#literally i may never sleep tonight as long as youre still burning bright if i could trade mistakes for sheep count me awake

[normiewizard]

panic! at the disco is finally being put to rest

[ghulehunknown]

Hello!! Uhm may I request papa terzo dealing with a shy reader who wants to be fucked and mutters how she wants Terzo to take her right their and then and Terzo hears it and he goes”oh what was that? You would like me to fuck you raw yes? That is what I heard” or sum like that 😭 you don’t have too !!! Have an amazing rest of your week

Ask and you shall receive! / {Warning - the following contains NSFW smut}

Terzo x F!Reader

**NSFW**

Summary: You’re a new hire Sister of Sin and you’ve won the opportunity of having a private audience with Papa Terzo.

CW/Tags: female reader, shy reader, characters drinking alcohol, vaginal fingering, P in V sex, unprotected sex

Word Count: 1900

“La Lezione di Lucifero”

You walked up to his office door and hesitated before knocking. “Fuck,” you whispered under your breath. Were you really going to do this?

You moved all the way from your boring hometown to work at the Ministry. Wasn’t this the life you wanted to live - a life full of spontaneity and a little depravity?

Anyway, you had quite literally won the lottery. Every new hire got a chance to have a night with Papa…in whatever manner they wished to, so long as Papa gave you a particular wink in the hallway. At least, that’s what you were told. You were also told this was more or less an unofficial initiation ceremony to let Lucifer’s spirit into your body through Papa - though you were certain that was a crock of shit excuse Terzo used to sleep with as many Siblings as possible.

Finally you knocked on his office door, your heart beating so hard you could practically feel it in your throat.

The door opened and there he stood - Jesus Christ, he was even more intimidating up close. He looked surprised at first, then smiled almost smugly.

“Hello, Papa, I… I don’t think we’ve been introduced,” you stammered, looking at the floor, noticing the fine leather detail on his shoes.

“No, we haven’t. But I know who you are,” he said, stating your name matter-of-factly. “You’re new.”

“That’s right, Papa. You’re very observant,” you said sheepishly, instinctively reaching to tuck your hair behind your ear, still not used to wearing your veil.

“I notice everything. I have to; it’s my job.”

You nodded quickly, still avoiding his gaze though you could practically feel his white iris piercing into you. “Yes, of course Papa, I - I didn’t mean to…I mean of course you…”

“Relax Sorella, and come inside,” he said, stepping away from the door and gesturing for you to come in.

You stepped through the threshold of his office, never in your wildest dreams thinking you’d be granted entry in a million years. The room was dark - deep purple walls with tapestries, mahogany furniture, and black slate floor tiles. It looked quite elegant.

“Are you still working this late?” you asked him, entering the middle of the room.

“Mmm, a little yes and a little no,” he admitted. “No rest for the wicked as they say.”

You smiled at him and let out a tiny laugh.

“So,” he started, moving things around on the bar cart opposite his desk, the clink of the glasses bringing you to your senses. “You want to get fucked tonight, eh?” he continued with a smirk, pouring you both a glass of something clear in two ornate glasses. He handed you one.

How did he know what you had on your mind? Your face must’ve flushed bright red because Papa took a casual sip from the glass and spoke again. “Nervous? You don’t have to be. We won’t do anything you’re uncomfortable with. Mm?”

“Yes, Papa,” you practically whispered, taking a slow sip then coughing as soon as the burning liquid hit your throat.

“Careful, Sorella,” he said, leaning against his desk nonchalantly and lifting the glass to his regal mouth. You watched as the glass touched his soft bottom lip and you bit yours, holding back your imagination of feeling his lips on yours. You wondered if his Papal paint ever smeared, and what it might look like smudged onto your face. He brushed his bottom lip with his thumb and looked like he was pondering his next move.

You didn’t want to seem impolite so you choked down another swig of the - what was it, gin?

He set his glass down on a side table and walked towards you, taking your glass from your hand. He took a sip from yours and muttered “Mmn. Cherry lip gloss?”

You blushed and started to tuck your hair behind your ear again, before remembering your veil once more. “Yes, Papa.”

“Hmm, my favorite.” He set your glass down next to his. He lifted your chin so you were both gazing at one another. He tilted his head and leaned in to kiss you - suddenly it felt like you were flying and losing sense of time. Yes, his lips were soft, somehow even softer than you’d imagined. He pulled away, licking his lips. “È delizioso.”

You held your hand up to your mouth, already missing his.

He walked over to his desk and opened up a drawer, rummaging around and pulling out a very small, metallic package and setting it down. “How do you want it?” he asked plainly, looking at you.

“P-pardon?” you asked.

“How do you want it? On the desk, or on the couch? Would you prefer to be on top, or do you like to be on the bottom?”

“I, er - ” you stammered. You gulped, and took a few steps forward until you faced him on the other side of the desk. “On the desk.”

“Very well,” he responded. He began to open the little package when you noticed it was a condom.

You held your hand out to stop him. “No, Papa. I just need to feel all of you, right here, right now.”

His lips - Satanas, those beautiful lips - curled into a wicked smile. “Ho sentito bene? So you want Papa to fuck you raw, eh?”

Your hand still over his, you looked into his eyes and responded, “Yes.”

He reached for your face, grasping your cheek in his hand and dove in for another kiss, this time faster and rougher. You sloppily returned the gesture, feeling your tongues slip inside each other’s mouths in desperate fervor.

“Mmn,” he said, pulling away. “Sorella, I must disclose it would be safer if we used protection. I did, eh, just attend an orgy last night. Who the fuck knows what may be…lingering, you see?”

You nod, making your way around his desk. “I said, Papa,” you started. “I need to feel all of you right here. Please Papa just take me,” you breathed into his neck, kissing him again.

He held your waist in his hands, kissing you roughly then making his way to your neck.

You took off your veil, letting your hair fall around your shoulders. He took a strand in his hand, smelling it then exhaling. In one swift motion you unzipped your habit and let it fall to the floor, looking down at your knees and noticing your legs were shaking.

He gazed at you, biting his bottom lip as he watched you undress. He looked, for a lack of a better term, hungry. He noticed how shaky you were taking off your clothes and grasped around your waist again. “You’re shaking, Sorella. Let me help you.” He slid your panties off your waist and you yanked them the rest of the way off.

You hopped up on his desk, spreading your legs partially, hesitant to show him every bit of you.

“You are molto bellissima, Sorella. Has anyone ever told you that?” He held your chin in his hand.

You shook your head, pursing your lips.

“What a pity. Because you are very pretty. And you would look prettier filled with my cock on my desk.”

You tilted your head back as he kissed you again, placing his hand between your legs, carefully caressing around your labia before slipping in between your lips and easily sliding his middle finger inside your entrance. You moaned, arching your back as he filled you and slid back out.

“You are very wet for your Papa already,” he said in a praising tone. He slipped his gloved finger into your mouth. “See? There’s a good girl.”

He unbuttoned his shirt, revealing a bare chest (minus a few dark hairs across his pecs) and soft but toned arms. He kissed your neck as he unzipped his trousers and flung them, his gloves, and his underwear off. His hard cock bobbed as it was released from his pants, flushed pink at the tip and ready to enter you.

He caressed you, sliding his hand up to your back and unhooking your bra in one hand, holding your face with his other as he kissed you. You slid the straps down your arms and let the bra fall to the floor.

Once your breasts were free, he took each in his mouth, pinching your other nipple in between his fingers as he swirled his tongue around the other; taking turns and switching.

He kissed you roughly while he lined his hips up with yours, sliding his erection in between your folds and pausing at your entrance.

“Are you sure, Sorella? We can use protection, it does not take anything away,” he said, looking at you earnestly.

You grabbed onto his ass and pushed him into you, sliding him in with ease. “I need to feel all of you Papa, and invite the Unholy Spirit inside me.” Your mouth opened in an “ahh” as he filled you.

He groaned. “I guess that’s my answer,” he said, chuckling, leaning in to kiss you again while he began to pump in and out of you. “Sì Sorella, ahhh - cazzo you’re so fucking tight! - this is - fuuuck,” he breathed, pummeling into you at a much faster pace now. “This is the most effective way to induct you into the Church, mmmn, ahhh Satanas...” His breathing was much heavier now, yours escaping your lips in shudders.

You moaned with every thrust into you, feeling him fill you and stretch you. Your hands trailed all over his body and through his perfect raven hair. “You’re an ahhh - amazing teacher, Papa.”

“It really is the most effective with a female orgasm,” he said on a sigh, continuing to thrust. He brought his hand between your legs again, circling around your clit with his thumb, matching the pace he was fucking into you.

“Oh fuck, Papa!” you exclaimed, feeling your orgasm take over. He bent his head down to suck on your nipples, taking your high even higher. As your whole body quivered, you could feel yourself clench around his cock - which, clearly, sent him over the edge as well.

“Shit, Satanas!” he moaned, pumping his seed into you. You both clung to one another, breathing heavily before pulling away and beginning to put your garments back on.

“Did it work, Papa?” you asked inquisitively, putting on your habit and zipping it up.

“Mm?”

“Has Lucifer entered me? Am I admitted into the Church?”

“Ah - ” he said, stuffing himself back into his trousers, clearly pulling this explanation out of his ass. “Sì Sorella, but you may need to - hmm, come again tomorrow. I believe you need more sessions to fully let Lucifer in.”

“Is that so, Papa?” you ask coyly, looking towards his crotch - still half an erection poking through, then back up at his eyes.

“Sì, it is…imperative that your body be worshipped as a temple, and these praises be whispered in tongues into your skin. Your body is to be celebrated for creating the most sinful of acts. You may not be aware of how powerful the female orgasm is.”

Your brain wandered, thinking of all the possible things this could mean.

“And of course, you must…ingest the soul of Lucifer too,” he added.

Now that one you were pretty sure you understood. You tilted your head down in a bow. “Of course, Papa. I know Satan requires this of me before I am fully admitted to the Church.”

He cleared his throat. “Same time tomorrow, Sorella.”

“Of course, Papa.”

{to be continued..?}

Italian to English Translation

- La Lezione di Lucifero (Lucifer’s Lesson)

- È delizioso. (That’s delicious.)

- Ho sentito bene? (Did I hear correctly?)

- molto bellissima (very beautiful)

- cazzo (fuck)

[lupically]

#FEF5F1 | DILUC RAGNVINDR.

genre | fluff

word count | 1825

warning | none

note | i finally wrote something for my top husbando :’)

it came to you as a surprise that diluc, at all, sleeps.

there has always been this fantasy version of him in your head, a fantasy that lacked the great ideals and bright adventures most fantasy novels you have read consisted of. in contrast, your fantasy of him was insulting and otherworldly at best—someone restricted to the rules, a personality as plain as a dull purple doormat, a total stick in the mud that kills joy at the mere sight of it, an emotionless robot that has no use for human necessity such as the bathing and sleeping.

does diluc even need to consume food? you have literally never seen him eat or drink anything before. has he ever taken off his gloves to pick up a hamburger—oh, archons, you just realized now that you have never seen the skin of his hands before. he always has gloves on! was it to hide something?

"oh, wow," you exclaimed lowly to yourself as you leaned forward to examine the hands of the very annoyed red-haired man before you. your long-term question was finally answered. "fascinating... so you do have hands!"

diluc spared not even a glance toward the limb you were so interestedly staring at. he kept quiet for a moment and peered down at you from his bed, one leg propped up and the other stretched out—a rather awkward position he had no time to get out of after he almost burned you alive for sneaking into his bedroom in the winery.

"what drunk wind blew your incompetent self here?" he asked, ignoring your remarks about his lack of real and human hands. whatever you meant by that? you were always spilling weird things out of your mouth, you might even be worse than venti, he reckoned. 

you glared up at him after hearing his mindless insult. you were only fifty percent sure (which was already a lot in your book!) diluc never actually meant those hurtful words, that they simply fly out of his mouth due to his weird need to make sure everyone around him knew that he leaves no room for unnecessary sentiment. 

being kind blatantly was not his thing, and he has no intention of being applauded for being a decent person. why that was, you couldn't be sure. you had your assumptions, but kaeya turned out far too different than diluc that you weren’t sure if you should put your finger on the assumption. you also didn't dare dive deeper into it because (a) you just weren’t invested enough, and (b) by then, it would be a family business you would hate to indulge yourself with.

"kaeya dared me to take a picture of your sleeping face in exchange for some wine. our good friend, the honorary knight's smaller friend also wanted it as a possible blackmail souvenir," you told him honestly.

diluc immediately murmured something you couldn't quite hear, but he looked more confused than annoyed when he glared down at the mattress of his bed. he grumbled something along the lines of how the roles were definitely reversed. you didn't press further about that.

"if that is what you came here for, your best bet is to leave the way you came," he said after a moment, pointing a cold hand toward his bedroom window. "you're not taking any pictures of me."

you snorted, holding up your kamera and tapping the lenses. “uh, i think i came pretty close to taking a picture of you sleeping, diluc.”

“i had woken up the second you walked through my bedroom door. you could never,” he said.

you hummed under your breath, eyeing him suspiciously. he was probably telling the truth. he barely struggled in surprise when he grabbed your hands in the dark; was it pure luck that he perfectly found where your kamera was on the first try or does diluc secretly has night vision? your guess was as good as the unknown. 

not to mention, he looked normal, just like someone who may be in the know of your intrusion. he appeared grumpy but that was just his normal state. you could barely get him out of a frown even if you pay him, mainly because he wouldn’t need your money, but also because he was stubbornly against smiling, it appeared. 

"you know, i was surprised at first. i didn't know you sleep at all! i always thought you kind of just shut down, or maybe you have stayed awake all your life," you said with a shrug, and when he deadpanned at you, you defensively waved your kamera around. "i'm sorry! i just–you don't strike me as a person who sleeps!"

"so dead, then?" diluc asked calmly, although there was very little calmness in his facial expressions, especially those judgemental eyes of his.

"not dead! just... not really human–" you paused and pressed your lips together, thinking back to what you said to him and realizing that he might have a point. then you turned to him. "you also eat, right?"

“are you leaving or not?” he asked, a hint of flare in his voice that if you looked closely, you may see fire emerging from his body.

being stubborn as ever, and knowing that diluc would never really hurt anybody he knew to be good people, you feigned thoughtfulness for a second. tapping your finger against your chin, you scrunched your nose and shook your head. setting the kamera lumine forcefully had to borrow you between your crossed legs, you flashed him a mischievous grin. 

“no,” you said. “i am getting that picture out of you!”

“like i said,” he said, “you will never.”

“fine! then i guess i will just have to sit here and wait for you to fall asleep on me,” you said, slapping your hand down on his soft mattress. “don’t try to force me out of here! i will make it way worse for you!”

diluc furrowed his brows, wondering if you meant what you said. when his questioning gaze couldn’t get even an ounce of budge from you, he could only sigh in frustration. if you planned to sit on his bed until he doze off, then you would definitely make it worse if he tries to dump you out of his bedroom through whatever means you could.

he may be a skilled swordsman and a vision bearer, but unfortunately, he was not immune to bullshits from the likes of you.

diluc closed his eyes to savor the tiniest bit of sleep he managed to get before he heard your extra loud footsteps creeping around his room. he was supposed to get a good night's sleep, which was something he hasn't had in a while because of all the business schedules and his side vigilante job.

he was supposed to rest tonight, and there came you.

there always comes you.

dilly-dally, unpredictable, the epitomie of 'knights of favonius... always so inefficient,' letting klee out of solitary confinement and causing a ruckus amongst the responsible adults kind of irresponsible, has paid for his wine at least a zero number of time kind of broke, and was just always here to ruin his mood at the tavern every single day. 

most of the time, diluc thought about you in a negative light, much like he did with everyone around him and the entirety of the knights of favonius. but there was a version of you in his head that painted you as somebody different—somebody respectful, somebody worth keeping around...

somebody he likes, perhaps.

after all, joy was never prevalent in his life. it used to be, but that was a past he has long forgotten the details of. even if he wanted to remember them now, he could only remember snippets that wouldn’t guarantee him a good nostalgia. he may just end up feeling worse at the end. the only constant influx of distraction he has now seemed to be either you or venti, and with the godly bard as his other option, he would much rather choose you. 

but it was not because that venti was too hard to confine in. you were just as hard to talk about problems with considering your optimism and fickle attitude. 

what diluc wanted was permanence; a train that never stops, a bottle of wine that continuously refills, dandelions that do not stop flying even after it reaches celestia. and venti was too understanding and abstract to be one. as interesting of a character he may be, venti knew when to leave people alone. or, occasionally, he just cared too little. after all the city of mondstadt didn’t lack a god because he was responsible. 

you, though. diluc could never pinpoint if you were as dense as you appeared to be, or if you did know how to read the room and simply chose to ignore it, but you never leave people alone. you never left him alone; you unknowingly pick a petty one-sided argument with him all the time, you get drunk at the tavern and somehow has never let anybody take you home but him, you barge into his bedroom in the middle of the night because of some stupid dare his brother made you do and you still refuse to leave despite being sleepy.

you give him a way out, whether he likes it or not.

arms crossed in front of his chest, he deadpanned as he watched your head drop lower and lower to the mattress. soon enough, you were snoring away on his bed with the gadget discarded by your feet. he watched you in silence, your cheek smushed against the surface and the intensity you always radiated lessening from your body. you looked normal now; not energetic, not talkative. just sleeping peacefully, the way he always made sure you were after carrying you home. 

diluc’s heart was finally softening under the knowledge that nobody was watching him anymore. the pessimistic monster that often emerges from him was still here, but in the face of you, it has painted itself pink and it has forgotten vengeance and retribution. in the face of you, it has been dragged out from the death it once laid and became forgiven. 

carefully laying your head down on the pillow, diluc draped the blanket over your shoulder to tuck you into his bed. after making sure you were fine and well, he placed the kamera on the desk in the room, somewhere visible you could find once you wake up, and he left for one of the guest rooms in the mansion. 

tonight was the first time in a while when he has forgotten about all the problems he’s had. something that wasn’t about wine, the family business, or the abyss order. it wasn’t the rest he wanted, perhaps it was hardly any rest at all, but he was glad he got to think about something else.

of course, diluc would never tell you that.

[nincompoopydoo]

PAIRING, BAGELS, REPEAT

— US AGAINST THE WORLD ; PART 4 / ?

( credits to @animusrox for this gif )

PAIRING: Bruce Wayne x reader

WORD COUNT: 2247 hot diggy dog

SUMMARY: You have a heart-to-heart conversation with one of your students before the play and you're hit with the realization that your love for Bruce may be more than meets the eye. hence, you’re starting to wonder if it was a mistake you can never fix.

A/N: This one’s long and kinda depressing. I’m in an angsty mood now whoops. Nevertheless, thank you for reading this series, the bagels will make its appearance and enjoy this one folks.

WARNINGS: Anxiety, depressing thoughts.

MASTERLIST ; MASTERPOST

The night of the show arrived quicker than you anticipated. The flurry of theatre kids rushing about backstage is quite the sight, feeling the incredible sense of pride of a mother for her children. Yet in prayer, you ask Mrs. Wilson for the gift of strength and ability to manage a bunch of highly-strung teenagers. It’s only Shakespeare after all but you knew that wasn’t the genuine nature behind their stage jitters. With all tickets sold out within a week, it has easily become the biggest event of the year aside from homecoming. It may be a little pretentious for a high school production of an over-performed Shakspeare play to emerge as the highlight of the year, but you know it will help with some of the students’ portfolios for acting school.

The clock ticks—thirty minutes before showtime and panic starts to creep.

Your fingertips dance along the selvage of the extensive drapery of the stage as lighting queues are being run through for the last time. The urge of curiosity lets you crack open the curtain as you peeked at the rest of the theatre. The bustling crowd made up of mostly teenagers with seats rapidly being filled, it’s certainly a sight for sore eyes. Amongst the settling audience, you spot Bruce, seated between Mr. Walken, the principal, and Mr. Huckleberry, the vice-principal, likely being shamelessly asked for donations. He looks engaged, but his posture and the gaze of his eyes tell a very different story—Bruce is barely listening to a word they’re saying.

He then turns in the direction of your hiding spot and despite the distance, he catches your eye, immediately recognizing it’s you spying from behind the curtains. You watch the curve of his lips turn up into more of a smirk, swiftly sending a wink your way. You instantly disappear behind the curtains, cheeks burning.

You sometimes find it hard to believe you’re sleeping with the man with no strings attached because you’re incredibly attracted to him.

Someday, you’ll burst out into an exaggerated love confession, and you know it’s going to be ugly. It’s a reality check and right now, it’s the last thing you want. Running away from your problems is more of a habit than a choice as you would rather live in the world your mind has created, where miracles are made and defects cease to exist. Anyone would trade the cruelties of reality for a perfect one yet getting too caught up in a daydream will eventually evolve into toxicity. Bruce orbits the very core of your problems and daydreams. You want to run away from him and allow yourself to be engulfed by his presence at the same time.

You just need...to breathe. Hence, the second dressing room has a weird stench to it. It’s a mess but it’s empty. Yet, it seems you aren’t the only one in need of space, away from everyone else. Shaniqua is seated at the far corner of the room on a crooked metal chair, dressed in a somewhat modernized version of an Elizabethan era dress. Very elaborate and theatrical. Despite her introverted character, she was constantly bright-eyed and keen during your classes. She had a drive like no other. Hell, she miraculously memorized all her lines in two days.

You’ve never seen a furrow of the girl’s brows, until now, and it worries you. Even her glitter-covered eyes could not conceal the dismay they portray with prominence. Gingerly, you made your way to her as she stared at her fidgeting hands. It was only when you settled on the opposite dusty old chair when she finally noticed your presence.

“Stage fright, huh?” you casually asked, resting your arm on the dressing table. She mirrors your posture, heaving a deep sigh, and shakes her head. “No, it’s just,” A pause, her gaze finds yours. You nod, flashing her a smile. It’s a simple gesture that you’re here to listen. “It’s about Oscar...” You catch a hint of a smile as she trailed off and in an instant, your brow raises with curiosity. Oh? Another beat of silence, her eyes dart around the room. You sit quietly with patience because you knew she had more to say.

“It’s just that doing this play has got me thinking a lot about my feelings. I mean, if Romeo and Juliet could be lovers, despite their feuding families, then it must be easy enough for me to admit that I like Oscar.”

“You have a point.” You chuckle, eyes crinkling with amusement. Sometimes she thinks too much for her own good. She reminds you of Bruce. Shaniqua flashes you a faint smile, lips pressed with doubt. “But why am I finding it so hard to just tell him that?”

You stayed silent for a moment or two, mind deep in thought. The chair creaks as you shift in your seat. “Well, could it be that you aren’t sure if he likes you back?”

A hum in response, shrugging coyly as she mumbled a ‘maybe’. Although it was clear as day to you that Oscar liked her back, you wondered if her doubts emerged due to their differences in character. The familiarity of the situation is beginning to feel a lot like deja vu.

“How do you know that someone is the one?” Her sudden question catches you off guard because, in all honesty, you aren’t confident if you knew the answer. A straightforward question, commonly seen in the pages of teenage magazines, written for innocent eyes. You knew its true nature and it terrifies you. The image of Bruce charges through your thoughts like rushing water, memories of times when the two of you were younger clouding your mind. You forcefully push back your university days, buried back deep into your conscience.

“I don’t exactly know the answer to that but in my opinion, it’s—it’s the feeling of completeness when you love them and know they love you. They may be different from you, but it doesn’t make you love them any less. There’s no conflict or strife; it’s just the two of you against the world.”

Those words were raw and genuine, carefully crafted directly from the heart. You weren’t surprised by your words because you’ve thought about it a lot, especially on nights you slept on Bruce’s bed. Maybe, you do love him, and that's a huge ass problem. It’s amazing how unexpected situations tend to encourage apprehension on large issues you never knew existed in the first place. Perhaps it was your astonishing lack of discernment when it came to matters that could potentially alter your life.

Tonight, a sixteen-year-old girl did just that.

Amid your growing anxiety, you manage to catch sight of the wall clock, hung on the other side of the room. It’s now eight minutes until showtime. Your eyes are now wide as you sprung up from your seat in the sudden realization that everyone should be at their respective positions two minutes ago. “Oh God, we’re running late. Shaniqua, word of advice—don’t end up regretting something you didn’t do,” You shoot her a pointed look, index finger stretching towards her. “Now, you really need to go, or we’ll have to delay and you know Mr. Walken hates waiting.”

-

It’s a quarter to nine, and the theatre is empty. Outside, the foyer and the hallways are buzzing with the remaining audience, lingering and sharing inane conversations as others wait for a car to take them home. You had only just finished rearranging the costumes in the wardrobe of the dressing room. You tried to sweep the scatter of glitter all over the floor but it deemed a task as impossible; you’ll deal with it next week.

You’re sitting in the seat at the front row, nearest to the aisle with a large box filled with props on your lap. Alone in transcendental silence, feeling as empty as the theatre itself. It was partly the conversation you had with Shaniqua that hit you with the reminder of all the mistakes you made that have led you to this unchanging world of a blur that takes the blame for the wretched feeling in your chest. Yet, as the show progressed, hearing the words of affection from two lovers had sent your mind reeling. You were desperate to head home, crawl into bed and potentially cry yourself to sleep but the growing anxiety forbids it, you don’t even think you could drive home.

So, you stillness of the theatre reminds you of Edward Hopper’s painting, Solitary Figure in a Theater. With eyes shut, you pretend you are the figure in the painting, sheathed in black, sitting alone in the cavernous dark.

You hear the door of the theatre squeak, swinging open followed by the shuffling of feet. You don’t look at first, too tired anyway. You’d assume someone had either forgotten something or it was the janitor that you’re sure is going to be upset over the glitter massacre in the dressing room. It looked like a crime scene, except it was the murder of a literal unicorn. You made a mental note to send an apology sandwich of some sorts next week.

It was the familiarity in the whiff of cologne that made you snap your eyes wide open, looking over your shoulder to meet with the sight of Bruce, ambling down the aisle towards you. He smiles, and you mirror him, shifting in your seat and nearly toppling the box to the ground. “What are you still doing here?” He smiles, and you mirror him, shifting in your seat and nearly toppling the box to the ground. “I could ask you the same question.” He settles in the seat next to you, elbow brushing against yours. Your head tilts, gesturing to the box. Bruce merely hums and nods thoughtfully.

“So, how was the play? Does it get a Wayne seal of approval?” There’s a hint of teasing in the curve of your lips as his eyes drift to the stage. “I liked it. The kids have talent.” Your eyes glint with amusement, your smile growing wider. “I never knew you were a fan of romance.” His laugh comes out more like a huff of air, crinkled eyes meeting yours, and nudges you lightly. “Well, now you know.”

He recognizes the way your smile doesn’t quite reach your eyes and the way you’re fussing with the edges of the box on your lap. Something is bothering you and he knows it. He nudges you once more. “Penny for your thoughts?”

You blink once. Then twice, face wincing instinctively. You keep forgetting how well Bruce can read people, especially you. You exhale slowly as he watches you struggle to pick the right words.

“It’s really nothing. It’s just-” you say after a long minute, cutting yourself short. Then, you turn to Bruce. “I’m growing older, and I’ve spent my entire life in a fog with so much fear for reality, I’m afraid it’s too late to fix all my mistakes and regrets.” Your voice dwindles with every word that escaped your lips. You were young, naïve with the notion that time was extensive to make decisions without thinking it through. To know that you could never take back the things you did. Saturn’s rising, it’s a wake-up call now that you’re older and the fear that you would never change creeps onto you with every passing birthday.

Bruce defines the epitome of the sinking feeling in your chest whenever you lay in bed at night and let your mind reel about your existence. Yet, it isn’t as simple as you want it to be. The boy you met at university has grown into a far more complex and entangled mess of the grief of his parents, the responsibility he held over this city and the drive to just...keep moving on. For the longest time, it was him against the world, and a part of you wants to believe that it doesn’t have to be that way. That maybe, you could be enough for him.

He glanced away from you, trying to hide the despondency in his eyes. He holds back a sigh as he speaks, “Do you regret us doing this?” As vague as his question is, you know what he exactly means. He remembers the time the two of you used to exchange senseless conversations and laughter so vividly that it scares him. Juvenile friends, lacking the knowledge to know what love really was. Hence, the agreement—it was just two friends, messing around. Nothing could go wrong. Now, the hole has been dug in too deep, with no way of getting out.

“I don’t,” you reply and with just two simple words, his chest feels like fire. It was the way you had said it, with so much confidence and assurance, despite the intricacy of this relationship. For the first time in a long time, you were extremely sure about an answer. You could never regret Bruce. Never.

It’s almost hesitant in the way his hand finds yours, but it represents his care for you, even if you may not know it. The warmth of his hand feels like fire. Hell, your chest feels like it’s on fire, heart burning for the man beside you. “I’ll drive you home,” he whispers with a squeeze of your hand. You flash him a grateful smile as the two of you drift into a comfortable silence. Silence so eloquent that you don’t feel so empty anymore. No longer a solitary figure trapped in a painting but now two, hand in hand, against the world.

TAGLIST

@raineeace

[piratewithvigor]

Romance Isn't Dead (Just Buried Alive) - Chapter 1

When faced with one of the most frightening emotions of all time, Undertaker turns to Goldust for assistance

(I have literally had this title yelling at me since like June without a plot to go with it. Have finally plotted it for the most part. Figure it'll be like 3 chapters or so. Beats the hell out of me when they'll go up. For now, enjoy some good old-fashioned sweet crack)

The star on the door is glittering almost offensively brightly. ‘Goldust’ is scrawled through the middle with an obscenely elegant script. It’s as bright and cheerful and dazzling as the man himself.

Undertaker feels sick to his stomach to be standing in front of the door.

It’s not fear. He doesn’t think it’s fear, anyway. Fear sits heavy when he does feel it, and it isn’t often. Paul’s reminded him time and time again that there’s not a single thing in the company more scary than he. But Paul doesn’t know he’s here. Maybe it’s the idea that he finds out that scares Taker. But he’s faced Paul’s ire before. It’s deeply shameful, but not scary.

And yet, something grabs his arm and keeps him from lifting it to knock at the door. Some invisible force he isn’t familiar with. Paul’s trained him long and hard in recognizing and overcoming any force, visible or not, mortal or otherwise. He’s not sure he’s breathing as he rereads the name on the door over and over. It’s something to focus on. Something to keep his mind occupied as he works to lift his arm.

Maybe he ought to just walk away. Could be for the best. It’s probably not a good idea anyway. Paul does the better thinking. Everyone says so. Ever since the fire, it’s always been easier to just listen to what Paul says and not make a mistake by disobeying him. He’ll walk away and forget the whole idea. He’s able to turn his head to leave before a voice comes from inside the room.

“Didn’t know zombies needed to be invited in. Thought that was just vampires.”

Words die in Taker’s throat. He didn’t know he had any in the first place. All he has is finally the willpower to knock. There’s a quiet groan from inside and a little shuffling the door opens. Goldust stands there, wearing a shimmering robe that nearly brushes the floor and most of his face paint. The rest was just about to be applied, judging by the brush in his hand.

“It was an invitation, dear. I doubt the door would be too heavy for you.”

“Didn’t want to be rude.”

It’s a flimsy excuse, but Taker’s looking for any reason to stall why he’s here. Maybe it is fear. He’s familiar with the emotion after all; having caused it plenty. Was this how his enemies felt? Frozen in place, hearts racing, breath a struggle to pull in?

“Are you alright? You look like you’ve seen a ghost. Almost as pale as your Mr. Bearer.”

“Can I speak with you in private?”

The request is strange enough to wipe the expression of eternal confidence off Goldust’s face. Taker hardly ever speaks to begin with. Paul does most of that for him. To speak in private with Paul nowhere to be seen? Unheard of.

Wordlessly, Goldust takes a step back to let Taker past him into the room. The whole place maintains the flair of Goldust himself, with garments hung up that Taker almost feels he needs to cover his eyes a little to look at. He doesn’t, of course. His mind is far elsewhere.

