#like I’ve lost sleep wondering what I would do if I had to leave quickly because of danger

[the-sappho-of-lesbos]

Spending money online for me is a weird mix of s*lf h@rm and filing the void in my heart and life.

Like a part of me does it because I feel like I’m drowning and worthless and I’m never going to have a life so what’s the point in saving towards a future so I’ll just chew through the money I don’t even feel like I deserve to make me hate myself even more

But then also I feel like I have nothing in my life except for the things in my room. I know hoarding/ excess purchasing can be a symptom of OCD and I guess since any slither of personhood I have comes completely from fiction / the lgbt non fiction books I have, I guess it would make sense if those where connected. But I don’t know even know if they are not.

[babyleostuff]

hi! I was wondering if you would write an angst svt reaction about them saying something they didn’t mean in a fight but it just came out?

i decided to do this with the hhu, if you want me to do it with any of the other units let me know!

saying something they didn’t mean in a fight | hip hop unit

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ CHOI SEUNGCHEOL 

as a leo and a fire sing myself, i’m sure that cheol can be a bit impulsive and not think his actions through, especially if it’s during a fight where his emotions are all over the place. things would get heated really quickly with him, and he’d have a hard time holding his tongue. 

“shit, baby,” he reached for your hand, eyes wide and panicked. “don’t fucking call me that seungcheol,” you pulled your wrist out of his grasp, looking at him with an expression that made his heart shutter to million pieces. 

he knew the second the words left his mouth that he shouldn't have said them, but his brain was too slow to understand that, and the heat of the argument made him lose all of his common sense. “my precious baby, i’ve hurt them,” that would be the thought that’d run through his mind, as he tried to wrap his head around what he had just done. “just… leave me alone.”

and he’d do that. he’d give you as much time as you needed, but that wouldn’t mean he’d abandon you. cheol would make you your favourite ramyeon and place it at the nightstand next to your bed where you were resting, or he’d put his hoodie in the dryer you always wore after shower, so it’d be warm and cosy. 

and he’d take his pillow and blanket from your bed to sleep on the couch, so he wouldn’t make you uncomfortable, and so that you could rest peacefully. but then, after maybe an hour of tossing and turning, seungcheol would hear quiet footsteps, and a dog's paws running across the wooden floor, meaning you couldn’t sleep as well. 

you’d lay next to seungcheol, your back pressed against his warm chest, as his arms shyly sneaked around your waist to pull you even closer. “please, let’s never fight like that again,” you murmured, pulling one of cheol’s hands under your chin, nuzzling your nose against his palm.

 *ੈ✩‧₊˚ JEON WONWOO 

honestly, i have a hard time imagining wonwoo saying something he doesn’t mean. i feel like he always thinks before he talks, no matter what situation he’s in, and he strikes me as a person who is great at keeping his emotions at bay, contrary to cheol. he’d also have this thought at the back of his head that no fight is worth hurting you with his words. 

you looked at each other in confusion, as the words left wonwoo’s mouth. never in your whole relationship had he said anything like that, so you were taken aback more by the fact that he even said it more than that it was directed towards you. 

wonwoo nervously fixed his glasses, looking as lost as you. you could almost see his brain trying to understand what had just happened. “i’m sorry i… i didn’t mean what i just said,” he looked at you, eyes big and sad. 

you sighed, and grabbed his hand intertwining your fingers. “i know you didn’t mean it baby” you said, looking at his broken expression. “but you still said it.” his eyes got even wider, and he quickly cradled your face in his hands, running his thumb over your cheeks. 

“i know that no matter what i say won’t change what i did, but you have to know that no part of my mind and soul believes in what i said. that was just a stupid intrusive thought that i shouldn’t have said.” 

even though you said you forgave him, wonwoo was still very attentive to you for the rest of the evening - he had you on his lap for the whole time he was gaming, he made sure the sweatshirt you wore to bed was one of his best ones, and he cuddled you extra close to his chest that night.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ KIM MINGYU 

another fire sign, and as cheol (this might be an unpopular opinion?), might also have issues with controlling his emotions and words during heated arguments. like, i know he’s an amazing person with the best personality, etc. etc. BUT i see gyu as someone who is very defensive of his beliefs and point of views, and i think he can get quite stubborn, which can lead to him saying things he doesn’t really mean.

mingyu knew he shouldn’t have opened his mouth - both of you were consumed by your emotions and neither of you were thinking clearly. the only difference was that he let those emotions hurt you. 

“i didn’t… i don’t…,” he whispered, looking at your shattered expression. yeah, he couldn’t believe it either that those horrendous words left his mouth. you closed your eyes tightly, a single tear rolling down your cheek. the person who you trusted with your life broke your heart just like that, but you wouldn’t cry in front of him. he didn’t deserve a single tear after what he had done. 

you held your head high up as you turned around and started walking towards the door. “no, no please,” mingyu followed after you, catching up with you quickly. “don’t leave my love. hate me, yell at me, punch me, but don’t leave,” his eyebrows were furrowed and eyes glossy, and you knew that he was trying not to cry as well. 

“i’ll take the couch for tonight, but stay. i won’t let you walk out, it’s too dangerous.” 

he cradled your head in his hands, and pecked your forehead gently, before disappearing in the bedroom to take his pillow and an extra blanket.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ CHWE VERNON 

same with wonwoo, i don’t see vernon saying something he doesn’t mean. like, i don’t think his mind even works that way. for one - arguments with him are never heated, not because he doesn’t give a fuck, but his personality and mindset are so calm and collected in itself that neither of you even have a chance to raise your voices.

“i’m sorry,” he stared at his shoes, too scared to look at you. “i’ll leave you alone.” 

he quietly closed the front door behind him, leaving you alone in your apartment, confused and sad. vernon rarely got angry, especially at you, and you had never heard him raise his voice. you had a stupid fight that probably started over something stupid, but both of you were tired and irritated and you just snapped at each other.

but you didn’t mean for him to leave. 

later that night, when the sun had already set, vernon came back home as quietly as he left. “chwe hansol, where the fuck have you been?” you exclaimed, worried to death. You threw your arms around hiis neck, pulling him close to you. You shivered as he nuzzled his cold nose into your neck, placing a gentle kiss there. 

“you know i didn’t mean what i said, right?” he asked, pulling his face away from you. “of course, silly,” you smiled at him, caressing the back of his neck. “but never leave like that again, or i’ll kick you out myself.”

taglist (if you want to be added, check my masterlist): @weird-bookworm @sea-moon-star @hanniehaee @wonwooz1 @byprettymar @edgaralienpoe @staranghae @eightlightstar @itza-meee @immabecreepin @hyneyedfiz @honestlydopetree @dkswife @marisblogg @whatsgyud @aaniag @jeonghansshitester @daegutowns @carlesscat-thinklogic23 @embrace-themagic

[its-time-to-write]

how about a Jamie x reader fic when they go away to Amsterdam they sit together on bus and they wake up cuddling and then there’s an issue w hotel booking and there’s a one bed trope and they end up waking up cuddled together and then they admit feelings and reader goes to game with a tartt jersey on <3

I’ve been thinking about this forever, and I’m terribly sorry it took so long!! I do enjoy being an adult, but I’m at a point in life where I don’t have much free time and if I do, I use it to sleep😂

I really miss the days when Ted Lasso was still airing and the x reader tags had new content every day. I feel like that one meme of Thanos when he’s like “Fine. I’ll do it myself.” Shoutout to all y’all who are still here and reading my stuff! Love you!!

smile at me

It’s straight-up fucked. It really, really is. But also maybe it’s good, as Keeley pointed out, because not having a boyfriend anymore means you can focus on yourself?

Or something. 

Of course he had to break up with you right before leaving for Amsterdam. Hell, he broke up with you because you were leaving for Amsterdam. 

“I don’t want you going to another country with a bunch of other guys,” he had said. “It’s them or me.”

“It’s literally my job,” you told him. 

Apparently, that didn’t matter. 

But what-fucking-ever, you’re at Keeley’s waiting for a car to take you to the airport, and she’s promised to make sure you don’t think about your stupid ex even once. 

It’s times like these you wish Ted were still here with a spot-on pun and some dad-type advice. All you ever get from Beard is a weird anecdote and a vaguely threatening look. 

Keeley chatters on for the entirety of the ride to the airport, through customs, and all the way to the lounge. 

“You’re gonna get loads of great content for the socials, babe. Candids, action shots, behind-the-scenes. Friendlies are fucking amazing!”

Last time Richmond were in Amsterdam, they had lost horribly. They’re hoping to make up for it this time around. 

The plane is full of Greyhounds, both footballers and coaches alike, with Rebecca at the very front. Keeley plops done in the seat next to her as Dani waves at you from the middle. 

“I saved you a seat!” he calls. You smile as Sam takes your bag to put it in the overhead. “Thanks, Dani. You excited?”

Dani grins. “I think this time I am ready to see a whole field of tulips!”

You laugh as the lads roll their eyes. Jamie leans across the aisle toward you and says, “Oi, what’s the twat doing while you’re away?” 

You press your lips into a thin line. “Not a clue.”

He raises an eyebrow and says, “You break up with him?”

“He broke up with me.”

Jamie twists his face into a scoff. “And you wonder why I call him the fucking twat. Prick. Bet it was so he could finally fuck his coworker.”

You shrug. Jamie’s never liked your boyfriend. It’s not like you were together long, only a few months. And sure, he was a little bit of a twat, but sue you. You had a special place in your heart for pricks with a heart of gold, only he didn’t even have a heart at all. 

“You should date someone better,” Jamie continues. 

You glare at him and retort, “Oh yeah, because it’s just that easy. You got some one in mind?”

Jamie gives you his most angelic look and says, “What about me?” which makes half the plane dissolve into laughter, yourself included. 

“Cheers, Jamie,” you say as you wipe your eyes. “I needed that.”

A strange look crosses his face, but it’s quickly replaced by his usual cocky expression. “Anytime, love,” he replies as you turn to start a conversation with Dani. 

As much as you’d like that, Jamie would never date you. His joke stings a little but you brush it off. Maybe you’ll find another twat in Amsterdam to distract yourself from the fact that you’re half in love with Jamie Tartt.

—

“I’m sorry, we don’t have a booking under you name,” the hotel concierge says.

You tap your nails to your wrist. “Are you positive? I’m with AFC Richmond, they should’ve had one.”

The concierge taps on his computer for a moment before shaking his head. “No, I’m afraid we don’t have anything. And all of our rooms are booked this weekend. Might I recommend the hotel down the road?”

Damn it. There’s no way this is happening. Everyone else has gotten to their rooms without a hitch and here you are, alone in the lobby as you pull out your phone to call Keeley. There’s no way this is fucking happening. 

“Everything alright?” asks a voice behind you, and you jump. 

“They don’t have a room for me, and they’re fully booked,” you explain. 

Jamie looks at the concierge, who shrugs apologetically, then back to you. He asks, “Why don’t you share with me?” and you frown. 

“I thought you were rooming with Declan,” you say. 

Jamie lifts a shoulder. “Yeah, but he switched with Richard because O’Brien fucking snores and he don’t give a shit.”

You say, “So you’re with Richard, then,” and he shakes his head. 

“Nah, Richard’s with Jan.”

“I thought Dani was with Jan,” you say. These fucking footballers. What’s the point in having set rooms if they’re just going to switch it all up.

“Dani is with Jan,” Jamie says patiently, as if this all the most obvious thing in the world. “But Dani’s a cuddler, so he’s probably going to fucking end up with, I don’t know, Isaac or someone. Which means I get a room all to meself.”

“Right,” you say slowly. “Alright, I can do that. As long as you don’t mind.”

Jamie winks. “Sharing a room with a pretty girl for four days? Ain’t a problem, love.”

You laugh and follow him to the elevator.

—

It feels a bit like playing with fire, agreeing to room with Jamie. Especially since you’re freshly single and definitely open to a rebound. But there will be two beds and a lot of space and anyway, you’ll be busy with the match and social media, respectively. 

Except as soon as you walk through the door, you realize there’s a tiny little hitch.

“There’s one bed,” you blurt out, so surprised you’re unable to filter your words. Jamie blushes a little bit as he says, “Yeah, um, Cockburn and I hate sleeping alone, so we asked for one. He grew up sharing a bed with his brothers and I just fucking hate being alone. I can sleep on the couch if you want.”

“No,” you say firmly, “you need good rest. It’s not a problem.”

It’s not a problem. 

Or at least it wouldn’t have been if Isaac had been a shittier captain. 

But as it is he’s great, so he’s got the whole team going out to dinner at a pre-determined location complete with a dress code of no t-shirts and apparently you count as part of the team, so you have to go too. You’re in your massive bathroom trying to curl your disgusting travel hair when Jamie walks in wearing one of those white hotel bathrobes.

He asks, “You mind if I’m in here?” so you shake your head, struck temporarily mute by his bare clavicle. Fucking hell, you feel like a repressed Victorian woman. 

Jamie says, “Mint,” and goes about his alarmingly detailed skincare routine. You’re pretty sure you’re done with your hair so you crane your neck in an attempt to check the back. 

“Missed a spot,” Jamie says. “Want me to get it for you?”

You shoot him a dubious look but hand him the curler. He runs a hand through your hair, picking up the offending strand and it’s all you can do not to shiver. 

“Mum taught me,” he explains and you nod ever so slightly, not wanting him to accidentally burn your neck. Jamie says, “All good,” and runs his whole hand through your hair this time, making the curls bounce. 

You choke out, “Thanks,” and hurriedly put away your things, desperate to leave before Jamie can pick up on the fact that you can barely handle being in the same room as him, and that you have great concerns about what the night will bring. 

—

“You look fucking hot,” is the first thing Rebecca says when you meet her in the lobby. Keeley looks mildly offended that Rebecca took the words out of her mouth, but she just laughs and taps your arm. 

“Gonna break a few hearts tonight, yeah?” she grins.

You’re not sure about that, especially since dinner turns out to be a very domestic affair. It’s loud, sure, but it’s definitely toned down since it’s a pre-match celebration instead of a post-match one. You’re with Sam, Keeley, and Roy with Jamie far, far away. You push all thoughts of him from your brain only for memories of your ex to surface. You frown. 

“The fuck’s wrong with you?” Roy says and for a moment, you think he’s talking to you. But he’s actually talking to Jamie who has moved from his place across the restaurant to right behind your chair. 

“Fuck off grandad,” Jamie says good-naturedly. “Wanted to tell this one that some of the lads are going out dancing after this. Not too late,” he hastily adds at Roy’s burning scowl, “just for two hours and we’re only allowed one drink.”

You’re pretty sure that’s a bit more liberal than Roy likes, but he nods his head slightly so he must be in a good mood.

“So, you coming?” Jamie asks and before you can reply Sam and Keeley chorus, “Yes she is.”

You give Keeley a Look before turning back to Jamie. “Guess I am,” you reply.

The smile Jamie gives you does more to make your head spin than any amount of alcohol you’ve had in your lifetime.

—

Jamie has taken it upon himself to wipe that frown off your face. He might have been watching you over dinner and that might have been why he chose that exact moment to invite you out, but he’ll never fucking admit it to anyone except Sam. And Keeley. And maybe Cockburn when it was the off-season and they were a little tipsy. (But not drunk, never drunk.) 

So yeah, sue him if he’s spinning you around on the crowded dance floor just because it makes you laugh. It’s not his fault that he’s been wildly in love with you since the day Higgins hired you. It’s not his fault that you’re easy to be around and have the most beautiful smile he’s seen in his life. 

And fuck, it certainly isn’t his fault you can’t see in yourself what others do. Why you settled for a piece of shit like your ex, he’ll never know. But he’ll be damned if he doesn’t do his best to show you how special you are. He knows you’ll never feel the same about him, but maybe he can help you level up your standards. Maybe if you’re with someone good, it’ll hurt less that it’s not him. 

So he lets you hold his hand for the entirety of the two hours that the team is out and doesn’t say a word when you don’t let go in the cab back to the hotel. 

You’ve gotten that closed-off look in your eyes again, the one that means you’re thinking about your ex, so Jamie knocks his shoulder into yours and asks why he can’t have the password to the team’s Instagram account, which is a sure fire way to get you to lecture him on irresponsibility and aesthetics and the best way to get your eyes to come back to life.

—

Honestly, it’s easier to fall asleep than you might have expected. It’s a big bed and you’re fucking tired. 

You just didn’t expect to wake up in the middle of the night crying, but it’s always fucking like this when you go through a breakup. You go to sleep fine and wake up sad, so you do your best not to wake up Jamie except you’ve both ended up entangled in each other’s arms, so he can feel you shaking. 

“Hey,” Jamie says in a soft voice, “You’re okay, love.”

You half expect him to push you away once he realizes you’re so close, but he only pulls you closer and presses a kiss to your forehead. Maybe it’s because you’re both half-asleep, but it feels like the most natural thing in the world. 

You sigh and settle into him, drifting off in a matter of moments. 

—

You wake up to a pair of blue eyes watching you. 

“How you feeling?” Jamie asks, voice gravelly with sleep. 

You just blink at him. It’s hard to form coherent sentences within the first ten seconds of waking up, and even harder with the memory of Jamie’s arms around you last night. 

Wait. Not just the memory. The present reality because neither of you have moved. 

Jamie misinterprets your silence and begins to extricate his arms.

“Sorry,” he says, “I’m not to trying to like, cross and fucking boundary or something. Should’ve left you alone.”

You’re still not awake enough to talk so you grab him to stop him from moving away. He gives you a questioning look so you say, “I wouldn’t have agreed to share a bed if I thought you were a creep.”

Jamie grins. “So like, if Jan had offered to share a room you’d’ve said no.”

You wrinkle your nose as you say, “Jan’s not a creep.”

“He’s the fucking worst,” Jamie grumbles, “And anyway, can we not talk about Jan fucking Maas this early in the morning?”

“Sure,” you say, “let’s talk about something else.”

Despite your comment, you both lapse into silence. You’re enraptured by Jamie’s blue eyes. You’ve never been able to study them this close before, and you want to take this opportunity to memorize every fleck of green. 

Jamie seems to have a similar thought, except his gaze flicks to your lips. 

“I have morning breath,” you tell him and he says, “Real men don’t give a shit, babe,” before leaning forward.

It’s softer than you’d expected, sweeter. 

It’s also strange to think that you’re making out with Jamie in bed, and that he’s the one who initiated it.

The thought is so absurd that you giggle, mid-kiss. Jamie breaks away and says, “Oi, there’s no way that was a shit kiss.”

“No,” you say between giggles, “it’s just weird that we’re doing this. Like, how are we supposed to look each other in the eye after?”

Jamie moves so he can look at you better, and you roll from your side to your back. “What do you mean?” he asks.

“Oh come on, we share a room and a bed, we kiss because I have all these sad feelings and you’re feeling a lot of emotions about the match, and then we have to work together after. It’s silly.”

Jamie cocks his head. “That’s what you think is happening?”

“Yes?” you say. None of this is going how it’s supposed to. “What do you think is happening?”

“I like you,” he says, and there is absolutely no mistaking his meaning. 

“Oh,” you reply in a small voice. “Since when?”

“Since before you started dating the twat. When Higgins introduced ya to the team.”

“That’s a fucking long time ago!” you exclaim. “Were you ever going to tell me?”

Jamie rubs his face. “Yeah, ‘cept you showed up to work tellin’ everyone how you started dating the twat. And I ain’t a home wrecker.”

You groan. “Fuuuck. I literally only dated him to try to get over you.”

Jamie shoots up. “What?!”

“Yeah,” you say, “I’ve been like a little bit in love with you ever since you winked at me during that first promo I did.”

Jamie blows out a breath. “Okay. Think that’s enough talking. C’mere. We’re making out proper, like, then we’re going to breakfast.”

You grin as you climb onto his lap. 

[buckybarnesb-tch]

Hybrids Mafia Princess Pt4

Warning: SMUT! Oral (F receiving), loss of virginity, anal sex, brief mentions of SA

Tag List: @a-beaverhausen @ranisingsnew @ronswhoree @susannahmikaelson @skulliecadaver-blog @yeaiamme2 @nataliewalker93 @luz09

Getting passed the guards on the property was easier than he expected, climbing up and tapping on her window. Y/n looked over, confused by the sound before seeing him and letting Klaus see the adorable “stunned” expression she wore.

