybe that was an understatement: a dim lamp 2 rooms over could kill him). But besides that, his unnatural colors, and a few other random snake-like features, Tommy was far from the horrific deep space lovecraftian monster he or the scientists were expecting. He was more just a little person who also happened to be a snake from space. No biggie.

“I- I don’t know what happened down there. There’s…there’s these two people, and one looks exactly like me and the other called me the wrong name and rushed to hug me and I panicked cause I thought he hurt you. You’re not hurt, are you?” “I’m right as rain, mr. human man. I’m sturdier than you think. Er, well, you’re sturdy and I’m in here so yeah I’m good.” Tommy responded, letting out an unearthly mix of a rumble and a hiss as he did. Wilbur liked Tommy’s weird alien noises, it comforted him. He sighed. “Still, I should’ve been more careful-“

“No you shouldn’t have! Stop bein a..a uh…” he paused for a minute to mumble a series of his weird Tommy noises before starting again. “what’s the english word for someone who takes blame for no reason and thinks that they need to solve every problem ever cause somehow everything is their fault?” “I think you’re talking about a martyr complex.” “Stop have’n a martyn complex!” Tommy yelled back, making Wilbur laugh. He pressed a hand against where he felt Tommy within himself, in one of the open areas that had been cleared just for him. Tommy pressed back and started to purr, a common reflex for him when he was happy, excited, or just needed to comfort Wilbur.

Even if Wilbur’s and Tommy’s consciouses were in the nothingness, they could still feel their body’s and move a little bit, even if it was more difficult than when they were awake. Wilbur liked to think of it as the same type of gesture that his scientists would do when they rubbed his hair or gave him a side hug, something he would love to try but could never do with Tommy. He thought Tommy deserved to have his hair played with or to be hugged, but it could never happen. But the pressing in, the only amount of intentional contact they’ve ever had and could ever have, worked just fine as a replacement. Something comforting and quick to show he cared. Of course, Tommy knew he cared, they’ve lived together (well, one within the other, but same difference) for most of Wilbur’s life and all of Tommy’s.

“Still, though…i don’t know what to do. Sam hasn’t had anyone else over, i don’t know what they’re doing here.” “I’d say good old fashion spying, then. See if you can get closer and make out what they’re saying.” “Good idea-“ Wilbur said, beginning to break off the connection before Tommy shouted out. “Wait! Aren’t you gonna let me see?” Wilbur rolled his eyes and somehow, in a way he couldnt describe, let Tommy’s weird telekinetic force into his mind. He opened his eyes and he was back in his room, the nothingness vanished and his body back in his full control. He looked to his mirror and sure enough, the shiny white gloss that overtook his eyes when talking to Tommy had confined itself to just Wilbur’s pupils. He’d given Tommy access.

“There, is that better?” Wilbur asked quietly, unable to respond telepathically when not in his weird zoned out state. The lack of that void didn’t seem to pose an issue for Tommy, though, as Wilbur heard an enthusiastic “Yup!” mixed with a few alien chirps echo through his mind as a response. Wil nodded to his reflection (and Tommy by proxy) and went to the stairs. He probably didn’t need to go down, he just needed to be able to hear them.

***

Ok that was, in hindsight, a bad decision.

“‘Dad?!’ I have a dad!? And a brother!?!” Wilbur whisper yelled, pacing back and forth across his room. With Sam and the now-not-so-much-strangers still talking in their kitchen, he figured it’d be safe to talk outside of the mind void. Tommy, meanwhile, laid himself against the front of Wilbur’s storage, rubbing circles into the walls to try and calm him down. “Maybe that’s not so horrible! I mean, you’re not an orphan! That’s normally a good thing, right?” Tommy said skeptically.

“Maybe it would have been 9 years ago! But now I have you!” Wilbur said, stopping to sit on his bed and pressing the heels of his palms into his eyes. “I don’t know them. I don’t remember them at all; you’d think if they were a good family to me I’d at least recall that they existed. But I don’t. How could I ever trust them with knowing about you?” “I…I don’t know. But…you have a dad, Wil! And a brother! That’s not something you can just ignore! Neither of us know what it’s really like to have a family, maybe…you could learn for the both of us?”

Wilbur sighed. He knew Tommy was right. And they’d both wondered where their families were; if they missed their sons, if they even wanted to give them up in the first place, what ever happened to them. Wilbur always felt awful because Tommy would likely never know. The odds that his parents were even still alive were slim, and it’s not like he ended up on earth with very specific instructions on how to take care of him by accident. But Wilbur had never thought his family could show up, either, yet here they were.

“What do we do about the trio?” “You know how I feel about them. Let’s see if those two are any better.” To be fair, Wil did know how Tommy felt about them; he didn’t like them at all. Tom didn’t like the tests they ran on him, he didn’t like what they put Wil through in order to do tests on him, he didn’t like how they treated his big brother caretaker as the less important one in their experiments, and he didn’t like how damn nosy they were. That part even bugged Wilbur. How the hell did they expect Tommy to be able to explain so much about what he was? He’d never met anyone like himself either, he’d been hatched on earth!

“Well, at least we know them. They’re predictable, and we know they have our best intentions at heart. Our. They know how to help the both of us and I- I don’t know if I can do all this alone.” “Wilbur you haven’t been alone since the day I was born. You’re not gonna start now.”

“What if something happens to you and I don’t know how to fix it? It’s my job to make sure nothing bad happens to you. I couldn’t live with myself if I let myself get caught up in some familial adventure and you ended up getting hurt because of it.” “I get it but don’t you think that’s unfair?” Wilbur paused. “Wh..what do you mean ‘unfair’?” “We’re kids. You’re a kid. It sucks for you that I’m your responsibility, it’s unfair that you gave up your childhood to keep me safe. But you can get it back, some of it, at least. Just…see if this can work out. If not for you, then for me. I hate seeing you put yourself on the back burner like this, Wil, I hate it. I can’t stand that i’m the reason you can’t have friends or play or be a kid. But this could change that. If it can’t, we’ll go to whatever lab the trio puts us in next. I’m sure they’ll be sooo thrilled that you’ve met your family.”

“Tommy don’t say those things about yourself.” Wilbur said, hugging his arms around himself. “I chose to take care of you, and I’ve never regretted it. Not for a second. You’re worth everything I willingly gave up, ok?” He heard a disgruntled noise in response. “Fine, we’ll come back to this conversation later. For now…ok. I’ll..I’ll give them a shot-” He heard Tommy cheer with a mix of wooing and trilling that he made when he was excited “-but Sam obviously knows the trio, so i’m sure he’ll tell them about my family at some point if he hasn’t already.” “I figured, but what are they gonna do? They can’t take you if you want to stay.” “Emphasis on if I want to stay, remember?” “Got it, bossman.”

“Wilbur?” He heard a voice outside call while knocking before the door opened a crack. “Were you…talking to someone..?” Sam said, poking his head in through the gap a bit. “Uh, no, I just..uh..kinda talk to myself sometimes. But I’m, uh, I’m sorry.” Wilbur said, trying to move past his previous conversation as quickly as possible. The less Sam questioned why he was talking to an empty room, the better. “I shouldn’t have freaked out like that, I just…don’t like being touched.” Not exactly true, but if it would keep the blonde guy and his clone from touching him it could be the truth for a while. Sam just solemnly nodded. “I’m sorry, I told him about you and how you were just kinda found with no memories, but…I don’t think he believed that your amnesia was as bad as I told him it was. I don’t think it hit him that you really didn’t know him until you ran off…Wil, he’s-” “He’s my dad, apparently. I was eavesdropping, i heard you talking downstairs.” Sam stared wide eyed for a second before he nodded solemnly.

“I know this must be a lot. I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable by calling them here, you obviously didn’t expect to meet your long lost family while you stayed for the month. But…I’ve been friends with Phil for a while. That’s the blonde guy, by the way. He…he didn’t take losing you well. I was there for him when he and Techno were grieving and it..it was horrible. They were so broken.” Sam said, eyes beginning to shine from unshed tears. “I can ask them to leave if you want, I understand if-“ “I don’t want them to go.” Wilbur interrupted, almost mad at himself that he’d let Tommy talk him into this. “I want to meet them. I want to see what they’re like again.“

“Really? I mean, you can, but I just thought-“ “I’ve made up my mind. Can I meet them again?” “Y-yeah, yeah, absolutely.” Sam said, leading Wilbur out the doors down the stairs. He heard Tommy make a few more excited chirps before he started purring again. Like always, it put Wilbur at ease a bit. He followed close behind Sam down the stairs and back to the kitchen, where he saw the pink haired boy leaned over the blonde guy, who was sitting at the table with his head on his folded arms. The pink haired boy’s head snapped up from where he’d been comforting his father as Sam and Wilbur re-entered the room, eyes narrowing at Wilbur like he was a rabid animal. In the awkward silence, Phil looked up, and it almost pained Wilbur too see his red cheeks and puffy eyes. He really hadn’t meant to hurt the guys feelings, he just panicked. They all stared at each other for a moment before Wilbur realized that they were probably waiting for him to speak up. Great.

“Uh…I’m sorry for screaming at you, Mr. Phil. I don’t do well with…surprise contact. You just scared me, is all.” The man just continued to stare back at Wilbur for a moment. “You…you really don’t remember me, do you, Orpheus?” Wilbur looked back and took a deep breath. This may have been for Tommy, but he had to stand his ground here. “I’m going to say this once, and only once cause I don’t think you can handle hearing it a second time, ok? You think you can handle this?” Phil looked a bit confused at the annoyed tone but nodded, prompting Wil to continue. “Good, cause here it is: I don’t know who Orpheus is. I don’t know who he was. All I know is he’s not me. Maybe he was, but not anymore. So maybe your grieving wasn’t in vain: because he is in fact very much dead.”

Wilbur paused as Phil’s face fell and tears started to run down his face again. Even the pink haired boy had started crying. He tried to ignore it. “My name is Wilbur. If you want to know me, not Orpheus, me, I…I’m willing to try to connect with you again. I don’t mean to be heartless but I need you to understand that if you want me back, there will be no prior standards for me. I won’t try to change how I am now to be the person I used to be for your amusement, because frankly? I couldn’t give less of a shit about what you want, because I don’t know fuck all about either of you. If you came here to find the son you lost, I’d suggest leaving. Any questions?”

Shocked silence filled the room. Phil stood silent and still as tears poured down his face, his clone even started to cry when he saw Phil crying, and Sam looked like he’d just watched a bomb go off. Wilbur just stood at the center waiting for something to change. For Sam to send him to his room, for Phil to break down even worse or for him and his son to deem Wilbur too different and abandon him (again), but nothing was happening. ‘Way to sugarcoat it, Wil.’ quietly played in his head, as if Tommy was afraid he’d somehow interrupt the group despite them not being able to hear him. He’d elbow himself in the gut later, that’d probably look really weird if he did it now.

“…Do you want to come home with us?” Phil said after a few minutes, shocking Wilbur. “Do you want me to?” Phil just nodded and wiped a few more tears from

his face. “Even if you don’t remember us, you’re still my son. You always will be. I’ve missed you so, so much Wilbur.” He said, kneeling to be at eye level. Wilbur just sighed. “Ok, then…let’s go home, I guess. I didn’t come here with much, I can just go with you now?” “Really?” Phil said, surprised but seemingly excited. “Oh, o-ok then! I thought you’d want a few days but, uh, sure! As long as Sam is ok with that?”

“Oh yeah, Sam!” Wilbur interrupted, turning to face the man who’d just kind of been standing silently, clearly unsure of what to do in the situation. “I need you to tell my guardians what happened. They’ll

probably understand, but they’ll also want to meet my long lost family

since they raised me and all.” ‘More like interrogate them and possibly file a restraining order so they can never take us again, but same difference I guess.’ Tommy chimed in unhelpfully. Wilbur ignored him. “Give them Phil’s address asap so they know where to find me. Also give me their phone numbers, i don’t remember them.” “Wait, guardians?” Phil chimed in, lightly tapping Wilbur on the shoulder with a concerned look. “You have legal guardians?”

“Three college aged guys, yeah. But I wouldn’t say legal,” Wilbur explained, “they just kind of took me in when I was lost without my memories. They tried to find you for a few years but gave up after a while. I couldn’t really give them any info to go off of.” “Oh…do they treat you well?” “Yes.” ‘No.’ Wilbur and Tommy said at the same time, though obviously only one was heard. “That’s…that’s good, i guess.” Phil said quietly, then it was back to the awkward silence. Godammit, Wilbur hated silence. Was it gonna be like this all the time with Phil?

“Well then, let’s get a move on.” Said the pink haired boy who Wilbur had only remembered was in the room when he spoke up. He’d been pretty silent, but at least his tears had dried. That was better than Phil was doing. “And you are?” Wilbur asked. “Technoblade, but most people call me Techno.” he said, holding a hand out. Wilbur just stared trying to figure out why he was doing that. Was it a high five? Sometimes orange would give him a high five when he did a good job testing, but why was he doing it sideways?

Wilbur smacked his hand quickly and pulled away, smiling awkwardly. Techno just lowered his hand and stared. Shit, he was wrong about the high five, wasn’t he?“Ok…” Techno said, “we’re gonna have to re-teach you some stuff, aren’t we?” “Uuuhhh…maybe.” Wilbur said quietly as he heard Tommy laugh at him. Asshole.

Wilbur made his way to their car after grabbing his bag and saying goodbye to Sam. The packed into the car, and Wilbur was met with the silence again. Phil seemed…weary of him, to put it best. Like he was dam one bad storm away from breaking. Techno seemed more disinterested in him, just playing on a phone as Phil started to drive, never looking up at him. Well, he wasn’t going to be the one to break the silence this time. He didn’t want to talk to them anyway.

Instead, he let himself fall into his nothingness, connecting with Tommy on the other side. “Well that went great!” Tommy said sarcastically. “I stood my ground.” Wilbur shot back. “I don’t want to be treated like some lost broken kid. I’m 13. I know what I’m doing.” “Well, I like them. They seem nice!” Wilbur wasn’t sure how to respond. Sure, Phil seemed like he wanted to care about him. Techno seemed…willing, at least, even if he was a bit nonchalant. But could he trust these people? They were the people who abandoned him and left him to almost starve to death in the woods as a toddler. That wasn’t exactly something a loving family would do, but they seemed happy to see him alive. Was it a mistake? How could they have fucked up badly enough that he got amnesia and almost died at the ripe age of 4?

But Tommy seemed so excited. As much as the scientists always tried to make sure it didn’t happen, Wilbur loved Tommy. He really was like a little brother, they’d grown up together. They’d both always been told that it would be for the best that they didn’t make that kind of connection in case something where to go wrong, but who else did they have? Tommy was family to him, and damn if he wouldn’t do anything to make the little boy happy. He sighed. “Yeah, well…let’s hope so.”

#i’m too tired to even type essays in the tags what have i become #jokes aside tho im conkin out once i type this all #cyncerity #mcyt g/t #mcyt gt #alien terrarium au #cynwrites #mcyt g/t vore #tw vore #soft vore #safe vore #tiny!tommy #alien!tommy #giant!wilbur #giant!phil #giant!techno #giant!sam #alright gn y’all peace

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theghostofashton · 9 months

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wip wednesday

thank you to @carlos-in-glasses @heartstringsduet @lemonlyman-dotcom @alrightbuckaroo for the tags <3

it has been a super busy last week at work before the holidays for me, so have some more of the you saw the truth in me sequel that i wrote a while ago lol

“Babe? Hey, how’d the meeting go?” Carlos steps out of their ensuite, running his hands through his wet hair. He had clients all day, and was supposed to get home during TK’s meeting. TK had imagined joining him in his usual post-work shower, if the timing had worked out, only to realize that wouldn’t be happening when he heard the shower turn on a few minutes ago when Nancy was still talking. It’s not a big deal, but he’s barely seen Carlos in the last couple of days. “Good,” TK murmurs, stepping into Carlos’s space. Carlos’s hands come up to grip his waist and pull him in closer. He slides their lips together and presses into it, hands skating down Carlos’s shoulder blades. TK hooks his fingers into the fabric of Carlos’s tank-top and grips it lightly. “Hi,” he says, a little breathless, when they separate. “Hey,” Carlos whispers, hands still cupping his cheeks. “Missed you today.” “Missed you too,” TK responds. “Any thoughts about dinner?” Carlos asks. He strokes a thumb across TK’s jaw. “I was thinking we could order something.” “Perfect.” Sometimes Carlos cooks, and TK likes to sit at the island and watch, pepper him with questions about his day and tell him about his own. Carlos always seems interested, never like he’s just humoring TK. At first, TK used to watch for that, a shift in tone or an indication that something was off. He isn’t sure when he stopped doing it, when his brain shifted out of survival mode, when it became sure enough that Carlos was someone he could feel safe around. “Thai?” TK nods eagerly. An hour later, they’re sitting in the living room with takeout containers spread across the coffee table. TK is using chopsticks to scoop noodles into his mouth, and Carlos is biting into a spring roll. He chews for a couple of seconds and then reaches for the accompanying sauce to dip the rest of the spring roll into. “Good?” TK asks, when he’s swallowed. Carlos nods, and TK holds out the container to him. Carlos passes him the box of spring rolls, and slides the little tub of sauce over to TK’s side of the table. “How’s Nancy?” TK chews what’s in his mouth before answering. “She’s good. She and Mateo are going away for the weekend, I think they’re going up to Lake Tahoe. They rented a cabin and everything.” “Oh, that’ll be nice,” Carlos says. “Paul and I took a couple trips up there a few years ago. It’s really pretty, they’ll love it.” There’s a sudden pang in his chest as Carlos is talking. Lake Tahoe. It’s beautiful. He’s heard so many good things from every one of his friends that’s been, but TK hasn’t gone yet. He had put it on an ever-lengthening list of things he wanted to do in California once he got a legit break, but that never happened. The list always seemed to keep growing, while his time off decreased and decreased. And once he was fired, he couldn’t bring himself to leave his house. He didn’t want to take the risk.

open tag!

#apologies to anyone whose tags i have missed lately i've barely been on here #we have this year end deadline on friday that i am scrambling frantically to meet and i will not be able to breathe until i do lol #excited to go through and decorate your trees later!!#neha writes #wip wednesday #911 lone star

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streaminn · 1 year

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Okie, so I was in bed, totally about to turn off my phone in a few minutes and get them eepies, but then I made the mistake of opening up your Ortegaverse tag and doom-scrolled... oopsies

Anyway, while scrolling, I came across an old comment from our good friend @theogm-art from a few days ago. Unfortunately, I don't have a screenshot but basically, it was about Wednesday finding Enid with May and taking them back to the Addams Mansion. And of course, my brain took it as a challenge lol.

And so, blah blah my interpretation blah blah blah (forgive me, I'm tired lol)

"You live here?" Wednesday asked, trying not to sound disgusted. The apartment that Enid took the trio to wasn't too awful, but it certainly wasn't going in any magazines. The whole place was small and as far as Wednesday could tell, the was only one bedroom, definitely far too small for an entire family to live in.

"Yeah, it isn't a mansion but... it's home," Enid sighed before turning to her daughter, "Hey pup! Whataya want for lunch?"

"PB&J PWEASE! And in twiangles!" May shouted, making Enid chuckle fondly. Her daughter, just like Enid at seven, is still unable to pronounce her L's and R's. "Alright, pup! One PB&J in triangles, coming up!" Enid turned back to the raven standing dumbfounded by the front door, "You want anything, Wends? I don't have much, but I'm told I make a mean PB&J?"

Wednesday finds herself about to make some remark about the gluttonous nature of the sandwich, but quickly bites her tongue, "I suppose I stomach a single sandwich."

(idk, time skip 30 mins)

"Enid."

"Yeah? What's up Wends?"

"I couldn't help but notice, this apartment is incredibly small. I assume you aren't doing well financially?"

Enid sighs in response and instead looks to May, "Hey pup? Mama needs to talk with her friend, can you go play in our room?" May nods happily and runs off to their bedroom, leaving the adults alone. "No, I'm honestly just barely keeping up with the bills. It's surprisingly hard raising a seven-year-old all on your own," the wolf jokes, but receives no sign of humor from the other woman.

Instead, Wednesday's eyes widen in shock, "On your own?" The dark-haired woman stares in disbelief for another moment before finding her voice again, though lightly laced with anger, "Where is her other mother? Is she absentee?"

Enid laughs flatly, but her face quickly turns dark as the trauma from seven years ago returns with a vengeance, "No, she um... She's not with us anymore. She was a normie and... well," Enid doesn't finish her sentence but she doesn't need to, Wednesday quickly connects the dots.

"Oh, I am sorry for your loss..." Wednesday pauses before adding, "And I apologize for jumping to conclusions. I'm left to assume she was quite the attentive partner, seeing as she bore your child."

Enid snorted out a laugh, "Yeah... yeah, she was amazing." Enid fidgets helplessly with the ring adorning her left-hand finger. A silence settles over the room for a while. It's not tense, but it's not exactly comfortable either. Wednesday's mind churns through all the new information she's been given over the last hour.

Eventually, Wednesday breaks the silence, "Come back with me to the mansion."

"Wh- what? Why?"

"Your daughter deserves a safe and loving environment to grow up. And you too deserve the same, Enid. I must admit, I do not know much about taking care of a child, but I'm sure my parents would be honored to help you," Wednesday speaks plainly as if she isn't offering everything, "You'd be given a well-deserved break."

Enid, for her part, is left shocked. Finally, she picks her jaw back up from the floor to speak. "Wednesday," the wolf whispers in awe, "You'd really take me back there? After what I did?"