Goldust closes the door behind them, wringing his hands a little to quell the questions. He figures he’s not the one in trouble, else he’d have been decked on the spot when he opened the door, if not, chokeslammed or even tombstonned. But none of that had happened. Taker looked far more pale than usual. And he’d stood outside the door for 7 minutes and 15 seconds (not that Goldust was counting) completely motionless.

“Need a seat?” He offers, sitting back down in front of the mirror. Taker may need to speak, but Goldust is on in less than an hour and still needs to paint in all the black on his face and adjust his wig.

“No, thank you. I may need to leave in a hurry.” He keeps glancing back at the door, double- and triple-checking that it is most certainly closed and that there’s no way Paul can possibly see him from the hallway.

“Then maybe a glass of water? Honestly, Taker, dear, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you weren’t supposed to be here.”

“I’m not.”

“It can’t be against your Mr. Bearer’s rules to speak with a colleague. Especially if we’re going on together tonight.”

“It is.”

“Seems overly harsh.”

To that, Taker doesn’t answer. He’s watching Goldust apply the makeup with a skilled hand in the mirror. Perhaps it is a little harsh of Paul to keep him away from the other wrestlers, but Paul is taking his pre-show nap. Sneaking away was easier than Taker expected. All in the name of necessity.

“I need your help.”

“With what?”

Taker isn’t exactly sure. It all seemed to simple before that moment. As he snuck away from his own dressing room where Paul was sleeping. He’d request Goldust’s help and after a couple more steps in his brilliant plan, the burning persistent desire in the back of his mind would be fulfilled. What could go wrong?

Not knowing what exactly he was desiring, for starters. The thoughts and feelings had begun months ago and he was fairly certain he knew what they were, but there was always the chance he’d been completely wrong and would get laughed out of Goldust’s dressing room. From there, the laughter would spread and Paul would find some kind of way to punish him.

He’d been told to forget these feelings. Forget the fantasies of touching, perhaps even without his gloves on. They weren’t beneficial. They weakened him instead of strengthened him. But maybe Paul was wrong this time. It hadn’t happened yet, but it still could.

“I think I’m in love.”

Of all the things Goldust had guessed Taker might say, a declaration of love certainly isn’t one of them. The shock causes him to nearly gouge out his eye with the brush, but he stops short, only causing a few stray tears to leak out before grabbing a tissue to salvage the makeup and turning around to face his guest.

“I’m certainly glad to hear it. I wasn’t sure if you were able to feel anything besides anger.”

“I’m not supposed to.”

“That’s just foolishness. No one can make you stop feeling things. Especially love. Now, I want you to sit down and relax and tell me all about whoever captured your heart.”

Taker hesitates a little, but follows Goldust’s instructions. Most of them, anyway. He doesn’t relax. His heart is still racing with the worry of being caught. The worry of trying to explain his heart when he isn’t sure he still has one.

“He’s… another wrestler.”

“Do I know him?”

“Yes.”

“Is he here tonight?”

“Of course.”

“Who is he?”

Taker grows bright pink and turns away. Underneath his makeup, Goldust can feel the same happening to him. Words nearly fail him.

“Well, Taker… I’m… I’m flattered, but you know as well as I do that so much of what we say in the ring is… exaggerated. I suppose I would be willing to try-”

“It’s Shawn,” Taker blurts out, his skin almost as red as his beard.

“Shawn Michaels?”

Taker nods and Goldust breathes out a sigh of relief. His tastes may be a little out of the ordinary, but the idea of trying to be in a loving, committed relationship with someone who’s at least very peculiar and at most not human is a little too much. But dancing with the devil in the pale moonlight wasn’t exactly off the table.

“Does he have any idea?”

“I don’t think so.”

“But you want him to know?”

“I… I don’t… I’ve never really…” Taker stammers over his words before finally finding the right ones after a deep breath. “Yes. And I want him to love me back.”

It’ll be a challenge, doubtless. But Taker came to him with it. Some might argue that he isn’t the locker room’s authority on matters of the heart, but he’s been trusted with Taker’s.

“You’ve got a lot to learn, my dear Deadman. Shawn’s driven around the block a few times, but it’ll be hard to get him to find a place to park,” Goldust muses, then notes Taker’s deeply confused expression. “It’ll be hard to get him to settle down with just one man,” he corrects himself.

“But you can make it happen, right?”

“You wouldn’t have come to me if you doubted I could. Anyone can win anyone’s heart if you employ the right techniques.”

“And you can teach me?”

“Undertaker, dear, if there’s anyone in the world who can teach a zombie the art of romance to woo the man he fancies, it’s yours truly.”

[pricemarshfield]

moments like these

A Figayda angst/hurt/comfort fic. Requested by @sapphic-tuesday even though they only requested it because I love Figayda. (ily bestie) Read on AO3 here.

Prompt: Figayda, angst, hurt/comfort, “You don’t need to stay.” “I don’t need to. But I want to.”

The forest is dark and damp and the worst fucking place Fig has ever been, and she's running as fast as she can to get away from herself. She'd point out how it's way too on the nose if she had any breath left, but as it stands, it's all she can do to keep putting one foot in front of the other, slower and slower.

Eventually she has to just collapse into the nearest bush, hope somehow that's enough stealth even as the crack of the branches seems to echo out for miles and miles. There's a long, long beat, where she thinks, just for a second, that maybe she's done it. Maybe the other her isn't too perceptive, either.

She hears an oddly pitched laugh from right behind her ear, as though she isn't lying on the ground, and when did the branches tangle around her leg? Where'd her bass go? Why did none of her friends even seem to care that someone else took her place--

Fig wakes up with a start, sits up, hits her head against her ceiling which is, of course, the living room floor. Her horns scratch it a bit, but thankfully, her mom won't ever see it. Her crystal says it's 3 in the morning when she checks it, and fuck, she's gonna be stuck in here for awhile if she can't pass back out.

She could send a quick text to the Mordred group chat (the manorlings, despite Ragh vying for 'OWLBEAR HYPE HOUSE') and ask if anyone's up to let her out, but then there'll be questions about why she's up, so she just concentrates on mage hand until she nails the chord and the ceiling opens.

The house feels too empty with everyone asleep, too stifling when she can't make any noise, but there's not exactly anywhere else she can go. Her days of sneaking out in the middle of the night to go to concerts aren't nearly as fun now that she misses her friends the whole time. Also, now people recognize her for being one of Solace's biggest stars or whatever, and that's just kind of a hassle when she's not in the mood for attention.

The living room couch is an old, cracked leather thing, moved from Jawbone's apartment. It's not comfortable in any traditional sense, but there's a groove in it that fits her perfectly, and that's nice, in its own way. Sometimes she misses the couch in the old house. It got burned to hell in the attack on prom night, though, so. The whole house did, honestly; when she went home after everything, the window in her bedroom was shattered, glass all over her bed so that she had to pick up each piece, vacuum up what small pieces she couldn't see. She still woke up with a couple cuts on her legs that she didn't have before, but it was home, even if the posters and the pink wallpaper were both singed, even if the purple comforter she'd had since she was a kid didn't smell like it used to.

The old Faeth house never really felt like home after her horns, sure, but Mordred...

She does like it here. Loves it, when everyone's crowded around the table, Adaine arguing with Kristen about some minute difference in casting, Jawbone telling a wildly off-color story to a confused-but-interested Aelwyn, Sandra Lynn making sure Ayda has enough food on her plate while she blinks back fiery tears.

But it doesn't change the fact that she lived here for all of a day before spring break, and right now the hallways and secret passages and tall ceilings all feel ominous, not exciting anymore.

She turns on the light before her mage hand dissipates, scrolls through the games she has on her crystal. Most of them are things she's had on here back when she liked unicorns and glitter and all those girly things that she never got around to deleting.

It's something to do, at least.

The bright colors are nostalgic in just the wrong way, and she makes it through two minutes of matching pop rocks and cake slices before she's scrolling through the games again, on-edge for no goddamn reason.

"Fig?"

Part of her relaxes against the couch before she's even finished processing the voice as Ayda. "Hey! I didn't think you were staying here tonight."

"I wasn't," Ayda says, looking at her with an expression she can't read at all. She's in a deep blue chemise, like she'd been sleeping before she walked through the enchanted door into Mordred. "I--may I sit?"

"Yeah, of course," Fig says, patting the spot next to her. "Always, babe."

Ayda cries a little as she sits, and Fig wipes the tears away. The first time she tried, when she was a normal tiefling and didn't wear the title of Archdevil, it stung a little, like stepping into a too-warm bath. Now, it feels just like the hint of warmth against her hand, uniquely Ayda and not at all painful. (Which is also uniquely Ayda, to never freak Fig out even when she's in this shitty mood.)

"So," Ayda says. "I was in Leviathan, as I needed to--well, still need to, I've merely decided the task isn't as important--I'm getting sidetracked."

"Yeah," Fig says, and when Ayda stiffens, says, "Not bad! Not a bad thing! It's cute."

"Oh," Ayda says. "I--sorry," and bursts into tears again. Fig wipes them away, kisses her cheek just 'cause she can, kisses the other one because she can feel Ayda's face get even warmer.

"No worries," Fig says, too late, because she's not--this is still new to her. "So what's going on?"

"As you know, I am a divination wizard, though not an Oracle like Adaine, our best friend." Fig nods. "But sometimes my dreams have--not prophecies, but looks into the present, or even occasionally the past."

"Okay," Fig says. "Is there, like, a slumbering demon lord underneath Mordred?"

"No," Ayda says. "I asked a ranger I know in Leviathan to check before he left on a journey to Sylvaire. Unrelated to the Nightmare King. I checked, just to be sure, because I am sure none of us want to deal with that again."

"Mmhm," Fig says, willing herself to keep breathing slow and easy and not tense up like she wants to. It's just Ayda talking about preventing further Nightmare King stuff. The Nightmare King doesn't even exist anymore, they're Cassandra, they're cool. "So, uh, what'd you see in your dream?"

"You," Ayda says. "That isn't uncommon. I dream of you often. You're in more of my dreams than not. Is that strange? Should I not have said that?"

"Not strange," Fig says, sure her cheeks are red rather than pink. "Just--I'm flustered, okay, give me a second."

Ayda nods at her, not smiling but face relaxed in a way that suggests the same feeling. Fig grabs her hand just to ground herself, squeezes it once. There's a moment before Ayda squeezes it back, like she's thinking about whether it's the right thing to do.

"Totally normal," Fig says, just in case.

"Good," Ayda says with one long exhale. "I was worried."

"You know, it doesn't matter to me if what you do is 'normal'," Fig says. "I like you whether what you do is normal or not!"

Ayda nods. "I want to finish my thought, but after that I want to kiss you. That was the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me."

"You could kiss me and then finish the thought?"

"I would forget," Ayda says, like she doesn't remember everything, like Fig is enough to distract her. Fig can't quite meet her gaze, then, a smile pulling at the corner of her mouth. She squeezes her hand again. Ayda squeezes back immediately. "Um. I'm distracting myself. What was I talking about?"

"Your dream."

"Right. Thank you, Fig. I dreamed about you, and I think it may have been--it was as though I was standing at your bedside. I know it was a dream and not sleepwalking, because I can't actually stand in your room--it's too short and I don't want to set your house on fire. But you seemed upset, and while I don't know if that was real or a dream or not, I couldn't--I couldn't just sit in my room and Leviathan without checking."

"Oh," Fig says. "Um. I'm fine."

"Hm," Ayda says. "You know, you were the one who told me that if people say they're fine, it very rarely means they're fine. I don't understand the logic of it at all, but I trust your insight."

"It's stupid," Fig says, and then, in a twist, bursts into tears herself. "God. It's stupid, I don't even know why I'm upset? Like, it's literally nothing, nothing is going on, I'm just dumb--"

"You are not dumb," Ayda says, and Fig hates herself all the more for the panic she can hear in her voice. "You have taught me so much, and if it matters to you, then it's not stupid. Fig?"

"Yeah," Fig says, voice embarrassingly choked up. She clears her throat as best she can, which isn't very well, since she's still actively crying. "Yeah, I know."

"I don't know what you know," Ayda says. "But I know that when I cry, you wipe my tears away, and I'm going to do the same for you, unless you want to stop me, in which case I won't."

Fig doesn't move, lets Ayda wipe away her tears even though it makes her want to cry more, someone being nice to her right now. "Thanks."

"Any time," Ayda says with the weight of a promise and not at all like the platitude most people would mean. "Do you want to talk about it? It's okay if you don't. I often don't want to talk about the things I'm going through when I'm still going through them."

"I don't," Fig says, because the idea of explaining the nightmare and Mordred and her old house being destroyed and feeling so, so unmoored and stuck all at once makes her want to tear her own hair out. "I don't--you don't need to stay. I'll be okay. If I'm not--if I can't talk about it, you don't need to stay."

"I don't need to stay," Ayda says, carefully, and Fig grips her hand tighter without consciously meaning to. "But I'd like to. If I can."

"I meant it when I said always," Fig says, still not looking at Ayda because she can't.

"Do you want me to?"

"Yeah," Fig says. "I always want you to stay."

Jawbone walks into the room on his way into the kitchen, sees two teenagers holding hands and crying and slightly-burning his couch, and decides he can just get water from the bathroom instead of the kitchen. He's not one to interrupt a moment.

[djarrex]

Countermeasures || 4

Diversion

Fives x ofc!reader

<- previous chapter | next chapter ->

| main masterlist | series masterlist | read on ao3 |

Rating: 18+ only

Word Count: 6.8k

Warnings: hella sexual tension yet again, some violence (feat. hand-to-hand combat Fives #King), a hint of fluff (really a hint of softy Fives)

chapter summary: You know something strange is going on, and that becomes even more clear upon Tup’s passing. You’ll both need a diversion to kickstart the investigation, so the truth behind Tup’s death - and the tumor - can be uncovered.

note: Okay I’m not confident in my writing of fight scenes so bear with me. This is the longest chapter so far and there were some parts in here I really struggled with so I’m sorry if things are written weird. I removed an entire scene and replaced it with something different. Hint: it was spicy, but turned into fluff. Slow burn... am I right? 

***

It was the morning after Tup’s passing and Fives’ simultaneous arrest. You got ready for the day, running on empty fumes and barely any sleep. That night you had tossed and turned, unable to relieve yourself of the guilt flooding through you. You weren’t even upset you were reassigned – you were too distraught from watching Fives get taken away as he shook his brother’s lifeless body. It was a scene straight from a depressing holomovie, and it burned in your brain, playing on repeat.

You reached for your lab coat on the way out of your quarters, but hesitated. Did you even need to wear it now? You’re going to be skimming through reports all day for the rest of your internship. Hardly the occupation that warrants the donning of a medical lab coat. Hand still floating in the air, you dropped it and shook your head. No. You do not deserve to wear that.

Your feet dragged as you headed the familiar way to the archives; a path you thought you wouldn’t have to walk again. As you approached a trisecting corridor, you heard hushed voices - those of the Kaminoans. You stopped before reaching the corner, steadying your breath to zero in on their conversation, attempting to remain undetected.

“We can not let that clone leave. Not after what he has seen.”

“Now that CT-5385 has passed, we can begin the autopsy. We do not have a need for CT-5555 anymore.”

“You may be correct, but we mustn’t leave anything to chance. I suggest we wipe his memory and keep him here indefinitely so that we can easily monitor his behavior.”

“I agree.”

“Doctor, I will gather the guards and escort CT-5555 to the reconditioning center.”

You had never turned around so fast in your life.

You wanted to run, run as fast as you could through the bright corridors, but you couldn’t. It would raise too much suspicion, which wasn’t something you – or Fives – could afford right now. Instead, you maintained a brisk pace, slowing it slightly when others came into frame. You needed to get to Fives. You had no idea how long he had – they could be on their way there right now.

Fives’ room came into view – no guards standing outside. That was a good sign. You slammed your fist against the buttons and the door whisked opened. Fives sat in a familiar distraught position on the cot with his head hung low, but instantly snapped up to the sound of your frantic voice as you rushed into the room.

“Fives! Thank the Maker you’re still here.” You quickly turned to shut the door as Fives jolted up, confusion written all over his face.

“Still here? What are you-”

“You need to leave. Now.” You were a tad bit out of breath. Fives just stared at you, wide-eyed.

“Ren, hey. Just breathe, and tell me what’s going on.” Fives’ arm outstretched and a warm palm landed on your upper arm, squeezing tight with reassurance, pulling you to sit down on the cot with him. You kept your head down, staring at your dangling feet to calm yourself.

“I overheard them talking… they- they said they were going to wipe your memory. They’re not sending you back to the 501st, Fives. I don’t think that was ever their intention… and now, after Tup, I- I don’t think it’s going to be good.” 

“Who said that?” You looked up to meet Fives’ eyes, noting how the previous look of confusion and concern jumped out the window and was replaced with caution and curiosity - maybe anger, too.

“Nala Se, and- and some other Kaminoans. I think I heard the Prime Minister’s voice, too.” Fives hand jumped to your thigh, giving a modest squeeze as he leaned in close.

“Did they see you? Please tell me they did not see you.” Worry accompanied his tone - worry for you.

“I don’t think so. I didn’t hang around for long. I- I heard them say your name, then something about an inhibitor chip, and the reconditioning center, and- ”

“Hey, Ren. Look at me. It’s going to be okay, alright? They can’t do that. There’s no way they’d get away with that if Rex or General Skywalker have anything to say about it.” You knew of Rex, but nothing about this Skywalker guy. Whoever he was aside, Fives didn’t quite seem to understand the urgency of the situation.

“Fives, you don’t know. They’ve been acting strange ever since we found the tumor in Tup. I- I don’t think that was something any of us were supposed to find. Not me, and especially not you. There’s something strange going on here. I can feel it!” You stood up and paced over to the counter, arching forward with your elbows resting on the cool top. Fives shuffled around as you heard his footsteps approaching, making you turn around to face him.

“What do you mean?” 

Fives didn’t seem to be in any rush to leave - his stubbornness was insane. Fuck. Time was running out. They could be here any second. Anxiously running your fingers through your hair, you started, “When we did the scan on Tup and removed the tumor- Nala Se acted as if none of it mattered. She told me over and over that the scan was incorrect, but we know what we saw. We held the evidence in our hands. Something not right is going on around here, Fives. You and I may be the only ones that know about it. I gotta get you out of here.” Fives’ eyes remained locked with yours as he silently took it all in. He wasn’t saying anything, until -

“Well, what about you?” Fives’ hand reached forward and locked into yours. The warmth coming from his rough hand soothed you for a moment as you collected your thoughts.

“I’ll be okay so long as they don’t know I’m working with you and I... stop asking questions. They didn’t dismiss me like I thought they would, so I still have a chance of finding on what’s going on from the archives. They think they can cover their assess by keeping me compliant and reconditioning you-”

“Do you know how long I have until they ‘recondition’ me, whatever that means?”

“I ran to find you as soon as I heard they would send the guards to escort you out... Fives, they could literally get here any second. I’m supposed to be in the kriffing archives, but I am not letting them do that to you.” You grabbed his other hand and squeezed them both. Looking up at the vent, you nodded up at the ceiling. “Common, you know the drill.”

***

You had been crawling through the cold durasteel ventilation shafts for a while now. In your exhausted state you had forgotten to put on your chrono this morning, and you were sure Fives had no current concept of time. Coming up on a trisecting shaft, you ceased crawling.

“Do you have any idea where you’re going?” It had to have been at least fifteen minutes when you finally broke the silence. Fives came to a halt in front of you and turned his head around over his shoulder.

“Uh, yes?” The obvious lie seeped its way through the raising pitch in his voice. Rolling your eyes, Fives added in, “I need to get to the hangar so I can create a diversion.” Fives resumed crawling, but you remained still.

“A... diversion? What are you thinking of doing at the hangar?” As your voice became more distant to him, he paused again. Fives peered over in your direction behind him, nodding for you to come along. You sighed, but continued forward to catch up with him.

“I need to make it look like I’ve escaped, that way they don’t come looking for me here.” Once you were close enough behind him, he started crawling again - but you paused, again. What in the hells-

“Make it look like you’ve escaped? I thought I made myself very clear when I told you that you need to leave.” Fives sensed that you halted once again, coming to a halt himself and backing up a few paces.

“I can’t leave yet, Ren. You said so yourself – something strange is going on here, and I need to get to the bottom of it. I need to know more about the tumor you took out of Tup.” There was definitely no arguing with a man like Fives. With a defeated sigh, you bowed you head for a moment, contemplating the next move. Well, Fives might as well hide out for a bit until enough of the heat has been taken off him. It wouldn’t help the cause if he got captured right away.

“Okay, fine. But it’s too hot down there right now. I’m sure they have troopers searching every room and hall in the medical wing for you once they realized you weren’t where you were supposed to be.” You narrowed your eyes at him, which you know he couldn’t see from his position - you hoped he felt it, though. “You’ll need a safe place to hide in the meantime, then we can dig deeper into the tumor.”

“We? Renna, I’ve already asked too much of you, and nearly got you dismissed from my actions.”

“Not your actions, Fives. I’m the one who agreed to help you, and I still want to help you. You’re not the only one who wants to figure out what the fuck is going on around here.” If Fives wouldn’t escape Kamino, then you would help him the best you could.

“Alright, alright.” Fives chuckled at your tenacity, “Where would be a safe place to hide in the city? I’m not exactly fond of staying up in these freezing vents for the rest of the day and tonight.”

“I mean…” You paused, contemplating if you really were about to say what you were going to say, “You- you could lay low in my quarters. No one of importance goes to that side of the city anyway. They would never think to look there. It would just be for the night – it would probably be okay to head out to the hangar by morning.” Yeah, you said it. The thought of Fives being in your room - just the two of you - sent heat all over your body, warming up the exposed skin that was pricked with goosebumps from the freezing vents. Fives’ head turned towards you as far as it would go, most likely straining his neck. You could make out his raised eyebrows as he let out a grunt. Somehow you figured he wouldn’t say no to being invited into your room. Fives - ever the stubborn man - was an arguer, though.

“You can’t get caught help-”

“Don’t argue with me.” You raised your brows, mimicking him, earning a chuckle your way. “I have some food, and I’m sure you’re about starving right about now.” Letting out a heavy sigh, Fives nodded.

“Alright, lead the way, ma’am.” Fives scooted as far as he could to the right, allowing you to pass by him. Fives didn’t start crawling right away, but you didn’t stop; you allowed yourself to imagine that he was checking out your ass again. A few more moments went by until you finally heard the sound of Fives tailing you, when he sighed again, “Please don’t tell me all you have are protein bars.”

***

You must have crawled for another silent half hour by the time you reached the vent leading to your room. Opening it carefully and quietly, you hopped down onto your bed. Fives followed, with his guard clearly held up high as he automatically scanned the unfamiliar room.

“So, uh… this is where I currently live.” You tied your hair up into a ponytail and smiled at Fives after he finally dropped down. “It’s going to be fine - I promise.” Plopping down on the edge of your bed, you patted the mattress and gestured for Fives to join you. This whole thing – Fives in your room with you – was a fantasy that guided your self-pleasure for a couple nights; you finally had true alone time with him, and you wanted to do what you could with it.

“I can tell you made this place your own. Better than my bunk in the barracks that’s for sure.” Fives rubbed the back of his neck and offered you a sheepish grin, plopping down on the bed right next to you. You felt the heat radiating off his body; Fives was sitting very close to you. There was silence for a minute until you realized you had forgotten to offer him anything.

“One protein bar, coming right up!” You jolted up and off the bed and headed for the small kitchenette by the front door. You heard the sound of Fives readjusting on your mattress but remained focused on getting him something good to eat. Opening cabinet after cabinet, shaking your head at the sight of each one, you finally found something you think he’d like. You called over your shoulder, “Have you ever tried macarons? They’re not exactly full of nutritional value, but they’re really good.” No response. You held the half-full box of the sweet cookies against your chest and turned around; Fives made himself perfectly at home. His head rested on your favorite pillow and his legs were sprawled out, taking over the entire bed. His head was tilted towards you, a grin on his face. 

You felt your body get pulled by him, mindlessly walking over to your bed, sitting down on the edge near his knee. The box of macarons still in your hand, you pulled one out and passed it to Fives. He took it, staring at it before shoving the whole thing in his mouth. You couldn’t help but giggle at his facial expression when his tastebuds activated, signaling the rest his body of just how delicious those cookies were. You raised a brow with a large smile on your face, nodding to him as he swallowed. 

“Another?” You laughed as Fives quickly grabbed at the second macaron you held out to him. You chewed one down with him, and after a few minutes of nothing but chewing sounds, the box grew empty.

“What do you usually do for fun when you’re not out doing medical stuff?” Fives had just swallowed the last macaron, smacking his lips and savoring the flavor. He was still sprawled out on your bed, looking extremely comfy and content. You smiled at him as you thought about your life before coming to Kamino.

“I used to go out a lot, back on Coruscant. I made a lot of friends at the academy, and they always wanted to go out and drink and dance. It was fun.”

“I guess there’s no club or cantina here, is there?”

You laughed. “Nope. It’s quite unfortunate.” You let your hair loose and combed at the slightly tangled strands with your fingers. “What about you? You know, when you’re not out doing ‘war stuff’.” Fives laughed at his own phrasing being thrown back at him, but was fixated on what you were doing with your hair.

“I enjoy going out with the guys. Rex, Kix, Jesse. I have a lot of brothers, but they’re the closest ones to me. Well, what’s left of them anyway.” Removing your fingers from your hair snapped Fives’ attention back to your face. You hated to admit that you had almost forgotten about Tup. You didn’t know exactly how close they were, but the bond was clear when you saw the lengths Fives had gone through so far for Tup. 

“I’m truly sorry about Tup, Fives. This whole thing... it- it just isn’t right.”

“It isn’t just Tup - before him, it was Hevy, Echo, Hardcase. All good soldiers - good brothers - but they’re gone. We were born to die in this war, and I’ve come to terms with that... it doesn’t mean I can’t miss them, though.” It was hard to imagine yourself in Fives’ shoes, well, any of the clones’ shoes honestly. They were bred specially for this war, right here. You didn’t think about that fact too much before meeting Fives, but now...

“I only somewhat met Tup, but I know for a fact that all your brothers were and are the greatest men in the galaxy. If they’re anything like you.” You caught  yourself blushing like a fool, turning your face away from Fives’ gaze. Fives lightly chuckled, his hand coming up towards you when-

Knock knock knock.

Fives looked back and forth between your frozen form and the door with wide eyes. You quite honestly froze. Who in the fuck would be paying you a visit - today of all days?

“Aren't you going to get that?” Sarcasm, even through a whisper. Shaking your head in disbelief, you slapped Fives’ thigh and motioned for him to get back up into the ceiling.

“Miss Renna?” The unmistakable voice of a Kaminoan came from the other side of the door, followed by a couple more gentle knocks.

“I’ll be right there!” You called in that direction, lightly smacking Fives’ legs to hurry up as he finally disappeared from the room and into the vents. Brushing off your clothing and giving yourself a onceover in the entry mirror, you took a deep breath and hit the button to open the door. Two Kaminoan doctors stood just outside looking innocent enough, datapads pressed into their slender torsos.

Fighting the urge to roll your eyes, “Good evening, doctors. Can I help you?”

“We did not see you in the archives today, Miss Renna. We know you worked with contaminated clones for the past few days, and wanted to make sure you were feeling alright.”

“I appreciate the check-in, doctors, but I am feeling fine. I suppose I am a little shook up after watching one of the patients pass, however.” You weren’t exactly lying.

“I understand,” the second Kaminoan chimed in. “It does not get easier - to have a patient die on you - but it becomes bearable. If you want to become a doctor, these are things you will need to get used to.” You managed a weak smile and nodded to them.

“Thank you for stopping by, doctors. I will be sure to get some sleep tonight. Have a nice evening.” The two long-necks nodded and headed down the corridor. You peeked your head out and watched them until they turned the corner and were out of sight. Shutting the door and leaning against it, you let out a breath you were unknowingly holding in

“That was a close one,” Fives peeked out from the vent with a huge grin on his face. You looked up at him, shaking your head at his smartass comment. Even in times like these, Fives still had a sense of humor and let it shine.

“Yeah, I’m sorry about that. Looks like I completely disregarded and forgot about my duties for the day.”

“I’m sorry.” Fives descended from the ceiling and sat back down on your bed.

“No! You do not need to be sorry. You aren’t making these decisions for me, Fives.”

“Well... at least let me apologize for something. I’m sorry you met me? Or, sorry that you helped me even though you said it was 100% your decision? Does that work?” Fives’ cheeky grin made you chuckle as he teasingly patted the space next to him. You obliged, sitting right on the bed where he was motioning for you to.

“I’m not sorry that I helped you. If anything, you helped me. Not only were you my first patient, you helped me see you clones in a different light. I’ve seen things with you that I would’ve never seen in any reports or files. I’m not sorry that I met you, Fives. I don’t think you realize how you’ve changed my life in only a few days of knowing you.” All those words flew out of your mouth like vomit, spewing out before you could even think about what they meant or how they would sound. Fives’ silence made you feel anxious. You obviously had feelings for Fives - both emotional and physical - but you were sure he only knew about the physical ones. Was he turned off by the accidental oversharing of your emotions? You looked down at your feet, digging your heels into the carpet when you felt the mattress move up and down - Fives was bouncing on his butt like a youngling.

“Your bed is probably the most comfortable thing I’ve ever laid on. Us clones basically sleep on duracrete blocks, you know.”

Okay, Fives didn’t exactly acknowledge your heartfelt word vomit, but he didn’t ignore it, either. He just... played it cool. That’s okay, you can work with cool. Another bolt of confidence surged through you when his hand came up and rested gently on your knee.

“Well, why don’t you sleep on it tonight.”

“No karking way, this is your bed. Where are you going to sleep, on the floor?”

“No, I would never sleep on the floor in my own room,” you jested, rolling your eyes at him. Your ever-increasing confidence encouraged a ploy - an idea that would have you sleeping together for sure. “I offered you to take my bed and was planning on joining you, that okay?” You raised a brow and smiled at Fives. His eyes widened and his signature cheeky grin crept on his face.

“Yeah- yeah that is definitely okay.”

***

Lights out.

The position you were in was not the most comfortable in the world; your bed was designed to only sleep one, so you were angled nearly on top of Fives while he was scooted all the way against the wall, laying somewhere in between flat on his back and on his side. Fives had pulled you into him, his thick arms hugging you from behind. 

Your room was pitch black and silent - save for the steady breaths coming from the both of you, alternating but in sync. You were frozen, held tightly in Fives’ arms, unable to move a muscle - it’s not like you minded, really. It had been a long, long time since you’d been held like this. You had a feeling it was the same for Fives, too.

“Fives?” A broken whisper escaped your lips and his breaths paused for a moment in response, letting his grip on you loosen just a little bit.

“Sorry... I-” He caught himself before continuing, “I just-” 

“It’s okay,” You interrupted him with understanding, placing your hands onto his arms to secure them against your stomach. You get it. 

You were sure Fives wanted to do more than cuddle tonight - as did you - but sleep quickly overcame him; hearing his breaths become more shallow as quiet snores erupted from his nose made you smile. You weren't disappointed, not at all - in fact, you were completely content with the sweet intimacy being shared between the two of you, knowing that it was something you both desperately needed. If you two were meant to go beyond this - beyond flirtatious words and touching and cuddling - then it will happen. For now, letting Fives hang on to you while he slept - you were basically acting as sort of a security blanket - was more than okay.

***

Your eyes opened to complete darkness and you were slightly confused on where you were and why there was an intense pressure wrapped around your body. You tried to sit up, but the way you were effectively held in place kept you from moving. Panic soared through you in your groggy, exhausted state as you tried to wiggle free; your breathing picked up in your struggle until a familiar voice coming from behind grounded you as the pressure was removed from your torso, allowing you to finally sit up.

“Renna, it’s okay! It’s me, it’s me.” You felt a palm rest atop your shoulder; you sighed and went back to laying down as you lifted your own hand to rest atop his.

Chuckling nervously, “Ha, sorry. I guess I haven’t slept next to anyone in a long time and my brain forgot what it was like. Sorta went into panic mode.” 