‘What are you doing here?! Have you lost your mind? You could have been shot at the party we were at, now imagine what my father will do to you here, in my bedroom no less…how did you get passed the guards?’ She wondered and he smirked, sending a jolt of excitement down her spine.

‘I’m very sneaky. I told you this wasn’t over, remember?’ He teased her and while she giggled, she moved passed him to the window, opening it again and looking around.

‘It was sweet of you to come here but you need to go. I don’t want to be the reason you-‘ he cut off her ramblings as she turned, pressing his lips to hers gently. ‘Well maybe you could stay for a moment.’

‘Just a moment.’ He assured her, kissing her again, their lips meeting roughly.

‘Then you have to…have to go-‘

‘Have to go.’ He agreed and stepped forward, leading Y/n backwards until her back hit the mattress. ‘God, you’re gorgeous, fucking beautiful!’ Klaus pressed his lips to her jaw once she stopped for air, pinning her down and continuing to kiss her neck, sucking a dark mark onto her perfect skin before sinking his fangs into her.

Klaus had always heard how a mates blood tasted better than any other person in the world and he could now attest to that. As her blood flooded his mouth he couldn’t repress the moan that escaped him, her hips humping up against his cock which was practically ready to explode in his pants like he was a 14 year old boy. Y/n’s fingers were buried in his short blond locks, holding tightly as he continued grinding his hips down and Klaus knew how desperate he was making her.

‘Such a good girl, letting Daddy take care of you like this.’ She made a soft mewling sound, unable to get any words to form on her lips as she panted, Klaus’ hands holding tight to her thighs and not letting up as he kept pushing his hard cock against her. ‘You’re gonna cum for me Princess, Daddy’s gonna get you nice and wet before you take my cock.’

‘Nngh…Daddy!’ She moaned, hands holding onto his back so tightly that if he were human he would definitely bruise.

‘That’s right baby, Daddy’s here, making your pussy feel so good…You’re gonna let Daddy fuck your pretty pussy, aren’t you? Gonna let Daddy love you just like you need.’ She nodded quickly, him rutting against her just right before her head hit the mattress and Klaus quickly clamped his hand over her mouth as she came with a loud cry, unable to stop herself and it was the cutest thing the Hybrid had ever seen. ‘Such a good girl, Princess, just relax, Daddy will take care of everything.’ Klaus promised, moving to pull his shirt over his head, feeling her warm fingers on his skin almost instantly. Her shirt came off next along with her sleep pants and panties, leaving her completely exposed to his mercy and she didn’t seem to think anything was wrong with that.

Klaus knew he needed to protect this girl, her father had really fucked her up if she’s this trusting with him already and he is just thankful that it’s him that found her this vulnerable. He’s going to take advantage of it of course, but he won’t hurt her, not at all. He’s going to make her feel so good she’ll never even think about leaving him.

‘Klaus…I’ve never-‘

‘I know. It’s alright, I’m gonna take such good care of you. You’re Daddy’s baby now, and Daddy takes care of what belongs to him.’ He unhooked his belt and pulled down both his pants and boxer briefs just enough to free his cock and her eyes went wide. Klaus didn’t have the longest cock but his was always the thickest women had ever had (a result of his werewolf genes even when dormant), and he knew he had to be gentle. He also knew that being gentle and making her first time perfect would ensure she trusted him even more as he knew every man who had ever flirted with her had been aggressive about it, probably scaring the poor innocent girl even more he realized as he saw the fear in her eyes that he decided he did not like from his mate. ‘Don’t be scared…we don’t have to do this, we can stop right now if you don’t-‘

‘No, please don’t? I want you to enjoy it, I can do that. I can make you feel good, Daddy.’

His wolf practically purred in his chest at the idea that his mate wants to please him and would clearly let him fuck her any which way he wanted…maybe even in my wolf form- He quickly cut off that line of thought from his beast before getting back on track.

‘Princess, I love that you want to make me happy but I need to take care of you. That’s a Daddy’s job. You are going to love every second of this and if I hurt you the tiniest bit you are to tell me right away…you’re mine now. I won’t hurt you, I won’t be like everyone else in your life…I promise.’ The tears welling up in her eyes were almost cute and she pulled him down to press her lips to his passionately, desperately, needy for him as she wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him close so his cock now rested against her slit. He couldn’t control the groan that came from him when he felt her wet heat against his sensitive, hard length and he quickly took hold of himself and pressed into her slowly, pausing about halfway in when she squeaked suddenly. ‘Take a second and relax your muscles, that will help, relax for Daddy.’ Klaus pressed his lips to her neck, sucking hard and leaving a dark love bite on her perfect pale skin.

‘I’m okay. More.’ She urged and he smiled, pressing in further, not stopping this time until he bottomed out. ‘So full…didn’t know I could feel like this…please move?!’ Y/n begged and he obliged right away, pulling his hips back and easing back in again. He did that several more times before thrusting up into her and enjoying her squeal before clamping his hand over her mouth again.

‘There’s Daddy’s good girl, so fucking good for me!’ He growled, the beast in the back of his mind purring in contentment as his mate allowed him to take her as he wanted, thrusting into her like a man possessed. ‘Perfect fucking pussy, squeezing me so good! You have the most perfect cunt I’ve ever felt, like velvet wrapped around me. She’s treating Daddy so good, never gonna stop fucking you! You’re all mine now. My! Fucking! Pussy!’ He growled, a thrust punctuating his last 3 words before she squealed under his hand, squeezing his cock hard as she came before feeling something hot filling her up inside. It was a feeling that she immediately loved and wanted more of as Klaus pulled himself out of her pussy and kissed her face several times. He rolled off of her and pulled her to his side instantly, kissing her head and snuggling as they both relaxed.

‘Did you mean it?’ He looked down at where she rested on his chest, raising his brows in question. ‘When you said I’m all yours now…did you mean it or…or was this just a one time thing? I-I have to know cause…so many men want to fuck me. Some cause they want on my Dads good side…some cause they want to say they stuck their cock in James Barnes daughter, and a lot want to…doesn’t matter-‘

‘No, what were you going to say?’

‘It doesn’t matter, I-‘

‘It does matter, tell me…a lot of them want to what?’ He demanded, suddenly quite serious and she cringed.

‘A lot of men want revenge on my father and…I wasn’t supposed to know but a lot of men have threatened to…hurt me…to get back at him. He killed them of course but the point is I don’t just want to be used…I want someone to love me no matter how pathetic that sounds-‘

‘That doesn’t sound pathetic…my father was an abusive piece of shit and that’s all I wanted all my life too…I understand.’ He explained, feeling close enough to tell her something only his siblings are aware of.

‘The point is I just-I need to know if I’m gonna wake up tomorrow and never see you again. It’s okay if-if you just wanted to fuck me, I would understand but please tell me the truth?’

His mate doubted him. He couldn’t say he didn’t understand, she’s been through hell in her life and she knows how many men just want to use and abuse her, she’s smart to be cautious…If not a bit late about it. ‘There’s a lot I need to tell you about myself, but right now you need to know that I knew the moment I first saw you that you were it for me. I’m in love with you Y/n, and I could not physically care any fucking less about your father. In fact I want to take you right now out that window and never come back, keep you by my side for eternity and get away from this horrible environment-‘

‘You would run away with me?’ She asked, hope in her voice and he instantly knew she would go anywhere he wanted with him.

‘In a heartbeat. We’ll do it, we’ll run away together. Whenever you’re ready Princess, but you need to understand, I meant everything I said to you. You are mine, every inch of you and I will never need another women again. I will never be with anyone but you, this perfect little cunt-‘ he spoke, hand cupping her sex and feeling her wetness against his fingers instantly. ‘-is the only one I will ever need again. This body is Daddy’s now, all mine to play with however I want…isn’t it? You’ll let Daddy play with you, won’t you?’ She nodded quickly, panting like a dog in heat as the heel of his hand rubbed over her clit roughly. ‘Let Daddy fuck this pussy however I want…will you let Daddy play with all your holes?’ His wet fingers trailed back down her slit and pressed between her cheeks to find her tight little asshole waiting for him to play with. She gasped as he pressed against the tight muscle, rubbing over it firmly and watching her eyes flutter as she nodded her head quickly.

‘P-please? Please Daddy?’

‘Does Daddy have a desperate little anal slut on his hands? I bet you are, you’re gonna beg your Daddy to fuck your tight little bum. I will always make you feel good Babygirl.’ He told her, pushing 2 of his wet fingers into her tight hole. ‘I won’t fuck you like this until I can hear you scream as loud as you need to for me, Daddy can’t wait until he can hear every sound he can drag out of your slutty little mouth. Until then though-‘ he placed his other hand over her mouth before sliding down her body and pressing a kiss to her clit, licking up her slit and tasting their combined pleasure, his wolf purring once again from deep in his chest. He thrust his fingers into her asshole as he ate her out, desperate to make her cum all over again only to freeze when there was suddenly a loud knock at her door.

‘Y/n? What are those noises? Are you hurt?’ She didn’t respond, looking down at Klaus terrified but he just gestured for her to respond to Steve. ‘Answer me or I’m coming in, and I don’t care how dressed you are!’

‘Steve, I’m…I’m masterbating! And I don’t know how my dad would feel about you talking to me while my fingers are inside my cunt!’

‘Oh Jesus! Christ Y/n, just-just keep it down! Goodnight!’ He hissed, stomping off down the hall just before she moaned again, Klaus sucking her clit hard and curling his fingers just right before his mate suddenly squirt all over his mouth causing the moan that the Hybrid let out as he came on the blanket underneath him.

‘You are so fucking perfect!’ He panted, wiping his mouth before sliding up her body and pressing his lips to hers desperately.

Y/n took his face in her hands and caressed his stubbly jaw. ‘I want to leave this house. This state, I want to go have a life with you away from all of this horrible pain. My father is…he’s a monster and if we don’t go I’m going to have to watch him kill you next. Tell me we can go, I’ll grab my stuff, go right now and-‘

‘Shh, Shh, Shh. Wait a second Princess. Yes, we can go but not tonight. I need to make sure everything is done in the house first-‘

‘House?’ She wondered and Klaus looked down, feigning embarrassment.

‘I uh…I already found us a place…I hoped I could convince you to go with me. It’s a great place in the woods in Washington state, far away from here and from your fathers reach. I will make you happy Babygirl, I promise. Just give me 2 days. 2 days and we’re gone I promise.’

‘You promise?’

‘Promise. Now let Daddy hold you before I have to go.’ He kissed her head gently, holding her firmly against his body and wishing he didn’t have to let her go. ‘First night in the house I’m holding you all night long, I will wake up with my Princess in my arms and never let you go again.’

‘I…I love you Nik.’ Y/n whispered, nuzzling into his neck to drift off with her Daddy’s arms around her tired body.

‘I love you too, Princess. You’re all mine now. Don’t you forget it.’

And she was. Klaus would never let her go now, no matter what he had to do to ensure it.

Klaus Mikaelson Masterlist

Hybrids Mafia Princess Series

[st4rryhyuck]

Just Like You Imagined

Paring 〉Pervy! Bf hyuck x Fem reader

Warnings 〉somnophilia, lap riding, unprotected sex, pet names (doll, baby), haechan fighting his inner urges (he gives in…), dirty talk LOTS of it, fingering, hyucks lowkey obsessed with your boobs

Genre 〉Smut

Summary 〉After willingly teasing your bf, he believes you have no clue about what you're doing. Feeling guilty as his tempting thoughts fill him. He can’t help but give in as you fall asleep on his lap.

Don't like don't read!

Haechan hated himself for his thoughts. Seeing you walk into his apartment with a tight black tank top and a skirt made him burn up.

“Baby” you coo softly, sitting on his bed with your legs slightly spread open. Haechan swallows his saliva as he doesn’t dare turn back. He knows he won’t be able to control his eyes if he turned around to see you in that outfit.

“What’s wrong?” You ask concernedly, you didn’t know what was wrong with him. He’s only looked at you twice since you walked in and didn’t even bother to hug you. “What? What would be wrong? Nothings wrong” he shakes his head.

You sigh, thinking he was still angry about the last time you messed up his controller when the both of you played video games.

“I can just buy you a new controller if you want, I’m sorry I kinda broke it the last time”

He’s eyebrows furrow in confusion “what?” He turns around slightly “you’re mad about last week, aren’t you? The controller?” You question.

He chuckles to himself, you were completely oblivious he thought “no baby you don’t need to buy me a new one. I’m not mad about anything” he smiles as he fully turns to you now.

He moves up next to you in hopes it would be easier for him to control his mind. If he can’t see you in front of him he’s fine, right?

“Why are you acting so weird then?”

He sighs to himself. Controlling his thoughts ended up in you questioning his love for you, he hates himself even more as he looks into your worried eyes.

“I’ve just been stressed baby, come here” haechan smiles. You jump on him eagerly, pulling him into a hug as you sit on his lap. He groans as you squirm, he could feel your heat through his sweats as you sit directly on his cock.

He expect a hug but this was torture for him. Not only were your tits pressed against his chest but you were straddling him in a skirt.

He tries to calm himself down before you could feel him get hard. Haechan thought about everything expect of your squirming in hopes to drown out the urge to fuck you senseless.

Neither of you have had sex yet. You either thought he wasn’t ready or he thought you weren’t which ended up in both of you completely avoiding the topic all together.

You were hoping he would do something. Touch you, kiss you. Anything. You acted like you had no clue of what you were doing but you did.

You end up in his arms as he watches tv with you on his lap. His mind finally calms down as you start to drift into sleep.

“Baby?”

Haechan whispers to you a few times, wondering if you fell asleep or not. He shakes you lightly but you hug him tighter in your sleep. He smiles at the way you buried your face into his chest, soft breaths leaving you as you sleep soundly.

Just as he was getting lost in the show he felt you squirm on his lap again causing him to whine. He looks down at you quickly, your eyes still closed and lips curled as you slowly swayed onto him.

He looks at you confused, wondering if you were uncomfortable. “Fuck” he hisses as he catches onto the fact that you're fucking yourself onto his lap as you sleep. Slurred chants of his name spilled from you as you runt onto his lap.

His lips curl as he watches your tits squeeze onto his chest with every small sway. “Haechann…”

He throws his head back in agony. His cock bulges through his sweat pants as you rub onto him faster, mouth slightly open as he watches you intently.

He tries his best to pay his full attention to the show that was playing. Muttering to himself as you grind onto him “you’re going to be the death of me“

Your whines and hums grow louder as you fuck yourself onto his lap harder as whatever dream plays out inside your head. He can’t take it. He was trying so hard. But temptation got the best of him.

He lifts you slowly as he slides his sweats down to his knees. His arms wrap around your waist as he holds you to his chest, cuffing your panties with his fingers and moving them to the side.

His body feels like it’s on fire as his fingers graze over your puffy folds. Two of his fingers dip into you softly. He watches you closely making sure you don’t wake up.

“Fuck y/n… can’t help it…” he whines as his eyes land on your tits. Your boob slightly falls out showing the smallest amount of nipple as your tank top slips down with every movement.

His other hand pulls your top completely down, bare chest on him as he pulls his fingers out and licks them clean in a hum. Everything in him was telling him to stop but he couldn’t. No matter how much he told himself he was horrible for doing this he didn’t stop.

Seeing you like this made him feel like he was living in a dream. His movements were so slow you still managed to stay asleep. He aligns himself under you, pushing inside you slowly as you stretch out for him.

You twitch in his arms causing him to freeze for a moment before continuing to sink you onto his lap. His mind goes blank as he takes in the feeling of your pussy squeezing him.

You furrow your eyebrows as you squirm a bit, his hands on your hips as he allows your body to adjust. As soon as you stop moving he lifts you softly and thrusts into you as slowly as he could.

His restrain is less and less as your slick-filled walls make it so easy for him to fuck you. His pace picked up, causing the sound of slapping skin to fill the room.

You groggily awake from hard thrusts, your eyes growing wide as you look up and see haechans eyes rolled back while he stuffs you with his cock.

You let out a quiet squeal as you come back to the real world. “Ha- haec-“ you whimper. His eyes shoot down to yours as he hears your voice. Your mouth falls open as he thrusts into you harder “I’m sorry baby I am. But I c- couldn’t help it when you look so pretty” He shakily hisses.

Even though you woke up with him inside of you, you weren’t scared or worried. You were surprised sure but you didn’t mind getting woken up like this. Although you would never say it you were hoping this would happen.

Your arms wrap around his shoulders as he’s slamming into you full force. Your body acing from his size as he fucks you like his new personal toy “look so fucking pretty doll. Could do this all day” haechan pants, his fingers digging into your hips as you pick up the pace and start to slam onto his lap with the mix of his thrusts.

Your body burns hot as you look at him, his teary eyes and puffy lips indent with teeth marks making you moan. You cup his face, kissing him hungrily as you both moan into each other's mouths.

“Cum in me haechan, please. Need you” you cry out as you feel your stomach turn into knots. He groans at your words, fucking you harder as he imagined himself filling you full with his cum.

“Want me to fill you up doll? Really? My pretty girl wants me to fuck her full?”

“Yes yes yes”

Haechan smiles at your pleads as you spit out a jumbled mess of words as you shake, orgasm hitting you hard as you bury yourself into his neck.

Tears stream down your cheeks as he fucks you through your orgasm “only I can touch you like this yeah? Only I can stretch your sweet pussy out and fuck you onto my lap. Want you to give me these panties ok? Soaked in your cum, need them as a reminder” he hums with his head thrown back.

You nod your head eagerly as you feel his pace get sloppy, his long thrusts turning into fast slams as he feels himself twitch inside you. A loud moan leaves him as he drowns in ecstasy.

His cock pumps you full of his sticky seed while slowly fucking it into you. His body shakes as he stays buried inside you, hugging you onto his chest tightly as you both come down from the orgasms.

“I’m sorry” haechan mutters as he lifts your face to him “don’t be, I loved it” you smile as he palms your face and kisses you.

“I know… but I should’ve asked… I j- just couldn’t help it when you were riding me through my sweats.”

Your eyes shoot up in confusion “huh?”

“ you were fucking yourself onto my lap… moaning my name and whining” he hums, pulling out of you as he presses a kiss onto your forehead.

“I must’ve been dreaming”, you fell onto his chest hugging him tightly as you take in his warmth. “You looked pretty baby, look even prettier when I’m fucking you tho” haechan smiles.

“You can fuck me while I’m sleeping whenever you want” you coo teasingly, dragging your finger down his chest as you press a kiss onto his jaw.

“Definitely will” hyuck purrs into your neck. Nuzzling himself in your neck as his arms pin you against his chest.

Both of you drift into sleep shortly after you take in each other's warm bodies. Haechans last thought is to wake up before you to repeat everything.

[muldermuse]

love love loving the Two Sinners series! Best I’ve read! Keep it up!!

Wondering what would happen if they got one of those remote controlled vibrators that can be controlled by the other one.

Maybe they can’t see each other for a while so reader wears it all day and gets an unexpected surprise at at awkward moment OR Gator inserts it and reader is in control OR they are both at some event in public and are controlling the devices just to fuck with each other.

CHURCH POT LUCK

CHURCH POT LUCK

CHURCH. POT. LUCK.

nsfw below the cut. mdni. <3

you'd seen Gator quickly in the morning, he was on the overnight shift so could visit you before heading home to Glenda. whenever he came to see you at the ass crack of dawn, he'd always have to decency to drop off a black mcdonalds coffee (he always plays it off that he drank a gatorade and couldn't finish it but really it's because he knows that it's your fav cheap takeaway coffee)

he fucks you so soft and slow on mornings like this. you're both exhausted and using all your remaining energy to make the other feel good. he kisses deep into your mouth to swallow your soft whines for him. his breath is hot against your neck, leaving soft bites against your neck; damp with both of your perspiration. "thought about this all fuckin' night long", it's mumbled quietly against your skin. you both smile to yourselves. neither of you last long and usually, Gator would fall asleep wrapped around you for an hour before heading home. but today he's scrabbling off you to get dressed- it's the Church Pot Luck. the event that takes over his home life because Glenda fucking loves it.

he's lost in his thoughts as he shoves his feet into his boots. considering how he won't be able to sleep when he gets home, how Glenda will have him tasting her bland soup for confirmation of how good it was and how his Father would criticise him for not helping enough. a sudden vibration behind his ear pulled him from his thoughts.