"Of course, Enid. As I said, I have already forgiven you. I..." An uneasiness overwhelms the raven as the need to offer vulnerability to Enid crashes over her, but she quickly powers through, "I searched for you everywhere. I never once stopped looking. I- I couldn't bear being so far away for so long, Enid."

Enid is once again taken aback. For so long, Enid thought herself to be unforgivable as the endless traumas and heartbreak throughout the last two decades tore her soul apart, time and again until all she was left with was broken memories and a little girl who relied on her for everything. But now, she's not only been so easily forgiven by one of the only people she's ever sought it from but she's also being given a second chance at life. It feels like another ploy by the universe. Surely, this is just another in a long line of tricks to lead her into that dreaded false sense of security.

But no. As Enid stares into those dark eyes, she sees nothing but truth. It's a breath of fresh air and Enid takes it in greedily. "Okay, I'll go with you. Thank you, Wends," Enid accepts, then speaks softly, "We really do work, don't we?"

And for the first time Enid's ever seen it, Wednesday smiles. Just barely, but it's there. "We shouldn't," the brunette replies, "But we do."

Okie, time to pass out lol

However Enid's face turns cold, a steel of ice in those blue eyes as her smile falls.

"but I won't accept charity."

Wednesday stares. "this isn't charity-"

Enid waves her hand in a no no gesture as she sighs. It's then that Wednesday begins to be too aware of the lines of stress that lines her past roommates face. There's eyebags lying under her eyes, not so noticeable when she's smiling but all too seen when not.

"it is to me," Enid says before she gives a smile, shaky and not as true. It looks like a compromise. "so please let me help out around the house."

Wednesday swallow the No that was so ready to spill from her lips. She grits back the words of you deserve so much more, deserve to be pampered and cared for.

Wednesday nods and she stares at the way Enid smiles, her finger playing with the ring on her hand.

#Writing #Rachelsfavqueer #Enid x Wednesday #Ortegaverse #AAAAAA WE GOT SO MUCH TALENTED AND SKILLED PEOPLE HOLY SHIT #THANKS RACHEL!!!!

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smalife1234 · 14 days

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It's our 6th weekly smiles!! I can't believe we've made it this far on Tumblr 🥹!!

What made me smile this week?

Monday, 9/2/24 - today, we had the day off because it was Labor Day! And it is my favorite month! It is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month! And also my third human year as a Quadriplegic! Which for me is baffling to me! Sadly, the day didn't end well. Luz, our friend, ended up feeling sick and not feeling well! She had bad back pain! But we chilled for the day and slightly slept in knowing I could enjoy those few minutes of sleep without being panicked by time! That made me smile!

Tuesday, 9/3/24 - today we went back to school! And this week is shorter! Yay, so that's fun. In the first period, I continued working on my online assignments, and then we got a bunch of papers, but I didn't do any of them (don't worry, they're not due this week). At 9:30 Am, I got called for senior pictures! I walk in there all nervous but come to find the people are pretty enlightening! So that made me smile! (Keep in mind Matthew only got these senior pictures) But first, Matthew Tucker and Sydney all got their indoor photos. Many poses and pictures were done! (And surprisingly I don't think y'all know Matthew wears glasses!) But there were some shots of him that needed his glasses removed and we cannot wait to see those images once they're ready! We then head outside and get their outdoor photos! They had a blast knowing Sydney struggled to figure out how to sit in the chair lol. All in all, it was hectic yet fun, and we enjoyed missing most of the second period! Lol, and also, I started my period today, which is fun! I mainly chart this because of endocrinology information since they ask me these types of questions and I've always been bad at remembering! So I'm smiling knowing I'm taking better care of my health! We soon went home and enjoyed our night.

Wednesday, 9/4/24 - this morning I woke up in a pretty good mood! And then I chilled on the bus for a while. In the first period, I had to work on a very confusing assignment, which basically talked to the teacher about it, and I decided I'd work on it tomorrow! In the second period, I chilled as we got some notes and assignments we had to work on. Sadly, this assignment was pretty difficult as well, and it was hard to work on, but soon I got it done, and it went well! Then in the third, I got all my work done and had a pretty ok-ish salad, and then in the fourth, we chilled and talked about a really weird subject. Lol, today made me smile!

Thursday, 9/5/24 - today I sadly woke up with symptoms of feeling sick! Like runny nose and coughing! So that scared me a bit. I continued working on my assignment and actually started labeling some of the sticky notes that were required to label the large mannequin. I soon got the hang of it! I started labeling the mannequin. Sadly, I only got two things labeled, lol, so that was fun. Then, in the second period, we had a sub and started working on a worksheet! That was very long lol! But I got some of it complete (don't worry, it wasn't due until Tomorrow!). Then, in the third, we chilled and just learned about our brains! And how it can lie to us again that was super cool! In fourth I was pretty tired because I was feeling semi ok! I was scared I was going to get sick, but by the end of the day, we chilled for a while! And slept most of that night

Friday, 9/6/24 - today I sadly woke up sick and super congested! I could barely talk without my throat hurting and it sucked! On the bus, I kept coughing. Thankfully, I had thought the congestion had gone away in the first period. I was all right, but I was still coughing and sniffing! But I actually got my mannequin fully labeled and got my labeling sheets fully filled out! And colored coded it made me proud that I got all that work done! I was only two hours into my chemo session so I was pretty impressed with how well I was doing! Lol. Then, for the rest of the class, I worked on skeleton labeling and drew some magnification of muscles and tissues! I think I did ok! Then, in the second period, we had a sub who will now be our permanent substitute because we found out that Mrs. Mauney was having a baby! And that Monday, we'll get information, or however many days pass, we will get more news as our substitute gets it! We enjoyed the class as it was pretty chill. Sadly, we had a quiz on Matter and density! I think I did ok then I finished the rest of that worksheet sadly my back was killing me and my throat was not feeling great :/ that didn't make me smile! At lunch, I kept coughing but enjoyed my salad 🥗. Then, in the third period, we chilled and did a sheet that required us to answer questions from different websites. It was super easy, and I got it done by the end of class! Then, in the fourth period, we were doing notes, but I felt so tired and drained and kept coughing my lungs out; my throat hurt, and my back hurt more than anything! It was really miserable! But I was grateful it was fourth period and Friday so I could deal with this sickness in peace. Later on at home, I basically sat and chilled most of the day and then headed to bed around 8:03 P.m., which is not normal for me, so I definitely knew that the cold wore me out! Today was exhausting but it also made me smile!

Saturday, 9/7/24 - today, I woke up at 8:00 Am not normal for me, considering I almost always wake up around six in the morning. I sat on Instagram most of the day and continued coughing my lungs out. My throat hurt less today than it did yesterday, and luckily, the back roller trick I did yesterday or last night had worked, and my back pain, for the most part, was mainly gone! So that was good! And then I ate ramen that day and two bags of Takis the whole day, so my appetite wasn't completely shot, but it also wasn't that great either. I mainly took a chill day, to be honest, considering I had just gotten sick and I just had chemotherapy! But during my chill day, which wasn't a lot of work, we brought in a Walmart order, and then Matthew had to dump a whole thing of moldy food! Not fun at all and then he had to dump old peppers out! Again, it was not fun. Then we did laundry, and then we went to bed around nine p.m. Today was very boring yet chill, and it was exactly what I needed! Today made me smile!

Sunday, 9/8/24 - today, I woke up around 8:00 Am again, so not normal, but I am happy to report I am feeling much better! I do have a runny/blogged nose, but my throat barely hurts, and my back is not even sore! I'm glad I did most of my recovery at home, and I believe I only need two more days, and hopefully, I'll be back up and moving! Only time will tell. In the morning, I mainly chilled on Instagram, where I've been finding myself recently. Then, around 10 or 11:00 Am, we did some laundry and chilled. We mainly watched shows and casually relaxed! We were laughing at how floppy my body was and how horrendous our friend Luz's burp was! It was so hilarious, and then we saw Donny's old self (outfit) and tried to fit it in his wheelchair (and no, sadly, we don't have a picture). It went horribly wrong and sent everyone into abrupt laughter! Then, later in the day, we got some yummy pizza with pepper flakes! And Parmesan cheese (don't hate until you try it!) was very good. Matthew and Emmie had 5 slices well, almost 5! I had a few bites since I cannot chew pizza very well! But my few bites were delicious! I got a new outfit and enjoyed the chill afternoon watching shows with my baba and my babe drinking beer 🍻! Lol, we had a nice night, and now I'm going to end the entry here! Thanks for reading this whole week, and I'll see y'all next week. This whole day and week made me smile!

What made you smile this week?

Img desc #1: shows the tall mannequin skeleton with some blue labelings.

Img desc #2: shows Emmie smiling on a cruise near a glass wall with a brown handrail Emmie is seen wearing a pair of black sunglasses 🕶️ and a green short-sleeved shirt and blue jeans she is smiling while sitting in her electric wheelchair

Img desc #3: Matthew and Tucker are seen facing back to back. Matthew, seen on the left of the image, is seen smiling while his head is tilted back towards Tucker's head. He has a dark green buttoned-up long-sleeved shirt, and his hands are cuffed around his bicep area. He is standing near Tucker, giving a big smile. On Matthew's face is a pair of bulkyish pair of transparent glasses. Tucker, seen right of the image, is seen with his arms crossed, his hands cuffing around his biceps. His head is tilted back. He is wearing a white long-sleeved buttoned shirt and a golden and black colored blazer with a golden and black bowtie. There is a wooden background behind them. They are smiling very brightly.

Img desc #4: the large mannequin is seen standing on a grey desk with a few blue labels taped to the mannequin.

Img desc #5: doc is seen smiling slightly with her face red from coughing and sneezing all day. She is wrapped comfortably in Emmie's hoodie, grey sweatpants, and white socks. On Doc's lap is a big puffy pillow. A big brown pillow is seen behind her weak floppy Head!. She is very comfy!

Img desc #6: doc and Emmie are seen smiling in the dark near a building Emmie seen right of the image is seen smiling in her electric wheelchair wearing a white short sleeved buttoned up shirt with beige colored squares designed on her shirt paired with her shirt is beige colored shorts. Emmie's hands are propped up by her electric wheelchair. Doc who is seen left of the image is seen in her electric wheelchair and smiling while wearing a brown colored short sleeved shirt and black skinny jeans and brown shoes she is smiling big!

Img desc #7: doc is seen looking shocked while wearing a grey short sleeved shirt and grey colored sweatpants! She is seen near a group of friends and a glass transparent door.

Img desc #8: doc and Emmie is seen smiling doc is seen beaming with excitement! And seen wearing a black short sleeved shirt and grey sweatpants Emmie her wife seen wearing a white short sleeved shirt and smiling in her manual wheelchair they are seen near trees and a beautiful sunset 🌇.

Img desc #9: doc is seen asleep in a car with her head strap (she barely needs this as of right now but she is getting close and we wanted her to be comfy) her back was sore and her throat hurt and she kept sneezing sadly not a fun day! She is seen wearing a pink Hawaiian themed Short sleeved shirt and beige colored shorts her eyes are closed and she's fully conked out!

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0nlythrowharrybeaux · 2 years

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Wonderful World - Part 5^

Hello friends! Here's part 5! This one's a little angsty, but I don't think it's anything to depressing.

Series Masterlist

Warnings: use of weed (sorry guys I'm from LA and forgot that this is not legal everywhere and that I should've included a warning for it LOL), talk about loss & unsupportive family

WC: 12.2k

Diana knew that the following morning Celeste wouldn’t be up for school so she did the kind thing and left a message to inform them she would be absent and also let Grace know she wouldn’t have to pick her up. Wednesday’s were one of Diana’s busiest teaching days. Her first class was at 10am and ended at noon, then she had a 1 to 3pm, office hours, and then her evening class. She felt like she needed to patch things up with Celeste though. So as she got ready for the day Diana decided that she would cancel her 10am class and got to emailing all of her students to inform them of the cancellation and allowed for an extension on the paper they needed to write until their class period was over. So once she handled that in her class’ platform she headed over to Celeste’s room and knocked on the door, it was about 7am, so she knew that she at least had to be up.

“What?” She heard through the door.

“Can I come in?” Diana asked.

“No.” She heard and Diana nodded.

“OK. I figured you might not be up for school today, I called and let them know you’re gonna be out.” She informed and got no response, she then sighed, “Sweetie, I’m really sorry about last night. I said a lot of things I didn’t mean. I was frustrated and was very reactive and I shouldn’t have taken it that far. You can’t shout at me so you’re still kind of grounded, just the having friends over thing though.” She said and still no response, “And i-if you want I can go find out who can fix your guitar today.” She added in.

“Sure, mom.” She heard after a long beat of silence.

“OK. Well, I canceled my morning class, so I don’t have to be there until my 1pm class, should we go get breakfast and get our nails done or something? I can drop you back off after or if you want to hang out on campus-”

“Yeah, fine.”

“To breakfast, nails, or both?” Diana asked with a hopeful smile.

“Both.” She groaned and Diana smiled.

“OK, well I’ll start getting ready.” Diana assured.

About twenty minutes later Celeste was in some ath-leisure wear and waiting for Diana by the door. Diana offered her a smile before they hopped into the car and after a few moments they took off and Diana turned down the volume dial for a bit and spoke up.

“Sweetheart, I know you’re mad at me about something, but I can’t read your mind. I need you to tell me so I know what I need to do or not do.” Diana reminded, “I didn’t mean to make everything worse at your school, but I had to tell someone. And well even Dr. Styles agreed with that, so shouldn’t you also be upset at him?” She asked and then frowned, “Unless you’re mad at me for something else entirely…if that’s it then I’m at a loss, Celeste. I have no idea what I’ve done wrong and it’s making me feel really awful.” Diana confessed and still no response from Celeste and as she stopped at a traffic light she turned to her and reached for her hand, “Celeste, can you just talk to me please?” Diana asked and Celeste removed her hand from Diana’s grip and up to her ear where she pulled out her AirPod.

“What is it? Were you talking to me?” Celeste asked cluelessly and Diana felt her eyes welling up with tears but she just plastered on a smile and shook her head.

“No, it’s fine. Never mind.” She assured and turned back to the road. Celeste had definitely been listening, her music was on at the lowest level and as she snuck a glance at Diana once more she saw her blinking away tears and it made her feel bad, but for the first time in a while it was about time that someone other than her felt bad.

Celeste barely spoke while they had breakfast and she put her headphones back on when they started on her pedicure and up until Diana was rolling the car to a slow stop in front of their house as Celeste unbuckled her seat belt.

“Hey, wait.” Diana grabbed her arm before she went off.

“What?” Celeste asked as she turned to her mom.

“Sweetie, can you please just…think about telling me why you’re upset. It can’t be nothing if you’re icing me out like this.” Diana said and Celeste rolled her eyes.

“Like you care.” She mumbled before getting out and closing the car door leaving Diana completely upset and so she just took off for work.

The afternoon dragged on for ages and by the time she had started lecturing for her evening class she wished she had, had the mind to cancel that as well. Everyone was particularly rowdy and it appeared that none of them had even done the assigned readings for their discussion and she just wanted to scream out of frustration. When class finally ended she rushed out of the building and beelined it towards the parking structure, she just wanted to get home. She had hoped to have some dinner with Celeste, but she got a notification before class that Celeste had ordered in from somewhere. She knew that teenagers could be assholes, but she had no idea what this situation with Celeste required of her. Maybe she was just a bad mom? She thought to herself as she pressed the floor her car was on and just as the doors started to close some’s arm shot out to hold the doors, startling her a bit. When she glanced up from staring at her shoes she was met with Harry.

“Oh hi.” He greeted her as he stepped in.

“Hi.” She smiled at him despite her mood, “What floor?”

“Oh,” he said and looked to the panel of buttons, “Same as you I guess.” He confirmed and she nodded as the heavy doors closed with a thump before they started ascending in silence, “How’d that thing with Celeste go in the end?” He brought up and she glanced over to him.

“She’s still angry with me, won’t even talk to me.” She said and Harry frowned.

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine.” She exhaled sharply and blinked a few times to avoid crying. Soon the doors slid open and they both headed out. He didn’t say anything else as he walked adjacent to her that was until she unlocked her car.

“Mine’s right beside yours.” He said and she nodded as she started rounding into the driver’s side, “Hey, Diana-”

“What?” She asked through a tired sigh, turning to him and giving him her full attention.

“I just want to make sure you’re OK.” He pressed and she shook her head.

“I’m not. I don’t know what I did wrong, Harry! I have apologized, I have tried to spend time with her today, and I have been patient and I just feel like I’m somehow the worst parent on the fucking planet! And Celeste is milking it, I’ll tell you. I love her, but she can be a spiteful little shit.” She said in exasperation and Harry chuckled and Diana started to smile a bit, “Please don’t report me for that.” She said and he shook his head.

“Believe me, I’ve heard worse.” He assured and she sighed.

“I’m just at a loss. We have never been like this before and I don’t know what to even say to her. She’s just upset with me for something…yesterday she blamed it on me talking to her principal and making the bullying worse, but that’s not it. You told her she needed to tell and she’s not mad at you for it!”

“Maybe she will be next week.” He mused.

“God, I hope so.” She sighed and he scoffed, “I can’t be the sole target of her rage, Harry. It’s really bumming me out.” Diana explained and Harry reached out to her shoulders and just held them.

“Just, breathe.” He smiled, “You’ve been hyperventilating this whole fucking time.” He chuckled and she groaned before taking one deep breath and letting it out slowly, “There you go. Much better, yeah?” He asked and she smiled.

“No.” She responded stubbornly and he smiled until he heard her sniffle and when she looked back into his eyes there were tears running down her cheeks.

Harry couldn’t stop himself as he put his tote on the hood of his car and then wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight as she cried. She didn’t say anything else, she just let it out through her tears. She knew that Harry probably had solutions or suggestions for her, but he understood his boundaries well, he wasn’t her therapist. And right now she just needed someone to be there for her. She cried for about ten minutes before she reared back to be able to look at him.

“I’m sorry.” She sniffled, “I’m not usually a cry-baby—”

“Hey,” he interrupted her with a frown on his face, “don’t apologize for crying it out.” He said softly as he looked into her eyes and then smiled a bit, “Your glasses are fogging a little.” He informed her.

“Yeah, I can see that.” She said as he let her go so that she could take them off. He watched as she carefully cleaned them off before she put them back on and then took a deep breath which she let out swiftly as she relaxed her shoulders, “OK, it’s fine. I’m fine.” She said with more confidence and Harry smiled.

“Liar.” He called her out.

“Don’t shatter my illusion, Harry. I just need to get it together before I have to face my daughter. Who hates me, by the way…” she added in, “I can’t let her see how much it’s gotten to me. I’m literally crying because she refuses to talk to me! I can’t show up like this.”

“I think if anything, you should show up like that. Be vulnerable, trust her with your feelings. It’ll show her that you care enough that you’re upset over it and that she can also trust you with her feelings.” He explained and Diana sighed.

“I almost already cried in the car with her in the morning. I gave this whole apology speech and then she pulled out her headphones.” Diana explained and Harry winced.

“Ooh, ouch.”

“Yeah…” Diana reiterated with a small smile of defeat on her face, “I was hoping to briber her into a talk with her favorite food, but I saw that she had ordered in a bit ago.” She explained. “Figures, it’s a bit late.”

“Late? It’s only 9 o’clock.”

“On a Wednesday.” She added and he shrugged.

“Whatever, it’s a weekday. But I think you could really use a win today.” He said.

“Well yes, I agree wholeheartedly.” She said and he smiled.

“OK, so I do have a suggestion, but you better not judge me.” He said and she smiled.

“Never.”

“I don’t believe you now, but thanks for trying,” he said and she giggled, “Well, before coming to class tonight I made my monthly stop to the dispensary and I have a brand new container of edibles-”

“You’re fucking insane!” She whisper-shouted with a huge smile and he shook his head.

“I’m not! it’s perfectly normal.” He said and she giggled.

“Are you on drugs now?” She asked with a playful grin.

“No! I’m a professional.” He scoffed and she narrowed her eyes at him.

“Mmmm, I don’t know anymore. Let me see your eyes.” She joked and he leaned in closer to her.

“Go on then. Check.” He insisted widening his eyes and she giggled.

“You’re literally crazy.” She repeated.

“I’m not. I’m just so in my head about everything all the time and sometimes when it gets too intense in there that helps. Like…I’m not preparing for the worst, I’m not overthinking about the future, I’m just existing in the moment and feeling the effects and it’s a nice break.” He shrugged and she bit her lip pensively, “I can just give you one and just take it, you should start to feel it by the time you’re home.” He explained and she bit her lip.

“You make that all sound really nice, but ummm, I have a confession.” She said and he urged her to go on with a nod, “I’ve smoked weed twice and I coughed for like twenty minutes both times, I don’t think I got anything more than a headache out of those experiences…” she confessed with a slightly nervous smile.

“Twice?! Wow. I never would have pegged you for a wild child.” He joked with a smirk and she laughed.

“I know.” She said with a giggle, “I tried once in high school and then another time in college. And don’t worry, Celeste was a toddler by then, so I didn’t poison her via my breast milk.” She assured and he laughed.

“OK, I’m glad you addressed that. That was gonna be my follow-up question.” He joked and she rolled her eyes with a smile.

“Well, after those two awful, near-death experiences I just gave up on it.” She explained.

“Well, that’s why god, in all her wisdom and knowledge, gave someone the recipe for edibles.” He smiled.

“Such a smart-ass.” Diana mumbled.

“I know…” he chuckled, “But I mean, I like it better too because smoking anything cannot be good for you.” He said and she nodded along in agreement.