“Yeah,” Fives chuckled and caressed your cheek with the back of his hand. “I got that impression.” It was silent for a minute when you snapped yourself out of the bliss.

“How long were we out for? Kark, you probably need to get going.” Wait - shit, did you just sound like you were trying to get rid of him? A moment of panic. “I just meant-”

“It’s alright, I know you’re not trying to kick me out of here.” He snorted. “I do need to get going.” Fives sounded... hesitant. A beat. “I wanted to ask... never mind.” Fives finally sat up, shuffling off the bed and somehow finding his way through the dark to turn on the light. The new brightness blinded you for a moment as you shielded your eyes with your arm. You sunk deeper into the bed when Fives came to sit back down on the edge of the bed next to you.

“What? What do you wanna ask?” You removed your arm from your face and noted the look of hesitation - and... admiration? -  in his eyes as he looked down at you. You more than likely didn’t look very nice at that moment since you had just woken up; you felt loose stands of hair sticking to your cheeks, your eyes were half open and crusty, and your breath more than likely reeked.

“I just- I want you to come with me. I realize that you have other duties here, and that I’ve already asked so much of you and-”

You sat up. “I already told you I’d help you, Fives.” You had told him while still crawling in the vents, but you were hesitant on being physically by his side during the tumor investigation - you were planning on helping from the sidelines in any way you could, like offering up your room for him to lay low in, or finding out what you could in the archives for example. Your mind was changing, though. You whole heartedly wanted to be by Fives’ side through this thing. “I’ll go with you.”

Fives’ eyes lighted up with your admission, but his happiness was quickly replaced with hesitation. His face showed every emotion he was feeling so clearly - it was one of the things you liked the most about him, how expressive Fives can be.

“Renna... I’m just worried about what would happen if you were seen with me. This time, I mean. You weren’t dismissed before, but-”

“Mister stubborn ARC trooper, please stop arguing with me. Fuck my duties, let them dismiss me. I don’t want to keep interning here anyway.” That was the absolute truth. You placed your hands on Fives’ shoulders, pulling him closer to you (oh well to your stinky breath) so you could get it into his thick head, “I am going with you.”

***

Reading the time as you put on your chrono, you realized how it was still very early in the morning; most of the staff was more than likely sleeping, making it the perfect opportunity to head out. The two of you could probably evade the straggling troopers roaming the corridors.

Opening the door to your room and peeking his head out to scan the area, Fives nodded at you and waved for you to follow. “I need to check something out first. It shouldn’t take long.” You nodded. “Stay close to me.”

You tailed Fives as close as you could without tripping over him, keeping your guard up high while constantly looking behind you as he headed in the direction of the medical wing. What exactly did he need to check? The medical wing was too risky right now, even if it was early in the morning-

“Oh, skrag.” Fives halted, making you bump into him while your head was turned back. You whipped around, quickly noticing oncoming troopers who were being waved over by a couple Kaminoans passing by. Fives was quick to get into an attack stance, his arm shooting out to keep you behind him. You put some distance between you and Fives, realizing what was about to take place. Time to put on the innocent and frightened medical intern act. 

“There he is!” A guard called out while one long-neck hurried over to the large button protruding from the wall, slamming it with his palm. The alarm sounded, filling the corridors with sirens, lights turning from bright white to red. One guard immediately aimed his blaster at Fives; Fives turned around like he sensed it, smacking the weapon out of the guard’s hands and punctuating with an uppercut to the underside of his bucket. Another trooper ran into the scene - weapon aimed and ready - when Fives rushed over and grabbed at it. The pair fought for the blaster, but Fives gave the trooper a knee to his side, leaving the blaster up for grabs. Fives took it and slammed it over the trooper’s head, rendering him unconscious. One more trooper entered the ring as Fives ran over towards him and chucked the blaster he won from the previous trooper into the third trooper’s bucket, catching him off guard, then grabbed at his blaster, swinging it into his legs to knock him off his feet.

The Kaminoans in the area fled the scene, holding on to each other as they scurried away. Confused medical droids floated nearby, unsure of how to calculate what had just taken place. You were frozen, leaning against the wall to the right of Fives, watching him kneel to catch his breath then gazing over the three defeated troopers who lay sprawled out, knocked out. Finally unfreezing from your spot, you ran over to Fives and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“I can’t believe... what you just did.” You didn’t make your comment sound accusatory, but there was a hint of shock and admiration in your tone as you let out a quiet chuckle to yourself. Truth be told, seeing Fives in action like that was extremely arousing. You’d never seen what he was capable of with your own eyes before - just things you read about in his files. Here he was in front of you, and he had fought hard using nothing but his pure strength and agility. What an absolute turn on.

“They will not erase my mind.” Fives shot up and turned around to face you, grabbing your face and cradled it in his hands after tugging a loose strand of hair behind your ear. “They won’t get near me, and they won’t get near you.” The warmth of his hands - the same hands that just assisted in kicking three armed troopers’ shebs - were warm against your cheeks. You could stay in that moment forever, but the alarm blasting over the overcomms faded back into your ears. “We gotta get out of here.” Fives released your face and tugged your arm, guiding you down the hall in a sprint; you would be struggling to keep up with his enhanced speed if his hand wasn’t latched around your forearm. With his free arm, he swung droids out of the path left and right, sending them in spirals against the wall. He led you to his old room - a room where you definitely should not be camping out in.

Confusion and fear set in as you approached the closed door. Hopefully there weren’t any troopers inside waiting, though after what you had just witnessed you knew you’d be more than okay with Fives at your side.

“Why are we here?” Fives pushed the button and ushered you inside, and headed straight to the counter where a closed case sat atop of it. Instead of answering you, Fives opened the case, brows furrowing and eyes narrowing at what was inside. You recognized it instantly - it was the tumor you had removed from Tup.

“I knew it. Nala Se switched the cases.” Fives grabbed the encased tumor and held it up in front of you. “She’s trying to hide something. You were right, Ren.”

“Fives, what are you talking about? ‘Switched cases’?” Stitting on the cot, you tugged at Fives’ free hand and pulled him to join you. “Hey, tell me what’s going on.” Fives kept his gaze locked on the tumor, holding it tightly against his palm. You reached for it; Fives didn’t hesitate when you grabbed it from him as you held it up to examine it. With a sigh, Fives looked up at you.

“The long-necks and the General came to my room before you did yesterday morning. I was waiting to hear what the Chancellor had to say about the tumor... General Shaak Ti told me that he wanted the tumor and all the intel gathered sent straight to the Grand Republic Medical Facility back on Coruscant. I figured I’d be going back to Coruscant as well, but because of you, now I know that the long-necks had other plans for me.”

You met Fives’ eyes and smiled, reaching down to lay your hand atop his. If you had kept walking, or even left your quarters a minute sooner or later than you did, Fives may not be himself right now. Things could have been very different. 

After a moment of silence, Fives continued, “I saw Shaak Ti place the tumor in a case identical to that one,” He nodded to the tumor in your other hand, “Sitting right next to it. The case with the tumor was handed to a droid by Shaak Ti, telling it to prepare the tumor and all data for transit to the Jedi Temple. Nala Se and Shaak Ti argued about where the tumor should be sent first - the medical facility or the Jedi Temple...” Fives didn’t need to finish for you to catch on. You had a bad feeling about Nala Se’s reaction towards you discovering the tumor since that afternoon you had removed it from Tup. Shaking your head in disapproval, you frowned and handed the tumor back to Fives.

“Shaak Ti told me I had one more physical to pass, then I’d be back with my brothers in the 501st.” Fives’ sounded... betrayed. He had put his trust in the wrong beings.

“I didn’t realize Shaak Ti would be on board with having you reconditioned.” You stood up and moved to where the empty case lay.

“I don’t think she was. The long-necks probably had her fooled. Makes sense, since they switched the cases and sent an empty one to the Jedi Temple.” A beat. “I thought I saw that droid purposefully pick up the wrong case as they left me alone in the room, and turns out I was right.” Fives stood up and joined you, closing the decoy case and grabbing your hand to place the tumor back in your palm.

It was clear that Nala Se could not be trusted. How many other Kaminoans were in on this? What about the Prime Minister, Lama Su? This had to go all the way up to the top, since you were sure you had heard Lama Su’s voice along with the others while you were listening in. The tumor was back in your possession - now what?

“Well, what are we supposed to do now? The entire city is looking for you - well, us.” You tucked the tumor securely into the pocket in your leggings - where nothing could ever slip out. The look in Fives’ eyes was telling - he definitely already had a plan.

“We’re gonna need a distraction. Remember how I mentioned that I needed to get to the hangar?” 

***

Running down glowing red corridors with alarms blaring while in tow with a man who was now labeled as a fugitive was something you never pictured yourself doing. 

You’d only ever visited the hangar once, and that was over six months ago when you first arrived on this gloomy and stormy planet. Fives apparently knew where he was going, though - not surprising. Large and open bay doors came into view after a few minutes of running. Entering the hangar and seeing what lay in front of you was quite the opposite view of that of a medical facility. Cranes hovered about, their claws grasping shipping pods and moving them around. Seeing troopers wearing yellow jumpsuits and silly hats threw you off guard - you were only ever used to seeing them plastoid or the red Kaminoan clone outfits - as they directed the cranes and the small, spherical Kaminoan pods into their rightful places. 

It seemed at this point that Fives was making no attempt at being stealthy as he casually strutted through the open hangar to the other side nearest the port. You followed behind him, attempting to be casual as well. Some heads turned in your direction, though, and that was probably because you of all people were tailing this trooper. 

Fives approached a pilot descending the ramp to a ship; the pilot respectfully saluted at him and Fives reciprocated.  

“I’m sorry sir,” the pilot’s hand shot up in front of Fives, ceasing his strut towards the ship. “All ships are locked down during the emergency.” Emergency? Obviously the clones working in the hangar had no idea what was actually going on, since none of them had made an attempt to attack Fives or call for help.

Fives looked over at you, raised a brow, and shrugged. You were motionless, but noted Fives’ look in his eyes. Nope, a locked down ship won’t do. 

“Oh?” Fives pointed behind the pilot, “What about that one?” The unsuspecting pilot whipped around; Fives took the opportunity to send a hard punch right into his gut, knocking him unconscious. There was that raw strength again. Your eyes widened as you looked around the hangar, checking for heads turned in your direction. The coast seemed to be clear; Fives swung the unconscious pilot’s arm around his shoulders and dragged him over behind a crate. You heard him mumble a “sorry, brother” as he slid his helmet back on the slumped over pilot. 

Just as Fives was standing back up, a distant voice shouted, “There he is!” You froze again, watching Fives’ reaction to the incoming guards. 

“Tell them you found me,” Fives hissed over to you. “Grab my arm.”

“What?” Fives’ glanced down at your hand, eyebrows raising. You got the hint, and reached down to tug at his arm.

“Pull hard. You won’t hurt me, Renna.” You pulled as hard as you could, Fives making a show of playfully resisting. You smirked at him and you nearly fell on your ass from how hard you were tugging on him, adding your other hand and digging the balls of your feet into the duracrete to keep up the act.

“I’ll be back soon. Tell them you found me here. Go!” Fives snatched his arm out of your grasp and ascended the ramp to the ship, sending you falling flat on your tailbone. The ship shot out of the port, leaving twin prink trails in its wake. A arm reached down to you, fully covered in gray and white plastoid, and helped you stand upright. You mumbled a “thanks” to the trooper, realizing Fives’ idea had worked - they had no idea you were helping him. You rubbed your surely bruised tailbone and lower back, wincing at the sensitivity. 

“I found him, General. I tried to stop him-”

“I want him brought in alive,” Shaak Ti interrupted you as she commanded the troopers that surrounded. “Have that ship tracked.” A trooper nodded, running off in the other direction with the rest in tow, leaving you alone with the General. She turned to you, a look of discern on her face.

“Did Fives say anything to you?” 

“No. No, ma’am. I caught up to him as he knocked out the pilot,” you pointed to where Fives had rested his unconscious brother behind a crate. “I figured I could reason with him. Since, you know, he was my patient and all.” The need to keep your voice steady was never more important. You were speaking to a Jedi. Any waver in your voice - or even a nervous thought - could give yourself away.

“You tried your best, Miss... Renna, is it?” You nodded, dry-swallowing a clump of air. “Thank you for your efforts.” With that, Shaak Ti turned and headed towards the bay doors, leaving your alone to stare off into the early morning sky, following the pink trail coming from Fives’ ship as far as your eyes could see. 

You’d wait for him to return.

He said he’ll be back. 

***

tags: @bvcketfvcker​ @deewithani​ @chromia7567 ​@cyaniderainfall

[meganshinsou-tm]

i’m still here. (a)

☙ pairing: bakugou x reader / bakugou x kirishima

☙ theme:  angst

☙  cw/tw: profanity, grief/mourning, emotional distress, slight talk of wanting to die, could be seen as unhealthy grieving but there are no right or wrong ways to grieve, talk of death.

☙  a/n-request: so here it is, the spontaneous continuation of ‘i’m here’ - i just couldn’t help myself, I needed to get this out of my system. It hurts for a bit but I promise it gets better - also hope you don’t mind the end pairing, baku needs love and he deserves to be happy with that person. 

It’s been four months and Bakugou is - well he’s as good as he can be.

Sometimes he likes to think that the days are getting progressively better but then he finds himself awake way past the hour of midnight, walking around the house aimlessly and searching. Searching for something that he doesn’t even know. After a few more hours of talking to himself and cleaning random things, eating a small snack, Bakugou finally finds himself in bed tossing and turning until sleep finally takes him. 

Izuku and Kirishima have become his rocks and practical caretakers. 

They check in on him constantly but in a way that isn’t overbearing. Both of them make sure that their friend doesn’t stay holed up inside the house for longer than needed by becoming gym buddies, dragging him out to guys’ nights with them and the squad. Bakugou goes without too much resistance. Of course he rather stay in and wait for something that’ll never come but he knows he has to keep his sanity and he knows that you would kick his ass for sulking and wallowing in grief for too long. So he goes and by the end of the night, he’s always happy that he did but he’ll never admit that to the two idiots he calls his best friends. 

And more than anything, Bakugou is grateful how they have never brought up the topic of … moving on. Because they know better - everyone does. 

Of course everyone agrees it’s way too soon to even consider Bakugou trying dating again but not only that, anyone who knows the guy knows that he probably never will even think about trying to find anyone else. You were it for him.

You weren’t like everyone else. 

It’s cliche to say but you were indeed special - you completed Bakugou in the ways he was imperfect and flawed yet you still loved those parts of him. His edges were still rough and brash but you somehow softened them without changing truly who he was because well - you loved him for who he was and the way he was. Such a fucking sap you always were. 

Bakugou doesn’t move to a new home, he doesn’t want to or need to. Your home wasn’t massive; it was the perfect size for just the two of you. 

And it was only a few weeks ago that he finally found the strength to part with your belongings. It was a rough day but thankfully the whole squad was there. Kirishima may or may not have tried to bribe them with beer and food but obviously it wasn’t needed, they were gonna be there for their friend no matter what. 

Starting out, Bakugou was okay while packing everything. Everyone reminisced on fond and happy memories of you. Izuku and Kirishima felt a sense of relief from seeing the blonde genuinely smiling a few times and hearing his laughter. For a moment they thought everything would go smoothly for the rest of the day but nothing ever really goes smoothly when you’re saying goodbye to what’s left of your deceased spouse.

It was when Mina and Sero started to pull out of the driveway in the U-Haul that Bakugou bolted out the door after them. Kirishima and Izuku were right behind him and barely managed to catch him before being hit by a truck. 

The three of them rolled around on the black-top road, all shouting and crying. 

“Let me fucking go you pieces of shit! Fuck!”

Kirishima bared his teeth, trying to fight back his own sobs from the heart wrenching sight of seeing his best friend like this.

“Kats, please calm down, don’t do this!”

Bakugou only growled and tried to blast off an explosion in his face but Kirishima knew better and hardened his skin to block it. Izuku choked on his own tears and ended up using black whip to help pin down the uncontrollable blonde, despite him and Kirishima being over 200lbs and holding him down the best they could.

“Kacchan, you could’ve just fucking died, you’re gonna hurt yourself!”

“I don’t fucking care … let me … I - I can be with her.”

Izuku and Kirishima both went rigid at those words and looked at each other with tear filled eyes before resting their weight on top of their broken friend in a pile there in the middle of the road. For the next half hour they all stayed there, crying and holding Bakugou together until he finally exhausted himself and didn’t fight about Kirishima picking him up and carrying him back inside.

“Kats I don’t care if you hate me for doing it but I’m calling a professional tomorrow. We love you … I love you man but we can only do so much for you. Please … just let us help you. We can’t lose someone else we love.”

Izuku nods in agreement and they bring Bakugou to the bedroom and tuck him into the bed like a child. He doesn’t complain or try to bite their heads off for it. 

“We’re proud of you for today Kacchan, please know that. Y-You still have the important things,” Izuku sniffles as he places a worn-looking rag doll cat in Bakugou’s arms. “You’ll always have the important things.”

Kirishima tries to smile as Bakugou turns his back to them and cuddles the item close to his face. It's instinctive and totally against his control but Kirishima reaches out and combs his fingers through Bakugou’s hair and it gives him hope when he feels the blonde relax under his touch.

“Try to get some rest Blasty. We aren’t gonna leave you alone so if you need anything, we’ll be here.”

A few weeks and plenty of therapy sessions later, Bakugou is back to doing okay. He’s back to being able to stay home alone without needing Izuku or Kirishima crashing on his couch. He returns to work and some days it helps while on others it hurts. 

It’ll take more time to get used to Kirishima being his new side-kick but as long as it's him, he’ll be okay. 

Life slowly but surely starts to get easier … until those nights like tonight where Bakugou is wide awake at four in the morning. It’s been a while since its happened and truly Bakugou is exhausted but he just can’t sleep - he doesn’t mind though. It’s nights like these where he’s glad to still be awake with tired eyes and body because it’s nights like these where you come to him.

It may be crazy but Bakugou is adamant that you’re still there sometimes, your spirit at least. And when he's exhausted and delirious enough like he is now, you’ll become more than just memories and a presence. Soon enough you start to become real again and he can feel you holding him close and petting his hair. Feel those soft kisses on his lips and all over his face and neck. Bakugou can see those bright eyes again and feel your own warm skin against his in bed. 

And even though he really is getting better at all of this, he still has his moments. He’s only human after all. A human who lost the most precious and important thing in his life so tragically. So no one can blame him for feeling the things he does and for having a down moment - hell even his therapist reassured him of that. 

‘Everyone grieves in their own way and these occurrences don’t mean you’re crazy. Just as long as you see them for what they truly are and know that eventually they will end.’

It hurts to think that these will end so Bakugou cherishes them and prolongs them for as long as he fucking can. He gives into the phantom feelings, finds comfort in them. Then he starts to hear you and you talk to each other. He tells you how some days he’s okay and others he just misses you so fucking much and he doesn’t want to go on, he wants to be with you. 

In those times you quiet him with kisses and hums, telling him it’s not time yet. 

“The world needs you,” is whispered upon his skin and it makes him groan in disagreement.

“Fuck the what the world needs - I need you!”

You chuckle and lightly flick the tip of Bakugou’s nose and he wishes it hurt like it used to.

“You don’t need me Katsuki, if anything, I’m not what you need at all right now … at least not like this,” you speak quietly but still smile. “But you will always have me. I’m all around you.”

Bakugou pouts and you brush your thumb over his bottom lip before looking down and taking his hand in yours. Your finger traces the hard edges of the wedding band that’s now a matte black color after he found a jeweler who was able to add a small amount of your cremains into the material of it.

“You literally take me everywhere you go and even before then, I’ve never left you. Someone’s gotta watch over your crazy ass. I’m just glad Red is there to help me out.”

Bakugou smirks and moves to nuzzle the crook of your neck, his hair tickling the underside of your jaw and causing you to giggle and hold him tighter. The sound pains him and Bakugou starts to softly cry. You hold him even tighter and he holds you with a death grip.

That feeling is returning in him and he hates it. It’s overwhelming and it's cold. It’s hopelessness.

“How am I supposed to keep doing this? I don’t want to spend four more months like this … I don’t want to spend years like this … fucking - tell me how I can get you back, I need you … I fucking need you so much, I can’t - “

“Shh, baby breathe, I'm here - you know I’m always here.”

Bakugou frowns hard and buries his face into your chest to muffle the heartbreaking sob he lets out, his fists start to smoke and he shakes his head.

“But you’re not! You’re not fucking here!”

He pulls away from the pillow he’s burning now in order to breathe and scream out in agony. Bakugou continues until his vocal chords feel raw and there’s a giant hole in the wall above the headboard from him repeatedly punching it. Looking down through teary eyes, Bakugou notices his knuckles are bloody and throbbing in pain. A few minutes pass and he’s on his knees hunched over in the middle of the bed, sheet-rock is crumbled all around him on the covers and he sighs, wiping angrily at his tears. 

Soon the feeling of fingers in his hair, scratching against his scalp soothingly causes Bakugou to deflate and he sinks back as you hold him close, back to your chest and your cheek pressed against the top of his hair. He clings to your arms around him. Tears roll from his irritated and red eyes, snot down his nose as he sniffles. 

“I’m sorry,” you both whisper out in unison.

You press kiss after kiss against soft ash blonde hair, against ruddy warm cheeks and tear filled eyes. Bakugou suppresses his whimper, he can feel what's coming and he doesn’t like it.

“Call him … you need him right now, do this for me please,” you speak upon the side of Bakugou’s neck. 

Bakugou grunts and leans over to grab his phone from the nightstand, laying down on his side in the process. You move with him and place yourself before him to hold close, letting his arms wrap tight around you. The ghosting of fingers against his cheekbone makes Bakugou look down at you with red tired eyes. He can see the choice in your own and can feel it in the way you lean in and kiss his lips so softly that it feels like air before pressing your forehead against his.

“You’ll be okay Katsuki, I know you will. Just - breathe for me; and always know that I’m right here baby,” you whisper while placing your palm to the space over his heart.

Bakugou’s bottom lip trembles and he nods. He shifts to press his face into your hair, inhaling the scent of strawberries and cream that's ingrained in his senses as his eyes squeeze shut before kissing the top of your head and letting out a long breath.

“I’ll be okay.”

When his eyes open, Bakugou swallows the lump in his throat and eases the death grip he has on the charred pillow. He sighs and swipes a finger across the screen of his phone and moves to lay on his back, pressing the device to his ear.

It rings only a few times before a raspy voice is answering with concern.

“Kats, what’s wrong?”

Bakugou looks up from his newspaper and cup of coffee when the door to the backyard opens. He smirks and pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose and watches as Kirishima and Ghost both come barreling in. The giant mastiff is slobbering and panting, so is Kirishima, except the slobbering part - well sort of. 

“Whew - oh hey sleeping beauty,” Kirishima gleams and takes a step towards where Bakugou is seated at the kitchen counter, lips puckered and arms open wide.

He’s stopped by a finger to the mouth, halting him from going any further.

“Don’t even think about it, you’re disgusting!

Kirishima gives those stupid puppy eyes that everyone, even himself, were always weak to and a whimper coming from below makes Bakugou look down to see Ghost also giving her own literal puppy eyes. 

“You’re both pathetic, there’s no way I’m - oof!”

Bakugou is tackled off his seat and onto the ground by Kirishima, knocking his glasses off in the process. Ghost joins in and smothers him in an abnormal amount of slobber as she licks his face excitedly and Kirishima kisses his cheeks - which, gross, he doesn’t even care that he’s kissing where there is drool. But Bakugou can’t help cackling and grinning as he tries to shove them off. 

 “Both of you fucking stink, get offa me! You need baths!”

Kirishima smirks and pulls away enough for Bakugou to wipe his face.

“I’ll make you a deal Blasty, I shower then give this pretty lady a bath - if you make us breakfast!

Kirishima firmly pats and pets the giant dog, looking at his boyfriend with a playful light in his red eyes.

Bakugou sighs, “If it’ll get you gross animals off then fine!”

Smiling victoriously, Kirishima sits back on his knees and helps with pulling the dog away. She quickly forgets about them and trots off to her toys in the living room. Kirishima offers his hand, Bakugou takes it and together they stand from the floor. 

Bakugou rolls his eyes but smirks and playfully pushes at Kirishima’s shoulder. His wrist is caught and Kirishima pulls him in for a hug. It’s sticky and sweaty but a smile forms on his face and Bakugou accepts it without question, along with the gentle kiss to his temple.

“Slept okay?” 

Kirishima asks, running his fingers through Bakugou’s hair when they pull away from their hug. Bakugou leans into the touch and nods.

“As good as I could with two giants hogging the bed and snoring loud enough to shake the fucking walls.”

Kirishima chuckles and takes Bakugou’s hand, letting his thumb brush over the black band that still remains on his finger, he smiles fondly at it.

“I’ll take that as a ‘I slept great babe!’”

Bakugou snorted and patted Kirishima’s chest, leaning in to kiss his sweaty cheek before lightly pushing him away and wiping the salty taste from his mouth. 

“If you want breakfast, you better get your rank ass in the shower and hold up your end of the bargain.”

“Aye, aye captain!” Kirishima salutes with a massive smile and turns to jog out and towards the bedroom.

Shaking his head with a smile, Bakugou picks up the mess of his forgotten newspaper on the counter. He skims over the front page and smiles at the picture taken of him and Kirishima. Their backs face the camera, Kirishima’s arm around Bakugou as they look upon the cherry blossom tree that was planted in your memory at one of your favorite parks. It had bloomed just in time for the one year anniversary of your passing and there were numerous gifts left around the trunk of it from fans and friends.

Bakugou runs a finger over your printed name on the paper and for the first time since that one night, he feels you pressed against him, hugging him close from behind and pressing your cheek to his back. Smiling, Bakugou rubs at your hands over his stomach and he looks up when he hears Kirishima walking back into the kitchen with a question that he doesn’t hear.

The redhead looks him over confused at first and Bakugou just gives him the softest and fondest smile, still rubbing over the space of his stomach and Kirishima’s eyes widen. He crosses his arms and leans against the fridge, smiling at Bakugou while he states softly.

“She’s here.”

[pradaxstyles]

Silhouette // hs

In which Harry and Y/N relive their favorite memories before they part. 

Word count: 3.7k

Song inspo: Silhouette by Aquilo 

okay lovies. buckle up, this one is a bit rough. this is how it works bc it may seem a bit confusing. you have to listen to the song, otherwise it won’t make sense. listen before, during, whichever. there are lyrics throughout which are bold and italicized, these indicate memories. the memory portion is italicized. it is also stated when the memory ends. also!! please pay attention to the small details bc they come back in the end! i hope that helps. if anyone has any questions my inbox is open!!! 

i apologize for any typos.

as always, feedback is greatly appreciated!

enjoy!!!!! xoxoxo

----

The bustling city of New York seemed silent, almost abandoned. It was 2 am and Harry was wandering the bright streets. He pressed his back against the cool stone of a building and closed his eyes. The recurring thoughts came into his mind like waves. 

He had gotten into a fight with his long term girlfriend, Y/N. He couldn’t even remember what the fight was about. It was them against the world, at least that’s what he thought. 

She was a wild soul, always needing to do something. For a while, Harry was that something. He provided the adventure and love she desired. Wherever he went, Harry took her with him, it was their thing. Y/N traveled the world before meeting Harry in Paris. Things escalated quickly and she moved in with him. She would talk about the things she saw and experienced while in Europe. Although she felt like she was on top of the world with Harry, she had an itch to go back. She needed to go back. 

Y/N tried explaining to Harry that he didn’t understand and that he never would. He was thrown off by that statement. He spent the last two and a half years with her. He had traveled before meeting her, too. How could she say something like that? It was beyond him. 

So here he is, her words echoing in his mind. He pulled himself off the wall and began walking to a nearby club. He needed the endless thoughts of Y/N gone from his mind for the night, he couldn’t handle it. 

He pushed the heavy doors open and immediately went to the bar. 

“Can I get a whiskey neat?” He yelled over the blasting music. The bartender nodded and placed a glass on the table. Harry brought it to his lips and let the golden liquid burn his throat. 

He sighed and swiveled his chair so he was facing the large group of people sitting at small booths and on the dance floor. People were chatting away, laughing, dancing and having fun. Harry was damned if he wasn’t going to let loose tonight. He slammed the drink on the counter and moved toward the crowd. 

Bright neon lights illuminated the room in different hues. Blues and purples lit up his face as he wandered through the pack of bodies. He was looking for someone to dance with, someone he could get lost in. 

As he continued to make his way to the middle of the group, someone turned around and he was met with the one person he didn’t want to see, Y/N, his Y/N. 

He stood there wide eyed, not knowing how to react. Y/N’s face fell at the sight of Harry and a wave of guilt washed over her. 

In an instant, everything came back to him. 

“Let’s go out in flames so everyone knows who we are”

Harry and Y/N had the love others only dreamed of having. They were the perfect fit, the match made in heaven. Harry remembers the moment he first laid eyes on Y/N.

He was in Paris for some music business with Mitch. On their last night, Harry suggested that they have dinner by the Eiffel Tower, so they did. They packed a small picnic and found a spot on the lawn to enjoy the time they had left in the beautiful city. 

Harry was reaching for his drink when he glanced up and noticed a girl already looking at him. He choked on his sandwich and Mitch giggled. 

“You good, H?” He followed Harry's gaze and realized not what but who he was looking at. “Go get her number. Don't miss your chance, Harry.” 

Mitch was right. Harry wasn't sure if he was ever going to see her again, they met in Paris of all places. He got up from his position on the blanket and walked toward the girl. When she realized he was walking towards her, she quickly looked away and began talking to her friend. 

Harry was nervous to say the least. He swore he had never seen someone so beautiful. 

He cleared his throat, “H-hey. My name’s Harry.” She glanced up and smiled, “I’m Y/N.” 

His heart fluttered, she was perfect. 

“So uh, it’s my last day here and I was wondering if I could get your number?” 

Mitch snorted at his friend's nervousness, Harry was usually the calm and collected one. 

Y/N’s eyes widened and her cheeks flushed red. “Y-yeah of course. Here, let me-” She pulled out a piece of paper from her bag and scribbled her number down. Handing it to Harry she smiled and said, “Call me.”

Harry was beaming, “I will.”

He turned around quickly and thanked God he got her number. Mitch looked at Harry with the goofiest smile on his face knowing he got the girls number.

“What’s her name?” Mitch asked him. “Y/N. She’s literally perfect.” Harry couldn’t wipe the smile from his face, he felt like he was on cloud nine. “I’m glad you went for it, H. You need someone, bro. I hope she’s the one.” Mitch was being genuine. He felt like his best friend needed someone in his life to break him from his shell, someone he could get lost in. 

Harry sat down and finished his sandwich. “We should get going. We still have to pack and our flight is early tomorrow.” Mitch nodded in agreement and put their things back into the picnic basket. 

The sun had set by now, leaving the city beautifully lit. The Eiffel Tower was shining and sparkling in the warm summer air. There was something about being in different parts of the world that made Harry feel at ease. “I don’t want to leave.” 

Mitch glanced over at Harry and noticed the look of calmness that his features held. “I don’t want to leave either, it’s so peaceful being away and not having to worry about anything.” Harry quietly nodded. He tried to permanently etch the view into his mind, he didn’t want to forget a single thing. 

They began the walk back to the hotel and a feeling of sadness rushed over him. “Mitch, we have to come back soon, okay? I absolutely love it here.” “We will H, don’t worry.” 

He looked back and took one last look at the Eiffel Tower. His eyes wandered over to where Y/N was and he smiled. She was still sitting on the grass laughing with her friend, sipping wine. It was like she felt his gaze. She glanced over her shoulder and met his stare. She shot him a small smile and waved. He waved back and swore he felt butterflies erupt in his stomach. 

They got back to the hotel and packed their belongings.

Mitch walked into Harry’s room and mumbled tiredly, “I’m going to sleep. Please don’t be late getting up, we have an early flight.” With that, he walked out of the room and left Harry to his thoughts. 