"what the fuck is that?" he sounds exasperated, which is not the mood you wanted to go for at all.

"it's a toy for us, to make the pot luck more bearable" you've wrapped your blanket around yourself, deciding that you'll probably stay in bed naked until it's time to get dressed.

Gator shakes his head, "'s always fuckin' somethin' on this day- you're not even a fuckin' part of the church. why do you go? just to make me miserable?". You grin and nod as you press a quick kiss to his cheek. He smiles despite himself.

you drop the blanket and crawl into the middle of the bed, sliding the small but sleek silicone vibrator inside you. that feeling alone has you flustered and you're trying to stifle a moan before you can speak. "it's a remote control vibrator, that pink thing on the table? it controls the vibrations" you drop your voice to sound as subby as possible, "jus' want you to be in control today, Sir". a deep red flush crosses his complexion as he squeezes his hardening cock through his boxers.

"baby, i don't have time for this i gotta go" he heads out as you shout at him if he doesn't want to use it, you'll invite another date instead.

he texts you 15 minutes later, telling you to wear the vibe.

you reply a few hours later as you pull up to the potluck simply saying, do your worst.

***

you sneak into the potluck. you don't want to draw attention to yourself. a few colleagues from work are standing in a corner and wave you over. they hand you a cup of spiked punch that you sip slowly; trying to calm your nerves. you blend into the conversation seamlessly, almost forgetting about the pink toy nestled against your walls.

until it turns on. it's like a lightning bolt.

you'd neglected to mention to Gator that it has a variety of settings. he didn't just have to turn up it to 11. i mean you had told him to do his worse. what makes it worse, is that everyone notices. your friends crowd around you and talk over each other as the vibrations continue, "oh my god are you okay?", "lemme grab you a chair" and "is this your back again?". you reassure them that you're fine and grab another cup of the sickly sweet spiked punch. you try to focus on the false coconut of the malibu rather than how close you're getting to cumming in this church.

then, it stops.

you take the respite to seek out your tormentor. Gator's arm is around Glenda's waist but his eyes are locked on yours. he's smirking at you, your eyes follow his hand into his pocket and you immediately feel the vibrations start again. it feels more intense than before, if you were alone in your room you'd be screaming. you keep staring at Gator as you bite your lip hard enough to draw blood.

he does this agonising routine throughout the event until finally- you have to sneak into the bathroom and make yourself cum. your hand trembles as you pull the lock across, you softly moan as you pull your underwear down your trembling legs whilst the vibrations continue. you try not to look at yourself in the small mirror hanging above the sink. the cool touch of the sink contrasts the burning touch of your body.

you're so close to the edge, that you're finally allowing yourself to be lost in the overwhelming sensation. and then, again, it stops.

you cry out like you're in pain. there's a small knock on the door and you hear Gator's hushed voice tell you to open the door.

once he's in the cramped room with you, he's quick to put his hand around your throat and he takes your damp underwear in his other hand. a chaste kiss is placed against your forehead as he whispers, "'m gonna make you cum now okay baby? but i've gotta put these in your mouth to make sure you stay quiet. such a loud girl for me aren't you?". your nod is desperate as he pushes your panties past your lips, you savour the tangy taste of your own arousal. Gator quickly pulls your tits out of your dress and runs this thumb and forefinger against your pebbled nipples.

you look at his reflection as the vibration starts again. it's all too much, his strong hand around your throat, your own fucked reflection in the mirror, the panties in your mouth, and the changing pressure on your nipples. it hits you so fucking hard and it feels so fucking good. your legs are shaking, and your whole body is quivering as you see Gator smirk in the mirror at the sight before him.

he switches it off once you've come down, he kisses you, and takes the wet panties from your mouth. he mutters a quiet "fuck" as he slips them into his pocket and leaves without saying goodbye.

[a-small-safe-place]

She Likes a Boy, and I’m not a Boy.

Queen Maeve x Fem!Reader

Summary: Your girlfriend joins the new superhero team, The Seven, and breaks up with you. This is loosely based on the unreleased song by Nxdia on TikTok. Literally just the “she likes a boy, I’m not a boy” part because a lot of sapphic people can relate to that line.

Margaret knew you were proud of her when she joined The Seven. You were proud of her for anything she did as “Queen Maeve,” but not in the same way her dad would be proud. You weren’t proud of her because it would bring you money or fame; you were proud of her because she was doing good in the world. You didn’t mind keeping your relationship quiet either. You understood that it could lead to more problems for you and definitely more problems for Queen Maeve if the masses found out that her secret identity was dating a woman, even when she was still a small-time hero.

She was fine keeping you a secret when she first joined The Seven, even once she and Homelander started their showmance. Margaret still would sneak around to see you. She would reassure you that it’s just for the cameras and that this was for the best for you two. That’s what Maeve thought, until Homelander made a move on her away from the cameras. She struggled to find the words to tell him no because she had been warned of the damage he could do when he got mad.

Homelander frowned, "No? Why not? You’re single, I’m single. We are both superheroes with super strength, so we don’t have to worry about hurting each other," he argued. Maeve noticed the way his eyes flickered with a strange emotion when he brought up hurting each other. Maeve wondered who exactly he had hurt in the past to warrant that reaction. The thought quickly left her head; she didn’t care about that right now.

"I’m just not looking for a relationship. I like my privacy," Maeve countered. Homelander scoffed as if the notion of privacy was ridiculous.

"Come on, the minute you became Queen Maeve, you lost your right to privacy. You know that as well as I do. I mean, come on, my secret identity, 'John,' only fooled people for a week. It’s going to be no time before they see 'Margaret' for who she really is," Homelander made it seem as if she had no choice.

Maeve finally agreed to "date" him, but she still wanted to keep seeing you, trying her best to keep you away from Homelander. She hated herself for having to do this, but she didn’t want to lose you. That is until she saw the damage Homelander could do if he was jealous enough. At a Vought party, a bartender had been flirting with Maeve. She knew the guy was trying to get tips, but she didn’t know Homelander was able to hear the man flirting, and Maeve laughed at a few of his cheesy jokes because they reminded her of something you would say. The day after, Homelander was being far clingier, and then the day after that, the bartender was found dead in his apartment, completely disemboweled. Homelander told her he did it. He said he was jealous because she’s never laughed with him in the same way she laughed with that bartender.

"I know you wouldn’t try to leave me, but the thought of you laughing with that bartender pissed me off," Homelander’s words felt like a threat. Maeve doesn’t sleep that night. She lays awake knowing that she has to break up with you or watch you be strung up by your intestines.

A week passes. Queen Maeve doesn’t contact you in any way. She can’t, not with Homelander being so clingy. Finally, she is able to slip away while he goes somewhere to help Black Noir. She arrives at your apartment.

Maeve knocks.

Before all this, she would just walk in and make herself at home. You open the door. "Margaret? I’ve been worried sick! You haven’t answered any of my texts or calls! I haven’t seen you in over a week," you scold her.

"We need to talk," she says with a plain face and a monotone voice. Maeve feels lucky she has had to master acting during her time as a hero. You let her in and shut the door. She takes a small survey of your space; she knows she won’t be in it again. Maeve wants to remember what she can.

"Is something wrong?" You ask; there’s a hint of sadness in your voice. You know what’s coming. Maeve turns around with a disgusted grimace painted on her face.

"I’ve been cheating on you," is all she says. It’s painful to admit; she wishes she could tell you she didn’t have a choice and that she’s doing this to keep you safe, but she doubles down. "With Homelander. Since our showmance started."

"Why, Maeve?" You ask, and Maeve’s acting fails her for a moment; she frowns. You always called her Margaret before and not Maeve. She responds with the first thing that comes to mind. "He’s a man. You’re not. You didn’t think I would actually stay with a woman? Our relationship wasn’t even real. We never went on public dates. You were never my long-term plan. Forget this relationship ever happened. You’re nothing to me." Maeve leaves without another word. She slams the door. She flinches, knowing you hate that.

Maeve goes home to drink. Homelander repeatedly asks her what’s wrong, but she just responds with "nothing, just having a drink." Eventually, he goes to his own room, leaving Maeve alone in her Vought-provided room. Maeve wants to cry, but she knows he is listening to her, so she continues drowning her sorrows.

Years pass. Queen Maeve is inescapable for you. She’s everywhere. You finally move on from your relationship with Margaret, choosing to tell people that your ex had died. After all, Margaret was dead; she was just replaced by Queen Maeve.

You feel a bittersweet feeling when you see Homelander and Maeve broke up because he was sleeping around. You felt a little bad for her. Getting cheated on sucked. You moved through your life unbothered. That is until she was outed by Homelander as a "lesbian," and then he name-dropped you as her girlfriend. For a moment, Maeve was visibly shocked, but her face quickly reverted to a painfully fake smile. He said your first and last name. You realized that you had also been outed to anyone in your life that would put two and two together.

The next couple of days your phone rang and rang and rang. Family members calling you. Friends calling you. Co-workers. Random numbers. They all wanted the same thing. The hot gossip on your relationship with Maeve. You got a few nasty emails and direct messages on social media from anonymous accounts that were telling you that you and Queen Maeve would rot in hell for your sins, and a few threats from people that were convinced you corrupted Maeve. You had to take some personal time from work. Maeve eventually showed up at your apartment.

"We need to talk." The last time she said those words to you, she practically tore your heart out of your chest. This time she didn’t wait for you to let her in; she just pushed past you. Just like the last time, she takes in your apartment. You had gotten quite a few upgrades for the apartment.

"Are you here because of the talk show from the other day?" You ask; if you weren’t irritated by the situation, your voice would likely sound sad. "Yes," is all Maeve says. So she’s not really here for you. She’s not here to apologize.

"Well, you can feel free to leave; I’m not a boy, remember?" The words are bitter when they fall from your mouth. You’re not thinking when you say it. "I don’t want you to hate me anymore. I wanted to be with you. I did, but if I stayed, I would have put you in danger."

Of course, she’s deflecting. "So you cheated for my own good? That sounds so stupid," you scoff.

Maeve becomes very serious. "Being a hero isn’t what you think. It’s not about actually helping people. It’s about being a product that can be sold and palatable for the masses." After she says this, you take a seat and wait for her to continue. "Most of the heroes are narcissistic assholes that have no business having powers. They’re dangerous, and Homelander is the most dangerous."

"Homelander? Seriously? He’s like Jesus or something?" It’s hard to believe the top hero is a monster.

"Please, believe me," she begs. Maeve begins to explain what happened with the bartender right before she broke up with you. Maeve explains everything that she can without possibly endangering you.

"Maeve, I had no idea," you tell her. "I know what I said and did all those years ago was unforgivable, but I didn’t want to risk you trying to come and find me again," she says, sitting next to you.

Your curiosity gets the better of you, "How did he find out about us?" Maeve’s brow furrows. "I’m not sure. Maybe Vought knew and had a file on you or something, and he found it, but he knows. I don’t expect you to trust me right away, but getting you in the public eye is going to be the best way to keep you safe. If the public loves you, it will look suspicious if you suddenly disappear or die. He won’t touch you right now, but this is a short-term solution." You don’t respond.

"Vought’s marketing team wants to meet you tomorrow. A car will come pick you up at 3:00 tomorrow," Maeve leaves.

[claiestve]

some isaac fluff/comfort to recover from your last one? 😭

maybe when lover has a really long day with their cases and isaac takes care of them? 🥹

(also love you and your amazing writings 💗)

𝐘𝐨𝐮 & 𝐌𝐞 ꨄ Isaac

˜”* ❝𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝, 𝙢𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙥𝙨.❞

⎯⎯ ୨ ୧ ⎯⎯

ꜱʏɴᴏᴘꜱɪꜱ: ɪꜱᴀᴀᴄ ʜᴇʟᴘꜱ ʏᴏᴜ ᴜɴᴡɪɴᴅ.

⎯୨⎯ " " ⎯୧⎯

“Pickle, I’m gonna go somewhere later, wanna come?” You hear from the other room. It doesn’t ring any bells though because you were so engrossed in your work. Not even looking anywhere that wasn't your laptop. The case you were working on was extremely stressful because there were so many possibilities and you couldn’t afford to make any mistakes. 

The problem with this was, you didn’t have much time for Isaac. He wasn’t too clingy because he knew fully well how much the job takes over the brain. However, he found himself being more… eager. Eager to see you, to hear you, to finally be near you while you guys sleep, all of it. You guessed he was just feeling affectionate but it never crossed your mind that it would be because of your absence. 

“Pickle?”

You still didn’t answer. It’s not like you didn’t hear it. Your body was just so numb to any vocal cues because of how dangerously long you’ve been on this case. 

The door knob rattles a bit before the door opens. Standing in the doorframe is Isaac with a frown on his face. You saw him but it didn’t alarm you like it normally would’ve. On a normal day, you would’ve been very quick to ask what was wrong even if it was something tiny. Not today though.

Isaac approaches you reaching for your hand. 

“You’re doing it again.” He says with a frown. 

“Doing what?” You ask without looking away from your work. 

“You know what. You’re being unresponsive.”

Ironically, you didn’t answer to that. Isaac sighs and sits down next to you. At first, he waited for some kind of acknowledgment from you but after a while, he realized you wouldn’t give any. He sighs a little louder but it’s ignored by you. He tries going for your hand but you didn’t even flinch at that. 

As you're staring at the screen, you can only wonder if you would be able to finish this case with the right information. You seem so lost in the case but your chaotic thoughts are quickly silenced once your screen goes black.

“Hi, Pickle, this is the real world.” Isaac sarcastically greets you but you’re not too fond of it. Of course, Isaac doesn’t care. He wants you to relax, at least for a minute. 

“You’re so annoying.”

“You weren’t answering me! Plus, I missed you.”

“We’re being clingy now, Isaac?” You smile at him. He laughs a little and leans his head on yours. 

“Come to bed, Pickle.”

He gently drags you out of the study by your hand.

“I thought you were going somewhere?”

“It can wait for tomorrow. I’d rather go with you tomorrow than leave you like this but unsupervised.”

He proceeds to take you into the bedroom where you immediately feel at ease even being in there. You could feel a huge weight coming off your shoulders being replaced with excitement to lay down and sleep. Isaac helped you into bed, making you lean on him. 

“How do you feel about oatmeal for breakfast tomorrow, Pickle?”

“Don’t tell me you are planning on making breakfast. I’ll do it.”

“Nope. Tomorrow, you’re going to lay here until it’s time for you to eat.”

You two share some laughter along with other banter. You appreciated Isaac and his efforts. He was always willing to do stuff for you. He’d be unserious, for you. He’d be ‘clingy’, for you. He’d do anything for you. You looked at him and sighed. 

“Thank you, Isaac. It’s been really exhausting these past few days and I’ve missed you a lot.”

“Of course. I noticed how bad it was getting and I had to step in.”

“I love you, Isaac.”

“I love you too, Pickle. Sleep well.”

He kissed your forehead before pulling you in closer. 

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈

so my dumbass asked for requests a while ago and i realized that half of them i didn't do so im making up for it now

thank u 4 requesting, ily

[specialagentlokitty]

Giles x teen!reader - saving from yourself

TW: mentions of self harm and suicidal thoughts

Sitting in the library, you flicked through the pages of the book in front of you, swinging your legs back and forth in your chair.

“Do you want some tea?” Giles asked.

Glancing up, you shook your head and went back to reading your book, and he came over to sit with you.

“May I ask you something?”

You looked up, and you nodded.

“Is.. is everything alright? Most students tend to avoid the library, and I’ve seen you here more than anyone (Y/N).”

“I just like the quiet…”

Giles smiled, nodding his head.

“It definitely is, but wouldn’t you rather be going for lunch?”

“Not hungry…”

“Alright, well if you change your mind I can set that book aside for you.”

You nodded, going back to reading the book and Giles sat there reading a book of his own.

You pushed your book aside and Giles turned his attention to you.

“Mr Giles?”

“Yes?”

You frowned a little, furrowing your brows and then you shook your head.

“Nothing, sorry..”

You stood up and left without another word and Giles sighed.

Taking your book, he set it with his own and went back to reading.

You wondered the hallways, ignoring the bell as it signalled for next class, and you went to your usual hideout spot in the basement.

You hide there for a while before heading back up, going to your locker then you made your way outside, sitting on some steps as you looked around the now empty courtyard.

It was quiet, there was no whispers from people around you, nobody staring at you or making snide remarks.

But it didn’t make anything better, it wouldn’t make anything go away, it would make anything better.

Getting up, you made your way back to the library to carry on reading while students left the school grounds.

Walking in, you were immediately glared at by the students in there.

You never realised there was a class, but thankfully Giles was sorting some books while the teacher was running the class.

Walking over to the librarian you stood next to him.

“Did I uh.. did I leave my book in here?”

You felt a bit of paper hit your head and you sighed.

“Get out of here freak!” One of the students yelled.

“Yeah! You like freak! You don’t need to be here, just get lost!”

You said nothing in return.

The teacher didn’t do anything to stop to horrid remarks and Giles looked to her before looking back at you in confusion.

“My book?” You asked.

“Right.. yes, yes you did. Would you like it?”

Somebody threw something else at you, and you picked it up.

You opened it to see they had written something on it, and Giles quickly took it from your hands.

“Go wait in my office for me.” He said gently.

“It’s fine, sorry to both you.”

“(Y/N) please.”

Giles watched as you left the library, and he looks down at the paper, and he walked over to the teacher in charge to talk to her about it.

You didn’t bother sticking around, you simply just grabbed your jacket and left the school, making your way back home and to your room.

You just laid on your bed, staring at your ceiling, listening to the silence of the house that had somehow become normal.

You didn’t know what to do anymore, it wall felt so pointless.

You heard the ringing of your phone, and you rolled over, picking it up before ending the call straight away.

You knew it was the same kids.

Just as always.

Nothing was different.

Nothing would ever change, no matter what you did, no matter how you tried to fit in.

For the next few days you decided to skip school, not wanting to get out of bed, just laying there, either sleeping or staring at your ceiling.

You wondered if this was all your life was going to be, if maybe all the kids at school were right.

After a while you finally dragged yourself out of your solitude, you showered, got ready for school and made your way there.

You were late, and you made your way towards the library, slowly pushing the door open.

“Hello, can I help?”

Giles came from the shelves up the stairs, and he stopped when he saw you.

“(Y/N), how.. how are you? We haven’t seen you in a few days, are you alright?”

“Can I have my book?”

“Oh, yes, of course. I’ll bring it out.”

You nodded, walking over to the table you sat down and waited for him to come back.

Giles set your book down in front of you, and a cup of tea, then sat down opposite you.

You didn’t speak, you simply just opened your book and looked at the page, but you couldn’t focus on the words.

You couldn’t really focus on much, so, you just sat there and stared at nothing.

“Is everything alright?” Giles asked.

You looked up.

“Yeah…”

Giles sighed, and he took your book away from you, and set it in front of himself.

“I.. I want you to know I spoke to the teacher of that class, as well as the other students. Whatever they have been telling you, don’t listen to it.”

You said nothing, you just slumped down in your chair.

“(Y/N), there is nothing wrong with you, you are not a freak or.. or a monster or any of the sort. Nothing they have been telling you is true, okay?”

You looked at him.

“Maybe it is…”

“Don’t say that, don’t do that to yourself, you are so much more, and worth so much more.”

You shook your head.

“It’s okay Mr Giles, you don’t have to make things up. I can handle the truth, it makes it easier actually.”

Giles furrowed his brows a little bit.

“What does it make easier?” He asked.

You said nothing and Giles got up, he sat on the table in front of you and looked at you, and you did anything to avoid looking at him.