“True. I mean I want to, I’m just scared to do it alone my first time or well, third time.” She explained.

“Maybe we can hang out somewhere?” He suggested and then his eyes widened a bit, “Only I-if you want, you know? I know we just spoke about this and how we-”

“You know, maybe if we really got to know each other it would help extinguish the curiosity.” Diana suggested and he hummed.

“I mean…that’s not…a bad idea.” He agreed after giving it a thought for a moment. It was very likely that Harry felt attracted to her not just because she was beautiful, but because she was so mysterious to him. This was a dangerous game though, it could make them more curious and attracted or make them completely dislike each other - either way, they both got some clarity and that’s exactly what they needed, “Inversely it could also…you know?” He suggested timidly, “What happens then?” He asked and she shrugged.

“I would say that we leave it alone and not entertain it. Just try and get over it.” Diana said simply with a shrug.

“Really? Just like that?” Harry asked.

“Yeah, Celeste really clicks with you and I don’t want to take that away from her. Your commitment is to her wellbeing before anything-”

“Yeah, I agree.” He cut in.

“Great, we agree. So there’s no problem then.” She said and he shook his head.

“I guess not.” He smiled and she did as well. They just stood there looking at each other for a moment and Harry decided to break the silence, “So, do you wanna get high with me?” he asked with a grin.

“I do want to… Celeste is home alone though. I don’t know if you’re fine if we go to my place?” She asked nervously.

“Only if it’s alright with you. Also, we don’t have to do this tonight, it can be whenever or never even.” He assured and she smiled.

“No, I definitely want to try and it’d be nice to not be freaking out about stuff for a bit.” She explained and he nodded.

“Yeah. Well I can follow you.” He said and she nodded, “OK, well you should take it now, you’ll feel it in twenty minutes or so.”

“That fast?”

“Your stomach has growled a bunch of times, I take it you skipped lunch?”

“Ummm…how-”

“You mentioned that sometimes you forget to eat when you’re really busy. You said that the first time we ran into each other at the cafe.” He smiled.

“Oh, right. I did.” She smiled and nodded in confirmation.

“I remember because I am still shocked by that.” He smiled and she rolled her eyes.

“OK, give me a sec.” He said as he unlocked his car and grabbed his bag before opening up the passenger side and putting it on the seat. “Do you have food at home?”

“Not made. Was gonna pick something up.” She explained as he then opened the center console storage and pulled out a small, black plastic bag and reached inside to pull out a small plastic jar, presumably with the candies inside.

“Well maybe we should go to a drive-thru before we get to yours.” He grinned and she nodded.

“Yeah, OK.” She agreed as he came back out.

“OK I have pineapple and strawberry lemonade.” He said reading over the labels, “They had this other brand that had peach rings but those were $35! But I must admit I was tempted to try.” He shared as she looked over the jars.

“Which one do you like best?” She asked as she looked up to him.

“I’m partial to the pineapple ones. The strawberry lemonade ones are a new flavor for me, but since it’s the same brand as these I just assume they’ll also be good.” He explained and she nodded.

“OK, well I’ll try that one then, the lemonade one.” She said and he nodded and opened up the little jar and handed her one of them. It was a small, little gummy, it looked very harmless. Suddenly her stomach growled loudly again and they both laughed quietly.

“Maybe take it when you get to the drive-thru.” Harry grinned and she nodded.

After that he followed her to the nearest fast-food spot which just happened to be a Jack-in-the-Box and she ordered herself a large order of the curly fries and she ate her gummy as she waited for him to get his own order before she guided them to her house. As they drove through the streets Harry couldn’t help but noticed how close they lived to each other, he was literally about 5 minutes away, basically a neighborhood away since he would need to cross the next main street to get into his own neighborhood. When she signaled to get up into her driveway Harry followed her in as she stuck her hand out and waved for him to follow her in. He did and after he parked beside her the gate started to close behind her slowly. Her home was two floors and very nice. The architecture was that Spanish-modern style, similar to his. Well, most of the homes in this area had been remodeled to that same look. He grabbed the milk-shake he ordered and got down from his car and shut the door quietly before he walked up to Diana.

“Do you need help with anything?”

“No, it’s alright.” She assured as she stretched her arm to grab her tote from the passenger side. He took the liberty to snatch away her bag from the restaurant to allow her to fully lean in and grab her bag. After another effort she was retreating from the car with it and she slung it onto her shoulder. “Thank you.” She smiled and he nodded. They quietly made their way into the fully dark house and she keyed her way in quietly before switching on her flashlight once inside. “I’m just gonna let Celeste know I made it home.” She explained and he nodded, “You can follow me up, we’re gonna go to my balcony if that’s alright?” She asked and he nodded, “Great, is there anything we should grab?”

“Water, for sure.” He said.

“OK, c’mon.” She said guiding him through the space and into the kitchen. It wasn’t too large, but as she flicked the lights on he took in the beautiful color and design of it.

“This is very nice.” He complimented quietly and she smiled.

“Thank you. You just got a milk-shake?” She asked.

“Yeah, I’m not hungry but I tend to crave sweets when I’m high and I guess this mint-chocolate chip one is new and I just had to indulge.” Harry explained with a smile. They were both acting as normal as possible about him being in her home. So he proceeded to look around as she served them both big glasses of water before guiding him up the stairs quietly.

“Mine is that door over there.” She said softly as she pointed to the door behind them and he nodded as he glanced back to it and followed her around the stairwell to get into the bedroom. He opened the door for her as she was holding their glasses of water and immediately he was hit with a deliciously warm and sweet scent that made him feel like he was being wrapped up in a warm and cozy hug. It almost made him melt internally as he watched as she put the glasses in her hands down and she switched on the little lamp on her bedside table. He smiled when he saw her room, it was beautiful and colorful. He thought it was so cool as he quickly glanced around while she was distracted with putting her bag down on the bench before her bed, “The bathroom is right in there,” She pointed to her left when she turned towards him and he nodded, “and we’ll be out here.” She said as she turned around and guided him through the dimly lit room and as she slid her curtains aside a glass sliding door was exposed and she unlocked it and stepped out and he followed. She switched on another string of lights that gave the balcony a very nice and warm glow, “You can get on the palette couch or sit on the little pouf, wherever you want.” She smiled and he nodded. She went inside to grab their waters as he just looked around and over the balcony into the backyard. This was really nice.

“I like this a lot.” He complimented when she came back out.

“Oh, thank you so much.” She smiled as she looked around, “Grace was all into the DIY furnitures over COVID and she made that. Obviously with a bit of help-”

“From you?”

“Yeah.” She smiled and he nodded.

“That’s cool.”

“Thank you. Ummm, settle in, I’m gonna check on Celeste real quick, let he know I’m home.”

“Yeah, take your time.” He assured as he sat and she went off.

Diana knocked first, as she always did and after no response she slowly opened the door and peeked in to see Celeste dead asleep. She stepped inside and placed a kiss on her forehead, which made her stir a bit and she stepped back and quietly left the dark room and shut her door softly before heading back to her own bedroom. She headed to her dresser and grabbed a university crewneck and slipped out of her blouse to get the sweater on instead and then she headed back out where Harry was just sitting on one side of the little couch with a book in his hands and she smiled, she had been reading that and misplaced it.

“Oh, there it is.” Diana said and he glanced up with a smile.

“Yeah, I happened to sit on it.” He chuckled.

“Sorry.” She giggled as he shut it and extended it out to her as she flipped through the pages.

“Is it any good?”

“Not really.” She said, “A colleague mentioned it in a committee I was sitting on, highly recommended it. Just not my genre.” She explained as she set it down on the pouf beside her on the ground, “May I?” She asked pointing to the spot beside his.

“Of course.” He said immediately and straightened out so that she was able to get on beside him and soon she settled against the array of pillows lining the DIY couch, “Are you feeling anything yet?” He asked and she shook her head and then blinked a few times.

“Oh, never mind.” She said with a giggle and he laughed softly, “It was so subtle I didn’t realize.” She explained.

“Yeah it’ll be more apparent in a bit.” He said and she nodded.

“Are you feeling it?”

“Not yet. It’ll probably take a little longer for me.” He said and she hummed in understanding.

“Are you cold or anything?” She asked and he shook his head, “OK.” She said as she sank further against the pillows and let out a slow exhale as she let her eyes close.

“You alright there?” Harry asked with a grin and she nodded.

“My eyes are feeling a little heavy.” She giggled and he laughed.

“Open up, let me see.” He urged softly and when she opened her eyes he was just inches from her face and it made her chest tighten up, even more so when he smiled at her. The whites of her eyes were tinged pink and her pupils blown up a bit wider than normal. “Well, you’re definitely high. Congrats!” He chuckled.

“Thank you.” She sniggered, “This is…delightful. I see why people do this now.” She said and he smiled.

“Good, I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” He hummed as he settled back against the pillows and let out a content sigh.

Diana was truly enjoying this hazy feeling. Her brain would go all fuzzy when she tried to think too hard, which was nice because it was a break from her overthinking about this entire day. It felt like her soul was being hugged, which she definitely needed after the last two days she’d had and the feeling only started to get more and more intense the more they just sat in silence beside each other, or maybe she just imagined it was getting more intense. Harry’s own high was starting to kick in now. Any time he was under the influence of anything he got really affectionate and as his eyes wandered around and landed on Diana’s hands, so delicately resting over her tummy with her fingers interlaced, he wanted to reach out for them so badly. He felt his heart start to beat a bit faster when her eyes blinked open and landed on his. There was this knot in his throat that he couldn’t get rid of as they just looked at each other. With all inhibitions thrown to the wind in their condition there was no hiding the way in which they were looking at each other. There was curiosity and longing and desire.

Diana felt like her entire body was tingling, she was so sensitive, even the light breeze making a strand of hair tickle her cheek seemed like a lot. She felt like she and Harry were magnetic, her skin was begging her to get closer to him. She was holding back with every bit of restraint she had. She could see it in his eyes that he was struggling too and she needed to lighten the mood before she lost control of herself. When she smiled he mirrored her smile and she turned on her side to face him, like he was facing her, and she got a bit more comfortable before speaking.

“Let’s play a game.”

“OK, what’s the game.”

“We have to try and think of the same thing.” She said and he smiled.

“Yeah, OK.”

“OK, first category…colors.” She said and they were quiet for a moment, “Got yours?”

“Yeah.”

“OK, let’s say it at the same time.” She said and he nodded, “3, 2, 1. Yellow.”

“Yellow.” They said at the same time and laughed, “We’re good at this.” He grinned.

“It was a coincidence. We got lucky.” She said and he shrugged.

“Maybe so. Let’s do something harder then.” He suggested and she nodded in acceptance of his challenge, “Mmm…office supplies.” He smiled and she giggled, “Ready?” He asked after a few seconds and she nodded, “3, 2, 1, stapler.”

“Stapler!” They exclaimed together and then laughed, “OK, maybe we are good at this.” She accepted and he grinned.

“Told you.” He added in and she shook her head as she looked down between them as she bit on her plump bottom lip to stop her smile from widening even more. It made him absolutely crazy and he licked over his lips as he fought the urge to just lean in and kiss her. They were already being a bit reckless, but that didn’t mean he could just throw all caution to the wind. When her eyes flickered back up to his she was smiling again. “What’re you smiling at?” He asked softly.

“I don’t know.” She giggled and he did as well, “What’s your astrological sign?” She asked and he lit up a bit.

“Aquarius. We’ve covered this remember?” He said and she hummed.

“Did we? When was your birthday?” She asked and he chuckled.

“Yes, at the bar. And it was last month, the first.” He said and she smiled.

“Awww, happy belated birthday.” She congratulated him and he chuckled.

“Thank you. What about you?”

“I’m a libra, through and through.” She said with a nod, “My birthday’s on October 9th.” She shared.

“I’ll remember that.” He assured and she smiled.

“You don’t have to.” She said and he chuckled.

“OK, I’m so bad at birthdays.” He confessed and she laughed.

“Oh great! So am I! Grace hates it because I always text her to ask when I’m suspicious it’s someone’s birthday.” She said with a small laugh.

“If Henry were any good with that I would probably do the same thing.” Harry assured, “Can I ask you something?”

“Yeah.”

“I was just wondering about you and just everything about how-”

“A goodie two-shoes like me ended up as a teen mom?” She asked with a smile and he chuckled.

“Yeah, basically.” He said and she sighed.

“Well, it was the summer after high school. So Wesley and I started dating in March of our senior year, so 2008? If I’m not mistaken.” She squinted as if trying to remember, “He had gotten into UCLA and I into Columbia so we were…making the most of our time together.” She said with a small smirk and he smiled at her self-censoring. It was cute how shy she was, “One of our classmates had some going away party as they were joining the military and I’m pretty sure that’s the night it happened…in the pool house bathroom, if I’m not mistaken.” She giggled as she shared a bit too much but she didn’t care right now, “It wasn’t anything special.” She said and he nodded, “Then two days later he was in an accident, a drunk driver hit him on his way home from another friend’s party. He died on impact.” She said as her smile faded, “I left for Columbia a few weeks later and my family was about to move back to Mexico at the end of the year. So when I missed my period I didn’t think much of it, I was depressed and stressed and new to college… I didn’t find out until October that I was pregnant. I told my brother and he helped me tell my parents who were…absolutely livid.” She sighed, “I came back for winter break and my mother had made an appointment to…” she stopped and sighed shakily.

“You can skip to the good part.” Harry said quietly and she nodded.

“Yeah, OK…so anyway, I never went back after winter break. I transferred to a local school and worked while I could. My brother bought me and helped me move into this house over spring break and then in May Celeste was born. I still took my finals the next week.” She grinned and Harry chuckled.

“Were you alone?” He asked and she nodded, “I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright. I did let Wesley’s parents know that I was pregnant, but they just weren’t really ready to know about that so quickly after he had passed. I was hoping that his mom would be there when Celeste was born, but yeah, she never really recovered from losing him. They moved to Germany, their older son is stationed there with his family so they left after they had a trial for the guy that killed him.” She explained and Harry nodded in understanding.

She had been through so much yet she was still so strong and put together, it was impressive and admirable.

“I feel like every new thing I learn about you makes you that much more impressive.” He decided to voice his inner thoughts and she blushed as she looked away.

“It’s whatever…” she shrugged, “Other people deal with far more.” She talked herself down just a bit.

“Fuck that! You’re amazing. You’re resilient and brave and selfless.” He said and she shook her head, it was hard for her to hear that.

“I did what I thought was best.” She shrugged as she looked back into his eyes.

“Well, it was no easy feat.” He said and she smiled as she nodded, that much was true, “Would you want to have more kids if you end up with anyone?” He asked and she shook her head.

“I don’t think so…or at least I haven’t really thought that far ahead. I mean, I’m in my thirty’s. By the time I meet someone I’ll be like 50…” she exaggerated and he laughed.

“How do you know? You could meet the love of your life tomorrow!” He said and she smiled.

“Who knows… what about you? Do you want kids?”

“No.” He said, “I’ve always been of the idea of adopting or fostering given the chance.” He said and she nodded with a smile.

“That’s nice.” She said and he nodded.

“Yeah, there’s plenty of children in the world who need love. I also got a vasectomy when I turned 30.” He said and then laughed, “That was very TMI, sorry.” He added with a slight grimace on his face and she laughed.

“It’s alright, it’s not like it was off-topic.” She assured with a giggle and he nodded all pink in the face.

“True.” He said, “But ummm, yeah I can’t really have kids at the moment.” He said and she nodded.

“What made you do that?” She asked and he smirked as he looked away.

“I was intent on sowing my wild oats after I finished my residency.” He explained and they both laughed, “I didn’t want any accidents happening. But that didn’t even happen as much as I thought…I met Rebecca shortly after I started my residency and we did hook up and whatnot, but she was basically the only consistent partner I had and then we ended up dating so ummm, my plans to be a ho just kind of fell apart.” He chuckled and she giggled. “Rebecca was more thank OK with it because even if she was on birth control, she only wanted to get pregnant between 32 and 33. Her career is her baby for now. So I just never reversed it.” He shrugged.

“Well you’re newly single, you can have your ho-phase now.” She suggested and he chuckled.

“Now I’m too busy for that.” He said and she rolled her eyes.

“Excuses…” she mumbled as she pushed herself to sit up, “It’s definitely time for French fries.” She said and he chuckled as he watched her take them out of the bag, thankfully they were still a bit warm. She settled back into the position she was in and set the little box between them, “Help yourself.” She said as she took one and he immediately went for a couple as she chewed the ones she had just grabbed.

“You said you hadn’t dated anyone in two years when we spoke. Is that the same for ummm… you know? Hooking up?” He asked and she giggled.

“No. I did cave last summer and hooked up with this guy on vacation…was not worth it.” She huffed and he shook his head.

“God…a year?”

“More than, but yeah.” She confirmed and he shook his head.

“Are you OK?” He asked suggestively and she sniggered.

“More than.” She assured and he chuckled.

“OK, glad to hear it.” He said and then sat up to grab his own milkshake. There was a little maraschino cherry resting at the top of the melted mountain of whipped creme.

“Ooh can I have your cherry?” She asked and he pouted.

“That’s the best part.” He said feeling awfully conflicted between keeping his treat for himself or making Diana happy.

“I know.” She giggled, “It’s OK. I just suddenly had a craving for it.” She explained and went back for another fry. He decided they could share it so he grabbed it by the stem and presented it to her.

“Half and half.” He said and she smiled.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, s’alright.” He assured and let go when she grabbed the whipped creme covered fruit and pulled off the stem and then carefully bit into it, exactly down the center.

“Thank you, here.” She said extending the other half to Harry. He really didn’t think about it as he opened up his mouth and she placed it in his mouth gently and then closed his lips around her fingers to suck the whipped creme off of the tips of her index finger and thumb. She froze for a moment and then bit her lip as these feelings of intense lust just overcame her entire brain. Then he let go and proceeded to chew the half of the cherry without even questioning his actions so she just went back to her fries and tried to ignore the memory of his warm mouth on her fingers. It made her mouth feel dry and for her heart to race in her chest as her skin tingled as goosebumps rose all over her. It had felt so nice and maybe the drug in her system made her feel far more sensitive, but she was still reeling from such a simple thing.

“Mmmm, do you want some shake?” He asked and she glanced up to him.

“I-I’m good, thanks.” She stammered, her breathing had picked up significantly.

“Are you alright?” He asked and she nodded before looking into his eyes and he didn’t seem to believe her.

“I really am. It’s just you ummm…you cleaned off my fingers while they were in your mouth and-”

“Oh, did you want to do that?” He asked and she sighed nervously.

“Kinda but I you’re kinda focusing on the wrong thing.” She explained in a small voice with a bashful smile on her lips. Suddenly his eyes went wide in realization.

“Oh my god. I’m so sorry, I swear I didn’t even think about it, obviously.” He rambled.

“It’s alright. I’m just processing it.” She said and then proceeded to bite her lip and his eyes zeroed in on her mouth.

“Don’t bite your lip.” He said softly and she released it as he looked back up into her eyes with so much longing before he looked back down at her lips briefly and swallowed thickly. It was driving her insane and she was holding back from acting on impulse.

“Did you always want to move here from England?” She asked, effectively changing the subject and he nodded.

“We visited once when I was about 15 or 16? I just liked it so much and ever since then I’ve wanted to come back.”

“That wasn’t hard for you?”

“Yeah, but mostly because of my family. I was really shy and studious growing up, so I didn’t have too many close relationships with others that were hard to let go of.” He explained and she nodded in understanding.

“Well, for what it’s worth I’m happy you’re here.” She said quietly and he smiled.

“I’m happy I’m here too.” Harry said quietly.

Diana was starting to get uneasy with everything that she was feeling, she was only getting more high and she just wanted to feel warm, his warmth specifically. He grabbed his milk shake and started to take a drink and she took this moment to take in all of the little details on his face. The delicate line of his nose, his lush eyelashes, and his sharp jaw and cheekbones, especially now that he was sucking on the straw to get to his milkshake. Harry could feel her eyes burning into him, it was making his stomach flutter with butterflies. He gulped down his milkshake and then looked up at her with a soft smile.

“What’re you looking at?” He asked playfully. “Is there something on my face?” He questioned as he sat up and placed his shake on the little table off to the side.

“No, not at all. Just…looking.” She said simply as he settled back in his original position. All of the euphoric feelings coursing through her made her feel less self-conscious about her admiring him so openly.

“Looking?” He asked and she giggled.

“Yeah, you’re…nice to look at.” She admitted and he smirked.

“I knew you thought I was attractive.” He flirted and she giggled bashfully and looked away, “No, no, no, don’t get all shy with me now, love.” He teased reaching for her face to turn it back up and as he guided her to look back up by the chin he couldn’t help himself as he ran his thumb across her bottom lip, “So fucking beautiful.” He whispered between them. Diana’s lungs weren’t working at the moment, her breath was caught in her throat and the butterflies swarming through her tummy and chest were completely overstimulating her. As her big, glassy eyes met his own he just about melted. The small pout and desertion in her eyes were mirroring his own feelings of conflict swirling around inside of him along with his need for her. He was mentally fighting off a boner, the last thing he needed to do was get hard and make her uncomfortable, but it was so hard to when everything about her screamed for his attention. When he realized that she was breathing really shallow Harry smiled at her, “Hey, breathe slowly.” He urged her gently and Diana inhaled sharply and nodded.

“Right.” She panted as the air finally made it all the way down to her lungs. He was about to let go of her when she spoke up, “Not yet.” She whispered, her lips brushed against the tip of his thumb and it made him want to dip it into her mouth.