He glanced at his phone and the time read 12:45 am. He sighed and reached into his pocket for Y/N’s number. He typed it into his phone and debated texting her. 

Fuck it. 

“Hey Y/N, it’s Harry.” His thumb hovered over the send button until he decided that he had nothing to lose. He was going back to LA and was probably never going to see her again. 

While lost in his thoughts, the phone buzzed in his hand. He immediately brought it to his face and saw her name pop up on the screen. 

They talked for hours, the early flight slipped Harry’s mind completely. They talked about everything under the sun. She felt the same spark Harry did. She questioned if they would ever be anything. But what if they don’t work out? She had no clue where he was from. 

His response ignited a fire she had never felt before, for anyone. 

“Let’s just try and see what happens. If it doesn’t work, let’s go out in flames so everyone knows who we are.” 

--end of memory-- 

“Harry? What are you doing here?” Y/N questioned. In all the time they’ve spent together, Harry had never touched a drop of alcohol. He stood there staring at her. The girl he fell in love with was no longer there. 

“I came to forget about you tonight, Y/N. Your voice is all I can hear in my head and I need it to stop.” He said coldly. She had a blank look on her face, she was at a loss for words.

“You came to forget about me? After we had a small fight? So that’s it, we’re done?” Y/N reached for his arm but he took a step back. 

“You don’t get to touch me, not anymore.” He tried to control his tone but he couldn’t, all the emotions he was feeling poured out. “I don’t know if we’re done, I just need a breather right now.” 

Y/N kept her gaze on Harry trying to read his expression. The one person she used to see right through has put up so many walls, she doesn’t even recognize him anymore. 

“’Cause these city walls never knew that we’d make it this far”

Harry and Y/N were on their usual late night dates in the heart of New York. They would park the car somewhere they’d forget and explore the city, even though they did that almost everyday. Y/N claimed there was something new to be found, something they hadn’t seen yet, so they went. They went and explored every nook and cranny the city had to offer. 

“Harry! Look how cute this coffee shop is! Or there’s a book store down the street!” 

They were on 5th Avenue, the most popular street in the city. The sun was just starting to set as warm colors of orange and yellow painted the sky. The intricate windows of the tall buildings around them reflected the sun almost perfectly.

"Do you wanna grab dinner at Claudette? You know it’s your favorite French restaurant, it’ll be like when we first met in front of the Eiffel Tower.” Y/N glanced up lovingly at Harry, “I would love to. Do you remember how nervous you were when you first came over? It was the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.” Harry’s cheeks burned a bright shade of pink and he mumbled, “It wasn’t cute, Y/N. I was so nervous and I never get nervous. That’s how you know I wanted things to work, and thank goodness they did.” 

Harry laced his fingers with Y/N’s and led her through the glass doors of the restaurant. “Order whatever you want, my love. My treat.” Y/N’s eyes widened, “H, let me pay for at least some of it.” He narrowed his eyes at her and spoke, “It’s my treat, angel. Plus you can repay me at home.” He threw a wink her way and they ordered their meals. 

A glass too many of some expensive champagne later and the two lovers were roaming the lit streets. The big clock posted at the corner read 3:27 am. Harry had a meeting and Y/N had an early shift but neither of them cared. They lived for the nights like these. Late night adventures in their favorite city, at least one of their favorites. Nothing could top Paris in Harry’s eyes. 

People had their doubts when these two first got together. Everyone would say they were moving too fast, you can’t love someone you met 8 months ago. They said there was no way they were going to last. 

Harry felt like he had known Y/N his entire life. It was almost like she was his other half, he felt complete with her by his side. Everyone’s opinions mattered nothing to him. The only thing that mattered was the girl with the brightest smile and the kindest eyes, his Y/N. 

They stumbled upon a small band playing a random tune. Why they were playing at this time of night? The answer was unknown, but they didn’t care. Harry grabbed Y/N’s hand and began spinning her around. Her giggles filled the summer air and Harry smiled.

“May I have this dance, madame?” She looked at him with those sparkly eyes he absolutely adored. “Of course you may.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and his went to the small of her back. Even though the song was more upbeat, they slow danced like they were the only ones there. 

He tugged her toward Central Park and she ran in front of him. Warm wind whipped through their hair as they raced to nowhere in particular. Y/N sat down at a park bench in front of a fountain trying to catch her breath. She waited for Harry to sit next to her before whispering, “I love you, Harry.” Y/N admired the way his tan skin shined in the moonlight. The way his eyelashes laid against his skin when he closed his eyes, or the way his nose scrunched when he laughed a little too hard. She loved everything about him. 

“I love you more. I adore you, baby.” Harry wrapped his arms around her and she leaned her head against his shoulder. 

“You know how everyone always doubted us? Even these city walls never knew that we’d make it this far.” She thought out loud. Harry craned his neck to look at her, a confused expression painted his features. “Yeah people doubted us but who cares. I mean look at us now. It’s us against the world, we’re unstoppable. The world is at our finger tips.” His fingers were combing through her hair now. 

“Us against the world, I like the sound of that. Will it always be us?” She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. 

“I promise, angel. Us against the world.” 

--end of memory-- 

Harry and Y/N were stood in the middle of the pulsing club looking at each other. Neither of them knew what to do. Harry’s mind was screaming at him to turn around and walk away, but another part yelled to stay. Y/N knew she had to do something in order to save her relationship with the one boy she’s ever loved. She didn’t mean what she said during their argument but it slipped through her lips. 

“Harry, you have to let me explain. I didn’t mean wha-” He cut her off quickly, “You have 5 minutes to explain. Either I accept your apology or I leave. I can’t promise anything.” 

She held his hard gaze before reaching for his hand. Harry thought of pulling away, but he let her wrap her small fingers around his. The feeling of her hand in his felt foreign, almost wrong. But he ignored it and let her lead the way to a secluded booth away from the madness. They sat across from each other and Y/N hesitated to speak, unsure of her words. 

“Harry, you have to believe me when I say that I didn’t mean what I said. You know me. I blew up and said some things I didn’t mean, and I can admit that. How many people can admit it when they’re wrong? In my experience, it hasn’t been very many.” She sat quietly waiting for his answer. 

The faint sounds of music could be heard now that they both sat in silence. 

A thousand things were running through Harry’s mind. He tried to decipher and organize his feelings but he couldn’t think straight. He wasn’t sure if what she was saying was true. Part of him was always torn when it came to deciding on situations like this. 

“If you said it, there must’ve been a reason as to why. Can you think of any reason at all?” He asked her harshly. Y/N was taken aback by his tone. Harry never spoke to her like that. She bit her lip to stop the tears that were threatening to spill, desperately trying to think of something to say to bring her lover home. 

“We’ve become echoes, but echoes are fading away”

Harry and Y/N were on their annual trip to the Grand Canyon. They started this trip during their first year of dating when Harry suggested it. Of course Y/N was down for it, she was always up for an adventure. Before they knew it, they were hiking across the canyon. 

Y/N brought her disposable camera to capture every moment. Ever since they went on their late night adventure in New York, she took the camera every where they went. 

“Wait Harry,” He stopped and turned to her. He was all sweaty and his cheeks were flushed, but he still looked stunning to her. “What’s up babe? We’re almost to the top.” He was worried she wasn’t feeling well or that something was wrong. “Can you stand right there,” She said pointing to a spot with a gorgeous view of the canyon. “I wanna take a picture.” Harry couldn’t resist when Y/N shot him her brightest smile. He obliged and stood there, smiling like a goof ball just to hear his girl laugh. “Okay I got it” She announced. 

They continued up the trail and along the way they took pictures of each other, together, and of nature’s beautiful creation. 

When they reached the top of the canyon, they were speechless. Y/N had never seen anything like it. She wandered ahead of Harry and sat down to admire her surroundings. While she sat, he stayed in his spot and felt his insides get tingly. It was one of those cliche moments of ‘she thought the view was pretty but she was prettier’ moments, but it was true. 

Y/N drove Harry absolutely mad in a way that he loved. His girl had so much to offer the world and it blew his mind. He felt undeserving of her, but he knew that she was the one for him. She kept his mind at ease and his world at peace. 

He moved to sit next to her and she giggled. “Are you okay?” She glanced at him with a look of curiosity in her eyes. “I’m more than okay. Do you wanna try something?” He looked at her expectantly and she nodded. “Come here.” 

He lifted her from the spot on the rock and he led her more towards the edge so they could see the canyon in its entirety. “On the count of three, I want you to scream.” 

She looked at him weirdly, “You want me to what?”

“One” 

“Harry, I’m not screaming.”

He giggled, “Two” 

“Harry what eve-” 

“Three!” 

Harry screamed like he never had before. Y/N could not believe she was dating someone like him, someone so pure. 

His voice echoed all throughout the canyon and he was amazed. “Babe come on, that was so cool.” He looked at her pleadingly. “Fine fine, I’ll do it.” 

Her scream turned into a fit of giggles as it echoed. “Wait, let’s get a picture right here.” He grinned and pulled her into his side. Y/N handed Harry the camera and he snapped the picture. 

She moved to sit on the edge with her legs dangling off and she sighed. “I feel like I’m on top of the world when I’m with you.” 

He could have melted on the spot, he was so in love with this girl. He joined her and laid his head on her shoulder. 

She took a deep breath, “You know how echoes are made by the sound waves reflecting back?” He hummed quietly and waited for her to continue. “It’s almost like we’ve become echoes. I feel like we reflect one another and I love that. But you know echoes fade away. Do you think we’ll fade like echoes?” 

Harry sat there silently, he didn’t know what to think. “I don’t think so. We’ve got that love that others wish they had.” Y/N giggled at his reassurance. 

“I hope you’re right, bub. There’s still so many places I wanna go with you, Paris included.” She said. “Of course we’re going to go back, I need to take you on a date where we first met.” 

“I love you, Harry” 

“I love you more, angel. More than you’ll ever know.” 

--end of memory-- 

Harry was waiting for Y/N to say something, anything. He wanted to believe her but he was torn. “Y/N, I don’t know what to say.” 

She didn’t know what to say either, they were both at a loss for words. 

Y/N’s mind was riddled with the thought that Harry didn’t love her anymore, but what she didn’t know was that it was a build up of things that got them to where they are now. 

She had no clue Harry loved her so much, it hurt him to the point that he couldn’t live without her. 

“So let's dance like two shadows, burning out a glory day” (this last part is not italicized, therefore it is in present time) 

Harry sighed and took her smaller hand in his and led her back into the mosh of sweaty bodies. A random upbeat song was blasting through the speakers as the flashing lights painted the room different colors. Harry looked back at Y/N and hues of yellow and orange flashed on her cheeks, just like during their adventures in New York. The loud music had a slight echo, like their antics at the top of the Grand Canyon.

Everything they experienced had brought them to this exact moment. 

Harry wrapped his arms around her waist and Y/N’s went to his neck. They slow danced like they were the only ones left in the world. It almost felt right, almost. 

The match made in heaven had become silhouettes, echoes if you will. All their late night adventures and the beautiful memories that were made came back to the pair as they danced together.

Y/N’s eyes welled with salty tears as she realized this was the last time she would see Harry, this was their end, they had gone out in flames. 

Harry’s grip on her waist tightened as he fought back tears. He meant every goddamn word he ever said to her. He was so in love with Y/N, but had to let her go. 

They spent their last few moments together in each other’s embrace, swaying to the music, dancing like two shadows burning out a glory day. 

[katsukikitten]

Irritated 7

A/N This took me way too long imo 6k words bbs, please enjoy. The next part is in the works! Buckle the fuck up after this chapter yall. Please enjoy xoxo

"Katsuki there is no need to knock they'll be out soon!" Kirishima says practically hanging off of a muscled arm.

"Oi shit hair we are gonna be late if we don't start walking now." The hot head snarls.

"Ah but perfection cannot be rushed." Todoriki says as he patiently waits with deadly hands in his pockets.

As if on cue Mina opens the door with a dramatic flair, eyes only for the ruby haired man. As if on a catwalk she sashays to Kirishima, sporting a glitering knee length amethyst dress that compliments her bubble gum pink skin. Followed by Jhiro in a white and black ankle length dress, Uraraka who wears a floor length muave pink and Momo comes out in a stunning blood red with diamonds dripping from her neck like frozen dew.

Denki, Izuku, Kirishima, and Todoroki smile in unison holding out their hands.

The men quickly become a color coordinated accessory to the band of gorgeously dressed women. Donned in all black suits while the color of their ties match each dress perfectly. Deft scarlet eyes notice the pairings quickly as the couples begin to mingle, fighting the blush on his cheeks as he looks over himself. His suit, vest, and even tie are all black and he can only assume that you will come out paired to him. As if it were some sort of symbol or sign that you were destined to be his counterpart.

Even if it is only for tonight.

Panic begins to set in as the couples flirt for longer than a few moments. Fear that you may have slipped out without their knowledge.

"Oi, Mina where is...?" But he never finishes his question as you walk from the room, asking if they have their key before slamming it shut.

"Wow Y/N, you look..." Izuku starts, compliment stuck in his throat before Katsuki finishes it for him.

"Fucking stunning." He growls lowly, drinking you in. The black dress has a plunging V in both the front and back, stopping just at your solar plexus and mid back. A slit runs up the side to mid thigh so that Katsuki, and every other man, is mesmerised with each step.

And no one can miss the giant garnet so deep in hue it could have been a drop of dried blood resting dutifully on your breast bone secured by a golden chain.

Bakugou grits his teeth as you approach him with your normal items, his hands deep in his pockets to keep them off of you.

"Kaachan. If you don't mind." You beam before he snatches the items stowing them away, sure to let his eyes dart away from you. The other couples exchange looks choosing to start making their way towards the exit and soon the dizzying party. Katsuki offers you his arm with a snarl to which you hesitate. Looking at it as if diffusing a bomb before you grab onto his arm, hand clasped tightly around a strong bicep.

                                               ××××××××

The party was not small by any means and staring at it from behind a heavy dark curtain did not ease your anxiety over the matter.

What if your entrance was lame?

Fucking lackluster?

Hell you couldn't even THINK of a fucking song let alone pick one out for this idiotic entrance that was thrust upon you.

Still panic rises in your shaking hands as your scroll through your spotify trying to come up with anything worthy of your 10 to 20 second entrance.

"Izuku, you're up first." The man with the clip board further agitates your state, "I've got your songs ready, except Y/LN's. We need to know very soon."

Izuku walks onto the stage with confidence as the chorus of Champion by Fallout boy rings out.

Just as the beat begins to crescendo again he jumps into the air, leg cocked before he unleashes a kick strong enough that a strong wind blows through the building.

Whistling and whipping people's hair stunning them into silence before they erupt into a deafening cheer.

A pit settles in your stomach as you bite your lip with enough force that a coppery taste threatens to invade your mouth, your saved songs and play lists stare back at you with disinterest in your turmoil.

Strong hands slap onto your shoulders before lips are at your ear. 

"Its just a song. It's just an intro. Your fans will love whatever the fuck you pick out or do. I promise. You just gotta fucking believe in yourself for once." Katsuki growls contradictory to what his hands convey. He gives a soft squeeze before his song begins to play. Suddenly a song pops into your head and you whisper to the stage hand before you can talk yourself out of it.

The blonde makes his way to the stage mimicking where his pin is on his hero costume as the hyped song echoes over the slightly drunk crowd that screams the lyrics to the rap song.  He would pick this song wouldn't he?

It was literally named after him Bakugo! By Kamil.

The song starts out with the iconic sound before transiting to the verse he picked.

The most tame out of all of them and probably the one he was forced to settle with.

"Grenadier bracers on my wrist, I'm about to pull the pin Come at me with all your might or I'ma melt off all your skin Howitzer impact if I'm pissed, Bitch I told you I'ma win Bitch, get back before I blast, I said I'll do it again wit' a grin

Like I'm Bakugo, turn they soul to fuckin smoke Bitch I'm boutta pop, bitch you know I'm boutta blow up Only need these hands I don't need no fuckin pole Once I get a grip, I might blast yo fuckin dome up"

He wears a manic grin as he let's off several large explosions, destroying the sleeves to his suit, leaving his toned arms exposed and smoking.

The crowd screams louder than Deku as women claw at one another at a chance to touch their daddy hero.

Your cue comes as a hush falls over the crowd instantly influences by the chaotic somber chords.

Chords that slowly begin to build into something more as you waltz onto the stage. Each step calculated, your gaze cold as you look upon the crowd that stares up with wide eyes. Holding their breath as they wait to see what it is you will do.

You guess you've always been the wild card huh?

Slowly you choose chairs, tables and even some candles to float, turning agonizingly slow in the air as the song's lyrics become darker. As if entering the room of a witch who's mind was slowly descending into madness.

"Hush."  You say with the song as the beat drops killing all of the lights in the room as you levitate, illuminated by the glow of your power as your eyes appear like two moons on an ink black sky.

Phones that were recording levitate with you as you hold your arms out, toes pointed beautifully even in heels.

The song's beat comes back around to another verse before all of the lights become blindingly bright, things returned to normal, phones returned to hands all in the blink of an eye. You take that step you never took with the same cold look.

As the crowd stares on wondering if it were all just a dream before a smile cracks on your face confirming that it was indeed real.

The crowd is deafening as they scream, chanting your name and flooding social media with your display of power.

Izuku gives you a shocked face before grinning from ear to ear with a thumbs up as Bakugou stares at you indifferently. He realizes just how much you've been holding back.

A smile plays on his lips as the crowd dies down, the DJ choosing to start off the party by playing the full song you had chosen. Cradles by Sub Urban as the women of 1A ambush you for a blurred night.

Two sets of eyes follow you throughout the night.

It isn't long before you are totally shit faced and sweaty from a night of dancing. Inhibitions and worries long since drowned out by the soothing affects of booze.

Magic is what you called liquor as you levitated all of your squad's drinks above your heads as the group swayed to the music.

"Tenjia! Can we please dance with you?"  A lovely woman competes with the music and wins out. You look to the fan before looking towards your new found friends. They encourage you to mingle with your fans, insuring you they wouldn't be far.

But you go far as you find yourself deeper on the dance floor, drunkenly dancing with another group of women. Hours pass by like seconds, the dance floor slowly beginning to thin but not by much.

Someone tugs harshly on the crook of your arm causing you to turn on your heel hand raised in rage fueled panic.

When your eyes meet scarlet you relax as he pulls you to the fringes of the crowd until the two of you break free of the damp bodies only to be met with a slumped Izuku.

Burning eyes cut to you before a growl is exhaled from the hot head.

"Dumbass Deku drank way too much and puked all over the fucking bathroom. We gotta go." Alcohol clings to his breath as he pulls you closer to the sleeping jade haired man. You dig your heels in deeper than any mule causing Bakugou to turn towards you with a glare.

"What about U-san can't she take Deku to her room?"

"No. She can't." He bites out, "They all left to take Toru back to the room who also got too fucked up."

He pulls again and still you do not move earning you the nastiest glare he can muster. Which isn't much considering how diluted it is by both your stunning looks and the influence of deadly amounts of booze.

"I dont wanna leave I'm having fun!" You pout, Bakugou's grip tightens before he gnashes his teeth.

"I'm not leaving you here alone." A threat and a promise all rolled in one as he holds your gaze for several heartbeats. You feel the weight of his stare, especially so once his eyes begin to wander along your body. He yanks you to him, pressing you into his toned chest.

"Stop being a fucking brat and help me." He snarls in your ear as your knees begin to turn to jelly. You push him away with an exaggerated huff crossing your arms, watching with scrutinizing eyes as he hooks an arm under Deku. Scarlet narrow on you, hinting that you should slip under the other limp arm. Instead you use your quirk to support the drunkard.

The cool summer air does nothing to sober the odd trio. If anything it furthers your irritation of having to leave the party, your heels do not help in the matter as they begin to pinch your feet hinting they will cause blisters.

You stop dead in the street audibly whining as you fuss over your shoes.

"I dont know why you had to drag us out Kaachan. I was finally making fucking friends and I was finally having a good time again since..." Nausea settles in your stomach, Bakugou stops to look over his broad shoulder. Just as he is about to snarl out a question you inturpt by stomping towards him.

"Take my heeeeellllss!!!" You whine, brandishing them obnoxiously. Izuku groans as Bakugou snarls.

"Put them in my fucking pockets damn. Just watch out for glass and stop whining!!!" He bites, slowly losing his buzz as his normal sour mood settles onto his shoulders. Competing with the weight of a complicated relationship donning jade green hair.

You shove them as best you can into his pockets before leaning away, humming the song for your intro.

Bakugou cannot help the smirk that forms on his lips as he thinks of you floating as if it were nothing.

"I told you you'd fucking kill it." He says as the two of you finally drag Deku to the front doors of the hotel.

"Kill what?" You prompt, mind lost to the ease of alcohol. A heavy scarlet gaze falls onto you, when he sees your confused face he rolls his eyes.

"Dumbass, you were so worked up over it !" He half shouts, suddenly a blush blooms on your cheeks as you realize what he meant.

"Oh." Your cheeks flush further as he walks through the automatic doors, you stand outside.

Your drunken mind roaming before settling on the tile floors. Spiraling over the thought of walking bare foot on tile or carpet that isn't in your home. Defying logic as you've just walked the streets with no problem.

But the mind does as it pleases under as it does under any influence.

Katsuki re adjusts Deku's weight as it takes him a moment to realize you're not holding him up as well as you had been before.

"Oi!" He hisses turning towards you only to stare at you through glass doors. His heart pounds, he does not like you outside of his reach so late at night while do heavily intoxicated. He practically drags the dead weight he is carrying as he rushes outside for you.

His worry comes off as severe irritation and agitation as he glares down at you.

"Why are you still outside?" He snarls and you fight to keep yourself from shrinking back. 

"I don't want my feet to get dirty. Can...can you carry me?" You keep your headed bowed, waiting for his inevitable explosion. When he barely makes a pop or a suck of his teeth you look up at him through long lashes.

His heart catches in his throat lodging the no that was steadily rising up his windpipe. Your eyes don't look as harsh as they normally do, they seem wider, more innocent. Doe like in nature, contradicting the predator that your dress suggests. He grinds his teeth.

"How do you propose I carry you?" He gestures to Deku whose is now floating on his own.

"I ride your back silly!" You shout with glee turning him around and jumping onto his sculpted back before he can say no. You giggle in his ear, taking in the scent of caramel with delight as he growls profanities while holding onto your thick and bare legs.

"I'm not a fucking pack mule." He murmurs to himself as the three of you board the elevator. Depsite it being a short ride you find yourself getting sleepy, lying your head on Katsuki's shoulder failing to suppress a yawn.

Deku's door appears before you quickly and you wonder if you had fallen into a cat nap. You stare at the numbers, senses slowly becoming heightened as your eyes flicker to your own door.

Would you find items from your bags missing?

Or Would there be more gifts for you to discover?

"Oi, magic hands. His key." Bakugo adjusts your weight hinting that he cannot use his hands, clearly over this whole situation.

"I don't need his key." Is all you say as you pull on the handle from within his room, the door opens itself yawning in the darkness of the room.

Your nails bite into Bakugou's shoulder before he begins walking in, hoping that you're focused enough to float Izuku to his bed. Your grip on his shoulders does not let up until Katsuki flicks on the small foyer light with a grunting struggle. Biting nails ease up as you pad into the dark room.

Although you are scared that someone may be lurking in the shadows you press forward, wanting more than anything to protect the two people behind you.

Light floods the room from overhead as Katsuki flicks on another light switch revealing nothing but a bed and neatly packed suitcase. You sigh before guiding the lush onto the plush white duvet.

"Alright, let's go." The hot head growls, flicking off the lights. That you flick back on with your quirk.

"No, we need to take care of him properly Suki. He can't sleep in his suit! What if he gets sick?!" You hiss, while items around the room begin to move on their own as if a ghost were present. Turning on the tap, pulling down a rag to wet with cool water, floating a trash can by the side of the bed. 

Bakugou leans against the wall with a snarl, watching as you work. He notices how you choose to use your hands to free him of his shoes and socks. Before they make their way to his jacket, a sliding it off gently before pulling his shirt from his pants. Nimble fingers unlatching buttons slowly causing something to stir within the ash blonde. When you hands reach for his belt that something multiplies tenfold.

Bakugou Katsuki will die before he admits that something was jealousy.

He nudges you out of the way with his hip.

"Go get that rag before the sink fucking over flows." He hisses to which you give him a cold look disappearing into the bathroom.

Bakugou pulls harshly on the pant's legs, ripping them from Izuku leaving him in jade green boxers and a white shirt. He grumbles turning on his side to face Bakugou.

"Th..thank you Kaachan. W...will you text Ohacho that I'm okay?" His voice comes out raw, hand clutching to the hot head who threatens to pop. He goes to hiss no but Izuku rambles on.

"Y/N seemed to have had a good time. I know she's been a little worried and stressed lately but she shouldn't be. She's got you looking after he Kaachan..." Deku's eyes water for some reason as the blonde's face burns, eyes darting to the bathroom door where he hears you humming, he is unsure if you can here him or not.

He hears you let out a small curse as you fumble with what sounds like a pill bottle with a child safety cap. A drunk's worst enemy. He sucks his teeth.

"I don't think she likes me much." The blonde sighs while Deku's hand tightens once more.

"She gravitates towards you, especially when we are in a group." With that Bakugou scoffs.

"Only cause I'm her walking purse. Now shut the hell up and tell me where your fucking phone is." He snatches his hand away, rooting through jacket pockets before pants pockets. His fingers touch the smooth glass that lights to his touch.

He guesses the passcode and the phone unlocks, he scoffs again at knowing Deku so well.

But what the blonde doesn't know is that you *had* heard them. You heard everything.

Still you act as if you didn't when you emerge from the bathroom as Bakugou slams the phone on the bedside table, not even waking the now dead to the world Izuku. You set the rag on his forehead earning a small smile, the pills sit idle by his phone that you now plug in for him.

"Alright alright stop babying him and let's get to bed." Bakugou hisses, half from annoyance and half from worry that dumbass drunk will run his mouth again. You cut him a nasty glare before leaning over the sleeping man to fluff his pillows.

Katsuki grits his teeth not allowing his eyes to linger on your toned ass for long. 

Suddenly strong arms are wrapped around you as Izuku curls into you, nuzzling into the side of your hip.

"Ochaco..." He hums as slight panic washes over you. How would you get out of his arms with out disturbing him?

Bakugou's popping hand lands hard on Deku's toned bicep, he seems unphased as he releases you with a loud snore.

"Come on, Y/N. Before he holds you hostage." A growl as he gives you a toned back. You stare at him for a long time before he turns around again snatching you up princess style.

"O..oi!" You stammer, slapping his chest to which your only reply is a devilish smirk as he makes his way into the hall way.

"You didn't want to get your feet dirty remember princess?" He stands in front of your door now as you fight the blush forming on your cheeks trying to remind yourself that only a few short days ago you wanted to kill this man.

Yet here is stood, holding you so delicately, demonstrating patience for you in situations where you wouldn't have done the same for him. 

He waits for you to do your door trick as you let the numbers burn into your retinas.

Was he in there? Waiting?

You hadn't seen him at the party so where else would he be. All the while Scarlet eyes see the fear in yours, he hates to see you like this.

Why wouldn't you just fucking tell him what was wrong so he could fix it?

Why did he even fucking care?

He wasn't sure, he just knew something changed between the two of you this weekend and he wasn't aware how much more things could change in just a few short hours.

You swallow thickly about to raise your hand before Katsuki starts walking towards his own door. You knit your eyebrows as you look up to him, he grunts as if to prompt you to open his door and you do.

"I wanted to watch another movie with you." Is all that he offers as he sets you down. You chalk it up to him being drunk as he leaves you alone in the foyer disappearing into the bathroom.

Steam begins to waft into the shared space with the bed and couch. The blonde pokes his head out to instruct you.

"Find a movie and get settled I'm not gonna be longer than five. I have a clean shirt you can use iffin ya want or I can get your something for you."

"I..I'm fine." You half stammer, almost stumbling into the room. 

You were weighted down with an emotion you hadn't felt in a long time. Relief floods you, seeping into your limbs causing them to feel like heavy sand bags.

The room spins from the booze and your racing heart beat as you unzip your long dress, stepping out only to plop onto the bed. You find the plastic remote quickly surfing before your eye lids become too heavy.

Bakugou keeps his promise and emerges from the bathroom in five minutes. Violently rubbing the towel on his head before tossing it into the bathroom clad only in his boxers. He spies you on the bed and freezes.

He wants to shout but you are seemingly fast asleep, he is instantly regrets not forcing you to take one of his shirts as you lie topless and in a small thong over the white duvet.

"Fuck...."He hisses both from the sight of you and the situation. He would HAVE to sleep on the couch tonight, no letting you convience him other wise. He charges his phone, rummaging in his bag for an extra cord before plugging in yours on the same side table. He looks to the closet for an extra blanket to cover you up but when he comes up short he has to stop himself from blowing the whole damn closet to smithereens.

The door groans from his grip and your sigh of content pulls him out of his fit of rage. His eyes linger over you while he wonders if he can get you under the duvet.

He himself sighs as he gently tries to wrap you in the part of the duvet that would have been meant for him. Holding his breath he tries to move it over your sleeping form as you roll onto your back. Just as he is ready to set it down and tuck you in your eyes snap open.

Glowing with panicked rage before easing into something soft.

Much too soft for Bakugou to decipher.

In the glow of the TV Bakugou looks extremely different. The flashing soft light paints him in such a way that you feel hypnotized by his red eyes.

Eyes that you've felt all weekend, eyes that bring no worry or panic or untapped rage unlike the other green pair that has hunted you down.

How could just a few days change things? How could a pleasant afternoon, an odd night and this moment right here with him hovering over you as he tries to be a man and blanket you change everything you though you knew about him?

How did the glow of the TV make him so fucking handsome?

Your hand snakes to the nap of his neck pulling him down so that you may capture his lips.  He pushes against your grip with all of his might.

"You don't want this..." He murmurs, eyes darting away, "I'm too..."

You watch his intense eyes dart away with the shadow of memories past. Ah, so he too felt as if he were too overbearing, too head strong.

Too fucking angry over nothing to be loved.

"Then lie with me Kaachan. I want that."  You move yourself beneath what is your half of the duvet, patting the sheets beside you.  He stares at you for a moment too long, suddenly you feel raw beneath his heated gaze, leaving you to wonder if you made the right choice allowing him to bring you in here.

As if reading your mind he sucks his teeth rounding the bed to plop angirly.  Giddy escapes your body in the form of a breathy giggle as you drape him in the duvet. Snuggling against his arm much to his dismay and blush.

"I'm gonna get too hot." But he makes no  move, if anything he adjusts his arm so you can snuggle deeper.  The movie lulls on as your drunken mind wanders, landing you in a devilish thought.

"You're much better than that body pillow." You tease, tracing a finger down his Godly chest, he goes rigid beneath you, "Less clothing too..."

He grabs onto your wrist, holding your gaze with a deadly smirk.

"Ah is this what you've been doing with it?" You blush furiously in answer while he laughs darkly, "Perv."

"I...no its different when it's the real thing. Your pillow is tacky your shirt isn't even ripped in the right places." You huff angrily, encouraging his smirk.

"You're right it is different cause this isn't the only thing I'd do to the real one." Heat blooms on your cheeks as you prop yourself up to better see those deep pools of scarlet.

"What would you do to the real one?" It's flirty and yet serious, as you press your bare breasts against his arm and chest hoping to get a rise out of him. He sucks his teeth holding your stare none the less.

"Firstly I'd fuck the brat out of her." He laughs then as your heart claws up your throat, "If she'd allow it. The real thing hasn't been herself lately. I'm.....worried."

You kiss him then, straddling him faster than he'd like. He fights to keep from kissing you back but once you bite his bottom lip and pull he loses all thought. Flipping you over, hungry lips and gnashing teeth find your neck and bare breasts living little blooming circles.

You moan out as he makes his way down. He notices your ripped skin coming to your face with a snarl.