“Please talk to me, tell me what’s going on. How long has this been happening for?”

“Doesn’t matter…”

“Well, it does to me. I know how mean teenagers may be, you needn’t go through this alone, there is always somebody there to listen to you if you need to talk. To help if you need help.”

“What would it matter? I’m not all that important.”

Giles placed his hand on your shoulder, giving it a small squeeze.

“That is far from true, you are more important than you believe. You.. you’re so important, so very important.”

You scoffed a little bit.

“That’s not true.”

“It is, I for one think you are extremely important. You can do things you don’t even realise that, you can do so much more.”

The doors were thrown open and you and Giles both turned to see Buffy stood there.

“Giles we need to talk.”

“Buffy can this wait, I.. I need to speak with (Y/N).”

“It’s important.”

“So is this.” Giles replied.

Buffy walked over and pulled Giles aside.

You watched them and you drank the rest of your tea, grabbing a notepad and pen from your pocket you looked at it.

Your hand trembled, and you wrote quickly, closing the book your set it with the one Giles took from you before you stood up.

You began making your way out of the library.

“(Y/N) we still need to talk!” Giles called.

You turned around and smiled at him.

“Thank you for everything Mr Giles, I’ll go now.”

“(Y/N)!” He called.

You didn’t reply as you left the library, overwashed with these feelings you couldn’t shake.

You felt like you shouldn’t be there, that you should just go.

All these thoughts you had been battling for months were just washing over you again, and this time they were winning.

Going home, you ran a hand down your face.

You had made your peace, with probably the only friend you had, and that was enough.

You couldn’t do it anymore, and you decided you were finally going to let go of everything you had been trying to carry.

Every thought, every doubt, every single thing you were trying to ignore.

You locked your bedroom door, and you looked around you.

There was so many suspicious deaths, nobody was going to question one more, nobody would look too deep into it.

Your phone rang, and you furrowed your brows, picking it up.

“What?”

“Whatever you’re planning on-“

You hung up on the man, and you unplugged the phone, turning your attention to the large blade sitting in front of you.

This was it.

You sat in the corner, rolling up your sleeves, and you hesitated for a moment.

You had a split second of doubt. Then it went, and you dragged the cold metal over you skin.

The pain was intense, and tears burned your eyes.

You just watched as the blood ran down your arm, and you rested your head on the wall, closing your eyes.

It wouldn’t hurt after so long, you knew that, you just had to wait, wait for everything to become dull and fade away.

Maybe that’s why you didn’t hear the pounding on your front door, but you definitely heard the banging on your door.

“(Y/N)!? I.. I’m here with some paramedics!”

Fumbling around, you grabbed the knife again, and you stared at the doors with hazy eyes.

“Go away!” You shouted weakly.

“Open the door or we’re coming in!” A different voice announced.

You held the knife in your hands, and the door was kicked down, but when they all saw you they stopped.

“Put it down.” One of the medics said.

You shook your head.

“Come any closer and I’ll do it..”

They went to stop closer and you pushed the tip of the blade against your chest.

They immediately stopped, and Giles raised his hands.

“H.. hey.. look at me..” he whispered.

You looked at him, clenching your jaw a little.

“I.. I don’t.. I can’t..”

“I understand, but this isn’t the solution to any problem you may be going through right now. If you do this there may never be any coming back…”

“I.. I don’t care…”

Giles rummaged through his pockets and pulled out a bit of paper.

“I think you do. I.. I know you do (Y/N), otherwise you would never have left this for me. You apologised to me for what you were going to do, I.. I think that you asking for help.”

Giles set the paper aside on your desk, and by doing so he managed to take a few steps closer.

You turned your gaze away from him.

“I think you wanted somebody to come, this.. this was you asking for my help, because you want help. You.. you do want help.”

Giles had managed to get close enough to you to placed a hand over yours, moving the blade away.

“Your story hasn’t ended yet, it is far from over, don’t end it this early, please. You reached out for my help, let me help. Please… just.. just let go..”

Your grip loosened on the handles and you finally let him take it.

More tears streamed down your face, and he put it behind him, moving to the other side of you so the paramedics could dive in and help.

You were rushed away, and your wound stitched and bandaged before placed in a room to be watched.

You sat there staring at the wall, glancing at the bandage on your warm and you unwrapped it before reaching for the stitches.

A hand covered yours and you jumped, snapping your gaze up.

“No, no, don’t do that.”

Giles moved your hand away and picked up your bandage, carefully wrapping your arm back up.

You looked away.

“I am glad you’re okay, and I brought something for you.”

Giles taped your bandage back up, then he reached into his bag, pulling your book out and held it out with a smile.

“I’m so sorry…” you sniffled.

Giles sat next you, and he pulled you in for a hug.

“You’ve got nothing to be sorry for, absolutely nothing. You’re safe, that is all that matters, but I need you to do something for me.”

You looked at him.

“Never do anything of this sort again, come find me should you ever, I mean ever feel like this again.”

“I will..”

He smiled and nodded, and he got up, bringing a chair over he sat next to your bed, and you looked at the book.

“Will you read to me Mr Giles.. please..?”

“Of course I will.”

You rested your head back, listening to Giles as read, your hand going back up to your bandage.

“No.”

You moved your hand away, and he went back to reading to you.

Giles had to live day by day know Buffy was in danger, and that was hard enough, but you were the normal side of the world, just a student who loved to play chess and talk about books.

No saving the world.

It was just about saving you so you could have a future, he was mentoring and guiding one group of students on how to save the world and now he was going to guide you on how to get better and see the beauty in living

[laangdonn]

your kiss

summary: a quiet night in victors village leads to something unexpected... or was it so unexpected?

pairing: post!mockingjay peeta mellark x katniss everdeen

a/n: first post! so many stories have been sitting in my drafts for years and I finally decided to start posting for fun :)

*************************

the air was quiet, the atmosphere illuminated by a single flickering candle light coming from the kitchen. i knew peeta was awake and in there; his side of the bed was cold and empty when i jolted awake after the third nightmare. 

but to what he was doing i had no clue, so i strategically made my steps quiet against the creaky wood floors so as not to scare him. i peered around the corner of the archway, seeing him sitting against one of the counters, a full cup of something brown looking beside him. 

is that-? 

“i know you’re there, katniss.” his voice broke the silence and it startled my thoughts to come tumbling through my mouth. 

“since when do you drink?” i choked out nervously at being caught.

he peered down to the full glass beside him, a small smirk playing on his lips before it disappeared completely. “don’t worry, i took a small sip and almost spit it out. don’t know why haymitch likes it so much.” 

i almost laughed, but didn’t find it in me to do so fully. when i didn’t say anything, he did. 

“why are you awake?” 

“i could ask you the same question.” i retorted, leaning against the archway. 

he sighed, closing his eyes and letting his head fall against the light brown cabinets. “couldn’t sleep, figured i’d try haymitch’s suggestions.” 

his eyes opened back up to stare at me, asking his question again without words. 

“nightmare… you weren’t there.” 

“sorry,” he said sleepily, shutting his eyes again. “i was meaning to come back up but i… i guess i just got lost in thought.” 

i contemplated going over and sitting beside him, but i thought against it, not wanting to disturb his peace with the confusion that i know would flood his mind. 

after he came back from the capitol, things were different. not to say things were bad; we just existed together. side by side. sometimes a bit closer than other times. but we took comfort in each other, relished in the others’ existence and continued to be surprised at the fact that we were both alive. 

once i realized the air was quiet again i decided i had found where peeta was and i should be on my way back to bed. 

nodding at his previous words, i slowly maneuvered my way off the archway and spun on my heel to leave, when his low voice stopped me. 

“katniss?” 

“yeah?” 

“do you think it’ll always be this way?” 

his question caught me off guard, majorly. i stood there, stumped. “what do you mean?” 

“i mean-“ he cleared his throat, as if stalling to say what he meant. “i mean this. what we’re doing together. we live in the same house… sleep in the same bed… but that’s it. is that all its ever gonna be?” 

i couldn’t really find the words to answer because i truthfully didn’t know the answer myself. for the past year this is how it has been, why fix something that isn’t broken? 

but then my mind flashes to all the times my eyes have wandered farther than they should’ve, toward the soft lips that curl when he smiles, to his piercing blue eyes that cut through my gaze, the feeling i get when he holds me after i’m done screaming his name, watching him die in a nightmare that has me crippled for hours. 

i wonder what it’d be like to give into my impulses, to feel what i know i feel deep down for him. the warmth that spreads through me even then, as i stand in his presence, just feet from him. 

“i…” 

“im sorry, i shouldn’t have asked.” he quickly dismisses, noticing how uncomfortable i was. “go back up to bed, i’ll be there in a bit.” 

but i couldn’t seem to move my feet, all i could do was stand there, watching him, trying to empathize with him. i’ve already caused him so much pain, i refused to give him any more reasons to hate me. 

the candlelight flickered, illuminating his sharp jaw, and the eyes that i know held so much pain and heartbreak; at my hands nonetheless. he stared at the wall in front of him, only turning to face me once he realized i was still there. 

please don’t say my name. please don’t say my name. 

“katniss?” 

the innocent confusion in his voice was all i needed to compel me forward, quickly, and before i comprehended what was happening, i crashed on my knees beside him, pressing my lips right to his, hard. 

he was taken aback, sat frozen against me for a moment before slowly melting into the kiss i gave him. 

his hand reached to cup my face, and i instantly leaned into it, as if we were made to be molded into one. 

we both pulled away, breathless, our chests puffing for air as we stared dumbfounded at each other. 

“why did you do that?” he gasped out, his voice barely above a whisper. 

i shook my head lightly, our eyes in such an intense lock i almost crumbled under the pressure of the blue that seemed to stare right through me. “i don’t know.” 

he just nodded, still looking at me, before dipping his head down gently to grab my lips into his. this time, it was more passionate, a gentle glide against each other instead of rigid with impulse. 

i was brought back to the moment on the beach, during the quarter quell, when we both thought all

hope was lost. the kiss was a desperate attempt to show our love as it would be the last true thing we’d ever get to do. one of us wasn’t making it alive, at least we thought so. 

and in a way we were right, i had lost peeta after we were separated and the sky fell and crumbled into fire and ash at my arrow. but he became mine again; in a way, in our own way. 

after pulling back again, just slightly so his lips were grazing mine as he spoke, “your kiss… real or not real?” 

i found it hard to capture his lips into my own at the sincerity of his words, and how close we were, but i managed, 

“real, peeta.”

*************************

[bsforbg]

Mudgett

1. The Year of Our Lord, 1894

“Welcome to E.S. Holton’s!” said the druggist, his demeanor bright and cheerful. “How may I help you?”

Constance noticed the way he seemed to make an exaggerated point of setting aside the ledger he’d been updating as she stepped through the pharmacy’s door; he immediately closed the book, carefully rotated it ninety degrees upon the polished countertop, and using the fingertips of both hands, deliberately slid it out of sight behind a stack of unlabeled boxes. At no point did he break eye contact with her, nor did his smile falter.

The shift in his attention felt like the enacting of a ritual. At risk of blasphemy, she allowed her sinner’s heart to wonder what sort of god a man might make of figures and debts, and what sort of man would worship his calculations. She thought briefly of her late father, but banished the memory as quickly as it arose.

“I—” she began, and lost her nerve. As her voice failed her —or rather, as she failed it— she found herself returning his smile, just to fill the space her dumbstruck tongue had left.

“Please do come in, fair lady!” He swept his arms apart grandly. “Everything this humble establishment has to offer shall be marshaled to your peculiar purpose, whatever it may be. Allow me the honor of seeing to your every need!”

“I—“ she began again, but this time was cut off.

“Kindly come in, my lovely girl,” he insisted, motioning toward the counter behind which he stood. “Your sweet voice would no doubt shame an angelic chorus, and I’d love to hear it soar above the rabble’s roar.”

She allowed the heavy door to swing shut behind her, the clamor and chaos of the street fading away as she shuffled toward him. A blush bloomed upon her cheeks as she approached, and she found herself examining the fit of the floorboards with unexpected urgency. He laughed gently, in a way that deepened the blush but emboldened her.

“You have the look of a visitor to our fair and storied city,” he said without a trace of irony, seemingly oblivious to the overpowering charnel stench of the town’s slaughterhouses wafting along it’s filthy, dangerous streets. “In town for the Columbian Exposition, I’m sure.”

“I—“ she began yet again, and suddenly remembered that she hadn’t actually meant to enter the pharmacy; that she’d been looking for the offices of her late father’s attorney, E.F. Houston, only to be led astray by the misleading directions of a rude and disinterested hotel doorman, who seemed to know even less about Chicago’s streets and thoroughfares than he did the comportment of an honest gentleman in the company of a lady.

She knew she should excuse herself and leave, but she did not. Something made her want to stay; she told herself that it was a passing need for respite from the hustle and bustle outside, but his eyes had a grasp like iron, and she liked the way they clutched at her.

“I— I’m afraid I’ve become parched from the sun,” she said instead.

“Goodness no!” he cried, as if she’d offered an open wound for treatment. He gestured toward a nearby bench. “I shan’t have so perfect a vision as yourself suffer on my premises! Please, please sit!”

Constance thanked him and did so. He fetched a heavy glass from beneath the counter, wiped it vigorously with a rag, and assessed her critically.

“Hm. Yes, yes I think so,” he said, as if inwardly conferring with the incorporeal wisdom of his trade. Directly to her, he continued, “Have you not been sleeping of late?”

She blinked. “Pardon, sir?”

“It’s the circles,” he said, his continued polishing of the glass yielding diminishing and unnoticed returns. “The dark ones under your eyes, I mean. On so vibrant a young flower as yourself, they stand out like a stain upon snow.”

“R— really…?” she asked. “I didn’t know anyone—“

“Alas, it is the nature of beauty’s glow to be outshone by its own slightest flaws,” he said with a sigh, although his expression never changed. “It saddens me to see you brought low by the means of haunted dreams and the cold comfort of an unfamiliar bed.”

Her eyes widened at the mention of her bed, and the presumption inherent to his speculation about its nature. She was almost offended, but he continued to smile, she was struggling in the heat, and she was finding it unexpectedly difficult to worry about anything but the questionable state of her appearance.

“Do you—?” she asked hesitantly. “Is— is there anything you have, that I can— that would help?”

“But of course!” He put down the glass, turned —thus breaking his gaze and making her feel strangely alone in the room— and plucked a large, dark bottle from a shelf behind him. He placed it on the counter next to the glass, and then she watched as he took a moment to methodically realign the remaining bottles into an orderly display.

His work done, he turned his full attention back to Constance.

“This,” he said, tapping the bottle, “is laudanum. A fine medication that has wrought many fruitful outcomes for those enduring ailments both genuine and feminine. In your case, a due and proper dosage will convey you promptly to a state of deep and abiding sleep that will leave your mind refreshed and your face radiant upon waking.”

“That sounds… quite lovely,” she admitted.

“Alas, the poppy’s dew will not do for you, not so early in a busy day,” he said. “It is a nighttime treatment, you see. It softens and melts rigid consciousness, leaving the afflicted in a patient and pliable state that is both conducive to sleep and exceedingly vulnerable.”

“Oh,” she said, the blush returning.

He leaned down, placed his elbows on the counter, and assumed a posture every bit as relaxed as it had been formal mere seconds before. When he spoke, his voice was hushed and conspiratorial.

“I should also warn you, as your diligent servant in the realms of medicine,” he said, gesturing toward the framed medical degree on the wall. She was surprised to note that he was no pharmacist; she was speaking to a physician. “…that such a potent elixir, prescribed for the purposes of sleep, may prove a tempting solution to many of the… small troubles in a lass’s narrow life.”

“So— so you advise against this treatment?” she asked in a deflated tone.

“Not at all! In fact,” he said, snatching up the laudanum and slipping it into a paper bag retrieved from beneath the counter, “I offer you this particular vessel gratis, as both a demonstration of my confidence in its efficacy and fundamental safety, and as an unworthy tribute to the custom of such a ravishing traveler from far-off… where did you say you were from?”

“Kansas,” she replied, unsure of why she was so quick to answer. She was even more mystified to hear herself say, “Topeka.”

“How exciting!” he said with his own regrettable haste. The knowing confidence in his eyes faded for a moment, as if he’d disappointed himself. “But look at me, chattering at you like one of your numerous admirers and not your steadfast guide on the path to health! I do apologize.”

“No, please sir, not at all! You’ve been very helpful,” she assured him.

“Very well then,” he said, taking her kindness as permission. “If the seductive Lady Laudanum is a creature of the bedchamber and lover of luna, you still need something to help you rise to the hurried challenge of sol’s demanding day. And for that, I have just the thing!”

He brought the glass to his soda fountain and filled it, whistling a little tune. As the foam subsided, he plucked two paper straws from a dispenser and, winking at her, used them to stir in a powder from a vial he kept in his pocket.

“This is my own special concoction,” he said, carrying the glass to her with great care, as if he were bearing something more volatile than carbonated water and cocaine. She accepted it just as gingerly. “I’m sure you’ll find it provides an efficacious and enjoyable elevation of vim and vigor. And, I might add, it can help compensate in those trying times when the previous evening’s comfort,” he said, offering her the packaged bottle, “has become the morning’s burden.”

She took a tentative sip of the soda, and noting his eager expression, felt pressed to make extravagant noises of satisfaction. It would be some time later, on the carriage ride back to the hotel, that the drink would truly kick in, and she would realize that even the most effusive praise would have been insufficient to convey the thrill that rushed through her body.

“It is a delight to serve you— Miss…?” he prompted.

“Constance,” she replied without hesitance, apparently anxious that he should know her. “Constance Merry.”

“A name that foretold its bearer’s charms,” he said. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Merry.”

She felt her heart begin to race, and sought to sedate it with curiosity.

“So, Doctor, If I should… run out,” she asked, testing the weight of the laudanum before placing it in her small handbag and taking another, much deeper drink of the soda, “or find myself otherwise troubled, would it— would it be an imposition to again seek your advice?”

He took her gloved hand in his and patted it with what she felt was an unearned and yet somehow welcome familiarity. No man in Topeka had ever taken such liberties; her blush consumed the whole of her body.

“No such blessed occasion could ever be an imposition,” he promised, leaning in close. She could feel the warmth of his breath. “I insist you return at the first indication of need. I shall endeavor to make myself… personally available, day or night.”

She shuddered slightly as he gently pulled her to her feet. As she turned to approach the door, she felt his grasp on her hand tighten; so tight that she winced in discomfort and froze in place.

“Day or night,” he whispered hotly in her ear, before abruptly releasing her and ushering her out the door. She blinked rapidly in the bright sun, and glanced over her shoulder to see him disappear behind the door’s etched glass.

Inside, the young doctor returned to his counter and ledger. He did not look up when an even younger woman quietly entered from the storeroom, where she had secreted herself upon Miss Merry’s arrival.

“You were very forward,” said dour Dessa, in the manner of a critic who has seen many similar performances. He didn’t look up. “And yet you let her go.”

He grunted disinterestedly and turned a page in his book, his eyes continuing to scan the columns and the scribblings they contained.

“She’ll empty that bottle in a couple days,” Dessa continued, taking up a broom that leaned against the wall. She swept her way aimlessly across the shop floor. “She’ll want more. Something to get up, and something else to come down.”

He plucked a fountain pen from a drawer and made a few notations in his book.

“She was awfully pretty. As was her dress.” Dessa halted her meandering labor to consider —with scarcely concealed disappointment— her own plain and crudely-patched frock. “She surely comes from money, or has it within reach.”

He looked up from the ledger, opened one of the unmarked boxes, and began counting its contents. Dessa scanned the floor for errant dust. Silence filled the room, until he punctured it with an abrupt command.

“Go up to the third floor, take your sister,” he ordered, without pausing his count. “Both of you make sure the blood stains are scrubbed from the wall in 304. And make up the bed.”

She silently nodded her understanding, and turned toward the stairs. She could hear him muttering to himself as she began her ascent.