“OK.” He whispered and slid his hand up the side of her face and tucked her hair behind her ear. Her eyes fluttered closed and she smiled as she leaned into his touch. Maybe she was a bit touch starved, but she was still picky. And she actually hadn’t been eager to feel another person’s skin against her own as badly as she wanted his. His hand was warm and soft for the most part, but even the tougher calloused parts of his hand felt good against her skin, “Can I move this?” He asked and she opened her eyes to see him signaling at her fries with his head and she nodded. He sat up and put them back in the paper bag before setting it down on the little table and turning back to her and getting closer. His own high was starting to peak and it was making him feel less concerned for whatever dual relationship existed between them now.

Diana scooted closer as soon as she was able to and he draped his arm over her waist. His hand was so big and warm, even through her sweater she could feel his warmth. She looked up at him and her stomach flipped when she saw his eyes were already on hers. She had no idea why she was so drawn to him, but she was. Her mouth was drying out and that was definitely the weed, but she was certain that her nerves also had plenty to do with it. She had never been this affected by someone in her entire life. She was dying to kiss him, especially in this state. She just knew that it would feel like heaven.

“What’re you thinking about?” He asked softly as he saw the slightly darker look in her eyes and she smiled bashfully as her cheeks went pink.

“You don’t want to know.” She responded and he smirked.

“I definitely do now.” He responded lowly and she giggled nervously, “C’mon, tell me.” He insisted, fighting the urge to reach lower and playfully pat her bum. She sighed and licked over her lip briefly.

“I was just thinking that if you…tried to kiss me I would totally let you.” She said quietly and he swallowed thickly as the information settled.

“I want to. So fucking bad.” he admitted and she bit her lip as he said this, “But I wouldn’t kiss you for the first time while you’re high.” He explained and she smiled slightly, “I know you’re not like beyond the point of making your own decisions, but I would hate for you to not be happy about it tomorrow when you’re fully sober.” Harry said.

“Well thank you for keeping it together for the both of us.” She said softly and he chuckled.

“I’m barely keeping it together. I’m telling you, your perfume is like a fucking lure for me.” He said and she smiled.

“Can I touch you?” She asked quietly.

“Yeah, please.” Harry consented immediately and she brought one of her hands up and she ran over his perfectly sculpted cheek bone with the back of her index finger. Her touch was so delicate and intimate somehow, especially as she moved down his jawline. This was everything he had been craving for a while now, to just be

loved on and appreciated and Diana seemed to give him exactly that.

Diana was clinging to every shred of self-control she had. Harry’s lips were so pretty and pink, she wanted to taste them so badly that it hurt. She bit over her bottom lip again and he sighed as he focused on how her bottom slowly slipped out from under the grip of her teeth. She could sense his resolve slipping, hers was too. So she placed her thumb over his lips to at least help relieve the pressure of feeling another pair of lips pressed to his own. Harry didn’t hesitate as he slightly puckered his lips and kissed the pad of her thumb, looking into her eyes as they darkened even more. His eyes were likely as dark as her own. He kissed her there a few more times, the smacking sounds of his little kisses made her skin curl in the best way and for her tummy to tighten up with excitement. She was getting turned on so easily and she was sure it had everything to do with the high she was in the middle of, but she didn’t care, it just felt good to finally feel someone touching her in the way she had craved so much. She was more happy that the someone with her was Harry.

“Your turn.” She whispered and he let out a sigh mixed with a laugh as she let her hand move away from his lips and settled it against his chest.

“I will never recover.” He joked and she smiled.

“Well, I don’t want that.” She responded and he chuckled, he was all dimply and soft, she just wanted to get lost in his gorgeous eyes. She also didn’t want to push him, even if she was dying to kiss any part of him, so she just dropped it and relished in his fingers occasionally brushing her lower back. They were just longingly looking at each other and admiring each other from up close.

“You’ve got a cute little freckle right…there.” He said as he brought his finger up to the side of the bridge of her nose, on the left side and she smiled, “Did you know?”

“I did.” She replied softly and he hummed with a smile.

“It’s very cute.” He said again and she smiled.

“This one you’ve got here is cute.” She whispered as she thumbed over the little mole off the side of his mouth and he smiled bashfully before speaking again.

“If you still want to kiss me, you can kiss me there.” His voice was small as he made his invitation and she smiled wider.

“Really?” She asked excitedly and he nodded.

“Yeah.” He assured and she smiled as she pressed herself up a bit so their faces were level with each other. Diana was leaning in but Harry was kind of slipping down, so he boosted himself up a bit and then they both groaned as his chin collided with her forehead.

“Ow!” Sniggered as she plopped back into the pillows behind them with a hand over her forehead and he laughed along in embarrassment, face beet red. Harry quickly pushed himself up enough to lean over towards her.

“I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!” He rushed out quietly as he grabbed her face to look over her to ensure there was no bruising anywhere on her forehead. “Are you OK?” He asked as he leaned over her and she nodded. Her big, glassy eyes were peering into his and her smile was wide as she giggled quietly, “Positive?”

“I’m positive.” She assured with a grin and he smiled.

“OK.” He whispered and as they laid there with him nearly hovering over her body. Diana reached up and grabbed his chin and pulled him down a bit and Harry shifted and brought his face lower as she directed. Diana then pushed herself up with her other arm and before he knew it his eyes were fluttering shut as her lips gently made contact with the little patch of skin right off the side of his mouth, over the little spot there. His body was vibrating with elation at the warmth and soft texture of her lips against his skin. She lingered there for a moment after and he blinked his eyes open to pull back and get a good look at her and the tension between them was something that was almost a sentient being all on it’s own. The tips of their noses brushed and her eyes fluttered shut as the warmth of his breath hovered over her mouth.

“Fuck.” He muttered quietly, their lips nearly brushed as he cursed, “Sorry.”

“It’s OK.” She whispered as she settled back into the pillows and Harry followed, laying beside her and facing her in silence. Diana was peering back at him with heavy eyes that were blinking slowly as the lust she felt for him coursed through her veins heavily. Harry felt the exact same way and his breath hitched as he ran the tip of his nose down the bridge of hers and then he pressed a kiss to her cheek and she offered him the most gentle smile that he couldn’t really ever forget. “Thank you for all of this.” She said softly.

“Even banging you in the head?” He joked quietly with a grin and she smirked.

“Especially that.” She joked back and he smiled, “I don’t really have anyone to talk to about all this stuff except Grace and well she’s been rather occupied so I think I’ve been a little needier than usual and you always seem to be around when I really need someone and I hope you know that I’m not taking advantage because of your profession! Sometimes I just need to say things to someone else so that my thoughts and feelings actually process. So I don’t expect you to always have something to say-”

“Hey, chill out, love.” He smiled, “I know you’re not taking advantage and I don’t mind listening.” He assured her.

“You listen to people all day…” she chuckled and he shrugged.

“Yeah, but it’s different when you’re listening to just be there for someone instead of analyzing everything they’re saying.” He explained and she hummed.

“So you’re good at compartmentalizing that part of you.” She stated and he nodded.

“Quite good actually.” He smiled with confidence, “Also your voice is really nice, I like hearing you talk.” He confessed and she looked away bashfully as she mumbled out a little compliment with pink, smiling cheeks and he just wanted to kiss the embarrassment away from her face.

“I like hearing your voice too. It sounds like the feeling of a hug.” She said and then giggled with caused him to giggle as well.

“You’re so stoned.” He laughed quietly as she just continued laughing at nothing and he at her.

He didn’t leave until about 1am, when the peak of his high had faded away. Diana helped sneak him out and he assured her that he lived about 5 minutes away and they exchanged numbers so that he could let her know when he got home, which he did, just as he promised.

***********

The rest of the week had passed and Celeste was still giving Diana the cold shoulder. Mom’s need breaks too, so even if she had said that Celeste had been grounded earlier in the week, Diana dropped Celeste off at Geri’s for a sleep over on Saturday afternoon before speeding back home and getting ready for her second date with Gabe. Like every time that she and Harry had interactions outside of greeting each other at his practice, they were both basically acting as if nothing had ever happened. As if some lines hadn’t been seriously blurred. At least she was out and about and with someone else who could help her keep her mind free from that. From Harry.

“It’s a good thing I was able to reserve a spot up here.” Gabe said as he looked over the balcony to the people crowding down on the floor. They had grabbed dinner and were now at a little indie show to support some local and small-time bands that they both liked.

“Yeah, it’s getting really crowded.” She said with excitement before taking another sip of her cocktail.

“Hello sexy lady!” Diana heard a familiar voice and flipped around to see Grace smiling brightly at her.

“Oh my god, hi! I didn’t know you were coming to this!” Diana said loudly over the chatter in the venue as they hugged tight.

“That’s the man you’ve been dating?” Grace mumbled in Diana’s ear and she just giggled.

“Yeah, now don’t be embarrassing.” She said before they pulled away, “Gabe, this is my best friend, Grace.” She introduced them and Gabe smiled brightly as he put his drink down and went in for a hug, very Grace’s style as well.

“It’s so nice to meet you.” He said before they broke apart.

“You as well!” Grace assured.

“So how did you end up here?” Diana asked Grace.

“Well Henry, that’s my boyfriend,” she said to Gabe, “got a table over in VIP, just on the other side of the balcony.” She pointed back to the general direction with her thumb, “You guys should join us! We have room for 3 more people and we could really use a little mood booster. Henry’s best friend, Harry, is going through a break up.” Grace explained to both Gabe and Diana.

“Oh damn, that sucks.” Gabe cut in.

“Yeah, poor guy was getting cheated on for who knows how long.” Grace said with a frown, “Anyway, we have space and bottle service and there’s a private bar if you guys want to join.” She offered, “Of course, I don’t want to crash your date with our little pity party but we’re there if you want to join us.”

“Do you want to?” Gabe asked Diana who wanted to scream no. How was she supposed to show up to Harry’s pity party with a date after what happened with them only three days ago? She was relying on Gabe’s eagerness to date her to get them out of this.

“I’m fine wherever. It’s up to you.” Diana assured him and to her horror he nodded.

“I mean, we’d love to join if you don’t mind.” He said to Grace who smiled wide.

“Yeah, of course!”

“Maybe if there’s more of us we can distract you boyfriend’s friend a little more and ensure he has a good time.” Gabe said with a warm and friendly smile that Diana was not so fond of at the moment as her guts seemed to twist themselves into a knot.

“That’s sweet of you. And I feel like I’m making him sound more upset than he is, he’s not at all in a bad mood or anything, but I’m sure part of him is hurting. A relationships is a relationship, as shitty as it may have been.” Grace explained with a shrug.

“That’s very true.” Gabe agreed, “Well, lead the way!” He said and Grace nodded and grabbed Diana’s hand and tugged her along and she quickly reached for Gabe’s hand and they made a little chain to weave through the people on the balcony.

“He is sooo nice.” Grace said to Y/N, “And he’s very cute.” She complimented and Y/N nodded and smiled. Yes, Gabe was hot, but they didn’t have too much in common. They could talk about work and education for ages, but outside of those topics they were very much on the basic kindergarten-friends level of getting to know each other and so far there were more differences than commonalities between them, “Hi, these are our other two guests. Table 4.” Grace said to the security guard standing between them and the velvet rope used to separate the VIP tables from the rest if the balcony seating.

“Wristband?” The man said and Grace raised her right arm and showed him a neon green wrist band along with her 21+ orange one and he nodded. Soon Diana and Gabe were receiving an additional green wristband as well before they were let into the space.

Diana’s heart was beating so hard she swore it would break through her chest. She felt sick to her stomach with nerves and there was absolutely nothing she could do about this now as Gabe pulled her along.

“Hey guys, I found some friends on the way back from the bathroom!” Grace announced as they came up to their table and both Henry and Harry, who were previously engaged in some funny conversation, turned their heads to look at Grace.

“Oh, hey!” Henry smiled brightly with excitement when he recognized her and from her peripherals she could see Harry’s smile disappear from his face. Everyone greeted each other, including Harry and Diana who just side-hugged quickly.

Harry’s mouth went dry the moment he saw her standing by their table with another man beside her, the same man from the farmer’s market. He had been doing everything in his power to stay away from Diana, to not text her, to leave things alone until this added layer of attraction he now had for her faded a bit. But no, here was life, being a total fucking prick and rubbing it in his face that she was seeing someone else. Admittedly he was upset and envious of this guy. It would’ve been better for him if she had sat beside him, so he wouldn’t have to see this other guy, Gabe, flirt with her. But no, she was nestled comfortably between Grace and Gabe, and almost directly across from him where he could see everything. Apart from their greeting earlier, she was completely avoiding looking at him and it was souring his mood significantly.

When the first band came on stage they all stood and clapped as they introduced themselves. This was certainly more of a relaxed set, the wavy sound of the synths and the main singer’s Morrissey-esque voice was making Diana sway from side to side as she listened along. She was occasionally bumping into Gabe’s side and he was just smiling down at her every now and again. They were a couple songs into the set when Gabe leaned down to say something to her and she nodded and shuffled her body in front of his and his hands rested on her shoulders as she crossed her arms over her chest and continued swaying to the music. It made sense for Gabe to do that, he was tall and was slightly obstructing her view, he was being nice to her, which was a good thing. But Harry couldn’t help how tight he clenched his jaw as the little band played one of their more popular songs and the two of them started to sing along and slightly dance together. Harry wanted that with her. He wanted to make her smile like that and to sing softly in her ear while they swayed to the dark-moody music around them. He wanted to feel everything around him fade into the background and just feel that addicting cocktail of bliss and fear overcome his body as a result of his crush on her, just like they had a few days ago. He reached for his drink and just swallowed it all down with a slight grimace at the strong taste of the liquor that had sunk to the bottom of the drink.

They were now nearing the end of the second band’s set and Diana was nursing her third cocktail. She had to pee and she didn’t want to miss any of the next band’s set, it was one she really liked. So she decided it would be prudent to go now, she could afford to miss the rest of this set and line up at the bathroom and be back before the band she was eager to see got on stage. Harry watched as she turned to Grace and said something to her and then she nodded and then she turned to Gabe and he leaned down so that she could get closer to his ear. Harry’s throat bobbed as he swallowed down the bitter taste of jealousy crawling up from deep in his guts as Gabe’s hand landed on her lower back and pressed her closer to him as he listened attentively to what she was saying. She reared back as he asked her something and shook her head before she slipped away. Harry’s eyes followed her as she slowly headed off to the entrance of the VIP section.

“Where’s she going?” Harry leaned over to ask Grace.

“The bathroom!” Grace called back.

“I have to go too. I’ll be back in a bit!” Harry announced.

“Can you wait for her? I asked if she wanted me to go along but she said no.” Gabe informed Harry with a chuckle and Harry just nodded.

“Yeah man, I’ll wait for her.” He assured and Gabe smiled and Harry rushed off to catch up with her.

He didn’t have to pee, he just needed a moment of her time. He was doing his best to catch up with her but she was small and a fast walker and had soon made it clear across the balcony into the dark hallway that led to the bathrooms. Harry followed a few people into the hallway and then made his way into the men’s bathroom where he just looked himself over and fixed up his hair a bit more before walking out and leaning against the wall opposite the women’s bathroom door, waiting for her to come out. He didn’t wait long at all before she was slipping out with mumbled “excuse me’s” at the women taking up most of the space as they queued up at the door. Before she had the chance to slip away he grabbed her arm and pulled her further down the hall near the emergency exit.

“Hey, what the- Harry?!” She asked completely puzzled when she realized it was him pulling her down the dark hallway and they stopped in front of the emergency exit. The intense red glow of the exit sign was washing over them in this spontaneous little meeting creating an intense atmosphere between them. Typically red was a warning color, wasn’t it? And they were both thinking the same thing as they looked at each other for a few seconds.

“Why are you ignoring me?” He asked and she sighed, feeling her stomach twist with that familiar nervous, unpleasant feeling all over again.

“Because. I don’t know how to act around you right now, Harry!” She confessed with frustration. “I don’t want Grace to start teasing me about being really friendly with you or start saying shit about how well we get along because then she’s gonna start insinuating things to me and then that’s just going to make me start to think of you in that way and I shouldn’t-”

“Who gives a fuck?” He asked, cutting in on her argument and she sighed in exasperation.

“I give a fuck! If she hypes me up and gets my hopes up about things that can’t happen it would fucking suck! And I don’t want to be heartbroken or sad over anyone right now. I can’t! I simply don’t have the time or even the emotional bandwidth right now!” She argued with frustration so clear in her voice and her features and he sighed with a small pout.

“I get it, Diana. This whole situation is fucking torture.” He sighed in defeat and she frowned.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t want to go over there. I let Gabe decide what to do and I thought he would want to take advantage of the time we had alone, but evidently he was in the mood to make friends…” she said and he sighed, “I’m so sorry. We can go i-if you prefer? This was supposed to be your night out and the band I’m really here for is playing next. So just say the word and I’ll say something to Gabe and let you get back to your night as planned.” She rushed out her words and Harry sighed. He didn’t want her to go, he just wanted to be near her. He stepped closer and she gasped as her back hit the wall. She felt these little pricks of excitement shooting up her arms as he grabbed her hands in his own.

“I don’t want you to leave. I’m happy that you’re here.” He assured, “I guess I just don’t know how to act around you either.” He confessed and she swallowed thickly as he stepped a bit closer. She could hardly take a proper breath as his left hand landed on her hip and his right hand came up and delicately grabbed her face before his fingers ran down the side of her neck and then wove into her hair. He lightly pulled back, just enough so that she was looking up at him now. Both of their chests were rising and falling intensely as they looked into each others’ eyes. Harry leaned down until they were forehead to forehead and he felt her hands bunch up the material of his shirt over his chest, taking her nerves out on the thinned out fabric. He nudged her nose gently, getting her to slightly angle her face in the opposite way of his.

“Harry.” She panted out a warning with a quiver in her voice as he started to press his body closer to hers.

“Do you want me to stop?” He whispered his question and she could feel his puffs of air against her mouth. If he got any closer their lips would brush if he spoke again.

“I don’t know.” She admitted through a whisper as her eyes squeezed shut tightly. As if this were a dream that she needed to wake up from. Harry felt his heart pounding anxiously as her eyes blinked open and searched his own. Diana’s inhales were shallow and her exhales shaky as they stood so close together. He tilted his head just a bit more and she sighed at how close his lips were.

“Do you want me to stop?” He asked once again, but this time his lips faintly brushed against her own. The feathery touches in the shape of his words were completely unraveling her and she subtly shook her head, the action causing their noses to bump. Harry swallowed thickly as he felt her lean into closer to him as her hands slid up his chest. He could feel her putting a bit of weight down onto him to really feel the contours of his body over the fabric of his clothes. As she slid up his pecs she slightly dug her nails in and Harry’s breath hitched as he felt his nipples get hard and his body start to get hot with arousal. They were now just breathing each other’s air, there was uncertainty and fear and so much overthinking coming from both of them, but greater than all of those things, there was longing. Such immeasurable quantities of it that it scared them both. He just needed to be brave. So he brought his left hand to her face and cradled it in his hands as he just closed the minuscule gap between them.

Their lips were puckered together quite stiffly, the nerves getting the best of them. But as Harry drew back a bit, more than ready to apologize for kissing her their eyes met again and they both immediately leaned back in. This kiss was a lot smoother. Their lips met gently with soft little smacks. He loved the feeling of her nails raking back down his chest and landing over his abs before she just wrapped her arms around his midsection, pulling his body closer to her own. This couldn’t even be reel. All he was aware of were their lips and the touches between them as they shared this very sweet and long-awaited kiss. After a several moments she pulled back panting and leaned her head back against the wall in silence before closing her eyes.

“Shit.” She whispered and he frowned.

“Hey, hey, hey, s’alright.” He assured pulling her body into his, “I kissed you.” He said and she swallowed thickly as she rested into the crook of his neck. His chin was resting on the top of her head as her held her closer.

“I kissed back.” She said and he nodded.

“You did.” He said and she bit her bottom lip before she just relaxed in his hold. After a minute of this she pulled away with a renewed resolve.

“This was the only time, OK?” She said and he bit his lip.

“Well if I’d known that before I would’ve kissed you a lot better than that.” He said and she smiled, he seemed to cope with his stress through making light of things, which she didn’t mind.

“I’m rather satisfied with that little string of mediocre ones. The sooner we get over it the better, I think.” She explained and he pouted.

“Mediocre?” He asked with offense, clearly he was exaggerating the level of offense he felt, but he was offended none the less.

“You just said you would’ve kissed me better.” She smiled teasingly and he smirked before he leaned in, effectively causing her breath to get caught in her throat.

“I’m claiming my redo now.” Harry hummed and her eyes fluttered closed as he carefully molded their lips together.

Diana’s plump bottom lip was encased between his two lips and suddenly his hands were gripping her waist as he pushed her harder into the wall, keeping her still and taking full advantage as her mouth parted in a gasp of surprise. He opened his eyes and grinned as her own eyes fluttered open to look at him and while they held eye contact he gently bit down on her plump bottom lip, how he’d always wanted to. Diana’s eyes fluttered shut as a soft moan slipped from her throat and he couldn’t help it as he eased his tongue against the seam of her lips. He was pleased that she opened a bit wider and let him get in a bit further. His thumbs were rubbing up and down along her her ribcage and she just wanted to feel his hands all over her. But just before they could get carried away the set of the current band ended and the house lights were raised a bit more to allow people to move around with more ease during the set change. They separated with a soft wet sound and just like that, the pink-colored filter hazing over their secret rendezvous was completely gone and they were just looking at each other with more nerves than relief because they had just awakened a beast that neither of them was prepared to handle.