"I'm not talking about it." You say grabbing the back of his neck, not allowing him to break free as he soon melts into your touch.

Fine you don't want to tell him? He'll just fuck the shit out of you and make you wish you had told him.

That you'll tell him everything that bothers you.

And he'll fuck you hard enough that eventually you'll tell him everything that makes you happy.

Because now he's having a hard time noticing from the fringes.

He devours you whole, kissing and biting as his fingers find your slick sex. He smiles against your neck as he speaks in a voice soaked in desire.

"So wet for me already little kitten?" You hadn't realized you liked the pet name until it falls from his kissable lips. You smile a deadly smirk, feeding his ego as you look him in the eye.

"Only for you King Explosion Murder."  You say it will all seriousness as his smirk turns into a dark chuckle.

"I guess Kirishima disclosed my pilot hero name huh?" His hand dips to your core, swirling quickly causing your eyes to flutter, "Its King to you got it kitten?"

You buck against his hand in response. He happily obliges, devouring your lips whole as you pant, moaning as the heat builds in your core. He edges you purposefully several times before you gasp out.

"Please..." He smirks then nipping at your neck.

"Please what?"

"Please King. Do your worst." Your breathy voice has him going mad as he places kisses down your breasts and stomach. Stopping to give small kisses around the bandage over your navel before you give him a gentle push further. He wraps deadly arms around your hips, spreading your legs as he bites into the tender flesh of your inner thighs.

You both moan and ooze in ecstasy as he leaves lovely bruising bites on your thighs before he goes onto you. Swirling his tongue along your needy clit as fingers pump into your core. He goes harder and faster with each loud gasp or moan you make, listening to your body as your core desperately grabs onto his fingers. Your head begins to swim from the threat of your first of many cum of the night. He smiles up at you with deadly scarlet eyes before he clamps down over your sensitive bud, sucking until you're a screaming thrashing mess.

"Bakugoooooooohhhh!" Is all you can say between outright moans as he over stimulates you with harder sucking and thrusts until you're cumming again and then once more before he crawls back up you.

Crashing a kiss onto your reddened face before he flips you over, raising your hips in the air and pushing you harshly against the bed.

He thinks better of it, removing his strong palm from the nape of your neck suddenly remembered how you've recoiled from his touch before.

"I'm okay...please..." You muffle, keeping your face comfortably smooshed between pillows and the soft mattress. Bakugou returns his hand without hesitation, pushing you further down as he teases you with the tip. Sliding it up and down your slick as you try to push agaisnt him.

He slides in slowly, inch by inch until he is still and deep within you. Causing you to attempt to get some friction after you feel him twitch. He starts with a slow but harsh pace, pulling all the way to the tip of his head before crashing back into you, hitting your clit nicely with his hanging anatomy. Over and over until it is faster and somehow harder as he ruts into you. Grunting as he goes encouraging your clenching moans as he eases both his and your frustrations.

For once in your life you relax, you take it as your body becomes limp, your back arching before his hands grab onto your hips, holding you in place. Your head swims, eyes flutter as you're starting to see stars.

Slowly you're learning in the time that he's fucking you that it's okay to rely on others, especially for pleasure. That it's okay to not have control.

Bakugou fights back the need to bust both literally and figuratively. His sweet salted caramel smell filling the intamite space, fighting the itch to let an explosion or two pop off of his arms.

"Fuuuuucckk kitten...you're so wet and good for me." His breathy tone sends you ever closer to yet another mind numbing crescendo. Heat washes over your body as he slows, you whimper in protest.

"I want you to cum King Katsuki..." Your voice is whiney as you attempt to buck against him to aid. He smirks, smacking your ass and watching with delight as it jiggles. He pulls at your hair, lifting you up as he leans over you to whisper closer to your ear.

"And where kitten do you suggest I do?" His voice is dark and ragged from vigorous work.

"In me." You say without hesitation, smiling deadly as he twitches in you.  You expect to have your face  shoved in the mattress once more but instead he flips you onto his back. Hand squeezing your throat a bit before he kisses your neck again. Leaving a large bruising bite on your collar bone.  He ruts into you again, coming up to hold eye contact with you as you wrap your legs around his toned back.

Normally this is when you would look away, the eye contact would be too much as someone had their way with you. But for whatever reason you cannot as if he were a train wreck you couldn't tear your eyes away from.

And for whatever reason he cannot tear his away from you either.  He has never finished facing a women, ever.

But he wants to. *Needs* to.

He wants to drink in how red your cheeks get, how your mouth forms over his name sending shivers down his spine. How your voice alone sends him into a crazed spiral that only you can placate.

He presses harshly against your hip bone as you pull him closer with your legs, he pulls on your nipple a bit causing another moan to fall from your lips. It encourages him to go harder and faster, hitting you in just right.

Sliding all over the g spot as his gaze holds yours stead fast. Sending you over an impossibly high edge as you feel him rut sloppily into you. Stars cloud your vision as you become unbearably hot, legs quivering, failing to stay on a toned back.

"Katsukiiii!!" You cry staying into scarlet pools that you drown in, he notices the slight glow to your eyes as small objects around the two of you begin to float. He let's off a small pop on his back before he sputters into you, pulling you close to him, breathing you in as he slowly thrusts. Breathlessly groaning in your ear.

Suddenly the room is plunged into silence although it is not uncomfortable.  You're shaking from both the experience of letting go mentally and from the exhaustion he has put on your body. 

"You okay?" He smooths a heated hand over your shoulder.  You feel fine, you feel better than fine, great actually but life does not allow you to feel that way for long. Your mind pulls back into a panicked mode when you hear a slamming door and footsteps in the hall.  Green irises try so hard to replace Scarlet in your very recent memory. Bakugou feels tepid tears hit his face. He pulls you into his chest rubbing your hand up the length of your back. 

"I...I just want to forget those fucking green eyes." You sob into his chest, clutching at nothing. Explosions echo in the room before he soothes both himself and you.  Quickly the booze and exhaustion pull you under, when you feel Bakugou pull away you wrap your arms around him harder than ever.

"Stay, please stay Kaachan...." You whisper, grip locked even as you fall victim to sleep.

Bakugou lies awake, over analyzing every sound in the hall way as he thinks. As he racks his brain of who you're fearful of with green eyes. He remembers then, that fucking creep staring at your door as if it were an open invitation to church.

Bakugou will pluck out those eyes for you. 

You just have to let him.

[toysoldiers-rwby]

[SYT] 9. the lamb’s flock

Show Your Teeth

Characters: Fiona, Winter, May, Robyn, Joanna Rating: Mature Tags: hurt/comfort, fluff, implied abuse, poly negotiations Word Count: 7,618

Summary: Somethings needs a little extra love to heal.

Read on Ao3

PREV - NEXT

The first few days without Winter was hard. And it showed with just glance at their apartment. May snapped at every thing in the morning, got on Fiona’s case about all the little things she left around the apartment. Her hair brush, a book, a cup she set down for a minute or two.  

It took Fiona a while to notice, but it was only when May’s hair wasn’t done. When Winter wasn’t there to comb and braid it and for them to trade soft sleepy kisses they’ve been wanting to do for years.  

The thought twisted Fiona’s heart so hard she couldn’t fall back asleep. She slipped out of Robyn’s arms and off Joanna’s chest. It was still dark when Fiona walked into the living room and froze.  

The figure on the couch was too small to be Glade. May and Winter’s door was open and their bed was empty… Fiona sighed taking quiet steps forward. May looked tired, even in her sleep, dry spots at the corner of her eyes and brows pinched. She was living a nightmare after all. Being able to do nothing for the people she cared about, having Atlas steal away her girlfriend and little brother.  

When she got closer she smelled something she hasn’t smelt in days. The ocean and fresh mountain air… Glade and Winter. A few more steps closer and Fiona recognized the blanket May was curled up in. The deep purple and gold was Glade’s favorite colors. The pillow hugged to her chest was Winter’s.  

Fiona sat on the floor, forehead pressed to May’s. She murmured and stirred but didn’t wake up. There… there was a high chance she cried herself to sleep tonight. Maybe for the past few days even.  

Out of everyone, May didn’t deserve this.  

Fiona found her lips gently pressed to May’s forehead, gently waking the women up. She murmured Winter’s name, trying to get a kiss until Fiona nuzzled into her cheek and placed a soft kiss there.

“Ngh… Glade? Win’s gonna get jealous again…” Oh? Fiona couldn’t help but to smile. Was May still a sleep or did Glade really tuck in her elites?  

“And you idiots teased me about making out with them?” Fiona whispered softly. Her voice almost jarred May awake. Fiona could see her human eyes blinking, trying to peer through the darkness. “Sorry I’m not either of them… They’re both still in Atlas.”  

That completely woke May up. She made a noise, a small whimper and tears welled up in yellow eyes. Fiona tried to comfort her, petting her hair and kissing away the tears as they slipped out.  

Fiona helped May with her hair that morning. Joann was confused at first, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes until she finally noticed the redness in May’s eyes.  

After that she practically jumped into action, making a quick breakfast and almost stumbling over her tired feet.  

May smiled softly at the effort, even if it didn’t reach her eyes yet. Within minutes there was a stack of fluffy pancakes, dolled up with chocolate chips, whip cream, and cherries. Soon french toast and scrambled eggs was on the coffee table with a nervous and worried Joanna hovering nearby.  

“Is… is there anything else I can make?” The women asked softly.  

Fiona and May glanced at each other, “Ice cream sundae,” They said in unison.  

Joanna frowned, making the same face as Winter whenever they went out for breakfast and tried to eat deserts instead. “No,” Joanna said crossing her arms.  

May laughed a little, sliding onto the floor and pulling Fiona into her lap. Fi hummed happily, snuggling her back to May’s front as the sad lion hugged her like stuff animal.  

“How about after breakfast?” May asked.  

“Maybe,” Robyn mumbled stumbling out of the hallway. She yawn loudly, letting herself fall besides May and gave Fiona a quick kiss. Then Robyn hummed, pressing her forehead to May’s, eyes closed and still half asleep. Fiona watched May carefully, she tensed, perfectly still with eyes wide and a blush coloring her cheeks. “I think we can all use a breath of fresh air.”  

"Sure… fresh air," Joanna teased with a smirk. Robyn only mumbled, slumping and resting her head on May’s shoulder. From the light snores, she was falling asleep again. Fiona lightly laughed at how tense May was. Poor rich girl, not used to physical contact. She gave May a wicked smile, side straddling her lap and wrapping an arm around her neck for support then leaned over to kiss Robyn awake.  

She smiled and giggled, feeling May squirm nervously. She could almost hear her heart beat, she definitely could feel it. It took a few kisses and nuzzles, mostly because Robyn was being a brat but she woke right up when Fiona nipped her bottom lip.  

“Don’t bite more than you can handle, lampchop,” Robyn murmured against her lips. She stole a proper kiss before Joanna came putting a warm cup of coffee against her cheek. Robyn thanked her by kissing her knuckles before taking downing half the cup in one go. She tried not to make a face, “I miss Win’s coffee…”  

“I’m still trying to get her secret blend from her,” Joanna said with a sigh. She looked at the three on the floor, before taking May’s other side and purposely squishing her in. May grumbled, blushing as she buried her face into Fiona’s fluffy hair. “Hey kitten, you feeling better?”  

“Kitten…” Was the only thing May said. She pretended to be busy making food to answer proper but gave Joanna a nod.  

Fiona grinned, sliding between May’s legs to sit on the floor so they both could eat comfortable. Breakfast was nice, incomplete but nice. Joanna was a great cook and Robyn was always adorable in the mornings before her ego woke up. And feeling May’s nervous heartbeat, feeling her get hot with soft blushes and just feeling her was nice.  

She was always big on physical affection. Faunus culture was more affectionate, then there was her personality and finally because because of her semblance. That need to feel something calms the restlessness under her skin. Holding May’s free hand as much as possible did wonders and feeling her long blue hair would had her purring if Fiona had any feline ancestry.  

Robyn’s idea of fresh air was an old scene, one that almost helped everyone decompress in their own way.  

For Joanna it was writing in her journal, somewhere quiet with warm tea. It was a nice meditative atmosphere Fiona appreciated. For May and Robyn it was beating the shit out of things. A punching bag was too easy, it didn’t fight back, didn’t move, didn’t pull them out of what happened.  

So instead of having lunch and tutoring Robyn, the group was at the Gym where they first met, watching the two hot heads spar.  

Fiona preferred a more positive outlet and ended up cuddled in Joanna’s lap. But it didn’t calm her nerves. Nuzzling into Joanna’s neck, taking a deep breath of that earthly smell didn’t calm her semblance.  

It was a restlessness in her skin, the need too touch making her hands twitch. The hard thuds as Robyn and May threw punches… At first Fiona thought she’d be okay with it. But sparing was one thing, hitting each other out of anger and frustration was different. When Fiona flinched again Joanna picked her up and cradled her legs so she was literally still seated in her arms.  

May looked alarmed for a second. Scared, as if she… she was losing another teammate. May fell back, a strong left hook throwing her to the ground. Fiona flinched, making a noise that alarmed Joanna. It wasn’t close to breaking May’s Aura but it completely took her off her feet. Everyone was shocked for a moment, staying still. Fiona wanted to reach out but… all the anger in the air made her feel heavy. She couldn’t move from Joanna’s arms. She wasn’t scared, May and Robyn would never hurt her. But May’s bright yellow eyes still looked guilty. Robyn gave both of them a worried look.  

“May, I’m so sorry,” Robyn said quickly helping her up. May shoved her off stayed sprawled across on the Gym’s mats.  

“Just… go. Leave me alone for a bit,” May mumbled, panting softly for breath. Or to hold back tears. They- She didn’t lose her partner but they were always together, from their childhood to their young adult years… Fiona couldn’t imagine what that was like.  

“No,” Joanna said in a low and soft tone. Fiona found herself seated ontop of May’s stomach. The two blinking at each other confused and sad. Fiona looked at two other Mantle Rats, a little lost for how to comfort their new teammates. “You two lost your leader, me and Rob will meet you two at home. With something nice and warm to eat.”  

Home. The apartment Glade gave them. Fiona blinked, chest twisting and ears bending low. Where Winter always escaped too to get away from the pressure of the Atlesian life, one of the few places where she could openly laugh and smile without being seen as weak. A week ago Fiona and May would be in the kitchen, trying to sneak a bite past Glade and usually ended up playfully wrestling on the ground-  

Fiona let out a shaking breath as her semblance burns her palms, she felt too empty without Winter’s hand in hers. She rubbed them, trying to sooth and distract herself. She didn’t decompress like the others. She wanted hugs and kisses, and just someone there. Which is why she secretly likes it when May picks her up and why she liked dragging Glade around. Why she melted into May’s arms when they wrapped around her and desperately nuzzled into May’s neck.  

She took a deep breath, desperately trying to calm herself down, searching for something Atlas took. The lingering the smell of fresh crisp mountain air and the cool ocean lingered on May’s skin… or it was just Fi’s desperate imagination.  

Fiona found herself lifted up again, this time by May. She looked up at Robyn stealing and kiss on her lips while Jonna kiss her pinched brow.  

“Come home whenever you’re ready, but we’ll text you when lunch is finished,” Joanna said. May nodded, not quiet meeting either of their new teammates eyes. They quietly left the Gym, Robyn still throwing her worried looks.  

“May was crying this morning, are you sure-”  

“Let them mourn,” Joanna whispered softly but Fiona still heard them. “They survived worse with each other. They’ll come to us if they need us.”  

Fiona tried to slide out of May’s grasp, she didn’t need another burden but May only secured her grip around at her thighs and hoisted the little lamb higher on her waist. “I have my semblance activated, if you want to cry,” The supposedly rich snob whispered. Too fucking gently. Fiona’s breath hitched. She smelled salt and pretended Glade was close by and May didn’t say anything as tears dampen her neck. “Thank you, for this morning.”  

For taking Winter’s place in comforting her. Because she wasn’t there.  

“Winter and Glade isn’t dead,” Fiona mumbled. May stayed silent. Neither of them pointed out the fact that Watts already experimented on their Thief. The no name Faunus… from Menagerie. The kingdom-less island with no CCT Tower. Even if they had a family, there would have been no way to to communicate with them. They had no official documentation. Watts could continue with the experiments-  

“Fi,” May gently guided her head out from hiding. Fiona took a shaking breath, trying to hide her face and wipe the tears away. “What’s wrong- Stupid question,” May interrupted herself with an annoyed look. “What can I do?”  

Fiona closed her eyes, tensing. Winter wasn’t dead, wasn’t gone just… in Atlas. Glade and Silvio needed her. Fiona and May wasn’t abandoned. They did everything right and still lost. It wasn’t fair.  

“I suppose a kiss would be off limits?” Fiona mumbled. It slipped out on accident but Fiona couldn’t find the energy to care. It was hours late anyway, she probably kissed May over a dozen times to calm her and cheer her up enough to leave the apartment. Never on the lips but it didn’t change the fact that Fiona wanted to.  

Pressed chest to chest and in her arms, Fiona could feel her heatbeat. It was fast and nervous. May grumbled and mumbled, saying nothing in particular. Fiona felt it more than she heard it- Definitely felt a quick kiss on her temple… Fiona buried a smile into May’s neck.  

“…More.”  

May snorted, “Magic words?” She sang teasingly. Fiona huffed, but still kept her head tucking into May’s blushing neck. She didn’t have a stealing problem and wasn’t possessive.  

“Now.”  

May laughed lightly. A real laugh that had Fiona’s ears fluttering and made her chest feel lighter. May did give another kiss, but a big messy one on her cheek. Fiona laughed giggling and shoving May away lightly and rubbing the slobber on her shoulder. “A bratty kiss for a brat,” May said sticking her tongue out.  

Fiona barely stopped herself to nip it. She blushed at the impulse. It was her semblance being impulsive, seeking contact and the need to touch messing with her head. So instead she quickly looked away and kept her hands busy, arms adjusted around May’s neck, hands coming through her hair and slowly wrapping and playing with her long ponytail.  

“I’m going to walk around, is that okay?” May said, breath hitching lightly. Fiona focused more on the sadness in her voice.  

“As long as you don’t drop me.” Like how Winter dropped them. Fiona huffed, pushing those thoughts aside. It wasn’t fair. Winter cried just as much as Fiona was now. She didn’t want to leave but she needed too… and didn’t that make things worse? “Ugh, I can’t stop thinking about it.”  

May was quiet for a few steps. Fiona looked up, watching the thin crowd pass by, completely oblivious and wrapped up in their own world. She encouraged May to stop by a familiar playground. A sign saying ‘Not for Adults’ hanging on the fence. May laughed at it, startling some people outside her Invisibility Field-  

Fiona leaned, back hands threading behind May’s neck for balance. May blushed hard, fidgeting and trying to avoid Fiona’s eyes. But Fiona only squirmed, a little too excited to keep still.  

“Wanna try again?” Fiona asked with a grin, nodding towards the swings.  

“And get chased off by security?” May scoffed. "We got away because of Win’s Glyphs."  

“No you dumb dumb! With your semblance on! People will think it’s a ghost and such!”  

May wrinkled her nose, “Um… I’m not sure if it works like that. It’s everything in the field and that includes the swings.”  

Fiona frowned for a moment something about her elite’s attitudes and personality clicking. “So. You never used your semblance to steal, or prank, or anything fun?” Even Winter played small pranks and tricks. But she also had younger siblings to play with.  

“Your definition of fun wasn’t penciled into my schedule as a kid,” May said. She walked to the corner of the park, setting Fiona on the fence and helping her turn to watch the families play. After a moment, May wrapped her arms around her wait and rested her chin on her shoulder.  

Fiona leaned back, snuggling to May’s chest as the children played and laughed. A Faunus girl talked another, playfully growling and yelping with her human sibling picked her up. Their parents waved them to the swings and they both jumped onto it, chains rattling and giggles making Fiona smile.  

“It’s weird,” May whispered softly in her ears. Fiona giggled, wiggling the tickling sensation away. May hummed, calming her down with nuzzle before giving her more space. "What am I protecting when I graduate? This or that?" May didn’t need to gesture to the prison in the sky.  

“Do you need to chose? You and Win were kids too.”  

May looked at the children, smiling, laughing, and playing. Fiona wanted to kiss the bittersweet sadness away. “Sure…” May said quietly. Fiona didn’t forget that her life, both her and Winter’s, was planned from birth. They were suppose to over the family company. But the only thing better looking than money was being a Huntsmen and Huntress.  

It took May a few moments to realize the heavy air around them. She sighed, hands scratching the back of her head in frustration. “Well. Um…”  

“You really do suck with words,” Fiona said with a small smile.  

“Hey, I’m trying to make you feel better,” May grumbled softly. The tiny pout had Fiona giggling again. Then a small smirk tugged at May’s lips, “Without y’know. Shoving my tongue down your throat.”  

“I don’t-” Fiona grumbled, ears fluttering around as she looked away. Her only regret about kissing Glade was that everyone teased her about it and no one would admit they wanted to do it too. “Only with the people I like!” She said, h heart was jumping in her chest. That… that sounded a little more like a promise than a joke.  

May licked her lips, eyes dipping down from her eyes before flickering up again. “I’d hope so…” She said it so softly, Fiona wasn’t sure if she was suppose to hear it or not. So she fidgeted, aware of her legs pressed to the sides of May’s thighs.  

The Marigold cleared her throat, “So… got anything else for us to do? Since we can’t pretend to be ghost? I’d suggest we do something, but you and Winter got us kicked out of a lot of arcades…”  

Fiona huffed, looking up with a tiny frown. It wasn’t her fault. “Winter cheated first and that stuffed goat would be great with Spring!”  

“I could always just buy you another stuff animal, Fi.”  

"It’s not the same as earning it!" Fiona argued. May frowned, leveling her with that accusing look again. Fiona grumbled, tensing a little to try and make her playful glare a little more intimidating, she accidentally squeezed her thighs around May’s hips. It threw her elite off balance so Fiona pressed on, “I still can’t believe you never stole anything. You can turn invisible!” May was groaning and rolling her eyes before Fiona even finished. The little lamb huffed, ears wiggling in frustration, “Every kid stole something! It’s almost a right of passage.”  

“Me and Winter got everything we wanted as long as we won our tournaments. And besides, rich people are the biggest thieves, Fi.”  

“Correction, stealing is a rite of passage in Mantle,” Fiona said with a grin. “And your definitely not an Atlas girl.” She finished confidently but she still held her breath, hoping it wasn’t an insult or it wouldn’t kill the mood. The little lamb relaxed, grinning as May hummed and looked up at the floating city. There was no longing, only a deep seeded frustration.  

“I suppose your right. I never fit in anyway.” May said.  

Fiona grinned, locking her hands together behind May’s neck, “Then let’s steal some Dust from the SDC!” Fiona said, her ears wiggling excitedly. Before May could protest or talk Fiona out of it, the little lamb slid off the rails and grabbed her hand. May was startled enough to drop her semblance, scaring a few by standards.  

It was easy to find a SDC store. There was three on every block along with badly sold coffee. But finding one without a thousand cameras watching it was different. This might have been Fiona’s idea but it was May that kept spotting those dim recording lights. Her yellow eyes naturally peeked at the corners. It seemed like Robyn and May had a similar sixth sense for discovering little treasures, probably because their semblance dealt with secrets.  

So when May’s eyes shifted to the cellar, Fiona almost ran to it. May grabbed her hand, linked arm sliding down and pulling her away lightly. Fiona tried not to sigh, tried to look natural for the cameras hidden around. When it was safe to disappear, May had to lift Fiona up and carry the excited huntresses so why wouldn’t run out of the Field.  

Fiona’s hands traced the smooth Atlas metal, calloused hands enjoying the polished surface for a bit. She hadn’t even realized her short talk with May calmed her semblance down. It was still irritated that she hadn’t absorbed anything and that it was empty. She barely felt the invisible seems and her eyes traced the edges.  

“Please don’t eat the entire door,” May whispered, “That has to set off an alarm of some kind.”  

“Well…” Fiona gave her a bright smile. What good is an alarm if people can’t see you? “They can’t charge us with anything if it’s not on the cameras, right?”  

That day was the best they had after Atlas kidnapped Winter and Glade. It got easier, learning the little things Winter did. Fiona made sure to get May’s hair in the morning, waking her up with kisses to her pinched brow and nose. May still slept in the living room, with Glade’s blanket and Winter’s pillow but it helped that Fiona cuddled her to sleep. It… it wasn’t purely platonic, but Robyn and Joanna weren’t upset by it. And the way May’s eyes lingered on her lips… Fiona was worried she’d wake up from a dream and still find herself kissing May. Sometimes Fiona would try to go back to sleep.  

Robyn messed up the laundry once or twice, feeling guilty for ruining May’s expensive clothing but the rich girl only shrugged it off. “More money to give to Mantle,” She’d say. Robyn made the same face Fiona does, understanding the reasoning but couldn’t quiet shake the Mantle Rat habit of pinching every penny.  

She knew adjusting and healing would be slow. Things was getting better. It still hurt, still felt off. Sometimes no matter what Fiona did, her hands still felt too cold. On good days, Fiona was the little spoon. On bad days, she was the big spoon so May could curl around her and bury her face in her chest. And when she finally did cry, Fiona immediately called Winter until she picked up.  

Or until Glade picked up on the third call.  

May was so shocked she stopped crying for a moment rubbing the tears out of her eyes just to make sure she wasn’t seeing things. Even Fiona had to blink a few times. Glade looked so much healthier. Cheeks fuller, shoulders broader, but there were bags under her eyes. Their hair was starting to grow back a few inches of curls a top their head while the sides were nicely cut and faded. It showed off their ears and when they twitched low with soft complaining noises it pulled at Fiona’s heart a little.  

“Aw kid… did we wake you up?” Fiona asked softly. There was more complaining noises, the adorable goat frowning and yawning. Then there was a hiss of the door and Winter’s voice.  

“Glade,” Winter sighed. Fiona’s ears fluttered at the sound and May instantly perked up at her voice. Gentle and patient, the soft side only children and a selected few saw. “Stop working for an hour and get some rest.” Glade stuck out their pierced tongue and turned the Scroll towards Winter. Fresh from the shower, and bathrobe barely closed… barely closed. Fiona missed those abs. She swallowed, trying to keep her eyes on Winter’s face.  

The Specialist blinked in surprised, quickly striding forward with a small and tired smile, “… Hey.”  

“Hey, Win,” May murmured, breath soft against Fiona’s skin. Fiona barely suppressed a shiver from the sudden heat under her skin. She took a deep breath, calming her self down. Winter went out of frame for a moment as she adjusted and moved around. Then Fiona’s Scroll showed Glade’s head on Winter’s lap and the women seated on her bed. They looked good together, very regal even casually. “You look better out of uniform, babe.”  

“I’ll forward your request to the General,” Winter said, that signature flat voice making Fiona and May smile.  

“Tell him we want mini skirts too,” Fiona chipped in. That finally broke the deadpan look, Winter rolling her eyes with a smile. “What? Your ass would look good in a mini-skirt.” At that Winter seemed to paused. Everyone’s tired brain took a moment to register what Fi just said. She did best to hold her ground and make it seem like a casual compliment like before.  

But after double teaming Robyn and their not-date group date at the carnival, it was way too obvious. Still Winter only blinked slowly, that small tired smile growing a little more in a way that made Fiona’s heart beat a little faster. She could definitely feel May’s heart beat.  

“As long as I keep my thigh high boots, maybe I’ll let you to dress me up more femininely,” Winter mused. There was a loud grumble from Glade. They even turned around, hiding from the light of the Scroll and burying their face into Winter’s stomach.  

It gave them a good view of the monstrosity attacked to their head. Possibly in their brain. Winter gently ran her fingers over it, massaging the sensitive skin there. It calmed Glade down, body relaxing and a breathy sigh making Fiona’s ears twitch.  

“Do you need ice?” Winter asked. Fiona and May tried to giggle at another tired grumble. It was a little forced, still unaccustomed to… to what Atlas has done. Glade shook their head no and Winter hummed a soft tune until they stopped fussing around.  

Fiona recognized the melody. Winter hummed it during their first mission together before she got familiar with their scents. It almost put her to sleep as well but May’s soft voice kept her up.  

“How are they? Both Glade and Silvio?”  

“Glade… Hasn’t said a word in a few days,” Winter said softly. Fiona’s snapped open, chest tightening. “It’s not from the procedure, just stress and…”  

“Trauma. Call it for what it is, Win.” May said voice firm. Then she relaxed and glanced and shifted shyly in Fiona’s arms. “Since… Since Glade is sleeping with you, can I, um… Can I sleep with Fiona and the others?”  

Winter forced herself to look calm, tensely raising an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t… you be asking them? You already know I’m alright with it-”  

"I- I meant… Not like that!" May hissed, going tense in Fiona’s arms- Fiona drew in a long gasp. Realization made her heart pound, body going to ridged her ears straighten out. It… it made sense! Why May never scolded her for all those little kisses and why she always stopped herself from kissing. May squirmed in her arms, trying to escape but Fiona only pressed her back to the couch and straddled her hips.  

She’s been wanting to kiss her since their first year. Since May first beat up that asshole and all the others that tried to haze her. Fiona barely stopped herself, their noses touching and May’s soft breaths mixing in with Fiona’s heavy pants. Fi growled at herself, clawing lightly at May’s shirt.  

Kissing Glade was just that, a kiss because she was riled up and she needed an outlet. Maybe after they get Glade away from Ironwood and they’ve recovered it’d be different… but kissing May wasn’t just a kiss.  

May and Winter were the first ones that protected her. First ones that sacrificed for her. Three years of being held in their arms when the stress finally got to her, watching their backs on the field, slaying Grimm and the little moments and memories like how May hates horror movies and Winter secretly loved drama.  

Robyn was scared of losing her because of those three years.  

Fiona huffed and pushed herself back so she could yell into the apartment, “Robyn, Joanna! Can I kiss May!”  

“Sure-”  

“Wait, what?!” Robyn interrupted her partner. Her leader practically sprinted into the living room. She blinked, swallowing hard with a soft blush. Fiona was getting frustrated. Semblance crawling restlessly under her skin. The need to touch, to feel May’s soft lips presses anywhere against her was making her tense. Fiona couldn’t tell if Robyn was turned on, embarrassed or scared. Probably all three since she stuttered, “S-sure…”  

Fiona pulled May up into a kiss only to sink her back into the couch again. For a moment she regret it, being so aggressive and quick because May was still for a few seconds. Sure May have wanted it but was she ready-  

The doubt immediately vanished, lightning and fire shooting through her spine as May kissed back. It was soft at first, unsure and timid but May was making these little needy noises. It had Fiona’s ears dancing, trying to focus. But it was so brief so Fiona tried for more. She got little sighs and mews, a hand clutching at her chest.  

Then a whimper when Winter’s voice came from the Scroll, dangled nearly forgotten in May’s other hand, “Robyn, I want to see.”  

Fiona broke the kiss, instantly missing the rush in her blood. Both of them watching Robyn aim the Scroll at their softly blushing and panting faces. During the kiss Joanna walked out to watch, standing besides an embarrassed Robyn with an irritatingly smug I-called-it grin.  

“What? Has our little lamb finally got cold feet?” Winter taunted. “You chased us so hard during our first date on the carnival too.”  

“Shut up, I’ll deal with you later,” Fiona mumbled, frustration boiling under her skin. Her semblance needed to touch something now. And knowing three people were watching… Energy coiling hot under her skin making her more than restless. So Fiona pressed her lips back onto May’s, teeth sinking slowly into her bottom lip.  

May shivered and moan, mouth opening and welcoming Fiona. She only groaned at how easy it was. May let her move her around, arching as Fiona slipped from on her hips to between her legs, shivering as one hand clawed into her blue hair, angling her head for a deeper kiss. When Fiona’s hand slipped under May’s shirt, the lion forcefully broke the kiss.  

“Nothing… nothing more than kissing until Winter is here,” May said between pants. She blushed hard, looking away. “At least for the first time…”  

“I’m not arguing against that,” Winter said. She sounded a little out of breath and flustered herself. “My orientation finishes in two days.”  