“Miss Merry from Topeka will be our guest soon enough.”

copyright © 2021 bedtimestoriesforbrokengirls

[strangerthingsstories5255]

 Jealousy Jealousy. (R.B x fem!reader)

About: You and Robin have been best friends since you guys were in diapers. But you started having a small crush on her. It feels so wrong but so good at the same time…

Characters: Robin, Y/N, Steve, Nancy, Eddie.

WARNINGS: Swearing, Jealous!fem!reader, clueless!Robin, fear of rejection, Vikie being a slight bitch to Y/N, Robin going into protective mode for Y/N, not proof read, prob misspelling. (That's it i think)

A/N: Ok… So i love Robin/Maya Hawke and she was the reason i love girls lol, but i started brainstorming shit, and i came up with a reader who is jealous of Vikie. And i love turning good characters into assholes/prissy bitches sooo…. enjoy lmao.

1,575 words. 

(BEFORE YALL TELL ME TO GIVE CREDS FOR THE GIF, THIS IS MY GIF!)

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“Hey Y/N, can you take my shift? I have to go do something.” Robin asks you. “Uh, where the hell is steve? I’m running his shift too. Rob, i dont know if I can run both of y’alls shifts. That's difficult…” you tell her. “I’ll call Steve, but please Y/N?! Vikie asked me out! And I don't wanna miss it.” She pleads. “Fine…” you finally give up. “You’re the best!” she yells as she runs out the door. You don’t know why, but you feel kind of…Jealous? As you’re lost in thought, Steve walks through the door. “Hey Y/N, Where's Robin?” he asks. “Hm?” you look up, “oh. She went on a date with Vikie.” you tell him. You accidentally said Vikie’s name with a weird tone in your voice, that Steve of course noticed. “And you’re not okay with it?” he questioned. “What? Of course i'm okay with it, she’s my best friend” you defend yourself. “Yeah right, I heard that tone when you said Vikei’s name. Why don’t you like Vikie?” Steve asked. “It’s not that I don’t like her, it’s the fact that- nevermind…” you quickly stop yourself. “No! No, you tell me what’s going on.” Steve pushes. “Fine! I have a crush on Robin! I’ve had a crush on her since we were 12, my crush on her has gotten worse! But I can't do anything about it! Y’know why?! Because I'm her best friend, and I'll always be her best friend and nothing more.” you tell Steve, and he looks shocked. “Well… Talk to her about it. Maybe she feels the same.” He suggests. “Doesn’t she tell you everything?” you ask, and he nods. “Can you ask her if she would ever date me? ONLY if she and Vikie arent dating. Please?” you beg. “Okay.” He says. Right after yours and Steve’s conversation, Robin comes into the store happy. Oh no… you think. “She wants another date!!” Robin says excitedly. “Oh..” you say, it’s all you can think of to say. “WE’RE happy for you Robin.” Steve said, with extra emphasis on the we’re. “Y/N? Are you okay? You look sick.” Robin asks, concerned.”y-yeah, im fine i just had bad food today…”  the lie slips off your tongue. “Okay… well go home and get some rest, yeah?” Robin suggests and Steve agrees. “Yeah, that's a good idea.” you say.You tell them bye and leave. 

As soon as you get home you start tearing up, why me?! You think. This feels like torture. You call Eddie to see if you can get some weed from him, “Why do you need it?” he asks. “It’s not important. Just give it to me please.” you tell him. “I usually charge $50, but since we’re friends, and you seem to really need it, I'll charge $25.” He tells you. “Thanks…” you tell him. After you took the weed and told Eddie goodbye, you went home and layed down.  

You fell asleep on your bed, and you were sleeping well until your phone started ringing. “Hello?” you ask tiredly. “Hi!” It’s Robin… “Hey Rob, what’s up?” you ask. “So, I was wondering if you’d wanna come to movie night tonight?”  she asked. “Uh- yeah, of course. What time?” you asked back. “Uhhhh. Hold on.” she says. “Dingus said it’s at 7:00. Don’t be late!” she said with a lot of energy before hanging up. You look down at your watch, the clock says 6:30. Shit you think. It’s a movie night, I need something comfy… You think, so you pick out a grey-ish green hoodie that Robin gave you 3 years ago for your 15th birthday, black leggings, and boots. You put your hair in a messy bun, and left. 

You got to Steve's house around 7:10, but they didn’t care. As soon as you walked in, you saw Vikie and Robin sitting next to each other, go figure, so you went into the kitchen to make popcorn. To forget about your jealousy against Vikie, you counted how many times you heard a pop. At the 13th pop, you heard someone clear their throat, so naturally you turned around, and in the doorway was Steve. “So…uh did you talk to-'' he pauses, nodding his head toward the room Vikie and Robin were in. “No, I haven't. And I can't!” You whisper-yell at him. “Why not?!” he whisper-yells back. “Vikie is in there! I can’t do that to vikie or robin!!” you say quietly. “Fine.” He finally gives up. “Thank you!” you say and walk out of the kitchen and into the living room. 

You sit next to Vikie, since Steve is sitting by Robin, and wait for Steve to start the movie. “So…Y/N, right?” Vikie asked. “Uh, yeah.” you answer, giving her a slight smile. “Robin talks about you. You guys are best friends, yeah?” She keeps asking questions. “Yes, yes we are. Is that an issue??” you ask. Vikie looks at Robin for a second, “No. Not at all.” She smiles. Then she leans in and whispers, “Don’t try anything. I heard you and Harrington in the kitchen. She’s mine and I’ve waited years for her, you’re not gonna take her away or I swear to god I’ll-” she got cut off by Robin asking if she was ok. Vikie nodded, and glanced back at you with an evil eye. You suddenly felt unnerved, and threatened. “I- I got to go to the bathroom.” You announce and stand up quickly. “Do you want me to pause the movie or-” Steve starts to say but you cut him off, “Nope! Keep it on. I don’t wanna make y’all wait a while…” you say as you run down to the bathroom and lock the door. 

A couple minutes later, you heard a knock on the door. “Knock knock, it’s me.” Said the voice. You knew that voice anywhere. It was Robin. So you pretend to be sick. “H-Hey Robs, what do you need?” you say, while throwing some coughs in the middle of talking. “Oh. Do you feel well?” She asks through the door. “Uhm- no. i don’t feel well, tell Steve i'm running a fever, please” you say. “Of course!” she says, sounding worried about you. 

Not even 5 minutes after Robin walked off, Steve knocked. “Can I come in?” he asks. “Mhm” you say. He opens the door and shuts it behind him, then he sits next to you. “What’s wrong?” He asks, worried. “I want to go home…” you tell him. “Why? What happened?” He throws questions around asking if you’re feeling ok, or if you’re hurt in any way. “Uhm- Vikie whispered something to me, and now i don’t know if i wanna stay…” You tell him about what she told you and how it made you feel. “What if she tells Robin?! Steve Vikie can ruin my friendship with Robin real quick. She heard us talking in the kitchen…” Your voice trails off. Little did you guys know, Robin was on the outside listening. She couldn’t believe that Vikie said that to you. But she also couldn’t believe that YOU liked HER. She felt like she was dreaming. She had a crush on you for years, but she could never imagine you liking her back, so she went after Vikie, in hopes to get rid of her crush on you, but it didn’t work. Robin was furious with Vikie. So Robin went up to her, “What were you thinking?! You can’t just threaten my friends!” Robin yells, so loud you and Steve hear it. “I- I don’t know what you’re talking about babe-” Vikie tries, but Robin stops her, “No! Don’t ‘babe’ me! I don’t like the fact that Y/N isn't in here with us, because you just had to start shit with her!” She yells. “It’s not my fault that she has a huge ass crush on you!” Vikie yells back. “What makes you think we’re dating Vikie?! We went on one date!” Robin says to her. Vikie looks shocked. “I- I thought-” Vikie can’t finish her sentence, because Robin keeps going. “No! I don’t date people who like being assholes to my friends! Espeically people who threaten my best friend! I’ve known Y/N way longer than anybody! So I have no issue kicking your ass out if it comes to her!” Robin says, still pissed. You walk out of the bathroom and Vikie looks at you like she’s gonna kill you. Robin catches this look and goes into protective mode, “Don’t even fucking look at her. She didn’t do shit to you.” This shocks everyone, including you. You’ve never seen her this protective. “You know what? Get out. I don’t want to see you around me or Y/N. Got it?” Robin asked. “But-” Vikie starts, “Get the fuck out!” Robin yells.  And Vikie leaves. “Robin, why’d you-” you start to ask why she ruined her love life for you, but she stopped you before you could finish, “Do you really like me…Y’know more than a friend?” She asks. You nod, shyly. “Thank god! I’ve liked you for a while now, but I was so scared to tell you and-” Robin started to ramble, so you shut her up by kissing her. After you guys pulled away you looked into her eyes, “Well you have me now.” You smile at her. You two totally forgot where y’all were, until Steve asked, “Are we gonna finish the movie now, or what?” 

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A/N #2: This is my first Robin fic... I hope it's at least decent lol. I tried.

[pretendfan]

{Roommates} EIGHT

(A/N By far this is my favourite chapter I’ve written yet for so many reasons (I’m gonna say this a lot🤣) sorry it’s a little later than planned but it’s here! I’m so excited for you to read it the countdown 👀has begun🍑I have also re-read/edited this so much I’ve given up if it’s trash let me know☠️)

(Pairing)

Adrian Chase x Female Reader

(Summary)

Desperately in need of a roommate, your co-worker knows a guy, but why did it have to be Adrian? The guy both annoyed and frustrated the hell out of you getting under your skin from the very moment that you had meet him.

But this was only temporary there was no need to complicate things by really getting to know one another or even worse catch feels along the way. Sure it had been a while for both of you but hooking up with your roommate was a terrible idea…wasn’t it?

(Words)

8186

(Warnings)

Mentions of ex, idiots in love, mutual pining, canon type violence from Vij, fluff and heart eyes , the heat is rising and the tension is now boiling…Friends still aren’t helping them, 18+ ONLY

{EIGHT}

This was bliss, there was nothing better in the world then standing under a hot shower lost in your own thoughts, whilst trying to figure out what you were going to do today.

Finally you had a day off from work leaving the coffee shop in the hands of Conor, which briefly makes you wonder what kind of shit will he have left for you to sort out, but right now you couldn’t care less.

Rinsing out the shampoo from your hair you sigh and a smile spreads across your face, today had the possibility of being good you just knew it.

“Are you nearly done in there?” You hear Adrian yell assuming he was outside the bathroom but moving the shower curtain an inch, you spot him standing right there in front of you, fresh from sleep and just in his boxers.

“What the hell-“

“I need a shower and you are like taking forever.” Adrian states simply like him just walking in here was normal and not an invasion of privacy.

“Don’t just barge in here-“

“Er, the door was open actually I would never just come in here!” Adrian cuts you off with a annoyed voice aimed right at you.

“It’s my day off-“

“Yeah, and I should be at work but I’m running so late it’s all your fault.” Adrian demands waving a hand in your direction whilst you stay as hidden as you can behind the blue shower curtain.

“Dude, this isn’t my fault I-“

“Can I join you quickly? I will be like two minutes tops.” Adrian cuts you off in a pleading voice even places his hands together in front of him making your roommate look very desperate.

“Ok, fine! But no looking keep your eyes to yourself and be quick.” You explain firmly moving away from the shower curtain wondering why the hell had you just agreed to this but it was too late now.

“I promise I won’t look, I’ll be a gentleman honest plus I owe you one for this!” Adrian steps into the bath behind you whilst you force yourself not to turn round even though the urge to do so was suddenly very strong.

“Ok, the shower head needs to be aimed higher you really are short aren’t you?” Adrian chuckles and without asking he steps closer, moving the shower head so the spray of hot water hits him as well.

“You can step back now.” You inform him slowly not moving a muscle in case skin brushed against skin by accident, because it would literally make you combust right now.

“Want me to scrub your back?” Jokes Adrian who you see moves back in your peripheral vision but he still takes up so much room, even in the shower.

“No, I’m good.” You inform him quickly cleaning yourself with your sponge so you could hurry things along and escape the bathroom somehow.

“You can move back a bit you know, I wont bite unless-

“Are you finished yet?” You cut off Adrian’s teasing desperately wanting this to be over, because it was torture not being able to turn round and look at him.

Smelling Adrian’s lime shower gel makes you smile to yourself because you had smelled it on him, when you’d hugged the guy the other night the memory makes you dip your head as a smile appears across your face.

“You know, we should do this more often.”Begins Adrian with a chuckle when he must see you shake your head so he adds “Don’t you want to save the environment by sharing a shower, I can scrub your back you can scrub mine and I can wash your-“

“Ok, enough!” You cry out frustrated beyond belief that your shower had been interrupted by Adrian, and now your head was full of thoughts that absolutely had no right being there.

“Do you want a towel as well?” Adrian asks waving one in your direction, once you have switched off the shower, and you silently take it from him then nod your thanks.

Wrapping the towel around yourself quickly you turn around finally to see Adrian standing there close beside you, without his glasses a stupid smile playing on his lips as you look up to study his wet hair, especially the curls that were stuck against his forehead.

“What’s wrong-“

Adrian stops talking when you place a hand up close to his face to brush away the wet curls, unable to resist the urge to touch him anymore.

“Thanks.” Adrian smiles lazily looking down at you whilst you want to repeat the process over and over, running your whole hand through his wet hair, then you could pull his face closer to yours so you could…

“N-no problem.” You tell him turning away quickly to step out of the bath feeling heat sting your cheeks suddenly as you race out of the bathroom.

Closing his eyes Adrian decides that was in fact a terrible idea one he was very surprised that you had agreed to, but catching the way you had just looked at him meant that he was now hard as rock, which was the worst possible timing ever.

Rushing out of the bathroom he thankfully makes it to his room, no time to deal with his erection so he starts to get dressed instead, hoping that by the time he got to putting on his boxers and work trousers he would be ok.

Already so late for work he knew today was going to be shit despite the fun shower, which he would have to not think about because when he did it caused his boxers to start tenting again, which wouldn’t be ideal in the middle of the restaurant.

Groaning to himself Adrian starts thinking about all the chances he had missed in the shower, all because of that look you’d given him after you had brushed his hair aside both your body and eyes telling him so much but giving so little away.

Sure things had gotten flirty recently and the natural progression would be for someone to make a move, that was how it worked right? Finally dressed for work Adrian races out of his bedroom less concerned, about losing his job he hopes to see you but you must be in your room so he has no time for a quick goodbye.

You needed a distraction of some kind and quick, because this was shaping up to be the crappiest day off you’ve had in a long while, and it was all Adrian’s fault seeing how you needed to blame someone.

The tall, goofy but very handsome dude was fully occupying your brain causing it to rot or that’s what it felt like whilst you watched TV mindlessly recalling how sexy Adrian had looked with his wet curls and that goddamn confident smile.

Switching off the TV with a groan you decide that you needed to head out and leave the apartment for a couple of hours , because the walls currently felt like they were closing in on you so you needed to make a quick exit.

It was already mid afternoon so you decide to go for a walk, maybe call up Lara even because you had so much tell her but you could just see her laughing at you and your predicament down the phone.

How could you have done so little in one day? Why didn’t you have any hobbies or other friends that didn’t tease you even though you knew you wouldn’t change Lara for anything, she was your bestie through and through.

The answer to your question was obvious you couldn’t focus on anything besides Adrian, you had been in a more flirty mood for the past few days but now you were frustrated because you needed some attention, and you knew just the guy who had no idea you felt that way.

Of course you could take the lead and show him just how desperate you were but the thought of being rejected physically, hurt so you shelved that idea instantly, it was time you went out with Lara and started to distance yourself from your roommate.

“So, got anything to tell me about Adrian because I know you want to talk about him?” Lara questions with a laugh when she finally answers the call.

“Nothing new to report we are still roommates and everything is good-“

“Oh really? So Adrian didn’t punch that idiot Rob at the bar you went to last night thanks for the invite by the way!” Lara ask in an innocent voice that descends into teasing within seconds.

“How do you-“

“I went to Karma coffee earlier and Scott was very informative on the whole thing, did you really throw yourself at Adrian?” Lara questions sarcastically.

“Ugh, ok I did go to the bar with Scott and Adrian and yeah Rob appeared but Adrian didn’t hit him he just warned him-“

“Did you swoon? Being saved by Adrian yet again he couldn’t be anymore obvious you two need to hurry up at this point.”

“Nothing happened! I just gave him a quick hug to say thanks that is all.” You explain to Lara with an annoyed voice because you needed to have a word with Scott when you saw him next.

“That’s cute but what he really needs is-“

“I didn’t call you to discuss what Adrian needs actually I am bored and wanted a talk but you’re not helping me right now.” You explain with a sigh having found yourself at the park near Hayworth stopping at a bench which you quickly sit at.

“Ok, so talk to me? How was Adrian this-“

“Lara, you are not funny!” You cut off your friend then explain how your morning had gone not mentioning the shower because you weren’t sure you could stand even more teasing.

“Someone is grumpy-“

“I just need something to do, hell I’ve gone for a walk I’m so bored, on my day off it never happens I just need a distraction.” You explain quickly dropping your head onto the wooden bench then lifting it up when you hear Lara chuckle.

“Are you really asking me for something to do? I don’t know go and watch a film, or go shopping, fuck go and back a cake-“

“I could make some cupcakes!” You cut off Lara the idea makes you smile you had a distraction finally.

“Yeah that sounds fun, now can I get back to work if your not going to tell me anything about you and your roommate.” Lara scoffs down the phone at you.

“Well-“ You begin then stop teasingly to annoying Lara who obviously picks up on your tone of voice so you simply say “We did share a shower this morning.”

“What-“

Hanging up the phone you laugh as you imagine Lara’s face from that little revelation, but then your smile disappears when you realise that you now had a lot of explaining to do.

Of course Lara calls you eight times in a row and leaving two very rude voicemails, making you eventually concede and call her back, whilst you were in the small grocery store near the apartment.

Only here to grab some baking supplies because you wasn’t sure what you had indoors but it wasn’t as if you baked often, in fact you normally hated it but this second you was on a mission.

“What do you mean you shared a shower with him?” Lara questions loudly instead of saying hello whilst sounding out of breath as well.

“Just that, it was nothing I shouldn’t have even mentioned it-“

“I need details, I’m on my break and outside the office give me all the details how long is-“

“We respectfully kept our distance and it was no big deal, plus I didn’t peak a look before you ask!” You cut off Lara ignoring her question and the scoffing noises that follow.

“Well that was a fucking huge waste! Did nothing happen at all?” Lara asks you with an unsatisfied whine.

You recall the look on Adrian’s face as you moved his wet hair gently away from his forehead, lips parted as a smile played cheekily between them noticing how dark his pupils had gone the image makes you groan out loud.

“Is that what you need a distraction from? Thinking about Adrian in the shower well there is an obvious answer to that and it involves getting back in the shower and using the shower head.” Laughs Lara loudly making you smile but roll your eyes regardless.

“At this point I would break the shower-“

“This is totally ridiculous you know that right? There was a dude in the shower with you and you did nothing.” Lara sighs then adds “Do I need to come by the apartment and knock both your heads together!”

“No! Let’s just leave it there, I told you that shower thing in confidence don’t mention it out loud when you’re in the coffee shop next ok.” You reply sulkily realising suddenly you were still in the store staring at the cartons of eggs.

“Of course! I know we all tease you but its just we care about you and it sounds like right now you need a big slice of Adrian in your life.”

“That is the last thing I need I’m going now before I get chucked out of the store for loitering, I know you care but I’m fine ok!” You reply lamely then once you say your goodbyes end the call quickly.

Standing alone in your kitchen you try and remain quiet whilst baking because Adrian was in his bedroom, and you didn’t want to see him right this second, covered in flour whilst making the frosting which you were mixing together but it was still quite watery and an unappetising colour.

What the hell had you done wrong? Dropping the bowl back onto the counter you decide to start again maybe use more cream this time, and not knock over the vanilla extract bottle because that was all you could smell right now.

Adrian opens his bedroom door to see you standing in the kitchen with your back to him, things seemed ok between you albeit a little awkward since showering together, but he wasn’t going to suggest doing that ever again.