“C’mon.” Harry said extending his hand to her and she just took it quietly and he guided them through the crowd and back to their section.

The uneasy feeling festering in Diana’s stomach came more from the fact that after having that steamy kiss with Harry she was standing beside someone else, trying to distract herself from Harry. She needed to have a conversation with Gabe because this wasn’t fair to him. Sure, he had said that he was taking things slow, but he was actually interested in her and she was still deciding. Well, actually she was quite certain now that her mind and her heart were elsewhere. She was so distracted for the set of the band she wanted to see that she completely missed it. Grace noticed how out of the loop she was and she pulled her along saying they would be going to the bar and as they stood in the line waiting she turned to Diana.

“Girl, what’s wrong? You’re acting really strange.” Grace got straight to the point and Diana sighed.

“It’s nothing bad, just Celeste and I are still on bad terms and well, Harry is her therapist and it’s kind of weird to see him and hang out with him.” She explained and Grace’s eyes went wide.

“Oh!”

“Yeah, that’s not really OK, you know? I know he’s Henry’s best friend and he’s bound to be around, but a warning would be nice in the future so that we don’t continue to just awkwardly run into each other.” Diana explained. She was a bit regretful of telling Grace this, but she would surely tell Henry, who would fully understand the potential issues with that and maybe that would limit her interactions with Harry to what was scheduled. This was the best thing to do. He was definitely right about her choosing herself more, in all reality she had so much fun with him, but like she had said to him, that wasn’t an option when it came to him and she was weak tonight and now not only was she hurting, she would be hurting Gabe, but also Harry with her decision to tell Grace about their preexisting relationship. She was making a big mess.

*********

Diana hadn’t had the guts to say anything to Gabe just yet, she was still mentally processing everything that had happened. Especially after she said goodbye to Harry, their hug was stiff and awkward and he didn’t even look into her eyes. She was laying in her bed, staring at the dark ceiling willing sleep to come. She heard her phone alert her of a text message and she quickly turned over to grab her phone and she saw it was Harry. When she opened his text and started reading she just felt this giant knot form in her throat, this was the absolute worst.

Harry Styles:

I’m so sorry for tonight. I shouldn’t have followed you, Diana. I was jealous from seeing you with Gabe and I threw all caution to the wind. I was impulsive and rash and I’m such a fucking dick for that. I’m in no place to be involved with anyone at the moment and I shouldn’t have dragged you into my shit. If there’s anything I can do to make up for this or to just make this right please tell me.

***********

Harry felt his stomach twisting up with nerves as he saw that she had read his message. He started getting heart palpitations when he saw that she was starting to type out a response. It was about 3am and he had just been trying to get to sleep by watching films or reading, but his mind was far too wired up for that. And now, he was pacing back and forth in his bedroom with a mountain of uncertainty and regret weighing him down.

Diana Beltran:

It wasn’t just you, Harry. I also crossed the line this week and I’m truly so sorry for that. You don’t need to make up for anything, I promise. Tonight, I told Grace that you’re Celeste’s therapist and that it’s weird to see you and get to know about your personal life while you work with her. So I asked her to just warn me when you’ll be around so that I can decide whether to go or not. And well, between you and I, I won’t be joining when you’re around any more. I just wanted to tell you because you need to know that it’s not about you. You’re great and if things were different I can imagine that we’d definitely be great friends. But I fear we’ve opened up a pandora’s box and I don’t want to risk complicating things further or lure you to compromise your values as a professional. I should’ve been stronger and stopped it before we did anything, I’m sorry.

Harry wanted to throw up as he read Diana’s message. He didn’t want her to feel responsible when he was the one who made the move. But he knew better than to continue the conversation because who knows where that would lead them. So with every morsel of willpower he had left he just typed out a “Don’t just blame yourself, we both decided not to stop. But you did the right thing telling Grace. Good night.” And she just liked the message and he tossed his phone on his bed before he sat on the edge of it and groaned before falling back into his mattress. What the fuck was wrong with him?

LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU GUYS THINK!

So just to clarify, Celeste is upset at Diana because she's "dating" now and Celeste thinks that Diana will spend all of her free time with the person she dates and not have any time for her. Basically that she will be replaced.

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champagneglitteronthefloor · 2 years

Text

Bejeweled

Pairing: Xavier Thorpe x feminine shapeshifting reader

Warnings: Spoilers for the show Wednesday (barely), a small mention of smut

Summary: Reader has a very special quality along with her special ability, that causes Xavier to be both amazed by her and protective of her at the same time. This request was so creative, it really put my mind to work! I loved it. This is now forever my fantasy lol.

Word Count: 3.2 k

You sighed again as you looked in the mirror. Why did you have to be stuck with this? You were born with a very special ability to shape-shift, just like your mother. Your mother was the one and only principle Weems. You had one thing she could never explain, one thing she could never relate to.

Along with your ability to shape-shift, the universe decided you also needed a pair of wings to fly with. They weren't just any wings. They were large white wings, covered with jewels. You never considered yourself girly, or even "boujee" if you will. However, these wings, were boujee. The jewels on your wings were silver in color, like diamonds. There was also many feathers in between the diamonds. They were so shiny, if in the sun they would glisten, and shine so brightly no one could focus on anything else. As someone who avoids being the center of attention, this was a problem for you.

Your wings were always present, but with your ability to shift, you could always shift into a version of yourself without them on. This is how you managed to hide them from your boyfriend of almost a year, Xavier Thorpe. You were afraid if Xavier seen them, he would treat you differently the way everyone else always did.

"You know you won't be able to hide those forever." Wednesday, your roommate dryly stated without looking up from typing on her typewriter.

You were attempting to comb the feathers on your wings when you heard a knock at the door. Your eyes widened as you looked at Wednesday.

"The closet, go." She attempted pushed you into the closet. The wings were too big

"I can't fit." You exclaimed.

"Shift." She demanded.

"I can't, it's not working, I'm too nervous." You replied, your shape shifting abilities failing you, as they always did when you got too worked up.

You slid under your queen sized bed, pulling the bed skirt over you and sliding over as far as you could. Part of the wing was hanging out, but that's the best you were able to do.

Wednesday Addams, your roommate, was the only person at Nevermore Academy that knew about your wings, besides your mother, of course. Wednesday wasn't really a "hit it off at first meeting" type of person, however the two of you really did hit it off immediately. She was able to understand your extreme differences from the rest of the world. You had homeschooled before Nevermore, but when you became of age, your mother had you enrolled at the academy she was principle of, and loved oh so dearly.

"Its nice to see you as always, but I'm sure you know who I'm looking for." You heard Xavier's voice through the door.

"She's not here." Wednesday gave a short reply.

"That's impossible." He said.

"Well, guess it's not." You could hear Wednesday trying to shut the door.

"We were supposed to have dinner at her mother's place. This was my chance to redeem myself." He now sounded so desperate.

Xavier had always been one of your mother's favorite students. That was until you and Xavier got expelled together, for doing some less than appropriate things at the Rave'n Dance last year. Your mother immediately banned you from seeing him, banned him from your house, and tried to ban him from school. His famous father managed to save him from that. Your mother had not spoke to him, or even looked in hid direction ever since. You can still hear her speech to you about how you'd never be able to get it back, but she didn't know, you didn't want it back. You were crazy about Xavier.

"Okay bye come back in a few minutes." Wednesday slammed the door in Xavier's face.

"I'm not doing this again. It's time" She said to you as you shuffled out from under the bed.

"He asked if you were seeing someone else." She added. You had missed that part, you must have zoned out. "He asked me if it was Tyler." she barely smiled, and you did too, being the only one who knew Wednesday was seeing Tyler exclusively.

"You said no though." You replied, in question form.

"Of course, but you still have to tell him. This is the last cover I'm doing." She said, and you knew she was telling the truth.

"He will be back soon. You better figure those out." she looked up at them. One thing you loved about Wednesday is that she wasn't ever impressed with your wings.

"I need help calming down." You pouted to your roommate.

"No." She responded, knowing exactly what you were asking.

"He will be back any second." You reminded her.

"Fine." she folded her arms on her chest and walked toward you, then reaching out and hugging you. "It's going to be okay. It'll work out." She patted on your back. This out of character part of Wednesday you saw every once in a while always managed to calm you.

After Wednesday reassured you, you immediately shifted back into the version of yourself that didn't have wings. It was probably 10 minutes later you heard another knock. This time you answered the door.

"Where have you been?" Xavier questioned you, like a parent, hand on his hip.

"Chill out. I went to get a coffee." You lied.

"Well then where is it." He asked.

"I drank it.." You said. He was eyeing you up and down still suspicious.

Dinner with your mother was not going well. It was making you nervous. You continued to look at the photo of your late father, which calmed you.

"Is there any ranch dressing?" Xavier asked.

"There is as much ranch dressing in this house as my daughters innocence." Your mother snapped.

"So none." Xavier replied and you immediately started choking, looking at him.

"I did not mean to say that." He added nervously, starting to panic.

You could feel it. Your shift wasn't holding up. You were about to be exposed. Why couldn't you just show him? Why were you acting so crazy about it? You couldn't be treated like an exhibit at a museum anymore. You were afraid he wouldn't ever treat you the same. You trusted Xavier, you just couldn't do it. You'd worked so hard for a year to hide it.

You ran up the stairs to what was your room at home, even though you lived on campus. You looked in the mirror. There they were. You could barely control it anymore, the more complicated life got. You wished you could be like Elsa from Frozen, conceal it with gloves.

"Come on dad. Help me out." You grabbed the picture of your dad from your dresser. Memories flooded in. The encouraging text from Wednesday was reassuring too. She really was getting soft with time.

You suddenly felt the ability to do it. You shifted back to yourself with no wings. You walked down the stairs, to see Xavier and your mother still sitting there, a bottle of ranch dressing sitting next to Xavier.

"I thought we didn't have any-" you started, to be cut off by your mother.

"I'm sorry. And I told Xavier I was too. It's not changing. You two are going to remain seeing each other. I can't take back what's been done." She said. "But I swear, if you come up pregnant.."

"I won't." you stopped that conversation before it started. "Thanks mom." You smiled from across the table.

All was good. Xavier and your mother laughed as they drank tea. They discussed Poe cup, his father, school. You felt so at peace.

"You both be careful." your mom waved you off.

You got into your car and drove yourself and Xavier back to the dorms. You both went on to talk about how well the dinner ended. Xavier was holding your hand, and brought it up to his lips, to give a small kiss. You both got out of the car, when you saw someone running in the distance. Two people, actually. The closer they got, you realized it was Wednesday and...Ajax?

"She's in trouble!" Wednesday shouted, running out of breath.

"Enid is in trouble!" Ajax ran up behind Wednesday.

"Tell me where she is." you demanded, ready to find and help your friend, and Wednesdays friend as well, and Ajax's girlfriend.

"She's in the woods. She wolfed out, and some creature out there attacked her. It looked just like a monster." Ajax explained. "She is hurt." He went on.

Before you had a chance to explain, warn anyone, or do anything, there it happened. You shifted back to your own normal self, wings and all. Xaviers eyes were so wide they could've just popped out. The street lamp shined down on your wings, making them shine even brighter, the wind blowing the feathery parts around.

"I didn't get to pick them." You simply stated.

At this point his and Ajax's mouth were both ajar, Ajax reaching to touch them. This snapped Xavier out of his trance as he smacked Ajax's hand away.

You didn't even have time to worry about the situation in front of you. Only the one that included your friend in trouble, in need of help. You flew away scavenging the woods, looking for Enid. When you spotted her you immediately landed.

"Enid,Enid are you okay?" You shook her slowly. She opened her eyes.

"Yeah, I'm a little beat up that's for sure. Whats with the costume?" She asked staring at your wings.

"Its not a costume. These wings are mine. It's a secret." You smiled, just glad she was okay, you started to help her up.

"You know those are so me, right? She asked intrigued.

"Oh, I know." You laughed, motioning for her to get on your back. She did, and you flew her back to campus.

Thankfully no one was around to see them, as you greeted the others, sharing the news that Enid was okay.

"I think we may need a moment alone." Xavier said to you.

"Yeah I'm going to Enid and Yoko's place." Wednesday said walking off with them.

"Why would you hide this from me? Is my trust not worthy, or am I not worthy?" He asked, noticably upset.

"People always act weird about them." You replied. "I get treated like an animal at a zoo when they're out." You answered honestly.

"And you think that's how I'd treat you?" Xavier asked, anger increasing.

"No. I don't Xavier. I just thought it would be best if no one knew, okay." You explained yourself.

"Thats why Wednesday knew." He crossed his arms. "It's not even about the wings, or the shape shifting, or any of it. I could care less about all of that stuff. I just can't believe you would hide things from me. How is it that you've been able to hide them all this time?" He raised his eyebrows.

"I shift into me without them." You admitted.

"That's a whole lot of work to keep a part of who you from me, when I've been transparent about everything to you. Even my dysfunctional father, and all my visions." He defended.

"Except one." you said.

"The one I drew of you months ago, with those exact wings. I thought you'd hate it." He looked down at the ground as he moved his foot around.

"See, you always knew. It was just right here." You laid your hand on his chest.

"Or right here, but whose counting." He pointed at his head and laughed.

"No more secrets?" He asked.

"No more secrets, I promise. Including, wings, abilities, dysfunctional fathers, psychotic mothers. All of it." You put your pinky out.

"I haven't made a pink promise since I was like five." He chuckled.

The silence filled the room for a minute as Xavier really observed your wings, looking closely at detail. You didn't like when people looked at them too closely, or touched them. You didn't like them in general, but they weren't going anywhere.

"Go ahead." You rolled your eyes a little.

He reached out and touched them with his hands. Chills went up your spine. You actually kind of liked Xavier touching them, which was really different. Even from a young age you wouldn't let your mom, or anyone touch them.

"Whatever power created these...they are a mastermind. This is incredible. I've never seen anything like it before. These were chosen just for you" He slowly rubbed his hand up and down on the wing. "How do the jewels not fall off?" He questioned you.

"One time, while in a wrestling match with my cousin John, he peeled a stone off. It grew back, kind of like a fingernail." You laughed.

"This is amazing. I'm speechless." He looked as if he hardly blinked as he observed them.

"Alright enough doting on them. I do not like the attention from them." You snapped a little not meaning to.

"I'm sorry. I won't do it anymore I promise, my angel." He said.

"And you already start with that." You gasped crossing your arms, referring to the new pet name.

"You are unique, and you were made for me. Please let me take that in just a little." He said pulling you into a hug.

Once again silence filled the room. You knew Xavier was looking at them, which was partially what you were trying to avoid, as if this were before he would be focusing on you, not your wings.

"I just really want to." He said, not referring to what he wanted, but he didn't have to. You huffed, crossing your arms again.

"Okay. Fine. You win. You can. Tomorrow evening after school and archery. Your shed." You made the deal.

"Yes!" He clapped and jumped like a little kid.

"Now go, for now. I need some rest." You said jokingly.

You went to walk Xavier out to the end of your hall when you ran into the door, nearly falling over.

"Dang it." You said turning to the side and sliding out the door, earning a laugh from Xavier. It had been a while since you navigated your wings on a daily basis, you had basically been shifting them away for a whole year.

The next morning, you met Xavier, Ajax, Enid, Yoko, Kent, and Wednesday for breakfast and coffee as always. Tyler was trying to be all chill serving you all coffee and breakfast, not knowing you knew about him and Wednesday.

"Come on now. We want to see them." Ajax carried on.

"It appears you are annoying her." Wednesday snapped back.

"You know what fine. Let's go." You gave in.

All of you stepped behind the Weathervane. You concentrated for a moment, shifting back into your original form. Earning gasps and "ooh" and "aah"'s from the group. You hated that.

"It's like, it reminds me of.." Kent started. "A Victoria's Secret model." He said laughing. You REALLY hated that.

You could see Xavier's breathing increasing, and the paleness of his face turning red, clenched jaw and fists. You hoped for Kent's own sake, he wouldn't say or do anything else. Poor Kent, however, felt the need to continue on. He reached out his hand in what felt like slow motion, and touched your wing, accidentally pulling a feather, and earning a yelp from you.

That done it in for Xavier, he leaped right into Kent, punching him directly in the nose. Ouch.

"Stay off of her, Don't ever touch her again." He said coldly, Ajax holding him back the best he could.

"It's okay, really." You tried to calm Xavier.

"I'm sorry man, I didn't know it was like that. I'm sorry, I was just amazed." he then looked to you.

"Hey, hey now everyone calm down." You tried to make peace. You reached your hand out to Kent to shake his.

"It's okay, Kent won't do it again, he didn't know." You mediated.

You looked at the two of them as Kent reached his hand out to shake Xavier's. Xavier was just looking at him. You let out a little cough. Xavier then shook Kent's hand.

"Never again, are we clear?" Xavier asked him.

"It never happened, it is all fine." You widened you eyes at Xavier.

The wings were ALREADY causing issues. You shifted the wings away, and headed toward class, trying to forget the events that just happened.

After school, and archery, you went to the place you promised to meet Xavier, his shed, the place he typically created art at.

He was already at the door waiting for you smiling, acting sort of shy, biting his lip. It drove you crazy when he did that. You could remember vividly what it did to you at the Rave'n Dance last year.

"Are you ready?" he asked looking you up and down.

"Absolutely." You winked at him, as you turned to the side and went into the shed.

I thought you could go right there, he pointed to a little daybed looking piece of furniture, with a velvet comforter on it.

"Okay." you took a nervous breath.

"We don't have to if you don't want to. I'm not forcing you into this." Xavier reassured you.

"No, I want to." You replied.

"Okay well, sit right over there then." he pointed. "And I'll pose you." He came over adjusting you into the exact position he wanted you in, then walking back over to the blank canvas.

"Oh. Man." He tilted his head and looked at you.

"What now?" You asked.

"Bad hair day, a little." He pointed to the jumbled feathers on your wings.

"I didn't get time to comb them okay." You defended.

"I'm not saying anything." He held his hands up.

"The comb is in my bag." You motioned to your purse you hung at the door.

He got the comb and walked toward you. No one had ever combed them except for yourself, and your mother and father. You had immediate nervousness.

"It's okay. May I?" He asked your permission, earning a nod from you. He rested one hand on your shoulder softly, as he combed your wings, with nothing but care and gentleness. You knew he had to be the one, no other could handle something like this. So fragile, so... weird. But there he was, smiling at you as he combed your giant wings, acting like it was so normal.

"Okay perfect." he stepped away looking at you. "You're perfect." he said, making you blush a little.

"Paint me like one of your French girls." You said as you went back into the pose.

"Never say that again." Xavier laughed as he began to paint. You loved watching him create art. You loved how focused, and passionate he was. Just like clockwork, the sun shined into the window, making your wings shimmer.

When he turned the finished product around, a couple hours later, you were shocked. You were amazed he could paint them so beautifully even you almost liked them. You saw him looking at your excitement, and smiling, but doing the nervous lip bite.

"Hey?" he said as a question.

"Yes?" you asked him.

"I am in love with you." He said, making your hear stop, and lightning flash through your body.

"Hey?" you asked him.

"Yes?" he repeated the same wording you did.

"I love you too." you replied.

@supermegapauselouca

#wednesday #wednesday show #xavier thrope fanfic #xavier x y/n #xavier x you #xavier thorpe #wednsday addams #wednesday fanfic

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longclawislightbringer · 2 years

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I posted 181 times in 2022

That's 76 more posts than 2021!

48 posts created (27%)

133 posts reblogged (73%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@longclawislightbringer

@esther-dot

@riahchan

@voidsteffy

@kitnjon

I tagged 179 of my posts in 2022

Only 1% of my posts had no tags

#rosvolio - 45 posts

#still star crossed - 44 posts

#jonsa - 43 posts

#ssc - 42 posts

#edit - 37 posts

#rosaline x benvolio - 32 posts

#wip wednesday - 31 posts

#lol - 26 posts

#rosvolio fic - 25 posts

#nancy drew cw - 24 posts

Longest Tag: 80 characters

#unless this series is a rom-com where jon and sansa fall in love i don’t want it

My Top Posts in 2022:

Watching the Nancy Drew finale and I am already on the edge of my seat

It’s been five minutes send help

10 notes - Posted January 29, 2022

TODAY IS THE BEST DAY

THE SUN IS SHINING, MY CROPS ARE GROWING, AND NANCY DREW HAS BEEN RENEWED FOR SEASON 4

15 notes - Posted March 22, 2022

Chapter Seven: Vindication

Rating: T

Relationships: Rosaline Capulet/Benvolio Montague, Helena/Princess Isabella, Livia Capulet/Count Paris, Rosaline Capulet/Prince Escalus (past)

Characters: Rosaline Capulet, Benvolio Montague, Prince Escalus, Livia Capulet, Count Paris, Princess Isabella, Helena, Stella

Summary: Rosaline figures out her feelings; the evidence points to a suspect.

Hello everyone!

Thanks for waiting so patiently for this chapter. I know the cliffhanger on the last one was a doozy ;)

I’m really excited for you all to read this chapter; the scene in the precinct is another one I came back in ye olde days of 2019 and it’s one of my favorites. I hope you all enjoy!

Thanks once again to unwrittenmusings on Tumblr for the original prompt and my beta Ry for all her wonderful work these last few months. You can find her on Tumblr and AO3.

Thanks for reading!

Chapter Six. Chapter Seven.

Read on AO3.

Chest heaving, Rosaline burst through the double doors to the hotel veranda. Her bare feet slapped against the coarse stone while she ran to the marble railing.