Fiona gasped, ripping her hands out of May’s shirt as her ears fluttered happily, “So we get to see you soon?” She asked. Winter nodded.  

“… Sweet,” May mumbled, trying hard to hide her happy smile.  

“Come on, ladies. Let Winter rest,” Joanna said picking the pair up from the couch. May tensed for a moment, not familiar with Joanna’s strength while Fiona only giggled and kissed Joanna’s lips.  

“Can we… leave the Scrolls on. Glade wakes up randomly at night and seeing you might help them.”  

“Long distance relationship when your barely half an hour away,” Robyn grumbled under her breath. She sighed and gave Winter a gentle smile, lavender eyes on Glade. “Don’t let Atlas break you too.” Winter scoffed at the idea.  

Fiona was surprised at how easy it was to find a comfortable position for all four of them. She was a little sad when May took her favorite spot onto of Joanna but Robyn spooning her around Joanna’s side and May’s hand softly massaging her ears was worth it.  

They heard a soft huff from the Scroll propped up on the night stand. As soon as Winter got dressed, which actually included a shirt since she was sleeping with a guest, and laid back in bed, Glade nuzzled up to her. Head tucked under her chin and strong arms squeezed her hard. Fiona barely heard the soft Faunus whimpers.  

“You’re okay…” Winter said softly petting their back. It took a bit of work to get them to let go so she could at least throw the lab coat off camera somewhere.  

Fiona fell asleep with her forehead pressed to May’s, Robyn’s soft breathing against her hair and Joanna’s slow and powerful heart beat. But her hands felt empty, a little too warm without Winter’s holding her, so she wrapped it in May’s braid and slowly drifted off. The smell of the forest, and flowers and spring, almost perfect.  

The two days till Winter’s day off was was a bit… chaotic. They decided to have a small dinner date at home so Winter could relax. Though Joanna and Robyn ended up being a nervous wreck.  

“You only have one chance to make a good impression on the youngest Specialist in Atlas history and I blew it!” Robyn said. “And the first thing I did was hit on both of her crush!”  

That made the two pause. Fiona stopped trying to distract May from her mobile game by peppering her blushing neck with kisses and May finally stopped pretending to play her game and set down her Scroll down. “Huh… yeah you did.”  

“Ugh, I can’t believe that stupid lambchop line ended up working,” Fiona sighed, half disappointed in herself. Then she heard May’s laugh and remembered she could kiss her to shut up so Fiona did just that. Still the rich girl sneered into the kiss.  

“Stop making out for a few minutes and help me decide on what to wear!” Robyn huffed at the two, throwing a jacket at their heads.  

May grumbled and rolled her eyes, “The point to staying home is to keep it casual, Hill. Fuck, Winter would probably like it if you wore your sleep wear.”  

“So… no pants, no bra, just panties and a shirt?”  

“Sounds like a good time,” Fiona said with a laugh. She snuggled up to May, pressing her back to her front while Robyn disappeared back into her closet to find something she thought would be good. “Do you have a dress?”  

“Not happening, Thyme!” Robyn yelled, blindly throwing another piece of clothes at the laughing duo.  

Joanna took it upon herself to cook. She dragged them to the store and was a little surprised when May’s hand naturally ended up in hers. Fiona blinked at it for a second, then grinned up at her, making the cute little lion blush and huff. Joanna kissed them both on their foreheads to get their attention.  

“I noticed Winter likes Mistral foods, very earthy and herbs. You think she’ll like some oxtail or dim sum?” May tried not to make a face at the first thing. Joanna’s brows pinched a little in panic, “It’s very good and tender-”  

Fiona pulled her shirt down so she could kiss her check because she couldn’t quite reach even if she was on her toes. “Your cooking is great. Win will eat anything you put on the table.”  

“Desert though,” May said. “Winter secretly has a sweet tooth, Klein bribed us all the time with candy.”  

“Oh! I know a good chocolate mousse recipe!” Joanna said gave May a quick peek on the lips before pushing the mountain of food to the baking section. It was quick and casual, Fiona wouldn’t count it as a first kiss but it still had May stunned.  

Fiona laughed softly as May stood still and stiff, blushing hard with her eyes glancing between the ground and Joanna’s wide back. Fiona could feel May’s heartbeat speed up in their linked hands.  

"By the Brothers, Win was right. You are such a bottom."  

“… Shut up, Fi.” May grumbled. Fiona only giggled, rolling onto her toes to kiss her.  

On the day of the date Fiona woke up to the smell of coffee and pancakes. But Joanna’s steady heartbeat and two soft snores told her she was the first one to wake up. The charging Scroll showed that the night long video call ended almost an hour ago. That… that meant-  

Fiona carefully slid herself out of Robyn and May’s hold. The three stayed up late last night, a little to anxious and excited to see Winter again. She wanted to run, to tackle the women to the ground but the first few steps were wobbly and legs were heavy with sleep. So instead she creped forward, quietly closing the bedroom door and adjusting to the dim kitchen lights.  

As expected, Winter was in the kitchen. That stupid Atlas uniform was a weird contrast to Joanna’s cute ‘Ask the Chief’ apron. The orientation and training must have sharpen her Aura detection skills because the moment Fiona was in the room, blue eyes were on her.  

Winter blinked a little surprised and embarrassed. The feint blush got deeper with every step Fiona took and spread to her neck and ears when Fiona was finally pressed, front to front with her former leader.  

“… Hey,” Winter said softly. Her hands hesitated for a moment before setting the spatula down.  

“Hey yourself,” Fiona kept walking forward till Winter’s back was against the counter. She could feel the large smile on her face, felt her hair tickling her wiggling ears.  

Winter was slow to relax after all those days in Atlas but when she did, she easily lifted Fiona up onto the counter. Fiona yelped a little surprise, hands immediately on her shoulders and feeling the flex of hard muscles. She was quickly catching up to Joanna.  

“I see your as spoiled as every, Ms. Thyme,” Winter purred against her lips. Fiona shivered. She forgot how cool and calm Win’s voice was. Almost condescending but the light in her blue eyes were far too playful.  

Then the words registered and Fiona pouted, “I’ve waited three years for this.” She confessed, slowly wrapping her arms around Winter’s neck.  

The women blinked in surprise, blush deepening for a moment. Fiona grinned, “And besides you always you like needy.” Before Winter respond Fiona finally stole a deep kiss from the Specialist.  

Winter wasn’t May. Wasn’t Robyn or Joanna, they all kissed differently and Winter’s was the most demanding one yet. She used full advantage of her height, angling her heard in a way that forced Fiona to submit, swallowing soft moans and cool hands balm-ed Fiona’s suddenly warm body, pressing at her bare back.  

Fiona was a brat, usually biting and deepening the kiss first. So when she suddenly felt Winter’s tongue, sliding against hers Fiona shivered and moaned softly in surprise. All too soon, the little lamb pulled away, gasping for breath while Winter was only blushing softly. She looked better happy, with a soft smile and completely relaxed, even in that stupid uniform. She reached up, pressing their foreheads and nose together. Taking in Winter’s soft smell, and the lingering scents of everyone else. “Welcome home, Win.”  

Winter gave a broken and side smile for a moment. She tried to hide it, burying her face into Fiona’s neck and hugging her tight, “I missed you idiots.”  

“I’d hope so,” Fiona said with a light laugh. This… this was going to be a rare thing. So Fiona let the women bury her fears for now.  

“I’m glad you woke up first, there was something I’ve been meaning to discuss with you.”  

“This isn’t a peace treaty, Win,” Fiona scoffed. She tried to keep the smile on and not make a face at that formal tone.  

But Winter only shifted a little too embarrassed. She quickly returned the forgotten pancake and flipped it before it burned. “It’s… about May.” Fiona raised a brow and hummed. Her hands wove through Winter’s hair messing up the tight bun a little each time. Winter gave her a playfully annoyed look but continued. “She um- wants to be pegged.”  

Fiona nearly pulled out Winter’s hair, jerking in surprise. The two definitely fucked, Fiona vividly remembers how riled up Robyn and Joanna was when the three came home to May screaming Winter’s name and begging on their first date. Fiona even shivered lightly, the feeling of Joanna holding her down and Robyn’s hands clawing her back as she ate her out a little too real.  

Fi shook her head out of her daydream, “You haven’t- she’s such a bottom! How haven’t you fucked her already?”  

“Since I took her virginity, May wants to give you her other one,” Winter confessed with a small blush. “And I never pegged a virgin before so-”  

“So you two have done nothing with her ass?”  

“Don’t be so crass, Thyme.”  

“Really?” Fiona asked with a wicked grin. “Not even a rimjob?”  

“Fi!” Winter blushed hard, trying to escape but Fiona grinned and locked her ankles around Winter’s back.  

“What?” Fiona asked in an a faux innocent tone, “I’m only getting to know my girlfriends better.” Winter glared lightly at her. “Seriously… not even-”  

“Yes! I’ve licked her ass!”  

Fiona snorted, head dropping to Winter shoulder with a hand over her mouth trying to smother a laugh. She always loved how Winter played her image just to break it in unexacting ways. Winter grumbled and huffed, shutting her up with a kiss-  

“Ahem.”  

Fiona nearly screamed, grabbing tight onto Winter. The other three stood at the hallway, sneering or chuckling. Or in May’s case, lovestruck and embarrassed. Winter huffed, picking Fiona up by her thighs and returning her to Robyn before pulling May into a kiss.  

A really deep one, that ended when May was pushed against the wall and the back of her neck cradled and angled. Robyn and Joanna playfully cheered, making their elites break apart with a blush. Only for a second before Winter kissed May again, just as deep but a little more heated. Fiona saw a flash of teeth and May moaned. “Oh…” Fi was still in Robyn’s arms and her own legs went weak. The playful cheers died down to soft and deep pants.  

Winter smiled stepping back with a pleased hum and eyes cutting to Robyn, “Finally lost that silver tongue of yours, Ms. Hill?”  

Robyn huffed, brows knitted and smirking at the challenge, “You know how I deal with authority, Specialist Schnee.”  

“Oh my gods, please don’t pull rank before breakfast.” Fiona said quickly fidgeting in Robyn’s arms. Fiona’s semblance was too hot under her skin, hands becoming a little to restless as she played with Robyn’s hair and massaged her neck and shoulders.  

She was suddenly grateful everyone liked to sleep near naked as possible and hated it at the same time. Fiona took a deep breath, trying to stop thinking about how she’d get Winter out of that stupid uniform. Winter laughed pulling May from the wall only to have her trapped besides Fiona, between their taller two girlfriends.  

“I think a little demonstration-”  

“Okay seriously,” Joanna interrupted, voice a little high and adorably panicked. She swallowed hard, trying to look innocent by looking away but Fiona new better. She was the biggest enabler, “If we fuck before our first real date I’m getting you all chastity belts!”  

Winter only laughed shaking her head and finally backing away. May took a deep nervous breath, quickly stepping behind Joanna to hide her blush and… Fiona brought her eyes up. She squirmed in Robyn’s arms feeling too hot. Her leader only tighten her grip and gave a light warning glance.  

“I- I can behave!” Fiona murmured, trying to get on her feet. She didn’t escape fast enough and was pinned down by all four of her girlfriends disbelieving stare.  

“That one store would disagree.”  

“It was May’s fault!” Fiona blurted out in panic, repeating Robyn’s words.  

“Why are you still trying to blame it on me?!”  

“Because Winter only riled me up to rile you up!”  

“Then it’s Winter’s fault!”  

“I’m going back to cooking,” WInter said with a grin, slowly stepping back only to be grabbed by Joanna. Winter did yelp when she was suddenly thrown across the living room and onto the couch.  

“You woke up before dawn, flew down here, cooked breakfast and made coffee,” Joanna listed with a small smirk, “Go enjoy your damn break, you work workaholic.”  

Winter huffed, meeting Joanna’s eyes calmly, "Yes ma’am," She said. Then Joanna was the one blushing again, shifting and grumbling and hiding her head in the fridge, looking for more things to cook.  

Before Winter could get up her three other girlfriends boxed her in. Robyn dropped Fiona onto Winter’s lap then pressed into one side while May pressed against the other.  

“So we get to keep you all day?” Fiona asked, finding her hands cupping Winter’s face. This rich girl was a little better at hiding her nervousness than May. But she was still unfamiliar with so much physical affection. Robyn played along, an arm slung over her shoulder and half nuzzling into Winter’s neck. May was content to hug and cuddle her missing girlfriend, pressing as much as her body to Win as she could.  

“Yes,” Winter answered softly in a nervous whisper. She couldn’t escape and Fiona loved feeling her skin warm up before seeing the blush. Those blue eyes flickered to Fiona’s to hear dancing ears then got stuck on her lips.  

“Good,” Fiona breathed slowly onto her lips. This was the women that saved her countless times from her own shitty teammate, that got him expelled. Her late night study buddy so she could keep hall her scholarships and unofficial sponsor when even that wasn’t enough.  

No amount of kisses would show Win how grateful she was, but Fiona could still try.

[spacehologramcollection]

Request; Kombat Krew and them falling for you+ Saying I love you.

I guess this is a sequel to them flirting? Not even sure. But this is a kind of when they realised, they loved you, and when they actually confessed it. Trashy, kind of long and not as many characters as I wanted to include. But it’s still warm and sticky over here, writing on my laptop is really uncomfortable! I will do a part two I swear. Under the cut due to length.  Warnings; Little NSFW, NSFW implied I guess? Better to be on the safe side. 18+. Angst, mentions of angst, fluff, tooth rotting fluff. Trash.  GIFS do not belong to me.

Sub Zero (Kuai Liang);

·         Kuai Liang is a complex man. A complex man full of ice puns and good advice. A shame he can never take his own advice. Not that he has much to give in terms of romance.

·         He realises he is attracted to you slowly. It’s not a massive ‘Oh dear, oh dear, I seem to have fallen for Y/N!’ situation no. It takes a little bit for him to realise that he does have, more advanced feelings. Feelings that go past the usual, friendship type which he shares with the majority of people.

·         What brings him to the realisation that he has strong romantic feelings for you are quite varied. You laughing at his puns and jokes, you debating with him and holding a conversation with him. The fact he can stay awake with you and discuss various things, no matter how stupid they may seem to him. And the fact that you listen to him and actually take his advice, lord knows someone should!

·         He will end up confessing his initial attraction to you one night. You both cannot sleep, so you’re sat atop the temple watching the snow flurries fall.

·         He’s nervous. His throat feels dry and he has no idea what to say to you. How does one profess their attraction? Bi-Han told him to compliment you, but everything seems so crude and forward. Smoke told him to write it down and give you it. That seemed lazy and cowardly. He’s the fucking Grandmaster of Lin Kuei. He’s fought through hell, and yet, he cannot confess his attraction to you.

·         He is literally Shang from Mulan. “You fight Good” but instead he talks about how committed and loyal you are. How you’ve got honour and he respects you. Before getting a little sweeter and managing to choke out a few words, on how he feels strongly towards you.

·         His ears are bright red by the time he says he wishes to be with you, if you want him that is, he understands. As Jonny says, cold hands are not ideal for much.

·         You swear you hear him squeak a little when you plant a kiss on his cheek. Admitting the attraction is mutual. Queue him smiling and laughing, before wrapping an arm slowly and tentatively around you.

·         No one can see you. So, this is fine. He can be Kuai Liang, a guy who just got himself the best partner in the world tonight.

·         The ‘I love you’ comes later on. It’s when you’re both in bed one night. His frosty breath ghosting your neck. One arm around your waist, holding him to you tightly. Not wanting to ever let go. He’ll whisper it before planting a cold laden kiss to the back of your neck. When you sleepily utter it back, he feels content, tightening the grip on your waist.

Smoke;

·         What. Is. This. Fucking. Feeling. If you thought Kuai was bad, meet Smoke, Smoke is 110% worse. He wants to scream, because even though he’s read many a book, he cannot find the right words to say to you.

·         Luckily, he wrote it in his rainbow unicorn dream journal, and it happens to be Bi-Hans favourite book. So, have no fear, the better Sub-Zero Brother is here! His words not mine. Bi-Han gives terrible love advice, but he does listen to how he fell for you.

·         He got hit with the realisation, that he had the feels for you, pretty damn hard. So hard, it nearly knocked him out. But I’ll get to that later. You’d known each other a bit. You both used to read the same book, before discussing it when neither of you could sleep. Which is often with Smoke, since he has a smoke demon living within him, one that sometimes, will not shut the fuck up (I’m going off the HC that it’s like a Symbiote relationship. Eddie and Venom style, since Smoke can turn into an Enenra)

·         You’re both discussing the latest chapter in the current novel you’re reading. You’re hands briefly touched, and he just could not cope. It had been a while since he’d been touched that softly. For the rest of the night, he was immersed with watching you speak, didn’t matter what you were saying. He wanted to hear it.

·         Before you left, you mentioned there was a book you were looking for but could not find. After you left, Smoke hunted that fucker down. Top shelf, to the right, behind Bi-Han’s ‘forbidden book’ Long story short, he slipped, fell and the book fell onto his head. Nearly knocking him out. Nobody saw, so it’s fine.

·         “You love Y/N, we love them too. They have a nice…’ That damn Enenra will not stop discussing you. He wants to meet you, but that is never happening. Not in a million fucking years. Never. Smoke doesn’t like fucking meeting him, why the fuck would he let it meet you?

·         He struggles with what to say. Bi-Han suggested just being out-right and forward. If it failed, he could always leave the temple and become a smoke machine. Really not helping.

·         In the end he does write you a note. He slips it into the book you’ve been looking for. It details how he was struggling to say the words, so he thought he’d write them for you. He highlights about what he loves about you. How soft you are with him, how you help braid his hair, how you laugh at his jokes and how you aren’t afraid of him.

·         He doesn’t expect you to be so quick with you reply, if at all. The Enenra does fill him with doubt. Doubt that you could ever love someone like him. Well, jokes on it. When Smoke returns from training, he went extra hard to try and take his mind off of the note; he’s surprised to see you’re sat waiting for him in his room.

·         You’re holding the note and smiling. He’s about to speak, but you quickly cut him off, listing everything you love about him. How he smiles, his grey eyes and how they remind you of the sea. How he’s essentially a warm beacon of light in this frozen hell. How he smells of apples all the time. And how when you’re sick, he’ll always bring you soup and read to you.

·         The ‘I love you’ comes when you’re both ice skating. He said there was a frozen lake near the temple. Nobody goes there, because what’s the point? So, it’d be a nice chance to be alone for once.  He’s actually pretty damn good at it. Not surprising since, you know, he’s essentially a ninja. But he’s got an arm around you, you’re both kind of just spinning, he’s a firm grip so no chances of you falling. It tumbles from his lips after you share a quick kiss. When you say it back, he can’t help but smile and press his forehead to yours.

Kabal;

·         Pre-Burn; For Kabal. When he gets the feels, he gets them HARD. He’s a laidback guy so he’s not going to get flustered. He’s just gotta make sure you feel the same. And also, that he can make it a day to remember when he confesses.  

·         He realised he was attracted to you, when you were training together. The Fight Club had closed early. Kano was away, it was dead, so you decided to close up shop. Kabal offered to stay back and help you clean up. You’d been flirting for fucking weeks.

·         It turned into you wanting to learn to throw a punch. Kabal was more than happy to help. You’re both joking about, you’re trying to hit the air and stumbling. Both of you are laughing, having a good time and then BAM. THE FEELS ARE THERE. He catches you when you stumble and pulls you close.

·         Suddenly this whole plan of him taking you out to dinner and a movie goes to shit. He kind of just leans in and kisses you. When you kiss back, it affirms that you have feelings for him.

·         After you break apart, he confesses that he’s been attracted to you for a while, and he thinks he’s falling for you pretty hard. He’ll ask if you want proof of how much he’s fallen for you. Because if you want proof, he can show you something he’s not shown anyone but Erron before.

·         You’re a little bit curious so, fuck it why not. That and spending time with him is always a bonus.

·         Brings you back to his apartment and will literally show you his living room. It’s decked in nerdy memorabilia, the latest console and a high-spec gaming PC; which is logged into his trolling WoW account.

·         Whilst you’re busy looking at his action figures and comic books. And his extensive collection of Johnny Cage films (You’ll have to talk about that later to him, since he told you he hated them.) He’s busy fumbling around in his bedroom.

·         When he returns you see he’s wearing thick framed glasses. He asks you not to laugh. And to not tell anyone. But yeah, Erron only saw this shit because he barged in un-invited one day. Saw Kabal sat there, near butt ass naked, watching TV with his glasses on. He’d have seen it all if the Pizza box hadn’t been covering his dick.

·         When you burst out laughing at his story, it kind of cements that he has feelings for you. He loves to make you laugh, because it’s the sweetest sound in the world.

·         He will tell you that. And then asks if it’s proof enough, when you say no, but a kiss would. He’s more than happy to oblige.

·         The ‘I love you’ portion comes further down the line. You’re both sat in the car, belting out some absolute fucking classics. He looks over, catches you smiling and singing along like there’s no tomorrow. Still in your pjs, because you both decided a late-night drive was a great idea. He just cannot stop smiling, you’re all his. He just randomly says it. It does make you spit out your Mcflurry though.

·         Post-Burn; Okay so this is angst central. The confident and laidback Kabal has gone. Replaced with Self-loathing. He hates his appearance now. So when the feels hit him, he starts to feel guilty, why should you be saddled with him?

·         The feels and realisation that comes with them, rise up when you help take care of him after his accident. When you offer to rub lotion on his skin, offer to help with his mask and gear. The fact you visited him in the hospital every day. You offer to go out and grab his shopping or to get medicine, when he doesn’t feel like leaving the house. The fact you aren’t ashamed to be seen with him. God, he loves you.

·         The fact you don’t mind going out in public with him, does put some of his self-doubt to rest. But not a lot.

·         He ends up confessing his attraction one evening. He couldn’t sleep one hot and sticky night. His skin is extra sensitive after the accident, so hot nights kill him off. He merely messaged you casually, explaining what was going on and asking if you were up; safe to say it came as a surprise to see you at his door, takeout in hand.

·         You both end up eating pizza and watching a movie. The AC is now cranked on full. You end up asking if it’s okay to cuddle up to him. He’s nervous and stuttering but he says yes. He needs to be a bit more adventurous.

·         You’re falling asleep, cuddled into him, eyes half-lidded fighting to stay awake. He’s laying back, stroking your hair and enjoying the feel of having someone’s skin against his own.

·         He ends up mumbling that he’s falling for you and he’s sorry for that. Queue you sitting up, arms stretched out to wrap around his neck. Telling him to never apologise for giving you what you want. He’ll press his masked forehead to yours, hands clutched in his, with him caressing the knuckles.

·         The ‘I love you’ Post-Burn is such a tender moment. It’s very raw and emotional. He’ll have taken his mask off to show you his face. When you accept him, caressing over the creases of his skin, slowly fluttering your fingertips. He feels so warm and content. He closes his eyes, leaning into your touch. After you kiss him for the first time, he’ll breathlessly utter it. His breath will hitch waiting for your retort; he’ll only relax when you say it back. He’ll smile, making eye contact before stroking your face. You’re everything he could have ever wanted and hoped for.

·         Crispy Kabal is such a sweetheart. And I fucking love him.

Erron Black;

·         Aw hell no. After Nitara and Skarlet, he swore no more feels. But then he met you and well, aw shit here we go again.

·         Erron is confident in his approach and is not ashamed to admit his feelings. If he has feelings for you, he’s going to tell you. He’s very straight forward like that. No point wasting precious time you two could be dating after all.

·         He realises he is attracted to you when he’s teaching you to shoot his pistol. He’s got his arm around your waist, hand helping to adjust your aim; and you’re sort of dressed a little like him. You did it as a joke, but you look mighty fine in that poncho and hat.

·         He’s impressed with your aim for a rookie, he’ll compliment you on it and admit he’s mighty impressed. Pretty face, good aim and as sweet as sugar, ain’t you the complete package That’s enough to make you blush.

·         He’ll take his hat off and ask if you fancy just grabbing a drink. He’s got a lot to tell you. Mostly about how he’s falling for you. By the end of the night, he’ll have listed off nearly everything about you. Which is on the ‘what I adore about you’ list.

·         He’ll love how you’re blushing and laughing. He’ll wrap an arm around you and ask if you fancy tagging along with him. He needs a solid partner, someone he can rely on and can go with the flow. You do all that.

·         He’s such a charmer in all honesty.

·         Him saying ‘I love you’ comes one night when you’re camping. You went for a hike, set up camp and you’ve been chatting bubbles for the past few hours. He was telling you all about his life, by god he’s lived a long one and has a lot of stories. You’re laid in between his legs, looking up at the stars. Whilst he makes up constellations.

·         Each time you go along with his made up bullshittery he smiles and laughs a little to himself. The three words just escape his mouth, he’s pretty relieved you say it back. He’s never really said ‘I love you’ before. It makes him feel all soft and fuzzy inside. It is time he settles down he thinks.

Scorpion (Hanzo Hasashi);

·         This man is the most conflicted out of everyone. He cannot be falling for someone else. He feels guilty, how could he be doing this? He feels joy, he can finally feel again and not be emotionally numb. He feels scared, he doesn’t want to lose you. He feels nervous, he knows what to do and what to say. But that doesn’t mean he’s confident about it.

·         He, like Kuai, realised that he was falling for you slowly and it was over a period of time. He didn’t just think ‘OH DAMN’ not that he’d ever think that. It was small things. How you’d bring him tea after his morning meditation. How you’d meditate with him, do yoga and train with him. To you making him little paper cranes and leaving them around him.

·         The thing that made him realise that he was falling in love with you; was one night, the two of you were sat drinking and you asked him to dance. He doesn’t do dancing… but he couldn’t say no to you, not when you were looking up at him like that.

·         One thing he does do is swaying. He can sway like no tomorrow. He ends up swaying with you. He can feel your heartbeat against his chest, you fit so nicely in his arms, and you feel so warm.

·         He’ll end up leaving quickly, excusing himself, the guilt becoming too much for him to cope with. He cannot do this… or can he? He ends up asking Takeda for advice, who in the end, says it’s okay to eventually move on.

·         You’ll go back to your room and he’s sat there on your bed. He’s smiling nervously before apologising and confessing why he left. He’s attracted to you and it’s making him feel guilty. You’ll have to take things slow with him, but it is worth it in the end.

·         The sacred three words comes a bit later. More so than the others. He feels conflicted and he over-thinks saying it so much. What does he say? How does he say it? What if you don’t say it back?

·         In the end it sort of happens naturally and when he’s not even thinking about it. You’re both walking through the Fire Gardens. You’re asking him some questions about it. You both stop on the bridge. He pops a blossom in your hair, smiling as you adjust it and look up at him. The words leave his lips so quickly that he doesn’t think. He’s racked with fear and guilt, till the words leave your mouth in return. Then those feelings subside, replaced by happiness and joy.  

[batskulldrag]

Phoenix by Fallout Boy

Here’s chapter Two

Trigger warnings for abuse, this story has a lot of abuse mentions in it. 

Chapter Two: Let It Burn by RED      

               The trio watched in stunned silence as Payton argued with the receptionist over something and stormed past her. Just to look at him or be near him made their collective blood run cold. Something came off him, something untrustworthy. This was a man who could bend and break people, and he used to practice on them.

               He moved past them without so much as a glance in their direction. Good. And stormed directly towards a single room. A doctor took everyone by surprise and blocked his path.

               The doctor in question was a tiny morsel of a person with bright red hair and glasses that framed their face. That this of anyone would stand up to the literal worst was amazing.

               “I’m sorry, but no one in allowed in this room right now.” The doctor said, all five feet of them standing confidently.

               “I’ll have you know that my son is in that room! And you have no right to forbid me to see him!” Payton seethed.

               “Your son,” The doctor spat the words back at him. “Has been sedated and is now sleeping. And I have every right to keep you from charging in there and waking him up!”

               “I could sue you for malpractice as easy as I could snap my fingers!”

               “Oh, on what grounds?” They mocked in return.

               “Operating on a minor without parental consent! And denying access to the legal guardian.”

               “We did no such thing. And all I asked was that you don’t charge in there and wake up a child who had just been through considerable trauma.”

               “Do you have any idea who I am in this city?” He hissed.

               “I don’t care if you’re Jesus, you stay out here until the doctor decides that our patient is ok to have visitors.”                

               “Let me through or I will have no choice but to report your insubordination to an actual doctor!” Many people looked over at him as he yelled.

               “You think you can get up in my face ‘cause I’m TINY?!” The doctor snapped right back at him, not moving an inch. “Because if I call security right now only one of us is getting thrown out for causing a disturbance! I’ll let you guess who!”

               “You- you should be arrested for impersonating a doctor!” He fumbled the insult as he backed down.

               Roman walked up to the doctor as if he were in a western.

               “Is this guy giving you trouble?”

               “No, I took care of him.” The doctor said smugly.

               “It seems like you’re suddenly everywhere, Roman.” Payton sneered.

               “And it seems you weren’t home when I pulled your son from a burning building.”

               “Well if you were so conveniently there, I think that would make you a suspect.”

               A tired, disgruntled police officer came between them. Roman knew them.

               “So, you’re the kid’s dad?” The cop, Officer Joan asked.

               “I am, and it was my house that’s been burnt to ashes.” He rubbed his temples. “I feel like the world is testing me.”

               “Where were you at the time of the fire?” Joan didn’t care about his problems.

               “I was meeting with my campaign manager from ten o clock until twenty minutes ago, when I was called and told that my son was in the hospital.”

               “Can they verify that?”

               “Am I a suspect in this? Why would I destroy my own home, or endanger my son?”

               “I have to ask everybody these questions, I asked crazy twin guy the same things.” Joan rolled their eyes, pointing backwards at Roman. “Do you have any enemies?”

               “Yes, and more keep coming out of the woodwork.” He shot a glare at Roman. “I’m a very successful prosecuting attorney, I’ve put plenty of criminals in prison and angered even more defense lawyers. I’m also running for mayor, on the platform of clearing the city of immorality, which gives my opponents a motive. And my brother and his friends have started a smear campaign against me. Which I suppose makes them suspect, especially when you consider who was at the scene of the crime first.”

               “Crazy twin guy has an alibi that can be verified by about two hundred people. Save your bullshit for your day job.” Joan made a few notes. “If you don’t mind, I’d like for you to accompany me to the station so I can ask you a few more questions.”

               “About what? You can’t honestly believe I started that fire!”

               “No, this is about a few things we found odd about your house layout and son’s condition.”

               “I beg your pardon!” He said through gritted teeth.

               “That’s what you say to a judge, not a cop. You gonna come quietly or do I need to put the cuffs on you?”

               “What has Virgil been saying!? I demand to speak to him immediately!”

               “He’s been passed out for the past hour. And he was barely conscious when he got here.” The doctor chimed in. “He hasn’t said anything. Why? What were you expecting him to say?”

               “I invoke my right to speak to my accuser.” Payton hissed, rapidly losing control of the entire situation.

               “Me bitch.” Joan said, pulling out handcuffs. “Let’s talk in the car.”

               “Payton Foster, I’m arresting under suspicion of domestic abuse, child endangerment, disturbing the peace and arson.” Joan slapped the cuffs on. “You have the right to remain silent…”

               The sound of Joan reciting the Miranda bill faded as the two walked down the hallway and outside.

               “Doctor,” Patton asked timidly raising a hand. “Can you point me to the bathroom? I think I need to throw up.”

               “Right down that way.” They pointed.

               Patton darted off and only just made it to the toilet before everything came out. Had Payton really… could he? Sure, supposedly anyone could but, how could they?

                                                                               #             #             #

               So many memories of Payton just walking out and leaving him or their mother with the baby. Because he knew they weren’t going to leave a newborn to fend for himself. He never once thought to test of Payton would still walk out if he refused. But part of him always knew the answer.

               A tornado of his brother’s cruelty hit him upside the head with a tree.

               “Another ‘D’?” The taunting voice of his sibling echoed through. “Why do you even try? You should just quit school and see if someone will hire you as a janitor.”

               “If only we still had a class system so that people of your skill level could still find work.”