Deciding to make things the opposite of awkward, which was his specialty Adrian heads over to you noticing as he gets nearer that you were trying to bake, but it just looked like you had just made a huge mess instead.

“What is happening here?” Asks Adrian stopping beside you at the counter arching an eyebrow when he spots the flour all over the place, including you.

“Obviously I’m baking.” You reply with a scoff then add more timidly “Or at least I’m supposed to be.”

“Need a hand?” Adrian asks then adds before you can reply “ I’m pretty good in the kitchen as you are well aware.”

“Ok, sure.” You nod with a grin looking up at Adrian finally then regretting it instantly when you notice him staring at you blatantly.

“Do I have something on my face?” You ask which breaks the spell because Adrian grins and nods back.

“Yeah, you are covered in flour but it makes you look super cute.” Adrian bites his bottom lip after he says this waiting for your response, his green eyes watching you with continued interest.

“Could it be my new look?” You ask him in a flirty tone which makes him nod in agreement.

Grabbing a kitchen towel from the side Adrian slowly holds it up closer to your face, then silently he wipes away the flour, there is so much it makes both of you laugh at the same time.

Adrian looks down at you taking in the smile that is teasing across your lips, making him wish that he hadn’t come out here but he needed to grab a drink, and of course inadvertently see you.

“So you’ve made the cakes?” Adrian begins noticing the sponge cakes cooling on a wire rack beside the oven, but then his eye drop to the bowl of frosting which looked like it needed to be chucked in the trash.

“Yeah, I need to just make some new frosting I somehow messed this lot up.” You shrug with a quick lift of your right shoulder.

“I can totally help with that if you want?” Adrian asks with an arched eyebrow his face breaking into a sweet smile when you nod back at him.

This was how you found yourself joking with Adrian whilst you watched him make the frosting, adding it to a yellow paper pipe bag with ease, watching him and his large hands at work was very distracting, the absolute opposite of what you needed right now.

“Let’s add some frosting to these cupcakes I totally can’t wait to try one.” Adrian grins down at you with a light chuckle escaping his mouth when he notices your face.

“Who said you could eat them?” You question making Adrian’s face fall as he pretends to look, sad pouty lips and all which makes your stomach flutter at the same time.

“Let’s see what this tastes like then.” Adrian states as he pipes out some yellow coloured frosting on his finger to try.

But before he can put it in his mouth you find yourself quickly leaning forward to suck the frosting clean from the tip of his finger, which makes your eyes widen because one the buttercream tasted delicious and secondly why did you just do that?

Catching Adrian’s Adam’s apple bob several times you watch as he quickly turns away focusing on icing the cakes, so much for not being flirty anymore you were now just straight up embarrassing the guy.

Unable to resist teasing Adrian just a little bit more you knew exactly how to tip him over the edge, this was you now throwing the ball into his court to see what he would do in return.

On the counter you had cut up fruit in two small cups ready to put then on top of the cupcakes, just various berries and such so choosing half of a strawberry you pick it up and hold it out for him to take.

But when he tries to take it from your hand you silently shake your head, so Adrian takes a step closer then slowly opens his lips as you glide the sweet fruit into his mouth, the tips of your fingers touching his lips softly whilst his eyes have you pinned in place with their dark green stare.

Before you can move your hand away Adrian grabs onto your wrist his thumb brushing against your pulse point, letting him know exactly what kind of affect he was having on you right now softly rubbing the pad of his thumb over your skin.

“Is this finally happening?” Adrian asks with a chuckle looking down at you with a cheeky grin his hand still firmly attached to your wrist.

“Is what-“

Gently pulling you towards him Adrian cuts you off as he dips his head down, and seconds later your lips finally meet the connection making you gasp, which he welcomes by spreading deeper kisses into your mouth that you gratefully accept.

You move your other hand to the back of Adrian’s head grabbing at some of his curly hair pushing his face closer to yours, to keep him exactly there which makes a sweet moan escape from his lips like music to your ears.

Feeling your body react to the hottest kiss that you have had in ages you lean firmly into Adrian’s body, who pulls you flush against him hands placed on your hips whilst his obvious arousal rubs against the top of your thigh.

On the verge of either passing out or removing all your clothes at breakneck speed, a series of knocks on the front door makes you quickly spring away from Adrian gasping for air, briefly noticing how wrecked your roommate looked in front of you.

Lips red and swollen Adrian’s eyes looked black his pupils blown wide as he stared down at you with a lazy smile on his face, that has you instantly wanting to kiss him all over again but another loud knock has you finally looking away.

Walking on shaky legs you cannot believe how dazed you feel on what was essentially a first kiss, one that actually didn’t suck or leave you internally cringing when instead you were incredibly turned on.

Opening the front door momentarily expecting either Lara or Scott to be there seeing how their mission in life was purely to annoy you, you are surprised to see no one there but there is a small brown envelope on the floor which instantly makes you feel dread seep into your mood killing it on sight.

“W-who was it?” Adrian asks making you quickly bend down to pick up the small envelope then hide it up the arm sleeve of your raglan tee shirt.

“No one, but maybe it was a sign?” You try to joke but it falls flat when you spot the face that Adrian pulls trying to hide it as he turns to place the finished cupcakes into the fridge to cool.

“Yeah, lucky it happened before we got too carried away.” Adrian replies finally looking away from the closed fridge door with a fake looking smile plastered on his face.

This makes you realise that perhaps he was warning you, what had just happened wouldn’t be happening again it had been an accident, a sexy one at that but you could hear what he wasn’t staying with words loud and clear.

“This is why I don’t bake very often.” You begin biting your bottom lip hard as you add lamely “I become irresistible.”

“Well it had sure worked on me.” Adrian states in a deep voice which makes your heart flip and a warm heat spreads low in your stomach.

You were back to looking at one another awkwardly having gone completely full circle, today making you wonder if you were going to laugh about this soon, or it would now become a thing between you which was the last thing you wanted right now.

“I-I need to go grab something.” You announce suddenly then before Adrian can reply, you head off to your room to hide because you were a coward.

Meanwhile Adrian was glaring at the fridge annoyed at himself for kissing you, doing the one thing he had promised himself he wouldn’t, even though he wanted nothing more than to do it again right now.

You had tasted better than he ever imagined and when you had pushed your body hard against his, he could’ve easily guided you to his bed from here but whoever had been at the door had put an obvious end to that idea.

Either way the fact you had joked off what had just happened so easily surely meant that you were trying to let him down, he couldn’t figure it out but feeling like an idiot was priority for him right now because he felt like the biggest one on the planet, why did he kiss you?

Adrian knew exactly why because you had looked so good standing there in front of him and he just couldn’t fight it anymore, hell he had even wanted to kiss you in the shower but now all he felt was deep regret, even though he could still feel your lips on his it had been so worth the agonising wait.

Thankful to have been stuck at work for a double shift today, on a Sunday no less, you had successfully avoided Adrian this morning even though you had never left your room last night after running away like an idiot.

Because instead of saying how you had felt to Adrian you instead decided to make a lame joke, ignoring the obvious continued tension between you both, whilst trying so bad to forget the look Adrian had given you before you left the kitchen.

Seeing that it was now just after nine at night you lock up the store after cashing up with Phoebe by your side, because she was waiting for her new boyfriend to come and pick her up for their late date.

“He’s basically taking me back to his apartment, but it still counts as a date right?” Phoebe asks with a smirk at least someone was having more fun than you were right now.

“I’m a little off on these things seeing how I haven’t dated in forever but yeah it’s a date I guess.” You nod back noticing Phoebe wasn’t even looking in your direction whilst she was like always glued to her phone.

Rolling your eyes you decide to wait with Phoebe for the appearance of the latest guy who had become obsessed with the barista, it wasn’t because you didn’t want to see Adrian of course, even though you were so tired and bed was calling to you right now.

Today had been a bad day to leave your car at home having decided that the walk wasn’t that bad, plus you were running low on gas and needed to rectify that pretty soon not having long enough this morning to fill up your car, which was the real reason why you were now supposed to walk home.

All this chaos because you had hardly slept a wink last night replaying the kiss with Adrian over and over in your head, leaving you unable to think properly and make any right decisions seeing how today had to totally sucked, you also kinda missed seeing your roomie despite the fact you were trying to avoid him.

“Hey sweetness hey hotness! Wait up!” Yells a male voice appearing from the shadows of the small lot behind Karma Coffee, wishing you had stood out the front of the store instead but here you were.

“Just ignore them-“

“We’re not going anywhere?” Phoebe cuts your warning off by engaging with the two dudes, who are stumbling over clearly drunk and ready to finish your shit day off.

“Look at you two! Out h-here by yourselves you don’t know who you might run i-into!” One of the guys who had undefinable features hiccups then proceeds to burp loudly into his hand which makes you visibly shudder.

“My boyfriend will be here soon and he’s gonna kick your ass!” Phoebe snaps in disgust at the guys who snort at one another then descend into childish giggles like a pair of idiots.

“We ain’t afraid! We are here for you two I’ve got a real urge to stick something-“

“Look, just get the fuck out of here!” You yell in annoyance then instantly regret it when you spot the other undistinguishable dickhead sneer in your direction.

“Who the fuck is gonna stop us? No one will ever hear you scream-“

“If I may interject.” States another male voice loudly as they appear from behind a car in the small lot and you instantly recognise them, you just can’t believe they are here right now.

“Do you see who that-“

Phoebe stops you mid sentence because just like you she holds her hand up to her mouth when you both bear witness to the anti hero Vigilante, throwing some kind of weapon directly at one of the idiots and hitting the jackpot AKA their chest.

“Now, you don’t talk to women like that!” Vigilante shouts incredulously as if that was too fucking obvious the thought brings a smile to your face, but soon disappears when you see the masked crusader punch the other guy so hard even you feel it as he falls to the floor.

Phoebe makes you jump by grabbing both hands on your arm, and giving you a firm shake making you risk a look in her direction to see that she is practically swooning, it was pretty embarrassing.

Meanwhile Vigilante continues to kick the ass of the one remaining idiot who won’t be beaten, until he gets knocked to the floor causing the anti hero to stand his large boot on his stomach, then proceeds to kicks the crap out of him.

“I want to have his babies!” Phoebe announces not so subtly causing Vigilante himself to look up whilst you roll your eyes at your co worker.

With one final kick both idiots stay down on the floor each in a crumpled heap of their own doing, whilst Vigilante claps his hands together visibly excited, as he steps over the drunks which makes Phoebe start shaking your arm once again.

“I sure kicked their asses! Are you both ok?” Vigilante finally stops in front of you both but at a little distance standing tall with his hands placed on his hips.

“We need to get home-“

“Do you know who I am?“ Vigilante cuts you off with a ridiculous question that makes you scoff to yourself.

“Talk about being a big headed jerk.” You mutter to yourself but Phoebe gives you a look because she had clearly just heard what you had just said.

“Of course we know who you are!” Giggles Phoebe on an obvious mission to make this guys head twice it’s size by the end of this random interaction.

Feeling Phoebe nudge you hard in your right side you add quickly “ Yeah sure you are the serial killer running around-“

“Hey! I just saved you the least you can do is thank me and not be mean about it.” Vigilante points a gloved finger at you which makes you scoff yet again.

“Thanks then I guess!” You shrug both your shoulders causing Phoebe to tut at you clearly siding with the weirdo in the black and blue suit.

“Y/N be nice! We are both so grateful for your help dude-“

“It’s just Vigilante, but that wasn’t so hard as it!?” Vigilante waves his hand as if he was making a point but he just ends up looking like an idiot.

“Look, I don’t know what your deal is so sure thanks for helping us but we really should-“

“Do you need me to walk you home?” Vigilante asks you both looking from yourself to Phoebe with a nod of his masked head.

“I’m waiting for my boyfriend if you hang around he might kick your ass.” Phoebe announces making you roll your eyes in her direction.

“Boyfriend?!” Vigilante scoffs then quickly recovering himself points at you again then asks “ I can walk you home then?”

“I have pepper spray in my purse dude, I don’t need your help.” You shake your head hoping this guy would get the hint and leave, sure it was kinda cool he saved you from those guys but you literally had it covered you were sure.

Folding his arms across his chest Vigilante stands there in silence for a moment whilst Phoebe giggles awkwardly, you needed to get back to the apartment like now.

“Look, I’ve had enough-“

You stop talking when Vigilante unfolds his arm and takes a few steps closer to you both, which makes you instantly make a grab for the aforementioned pepper spray in your purse aiming it in his direction.

“Hey!” Vigilante calls holding both his gloved hands up in front of him adding “No need for the pepper spray I’m not a creep or anything!”

“Yeah, he saved us y’know!” Phoebe nods in Vigilante’s direction who claps his praise whilst you wished you were anywhere but here right now.

“Like I said, just let me walk you home-“

“No, because you are a killer and I don’t want you to know where I live.” You cut off Vigilante firmly whilst Phoebe yet again tuts at you clearly siding with the sociopath in front of us.

Vigilante scoffs at this but you don’t care because thankfully a car finally appears round the back of the coffee shop, which makes Phoebe clap her hands signalling that it must be her boyfriends meaning that this night could finally end.

“Can you give me a ride home?” You ask the blonde at the front who nods once in agreement making you rush into the back seat whilst Phoebe sits next to the guy with a playful wink.

Phoebe waves goodbye to Vigilante whilst you watch the guy from the back seat whose masked face is staring directly back, causing you to look away first, but you would never admit it if it ever came up in conversation.

Turning the corner of the small lot Adrian takes off his mask thankful for the feeling of cool air on his skin because maybe that hadn’t been a great idea, watching his roommate because things had gotten worse since the kiss but he had literally just saved her and Phoebe, so that had been a great moment.

Adrian would have much rather just shot those two drunks but he hasn’t wanted to freak you or Phoebe out, so instead he just kicked the crap out of them ending in the barista clearly thankful but you were indifferent to say the least.

So much for being a super hero in your eyes anytime soon Adrian thinks to himself, yet still far from done with his patrol he pulls on the black mask once again then heads south on foot, so many criminals so little time, it was just the distraction he needed right now.

“Well someone needs to work on making a better first impression on dudes.” Phoebe announces once you get out of her boyfriend’s car giving your co worker a funny look for her efforts.

“The guy is a sociopath-“

“I felt some hot vibes between you two.” Giggles Phoebe who then adds quickly “But he does look really hot in his suit.”

“You don’t even know who the guy-“

“Let’s roll.” Announces Phoebe’s boyfriend who you aren’t introduced to but with a final wave the car speeds off into the night, what a fucking day.

Finally inside the apartment you feel a little empty inside when you realise that Adrian wasn’t home, you had been hoping to see him so you could talk about how you had literally just met Vigilante, but instead you are met with dead silence.

Feeling stupid for basically sulking you recall how you were in fact avoiding Adrian thanks to that scorching kiss in the kitchen that had held such promise, but you could never let it happen again the guy himself had put you in your place.

Just friends, you could obviously do that seeing how you liked the guy, clearly a little too much but it would be easy to stop flirting with him rather than give him the wrong idea, wouldn’t it?

Shaking your head you quickly head to the kitchen to make yourself some food, a half assed ham and cheese sandwich which didn’t look that tasty but you needed to eat something before you passed out in your bed.

Which you do in between mouthfuls of sandwich whilst undressing from your uniform, dropping clothes on the floor limply because even that was an effort you decide after finishing your food you drop your head onto your pillow and try to forget, everything.

Adrian stops outside Karma coffee right before Scott goes to push open the bright blue wooden door, wondering to himself if this was a good idea coming to visit you here blindly following his friend was his legit excuse to this exercise.

“What’s wrong dude?” Scott asks you catching the look you give the door like you were walking to the electric chair, not to the woman who had gotten so under your skin recently that you felt like a man moments away from dying.

“I’m fine-“

“Let’s go see your girlfriend then!” Scott cheers loudly causing Adrian to glare back at his friend with obvious comic timing that he is unaware of, seeing how his friend chuckles back.

Pushing open the door Scott walks in backwards whilst wiggling his eyebrows at Adrian, who choses to ignore him otherwise someone was gonna get hit in the face.

The moment you notice Adrian walking into the shop, because you had been looking out for him even though you would never admit it of course, and here he was sadly he had Scott with him who wasn’t working today.

But the shop could use him right now because the lunch queue was long and winding not quite out the door yet but enough to warrant needing everyone to help out, whilst Conor obviously sat in his office hidden in plain sight.

Having almost forgotten about the small brown envelope you’d found yesterday, this morning you had woken up to it staring at you knowing full well who it was from because your ex had called you three times last night.

You had been dead to the world thanks to whatever yesterday was and had missed said calls thankfully but it had still left a bad taste in your mouth, which meant you had thrown away the envelope without even looking at it, there was just no need.

Adrian notices you staring into space despite how busy the shop was looking pretty adorable as you stared at one spot on the counter, until Phoebe nudges you hard with her elbow and then yells at Scott to get behind the register.

“But I’m not working-“

“Just do it!” Phoebe snaps at him causing several people to look round noticing the exchange between the baristas.

Grudgingly Scott curses under his breath as he heads round the back of the counter leaving Adrian watching him with a smirk on his face, that’s what he got for trying to piss him off.

You watch as Adrian stands to one side whilst you all work as a team despite Scott winding up Phoebe seconds later, which makes you roll your eyes because these two were idiots, always at the worst times.

Eventually the line goes down and you look up to catch Adrian staring at you with his hands shoved in the front pockets of his jeans, green eyes following your every move until he finally looks away, caught out.

“Do you want a drink?” You ask Adrian who leans off the wall and approaches the counter whilst the others dealt with the few remaining customers.

“Sure, my usual-“

“Caramel drink.” You finish for Adrian who grins down at you whilst you find yourself smiling back, lost in the moment and the memory of his lips on yours which instantly makes your cheeks redden.

“Seen anything new about the masked Vigilante-“

“Oh my god, Adrian! You would not believe what happened to me and Y/N!” Phoebe shouts with obvious glee at having some gossip to share.

“Oh! What happened?” Adrian asks with a weird smile appearing on his face that you chose to ignore but can’t when it descends into a smug confident grin causing you to stare.

“Well, it was so intense-“

“Yeah we met Vigilante himself last night.” You state with an eye roll aimed at Adrian who looks away.

“You two met Vigilante last night?” Scott questions whilst giving Adrian a funny look you notice the barista shaking his head as well looking incredulous.

“Y/N threatened him with pepper spray!” Phoebe cries out pointing a finger at you with a loud scoff.

“I don’t know who he even is he could be some kind of creep!” You retort back giving Phoebe a firm look.

“I’ve heard he can’t be trusted around brunettes.” Scott jokes whilst giving you a smug look that you chose to ignore whatever point he was trying to get at with that line.

“He isn’t a creep!” Adrian snaps making you look back at him in shock whilst Phoebe of all people nods in agreement with him.

“He’s hot so he can’t be creepy.” Phoebe states with a shrug like that was literally the end of the conversation.

You notice Adrian’s face go red from Phoebe’s comment which was weird, but it somehow makes you jealous that you hadn’t elicited the same response from him yourself especially after yesterday.

Adrian in fact choses to ignore you in favour of continuing to talk to Phoebe which of course puts you in a mood, this was really getting old fast was your roommate trying to wind you up on purpose, or were you just acting jealous for reasons obvious to everyone besides you.

That wasn’t it surely…

How had your weekend gone so badly? Well besides a couple of key events that lingered a little too much on your mind, leaving you hoping that it would happen again, perhaps in another lifetime but not in this one.

Finishing your latest shift at the same time that Scott does on a Tuesday afternoon, you go to nod and say a very quick goodbye but he catches you off guard with a very confusing statement.

“I just got a message from Adrian for you to go meet him at work tonight.” Scott tells you with a smile, whilst you watch to see if there is a punchline or not.

“Really? Why didn’t he just message me.” You ask Scott who shrugs and genuinely looks innocent so much so that you actually believe him.

That was your first mistake, you realise when you walk into Fennel Fields dropping your car keys into your bag, noticing the how busy the place was but besides this two young women stand by the service desk chatting away ignoring you giving them both a pointed look.