Breathing deep, she slammed her hands against the balustrade and screamed as loud as she dared—at that time of night, barely above a rough stage whisper. The sound burst from deep in her chest, carrying with it all the frustrations and anxiety of the last month. Her voice hoarse, her scream trickled off into nothingness as she gazed out at the glimmering stars that dotted the night sky.

“You look like you’ve got a story to tell.”

Startled at the sudden intrusion, she gasped and turned.

Bathed in the warm glow of the streetlamp and half shrouded in shadow, a middle-aged man lurked at one of the wrought-iron tables, drinking a glass of water. Rosaline recognized him as one of Helena’s guests.

“I didn’t know anyone was still out here,” Rosaline apologized. “I’m sorry if I disturbed your solitude. I’ll be going now.”

She turned to the door.

“No, stay,” the man responded. “You seem like you’ve got something on your mind, and sometimes talking about what’s bothering us can help.”

“Alright, I guess,” Rosaline grumbled, taking the offered chair and dropping her clutch on the table. “I’m Rosaline.”

“You’re one of Isabella’s bridesmaids, aren’t you?” He asked, tapping the table.

Rosaline nodded morosely.

“Name’s Orsino.”

Rosaline shook his outstretched hand.

“You and your boyfriend sure looked like you had a great time today, so what’s got you all in a tiff?”

“That’s just it,” Rosaline groaned, burying her head in her hands. “He’s not actually my boyfriend.”

“Really?” Orsino almost spat out his water. “You certainly had me fooled.”

“He’s my partner at work,” she explained, fiddling with the ribbon at her waist. “This is all going to sound so stupid.”

Orsino quirked an eyebrow.

See the full post

15 notes - Posted August 7, 2022

Y’all I just watched Nancy Drew 3x11 and

39 notes - Posted January 17, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

I've been working on a PowerPoint for my friend's bachelorette party about GOT and oh boy has it opened a can of worms

So far I've got ten slides about cinematography and I've just started on a section I've titled "The Jonsa Agenda"

It is 34 slides long and I'm not even finished

Send help

48 notes - Posted January 11, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

#tumblr2022 #year in review #my 2022 tumblr year in review #your tumblr year in review #these are always so funny #also me realizing I still haven't finished polishing the GOT powerpoint for Tumblr #just add that to the to-do list #also my top three tags lol

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shadowfromthestarlight · 2 years

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self-pity party:

i don’t have it in me to celebrate or even be a remotely pleasant person right now. i had a cold starting on december 11th, which never progressed into anything worse but never entirely went away, then i must have caught something on the way to florida on the 23rd, because on christmas day i came down with what felt like a cross between covid and strep throat (maybe it was lol; i didn’t test). eating and drinking became a chore because of my swollen lymph nodes. my whole body hurt. i got a plush toy to remind me of my cat because i wished i could have my cat to cuddle with. the sore throat and aches gave way to a massive sinus infection. on wednesday morning, everything just started coming out. i had to work, but i also had to blow my nose every couple of minutes. falling asleep was hard because it was hard to breathe from the congestion. normal cold & flu medicine didn’t help. by friday night, i’d lost my voice. saturday morning, my eye hurt and there was never-ending green gunk coming out, my voice hadn’t improved, the congestion hadn’t improved, the sinus pressure was barely tolerable.

i spent the last day of 2022 feeling the worst i’d felt all year, unable to speak in anything above a hoarse whisper, a never-ending headache and pain all over my face, my eye clogged with goop, weak and fatigued from days of illness. i spent three hours of the afternoon waiting to get prescribed antibiotics at an urgent care. my head throbbed more and more as the night wore on. i was in so much pain and discomfort and frustration from being sick for three weeks and all-around misery that i wished i was a child so it would be okay to fall on the floor and scream. i watched the fireworks (at least 2 dozen displays) from the balcony and kissed my plush toy and went to bed.

medicine and sleep marginally improved things; i can now think without a pounding headache and my eye isn’t oozing every minute. i might be able to travel home without people freaking out because i look like i’m patient zero for the next pandemic. i can still barely talk. i woke up coughing from post-nasal drip. i’m so over it. i’m over being asked how i feel, i’m over being told what to do to feel better, i’m over being asked if i’ve taken my medicine, in fact i would like to not be spoken to at all. i just want to go home, pull the covers over my face, and hide in the dark with my cat.

[i don’t even feel happy about the new year; i actually feel nothing much at all. i had never looked forward to 2023 anyway because i didn’t like the number. besides, from a global standpoint, it’s going to suck. we have possibly the greatest concentration of “leaders” who don’t know how to lead in human history. they’re all either weak-willed, stupid, or just plain psychopathic. there will be zero accountability for the people who just from a moral standpoint deserve to be hanged for crimes against humanity over the past three years. they’ll just come up with creative new ways to abuse us. can’t wait to see what the next annual propaganda campaign is!]

i feel awful because i’m a walker and a hiker and a step counter and i’ve barely been able to do anything for days. i haven’t had 10K steps since the 22nd. i’ve had one meal i would consider satisfying in the entire past week. i look scrawny. i have to do a lot in january to make up for it, but right now, instead of excited, i just feel exhausted.

i think i’m gonna try crying and see if that helps get more... you know... out.

happy new year same shit, different digits. enjoy it while you can, before WWIII hits.

i might be back in a few days. idk.

#negative on main #buh bye

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yellourr · 6 months

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WEDNESDAY NIGHT’S ALL THE RAGE ࿐ NANAMI KENTO

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ SYNOPSIS. an argument with your husband forces the two of you into life-changing situations for the night, allowing you both to realize what’s important before it’s too late. [ WORD COUNT: 13k ]

⁭✧. ┊ ⁭ ⁭ ⁭ ⁭ CONTENTS. black fem!reader, semi-canon jjk plot, written in third person (she & her is italicized), use of explicit language, unsettling content ahead so beware, art creds: hugues merle - mary magdalene in the cave (edited)

⁭✧. ┊ ⁭ ⁭ ⁭ ⁭ ⁭LISTENING TO. love drought by beyoncé

⁭✧. ┊ ⁭ ⁭ ⁭ ⁭ BEHILS NOTE. ah, first time I’ve posted any writing in over a year lol. I'm happy that I stayed dedicated to finishing this because this was so close to going into the pile of fics I've brainstormed and started but never finished. originally, this was going to be a retelling of the shibuya incident but… the original idea felt too boring and played out. I also think that this version allowed me to explore how I wanted to write the reader, nanami, and their overall dynamic. anywho, enjoy and happy reading!… or not ;) [ likes, comments and reblogs are greatly appreciated. ]

IT WASN’T HER INTENTION TO MARRY YOUNG. The idea of marrying in her twenties, and committing her entire life to one person whom she met when she was too immature to even know herself was frightening. There was so much to think about and even more to consider. The person she chose to marry needed to be everything she wanted all at once and that was too much pressure for one man to bear.

In those minor instances, the concept of marriage to her just wasn’t enough- vows weren’t enough. Declarations of love were stale and overdone and anyone could disguise words with a promising tone. Even as she laid there- side pressed against the mattress, hand held to her chest while the other ghosted over her belly- her mind was stuck on that decision. There was no better time to contemplate it than today. The seventeenth of October, a Wednesday. Another day of ordinary activities besides the blaring weight she felt on her lower back.

The room was cool, air conditioning combating the blaze of heat that washed over Tokyo. She wasn’t excited to see the additions to the bill by the time November rolled around. Even when the heat prompted a third shower on the previous day, she snuggled closely to her sheet for comfort. No foreign legs were sliding across her heels, or arms wrapping around her waist. Not even a huff of air in her direction or the faintness of snoring. Just his blonde tuft of hair messily plopped on a pillow with his back facing the cushions of the couch, his face buried in them.

Nanami had come in the last few weeks like this. Exhausted, with barely any energy to spare. He’d greet her with a chaste kiss on the cheek as he stripped off his suit to shower. He’d be working after hours, unable to make it to bed by the time she wanted to rest. There were sleepless nights when she’d get up and brew some tea. She’d have it with a muffin from the bakery she got during lunch. The kettle would be left on and a mug with tea leaves in case he woke up. She’d find the untouched mug in the morning.

His hasty distance was strange but his punctuality was more concerning. He never stepped into their apartment later than seven o’clock, usually. But as of late, he was coming in a few minutes past seven. “Something just came up at work. It’s been pretty busy.” He’d tell her with a monotone voice- though it didn’t ease her mind one bit. He still came in past seven, sometimes past seven-thirty without any further explanation other than busy days.

The behaviour was bothersome, consuming her mind as she showered, and even more as she settled into her clothes. A part of her fought with leaving a message about tonight’s events- but this was too important of a date for Nanami to overlook, not even with his character one-eighty. She found herself marking a post-it note, ‘Don’t forget about tonight, meet me over there @ 6:45.’

Surely there was a reason for his sudden change. It must have been quite the job, what with late-night calls from a Gojo Satoru that popped up on his phone while he showered. Which was as exasperating as the ones from an Ieiri Shoko.

Jealousy wasn’t her thing. She was hopeful that the answers to her suspicions would ease later tonight, though she was nervous that maybe the truth wasn’t what she wanted to hear. Listening was a trait she learned to take just as seriously as talking. It didn’t even come close to the mounds of listening she had to do for her clients. After all, how else was she supposed to get paid if she didn’t?

“Shall we continue, Mr.?...” She twisted in her seat, attempting to alleviate some pain that pinged in her back. But also because the client today had an aura about him that was unsettling. He was a sight to see- dark attire consisting of a green and yellow robe, black hair that stretched just above his rear, and an unnerving smile. His legs crossed over each other while his hands lay in his lap.

“Getou, Getou Suguru.”

Her glasses hung on the tip of her nose, hairs framing her face as she stared harshly at the notepad atop her lap. For a moment, she looked up at the man, giving him a nervous smile. “When did you arrive in Tokyo?”

His smile widened, “It hasn’t been too long. This December will make it a year since I’ve moved into my new home. It almost feels cozy, though I don’t feel very welcomed.”

She nodded, “It takes a lot of time to get used to. Some find it easier to adjust more than others but that’s dependent on the person.” Her hand planted flatly on the notepad before pushing the glasses up, “If you don’t mind me asking Mr. Getou, where did you live previously?”

“Here, but I moved around after the death of my husband. I’m just struggling a bit with readjusting.”

“Why don’t you tell me about him?”

This time, he smiled fondly. His fingertips grazed over his lips as he spoke, “He was a wonderful man, full of joy. Very understanding, very loving, and very honest. He was always honest with me.”

Of course, this was the client she would get today. One enamored in the memories of his late husband when hers was nothing but distant. She knew that digging herself into a hole by opening her mouth was imminent, but it’s always been a part of the job to judge business that wasn’t her own. She was nothing if not curious, “He certainly does sound like a wonderful man… is he the reason you came back to Japan?”

“No, there’s an old friend I’m here to see. He’s been difficult to pin down.”

“Is he helping you with this adjustment?” She circled the ‘mystery man’ markings written down on the pad. In the last session, he brought him up briefly- only letting it slip that he was a teacher. She assumed this friend was the kind suited to helping him out with an issue as big as relocating.

“No. He will though, once we’ve seen each other.”

That made her scribblings stop. He came to Japan unsure of whether or not his friend would welcome him. Much like her other clients, he was a creature for punishment. Another twinge of pain hit her, which made her straighten - the change in stature noticeable to the man in front.

“Is everything okay, Mrs. Y/N?” He spoke softly, concern etched into his voice, “You seem very uncomfortable.”

She shrugged, “I’m fine.” Setting the notepad down on the desk next to her along with her glasses as she gave her undivided attention, “About your friend- what if he doesn’t want to see you? What are you going to do then?”

This gained another smile, one that was followed by a chuckle, hearty and deep within her ear. “He hasn’t changed much. Sure there is more for him to lose but he’s still the same man I’ve known him to be.”

Before she could even think to respond, the clock had struck- eleven forty-five. The ending of today’s session.

“Well,” He started, dusting off his kimono as he stood from his place on the couch, “ I’m sure that that’s more than enough material for you to devise a plan of action for me. I’m hoping that this isn’t our last session together- I would love to see you on the thirty-first.” was the last thing he said while he exited the room. If he wished to make another appointment- Kiyoko was the one to chat with. Hopefully, by the end of the month, she’d be gone.

Today’s session was a bit tough. But tough sessions usually came and went. She envisioned that it would be a handful to talk to clients outside of something that she hadn’t personally experienced. When she first moved here, it was because of a position to provide recently moved-in foreigners with some assistance.

The money was decent enough to pay for rent and groceries but the work was always a reminder of why the job was so daunting. If there was a wall between her clients and her, the wall was a mirror that resembled her frame. The wall reflected her insecurities and pain like light bouncing off water. At times, she even heard the implications of her voice spewing words of sadness, remorse, and regret. Speaking on parental issues and fears of change, the sessions at times were too grave to continue. She had been so eager to prove worth in her decisions that she hadn’t considered the mind state she needed to be in to help her clients.

Even now, what could be said to Getou Suguru that would ease his mind from his husband’s passing when her own would barely even look at her?

Not that there was much to look at now as she stared at the bottle of Marques De Riscal. A quarter of the bottle down and it was only six fifty-eight. Her eyes began to wander around the room, a sea of people accompanied by their partners as they sipped wine and laughed, making the area around her feel lonely.

“May I take your order?”

“Oh not yet, I’m waiting for my husband- he should be here soon. But thank you!”

Time had passed since then and half a bottle was consumed. She could feel glares move towards her every few seconds, whispers grew, weaving their way into her head. The atmosphere seemed stifling, squeezing around her windpipe as her finger twirled around the rim of the wine glass. Interestingly enough, she found herself reminiscing about her mother. Imagining her in the brown leather couch she begged her father to purchase just a few days after they moved during her senior year.

She’d sit there with her legs crossed and a ball of red string and needles with her glasses touching the tips of her nose. Paired with gasps in between breaths to spew her I told you so. Her condescending words on how right she was about the course her daughter’s life would take. How much her mother wished she were more like her sister. The last time she had seen her was the last time she made the effort to care. She supposed Tessanne getting into medical school was enough to not look at the failure of her eldest daughter.

How easy was it to forget about her? Nanami had never been late, not when it came to events or special occasions. Not for something as tortuous as work. He might have been held up there, or some idiot on the road was driving too fast on the highway and built up traffic. She stared at her phone hesitantly. Seven fifty-one and only a simple message pinged on the screen to ease her mind. ‘Running a little late- don’t know when I’ll be there but if you’re hungry, order something.’ Maybe he had other things on his mind- other people on his mind.

Or maybe, he just didn’t care.

Her phone rang with anticipation as she called. Nanami’s lateness might be prompted by work, but surely the company could let him go for the evening.

“Hello, this is the Japanese Exchange Group- this is Jin speaking.”

“Hi, can I please get on the phone with Nanami Kento? He’s one of your employees.” She said lowly into the mic. It was weird enough to be in here for over an hour waiting. It felt even worse to have to blast spouts of anger through the phone while everyone around her carried on with their conversations.

“Give me one moment, ma’am.” He said faster than she could respond, leaving her with complete silence on the other line.

He came back with a low grunt, “The person you’ve requested to speak to is no longer with us.”

“That’s impossible… he’s been working there since 2015.”

“Actually, he hasn’t worked at this establishment since December tenth.” She felt her fingers tremble. Busy days…? How busy could the days of an unemployed man be?

That was one certain thing- Nanami Kento wasn’t a truthful man. Even though he prided himself on being a person who ruled with morality. With compassion for those who couldn’t provide it for others, or even for themselves. It was, after all, his duty to take care of things that other people wouldn’t dream were possible.

“I’m gonna be so late to this dinner,” He murmurs to himself as the needle pierces through his lower abdomen. The blood compiled around his side as he laid steadily on the table. The clock above the door read seven-ten. Twenty-five minutes late but he knew he wouldn’t make it to the restaurant until minutes to eight. If the universe was trying to tell him something, it was that he might leave the night a single man.

“I never told you to go and get yourself hurt, oh great salaryman.” Nanami could hear a hint of laughter in his voice. He let out a deep sigh like a petulant child. Of all the people he could have been stuck with for the moment, Gojo was not the one he wanted to be around. He stood there slanted at the door frame as he watched.

“Please shut up.”

He gasps, hands shooting up to cover his mouth, “you talk to your wife with that mouth?” The comment made him turn up in frustration. Which only prompted a swat from Shoko as she sutured the stitch through his skin.

Nanami also wasn’t the best liar either. But honesty had begun to run low on his scale of importance. And though he would like to assume that it didn’t affect him, it was her who suffered through his dishonesty the most. He could feel the way it changed the tone of the apartment. The both of them maneuvered around each other, never getting in the other’s way. Almost like roommates rather than husband and wife.

“Well look at that, looks like she’s all done.” Gojo called out as Shoko wrapped gauze around his wound.

“Change the gauze every few hours. If it’s still bleeding, you know where to come back to.” She handed him a bottle of ibuprofen.

“Thank you.” She gave him a thumbs up before she rolled her chair over to the nearby drawer, pulling out a stick from a Seven Stars pack. Shoko’s eyes averted from Nanami to above the doorway as she blew smoke through her nose, “It’s already late. Tell Itadori we shall discuss today’s mission tomorrow morning.”

Neither of them could respond as he stepped out of the room- leaving the both of them to look at each other. The heaviness of the room lightened a bit.

What was he to do with his feelings of despair? Ones that disguised themself as love? A part of him regretted it. A chill swiped down his spine the moment he heard the word yes from her lips. What had he gotten himself into? To be the man that he vowed to be on their wedding day just one year prior. And through all of these years of knowing each other- she never knew the truth. Not of what he used to do before he became a salaryman, or of what he does now.

But how could he ever regret her? The radiant curl of her lips showcasing her teeth. The passion in her voice when she’d tell him about whatever new food, or drink she was eager to try. The sound of her voice- stern and informative… but when it turned to laughter- it nearly made his heart constrict. How long had it been since he heard the serene sounds of laughter that vibrated throughout her chest? Or since he felt the heat of her fingertips dance along his skin?

It felt so selfish to put her through this. He knew that from the moment he asked her to marry him- putting her through the pain of losing the man she loved. But allowing her to walk out of his life would’ve destroyed him. He could handle it, he would tell himself, he could handle the curses that got in his way if it meant he’d make it home to her every night. He swore he wouldn’t allow himself to be taken- especially not on his wedding anniversary.

He only hoped that along with his thorough explanation and an apology- that he’d be able to rekindle their relationship to where it was supposed to be, maybe even better than before. It was all he could think about on the drive home, where he smelt the familiar scent of vanilla and jasmine. Her clothes scattered across the bed as he searched for his suit, which dawned a deep blue that she thought complemented his hair colour so well.

Flowers that bloomed reds and pinks were encompassed in his forearms as he closed the car door. The sky was starting to darken but he could see the plethora of lights that spread across the windows of the restaurant. The sight was as beautiful as he imagined.

He stormed through the door to catch the receptionist, nearly exasperated, “I have a reservation under Nanami for 7:00 pm. My wife should be waiting at our table.”

The receptionist stared amusingly at him. She eyeballed his sweat-ridden face which caused the hairs to stick to his forehead, his disheveled look, and the bouquet in his hand. She popped a bubble in her gum, not even bothering to check the paper in front of her, “The reservation has been closed.”

Nanami watched as her fingers played around with the pages of a magazine she had by the stand, right above the reservation paper. He sighed, brushing the hairs that covered his eyes slightly, “Look, I understand that I’m late. But the spot is supposed to be open for three hours. It’s only four minutes past eight-thirty.”

“And I am telling you, once the spot is empty the reservation is closed.” She said once again, pointing at the empty table at the far right. One that sat next to the vast wall of windows- giving the perfect view of a gorgeous body of water that remained at the back of the restaurant. Ridden with flowers of pink and white, with trees of equal colour. The same table that was being cleared of its glasses and a bottle of wine- one he could smell if he had been close enough. Marques De Riscal.

What an expensive bottle with such an earthy taste to it. Barely any hints of sweetness to cover up the blazing fire in her throat. She couldn’t understand how people drank so frequently- and to drink alcohol that tasted so damn boring. It had nothing on the hints of raspberry and lime with splashes of rum. One that had her chugging on her fourth daiquiri since she sat in the bar for not even a good fifty minutes.

The bar was quiet, nearly vacant. No one would be foolish enough to drink on a Wednesday night knowing the alarm would ring as early as seven. But then again, someone who wasn’t foolish didn’t have a partner who was late for their anniversary dinner. She sat, with her fingers dancing around the rim of the glass before huffing to herself.

“Tough night, huh?” A raspy voice called from the side of her with slurred words and the prominent stench of vodka. Her eyes peered to two seats down to reveal a woman, with a glass at her fingertips, mouth ghosting over it. The woman’s skin was fair, possessing a button-like nose that raised at the base. She didn’t look any older than her, presuming the lady was in her early thirties as she dawned dark brown hair with strings of silver filling her hairline. The lady possessed equally dark eyes, at equal distance away from her nose, that watched her tentatively. “I mean it must be. Considering you’re sitting in a bar drinking on a weeknight.”

She hadn’t entertained the lady’s point, continuing to sip at her drink while her eyes became occupied with the large fish tank in the corner. Still, as she kept her distance, the woman moved closer- now only one seat separating the both of them.

“I don’t mean to pry,” she started again, “but you’re sulking a bit. It’s kinda bringing down the mood.”

“I’m sure my ‘sulking’ wouldn’t bother you if you were a few seats away from me.”

“Feisty.” She chuckled, setting the glass on the counter and placing her hands up, they stayed on either side of her head, “My apologies, you just look like you need to vent about something.”

“I don’t.”