               “The only good thing about you being gay is that you won’t be able to have kids to raise to be gay.”

               “Your retard called, he realized he was too good for you after all.”

               “Patton does that retard know you were held back. That you literally couldn’t keep up with things the rest of us find easy?”

               “If you ask me, the retard’s parents had the right ideas.”

               And the ever present “What are you going to do cry about it?”

               And a lifetime later, alone in a bathroom stall Patton cried about it. After some time, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He didn’t need to turn around or say anything to know that it was Logan. Wordlessly he slid his own hand on to his husband’s and squeezed it as if it were the only thing tethering him to reality.

               “Child protective services just came in.” Logan said trying to mimic a soothing tone. “They’re going to be looking for next of kin, I think we should talk to them.”

               “Is this my fault?” The words came out barely audible.

               “No. It’s not.”

               “Maybe, but I didn’t help. I may have made things worse.”

               “Patton,” Logan stooped down to his level. “It doesn’t make sense to dwell on that. We’re here and we can’t change anything. The important thing is that Virgil is safe tonight, and his father may end up losing custody of him.”

               “To who? What if it’s someone worse?”

               “That’s why we’re talking to CPS right now. Come on.”

               Patton pulled himself together and joined Logan back in the land of the standing. He stopped to splash some water in his face so it wouldn’t look like he had been crying and the pair went out together.

               The social worker was a short man who was composed mainly of muscle. He looked like he could punch a hole in the wall, granted the hole wouldn’t be very close to the ceiling, but still. Patton couldn’t say anything about what this guy would do, but he was certain that this one could tackle somebody to the ground. But he had a kind face, and Patton could read him from across the room. He looked so sad as he listened to the doctor tell him about the case. And just a bit angry.

               “Boy am I glad he’s not mad at us.” Patton whispered to Logan as they got closer.

               Cobra Bubbles sighed and rubbed his face with both hands as if he were trying to wash the information off. They stopped in front of him and he looked them over.

               “I’m Patton Foster.” Patton held his hand out uncomfortably while trying to pull his hoodie down over his sleep shorts. “I normally wear pants I swear.”

               It wasn’t until this moment that he realized that he was criminally underdressed for any kind of interview. He wished hell would go ahead and eat him as he stood there in just his cat hoodie, with no shirt, and Blue’s Clues shorts (normally made for women, but he got an extra-large pair) that were just barely longer than his boxers, which he just realized were inside out. He looked at his feet to escape eye contact and saw that he was wearing one shoe and one sandal. Never mind hell eating him, he was already there.

               Logan didn’t look any better, sure he was wearing longer pants but they were white with unicorn print. And you could totally see his underwear through them. He had tried to cover that by dawning a long coat, but that just made him look like a school shooter. And the coat was unbuttoned anyway. Patton dared a glance at Logan’s feet and saw that he had his unicorn slippers on instead of shoes. But the worst part, oh the worst part was that Logan wore a powder blue t-shirt that had “Paw-ton” written in block letters across the chest with a big old heart. It was Patton’s shirt, and now everyone knew it was his shirt. And they knew what it implied, Logan wearing Patton’s shirt.

               Their eyes met in a glance of mutual horror as Logan pulled his coat closed with inhuman speed. They shared the same hope that maybe no one saw. Patton quickly sniffed the air, he couldn’t smell anything coming off them, maybe they were in the clear, at least in that instance.

               “It’s one in the morning.” The social worked cracked a smile. “I didn’t think you’d look presentable just now.” He shook Patton’s hand. “I’m Thomas.”

               “Oh, ok.” Patton retracted his other hand and kept trying to pull his hoodie down. “I’m Virgil’s uncle. Payton is my older brother.”

               “Why are you both down here? We haven’t even started calling the next of kin yet.”

               “Our friend broke his arm getting Virgil out of the fire. He called us to get him.”

               “Hi.” Roman waved his cast.

               “Hi.” Thomas nodded.

               “I’m Logan Berry,” Logan stepped up. “I’m Patton’s husband.”    

               “So, I take it that you two are ok with taking care of Virgil?” Thomas said, shaking Logan’s hand. “At least until we hunt down his mother.”

               “She immigrated to Italy after Virgil was born.” Patton stared at the floor. “I-if she wants custody of him, I won’t keep him from her. But I don’t know if she does.”

               “Poor kid.” Thomas looked back to the room. “Well, his mom still has parental rights, so we need to talk to her. But if she left the country and left her baby behind, I’ve got a pretty good guess on how that’s gonna go.”

               “Then it comes back to us.” Logan finished the idea. “And we’d be glad to take him.”

               “Yeah, and we’re all teachers. So, we’re great with kids.” Patton added.

               “It’s nice to finally hear some good news.” Thomas sighed. “Virgil’s not allowed any visitors tonight, so you can go. Come back in the morning and we’ll get everything sorted.”

               “Ok, I’ll be back in the morning.” Patton agreed. “I’ll be here with pants on.”

               His attempt at a joke seemed to fall flat, but Thomas gave him a good-natured smile. Patton and Logan backed away awkwardly before turning around and walking like normal people. Roman joined them and they all got into the car in silence. As soon as the doors were closed, Roman broke the silence by laughing.

               “What’s so funny?” Logan asked tonelessly from the front seat.

               “You two and the social worker.” He choked. “And dressed like that!”

               “We came down here at one A.M to get you from the emergency room.” Logan protested. “We were in a hurry!”

               “It would have been weird if we were dressed!” Patton added. “This actually proves that we’d be good parents, because our priorities are in order! When you get called from the emergency room you throw clothes on in the dark and come down!”

               “Must have been a good night if you didn’t have clothes on when I called.” Roman snickered.

               “FALSEHOOD!!!!!!!” Logan screeched, his entire body turning red.

               “I meant to say shoes! You throw shoes on in the dark! Because you already have clothes on!” Patton fumbled an explanation.

               “So, Logan has a shirt with your name on it because he belongs to you?” Roman teased.

               “You noticed?” Patton whimpered, turning red as well. “Do you think the social worker noticed too?”

               “Ok. No one is allowed to talk until the sun is up.” Logan ordered.

               When the sun did come up, and it came up rather soon especially for a Saturday, the three had other things to talk about anyway.

               “Ok, Patton and I are in one room, and you occupy one room.” Logan began.

               “I knew that SIRI.” Roman sighed. “What are you getting at?”

               “Well, there’s still Remus’s old room, Virgil can stay in there.”

               “We turned that room into a storage closet after Remus went to grad school.” Roman groaned. “I suppose I’ll start moving boxes.”

               “I believe that I’ll be doing most of the moving today, given your injury.”

               “I can still move things!” Roman protested.

               “No.”

               “Can I help arrange the stuff in the attic? That just requires me to slid stuff across the floor.”

               “I will allow that. And we may find something in storage that we can use.”

               “Kill two birds with one stone.” Roman nodded.

               “That’s cruel and has nothing to do with-… oh. Right, a metaphor.”  

                                                                               #             #             #

               Patton walked timidly into the hospital whishing he had stayed behind to get the room ready and sent Logan to deal with the paperwork. But as the legal next of kin, he had to be the one to sign everything. He wondered if he might get to meet Virgil while he was there. But what if Virgil didn’t like him?

               “I see you’re alone this morning.” Thomas startled him. “But at least you remembered your pants.”

               “Logan and Roman are getting the house ready.” Patton said quickly. Why did he feel so guilty, he hadn’t done anything? “They’re clearing out a room and all that stuff.”

               “You seem to be adapting to all this pretty well.” Thomas smiled warmly.

               “I guess, but we haven’t done any of the actual parenting.”

               “What, are you worried about what you’ll do if he comes out as straight?” Thomas joked. “You won’t have time to mess up, you’ll have me breathing down your necks.”

               Patton smiled back, temporarily relieved. At least this guy was friendly, he couldn’t handle a jaded, world weary social worker.

               “Let’s go over the paperwork and the background checks and afterwards we’ll see if the doctors will let him have visitors.” Thomas offered.

               Patton nodded and followed him to administration.

                                                                               #             #             #

               Logan finished organizing the attic and walked down the stairs only to meet Roman in the middle, dragging up a large wooden object. He used one hand and his elbow to grip it. Tell Roman he can’t do one thing and that’s all he wants to do.

               “What is that?” Logan pointed stunned. “And I told you not to lift things!”

               “A portion of my own bed from when I was in my teens. I got it from my parents’ attic. Now move, this thing is heavy.” Roman disregarded him.  

               Logan ran up the stairs, propped the emptied room’s door open and ran down to help Roman with the rest of the bed frame. After three trips, and a good deal of swearing they got all of it into the room. It was then that the truth about this bed came out.

               “Roman, this is the skeleton of a futon isn’t it?” Logan asked, ready to face palm.

               “Remus set my actual bed on fire! This was all they could do! And he set this one on fire as well!”

               “So. There’s no mattress either?” Logan completed the face palm.

               “No.” Roman looked at the ground.

               “Ok, this will have to do until we get him a proper bed, and we will get him a proper bed.” Logan sighed. “Let’s just put it together, where are the instructions?”

               “In the past, no one has seen them in over a decade.” Roman answered hesitantly. “But I helped put it together, I should be able to manage it.”

#             #             #

               Logan felt a migraine setting in and Roman had exhausted his vocabulary of insults from screaming at the futon. An hour had passed, Patton would be home any minute to see what a pair of failures they were. He was at his breaking point.

               “Of course!” Roman yelled triumphantly. “We can google futons like this one and use their instructions.”

               “Why didn’t we think of that an hour ago?” Logan said in a strained whisper.

               After that putting it together only took twenty minutes. This only added to their fury.

               “Ok,” Logan sighed. “I’m going to go scream into a pillow, then we’re going to get a mattress for this monstrosity.”

               “I’ve been thinking about that. We could get a normal mattress and put it on this, so then it’ll just be a normal bed.”

               “Roman, you’re a genius.”

               “Wow, you are out of it.”

                                                                                               #             #             #  

               The paperwork took longer than Patton had thought it would, and the background check took forever. Which was especially annoying because he didn’t have any criminal record. But all that was finally over, he was now prolonging the inevitable as one of the doctors explained everything that was wrong with Virgil.

               “So, Virgil is a good deal underweight and he currently has strep throat. And according to his records, he’s been sick a lot both this year and last year. And there were more than a few injuries. We haven’t had anyone analyze him yet, but we suspect that he has severe anxiety.”

               “Ok.” Patton nodded.

               I hate my brother.

               “He has a few burns from last night, mostly on the palms of his hands and the bottom of his feet. He inhaled a good deal of smoke, but there doesn’t seem to be any damage to his lungs. He also got a few scrapes and bruises from falling off the landing, and he broke his foot when he hit the ground.”    

               “Poor baby.” Patton exclaimed automatically.

               “And the last thing is,” The doctor sighed. “He has a few older bruises on his back, torso, arms and legs. They all seem to very in age.”

               Payton if you don’t go to hell, I will petition all the saints to send you there!

               “Is-is that why you suspected Payton of… of hurting him?”

               “Yes.” They sighed as if the weight of the world was on top of them. “One of the bruises is in the perfect shape of a belt buckle. There’s no explanation for that.”  

               Patton felt his heart racing, and everything turned red. All he could think of was the innocent little baby that he and his mother had taken care of because Payton wasn’t going to. It didn’t look like they were living in a kind universe, but he really hoped it was a just one.

                                                                               #             #             #

               Roman and Logan pulled into the driveway with a mattress strapped to the roof and an old dresser shoved into the back. The dresser had belonged to Remus, and for some reason he spray-painted it black, but that was ok. They could paint over that. At least it didn’t have any bodily fluids on it. Hopefully.

               Roman jumped out and ran to open the door, only to trip on a medium sized box someone had left there. There was a note on the obstruction.

               Crazy twin guy, dude’s going to jail for a while. Cleaned my closet out last month and was too lazy to get rid of this stuff. It’s your problem now. -Joan.

               “We have a benefactor Logan!” Roman said happily. “Officer Joan has given us some old clothes and a message of encouragement.”

               “What encouragement?” Logan asked, untying one of the ropes.

               “Dude’s going to jail for a while.” Roman recited as if it were Shakespeare.

               “That is good news.” Logan smiled. “Should we bring up the mattress first or the dresser?”

               “Mattress, it should be easier. And there is not a doubt in my mind that my brother put his penis on that dresser at some point.”

               “Sometimes I really feel like Remus needs to be sedated and institutionalized.”

               They both pulled down the mattress and hauled it inside.

               “I can’t believe we’re supposed to be identical twins. That means we have one hundred percent the same DNA! How does that make sense?”

               “Only one of you got brain damage.” Logan shrugged. “Besides, Patton’s brother turned out to be a narcissist, do you know how rare that is?”

               They fought the mattress up the stairs.

               “Sure, but it’s not like everyone in Florida is one, just Payton. Seems pretty rare to me.”

               With that they threw the mattress onto the frame.

               “There.” Logan said proudly, “A bed and Payton’s old desk, now all we need to do is haul up that dresser.”

               “Let’s just get that over with.” Roman sighed.

               The two drudged down the stairs and found one of their neighbors standing in the driveway. This one was a particularly annoying middle-aged woman. Single and childless, yet somehow a self-proclaimed expert on both relationships and child rearing. Logan turned right back around and went back inside when he saw her. Roman reluctantly went up to talk to her, it was the only way to make her leave.

               “Can I help you?” He asked flatly, hoping he couldn’t.

               “What are you three doing? I heard you leave at one in the morning last night, and now you’re going back and forth bringing furniture into the house. Are you getting another roommate?”

               “Yes.” A satisfactory lie of omission.

               “Where’s Patton? I saw him leave this morning, and he’s not back yet.”

               “He has a day job.”

               “But he’s not there, I already checked.”

               Roman rolled his eyes. Why couldn’t this one be a sweet old lady? Or I nice couple? Or a cute single guy, gay of course?

               “I don’t know then.” None of her business anyway.

               “You know what I think,”

               You forgot to ask if I cared.

               “I think it has something to do with his brother, you know the one who’s running for mayor, his house burned down last night. It was all over the news.”

               “If you don’t mind Logan and I still have a lot of work to do.”

               “Is it true what he said? You know about his and Patton’s mother?”

               “No, it is a blatant lie Patton already submitted proof of that.” Roman swung the trunk open and dragged the dresser to the door one handed. “Good day.”

                                                                               #             #             #

               Patton bit his lip as he listened to the phone ring on the other end.

               “Hello Patton,” Logan answered in his usual manor. “Is something the matter?”

               “No, I just need some advice.” Patton sighed.

               “Well, what is it?”

               “Virgil’s awake, the doctors are taking care of him now. And I get to meet him when they’re done. But should I wait and introduce us all at once or do it one at a time?”

               He was answered by a brief silence, then Roman.

               “Hey Patton,” Roman said quickly. “Logan and I are just dealing with nothing going on right now.”

               “Logan! Did you just punch me!?” Roman suddenly yelled. “You just did it again, you friggin book germ! Why are you signaling me to shut- oh.”

               “Roman?” Patton asked, now very suspicious.

               “Never mind all that. What do you need to know?”

               “Well, I’m gonna meet Virgil, but I don’t know if I should have us all meet him at once or do in in little bits.”

               “Ok, you’re already there, so I think you should just meet him as you. But you should definitely tell him that we exist.”

               “Ok.” Patton smiled for no one’s benefit. “What’s going on with you two?”

               “Nothing, good luck with the kid. Bye.”

               With that Roman hung up on him.

               “Ok, love you, bye.” Patton said to the dead phone.

               Patton returned the phone to his pocket and took a deep breath to steel himself. He glanced down at the stuffed bear he had bought from the gift shop, it had a little hive that said ‘Bee Well’ across it. That was the perfect dad joke to break the ice, and a cute animal to boot. He could do this.

               He looked through the window and saw several doctors and Thomas talking to a teenage boy. Patton paused. He didn’t recognize him. The baby face had been replaced with Payton’s jawline and Virgil had no baby fat left. In fact, he had almost no body fat at all. That can’t be good. In place of his little blond tufts of hair was long black hair, well long in the front any way. His bangs swept over his face like a curtain. The only things that were the same were his eyes. The same amazing violet eyes. Worry was reflected in them now, but they were still beautiful.

Right now, he was biting his lip and pulling his knees to his chest. Thomas said something and he started chewing on the bandages that covered his hands rather than his lip, the news was out now. Thomas sat down next to him and said something else, at that Virgil put his head on his knees and covered his head with his arms. With his messed-up hands, he fruitlessly pulled at his hair. Thomas talked to him for a minute more then walked to the door to let Patton in.

               Never mind. I can’t do this. Patton walked in quietly.

               Virgil didn’t look up.

               I can’t do this!

               “Virgil,” Thomas said trying to sound upbeat. “This is your uncle, Patton. And he’s going to be taking care of you for a while.”

               Virgil shuddered, and though he was trying to hide it he was visibly shaking.

               Ok, natural greeting. Neutral.

               “Hey kiddo.” Patton said softly.

               WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!!!

               “I know this is a lot to take in, and that you’ve been having a rough time.” Patton paused, where was he going with this? “So, uh… I’m not gonna press you to do anything you’re not comfortable with. And… I would like you to come stay with me, but you don’t have to if you don’t want to.”

               “I mean.” Virgil finally spoke, his voice was strained. “I don’t wanna live on the street, and that’s kind of the only other option.”

               Patton walked up to the bed. He knew what to do, it was as if his instincts kicked in.

               “Can I sit down?” He asked. Pointing to a spot besides Virgil.

               “Do whatever you want.” Virgil mumbled into his blanket.

               Patton sat next to him and gingerly placed a hand on the younger man’s shoulder. Virgil flinched. He flinched and made a kind of whimpering sound in his throat. Patton felt a rage burn inside his chest. He feared that if he tried to talk, he would breath fire.

               “It’s ok,” He soothed. No fire, good. “I’m not gonna hurt you.”

               “Isn’t that the bare minimum?”

               “I said we’d take baby steps. Nothing you’re not comfortable with.”

               “Yeah?” Virgil looked up at him, his eyes red with tears.

               “Of course.” Patton smiled reassuringly and ran a hand through his nephew’s hair.

               Virgil closed his eyes and sighed almost euphorically at the contact. Patton bit back bile at the thought that this poor, innocent kid was so completely starved for affection that he would all but melt for the first person to show him basic human kindness. If Payton didn’t go to hell…

               Virgil slid his head down and rested it on Patton’s shoulder. He had stopped shaking and was just at rest. Patton wished he had brought a camera, but he knew he’d remember this moment even without pictures. This one was going in the vault.

[ohtheseboysilove]

Out of luck. [ Ben Hardy x F!Reader]

Words : 6, 200 K +

Warnings : fluff, bit of angst

Summary : You have the most wonderful first date with Ben, wishing nothing more than seeing him again. The only problem is he never text you again after promised to.

Note :  A little fluffy break in all these angsty writing on my tumblr ;))) Hope u like my cutie pies !!

🌼Requests are open🌼☀ Masterlist ☀

The butterflies in your belly were flapping there wings excitedly, bumping around each other due to your melting state. You were completely melting. That was the word. Ben was making you literally melt. He was so sweet, your heart beating so heavily against your chest, everything about him was practically perfect. Handsome, funny, smart and definitively a gentleman. It had been so long since a boy made a such good impression right away, it was exciting. And obviously a bit scary. You had the bad habit to get attached way too quickly before being brutally bring back to the reality. You really hoped this time this guy was serious because you did like him, a lot.

“Let me get that” The beautiful british immediately grabbed the bill from the waitress’s hands, smiling kindly at her.

“No, Ben, we can do half-half” You protested as you took your wallet from your hand bag but he was quicker, slamming notes on the table.

“My treat, love. Don’t fight me on this, I can be very stubborn” He winked at you and stood up as you did the same, he even helped you put your coat on !

You both exited the restaurant, sharing nervous but flustered glances to each other. It was the famous moment did he like the date like I did ? Or was he just polite ?

“Thanks for paying tonight” You smiled softly as you slowly walked on the pavement, hands bumping against each other, the two of you too timid to do the first step. “But I pay the next time” You blurbed out without thinking.

When a grinned broke on his face, your eyes widened as you processed your words, chewing nervously your bottom lip.

“So you want us to have a second date ?” His dimples were popping as he smiled, rather amused by your sudden red cheeks.

“Hum, I– I mean...if you want to–“ You ate half of your words, feeling incredibly dumb under his deep green eyes. “But...it’s alright– we don’t have to...hum see each other again...if you don’t want” You swallowed thickly when you managed to finally spit your answer, biting your nails as you were shitting yourself.

“I’m just teasing love. Of course I want to see you again” The blond stopped walking and grabbed your hand, squeezed it gently. His bright gaze looking sweetly at you. “I spent a really really good evening. I think you’re amazing. And pretty. Very pretty if I may had” Your heart fluttered strongly, drowning in these adorable compliments. He definitely know how to charm a lady.

“Oh, thank you Ben, you’re...really pretty too. I mean handsome!” You cleared your throat under the embarrassment you was creeping on you. How could be always so awkward ? “You’re really handsome too” You added and felt yourself blushed harder at Ben’s staring.

“You’re so bloody adorable” The blond almost giggled, shaking lightly his head. “Can I walk you home ? Don’t want to leave you right now” The british murmured, it was now his turn to have little patches of pink on his cheeks.

“I would love that” You swallowed back a girly giggle when he interlaced his fingers with yours, a wide smile painting on your features. God, you were already crushing too hard on this man.

The walk back to your flat was too short for your taste, a little fifteen minutes filled with laugh, awkward anecdotes and flirty glances. It was around eleven, the night had already coated London’s streets and you felt like these romantic, cheesy movies when you and Ben stopped at the stairs of you flat, looking nervously at each other.

Kiss me! Kiss me! Kiss me! Your mind was screaming silently to Ben, you were too shy to do it first. He was so perfect and you were so...you, it was a bit hard to believe he was really into you. The british probably read in your eyes how much you were hoping he would kiss you or maybe it was the way your gaze kept flicking between his lips to his eyes. It wasn’t your fault, there were incredibly inviting, plump and well-shaped with a light shade of pink. You were sure he was a good kisser, an amazing one, this was–

“Are you with me, love ?” You blinked confusedly at he chuckled gently, biting his bottom lip.

“Sorry I zone out for a second” You confessed with a crimson face. What a creep.

“What were you thinking about ?” Ben asked as he tilted his head to the right side, his thumb rubbing softly on the skin of your hand. His touch was smooth and warm. God you hoped he would kiss you.

“Hum, I– I was thinking about Frankie!” You panicked and blurbed the first thing which came in your mind, slapping mentally yourself.

“You were thinking about my dog ?” He repeated with an arched eyebrow, a confused smile hanging on his pretty face.

“Yeah, I mean she was so cute on the pictures you show me, I can’t wait to meet her” You giggled awkwardly, tucking hairs behind your ears and internally screaming idiot idiot idiot! “God, I’m sorry, I sound so weird! I...so sorry. I don’t know why I said that, I panicked” You added in a flustered tone, he was making too nervous for your own good.

At your total surprise, Ben didn’t looked strangely at you or awkwardly but instead he laughed, pushing you against his chest, his head falling on yours.

“God (Y/N), I swear you need to stop being so bloody cute” You could feel his chest vibrating with chuckles, your hands still interlocked. “You’re too adorable” He let go of your hands and before you could be disappointed from the loss of contact, his large palm went cradling your burning cheeks, making you shivered at the warm and intimate touch. “Bloody adorable. And so pretty. And I really want to kiss you right now, if it’s okay with you” The british whispered the last sentence as you eyes fluttered at the tenderness of the moment. Blood was rushing at your temples and heart beating so quickly.

“Kiss me please” You practically whined, feeling totally overwhelmed by the intensity of his gaze. And these perfect lips teasing you.

The blond chuckled at your eagerness before brushing so softly his mouth over that you barely felt it. Bloody cute he murmured against you and dived back on your lips, and this time he gave a real kiss and you definitively felt like in a movie. If it was starting to rain in next minute, you would certainly pinched yourself to be sure you weren’t dreaming.

And there you were, melting again. Melting again his soft, delicious lips perfectly fitting with yours, kissing you over and over again. Your hands naturally found his waist as his own were still holding delicately your face. He stopped when you were both panting, eyes glistering with eagerness and happiness, your heart was bursting with love right now. Ben didn’t say anything and slid his fingers on your hips before bringing your closer, his pillowed lips finding yours in an electrifying way. Your hands travelled on his back, gently rubbed on his broad shoulders before terminating there exploration on his neck, linking behind it. His hot tongue gently grazed on your lower lips, asking for permission and – permission immediately granted – it was an amazing kisser. Not to much tongue or saliva but just the right mix between a hot, deep kiss and still keeping his softness, not throwing a show in the middle of the street.

“Woah” You couldn’t contain yourself when you broke the kiss, taking a step back to have complete look over the blond. “Hum, that was amazing” You murmured with a lovestruck gaze, head a bit dizzy from the overwhelming feeling of joy flooding on you.

He ran a tongue on his lips and you repressed a moan at the sight, this was incredibly hot.

“Agreed. Absolutely amazing” He nodded, his hands tightening around your waist, both of you lost into your gazes. “You’re amazing” He bumped his nose with yours. “Bloody amazing. I can’t wait to see you again” He gently nipped at your bottom lip.

“Me too Ben” you whispered back, your heart feeling heavy at the thought of him going back to his place. You wanted to stay in his arms forever. And once again, if you were in a movie, it was the perfect timing to invite him over for a last drink. Which would end up – ninety percent of chance – with the romantic interest sleeping with the main character. But here the thing, that not something you were comfortable with, usually you needed to know the person better before being intimately with this person. The trust, it was essential for you and invited a man you only saw two times in your life wasn’t in your habit, not at all. But when you looked at him, his sweet smile waiting for you to say these few words, your heart was beating so quickly but not with nervousness...just excitement. You wanted it, so much. So you did it. You pronounced these six words the blond was dying to hear from your mouth. “Would...hum, would you like to come in ?” You blurbed out, wishing he wouldn’t turn you back.

But of course he didn’t. His face litted up right away and shook his head, eagerness rushing through his blood.

“God yes” You both giggled, pink covering your cheeks and gazes sparkling with fondness and something else, much more powerful. Lust. He wanted you, it was all over his eyes, pupils slightly dilated as his large hands were still on your hips, fingers pushing into your exposed flesh. You wanted him as equally.

**

The two glasses of red wine were long forgotten on the coffee table, both of you too busy with each other, exploring bodies with soft, yet hungry touches. Ben was buried between your bare legs, lips alternating between kisses and nibbling on your sensitive flesh as his two of his fingers were inside you, stretching your walls deliciously.

“Oh! Oh! My god!” You squeaked in a horrendous high-pitched voice when Ben’s fingers hit that spot, the one which made your toes curled and your belly twisted in pleasure. Then his pillowed lips found your clit, sucking and twirling his tongue on it and you were done. You came in a strangle scream, against the blond’s thirsty mouth, lapping every drop of your juice until you fell flat on your sofa, your sweaty chest – only covered with this so innocent little white bra – panting as you slowly emerged back from our high. “Shit Ben, was so good” You breathed loudly, a giddy smile floating on your radiant face.

“You taste absolutely delicious, darling. Just like I know you would” His lips were on yours, kissing lazily each other, hands sneaking on your bare arse, pitching it cheekily. “I want you so bad (Y/N), so badly” His raspy voice, coated with need, was murmuring against your mouth, his hips slowly thrusting against your bare center as his hard covered cock was teasing you.

“I want you too, Ben. Want you to feel you inside me” You replied with a moan at the delicious friction was making the knot coming back in your lower belly. “You’re so beautiful” Your nails were gently grazing on his bare chest, your eyes roaming every inch of his magnificent muscles before ending on his perfect features, without a doubt you favourite part to admire.

He chuckled softly at your words, hand rubbing the globe of your ass. “Did you see yourself, love ? You’re gorgeous, fucking hot. Look at these thigh and this pretty pussy” He pressed a simple kiss on it, making you shivered. “So sexy”

So sexy. Ben called you fucking hot and so sexy. The bubbles of pleasure in your lower body were popping as the words sunk into your mind. Not bloody cute or too adorable like he was calling you earlier, which you had love for sure. But being called cute as being half-naked could have been a bit insulting. Depressing ever.

“Do you have a condom ?” He winked playfully and brushing his mouth on your jaw before standing up, only wearing his – now way too tight blue navy underwear. A beautiful sight. He shook the precious square protection and his eyes fell on your ass when you started walking away, motioning him to follow you. Which he did. Eagerly.

Ben wrapped his arms around your back, hands barely grazing on the inside of your thighs and his plump, warm lips found your neck, kissing and biting on the flesh. You let your head fell on his shoulder, your ass pressing strongly against his crotch, his dick poking on your lower back. When you couldn’t take anymore of this teasing, you turned around and grabbed his hand, bringing him with you on your bed. He fell on you, careful to not crushing you and your eager fingers immediately tugged on his waistband, freeing his painfully hard cock. You absent-mindedly bit your lips at the sight, red and leaking. All of this, just for you. And because of you.

“You sure you want that ?” His voice was soft, his eyes searching in your pupils any hesitation. But he didn’t find any. Only an inch of nervousness. “Don’t need to be nervous with me, love” He kissed you, not hungrily like previously but with an adorable sweetness, trying to calm your nerves.

“I want you, Ben. I’m just...nervous because it’s the first time I do something like that and, yeah, it’s making me excited and anxious at the same time” You rambled, fingers tracing the broad muscles of his right shoulder.

“You...you’re a virgin ?” The blond asked with a surprised voice, his green eyes rounds and confused.

You furrowed your brows and thought about what you just said. And yes indeed, it was pretty confusing. You giggled awkwardly.

“Oh my god, no ! That’s not what I meant, I’m not a virgin. Not at all !” You exclaimed, shaking your head with burning cheeks. Then you blushed even more, fuck, now he was probably thinking you were some kind of cheap whore, throwing yourself at every men you saw. “Shit, I’m not saying I sleep with all the country either ! God, I’m so awkward, I’m sorry”

You were crimson, feeling utterly stupid and a real cockblocker this moment. You should have kept your mouth shut instead of ruining the mood with your clumsiness.

“Love, relax, alright ? Don’t need to apologise for anything” Ben chuckled gently. “Tell me what bothering you”

“Nothing, it’s just the first time I’m sleeping with someone on a first date” You confessed and felt like a poor little girl, making a fuss of nothing. “I know it’s not a big deal but I usually wait longer and so I feel a bit nervous, I don’t want to regret it. If you don’t call me back after or something” You mumbled and rambled, eyes looking everywhere except in Ben’s direction. You were so embarrassed.

“Hey, look at me” His finger grabbed your chin and you said as he did, feeling vulnerable under his intense gaze. The fact you were naked only added more shyness on you. “I’m not forcing you into anything. If you want us to wait, we will. I’m not gonna sleep with you then disappeared, I’m not this kind of guy. I’m honest, if I want a one-night-stand, I would have tell you. But I don’t. I want to see you again, doesn’t matter if we have sex or not tonight”

You nodded timidly. Where did you found such a perfect gentleman ? You thought it was an extinct species.

“I really, really want you Ben” You replied before snapping the condom from his hands. You tear the wrapping and checked with Ben if he was okay with that before you rolled down the condom on his hard length, earning delicious little grunts from the gesture.

“Fuck, (Y/N), you driving me crazy” Ben groaned when you put your legs opened, inviting him closer to you. He grabbed his dick and slowly rubbed the tip against your wet folds, your breathing increasing at the sweet torture.

The blond moved his hips and gradually entered into you, both of you cursing and moaning at the feeling. God, it felt so good.

**

The next moments were spent with hungry and eager touches, your fingers lost into his blond locks, legs wrapped tightly around his waist.

His thumb circling on your throbbing clit, making you saw starts.

His hips snapping against yours, slowly then quickly, fastening the pace at your pleading cries.

His delicious, pillowed lips kissing every inch of your exposed breasts, nibbling at your tits, tongue swirling around, making your back arched.