“Hey, is Adrian around-“

You stop talking when you spot the guy in question carrying two large jugs of water towards a large table of eight people, clearly he was still working and you realise all too late that Scott had set this up.

Looking back at the two young women who are eyeing you warily you try to make your escape hoping that your roommate wouldn’t see you but moments later a familiar voice makes you close your eyes in frustration.

“Y/N? What are you doing here!” Adrian asks appearing next to you whilst you plaster a smile on your face back at him.

“Me? I-I came here to eat.” You tell Adrian with a nonchalant shrug aimed in his direction.

“So you came straight from work to come see me?” Adrian questions with a playful smile that momentarily floors you but you try to ignore that thought and the smile on your lips that follows.

“There is an obvious answer to this but that isn’t it.” You tell him which only makes his smile widen showing off his dimples without any warning.

“Well I am still working till eight but Jenny here can seat you and I totally recommend the mozzarella sticks.” Adrian states with a wink which makes your cheeks go red within seconds watching as he walks off.

“Follow me please.” Jenny tells you in a clipped voice so you do not sure how you had ended up here and even more so why you we’re staying.

Ordering a drink and of course the mozzarella sticks you sit at the small table, with a chair opposite you suddenly feeling starving because you had forgotten to eat lunch, it was a good excuse as any to stick around here then.

Service is fast despite how busy the restaurant was which according to the signs around the place , boasting about genuine Italian cuisine but you wouldn’t know because this was your first time here.

“The mozzarella sticks are dope right?” Adrian questions whilst sitting down in the seat opposite, you a wide smile on his face whilst you nod in agreement.

“They were really good-“

“So why are you here roomie, did you miss me?” Adrian cuts you off with a question that you didn’t want to answer in case you annoyed the guy in front of you.

“Of course I missed-“

“It isn’t because Scott told you I had messaged him then?”Adrian asks then rolling his eyes comically adds “Because I know he did do that but it is kind of cool you hung around.”

“Scott’s a dick-“

“I better get back to work will be round again in a few!”Adrian says quickly then seconds later you are left alone again at your table.

You do notice the two female hosts from earlier watching you once again, but then you groan when you catch them both approaching you at breakneck speed across the restaurant to directly in front of your table.

“How do you know Adrian? Are you like his girlfriend or something?” The one named Jenny asks you her blue eyes watching you with a mixture of mirth and disgust in equal measures.

“No we are just roommates I-“

“Oh! You’re the roommate?” The other host with blonde hair and a smug look on her face asks like they already knew all about you, the thought isn’t very comforting.

“He’s such a weirdo-“

“Adrian doesn’t give a fuck what you two think of him and neither do I so-“

“I said don’t embarrass me!” Adrian scolds the hosts who both rush off leaving you alone with your roommate again who had clearly heard you defending him.

“You’re right I don’t give a fuck about them.” Adrian nods with a smile once again sitting down opposite you making you notice, not for the first time how strangely good he looked in his work uniform.

The burgundy shirt that framed his wide shoulders with a couple of buttons undone at the top, plus the hat made him look cute but you lock those thoughts down before they escalated into something far worse.

“I hope they didn’t embarrass you, I may have mentioned you a couple of times but neither of them believed you existed but you proved them wrong!” Adrian stated with an easy smile.

“Yay for existing!” You joke with a laugh which makes Adrian’s smile spread wider.

“I love your-“

“Chase! What are you doing?” Yells a loud male voice which makes Adrian spin round in his seat then look incredibly caught out at the same time.

Shit! Adrian cannot believe that Rick has caught him not working yet again, because the last thing he wanted right now was to be yelled at in front of you, but it hasn’t happened yet.

Looking up at his boss Adrian is surprised to see the look passing his features, it kind of looks like shock to him but then he grins down at you and instantly Adrian starts to panic.

“Chase, you can take your break early and spend it with your girlfriend, who looks like she came all the way over her to see you.” Rick states in a shocked voice whilst your mouth fall open and Adrian glances over at you quickly.

“Appreciate it Rick.” Adrian nods at him with a smile whilst his manager still looked confused for you even being here, which makes you feel bad for your roommate.

“That is so sweet of you!” You tell this Rick guy whilst Adrian spins back in his seat to face you with a look of wonder on his face.

“Finally I get treated right around here!” Adrian smirks at you and then adds with a chuckle “It’s all thanks to you!”

“Well I did say that I owed you.” You remind Adrian with a cheeky smile.

“Much appreciated, but you should come by more often to see me.” Adrian states with a wink that makes your heart flutter, this was a reoccurring problem that didn’t need addressing right this second.

“It’s a date!” You tell him then instantly want to shove the words back into your mouth when you notice the look that passes across Adrian’s face.

“That was a joke right?” Adrian asks you in a low voice leaning across the table.

“A bad choice of words is all it was, but I will come by again to see you soon if you want?” You ask Adrian who nods back with a smile.

“Can’t keep away can you?” Adrian laughs when he spots you rolling your eyes back at him.

“Get back to work, Chase.” You tell him with a grin but it widens into a full on smile when you notice his neck start to go red, at the same time he automatically rubs one of his hands there.

“Ha, good one!” Adrian pretends to laugh then heads back on his shift, but not before he pays for your food, before you can which makes you smile but you tell yourself to get a grip, again.

You basically had a crush on your roommate which obviously wasn’t breaking news, but you needed to get over it otherwise you didn’t know where you would end up with him next.

The best thing to do was to keep your distance but even that wasn’t working, seeing how you couldn’t keep yourself away, you needed another night out with Lara and fast.

{TAGLIST} comment to join❤️

@angiekurosaki @joelsgun @aprilfire18 @likeficsinthewnd @druigss @tiannamortis @dazzledamazon @uncle-eggy

[american-idiot21]

I’ve realized I haven’t posted a story in like a month 💀

School and work have been literally draining me so much and I’ve been sleeping a lot 😭 anyways here is a sortish part 1 of this literally just to get it out. Ima make a part 2 soon.

Anyways here the info and story:

Platonic yandere pro hero Red riot(Ejiro Kirishima) with orphan teen reader:

Reader: 15, lost there parents and siblings in a pro hero accident so they don’t like those hero’s that where involved with it(Izuku Bakugo and Shoto), best friend Sofi. Sofi is female 15 Bakugous pro hero name mentioned.

f/d=fav drink

To the story!!:

Y/n and Sofi where going to a pro hero meet up. Or more like Sofi is dragging Y/n too it so they can hold a place in line for her in pro hero Deku’s line so she could get a signature from Pro hero Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight who has a shorter line at the moment. Then going to get Pro hero Shotos signature. Sofi said that they would buy them a f/d after if they just hold a spot for her. What Sofi forgot to mention is that Pro hero Ret Riot was going to be there. He had a short line. Once reader saw this, they quickly called Sofi.

“SOFI HURRY THE FUCK UP!! PRO HERO RED RIOT DOESNT HAVE A FUCKING LINE REALLY!! THERES ONLY LIKE 20 PEOPLE!”

“Whoa whoa hold up. If you can wait in Deku’s line for like 20 more minutes then I’ll come take your spot and you can go see him.”

“Ok fine. If he isn’t there by the time you get over here you owe me 2 f/d”

“Fine”

10 minutes came, then 20, Pro hero Red riot was starting to pack up a leave. Sofi was one person away from getting a autograph by Pro hero Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight. Then 5 minutes later Sofi got her autograph, then came to us in line.

“How dare you” Y/n says in a somewhat sad/serious/joking voice.

“Yeah yeah Ik. I owe you 2 f/ds” Sofi responded.

They waited until another 5 minutes passed and reader see Pro hero red riot exiting the room he went into 5 minutes ago.

“Sofi!! I see him!”

“See who?”

“Red riot you idiot! I’m going to him. After I get his autograph I’ll come back.”

“Ok good luck.”

As y/n runs to catch up to Kirishima, Kiri hears running foot steps coming up behind him. He doesn’t pay any attention to them because he thinks the person is just running late or something.

“Um Red Riot..?” Y/n says as they stoped running, out of breath, and kiri here the running stop as this person says it.

“Uh yeah?” Kirishima says as he stops walking and turns around. As he turns to see who called his name, he’s surprised to see a teenager, probably around 14-16, a bit out of breath. He sees his past self him them. He’s memorized by them and a sense of protection surfaces. He wants to protect them, make sure they never get hurt.

“Uh hi! Sorry to stop you. I um was just wondering if I could get a autograph?” Y/n says.

“Yeah! Of course!” He says, happy that he gets to sign something of yours and hopefully get to know your name so he can come looking for you.

“Yes! Thanks. Uh one second. Do you think you could sign my book? It’s my favorite one and I reread it a lot.” Y/n says as they hold out a version of Scythe By Neal Shusterman.

“Wouldn’t you want it to get signed by the author though? But I’ll still sign it if you want!” Ejiro laughed while taking the book. As he did y/n face got really read in embarrassment, and started to fiddle with there fingers and pick at there skin.

“I would normally but I have all 3 of the books that are like the deluxe version signed by him and I don’t have anything else for you to sign so this was the best option.” Y/n nervously explained while stumbling over her words. “Also do you think we could take a picture together? If you don’t mind of course!”

“I would love too! And here is your book back!”

“Thank you do much!” Y/n says as they put there book into there bag.

“Y/NNNNNNN” Sofi screams as she comes running out of the pro hero meet and towards Y/n and Ejiro. “Hiiii let’s go I got Pro hero Deku, Shotos and Lord Explosion Dinamight autograph. I’m ready to go.”

“Ok and I got Red riots autograph! I’m ready to go!” Y/n says to Sofi forgetting for a moment that Red Riot was still standing there. “Oh! Bye Red Riot!! Thanks!”

“You’re welcome! You girls go have fun! Bye” Ejiro says, full well knowing that he’s going to follow them from the roof tops to make Y/n gets home safely, and that this Sofi person is a good person.

[drhu0806]

2 - "Don't worry, I got you."

Fandom: Baldur's Gate 3 (fanfiction) Characters: Astarion, custom Tav/player character Rating: T Warnings: strong language, flirtatious dialogue, spoilers for Act 2 and Act 3

A sick roiling storm churns in the pit of Kainé’s stomach as she paces the room. The moon, sitting high in the night sky, betrays the late hour, yet sleep is far from the first thing on her mind. A maelstrom of regret and fear chases any thought of rest away, and she can’t bear to keep herself still lest it consume her.

Atop the bed on the far side of the room, a pair of red eyes tracks her manic movements. Astarion almost feels dizzy watching her incessant pacing; he assumed she would eventually wear herself out, but the sight of her intensely furrowed brow and the nervous glint in her eyes leads him to believe she’ll likely wear down a path in the wooden floors long before she feels the need to come to bed. He considered so many possibilities on how to coax her, ranging from faintly nefarious to outright risqué, but his little schemes are all washed away seeing her slowly growing panic.

With a sigh, he leaves his comfortable perch on the bed. Kainé, so lost in her thoughts, doesn’t even notice his approach, and he even lets her make several rounds past him before finally taking hold of her shoulders, stopping her in her tracks.

“Darling, as much as I enjoy watching you go, I think I enjoy having you in my bed even more,” he teases. The flirty persona quickly falls away however, as his hands move to her face. It’s tight with apprehension, and in those once fiery eyes now dimmed, he sees traces of years worth of unspoken words, the burden of countless nights wondering what she could have done, what she shouldn’t have done, of what might have been.

Stroking her face, Astarion’s expression is soft as he says, “I like to think that I am far more interesting to focus your attention on than a shabby wooden floor. I’m all pointy ears for you, my love, so don’t be shy. Tell me your woes.”

To his delight, Kainé lets out a small laugh, some of the tension within her bleeding away. She presses his hand closer to her cheek, breathing him in as she tries to recenter herself.

“I’m… I don’t want to do this. I don’t want to see her,” she confesses.

“My dearest, are you, perhaps, feeling fear?”

It comes out as a laugh, but there’s far from any malice in it. In spite of herself, she throws him a glare.

“What? Why are you making it sound like I don’t?”

“You, my bold and brave Kainé? Might I remind you of when you so emphatically told a god of the dead’s Chosen to, oh, what was it again? To fuck off? Or of the time you were practically jumping with glee to get Gale to fling you across the room as an enlarged owlbear? Or—and this is my favorite, truly a classic—when you so fearlessly shoved your hand into a hole containing the live, pulsing flesh of a mindflayer colony?” He chuckles again at the memory. “No, you’ll have to excuse me if I begin to think that fear isn’t a part of your vocabulary.”

In spite of his words, Astarion draws her close, pressing his lips to her forehead. “But I know there’s a first time for everything.”

Closing her eyes, she does her best to take in his words, hoping they become a soothing balm against her weary soul. It’s easier to feel a little braver with him here, to believe she won’t crumble as easily in the face of her own demons. But there will always be some doubt.

“I just… I don’t know if I can fix this. I want to but… I feel like I’ll just mess it up.”

She looks so unsure in that moment, so lost and untethered. Astarion gathers her in his arms and holds her close. Not that long ago, in a graveyard in the shadow of night, she had promised him that she would be there for him whenever he needed her, like she always had been before then. Just for once, he wants to be the one to anchor her.

“Whatever you need, I’ll be here,” he vows. “There’s no need to worry, love. I’ve got you.”

Kainé recognizes his words, and she smiles where she’s nestled in the crook of his neck. In time she’s finally coaxed into bed, and somehow she rests easy, comforted in knowing that no matter what tomorrow brings, he’ll be right there next to her.

[lunarsands]

Empires SMP S1 Fanfic: Phantom Solitude Ch 1

Characters: Mythical Sausage, Sir Carlos of Mythland, Scott Smajor, Jimmy Solidarity, GeminiTay, Bubbles the Dog, mentions of others

Relationships: Jimmy Solidarity/Scott Smajor, MythicalSausage/Scott Smajor 

Tags: Empires SMP S1 with allusions to Afterlife SMP, Canon Divergent, Consensual Possession, Romance, Scosage adjacent;  WARNINGS: Lost Time, Angst

Summary: The masquerade was not the end of the trouble with ancient relics. Sausage soon starts having cryptic nightmares and knows The Wither of Mythland must be the source.  He and Scott have to work together to find out what the troubled spirits of the past need resolved in order to rest. (Awkwardly, this involves some more kissing…)

Sequel to The Past Unmasked 

(Also available on Ao3!) 

[ A/N: Apparently I can’t just write a simple one-shot anymore, there keep ending up being sequel(s)! | Now mashing together Echoing Through To You and When The Skies Cry. Can’t say I’ve ever written fanfic of my fanfic before, but here we are. Fanfiception. | Big thank you to @cynthrey for inspiration and beta reading! ]

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Chapter One

Sausage was unusually quiet on the ride back to Mythland, which concerned Sir Carlos but also made it a little easier to focus on driving, which was already slightly challenging when one was an average-sized chicken. Maybe Sausage had just tired himself out; the knight had heard plenty of rumors of the goings-on inside, as per usual at these events, but one in particular would have to be addressed once they were home.

Meanwhile, inside the carriage Sausage had the Nether star and Scott’s medallion held in one hand and was puzzling out what had happened to him. He reluctantly admitted to himself that he was susceptible to possession, but there had never been such power mentioned about the star before. The last time he had seen anyone wear it was when he accompanied his grandfather to his last royal function as king before he passed along Mythland’s crown, but he didn’t remember his grandfather really interacting with any of the elves who were present.

Both relics were silent now, just plain jewelry, and maybe reuniting them was all that needed to be done. He felt sad for them, whatever circumstances had led to them being separated, but it also brought the question of what had linked a legend of Mythland with the far away elven kingdom.

Head in hand, he stared out of the window and continued to wonder about it, barely registering the scenery even when they arrived back at the castle. It was Sir Carlos opening the carriage door that finally roused him from thought – since he hadn’t opened it himself.

“Ah, Sire, I thought you might be asleep. We’re home,” the knight clucked.

Sausage quickly pocketed the relics and stepped out of the carriage. “Thank you, Sir Carlos. Sleep does sound like it’s in order.” He set off up the steps, expecting to go alone but the knight followed and flapped his wings to catch up.

“Sire, I do need to tell you one thing. I overheard the Ocean Queen talking about declaring war on Mythland. What did you say to her?”

“Huh? Oh, I danced with Scott.”

“Sausage!” The knight used the tone reserved for scolding him when he was younger and had gotten into one misadventure or another.

“Oh, it’s nothing! It will be all right! She can’t be that mad. Jimmy and I can talk it over later. It was just a few dances!” He laughed nervously. “Um, yes. That was all that happened.”

“It sounded like she was taking it personally.”

“Look, maybe I forgot the mers have different customs when it comes to partnerships! I didn’t mean anything by it – not on purpose anyway.” This was definitely the truth.

Sir Carlos gave him a knowing look just by tilting his head and viewing him with one beady eye. “I’ll have the guards increase patrols by the docks just in case. And I’ll have the steward review diplomatic options for the situation. Good night, Sire.” He clucked in exasperation, turning to leave, and muttered about parents being right about heirs who were a handful to watch over.

Sausage offered another awkward laugh in his wake then took the relics from his pocket and held them close as he headed for the royal treasury. Once there he opened the glass case that had held the star on display and arranged them together on the red velvet cushion, taking several tries to get them leaning just right. The steel and the gold backing on the star didn’t look quite right side by side, and it was obvious two different hands had crafted them. He still wondered why something of elven make would be so simple, but he wasn’t sure he should ask. If he hadn’t been aware of the star’s powers, he might not have any business inquiring about the medallion, either.

What had been done, was done, and maybe it was best to just leave them be in here, securely locked away.

~*~

There were a few more gatherings of the empires in that time, and Sausage made a point to act normal around Scott – which generally meant avoiding him. Nothing came of the threat of war from Lizzie, fortunately, but there were a few times he caught her glaring at him from across the room. His steward had already sent missives to the Cod Empire apologizing for the faux pas, and while Jimmy didn’t seem particularly angry, he did keep his distance from Sausage. He figured that Lizzie had bent her brother’s ear to uphold taking offense.

So long as no one found out what else had happened that night, the little bit of animosity was bearable.

~*~

One lucrative adventure later found Sausage in the treasury looking for a place to display a new artifact that had been discovered. He had just about decided when he felt a compulsion to turn to the Nether star. He set down the new treasure and went over to the case, simply admiring the glow from the white jewel before lifting the glass and picking it up. He was struck by a painful sense of longing as soon as he touched it, and he cradled it between his hands for a moment before then picking up the medallion. There didn’t seem to be any connection even with them both in a living hand. As he tried to think of what might be happening, he felt his cheeks grow wet.

The Wither was…crying?

What had changed?

Before he could get too swept up in the emotions he put the relics back, replacing the glass cover and leaning on it while he wiped away the tears. Then he hurried out, hoping that distance would solve the problem. He spent the next few hours ignoring any random feelings of sadness, busying himself with work and now hoping the issue would cease overnight.

But it didn’t. He had a dream where he was trudging through a soulsand valley, shadows hounding his steps but he was unable to walk any faster to outpace them. There was a golden light in the distance that he could see through the Nether fog, but he didn’t seem to be getting any closer – but he couldn’t stop, either. He needed to get to it. As he desperately reached out toward it he saw shadows crawling under the skin of his hands, looking like the eyes and mouths within the soulsand.

Sausage woke with a gasp and immediately checked his hands. They appeared normal, but he knew very well how prophetic his dreams could be and wasn’t about to take this lightly. Staying away from Nether portals was now first on his list.

The dream repeated the next night, and the one after that. He made a few attempts to interact more during them, trying to find clues if this was a specific location in the Nether, if there was a fortress or bastion nearby – something, anything, if it would help him figure out if maybe he actually needed to go on a quest there. But it was the same torment night after night; trying to escape the shadows and reach that golden light.

During one repeat he saw a black mist pass across the gold light, and during the next night the mist wrapped around it, almost appearing to squeeze it, and then in the next go around the mist funneled into the center of the light. He thought he heard a distant cry of denial, and it was his own voice.