“You sure?”

“Very, so please.” She raised her hand to her face, trying to block the view. Another chuckle erupted from her chest, making her tap her fingers on the glass surface in anguish. Surely the lady was drunk or tipsy, the vodka practically stitching into her nostrils with each passing moment.

Another wave of silence washed over the space, before the lady pulled her hand back, reaching for her jacket pocket. Eyes finally moved towards her direction again as her fingers glided through the inner pocket of her woolen sweater pulling out a spout of cash, “Bartender, another vodka sprite for me and a raspberry daiquiri for the lady over here please.”

The man behind the counter nods, taking the money, “Can I also have a separate shot of tequila?” She told him as he nodded a second time and then moved to the other side of the table. Now she was left alone with the mysterious woman next to her. “What? You want my number or something?”

Another laugh came from her, this one much heartier than the last one, “No, I just wanted to chat- I’m quite bored if you couldn’t tell.”

“And buying me a drink is the way to start.”

“I tried to appeal to you before the drink but you weren’t having it- you’re too,” she taps her temple with her middle finger, “preoccupied.”

This garnered a laugh from her. She didn’t find it humorous but after today, she’d laugh at anything. “I’m Y/N. and yeah- it’s been a night.”

“I’m Kira.” She mumbled, holding a hand out to her. Her gaze was still fixated on Kira’s eyes as she took her hand.

“Haven’t seen you around here… you just moved or something?”

“I’ve lived here for quite some time, just… never came in here before.”

“So, what’s with the change of scenery? You get stood up or something?” Kira blurted out quickly, causing her eyes to widen as her lips parted. “You’ve got a pretty dress on, your hair’s done and there’s makeup on your face- people don’t dress like that to come to an empty bar with no one to talk to for almost an hour.”

Suddenly, the memories of Nanami and the night thus far flooded her mind. She came here to take her mind off him and here his actions were, loud and bright and plastered all over her body language. It was enough for even a drunk woman to see it. Through the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of the bartender. Dressed in full black, they moved swiftly to her and Kira with the dark pink drink in one hand. “A raspberry daiquiri, a vodka sprite, and a shot of tequila.”

“Thank you.” The both of them commented as the two new glasses rattled on the counter's surface. She quickly turned the miniature glass up her head, twitching a little as the cool liquid slid down her throat. She took a deep breath, contemplating the next moves carefully. She didn’t want to give a stranger a one-way ticket into her mind. It wasn’t her concern. So why did she feel this need to explain herself?

“I got married a year ago today, and my husband didn’t show up to our dinner reservation.”

“Ouch,” Kira remarked loudly, dragging out the sound of the word as she gulped her drink, “that’s shitty.”

She shook her head lightly, peering at her lap, “It wasn’t always like that.”

“Well clearly, he wasn’t always like that- or else you’d be somewhere else.”

She snickered, taking a sip of the daiquiri. Her sight moved to Kira’s full body. “He’s been working a lot and it’s taking up a lot of his attention. I don’t know, it just feels like I’ve become second best. To a job no less.”

“Familiar with the whole second-best bullshit?”

By the time she finished her question, she already was down to half of her drink. When Kira remained still, she decided to continue, “My father loves my mother- supported her through everything, even when she was never right.” Her hand gripped the glass tightly as her mind began to navigate through the emotions that she swore died when she moved from the States. “She was the one who thought it was a terrible idea to become a therapist. Told me I wasted my education and her money on foolishness.”

Another gulp of her drink, “She preferred my sister.”

“Heh, let me guess, she’s studying to be a doctor or something?” Kira remarked, finally bringing the glass in for a sip.

She nodded, “Even my best friend- hadn’t talked to her in years before my wedding because of a falling out we had over her boyfriend. And yes, they’re still together.”

Kira nodded her head slowly, “So, what exactly does this have to do with your husband?”

“Nothing much I guess, I’m just worried about him. Where he is, where he’s been.”

“Worried?... Sounds like you think he might have someone else.” Kira retorted.

She felt like her throat clogged up on the spot. Is he seeing someone else? It wasn’t a foreign concept- it was something she pondered. But it wasn’t possible- not for a man like him. “I don’t know- he’s been distant these past few weeks- more so than usual. Maybe the problem is me.”

Kira’s eyes watched her attentively as if to examine every behaviour she exhibited without having known her ten minutes ago. Kira sighed, eyes dazzling with familiarity, one that she had only ever seen in the office with a client sitting on the sofa. “I doubt it- people don’t change overnight. I mean look at you, years away from your family and you’re still flooded with insecurity.”

“Thanks.” she scoffed harshly, “That makes me feel great.”

“Well, it’s true. Your husband is keeping something from you- probably was waiting for tonight to tell you. That’s why he was late. You’ll probably walk into the house and catch a glimpse of the young woman on his arm.” Kira’s tone began to mutate. The once playful sway that prompted her to open up about the thoughts beating against her skull now prompted a drawback and was open to unwarranted criticism.

“It’s what cheaters do-” She continued, turning the glass completely up her head, “they don’t care about hurting you because they don’t even care about themselves. And they probably hate you for putting up with them.”

Kira turned to her, much to her dismay as the atmosphere of the bar weighed dense with agitation. From Kira’s perspective, the heat that radiated off her body was present. “That’s not Kento. He would never.”

“Really?” She responded with laughter. “And that’s why you’re in a bar drinking away on your anniversary while he’s somewhere you don’t even know?”

Her hands tapped a little faster. Her body resembled a child, sitting and taking a lecture, remaining quiet. Wishing she could rewind before the start of this conversation with her. The lady with dark eyes and a drag in her words. Her hand planted flatly on the table, lifting her off the chair to lace fingers into the silkiness of her jacket, “Thank you for the drink, but I think it’s time for me to go.”

Kira’s eyes remained fixated on the glass in front of her, never daring to look back. It wasn’t until she turned her heel to leave that she spoke in an undertone, “Word of advice, sweetheart- leave. Don’t give him the satisfaction of watching you destroy yourself to keep him.”

All that mused Kira’s thoughts as she stormed out the doors of the bar was how she knew this wouldn’t be the last encounter. Because she wasn’t going to leave. How could she when things weren’t certain? Feelings of doubt like this were only reserved for new couples- not ones who were three years into their commitment.

Not when her mind was so fresh with the first meeting.

━━━━━━━━━━━･❪ ❁ ❫ ･━━━━━━━━━━━

MAY 2015

The air felt warm- the warmest it had been in months as spring made way for new bloomings. There was a faintness of sunlight, the clouds covering any shine. It was eleven thirty-seven- lunch break. She decided to stop by a local bakery, which was empty, except for the workers, a man, and herself. One that’s cologne filled the atmosphere, a gentle smell. She paced around between cakes and muffins, small cookies, and various breads. How could one person be allowed access to such large amounts of food?

Moments passed, and she finally settled on two danishes before she heard a familiar buzz. Her next appointment was waiting in the office. She couldn’t wait for the blonde man in front to finish ordering as she set the danishes down and strolled out of the store, jogging back to the building. The patience she was willing to exhibit would have to wait. An hour later, the acid in her stomach was bubbling and growling. Causing her to run over to the bakery this time, which was now vacant of any customers. Picking up the two danishes and grabbing her wallet to pay- searching for an extra dollar or two to drop in the jar.

“These are already paid for, ma’am.” The cashier called out, standing on the opposite side. Her eyes moved slowly to the young lady’s face, attempting to see cracks in the expression. Surely she was being joked around with.

“I’m sorry?” She said sternly.

“These are already paid for.” The cashier repeated with a wide curve of her lips, as her fingers gently massaged her shoulder. “The man who was in here before you asked to put it on his receipt and give it to you once you came back.”

She was definitely joking now. The only people who were there were her and the man. But he stood in front of her, how could he have known that she wanted the danishes, or that she’d even come back to get them? Why would he even pay for a stranger’s food without knowing that for sure?

Those words echoed in her head as she walked to the office, with her stomach still growling. The pastries stayed untouched on her desk. Untouched as it dangled from her hand as she stood on the train. Her keys fell to the wooden countertop of her apartment along with it. For days staring at her each time she entered through the door, growing a thin layer of grey spots over the fruit as it made its way to the now-hardened dough.

For a time, she avoided the bakery, fearing having to face the man and confess that she never even tasted the danishes he insisted the bakery girl give to her. She found herself back in there after four days once she had grown too curious to taste the tenderness of the pastry. The day that her teeth bit into the flaky and buttery crust was the day that she, fortunately, hadn’t encountered him. She intended to thank him and hand him the money it cost him whenever she got the chance to see him again. But every day that she was there, she didn’t catch a glimpse of the man- almost like he disappeared.

She’d imagine it would’ve been a simple interaction. Nothing more than a few moments and then silence. As he imagined that the interaction wouldn’t take more than a few seconds if he ever got the chance to see her again. He’d been working for longer hours, dozing off at his desk with his stomach roaring for attention. Too much work and his appetite was shot- that was a first.

It had been only two years since his transition into corporate life. And he found himself dragging along, increasing an already wealthy corporation’s stocks. He wanted to convince himself that it was better than being a sorcerer. He was distraught, but accepting of his decision to leave that part of him in the past. He was screwing people over by selling them mucky stocks. But at least he wouldn’t have to see anyone he cared for arrive at the school tattered and dead. A cowardly move yet one that allowed him to have a shred of peace.

However, the peace didn’t satisfy him for long. Not when he’d stepped through the door, the aroma of fresh dough and baked fruits filled his nostrils. Only for his sights to be set on the winged creature wrapped around the cashier’s shoulder like a possessive cat. It made his eyes burn with disgust, and shame.

“Can you take a step forward?” The words came out harsher than he anticipated. Still, she took a step towards him- her grin hitched. With a swipe of his arm, too close to her face, he asked, “How is your shoulder?”

She rotated the joint, feeling ease near the point, “Woah, it feels so light.”

“If you still have an uncomfortable feeling in your shoulder, please go to the hospital.” He began to step away, “Pardon me.”

As he turned to make his way to the door, the familiar jingle of the bell rang. He stood there frozen in place, gripping the bag with his cassecroute. There she stood, huffing and ridden with beads of sweat on her forehead. She dressed in a long button-down and a skirt to combat the growing heat that swarmed over Japan’s temperature. The deepness of her brown skin glistened in the artificial lights while her dark coils of hair were held together in a puff high up on her head.

“Right on time, I have your usual Miss Y/N.” The girl called from behind him. A smile flashed across her face, raising her cheeks and showing her teeth. How hadn’t he seen her in here before?

“Thank you so much, you already know I had to run over here.”

“You usually do.” She commented which allowed a sprout of laughter to fill the bakery.

He watched her intensively, fingertips lingering on the packaged goods with a wad of paper peeking out of her palm- face brimming with delight. Her presence was unfamiliar- especially for this part of the city. That piqued his curiosity- she must have moved here not too long ago. The thought, however, wasn’t enough to form a conversation with her- which just prompted him to eye her like a deer in headlights.

“Sorry sir, are you finished with your order?” she asked in a voice that poured into his ears like honey. He wouldn’t be able to process that she’d been referring to him if he wasn’t looking directly at her. Her face began to contort with anxiousness as she raised her hand to his face, snapping her fingers in hopes of gaining his attention. “Um, sir- is everything okay?”

His eyelids fidgeted, “No- sorry.” He responded abruptly, twisting away and catching sight of his head back. Blonde and short, and familiar- though she couldn’t put her finger on why. Then it hit her- the faint scent of his hair. Almost as similar to the aromas that surrounded her but as potent as the cologne he was wearing. The same one she smelled the first day she was in here.

Her legs moved faster than her mind, and before long, she was already out the door. Prepared to chase him down if she needed to, though it wasn’t necessary- he was sauntering. “Excuse me, sir.”

His tracks stopped and his head peeped back over his shoulder, seeing her sweat-ridden face out the corner of his eye. A part of him wondered if he dropped anything on his way out and how awkward it would have been. “Something wrong, Miss?”

She managed to notice his phone pressed up against his ear. “Uh, s-sorry. You’re on the phone, I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

“It’s not a problem- but you came out here in quite a hurry. I didn’t misplace something, did I?” He questioned, a tinge of irritation in his voice. She’d already felt like walking back inside, the embarrassment wasn’t worth it.

“Oh, is that woman? She sounds pretty.” She could hear the faintness of giggling through the speakers of his phone. Which only made the present irritation light with flames, and lifted a weight from her chest.

“Shut it!” He whispered loudly enough to be heard, resulting in him hanging up.

He turned back, brown eyes searching for hers. “Sorry about that. Co-worker, he’s a special character, to say the least.”

All she could do was stare into the eyes that looked into hers earnestly. There were etches of tiredness above his prominent cheekbones- ones that sunk in slightly, shaping out the rosy tint of his lips. “So,” he started again, “ something you wanted to say?”

“Right, uh…” Her hands moved to the nape of her neck, fingers gliding over it. “I know this might sound weird, but I think I know you… Well, not really but I’ve smelt that cologne before so I know that I’ve seen you before or been in the same place as you.”

“You mean that place?” He responded, pointing behind her.

Her head snapped at the back of her to catch a glimpse of his direction. Dropping her sight to turn to him again. “You’re a comedian, I see.”

She laughed with saccharine sounds that caused an upturn in his mouth. He thought the peek of her teeth when she did so was pretty. Once she caught his gaze again, she stopped. “The point of me coming out here- I don’t know if you remember but the first time I came here, you kinda paid for the danishes that I wanted in the store.”

“I came back and the bakery girl told me what you did, which was kind of you. But I just haven’t seen you since to thank you.” She fumbled through her bag, getting out the wallet, “And well, give you this.” She stretched out to hand him a few crumpled bills that looked as though she ‘straightened’ them with the corner of a wall.

“There’s no need.”

“I insist,” she said, “I’ve been meaning to give it to you for a while now. And I wouldn’t want to have to owe you back in the long run.”

“You don’t need to. It took nothing off of me, especially since you like them so much now.”

She chose not to fight him on it, with his tailored suits, refined demeanor with high cheekbones, and a warm gaze- money probably wasn’t an issue. How could it be when he looked the way he did? She nodded slowly, “Guess I’ll see you around.”

He nodded his head, watching as she widened the distance between the both of them. Making her way back to the bakery’s entrance. It would be a dime a dozen if he was able to spot her again. He wouldn’t be back over here getting his cassecroute anymore. Because he wouldn’t even be working that lousy company job.

She pulled him from his thoughts as he noticed her approaching him again, this time with less urgency than the first time, “My manners are shot, sorry. I didn’t even introduce myself. My name’s Y/N Y/L by the way.” She said, extending her hand to him.

He took her hand graciously, nearly making her flinch from the chilliness of his fingers. “Nice to meet you Y/N. I’m Nanami Kento.”

She smiled, “Nice to meet you, Nanami.”

━━━━━━━━━━━･❪ ❁ ❫ ･━━━━━━━━━━━

Nanami thought life was so much simpler when he wasn’t involved in the inconvenience of politics. Before he became aware of his ‘condition’. Back to the age of eight, when his parents were happy, and in a way- he was too. When his mother would hum as she cooked in the kitchen. She’d trod off to work with his father who dressed in his nice suits- tailored to perfection. They would always make it back home after his eyes had closed and soft snores escaped his mouth. They’d return to the kitchen where the supper was eaten and packed away by Chisa, his babysitter, who was between school terms.

They never had the heart to tell him about his father being laid off from work- prompting his long-term unemployment and Chisa’s obsoleteness. The difference in the atmosphere came almost instantly. His father was snappier with his eyes glued to his computer screen and his mother was barely home except for a few moments in the morning. There was no time for the new adjustment, but at least he could stay in the comforts of his room- his little bubble and wait for things to return to the way they were.

It was naive of him to believe so. Especially when his sight was fixated on the gremlin-like curses that hid from his mother and father’s vision- plaguing his home and tormenting him. How could a child tell their parents monsters existed and were leeching onto them like parasites?

His mother couldn’t fully comprehend what his babbling was about. Assuming that their lack of interaction was the cause of it. “Maybe you’re just imagining it, honey.” She told him with her hands running through his hair. “I promise things will get better soon.” Mumbling and groaning as she flopped on the bed with half-lidded eyes.

His father wasn’t willing to hear it- a child with an overactive imagination wasn’t foreign. A person living in his own home like a freeloader, on the other hand, was. He nearly jumped at the opportunity to get back into the field, landing his first interview and leaving him to call back Chisa to look after Nanami for a few hours. She accepted though time wasn’t on her side.

Things began looking up as his father shook the CEO’s hand in agreement with his availability to work. He drove home feeling accomplished, excited to tell his wife that she didn’t need to kill herself off by working sixteen-hour shifts. That excitement quickly drained and filled his face with dread. Blood splattered on the hardwood and the walls. Chisa’s body, mangled and torn, laid promptly on the living room carpet.

His father’s eyes searched for him- checking the entry point of their home. Hearing faint sounds of crying coming from his room. Inside the closet, with his legs clenched tightly to his chest, Nanami rocked back and forth repeating through choked sobs, “It was the monsters, I swear.”

It was that thinking that got him into the college in the first place. Seeking out the institution he stumbled upon two guys, dawned in dark clothing covering every bit of their bodies aside from their hands and faces. Watching the white-haired one take down the curse with ease, similar to the curses he’s been seeing all his life.

It was the dark-haired one who suggested he talk to their teacher, who oversaw the students' tasks and acceptance. The hardest part wasn’t getting accepted, but telling his parents what exactly he’d be doing for the next three years at this school. Making up some lies about how the college was supposed to help them get internships to work at different companies in the country. The lie flowed out so easily, almost scary how quickly it came from him. But to be met with his mother’s warm smile and his father’s accepting eyes was all that he needed.

He spent his days slashing at curses that were much too powerful for his standing. Days with one who was all too enthusiastic about being there. Yu Haibara, the young boy that kept him from drowning in the misery of responsibility. A responsibility that was much too grave for a couple of sixteen-year-olds to handle. That unfortunately resulted in the same fate that came down on Chisa going down on his friend.

He wished for simpler times again. Prayed for that light at the end of the tunnel, a purpose that would make the sacrifices of those around him feel worth it. Just a measly piece of hope- but he struggled to find one. How pitiful he felt when he graduated and left the last three years behind him. ‘It’s what you wanted’, is what he repeated to himself. But how could he when no one knew what they did? No one saw what they’d do to people- how they’d devour their victims without remorse? What type of pathetic man would allow that to happen to innocent people? The same pathetic man who was lying to his wife.

He tapped his dress shoes anxiously, waiting to hear the turn of the door handle. Pondering his thoughts- how would she react to it? She loved him no doubt, but the play-by-play in his head told him this would end sourly. It was easier to be labeled as a child with an overactive imagination. To be an adult and preach the same gospel was a one-way ticket to padded walls and artificial light.

He heard footsteps before she walked through the door- standing suddenly as the keys jingled through the lock. There she stood, in a gorgeous blue slip dress that highlighted every curve, every rounded edge. A chuckle left her mouth as she finally met his eyes, “Well, it’s nice to see you’ve arrived somewhere before me.” She glanced over the table, toppled with his flowers in a vase and an envelope for her sitting next to it.

“Baby,”

“Don’t ‘baby’ me,” she stepped past him into the bathroom. He followed behind a few seconds later, catching a glimpse of her back before his hands stiffened close at his sides. On the lower end, stood a slimy green creature, coiled around her skin.

“Y/N, if I asked you to turn around, would you?” he asked as she stooped down to search the cabinets of the bathroom. His comment made her head turn up, straightening herself out.

“What are you talking about?.”

“If I asked you to turn around, can you?” he repeated.

Her shoulders began to fall as a sigh escaped her lips, “You didn’t answer my question.”

“Please, just- please?” he begged further- hoping that at least he could do this one thing before she managed to rip him a new one. She turned away from him, hand gripping the edge of the countertop. When he was certain, he stepped forward, swiping his arm across the area. Lucky enough the curse wasn’t anything too big and the relief came almost instantly. It surprised her how lighter her back felt- one swift move from Nanami prevented a drive to the ER as soon as dawn broke.

“How do you feel now?” he asked, voice present with curiosity. It was faint, the opposite of the tone her own had taken.

She shook her head, turning to face him, “Weirded out.” she whispered, “But furious no less. I mean- waiting in a restaurant for two hours is embarrassing enough but getting stood up by my husband is laughable.”

He could hear the tremble in those words. The rage that was laced with them as she spat more venom towards him. “Nothing to say for yourself?” she said, breaking through his thoughts. Being this close to her face allowed him to catch the scent of alcohol on her breath. The stench of tequila burned through every other aroma.

If the both of them were to have this conversation, it had to be when she was in the right mind to listen to him. Not that he believed he deserved the kindness of her ears, “You smell of alcohol, where have you been?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know…” she scoffed, picking up the wipes from the cabinet, and placing them down on the counter. His eyes stayed fixated on her face. Another spout of laughter came from her, “What?... You don’t believe me? Think I’m keeping something from you?” her head snaked up towards his ear, whispering into it.

He drew in a strong breath, “We can do a little without the sarcasm here, don’t you think?”

“No.” she drew away, and the wipe moved along the surface to clear off the foundation and blush. “What I can do with is the truth. What happened to you tonight?”

“Something came up.”

“Something like what?... Work?”

He kept a stiff face, but his response was even more predictable, “What do you mean like what? You know I have to work.”

“I don’t know, it’s just hard to work when you have no job.” She shrugged, continuing to rub off the foundation. She wished he didn’t make her spell it out for him- he was a smart enough man to know when he’d been caught. Her frustration grew the longer the silence went on. Once the wipe was done, she turned to him again, “Fine- when did you leave your job?”