You walls involuntarily clenching around him when he hit the sweet spots he touched earlier with his fingers, giving you even more pleasure with his length into you this time.

Your bodies were interlaced together, both of you shivering, the heavy atmosphere smelling sex and sweat. A mixing you never thought you could enjoy that much.

There were grunts and moans escaping your throats. Whines, cries and whimpers were too, especially when you were right on the edge. Pleading and begging echoing through the bedroom as Ben worshipped every part of your body.

You kissed. So many times. Hotly and messily. Sloppily and deeply. Tongues brushing around each other until your out of breath. Love-bits left on his strong jaw before licking at the pretty bruise.

When you both came, you were panting but smiling dizzily, still recovering from the high you both reached. You didn’t regret it at all.

**

“I have to go” Ben whispered as he pressed a soft kiss on your forehead, smiling at your sleepy face.

“Call me hum ?” You replied with a grin as he winked at you and left the room, murmuring a I will.

He had to go back at his place at an indecent early hours in the morning, to prepare himself for an important meeting during the same day. You were a bit frustrated to see him left so soon but you would see him another day, hopefully this week.

**

You were eating lunch in an old pub with one of your closest friend Tina, eager to tell her about your date night with the beautiful British. Okay you maybe kept under silence the fact that you slept with him. You loved your friend to death but she was a bit pessimistic and you didn’t need her to freak out and made you doubt too.

“Oh I swear Tina, he is such a sweetheart! And he was so funny and easy-going ya know ? I feel like I know him since forever” You gushed with dreamy eyes, chewing at a piece of bread.

“Well someone seems really into this guy” She gave you a warning look, taking a mouthful of her fish and chips.

You rolled your eyes at her reaction. "I know what you’re thinking but I swear he’s a good guy” You smiled softly at the thought of the cute face of Ben. "I’m not doing the same mistake twice okay ? I know he likes me too”

You had the bad habit to get yourself attached to quickly, friendly and romantically speaking and often ended disappointed. But this time you were sure Ben wasn’t taking advantage of you, you were a nice girl but not stupid.

“I’m happy for you (Y/N) but I’m also worried, I don’t want to see you hurt again” Tina smiled gently and took a sip of her tap water as you nodded, appreciating her protective behaviour over you. She saw you crying over men too many times. “Did he text you yet ?”

“Nop. But he told me he have some busy days coming so it’s alright” You replied with a shrug. “He will text me soon”

**

But he didn’t. Your date had been on the Sunday night and now it was Wednesday evening and still nothing. You were angry and nervous. And hugely disappointed. You knew he would be busy at work but a simple text wasn’t too much to ask.

You were mopping around in your flat, wondering if you should text him first. You did really like him.

“Why do you think Flynn ? Should I text him ?” Your black cat opened an eyes at the sound of his name — napping on the dinner table rather than in his bed — and let out of yawn before buried back his head under his paws, ignoring you royally. “Yeah you’re right. Let’s give him a last shot”

You pulled off your phone and searched for his contact name. Your fingers nervously drumming on the sofa, thinking about what you would say. You didn’t want to so sound to eager or bitter about the fact that he had been ghosting you for the past three days. But you didn’t want him to think you weren’t interested at all. You needed the perfect mix between that. You typed and deleted about twenty times before sending your text, heart beating awfully quickly about your ribs cage.

(Y/N) : Hey Ben, hope everything is okay at works. I was wondering if you were free Friday night for a drink ?

You were rather proud of your — casual but polite — text. Now you just needed to wait for his answer.

**

Which never came. You were livid. It was Friday night and you were at your place, cursing about Ben to your poor cat. You felt so fucking naive, he fucked you and now he was ignoring you, he already had what he wanted. How typical coming from a man. You were supposed to go out with your friends tonight, in your usual and favourite pub but that where you had your date with Ben…the thought of maybe seeing him chatting other girls made your stomach churned. What a fool you had been, once again.

“Nah, sorry I’m feeling a bit sick. Maybe next weekend ?” You lied to your friend on the phone and cancelled every plans for the weekend. You were just feeling dumb and incredibly naive. Not in a mood to go out.

**

On Wednesday lunch, you were meeting with Tina in the new salad bar. You joined her at her table and fell on the seat with a defeated face.

“You were right” You murmured, your eyes staring blankly at the menu. “Why I always go for the fuck boys and the assholes ?”

“He didn’t text you back ?” You shook your head and rested it in your head, elbow propped on the table. "What a wanker” She sighed and cursed under her breath.

“I was so sure this time Tina ! He was so nice and all” You grunted in your hands, cheeks reddening at the feeling of shame. Ben probably had a good laugh when you made him promise to call you back.

“I know hun, men are really in pretending. Everything to sleep with a girl they want to. They’re pathetic, selfish and stupid creature” You chuckled bitterly at her words.

“I…I slept with him after our date” You blurbed out, it was even worse to admit. You were that girl who childishly thought after sleeping with your date, he would really call you back.

“You what ?” Tina’s eyes were rounds and shocked. But she wasn’t judging you, she had a fair share to first-date-shag too. She was just really surprise because like you said to Ben, it wasn’t something you did, ever.

“Yeah, (Y/N) finally trust a man enough to fuck with him on the first night and he never called her back, I’m a joke” You sighed bitterly. "I hate men”

“Me too, hun, me too”

**

“That’s it (Y/N), you’re coming with me tonight” You were buried under your cover, the new season of Stranger Things playing on your laptop. “We’re going to our pub and if you see Ben, then you could tell him to go fuck himself” Tina threw the cover away, making you whined pathetically.

“I watching something, can’t go out” You contested with a pout.

The truth was, you were feeling a bit — a lot — insecure after Ben ghosting on you. The date went so well, the sex even better, great alchemy between the two of you, so why did he never called you back ? It made you feel awkward and ashamed, saying he liked you then dumbed you like a dirty sock. Naive little (Y/N).

“Come on, jump in the shower. You shouldn’t watch that show, these kids have a better love life than the both of us” You threw her a pillow and reluctantly walked to your bathroom.

You needed to get over it. Alright, a boy lied to you in order to have sex with you and you stupidly believed him, and what ? You weren’t the first to fall in the trap and certainly not the last one. You will go out for a drink with your friends and have fun. And Ben could go fuck himself.

**

You were wearing your pale pink dress, it was really nice to wear because of the thin garnishment and it was falling above the knees with simple shoulders straps. You felt cute, not hot or sexy but simply cute. And that was just what you wanted. Not an inch of flirting tonight, you were out with your girlfriends and were strongly decided to not speak to a word or gave a glance to any man inside this pub, they were all devilish. Okay, maybe an exception for the barman because you would definitely need alcohol tonight.

You entered the pub with your three other friends around six in the afternoon and it was already difficult to find a good spot. You managed to get a booth for the four of you and you immediately felt better to be outside. You already gave to much attention to Ben, mopping about him for way too long.

"I’m gonna order our drinks, girls ?” Stacy asked as she stood up, asking silently your orders.

Everyone answered beers expect you.

“Sex on the beach hum ? Feeling frisky tonight (Y/N) ?” She winked at you.

“Just need to relax and have some fun after an exhausting week of boring work” You replied, trying your best to sound casual. The last three weeks had been spent thinking about Ben and why he never called back but that was your ashamed little secret. Only Tina was aware of it.

You chatted for a good thirty minutes, sipping your cocktail and cackling at your friends’ stories before the need to pee was to urgent to just ignore it. After doing your business, you washed your hands and exited the bathroom, drying your hands on your dress. You stopped at the pub and ordered another cocktail, humming quietly at the song playing by the band.

“Hi (Y/N)” You turned your head quickly, feeling cheeks burning with anger. No fucking way. “Listen, I know what you’re thinking but–“

You didn’t let him finish and threw your drink at his face as soon the barman slid it in front of you. The blond gasped in surprise at the coldness of the drink then wiped away the alcohol from his eyes.

“Asshole” You spat before waving at the bar for another drink, doing your best to ignore the blond at your side.

“(Y/N), I’m sorry but I swear it’s not like its look like !” Ben grabbed some napkin some the counter and patted them on his soaking face and tee-shirt. “Let me explain, please !”

“You’re fucking funny. So you didn’t get in my pants and never called me after ? Telling me specifically that you would call me ?” You groaned without looking at him, you were angry and feeling humiliated. Why he was even talking to you.

“Yes but–“

“Save it Ben. You’re an asshole who can’t even have the balls to tell a girl he just want a one-night-stand, it’s so easier to lie and promise thing. It worked with me” You cut him bitterly.

You read somewhere that men regretted the girls they didn’t sleep with but woman regretted boys they slept with. It was feeling absolutely so relating right now.

“I wanted to call you ! I wanted so badly !” He replied with desperation, feeling you slipping between his fingers.

“Why didn’t you then ?” You asked with an angry tone, arms crossed and death stare on him. “Find someone else to fuck ?”

“Jesus, no ! I broke my phone, okay ?” He dug into his pocket and took at his phone, his sticky digits – from your cocktail – were leaving print of the black screen. “Here, see ? New phone !” You glance at the phone and humphed sarcastically, not really convinced by the trick. You didn’t remember which iPhone he had during your date so honestly it didn’t change anything to your pissed-off mood.

“Great for you” You shrugged as you slid a note to the barman, taking your drink in your hand, ready to go back to your table.

“(Y/N), I swear I’m not lying ! I really like you, really really like you !” He grabbed your forearm and made you puppy-eyes, making your heart cracked up for a quick second. “Let me explain, please. I felt horrible for the past three weeks, thinking about you and how mad you probably were about me. I didn’t plan to ghost you after sleeping with you, I’m not like that” These big greenish eyes were sweating with sincerity and it made you doubted for a moment.

“You got five minutes” You moved his hand away from your arm and lay against the counter, sipping your cocktail.

“Okay, when I left your flat monday morning, I went home and I dropped my phone in the fish tank of my little nephew” The blond quickly explained, his face flushed with pink. “I know, it sound like a fucking lie but it’s not ! My sister went on holiday and I pet-siting the family gold fish, I was feeding him and answering a work e-mail at the same time and it just...slid off my hands, right into the water” He chewed nervously his lips, his pretty eyelashes fluttering against his cheeks, desperate to make you believe him.

You shifted uncomfortably, he seemed sincere but how could you be sure of that ?

“And I couldn’t tell you because your number was on the phone ! I went to the phone shop but I couldn’t get back any numbers so I was screw. And I couldn’t remember where you lived, I felt so dumb but every building look the same and I didn’t know if yours was the 25A or 52A” Ben gave a timid smile, rubbing his neck in nervous gesture.

“It’s 140B” You commented with an amused grin, his face falling as he cursed loudly.

“Shit. I wasn’t close at all” His large palm found his forehead as he shook his head, murmuring about how stupid he was. “But I really wanted to see again ya know ? And the only thing I knew for sure that this pub was your favourite, so I came back here after work for the past three weeks, until I find you. Tonight.” You widened your eyes at his confession and his neck went crimson. “God, that sound a bit creepy, sorry” He added with awkward chuckle.

“You...you’re really did that ?” Now it was your cheeks which went pink. If that story was true, it was certainly flattering.

“Yes, I did ! You can ask the barman, he was worried to see me here every night. He even gave me a tract for Alcoholic Anonymous meeting” Ben replied eagerly, relief rolling on him as you weren’t not so defensive anymore. You hid a giggle behind your hand and looked at the barman, wondering if it was true or if you were just being naive. Ben caught your questioning gaze and called the barman. “Hey man, can you tell this pretty girl here, that I was there every night during the past three weeks ?”

“He is not lying, I found that a bit weird because I never saw him here and suddenly, he was there every nights the pub was opened. Then he told me it was about a girl and it wasn’t surprising anymore” The ginger man shrugged and went back to his work as Ben thanked him with a satisfied smile.

“See ? I was really hoping you would come back here” He said with a low voice, the atmosphere between the two of you had change at the revelation. Butterflies going crazy in your belly as you realised all of this story was just a big misunderstanding. “I am so sorry, I never planned to make you feel like I just used you for sex. I’m so glad you came here tonight and gave me a chance to explain” You curled your lips into a loving smile, he was so sweet. God, you were so relieved to hear that.

“I’m sorry for the drink” You said, your eyes looking at the big stain on his white tee-shirt. “And for the not really nice things I said to you earlier” Your cheeks flushed and Ben shook his head, bottom lip trapped between his pearly white teeth.

“Nah, it’s okay, I deserved it. I mean, that’s a normal reaction for what you thought I did to you” Both of your hands were on the counter, few millimetre away from each other, craving for some touches.  His pads carefully brushed over your fingers, testing the water and you immediately interlaced them together, giving a little smile. “Can you give me another chance ?” The blond murmured with hope.

“Okay” You replied simply, heart bursting with joy. “I’m sorry I already bitched about you to my friends” You added with a giggle, both of you could feel the nasty glances from your friends.

“I guessed you did, yes. I’m gonna leave you with your friends before they bit my head off” He handed you his phone and you typed your number for the second time, hoping this time was the last one. “Can I see you tomorrow ?” His voice was nervous and hopeful, kicking the nest of butterflies in your stomach. “And no sex, I want to prove you that I’m not seeing you only for that. I mean, it’s definitively a bonus but if you want for us to wait six months before going back at it, I’m totally in, I don’t care”

You melted at his adorable face, flushed and stressed, his thumb rubbed on the flesh of your hand absent-mindedly. You chuckled and slid your free hand on his face, caressing his cheek softly. You bowed your head and gave him a kiss on the lips. He seemed surprise but didn’t think twice before kissing you back, his mouth smiling widely against yours, in a long but soft embrace.

“We don’t have to wait six months Ben” He breathed an oh thanks god, making you cackled. “What do you have in mind for tomorrow ?” You hand fell on his shoulder, rubbing it lazily.

“You could come with me and Frankie, we planned to have a little picnic in Richmond park, maybe a nap and some tanning. Oh, and of course, barking and running behind every ducks from the lake” You nodded with a grin. “If I remember correctly, you were pretty eager to meet my little girl, weren’t you ?” He teased you about the stupid comment you made when he was about to kiss you at your first date.

“Oh shut up” You slapped lightly his chest and your heart buzzed at his irresistible laugh. “If you drop the teasing about this awkward memory, I would to come with you and Frankie tomorrow”

“Everything you want, love” Love. The come back of the pet name made you pinched your lips harshly, keeping for yourself the giddy smile menacing to appear on your face.

“It’s a date then” You murmured and when he pressed his lips back on yours, a sweet sigh escaped your parted mouth, savouring his delicious taste. “Text me when do you want us to meet, okay ?” You squeezed his hands and walked back to your friends as he exited the pub, both of you sharing a last loving gaze.

“Girl, what was that ! Who is that hot guy ? Was it the one who didn’t call you back ? You kissed him ! Girl ! ” You friends harassed you at the very second you came back at the table but you didn’t mind, a woozy grin was floating on your features.

A little half and hour later, you felt your phone vibrated in your pocket. Ben. You bit your lower lip with excitement.

Ben : 11h30 tomorrow ? Would it work for you ?

Before you could type an answer, a second text appeared on your screen.

Ben : Ben sent you a picture.

It was a photo of his fridge and stuck with a magnet was a little post-it. On it was wrote (Y/N) : 07818******

Ben : Just in case something happened to my phone before tomorrow morning...don’t want to lose you again. Can’t wait to see you xx

You let an excited and girly scream of joy leaving your mouth, belly bubbling with delight and happiness, earning a surprise glance from your friends.

“God, he is such a sweetheart !”

**

[jeonsduck]

dracarys

Park Seonghwa is turning out to be the worst roommate you’ve ever had. His little bouts of anger have left scorch marks all over your apartment, and you’re at your wit's end. Too bad you can’t move out until the lease is up.

Genre: fantasy

Warnings: none.

“Seonghwa! You set the fire alarm off again!” You yelled.

Your apartment sprinklers stay spraying in the next second and you sigh. That’s the fourth time this month. Investing in waterproof binders for your papers was turning out to be a good idea.

“Sorry, Y/N!” Seonghwa called back.

You climbed out of your bed and started on your way downstairs to tell management to cancel the fire truck and turn off the sprinklers.

When you’d first moved into this apartment, you thought living with another fire elementalist would be easy. Other magic users tended to look down on you for being hot headed, quick to anger and violent, so living with another fire bender should have been great. You couldn’t have been more wrong.

Seonghwa seemed to have no control over his powers at all. Maybe it had something to do with him being born under a sign of fire. Either way, his powers seemed impossible comfort him to handle. Every other week there was a new scorch mark on the wall of his room. Even so little as a bowl of spicy ramyun had him burping little fireballs for the rest of the day. And God forbid someone actually make him angry. Seonghwa had the shortest fuse on earth and anything from touching his bag to walking into his room uninvited could set him off. One time you’d brought a date home without telling him first and long story short you were never getting the security deposit back for this place. And honestly you were getting fed up.

“Seonghwa, come here! We need to talk.” you seethed when you got back to the apartment.

Seonghwa came out of his room, which you were forbidden to enter, steaming. Literally, his body temperature was so high that the water from the sprinklers was evaporating off of him. His skin was probably hot enough to burn up his clothes, which explained why he was only wearing a pair of (probably flame retardant) pajama pants. However, you were determined not to be distracted by the planes of his chest and how low slung the pants were.

“Look, Y/N, I’m sorry-“ he starts but you cut him off.

“Sorry isn’t gonna cut it anymore Seonghwa! This has gone on long enough. I can’t leave until the lease is up, so you need to learn some control.” you say, prodding Seonghwa in the chest.

If you weren’t a fire elementalist yourself, the touch probably would have burned you. Seonghwa stumbled back a step, not used to you being so angry. Honestly, you thought you might lose your cool too.

“Don’t talk to me about control.” Seonghwa growled, pushing you back a step, out of his personal space.

His eyes flashed orange, a signal that he was about to really lose it.

“I’m going out, don’t wait up for me.” he growled and brushed past you.

“Hey, Park Seonghwa, don’t you walk away from-“ you started cut off by the door slamming.

“Me.” You finished lamely, and went back to your room to start drying out your things with hot air.

The whole time you worked you grumbled about Seonghwa and his little tirades. He got back around midnight, and you heard the door open and lock. You had decided to ignore Seonghwa until morning, but you guessed two minutes after midnight technically counted as morning. Seonghwa knocked on your door gently.

“Y/N, we need to talk...” he says.

You sigh and tell him to come on in. He’s put a shirt back on now and looks calmer. At least he’s not actively steaming anymore. His eyes have cooled down from a bright fiery orange to a more subdued amber color.

“Seonghwa, I can’t keep having my room flooded every other week because you lost your temper.” You explain.

Seonghwa nodded solemnly, placing the pillow back on your bed.

“I know. You have an early class tomorrow . Go sleep in my room tonight, I’ll finish drying your things.” he offers.

You raise an eyebrow at him. He must feel really bad if he’s offering his bed to you. Seonghwa is usually horribly protective of his space and belongings. But he does love to clean, so you accept his offer. You’re tired anyway, so you pay Seonghwa on the shoulder in thanks and then head across the apartment to his room.

Seonghwa’s room smells like smoke in best way possible. You fall into his bed, exhaustion catching up with you, and you fall asleep easily.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You go three weeks without another incident, which means it’s high time for Seonghwa to blow his top.

“You brought someone over without asking me again?!”

He’s agitated again, walking around and checking everything is still in its place. You have no idea how Seonghwa knows this. Does he have an intruder spell cast on the apartment?

“You weren’t home! And I live here too, am I not allowed to have people in my own apartment?” you shoot back.

Seonghwa’s eyes fire up, tilting into the danger zone again.

“It’s not that, I just want to know if someone’s been over.” He counters, “I don’t bring people over without asking you!”

“You don’t even bring people over!”

Seonghwa breathes heavily through his nose.

“You can’t just get mad at me for living in my own apartment and blow something up every five minutes! You act like a child throwing a tantrum.” You continue, properly angry this time.

“I’m sick and tired of you-“ Seonghwa cuts you off, grabbing you by the wrist and tugging you out of the apartment.

“Hey, let me go!” you struggle to free yourself, but Seonghwa is stronger, easily dragging you to the stairs.

“What are you-“ you start but Seonghwa cuts you off.

“Shut up, Y/N.” He bites out, shoving you upstairs.

His voice sounds weird and growly, so you seal your mouth. You may be flame retardant, but even fire elementalists could be burned. And while you were pretty powerful yourself, you knew Seonghwa’s flames could burn ten times hotter than yours. Not to mention if he blew up in the stairwell it would cause serious consequences to the other residents. So you tripped after him silently,  feeling heat roll off of him in waves. He led you all the way up to the roof, pulling you out. For a moment you just stand there in the wind staring at Seonghwa.

“I don’t like letting people I don’t know into the house. It’s not that I don’t trust your ability to gauge someone’s character. I just prefer to know.” Seonghwa sighs, some of the fight leaking out of him.

“Well, next time I’ll send you a text. But is it really that big of a deal? You’re such a hot head.” You huff.

“I am not!” It was like in a second Seonghwa was all fired up again.

“Yes you are! You’re so sensitive and particular about the apartment that I can’t stand it!”

“Maybe I wouldn’t be so ‘annoying’ if you just respected my boundaries!”

“Maybe if we talked about it instead of you blowing up in my face over every little thing!”

You were all up in Seonghwa’s space again, prodding him in the chest repeatedly. He was progressively getting more riled up, stepping back from you slowly.

“Get out of my face!”

“Or what? You gonna set my bed on fire or something?”

“Back up while I’m still being nice.”

“You call this nice? You’re an absolute nightmare-“

“I said back off.” Seonghwa’s voice came out deep and growly.

Inhuman almost. You stumbled back a step, surprised.

“What the fuck? Are you threatening me?”

“I’m warning you.”

Ok what the fuck was up with his voice? He twitched suddenly, violently. You became concerned when he doubled over.

“Hwa? Are you okay?”

“Y/N, back up.” he half growled as his face contorted in pain. He rolled his neck and shoulders looking like he was straining. What the fuck was going on?!

Black spots started appearing on Seonghwa’s skin and you were getting seriously worried. Was he burning up from the inside or something?

Seonghwa fell to his knees and you rushed forward to help, but he stopped you in your tracks, speaking in the deep growling voice again.

“Stay over there.”

Then he started to change. And grow. You heard the sickening crunch of his bones changing, watched with horrified eyes as Seonghwa shifted in front of you. Was he a werewolf? Though rare, they weren’t unheard of, though you’d never met one before. But Seonghwa kept growing, far past the size of a normal werewolf. And there was no fur sprouting from his body, but the black dots were spreading and expanding quickly. The whole transformation was over in thirty seconds and suddenly Seonghwa’s behavior made a lot more sense. He wasn’t a fire elementalist at all.

Roughly the size of a Leer jet and black as night, Seonghwa’s dragon form was quite frankly terrifying. His head was the size of a large SUV and you stumbled back a few steps when he lowered down to catch your eyes. His eye (you could only see one) was like a burning ember, staring you down. He spread his wings, his wingspan easily surpassing the size of the roof.

“Are you scared now?” he rumbled and you nodded frantically.

He snorted, nearly toppling you over with the force of his breath.

“Holy shit...” you whispered, staring up at your roommate.

He smiled, or at least you hoped it was a smile, showing off his sharp teeth.

��Can I... touch you?” you asked, timidly.

Seonghwa sat down, laying his gigantic head on the roof.

“Sure, knock yourself out, kid.” He rumbled.

You approached slowly and laid your hand against his snout. He breathed out, the hot air ruffling your hair. His scales felt like smooth glass. You slowly traced around his whole form, careful of the spikes on his tail. When you made it back up to his head he cracked an eye open at you.

“So this is where you run off to when you get all mad? You go all dragon mode on the roof?” you ask.

Seonghwa is not amused, snapping his teeth at you. You yelp and fall back on your butt, causing Seonghwa to laugh again.

“I’m going for a quick flight. You go back downstairs, we’ll talk later.” he says, stretching his wings.

“Can I ride you?” you ask without thinking.

Seonghwa glares at you and beats his wings twice, soaring up and away from the roof.

“Don’t push your luck.” He says before flying away.

You stay up on the roof for a while wondering how long he’ll be gone for. After thirty minutes you head back downstairs to wait. 

As you looked around the apartment you began to realize why Seonghwa was so agitated about certain things. He probably saw the apartment as a sort of lair, and his belongings as his hoard. Having dragon ancestry would definitely make him more sensitive about things like people coming over or eating his cereal. (You had apologized and bought him two more boxes, but he still didn’t speak to you for a week.) It also explained how often his powers bubbled out of control, because they weren’t powers at all. And his tendency to not leave the apartment unless he absolutely had to. But one thing that you couldn’t quite understand, was his tolerance of sharing his apartment with you. Regardless of whether you crossed boundaries or not, dragons were notoriously solitary creatures. So why was he living with you in the first place?

[professordrarry]

Can I literally just ask for Drarry fluff with teddy then? 😅

YUP. YUP YOU CAN. Only, I turned away from the ‘fluff’ for ONE SECOND and some Angst crept it. Like. More of it than was necessary….

Do you think I could pick him up about an hour early tonight? I’m sorry for the inconvenience. My aunt is anxious to get going on her trip, so the sooner I get him home and packed, the sooner the three of us can leave. 

- Malfoy

Harry was trying really, really hard not to be annoyed about the note. He knew the request was reasonable. He knew he was not actually Teddy’s family, or caregiver, or uncle. He knew it was not really Malfoy’s fault that Andromeda had not asked Harry to join her on her month-long summer trip this year. And honestly, he knew why Andromeda had asked Malfoy and not Harry, breaking the tradition of eight years. Someone in their first year of marriage shouldn’t really want to be away from their spouse for an entire month. Harry was very much aware that he was the problem. He was the one who had waited until the week before they left to take Teddy out for a farewell adventure he’d promised his godson after telling him that he wasn’t going on the trip this year.

He was also the one who was unable to explain to anyone, even Ginny, why he wasn’t living at home or wanting to fix their separation, or why exactly he’d gone through with the wedding in the first place when he had already known that it wasn’t going to work. He suspected that the answer had something to do with the words “Molly” and “Ron”, but since he’d dug himself into a significantly deeper hole now, those reasons seemed pretty pointless.

And, of course, it was entirely Harry’s fault that both the other two problems began and ended in France, with Draco Malfoy.

There are songs about this, Harry. Songs from every person in existence. Muggle, Magical, probably even in Troll. Summer love, summer love that ends. What did you think was going to happen? You’re engaged, I’m moving to Iceland. Don’t ruin this.

“Ted, my love, turns out we need to choose zoo or aquarium,” Harry sighed sadly, passing Teddy his hat and water.

“Uncle Draco?” Teddy whined, looking down at the parchment still in Harry’s hands. He nodded and Teddy sighed. “Well, zoo...obviously,” he concluded. Harry laughed.

Teddy was exactly his mother. He didn’t hurt anyone on purpose, per se, but he had a humorous bluntness that he did no work to hide. Harry could probably have guessed zoo, that was true, but he chuckled anyway.

“And definitely chips, right?” Harry added with a grin.

“Most definitely chips,” Teddy replied solemnly.

The day wasn’t actually ideal for a romp through Regent’s Park. It kept drizzling or pouring intermittently, yet the brightness was sure to burn them both in the early summer haze. It didn’t matter. Harry was determined to make Teddy’s last day in London that summer worth the gloom.

And that’s another thing, isn’t it? What, you want to explain this to Teddy? You want to sit him down and say ‘yeah, you consider both these people family, but they’re also dating now’? Take it from someone with a million fucked up family connections—you don’t want to put that on him.  

The day went way too fast. So fast that Harry kept glancing at his watch and then craning his neck to see the watches of the families around him, convinced his own was not working as the day sped by. He didn’t want to take Teddy home.

For a variety of reasons.

Finally, chips in a bag to be eaten in the tree house in his yard, Teddy declared that it had been a ‘most splendid day’. Speaking like this without prompting was new. Andromeda had just rolled her eyes when Harry had mentioned it. ‘Reading too much’, she explained. It had made Harry grin thinking how happy Remus would have been to have his son use odd, archaic language.

Teddy’s hand wound into his; Harry’s heart leapt. He was sure that the days of hand holding were numbered. He didn’t know why he thought that, since he had zero comparisons to other children, and Teddy had still not stopped holding his hand anytime they were out together. Harry cherished it every time nonetheless. Teddy was jabbering on about some game he’d played at school that week, hopping on one foot across the zebra crossing even though Harry chastised him when he did. They rounded the corner to the house, and Teddy broke free from his grasp; Harry barely looked up. He often did that, beginning a race at a signal that no one but eight-year-olds heard, ensuring a victory since Harry rarely started running as well. Harry didn’t run this time either, merely smiled at his godson’s back. He did look up, though, instinct forcing him to check for danger in the path between himself and the front porch. Which was the only reason he caught sight of Teddy embracing the tall, silver-blonde man who had just stood up from the step.

Don’t worry, Harry. By next summer, this will just be a pleasant, orgasm-filled memory. You’ll be all settled in with your wife. I’ll be a continent away. Teddy will be safe and happy, just as he always has been. We’ll all be fine. I promise it.

“Sorry, are we late?” Harry asked, barely recognising his formal tone as he approached his own home.

“No— no, I’m early, I’m sorry,” Draco replied, the stilted nature of his own words just as foreign to Harry’s ears. “You were already early,” Harry muttered sarcastically. Draco looked pained and may have apologised again, but Harry refused to look at him.

“Let’s go get your bag, Ted. Draco can wait out here.”

He said it gently, but Draco appropriately read the bite to his words and frowned. Harry let a jolt of glee wash over him with a petty sort of relish; he had to let Teddy go with Draco, but he did not have to let Draco into his home.

They walked through the house together, gathering his bag and toy dinosaurs while Teddy humming a tune Harry couldn’t place, completely unaware of the pain Harry was feeling.

Or so Harry thought.

“Are you and Uncle Draco going to keep fighting while we’re in France?” he asked as they hit the corridor again.  

“What?” Harry replied sharply.

“You’re fighting. It’s weird. Grandma said it wasn’t my fault that you aren’t coming to France, but I’m not a baby. I know what fights are. It’s okay, but I’m worried you’ll be lonely. You can still come visit me, you know. We can ask Uncle Draco to go to Paris that weekend, or something.” He spoke in a quick, single breath that made Harry’s heart drop. “Isn’t that true, Uncle Draco?”

Harry whipped around from where he’d been searching for Teddy’s hat by the bench. Draco was silhouetted in the doorway.

“Of course,” Draco murmured, eyes never leaving Harry’s.

“We aren’t fighting,” Harry said firmly. “Uncle Draco thinks he understands...why I’m not going to France. But he doesn’t.”

“Is it because you and Gingin are not sleeping at the same house now? Because I know she said that was because of Uncle Draco,” Teddy explained patiently.

“What?” Draco and Harry said at the same time. Teddy looked between them, hearing their anger and misinterpreting it as anger at him.

“I don’t actually know if I was supposed to hear that, but she was talking to Nana Molly and...well, they should be quieter if they don’t want me to hear,” Teddy replied, grumpy red hair tinging the ends of his messy locks.

Harry sighed. “Teddy, we’ll see, okay? Now let's go. Uncle Draco is waiting for you.”

Harry hugged Teddy tightly, lifting him off the floor and making him squeal, just like he always did. He also silently stared holes into Draco’s soul as he did so, trying to say a million things all at once without speaking at all. He wasn’t sure he succeeded since that had never been his strong suit, but the glaring did accomplish one thing. Harry Potter, while staring at Draco Malfoy, resolutely made up his mind.

It’s not enough to say ‘I love you’ after a month of not living in the real world, Harry! You don’t even know what you mean. You’re scared, I get that. It must be weird, marrying your school love. But you two...you make sense. We don’t. No one will ever understand. No one will ever let go of our pasts. It’s easy, here. By the ocean, while we basically eat, sleep, play with the kid, sleep some more. Do...other things. No one here to judge us. It’s easy, but only here. Only now. Drop it. Please.

TBC, if April wants it ;)