Sausage woke in a cold sweat. He couldn’t keep this up. Staying away from the star wasn’t doing a thing, and he knew the dreams would only continue. But he didn’t want to have to go to Scott, the only other person who knew what had happened. He would have to explain everything to someone else. Gem had helped him with his last bout of possession, but the possibility of banishing The Wither to a parallel dimension didn’t sit right; nor did he want to trouble Pearl with the tale, and have her offer to literally kick The Wither out of him.

His friends meant well, but their methods might not be the best for this one, and he wasn’t emotionally ready for any inevitable lectures about handling dubious artifacts. In the end he could only think of one option, and after the sun rose he called for Sir Carlos to meet him at the treasury.

Still pecking seeds from his feathered hand after missing breakfast so early, the knight dutifully met him there. Sausage waited until they were inside with the door closed to begin explaining. “I know you’ve noticed my, ah, sleep problem lately, and you remember how at the masquerade there was that threat from Queen Lizzie?”

“Haven’t forgotten, Sire. We still have an extra patrol.”

“Well, you see, about that night, the reason why I ended up dancing with Scott is, well… I’ve kind of gotten possessed again.”

Sir Carlos clucked in exasperation. “Not another demon!”

“Well, technically yes but this one was not evil, it’s more just kind of lovelorn?”

“Was..?”

“I think it’s like a trapped spirit – the spirit of The Wither of Mythland. Trapped in here.” Sausage went over to the case holding the pendant and medallion. “It’s been in here the whole time, and when I wore it to the masquerade it took me over. It has some connection to this artifact from Rivendell, and when Scott was wearing it, it triggered them both. The Wither is...in love with this apparent elven angel? So we ended up dancing for a while, and then, um, we went off and kissed.”

His face flushed in embarrassment at Sir Carlos’ judgmental head tilt so he hastily added, “N-No one saw us, or else we probably would be at war, but anyway Scott gave me the medallion thinking that if the two relics were together it would make the spirits happy, but, uh, that doesn’t seem to be enough anymore. I think I’m having The Wither’s nightmares.” He took the medallion by the chain, careful not to touch the star yet. “Would you, um, be willing to wear this and see if The Angel will talk through you so we can try to sort this out?” He leaned over and presented the medallion.

Sir Carlos clucked quietly, then took it from him. “Very well, Sire. Just don’t get too carried away if you get the urge to kiss me.” He put the chain over his head and tried to arrange it between his wings so it wouldn’t slip completely off of him, the medallion almost touching the floor anyway because it was never designed to be worn by someone of his stature.

Nothing happened. Sir Carlos tilted his head a few times, looking into the amber and studying the feather. “Well, that doesn’t belong to any of my brethren, anyway.”

Sausage picked up the Nether star and felt a surge of loneliness, but when he looked down at the medallion there was no sense of the possession taking hold. He waited, and Sir Carlos blinked up at him, but there was nothing more. Sausage closed his fingers over the star. “It…It has to be Scott. I don’t have a choice…”

He took the medallion back and placed both relics in his pocket. He sent Sir Carlos to ready a carriage, thinking it best to have a backup plan of somewhere private to hide in case things turned romantic again. He would also need some way to signal Scott about the matter, without outright showing the star or medallion, because that could potentially trigger possession on sight. He decided on taking his wither mask with him for that purpose, and tucked it away under his travel cloak.

During the entire ride to Rivendell Sausage debated the wisdom of this option, and wondered if he should have at least investigated the Nether first. He only had half of the puzzle, however, and if Scott could commune with The Angel, maybe that would at least pinpoint a location. Still, he almost called for Sir Carlos to turn back halfway there. Maybe he should have sent a message ahead of him, but what could he have written in it, and risk it being seen by other eyes?

No, instead he joined the line at the meeting hall where Scott was holding court and let any other supplicants go ahead of him so he would be the last one, hiding the worry on his face with the hood of his cloak as best he could.

Scott, meanwhile, was too busy with his discussions to take note of everyone who was waiting. It wasn’t until the herald announced, “Lord Sausage of Mythland!” that his head snapped up, already casting a questioning look at the man for just showing up at his court at random. But then, after bowing, Sausage quickly pulled aside his cloak to flash the wither mask, and made a concerned wince before hiding it away again.

Scott stood and stepped down from his throne, waving a signal to a nearby attendant. “I’ll take this one in the war room.” Two guards fell in to either side of Sausage, and Scott gestured for them to follow. Nervous and regretting the decision to come, Sausage kept his head down, glancing at the guards once or twice on the way down a hallway. Scott told them to wait outside, however, assuring them that he could handle things alone.

The war room was typical of its kind, housing a table, several chairs, two benches against the far wall, and a large map hanging between two suits of fine elven armor. Scott bid Sausage to enter first and closed the door behind them. “What’s this about, then?”

Sausage took the star and medallion out of his pocket and placed them on the table in answer.

Scott frowned. “Why did you bring those here?”

“Something has changed. Keeping them together doesn’t seem to be working anymore. I’ve…been having The Wither’s dreams.” Sausage winced again. “I tried to ignore it but it’s not helping. I think it might have something to do with the Nether but I’ve only got one point of view to go on. I…need help figuring it out. I had Sir Carlos wear the necklace to see if The Angel would talk through him but it didn’t work. I think it has to be you.”

Scott looked down at the medallion with reluctance. “I’m not sure I want a repeat of that night… Queen Lizzie already gave me enough of an earful over just the dancing part. And I…” He covered his mouth for a moment to show regret for the kissing – even if no one else knew about it.

Sausage glanced aside. “I know that didn’t really mean anything between us, it was just them. But I can’t keep dealing with this alone. I don’t know what the dreams are trying to tell me, and they aren’t going to stop. That is something I definitely have experience with. Please, I need your help.”

Scott regarded the medallion again, thinking back to the night of the masquerade and the sadness that hadn’t quite been all his own. “Fine. But wait here a moment.” He left the room, closing the door again, and Sausage did as told, rocking back and forth on his feet with anxiety, wondering what the elf had gone out for.

Scott returned with a scroll, an ink bottle, two quills, and a box propped under them.  The latter he placed next to the relics, and the others he put aside on a chair, out of the way. “Let everyone think we’re writing out a treaty,” he explained, then opened the box. Inside was the mask and circlet from his costume. “It’s just as well you brought yours. I think they were likely seeing each other because of these.” He lifted out the mask, careful of the feathers, then glanced at Sausage with a frown. “I probably can’t count on you to stay yourself, can I?”

“Probably not, no,” Sausage admitted.

“I’ll try to do the talking, then. Describe the dreams to me so I know what to ask.”

Sausage recounted as much detail as he could but he still thought it might be too vague, unable to precisely express the way the dreams had felt. He then turned away until Scott picked up the medallion, giving him time to put it and his mask on, before taking out his own mask and slipping it on, then cautiously reached for the Nether star and clipped it onto his doublet.

He turned back, looking first at the feathers on Scott’s mask, then dropping his gaze to the medallion. A glow appeared within the star. The worry lines faded from Sausage’s face and a soft smile replaced them. “Hello, Angel. May I have this dance?” He bowed then held out his hand.

Scott made a concerted effort to only look at Sausage’s mask as he accepted the hand, and as if remembering the exact music from that night they began a slow waltz. He received a tiny sense of happiness from the medallion but otherwise his mind felt clear. He decided it best to get straight to the questions before that changed. “Tell me about your dreams, Wither. Where are you?”

“I walk the plane of souls, Angel. Forever trying to appease the hunger that demands more be added to it. I don’t know why that is my duty…” Sausage frowned. “And it feels like a curse.”

“What is the golden light?”

“A goal I cannot reach. It feels like… redemption. But it’s always so far away, and I always have to give in to the hunger.”

An immense wave of sympathy flooded through Scott. He placed his hands on Sausage’s shoulders in an attempt to keep his eyes high, away from the star. Sausage moved both hands to Scott’s waist. A shining look of hope appeared in his eyes. “The light is you, and now I’ve found you again. I don’t have to stay in the shadows…”

The medallion abruptly grew warm, once again easily felt through his shirt. Despite his efforts, Scott’s gaze fell to the Nether star, and one hand slipped down to touch it, and then he was embracing Sausage…and then kissing him.

All he could glean from the rush that followed was that along with the sympathy was a strong mix of love and grief. The next thing he knew, he and Sausage were seated on one of the benches, the Mythlandian asleep in his arms with a peaceful look to his face under his half-mask, finally able to sleep without a nightmare.

A little concerned for how much time might have passed, Scott woke him. “Sausage, are you back with me?”

“Hmm? Scott… Oh. How did it go?” Sausage sat up, removing his mask to rub at one eye.

“The Wither mentioned ‘the plane of souls’. I don’t think it means the actual Nether, or at least not in a literal sense. That night, you mentioned it was a sort of ferryman of the dead. It doesn’t seem content with that role. Is there more to the mythos?”

“I can’t remember offhand, just that it’s one of the interpretations. I could look it up when I get home. Was there anything else?”

“The light it sees is apparently The Angel – but bringing that up triggered the medallion and I don’t know if anything was said after that. The Angel gives The Wither hope, but something is sad about it all. I think we should both do some research to try to find out why before this happens again.” He stood and took off his mask to put it back in the box, then removed the medallion and held it out. “Keep them together, though. Just in case.”

Sausage nodded and put both relics in his pocket before tucking his mask away. On impulse, he opened the bottle of ink and picked up one of the quills, dipping the tip in and then flicking some ink onto his hand. “To keep up appearances,” he explained. He then bowed. “If, ah, anything happens again, I’ll send a message ahead of time.”

“Excellent idea.” Scott saw him to the door. The guards still waited outside, looking unperturbed, and he had them escort Sausage out while the Mythlandian made a show of rubbing at the ink on his hand. Scott then went back to the table and used the second quill to start a draft of a treaty, his mind soon wandering toward how much research he could even do when he already knew information on Aeor’s Angel was limited.

~*~

Three more times they met over the coming months, under the guise of peace negotiations. Scott attempted to determine the timing of Sausage’s nightmares, whether tied to the phases of the moon or a celestial alignment, but there was no consistency that he could find, nor had he had any luck in either the library or the hidden cache of Rivendell lore. Sausage fared a little better, indeed finding stories of a wither who visited those on their death bed and who roamed a battle field when the fighting was coming to an end, reaping the souls of all who had fallen. He didn’t find anything mentioning a link to Aeor’s Angel, however.

Their meetings played out the same way each time. A greeting, a dance, a few mild comments to each other, then an eventual embrace and kissing until they were breathless. One would be holding the other when they came back to themselves, a growing sense of protectiveness becoming clear over time.

Sausage would bow respectfully and take his leave, flying back to Mythland with no more words between them until the next message was sent. Whatever The Wither wanted, this measure was enough to satisfy it. But Scott still wanted to know why.

At last he decided to be direct, and also take precautions to try to limit The Angel exerting influence over him. He couldn’t do anything to the medallion itself lest The Wither notice, but right before Sausage arrived for another meeting, he soaked his shirt in water then used his ice powers to coat his chest in frost, then put on his shirt and froze it, as well, intending to have some kind of barrier, but also hoping it didn’t trigger something else if The Wither noticed the cold aura. It would have to do for now, though.

Performance scroll, ink, and quills already laid out on the table, Scott led Sausage and the guards to the war room and the two went inside. Artifacts and masks were donned, the customary greeting was exchanged, and as they began to waltz Scott focused on keeping his thoughts in line. You’ll have your turn, Angel, but give me more time.

“Why are you haunting me, Wither?”

Sausage smiled, the enraptured look within his eyes still never his own. “I wanted to see you again, Angel.”

“Yes, but why now? Haven’t we had eternity, up to this point?”

“I sensed you were near. Even after I was sealed away, I knew our bond stayed true.”

Well, that was something new, at least. “Sealed away? So you know you inhabit a relic?”

“Yes.”

“So, again, why now, why this man? Surely someone else had worn the star before, or it wouldn’t have been made into a piece of jewelry.”

Sausage frowned. “You were never near. I couldn’t sense you.”

“I had been locked away and forgotten,” Scott offered, remembering how he had come across the medallion.

“They…probably did that for your safety.” Sausage lowered his gaze to the floor but continued to dance.

“Safety from what?”

The Wither didn’t answer. There was a pained look under Sausage’s mask. Scott’s heart fluttered as The Angel’s feelings of sympathy surged, but the frost layer held up against the medallion’s warmth. He lightly touched Sausage’s chin to raise his head to get him to meet his gaze. “You know more. Please tell me. I don’t remember.”

“It’s better that you don’t,” Sausage said quietly, a glint of tears now coming to his eyes.

“I need to know. It’s important. Please.”

Sausage halted, seeming to mentally withdraw for a moment before clasping Scott’s hand. “You were dying, Angel. I couldn’t do anything to stop it…” He abruptly let go of his hand. His voice broke as he softly added,” My touch brings only death. Y-You’re so cold, Angel… I’m sorry.”

Another flood of sympathy – backed by a sudden burst of fear – tore through Scott’s heart. The medallion melted away his armor of frost. He cupped Sausage’s face between his hands and offered a reassuring kiss, then Scott’s mind tumbled away as they embraced once more.

.

 The sound of the door slamming open sometime later drew him back, and his stomach twisted as he heard the voice of the Codfather angrily exclaim, “What is this?!”

Caught tangled in Sausage’s arms, Scott peered past Jimmy at the flustered chamberlain and guards who had been trying to stop him, and who now looked just as shocked – but had the good grace to lower their gazes and back away. Scott pushed away from Sausage and raised beseeching hands. “Jimmy, just let me explain—"

“Explain what? What’s there to explain?! You two lied to me! ‘Peace talks’ for months, I come to see how it’s going, and I find this?! You lied about the ball, too, didn’t you? You said the dance was just a courtesy! I say it doesn’t look like it now!”

“Jimmy, it’s not—”

“No! Don’t try to make excuses, or try to play it off! With-With him, of all people?!” Jimmy’s eyes teared up. “How could you do this to me? Have I really meant nothing to you, this whole time??”

Sausage was glancing back and forth between them, confused and uncertain. “Angel, who is..?”

“’Angel’?!” Jimmy echoed. Infuriated, he grabbed Scott’s mask and pulled it off, throwing it down before reaching for the medallion, the only other obvious piece of that night’s costume. “What are you two playing at?!” He shook the chain – for as far as it could reach, anyway – ready to rip it off of Scott if he had to. “You better tell me what really happened that night!”

The nether star suddenly flared, and Sausage jumped between them, shoving Jimmy then standing in front of Scott, arms out as if to shield him. “Don’t you DARE hurt him!!”

Even without the mask, The Wither was still seeing him as The Angel.

Jimmy scoffed as he recovered from the shove. “I’m not— I’d never hurt Scott. You on the other hand-!” He charged at Sausage from the side, knocking him away from the elf and then making a move to punch him.

Sausage raised his arms in front of his face to protect himself, but looked up over them to mouth the word Run! to Scott, his expression full of terror. Scott didn’t know what Sausage was perceiving Jimmy as; it might have been some other monster for all he knew.

“Jimmy!” Scott tried to yell, “Stop! You have to listen! He’s not himself right now! And neither was I! There’s—”

But the Codfather wasn’t listening, his first hit knocking Sausage’s mask off with another to follow, taking out his confusion and anger on the equally confused Mythlandian, who made no effort to fight back. Scott clenched his fists and called up his ice powers. The medallion seemed to burn in opposition, maybe thinking it was going to be thwarted again, but he released a freezing bolt anyway; he knew Jimmy would be immune to it because of his codish blood, but he hoped it would distract him long enough to try to calm things down.

However, Jimmy abruptly sidestepped and the bolt hit Sausage dead on.

Time itself seemed to slow. Scott’s eyes went wide. Sausage uttered a pained gasp, clutching at his chest. Jimmy drew back, throwing a shocked glance at Scott. A white streak appeared on the left side of Sausage’s hair, reminding Scott of the time he had accidentally frozen Gem. Clarity came to Sausage’s eyes, The Wither influence fading – and he looked afraid in his own right. He tore the Nether star from his doublet and fled the room. Scott watched it slide across the floor – and time snapped back to normal. He hastily grabbed up the star before anything else could happen.

Jimmy stood with a grim frown, watching Scott check the pendant for damage. “All right, then. Explain yourself.”

Making sure to keep a tight hold on the star in case Jimmy got it into his head to snatch it, Scott held it up with one hand and lifted his medallion with the other. He launched straight into the explanation, not pausing for Jimmy to get a word in. “He and I had both gotten possessed that night. I’ve got a little more control over myself than he does, but I’ve had to let go to try to find out why it’s happening. These two…entities are in love, and they’re using us to reconcile whatever befell them. I don’t have much history to go off of because some Rivendell lore seems to have been purposely removed. Sausage and I thought we had solved it when I gave him this at the masquerade to keep them together, but he began having nightmares, and we had to figure out what was going on. It only works on us. He did try other options — but it has to be me. Jimmy… I’m sorry. With the whole Xornoth possession in the past, I thought it better to deal with it between just Sausage and I. I…should have told you.”

“And you’re sure you’re not being possessed by a demon this time?” the Codfather asked warily.

“No. Mine is an angel. The Angel of Aeor, stricken from the records for some reason. I only know of it because my mother was a scholar and had access to even more lorebooks than are in the hidden library. But even those are gone, lost since her time. It hasn’t been enough to give me the full picture.”

“So how does kissing Sausage help with that?”

Scott grimaced at his harsh tone. “It’s just… part of the pattern. They want to dance, they want to talk, and then… they want to hold each other.”

“Well, you’ve got them both now.” Jimmy eyed the pendant. “Why don’t you let me try that on, then you can kiss who you’re promised to.”

“It’s not going to work. You’re not a Mythland heir.”

Jimmy fell quiet, still regarding the star. Then he said, “Why not just destroy them? No contact point, no way of causing possession, boom, done. The mystery can go unsolved.”

Scott closed his fist around the medallion. He felt it burning against his palm and an anger rose within him, but he kept his exterior calm – or at least he thought he did. “I think that could potentially cause a bigger problem. His is a wither, I don’t think you want that running around unchecked, especially if it is now angry at the person who suggested such a thing.” He couldn’t stop from glaring, and Jimmy took a step back.

“All-All right, mister Angel, sir, I’m sorry I mentioned it.” Jimmy swallowed nervously, now questioning how much of the real Scott he had been talking to.

But the elf then sighed and clipped the Nether star onto the chain with the medallion. He didn’t feel any sense of relief or joy or anything with the two relics resting against each other. Just a lingering resentment from The Angel that anyone would try to threaten either of them.

~*~

One panicked flight later Sausage was home and running to Mythland Castle, ducking his head and hoping none of the townsfolk caught sight of him. He almost made it to his chambers but Sir Carlos was in the very hallway he was passing through, and his beady eyes immediately went to the streak of white. “Did… ‘negotiations’ fail, Sire?”

Sausage stopped in his tracks and bowed his head. He couldn’t hide anything from the loyal knight. “Things went wrong. The Codfather caught us—”

“Oh, Sire, no.”

“Yes. I’m hazy on the whole scuffle because The Wither was in charge, but Scott was trying to stop Jimmy from lashing out at me and this happened instead. I don’t – I don’t blame Scott. But… But I’m very cold, and I just want to rest.”

“Where is the star?”

“I left it with Scott. Maybe it’s better that way.” He uttered a noise of discomfort and rubbed at his chest.

“I’ll have the cook make soup. And maybe fetch a healer. You… You don’t look well.”

“I’m cold,” Sausage repeated, and staggered past him to the door. “I – I should be all right. Just… need to warm up.”

“Sire.” Sir Carlos bowed and hurried away to the new tasks at hand.

Once inside his room, Sausage took out a heavy winter robe and wrapped it around himself, then risked a look into a mirror. The white streak stood out plain as day through his brown hair. He brushed at it, not entirely sure what to do other than hide it under his crown the next time he went out. For now, though, he retrieved some extra blankets from a storage chest and arranged them on the bed before crawling under them. He was uncertain of what to do about the new ache in his heart left by whatever it was The Wither had been afraid to tell The Angel.

[ Chapter Two ]