His eyes widened at the question, face draining of the red colour that printed over his cheeks and on his full lips. That was the best response she had gotten tonight, “I called the company today to figure out where the hell you were that you couldn’t be on time for our dinner. Imagine my surprise when they told me you quit, after having believed that that was where you were going off to in the mornings.”

His gaze softened, shame overtaking his features as she continued, “So, I’ll ask again, when did you leave your job?”

There was no use in lying to her now. His voice was small, the words coming out muttered. “December.”

“What date?”

He shook his head, jaw clenching at the persistence, “I don’t see how that makes a difference.”

“Humour me, Kento.”

“The 10th.”

“A point for truthfulness, give him an award.” Her hands slapped against one another as she cheered, steamrolling past him out of the bathroom to their shared bedroom. She stripped herself of earrings and bracelets, watching his figure come to life in the mirror- his body just inches behind. His hands were starting to feel moist, a thin layer of sweat ghosting over his palms.

“I had every intention of telling you, I just-”

“Then why didn’t you?” she spat, “Something getting in the way?”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Like hell you do,” the words came out in a rumble. She slammed the last of the jewelry on the dresser, turning to face him, “Late night phone calls, the distance, you walking through that door almost half an hour past time but I guess now I can see why.”

He said calmly, “Why don’t you just spit it out instead of beating around the bush?”

“Fine! Are you cheating on me?” The statement came blunt. A pin drop could be heard with the space the silence filled between them both. Her gaze moved away- fearful of his response or worse, his expression and ashamed of the insinuation. Nanami wasn’t a cheater- he wouldn’t do that to her. She knew that. She had to have known that.

Nanami could feel his eyes heat up with water. A lump caught in his throat as he followed the direction of her eyesight, focused on her painted toes. “You think I’m stepping out on you?” He took a few steps forward. His hands reached out to touch her face, cupping her cheeks. “That’s ridiculous. How can you even insinuate something like that?” His tone wasn’t berating, though it came off differently.

“Why should I believe you?” she shook her head lightly, “All you’ve been doing this entire time is lying to me.”

“There’s a clear issue here- accusations won’t help.”

Another chuckle erupted from her, “Oh, you’re insulted? Can’t imagine how that might feel.”

Her hands pried his from her face, stepping away from him as she slipped the straps from her shoulders. Her body was now bare, with only her underwear covering her. “What’s so funny?”

She searched through the drawers for a large t-shirt to put over her, feeling an instant chill from the exposure. “You. This. Everything. I mean- I feel like I’m going fucking crazy here.” shouts swelled from her throat, turning to him abruptly.

“You don’t kiss me the way you used to. You don’t talk to me the way you used to, I don’t know how your day was or what you dreamt about the night before… I mean, you’re sleeping on the fucking couch for Christ’s sake.” His stature hadn’t ceased yet, and he remained as still as she left him. A stitch of envy poked through the air- so much of her was exposed when he was shielded. Even his eyes, pools of a honey brown, appeared darker, more reserved. It infuriated her, to pathetically beg for answers to questions that wouldn’t come. Even more when she sensed the hot tears beginning to drench her cheeks.

Her body began to tremble as she spoke, fresh with anguish. She hobbled over to the bed, dragging her feet as she placed herself at the edge. “You come home and it’s like- you’re here but you’re not really here. And today,” she sniffled, wiping her nose, “today of all days, you decided to leave me in the restaurant that we made reservations for three months ago for two hours and only God knows why.”

His distance was closing in, hands reaching out to touch her. His legs caged her thighs as he stood in front. The choked sobs coming from her throat, the shuddering of her face between his fingers- how could he do this? She melted into his hands this time, looking up to follow the gaze of his eyes as they twisted in another direction. “Look at me, please.”

Her fingertip lightly grazed under his chin. “Tell me the truth. Tell me that this is all in my head, that I’m just drunk and not thinking straight. That there’s a reason for you quitting your job and keeping it from me for a year. That your behaviour is for a good reason- one that’s too out of the box for me to even have thought of.”

His breathing was ragged, paired with the deadpan of his stare. She knew what she was spewing tonight wasn’t unlikely. But god did she want it to be false. She just couldn’t believe it. She exhaled, tears continuing to drop from her eyelids. A million different scenarios of this conversation played in her head on the way here. Half of those included variations of this exact conversation. Ending with her, broken, rabidly scraping through bits of something that didn’t belong to her- recalling the familiar crack of her mother’s laugh.

She lingered a last effort to get the truth out of him. “Baby, please say something.”

His expression was unreadable, making her more anxious than she had been the entire night. What more needs to be done? Eventually, there was a swift intake of air and his nostril flared. His eyes, maintaining contact with hers, were gentle, “I shouldn’t-” He hesitated, his tongue lined with the grains of his answer. Her ears perked up gently, “I shouldn’t have married you.”

Nanami’s tone came out so softly- she almost hadn’t recognized the words he said. Then the words registered- twisting her face into an unrecognizable expression. Shattering through her resolve, through what little careful maneuvering she did to prevent this. Fear. She searched for any implication that he was lying, but his demeanor remained. His eyes were unwavering- there was no thumping of his heartbeat that pounded against her eardrums. No bob of his Adam’s apple or trembling on his lips.

An isolated vibration echoed through the walls of the apartment. The tremors of her body that had longed to snap, ceased. She pushed past him, skipping to her bag on the dresser top. Answering the phone as quickly as her hands could swipe.

“Hello, this is Y/N,” she greeted politely, hoping her voice wouldn’t be deceitful. Though she focused on the phone call, her attention never left Nanami. “Good night to you- no this isn’t a bad time, is everything okay?”

“No, I should be off for the next two weeks. Tell Mr. Getou he can book with me sometime in November when I get back.” She explained. In the instant, she could see his eyes narrow though she couldn’t understand why. “Any day past November 1st is fine. Okay- no problem. Bye.”

She took the phone from her ear, placing it on the dresser as she blew out a huff of air before she could hear his voice calling out again. “Getou?” He questioned, fingers tracing over his palm while he stood. Her mouth never opened nor did her eyes make their way back to him.

“It’s late and you’re tired. Maybe we should talk about it in the morning.” He explains- attempting once again to move closer, every step he took- she took one as well in the opposite direction. His whole body felt clammy now. “I should probably go, give you a good night’s rest.”

He moved towards the door, fire burning hot in his belly, creating a pit in his stomach.

“Kento,” she called out, causing him to turn. “There’s a hotel that I passed on my way over here. On route with that bar, you pass to get to…” she paused briefly, “used to pass to get to work.”

He nodded, turning on his heel to exit through the door. She heard the familiar turn of the knob and then the faint click in place as the door closed. Leaving her in the loneliness of the living room as the tears rained down from her waterline.

“I shouldn’t have married you.” She didn’t know if it was one of the only truths he told tonight. But he knew he should’ve stayed, held her tightly with his thumbs rubbing circles into the rolls of her back. He knew it was sinister to have left her to meticulous thoughts. The way his own was inked with the same fixation as his hands laid steadily on the wheel. The streets were quiet with a drizzle and fog covering the once-dark sky- surrounding the car with a thin veil of gray.

The words tasted of bile and acid once they slipped from his tongue, scorching through tissue and muscle. It’s all that was coming to him at the moment. Here he was met with the opportunity to be honest, to explain what he intended to and his words came out wrong. Maybe he didn’t feel the need to defend himself too heavily. He knew things other people didn’t and kept things other people wouldn’t. Maybe he did regret meeting her- marrying her and keeping her all to himself. Maybe in this scenario, on this occasion- he was the bad guy.

How could he not be when the love of his life now believed she plagued his thoughts with her inadequacy?

The words replayed over and over, wiggling their way through his brain like an earworm. Even as badly as the utterness of Getou’s name. It had to be a different person. It couldn’t be the person he thought it was. But getting to the school through a vulnerable source- a non-sorcerer, a human who was believed to be a waste- that screamed the person he once knew. It made him even sicker to think about how that source was his wife. It soured his mind even more- what was his reason for even targeting her?

Nanami would have to tell her the truth, in hopes that she could believe him and that through that, she’d understand the dangers that Getou posed to her. She wouldn’t believe him, but he’d be willing to do whatever it took to get her there. His mind also ran on Gojo for a brief moment as he came to a stop at the light. He’d have to call him in the morning too, it could be nothing after all. But their lives were never so lucky.

He pressed gently down on the gas searching around to see the bright signs indicating the entrance to the building. He noticed the light first, the shine of it nearly blinding his view. Then came the screech of a tire that made him crack his neck to the side. The car in the opposite direction collided head-first with his side sending an initial wave of shock over his body, feeling a sharp pain. The car drifted, stopping swiftly due to the dullness of the asphalt- flipping it on its side, again and again and again until the car rested on its top.

It left him dangled above the ground, blood gushing out of his head. The sharp pain pierced through his sides. Nanami didn’t have the energy to scream so his eyes just moved around slowly, catching a small glimpse of a car next to him. The car was on its side with its driver a few feet away from it, blood drenching the silver strands in their hair. His sight was starting to get droopy, he couldn’t even make out the figure approaching, “Oh my god, someone call the ambulance!” He didn’t hear anymore after that- his eyes grew too heavy and shut too abruptly.

“Someone please call the ambulance.” The man through the screen shouted out with his hands pressed down to the source of the blood. Her fingers pressed the buttons of the remote shakily, with a bag of sweets taking refuge in her other hand. She thought she’d be asleep by now. Ten twenty-six and her eyes were clawing for rest as she flicked from channel to channel. It was apparent that she should be in her right mind to talk to Nanami tomorrow. But sleep was evading her- preventing her from escaping the nightmare of the night into a dream of a new day. Even blinking took too much energy.

She wondered what could even be said in the morning. If anything he said tomorrow could take back the words of confession he revealed tonight. If it could fill the black hole in her chest that widened with each passing minute. The intention of tonight was to get him to tell the truth- the whole truth. He hadn’t told her what she expected but what was the difference in what he said?

Her fingers continued to switch through station after station, almost on its own before she made it to the news channel. Nothing caught her attention- there were the typical weather reports, local crime in the area- nothing too out of the ordinary. At this rate, she might as well force the sleep on.

Before she could think to turn off the television, something flashed quickly over the screen. A crash- two colliding cars that left one of the participants dead on the spot. Though she wasn’t sure why, there was this awful pit in her stomach that prevented her from switching it off. Her eyes scanned over the bright lights to piece together the crime scene. And then she noticed the car. The car was exactly like Nanami’s- scratches and scraps painting the doors. The same paint job, the same model. The street was the exact one she passed to get home- the one she suggested he take to get him to the hotel. What were the odds, right?

The words of the reporters began to drown out, just mumbles crowded the atmosphere. The only sounds that got through were those of her heartbeat, threatening to burst out of her chest. She could feel the bottom of her belly tingle, the emptiness of her stomach, and the build-up of urine that suddenly appeared. Even the saliva accumulating in her mouth became almost too watery. Her fingers were nimble and trembling as she let the remote slip from her grasp.

She nearly jumped out of her skin to get to the phone, “Hello ... .this is she.” There were constrictions around her throat, tightening as more warm tears were attempting to spill from her eyes. “Is he okay?...”

It didn’t take long to get to the hospital after the lady had told her where to go. The difficult part was not being able to see him. The doctor let her know that he had some cranial bleeding and two of his ribs had broken. One of them pierced through his spleen, which they planned to remove. Sitting in the crowded lobby, picking at her fingernails, she watched countless people passing in and out. Their injuries spanned from stomach aches to deep lacerations to full limbs missing from their bodies. The blood that dripped from the wounds added to her unease.

“You must be Nanami’s lovely lady. Y/N, right?.” She heard an upbeat voice call to her from above. Her vision slowly examined the slender body of a man who dawned dark slacks and a white button down. Dark glasses over his eyes with a dazzling white smile and hair to match. He extended one hand out while the other was occupied with a can of soda. Her attention left him as she continued to pick at her nail beds.

“It’s nice to finally meet you.” He continued, placing himself in the empty seat next to her. “I’ve heard much about you.”

Her head remained away from his direction, “Strange, I’ve heard absolutely nothing about you.”

“Ah, the businessman must be embarrassed talking about me or something.” He joked, soft giggles leaving his lips as his eyes studied the pattern of footsteps passing them every few seconds. His gaze made its way back to her face, with the same grin printed on, “Well, in that case- I’m Gojo Satoru.”

She figured if he knew who Nanami was, he was an associate of his. Maybe one from his new ‘job’ that she hadn’t known about. Not that she knew of any friends from the company. But, this was Gojo- the man sitting next to her with his legs crossed over one another- the same man whose name brightened up on Nanami’s phone late in the night. Strangely enough, with this new information of his identity- it made his appearance glow.

How’d he even know to come here? Did he get a call too? Was he watching the news like she had been and decided to rush over here? “Gojo,” She whispered to herself, barely audible to anyone else. One moment with him, and he was consuming empty spaces of her thoughts- the ones that weren’t occupied with Nanami.

Almost as if he had been reading her mind- his voice lowered to a whisper. Taking a sip from his can, he voiced plainly, “The lady at the front desk called me. I was in the area so it didn’t take me very long to get over here.” In the area? This was the closest hospital to the crash- how could he know about it so soon unless he was already here. Was this man on his emergency contacts list? Before his parents? Before…

“You must’ve been so worried. Car crashes in weather like this seem so obvious, but I’m sure that’s not really what you wanna hear, right?” He continued, nearly unaware that her attention was anywhere except the conversation. He briefly caught a glimpse of the vacant expression that washed over her features, “Hey, you okay?”

It wasn’t a long silence as she turned to him, being met with the intensity of his eyes. An icy shade of blue- nothing like the warmth that came from Nanami’s. “Can I ask you a question?” She asked hesitantly. He nodded, eyes so bright it felt like he was peering into her soul. It left her naked under the lens of his scope. But not vulnerable enough to pass the opportunity to question him, “What’s your relationship to Kento anyway? What is it that the two of you do?”

The smile he had worn before changed, turning it into a solemn expression as he answered, “He didn’t tell you?” His voice sounded concerned, though it only read to her as some sort of confirmation. There was a bob in his throat as he took another sip of soda, “Maybe I’m not the best person to tell you about it then.”

“I don’t think it really matters.”

She focused back on her hands that lay steady in her lap, thumbs circling around each other. He contorted in his chair, resting his knee up on the chair’s back as his elbow rested on the top, “Look, whatever happened between you and Nanami tonight, it’s not his fault- I mean not entirely at least.”

There was a curve of her lips, shaking her head as he pleaded with her. “I’m serious. I mean he’s been ranting about how shitty everything’s been lately- how he wishes things were easier. I mean it took him weeks to find some good plane tickets to Malaysia.”

The sentence made her fingers stop, and her blood ran cold. The envelope on the table… His hands clamped over his mouth as fast as the words came out. “Shit- I wasn’t supposed to say that.”

He wasn’t sure what her reaction would be to him spilling such an important secret. He knew if Nanami was awake, he’d strangle him for opening up his big mouth. But all she did was chuckle, “It’s fine- I’m happy about how unintentional your honesty was just now. I needed it.”

“Mrs. Nanami Kento,” The overhead speaker boomed through the ceiling, alerting every person whose eyes weren’t too tired to close. She took one last look at Gojo and then rushed to the front desk instantly, watching as the woman’s face stared patiently at the blinding screen in front of her. “Your husband’s out of surgery. You can see him now.”

She took a step away from the desk, up the elevator then straight down to the end of the hall- the post-anesthesia care unit. Her body stopped just before she could make it to the opening. She wasn’t sure what to expect, more fearful of what couldn’t be done. She hadn’t seen the effects- all that ate away at her was guilt.

And when she found herself turning the corner to see the damage, she was stunned by the image of him lying there. Half of his face was covered in scratches while a wide gash printed over the base of his forearm up to his bicep. The wound was held together by fresh sutures while his upper torso was covered with a large gauze. Another gauze printed over the other side of his torso, though it was much lower. His blonde hair now resembled a faint red.

“Kento,” she croaked, falling to her knees at his side as the welted tears came forth again. She took his hand in hers, thumbs ghosting over his knuckles delicately. His breathing was being taken care of by the ventilation machine- pulse oximeter tracking his heart rate which was stable for the moment. But the look of him made her stomach collapse inside itself.

“You can’t even allow me the courtesy of being angry with you for the night- you’re so selfish.” She starts up again, attempting to smile through the flames that were engulfing her lungs, “I mean- you weren’t cheating, though a part of me isn’t convinced. Your friend, Gojo… he’s very pretty, too pretty for his own good.”

She waited. After a while, there was no response, only the tranquil sound of beeping. It didn't raise, or slow down at all. There was no flutter of his eyelids, or huskiness in his voice, or movement in his fingers. There was nothing but a shell of him and the shame printed on her face. Whether it be through her suggestion of route or her persistence in fighting with him tonight- there was no denying it.

“Baby, you can’t go now- not like this.” She begged, lips pressed against his knuckles as her forehead rested on his thigh. She felt her eyes growing weary, if only she could fight it. She didn’t wish to sleep, or for the day to end. Not when there was a possibility that tomorrow would come with more pain.

“Please, just come back… come back to me…” Her voice crept into a lower tone, hoping that her prayer would only be heard by the ears of her unconscious husband.

She wasn’t sure when she’d fallen asleep. Nor was she sure what dreams her mind had come up with to pass the time, but the sound of shuffling, a loud crackle in voice, and a tap on her shoulder were enough to wake her. She was met with multiple attendees by the bedside, pushing her to the corner of the room, closest to the door.

“Start the compressions now.”

It wasn’t until she was fully conscious, rubbing her eyes to notice the stable noise of the machine. Nanami’s pulse was dropping rapidly, which left her panicked. She attempted to jump through the crowd of people, reaching her hand out to simply feel the tips of his fingers. Only to be pulled back by one of the attendees in the room. “Ma’am, please don’t move.”

Her gaze moved towards Nanami’s hand- the only sight of him that she was allowed to see in the ocean of bodies. The doctor's hands were placed across his chest, pumping up and down. “His vitals are dropping and fast.” He continued, now opting for defibrillators, the nurse attaching the pads across his chest.

He rubbed the two pads together before yelling “Clear!” A jolt came from Nanami’s body, but the ringing persisted. Another wave of electricity flowed through him though it didn’t do much, the consistent sound continued to torment her ear.

And then came that abrasive chime, the flatline.

For that moment the room went still, and she found herself in the position of multiple pairs of eyes to stare, inspect her expression. She couldn’t take her eyes off of his still hand, unmoving with the warmth draining as fast as the colour from her face. The words grew stuck on her tongue and the acid in her stomach churned to burn her insides. There was nothing but the sound of the machine.

The doctor finally broke the silence clearing his throat to speak in a low voice, “Call it. Time of death- 11:10 AM.”

━━━━━━━━━━━･❪ ❁ ❫ ･━━━━━━━━━━━

They say death is supposed to be peaceful. To be rid of a hell that wasn’t of a person’s own choosing. Born into a world so cruel and spiteful to its inhabitants riddling them with anger and loss. It was what consumed her throughout the week, as her phone rang to contact her parents-in-law. A piece of her wished she had someone close enough to call, to just bask in their comfort while her head spiraled. To heat the numbness that chilled her exterior.

Here she was, making pointless conversation in the small room as people one by one came to place their flowers and make their amends. Nanami’s mother stood close to her, holding her hand in hers as she wept. His father was closer to the door, talking to colleagues while he glanced at the urn in front, filled with his son’s ashes. She couldn’t wait to step away from the crowds of sadness that drenched everyone’s faces. She caught a glimpse of a similar mess of white hair with the same shades. Next to him stood a much shorter woman with long brown hair and bags under her eyes. There was wetness on her cheeks and her hands were crossed over her chest. All Gojo had done was bow his head to her.

Within the next week’s time, her final sessions came to a close- though she could never get a hold of Getou. She assumed that he might’ve been busy- talking about loss was complicated.

It took everything in her to pack away the life she curated in boxes. To deplete her hopes and dreams into failure. To tear the memories of their love and lust, of their pain and anguish from the walls of their apartment. To see remnants of them in the people she would interact with, in the fragments of him he left her to grasp onto. It turned into an empty lot with the boxes piled away in trucks ready to become pieces of someone else’s memories. Invaluable pieces of her life that she used to end the consistent nagging from the landlord.

If she’d known, if only she had known- she’d never let him walk out that door. She’d never be forced to grip the envelope for dear life- her last bit of him. Even as she focused through the window, seeing wide sheets of clouds over the horizon, the words of him, his last, replayed to her like a song.

To My Y/N, My apologies mean nothing to you- they shouldn’t after how I’ve been behaving these past few weeks. I’m so sorry. I wish I could’ve told you sooner- I hope that someday I will be able to let you know about the piece of my life I’ve wished to hide from you. I know I do not deserve the blessing to hold your ears nor your kindness. I know that your love for me is one that I could spend a thousand years looking for and never find anything close to it. I hope you know, that you were never a second priority, you are and have always been the brightest star in my sky. Love, Kento

Marriage was sometimes painful- scornful even. But death was peaceful, just not for those who remained.

#[ ❦ ] ─── 𝘽𝙀𝙃𝙄𝙇𝙎 𝙁𝙄𝘾𝙎 #x black reader #x black fem reader #nanami kento #jjk nanami #nanami kento x black reader #nanami x black reader #jujutsu kaisen x black reader #jjk x black reader #nanami kento x reader #nanami kento x y/n #nanami x reader #nanami x y/n #nanami kento angst #nanami angst

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